big ronk revival ©

WE'VE MOVED...

2007-06-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

John & Hollihttp://theronquillos.wordpress.comJohnhttp://johnron.wordpress.com

Losing Iavaroni and the Memphis Grizzlies college team

2007-05-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

Mark Iavaroni (which should really be pronounced yavaroni ;) ) was recently hired as the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. He's going to be a huge loss for Phoenix, but I think this is his big chance and he needs to, of course, fly with this opportunity. He's been an assistant coach for three big coaching names: Fratello, Riley, and D'Antoni...needless to say, he's been groomed by the

back from The Magic Kingdom

2007-05-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Holli and I spent Memorial Day weekend with her parents, two of her sisters and brother-in-law at Disneyland. We had a blast (albeit at the price of some very sore feet and ankles). Seriously, I thought I was going to give out, but we all hung in there (and who knows, I might be the only one who suffered!)Holli's family takes their Disney very seriously. I've never seen anything like it, but

Two way monologue (a catchy little song by Sondre Lerche)

2007-05-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

While Holli and I were scarfing down the unhealthy Mexican food from across the street last night, we were switching between American Idol and Lost on TV...we don't really watch American Idol, but since Jordin Sparks is the hometown girl, we wanted to pull for her in hopes she'd win. Anyway, the Pennistons were singing with Melinda Doolittle, and the following dialogue ensued...Me: Did you know

Surprise, surprise...the NBA responded...

2007-05-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

I just received an e-mail from suns-spurs@nba.com. Evidently there was enough outrage to establish an e-mail to specifically address the silliness of Stu Jackson and David Stern. The text of the e-mail follows, with my response below the asterisks... and notice the lack of mention of Bruce Bowen and NBA-Perfect-Poster-Child-of-the-Cetury Tim Duncan getting up from the bench during the Jones/Elson

Tagged by Eden

2007-05-18T15:40:00.001-07:00

Ok, folks...I hope I get this meme right...* I am an only child.* I am a Sun Devil, Jerry!* I am a sufferer of Adult AD...hey..look at that plane in the sky...* I am no longer a Democrat, nor am I a Republican. I am enjoying my freedom as an Independent.* I am married to the most amazing person I've ever met (how fortunate I am that she said yes).* I am sporting some new braces on my teeth (

It will end only to begin again...

2007-05-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well, the time will soon come when this blog will cease to exist. Yep. Big Ronk is going to end. It's not because I don't get readoers or can't manage to post frequently enough, it's just time for a change.Holli and I have talked a lot about combining into one blog where both of us can post, and being that we'll soon be moving, starting over might not be the worst idea. We won't have any

AAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-05-16T22:21:00.001-07:00

I HATE THE SPURS!!!

JOHNRON'S BEAN BURGERS

2007-05-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

OK - I've received a fair amont of inquiries on my beanburger recipe, so I'm going to go ahead and post it... provided you give me a little credit. ;)One thing...making the bean patties can get messy. Just prepare for it and accept it.1 can Garbanzo beans1 can black beans1 egg1 tablespoon Olive Oil (give or take...and extra virgin is my preference!)1/2 cup dried oats (or dried substitute of your

An open letter to NBA Commissioner David Stern and Vice President of Basketball Operations Stu Jackson

2007-05-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Commissioner Stern and Mr. Jackson:I believe you have set a very poor precendent in handing down suspensions to Amare Stoudamire and Boris Diaw of the Phoenix Suns today. I realize that there exists a rule specifically prohibiting the action these two players committed, but evidently it does not apply to Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs, who also left their home bench.

Unbreak my heart...

2007-05-14T21:44:00.001-07:00

...the Suns love me again.

The Phoenix Suns just might break my heart...

2007-05-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

...and I'm slowly, but surely, learning to HATE the San Antonio Spurs!!

Following Suit, pt. 2

2007-05-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

This one comes from Holli, who made it very difficult because she used a ton of answers I would have used...but hey, I tried....Three things that scare me:• Britney Spears• Large spiders• Most of the drivers in the Phoenix Metro areaThree people who make me laugh:• Holli• Kristin Wiig• myself (not because I think I'm funny, but mostly because of stupid things I do)Three things I love:• My wife•

ha ha...had to add this...

2007-05-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

I just got a phone call from a telemarker from a 308 area code. He told me he was calling from "Sart Rake Sheety."Last time I checked, Sart Rake Sheety isn't in Nebraska...

Following suit

2007-05-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

I guess Steve and Amy both posted thes questions on their respective sites...I like these once in a while, so I'll do the same...1.Your first name, what do you think about it?John - I believe it means "God is gracious" in Hebrew, though some claim it derives from Latin meaning, "God is merciful." People think it's so common. But I don't. I like it. It's simple, and when I look in the mirror

Dot, dot, dot

2007-04-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has commented lately. I appreciated all of you who commented on the Cheney post (especially my SIL Cass, who I didn’t expect to weigh in – very articulate and well-thought comments). In a way, I guess I’m also irked that it takes a post like that to get some activity on my blog. But, hey, I’ll be realistic…my life isn’t all that enthralling to

I am not going to blog about Virginia Tech

2007-04-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

I've refrained from doing so since the tragedy happened. It seems that we all have something to say about it...don't you think it's time we let the families grieve in peace? Eden has some poignant thoughts on her blog...and she said just enough (well done).

The door swings both ways...doesn't it?

2007-04-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those of you who've commented on my previous post. All very interesting things to read.I've been reading a lot about how it's just the progressives/liberals/Dems who are opposed to Cheney's speech, and that if a Barack Obama, Al Gore, or Helen Thomas (thanks, Jay) were to come to campus they'd be just fine. Other than that being kind of obvious, wouldn't the conservatives/Republicans

Dick Cheney @ BYU

2007-04-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

So, this has been an interesting and ongoing conversation that I've been having with family and friends for the past couple of weeks or so. And of course, many of you know that I'm a recovering Democrat (which I became following my terrible bout with Republicanism). So, let me throw that out right away so you don't think I'm just another one of those liberal nutjob Mormons who "wandered from the

This rocks!! I can type in Hindi now!!

2007-04-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

नॉट ठाट मान्य ऑफ़ यू वुड वांट तो त्रय ऎंड रीड हिंदी (एक्ष्केप्त् मय इंडियन फ्रिएँड्स, माय्बे), बुत ई स्टील थौघ्त इत वास रेअल्ल्य कूल...Not that many of you would want to try and read Hindi (except my Indian friends, maybe), but I still thought it was really cool...

greetings, china...

2007-04-17T12:05:00.001-07:00

All of a sudden I got about 10 hits from China...welcome.

template

2007-04-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

I'm really sick of these lame templates that Blogger has...I want to change it to a really cool template I liked...But I don't know much about XML...Will someone please help me before I just delete the darn thing?

Georgia on my mind...

2007-04-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

Well, the cat's out of the bag...Holli and I are moving to Athens, GA where I'll work toward a Ph.D. in the Department of Public Administration and Policy at The University of Georgia.This has been a long journey to say the least. It doesn't seem that it's taken a year for me to retake my GRE, make campus visits, send in applications, and wait and wait until I'm blue in the face to finally

And the winner is...

2007-04-04T18:49:00.000-07:00

Click here.

DELAY...

2007-04-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I know I said I was going to post where Holli and I will be going...and I am, however, I was unable to make all of the phone calls necessary to do so.SO - if you want to know, feel free to contact me - otherwise, bear with me until I notify all the proper folks.You can always feel free to guess too. :)

THE GRAD SCHOOL DECISION HAS BEEN MADE

2007-04-01T21:11:00.001-07:00

I'll make my announcement sometime tomorrow...

Everybody's workin' for the weekend...

2007-03-09T13:15:00.000-08:00

...and mine starts now!My boss, wonderful boss, is letting all of us go early today, and I couldn't be happier. Bummed that I have a headache, but happy to go home and get some much needed rest.But first, here's a little cryptic message:So, I was thinking the other day of what states I could potentially live in. Start over, have kids attend school, and actually be somewhere elso other than the

Thoughts while sitting on the fence of Generation X and Generation Me

2007-02-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

So, I've been listening for the past few days about how college students these days are more narcissistic and essentially self centered - thus the "Generation Me" in the title. I was intrigued by this for several reasons, not because I felt it needed any defense from me (a so-called Cold War baby, Generation X-er, or member of the Boomerang Generation), but because I was relatively surprised that

p.s

2007-02-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

Thanks to kimbo and TK for the birthday wishes, and to Holli for her nice post!

Out of the quarter-century crisis...

2007-02-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, today is the day twenty-six years ago my parents rushed flippantly from Morenci to Safford so that I could make my entry into this world. Seven residence changes, three states, six foreign countries, a faith change, a mission, two degrees, and a happy marriage later, here I am.A lot more happened during that time, but given that I never have the ample amount of time I wish I had to write,

THE ARIZONA LEGISLATURE...

2007-02-08T15:11:00.000-08:00

... is still going to give me a heart attack.

THE ARIZONA LEGISLATURE...

2007-02-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

...is going to give me a heart attack.

THE PHOENIX SUNS...

2007-02-06T21:40:00.001-08:00

...are going to give me a heart attack.

look at me; I'm posting again

2007-01-24T14:31:00.000-08:00

I think I need to light my aroma candles in my office for a minute. Right now it smells like enchiladas (not a bad smell by any means) but one that I'm tired of smelling today.So, today was part 2 of our conference, which included a lunch on the House lawn. We invited legislators and their staff, but clearly, the interpretation of "staff" was used loosely, because they flocked, en masse, to our

hibernation

2007-01-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

I'm all for advocating a 36 hour day and three-day weekends...and hibernation in the winter. I know, I know, I live in the Phoenix area and really should have nothing to be whining about. But trust me, it's not the weather, it's just that all I can think about right now is sleep. I've been so tired for the past few days and I simply have no idea why. And I know what my wife is thinking as she

Sweating in January

2007-01-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

On the whole, it's actually quite chilly outside, but given the fact that I walk between several buildings several times a day, there's good reason for this.The legislative session starts this coming Monday, and it's already getting pretty hectic around the capitol. Then again, that's what makes my job fun. I seriously think I bounced back and forth between the House and Senate 17 times today (I

by the way...

2007-01-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

...Happy New Year!!

what I read in the paper today

2006-12-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

One of the first headlines and leads that caught my attention this morning was...New adoption rules bar obese parentsBEIJING - China is tightening rules on foreign adoptions, barring parents who are unmarried, over 50 or obese [emphasis added], but says it will try to increase the number of children available to those who qualify, according to U.S. adoption agencies.***Those of you who know me,

ball of nerves

2006-12-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

It resides in my stomach. I've been so stressed out by one thing or another today, and it doesn't seem to go away. Eventually, I think I'll stress out to the point of nausea (almost there) and the only way to rid myself of it will be...well, you know.And, on top of that, it won't lighten up as my wife has pointed out all of the stuff we have to do this week.I got a letter from a state senator

"Boy, you're sure optimistic!"

2006-12-13T12:28:00.000-08:00

So, lobbying is a very interesting job. I've had the opportunity to do it with a few organizations now, but probably not to the exent as with my current job. I'm always amused by what some legislator has to say regarding our platform. Either the remarks are accepted and eloquently discussed, or blank stares and disagreement ensue. That's just part of the job.But every once in a while I get really

New coach in town

2006-12-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

So, ASU hired their new football coach.Truth be told, given the circumstances and resources available, I think Dennis Erickson was the best choice Lisa Love could make. And instead of griping about how we could have had Mike Price or Mike Riley or Norm Chow or Mike Martz or Steve Kragthorpe or even Larry Coker...I'm going to throw my full support to Coach Erickson in hopes that ASU is his last

Oh, work...

2006-12-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

... geez, Louise!!

What a day...

2006-12-05T14:57:00.000-08:00

Now I have the next eight working days ahead of me to repeat exactly what I did today and then some... :(Cue the stress, please!! Cue the stress!

back to the grind

2006-12-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm not 100%, but I'm back at work. I need to be. We're meeting with 21 legislators over the next two weeks - 6 alone today. It's going to be crazy. You never know which legislator is going to have a ton of questions taking more than the half hour you requested, or which one will simply take the summary from you and say "adios."Oh, if I could only share more legislative stories...

ill

2006-12-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

Enter the sick season today... spending Monday at home.

blue christmas

2006-12-03T21:17:00.000-08:00

I often get depressed around the holidays. This time has been no exception. There always seems to be two sides of every story. My heart is full because I have a wonderful wife, a place to call home, a job I look forward to going to every day, and people who seem to think that I have potential for doing something good in this world.Then, on the other hand, my heart is heavy at times and I can't

Holidays

2006-12-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how rude people are during the holidays. I guess I just don't get it. We're supposed to love one another, but only if the other isn't cutting you in line to get the new PS3. We're supposed to spread holiday cheer, but not on the freeways - unless the raised middle finger is supposed to be remanant of a Christmas Tree? First candle lit on the menorah? I don't know.Tonight we're

So tired

2006-12-01T22:50:00.000-08:00

I am tired. I am up later than usual, and for the amount of work I've completed in the past 18 work hours is quite exponential. I should leap at the chance to sleep, and yet, I turn to my blog. I need to sleep. I try to find something entertaining to write tomorrow.

Another visitor...

2006-11-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

Qui êtes-vous Ile-de-France?? Je devrais également mentionner que mon Français est très mauvais.Sorry...je suis désolé.

Traffic in PHX

2006-11-28T11:29:00.001-08:00

I am not well-suited for it.Maybe it's not well-suited for me...

Back in Black

2006-11-22T08:21:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a while since I've written on any blog, but evidently the wonderful folks at Apple have decided to cancel my .Mac account without any notice. Thanks.I have received a lot of encouragement to bring my old blog back, so I'm mulling that over. Either that, or I already have since I'm writing this right now.Regardless, things need to change...I've already put a new template on, but

Yeah, I'm moving....

2006-09-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

Find me here...http://web.mac.com/johnron

Arizona Primary Tomorrow

2006-09-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I'm not a Republican. But I'm not a Democrat anymore, either (shhh, son't tell anyone)But still, I've been reflecting on all the attack ads, mudslinging, and slanderous remarks that those grunts called "politicians" usually make, and I've decided that I'm going to make my own little set of endorsements and prediction of winners.After the primary, I'll make the same endorsements

Today...

2006-09-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

I doubt there's a day that's gone by in the past five years where the horrific episode of events that happened today was mentioned. We've all become accustomed to hearing terror threats on TV distinguished by the prismatic scale developed by the Department of Homeland Security. We've all become accustomed to hearing about the absence of two of the worlds most iconic buildings on the New York

JEFFS CAUGHT

2006-08-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

Well, only days after I made my first excursion into Grand Polygamist Central, Warren Steed Jeffs has been caught. (Remind me not to use his middle name again - I know it's probably a family name, but when paired with polygamy, it makes me ill).The kicker is, he was probably arrested not too far away from Holli's hometown, which is northeast of Las Vegas...Here's the AP article that ran in The

I don't think I'll ever make it on time...

2006-08-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

Which "Saved By The Bell" Character Are You?It's because we're Hispanic, right? Other than that, the similarities start to diminish quickly...

I need a vacation...

2006-08-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

Anyone feeling so generous that they're willing to pay for it? No? I didn't think so...

visitors to the blog

2006-08-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Wyoming, do I know you? ;)

Where the winners go...

2006-08-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else beside me getting royally irked about the sheer volume of playtime the Gila River Casino commercials are getting?What?! You don't know the jingle?! Well, then I'll have to tell you!Take me to the River where the jackpots flow!Go to the River, Gila River Casino!(Where the winners go.)Take me to the River where the winners go!Take me... to Gila River Casino,(Where the winners go.)

...

2006-08-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

...pinin' for the flippin' fjords!

Driving, Family, a wedding, and Polygamists

2006-08-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Que onda gente?This weekend, Holli and I drove Holl's sister Alexis home after she spent a few days in the Valley. I actually really like going to Holl's hometown -- the people are nice, I like the wide, open space, and it doesn't hurt that I really like Holli's family. It is a little ironic that Holl and I haven't been to my hometown in two years...Saturday was an interesting day to say the

I'm baa-ack!

2006-08-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

Hello.FYI...the GRE did not kill me.Nor did I kill it. But alas, this problem might shed some light on it..."x" represents John's verbal score on the GRE, whereas "y" represents his quantitative score600< x <750500< y <650A.) John's Verbal score is higherB.) John's Quantitative score is higherC.) John's scores are equalD.) There is not enough information to solve the problemAnyway, I didn't do

P.S.

2006-07-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

DID I NOT SAY SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE THE FINAL THAT ITALY WOULD WIN THE WORLD CUP??!! I'm a happy camper.See y'all August 9th.

Hiatus, pt. 2

2006-07-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

So, the last time I used the title "Hiatus" was for the reason I had been absent from the blog. This time, it will be the reason why I will be absent from the blog.I am taking the GRE (again) on August 9th and I am shutting down just about everything so I can spend every free minute I have studying. I need to be serious about getting into a good school for my PhD, and therefore, having better

THoGhts

2006-07-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

A few thoughts running through my head...I'm quite fond of cottage cheese.I wish I could wake up earlier in the mornings.ITALY IS GOING TO WIN THE WORLD CUP.Dried, candied figs are pretty good.I wonder how many people I know read this blog and never tell me about it.I think I'm getting swimmer's ear again.I wish I knew how to be a better friend.I like Irish names.It's going to be a long day. I

A few notes on sports

2006-07-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

Evening, all. A few thoughts on some sports happenings...1.) Tim Thomas. Good riddance to you! You've been shopped around so much in you career, you have no concept of team loyalty. The Arizona Republic (lousy as they are sometimes) says you're off to play with the Clippers for a more lucrative deal. LUCRATIVE?! Is $5.4 million really SO lucrative in comparison to $5 million? While it's

Holl and I have a nephew!

2006-06-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

Quick post, folks - lots of chaos in our house and beyond. Anyway, our new nephew, Isaac, was born at 12:48 a.m. in Scottsdale weighing in at 7 lbs. 6 oz. He's actually quite cute for a newborn, and he has the coolest hair I've ever seen - it's like a sandy-blond, brown-but-been-in-the-sun-for-a-long-time look.I know I need to update more, and I promise I will!

Dreams

2006-06-19T23:25:00.000-07:00

OK, I just did a little Dance Dance Revolution with Holli (ergo, I really stink) so I'm going to make this one quick.Lately, I've been having the most bizarre dreams, and I've got to recount them before I forget about them. Be forewarned, they're really weird.I'll start with this one a few weeks back...My dad had just been elected Chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe (I know, I know...

Largo factotum della citta', lar-gooooo....

2006-06-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

La la la la la la la la la la la LAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!...per un barbiere...di qualita'! di qualita'!

Hiatus

2006-06-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

So, after 10 days and many nudges to post something, eccomi qua (Here I am). Unfortunately,I must say that the life and times of John C. Ronquillo have beenrelatively uneventful, and that Holli's blog has been much morefruitful, as well as amusing, to read. What I can tell you are a few random snippets of life... 1. I was at Costco the other day and as I was leaving to load the junk inmy

meme??

2006-06-06T22:51:00.000-07:00

I discovered this "meme" on my friend James livejournal. I found it quite entertaining, so I am going to partake. Here goes...1. If you were run over by a truck right now, would you be ok with your own death? Not really. What if the truck didn't quite get the job done? Then what? 2. Do you think it at all strange to begin a meme written to yourself with a question about your own death? Well, it

Kids...

2006-06-03T22:59:00.000-07:00

No. We're not having any quite yet.But my niece is in her terrible two's and taxes mine and Holli's patience a lot. Don't get us wrong, we love her and spoil her a lot...if I had enough gall (and I just might) I'd say that we're her favorites (only because we live the closest). But, as we're expecting a nephew in the next four to six weeks, we'll probably watch her a little more to help her

Google me, part 2

2006-06-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

A few additional tidbits of information I found when using Google, and some clarifications on things people have contacted me about...My last name isn't Ronk...it's Ronquillo. An old friend started calling me "Big Ronk" a few years ago, and with some people it stuck. With the exception of family and a few friends, I've rarely gone by my birthname. So, for all of you who've written me asking

Tired...

2006-06-01T22:37:00.000-07:00

...of just about everything.

Google me, part 1

2006-05-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

So, I've received a fair amount of interesting feedback simply because of my name, so, I Googled myself to see what results could come up, and I found an intro to an article I wrote for The State Press a while back on the infamous little iPod.C’est John Ronquillo qui l’affirme: on n’échappera pas à iPod. iPod est partout: "votre collocataire en a un, la fille assise à côté de vous en cours en a

While I'm very happy that the Suns smashed Dallas last night...

2006-05-31T16:19:00.000-07:00

...I'm quite amiss as to why Brian Grant NEVER plays. Come on folks...big Irishman Pat Burke even played, but no Brian Grant? What gives?

Brain Cloud

2006-05-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

You remember that part of Joe Versus the Volcano, right? Well, I don't think I'm going to die, but I do think I have a brain cloud.So, folks. Summer is here. I'm not quite two weeks removed from graduation, and I'm already a little restless. I did decide that I'm going to drop calculus though...I thought about it long and hard, and while it might be beneficial, I don't see it as a requirement

Mac in hand

2006-05-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

I have my computer back. Finally.

The Heat of the Moment

2006-05-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Alas, I let my head get in the way...again. Jay is right...it's TOSHIBA that I should really be upset with. But thanks to Eden and Jay and Shauntel, I think I will regain some sanity and lessons learned in computers.I really do want my laptop back, and I really do want all of my iTunes songs back too. But knowing the way Apple operates, I doubt I'll get them back.

Fury: I hate Macs right now

2006-05-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

So, after singing the praises of how wonderful Macs are, I am here to tell you how unhappy I am with a little company called Apple. Now, part of this may indeed be my fault, but let me set up a scenario for you:My PowerBook G4 that I have owned for almost two years, up and killed itself (being the hard drive, that is). And as it happens, almost 4,000 songs on iTunes, all of my photos, important

Sun Devil Second Time Around: Graduation

2006-05-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how much I forgot in the two years since I graduated the first time. Yet at the same time, the past two years have pretty much passed me by...Yesterday morning, I made my wife late for work because I thought it would be a good idea for us to drive to campus together, since I would be there all day as well.I went to Wells Fargo Arena for the Commencement and was promptly told to go

Kevin Bacon and Michael Jordan...

2006-05-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

...evidently wear Hanes underwear and are good friends. Weird.

Tom Leykis

2006-05-10T21:35:00.000-07:00

...is a pig.

Australia and New Zealand

2006-05-09T20:35:00.000-07:00

How I long to go period. Maybe Guy Fawkes? Maybe Anzac Day?

Italy

2006-05-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

You have no idea how I long to go back.

Kodachrome by Paul Simon

2006-05-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

Although it won't be apparent to many of you - this song really sums up my life in high school. Except I'm sure my teachers would be offended if I called what I learned in HS crap (but let's face it, some of it was). But to give them a small tribute, some of my HS teachers (again, some) were far better than some of my college professors. I'd really love to publish the name of those college

Luke Walton, Genious

2006-05-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

I read this in a Yahoo! Sports article today:"To be honest, I think some of us came out a little overwhelmed," Luke Walton said. "We're a better team than we showed and should have moved on."No, you shouldn't have, and you didn't. The Suns had a better record than you all season last year and this year. We won more games in both years series. We have a two-time MVP.You might have Phil Jackson and

Last week

2006-05-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

This marks my last week at my contract state agency job. This also marks my last week as a grad student at ASU. I'll actually have my degree conferred upon me on Thursday. I could add MPA to the end of my name, but I probably won't. I have a wife who doesn't really like suffixes, and for this one, I guess I could see why. But she'll have to accept the fact that four years from now when I add

The Sun(s) Also Rises...and beats the crap out of LA...

2006-05-06T22:39:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Suns 121 LA Lakers 90Night, night, Kobe. Go home. Go on vacation. Get the rock out of Dodge.Thanks for an awesome and thrilling victory, Suns...

Mexican St. Patrick's Day??

2006-05-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

I know that might be offensive to some people, but really...St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo have lost all real identity and have just become unofficial drinking holidays. Just Google them and you can find out a little about what those days really represent.DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. Regardless of how many times we say this, some idiot in Tempe or Old Town Scottsdale will drink way too much and

Arizona Capitol Times

2006-05-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

This used to be one of my favorite papers to read, but ever since Ned and Diana Creighton have gone into "emertus" status, it seems that there is a Republican slant to a lot of the stories. And the online version isn't updated as much as it used to be. What's going on, guys?One of the reporters, Christian Palmer, and I used to be columnists at The State Press. We're on opposite sides of the

I FORGOT!

2006-05-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

A big salute to Tim Thomas for sending the game into OT and bucking all the stupid stats TNT insisted on repeating throughout the game!!

I LOVE YOU PHOENIX SUNS!!!

2006-05-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

Every year around playoff time, the Phoenix Suns always get me tied in knots. I've spent a lifetime watching them from Walter Davis to Alvin Adams to KJ and Thunder Dan to the Round Mound of Rebound Sir Charles to the Matrix, Mr. Two-Time MVP, Amare, Raja, Boris, and a host of other players with funky names.Thank you for beating the Lakers (especially Phil Jackson, Kobe "

How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat?!?

2006-05-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, all I feel like is another brick in the wall.Today is a strange day. It's a Thursday, which means I would usually go to class tonight, but class is over. In fact, my grade for the class is already posted, and I couldn't be happier with the grade (thanks, Ron). But I'm kind of sad that I don't get to go to class anymore. I'm taking calculus this summer, but it's online - and even if

Final thoughts on ASA (I hope)

2006-05-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

My recent post detailing the allegations against former Arizona Students Association Executive Director Maceo Brown have drawn some very interesting responses. Some of your comments have not been appropriate to post in the comment section. I would like to address some of your comments. 1.) I have absolutely no intention of trying to become the next ED of ASA. The current acting director, Serena

More to come on ASA

2006-05-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Folks - the response to my post on the allegations against Maceo Brown have evidently ruffled some feathers as well as garnered some support for me. I will post something else on this, but as a foreword, I'll tell those that post on this blog that if you use profanity or other slurs, I WILL NOT post your comment. There have been a few over the weekend that were not suitable to publish. However

Thoughts on the Arizona Students Association

2006-04-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

ASU (and I'm sure UA and NAU) students received an e-mail from student leaders today revealing that former ASA Executive Director Maceo Brown has allegedly embezzeled over $200,000 for personal use over the past four years. I am outraged beyond belief. This means that he was stealing (if proven guilty) while I served in student government, and this makes me furious. I stood up for ASA when it was

Van Buren, part 2 (or, How I Drove to Work and had lunch with a Senator)

2006-04-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

So, I really think Phoenix PD does a poor job in monitoring this street. There are so many people that jaywalk and cross the road in ridiculous places. Yesterday, a kid almost got hit because he was walking in the middle lane. This morning, a crazy guy (forget PC, the guy was certifiably disturbed in some mental form or other) was walking against traffic between 32nd and 24th Streets.I

Train in Vain

2006-04-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

That's the title of one of my favorite Clash songs. I have it on CD and I've listened to it every day for a week.But it makes me think of all the hoopla stirred up recently for commuter rail in Arizona. Hello - we could have used this ten years ago, but of course, we're the last state in our region to even talk about it. Even the Albuquerque area in New Mexico, which really has far less

Milestones

2006-04-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

I wish to recognize some of my friends and family...I don't think I do that enough. Here are some of the great things going on in their lives... :: Friends Nadia and Spencer were married in the San Diego Temple on April 22. Congrats guys – I wish you all the best, and I truly wish I could have been there! :: Steve celebrated his 25th birthday today. If I remember correctly, so do the Pember twins