Gone Fishing

About 10-15 years ago, I received a 20 gallon aquarium as a Christmas gift. I always had fish in it wherever I lived. However, the last few years I was neglecting it way more than I should, and my poor fish were quite underfed. To make matters worse, a prior roommate decided to go buy some additional fish which were way too large for the 20 gallon tank.

This month I've upgraded to a 55 gallon tank and added several new fish. I'm now proud to show off the home of my "family" which previously sat neglected.

So, presenting the newest members of Dave Household:




Tinfoil barbs (inherited): Franz, Gunter
Tiger barbs: Carl, Orson and three others I can't remember
Gouramis: Sven (blue), Francois (blue and orange), Miguel (orange)
Swordtails: Rod Johnson, Clarice, Shaniqua
African Mooney: Zeke
Pictus Catfish: Spike
Crab: Augustus
Some algae eater (non-pleco): Juan-Julio

Fatties

I've kind of suspected it for a while, but now it's pretty firm: I am gaining weight.

And not just a few pounds. I am genuinely getting a gut.

I don't have a scale, but I've weighed myself at friend's houses, and I'm 20 lbs heavier than I was when I graduated high school.

But the biggest sign for me was tonight. While getting dressed to go to a wedding, I tried on several pairs of suit pants, only to find that they were all becoming too tight on me.

I don't want to let five suits go to waste because I'm a fat pig, so it's time to cut out the fast food and desserts, and start walking a bit more instead of driving.

Is it possible to lose five pounds in a month, and ten by the end of the year? That's my goal.

Of course, this will require me to purchase a scale. Stupid technicalities.

Cello vs. Camera

The other night I spent about an hour taking pictures of my cello. I thought it would make an interesting subject to shoot, with sensual curves and odd little gizmos all over.

After reviewing all of the pictures, I found only two that I was even moderately happy with.

For some reason, the ability to capture still life or artsy shots eludes me.

Perhaps I should stick to landscapes and bugs.

Election 2008

I'm going to be unpopular for this, but I'm going to come out and say it right now: The Democrats are once again going to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. We will have another Republican in the White House for the next four years.

Mr. Obama had a great thing going, with lots of campaign buzz and excitement among the masses. He had an opportunity at a shoo-in for the top chair by choosing Ms. Clinton as a VP. Yes, I'm not much of a fan of her, but millions of other people are.

But instead, he picks Joe Biden, an intelligent and well-experienced person, no doubt, but with the likability and personality of a doorknob. Obama's momentum hits a brick wall as nobody cares about Mr. Snooze occupying the #2 spot. The campaign is left floundering with two months to go.

The Republicans have done just the opposite. They nominate a candidate who, as far as I can tell, is legally dead already. The entire Republican mass across the country falls asleep. Alarmed, the party manages to find a VP who will appeal to the stay-at-home moms, the Crazy Christians, and the younger generation. The party raises itself from the grave and appears unstoppable. The stay-at-home moms are excited at somebody they can relate to, the Crazy Christians are frothing at the mouth at the idea of an evangelical, and the younger generation is grateful for somebody who knows what email is.

The Democrats have already lost their momentum for the season, but the Republicans are just barely getting their ball rolling. They'll be at full speed come November 2nd, and I don't have much confidence that the Dems will be able to re-energize their base by then, much less win over the disaffected Hillary supports that now want to vote for McCain out of spite.

Somebody please prove me wrong on November 2nd.

Ninny

Flexible LED screens are cool.



Last night's show was really good. Not the absolute best concert I've been to, but definitely enjoyable.

I've never really cared for the song Closer, but last night's rendition was pretty tyte.

And I was glad to hear The Wretched. And Reptile. Actually, I was pretty damn happy with the setlist - I don't think there was anything missing that I was bummed out.