What’s With The Roundabout At Castaic Junction?

Call it a roundabout. Call it a traffic circle. Call it a hazard and a menace to navigation!
One thing I will never understand is how anyone approves silly construction projects that taxpayers cannot possibly benefit from. This project appeared to be a simple widening of the bridge at the Hasley Canyon Road exit from Interstate 5. I’m not sure how long it was projected to take to complete the project, but it went on for two years. And now with the project near completion, presto chango, the traffic light at the intersection of The Old Road and Hasley Canyon Road has been replaced by a European style traffic circle.
Never mind that businesses at this location have suffered mightily these past two years. The first thought I had when I encountered this mystical crop circle by the freeway was, “there is no way people in California know how to deal with this.”
I’ve witnessed two near collisions, and nearby shop owners tell me there have been several crashes already.
I would ask who is responsible for this, but ultimately, it is we the citizens of Santa Clarita who bare the onus. We allow this kind of intrusion of insanity to go unchecked, and suffer the consequences of inefficient traffic patterns. Do you know that I can get from Saugus to Burbank in less time than I can get to Canyon Country? A monkey could do a better job of programming traffic lights around here.
I just want to know how long this stupid traffic circle will last. My prediction is about a year before enough people get killed there to enrage the public into demanding a normal intersection with traffic signals. Then we can have, what? two more years of traffic construction and freeway delays?
Here’s a thought: what if city and traffic planners surveyed affected area business and homeowners before starting a project like this? But like I said, we the citizens are responsible. We should have attended the public meetings that I’m sure took place. I’m sorry I wasn’t there.
Here’s another thought: If you live or work in the SCV, why not call on Santa Clarita’s favorite painters when you need to spruce up your home, office, or showroom? Executive Painting and Texture gets the job done with a minimum of hassle. Check us out at www.executivpainting.net
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Michael Jackson

I think it was weird of MJ to have sleep overs with children. But I don't think he was a Chester.
From his kids, you get that he was a great father. I have to respect that.
To those that knew him, I'm sorry for your pain. May you be comforted by your good memories of your absent friend.
$400 Million Dollars...thats a lot of dough for one man to owe. I hope the kids are taken care of while that gets worked out...Wow.
Executive Painting and Texture, Santa Clarita's Motown Friendly painters, say, "Goodbye" to a voice I grew up with on the radio.
www.executivepainting.net
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Rock On!

We came, We saw, We rocked their socks off!
Ears bleeding from the intense level of volume, the crowd cringed with pleasure, and spontaneously combusted into a pyroclastic flow of dancing, gyrating, wildness. “More, more” they cried when we ended our set. “I want to have your baby!” I heard over and over again.
Guitar Gods, you are great. I channeled you through the Hybrid Slinkies that adorn my Les Paul, succumbed to the urge to crank it up to eleven, and shattered windows in 3 neighborhoods with your help.
OK. Take a step back there, big fella. It was good, but not THAT good.
I can honestly say that we received many compliments on our playing and singing. Neighbors did indeed say they were hanging out in their yards so they could listen to us play. I heard the words “polished” and “tight” used in conversation.
So I say, “Success!” I’m glad I picked up the guitar again. We have a good location to practice in. Our sound is firming up.
Classic Rock is what we do, although we have vowed to not learn any more songs from the 60’s. Here’s a sample of our song list.
Learning to Fly - Foo Fighters
Machine Head - Bush
I'm Your Captain/Closer to Home – Grand Funk
Stray Cat Strut - Stray Cats
Born on the Bayou - Credence Clearwater Revival
Behind Blue Eyes – The Who
Jumpin' Jack Flash – Rolling Stones
LA Woman – The Doors
I know, except for the first two, pretty old. But we like it, and it’s a good place to start.
Hey, if you don’t like my music, I know you’ll like my painting. Executive Painting and Texture, Santa Clarita’s best painters. Check us out at www.executivepainting.net
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Big Remodel, Little Bathroom: The End

A fine fine thing it is. This little bathroom is now like a center piece for this home.
Three colors: one for the trim, crown molding, baseboards and chair rail, one for the paneling and wainscot, and one for the nicely textured drywall and ceiling.
My customer told me she was very happy with how it came out. That’s all I needed.
People who want custom painting with great results can count on Executive Painting and Texture, Santa Clarita’s best painters. Check us out at www.executivepainting.net
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July 4 Jam and 3 Day Weekends

Tonight is our last jam practice for the Band with No Name before the gig tomorrow. I wish we had a name. I didn’t like most of the names Craig and Pete came up with. Maybe I could live with OGR (Old Guys Rockin’). But I prefer names from characters in books that I’ve enjoyed….something like Achilles Heel. My band just out of high school was called Equine Paradox, which deals with the philosophical reason behind why there are so many more horses asses than there are horses. (Thanks for the memories Chris, Tim, Tony, Dave, and Deano.)
Its been about 6 years since I played before an audience of party goers. I'm really looking forward to it with pleasant anticipation, and a little anxiety. However, as in most things, I usually find that I am my own worst critic. Therefore, “I will not fear. Fear is the mind killer…” (If you can finish this quote, you win the Cupie Doll.)
If you're coming to Pete's party, I pledge to make your feet move and your body shake...hopefully that won't be an induced medical condition.
If you’re not coming to Pete’s party, have a safe and fun July 4th. But beware: I’m know where you live, and I’m not afraid to bring my amp to your driveway at midnight and crank up my Les Paul to 11.
I’m so happy we celebrate Independence Day on the actual day. God help us if we change to celebrating on the nearest Monday. What would have happened if the Founding Fathers had waited until Monday to declare independence? (Probably nothing…) What if Paul Revere had waited until Monday to make his famous ride? (We’d all be speaking English now.) What if Apollo 11 had waited until Monday to land on the moon? (Come on, conspiracy theorists, help me out here!)
Can we just drop the 3 day weekend idea?
Here’s another idea: why don’t we create a Leap Day to screw up our since of time, like we do with leap years and daylight savings. I think another layer of confusion would serve to help us all learn how to cope with little annoyances in life just that much more.
Here’s how it would work. On some arbitrary week day during the year, we skip one day, say Monday (nobody likes Mondays anyhow.) Suddenly, we have a 4 day work week! Saturday and the weekend come one day sooner. Then, six months later, on a Saturday night at the stroke of midnight, we add an extra Saturday, making a 3 day weekend with an extra Saturday. (We could have an extra Sunday instead, if that makes you happy.) We end up with the same number of days in the year. And we accomplish my real goal of making it more difficult to figure out what day of the week it was on July 20, 1969.
I’m starting a committee to present this idea to the President. Is anyone with me? Come on. I know you want another 3 day weekend!
Oh well, if you don’t want to do that, maybe you could just tell a friend or neighbor about Executive Painting and Texture, Santa Clarita’s best painters (and the most contrary). You can find us on the internets at www.executivepainting.net
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