Jeebus, several things are rattling in my head right now. Should I start out with something funny or something boring but stimulating?

Funny it is: I have a new word (some might call it a “meme,” I also nominate, “meme” as one of 2004′s buzzwords, but my new word needs to catch on before it gets the “meme” buzzword…er…moniker). It came about when I was helping a kid program and test his Lego Mindstorm robots. The kid wanted to know how they were manufactured. Coming from a 9 year old kid, that’s an impressive question. Unfortunately (but fortunate for me), he pronounced it, “Manufunkured (Man-U-FUNK-churd)!” And then that disco ball in my head lit up and I said, “Manufunkured?! That has got to be the coolest word I’ve heard all week!” So what does manufunkured mean?
Manufunkured: verb. rooted in the old P Funk English: 1. to make funk and funky thangs for the masses. 2. adj. something so steeped in funk, making the object required deep rooted funk.
Remind me to start a personal dictionary link on this page…I’ll use it in a sentence. My modified computer case, a summertime project of mine, will have a disco ball, dance floor, laser lights, and a smoke machine. It’ll say, “DPU: Disco Processing Unit. Manufunkured by Kooz!”

Now it’s time for the serious thoughts: I’m worried about the level of discourse in our nation right now (this coming from a guy who wants people to say, “manufunkured!). Is it that our ability to make informed and rational decisions is being gutted by the sheer quantity of information in cyberspace? What has happened to our epistemological conscience? With the internet, the validity of someone’s claim/assertion becomes problematic: especially if that person used internet based sources. On the surface, an argument may contain logical coherence, but the underlying sources, derived from the internet, usually cascade into a messy pool upon further examination. Since most online discussions have links to any source material, the internet was supposed to have made verification easier: but it hasn’t. Two reasons: a) interface. Look at the conservative Drudge Report website. It’s a bloody mess! So much crap is thrown at you, it obfuscates certain news items while blasting you with others. I’ve been to websites that are so chock full of links and didn’t take the time to organize their information, that it’s frustrating. b) Who has the time? None of us have the time to do background research, and sadly, the professional journalists/pundits don’t have the time either. And I think the latter is my real beef. Case in point. People have been attacking Wes Clark’s September 2002 Congressional testimony concerning a (at the time) possible Iraq war. On Drudge and several other sites (like powerlineblog.com), they cited his testimony as proof he supported the war on Iraq. I was shocked, and so I read the whole damn thing. I can’t fathom how they thought that he wanted this war with Iraq! He said, “use force as a last resort” [to paraphrase] multiple times and continually argued with Republicans that the U.N. and inspections were the way to go. But my point here, is that I wasted a lot of freakin’ time to validate this story and I shouldn’t have (ironically, I included the link)! Arrggh! And what’s sad, people will believe these people! Now I’m getting upset and it’s late…well, the moral of the story is: read anything that claims to be the truth with a wary eye. You never know: it could be totally mismanufunkured!

After getting settled back down from my trip, I can readily reflect back on the good times I had…….see, did you see me reflect just now!? Fast wasn’t it? Seriously, I haven’t had such a good trip in a long time. Why? Time. It was a seven night cruise and it was seriously exhausting in an exhilarating/Robin Williams monologue way–but it wasn’t too long that I forgot to appreciate the comforts and closeness of family and friends. Plus I had Sunday to relax (even though the Rams lost). But I thought I’d do something silly:

And now for my “Casey’s Cruise Awards.”

Best Supporting Actor: “Hazzaaah!”, my flask. How apropos was it to find a “mistakenly” engraved flask on the cheap in New Orleans?!
Best Actress in a Comedic Role: Julia from Toronto for her role in “The South African.” She was also recognized for her role in “Europe: Africa Without Poor People.”
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedic Role: Teresa for her role in “Clumsy in Cozumel.”
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy: Mark in “Lord of the Rolls” He played Gimli, son of Gluten.
Best Actor in a Comedy: Brad in “Dude, Where’s Crawford?”
Best Director: Ryan our cruise coordinator. He also had a cameo in the movie “Plowed Before 1pm”
Lifetime Achievement Award: Steve for turning 30 during the cruise! During his speech, the wuss cried about how he wouldn’t be where he was without Becky.
Best Picture: “Conversations with Sarah” Ok, I couldn’t think of anything snazzy, but hanging with Sarah was great!

Anywho, since it’s January, I need to set out my New Year’s resolutions and I was going to think about them while on the cruise, but Hazzaaah! convinced me otherwise!

Update 1/15/2004: I’ve hopefully fixed the linking problems in the top left quarter of my website! Plus, I’ve started revamping the picture gallery! The interface got an upgrade (almost, still working on it!).

Day 6: Cozumel. What a freakin’ blast! We had to skip Costa Maya, Mexico because the wind was too strong to dock. It disappointed our group because we had planned on going to the Mayan Ruins…but instead, the ship went on to Cozumel and we arrived a day early.

This meant that we had lots of time to get messed up, come back to the ship, then go out again, and do it all over! We got in about 7:30pm, and after dinner, we trotted down to Carlos and Charlies then to Senior Frogs. We drank and partied with many friends from the ship (the Canadian company was especially pleasant!!) and our dinner time waiter, Tucnay (pronounced Two-Jay). Did I mention that Toronto is really cool?

So, on Thursday morning, we went on a snorkeling/boat trip/beach party trip. Since it was Steve’s birthday, we made sure we celebrated. Most of us were drunk by noon (I had a buzz but wasn’t innebriated). The beach part was fun: I got to play beach volleyball and lay out on the nice sand. By noon, we headed back to Cozumel, had a nice lunch, then went shopping. I picked up a cigar, guess when kind, and some silver cuff-links. We stumbled back to the ship and hit the hay! Whoo hoo! It’s formal night and karoake night–that’s livin’! Peace!

Hello! It’s my first update to kooz.net at sea! We just left the port of Belize City! Everything is going well! We snorkeled today and laid out on this little island about 2 miles off of Belize’s coast. Tommorrow we’re headed toward Costa Maya, Mexico!

Until today, we were at sea for two days. As has been par for the course, I’ve developed a reputation for craziness and making any attempt to embarrass myself for the pleasure of the passengers. I did Karoake and of course, I belted out my version of “Hit Me Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears. In my previous cruise, I did this in front of about 30-40 people. Well, the stakes were higher this time as several hundred saw (and laughed at) me–and I got a standing ovation! Everyone has been stopping and telling me how much they enjoyed it. There’s a partial digital video of it…I’ll see how I can get it to you all!

And, for another tradition, I entered the belly flop contest. It was a different contest than the last cruise, and although I got fourth, the emphasis was on…largesse. The three guys who tied for first has a combined weight of at least 900 lbs. Ouch! But I flopped my heart out and tried to be a crowd pleaser. My warm up routine was the best, I must add.

Other than partying all night and hitting on some hotties (the ones from Canada are especially cool) and staying out very late, there really isn’t else to report–now I’ve got to figure out what I’m going to sing tonight…

I’m off to New Orleans to start my cruise! Whoo Hoo! I can’t wait! (Look at my last post to see where I’m going ) Well, let me rub it in for a second: Look at your pasty arm and that’s the exact opposite color of my golden skin upon my return! If you want something from my trip, e-mail me at casey@toobusygettingsomesun.com. Stay tuned here and I’ll write updates from the boat!

How was my New Years?! Great! I went over to Ned’s new home (which, btw, is a really cool home!) and he had a partay, of course. Craig and Leah went, and I also met a lot of Ned’s co-worker’s along with Mandy’s friends! We didn’t do anything too outrageous–just a bit of suds, champagne, and a hot tub! Did I mention he had a hot tub?! We used it to cap off our evening! Doesn’t everyone enjoy slowingly (my new fake word) simmering their body while being marinaded with a liberal dousing of sparkling wine and German beer!? Since I was responsible, I crashed on Ned’s very comfortable couch–then I had to be at work in the morning: ouch!

I’ll use this trip to meditate on some good New Years resolutions. I might even post them while on my trip!

What’s this? I’m updating my website! *gasp* The shock!!
After a 4 month hiatus, I’m coming back like a glutton to an all-you-can-eat buffet!! Booya!

What the hell has been happening??

My nephew, CJ, and niece, Rachel, are doing well, are very mobile, and beginning to speak! Stella, my adopted niece (Craig’s little girl), is getting big and is a very talkative 3 year old. And, my oldest sister, Beth, is pregnant again! Christmas is coming, and I’m going to have to buy them presents (nothing like last minute shopping).

I was running General Wesley Clark’s grassroots campaign in St. Louis (St. Louis for Clark), and I hope that explains why I have ignored this website! I said “was” because I’m no longer the coordinator. Having two jobs and doing something I had no experience in wasn’t very healthy for me! I love politics, but I felt that someone with more time and more experience would be better in the final stretch to the February 3rd Missouri primary. I’m still maintaining the website, and that’s what I really enjoy doing! Go Clark!

Speaking of websites, check out McGurk’s Website! [Update 4/5/08:  You'll link to a new mcgurks.com.  I need to post my old mcgurks.com here sometime]  My first “professional” web site effort. It’s actually just scratching the surface of what I want it to be! From what I learn from doing that site, I’ll probably apply it to this one! Actually, I will in a second because my picture to the left will look like a vignette!

In travel news, I’ll be going on a cruise the first full week of January (2004). We’ll be leaving from New Orleans then going to Belize, Costa Maya, Mexico, and Cozumel, Mexico! I’ll be going with Ryan and his wife, and 5 other crazy folks! It’s Royal Carribean, so we’re going in style (and it was dirt cheap!).

I saw Chuck Berry last night at Blueberry Hill–can that man jam! He’s 76ish years old and the man is just amazinng! He can still do the duck walk!!! If you listen to the White Stripes, you can really hear his influence on them and rock in general!

Lastly, how do I like living in my own place? Well, since it has cooled off, it’s kinda cold…there’s not much I can do in the park. I do like the fact that I can do what I want, but I do miss the social atmosphere of having a roommate. My lease prevents me from having a pet (but I just feel that is just a bit too “lonely guy-ish” anyway). I think I would be happier if I had a dish washer. But other than that, everything is gravy right now!

For those interested in Drafting General Clark to run for President, I recommend going to the Draft Clark 2004 MeetUp Page. As our administration fails utterly to take responsibilty for the fiascos that are Iraq, foriegn policy, and the national budget, we need a true leader who stands out, and that’s  General Wesley Clark.

Other than organizing the St. Louis end of the Draft Clark campaign, I’ve kept busy in the world of Tatooine! Ha! Yes, I’ve fallen under the spell of Star Wars Galaxies! It’s a fantastic massive multi-player role playing game about living in the Star Wars universe between the Star Wars: A New Hope and the Empire Strikes Back movies! It’s great fun, and a nice release for the grind of daily life.

Plus, there is some new family news, but I’m going to wait on it because it might be bad luck if I announced it now.

A KOOZ.NET SCOOP!
Michael K. Frisby, formerly of the Wall Street Journal and Boston Globe, is on board to Draft General Wesley Clark for president in 2004. A former White House correspondent, Michael signed onto the campaign as a senior media adviser. Winner of the Aldo Beckman award, his insight into the machinations of political campaigns, public relations, and the media will be invaluable as General Wesley Clark considers his run for President of the U.S.

In case you haven’t found out, I’m supporting General Wesley Clark’s run for president in 2004! A former NATO Commander, four star general, Rhodes Scholar who graduated first in his West Point class, General Clark is THE choice for the Democratic ticket. He has a firm grasp of foreign affairs and has a common sense domestic agenda. For more information on General Clark, visit www.draftclark2004.com.

I’m getting involved personally by donating my time as a Clark supporter. Unlike any other Democratic candidate, he’s the total package, and has unmatched integrity being a political outsider. I am currently the St. Louis Regional Coordinator of the Draft Clark Campaign, and I’ll do my best to get him on the ballot!

Well, I haven’t updated my page since Montana…and now I’m at another extraordinary event: The Saint Louis Science Center and Missouri Fragging Association’s LAN Party!! I was very very nervous about it, but it turned out to be a great success! We played computer games from 10:30 in the morning to 10:30 at night! We’re organzing the next one as I write this!
I got a lot of pictures from Montana, and I’ll make sure to post them soon. I’ve been in a shell these last three weeks because organizing the LAN Party and playing a lot of Star Wars Galaxies.
With of this going on, I’ve failed to go the the gym, and I’ll start going again next Monday.
Lastly, my Mom turned….39 last week (ok, that’s not right, but she’s still a youngin’)…and I had a really nice dinner with my sisters and their new families! Happy Birthday Mom!!!