Tryphoon's Lair

Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles

An afternoon in the Mojave

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Totally using my friend Tom's Facebook status update regarding this event, during which I checked 2 of the last tasks in my full Americanization list in one go: "Shooting at various objects" & "Spend afternoon in open desert" 

"On Saturday, we established a modern-day "Ligne Maginot" on point defending against the Armenians from Glendale.

Then we raced some RC cars through the desert, and drank beer with the local denizens..."

Great time, great fun and yes, I got scared by the locals! 

Happy New Year (from the hot tub)...

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Only in California, or maybe the Southern Hemisphere.

Jan 1st, after a nice birthday meal for Sarah, we decided to start the new year by jumping in the pool.

The girls both went to the normal pool but quickly came back to the safety of the 100°F of the hot tub. Our visist sadly had to get cut short after Loulou got sick both on Sarah and in the hot tub (muuuuuch better!!!)

01/10/12: This signed the beginning of a week of sickness for almost the entire family (Sarah, her both parents, Sophia and Thia!)

New Year's Eve across valleys and time zones!

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This year, once again, we enjoyed celebrating the arrival of the new year 3 times.

First, British Time, at 4:00pm at the Fox & Hounds in Studio City, with the usual suspects (Geoff, M and gang). As in any good English party, we then crossed the road, had a curry. I added my own twist by receiving a parking ticket as well! Bye bye 2011...

Then East Coast time, at 9:00, with most of the kids from our street! TV on, countdown, champagne, amazing food (including some Russian caviar) and good company.

Finally, proper midnight Pacific, still at our neighbors, in a way smaller committee, after most of the parents left to put their kids to bed!

Tomorrow will be another year!

Celsius or Fahrenheit, it is HOT!

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I don't care which measurement scale you use, Celsius or Fahrenheit, it is bloody hot here today.
5:00pm, in the shade, scores over 105°F or 43°C...

Cyril has left the building

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Dear office, I will miss you. You have served me well. I have spent way to many hours with you, days, nights, weekends, holidays, etc...

After 12 plus magical years within the "Mouse House", it is time for me to move on and start anew...

To all of my Disney friends, I'll miss you but do not expect to be totally done with me! Our paths will definitely cross again...

It doesn't rain, it pours

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The irony of living in southern California.

In theory, around here, it rains approximately 18 times a year. The weather is so predictable (sunny) that picnics and BBQs can be planned weeks in advance.

Well, not always!

This weekend was meant to see 2 great events. The LA Marathon and the Super Moon (biggest full moon in 18 years).

People have flown from all around the world and I have my camera ready for sone amazing shots of the moon and voilà: pouring rain for the last 24 hours.

Runners remained cool (if not freezing cold) and I browsed the Internet to see shots of the moon...