View from my Hammock

Patrick O'Brien

"You'll probably, hopefully, never know how it feels to go outside after being inside for so long. But, I can offer this tangible analogy. For those of you who have jumped on the high definition bandwagon, I imagine it's like watching your new high-def TV for the first time, but like times 40 or something. The leaves against the blue sky pulse like I don't know what. I looked at the tree just off my back deck, then up slowly, past where my window had been cutting it off, and to my surprise, the tree kept going all the way up. The space above my head was really amazing, no more ceiling. Tomorrow, May 24th 2008, is the 3 year anniversary of my diagnosis with Lou Gehrig's Disease. I'll be outside, with my baby boy and his mom, back on Earth, in the fullness of Spring."

Patrick O'Brien


I've known Patrick online for years; he's a phenomenal filmaker and artist. I still have a DVD he sent me years ago called "Deep Space Mayonaisse". It's nice to see the young up-and-comers making great stuff; you can almost chart the trajectory that some people will take in their careers.

Patrick is one of those. Life has thrown a wrench at Patrick though; he was diagnosed with terminal ALS. Now he is focused on letting people know about ALS through his film, which I have linked below. He is also a new proud father. His friend Dustin Hostetler has a preview of Patrick's "Everything will be OK" on his site. Clips from the work in progress are at Patrick's site here. You can help Patrick finish his film and spread the word about ALS by donating at the Patrick OBrien Foundation. Please help spread the word!

Louie Armstrong Prima

We were listening to Louie Prima today and my Son Bradley walked in and asked "Is this Louie Armstrong?"

"No", I said, "It's Louie Prima."

"What's the difference?" he asked. He thought it was a nickname. Doofus.

Gangstagrass!

Bluegrass and HipHop.

You wouldn't think the mashup would work...but it does.

The Gangstagrass crew hits the breaks and bluegrass sounds to merge the two genres up perfectly. Give it a listen...it's a free download.

Salsa Celtica...

CELTIC Salsa? Who would have though it? Seriously...Salsa, with Celtic insturments and ritmos? A bunch of Scots listen to, and fall in love, with salsa. Freaking brilliant. The best thing is that the fusion is awesome. Scottish ritmos with Latin Salsa? You wouldn't think it works, but it does. I bought the CD as soon as I heard it.

Give it a listen...these vatos know salsa. The world is indeed a small place!

Becks and Ali G

This is one Ali G that I had not seen:



Even people that don't like soccer like Becks. And Posh seems so at home in LA. I have no idea if her taking the WeeOnes to soccer in LA was scripted or not, but she fit in better than the other LA Soccer Moms. Plus, the little Becks have skills! We just went to see the LA Galaxy open house and the Becks kids were there...they play soccer like it is in their blood!

Yes We Can...and tomorrow I will.

Tomorrow, SuperTuesday, I will not vote for a Democrat. I will not vote for a Republican. I will not vote for red or blue, nor will I vote for a political philosophy. I will vote for the for the hopes of my children, both those about to leave, and those we still must raise.

I will vote for hope and change. I will vote for the candidate that gives me the hope, that will can fulfill the void of the last 8 years. The candidate that can begin to mend the hurt that has divided our country. The candidate that can restore the image of America in the world. I cast my ballot in full confidence and support.

I will cast my ballot for Barack Obama.