Zacholio

Decypher This

2006-03-31T07:32:00.000-08:00

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg.

The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae.

The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm.

Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Azanmig huh?

Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Missing My Bike, Grandma...

2006-03-18T22:05:00.000-08:00

Works going great.

Landed another deal this week that sets me to 1/3 of my monthly goal.

Got another really nice lady who's building a new house that's gotta cost about a million dollars to build. Her kitchen is at 23,000 dollars already and we still have to do the master bathroom, the "butler" something or other and the laundry room. It should be a 30 to 40 thousand dollar deal by the time all is said and done. Must be nice to have that kind of money.

Went to Californica last weekend for a family reunion/birthday party at my older brother's place. Drove 8 1/2 hours there on Friday night, stayed for Saturday and left early Sunday morning. But it was well worth it.

Posted some pictures on my MoBlog site from that weekend (zacholio).

This week I worked 64 1/2 hours total. The learing curve is getting shorter and shorter as a result--which is the goal.

I keep thinking about my grandma (Mormor--"mother's mother" in Swedish) a lot lately. I've decided I really miss her a lot! She was always so cool to me. I miss people who are always really cool to me.

I've been designing a new website for a new client. It's a cool look. Visit my phlog (photo log) to see it--I'll eventually post the picture.

I'm missing my bike like no other. I'm also gaining a lot of weight cause I'm not excersizing like I used to when I rode my bike all over the place.

Things are weird in my life right now. Oh well.

I Miss My Mountain Bike!

2006-03-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

Work is killing me. The two weeks prior to this week, I worked 123 hours and hung out with friends (other than my roommates) only once for dinner.

This week I'm on my way to hitting 62 hours if things continue the way they have the first four days (today being Friday).

We're supposed to go golfing tomorrow with the gang from work, but I'm seriously considering staying home so I can help a friend move and ride my bike.

I hate not having the time to do what I really want, but I guess I have to grow up. What a bummer!

Workin' Fool, Training, Shaggy

2006-02-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

I'm a workin' fool! So far this week, that is to say Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, I've already worked 35 hours! Looking at the stack on my desk, it will look as though by the end of the week, and that is to include Saturday, I will probably have close to 60 or more hours under my belt.

If I reach 60 hours this week, that means it will be the forth or fifth week I will come close to that number...it's all a blur.

We also had special training last weekend which made the weekend that much shorter, but it was certainly worth every minute!

I discovered that I am the most social personality out there. I pegged the charts. It's weird cause I enjoy sittin' at my desk and working with my puter, which is not very social, so I don't know what to tell you regarding that.

Anyway, I thought I'd include an image in today's post to remind people that I also have a phlog (photo-log).

Enjoy the visual below.

Above: A friend (a.k.a. Shaggy) on his quad out on Leupp Road on a beautiful Spring day in 2004 with the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff, AZ in the background.

Conference

2006-02-19T19:43:00.000-08:00

We had a conference at work on Friday and Saturday. I was not really looking forward to it, but boy did I learn a lot. I was actually fun too cause the moderator/instructor insisted on having a lot of feedback which made the time go really fast.

The second day was especially fun. We took temperment tests which explained everyone's "style" of how we all act and react to things. It was so cool! We learned a lot about ourselves and each other.

It was definitely worth the time! I'm glad we did that

Outback, Buying In, Mountain Bike

2006-02-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

Got my new (to me) dark green Subaru Legacy Outback four door wagon. I have to register it and get insurance today. I'm stoked.

I left my debit card at the nightclub I went to with my bro and his girl on Saturday night--in Victorville, CA. It's only about six hours away from where I make my home, so I had to cancel it and have a new one sent to me.

I never realized how much I depend on that thing until I lost/left it. I've definitely bought into the whole American commerce structure without realizing it. I'm main-stream caught up in it. Lord have mercy!

I can't ride my full-suspension mountain bike for a while cause the bearings in the back tire are more than shot. Every time I pedal even slightly hard the back tire rubs up against the side and slows me down--and rubs off that much more of the knobbies on the tire.

I need to get a new wheel set soon! I love bike riding so much that I'm gonna go crazy until I do, so I'll be real motivated to get it. I just have to tell myself that riding my bike around town won't happen till I do something about the tire over and over...the squeeky wheel gets the oil, right?

I'm experiencing a loss similar to a death cause I can't go bike riding.

Mourning ensues.

Finally Back Home!

2006-02-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Got back from Californica on Sunday night and am MORE THAN HAPPY to be back! The experience was bitter-sweet.

I had a great time with my two brothers and their families. The time with the work crew was not as...shall we say "sweet." I had a great time with most of the people I work with, but not so much with one in particular.

Anyway, I did learn a lot and am greatful for the experience, but again, am glad to be back.

I missed my bike so much (ridin' it around) that I walked into my house, made a bee-line for it and made mad-passionate love to it for hours! (Of course it's only a manner of speaking).

Catching up with all the emails, the faxes and other things to do in the office after being gone for almost a whole week was tough.

I get my car today--was supposed to get it yesterday, but I was so busy that we had to reschedule for today. Gettin' a Subaru Outback--perfect for the Flagstaff, AZ area! Although, this year it's not really needed for gettin' through in the snow, or the lack of snow.

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I had two dreams last night that it was Christmas Eve today. I don't understand that one at all. In one of the dreams I woke up on the field of the high school I went to with people walking around. I had my two favorite pillows and my two favorite comforters, so I felt fairly comfortable there. Oh well.

Gettin' Ready For Californica

2006-02-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

Today was my first official day on the phone with potential customers. It went well, but did get one guy who wanted to do things his way and not qualify for our assistance--which entails answering a few important questions to ensure we are a good fit for him.

The questions are designed to weed out the people we cannot offer a practicle and money saving value, but he just wanted to take control and skip all that. In other words, waste my time.

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In other news, we had a killer Super Bowl party yesterday at my house complete with a keg of junk beer (bud light) and bar-b-que (hot dogs, hamburgers, steak, corn-on-the-cob and ribs. Mad potato and tortilla chips and cheese dip, salsa, etc.).

After the game, we had a spontaneous game of Texas Holdem with seven of us. I was the third one out. I was up till 2 am and got to work at 8 am. It's now 7:30 pm MST and I'm ready to leave work and crash!

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Tomorrow (Tuesday) I'm headin' to Californica with the other new sales rep., the "Developer's Division" sales rep, the owner and his fience' in two different cars.

I'll be working till Friday afternoon when I get picked up by my twin brother and spend the night at his pad with the wife and four kids (two of which are twins--tykes, all of them, under 10 years old). Then on Saturday my other brother picks me up and takes me to his place for that night with his lady and two of five kids. His twins are under 3 years old.

Yes, if you didn't catch that, my twin brother has twins and my older brother has twins. Cool huh?

On the last turkey day (Thanksgiving 2005) we took the first of many pictures to come of all three sets of twins. I was holding Phil's twins and Parker was holding his set of twins. Twins holding one set of twins each. I'll have to dig out that picture and show y'all.

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Wish me luck this week!

Final Exam, Gmail...

2006-02-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

I took the equivalent of a final exam today at my new job. I've been there one month as of this coming monday and have finished the first phase of my training--the part that requires studying like a college graduate student. I have to admit, it was really hard this last month.

I got a great and positive response from the owner and the sales manager regarding how I did--they were the two giving me the verbal final exam. It was role-playing, one of them is the client and I was myself on the phone. It was interesting but a great learning experience.

I recently got invited to have a Gmail account--Google's exclusive email service. The service is still being developed (called "Beta") and one can only get an account by being invited in by someone who has an existing account. I feel honored :0

Customer Service, new place, Volvo

2006-02-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

I just finished three days of training in the customer service department of the company I work for. It was definitely a learning and valuable experience! I should be a better sales rep as a result of spending that extra training time in the customer service department.

The people are great, but I have to admit, the limited room (cramped quarters) and how hot it gets up there in the afternoon made it difficult to concentrate on learning. But I survived and am now a better person as a result.

====================================

I'm finally in my new place and can actually spend some time setting up my room and emptying the boxes piled up in my room and in the garage. I'm happy the last 7 days are over with.

I sold my Volvo but can't find the title, so I have to fight the lines and boredom of the MVD (motor vehicles division) to get a new print-out of my title. Oh well.

I expect to get my Subaru Outback within a few weeks, so I'll be huffin' it on my bike till then. But then again, that's what I usually do anyway cause I love my bike!

Arghhhhhhhhhhh!

2006-01-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

My neighbor below me lets her boyfriend live with her now and he is the biggest a##hole!

Since he's been living there, he leaves his radio/cd player on all night with the bass real high. In the middle of the night I actually wake up to the beating bass. As a result, most of the time I find it difficult to get right back to sleep. So, I'm awake until they turn it off, which is after the sun comes out.

I've taken to pounding on the floor, their ceiling, as hard as I can as long as I need to so they turn the radio/cd player off so I can get back to sleep.

My first exposure to the jerk was the day he parked in my parking space for the third time. I was convinced it was him and I walked around the apartment stomping as hard as I could until they moved the car cause they wouldn't answer the door.

When they finally came out, I told them the next time he parked in my space, I'd have it towed.

I can't wait not to be exposed to his disrespect when I move this weekend!

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I move to a three bedroom home with a washer and dryer and two cool roommates. It's also just about 4 or 5 blocks from work. Can you tell I really miss a washer and dryer?

I actually wish the house I'm moving into were a little farther from work so I could get more of a ride in to and from work on my bike, but it'll do.

=========================================

I've met a guy who is relentless in his desire to get my opinion about everything! Talk about a drama queen too. I'm bummed I have to be exposed to this guy. It's a weird situation, but I have to be around him almost everyday. Everything is a bad situation that needs stressing. He sighs regularly as if there's something tragic going on--i'm sure just for attention.

I'm gonna go crazy having to deal with this guy. I'm bummed about it.

I Love My Bike!

2006-01-21T16:18:00.000-08:00

Just rode my butt off today (Saturnday) and am suffering the consequences now. I rode about 18 miles all around town and totally and completely, in every way enjoyed being outside and on my bike (You can check my bike out at this link)!

It's been several weeks since I've taken a ride like the one I just finished. We plan on doing something like that every Saturnday from now on, as long as the weather allows anyway. I've been working from 7 am to 6 pm everyday and was really in the mood for today's ride.

The way things are going at work, I can expect to make a lot more than I have made in a long time this year and I'm stoked about that. Things are looking up.

If anyone you know is considering cabinets in their home, they can save as much as 10 to 20 percent by calling us or visiting this link)!

Actual Snow In Flagstaff, AZ!

2006-01-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

I have proof that there is actually snow on the ground in Flagstaff, AZ this winter (2005 - 2006). Click here and you can see the actual pictures taken of this incredible event.

You see, I'm being sarcastic cause last year at this time we had so much snow that power was out for a few days, I couldn't get my car out of the driveway, I couldn't ride my bike to work and had to walk to work (about a mile).

Excited About My New Job

2006-01-14T23:12:00.000-08:00

I have to say, I'm really excited about my new job. I've been there for one week now (five working days) and am loving (almost) every minute of it. I'm doing nothing but studying all the product to make sure I have excellent product knowledge. After one week, I still have quite a way to go.

I'm studying all the KraftMaid cabinetry products right now and will probably do so for another week or so. After that, I'll hit the Kitchen Kraft, Kemper and Medallion cabinetry product lines which are no where near as extensive and complicated as the Kraft Maid cabinet line.

Kraft Maid cabinet company is the largest in the United States and quite possibly the world, but I'm not sure about that.

I'll be headed to California in early February for cabinet install training and then to Ohio to tour the Kraft Maid cabinet factory--all part of my comprehensive training.

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I'm now posting all my cell phone videos and images at my Zacholio.TextAmerica.com site--as well as any little videos I create on my own.

I suppose it'll be my "Cell Phone And Video Phlog" from now on.

Sold Another Cedar Chest!

2006-01-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

I have this 100% Red Aromatic Cedar Hope Chest webpage where I offer hand crafted products for a very reasonable price considering it's 100% red aromatic cedar. It can be found here.

An image of the webpage can be seen below:

"Hope Chest Web Page"

Anyway, I sold another red cedar hope chest, which comes at a good time cause I really need the money.

=======================

I've been studying like a madman at my new job (BuyCabinets.com). Literally studying all day long. From 8 am to about 6 pm with an occasional break here and there. I try to stop reading every 3 hours or so and walk around.

I think I'm driving the people in the office crazy cause I want to be social when I'm not studying--and they're trying to make money.

Everyone's cool, but one of the guys is really focused and stand-offish. Oh well, I'm not hurt.

I'm just really happy cause I got a $5 increase in pay by taking this job. Eat your heart out Chauser (Sam)!

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One of the guys where I now work has been there only 4 1/2 months and for the last two weeks he's getting paid almost $3,000! I hope to be doing as well as he's doing in that time frame when I get to that point. Keep your fingers crossed.

One Happy Camper!

2006-01-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

My last day of work with Skully & Son's Flagstaff was yesterday (Friday 01-06-05). I was pretty glad when 3:30 came around yesterday. No more crawling under each house to staple and strap heating duct to the floor joists, walking around in the rafters (and occasionally falling through the ceiling), and dealing with 7 degree mornings in a half completed house.

The attached picture is right where I fell through the ceiling. You should have seen the inside of my arms; they were hamburger.

"Where I Fell Through At Yale Plaza Flagstaff, AZ"

Anyway, I'm going to Californica with all expensed paid which should be pretty cool. I can't wait. I hope it's soon.

I start my new job with (BuyCabinets.com) on Monday January 9, 2006. I'm their new sales rep.

An image of their website is below:

I've gotta take a nap now. I've been up since before the sun rose cause we went fishing this morning at lake Mary in Flagstaff, AZ--which I might add was frozen about two inches from the top. We had to forego using the canoe and just looked for a spot that thawed out first. The only thing we caught was an old man trying to snag one of our fishing poles--the thief! He must have thought it was his or something...it was really funny. I guess you had to be there.

Have a good weekend!

Still Down For The Count

2005-12-27T22:27:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday and I'm still suffering from a terrible headache, body aches (nothing like those from the first few days), diarrhea, lack of appetite and a slight fever.

When will this end? This flu sucks!

Dying Words?

2005-12-23T16:57:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official! I have the flu, and boy do I have it!

I went to the Doctor's office yesterday and had an interesting experience. As I was being checked in (when they take you're weight, temperature, blood pressure...) I found out I had a temperature of 102.7 fahrenheit. I was shocked because I didn't know I had a fever and the nurse was shocked that I didn't realize that fact. She asked how it was possible I didn't have a fever let alone one of 102.7 f. I responded by letting her know that the excruciating pain from the body aches greatly outweighed anything else in my life, including a high fever.

The pain was so great that anything that touched me hurt. I told the nurse that anything cold was the enemy, wind was the enemy. Coughing was the enemy. She smiled.

After that brief conversation I began to think about such a high fever and spontaneously began to cry--it was really embarrasing! The nurse asked if I was alright and I begged her not to let the doctor put me in a tub of cold water and ice. She put her hand on my shoulder and told me he wouldn't do that.

I busted out crying (unfortunately) because I had seen to many television shows where a character who also had a high fever was forced into into an ice bath to lower the fever to protect them from possible seizures. You see, all I could think about was how much that would hurt because anything cold on my body was painful. As it turns out, that's not widely practiced. So, that only added to my embarrassment.

Anyway, Christmas should be interesting. The doc prescribed "Flumadine" and needless to say I took one as soon as I got the bottle in my eager little hands. I began to feel better by this morning and have faith the prescription will shorten this case of the flu.

I'm Back!

2005-11-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I last posted, but a lot of it is that I lost my digital camera--I have a phlog (a photo log)--and since I have had a new one for a few months now, I don't have any real excuse.

Anyway, you can view my Phlog at the following link: My personal phlog

Thanks for visiting.

- Zach

Killer Bike Ride Around Flagstaff, AZ

2005-04-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

I'm In Pain
Just rode our bikes to a train at the base of Mount elden (the South side). Did some killer forest riding, climbed the huge rocks at the base, did some rock jumping, had ONE beer, rode around the East side and ended up at Fratelli Pizza.

The Meaning Of Life
I don't claim to be an expert at anything and I most certainly don't claim to be wise (although that would be nice). I've been "around the block" a few times now and love experiencing life as it happens, but I don't claim to be very knowledgeable regardless.

But today while kickin' back with one who has become one of my favorite friends, I was thinking about life...that is to say more specifically what the meaning of life is for me and if it was possible, for more than just me. I was thinking globally including you and all your family and friends. I asked the following question to myself: "what is the meaning of life."

I wanted as universal a thought, a concept, an idea as I could possibly imagine and not just a simple trite definition of what life is, or what life is supposed to be. Then I just dwindled it all down to one of the most important things to me, personally, as an individual amoung a great sea of life (including humans).

The following thought evolved after extensive thought:

"My perception of what the meaning of life is supposed to be, is learning to appreciate another's life."

I like that idea for now and hopefully for a long time.

- C. Zach Hidalgo

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 8:39 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Watching "Planets" on the Science Channel
Weather At Posting: 45 F
Current Mood: Beat...we just went riding our bikes, climbed Mount Elden a bit, did some rock jumping and cruised all portions of the East side--all in about about 4 hours.
Last Meal: At the "Haleakala" pizza at Fratelli Pizza on the East side.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

Balls Deep, Grand Canyon, Lost Meal...

2005-01-31T19:00:00.000-08:00

Ruined A Coyote's Meal
I made a delivery to the local ski area this morning (Arizona Snow Bowl) and "On The Way Down" I saw a jack rabbit running down the middle of the road right toward my truck. Then I realized the creature a ways back chasing the rabbit was a coyote. I had to honk to get the rabbit to move out of the way.

Unfortunately, the coyote took off the other direction and probably lost his one and only opportunity of the week or month to have a meal.

I feel bad. Sorry bro!

Elk On The Way Back
I went to the Grand Canyon today and on the way back nearly ran into four elk as they were crossing the road. They looked so different than they do in the summer cause they had so much more fur because it's winter.

They look better with all that extra fur.

BallsDeep.com
Spidey and Shaggy (Brian & Jason) hit me up when I got back from the Grand Canyon tonight about designing a website for their latest endeavor.

They have decided to call their (quad) racing team "Balls Deep Racing" and want a site created under the name "BallsDeep.com."

Already Registered Domain Name
Unfortunately the domain name "BallsDeep.com" is already taken.

I also checked "BallzDeep.com" ("Z" instead of "S") and that one's taken too. "Balls-Deep.com" is also already registered.

It seems as though someone has already thought of the name and registered all the possibilities...which sucks.

A couple possibilities (that are not yet registered) include:

* ballsdeep.biz
* balls-deep.biz
* balls-deep.org
* balls-deep.us
* balls-deep.info
* ballzdeep.us
* ballzdeep.info

We'll see what the two decide on.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 8:00 p.m. (xZachly) Mountain Standard Time
Current Tunes: Watching "Nefertiri Resurrected" on the Science Channel
Weather At Posting: 29 F or - 2 C
Current Mood: Headache...need water
Last Meal: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes w/gravy, cole slaw and a bisquit.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

Winner Of "Golden Web Award"

2005-01-30T22:12:00.000-08:00

Yeah!
My personal website (The InterActive Playground) has officially won the prestigious and coveted "Golden Web Award" for 2003 and now 2004!

The Prestigious and coveted
"Golden Web Award"

347,000 Hits A Month!
My website is now averaging 340,000 hits a month! It's amazing how many people view my website from all over the world!

Only Ten More Countries
My website only needs to get a hit from ten more countries to comlete the list of every country of the recognized world (according to the CIA--there are 193 recognized countries in the world).

183 Countries And Counting
My personal website has had 183 individual countries visit...including every occupied continent (except Antarctica--which is not occupied by people other than occasional visiting scientists).

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 11:12 p.m. Mountain Standard Time
Current Tunes: Still Watching "Pompeii: The Last Day" on the Discovery Channel
Weather At Posting: 21 F or - 6 C
Current Mood: Appreciating the fact that I live at the base of a Volcano in Northern Arizona.
Last Meal: KFC

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

More Stones

2005-01-30T21:53:00.000-08:00

Not Kidney Stones This Time
I've been struck with stones again. Last February, March and April of 2004 I suffered from Kidney stones and now I'm experiencing Prostate stones!

Prostate Stones!?
I didn't know there were such things as Prostate Stones! I can testify that they are just as painful as kidney stones, but they feel as though certain private parts are about to explode! I think they're worse than kidney stones cause the pain is just as great, but the location of the pain is the scarier part.

I Thought There Was Something Really Wrong
Granted there is obviously something wrong, but when the family jewels start to experience great pain, you really begin to worry! It's not actually those parts of the body that are experiencing the direct pain, but it sure feels like it!

Finally Feeling Better
It's been about a month now and I'm only now feeling as though I will survive this latest attack, and the work attack is not an exaggeration!

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 10:53 p.m. Mountain Standard Time
Current Tunes: Watching "Pompeii: The Last Day" on the Discovery Channel - really interesting!
Weather At Posting: 21 F or - 6 C
Current Mood: Pissed - I couldn't fix my friend's computer--I feel so impotent because of that!
Last Meal: KFC

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

I Hate Flakes--People, That Is

2005-01-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

Uhhhhhhhhg!
I'm supposed to meet with a client today and he's flaking out AGAIN! He's flaked out on me for more than a month and a half now. So, I'm about to give up on the guy.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 11:59 a.m. Mountain Standard Time
Current Tunes: Sugar Ray - "Fly"
Weather At Posting: 45 F or 7 C
Current Mood: Bummed - Some clints are such flakes!
Last Meal: Grilled cheese (colby jack) with smoked ham sandwich and chocolate raisins

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

More Drugs, My Personality Number...

2005-01-11T20:44:00.000-08:00

Give Me Drugs!
I went to the doctor's again today and they gave me a new set of drugs (medication) totaling $104 at the register of the pharmacia...as if I can afford that!

New Antibiotic
The doc told me to stop using the doxycycline I was prescribed earlier and gave a prescription for Cipro--a stonger, more effective and more expensive antibiotic.

He said by the weekend I should be feeling much better...yeah, that's what the other doctor said...the bastard!

Stronger Narcodic
The Vicodin I was taking almost did the job, but I could still feel the pain after I took a pill...and only three hours after taking the pill, I needed another one...but I was supposed to wait to take one every four hours. It sucked.

So, the doc gave me a stronger dose. One pill of the first bottle didn't do enough, but two pills of that pill was too much. So, he gave me a bottle with pills that are 1.5 times the strength of the first bottle.

My Temperment Number
According to how I answered the questionaire...

I Am An INDIVIDUALIST
My Temperment Number Is:

I am intuitive and sensitive with others and myself.
I dream, am creative, dramatic and unpredictable.
I'm emotionally honest, real, and easily hurt.
Totally expressive, others always know exactly how I feel.

What Are You?
Click here to find out what temperment number you are.

Don't worry, it's free.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 9:44 p.m. Mountain Standard Time
Current Tunes: Watching "Cosmic Odyssey" on the Science Channel
Weather At Posting: 27 F or -3 C
Current Mood: Chillin' on Vicodin--sentimental
Last Meal: Mescalin Mix (a.k.a. spring mix) salad with homemade dressing, Angus steak, oriental flavor ramen noodles (little water), sauteed shrooms and a homemade brownie

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

Nothin' Like Being Sick, heh?

2005-01-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

Three Things At Once
Presently I'm suffering from the common cold, bronchitis and prostititus (an infection of the prostate) simultaneously. Just my luck!

I'm taking anti-biotics for the upper resperatory infection and the prostate infection and a narcodic (vicodin) for the INCREDIBLE pain in the groin area! It's hard to tell people my balls hurt.

No, they're not blue, they're not swollen (yet) and no they're not shrinking, in case you're wondering.

Mmmmmmm, Vicodin
So far I've been high straight since Friday night. The scary thing is that the pain is actually getting worse and the vicodin is not working as effectively as it originally did.

DR.'s Appointment
I have a confirmed doctor's appointment tomorrow morning (Tuesday) and both look forward to it and am kinda nervous (about what I'll find out).

I just want the pain to go away. It's probably just cancer or something.

No Work
I can't afford not to be working right now, but I can't do much work in this condition...let alone much else.

Sitting Is The Worst
The most pain is experienced when I sit down or just before I have to go to the bathroom to relieve myself. As it builds up (urine, etc.), the pain increases two to three times until I finally urinate or have a bowel movement.

Once I've relieved myself, I feel considerably less pain.

It kinda sucks that vicodin constipates you...especially with my symptoms.

Heavy Snow Predicted
It's also supposed to snow a lot tomorrow here in Flagstaff, AZ which really sucks for me cause my windshield wipers are not operational at the moment (Ken, hint, hint, hint!).

So, I might have to take a taxi to my destination. All my friends and roommates will be working. Oh well.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: .m. Mountain Standard Time
Current Tunes: Saliva - "Rest In Pieces"
Weather At Posting: 37 F or 3 C
Current Mood: Dealin' with being high (Vicadin)
Last Meal: Smoked ham slices and crackers (I'm too tired to make anything)

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

Flagstaff, AZ In A State Of Emergency!

2005-01-05T16:37:00.000-08:00

A Weather State Of Emergency
I'm in the process of thawing out of my first "Weather Emergency." The storm that hit us for the last two days dumped more than two and a half feet of snow in less than 24 hours!

Flagstaff all but shut down!

No Power Woes
My house (and all the occupants) suffered without no power for almost two full days...it really sucked!

With temperatures in the low thirties and upper twenties, the nights were more than miserable. Going to sleep after sunset and waking up at sunrise was interesting.

Gas And Hot Water Saves The Day
The whole experience could have been much worse if it weren't for hot water and gas for the stove to cook. For that I'm grateful.

Walking In 18" Of Snow
I had to walk to work yesterday morning in more than a foot of snow in just short of blizzard conditions. A blizzard is considered when there is heavy snow and 35+ mile an hours winds. When I was walking to work, all we needed was winds about another 10 miles an hour faster and it would have been an official blizzard.

Power Comes Back On. Yeah!
According to my clock and the time I got home, the power was restored about 10:30 this morning. I'm stoked! Cable was restored about 4:45 p.m.

Day Off
I worked today, my day off. Ken MacCourt, one of the slackers at work got his truck stuck for more than 6 hours between Williams and the Grand Canyon yesterday, so he couldn't finish his run and I had to take the Seligman run today...cause he had to finish his run today.

I have tomorrow off and I'm going to do virtually nothing! I can't wait.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 5:37 p.m. Mountain Standard Time
Current Tunes: Linkin Park - "Breakin' The Habit"
Weather At Posting: 25 F Or -4 C
Current Mood: Warming Up!
Last Meal: Homemade Pork Fritada, Fetuccini Alfredo and a Coors Light

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

A Friend Is Bummed...& I'm Bummed Now

2004-12-17T15:29:00.000-08:00

Sad Days Round Here
A have a friend (who I'm really fond of, cause he's so alive...which I strive to be like) and he's having one of those days that really bring ya down...and I can't help but be sad about that.

I realize that I am affected (or effected...I can't keep those two words straight...and I'm a journalism major, oiy vey!) by other peoples moods more than I like to think I am.

I hope what ever he's bummed about works it's self out...cause I don't like to see my friends suffering.

I wish he'd talk about it to someone!

Current Tunes: Crowded House - "Don't Dream It's Over (GREAT SONG!)

All The More Reason...
...to be a "PILLAR" of good hope, positivity and life around others. If I affect/effect others that way, I should consider being more passionate in what I do, say and think...only to encourage others. Hmmmmm.

Current Tunes: Don Henley - "Boys Of Summer (Another GREAT SONG!)

I'm In The Mood...
...to tear it up tonight and I have to be alive and operational at work tomorrow morning (Saturday) at 6:30 a.m. (Mountain Standard Time). What a pisser!

I don't feel as bad as the other guys who have to be there at 5 a.m. - hehehe!

My Flagstaff Skiing Web Page
My Flagstaff, Arizona page on my personal website is getting a lot more attention from the search engines lately cause I added skiing info for the region. Pretty cool.

Martan's Wins A Regional Award!
MartAnne's (formerly Martan's) Burrito Palace (mexican restaurant) here in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona won their first award from "Flagstaff Live" magazine.

The exact award is: "Best hangover-beating breakfast: Martan's chilaquiles (green)"

Congratulations Ann and Gretchen!

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 4:29 p.m. Mountain Standard Time
Current Tunes: Counting Crows - "Round Here"
Weather At Posting: 43 F = 6 C
Current Mood: Exhausted
Last Meal: Green Chiliquiles from MartAnnes Burrito Palace

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

The Price Of Christmas 2004

2004-12-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

How Much Will X-Mas Cost This Year?
Every year the cost of Christmas goes up thanx to the ever-present rate of inflation. This year, 2004, the price index is 2.4% which means more money out of our pockets.

This Year's Christmas Price Index
If you consider the song "Twelve Days Of Christmas" and the items listed in the song...and how much they would cost, it would total $66,334.46 in U.S. dollars (see chart below).

Christmas Costs Have Gone Up 2.4%
Within the last year the cost of surviving Christmas has gone up a total of 2.4% due to inflation...and that translates into $17,296.91 when considering the items listed in the song again ("The Twelve Days Of Christmas")

Why Do I Use "X" Instead Of "Christ" In Christmas?
No need to get all butt-hurt, the "X" in Latin stands for the word "Christ" in English, so I'm not taking "Christ" out of "X-Mas" at all.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 8:50 a.m. Mountain Standard Time
Current Tunes: John Micheal Montgomery - "How Was I To Know"
Weather At Posting: 25 F or -4 C
Current Mood: Dealin' with a minor back ache
Last Meal: Herb roasted chicken, homemade mashed potatoes and country gravy, corn-on-the-cob, and the best homemade chili I've ever had! Ohhh, and a Heineken on tap.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

My Favorite Holiday!

2004-11-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
It's turkey day 2004 (November 25) and A feast is about to ensue. Tons 'O Turkey and all the fixin's...Mmmmmmmm!

The Good & The Bad
An interesting thing about me is that Turkey Day is my favorite holiday, but it usually ends with the one physical thing I hate the most...what I call "that Thanksgiving Full Feeling." I hate being so full that I'm miserable.

Chillin' With Fam & Friends
Is there a more kick-back day than Thanksgiving? O.K., maybe Christmas.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 1:15 p.m. Mountain Standard Time
Current Tunes: Watching "Frontiers" on the Science Channel
Weather At Posting: 45 F - 7 C
Current Mood: Recovering from A lot of fun on Tuesday Night
Last Meal: Sour-dough bread, butter and trail mix

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

Bummed For 4 More Years!

2004-11-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

Buzz Kill...Still
I'm still all butt-hurt about Bush winning again. I didn't vote for him the first time and decided after he took power and control that he was doing pretty good.

Shortly after that I decided I made a mistake thinking that...and I'm still convinced the U.S.A. made another mistake.

Farenheit 9/11
I decided to watch what I knew would be considered (in my opinion) propaganda, and am VERY GLAD I did.

Even if only 1/10th of what was in the movie is true, it's still enough to convince anyone with 1/10th of a sane brain not to vote for the greedy, oil puppet.

Civil War
I read something someone wrote recently and agree that we might as well have another civil war and see who wins.

OK, that's not realistic and I really don't want harm to come to my fellow Americans, but the last statement makes an obvious point, no?

I Forgive Him
Bush is only human, I know, so I've decided to forgive the bastard, but I still don't want him in office.

Unfortunately we have to wait 4 years to get rid of him...and just pray that no other greedy oil puppet gets into office after him.

Kerry Fan?
No, I do not agree in any way, shape or form with Kerry's stand on abortion because I whole-heartedly believe that abortion is the murder of your own child; but I do believe in a lot of other things he believes in. There are other things I don't agree with that Kerry agrees with or supports, but I also don't think anyone can like or approve anyone 100%.

If anyone says they agree 100% with someone, then I believe they have a problem and ulterior motives. Can anyone say Nazis, the third reich and Hitler?

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 5:36 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Breaking Benjamin - "So Cold"
Weather At Posting: 34 F - 1 C
Current Mood: Pissed
Last Meal: Heatin' up some left over chinese food soon...once I get off my lazy azz!

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

A 360 Degree View Of Grand Canyon

2004-10-31T16:09:00.000-08:00

My Latest Phlog Posting
Check out my Phlog...I just posted a collage of the Grand Canyon taken on Wednesday October 20, 2004 at Yavapai Point

How To Get To My "Phlog" (Photo Log)
You can either use the permanent link on the right navigation bar of this blog (toward the bottom) or click here.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 5:09 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Watching "Young Frankenstein" on the Comedy Channel
Weather At Posting: 40 F - 4 C
Current Mood: Chillin' at home
Last Meal: Homemade Chicken vegetable soup

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

This Much Snow This Early!

2004-10-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

It's About Time!
We finally got some decent amount of snow! It's been snowing for more than 7 hours now, since before the sun rose. "They" say we should expect around 4 to 8 inches of snow in the city...and God only knows how much on the peaks.

An Early Snow Season
"They" say this is unusual for Flagstaff, Arizona...that is to say, it's not the norm to get this much snow this early in the Fall season.

It's supposed to be like this around "Thanksgiving" time (end of November).

Killer Ski Season
The Snow Bowl Ski Area should be pretty happy about now. I'm sure it's going to open pretty soon...I'd be suprised if it didn't, anyway.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 9:56 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Breaking Benjamin - "So Cold"
Weather At Posting: 32 F - 0 C
Current Mood: Chillin' @ Home (Day off)
Last Meal: Raw almonds, PowerAde, chocolate covered raisins

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

Google AdSense Income

2004-10-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

Money Rollin' In
I spent about an hour and a half last night setting up the Google AdSense stuff on all my website pages and so far I've earned about $2.00.

It Adds Up
At this rate, I should have about $30 to $50 by the end of every month...that's about $360 to $600 a year for doing nothing...not bad, heh?

What Happens
People just click on the links that interest them and I get paid. Each page has a specific topic and the ads are related to that specific subject, so the surfer is directed automatically to a link they're already interested in. It's genious!

One Night Out On My Visitors
With that extra cash, I can go out to my favorite restaurant or night club once a month and have half the evening paid for by those friendly visitors that find what they're looking for by clicking on the ads.

If Only...
If only I had done that sooner! I've been registered with Google to place the ads on my website for about 6 months now, but didn't take the time to place them on each page till yesterday...cause I was bored. Oh well, at least they're on now.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 6:54 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Breaking Benjamin - "So Cold" - My favorite song at the time
Weather At Posting: 45 F - 7 C w/wind gusts up to 25 mph
Current Mood: Gettin' ready for bed (I have to be at work @ 5:00 a.m.
Last Meal: Eight Treasures (chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and various vegetables in a hunan sauce) and fried rice.

Definition Of Integrity

2004-10-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

What A Response!
I've gotten so many requests to use my personal definition of integrity that I can no longer tell you how many requests I've had. Had I known the page and need for a comprehensive definition of the word was in such demand, I would have kept track.

Pastors, Fortune 500 Companies, Students...
...have all requested to use some or all of the information on the "integrity" page I have posted on my personal website. A pastor and a priest have requested to use part of my essay on integrity for their sermons. The sales department mananger of a fortune 500 company wanted to use some of the information within my essay for his sales magazine that's distributed to all the sales representative in every country they do business. Students regularly ask to quote my definition of integrity for papers due in one of their classes.

One Recent Comment
I recently received a comment from a website visitor about my personal definition of integrity.

On Sunday October 17, 2004 @ 05:25:07 AM (UTC -0500) the webpage visitor said:

"This is one of the best pages and best explanations of the meaning for a word I have seen for a very long time. Many thanks, and what a wonderful page. Thanking you so very much. - Helen"

Aiming For The Best
I'm glad that things I'm trying to change for the better in my personal life can help others aim for the best as well. That's an especially good feeling it's giving me...knowing that others are benefiting from what I'm thinking about..and what I think is right.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Hilary Duff - "Come Clean"
Weather At Posting: 52 F 11 C
Current Mood: Freezing! The wind's blowin' & makin' it really cold
Last Meal: Hot chocolate, cream-filled donut w/chocolate glaze and a couple hand-fulls of raw almonds

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

A True Tragic Story

2004-10-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

I Still Can't Believe It
I just found out today that someone I know had an EXTREMELY tragic situation take place. The brother of this person I know got married in early September 2004 and died the same day while involved in an auto accident.

Widowed The Day Of The Wedding
Can you imagine being widowed the same day you got married? I can't think of one other situation in my life where a more tragic situation took place to someone I knew.

My Heart Is Stupified
The pain in my heart is so great for the families involved...I can only imagine how they feel. I recently lost my mom, but we were prepared for the situation due to her condition...but to mourn the same day you're celebrating!

That Story's As Bad As...
...a story I heard from an aquaintance who's next door neighbor was celebrating his son's 5th birthday. As the party got rolling, they realized they forgot something and the uncle got into his car and started to back up...and killed the birthday boy accidentally.

Life Is Really Weird!
Some people just don't get it, and some do...and I'm referring to unimaginable pain.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 8:11 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Linkin Park - "In The End"
Weather At Posting: 45 F 7 C w/gusty winds
Current Mood: Pissed! A work thang
Last Meal: Shrimp Chow Mein

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

An Autumn View Of The Peaks

2004-10-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

"Sunset At Hart Prarie"

Fall @ 8000 Feet - Arizona

2004-10-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

"The Color Of October"

San Francisco Peaks October 2004

2004-10-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

"A View Of Autumn @ Hart Prarie"

Autumn @ The San Francisco Peaks

2004-10-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

"West-North-West Side"

Apologies!

2004-10-05T15:41:00.000-07:00
I know, I know, I haven't updated my blog much, but I'm updating my Phlog (Photo Log) regularly. Check it out, you might like what you see.

I've also posted some "Fears, Hopes & dreams" lately.

Martans Burrito Palace Mexican Restaurant

2004-09-21T22:05:00.000-07:00
New Web Site I Created
I just finished a website for a local Mexican restaurant--MartAnnes Burrito Palace (formerly called "Martan's"). You can visit the link by clicking here.

A Personal Favorite
MartAnnes is one of my personal favorite restaurants in Flagstaff, Arizona. I especially like the green chilaquiles or the green (pork) burrito with tons of the homemade salsa all over the burrito.

Check It Out
If you ever find yourself in Northern Arizona and hungry for some good unique homemade Mexican food, then check out MartAnnes Burrito Palace.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 10:05 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Linkin Park - "Numb"
Weather At Posting: 36 F 2 C and clear
Current Mood: Gettin' tired
Last Meal: Shrimp chow mein (lo mein)

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

Over Extending Myself

2004-09-20T13:29:00.000-07:00
Yikes!
I'm beginning to suspect I'm too nice a guy. I've got:

* two computers, other than my own, that I'm re-configuring
* am building another computer for a friend
* and have two websites that I'm creating

...all for people I know.

Due Today
I told one of the computer owners that I should have his computer done today, but I don't think that's gonna happen.

I also told a friend that his webpage would be done soon...if not today. That's the one I'm trying to accomplish today--a priority.

Other Due Dates
The other website I can take my time on, but I have two potential clients that will give me the O.K. to start their sites any day now, so I should really get to it.

The second computer I gave a completion date of this coming Thursday. We'll see if that happens. They want it sooner cause they may not live long enough without playing the games on the computer.

What kind of society and future leaders are we creating with all these gaming devices?

Yes, the other two web sites are in "addition" to all the other stuff I'm doing.

Priorities
Of course, my blog (Zacholio), my "Fears, Hopes & Dreams" blog and my Phlog (photo log) are first priority, as well as my email and other personal stuff.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 12:50 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Trapt - "Still Frame"
Weather At Posting: 54 F 12 C w/20 - 30 mph gusts
Current Mood: Feeling a bit overwhelmed
Last Meal: Strawberry yogurt and honey/maple granola

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

Hurricane "Javier" Creates Monsoons

2004-09-18T19:38:00.000-07:00
Lightning!
Yeah! I love lightning storms! They're so cool to watch...from a distance. Of course I'll feel that way until it destroys something of value to me.

Hurricane Javier
The hurricane off Baja California is mustering up some killer moisture and sending it up our way (toward Arizona).

The friendly weather people at the National Weather Service said we can expect flash floods until midnight.

Sleepin' With Rain
One of my favorite things is sleeping during a rain storm. I feel so protected in my bed, all nice and warm, under a roof out from the rain.

I can't think of a better sound that actually helps me sleep more soundly and relaxed.

Let's Hope
I hope this storm lasts a while. One, we could use the rain cause we're finally coming out of a drought...I think. Two, I love rain overall. Three...I can't think of a three, so I'll stop here.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 7:38 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Linkin Park - "Numb"
Weather At Posting: 55 F 13 C - Lightning and rain
Current Mood: Sick
Last Meal: About to eat again

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

Driving To Class Tonight

2004-09-16T21:13:00.000-07:00
A Dog Gets Hit By A Car...
...and lives! I'm cruisin' down Butler Avenue in Flagstaff, AZ headin' for class today and in front of me a dog runs from the left sidewalk out into the street and plows right into the side of the car in front of me.

Unbelievable
I couldn't believe what I saw happening before me as I was driving. The dog, barking out-of-control, ran for the moving car (going about 35 mph) and, even though this sounds stupid, head-butted the car.

It Survives
The dog from hell, after hitting the car and gettin' tossed around, lands on it's feet and takes off running and crying at the top of its lungs. What was it thinking? Are dogs really that dumb?

Funniest Things I'd Seen In A while
I just started laughing cause if a dog is stupid enough to chase a moving car, head-butt it, bounce off, roll around a bit, land on its feet and then run off, it deserves to be made fun of...in my opinion.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 8:52 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Watching "Air Emergency" on National Geographic Channel
Weather At Posting: 61 F 16 C
Current Mood: Getting ready for bed
Last Meal: Hot Sour Soup and Chicken Fried Rice

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

New Phlog (Photo Log)

2004-09-13T18:08:00.000-07:00
I've created a seperate blog that is ONLY a collection of photographs with a brief title. I like to call it a Phlog (Photo Log).

I've also decided that I'll update that Phlog at least every-other day, if not every day.

It's a lot easier to add one picture with no text other than a title than doing an entire set like those that preceed this posting.

You can view the collection of life-chronicling photographs by clicking here.

The web address is: webweevers.com/phlog

Paintings & A Yucca Flower

2004-09-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 8:40 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Watching "Hunt For Red October" on ShoTime - A personal favorite
Weather At Posting: 63 F 17 C
Current Mood: Winding down - Ready for bed (I have to be up at 5 am tomorrow)
Last Meal: Sweet 'N Sour Chicken

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NOTE: Use "ARCHIVES" on right panel for previous postings
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Click Image To Enlarge

"Twisting Yucca Flower"

Sedona Red Rocks In The Background
I was crusin' around a neighborhood in Sedona while waiting for a store to open--I was wasting time--and came across this killer yucca plant as it bloomed.

The cool and different thing about this flower compared to others I've seen is the spiraling trunk. I'd never seen a yucca plant's flower like this one.

Line From The Movie: "He's turning into the path of the torpedo." - "Mother Of God!"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Yucca Flower Close-Up"

Notice The Giant Bees
This blooming yucca has attracted other giants--click on the image to view the enlargement (1000 pixel width) to get a better view of the creatures circling the plant. I found two flying creatures preparing to land on the yucca flower.

Line From The Movie: "Flood the torpedo tubes and plot a solution."

Click Image To Enlarge

"Mormor's Painting Of An Ecuadorian Street"

Quito, Ecuador - Circa 1965
Mormor, my grandma ("Mormor" defined stands for "mother's mother" in Swedish of which I'm 50%) created this painting about 40 years ago (as of this year) of a typical street in Ecuador.

Ecuador is A country in South America just South of Columbia, West of Brazil and North of Peru. It's one of two personal favorites that she painted--may she rest in peace. She died in the mid 1980's.

Line From The Movie: "The hard part about playin' chicken is knowing when to flinch."

Click Image To Enlarge

"A Rainy Day"

Just A Copy Of An Original I Liked
I really like rainy days and when I had to choose a final project in my painting class in college, I chose this one. Of course it's not exactly the same as the original. I took the same subject and made it more expressionistic, compared to the more impressionistic original version. That is to say, I made the brush strokes more obvious in my version.

One thing that sucks is how grainy the image turned out. It doesn't look that bad in reality. Both my grandmother's painting and my painting are hanging in my bedroom.

Line From The Movie: "This one's gonna be close!"

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Click Here to view my main Blog (web log) titled "Fears, Hopes & Dreams".

Click Here to view my "Where Were You When..." Blog (web log) which chronicals where people were when a significant historical event took place.

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Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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NOTE: Use "ARCHIVES" on right panel for previous postings
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Rocketry @ Flagstaff, AZ Cinder Pits

2004-09-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 2:54 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Beastie Boys - "Eugene's Lament"
Weather At Posting: 77 F 25 C - Scattered clouds & variable winds
Current Mood: Headache from hell!
Last Meal: Brocolli chicken w/beef and fettucini Alfredo

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NOTE: Use "ARCHIVES" on right panel for previous postings
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Click Image To Enlarge

"Preparing For Launch"

1st Multi-Stage Rocket Launch
Sam Quick and his buddy Mike are setting-up the "Legion Of Doom" two-stage rocket for launch. Mike over-sees the activity and Sam does all the dirty-work...what a trooper!

Current Tunes: Incubus - "Drive"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Ready For Countdown"

Perfect Conditions For A Rocket Launch
Sam and Mike give the O.K. for the first multi-stage rocket launch in this group's history. The "Legion Of Doom," about 2 & 1/2 feet tall (Sam's 6' 5" tall), should go about 1500 - 2000 feet into the air with the two seperate engines installed.

Yikes! Everyone Yelled
That rocket surprised all of us with its capabilities. The transition from the first to second stage was clearly audible and it met or may have even surpassed our predictions about how high it actually went into the sky.

No Parachute
The great success of the launch was buffered with the malfuntion of the parachute that deployed, but did not function as planned. As a result, the rocket came crashing down to the ground at about terminal velocity (anywhere from 94 - 240 mph--it's a controversial subject). The nose cone attached to the parachute drifted about 1/2 to 3/4 mile away and the rocket crashed into the cinders.

Damage assessment
There was little damage to the "Legion Of Doom" and is scheduled to launch again in a couple weeks from today along with Mike's new five-stage rocket. That should be interesting.

Current Tunes: Alice In Chains - "Don't Follow"

Click Image To Enlarge

"The Rocket People"

The Crew Prepares For More Fun
From left to right, Mike, Russ (Sam's dad) and Sam (Ken not in the picture) are chatin' about the next launch and what should take place.

Current Tunes: Alice In Chains - "Would"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Flagstaff, Arizona Cinder Pits"

A Panoramic Picture Perfect View
This image is a collage of the immediate area in the middle of the cinder pits in Flagstaff, AZ. A threatening monsoon is building and the sun is setting, so it makes for a great stormy shot.

To view all of the individual pictures of the Flagstaff, Arizona Cinder Pits, click on any of the 11 image links below--they are arranged from 1 to 11, or from left to right in the collage:

Image #1
Image #2
Image #3
Image #4
Image #5
Image #6
Image #7
Image #8
Image #9
Image #10
Image #11

Current Tunes: Butthole Surfers - "Pepper"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Legion Of Doom Rocket Launch Video"

Video Of The Crew's First Two-Stage Rocket Launch
Notice: The video is 15,820 K (or almost 16 megs) and can either be viewed from this link or you can download it to your computer by clicking here.

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Click Here to view my main Blog (web log) titled "Fears, Hopes & Dreams".

Click Here to view my "Where Were You When..." Blog (web log) which chronicals where people were when a significant historical event took place.

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Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Grand Canyon's Tame Elk & Deer

2004-09-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 10:12 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Blink 182 - "Down"
Weather At Posting: 61 F 16 C Clear & breezy
Current Mood: Still waking up
Last Meal: Lemon pepper chicken breast, pork-a-la-Zach and chocolate cup-cakes

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Click Image To Enlarge

"What A Beast!"

Just A Giant Deer
These things (elk) are nothing more than deer gone crazy on steroids...in my opinion. They look and act just like deer, but are considerably larger...probably as much as 2.5 times as large.

This guy with quite a rack...refering mainly to his horns...just lingers while cars pass him and people such as myself follow him taking pictures taunting him. He just ignores us and keeps munchin' away at the local flora as if we were'nt even there.

Current Tunes: Incubus - "Drive"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Cruisin' Along"

King Of The Road
This big fella just decided to cross the road casually...nevermind the passing cars and all the people watching him.

Current Tunes: Seether - "Broken"

Click Image To Enlarge

"A Family Eats Together"

A Collection Of Hungry Elk At The Grand Canyon
In this shot you can see five of the six elk that were grazing together at the Grand Canyon. The canyon is actually about 1/4 mile North of this spot (corner of Zuni Way and Market Place).

They all pretty much just ignored the hordes of people who were gawk at them continuously. The female elk showed some signs of being spooked on occasion, but the male elk didn't give a hoot.

Current Tunes: SugarCult - "Memory"

Click Image To Enlarge

"One Of Seven Bucks"

Tame As Can Be
Across the street from the elk grazing was a small group of male deer (all with a nice set of antlers) just eatin' away next to the road. There were a total of seven of male deer.

As with the elk, they just kept munchin' away as cars would pass and people would walk right up to them to take pictures and videos. It was crazy. Almost as if we were at a petting zoo.

Current Tunes: Yellowcard - "Only One" (one of my all-time favorites

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Click Here to view my main Blog (web log) titled "Fears, Hopes & Dreams".

Click Here to view my "Where Were You When..." Blog (web log) which chronicals where people were when a significant historical event took place.

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Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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New Posting On "Fears, Hopes & Dreams"

2004-08-28T00:06:00.000-07:00
NOTICE:
There is a new posting (by the same person who manages this blog) as of August 28, 2004, 11:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time at the following sister link:

"Fears, Hopes & Dreams"

Check it out. Over & Out!

- C. Zach Hidalgo

New (Annex) Sister Blog

2004-08-26T22:34:00.000-07:00

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 10:34 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Watching The History Channel
Weather At Posting: 59 F 15 C clear and breezy

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EXTRA!
A new blog is created that supplements this photo-chronicling blog by Zacholio!

My new blog titled "Fears, Hopes & Dreams" is an attempt to share my personal thoughts and feelings on a specialized platform designed for specific subject matter.

New Blog Description
The actual description I've created to explain its purpose is: "Things that keep me from advancing as a person, ideas I have that I long to happen and things I desire to make a reality in my life all chronicled in this log for the whole world to see."

Check It Out
Now you have another avenue to get into my brain, attempt to understand my thoughts, laugh at my dreams, etc.

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Click Here to view my main Blog (web log) titled "Fears, Hopes & Dreams".

Click Here to view my "Where Were You When..." Blog (web log) which chronicals where people were when a significant historical event took place.

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Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Grand Canyon Rainbow

2004-08-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 9:25 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Simple Plan - "I'll Do Anything"
Weather At Posting: 63 F 17 C - Clear w/slight breeze
Current Mood: Resting today
Last Meal: All-you-can-eat bar-b-que ribs, beans and cole slaw.

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Click Image To Enlarge

"Colors Over The Grand Canyon"

A Killer Combination
The world famous Grand Canyon, the most spectacular natural wonder on Earth with a colorful natural phenomenon--a rainbow.

This storm was no different than most monsoons that take place in Arizona in summer except for the fact that it hit over such a vast open canyon that about five million people visit every year. It really added to the already incredible view.

Current Tunes: Hoobastank - "Out Of Control"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Two Natural Wonders"

Looking Toward "Desert View"
This shot looks North-East toward the "Desert View" point of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The distant peaks range from 10-15 miles away.

Current Tunes: Puddle Of Mudd - "Blurry"

Locking Myself Out
I came home Saturday evening only to lock my keys in my car. I couldn't get into my car or my apartment. I tried calling my friend Ken to rescue me, who has a copy of both keys, but as it turns out his cell phone died earlier that day. I eventually got into my apartment but had to repeat the whole thing the next day.

I eventually got into my Volvo, which I might add is VERY difficult to break into compared to past vehicles I've owned.

Needless-to-say, I'm getting another set of both keys to keep stashed away to avoid a similar experience in the future.

I usually lock my keys in the car, in the work truch or lock my keys in the apartment about once a month, so I need to do something to make entry easier. I swear, I'm such a space cadet!

Spring Cleaning In August
I have to motivate myself to clean my apartment and do laundry. I have dirty dishes that are weeks old. Pathetic, I know.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Californica Vacation Pictures

2004-08-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 8:40 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Disturbed - "Stupify (Remix)"
Weather At Posting: 55 F 13 C Partly cloudy w/slight breeze
Current Mood: Finally rested up from a long and fun weekend in California
Last Meal: Chicken Lo Mein, fried rice and two cup-cakes

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Click Image To Enlarge

"Cool Place, Cool People, Cool Times"

Gutting My Fish
My fish is being cleaned in this shot. Two people I met and fished with the first day I went on a 3/4 day deep-sea fishing trip in the background--Ryan and Jordan.

I went out of Dana Point, my new favorite place to go deep-sea fishing from cause, for one reason, it's close to my buddy's place (Vince Rios) in Mission Viejo, CA.

The shoreline of the Southern Californica coast in the distant background--probably Laguna or the immediate area, if I remember correctly.

Current Tunes: Simple Plan - "Perfect"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Josh's Yellowtail - Jackpot Winning Fish"

Lucky Bastard!
Josh, another person I met and fished with on the deep-sea fishing trip on Friday August 13, 2004 caught this nice yellowtail on his first cast when we got to a kelp bed off the coast of San Onofre, CA.

If memory serves me, the fish was about 15 lbs. Josh kept complaining about his thumb after he caught the yellowtail cause his drag wasn't doing the job while reeling in the fish, so he had to use his thumb also to create more drag. I'm sure it was worth the pain.

Update: Josh had a bitter-sweet day that day. On the way home from his great deep-sea fishing experience he fell asleep on the freeway and lightly rear-ended another car in the car-pool lane. In addition to that, he never got to eat any of his prize catch...cause Ryan and his family bar-b-qued it and ate it all. Tough break, Josh.

Current Tunes: Unwritten Law - "Seein' Red"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Some Friends We Saw Deep-Sea Fishing"

Circus Show In The Water
These porpoises (about 80 +/-) swimming along gave us a little show the second 3/4 day I went out deep-sea fishing on Monday August 16, 2004. Unfortunately I couldn't catch many of them out of the water cause my digital camera takes forever to register an image, so I can't take an instant picture. As a result, I miss a lot of spontaneous shots cause it takes so long to take the frickin' picture.

Current Tunes: Story Of The Year - "Until The Day I Die"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Close Up Shot Of The Porpoises"

Friends Say Hello
The porpoises are exactly what the books say, friendly! They were just as interested in us as we were in them. It was really cool to see them like that, in the wild shores of Southern Californica.

We saw groups of porpoises on three different occasions on that trip, so in all we probably saw at least 150 of them, I suppose.

All together I saw the following:

* A flying fish (I'll never forget that sight)
* Porpoises
* Seals (sea lions)
* Pelicans (I caught one foul hook)
* Barracuda (great fight)
* Yellowtail (Josh's prize catch)
* Calico Bass
* Sand Bass
* Mackerel
* Sea Cucumber (which I caugh foul hook)
* Sculpin (Ryan's favorite)
* Different types of jelly fish
* Bonito

We fished using live bait (sardines) and lures (Krokodiles). I must have had 20 or so barracuda but lost most of them along with the hook. They have really sharp small teeth the easily draw blood. They drew blood from one of my fingers as I was simply trying to open one of their mouths just before cleaning it at my buddy's place.

Ryan Medley (from Covina, CA) got stung by a sculpin the first day we went out as he tried to help Jordan take his fish off the hook. As a result, his hand and fingers swelled up like a baloon and judging by the change in his temperment, it must have really hurt. He looked pretty miserable.

The interesting thing is the next Monday when we went fishing again, the only thing he caught all day was one sculpin. I couldn't help but laugh, but I felt bad for him too.

Current Tunes: Linkin Park - "One Step Closer"

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Feelin' A Bit Coutry

2004-08-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 12:57 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: David Lee Murphy - "100 Years Too Late"
Weather At Posting: 81 F 27 C - Clear and slightly breezy
Current Mood: Feelin' a bit country at the moment
Last Meal: 11 old time apple cookies

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Click Image To Enlarge

"Spidey, His Burb & A Killer Sunset"

Family Pain
A good friend of mine (who I call Spidey) just spent most of last night in the local hospital cause his grandma was rushed there at 2 a.m. with a bleeding ulser. He, his sister, mom and dad all stayed up until about 6 a.m. He came to work at 11:30 draggin' really bad. I feel for him...and his grandmother which I also know.

Takin' A Spin
It's such a nice day, I think I'll take my bike out and ride around town. On second thought, I'm so exhausted from work yesterday and this morning's shift (6:30 am to noon), I think I'll rest for a bit and let it cool down a little.

Current Tunes: John Michael Montgomery - "How Was I To Know?"

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Sedona: View From The Airport

2004-08-05T19:40:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 7:40 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: A Perfect Circle - "Blue"
Weather At Posting: 64 F 18 C cloudy & calm

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Click Image To Enlarge

"Collage Of Sedona Arizona"

A Personal Compilation
This synthesis of images is a feeble attempt on my part to bring to you the viewer a glimps of the Sedona, AZ area from the local airport on top a hill.

Click Image To Enlarge

"West End Of Sedona, AZ"

Looking Toward California
From atop the hill at the Sedona airport look-out, this is the view as you look toward Cottonwood and Jerome Arizona. In fact, the long flat mountain in the distance is Mingus Mountain which Cottonwood is at the base of and Jerome is set in.

Current Tunes: Atari's - "Boys Of Summer"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Sycamore Canyon Area - Sedona, AZ"

Looking North-West
This picture is looking more West than North. You can see Sycamore Canyon really well in this shot. Seligman is about 1-1/2 hours and Kingman is about 2-1/2 hours in that direction (on the highway, not as the crow flies).

This area of Sedona, Arizona is mostly residential and out of the way of all the tourists, except for the Enchantment Resort set back in one of the canyons in the picture.

Current Tunes: Good Charlot - "The Anthem"

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"City Hall Area Of Sedona"

More Residential Areas
Most of the Sedona government is located in this area of town as well as a lot of residential communities.

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"Coffee Pot Rock Area"

More Residential Areas Of Sedona
The locals call the rock formation in the center "Coffee Pot Rock" when you see it from this angle. As you get closer to the formation, you begin to see how it got it's name...it looks so much like an old-time coffee pot (perculator).

Current Tunes: Limp Bizkit - "It'll Be O.K."

Click Image To Enlarge

"Looking North"

East Side Of Sedona, Arizona
This is where the collage ends because the trees get in the way to see the rest of town. Straight ahead about two hours (on the highway) is the Grand Canyon (Desert View Area).

This area of town is one of the many expensive communities in Sedona, AZ. To the right, behind the bushes in the picture, is the tourist area and the entrance to Oak Creek Canyon (Hwy 89A). Hwy 179 which leads to the interstate (I 17) is also behind the bushes.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Hwy 179 Into Sedona, AZ

2004-08-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 7:05 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Jet - "Are You Gonna Be My Girl?"
Weather At Posting: 75 F 24 C - occasional monsoon action
Current Mood: Tired - worked another long day on 5 hours sleep
Last Meal: Orange chicken, friend rice drenched in soy sauce, hot sour soup and 1/4 pint chocolate, chocolate, chocolate ice cream...Mmmmmmm!

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"Leaving Village Of Oak Creek"

Approaching Sedona, AZ
Once you leave Village Of Oak Creek heading North on Hwy 179, this is one of the many incredible scenes you see along the way into Sedona, Arizona.

Current Tunes: Yellow Card - "Only One"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Famous Sedona Red Rocks"

Stunning Beauty Everywhere!
Sedona Arizona has to be one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to in the whole world...and I've been to Italy, Canada, Ecuador, Panama, Mexico and 33 of the 50 United States Of America (I like to travel). I'm glad I had to opportunity to work in Sedona, AZ for several years.

Current Tunes: Supercult - "Memory"

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"The Back Side Of Cathedral Rock"

A Rare Scene Of A Most Famous Landmark
Cathedral Rock in Sedona, AZ is by-far the most photographed scene in the area, other than the Grand Canyon about 2 hours away. But this image (above) is the side you never see of that famous picture in magazines or coffee table photography books.

You can't see the middle "hoodoos," spires that jet out from the ground between the two larger rocks because they're blending into the rocks behind them. They're there, you just have to look hard because this picture is taken from an angle where it's difficult to see the "hoodoos."

Click here to see the famous side of Cathedral Rock.

Click Image To Enlarge

"Bell Rock, Sedona, Arizona"

Bell Rock's Actually In Village Of Oak Creek, AZ
I love the local legend about this rock/hill. Supposedly about 10-12 years ago (circa 1992) a bunch of space cadets (locals who believe they've been abducted by aliens, communicate with aliens regularly, etc.) and local guru types banded together when it was said that Bell Rock was actually a space ship for aliens or gods.

Some guru guy got a large number of people to believe that the "Mother Ship," Bell Rock, was to make a scene as it left Earth for another plane or planet and would deliver (take with) all those who believed and were there the day of lift-off.

On the day of the alleged "Lift Off," exact date unknown, the "Bell Rock" groupies held hands all around the space ship that was said to be inside Bell Rock. The believers chanted, sang songs and prayed as they waited for the "Mother Ship" to make it's great exit from Earth.

Needless-to-say, the rock is still in place and there was never a grand exit of any great space ship taking all it's devoted followers to a better place in the universe.

Can anyone say "Jim Jones" and "Grape Kool-Aid?" Humans really are sheep that follow anything or anyone that's willing to lead. Scary huh?

Current Tunes: 311 - "Love Song"

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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The World Famous Sedona, AZ

2004-07-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 8:44 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Watching "Arnold and Maria" (Schwarzenegger) on E!
Weather At Posting: 72 F 22 C & there's a monsoon hittin' at the time
Current Mood: Woke up to a friend's phone call
Last Meal: Hot Italian sausage, cheddar broccoli rice, hot sour soup and some malt balls

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Click Image To Enlarge

"A Collage Of Sedona"
A Nice View
This shot is a creation of mine, combining four images I recently took from a hilltop in the middle of Sedona, Arizona

Current Tunes: Incubus - "Drive"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Sedona Neighborhoods"

Above: This image is looking West
The mountain in the distance is Mingus Mountain in Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Jerome, AZ. California is in the distance :)

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"Looking Toward Phoenix"

Above: This Image Is Looking South
Of course you can't see it, but Phoenix is off in the distance about +/- 160 miles.

Current Tunes: Papa Roach - "Last Resort"

Click Image To Enlarge

"Sedona Airport"

Above: Looking South-East
The Sedona airport is located on top of that long flat hill in the left side of the picture.

Click Image To Enlarge

"Toward New Mexico"

Above: This Picture Is Looking East
Looking this direction, you'll enter the World's largest Ponderosa pine forest and head toward the middle of New Mexico--off in the distance several hundred miles.

In the future, I will be posting more pictures of Sedona in a similar format.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Flagstaff From The Sky...Kinda

2004-07-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 8:21 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Switchfoot - "I Dare You To Move"
Weather At Posting: 64 F 18 C - Calm w/a clear blue sky
Current Mood: Tired!
Last Meal: ...gave me a bit of food poisoning--I had to use the bathroom several times, anyway. I won't say where I was for my last meal cause I like the place...plus the manager and I are friends. Yea, I'll eat there again.

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"Northern Arizona University"
June 29, 2004

NAU As Seen From Lowell Observatory Area
Just outside the gates a-top "Mars Hill" at Lowell Observatory is this view looking South-east. The white dome you see is part of Northern Arizona University (NAU)--specifically the "J.L. Walkup" SkyDome, part of South campus.

The Tower just left of the dome is "Secrist Hall," part of central campus. The buildings at far left are part of North Campus, all nestled in the middle of the world's largest Ponderosa pine forest--Coconino National Forest.

Current Tunes: Simple Plan - "Perfect"

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"Route 66 Through Flagstaff, Arizona"
June 29, 2004

Flagstaff, AZ As Seen From Lowell Observatory Area
From this vantage point looking East from Mars Hill, you can see most of Flagstaff, Arizona except for NAU, which you already saw in the picture above this one.

The main drag in the center of the picture is the world famous Route 66 which stretches from Santa Monica, California to Chicago Illinois. The train tracks, which made Flagstaff, AZ what it is today, parallel Route 66 in most of this photograph.

There are approximately 85-100 trains that travel these tracks through the middle of Flagstaff, AZ daily...when you calculate the timing, that's one about every 15 minutes.

Just Another Eye Over Flagstaff, AZ
Did you notice the "Eye" watching over Flagstaff in the image above? I circled it for you, so you wouldn't miss it. This is the fifth picture I've taken from the local area where you could see an eye in the sky...pretty cool, heh?

Just another picture of what I'm beginning to call a phenomenon, "but that's just me, a rebel." ;) Check out the other eyes in the sky watching over Flagstaff, AZ I captured on film at this link.

Current Tunes: Hoobstank - "Remember Me"

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"The San Francisco Peaks"
June 29, 2004

The San Francisco Peaks As Seen From Lowell Observatory Area
Looking North toward the Peaks from Mars Hill (Lowell Observatory area) on a beautiful summer day. This shot is taken from the first turn heading down Mars Hill just after you leave the Lowell Observatory campus gates.

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"The San Francisco Peaks In Summer"

The Peaks Hwy 180 Mile Marker 220+
This is one of my favorite places to view the San Francisco peaks--between mile markers 220 and 221 on Hwy 180 about 5-6 miles North of Flagstaff, AZ.

I have a number of other shots of this view in winter, fall, during sunset and in storms. You can view those shots by clicking here. If you have any (decent) shots of Flagstaff and the peaks, please consider contacting me so we can arrange and email transfer of the images so they can be posted on the Net for all to appreciate.

Current Tunes: Linkin Park - "Somewhere I Belong"

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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More Lowell Observatory Pictures

2004-07-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 3:50 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Steely Dan - "Do It Again"
Weather At Posting: 77 F 25 C - Fairly clear & Breezy
Current Mood: It's Saturday night, baby!
Last Meal: Two eggs over easy, bacon, ham & a peanut butter cookie

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"Looking West At The Visitor Center"

A Plush Landscape
The Lowell Observatory is surprisingly beautiful. It must have been professionally landscaped, or someone really knew their plants.

The scene in the picture above gives you a good idea of what I'm talking about.

Current Tunes: Collective Soul - "Run" (A personal favorite)

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"Percival Lowell's Mausoleum"

Killer Grave Stone
I suppose it's really not considered a grave stone, but none the less, it's a cool...capstone to be buried under. This is where the infamous Percival Lowell, founder of the Lowell Observatory is buried.

Current Tunes: Blink 182 - "Miss You"

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"Lecture Hall - Lowell Observatory"

Looking North
The lecture hall at Lowell Observatory...of course looks like one of the other observation domes.

Current Tunes: Switchfoot - "I Dare You To Move"

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"Another Observation Dome - Lowell Observatory"

Unknown Observatory
There is a name to this dome/observatory, but I just don't know the name. This one is East of the center of campus on top a hill.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Lowell Observatory Pictures And Info

2004-07-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 8:02 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Finger 11 - "One Thing"
Weather At Posting: 61 F 16 C - Clear and calm
Current Mood: Wide Awake in America!
Last Meal: French vanilla yogurt, granola & and a big chocolate chip cookie

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"The Largest Telescope On The Lowell Campus"

Eye Toward The Sky
The image above is the largest of the domes on the Lowell Observatory campus in beautiful Flagstaff, AZ.

Lowell Observatory History
In 1894 Percival Lowell, a wealthy Harvard mathematician, founded the campus that now bares his name with the intention of verifying his theorie that there was a ninth planet in our solar system (which he called "Planet X") and that Mars could possibly have intelligent life.

Dr. Lowell Was Partly Right
As Percival predicted, a fellow astronomer in his group of cronies (Clyde Tombaugh) made the discovery in 1930. The new planet was later named "Pluto" using what is now known as the "Pluto telescope." As far as his other theory, well, as you probably already know Mars does not have intelligent life. Pluto is the only planet to be discovered in North America and the United States.

How The Planet Pluto Got Its Name
The new planet was named "Pluto" by a young British girl that thought because it was so far away from the sun, so cold and barren, it should be named after the god of the underworld, Pluto.

The Universe Is Expanding
Other significant fact about the Lowell Observatory campus include:

* The discovery of the first evidence that the universe is expanding was made between 1912 - 1917 by Dr. V.M. Slipher using the "Clark telescope."

* The discovery of the rings around Uranus

* The discovery of numerous asteroids, near earth asteroids, comets, Kuiper Belt Objects and extra-solar planets.

Mars Hill
Percival Lowell was so facinated by the planet Mars that he named the hill on which the campus stood, "Mars Hill," which is still in use today.

Current Tunes: Puddle Of Mudd - "Blurry"

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"Reflecting Telescope"

Daily Astronomical Trivia
The Lowell Observatory offers a free web page that gives a daily tidbit of information for those interested in astronomy. The page titled "Star Tales" is updated daily and allows the viewing of "Yesterday's Star Tale" as well, if you missed a day.

"Star Tale" June 30, 2004
Yesterday's "Star Tale" states that on that date in 1908 "there was a huge explosion over Tunguska, Siberia. The probable cause of the blast, which flattened trees over an area half the size of Rhode Island, was the breakup of an asteroid or comet believed to be about 60 meters across (+/- 197 feet)." That event is categorized as the largest known event of its kind in living memory.

The Discovery Channel Telescope
Lowell Observatory and Discovery Communications Inc. announced on October 15, 2003 the merging of their teams to build what will be "among the most sophisticated ground-based telescopes of its size" on the Lowell Observatory campus.

This special combination of companies should should create even more world-wide publicity for Flagstaff, AZ and Lowell Observatory in the future via a powerful medium, cable television.

Current Tunes: Saliva - "Rest In Pieces"

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"The Clark Telescope"

National Historic Landmark
The Lowell Observatory campus has several sites that are considered National Historic Landmarks because of their role in history. The "Clark Telescope" is considered because it was one of the first telescopes of its kind in the late 1800's early 1900's, and is still in use today.

The Clark telescope is still housed in its original dome made of local Ponderosa pine. The dome was built in ten days by ten men in an era without power tools.

Current Tunes: Staind - "Epiphany"

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"Inside The Visitor Campus"

Beauty On Our Planet
The Lowell Observatory is very nicely landscaped with native plants of the surrounding areas and other shrubbery that compliment existing foliage (I was originally an architectual landscaping major, so I notice stuff like that).

Visitor Center
Above you see the back side of the visitor center at Lowell Observatory...and the killer shrubbery too. If you get a chance to visit Flagstaff, AZ, consider Lowell Observatory because it's a site you'll remember if you're interested in science fiction, astronomy, etc.

The Lowell Observer Newsletter
Lowell Observatory makes available a portion of their newsletter online called "The Lowell Observer. Check it out.

Getting To The Observatory
Should you ever get the chance to visit the Lowell Observatory, you will find this link helpful in navigating to the campus atop Mars Hill in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Sites Of Interest in Flagstaff Arizona

2004-06-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 4:19.m. Pacific Time (Got a minute?)
Current Tunes: Goo Goo Dolls - "Name"
Weather At Posting: 80 F - 27 C - Hazy w/a light breeze
Current Mood: Tired!
Last Meal: A breakfast burrito (with salsa) from Sonic and two chocolate chip cookies

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"Ted Danson's Childhood Home"
Across From The Museum Of Northern Arizona

Of "Cheers" Fame
Ted Danson, known for his role as the cocky ex-jock bar owner Sam Malone in the popular situation comedy "Cheers" lived in this home during most of his childhood.

Current Tunes: Blink 182 - "Feelin' This"

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"Museum Of Northern Arizona"
Flagstaff, Arizona

Mr. Danson's Workplace
Ted Danson's father held the prestigious position of curator for the Museum of Northern Arizona as Ted was growing up. The museum is located directly across the street from the house (pictured above) the Danson family called home.

Current Tunes: Shania Twain - "Forever And For Always"

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"Old Train On Fort Valley Road"
Circa 1890's

Train Used For The Local Lumber Industry
This train is located on Fort Valley Road at the "Art Barn" close to Secrist school, South of North Quintana Drive and North of Meade Lane. It was instrumental in serving the local lumber industry in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Current Tunes: Hoobastank - "The Reason"

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"Old Caboose On Fort Valley Road"
(Circa 1890's)

An Era Gone By
A reminder of when they still used a caboose, this original component of a standard train line sits today as an excellent example of what once was.

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Three Times The Work
I worked three more hours than normal today cause it was three times busier today than an ordinary Sunday. I run the office I usually work for on Sunday's and Monday's cause the chief (manager) has Sunday and Monday's off.

Balling Out A Customer
One of the regular customers, a local restaurant and one of our largest accounts, called an order in two hours and fifteen minutes after we close (which is noon on Sundays) and expected to receive it today despite that fact.

When I found out I was pulling the (large) order and delivering it even though we were closed for the day, I was furious. So, as any other person who is fairly territorial with their free time would do, I thought up a way to explain what they did to our office (me in particular).

The Plan: Make It Hit Home
Once I got to the restaurant and unloaded all the product (fuming while doing it), I made a bee-line to the one in charge and told them the how I felt without being too much of an asshole.

The following conversation is what took place:

Zach (me): "What time does your restaurant close?"

Pin-head worker bee without a clue: "nine p.m."

Zach: "So, if someone came in at ten p.m. you wouldn't serve them, right?"

Pin-head worker bee without a clue: "Hell no!"

Zach: "So, you'll definitely understand what I'm about to say then. You see, we close at noon on Sundays and we don't deliver any product after that, just as you don't serve anyone after you close the kitchen. So, I can assume you won't expect any product delivered in the future when you call it in after noon, right?

Pin-head worker bee without a clue: "Yeah"

Zach: "Cool"

Making The Point
Hopefully that went as well as I expected it to. I know that was pretty dick of me, but I wanted to make sure they understood that for them to expect a delivery after we were closed was not reasonable, especially if they feel the same way when someone comes in after they close and expects to be served.

I walked away a happy camper after that one, and I'm convinced the point was made without endangering the account status for the company. You had to be there to really see how well it went.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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The Eyes Over Flagstaff, AZ

2004-06-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 6:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Tunes: Cold Play - "Clocks"
Weather At Posting: 75 F - 24 C - Patchy clouds w/a light breeze
Current Mood: Exhausted
Last Meal: chicken pesto pizza from Schlotsky's in Prescott, AZ

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"Eye Over Flagstaff 1998"

Strange Things Are A-Foot Over Flagstaff, AZ
Pretty weird, heh? The shot above was taken over Flagstaff, Arizona while we were on our way up to Flagstaff from Cornville, AZ to see a movie. I happened to have my camera and took several shots, this being the most attractive or visually appealing.

Just A Fluke?
At first, for several years I thought that shot was one-in-a-trillion, but now I'm not so sure. Scroll down to see other shots over Flagstaff...of course it's just coincidental, but kinda spooky.

Current Tunes: Hoobastank - "To Be With You"

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"Eye Over Flagstaff 2003"

Black & White Shot?
I think not! This shot was taken about 7 a.m. just south of Flagstaff on I-17 late winter in 2003 and it is a color photograph, although you wouldn't really know it from most of the picture content, heh?

Not As Good As The Picture Above It
I have to admit, the picture is not as convincing an eye as the first picture, but none-the-less, you can still make out an eye to some degree...if you squint, have a few beers and load yourself up with some drugs. (Jus' messin')

Current Tunes: Don Henly - "End Of The Innocence"

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"Eye Over Flagstaff 2004"
(Looking North-East)

Double The Intrigue
Yikes! Not only is this the third picture I've taken over Flagstaff, AZ of what appears to be an eye in the clouds, but there are two distinct eyes in the same picture.

Common To The Area?
Taken on June 23, 2004, this picture is making me think that there are unique wind patterns over the area that create such phenomena. I have several other pictures where an eye is visible if you really look in the clouds.

Discovered Accidentally
I didn't notice the "eyes" in the clouds within the other pictures right off-the-bat until I was looking at a thumbnail (small versions of a picture) of the pictures (see below for a thumbnail).

Quiz Time
Do you see the eye in the clouds in the picturette below?

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(Same As Below)

Just To Prepare You
The small picture above is designed to prepare you for the same picture below (the larger version) where it's more difficult to see the "eye" in the clouds.

Current Tunes: Finger 11 - "One Thing"

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"Eye Over Flagstaff 2004"
(Looking South-West)

You Gotta Squint
If you squint or cross your eyes, you can see the eye within the clouds of this sunset taken on the same day as the picture above it (looking North-West).

This is looking East That Same Day
In fact, the image above is from the same sunset but looking East as the picture above it. The wind was going North-West at the time which makes me think that the two "eyes" were created from the same "jet-stream" of air overhead, but that's me speaking out of ignorance, of course. I'm not a professional meteorologist (weather guy).

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Killer Sunset On June 23, 2004

2004-06-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 12:21 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Crowded House - "Don't Dream It's Over"
Weather At Posting: 69 F - 21 C - Monsoon almost over
Current Mood: About to eat lunch, hungry

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"Killer Sunset Over Flagstaff, AZ"
Wednesday June 23, 2004

What A Sky!
Driving back from the Grand Canyon, I stopped for two minutes and took these shots of the sunset real quick. Some of the sunset over Northern Arizona are unreal, and I'm sure that's tha case no matter where you are, but I'm especially fond of this area.

Southern California Never Saw This
I grew up in Southern California and never remember sunsets like those I see here in the forests of Northern Arizona. I wish I was as camera happy back then as I am now. That photography class I took at West Virginia University changed my life, kinda.

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"Sunset Over Mile Marker 220+"

Just Another View Of The Peaks
This area is one of my favorite spots in Flagstaff. It's between mile marker 220 and 221 on Hwy 180 headed North out of town toward the Grand Canyon. Last night I was fortunate enough to catch the peaks at sunset with dark and colorful clouds overhead.

Mount Sinai?
The picture above looks spooky enough to remind me of Mount Sinai in the classic blockbuster movie titled "The Ten Commandments." The red clouds overhead, the ominous silhoutte of the peaks...it all adds up to the classic scene where God resides in the movie.

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"Purple Clouds"

Just A Cool Picture
This photograph of purple clouds over Flagstaff was a spontaneous decision that I'm glad I made. The picture's really cool. You don't see clouds that color very often, huh?

Just thought I'd share it wicha.

Interesting Color Combo
The blues, pinks, purples and everthing in between add up to make a spectacular photo with great color. Definitely one of the best decisions I've made spontanously when taking pictures.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Fish Over Flagstaff, AZ

2004-06-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 10:50 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Watching "Hackers: Outlaws And Legends" on the Science Channel
Weather At Posting: 79 F - 26 C - Threatening skies (see image below)
Current Mood: Glad it's about to rain, we could use it.
Last Meal: Boysenberry yogurt & Granola

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"Is That A Fish?"

Fish In The Sky?
Take a look toward the top left-hand corner of the image above, which I took about 10 minutes ago of the current weather in Flagstaff, Arizona. Is that what I think it is? Is that a fish?

Click on the image and view the 2048 X 1546 pixel picture enlargement and make a decision for yourself. It's really weird.

Actual Size Enlargement
(If you have the latest version of Internet Explorer, hover over the picture in the new window that pops up and wait for an icon to show up at the bottom right corner of the picture. Then click on that icon and watch the picture enlarge to actual size).

I'm stummped! Could it be a bird at such an angle that it only looks like a fish?

I was only taking pictures of the beginning of monsoon season here in Northern Arizona and caught that "fish" in the picture in the process.

Strange things are a-foot in Flagstaff, Arizona!

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"Beginning Of Monsoon Season 2004"

Yeah! I Love Monsoon Season
This is the coolest time of the year in Northern Arizona, literally and figuratively. Well, it's not colder than when it snows here in winter, but when you compare the temperature difference during the day during monsoon season, it's definitely cooler.

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"The Building Up Of A Monsoon"

Looks Bad, Heh?
The photograph of Flagstaff, Arizona above is the first real monsoon of the 2004 season building up speed to make its attack. Slowly but surely, the winds will pick up, the skies will blend together into a white-grey and it will start to rain.

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"15 Minutes Later"

The Monsoon Strikes
If you'll notice in the image above the trees are hit by strong winds (compared to the picture above it), the clouds have blended together and become a greyish color. The temperature has dropped considerably and it's become really loud outside from the leaves of all the trees in the area whisping in the wind.

The Background Scene
If you stop and look at the distant background toward the bottom middle of the photograph above, you'll see how calm and fairly clear it is about 20 miles out from Flagstaff, AZ. Patchy clouds and plenty of sun. Pretty cool, huh? Enlarge the image and check it out for yourself.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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History Defining Moments

2004-06-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 8:26 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: The Refreshments - "Banditos"
Weather At Posting: 63 F - 17C - Partly cloudy, calm and loud (crickets)
Current Mood: Wired - had too much sugar
Last Meal: Green Chili con Carne, rice, chips and salsa

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"St. Patricks Day 2004"

Dinner With Great Scenery
I just had dinner with Ken and two beautiful girls, Jorie and Samantha, at a favorite local restaurant. I'd mention the restaurant's name, but the owner's a real dick, so I won't because he's such a bastard. He doesn't deserve the promotion, but his restaurant's a good place to eat.

In the image above you'll see from left to right: Jorie Hoskins, Ken MacCourt, Samantha Weldon, Luke and his girlfriend Christina.

That "Thanksgiving Feeling"
I over ate, again, and am miserable. I hate that "Thanksgiving feeling." I can barely move around, I'm that full. I always eat too many chips, but the salsa is so good. I brought most of my meal home with me cause I was so full.

Where Were You When...?
I just started a new Subject-Specific blog last night and I titled it "Where were you when...? You can visit it at the following address or you can just click here:

webweevers.com/911/

Add Your Personal Stories
Check it out. You can add your individual accounts of where you were during a HISTORY-DEFINING moment in time. Just look for the icon on the right border or the link at the top in the description and tell the world your tales about what happened to you.

Many Different Stories
I ask people to contribute to history by re-telling their experiences of what they were doing, who they were with, where they were, etc. when something as big as, for example, September 11th took place.

Thanx To Jeff Schmelzle
I have to give the credit for the idea to a friend, Jeff, who called me from Phoenix the other day just after he got back from a week in New York and just before he was taking off for San Diego for a month vacation--lucky bastard. Here's to you, Jeffe'.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Loungin' Around

2004-06-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 12:59 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Watching "Awesomly Bad Videos" on VH1
Weather At Posting: 70 F - 21 C - Partly cloudy and breezy
Current Mood: Chilin'
Last Meal: Lemon chicken and rice, chocolate bar

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"The Dynamic Duo"

The Star Of The Show
This is the star of the whole cinder pit experience that day...with Jason sitting on it and Brian hangin' out in the background with that ever-present scoul on his face wondering "why are you taking another picture?"

Notice under Jason's thigh the silhoutte of his sister as a sticker. We all love Jason's sister.
(Jason doesn't have a sister).

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"It's A Boy!"

More Spidey Antics
(Jason) "Brian, you realize that hurts, right?"
(Brian) "I don't feel anything."
(Jason) "Just hurry up you punk-ass, whipper-snappin' OUCH!"
(Brian) "Stop your bichin' and grow a dick, you little...UHHHHHH! What's that white stuff?"

Just Chillin' Today
I woke up this morning after 11 a.m. That's something I haven't done since living at the dorms! I just feel like lounging around all day. I was going to do laundry today, but I just don't want to. We'll see what happens.

Great Parking Job, Brian
Take one good look at Jason's truck next to that volvo...whadda ya say, about an inch and half, maybe two inches? Brian, you punk! I would've cracked his skull if he would've dented the volvo.

Hoobastank's Comin' To Arizona
One of my top five favorite band's is coming to town and I won't be able to go, unless I wanna go to work (at 5 a.m.) VERY tired. Driving and being really tired don't mix very well. They mix as well as wind and fire.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Rompin' In The Woods

2004-06-20T23:13:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 11:14 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: None, enjoying the crickets singin' outside
Weather At Posting: 55 F - 13 C - Clear w/a slight breeze
Current Mood: Just woke up, it's too hot in my room!
Last Meal: Shrimp tacos, rice, chips and tons of salsa
Note To Self: Get some sleep, you idiot!

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"Jason & The Kenmeister At The Cinder Pits"

Gotta Love The Surroundings
I love this picture cause you get a good sense of what the scenery is out at the cinder pits in Flagstaff, AZ. Ponderosa pine trees everywhere, nothing but black lava cinders and usually clear skies.

Ken's playin' with his nose cause he got punched by yours truly for passin' gas in the car earlier...jus' messin'. I had to include this shot cause he looks so dorky doin' that. He'll pay me back for that one.

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"Tearin' It Up"

It Was Raining In This Picture
The rain I'm speaking of was not moisture in the air, but cinders coming down. Just after Jason passed me after I took this shot, it started to rain cinders. The flaps from the back wheels kicked up so much debris and because Jason was going so fast, I felt the effects of his passing.

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"Moguls At The Cinder Pits"

No Justice In This Shot
This picture does little justice in representing how hard the moguls are on the body when taking them at high speeds on the quad. If you can see from the picture (when you click on it to enlarge) the trail of dust left behind Jason and the quad is consistently broken up, or not a straight line...well, that's cause of the moguls.

Things To Think About
Have you noticed how some people have no motivation at all? That is to say, they don't do much more than what is required of them, either at work or in life (to maintain the living standard they've achieved).

I'm baffled by those people. One of my friends tells me regularly about another of his friends (who I choose to despise) and how he is usually sitting in a chair at home watching TV when he goes over there. He has two kids and a wife, no job and lives with grandparents.

Reality Check
I just realized I'm judging, and who am I to judge, but I just hope I don't get into that rut or habit later in life, or even now.

Make "Better" Happen
I constantly try to think of ways to better my life and the lives of the people I love and enjoy to have around. THEN, I do what some people dread doing, and that is acting upon what I've thought of doing.

That Part's Critical
I think that was the key part of the phrase, "acting upon" what one thinks about, as long as it's moral, ethical and positive. We don't want people killing others or God knows what-else just because they thought about it, right?

Random Thought
I should write down some goals. I haven't done that in a while.

Why People Are Successful
Writing down your goals, both long-term (5 - 25 years down the road) and short-term goals (3 months to a couple years down the road), is the only common-denominator among truly successful people in all walks of life, no matter what you consider successful.

Challenge - Setting Goals
Try it. Write down your goals and post them where you can see them every day. Consider putting them up on the mirror (everyone's narcissistic to a degree), near a door knob, near the phone, etc. and then stop and check yourself out after a couple years. You should be in a considerably better place as a result, depending on how much you work at accomplishing your goals.

Small Steps
Nibble at doing what you want. You can't be expected to reach your goals within a few weeks, that's not realistic. Sometimes that actually happens, but that's the exception.

Just Do It!
Just look at your goals regularly and think of things you can do to get the wheels turning. Then, act! That's probably the one most difficult thing that stops people from achieving their goals, acting upon what they desire.

Give It Time And Be Patient
Expect to take a year or two to really see some results from what you're doing to reach your goal. Don't lose sight of your dreams.

Old Tasmanian Proberb...
"It is better to make a mistake trying, than not to try at all."

I was jus' messin' about it being an old Tasmanian proverb...but it's true none-the-less. Live life to the fullest, don't just sit there!

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Autumn In February (02.22.99)

2004-06-19T21:41:00.000-07:00
The following are some thoughts I jotted down the day my roommate was involved in head-on collision...and believe-it-or-not, he went to work a couple hours after it happened--crazy but cool bastard.

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"Jarod Sears"
Circa Summer 1999

Autumn in February

By: Chris Zach Hidalgo - 02.22.99

Isn't it weird when something unexpected in your life takes place, the world keeps going?

Inner, non-physical pain is meaningless to anyone else who cant' feel it.

The pain selfishly concentrates on consuming only your desires and masks all your motivation to do anything.

A haze clouds over and secretly replays every pain-filled memory after memory... dissolving your confidence with every stroke.

Tears come and go and hide any path toward light at the end of the tunnel.

To fight it, Initiative must be found. With It's location unknown, energy must be redirected to find it.

Weapons must be found to wage war against the things that make you insanely aware of painful thoughts.

Leaning on a friend's comforting words refuel a struggling soldier.

Hope makes an appearance and shed's light on the desperate situation.

Know that the invisible fragrance of brokeness is seen! The smell of pain is considered! The bones that have been stripped of their flesh will live.

"Jarod In My Dorm At NAU"
February 1998

Once the realization of this truth takes hold within the heart, it shed's old skin and heaviness is lifted.

A brightness enfolds the soul. Hope multiplies and gives birth to peace.

A first step is taken, again, and the journey of life continues... remembering that this will happen again sometime in the future.

If you got this far, I appreciate your tolerance. I just thought I'd sit down and write down how I was feeling.

I hope I haven't spooked you. I just wanted to communicate how I was feeling in words to get a direct look at my insides.

My intentions were to spot any battles I could conquer to stop the relentless torture of a mindset on destroying my hope.

Solutions written and considered... and soon to be implemented, I look forward to the future... even the next moment.

Just a feeble attempt to figure my mind out, and how powerful a hold it can have on my spirit.

I now rest in my thoughts, both down and up, knowing the tunnel stretches for quite a few miles yet.

My quest continues.

Flagstaff Cinder Pits - Quadin'

2004-06-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the complete monsoon image seen above.

Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 4:20 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: A Perfect Circle - "Weak And Powerless" (cool song)
Weather At Posting: 75 F - 24 C and clear w/gusty winds
Current Mood: Feelin' great!
Last Meal: Free pepperoni and mushroom strombolli from Villa Pizza in Prescott mall
Note To Self: Gotta ride my bike today

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"Headed For The Top"

Jason At His Best
The image above is of a friend on his quad headed to the top of a lava cinder hill in Flagstaff, AZ. Does he make it to the top? Check out the next picture to find out what Jason's fate is.

By The Way...
Just try to ignore the back of Ken's big head in this picture, if you would.

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"Half Way To The Top"

Will He Make It?
At this point Jason's down shifting in his attempt to make it to the top of this hill. The Hill is steeper than this picture lets on. Stay tuned to find out if Jason eats it or if he returns triumphant before his cheering friends (Ken, Brian and me).

Legend
If you'll notice in the picture above, the red dot is where I stalled the quad cause I was too concerned with where I was going to turn around without flipping over. As a result, I didn't down shift in time and stalled the quad.

The yellow line/circle is where Jason is at that point.

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"He Makes It - What A Stud"

The Triumphant Return
Despite the hazardous moguls at the base of the hill which help to slow any attemp to climb the hill at high speeds, regardless of the angle of the climb itself and in spite of all the odds against him (of which there were few ;) Jason conquers the hill!

Congratulations to the champ!

Determined, I Am
During our next adventure to the cinder pits of Flagstaff, AZ, I WILL conquer that hill if it's the last thing Jason's quad ever does, dammit! Mark my words.

Note to Jason regarding quad: Jus' messin' :)

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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A Buddy Gets A New Job

2004-06-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 9:53 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Watching "Techknowledge" on the Science Channel
Weather At Posting: 68 F w/a slight breeze
Current Mood: Waking Up
Last Meal: Boysenberry yogurt and poppy seed muffin
Note To Self: Work-out today!

Random Trivia: The first "E-Mail" transmission was sent in October 1971 and was nothing like today's E-Mail technology. It was no more than information being transferred between computers on a network.

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"The Banditos"
Scott Poole (right) and his buddy Pete

Scott Gets A Real Job - Congratulations Scott!
My buddy Scott Poole, who I first met in a summer school class at Yavapai Community College in Clarkdale, AZ in 1998, just got a new job as a Probation Officer for Yavapai County in Cottonwood, AZ. He starts his new job as a probation officer this coming Monday, June 21, 2004.

He graduated from NAU (where we both went to school) One year ago this last May and has been working for Albertsons in their loss prevention department in Boise, ID and Phoenix, AZ. He's very glad to come home to Cottonwood.

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"The San Francisco Peaks In Winter"

View Of The Peaks From North West
This photograph of the San Francisco peaks was taken in the Winter of 2003 while traveling South on Hwy 180 from Valle, AZ toward Flagstaff, AZ. It is just North of Kendrick Park after traveling throught the Cedar and Juniper forests.

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"The San Francisco Peaks In Summer"

View Of The Peaks From Kendrick Park
The picture above was taken last week (June 9, 2004) traveling South on Hwy 180 toward Flagstaff, AZ from Valle, AZ.

Monsoons On The Way
The picture above also shows how clouds are forming slowly but surely over the peaks and across the sky throughout June and July. These clouds will gradually spread and take over the sky over a couple months and will finally produce monsoons in late July through late September.

I'm An Impatient Bastard
I can't wait for more rain so I can go camping with a fire at night, again. No camp fires or charcoal fires allowed while camping in Northern Arizona right now, due to the high fire danger because of limited rain recently. Bummer!

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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A Dark Likeness On A Light Background

2004-06-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 6:24 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Saliva - "Rest In Pieces"
Weather At Posting: 66 F w/slight breeze
Current Mood: Tired - I took a nap and can't wake up!
Last Meal: Leftover beef ribs and sweet potato fries
Note To Self: Stop spending money frivolously!

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"Silhouette Of Jarod Sears"
Summer 1998

Twilight And A Good Friend
The photograph above is by far one of my favorite pictures I've taken. I love silhouettes and the period just after the sun sets or just before the sun rises. I took about seven shots just to get a good one, and this one is the best.

Thirty Seconds Is A Long Time
I wish the shot could be in focus, but when taking a picture over a long time (30 seconds with the shudder open is a long time) you can expect things to be out of fucus with the slightest camera movement. If I remember correctly, there was a wind that probably was the reason for that, or I just suck at taking pictures.

Worthy Of Using The Picture Online
I liked the picture so much I gave Jarod an undisclosed amount of money securing the copyright for the picture and use the image as the background on my personal website (webweevers.com).

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"The Hurricane Sunset"
Monday September 22, 2003

Remnants Of A Hurricane
After class one night I was driving home and had to stop to take this picture (above). The news mentioned that Arizona should experience the left-overs of a hurricane that hit California, and this was the extent of that weather front in Flagstaff, AZ.

Camera Happy, Again
I ended up taking about 30-40 pictures of this sunset, it was that amazing. When I bring up all the shots in my photo program (Ulead PhotoImpact) I can see the progression from the orange you see above to a dark blue/purple. It's really cool. I'll share the the other pictures with y'all later.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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60 Mile An Hour Winds/Top 5 T.V. Stations

2004-06-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 9:20 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Steely Dan - "Do It Again"
Weather At Posting: 52 F w/30-40 mph winds & up to 60 mph gusts
Current Mood: Full from dinner (I hate that feeling)
Last Meal: Bar-B-Que beef ribs, sweet potato fries, sour dough bread, butter, potato cheddar soup, green pea salad and cranberry juice.
Note To Self: Don't eat so much, dumbass!

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"North Side Of The San Francisco Peaks"

A Stormy Scene
This image (above) was taken on October 11, 2003 while I was headed back to Flagstaff, AZ after delivering to the Grand Canyon and Cameron, AZ. The skies were tumultuous and dark except for the area directly above the peaks. The sun highlights the many colors of the changing trees due to autumn. The picture is one of my favorites because of the turmoil in the weather.

Sixty Mile An Hour Gusts
Today, on the way to and from the Grand Canyon I experienced up-to 60 mile an hour gusts of wind while driving the medium-large truck (see below). I was gripping the steering wheel in an attempt to keep the truck from veering into the lane going the opposite direction and to keep the truck from flipping over...it was that bad. It was definitely the worst winds I've ever experienced.

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"The Peak Produce Truck I Drive"

Trees Down All Over The Place
There were countless trees, mostly Aspen, down along the way to the Grand Canyon. There were some Ponderosa Pines down, but no where near as many as Aspen. It was so bad, I decided to scoot my chair all the way back in the unlikely event that a tree went down in front of me while I was driving. If you notice in the image above, there is little to protect the driver if there should be some sort of accident focusing on the front.

My Top Five T.V. Stations
After some thought, I've decided that my favorite television (cable) stations are (not in any particular order):

* The Biography Channel
* The Discovery Channel
* The Learning Channel
* Headline News
* TBS

...these are the stations I watch more often than not. Other channels I watch, but not as much as the others include:

* MTV 2
* The Comedy Channel
* TNT
* A&E
* AMC
* The Science Channel

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"Little House On The Prairie?"
Christmas 2001

The Brother/Sister Shot
The image above reminds me of an era gone by that I can't relate to, but I have to admit, this shot sure looks authentic, based on all the movies I've seen that look similar (which is no real point of reference).

Innocent?
Kim and Brian look so innocent in this shot, as if they were the perfect daughter and son. They are just as perfect as any other son and daughter, so you know they have a mischievous side as well, especially Brian. In this photograph from Christmas 2001, Kim is 18 and Brian is 15 & 1/2.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Mercy Fall (the band) Gets Two More Offers!

2004-06-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 5:19 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Counting Crows - "Round Here"
Weather At Posting: 73 F w/gusty winds
Current Mood: Feelin' much better
Last Meal: Pizza w/jalapeno & cheese
Random Info: In the unlikely event that someone out there in the vastness of the Internet cares, I was out sick with a cold for the last few days...that's why I'm "feeling better."

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"The Guys Of Mercy Fall"

Three Record Companies Vie For Mercyfall
Yes, it's true, Ethan Rea's band "Mercy Fall," originally from Flagstaff, Arizona is being pursued by three major record lables including Atlantic Records, Warner Brothers and Columbia Records. Ethan Rea is a guy I met while working at a local lumber yard/hardware store.

Killer Music From Mercy Fall
Just last week the band members found out that not only is Atlantic Records interested in their band but two other record companies are willing to negotiate a deal. That alone speaks volumes for the quality of music the band produces.

Look For Them In Your Record Store Soon!
I'm beginning to suspect these four guys will take the music scene by storm, if what the record companies believe about the band is true. With that sort of competition (three major music lables considering signing them), the band should end up with a killer deal, and that's not something every band is faced with at signing.

Congratulations again Ethan! I look forward to hearing your band's music on the radio soon.

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"The Hidalgo Family Coat-Of-Arms"

I'm a "Son Of Something," but most people I know already knew that
My last name, Hidalgo, or "Hijo De Algo" translated into english literally means "Son Of Something." Originally A name of nobility in Spain, the surname is also now prominant in the Latin American countries, especially in Mexico where there is a State, countless cities, counties, lakes, mountains and regions using the name.

Current Music: Shania Twain - "Forever And For Always"

Hidalgo The Movie
Of course now there's a Disney movie titled "Hidalgo" that has recently hit the theaters in the United States. Personally, I thought it was OK...it was worth seeing once. I will buy the DVD only because the title is my last name...I think anyone else would do the same.

Fame At The Box Office
The day I went to see the movie, my birthday--April 15th--I got to the window and the teen-ager assisting me asked for my driver's license to verify the Visa card I was using to purchase my ticket was mine. He took one look at the surname on the card and quickly looked up at me. "Is Hidalgo really your last name?" he asked with his loudest voice. "Yeah" I answered quietly. Then he turned to all his colleagues in the booth and announced that he was helping a "Hidalgo" at the moment.

"Remembered Forever"
Then the kid stated that I will always be remembered by all who work at the theater (Harkins 11 in Flagstaff, AZ) from that day forward if he had anything to do with it. I made a permanent friend that day, although I have to say I wouldn't be able to point him out today if my life depended on it. Sorry kid.

The whole situation at the box office was embarassing but...a little fun, I have to admit.

Miguel Hidalgo
Mexico's George Washington or Abraham Lincoln equivalent is known as Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest who is recognized as the one person mainly responsible for Mexico's independence from Spain's rule.

To learn more about the surname "Hidalgo," please visit the following website address by clicking here.

Current Music: Oasis - "Wonderwall"

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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The Hopi House

2004-06-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 4:40 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Sublime - "Summertime"
Weather At Posting: 84 F Clear and breezy
Current Mood: Tired
Last Meal: Left-over Fettuccini Alfredo, Tricuits and Corn Nuts

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"The Hopi House"
South Rim - Grand Canyon - November 28, 2003

A Mary Colter Design
The picture above is a stone building located at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The was originally designed by the famed Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter who modeled the building after a true Hopi pueblo which is located in Oraibi, Arizona.

Other Grand Canyon Mary Colter Designs
The Grand Canyon Village Hopi House is only one of several architectual designs by Mary Colter. She is widely remembered as the "Grand Canyon Architect" because of her dedication to authenticity in representing Native American designs in all her Grand Canyon projects.

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Albert Einstein Visits The Hopi House
A great number of world-renown individuals have visited the Hopi House at the Grand Canyon Village. The photograph above protrays Albert Einstein in an authentic Native American headdress (although it's not Hopi but from the Plains Indian culture).

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"The Burning Bush"
Sunset over Flagstaff, Arizona - October 27, 2003

Another Killer Sunset
I was sitting at my computer one night in late October 2003 when I looked outside and saw reds in the sky I don't see often. I ran to get my digital camera and snapped up about 10 pictures for posterity. It's a lot of pink in this shot, but killer none-the-less.

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"Unexpected Profile Of Ken Mac Court"
Friday June 4, 2004

"Bitch" On A Cruise
This is Ken Mac Court, the friend I refer to on occasion and thought I would introduce y'all to him. We were cruising last night and I thought I'd surprise him with this shot. We call each other "Bitch" regularly, so that's the reason for the reference in the title. He's cool with that cause he'll call me that anyway, so we're even.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Mountain Lion In Flagstaff, Again!

2004-06-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 10:16 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Incubus - "Drive"
Weather At Posting: 75 F Clear and breezy
Current Mood: Spring cleaning mode
Last Meal: Triscuits

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"Flagstaff Arizona Mountain Lion"
May 2004 - Switzer Mesa area (behind Buffalo Park)

Yikes!
A friend (Jeff Schmelzle) took this picture of a mountain lion less than a block from his house in Flagstaff, AZ in early May 2004. It all started when Jeff's dog started barking like crazy and took off running down the street. By the time the Schmelzle's caught up to their dog, it was barking up a tree...where the mountain lion was resting away from the dog's bite.

A Rare Sight
Jeff called to tell me about the lion and quite frankly, I didn't quite believe him at first, cause mountain lion sightings in Flagstaff, AZ are rare, but when he brought the pictures over, I couldn't say anything else.

Mountain Lions Do It Too
There was another sighting recently, just last week in fact. The people who called the "noises" in to the local authorities said they heard a lion doing a lot of growling. As it turns out there were two mountain lions and they weren't up to anything dangerous other than natural activities...they were mating. Although, if you were to approach lions mating, I suspect that could be a dangerous situation for you.

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"Close Up Of The Flagstaff Mountain Lion"

Wow! What A Cool Cat
This close up is awesome! She doesn't look scared at all. Then again, I don't know what they look like when they are scared, so I guess that was pretty ignorant of me, heh?

Dangerous Shots
Needless-to-say, Jeff was pretty far away when he took this picture with the family's new digital camera. He said when he saw the lion's ears go back and it start to growl, he decided to back off to take any pictures. He said he was about 40-50 feet away, just to be safe.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Hikin' The Lava River Cave

2004-06-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 9:51 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Watching "Ancient Evidence" on the Discovery Channel
Weather At Posting: 64 F clear w/a light breeze
Current Mood: Running on fumes (I'm tired)
Last Meal: (The worst) Fettucinni Alfredo and salad with vinagrette dressing

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"The Bob Cisneros Family"
Jacob, Cordy, Jaqueline, Bob, Matt, Robert & Tim

The Lava River Cave Hike
Wednesday June 2, 2004, Bob and his family decide to visit and hike into the world famous Flagstaff Lava River Cave (Lava Tubes) while visiting Northern Arizona. They came to Northern Arizona specifically see the Grand Canyon and are taking in other sites while in the area.

Today, Thursday June 3, 2004 the family went to "Slide Rock State Park" just outside of Sedona, AZ. Because I haven't received an email from Bob today, I have no pictures of that excursion to share. I kept telling Bob over the phone that he and his family should definitely go to "Slide Rock State Park," which I consider a must-see while visiting Northern Arizona.

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"Portrait Of A Family In A Cave"
Jaqueline, Cordy, Matt, Robert & Jacob

Experiencing The Lava Tubes
The Lava River Cave just outside Flagstaff, Arizona is almost 3/4 of a mile long with only one way in and one way out. Average year-round temperature is 40 F at the end of the cave and 32 F at the opening. Yes, the deepest part of the cave is the warmest and the entrance/exit is the coldest.

It is estimated the cave was created by lava flow about 675,000 years ago from the volcano in Flagstaff, AZ--now known as the San Francisco Peaks. There is no light and completely black once inside about 100 feet because of the way the entrance/exit is formed. Flashlights and sweatshirts are critical if anyone is considering hiking the Flagstaff Lava River Cave.

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"Slide Rock State Park" - Sedona, Arizona

Having Fun At Slide Rock
"Slide Rock State Park" is not only one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but it's also more fun than most people think. The natural rock shapes and water from Oak Creek flowing through lend to a great time for both young and old.

I've been to Europe, South America, Central America, Canada and 33 of the United States Of America and Oak Creek Canyon is most certainly one of the top five most beautiful locations on the planet, in my opinion.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Dying With A Friend

2004-06-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 10:10 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Linkin Park - "Somewhere I Belong"
Weather At Posting: 52 F Clear and calm

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"Dying With A Friend"
By: Chris "Zach" Hidalgo - 1998

As a child I spoke as a child, I thought as a child and acted as a child. Now, at the other end of this stage in my life, I stand as an adult considering the ways of a child and of an adult as well. The benchmark, the one thing catapulting me into adulthood made itself apparent forcibly one rainy Saturday afternoon. The experience changed my life more than anything ever did and probably more than anything ever will.

My best and favorite friend played a key role in the experience, stripping me of my childhood and thrusting me into maturity. The consequences plague me daily like a cancer, but for this episode, I would not trade great riches. I now benefit from a constant reminder of how much value life holds.

My favorite friend's mother and father grew up together with my parents and likewise considered themselves best friends. My friend's name was Zachary Christopher, and my name is Christopher Zachariah. But because my father went by Chris, they called me by my middle name to avoid confusion within our household. As a result, my best friend and I went through the confusion instead because we both answered to the name Zach. But for this story, I will go by Chris for now to help avoid confusion.

On April 12, 1993, Zach and I again chose to live life to the fullest, as other eighteen-year-olds do. We approached this day as we did all other days, feeling invincible and ready for what life might throw across our path. Confident in ourselves, in what we wanted out of life, and in what we wanted to become, we took one mad-capped moment at a time.

We lived in a middle-class suburban neighborhood just outside Denver, Colorado and attended the local public high school. We both enjoyed active involvement in sports and prided ourselves in becoming a part of the "best of the best" in school. Yes, we were jerks and we loved every aspect of such a stigma. We would try to wreak as much havoc as our little brains would conjure up.

Our arrogant and careless attitudes lead to "fun-loving" escapades through cemeteries as burial proceedings were taking place. We would "tromp" through the grass and gravestones tearing up as much of it as possible in Zach's four wheel drive pickup truck. We would honk, yell obscenities and make the most insensitive comments we could think of at the moment, laughing all the way. Then we would head home and compare the day's "accomplishments" with past excursions and discuss (laugh about) the looks on people's faces.

Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on which angle you consider), things changed on this particular Saturday. For on this date and only a few hours after the day began, I would become familiar with humility in a way that few people experience, let alone a high school senior. This event would put my childhood to rest and give birth to what I consider adulthood, the first stage of my maturity.

I clearly remember the day starting out as a typical Saturday morning in my family's household, because one easily remembers a dream they recount every night. It began with my older brother, Haven, waking me as he promised, so we could meet up with friends to play soccer. My other two brothers, Vandin and Evan, were busy in the kitchen making breakfast for our family.

My parents rose shortly after I did to the almost nutty smell of fresh ground home brewed coffee. This "special" morning, we could count on an old fashioned feast with eggs, prepared the way each of us preferred them (over easy for me), bacon and hot Italian sausage links sizzling on the skillet. On the fire next to them, some fresh grated hash-brown potatoes soaking up all the melted butter. In the oven, some home-made country biscuits and sausage gravy the way my grandpa used to make 'em, along with some freshly squeezed orange juice and a refreshing cup of coffee for all except me, because I'm allergic to caffeine.

This was definitely my favorite breakfast to eat, and I always looked forward to when it was Vandin and Evan's turn to cook came around. After Breakfast, we left for the park and stopped at Zach's house to pick him up. We left his house and drove to the local high school to meet the others. The game ended with our team as victors and we drove back home in good spirits. Another feast ensued when we arrived home where lunch waited for us. Then, when the thunderclouds came in and it started to rain, we all went in the house to relax in our family room.

While we relaxed in front of the television watching Jeremiah Johnson for the un-teenth time, we got a call from Zach's Sister, Maija (Maya), asking for a ride home from her ballet lessons. Zach looked over at me, and using visual expressions without saying a word asked me to tag along. In answer to his non-verbal question I said, "let's go," so we jumped into his mom's Jeep and we left the scene. The rest of this story changed my life and death forever.

Sitting at a red light at the intersection of Cherry Creek parkway and Quincy Avenue, right next to the reservoir, our favorite radio station played at almost maximum volume against his Mom's wishes, of course. When the stop light turned green, all pumped up from the loud music, Zach looked over at me with a smile and punched it. We took off into the intersection yelling "Ahhhhhhhhh!" in unison for fun and effect.

At that moment a drunk driver took a chance and ran the red light.

I remember hearing a loud crunching sound, feeling my head being forced to the left abruptly, the sound of glass shattering and I struggled to keep my equilibrium as we spun around. I realized what took place just before we came to a forced stop.

I woke lying between several rain soaked bushes looking through blood in my left eye and feeling pain in several parts of my body. I reached up to feel the right side of my head where most of my pain was concentrated and brushed some small pieces of glass from my skin. I noticed a paramedic walking toward one of the police officers when it dawned on me I had been out for a spell. I felt close to normal. My friend, on the other hand, went through an entirely different adventure.

I got up, and squinting to make everything out, I noticed several police cars scattered about, an ambulance off to my right, people standing around with umbrellas watching and colored lights blinking everywhere. Half-dazed and slightly confused, I asked an officer where the driver might be and noticed the driver's side of Zach's mom's car torn to shreds with Zach missing. Then I saw the stretcher. The police officer grabbed my by the arm and told me to stay behind the marked area. I looked at him, jerked my arm away and told him I was originally in the vehicle. I ran over to the Ambulance as the medics slid Zach into the back of the ambulance. Strapped down and covered with those wool blankets that I hate so much, I called his name. I told the paramedics I was in the car with the victim when the accident occurred and jumped in with them. The doors slammed behind me and we started moving.

I suspect the medics spoke to each other and to the hospital over the phone, just as I remember seeing in the movies, but I heard almost nothing. The only things I remember hearing include the muffled sound of the siren in the cab, and the intermittent beeping of the heart monitor in the background.

The difficulty of looking at my best friend with lines running into his arms and legs from the bottles of clear and red liquids marked "BIOHAZARD" overwhelmed me. A nose-and-mouth mask lead from a canister that read "OXYGEN" to his face. I tried hard to get a grip and understand the reality of what just happened, but it all seemed so abrupt and unbelievable. With his clothes all cut up and hanging out from under the blanket, and his skin unusually pale-gray, tears started to form in my eyes. As one medic opened Zach's eyes while checking for vital signs, I noticed his eyes dilated and I did not see the life within them I came to know so well.

From time to time his left hand would slightly move and his chest would barely rise. I am convinced he was aware in some ways of his vulnerability, felt his pain and knew the sheer magnitude of the situation. I remember feeling incredibly helpless and gritting my teeth so much that the pain gave me a headache as a great sense of frustration took over.

Just before we reached the hospital Zach took a loud deep breath, his hands suddenly clinched, his head went back, his muscles tightened up and his face made the first expression I witnessed since the accident took place; a grimace of pain and suffering. After that, he slowly lost his strength.

The sound of a sigh filled the cab and I saw his eyes close.I heard a familiar constant sound that pierced my heart and broke my spirit forever. I remember hearing that sound a hundred times on television and in movie theaters. The heart monitor that warned of a still and lifeless heartbeat went off. A chill made its way from my shoulders, down the middle of my back and out to every part of my body.

Again, my eyes filled with tears, but this time they would fill enough so I could not make out any of the figures in the cab. Breathing became difficult and a feeling of my chest sinking in hit me hard. My entire body began to tingle, a sudden hot flash hit and then I went numb all over. I knew what happened; Zach faced the crossroad where one lets go of this reality and prepares to pass on to another. The echoing sound of silence filled the cab. I sat there in wonder and disbelief of the things taking place before me.

The medics threw me to the back of the cab as they prepared Zach for defibrillation. The only thing I remember hearing the medics say during the entire trip to the hospital was "CLEAR", but I am sure other conversations took place. His whole body leaped in a quick jerk upward, as far as the restraints would allow, and came to a quiet stillness on the pad on which he rested. The steady piercing sound monitoring his non-existent heart beat continued and they began CPR.

Four or five minutes later, after the heroic attempt by the medics to revive my friend, I lifted his left hand and noticed its cold touch. When I let go of his hand, with no resistance in its way, gravity pulled Zach's hand down and it fell lifeless onto the pad. At this revelation, I stopped crying and sat there in silent awe thinking about life without my friend. For my best and favorite friend was dead, and I watched the whole thing happen before my unwilling, ignorant and youth-filled eyes.

At this point, I suddenly realized what life means, how much value every minute of every day contains, and how much I appreciated absolutely everything and everyone on my planet.

I too found myself at a crossroads and faced with a difficult decision. I could continue with the same lifestyle I pursued before the accident, or I could choose to become more aware of the world around me and allow virtues similar to compassion and understanding to settle within my being, which I so obviously lacked.

After a few months passed, I still did not make a conscious decision to change, even though I now understood and could grip the concept behind the value of life. In fact, for months after the accident I became more rebellious.

I looked for new ways to destroy things and tried to complicate issues every chance I saw. The concentrated rebellion was my cry for all things to be the same, just as it was before Zach died. That's all I wanted, and I tried everything I could think of to restore the past.

My existence became clear to me one night while I layed in bed thinking about things I could write on walls around town with spray paint. The fruits of my efforts will be proportionately related to how I apply myself, I thought.

Simply put, the effort I put in to something will determine what I will receive in return. So, I began to think about phrases that would capture people's attention and stay with them for a long time. I wanted to make an impression, whether positive or negative. Just as long as people would act because of what they read, instead of react.

Almost like a religious epiphany, I decided on: "If your life were to end tomorrow, would you be satisfied with all that you have seen and experienced?" For some reason, and I wish I could tell you how or why, I busted out in full fledged tears. Rivers of salt water flowed in my bedroom and I had no control over their unrelenting torture. Here I was, confident, immovable and respected by other troublemakers, and I was shedding tears over something so stupid… or at least I thought it was stupid until I began to realize it was actually fairly profound. What if "I" died the next day? Would I be satisfied with what I had experienced up to that point in my life? The idea I wanted to convey through "artistic expression" to others took a hold of me and started to backfire.

Conviction began to set in and the greatest reality check I had ever experienced was going to bounce like a rubber check! I was getting a "D" on the report card for the first eighteen years of my life, and one word kept bouncing off the inner walls of my hard head: Fool! I was facing my careless and arrogant attitude for the first time in my life, and it didn't feel good at all!

After I realized learning from this experience would out weigh rebellion in the long run, my education became a priority. This turned out to be the beginning of a one hundred and eighty-degree turn for me. After more thought and conviction, I finally gave into its truth. I fell in love with my girlfriend because I suddenly appreciated who she was, what she meant to me and how she helped to complete me as a young man. I began to treasure the relationships with my family and friends. I also began to question why I was given the opportunity to continue with life.

I am no longer the same person after such a life wrenching ordeal, and I think Zach's death easily became the one most important moment of his life, and mine. It will only be rivaled with the day I graduate from this understanding to the unknown treasures of my afterlife.

Zach did not give his life that I might find mine, but that was the result. So, I figure the least I could do is make mine a worthwhile life, as long as I'm still alive. It's been several years since Zach left and I think about him daily…no, hourly. Every time I see a Polaroid camera, smell hot Italian sausage links, or see a high school soccer game in progress, I am reminded of the day I discovered life. I like to treat people the way I like to be treated and go out of my way to help them in any situation. And now, I sure as hell take a second look every time I pull out into an intersection. As far as taking pictures is concerned, I stick mainly to landscapes but deviate on occasion.

I now truly love life and will try never to take for granted the power it possesses to come and go indiscriminately. I thank my creator for such a horribly painful experience and am still dealing with the loss of a close friend. For I learned early in life what many people never understand until they are practically dead. Dying with my friend changed my life in many ways, and secretly, I can safely say I am glad to have gone through such an experience, although I would rather not learn such a lesson the same way, that's for sure!

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Memorial Day Festivities

2004-06-01T19:57:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 7:57 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Watching "Modern Marvels" on the "History Channel"
Weather At Posting: 72 F hazy and calm
Current Mood: Kinda frustrated
Last Meal: Pollo A La Crema (grilled chicken, green bells, mushrooms and onions all sauteed in a mexican sour cream garlic sauce), chips, salsa, rice and beans.

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"Memorial Day 2004"

Peak Produce/Flagstaff Farmer's Market Bar-B-Que
Above is a picture of a few of the people at the beginning of the little fiesta we had at work on Monday. Ken and I showed up about 50 minutes after it was scheduled to start and we were number third and forth people to show up. It was about fifteen minutes later that every one else showed up.

Manuel Shows Up
After everyone had gorged themselves with the munchies provided, Manuel shows up with the chicken, Mexican rice, bread and salsa! We all looked at each other and laughed to ourselves. Most of us ate some of what he brought despite we were so full because we felt bad he went to so much trouble.

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"The Bar-B-Que Chief"
George Takes Control
At the que is the boss himself, George, making sure everyone leaves the fiesta full with the following as options:

hot-dogs
hamburgers
potato chips
four different homemade salsas
grilled onions
rotisserie chicken
tortilla chips
grilled portabello mushrooms
genuine mexican rice (the best I've ever had)
potato salad
chocolate chip oatmeal cookies
french bread
some type of raisin cake (I didn't have any)
a vegitarian dish that tasted like sweet pickles
ranch style beans (I stayed away from them)
two different fruit salads (I couldn't have either cause they either had watermelon, cantelope or honeydew in them--I'm alleric to those melons)
and any drink from the soda fountain in the market

One Of My Pet Pieves
One of the things I dislike the most in life is what I call that "Thanksgiving" feeling. You know, when you eat so much you can barely move. I walked away from that Bar-B-Que miserable, I was so full. I didn't eat another thing until today at 6 p.m. when a friend and I went to a local mexican restaurant.

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"Kim & Jorie"
Participants
Above are Kim and Jorie, but others in the pictures include George, Jill, Spidey (Brian Y.), Ken, Stephanie, Ben, the New Brian (Jorie's replacement), J.D., J.D.'s wife, Fernando, "Big J" (Young Jason), "Tiny" (Manager Jason), Manuel, Martin, and Martin's daughter.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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More Grand Canyon Pictures

2004-05-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 12:27 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Hoobastank - "To Be With You"
Weather At Posting: 75 F Clear, sunny and calm
Current Mood: Restless - want to jet ski
Last Meal: Dinner last night - Belgian Fries with gravy

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"A Verde Grand" - November 15, 2003

Looking Toward The North Rim
The image above is taken from the South rim of the Grand Canyon looking North. I believe this shot is taken from "Navajo Point," if I remember correctly.

The Cisneros Family Travels
Bob, my cousin, and his family are on their way to Arizona from Orange County California. They will be camping in Williams where they will, later this week, take the train to the Grand Canyon, visit Oak Creek Canyon and go to "Slide Rock State Park."

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"The Desert View" - November 28, 2003

From Desert View Point
The photograph above is looking North from "Desert View," the last stop before leaving the Grand Canyon National Park at the East gate. If you look hard, you can see the desert leading to Utah and Colorado in the distant background.

The Mighty Colorado River
The picture above is a testament to the great power behind the Colorado River. Notice the way the river carved out the sandstone in the middle of the picture, i.e. the right side of the canyon. "Desert View," the location, is a must see if you're going to visit the Grand Canyon.

Work Bar-B-Que
Off to work, on my day off, for a Memorial Day bar-b-que. I hope you have a good Memorial Day!

By The Way
Mom, I'm thinking of you on this day.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Tom Foolery

2004-05-31T00:10:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 12:12 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Eagles - "Hotel California"
Weather At Posting: 48 F - Clear w/a slight breeze
Current Mood: Even more tired

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"The Day After Tomorrow"

Watched The Movie
I was kinda surprised that this movie was so much like "The Core," "Meteor," and "Deep Impact." Maybe I shouldn't have been, heh? It was basically the same story, but a different way the world almost comes to an end.

Climatalogical Catastrophe
In this scenerio, the world's weather patterns change and things are not the same as before. The United States and parts of Europe are now in a new ice age due to global warming (you have to see the movie to understand that contradiction).

Cookie-Cutter WritingOverall, it's a movie worth seeing at least once, ya know? Yes, the hero, or his son anyway, gets the girl at the end. As all the others the world is saved by a (divorced) man who is misunderstood by most people and somehow defies the worst of odds. Your basic "end of the world" movie.

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"A Real And Fake Cat"
Koon, The Three Legged CatI love this picture cause the real cat, Koon, walked into the room (with its three legs) and tried desperately to pick up the scent of the card-board (c-b) cat but couldn't. Koon circled the cat a few times and finally grew a *!#$ and stepped up the the c-b cat to check it out.

Kiefer Freaks Out
Not seen in the photo above was Kiefer, the other family cat that prowled into the room and saw the fake cat. Gabe picked up Kiefer and gently forced him to check out the c-b cat and Kiefer FREAKED OUT! Poor Gabe wasn't too happy for several days cause of what Kiefer did to his arms and chest with his claws during that incident. Kiefer couldn't pick up the scent either and didn't want anything to do with the fake cat, it was classic.

Don't Try This At Home!
The picture above is of the card-board cat someone I know cut out and used to psych-out passing drivers. The funniest situation was when a driver stopped too late, hit the c-b cat and got out of the car to check it out. The girl-friend in the car was crying and the driver (guy) looked under the car and started laughing. He showed his girl the cat, closed the door and left with the cat.

Thief!
The pranksters chased the car down the street yelling "Give us our cat back!" It was one of the funniest moments in my entire life. I don't think I have truly ever laughed so hard. I could barely breathe! You had to be there to see it all happening.

Recommendations
It is highly recommended you not stoop to such a level and risk the lives of innocent people! Should you be so stupid and do this yourself, DO NOT put the card-board (c-b) cat:

* on busy streets
* on streets where cars are moving too fast
* on hills where it's hard for cars to stop
* on a street with parked cars, light posts or other dangerous things

Safely place the c-b cat:

* on a street with limited traffic
* just after a stop sign where a car has come to a complete stop
* where a car is coming out of a turn and is traveling slow

Stay out of the road and expect to be ticketed or arrested if you practice such tom-foolery. The worst part is the cops will most likely take your priceless artwork away for evidence, assuming the passing drivers don't take it away first.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Congratulations Ethan Rea!

2004-05-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 10:34 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Verticle Horizon - "Everything You Want"
Weather At Posting: 54 F Clear w/a slight breeze
Current Mood: Tired
Last Meal: Belgian Fries covered in gravy.

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"Ethan Rea" - May 30, 2004

Congratulations Are In Order
I ran into Ethan Rea the day after I found out his band, Mercy Fall, was signed by Atlantic Records. My friend Ken and I were riding our bikes around downtown Flagstaff and happened to pass Ethan and a girl friend of his eating pizza in a park. I felt bad cause I didn't even notice him till he called my name. The first thing out of my mouth was "Ethan! Congratulations Are In Order."

Getting Used To It All
Ethan told me he was going through a "surreal" stage at the moment because of what's happening. The band members will be getting a salary for the first couple albums as they write, record and tour world-wide.

It's Gotta Be A Dream Come True
Ethan is the first potentially world famous person I've known, and I wish him and his band the best! Good work guys. Without sounding condescending, I'm really proud of you Ethan.

Brief Bio
Ethan Rea, 20 of Flagstaff, AZ USA, is the drummer for the band Mercy Fall and turns 21 within the next month.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Memorial Day Memories

2004-05-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time Of Posting: 6:49 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Puddle Of Mudd - "Blurry"
Weather At Posting: 63 F w/patchy clouds and breezy
Current Mood: Winding down
Random Trivia: The 111 days after, starting the Friday before Memorial Day every year, is the most dangerous time to be on the road. More accidents happen during those 111 days than the rest of the year, and a majority of them are alcohol related.
Last Meal: An 8" Quiznos "Italian Sub" with everything on it, plenty of water, one bowl of brownie chocolate ice cream and eight small powder donuts.

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"Lake Powell Sunset" - Memorial Day 2000

Memorial Day 2000
One of the best Memorial Day's I've had was back in the year 2000. Me, Scott, Justin, Matt, Chris, and other friends went to Lone Rock Beach at Lake Powell in Utah. It was a little breezy when we got there. That first night we swam around, made dinner and threw some sand around.

Wind Storm From Hell
The next day started out fine until the winds kicked in at about 35-40+ miles an hour. We spent most of the day in our vehicles out of the wind and beating sand--it sucked. The wind was gusting so hard that our tents looked like 1/2 a moon and not 1/2 a circle, as they would normally.

The Girls Leave All Mad
The girls got frustrated and eventually mad and left because we guys didn't want to leave and were willing to rough it out.

They Should Have Stuck Around
Later that afternoon the winds died to a crawl and we drank ourselves into a lot of fun. The next day some people showed up with a Jet Ski and tired of it shortly after they got there. They saw us without much for entertainment and let us use the Jet Ski. Needless-to-say, I spent most of the time on it cause the others were either scared or felt weird about using it. The guy (owner) said to use it all we wanted and have some fun, so I did.

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"Mercy Fall" - Band from Flagstaff, AZ

Mercy Fall Is Signed By Atlantic Records!
A friend I met while working at HomCo, Ace Home Center in Flagstaff, AZ, Ethan Rea, is the drummer of a band called "Mercy Fall." While on tour in New York, the band signed with Atlantic Records!

Congratulaions Ethan!

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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New Movie Bulletin Board (Forum)

2004-05-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time At Posting: 10:11 a.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Sublime - "Bad Fish"
Weather At Posting: 64 F Clear and awesome!
Current Mood: Ready to roll!
Last Meal: Six chocolate chip cookies (dough)

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"Flagstaff Monsoon"

Great News For Forum Fans
Webweevers.com now has a movie forum (bulletin board) with other topics to follow.

Please visit the site and post your thoughts about your favorite movies.

Click Here for the bulleting board (forum) link.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Lost In My Interpretation

2004-05-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time At Posting: 1:23 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Trust Company - "Another Side Of Me"
Weather At Posting: 70 F Clear w/a light breeze
Current Mood: Philosophical
Last Meal: Triscuits, ham, plenty of water and an orange

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"It Was This Big" - Grand Canyon, Fall 2003

The Same Ol' Shot With A Twist
The image above is another "Outstanding Amature Photography" award winner from Picture.com that I'm proud I took late last year. There are thousands, if not millions of pictures of the Grand Canyon and I wanted the same shot but a little different. Then, I stumbled across this tree with a really weird branch that reminded me of someone spreading their index finger and thumb to describe something. Then I noticed the pyramid shaped hill in the background and snapped the picture.

The Grand Canyon Forest
I took several shots of this scene and then decided to add a border around the scene. That's when I decided that most people who have never been to the Grand Canyon probably don't know that it's a dense forest leading up to the edge of the canyon. This picture helps to make people aware that the Grand Canyon village area is surrounded by Ponderosa and other pine, regular and blue spruce, cedar, aspen and juniper trees everywhere...and I'm sure there are many other types of trees that I'm not listing, but those I know.

Fractals In The Branch
If you know anything about fractals and how they work, check out the branch I call "the fingers" and notice the fractal pattern it creates naturally...just a thought.

Current Music: Sixpense None The Richer - "Don't Dream It's Over"

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"Lost In Translation" Winter 2003

Lost In My Interpretation
I just watched "Lost In Translation," the movie written, directed and co-produced by Sofia Coppola. I wanted to see the movie so many critics hailed as "Great." It was definitely entertaining, but not a movie for younger generations...yet. They're too young, dumb and high strung for such a philosophical comedy, although I'm sure there are many exceptions amoung our youth today who would actually enjoy it.

My Tag Line For The Movie
The movie had one line that sticks with me. The line is: "The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you." That line sure makes one think, I think anyway.

Figure It Out
Who are you? What do you like, really? That's for you to know and for us to experience. (Suggestion, don't be anyone else but yourself)

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"Jarod Thinkin' " Christmas 2003

Think About It
I like the picture above cause it's a great shot of a friend thinkin' hard. I have to admit, Jarod flippin' me off with his pinky instead of his middle finger (cause it was not available at the time) adds to me likin' it.

Lost In Translation
The movie makes you think as you travel with the two main characters' experiences in a foreign country where everything's SO different and strange. I can't help but think about times when I felt so alone wanting someone to find me too. Those periods of just thinking, and thinking, and not getting much sleep.

My Interpretation Of Me And You
I've found out a lot about myself and think I know who I am and what I want. I don't think any one person can know everything about themselves or what they want cause we're all stuck inside a bubble we can't get out of. We're in a fish bowl looking out of our bodies and are clueless to a lot of what we do and say, despite we're doing it and saying it. That's my interpretation anyway.

Similar But Different
I speak for you cause I speak about the human race in general, everyone, including you and me. We are all in the same capsule within individual capsules.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Stumbled Onto A Hogan Today

2004-05-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time At Posting: 8:37 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Stabbing Westward - "Save Yourself"
Weather At Posting: 53 F Clear, Still & loud (crickets)
Current Mood: Happy - today's my Friday. I have two days off
Last Meal: 7:30 a.m. - Sesame chicken left-overs (chinese), broccoli Au-Gratin rice, one banana, plenty of water and some raisins.

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Quote Of The Day: You know the world is going crazy when the best rapper is a white guy, the best golfer is a black guy, the tallest guy in the NBA is Chinese, the Swiss hold the America's Cup, France is accusing the U.S. of arrogance, Germany doesn't want to go to war, and the three most powerful men in America are named 'Bush', 'Dick', and 'Colon'. - Chris Rock

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"East Side Of San Francisco Peaks" - Looking West 05.26.04

Cool Scene
The image above is of the San Francisco Peaks from the East side looking west. I've never taken a picture of the peaks from this side and decided since I was going past them today while I was on my way to Cameron, AZ, I'd take one. You can tell which way the volcano erupted some 50,000+ years ago from this picture when comparing them to other photographs from different sides.

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"A Native American Hogan (Navajo - Dine')"
15 Miles West Of Cameron, AZ - 05.26.04

What A Find!
I stopped to take a picture of a canyon just outside of Cameron, AZ today and discovered a native American (Indian) hogan hidden up on a hill behind where I was taking the pictures. I climbed up and found it was abandoned, but a good example of what one looks like in reality. I suspect it was at least 25+ years old, but that's just a guess out of my @$$.

Hogan Construction/Materials
The side walls were pretty sturdy, made from local rocks and cement that stood 3-5 feet tall, depending on which side you're looking. The roof was made of blocks of wood about 3x3 to 6x6 inches square and/or round and about 3-4 feet long (see image below).

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"Materials Used To Make The Hogan" - 05.26.04

Curiosity Comes Alive
I was pleasantly surprised to stumble on such a find. I heard so much about hogans from native American people that I know but never saw one in pictures, let alone in reality. But, because of a detailed description from a friend during a past conversation, I suspected it was a hogan when I saw it, and sure enough I was right.

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"The Beginning Of The Grand Canyon" - 05.26.04

One Of A Thousand Arms Of The Grand Canyon
The image above is of the Hogan looking North toward a canyon that, if you were to hike into, would lead you directly into the middle of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. This small canyon is just one of thousands of little canyon-arms that stem from the Grand Canyon. It's about 30 miles from this point to the East entrance of the Grand Canyon National Park via the roadway and probably way more than that through this canyon's winding paths.

My Boss' Birthday
It was George's birthday today and I was gone all day. They had a chocolate cake (1/2 cake 1/2 ice cream) from Cold-Stone Creamery; the bastards, and I didn't get any!

Am I Butt-Hurt About Not Getting Any Cake?
If you're wondering, yes, I'm butt-hurt about that, I love those cakes! Happy birth-accident George!

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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Some Thoughts About Pain

2004-05-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

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Above: Current Time And Weather In Flagstaff, AZ USA
Time At Posting: 9:02 p.m. Pacific Time
Current Music: Crowded House - "Don't Dream It's Over"
Weather At Posting: 48 F Clear w/gusty winds
Current Mood: Reminiscent

"A Young David Scott Deere"

Thoughts At A High Price
The following are some thoughts I jotted down after a friend died by his own hand...the stupid jerk! I still miss him.

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In The Midst Of Pain
By: C. Zach Hidalgo
December 31, 2000
In memory of:
David "Scott" Deere

Don’t let life pass you by where you’ll look back wondering what happened and how you missed out on everything while being there.

In the midst of pain, I hope you’ll take the time to look outside your situation and allow for a sound decision to be made based on good judgment.

Having suffered, I hope you stop and think about the times that counter your present circumstances.

Don’t be afraid to be weak because there will be times where you certainly are.

Don’t be afraid to be strong either, because you’ll need to draw from that strength many times through out life.

I hope you never settle for the path of least resistance, for quantity usually takes second place to quality in our brief walk through time.

I trust you’ll hope for a time when you can once again place a smile before laughter and swim in an ocean of joy.

May you have what many people worldwide do not have: The freedom to take life by the reins and ride off into the sunset.

I hope you still feel small when you stand before the awesome vastness of an incredible world around you.

Consider what you’ll be thinking as you turn your hundredth year on Earth as you're surrounded by your entire family and friends.

I hope you make the decision to seize the day while you still have it, and while you can still make something productive (or constructive) from what it has to offer.

Let the world around you sound its message of possibility for all creatures large and small.

Let the light of each day shine on your face a brand new message of hope with every step you take toward the future.

Allow for faith to distance you from those that plot to steal your dreams.

I hope you never lose the sense of wonder we can access at any time.

Pursue the love of family and friends with the understanding that it’s required from you first.

Living might mean taking chances, but it’s better to err trying than never trying at all.

Promise me that you’ll give yourself a chance. I think you’re worth it and I’m convinced there are others who agree.

Above: An up-to-the-minute picture of the Flagstaff, Arizona USA area. Looking North toward the San Francisco Peaks from a dorm at Northern Arizona University.

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