Content

Books, Songs, Movies, Cartoons, Work-out mixes, bed time stories, Netflix, DVD's, DVRs, , NPR, PBS, HD, NBC, WWW.....can I please get some content. Unlike my brother who probably reads about a book a week I only seem to get through about 2 a year......that being said I am still a curious guy and interested the happenings in our world. I admit I have fallen back mostly on audio and video. I like to DVR things like Charlie Rose, Heroes, Adventure Sports, SNL, The Daily Show, and some HD Nat. Geo stuff. In addition to our mutual shows Automme also has about 3 shows she keeps up with. Oliver has Tiger and Poo, Little Einstein, Nat. Geo dinosaur and animal shows, and occasional Disney Channel movies. On top of that, we're 4 movie at a time Netflix users. We get all the new release movies, we keep up with a few HBO shows. (Rome, Entourage, Dexter, and a few others), and now we have one kid movie on queue at all times for The O-Man. We've even got a few books that get picked up very seldom. Other than that, we get new songs through I-tunes. We like to get these songs off of movies (or shows) that we watch, commercials, or from NPR (Market Place and All Things Considered always have cool little diddys). Automme likes to download some select current hip hop for her workout mixes, and Oliver also has about 4 or 5 of his favorite songs that we like to rock the Ipod with.

Bed time content for the boy includes 1-7 books (every night) or a "make up story" by Dad. My stories always are about a little boy and his dogs. They usually have this boy and his dogs doing something in a jungle or cave or on a mountain or desert or ocean somewhere. For some reason they often are hungry and looking for something to eat while encountering the local wildlife who may or may not have the ability to speak human. Whatever happens in the story it always ends with me asking Oliver "do you know who the little boy is?" and the answer is..... "Oliver.....and do you know who the doggies are? Sadie and Denali thats right....now nigh nigh...go to sleep..NOW!"

And finally, there are a couple of really cheesy videos off of Disney that he's all about. I can't seem to find them on Itunes....so I'll just let you play them below off of Youtube. Automme and I always like to get our moves on with the train conducter......just watch, about 2 minutes into the 1st video he busts it out hard... you'll see.....

Whats new with you? Not much you?

The answer to the question everybody seems to have is actually "a whole lot of things". It seems that several times per day, I am asked that question "whats new with you?". I also have a habit of listening to myself in the third person and often hear my reply which is; "not much". Or it goes..."how is your family" getting the standard one word "well, and yours?" With that rather lenghly pretense, I'll give you a bit more....I will also be handing out a little peice of paper with a link to this posting if you dare ask..."What's new with you" Just kidding.

Don't forget new video and pictures below........

Whats new with Oliver:
Oliver is into swimming at the Alaska Club and hitting the water slide 20 - 40 times per trip. Jay and Lissa down the street gave him a couple of baseball bats and we've been taking out lamps and pottery on a daily basis ever since. Automme was out of town last week, but we managed to put a two year old dressed in a lions suit in front of about every door in the neighborhood. This was mostly a ploy to get my wife some free candy....suckers. Oliver was a lion and his buddy Asa was a zebra. Unfortunatly Oliver's favorite movie is Madagascar where the lion bites the zebras butt. Angie down the street had an awesome party with all sorts of kids, candy, movies, and food. Oliver was eating a lollypop 3 hours after his bedtime. When he's not with us he spends alot of time at Amy's playcare and Grandma and Grandpa's house for crash courses in manners and potty training.

What's new with Automme:
Automme is a busy bee. (I hope you don' mind me giving an update babe). Over the last few months Automme has been out of town several time to some amazing places (in state and out) for her work. She is also going to school for a masters degree, kickin some a.. at being a full time mom and a wife, working out regularly, teaching herself how to cook like a professional, taking painting classes, and basically holding us all together like the beautiful rock that she is.

What's new with me (and the whole fam):
I'm kind of a routine guy. That being said, I've been enjoying the latest scheduling. My work schedule is good with just the right mix of managability and excitement. I've got swimming in the morning before work, handball three days a week at lunch, racquetball one day a week, hockey one day a week, swimming with my boy one night a week, and date night with Automme about once a week. The deck I have been working on most of this fall is mostly complete and I am really trying not to pick up any new home projects until after the new year.

On top of that my friend Jesse Stemmler asked me to be in his wedding next spring so we're taking my mom and the whole family down to Sayulita MX. More you ask? Well, we have a healthy Grandpa Bill!! My Grandfather and mom are coming to town for Christmas. My father is scheming to spend two months up here next summer. Damon is working for the Obama campaign in North Carolina. Cousin Quin is takin names and numbers on the football field. Cousin Sam is campaigning for his Presidential bid in 30 years. The dogs are really happy (largely because our neighbor moved away...long story). Our house is really homely right now. Soooo.........

Whats new with us?....not much.....and you???
New Pictures HERE
New Video

New Pics

Just a link to some new pics.....

http://picasaweb.google.com/AlbertCircosta/September08#

Heres the new "Thumb Dance"

Oliver rocks to his favorite song with some new moves.....

Fryday!

Just wanted to rock it out on a Friday.......

Little bit of an oldie but goodie.

Just a video......

So Oliver and my Dad pretty much hit it off immediatly. Dad seemed ever ready to teach him every sport that exists and even a little pilates. Here's a video.

All our video is HERE.
You can check out August (and all our pics) HERE

Back to the Action AUGUST 08

So, I think I like the idea of keeping this blog mostly for fun, family, pictures, and video. This blog is now officially Not for Opinions. Okay, I don't know if I can hold myself to that but I can try......Is that an opinion? August has been a really good month. 'deep inhale' We've had my father in town..he drove up the Alcan for a third consecutive year for Oliver's birthday, a hillbilly party in the neighborhood at Chad and Angie's house, backyard retaining walls and a new deck under construction, I went on a weekend trip to Prince William Sound on Mick Selhay's boat, there was a big party for Great Grand Peepers at my Uncle Chip's "Uchio" and Aunt Debbie's house in Virginia, and Oliver's 2nd Birthday (coinciding with his Cousin Sam Circosta's 6 month Birthday) that we celebrated at Automme's favorite place in the whole wide world..Chucky Cheese!!!...'deep inhale again'. I beleive most people skim these words and may or may not look at the pictures and video so I'll get right to the "action". Are you still reading....weird. Okay, your not a skimmer. Here are August's Pictures.... AUGUST PICTURES CLICK HERE.

...and there's a video of Oliver greeting Alcan Albert HERE (or below).

So, my friend Becks at Faux Martha had a good posting with a very interesting speech. I hope you don't mind Becks....I'm reposting a link here. I watched all seven parts. Her tone is a little like she's scolding a misbehaving child, but I like the content.
ANNE's SPEECH

It's Love

So, like my brother, I like to let Coorperate America be my DJ. Sometimes I like DJ to be my DJ (Damon James..thats my brother). Damon sent us this song by Chris Knox. It's mine and Oliver's song. We rock out to it........as you can see....

Number 4

Oliver recently went to see Sesame Street Live. Other than being a little scared of the "shadows" he loved it. In addition, we DVR sesame street for him. In addition to that, he loves Feist.... And in addition to that, our good buddies over at Faux Martha have led us to this:....

Paci....where's my Paci!!!???

Today is a tragic day in the Circosta house. Trying times are ahead. We woke up this morning and somehow, all at once, every one of Oliver's pacifiers seem to have developed very large holes in them...almost as if they were cut on purpose with some scissors. We think this is very suspicious. But, instead of working with a broken tool, Oliver has taken the high road and decided to throw all (I mean every one) of his paci's away. He did that this morning. Throwing each paci away one at a time with a ceremonial posture that brought a tear to my eye. We are on our first day with no paci. Oliver is keeping a personal journal of his experience. This morning I read his first lengthy entry that begin with the words "Day One".

Coincidently this event has taken place while Automme is out of town on the Koyukuk River for work.

God speed Oliver. You are a true martyr.

Mom!!! Oliver isn't sharing!

A question we might pose to our parents. When do our children become grateful for the time, energy, and money we give them? Wouldn't you think they would understand that we share almost everything with them? Wouldn't you expect them to recipricate some of that....any of that....I mean even just a bite of their dinner......how about just one bean from their burrito maybe?

A Tribute to Mom

Today is my mom's birthday (e-mail her if you want bradyj5@cox.net ) . For those of you who know my mom, you know that she is a bit quirky (see picture of her wearing two pairs of glasses at the same time). Anyway, if you know me, you know I am a bit quirky as well. I believe I have inherited the "special" gene from my mother. But, I have grown to enjoy being quirky and a bit "special" myself. I also am fortunate enough to have grown into loving my mother more and more every year. I believe her and I share something, maybe a mother child bond, maybe a genetic mutation, don't know, but I think that "something" is always unsaid and her and I know in our hearts that we have it. I know many people who grow estranged from their parents as they grow older. Although I live in Alaska, I feel very fortunate that I grow closer to my mom as the years pass. Growing up mom created a house that was fun and warm. There was always humor and love in the home. I can only hope that my child(ren) become adults and remember something similar. Mom, I Love you very much and I am especially proud and grateful that you are my mother.

The Ox and Family (midmonth post)

Just an update....we had the Bohnes, Chad Burris, and the Johnsens over for dinner.....Grady and Krag took in some monster halibut and we took them down at the dinner table. Charlene Carmen had a farewell at her cabin on Horseshoe (its now for sale).......here's a few pics and a video of it all. If you like random pics of people you may or may not know THESE PICTURES are real interesting....if not..not

Mess with the Ox you get the horns (graphic violence)

The wild Alaskan Muskox are quite pleasant by nature until provoked. I made the mistake of messing with one last week. It was all fun and games until the attack. Luckily the camera was between me and the wild beast. Scary stuff......



By the way...my friend Charles calls my son "the Ox". I guess he did some personal brainstorming and went from Oliver to Olly to Olly Olly Oxen Free to "the Ox.

Just a note of interest...we had two black bears in our neighborhood yesterday.

Kichen 07...Backyard 08-09.....deck to come

Well, in our spare time we remodeled our kitchen last year. We're almost done...but I thought I would post some Pics..Click HERE.

Also, started a new project in the backyard to make it more Oliver friendly. We have a sloped back yard so we're putting in a couple of retaining walls.....pics Click HERE......other than that...not much....and you?

The Happening(s)

So, June has been a busy month. We have had quite a few "happenings" going on:

The Anderson's hosted a Memorial Service for Grandpa Phil. Phil was an Alaskan' pioneer, who was a great father, excellent cribbage player who frequently beat me, great grand father, and "great" great grandfather to Oliver and Quin. Phil was the kind of guy who could make you feel important just by sitting next to him. Phil always was seen wearing a smile and we will all miss him very dearly. Patty took some good Pictures at the service...

Automme went on another work trip to Kwethluk and took some great Pictures..

We had Oliver's Uncle Tim, Auntie Kalo, and Cousin Quin into town for a fun filled trip to Alaska. Quin got to see all of his cousins Adam and Laura and was awesome with Oliver. Oliver and Quin were best buds by the end of the trip. They also took some great Pictures.

I've completely torn up my back yard to make it more play friendly. Despite the mess we've been able to hang a swing for Oliver and have a few smores in the fire pit. We've been getting regular updates from Oliver's newest cousin Sam and "The Happenings" from North Carolina. Here are some of our pictures of June .

By the way...we actually used a Grandma and Grandpa sponsored date night to go to the theater to see "The Happening"..... worst movie ever since Tomb Raider.

We'll end this one with a new video...

Quantity NOT Quality

Just thought I would throw up a few Friday pictures.......

Automme in Juneau

.
The Circostas in California

Damon...............riding a skateboard. And yes, that is a small child he has with him. I'm sure he has already received plenty of "safety" related comments on his Blog. No need to repeat them here.

84 to 14...Game Over

Well, I was inspired, challenged, and motivated to begin blogging by my brother. As always, he challenged me, and I agreed to play. Because I consider myself a sportsman, I must concede publicly that he has won. Since March I put up a total of 14 poorly contented posts. In the same period, my brother has posted 82 well thought witty posts. Of course I could always use excuses like "he has a new baby to post about" or "he was born later thereby moreso in the age of the Internets". But I won't..I'll take the high road here. I won't go the route of some of my handball friends who find it necissary to tell me about their current injuries before and after I beat them......okay..so maybe I just did.

Bad commentary aside, please look at Automme's most recent work trip to Kwethluk HERE.
Man are there some cool places to see in Alaska!

Don't read this...just look at the picture.....and go....

So, this bloggy thing seems to be working for me. I can post random pictures of my family. That's just great...... So, for lack of anything interesting to say other than commenting on the interesting things my brother has to say on his blog. Damons Blog

I will just say this:

I know enough to say that I don't know enough to say much about much. I have my opinions.........but they change .......often.

I bet now you wish you just looked at the picture and surfed on........

Death of a Website

Well, I've done it again. I've killed another website. Circostafamily.com is now deceased. I did it and I do not regret it. I'm a killer...its my nature. You may see it's ghost for a little while but it is no longer. We will be working to keep you all up to speed with all things Circostonian (I think that's my brother's phrase) via Picasso for pictures Youtube for video and this here bloggything as our main site for updates and such. I murdered before with AlbertCircosta.com and Alaskavirtualtours.com. I will probably do it again.

An update. Oliver is now almost two. He is growing into a fine young athlete with amazing cognitave abilities. Automme is enjoying her work at the Denali Commission, biking to work often, and playing softball. I am also enjoying my work, doing some severe landscaping in our backyard, and playing handball as usual.

Otherwise, you can expect copious amounts of postings, photographs, and video. (and No this is not an invite to write me later quoting this sentence)

Also, please visit March 08, AprilMay08, and June 08 for recent pictures.

New video is also HERE and HERE

Also, you can subscribe to this Blog by clicking the "Subcribe to Post..at the bottom) or clicking HERE and don't forget to comment below.

P.S. Yes, the above picture was taken in June.....makes you wonder about global warming doesn't it?......doesnt it!? Just kidding... RECYCLE!

You know it.

If you are concerned of the brevity for this post, please see my last post. We're back were bad were tan I'm sad. Oliver doesn't seem to get that the pool doesn't exist in Anchorage. He also keeps asking to be "dunked" in the Ocean. Here are some pics of our recent trip. Albert Sr. met us in California to double team on babysitting duties with Grandma Janet. By the time we were back from Mexico he had made it out to North Carolina. Today is his birthday and he's spending it with Sam Cam. Here's a link to our pictures

http://picasaweb.google.com/AlbertCircosta/CaliforniaMexico

Laws of the Universe

You may hav noticed them, you may have not. There are many laws, often sublime, that define how we live, who we are, and what we do. Many of these unpublished unsaid laws are very unmovable and well documented i.e. time, physics, political theory (just kidding on the last one). Many of these "laws" are just not set in stone nor documented. For me, mostly because my brother is urging me to post something...anything, I figured I would take this opportunity to document a Universal Truth that is scientific fact. Just like the "scientific fact" that even though everybody sees Snufalufugus now, he was originally Big Birds IMAGINARY friend...even though my wife disagrees with me, but I contend she is wrong and it is very well documented in archived Sesame Street Episodes 1347 and below.....but I digress... Anyway, for some reason this Truth is not one of the 10 Commandments or one of Newton's Laws, but it should be. It is the Law that states.

When a vacation is planned, thou shalt be inundated with many tasks for the week prior to leaving on said vacation, and for the week hence after once returned. Such overbearing tasks shall come swiftly and relentlessly regardless of employment status and/or actual work load.

It is for this reason, this law, that my next post will not be until mid-May. May God help you through these baron times in the world of the blog Amen

Plagiarism? ...you decide

This is my first post since last Thursday and I am asking myself where did the week go. We have a bunch of stuff on tap, so in exchange for your patience, I promise the following:

1. A picture of Oliver smiling. He totally does it every now and again and if watching your son smile doesn't just melt your heart, then it is possible that nothing ever will. The only problem is getting footage of a smile is like getting footage of a yeti.

2. Some random pop culture references. In a recent poll "by my brother" he asked what flavor of pop culture you prefer. I don't know what it says about his audience that will smith raps won out over the Beatles (HELP!), but he won't quibble. He'll just get jiggy with it.

3. Some edited video shorts. Ok this is a long way off but we have video editing software and I'm thinking about making Oliver's first sports apparal commercial. If you have ideas or would like to offer help, let me know.

Plagerism....you decide in the Poll.

P.S.

No, its not hard to get a picture of Oliver smiling and No, I will not be composing edited video shorts.

I gots the fever!

Just to follow up on a few recent posts from my friend Becks and my Bro. I like to entertain the idea of winning the Lotto ($200M), but will fudge on spending the 2 bucks. A. We don't have the Lotto in Alaska. B. I've already got too much money.

(I'll let you guys figure out which one of (A and B above) is true and which is not

1. I would hire one or two maid/masseuse/cook.
2. I would let my wife go to school full time for the rest of her life.
3. Winters in Maui/Mexico...Summers in Alaska.
4. Lots of Gear for different activities for the family. Snowmachines (snowmobiles), four-wheelers, ski's, surfboards, boats, kayaks, airplane, jet-ski's, fishing gear, climbing, camping, hunting gear, etc.
5. Lots of travel.
6. I don't' know why this is 6, but I would keep my job but make it a more mobile. I actually like to work.
7. As much time as possible with the kid (or possibly future kids).
8. Invest in youth handball.
9. Give something to everybody I know (and like).Publish Post
10. Find an effective way to contribute to hungry kids here and abroad.
11. Eat very diversely.
.......I like this imaginary $2 I just spent in my head. I think I will continue this list for a few days in my head and revisit on the blog. Thanks again Becks!

Spring in Alaska. Its great!!! Easter and the Equinox have come and gone. The Easter Moose even came trotting right through the middle big patch of snow where the kids were searching for easter eggs. It's a little hard to camouflage brightly colored easter eggs in a big flat field of snow by the way. But the challenge was on and the kids rose to the occasion and plucked the colorful eggs out of the white little holes.

Poking Fun

Sometimes I noticed the people I like to make fun of the most are usually the people I admire the most. So, if you know me, you can infer a two things. 1. If I'm making fun of you its because I like you. 2. If I'm not making fun of you....I really don't like you that much.

Let me just say this.....

Traditionally I have voted republican. Traditionally I have held a bit of disdain for the choices we have been given for our highest elected official. Traditionally I shy from politics. Not today

ONE DARN GOOD SPEACH

Abraham Donations

For the handball players who know Abraham. You can donate here.

Post up

You may have noticed that I have structured some of my internets contents a bit competitively. For our family to compete is to survive. I remember some of the games our parents would have us play.....you know where they would throw out breakfast for my brother and me (usually raw meat) and let us fight for our share. Well, this family thing is not much different. My younger brother is now a father. His son is now getting all of the attention that my son once enjoyed. This, the very same issue that I struggled with in my own family for so many years now comes back to haunt me again. Well folks, I am out gunned again. Much like the baby blond haired child of god as was my brother....now comes Samuel. It is an un-winnable battle. I know this, and knowing this I still choose to compete. Winning an un-winnable battle. You may call it valient, you may call it brave, you may call it noble......an you would be right. I will post this video now. Damon @ http://circosta.blogspot.com I say let the games begin.

Oldie But Goodie

Just thought I would have some fun....post a little here, a little there. This is an oldie but goodie.....

Getting the feel

Definatley won't be the utlra-posting bloginator that my brother is, but I will be posting. I like to keep up with the Circosta's per say. So, this is the first of few blogs that will go out on behafts of me and my family. I will be doing my best to mispel words and go bad with grammer. Yes, that's for you Great Grandpeepers. We of the north in our language would like to extend our welcome to the newest circosta.....Samuel Cameron. Born in the birth state of his Grandmother and welcomed to the world on leap day. We will be keeping close (on the internets). You may see his updates and his cousins on this site by looking to our links (to the right).

check out Samuel at
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FJTdbtjJeYs
Or Oliver at
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HWrMM72VzAY

Beeb beep.

So I'll try it out

Hello........hello