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This post is directed at the Rabbi of Leisure and his 'yes man'....

"Okay, so this is where you tell me all about how locals rule and yuppie insects like me shouldn't be surfing your break and all that, right? No. That would be a waste of time. We're just going to fuck you up....on the blogosphere."

True Story:

 On a sunny afternoon 4 guys (3 IFS members) struck out on a surf mission to a local spot.  This spot was actually featured quietly in the hit movie 'Point Break', including a famous 'localism' intimidation scene. 

Although this surf spot is no secret, it is a bit off the beaten track and I won't go into the etiquette and complexities of showing up at an uncrowded, quality surf break with only a few people in the water, but in short, you must be respectful and tread lightly. 

After the OC crew took a trip back to the car to fetch sun screen to prevent dry skin and rashes, we hit the water.  OC team leader quickly surfs a set wave, while OC towel boy cheers him on by hooting and hollering. "There's not enough wax on my board. This water is cold, I wish I had a better wetsuit, I usually wear booties, my feet go numb easy." were a few choice expressions from the guy you don't want talking to you in the lineup.

After more than an hour surfing in excellent conditions, our esteemed Rabbi of Leisure realizes he is late to take his 17 year old sister to the Kanye West concert in San Diego by 7pm.  A mid-lineup freak out ensues, "We've got to go! MOM! Art and Design! towel boy! we have to go RIGHT NOW!  I'm so late, oh my god, oh my god!" The Rabbi exclaims.

I reluctantly paddle for a wave and ride it to the beach where I proceeded to question the Rabbi about the seriousness of his public outburst.  (Direct Quote)  "My parents are going to be so pissed" he relayed with the utmost urgency.  "Can't you find someone else to take your sister to the Kanye West concert?  Why can't she drive herself, she's 17."  I manage to say without laughing at the reason for our immediate departure. 

At this point A&D and I were not prepared to leave a beautiful, almost empty lineup for a seemingly ridiculous errand.  After serious negotiation and justification I allow OC team towel boy to drive my car back to town so team OC can return home.  (I allow OC team towel boy to drive, since the Rabbi can't drive a car with a manual transmission.)  "We'll either get 'Competition' to give us a ride, or we'll take the bus."

Two OC 'tenderfeet' depart in a hurry, driving my car. "Utah! Get me Two!"

After a few more hours of empty, beautiful surfing conditions A&D and I are exhausted and content with bellies full of tasty waves.  30 miles from our house, "Gee I wish we had a car."

After a small walk to a bus stop, A&D and I bundle our dripping wetsuits into hobo packs and wait patiently for the Express #3 bus.  "How did you get your boards here?" the bus driver inquires.  "We drove a car here, but then someone took our car back without us." We replied.  "Someone stole your car?!" he exclaimed.  Not exactly.

We were placed in the back of the bus where our boards would fit in between the bench seat.  The driver had to ask a couple of day laborers to move to accommodate our equipment.  The picture above was taken on the bus and illustrates our frustration with our tenderfoot surf companions and also captures the beauty of public, urban surf transport.  'Viva los Dodgers!' A&D and I share a laugh on the enjoyable and peculiar bus ride back to town.  Competition picks us up at the local bus terminal and we return home.

Please understand, I post this story not as an example of why I'm cooler or better than our companions.  I post this story to highlight ridiculous behavior which fulfills the stereotype of everything you try and avoid.  When a 25 year old is begging his friend to help him, because of the threat of parental repercussions and Kanye West concerts, you have to laugh at yourself.  It's important to listen to yourself speak and make sure you sound sane. No harm intended, just a bit of comedy.

"Back off Warchild, seriously."

The Library of Congress has posted 3000 old timey photos for everyone to peruse on Flickr.  Do you remember a time when William Howard Taft was president, and Irving Melrose threw a wallop of a baseball in an all white league? Pepperidge Farms remembers.

Ministers and Rabbi,

    Although we have had lots of fun at various informal gatherings since Chico, the fact of the matter is that we have some serious business to take care of.  Numerous loose ends need to be tied up and I am looking forward to a very business-like meeting. 

    We will be inducting a new member and as usual it is very important for the organization to maintain our code and conduct.  The new member will be fully endorsed by all necessary parties and will have the paperwork completed before the meeting.
    I propose every member have something to bring to the meeting, no matter how small.  I personally will be bringing numerous items, including the member of the year trophy for the best member of 2007.  Remember what is at stake here.  I implore you, "If you have a responsibility within the group please carry out your required duties."  If you cannot perform your duties, find a minister who can and is willing to help.
    I also proposed a picture day in which we will be taking personal photos for the website and filling out personal bios.  I have prepared the bio forms and will be handing them out at the meeting.  For those members not present, the forms can be filled out and emailed.  It is my vision to work these personal biographies into the website.  So either wear something nice or IFS gear, or both.   
    Sorry about the serious business post.  Do good work,  love your beer, love your flapjacks, honor your organization, honor your country and be good ministers.  That is all.

In just two days, we will be uniting to form the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL.  For those of you who missed the first post, we will be uniting to form the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL at Amanda's house in Los Feliz this Saturday night.  Here's her address:

3424 Lambeth Street
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Here's a "Breakdown" of who's coming and which Kurt Russell they will be portraying:

- Minister of Media and Technology will be Jack Burton from "Big Trouble in Little China." 
- Minister of MOM will be Snake Plissken from "Escape from L.A."
- Minister of Competition will be solar explorer, Col. Jonathan 'Jack' O'Neil from "Stargate."
- Minister of Rousing will be Dean Proffitt from "Overboard."
- Minister of Interior Design will be Coach Herb Brooks from "Miracle."
- Minister of Letters will be Michael Zane from "3,000 Miles to Graceland."
- Minister of Defense will be McCabe from "Vanilla Sky."
- Future Minister and IFS blood relative Ryan Maughan will be Stephen 'Bull' McCaffrey from "Backdraft."
- Longtime Friend of IFS and forever welcome Guest Member Ben Persons will be Captain Ron from "Captain Ron."

That's nine Kurt Russells by my count, just shy of double digit Kurt Russells.  Now, I know that Health/Trade will be attending the party - so if he dresses up as a Kurt Russell, then we'll have ten Kurt Russells total.  Also, Philanthropy is attempting to shift his work schedule around so he can make it as well.  International Affairs, Maritime, Athletics and Shwayne, we haven't heard anything from you four so please comment on this post with your status.  Younger/Taller/Athleticer and Letters will be coming down from SB, and Media will be coming up from the OC, so finding a ride should not be a problem.  Also, here's some last minute costume suggestions that should be easy to throw together:

- As Jeff Taylor in "Breakdown," Kurt wears a Ralph Lauren polo tucked in to khakis, and cool sunglasses:

- Kurt wears a tux in "Executive Decision" and a black suit in Poseidon (granted, you'd have to jump in a shower for this one).
- Wyatt Earp - we still  need one.  Calls for a taller man with a strong mustache and a cowboy outfit, so I'm thinking Esteban.  Whoever takes this role, the all black getup would be the right way to do it.
- "Dark Blue" would be easy.  Black collared shirt, leather jacket, light blue jeans and black sneakers:

Anyways, just some ideas.  Like Competition commented earlier, this seems destined as Kurt Russell made a strong appearance on South Park last night.  I hope everyone can make it.  The more Russells the better. 

- Rousing

Ministers, it's time.  It's time to transform an exciting idea into a harrowing reality.  On October 27th, we will unite to become the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL.  Most of you know about this concept, and hopefully you are excited to be a part of it.  For those of you who are out of the Russell-loop (Shwayne), here's a few reasons why we will soon be uniting to become the MANY ROLES OF KURT RUSSELL:

1) Kurt is HANDSOME

2) Kurt is STRONG:

3) Kurt is NICE:

So, now that you know the WHO (KURT RUSSELL) and the WHY (ABOVE), here's the WHEN, the WHAT/WHERE and the HOW:

WHEN: October 27, 2007.  The Saturday evening before Halloween.
WHAT/WHERE: Halloween Party at Amanda's home in Los Feliz.  Call me for directions.
HOW:
1) Choose one of Kurt Russell's roles (some costume suggestions included as well): Stargate (buzz cut, army fatigues), Tombstone (strong mustache), Backdraft, Escape from New York (eye patch), Escape from LA (eye patch, surf board), Soldier, Captain Ron (hawaiin shirt, speedo), Breakdown, Poseidon (tuxedo, step in the shower), Big Trouble in Little China, 3,000 Miles to Graceland (Elvis costume and machine gun), Miracle, Death Proof, and many more - full listing and pictures here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000621/. 
2) This has to be an organized process, otherwise, we'd have 8 Captain Rons showing up to the party.  So, when you have selected your Kurt Russell role, please comment on this post with your name and your desired role.  This will be a first come, first serve basis; if someone has picked Captain Ron, then you CANNOT be Captain Ron.  Maybe you can be Stargate or Vanilla Sky instead.
3) Create your costume and wear it to the party.   All costumes will require strong hair (some of you have this, some of us will need wigs - modified mullet wigs should work).
4) Take pictures with the other Kurt Russells at the party.  These pictures will be very strong.

The more Kurt Russells, the better, so I hope that all of you can make it.  Please comment with your picks, and with any questions that you may have.  Hope to see you all there.

- Rousing

As long as I live, I will never forget that day 21 years ago when I raised my hand and took the oath of citizenship. Do you know how proud I was? I was so proud that I walked around with an American flag around my shoulders all day long.
                                                                                                        -Arnold Schwarzenegger 

Here’s a poignant image from this years running. That sort of looks like a short haired Nova narrowly escaping a skewering on the right. Can we get an international post from our European branch?

Driving into work on Tuesday, a morning like any other, hazy, cold, a mountain of emails waiting for my arrival, and what do I spy barreling down the 5 freeway just outside San Clemente? The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.  We quickly sped up in order to grab this pic, but unfortunately did not have the opportunity to get the driver to pull over and give us the customary wiener whistle, wow that sounds gay.

Maybe someday you will see one of the six giant rolling wieners too, but until that day you can read about their history here.