Hanauma Bay

Over the holidays I had the opportunity to try out my Go Pro HD video camera while swimming in Hanauma Bay. I used a modified housing from Eye of Mine which corrects the out of focus problem while shooting underwater.

I Didn't Shoot My Eye Out

Everybody loves a BB gun. At least most ten year old boys. I was no exception. Moms, not so much. It took me months pleading negotiations before mom finely relented. But first, she said, I must write an essay.

Mom was big on essays. My all time classic was "Why I should be able to watch football with dad on Sunday instead of going to church". But that's another story.

So I sat with pen in hand and inked my masterpiece: "10 Rules of Responsible BB Gun Ownership"
1. I will not shoot animals
2. I will not shoot windows
3. I will not shoot people
4. I will not shoot my sister
and so it went...

Amazingly I was pretty faithful in abiding the rules I penned that day. I didn't even shoot my sister. Tempting target though.

Canine Counter Cruising, the sequel

Having a bum foot and wearing the cone of shame didn't stop my crazy lab Lilo from cruising the kitchen counters.
In case you missed the original Counter Cruising, check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLt4IMcz9yU

Pier to Peak

Here is my Pier to Peak Half Marathon adventure.

Return to Hurricane Harbor

My office escaped the gloom of Santa Barbara to enjoy some fun in the sun at Hurricane Harbor. It is nice to be a kid again!

Sunday Morning at Arroyo Burro

We had the beach to ourselves on a early Sunday morning. I shot this video using my iPhone4 and a timelapse app. I fabricated a 360 degree pan head out of a $10 kitchen timer.

Bag Stuffing

Every year the SB Tri Club stuffs 2000 goodie bags for the upcoming Santa Barbara Triathlon. It takes us 1 1/2 hours but you can see all the fun in 90 seconds.

World Cup

The World Cup. Sorry, I just didn't get into it. You see, I grew up a child of the '60s. We had no idea soccer, excuse me, futbol, existed. There was no wimpy youth soccer. Our version of soccer consisted of a ball and was played on a grass field. That is where the similarity ended. There were no teams, no rules. I don't think there was even a score. We would swarm in mass, wind up, kick the ball. As hard as an seven year old leg could muster. Direction did not matter. Sometimes you hit ball, but most of the time you caught your buddy's shin. My friend Billy wielded his pointy black wingtips leaving many a kid clutching their bloody ankles after recess. One morning, Billy double dog dared me to kick the ball and hit Kimmy, who was quietly picking her nose on the other side of the playground. How could I refuse? My kick was effortless. The ball arched high over the swings and monkey bars and caught Kimmy flush on the ol' melon. Kimmy ran off crying like..., well like a little girl, to the teacher. I was sent to the principal for my little stunt, but it was well worth it. I became a playground legend and my feat was recounted by many for years to come.

Two Dogs Behaving Badly

Morgan and Lilo are good time Charlies. Two dogs behaving badly. At Elings Park, the two raid unsuspecting picnickers with reckless abandon, proudly carrying off their booty of foot long subs and chicken wings. They steal candy from children. Morgan and Lilo have mastered the "Who Me??" expression. They bark, just because it feels good. The other morning, Morgan and Lilo stumbled upon a homeless encampment off  Leadbetter beach. Jackpot. Half eaten cans of chili, plenty of stinky things to roll in. As the dogs ransacked their camp, a dreary eyed homeless fella raised his head and shouted to me, "Hey buddy can I give you some advice?" "What" I answered, a bit embarrassed as I attempted to round up my furry hooligans. "Next time, get a cat.", he muttered. Morgan and Lilo barked all the way home. Smelly with chili breath. It was a good day to be a dog.

The Cult of Apple

The line wrapped around the block. And this was the special "reserved" line. I had one day to pick up my new iPhone  I reserved at the Santa Barbara Apple store. Along with hundreds of others. The line moved slowly. Post Office slow. DMV slow. 1 1/2 hours and still waiting and I felt abused. The crowd cheered enthusiastically when security allowed another pathetic soul into the store. We all took one step closer.  This is ridiculous. Apple Store employee Mimi cheerfully greeted me  when I finally entered. But my niceness had long since evaporated.
"I'm in a bit of a hurry, Mimi, I would just like to purchase my phone and get back to work."
"No problem" says Mimi, " but first can I interest you in Mobile Me?"
"No thank you"
"...Apple Care?"
"No"
"... more text messages?"
"No, please..."
"... perhaps a nice case?"
"No"
"... Do you want fries with that?"
"NO!" My God, get me out of here!

I rushed out of the store, phone in hand. I voluntarily signed up for this abuse, but let me tell you, I don't have to like it.

Counter Cruising

I set up a few video cameras to see what exactly my lab does when I'm away.

Just add water

A few weeks after  the Jesusita Fire

It is amazing what a little rain will do.