Class of 2005: Steve Portillo

current mood: Proud!!!


Congratulations to Steven Raul Portillo for graduating from El Paso's Finest: Eastwood High! Go Troopers!



This beagle is very proud of you!!

Christy Dancing in Cancún!

current mood: Dancing Along!

This is classic Christy!

Launch in external player


Manamana!!!!

The Da Vinci Code

current mood: Cool...





In Pre-Production now...

• Directed by Ron Howard
• Tom Hanks - Robert Langdon


• Ian McKellen - Sir Leigh Teabing
• Alfred Molina - Bishop Aringarosa
• Jean Reno - Bezu Fache
• Audrey Tautou - Sophie Neveu
• more...

Was a great book -- should be an excellent movie, especially with this cast and director!

Book Review - Meg: Primal Waters

current mood: tired...




MEG: Primal Waters, the 3rd book in Steve Alten's exciting series about a prehistoric shark species that should be extinct. This story although not quite as engrossing as the first 2 books, still captures your attention with the introduction of Jonas & Terri's (the protagonists) children joining the action. Alten easily pulls in popular culture ideals in the form of reality TV greed and using it to expose the publics lust for the chance of viewing a train-wreck. That train-wreck comes in the form of a 32-ton Prehistoric shark (or in the case of this book, three 32-ton sharks!)

Lots of action keeps you turning the pages, and overall, though the series and the idea of a Carcharodon megalodon might be a little less scary after 2 other books, its still fun.

Look for the big screen version of the original book Meg to start production soon and be released in 2006.

So I was wrong about American Idol...

current mood: Disappointed...


So Bo Bice did not win American Idol... well... he should have!

Carrie Underwood is so so... I personally can not see her really selling platinum albums... but hey, I was wrong about her winning the show.



Oh well, I still think we'll see Bo selling some serious records as he is a true musician/singer/songwriter. I'll definitely buy his music!

Upcoming Books

current mood: Happy!


I am excited with the upcoming release of some new books in 2 series. One is the of course the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, which I have been a fan of for a few years now. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) is due out July 16, 2005. I am strongly considering pre-ordering it:



Also there is another young adults series out (ok, ok, so I like to read kid's fiction... I am only 2 & 1/2, give me a break!) by a wonderful young author named Christopher Paolini who starting writing the first book, Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1), back when he was 15. Now at 19, he is set to release the next book, Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2); another one I may pre-order:



I am going to be following this entry with a review of some other books that Richard & I recently read, so stay tuned...

New Look for the Blog

current mood: Feeling Smart...


So what do you think of the new look and feel? Have to give template credit to Dan Cederholm, who designed the original Tic-Tac Blue template that I worked off of. All of the graphics are original though.

So...Is it an improvement to the site? Its much more streamlined without losing any of the content. Leave me a comment below on what you think.

P.S. Bo Bice will win American Idol!

Chronicles of Narnia Update

current mood: Excited!


Great Teaser Trailer! Check it out by clicking below!

What does your birthday mean?

current mood: Sleepy...


I wonder how close these little tid-bits are to the truth?

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

My Birthday

Your Birthdate: December 27

Your birth on the 27th day of the month (9 energy) adds a tone of selflessness and humanitarianism to your life path. Certainly, you are one who can work very well with people, but at the same time you need a good bit of time to be by yourself to rest and meditate. There is a very humanistic and philanthropic approach in most of things that you do. This birthday helps you be broadminded, tolerant, generous and very cooperative. You are the type of person who uses persuasion rather than force to achieve your ends. You tend to be very sensitive to others' needs and feelings, and you able to give much in the way of friendship without expecting a lot in return.

The woes of an itchy dog left alone at home...

current mood: Itchy & Sad...


My allergies are back with a vengence... I am itchy like I have not been in a long while! So I thought today would be an appropriate day to research information on treating my syptoms so Richard & Karla can help me out!

This is the best info I have found so far:

Inhalant Allergies

Substances which can cause an allergic reaction in dogs are much the same as those which cause reactions in people including pollens, dust mites and molds. A clue to diagnosing these allergies is to look at the timing of the reaction. Does it happen year round? This may be mold or dust. If the reaction is seasonal, pollens may be the culprit.

Symptoms of inhalant allergies include: SCRATCHING, BITING, CHEWING AT FEET AND CONSTANT LICKING. The itching may be most severe on feet, flanks, groin and armpits. Dogs may rub their face on the carpet. Ear flaps may become red and hot. Chronic ear infections may follow. Skin becomes thickened, greasy and has a strong odor. Hot spots may develop due to irritation from constant chewing or scratching, which is then followed by infection. Allergies have also been implicated as a possible cause of Acral Lick Granulomas, a frustrating, treatment resistant condition whereby the dog creates a sore on his skin from constant licking.

DIAGNOSIS

If a dog has the above symptoms and responds well to the treatment measures outlined below, no further diagnostic tests may be needed. If the problem is severe and does not respond to simple measures, allergy skin testing can be done. A portion of the skin is shaved and a variety of substances are injected into the skin to see if they provoke a reaction. If so, an individual series of injections are formulated to give the dog over a period of time (there are blood tests designed to identify allergens without the skin testing, however their efficacy had not been proven. They should be reserved for cases where skin testing is not possible).

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Symptomatic Therapy

Treating the dogs symptoms may include; cool baths with or without colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts, or medicated shampoos. This can be done frequently but provides only temporary relief. Caution should be used with sprays and ointments because many contain potentially harmful substances. According to Dr. Ackerman, Dermacool is a safe spray containing witch hazel. Cortispray is a low dose, nonsystemic cortisone spray which can be safely used for short periods of time.

Immunotherapy

Allergy shots are very safe and many people have great success with them, however, they are very slow to work. It may be six to twelve months before improvement is seen. I spoke with Dr. Christine Johnson, a veterinarian with the dermatology department of the University of Pennsylvania, about intradermal skin testing for inhalant allergies. She reports the average success rate is 70-75%. This rate is for dogs showing any improvement at all. At U of P. the cost for the procedure is $69.00 for the exam, $122.00 for the sedation and testing, and $85.00 for the first 5 months worth of vaccine. After that vaccines are purchased in 7 month supply for $65.00. Substances that are tested include cats(!), feathers, wool, molds, dust, trees, insects, plants and pollens. Before testing, your pet must be free from all steroids, oral or injected (including those found in ear and eye medicines) for a specified period of time in order for the test to be valid. In all about 60 different substances are tested for.

Corticosteroids

These compounds reduce itching by reducing inflammation. Unfortunately, they also affect every organ in the body. According to Dr. Ackerman, steroids should be considered only when the allergy season is short, the amount of drug required is small or as a last resort to relieve a dog in extreme discomfort. Side effects can include increased thirst and appetite, increased need to urinate and behavioral changes. Long term use can result in diabetes, decreased resistance to infection and increased susceptibility to seizures. You can recognize steroids by the suffix "-one", such as cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone..etc.. In short, alternatives to steroid therapy should always be considered.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can be used with relative safety in dogs. About one third of owners report success with them. The major drawback, as with people, is sedation. Dr. Ackerman recommends that a minimum of three different types of antihistamines be tried before owners give up on this therapy. According to Dr. Johnson, the most common problem with this type of treatment is that owners give the drugs at doses that are too low. Check with your vet on correct dosing. Examples of antihistamines commonly used for dogs include: Tavist, Benadryl, Chlortrimeton, Atarax and Seldane. Personally, I have seen the best results with Atarax.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

These fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatory agents. They reportedly are helpful in 20% of allergic dogs. My own experience puts this figure a little higher. They are certainly worth a try because they are not harmful and have virtually no side effects. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oils (especially krill and cod) and omega-6 fatty acids are derived from plants containing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), such as oil from the evening primrose. These supplements are different from those sold to produce a glossy coat. They tend to reduce inflammation that may lead to skin sores but are not as effective in reducing itching. Products that contain both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids include: Omega Pet, Derm Caps, and EFA-Z Plus.

Environmental Control

If you know which substances your dog is allergic to avoidance is the best method of control. Even if you are desensitizing the dog with allergy shots, it is best to avoid the allergen altogether. Molds can be reduced by using a dehumidifier or placing activated charcoal on top of the exposed dirt in your house plants. Dusts and pollens are best controlled by using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter. Air conditioning can also reduce circulating amounts of airborne allergens because windows are then kept closed.

Prevention

While there is nothing you can do to prevent a rescue dog from developing allergies, breeders should be aware that allergic dogs SHOULD NOT BE BRED!!! Dr. Johnson confirmed that there is clinical proof that allergies are inherited!

reference: rec.pets.dogs: Canine Allergies FAQ

So, I am recommending for myself that Richard go and buy some Atarax and we give it a go. I think Benadryl may not be strong enough for me, and the Tavist was not very effective either, but that may have been from the low dosage they were giving me. Also, the fatty acid pills can probably help more if I go for some of the others types (I am already taking Derma Caps daily). The immunotherapy is just going to take time, so we will keep it up. Richard has gotten very good at giving me my shots and I don't mind it so much when Karla hold me down cause I love the way she distracts me and it makes me feel really loved.

I hope this information is helpful to anyone other doggies having allergy issues. Or to their owners, so they will know how to treat their doggies well.

Pictures, pictures, pictures!!!

current mood: Feeling Smart...


Pictures, pictures, pictures!!!



Karla's birthday dinner @ Nate's and dancing @ Zen Bar (April 9, 2005).



Christy's birthday dinner @ Teppo Yakatori (April 23, 2005).



La Despedida de Cristina y Rodrigo (April 29, 2005).

Kung Fu San Soo - History Research Update

   current mood: Feeling Smart...


From Master Dale Lockwood:

I just received some updated research on our art. Please note that because of Chinese dialects, many terms and names can be confusing. Where you see Chen Shou Jue, this is the same person as Chin Siu Dek - our grandmaster (losifu) Jimmy H. Woo.

San Soo's history actually dates back over five thousands years. The term which means free hand was a personal expression of fighting ability and was passed through Families and at times by military and other groups, but never organized. In history we hear of General Yee's San Soo, which means his ability at fighting, there are other references from drawings in ancient caves to writings in ancient manuals.

The modern area really began about two thousand years ago, when monks were the first to organize and study/ teach in the Taoist Temples in the 72 peak area of China, and later in Buddhist Temples like Shaolin in Hunan province, China. This teaching spread to other area of China like the southern Shaolin temple in Fukian province. The Chen Family connections to Temples we have chronicled back over 1,400 years. in recent times the Chen Family became connected to Shaolin in the late 1700's through the Monk, Chen Yun Hu, there is another talked of Monk in our Lineage known as Leong Kick, This is under research, this Monk could be the same person or another relative perhaps connected to a Taoist Temple of another area. What is known that in the late 1700's Chinese Emperor Quin Long destroyed many Buddhist and Taoist temples and a Chen Family ancestor perhaps Leong Kick saved the training and
history Manuals that the monks recorded in the Temples.

What is known is that Chen Yun Hu taught his nephew Chen Xiang and who also was taught by Li You Shan and Cai Fu. So again it was being passed through the families in which all had ties to Monks and monasteries. Chen Xiang to honor his three teachers used the names of Cai and Li and to honor the monk Chun Yu and his family used the term Fu which means Buddha. Chen Xiang had many disciples some recorded, some not. he taught family among them his son Chen Guan Bo. Around this time in Taishan China, Chen Zhao Xiong was sent to Xinhui China to study with Chen Xiang and later Chen Guan Bo. In books from that time,
it is written that Chen Guan Bo changed the name of the young Chen to Chen Zhao Xiong which means Chen a billion hero's. Chen Zhao Xiong returned to Taishan and started a school called the Xiong Sheng Guan, ( Heroic victory school.) At a later date he taught his son Chen Shi Wu and our Laoshifu Chen Shou Jue at the Wen Wu Miao temple in Taishan,( Wen scholarly in honor of Confucius and Wu ( Martial. ) in honor of the Patron God of Martial Arts, Guan Yu or Di which means deity.)

Our Laoshifu Chen Shou Jue had five Uncles besides Chen Zhao Xiong who taught him, their names are under research. When Chen Shou Jue came to the U.S. he taught through the Tongs of Chinatown. Finally settling in L.A. being head of security for the Hop Sing Tong, ( He Sheng Tang, Mandarin, Meaning, Combined Victory Group.) Plus teaching Kung Fu and Lion Dancing. He opened to Westerners in 1962. He named his school San Soo Wu Guan ( fighting school.) and later explained the art comes from five families. Cailifoxiong, Mandarin, Choy Li Ho Fut Hung, Cantonese. Research on the other two families He and Xiong ( Ho, Hung.) Has lead us to Foshan China and two other groups the Hung Ga ( family.) group from the southern Shaolin Temple of Fukian and the Hong Sheng Guan
group of Foshan that for three generations was headed by the Ho or Haw in Taisanese families, originally from Taishan now Foshan, Guangdong China. This may be the two missing uncles of our lineage Ho And Hung.

There will be updates as we do more research.

Master Dale Lockwood
"The Most Effective Self Defense Training - ANYONE Can Learn!"™
www.texaskungfusansoo.com
10th Anniversary 1995-2005
817-590-8585

Pretty cool stuff! Have you ever seen a beagle do kung fu? hehe...

Kung Fu: Jet Li & Huo Yuanjia Connection

   current mood: Cool...

Jet Li begins production on Huo Yuanjia biopic

This week, martial arts star Jet Li began shooting his latest movie, a biopic of legendary martial arts master and Chinese patriot Huo Yuanjia (1869-1910)...
In a recent Q&A session on his official site, Jet Li explained his intent. "I hope to use this film and character to let people understand what is really important and dear to my heart. I also want to explain once and for all the meaning of wushu and kungfu." Read more here...

Unleashed, Jet Li's latest movie opens in theaters on May 13th.

Just who is Huo Yuanjia? Generally credited with bringing Wu Shu Kung Fu to the forefront of Chinese Martial Arts he founded the Chin Woo Athletic Association.

New CD Reviews

   current mood: tired...


Yesterday, Richard bought some new CD's and after listening to them, I'd like to tell you what I thought about them...


Erasure's "Nightbird" is a great return to their early 80s synthy selves. Although it was a somewhat bittersweet release since Andy Bell also revealed that he had been living with HIV for years and was in pain, of which it is clearly heard in some of the lyrics of the songs of this new CD. So far my favorite song on the CD is their first release "Breathe", but I am sure I will come to find many others that I will find just as great!



The second CD is something that I had previously downloaded from a file sharing service, but was never truly happy with the quality. So I told Richard to buy me a real copy of "The Soundtrack to Not Another Teen Movie". This is a great CD with a lot of edgy alternative remakes of 80's classics. Definitely give this CD a listen to... better yet buy one!



Finally, the newest release from New Order "Waiting for the Sirens' Call" came out on Tuesday. That of course was the real reason behind the trip to Best Buy to buy the new CDs. This CD is so awesome! Great Synth & Guitar tracks as only New Order can deliver! Dancy and listenable at the same time! This CD is 5 stars! Get It!

All in all these CDs are great, otherwise I would not have suggested that Richard buy them in the first place!

St Malachy's Prophecy of the Popes

Here's a little something that will make you go hmmmm...

St Malachy's Prophecy of the Popes

I am not sure how much validity there is here, but when you couple it with the end of the world as predicted by the Mayans, you will really say hmmmmmmm...

The How and Why of the Mayan End Date in 2012 A.D.

Have fun reading... I may find more stuff on this subject and add it later...

Movie Nights

   current mood: Happy!


It's been a little while since last wrote, but here are some updates...

Karla and Richard have been going to the movies a lot (ok well twice, but when you're left at home alon it seems like a lot more), and they saw two really good ones.

On the 15th they saw:



Richard told me that it was really funny and had some great moments in it. It's quirky, and you'll laugh a lot.

Then on the 22nd they saw:



Another funny movie, but not in the same sense as Fever Pitch. Even though the trailer leads you to think its a silly teen movie, its really much deeper than that, and much closer to a late 20-something movie. Richard & Karla highly recommend this one!

Anyways, there are some pictures coming soon, so keep watching the logs...

Picture Updates

current mood: Happy!


I am feeling much better today! I have been back on my meds which sucks a little bit, but what can you do... when you have skin infections, you have to go to the vet. I had a bacterial and a fungul infection on my skin because I kept itching so bad, that I was licking and biting myself. Anyways, I am back on my prednisone, and even though it makes me gain, weight at least I sleep comfortably and not bite and scratch.

So Richard gave me a bath today and boy does that feel good. I always pretend I hate going into the bath, but hey I come out feeling like a new doggie. My coat is nice and shiny and I don't have anymore little scabby sores, nor do I smell like a piece or rising dough. Karla and he also gave me my 4th full strength injection of antigen. I even got my dose of frontline flea meds. I got the works today... but boy do I feel good!

So anyways, I had some time and I thought I would upload pictures that I have neglected to get on the website. Not sure if I am going to ever get a chance to update the photo album, maybe someday… Ofoto has changed its name to KodakGallery. Aside from the name change there is really little different there. The links to Ofoto albums still work since the domain name forwards you on to KodakGallery. Nice!

Ok now for the photos:


The Gomez Visit on March 5, 2005


Margarita's Baby Shower (Cd. Juarez) March 18, 2005


Easter Lasagna withe Ivanna, Giosué & Claudia


Karla's 30th Birthday Celebration (Austin , TX) April 2 & 3, 2005

I hope you enjoyed the pictures... there should be more from Karla's get together tonight at Zen Bar & Grill for some Hip-Hop Dancing! Wish I could go, but beagles are not allowed...

Pope John Paul II, 1920 - 2005

current mood: Sad...



Pope John Paul II
1920 - 2005

Our love for him was only eclipsed by his love for us...
for his love was God's own!

May God's grace grant us a new Pope who will continue your work seamlessly...

The Motorcycle Diaries

current mood: Introspective...


While Karla celebrates her birthday in Austin with the girls from school, Richard and I watched this very good movie:



This is truly a good movie. Don't miss it, you owe to yourself to know about the early life of Enesto "Ché" Guevara, and discover why he became the man he was...



On another sad note, we are offering our prayers for the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. Its strange how he has touched our lives so profoundly and yet only now that he is departing the world that we feel the connection he has with us so strongly. May he be at peace and not suffering as he is follow his final path into Heaven.