Going Dark... Again

I marked down November 23rd on my calendar a few months ago. It was an important date and no matter what was going down between the hours of 8 pm to 10 pm, I knew I needed that time. No excuses. Pencils down. Work would stop at 8 pm that day.

And so when my afternoon meeting that started at 3 pm was running past the 7 pm hour, I got a little worried. I reiterated that I was going to leave shortly in order to make my 8 pm "appointment." At 7:25 pm, I began packing my stuff and by 7:30, I was out the door. I got home at 7:52 pm and turned off my cell phone. It was time to go dark. Why?

Jack Bauer was back. And this time, he was off to save Africa.

But seriously... there are few things that take this kind of priority in my life, and I realize that TV shows like 24 (and The Office) are among those high-priority items. It begs the question: idiotic or genius?

At any rate, the tv movie was pretty good. What was incredibly frustrating was not being able to chat about it live with Phil since there is the time zone delay. When the season kicks in full gear in January, it's going to be the longest day of my life.... not being able to break down the episode with him until he sees it. As Jack would put it, "DAMNIT! DAMNIT! DAMNIT!"

The East Bay is Dead to Me

As Rohit wrote earlier, we had a conference call on Monday among the 1524sf O.G. members. It was only fitting that the call occurred exactly one year to the day when we vacated the house and disbanded like in the ending of The O.C.... or more like in Lord of the Rings. Pick your reference, but either way, you get where I'm going at.

And really, what has happened since we left? Some executive highlights:
- Gavin Newsom got reelected despite our grassroots efforts.
- His people have reportedly stolen our Pave the Road idea without proper credit.
- Baron Davis left the Warriors.
- The Treesitters at Berkeley began throwing their poo and pee at people.
- And of course, the producers of "24" delaying the season by a full year because their number 1 fans disbanded.

Yes, times are changing. As a friend once said, "the east bay is dead to me." It's true. At least for me. Life goes on.

But with that, the spirit of 1524sf will also continue living on.

(This it the point where you should cue up Journey's "Don't Stop Believing.")

We (and by we, I mean Rohit and I - unless Phil is promoting a new headset gizmo) will continue to write and provide you entertainment to your homes.

We will continue to provide you with the irreverent commentary and analysis that most people are afraid to give and to admit.

And of course, we will continue to write about our ideas that pop in our head.

Like our latest and greatest one: meeting up in Africa this November to watch the 24 tv movie. Idiotic or genius?

It's great to be back.

By Any Means Necessary

One of the benefits of having a tv in my dorm room is that my neighbors often drop by, grab a seat, and watch some tv when my door's open. Tonight, as I was doing my accounting problem set, two of my neighbors came by and watched the USC/Stanfurd football game. Since I didn't care at all about their respective teams and I was zoned into the joys of cash flow, I didn't pay one bit of attention for most of the game.... until there were about 2 minutes left and Stanfurd was charging down the field. Down by 6 points, the team needed a touchdown to win the game and they were getting closer and closer to scoring.

I was facing an ethical situation. Obviously as a Cal fan, I have developed a strong distaste for the Stanfurd football team. On the other hand, if USC lost, Cal could move up in the rankings (they are #3 now. #3!!!). So who should I be rooting for? Could I really take that leap and root for the evil empire?

And with a snap judgement, and shockingly so, I was rooting for the Cardinals for the first time in my life. I wanted them to win. Call me Johnny Damon or Benedict Arnold, but it was all for the greater good. If a Stanford victory could get Cal one step closer to the Rose Bowl, I had to go for it and take that chance. Damnit, it was Jack Bauer esque. You know how it is. By any means necessary.

So, with 2 minutes left, I started cheering the Cardinals when they got a 1st down. When they converted on 4th down to bring up 1st and Goal. And finally, when they scored a touchdown on 4th and Goal. I even high-fived my Stanfurd neighbor and watched as my USC neighbor almost cried. As the time expired, I even gave the team one of my highest honours: the slow clap.

Yes, it was shocking. I couldn't believe it and I still can't believe it now, about an hour after the game. Was it worth it? I think so. I hope so. Come January, if I am reporting from Pasadena, then it was totally worth it. Who knows what will happen between now and then?

One thing is for sure though. I'll never see the world in the same way again.