Big Al's Blog

2010-02-23T09:36:00.001-08:00

Second test

Did you know 4.0

2009-10-21T00:21:00.000-07:00

2009-10-21T00:18:00.001-07:00

Test 123

Change has come to the White House

2009-01-20T01:15:00.000-08:00

God Bless America! Wohoo!

Barack Obama Uses a Mac

2008-11-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

Barack uses a Mac

http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/11/barack-obama-us.html

Sent from my iPhone

Don't Vote

2008-10-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

The Trunk Monkey

2008-09-05T13:22:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you wish you had a trunk monkey...

Havasupai

2008-04-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

I am on the Havasupai Indian Reservation; it is on a tributary of the Colorado River.

This is a picture of Navajo Falls.

Tay Zonday - Never Gonna Give You Up

2008-04-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi

2008-03-31T22:56:00.000-07:00

This is the next camera I would like to get. The last Canon SLR I owned was the AE-1 Program that was over twenty years ago...

Star Wars According to a 3 Year Old

2008-02-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

Good Luck Bar

2008-02-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

After going to the EPG (Bob Knight Photo) season kick-off meeting; Mike, Bobby and I headed over to the Good Luck Bar. After, three Tsingtaos and herbal whiskey chasers... the sign outside is looking fuzzier.

Audio Books

2008-02-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

As a mapping technician for SDG&E, it is my job is to maintain and updated the digital schematics of the electrical systems the company is responsible. It is a very important role and I take plenty of pride in my work.

The best advantage of my job is that I have the chance to listen music, podcasts, and radio shows. I mostly listen to technology and travel podcasts. I also enjoy NPR shows like This American Life, A Prarie Home Companion, and the local San Diego KPBS show, A Way with Words.

Last year, I took up listening to audio books. I started with 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey. Since, February of last year I have read at least a dozen books, ranging from non-fiction business books to classic and contemporary fiction.

Firestorm 2007

2007-10-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

Below is a NASA satellite image of the fires in Southern California, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Baja California. The strong hurricane like Santa Ana winds blow fire, smoke, and dust towards the Pacific Ocean. Hundreds of thousands have been evacuated making this the worst wildfire disaster in California's recent history. This photo was taken Monday afternoon, October 22, 2007. For the latest satellite images go to the NASA website or click on the photo below.

Firestorm 2007 Resources

2007-10-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

Below is a list of resource information about the So Cal fires:

Best Info:
San Diego Union Tribune - signonsandiego.com fireblog
http://sosdfireblog.blogspot.com/

Google SD Fire Map
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=114250687465160386813.00043d08ac31fe3357571

KPBS News Twitter
http://twitter.com/kpbsnews

CalFire (CA Dept. of Forestry) Quick Information about all SoCal Fires
http://www.fire.ca.gov

California Department of Forestry (CDF) Fire News
http://calfire.blogspot.com/

SD County Evacuation Map:
http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/newsreleases/10232007_1215hrs_Evac_FirePerem.pdf

SD County Emergency Website:
http://www.sdcountyemergency.com/

Federal Fire Incident Website
http://www.inciweb.org/state/5/

NOAA Fire Satellite Imagery
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/

Good Info:
City of SD Fire Information
http://www.sandiego.gov/newsflash/firealert.shtml

GEOMAC Spatial Mapping
http://geomac.usgs.gov/#
Use quick view to select a fire

Another Forest Service mapping option:
http://firemapper.sc.egov.usda.gov/recent3.php

National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
http://www.nifc.gov/fire_info/nfn.htm

National Incident Fire Information
http://www.fs.fed.us/news/fire/mreport.shtml

National Incident Situation Report (updated daily)
http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.pdf
http://www.nifc.gov/

NIFC Maps
http://www.nifc.gov/fire_info/maps.htm

CalFire (CDF) Fire Information
http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_current

List compiled by
Irvin Fernandez
Resource Officer
Ojai Ranger District
Los Padres National Forest

MHS Class of 87 Slide Show

2007-09-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

MHS Class of 1987 youtube slide show

Twenty Year Reunion

2007-08-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

Click for more photos

Jen and I attended our 20th high school reunion. I can't believe it has been 20 years since we graduated from Marian High School. Friday night, some of us met at McGregor's for drinks. More alumni showed up to the Saturday night semi-formal event at the Mission Valley Resort. I was charged with putting together a slide presentation for the evening. Thanks to all who shared photos! It took a little longer than I expected to finish the project; we arrived a little late for dinner. Fortunately, Jen and I got there just before the buffet was put away. John Tabor, aka DJ Buddha was spinning the records; playing mostly 80s of course...

We shared our high school stories and reminisced about the past. Most everyone really seemed to have a good time. The reunion was a great success.

Jen and I were not able to attend the family picnic on Sunday.

Journey into Africa at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park

2007-04-14T01:43:00.000-07:00

The Journey into Africa takes you on an exciting expedition. Rhinos, giraffes and antelopes… Oh my!

As you approach the African Express, you follow a meandering path. Along the way interactive wooden flaps, artifacts and videos immerse travelers into the dynamic cultures of Africa.

The new African Express opened on March 15, 2007; it gives park guests an up close view of the all animals as they roam the ranges of Africa.

Your journey begins in East Africa, where you’ll see objects that look like huge boulders on the ground; but as you get closer you notice they are a group of rhinoceros. Reticulated giraffe mingle among the ostriches and Cape buffalo.

Watering holes and trees mimic a Central African forest. In the middle you’ll find an island that is a breeding site for pink-backed pelicans, western Ruppell’s vultures and saddle bill storks. The African express takes you closer to the action than ever before. Bongo’s and new to the park, Vaal rheboks, a small antelope frolic about the pond.

The tour takes you to the North African Sahara home of the Barbary red deer and red fronted gazelle. It also gives you a close look at a herd of Grevy’s zebras from South Africa.

This is just one of the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park’s many attractions, exhibits and shows. For park hours and directions visit: sandiegozoo.org

Chocolate is good for your memory

2007-02-19T00:47:00.001-08:00

"The beneficial brain effects appear to stem from flavanols' impact on the blood system. In essence, the chemicals stimulate an increase of blood flow to the brain, particularly in areas that light up during tasks that require alertness. Experiments suggest this neurovascular activity is distinct from the well-known stimulant effects of caffeine."

read more | digg story

Distribution Operations

2006-11-23T01:50:00.000-08:00

About three weeks ago, I transfered to the SDG&E Distribution Operations location. It's great to have the chance to learn about other lines of the utility business. The pace is definitely more upbeat than my previous location. My new tasks include not only electronic mapping, but also hand drawn updates as well as publishing. I look forward to taking on these new tasks and working with the new group.

Road Trip

2006-09-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

My brother, Irvin bought a car New Hamshire and we are driving it back. Check out blog for photos and details.

Painting and Stuff

2006-07-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

We were supposed to move in after Audrey finished 4th grade, the first week of July. It is now the third week of July and we have yet to move in...

With all the other stuff going on in our lives it's been tough to make time to getting the place ready to move in. We have had family and friend's events to attend; at work I am taking available overtime hours. I do enjoy painting and all the other stuff going on, but it's exhausting.

I've pretty much finished painting the rooms upstairs, but before we move in, I would like to get the carpets cleaned first.

At this rate we may be able to move in by next spring...not really.

New Home Owners

2006-05-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

As of today, Jen and I are new home owners! We just closed escrow on a condo three blocks from my work and about two miles from Children's Hospital where Jen works.

Yes! no more commute!

Audrey's school year ends June 29, 2006 so, that gives us plenty of time to decorate and paint before moving in. We plan to begin moving the first or second week of July.

MS Chalenge Walk

2006-05-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

Irv (my brother) is running to raise money for fight against Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on June 4, 2006 in the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon (RNRM). We will be out there supporting him that day!

For more information on how you could help check out Irv's Pledge Page

Einstein said

2006-05-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein, (1879 - 1955)