Fed up political rant (read at your own risk of being offended)

Ok so I generally think its a bad idea to discuss politics in an open area where you run the risk of offending someone. I get especially heated when discussing politics which no doubt negatively effects the conversation. Despite that general guideline I feel I must rant. If you are a conservative look away.
The news just reported a new plan put forth by Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich. The basic idea as I understand it is this: Fire all school janitors working in inner-city schools save one "master-janitor". Revise child labor laws so that you can then hire the children to do the janitorial work. The benefits to this plan that "combats poverty" is that the young welfare sucking, lazy, ghetto children can learn the value of hard work all the while the state can save money by not having to pay unionized adults. I kid you not. Go, go right now and read it somewhere online. If you're not outraged on any number of these points, stop and consider what the consequences and implications of what he is saying. And by the way may I remind you that this man is LEADING IN THE POLLS for the republican nomination for president. My head wants to explode.

Last week the front-runner was Hermain Cain. This guy was a successful business man. Bottom-line is the guy sold pizza. Personally I can't think of something that would be an easier sell in this society than pizza, given you're not completely inept. The guy has no experience in governing, no foreign policy knowledge, and a 9-9-9 plan that is absolute non-sense. Forget the fact that he may or may not have sexually harassed several women, the guy has a plan that would deal the final blow to the middle class. Did you see him flat mock foreign policy or flub a softball pitch on Libya. Ow ow how bout the one where he blames the unemployed for being unemployed. Classic.



Don't even get me started on Bachman or Perry, each of whom, despite a 4th grade understanding of both the world and our country, were at certain points leading the polls. What kind of a nation promotes these people to power positions and encourages ignorance. Oh its folks-y or straight-shootin, or hey he's kind of an idiot like me I'll vote for him. Personally I want the president to be smarter than anyone I know. I want a leader to have defensible opinions and nuanced approaches to issues. HEll at least be able to pick out Libya on a map.

And then you've got the wonderful congress. The super committee failed (this is my shocked face). Whose fault is it? Obamas obviously, if you ask republicans. They say we tried to compromise by offering billions in new revenues (taxes). The reality is they offered billions in tax increases in exchange for making the Bush tax cuts permanent which would add TRILLIONS to the deficit in the next ten years. The same deficit that they all campaigned on in 2010 that reducing was "critical to America regaining its spot atop the world". What a crock. The taxes were fine so long as it didn't touch the millionaires and billionaires that buy their congressional seats. And they certainly don't care about the decifict because not only did they compound it with two wars that were unpaid for (all the while lowering taxes, something never, NEVER done in war time) they continue to push to expand it with tax cuts that only benefit the wealthy and corporations.
I hope at some point people will wake-up and reject these sleazy degenerate scumbags and their sinister policies. How long can this obstructionist strategy go on before the people call them on their crap? Rush Limbaugh sounded the call on day one of Obamas administration when he unapologetically said "I hope he fails". He knew the full consequence and implications of his words and has stood by them and so have every single republican law maker from that day forward. Democrats are part of the problem too. They are spineless and unprincipled. Willing to compromise everything in return for nothing, essentially selling out their constituents. They fail to adequately expose the shenanigans their counterparts pull time and time again. They are weak and wishy-washy more concerned with re-election than accomplishing anything of consequence. Democrats don't make stands because they're too afraid it will be held against them. Republicans take unyielding and sometimes reprehensible (NEWT) stances then quickly set to work bludgeoning the dems like defenseless baby seals. And it works.
While the government distracts and abuses power my tuition goes up. Financial aide shrinks. Services, classes, and benefits are cut. Gas goes up as well as the cost of living. And when I want to express my dissatisfaction with all this I can go to any major population center or university and get pepper-sprayed while peaceably protesting. I hope everyone has watched the UC Davis incident. I am not saying that I strongly identify with the Occupy movement or that there aren't yahoos that are acting out-of-line. In large part I support peaceful demonstration as a right that I am given as a US citizen, regardless of what it concerns. If the crazy church groups can protest gays at military funerals untouched explain to me why students who are getting brutalized by the current system cant sit in a park without fear of police dong this. Surely if child-labor and implying that all poor people need is work ethic doesn't upset you this must.

I Heart Halloween

For as long as I can remember I have loved loved loved Halloween. When I was 8 I won a costume contest at my boyscout troops Halloween meeting making a killer Darth Vader costume using stuff around the house(with the help of mom and dad). I remember trick-or-treating from sunset to 9 at night on streets packed with other sugar crazed kids looking to fill pillow cases full of candy rations that would last well into the next year. Sadly (at least in my opinion) it seems like the tradition of trick-or-treating has died out. I don't know if parents think its just too unsafe or if church and community sponsored events are preferred but these days trick-or-treaters are sparse. I have decided that when I settle into a house somewhere I'd like to see the hood on Halloween night and use the level of Halloween spirit to gauge the sense of community, safety, and personality of the area. Call me crazy but living between the guy with a chain-saw dummy on the porch and the house with the hanging witch might be ideal. If people bring their kids to your neighborhood its because its safe, fun, and you don't give out candy corn. I haven't been able to trick-or-treat for a while now with my last trick-or-treat eligible year being tragically robbed from me by strep throat. But the great thing about Halloween is the post-trick-or-treat-era adult fun to be had is almost unlimited. This year Halloween was a ton of fun and despite having to work over the weekend I still managed to enjoy my favorite holiday.
Thursday night was our pumpkin carving party. Ever since the "Gould Method" of pumpkin carving was introduced to me in 2009 my pumpkins have been freakin awesome and this year I attempted my most elaborate pumpkin yet. Check out a few from years past.






This year Carolyns wicked witch and Quentins PinHead we're impressive. The zombie girl from The Walking Dead one was mine.


On Friday night a group of us went downtown to see Evil Dead: The Musical! The live stage show is an off-Broadway touring musical that features elements of all three Evil Dead movies with colorful and campy musical numbers intermingled. We had tickets in the "splatter-zone" where we were continually sprayed with stage blood as the demon killing action unfolded. Good times.
Saturday night a group of us drove up to Solvang to visit the Theatrefests' Haunted House. The line was long but it ended up being worth it. As we walked through the maze of grave-yard scenes and all-too-dark hallways I was sure to gently nudge Carolyn uncomfortably close to any scary character actors that we encountered. After that, we headed over to Sort-this-out cellars to check out some live music and have some wine. Carolyn and I had our palms read at the party and (spoiler alert) the fortune teller predicted 2 maybe 3 kids for us. She seemed kind of iffy on vet school telling Carolyn we wont be leaving Santa Barbara for a while yet. According to the fortune teller Carolyn will achieve great success as a writer and go on to do book signings and reading all over.
Seth dressed up as an old man and I was quite proud of the make-up job I did. I was Johnny Cash and Carolyn was stunning as a swing girl.


Sunday was Zombie night with a new episode of "The Walking Dead" on AMC if you haven't seen the show you are missing out, its awesome. Sundays at 8:30 on AMC.
Monday night Carolyn and I are heading down to LA to see her favorite author read some of his scary stories while being accompanied by his wife, a musician. We are going in costume and it promises to be a great end to an epic Halloween. Here's a few costumes from years past in case you missed them. Happy Halloween!!! Mu ha ha ha ha.

[SUBMIT]

All that's left for my veterinary application is to hit submit. I am in a state of shock still that I have finally officially applied. I am no longer perpetually "planning on applying" I am now "waiting to hear back". My anxiety has never been greater. Now that I have reached this point it is no longer up to me and starting in December any day could be the day I find out my future. I can't thank everyone I know enough for their support because without your encouragement I surely would've lost hope well before reaching this point. Here is the personal statement I will be sending the veterinary gods. It started as a joke between Carolyn and I several weeks ago and grew into something my candidacy will depend on. After writing the first draft I thought "I just wrote the essay that will get me in", the second through fifth drafts I thought "I am totally screwed and have no shot at salvaging this worthless drivel". I kept working it, Carolyn kept editing it, and many people kept critiquing it. My boss thought it was (her words) "genius" and my professor thought it was "very risky" and in so many words advised abandoning it altogether. My mom certainly didn't like the idea of it (in fairness hadn't read it yet). I like it. I hope it strikes a chord with someone on the admission board at Wisconsin, Colorado State, Washington State, Oregon State, or Davis. For now I will try not to let my nerves, fears, and hopes get the better of me. Here it is:


At first glance I may appear to be a fairly typical applicant, however it is with some urgency that I feel I must divulge my true identity. I am Batman. I may not spend nights on roof tops waiting for theatrical villains to strike, nor do I own an anatomically enhanced rubber suit; still the similarities between me and the mythological hero are uncanny. Surely I would not waste your time with shallow, albeit humorous comparisons between our shared struggles against crazy cat women. In truth my experience in veterinary medicine, as well as in life, reveals many similarities between my core mission and that of the famed dark knight.
The role of a veterinarian is to be an advocate, a protector if you will, of the innocent. With an abundance of misinformation available, increasingly skeptical clients place the onerous task on the veterinary professional to keep their loved ones safe. Like Batman, I made this mission my life’s work, and over the past twelve years I have thrived on the variety of tasks that this responsibility entails. One day I helped deliver 21 puppies, and the next I creatively fashioned an anesthesia mask for a tiger out of a milk jug! Not every day is filled with such valiant victories, yet the satisfaction I feel when a client specifically requests me, entrusting their loved one in my care, is as gratifying an experience as I could ask for. Well done Batman.
Being Batman is unquestionably more of a lifestyle than it is a job, and by taking the veterinary oath I will accept an alternate identity, one that comes with a responsibility that must be carried out with passion and an undying dedication to every aspect of the calling. As a veterinarian I will be committed to lifelong learning, knowing that this job goes well beyond your typical “9 to 5”. My dedication thus far has led me to spend many nights in damp, dark libraries that are not unlike the cave Batman calls home. While putting myself through school I also spent significant time working at every level from kennel boy to practice manager, constantly seeking new challenges to add depth to my experience. My work in mobile, emergency, specialty, zoo and general practices allowed me the opportunity to work with more species than I can accurately count; certainly this caped crusader has seen a lot. I currently help operate a two-person mixed animal mobile practice in its first year of business and have received an invaluable education through an intimate involvement in building the practice. During this past year I have done everything from updating the website and fine-tuning inventory control, to devising marketing tools and developing a keen business sense that will no doubt put me ahead of the class when it comes to real-world practice. After all, it is the business savvy of Bruce Wayne that enables Batman to accomplish his mission.
Similar to Batman, my story is also one of overcoming personal hardship. At four years old I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, a disease that threatened to end my life and an ordeal that armed me with perspective. After being declared in remission at age nine I was instilled with a deep resolve to achieve whatever goals I set my heart to realize. Overcoming cancer, two painful family divorces, as well as significant financial hardships in order to arrive on the cusp of achieving my dreams might suggest super powers. However, my true power lies in my tenacity and stubborn refusal to be beaten by whatever villain comes my way. I can’t promise to finish top of my class in the veterinary program but I can promise that no one will work harder.
While some applicants have the enthusiasm of Robin, few have spent enough time behind the wheel of the bat-mobile. I am continually motivated by clients, peers, and superiors who take note of my abilities and choose to say “you’d make a great veterinarian”. I have unlimited capacity for empathy and established methods for conveying my compassion to clients. I use humor to successfully endear clients as well as motivate my peers, because with all the seriousness inherent in this profession I believe that balance is necessary, and humor can often be a valuable counter weight. But in order to employ humor, effective communication is paramount, a skill in which I excel. I envision speaking at conferences, writing books and articles, and owning a practice that utilizes my creativity to become a beloved institution within the community it serves. I can place a catheter in a seizing animal, earn the trust of a fearful dog, tackle a wild goat, and radiograph a nervous horse. I know this because I have done it my entire adult life. I know I can’t save the entire city of Gotham, but I am nonetheless compelled to use my powers to benefit a cause I believe in. It is with these insights that I submit myself into consideration to be a protector, a responsibility that I take seriously and enter into with a level of comprehension beyond the scope of your typical applicant.

Way out of left field

Ok so this video is completely random and was brought to my attention by Carolyn's little brother Ryan. I found it to be so good I had to share it. Enjoy:

Maui III

The road to Hana is billed as one the most beautifully scenic highways in the world. Its a fifty mile stretch of highway that winds and twists its way around the south part on the island. At nearly every mile marker there is something to see. In a two car caravan we braved the dangerous road with an agenda of stops to make hoping to hit them all before sundown. The road is at its widest barely two car widths wide. At its most narrow our rented charger had roughly a foot of space on either side. To make things more interesting the road had 180 degree blind one lane turns and steep cliff drop offs. Every mile and a half we would arrive at a one lane bridge that crossed over water before the road disappeared around a blind curve. Signs advised honking so that any cars traveling toward you and your untimely death might hear you and stop. Our driver, Scott, professional adventurist and now life-threatening-vacation-stunt-car-driver, charged up blind curves and over narrow bridges with shocking speed and uncanny confidence. He was a man on a mission to see the entire highway by days end. Our first stop: Twin falls, then black sand beach, red sand beach, and sacred pools.







We stopped half way through to eat at a roadside shack. We laughed so hard we cried at the ridiculousness of the road and how dangerous it was. Scott and I rattled off rap lyrics in between startled screams and colorful exclamations. We laughed at Scott as he yelled at birds on the road to get out of he way as if they were the reckless ones making a perfectly average road dangerous. Occasionally we would get nearly runoff the road by locals tumbling down-hill exceedingly fast, some riding in the back of truck beds. Ironically we must have passed a dozen small grave yards just off the highway. For all its danger there were amazing views, awesome beaches, and impressive waterfalls. We had so much fun. Nobody died, nobody vomited and Scott miraculously delivered us home safely. Thanks for driving dude.

Maui Part II

We were all a little nervous we would sleep through our alarms that would sound at 2am. The two buses that would transport the entire wedding party to the top of Halelakula left the hotel lobby at 3am. Two hours later we arrived to the top of the volcano bundled up and half-asleep. The frigid cold air of an elevation of almost 10,000 feet jolted us awake. With eyes now wide open we could take in the every hue of pink, purple, blue and orange that seemed to be changing in shade and intensity by the minute. We were above the clouds, in scattered areas they parted we and could see the coastline of Maui. It was a mad dash to take pictures, go pee, and take in the view before we were to all head to the summit for the ceremony. The ceremony itself was incredible, presided over by a descendent of the last Hawaiian king. This guy was the real-deal kicking the ceremony off by blowing on a conch shell and ending with an array of colorful Hawaiian sayings. As soon as it was over the 50 person wedding party hurriedly trotted back to the busses. Technically groups visiting the summit could be no larger than 30 people and required a permit. The bride and groom had a permit for 30 but with so many in attendence we had to get in and out without the detection of park authorities. As you can imagine a fifty person wedding party on a volcano is difficult to conceal and in the end the operation was busted. Luckily they only faced a warning and placement on the national parks list of offenders. Of course the rangers were given her maiden name and word is that neither of them plan to get married on a volcano again.






In addition to a visit to a volcano, Kate and Blake hosted a brunch and later a sunset cruise. At each of the several weeding related festivities the girls wore a different dress. I had fun doing mini photo shoots at each event. Taking great pictures of this gorgeous group was easy. Here are a few good ones:






The reception, held on a boat that floated up and down the coast, featured a live ukelele player.



By the end of the voyage the group was full of good food, exhausted, slightly drunk, slightly sea sick and ready for bed. The next day we planned to tackle the road to Hana.

Maui Part I

Last winter while Carolyn and I were in NYC our friends Kate and Blake were officially engaged. A short time later Carolyn asked me if I would be interested in attending their wedding on top of a Hawaiian volcano at sunrise. As exciting as the prospect of another Hawaii trip was I had to temper my excitement with cool reason. After all we have already done a lot of traveling this year and our finances these days are pretty tight. The make-it-happen genius of Carolyn soon overcame my flimsy excuses for not taking advantage of a opportunity to do something amazing. With that we were off for a much needed break after the trying GRE's. Kate was one of the members of the famed Bramasole house while attending UCSB. Joining us would be nearly the whole crew including Kelley, Jess, Laura, Liz, and Page. Laura and her boyfriend, and professional adventurist, Scott picked us up at the airport and with that we were turned loose on the island of Maui. To keep costs down we went to costco, getting all the basics to avoid eating at expensive restaurants. Our first order of business was snorkeling at Kaanapali beach near Black Rock before being treated to a beautiful Hawaiian sunset.This was just my second trip with my new digital camera so I went nuts taking almost 1500 photos the entire trip.




The next day, with some friends still arriving, Laura,Scott,Carolyn and I headed for Turtle Beach, rumored to be a fantastic snorkel spot for viewing sea turtles. It was an impressive spot to say the least. We found an entry point into the cove-like area that required us to jump in from a 9 ft cliff. Professional adventurist Scott naturally went first to assess the potential for fatality. Once he popped up safely beaming we one by one jumped into to view the colorful underwater world below. Just before jumping I steadied myself and adjusted my flippers measuring up my leap. From a secret cave within the rock a large shadowy silhouette abruptly jetted out. The clear water and the excited shouts of Scott, Laura, and Carolyn instantly revealed we were in the company of a creature for which the beach was named. He was the first of a few we swam with on that day as we explored the stunningly vibrant coral reefs teaming with yellow tangs, Moorish idols, and puffer fish. I couldn't help thinking of my family and friends at home and how I wish I could share this moment with them. Someday I hope to share this experience with you all, it is more thrilling, colorful, and memorable than you can know.







Next we took a hike in some of Maui's dried lava fields. We had a picnic lunch on the beach before hiking further and stumbling upon a natural infinity pool fed by waves splashing up the vertical rock face rising up out of the pristine ocean.



The day ended with another postcard sunset that we enjoyed from downtown Lahina just blocks from our hotel. The whole crew had arrived now and we enjoyed catching up, reveling in the excitement of being together in Maui.