Dear Ndugu,
Today I'm announcing to all what has easily been the most significant and special event of the year, the birth of baby Jack to Kevin and Eileen Isola. Born Sunday, Aug 17th in Scottsdale, AZ, I finally have pics to compliment this announcement.

http://photos.yahoo.com/kevin_shimamoto

I am also extremely proud to announce that this semi-angry, unemployed, beach bum is the Godfather. So you may want to kiss my hand next time you see me. I think almost all of my friends either know Kevin personally or at least have heard me talk about him. For those who don't, Kevin is my oldest and closest friend. We grew up in the same neighborhood together with our houses almost directly in back of one another playing before we were even in school. We went to St Martin's elementary school and St Francis High school together. I had my very first beer with Kevin. I was his confirmation sponser. We wrestled on the same team. We got Minor in Possesion charges together drinking while camping and had to go to court with our parents. I've spent more time partying in his parent's upstairs game room than in any other location to this date. We visited each other in college at UCD making girls say "Its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog" in order to get into fraternity parties and in San Diego at USD lighting his couch on fire on the beach. At bars throughout the country, we've seen pixie dust spewn, friends left in TJ, particpated in fights at taco stands, and seen another friend standing arm against railing with his unit hanging out his shorts in full view for god know's how long until we looked over. (The bar was Rosie's in Tahoe City for those trying to guess who this was.) Kevin, not Pappa Rex, was the one with me when I broke my back skiing and had to take care of me and eventually drive me home. (Also, taking my pain killers with beers with Billy Albert up in Tahoe). I've seen more concerts with Kevin than I can count, with my very first (Jefferson Starship) to Elton John to Nirvana to Norah Jones to Alice in Chains. I was by Kevin's side at his wedding, suffering from a memorable rehersal dinner night of Tony Keeler's in Monterrey the night before. His parents, Jake & Bob, are my second parents. His disfunctional brother, Kurt, is not. My stories with Kevin can go and on. This birth represents an incredible journey for Kevin. Way beyond his recent moves from Austin and Boston and jobs and houses, this guy has transformed himself into one of the most responsible, honest, respectable people we would want our our kids to grow up to be. But things wern't always like that, my friends. For those that do know Kevin, I'm sure you're wondering how he even procreated children in light of all the toking he did throughout his youth. There's a reason, why to this day, I call him "Stone". But anyone can see the inspriration and motivation for such a turnaround was easy once he meet his beautiful wife, Eileen. Eileen has quickly and easily become one of my closest friends. She is smart, classy, sweet and so much fun to talk to, its a match made in heaven. (She does have a relative who should start her own blog. When anyone uses "I GOT CONDOMS" as foreplay, that's stuff to good NOT to share. ) Kevin has always been there for me. He is a friend for life. One I always know I can count on and will be a part of my life. I can't tell you how much it means to me for them to ask me to be godfather to their first child. I wish them all the luck and love in the world. Congrats again to Kevin & Eileen. I can't wait to come out to see all three of you very soon.

Quote & quizes of the Day:
The greatest thing to learn is just to love and to be loved in return"

What movie is this quote (the movie remakes Nirvana's "Smells like Teen Spirit" into a musical) and the intro from my blog from (think Angry Guy)?? Winner gets a Summer of Kevin candle holder and wine glass. Oh wait, Rex's kids broke those. Guess it'll have to be their sand toys then.