A reminder that the cretins are running loose...

I had the dubious fortune to have someone break into my car at work this am. They did the deed approximately 5 minutes after I parked... I hadn't even gotten a cup of coffee. They broke the driver's side window.

They were specifically after the GPS unit (took it and the recharging cable); but also took my cell headset and _MY Garage REMOTE_.

The point(s):

1. don't leave anything visible that might indicate to a thief that there is something easy to steal and valuable in your vehicle (especially in plain sight!). I hid my GPS unit, but left the cradle on the dash...

2. IF they take your garage remote; assume that someone will pay a visit to your home, and change the codes accordingly. (I reset my garage door codes immediately upon getting home!); ...

(btw -- if you see anyone suspicious; please call the police).

3. Final costs: The GPS cost me $169, the window (dealer was $420), but I got it aftermarket for $145 including install... the truck came to me; but I still have to deal with the equipment, the cost of the repair and the glass...

and I'm annoyed.

Don't leave anything obvious; the times being what they are, even $20.00 is enough incentive (what the GPS will probably sell for on the street); and the creeps are hungry.

trains and disasters

I've spent the weekend trying to ignore (as much as humanly possible) the horrible events outside (I live 1 block away from it, in Chatsworth).

The news was overwhelming, sadness and heroism; and politics as usual.

I can only add my own voice to the many; and say "I'm so sorry".

Maybe something good will come from this, I can only hope.

Now this is a toy I want... Perceptive Pixel Video Player

I'm sitting here looking thru email and from a friend discover...

Perceptive Pixel Video Player

All I can say, is I want one!!! (the wall, not the video player)


cool toy.

Mr Taffy has gone on ahead...

I thought it would be *easier*. You never expect to just break down and weep... over a cat. Not just any cat, but a friend. Born 17 years ago on May 31, he expired today 7/17/2008 very peacefully; with me scratching his ears.

One of the complications in treating cancer is that the drugs themselves are so destructive. In this case, renal failure (his kidneys stopped working).

The cancer was temporarily beat back, he was motoring around just fine, and then he just decided it was time. At least he didn't go hurting... just sleepy. (Kinda like the flu)...

Up till this week, he was full of piss-n-vinegar, climbing on my desk and sleeping on my keyboardddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd... and when I came home from work, he'd 'yow at me and then jump off the desk, grumbling.

At night, he'd demand his rights on the pillow next to me, much to the discomfort of my girlfriend... who really didn't want cat in face. But to be fair, she's got a soft heart for him as well.

He never met a meal he didn't like; got along with other cats and kids; and would chomp your hand if you weren't polite... (or at least bluff very convincingly --- I've got scars!) --- but he also let me wash him when he couldn't; carry him when he hurt; and give him the medicines that helped him continue... so that he could eat once more a steak dinner; once more a batch of shrimp in butter; one more pancake; and to cuddle one more time.



he will be missed.

Proof that there is *still* new beauty in the world

When you think that nobody has a new idea...

It pretty much sells itself; a friend sent me here; and now I'm sending you...
http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/videos.shtml?fbid=jgNR5

blatent optimism.

I love it.

Tomcats are TOUGH!

It is now June, almost July (gasp); and I owe you a progress report.

Taffy had his surgery, they removed an entire cancer node, and he spent a couple-three weeks recovering. Back on chemotherapy, we're finding that some drugs work better than others... and some do not work at all.

He's definitely doing better, and we'll keep up this regimen as long as he's enjoying life more than hurting.

The bottom line, today he was up to his old tricks: he climbed onto my desk (while I was gone) and opened and ate from a bag of chicken jerky. He's also motoring around the house jumping on things he hasn't attempted in a while... and purring when he gets his ears scratched.

That's good enough for now...

overwhelmed

Today I got the call from my veterinarian that I have been dreading.

In order to treat Taffy's cancer, the surgery to remove the sites would include removing the leg. The question is... is he strong enough and flexible enough to get through it; or am I just prolonging his suffering. Up till now he's had a pretty good run; but the antibiotics are not enough to clear up the infection and the cancer medicines themselves suppress some of the immune response, making the situation worse. He has been a real fighter, being cuddly and even playful (string chasing) even when I know he's not up to par... but it's a lot to ask; and I don't have an easy answer.

If I don't have the surgery, he's whole but not here for long; if I do... he might not have any more issues... but no one can call it for certain. And nobody can give me the answer.

(loud meeow) oops -- he's here for his dinner, see you later.