On August 8th, I was at Six Flags Magic Mountain, in Valencia, Ca, for a day of fun, and to see a concert, of two bands I grew up listening too in the 80's. Though the band member line-up has changed, the music hasn't. A Flock of Seagulls, and When in Rome, who had that unforgettable classic "The Promise". When in Rome, took the stage first, and performed four songs, including "The Promise".
Click for Larger Image - A New Window Will Open
A Flock of Seagulls, performed six songs, which were Modern Love is Automatic, Space Age Love Song, Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You), The More You Live, The More You Love, Telecommuication, and I Ran (So far Away). All those songs are from the early 80's and mid-80's, and they didn't or couldn't perform any new songs, according to Michael Floreale, when I spoke to him, and John Ceravolo of When in Rome, outside the Golden Bear Theatre, after the first show. Both shows were great from both bands.
Click for Larger Image - A New Window Will Open
After the first show, I waited outside the Golden Bear Theatre to see if anyone from the two bands would come out and talk to fans. There was only a small handful of fans waiting, and as I waited I spoke to one of the fans about the two bands, and how I once met Mike Score of A Flock of Seagulls before at Six Flags Magic Mountain, and saw them at Sirona's Bar & Restaurant in Arcadia, and got a photo with him. While I waited, two of the guys from When in Rome were being interviewed by media, and the fans who were waiting, got a chance to talk to them, and have their photo taken. I was lucky enough to talk to them about their music, the song "The Promise", the tour and the new material that they're currently working on for a new album. Michael Floreale is the founder, keyboardist, programmer of When in Rome, and John Ceravolo is the replacement lead vocalist for the band. The original vocalist was Andrew Mann, who's voice you hear in the original recording of the classic song "The Promise". I was talking to them for a good 15-20 minutes, and had my photo taken with the guys. I asked them if they knew if Mike Score, or the other band members from A Flock of Seagulls would come out, and talk to fans as well, but they weren't sure.
I waited around a bit longer, asked security, but only the drummer from the band came out, and spoke to some fans, and what looked to be family members. I left to The Orient Express, to take up to the Summit, to get in line for Ninja, however I realized I was missing something, and that was my 2009 Six Flags Sports Bottle. I had placed it on the ground next to a small tree when I had my photo taken with the guys from When in Rome, and I never picked it back up. I had the receipt and wrist band that you're given when you purchase the bottle. I got $3.00 off using a coupon from my coupon book, so I saved some money on it. After I realized I didn't have it, I walked first to the nearest Johnny Rockets Restaurant, which is where I purchased it, and asked if I could get a replacement. I was told I had to go to the Johnny Rockets where I originally purchased it from, and that was clearly next to Batman: The Ride, and here I was near Log Jammer. I checked that tree in front of the Golden Bear Theatre, where I had placed it, it was gone. It must of been thrown away in the trash can. I walked to the Johnny Rockets across from Batman: The Ride, and got in line, and explained I had lost it, and if I could get a replacement. Since I had the receipt and wrist band, I was able to get a replacement, and a free refill. That was good.
I walked back to the Golden Bear Theatre, and A Flock of Seagulls just begun their set, so I got a good seat on the left of the stage towards the bottom, and filmed more footage with my digital camera, and enjoyed the show again. After the show, I waited about 30 minutes or so, to see if the band members would come out, however only When in Rome, and Mr. Six showed up. Mr. Six was drawing a large crowd, and entertaining them with his signature dance. I only took a couple of pictures of that. It was almost 9:30 p.m., and I headed out of the park, and went home. I had fun, it was a fun day, though I only rode three coasters, and saw a great concert, with two bands.
Click for Larger Image - A New Window Will Open
The only rides I rode on this day were Terminator: Salvation - The Ride, which was like a 90 minute wait, Tatsu, which was like 60 minutes, both stations were running with three trains, so the line went really fast. Riddler's Revenge was the longest, like 2 hours. The park was packed, and I arrived at the park at 1:30 p.m. in the afternoon, and everyone had to park clearly on the unpaved dirt area pass Colossus and Scream. You can see all this and more in my videos on my YouTube Channel.
You can view all my pictures on my myspace.com page, or click here for the 8/8/09 Six Flags Magic Mountain Photos. -Tim
Earlier today, I went to go pick up my cat Peppers from the Animal Hospital, after spending almost one week in extensive care, and having his leg surgery on his broken femur bone. He's doing great right now, he does have swelling on his foot and leg, but that is to expect after surgery.
I spoke with the doctor for awhile, and he was telling me things I'll need to do to help him heal. The first is to give him his Baytril Medicine tablets twice a day (1 1/2), which the doctor demonstrated how to get him to swallow them. I have to grip onto his head, tilt his head back, open his mouth, and shove a tablet down his throat, because I have never done this to a cat or any animal before, and I just don't want to break his neck doing it, because the doctor did it pretty quick. I will also have to flex, and stretch his leg 12 times per stroke twice a day, so the muscles can adjust, heal to the bone.
He will have to be confined in a room or area away from the other cats, as I had him before. I have him in the hallway, all doors shut, and the main bedroom where all my Star Wars toys are displayed and located blocked off, so he should be okay, and there isn't much room for him to really move around, and from what I have seen, he doesn't move very fast. He has been pushing himself on the ground, almost dragging the leg, instead of trying to stand on it. The nerves weren't severed, and he does have blood circulation in the leg, it's just temporarily numb and swollen.
The stitches come out in 11 days as I was told by the doctor, and 16 weeks when the pin is removed, so he'll have another surgery for this procedure, however I do see a small area stitched up next to the main stitches, so this may be where he'll be opened up for the pin to be removed. However, the doctor did mention he had to remove bone tissue from another area, to insert into the missing section of the femur bone when reattached with the pin.
The doctor said this procedure cost $2,500, but since explaining to him, and the various other doctors, assistances, and front desk nurses, that I am unemployed, and I have no income, on borrowed money, and I was denied the CareCredit Finanace Card, that the hospital offers, and that nobody in my family wants to help me. So, they opted to do this surgery for FREE, which they don't usually do for anybody on a frequent basis. As I mentioned in my first blog about Peppers (see below), the $100.00 that was deposited into my account by the very generous couple that I spoke too, was in fact the account I have with the hospital, and not my Visa account. I was confused at first, but the payment I made today was charged to my account with the hospital. I was charged only $27.00 for the Baytril Tablet Medicine, so I still have an outstanding balance of $73.00. I may use that to get Peppers vaccinated, which the doctor recommended I do soon, so since I have an appointment with Peppers Monday, I may just ask them to vaccinate him right then and there. He has to be vaccinated for Rabies, Fel Leukemia, Cat Aids/HIV, FVRCP, and the cost is between $12.00 - $13.00 each. That's not too bad.
The doctor also told me not to feed him store brand wet or dry food. I told him I did have some, but I also have some wet can food of Friskies, and he said that was okay. Since bringing him home, he has been eating food, and finally able to drink water from a bowl, because like before he refused to drink water from a bowl. I had to place water in a syringe that the doctor gave me to place his first liquid medicine in, so I had been using that to give him water, with his pain medicine.
I will have another update blog on Peppers' condition in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
Yesterday, was a very traumatic day for my cat Peppers. [11:30 a.m.] I was getting ready to take him to the Animal Hospital on Soledad Canyon Rd. here in Canyon Country for a checkup on his broken and swollen leg, and returning his x-rays, that was taken on the 17th. He was in his cat carrier, it was secured, but missing three clips, two small and one big one, and as I opened my garage door, and placed the cat carrier with him in it on the back of my Tonneau cover of my truck, while I got my keys out of my shorts, and turn off the alarm, and open my driver's door. The space is very narrow in my garage, but before I can open my door, Peppers used all his force, jumped out, fell to the ground, and ran off, first he was under my truck, than got scared, and ran out and towards the area where the trash bins are located, and into a flat surface water drainage system that goes under the sidewalk and onto the street curb.
I tried chasing him in the direction he was running, but lost sight of him, and walked clearly in a circle around my units, thinking he may have gone back to the front door of my apartment. I remembered I left my car keys and the x-rays on the back of my truck's tonneau cover, so I had to quickly go get my keys, and close the garage door. It occured to me if he had gone under the water drainage system under the sidewalk, so I checked, and sure enough, he was in there. I had to quickly run and grab my cell phone, and call the Animal Hospital, and tell them the situation, and that I won't be making the 12 p.m. appointment. The woman I spoke too, gave me the number to the Castaic Animal Shelter, because I needed assistance to help me get him out, but when I called, all I got was put on hold for like seven minutes.
[11:50 a.m.] I hung up, and called 911, and the operator dispatched me to the fire department division, and I had to explain the situation to the firefighter, and within ten minutes, the firefighters arrive in their big red fire engine. [12:05 p.m.] I directed them where the cat was hiding, and told the several firefighters who arrived, that he has a broken leg, and I was on my way to the Animal Hospital on Soledad Canyon Rd. for a checkup, and he escaped, and ran into this water drainage system. First, the firefighters didn't know exactly how to get him out from the two ends, because it is a very low flat narrow space. They came up with the idea of squirting water and foam from one end to the other, to flush him out, so I had to get down on my stomach and tell the firefighters if the water and foam was helping, or making it worse. The foam and water was so high, I could hardly see anything, and the fact it was so dark, and I had no flashlight. The water and foam was up to his neck, so they stopped with the foam. They gave me a grappling hook pole, to try to grab him with it, but visibility was so limited, I couldn't see a thing. They didn't even provide light for me, as I was laying down in this dirty muddy trash foam and water space, getting an eye on Peppers. The firefighters tried the water again, and after a couple seconds, he was flushed out, and I quickly placed him in the cat carrier, which I had standing by next to the wall. A couple of the guys helped me put him in, and close it securely with the fastening clips, and placing the front metal door on.
[12:15 p.m.] Peppers was completely covered in dirt, mud, water, foam, and was shivering from both being soaked, and scared, so I suggested that I go grab my vehicle, and bring it around, so I can get him inside, and be on my way to the Animal Hospital. One of the firefighters tightly held down the cat carrier while I ran to get my vehicle. The firefighter helped me place him on my passenger seat in my truck, closed the door. I thanked the firefighters for the assistance, and responded in a fast, and efficient way. As for me, I was filthy, I had mud, dirt, foam, and water all over me from this rescue. Luckily, I wasn't wearing any nice clothes. I was wearing shorts and a black shirt that wasn't in the best condition, so that was okay. I didn't have time to brush myself off, until I exited my vehicle in the Animal Hospital parking lot, and later cleaned myself off in the restroom inside the building, that was next to the seating area.
[12:25 p.m.] As I walked in, the people waiting must of thought I was a dirty old bum, since I looked like I just got out of a sewer. It was embarrasing, but I didn't have time to wash up at home, and take Peppers back inside. I had to quickly get him to the Animal Hospital, and he probably injuried his broken leg even more, after escaping.
As I was waiting, a couple who brought in their large white dalmatian dog Lucky, asked me about my pet in the carrier, and so I told them what just occured this morning, and how traumatic it was for my cat Peppers, and I must say for me too. I told them I am unemployed, and on borrowed money, and unable to pay for surgery for any other medical costs for my cat, which I was told could cost between $1,200 and $1,500, and I just couldn't afford that, or the amount I had to pay on the 17th, when I first came to the Hospital for his x-rays and medication. So, I was talking to them for awhile, and once their dog Lucky was called in for weighing, and to see the doctor, this other woman who had just walked in with her cat, asked me about my cat, so I spoke with her about the incident as well, and soon after I was called into one of the three waiting examination rooms.
As I waited for the doctor to examine Peppers, which was going to be a FREE complimentary check-up, I started to clean him off with some paper towels and water that the room provided, and it took a couple towels, because he was very dirty, and he was really scared, and shivering cold. One of the assistance nurses came in, and provided Peppers with two bath towels to keep him warm. I must of been waiting like thirty minutes before the doctor came in. She looked Peppers over, and checked the swollen leg, which has been healing, since I have been placing a small damp warm towel/folded sock on his leg, to bring down the swelling, so she told me it looks good, but the swelling on the top body part of the leg was still swollen a little. She told me some good news, and something surprising.
She told me first if I remembered the couple in the waiting room with the Dalmation dog, and I said "Yes, they're dog Lucky, I was talking to them.", well she told me that out of generosity, they wrote a check, and deposited $100 into my account, but she told me that they didn't want me to know. I am not sure if it's my checking account, or my account with the Animal Hospital. I didn't ask the doctor that. I just said "That's great!", so when I checked my balance online, I didn't see no deposit for $100, or perhaps it hasn't been processed yet, or it may have to wait until the check is cleared with the bank. I used my Checking Visa on my first visit, to pay for the walk-in fee, x-rays, and medication, so my account number must be on file with the Animal Hospital. The second thing the doctor told me, is that she told me, she spoke to one of the surgeons who has offered to do a quick surgery on Peppers for FREE of charge. I was so surprised, and thankful, and I said "That's Great", so she told me to make an appointment on Monday (27th), to have a FREE Consolation with Peppers, and to schedule the surgery with the Surgeon.
That's good news, because I am unable to afford surgery, and that is great that couple deposited money into my account. I asked the doctor if they were still in the waiting room, but she told me they had already left, so I could thank them. So, it was a good day, and a bad day.
[Thursday, July 16th, 11:30 p.m.] As for what happened to Peppers, it was Thursday night, July 16th, around 11:15 p.m., and all the cats were outside getting fresh air, and playing. Peppers, Tigers, Penelope, and her three kittens. As I was sitting at my desk with my computer, I heard a loud crash outside, like something hit the window and small chair I have on the patio, and that scared all three kittens inside, and Penelope, who jumped in from the sliding door I have open. I turn on the porch light, open the front door, and I see both Tigers and Peppers in a face dueling position, and Peppers under the chair with a bleeding lower lip, and a fractured, broken or dislocated leg, and standing with a limp. I bring all of them in, and take Peppers into the other room, so I can examine him, and to my shock, he was bleeding from his mouth, and lower lip. His tongue had slashes on the top and bottom, and his leg was all messed up. I wasn't sure at this point what to do, or what just happened outside. Did Tigers chase Peppers up a tree or a ledge, and scared him to fall onto the cement injuring his leg? Did somebody catch Peppers and throw him off a upstairs balcony? Did Tigers and Peppers have a brutal fight, so vicious, that Peppers got his leg stuck into something, and tried to escape, breaking the bone? These are the questions I was asking myself on what just happened. Peppers was in a state of shock, he was panting heavily, and shaking. I had to set-up a special resting area in my hallway, next to my bathroom, and walk-in closet, and close-off the rest of the room, where I have my Star Wars toy collection located. You can see in the pictures.
On this night, I got no sleep. I was trying to calm Peppers down, and clean him off, and make him feel comfortable. I was in a panic, because his heart rate was heavily beating, and I was scared he was going to die. I wasn't sure if calling 911 would help, because at this hour, there wasn't any Animal Control assistance open, so I had to wait in the morning. I had to quickly look up online, and in the new Santa Clarita Phone Book for the nearest Animal Hospital, and I found one, located just minutes away on Soledad Canyon Rd./Sierra Hwy. It is located directly next to the movie theatre, which is across the street from McDonalds.
I did get some sleep that night, but I always got up to check on Peppers, and make sure he was okay. [Friday, July 17th] The Animal Hospital opened at 9 a.m., so I quickly placed Peppers in the cat carrier, which at this point he was so scared, he didn't move a muscle much, and behaved himself. When I arrived, I was asked if I had made an appointment, I said "No, this is like an emergency...", I had to explain the incident that occured last night with my cat to the woman at the front desk. She told me the doctor wouldn't be in until 10 a.m., and since it was a walk-in, and no appointment, there is a $59.00 charge. She asked me if I wanted to make an appointment later in the afternoon, so I wouldn't be charged, but I declined, and told her I'll pay the fee. So I had to wait it out for an hour. I didn't actually see the doctor until like 10:20 a.m. or so, and once I did, she examined Peppers. She told me that he'll need x-rays, and that was going to be costly. I was given an estimate price on how much it would cost, and since I had no choice to agree with the amount, I had to sign some documents, and let them to the x-rays. I did apply for their CareCredit Card, they offer while I waited, but I was denied after it was processed. I believe I was denied, because I am unemployed, and I have no income.
The doctor brought back the x-rays, and showed me indeed Peppers has a broken femur bone, that broke off from the main extended bone. I asked what options I had with getting him better, and the first was surgery, which is very expensive, second would be to provide him with medication, and plenty of rest, and comfort, and making sure he doesn't move around or walk alot. She told me within time he may heal, if the bones come together to heal. They provided him with medication, which I have been giving him to help with the pain. She did offer an option of testing for rabies, x-rays, medication, cleaning of the ears, teeth cleaning, blood work, and count, and this option would of come too $458.00, so I went with option 1, which was just the x-rays, and medication, which cost me $255.00, which includes the $59.00 walk-in fee charge. I couldn't really afford this amount, but I had no choice, and since I was denied the CareCredit Card that the Hospital offers, I had to pay this amount.
The following images of Pepper's x-rays, I took myself with my digital camera at home.
After I brought Peppers back home, and gave him his medication, and fixed up his comfortable bedding area, I got prepared to take Tigers (Pepper's brother), to the Castaic Animal Shelter. I had no choice in the matter, even if he wasn't the culprit behind this incident with Peppers, he still had to go. They both never get along, so I placed him in the cat carrier, and took him to the shelter. On the way to the shelter, Tigers was so scared, he was crying, meowing loud, and eventually did something I wasn't expecting, he went the bathroom inside the cat carrier, and I am talking about poop, and he had it all over him, and even tried to escape from the cage. I had to pull over on the busy freeway, and fix the cage, very dangerous. The shelter was less than 1 mile away when this occured, and I had to roll down my window to get clean air, and turn off the A/C. It stunk really bad, and this wasn't the first time a cat has gone the bathroom in a cage while transporting to the Animal Shelter. Once inside the main waiting room area of the shelter, I had to explain the story to the officer, and tell her my cat Tigers has gone the bathroom, and I was here to drop him off. I did take a pet questionaire regarding Tigers, once I came back from the cat boarding area. They cleaned the cat carrier for me out back, and I told them to throw away the towel that I had inside the cage, because it wasn't worth keeping anymore.
So, that is the story of this tragic incident with Peppers, but luckily it's not life threatening, but it sure looked that way the night I brought him inside the apartment. What a crazy week this has been for me, and him.
On Wednesday, June 16th, I attended my niece Belladonna's Graduation from Monrovia High School, Ca. The Ceremony was held at Citrus College in Glendora on the Track and Field, since the MHS Track and Field was being refurbished and repaired.
It was fun, and a momentous and exciting night for my niece Belladonna, who graduated with honors, and actually sat next to her friends Ariel and Cassie. I filmed alot of footage with my digital camera, and took 68 pictures.
I edited the footage together to make a 22:15 min. video, with overlay music at the beginning, and music at the end, and added transitions. Since YouTube, has a video length policy, I had to edit together a video to upload, so I put together a short version, that clocks in at 9:54 min, and you can view that video by clicking this link, or watch the video below.
After the ceremony, and walking back to the parking lot, we all witnessed a group fight between graduates and attendees, most likely their friends, and it was brutal, so I snapped a couple pictures of that. I have no idea what it was about. That sure was some excitement to end the night.
Anyways, you can read additional info in the description for the video about Graduation Night for my niece Belladonna. And for a Graduation present, her Mom was able to help get her first vehicle, a 2009 Scion XB, on a down payment (of course), and this summer, she'll be working at a summer camp, which after that she plans to attend college at USC Santa Barbara. Here are just a couple pictures I took. Click the thumbnails for a larger image.
