“And I frankly would be very worried if somebody assured me that nothing in their faiths would affect their judgments because then I wonder, how can you have judgment if you have no faith, and how can I trust you with power if you don’t pray? The notion that you are endowed by your Creator sets a certain boundary on what we mean by ‘America,’”

That quote is from Newt Gingrich.

And, according to Newt, the adulterer, I can’t be trusted and he can, and that somehow I’m not American? This is everything that is wrong with religion in politics and this is exactly why I don’t want religion driving the decisions of my legislators. Despite religions teachings (any religion) its turned on its ear by anyone on a stump, contorted to drive a wedge between those who don’t follow the same version of God.

Its not that freedom of religion is under attack in America. Its just that we’re sick of it being used as a tool to gain power. No matter who you pray to you need to open your eyes and question any time someone uses God as a means of convincing you of anything, because more often than not the outcome is not in your best interest. Only theirs.

Its election season. Which means that its also snake oil season. Be careful in what others want you to believe.

This was cross posted from my Facebook account.

The USS Iowa was brought down to Richmond, CA to be renovated before heading down to its permanent home and exhibition spot near Los Angeles, CA. Though not much was open to the public because its very early on in the restoration process it was still a wonderful visit.

Just looking at the ship you can tell that its spent the last 21 years tied up and neglected. If you can believe it from these photos (and I can’t) the Iowa has been considered “in reserve” for the majority of its decommissioned time. Congress deemed that at least 2 Iowa class battleships be kept available in case the need arises but this ship has obviously been mothballed.

From what I understand the Iowa will be in Richmond until March or April of 2012. A lot about its departure date depends on the weather and how much work they can get done before sending it down to LA for a July exhibit opening (I presume they’re aiming for a July 4 opening).

If you live within driving distance of Richmond I highly recommend heading out to take a look. It requires a $10 per person “donation” to visit but its well worth it. Even though we only got to walk around the fore deck a bit we got to listen to knowledgeable folks share stories about the ship. The stories and history is absolutely fascinating and worth the trip alone.

Without an Apple computer company backed by Steve there’s a good chance that I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing, where I’m doing it, and would have missed out on some very influential relationships in my life. So I’ll keep this short.

Thank you, Steve.

The boys got their first taste of the beach at Fort Funston today. Literally a taste. They made themselves sick drinking the sea water. Hopefully they learned their lesson.

Yeah, probably not.

Now that’s a far cry from where I was. No more fuzzball. No more fro. Sorry I couldn’t do more to cover up the blemishes. I’m tired and my allergies are driving my eyes nuts.

All in all it was a good night. Combining web donations with direct foundation donations I totalled $1000 raised via this little stunt. That wasn’t even close to being at the top of the collections list this year. Some folks managed to collect more than $10,000… amazing and fantastic.

The actual shave process was quite entertaining as well. The two gals at the end of the shaving line were both eager to get to shave my head and the announcers had some fun with it as well. I actually enjoyed getting a little attention. Here’s what it was like, as recorded by an iPhone 4:

And last, but not least, for everyone’s enjoyment: A few of the rejects from this portrait shoot.

Enjoy, and thanks to everyone who contributed!

On Friday, March 11 I will shave my head as part of the St. Baldrick’s foundation annual fundraising event. 2 years and 14″ worth of hair are gonna come off. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation volunteers raise money to help support child cancer research and to give long term support to survivors.

So, quit reading this and head over to my donation page on the St. Baldrick’s Foundation site and donate.

FAQ

I’ve known you for a little while and just want to confirm: this is to shave the hair on your head, right?
Yes.

Are they going to shave your back hair as well?
No. I’m trying to raise money, not scare anyone.

Aren’t you afraid of what you’ll find under there?
Well, the small family of mice are gonna have to find a new home, but this isn’t my first time in the rodeo and I know approximately what to expect.

I’d like to come and mock you during the shaving. When and where do I show up?
The event is at Fadó’s Irish Pub in dowtown Denver at 5:15pm. If you can’t make it there should video taken.

Really? Your wife wakes up to that every day?
Yes. Why do you ask?

We’re not supposed to have this kind of color in December. I’m actually ready for some snow.

Past shitty iPhone panoramas (and one decent real pano) can be seen here.

I came to a stark realization recently that my weight was getting out of control. I’m fortunate enough that I carry weight well, but that’s also been a reason why I’ve been able to let it go for so long. At 6′ 1″ the true nature of being 245 lbs. is starting to show. Both in how I look, how I feel and how I now have to wonder if I’ll meet pre-set conditions on activities. My father got a free session at an indoor skydiving joint here in town and he doesn’t want to do it. He gave it to me and I’m pretty stoked about it since it looks like a lot of fun. But I noticed that they have a 250 lb. weight limit. Depending on the scale, I may not qualify right now… that was quite the shock.

So, off I go. I’ve got a little bit of a head start since I bike to work as my primary means of transportation. Not to mention the 5 lb. computer, the 2 lb. camera and ~ 5 lb. of lenses that I schlep with me. So with all that on a 15 minute ride in to work I’ve been able to at least stave off lost cause status.

I’m hoping to be able to do the Denver Gorilla Run in late October. It’ll be tight but I’m hoping that I can accelerate the C25K schedule a little bit to make it. Maybe I can talk a few folks in to doing it with me. (To be honest I’m really just in it for the Gorilla Suit )

I think I’ll make it. I have good inspiration. The wife started running earlier this year and she’s already run two 5Ks and continues to run at least 3 times a week. I’m super proud of her and just seeing the changes in her body and how she feels is good enough motivation for me to start as well. I’ve definitely got some catching up to do.

So now that I have an exercise plan in place I need to look at my diet. That’s gonna be the hard part for me. I love my food. And your food. And his food. well, you get the idea…