ZipZaps !

We're a little late on the trend, but Radio Shack just recently put these micro remote control cars on sale. These things are fantastic! And if you've played with these before, you may have not seen them when they came out with the ZipZaps SE series. They're faster and have working headlights and taillights! My car is the 1967 Shelby Ford Mustang GT-500 (It's 'Eleanor' from Gone in 60 Seconds).

Well, at our last poker game, the ZipZaps took over. That is, until they were banned from the table.

Well, after our poker game was completed at around 5 in the morning, it was time to set up our first race track, complete with an infrared lap counter.

There were some pileups since our cars were always out of control. The action was intense!

How cool are the lights?



So, when are you going to get yours?

Do you want a 4011 split ?

Amazing. Truly amazing. A world I never knew existed. A world where fruits are united into simple 4 digit codes. The mystery unfolded right after Fergie placed her banana sticker on my computer today. What's 4011? It's a banana. Why get a banana split when you can get a 4011 split? And nothing's better than some nice, cold, sliced 4036. And keep me away from the 4050s. Fergie helped to unlock the mystery by posting a new blog entry today. Did you know there's even a bonus 5th digit just in case the fruit is organic? If you would like to embark on this journey with me, click on Bobby Banana.

Those aren't random numbers, they're official PLU codes from the IFPC (International Federation of Produce Coding). And if you have invented any new fruit, you can apply for your own PLU code here!

Are these the codes that the grocery checkers are typing in? I must find out.

Now we can finally compare 4170s to 4380s!

New Poll: Gift Exchanges

Okay, a new poll hasn't been posted for far too long. I don't know about you, but it seems like all of our gift giving will be done through organized gift exchanges this year (Secret Santa, White Elephant, etc). It's sure convenient...and easier on the wallet.

How many are you involved in this year? Poll to the right --->

(The last poll's results were Lost - 17, Desperate Housewives and CSI - both 11, Las Vegas - 7)

The coolest garage door I've ever seen.

Garage doors are rarely something to get excited about, but if you are as easily thrilled as I am, this just might be the coolest garage door you've ever seen. Joel and I ran across this beauty yesterday. Apparently the garages in Hermosa Beach just aren't big enough.

So, what's the deal with rhubarb ?

We were chatting with Eddy and Stephanie last night and discovered that we knew very little about rhubarb. What's rhubarb? We got as far as to say that it looks like reddish celery and is like "old lettuce left in the fridge" (Thanks, Eddy). Wikipedia categorizes it as a vegetable although some say it is a fruit because of its uses for pies and wine. (Article here)

The real question: Has anyone had rhubarb pie? Is it good? Is it awful? What's the deal?

Your internal alarm clock.

Have you ever woke up 10 minutes before your alarm clock? Sucks, right? Now there is scientific proof that it is all your fault. Did you know we have an internal alarm clock? (Read here) I think mine's broken.

P.S. - This is a picture of Buster napping yesterday. He sleeps more than anyone else I know.

Chuck Norris is awesome.

Whether or not you agree if Chuck Norris is awesome or not, you'll find this fairly entertaining.

Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.

(Click here)

Los Angeles Kings vs. Detroit Red Wings

Eddy and I went to go see the Kings play the Red Wings Monday night. It's the first Kings game I've ever been to. It was a great game! We sat in the Premiere section which gave us an amazing view of the rink. Check it out!

But first, the story about how I got my camera in. Yes, I was successful for the 3rd time this year. (1st was the Green Day concert where cameras weren't even allowed, 2nd was the WTA Tour Tennis Tournament where they took my camera bag and when I took my camera out last minute) This time, I wanted to get my telephoto lens in (I thought it was made primarily of plastic and glass). I went through the metal detector gates, first giving them my keys and cell phone. They say watches and jewelry are okay. When I went through, the buzzer went off and they had to reinspect me with the metal detector wand. The wand buzzed when it passed over my telephoto lens. They sent us back out to put the lens back in our car. Eddy did not let me give up just yet. We went through another entrance and tried again. This time, I gave Eddy my watch and belt, thinking it might help. Went through the metal detector gates...CLEAR!

And boy was it worth it! I got some great shots with the telephoto lens. Check them out:

You can see the hockey stick bend!

The referees had to decide if the goal counted when it appeared that the Red Wings scored in their own goal. They didn't count it.

Joe Corvo of the Kings took a penalty shot. He shoots...

He scores!

And of course it wouldn't be hockey if there wasn't a fight.

Good times.

For all 41 pictures, click here.

(I recommend viewing as a slideshow and setting the time for 2 seconds.)

It's time for Christmas Lights.

In case you were thinking of going all out this year with the Christmas decorations, just remember that there's always someone who'll outdo you.

Case in point. (Click here) WMV, 4.83MB

A great Thanksgiving weekend.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving weekend. Ours was great. (Thanks for asking.) The miracle was that Joanne had the entire weekend off from work! Here's a recap:

On Thanksgiving day, we had dinner at the Miyaji's house. Glenn made us some fried turkey...it was our first experience, as well as his. We had that along with some crab legs, amazing appetizers, and sushi.

On Friday, our friend Gene came in from Japan. We went to go do some after Thanksgiving shopping with him. He bought a new iPod and a portable DVD player. Who would've thought someone from Japan would come here to buy electronics?

Later that night, our friends came over and we just hung out and played 90s Trivial Pursuit.

The next morning, we got up early and began preparing the food for our Saturday Thanksgiving. Joanne and mom did the turkey preparation. Buster helped, too.

We had 16 people enjoying the Thanksgiving meal. We ran out of table space, but everything worked out alright. The food was excellent and we were all stuffed afterward.

The TV show Lost was played throughout the entire day and through the night. Gene insisted on seeing as much as he could, so by 4am we completed Disc #5 of 6. (and we finished Disc #6 the next morning)

Jacob had a good time, but got a little tired at the end. Later on, we busted out the old Rebound game, too. What a great game...

The girls played Pounce and Joanne was awarded 'Steel Thumbs' for her achievement in beating Steph. Congratulations.

On Sunday, we went to The Grove in Hollywood with Eddy, Steph, and Alan. It was nicely decorated for Christmas, complete with a huge Christmas tree. We rode on the trolley, too! (that was THE highlight of the evening)

And now, back to work!

For all 36 pictures, click here.

Happy Thanksgiving !

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving! Here's a little animation for all of you. (Click here)