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Tomorrow marks the last day of radiation treatment for my mother’s brain tumour. 29 visits, three blasts a trip, has taken a very heavy toll on her health, far more than any of my reading had prepared us for. From here there are supposedly two ‘bad weeks’ before she stands any chance of getting better; I can’t really imagine how she can get any worse. I’m not sure how my father and sister are able to cope with it day to day, watching our strong independent mother lose so much function so fast. And perhaps forever.

Even though you don’t know her, if you believe in prayer, voodoo, magic, or whatever, I ask that you please will her fast relief from her symptoms.

I hope there is video of this somewhere

and pictures here

I guess I’m just not geeky enough but why would anyone want to watch movies on their cellphone?? Half the time the sun here makes it impossible to view the screen in daylight and I can’t believe that you can really see Batman very well on the tiny screen. And if you’re indoors, why not watch it on the TV instead?

So its high school graduation time and every parent is ‘oh so proud’. When did it become a major event to get a kid through school? They even have pre-school graduation ceremonies – is it so unlikely that a kid will not die of drugs, HIV or who knows what that they need a ceremony ? And of course no ceremony is complete without the parents having to shell out for a major gift (I bet the number of new car owners increased dramatically this week). Its little wonder that kids here have such an entitlement attitude, when you grow up thinking that you’re a hero just for getting out of bed and doing some homework each day its no wonder that you think you’re too good to get a job and actually earn a living for yourself. If I see one more picture of 6 year olds in cap and gown receiving ‘diplomas’ I swear I’ll drink another vodka.

I forgot one of the biggest news items last week – the El Pollo Loco is now open in El Centro!!! I’m kinda miffed because they no longer have chips and salsa as a side dish but, as one esteemed reader put it earlier, crazy chicken is in the desert!

So, as you may have seen from the news, there was a big earthquake in northern CA last night that triggered an automatic tsunami warning. Props to NBC news for issuing a special news bulletin telling us that the chances of a big wave hitting San Diego were close to nil and to not worry about it, but a boo hiss to CBS news which was treating the warning like a disaster creeping up on us. If all you had listened to was them you would have been packing up your bags and heading to the hills. Irresponsible and sensationalist broadcasting at his best.

Couple of neat things happening this week.

Ordered a new MINI to replace my existing one, will hopefully be here in late August, early September.

Finally, after almost a year of staying in hotels in San Diego during the week, I am taking on an apartment today, very close to where I work. Its just a little studio but it will be great to be able to leave stuff there and not have to check in every couple of days. If you’re in the neighbourhood, stop in for a cold one.

From The Smoking Gun archives: In a bid to crack down on strip clubs and adult video stores, the city fathers of Knoxville, Tennessee allowed a private investigator to use municipal funds to pay for lap dances, beers, and tips to female dancers.

#6: spaghetti strap tops, mmm mmm.

Had to comment on last night’s opening episode of ABC’s Dance With The Stars.

Overall, I thought it was enjoyable entertainment, though the show really doesn’t know whether it wants to be American Idol (all the criticism was constructive so why the booing from the audience?) or Martha Stewart-like (no, not criminal, but refined and elegant). I think thas been a problem with dancesport for a long time, its hard for the public to take it seriously as a sport but at the same time the public doesn’t much care if its all ball gowns and elegance.

Dance-wise, I thought all the celebs did pretty well. In 5 weeks of training they aren’t ever going to become accomplished so I was hoping to see presentation and performance. My favourites were definitely John and Charlotte, and Rachel and Jonathan. Special mention goes to Edyta for a body that just wouldn’t quit and reminding me what I used to love the most about competing.

I didn’t much care for the professional intro’s, all arrogance and ego. Now I know most of these people don’t need prompting to brag about themselves but it was hard to take the likes of Alec Mazo boasting about himself. Please Alec, you are second-tier at best, you should be cleaning the other pros’ shoes after the show.

I liked the first waltz but the other two waltzes looked too much like latin dancing, which is not surprising since the guys involved were latin dancers. A little disappointing though as surely they could have performed it correctly if they are the dancers they claim to be. Louis, especially, is a legend of the dance world and I thought would do it better. But I hope he and Trista make it to the next round just so I can see him over-dance in the latin dances. I feel sorry for Trista, I doubt he will be dancing with her next week, only at her. My least favourite couple were Alec and his partner and I hope they are the ones eliminated next week.

So, all in all, an enjoyable hour. I wish the style of the show was consistent but any time dancing is on TV and not the butt of everyone’s jokes, its a good thing. I’ll be watching for the next few Wednesdays.