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I love Boy Scout socks. I have worn various types of socks from various manufacturers for several uses. Hiking, dress, knee high, ankle, crew, tube, you name it, I’ve likely worn it. Being a connoisseur of socks, I can safely say that Boy Scout socks are some of the best socks out there. They are warm, but not so bulky that your favorite shoes won’t fit. You can wear them hiking, or for regular day wear. They are durable enough that a pair will last you years. I’ve been told that they are rather fashionable, being green with red at the cuff. Above and beyond all that, they’re just plain cozy. If you are looking for a pair of cozy socks, go to your local neighborhood Scout Shop and pick some up. Just pretend you are buying them for someone that is a Boy Scout.

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Milca’s dad had been visiting from Argentina for the past 7 months, and is now on a plane going back. We said our goodbyes last night. He’ll be back some time later this year, August or maybe December. On the way home, I got a little choked up about it. He is really awesome, and what’s more, I think he likes me. See, when he was first coming here I was extremely worried that he wouldn’t like me, or I would make a fool out of myself, or something like that. All he knew about me was what Milca had told him when she went to Argentina a year ago. While there, she bought me two brainteaser puzzles. For those of you that know me, you know that this was a perfect gift. When he first arrived, he had a brainteaser puzzle of his own that took him several months to solve. I solved it in less than an hour. He said that it was okay for me to be with his daughter, as I was smart enough. Since then, he and I haven’t had any “heart to heart” talks, per se, but he does think well of me. I’m going to miss him and his salt-shaking antics.

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Milca gave me a copy of Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup for the Gamecube. The game is good if you haven’t read Harry Potter, great if you have. If you’d like to take me on, drop me a line. My beef is in the Team Special Moves. In order to get a team’s move, you must perform 3 tasks unique to that team. For example, one of Spain’s tasks was to score through only the right hoop and win a match, and one of Bulgaria’s was to win a match without scoring any goals. I am pretty damn good at the game, but I still can’t seem to complete two tasks. One reads “Score from a combo,” the other “Score 3 combo goals in a match.” Now, I’ve done every move in the manual and in the trainings that involve the word combo, and even did them all combined into one move. I’ve looked at www.gamefaqs.com and www.gamespy.com. I’ve looked on forums for gamers and harry potter fans. I even sent an email to EA Games who told me to call a 900 number for tips (yeah, right). I haven’t gotten an answer as of yet, which leads me to my plea:

If anybody knows how to get the Team Special Moves for Australia and Bulgaria, please let me know. I’m at my wit’s end.

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I’ve been jonesin’ for an Ender’s Game movie since I first read the book. The battle room sequences alone have the potential to give me everlasting chub… that sounds like a Willy Wonka Viagra… heh, his name is Willy… back to the topic: The movie is being made. I’ve read things here and there that it was in the works, and that Orson Scott Card was on the writing team, but now I’ve read an interview where OSC says he is excited and hopeful that it will be good. I hope he’s right. I can’t abide another book getting fucked up.

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Back to work again. It’s funny that even though I’ve been gone for a week, it feels like I never left. Of course, I worked here during high school, and after four years it feels like I never left. It’s a higher position, with different responsibilities and whatnot, but you get the idea. I just got back and I can’t wait for a day off.

My girlfriend Milca is originally from Argentina. She and her family moved here when she was very young, and a lot of her family still lives there. Her mother and brother still live here, but her father moved back. He has been visiting since June or so, along with Milca’s mom’s mom (who only speaks spanish). They are leaving monday, so we are likely going over for dinner tonight (and tomorrow) to spend as much time with them as possible. Milca’s dad, Janek, is awesome. He speaks pretty good english, so we can communicate very well. I sometimes get the impression that he wants to tell me something, or ask me something, but never does. Milca’s grandmother, Nieves, speaks to me in spanish (I don’t speak it, but I’m taking classes now) constantly, but I don’t know what the hell she’s talking about. With similar tones and meter she has talked shit, made insults, or asked for water. I’m hoping that I can understand her soon, as I want to know if any of those insults are coming my way. My favorite part is that when we sit at the table for dinner, she will demand that everyone speaks in spanish, because she thinks people are talking about her. Most times we are…

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I’m on vacation. Well, school starts this week, and I don’t have to go to work. Is that still vacation? At any rate, I’m relaxing and enjoying being alive.

I have to go to work to make the new schedule, then I’m gonna grub me a JVC chicken spicy burrito from Burrito Express. That’s an awesome little burrito place in Pasadena. If you’re visiting, or just haven’t been, it’s damn good.

I just recently saw Annie Hall a few days ago for the first time all the way through. I was kind of bitter and wouldn’t give it a chance because of “The travesty of ’77,” in that Star Wars was denied the Oscar, and Annie Hall got it. I’ve eaten my words, and have moved on.

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Went to Big Bear. Here’s a few things I learned that I’d like to spread to the masses.

1) When deciding where to eat, pay attention to wait times. The places that you have to wait for are usually better than those that can seat you immediately… and you are less likely to get gas from them.

2) Small towns can be counted on for their restaurants that serve meals that will “stick to your ribs,” as my parents used to say, and their awesome small specialty shops. There was a candy shop that made caramel apples (about 25 different kinds), chocolate dipped strawberries, fudge, and they sold ice cream. They were the shit. I recommend their caramel apples especially. You’ll need a knife to serve it, unless you can dislocate your jaw all snake like.

3) When building a fire, keep in mind that you will need to have more than just the logs and newspaper. Kindling and tinder are needed.

4) Romantic getaways are much better than anything you can fit in a box, wrap with a ribbon, or send away for. Especially if they involve jacuzzi bath tubs by the fireplace.

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I found out recently that the original Star Wars trilogy is finally coming out on DVD. Good news? Well, normally it would be, but we know what Lucas is capable of. He is releasing them in their Special Edition versions. Yes, Greedo will shoot first, AND he will step on Jabba’s tail. He could very well have put both of them on the disc, pleasing everyone, but he had to have his way as “an artist.” No joke, when questioned why it wouldn’t have the theatrical versions on the discs, he chalked it up to artistic expression. I want to put my balls on his eyes so he can see the truth.

The episode of South Park that deals with Lucas and Spielberg fucking their masterpieces says pretty much everything I feel, so watch it if you haven’t yet.

Free Hat.

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I just signed up for netflix.com, and I’m already hooked. I signed up on a thursday and had my first three movies saturday. I’ve rated over 500 films, and I’ve got 260 in my queue. I’m stoked because I’ll be able to catch up on all those movies that I haven’t seen. I’m sick of hearing, “Oh my God, you haven’t seen that?! I thought you of all people would have seen that!!” Now I will, motherfucker. Shit, yeah. Plus, I don’t have to buy all those tv series on dvd.

All joking aside, I think I’m going crazy. I’m actually giddy when I get the email telling me the next movie is coming. I got all excited when Mary Poppins (which I not only have already seen, but once owned) came in the mail. Mary FUCKING Poppins. I guess I’ve really got a soft spot in my heart for a man with a wooden leg named Smith.