Once In A Blue Moon

Blue moon of Aug 31, 2012
Wikimedia Commons, Cezar Popescu

People have been saying this phrase "once in a blue moon", all your life. You might have used it once or a few times yourself.

In case you don't know what it means, well maybe today is a good day to find out exactly... well we do have a blue moon tonight.

First off -- what it is not... a blue moon does not mean that the moon will actually appear blue. Instead, it most probably would look like any normal full moon.

Well of course, it might appear blue or red or orange, but only because of some reason that has absolutely nothing to do with this phenomenon.

Here is a short video that will easily explain everything to you, in one minute.

If you couldn't or do not want to watch the video just be advised that normally we have one full moon every month, but because the lunar (moon) cycle is shorter than any of the actual months, there will come a time when there will be a total of 13 full moons in one year, instead of 12 (one full moon per month is 12 full moons in a year).

And when this does happen (yes like in "once in a blue moon" because as you could have guessed by now, it doesn't really happen all that often) then the second full moon in the same month is called a blue moon. And this event happens once every few years or so.

Easy.

Be careful though, people do say that strange things happen during the full moon. Aawwoooo...

12 - 13 - 14

Consecutive Calendar Dates

I saw this photo online and I completely forgot about this cool date we have today -- 12-13-14, December 13, 2014.

But reading it again, the question at the end made me think. Is it really? I'm what other people may call a numbers guy --  not really that good with numbers but I can get by. But I'm really fascinated with them.

So this made my mind work and then I realized, the person is probably thinking because there cannot be a 13-14-15, then maybe there you go.

But the fact of the matter is after 12-13-14, the next consecutive date will be 1-2-3, meaning January 2, 2103. or about 90 years from now. So the photo was correct, not unless you can live that long. My son probably could but for the most part, yeah this is correct.

Anyway, here you go, just another little thing we should already know by now.

If you are really into this kind of thing or if you want to read more cool stuff about consecutive calendar dates (or even sequential and other mathematical calendar dates), then check this out.

Otherwise just enjoy this special day.

LA’s Fight Against Homelessness

Homeless in Los Angeless*

If you haven't lived in or worked in the City of Angels or if you haven’t physically walked the streets of LA, you probably wouldn't know or believe that Los Angeles is arguably the Homeless Capital of America.

Homeless Lady at Skid Row, Downtown Los Angeles

Statistically though in recent years, other U.S. metropolitan areas have more homeless people than in LA. The number of homeless people in the City of Angels is nonetheless still growing and homelessness is still a big challenge.

LA County is still “home” to over 58,000 homeless people. Most of them are within the City of Los Angeles alone. Sadly, it is estimated that about a fourth of these individuals are mentally ill, a fourth are physically disabled, there is a big number of unaccompanied children, most of the homeless were physically or sexually abused and a few are U.S. veterans of various wars.

Source: Poverty Insights

Homelessness Growing

To make matters worse, we see no respite to the creeping number of people being forced to become homeless every single day, due to various reasons such unemployment, home foreclosures, divorce, suicide, violent crimes, various problems at home and at school, gambling, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and other addictions.

Ending Homelessness

Every year, on one Saturday of November, United Way of Greater Los Angeles organizes HomeWalk, a 5K (Run/Walk) to end homelessness in LA. 

And each year, HomeWalk is asking people to get involved and help in the fight against this growing giant and menace.

For this year, check the details and the schedule on the United Way website.

#TeamKobe @ HomeWalk

If you don’t know anything about HomeWalk then you at least should probably know Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. For years, Kobe’s been partnering with various organizations such as the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and United Way. In fact since 2011, he has been Honorary Chair of HomeWalk.

#HomeWalk

Normally HomeWalk starts early at the Exposition Park, at 700 Exposition Park Blvd, in front of the Los Angeles Country Natural History Museum.

If you cannot join, you can always give a donation to United Way, or you can donate to sponsor a runner or a group of runners. Find out how you can help at the website of United Way of LA and join hands with Kobe Bryant to solicit funds to help shelters and other institutions assisting the ever growing number of homeless people in LA.

See you there.

Like this at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UWGLA

HomeWalk: http://www.homewalkLA.org

Source: LAHSA.org

*Homeless in Los Angeless
(Living without a home and without an angel in the cash-strapped City of Angels)

"In-N-Out" More Than Just Burgers, Fries, Milkshakes and Drinks

IN-N-OUT Photo Credit: Mayr, Flickr

Southern California Tradition

In case you didn’t know In-N-Out Burgers are a real Southern California Tradition since 1948. Its growing customer base kept coming back bringing with them their descendants and passing the tradition to the next generation.

In-N-Out is currently in five states and counting, as it keeps expanding from SoCal to Vegas, to Arizona, Utah, Texas and beyond.

(Not So) Secret Menu

“Animal Style”

Even if you didn’t grow up eating In-N-Out or if you aren’t local then you can still order like one. The most open secret is their “Animal Style” burger (or fries).

When you order it this way, your burger will come with an extra Thousand Island style spread, grilled onions and extra pickles. Plus the meat will be grilled with mustard. Animal Style fries will come with melted cheese, the special spread and grilled onions -- yes you would need a fork.

“Protein Style”

Aside from double, triple or quadruple meat patties, meat lovers can order their burger “Protein Style”. So this means no bun. Instead, the bread will be substituted with lettuce -- kind of like Atkins style. And speaking of Atkins, here are a few more options:

“The Flying Dutchman”

The Flying Dutchman on the other hand comes as two meat patties and two slices of cheese. Yes, no bun.

"Double Meat"

Just as the name says, two meat patties plus lettuce, tomato, spread and the burger bun.

“4x4” or “3x3” instead of double meat or 2x2 (Double Double)

Four by Four means four meat patties plus 4 slices of cheese. 3x3 of course would be 3 patties and 3 cheese slices. You can also order any combination like 4x1, 3x2, etc.

“Grilled Cheese”

Anti-meat? Don't worry you can try to order a Grilled Cheese Sandwich, it will come with two slices of cheese, lettuce, tomato and spread.

“Veggie Burger”

Don’t like meat and cheese? Then get a Veggie Burger.

Drive-Through Bible Verses

If you are inquisitive or just plain lucky, you could discover that the paper products your fresh (and made to order) In-N-Out regulars came in with would have Book, Chapter and Verse printed on them, these include the cups. In case these are unfamiliar, they are verses from the Holy Scripture (the bible).

Check for yourself:

Would you like some good news with your drink?

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Would you like some old country wisdom with your milkshake?

Proverbs 3:5

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;”

What about some faith building advise with your fries?

Proverbs 24:16

“for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes”

Added wisdom with your Double-double.

Nahum 1:7

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,”

Don’t leave without this one for your burger.

Revelations 3:20

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Yes, you guessed right, In-N-Out is a Christian owned company and it shows with how they treat their employees and how their employees return it back or pay it forward.

History of In-N-Out Burger (from their website)

1948 Arguably The First Drive-Thru Restaurant

Harry Snyder opened California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand in Baldwin Park. Every day before dawn, Harry visited the meat and produce markets, picked out fresh ingredients and prepared them by hand. Meanwhile, his wife Esther did the books.

Harry introduced a two-way speaker box that allowed In-N-Out to offer real drive-thru service. Yes, that is why they called the place “In and then Out” in the first place.

1961 “Animal Style” Burgers Introduced

The first Animal Style burger was created in response to customer requests.

1979 First Dining Room Restaurant

Restaurant #21 in Ontario becomes In-N-Out’s first single drive-lane location. After this only 13 more restaurants were built without a dining room. Future restaurants offer large, open and comfortable dining areas where customers can sit down to enjoy their food.

1992 First Restaurant in Nevada

In-N-Out’s restaurant #80, opened at 2900 W. Sahara Blvd. in Las Vegas, Nevada. For the first time, guests outside California can enjoy the quality and freshness of an In-N-Out burger.

1998 50th Anniversary

In-N-Out reaches the half-century mark with 134 restaurants and 5,498 associates. A commemorative T-shirt bears an image by artist Mark Davidson of a classic 1950s-era Woodie station wagon in front of an In-N-Out drive-thru. After 50 years, the company remains a family business, maintaining the dedication to quality and customer service that Harry Snyder established with his very first store.

2000 First Restaurant in Arizona

Store #143 opens in Lake Havasu City at 81-101 London Bridge Road. In-N-Out now serves guests at locations in three States: California, Nevada and Arizona.

2008 First Restaurant in Utah

Washington City is the first community in Utah to become home to an In-N-Out with store #215, 

located at 822 W. Telegraph Street.

2011 First Restaurants in Texas

Texas State’s first two In-N-Out restaurants open on the same day in Allen and Frisco. A new warehouse and patty-making facility also opened in Dallas, ensuring that new restaurants, and others that will follow, can guarantee the same quality and freshness as stores closer to the original Baldwin Park facilities.

2014 Replica of First In-N-Out Restaurant

Step back in time at the replica of In-N-Out Burger's Original Drive-thru Restaurant at Francisquito Avenue, Baldwin Park, CA. Visit Thursdays to Sundays between 11 am and 2 pm.

More Than Just Burgers and Fries

In-N-Out Merchandise Available Online

 Click to Check out their Catalog

12 12 12

December 12, 2012

It's Wednesday, 12:12 pm December 12, 2012.

If you can make it to December 12, 2112, then you will be able to celebrate this unique day again.

Otherwise (and I do believe so), this is the one day we will all be able to celebrate 12-12-12.

Enjoy it while it lasted...

By the way, next year, there will be no 13-13-13, just in case you are wondering or planning for it. Nope, no can do.

It passed already... time waits for no one.

I am a Failure but Oddly enough, I am both Ashamed and Proud of it

I failed again! [as if what else is new]

And although I'm ashamed about it, I am still kind of proud of it.

Okay, lots of people wouldn't want to admit to anybody that they failed at something, less they'd be called FAILURES.

And most people (if not all) hate to be called LOSERS.

But the label that we want to avoid here is not really one of those, as it is far worst to be known as somebody who never really tried (anything).

Let's face it being a failure normally means that either:

One, you decided to do something, thought hard about it, planned it through, finally did it but struck out.

Or two, you decided to do something, you didn't really think things over, went ahead anyway and did it and bombed out.

But really, being a failure only means that you actually tried to do something!

It's just that you failed doing it. [don't just tell me that you told me so]

At the very least, you tried and there is nothing really wrong or bad about that, especially if you would learn something and apply those towards what you would do next time and keep that in mind to avoid committing the same mistake over and over or similar mistakes.

We all want to be WINNERS.

We all want to SUCCEED.

But then again, we cannot win or be successful if we didn't try to do anything first.

Being a FAILURE in this sense thus means, WE DID TRY to WIN.

And because of that, we could be considered as WINNERS. And that's something to be proud of.

Not doing something because of fear, be it fear of losing, fear of not making it, fear of someone, fear of something, fear of the unknown, fear of anything, or even fear of success -- now that's the worse kind of FAILURE.

So, like NIKE has been telling us for years... just do it!

But of course, plan before you do. And please don't do the same mistake twice!

All the best!

Are you Dumb or are you Slow, or is that a better or more Apt Term for it?

So you found your way all the way over here! Welcome.

This is a brand new post on this (relatively) new blog which hopefully will be a realization of one of the things that I have always wanted to do.

Learn Something New

IQ Test Sample

And that is to share my life experiences so far, share the things that I found on my life's journey and tell you about big and little things I picked up along the way, many of which I wished I knew when I was a lot younger. Some might be wrong but if it is right in my eyes or in my personal experiences then at least to me it is. If you make an accounting of the things you think are right, some will also be wrong in the eyes of someone else. We cannot be right all the time, as we cannot be wrong all of the time.

Anyway, however old or young you may be right now, today is always a great day to learn something new.

And New Thing Number Two is to not be afraid to share them, it wouldn't hurt you to. In fact it may help somebody else and this could come back to you in a good way, sooner or later. (New Thing Number One I mentioned on the third paragraph above).

New Thing Number Three:

Just a month ago I finally put the pieces together and realized that people aren't born smart or dumb or anything in between.

Why?

Because this are all just labels people have come up with through their quest to explain things and put people in a box and manage them.

I now believe that generally people are just born.

We aren't smart, we aren't dumb. But we all have the capacity to be smart (at least the definition of it) or we can be stuck where we are and be labeled dumb.

What is different with each one of us is our capacity to learn or more importantly our "speed" or ease of learning.

What is wrong with our society and our education system is that we have ordained a fixed system which presupposes we all learn at the same rate of speed. Which of course, we don't.

And thus we have a system wherein by this age kids should go to Kindergarten and at this age First Grade. And we have a standard curriculum which bombards these young minds with things that they need to learn all within a certain period at a specified speed throughout the whole school year. And if they couldn't manage to "get them" at that "speed". Then we label them as dumb or even worse stupid. But they aren't necessarily so, they are just "slower" to learn. They do have, the same as everyone else, the same capacity to learn the same things they haven't but they have to do it at a slower pace.

On the flipside, there are others who are comparatively exceptionally quick to learn and do so quickly or on pace. And we label them as smart or advanced for their age. No, they just have the capacity to learn "faster".

If we can try to adopt a school system wherein kids are individually taught more to their own individual pace, then everybody will eventually be smart at whatever they may be at any given time -- and not where we wanted them to be or expect them to be at say a certain age or time.

Did I explain that easy enough?

If not, then you might need to re-read this post again. Or even read it a few more times and I'm sure you'll get everything. Some of you just browsed through it as if you were Einsteins, of course you did, you are quicker than me, as I am quicker than some others. For the rest you, you just need to re-read.

Okay, that's all for today.

School's out!