Noggin Thought

I went hiking with Ooh and some of her friends in the Santa Monica Mountains this past weekend. It was something I’ve never done in Southern California before. I don’t know why they’re called the Santa Monica Mountains, they’re no where near Santa Monica. We weren’t even in LA county. We drove past Malibu all the way to Ventura County before we even ventured up the road to the trailhead. It seems a little arrogant for Santa Monica to claim mountains that aren’t near it’s location. I might have to have a talk with Santa Monica. When we got there it was a still a nice day with moderate temperatures (in the sun) and a slight breeze. So we began our 6 mile adventure.

Our path started from the Sandstone Peak Trailhead. From there we headed to a fork and it was decision time. To the left was Sandstone Peak to the right Mishe Mokwa Trail. We wanted to see the peak but we came for the trail, the peak would have to wait.

Mishe Mokwa Trail was outstanding. Maybe it was the time of year, I don’t know. Obviously I’m not the seasoned hiker. There were many different colorful flowers, cool rock formations like Balanced Rock at the Echo Cliffs, and miles of mountains. The trail varied from cliffside to forest, and hard packed dirt to loose and rocky. Loose and rocky didn’t work to well for me because I chose to wear my Vibram KSOs that day. They are great for barefoot-like trekking but small rocks don’t agree with the bottoms of my feet. It’s okay, I’ll be fine. After about 3 miles Mishe Mokwa Trail connected to Backbone Trail.

Backbone Trail was not as enjoyable as Mishe Mokwa Trail for a few reasons none of which are the trail’s fault. It was starting to get cold and windy and time was ticking away. And 6 city folk on a mountain trail with no cellphone reception is how horror movies start. Now I wasn’t concerned with some mountain beast playing a cat and mouse game with us but I was looking forward to the warmth of the car that we were still miles away from. And the damn small rocks were no picnic when trying to walk downhill in Vibrams. Backbone Trail was closer to the peaks so there was more open space. Still had great views, including a few of the ocean. And it took us to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains (more like Ventura County Mountains).

Well all 6 of us made it back to the car…even though 8 of us started the hike. The other 2 had to leave early…or did they?

My feet were only slightly angry the next day. I would recommend that hike if you have an entire day. We started a little late so it didn’t allow us to enjoy the second half. So I’m telling you to take a hike!…in the Santa…I mean Ventura County Mountains.

An entertaining journey through the wasteland that the world has become after the war with the machines. 9 is the last of a group of dolls (don’t know what else to call them) created when humanity was dying out. It isn’t explained why humans couldn’t just retreat and regroup like any other apocalyptic movie we’ve ever seen. For some reason dolls with souls was the only way to survive.

This movie suffered only because it couldn’t decide whether to appeal to kids or to adults. Adults want things to be explained. Maybe some character development and back story. Kids want it to be fun. Scary (animated) visuals take it out of the small kids realm. And style over substance may put adults off. I liked it despite the shortcomings because I went into it with no expectations; a by-product of reading some of the reviews before viewing. I enjoyed the action and the pacing of the story. And the stylized visuals was enough to keep me interested until the end.

See it for the visuals, don’t expect a deep story.

Voice acting by Christopher Plummer, Martin Landau, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, Jennifer Connelly, and Elijah Wood

This article here disturbs me.

I know people don’t really “get it” until after 25 but many of them still aren’t getting it. There is something wrong with each of these statistics.

The first, eating, doesn’t distinguish between eating alone or with others. So, let’s assume that it’s with others because what you do when you eat alone doesn’t really matter. When you’re with others, it’s rude! If you want to read a text here or send a text there and it’s not continuous, I don’t see a problem with it. But I would guess this refers to text conversations. A text conversation is like a phone call, would you accept a non-emergency phone call while having dinner with someone else? You’re thinking yes aren’t you, you disrespectful ass? I don’t want to have dinner with you, because you’re probably talking to someone else. If you don’t have anything to say to the person you’re with, so what. Look at the TV, look at the sunset, look at the person, or just enjoy your meal in silence.

The second, using the toilet, really? Now, I’ve been known to read a book or on occasion surf the internet during extended time sittin’ on the throne. But communicating with others…not the time for that. Would you want someone to stand there and talk to you while you’re using the toilet? I didn’t think so.

Lastly, having sex…ok you people have problems. There is no way we should be that disconnected with our partners and at the same time so connected to someone else. Pornstars don’t do that and it’s just a job for them. A few questions come to mind. Is the sex that bad that you choose to do something else during? Really that’s the only question. Now I see why women aren’t satisfied and men try to have multiple partners. Neither one of you is focused! Society is breeding losers who receive awards for good effort. That’s bullshit! Stay focused on the task down below. Give it your all. Don’t just be in the game. Pound the competition! And ride it out for the win.

Based on the numbers the people under 25 are worse than the people over 25 but the lesser of two evils doesn’t make it any better. And the last statistic should be zero.