Apple announced today that they have upgraded their iBook and Mac Mini lines. If you've been waiting to get a mac, now is your chance to get one. If you purchase an iBook and you're a student, don't miss out on their "Student Union" offer, which gives you a free iPod Mini with your purchase. Even if you're not a student, go purchase a Mac. If you're a creative person (or want to be one), Apple is the way to go.

At 6:30am, Dennis and I left for Disneyland. Ron and Marsha met us 2 exits outside of Disneyland, switched cars, and headed on in. Thanks to Ron's excellent guidance, we were able to do all the big rides today. He is truly the master of the "fast pass" (fast passes let you jump ahead in line, but you're only allowed a certain number per day at certain times). We went to Matterhorn, Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, Haunted Mansion, 3D Bug's Life, Muppet Vision 3D, Aladdin mini-musical, Space Mountain, Mickey Rollercoaster, Mulholland Madness, "Big Jump/Drop," Ferris Wheel, River Rapids, Soarin' Over California, Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones - Temple of the Forbidden Eye, It's A Small World, Disneyland Train, Block Party and a couple others that I'm sure I'm forgetting. Between California Adventure and Disneyland, there's so much to do! I also was able to get my special 50th Anniversary Mickey Ears, as well as a 50th antenna ball. On top of all that we ended the day with a great fireworks show! Because I was able to use 2 expired passes for Dennis and I, we still have two more tickets. At $76/ticket, it would sure be a waste to not go next weekend (my last weekend in California). Plus, thanks to Ron's help, we are now the masters of Disneyland. Thank you so much Ron and Marsha, we had a fantastic time! [cpg_album_rand:30,9]

On Saturday, Ron and Marsha brought by my Grandparents who are visiting for the week. We went to In-N-Out Burger, went swimming, played some games, and then went out for dinner at Castaways, one of the restaurants that Ron's parents used to take him to. We had a delicious meal. For $15, you could get your choice of Salmon, Prime Rib, or Chicken (?), gourmet salad bar, and a slice of cheesecake. It's called the "early bird special" and is available if you arrive before 6:00pm. Absolutely delicious! And it was great seeing my Grammy and Gramps out here! [cpg_album:29,6] On Sunday, I will be going to Disneyland with Dennis, Ron, and Marsha. Dennis and I are leaving at 6:30am to get there when the park opens. I'll let you know what I think tomorrow! Keep an eye out for the pictures.

It's time for Music Fridays! This week, my choices all come from the Orange County Fair: Dishwalla (Counting Blue Cars), Tears for Fears (Shout), and Gin Blossoms (Allison Road). Enjoy! By the way, check out the Pictures page as I've added comments to every single picture.

...Vista. Longhorn is no more. That's right, Microsoft has offcially released the name of their next OS, Windows Vista. Many are already joking that this name may refer to the ages that Vista has been in development and that its release may be far in the distance (a vista, if you will). Not to sound like a Mac fanboy here (because I am), but I can't wait for Vista to be released...and watch as everyone's favorite programs no longer work. Aren't you excited?!?

On Wednesday, I attended the AFI Digital Media Lab with my boss. It was a great conference overall. I learned some interesting things: 1) Scientists have figured out a way of replicating your body anywhere in the world via nanotechnology. You will be able to use all your senses at any location (i.e. if your body is replicated in Paris, you will be able to see the Eiffel Tower with your eyes). It will take about 20 years for the technology to fully mature. 2) The BBC did a show called "Spooks," where you train to be a member of the MI-5 via the TV. You complete tasks such as espionage, memory, and being able to capture fugitives. I also got several job offers, but I'm still keeping everything open (although my boss seemed to indicate that he didn't want to let me go). I'll let you know if I'm offered anything offical. [cpg_image:17,9]

James Doohan, best known as "Scotty" on Star Trek, died yesterday at the age of 85. If you've ever used the phrase "Beam me up, Scotty," then you owe Doohan your respects (although, the phrase was never actually used in the show).

A BBC article is discussing a recent study put out by the groups, Iraqi Body Count and Oxford Research Group, that states that 25,000 Iraqi Civillians have died since the US-led invasion began. 37% of the deaths have been caused by US forces and almost 1/5 of the deaths have been women and children. This number simply adds to my ultimate point about the Bush administration--they only think about the short-term. Bush certainly did not want innocent civilians to die, but when you have no exit plan, that is what happens. I'm not arguing that Saddam was a caring dictator, but sometimes the answer isn't always about removing the focal point of trouble. The problems in Iraq have proven that there's a lot going on there. A lot of things that can't be solved through war. Unfortunately, we made war the language when we invaded and that's what the people are responding with. You tell me, would you calmly watch as 25,000 of your fellow citizens are killed? War is never the answer. Too bad Bush didn't read any history books growing up. One thing I would like to add--the opinions I post in my blog can be quite strong. I'm a strong opponent of the Bush administration and a variety of other things. However, my opinion is just that--it's my opinion. If you disagree with me, please feel free to click the link that says "No Comments" and let me know. I think open and honest debate can do a lot of good. And I also believe strongly that it needs to happen--I'm worried about the direction our country and world are turning. Please, feel free to engage me in conversation. And if you agree with me, let me know that too. I'd like to meet more of the 49% of us that didn't vote for Bush.

For a while now, I've thought that new authors should start a blog, posting their work in progress and adding a podcast for each section. Basically, it would allow the author to receive feedback and keep the reader on the edge of their seats, wanting the next section. I've decided to take my own advice and give it a shot. My story is called "Ghost Images." This is the first part. To subscribe to the "Ghost Images" podcast only, go to http://ryangoodenough.com/category/ghost-images/feed ___________________________ I I still remember the first time I noticed it had happened. I was in L.A. for the summer of my junior year, trying to impress the Mouse over at Disney. I was walking to work, as I loved to do back then (something had made me decide that the only way to get anywhere was walking). That day, I was by the gas station, walking across the entrance, when it happened. A car almost hit me. The problem was, the car wasn’t there. Walking in L.A. was definitely a hazard. No one walks or even rides their bike there. That means that a lot of the time, you’re watching over your shoulder to make sure that a car doesn’t hit you. Crossing an entrance to a gas station was of particular danger. Like a fat kid staring at the last slice of pizza, car drivers lock their vision to the gas station and will not stop at anything en route to their gas. And yet, I had made sure that I wouldn’t be hit. I had looked up and down the street and there were no cars coming either way with their signal lights on. Not that it really means anything, seeing that no one uses their damn flashers anyway. But I wasn’t wrong that day, there were no cars turning. Yet, in my mind, I swore a car almost had hit me. It was almost as if as soon as I saw the car, it wasn’t there.

It's time for the weekly podcast. Enjoy!