11.10.09 Tues. "Abnormal Hernia"

Went and saw a surgeon yesterday to see what to do with my hernia. After examining me, the doc told me that I needed to go to First Hill and get an ultrasound. (“What,” I asked him. “Am I pregnant?”) He said that an ultrasound would give him a better idea of what kind of hernia I had and where it was specifically for surgery. Headed up to the other clinic and it was like walking into a germ warfare battle zone. At every entrance they had guards stationed checking people for flu-like symptoms. If you didn’t have any, you got a little yellow sticker you had to wear at all times. If you did have symptoms, you had to wear a mask and did NOT get a little yellow sticker. Man, when you were walking down the halls if you saw somebody without a little yellow sticker it was like being in ancient times when you encountered a leper. The only thing missing was them wailing and tearing their clothes while shouting “unclean! Unclean!”

Ananda’s mother, Beth, arrived yesterday from Michigan and will be staying with us through Thanksgiving. Obviously Tessie loves her being here because nobody spoils a toddler like a nana. But you know who really loves when Nana Beth comes to town? Fenway. With somebody watching Tessie, it means between Ananda and me, the dog gets at least two fast walks unhindered by slow toddler or awkward stroller accompaniment.

Random fact of the day: 58% of women surveyed say blue jeans and a t-shirt is the sexiest clothing men can wear. What else is hot? A clean-shaven face is preferred by 42 percent, while 31 percent like it to be a little rough on the chin.

A new study finds that people who live near volcanoes have a higher rate of thyroid cancer. Somehow if I lived that close to an active volcano, thyroid cancer wouldn’t be my primary concern.

Today is 11.10.09. Which means at 8:07 AM and six seconds it'll be 11 - 10 - 09 - 08 -07 - 06. It means absolutely nothing, but it’s kinda cool.

The Kansas City Chiefs released talented but controversial running back Larry Johnson. Johnson had recently angered gay groups by using a gay slur. I have no idea which team he’ll play for now but I doubt it’ll be with the 49’ers…..

Saw one of those atheist bus billboards yesterday. The one with a picture of Santa Claus on it that says “Yes Virginia. There is no God.” But that’s not the only God / Buss controversy these days. An Atlanta bus driver was suspended for insisting his passengers join him in a prayer. A Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority spokesman said LeRoy Matthews received a five-day furlough after passengers said he stopped his bus and asked all riders to hold hands and take part in a moment of prayer. An unidentified passenger said he was trying to get off the bus last Tuesday when Matthews made his prayer request. The impromptu prayer session on the public bus lasted at least 4 minutes. Doesn’t matter if I was a believer or not, if the dude behind the wheel of the beast that was taking me somewhere asked me to join him in prayer, I’m joining him in prayer!

Police in Palm Bay, Florida say that a graffiti “artist” (vandal) who ran out of paint midway through one of his creations left a hand written paper note to explain to potential critics why his “work” was unfinished. He wrote “ran out of purple” and signed it “Solo,” which is the street handle of some guy named Dan Fisher. Which, made it easy for cops to figure out who vandalized the property and they can now charge him with criminal mischief. There’s a message in this kids. You can’t worry about critics… (It could lead to prison.)

The U.S. Marine Corps Day was established way back in 1775, to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War. The recruiting headquarters was set up by Captain Samuel Nicholas in the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Marines. After success in many campaigns, the Corps was abolished at the close of the Revolutionary War for reasons of economy. On July 11, 1798, Congress ordered the creation of the Corps, named it the United States Marine Corps and directed that it be available for service under the Secretary of the Navy. Here are some famous U.S. Marines:

Colonel John Glenn: U.S. Senator (D-OH) for four terms starting in 1974; He became the oldest person to travel into space in 1998.

Ed McMahon: Flew more than 80 missions as a Marine fighter pilot in World War II and Korea before sitting on Carson's couch.

Corporal Gene Hackman: served six years from 1946-1952 in China, Japan and Hawaii; 2-time Oscar-winning actor for his roles in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven."

Harvey Keitel: served in Lebanon; Reservoir Dogs, and Pulp Fiction.

Drew Carey: served in the USMCR from 1981-1986; actor and comedian, "The Drew Carey Show" and "Who's Line is it Anyway?"