PLEASE leave behind your carry-on bags."
These were the words I heard for the first time upon our descent into a fog bound O'Hare Airport in Chicago on December 26th. The words were chilling and an apparent response to the accident the occurred a week or so earlier in Colorado where that Continental Airlines plane skidded off the runway and dozens were injured. I guess the mental process of everything is OK and act like nothing was wrong kicked in and people were collecting their belongings while others were struggling to get out of the airplane while it was burning.
Anyway, driving home from the airport I felt disbelief in how we landed in conditions I didn't feel comfortable driving in.
Prayers were answered.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Why I Hate Harry Reid
Ok, so he's Nancy Pelosi's mouthpiece, that would be enough, but the DC Examiner published this:
Reid: We won't smell the tourists anymore
By Jeff Dufour and Patrick Gavin
POSTED December 2, 2008 | 11:00 AM
The Capitol Visitors Center, which opened this morning, may have tripled its original budget and fallen years behind schedule, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found a silver lining for members of Congress: tourists won't offend them with their B.O. anymore.
"My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway," said Reid in his remarks. "In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true."
But it's no longer going to be true, noted Reid, thanks to the air conditioned, indoor space.
And that's not all. "We have many bathrooms here, as you can see," Reid continued. "Souvenirs are available."
$621 million well spent.
Reid: We won't smell the tourists anymore
By Jeff Dufour and Patrick Gavin
POSTED December 2, 2008 | 11:00 AM
The Capitol Visitors Center, which opened this morning, may have tripled its original budget and fallen years behind schedule, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found a silver lining for members of Congress: tourists won't offend them with their B.O. anymore.
"My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway," said Reid in his remarks. "In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true."
But it's no longer going to be true, noted Reid, thanks to the air conditioned, indoor space.
And that's not all. "We have many bathrooms here, as you can see," Reid continued. "Souvenirs are available."
$621 million well spent.
Monday, November 24, 2008
NO MORE BAILOUTS!!!
OK, so Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid ("the dim bulb from Searchlight, NV"), and the rest of the Democrats in power need W. to bail out the auto industry so their friends in the auto workers unions can continue the status quo and the "Big Three" do NOT file bankruptcy. The Democrats can't/won't do it themselves so their hands are clean and can claim the moral high ground when flushing 25MM of Taxpayer's money down the toilet, er I mean giving it to the same idiots who ran the big three into the ground, is proven to be a waste.
Bankruptcy is the answer as it allows management to drag the unions back to the negotiation table to work together to save the industry (or dump the union completely). The Airlines filed, reorganized and they're still flying, why can't it work in Detroit?
Like the housing crisis, Congress is also culpable with their ridiculous CAFE standards they enforce on US car manufacturers that Honda & Toyota aren't subject too. Per the CAFE standards, the Big Three can't count imported vehicles to their mileage efficiency standards, so they have to have the union workers make the cheap cars with better mileage as well as the much more profitable SUV's and trucks.
Bankruptcy is the answer as it allows management to drag the unions back to the negotiation table to work together to save the industry (or dump the union completely). The Airlines filed, reorganized and they're still flying, why can't it work in Detroit?
Like the housing crisis, Congress is also culpable with their ridiculous CAFE standards they enforce on US car manufacturers that Honda & Toyota aren't subject too. Per the CAFE standards, the Big Three can't count imported vehicles to their mileage efficiency standards, so they have to have the union workers make the cheap cars with better mileage as well as the much more profitable SUV's and trucks.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Tough Week
My bride and I had "the talk" with Ethan (no, not that one, for Pete's Sake, he's only EIGHT). The talk about Santa Claus. One of the older kids at Day Care was telling everyone that "Santa isn't real" and "it's your mom and dad", and Ethan got into an argument about it.
He wound up being teased because he believed.
So, Brooke called me on my way home from work (ANOTHER late one), told me of his troubles and felt that we should tell him.
After we put Cameron to bed, we tucked in Ethan and told him the truth. He didn't know how to handle it. It looked like he was going to cry, but he was smiling. He was upset because the older kid "was ruining it, for EVERYONE!!!" and went on how this kid always likes being right and what was wrong with him? I told him that in life you'll run into those kinds of people your whole life. There are a few that daddy works with. All you can do is shrug your shoulders and let them think what they want because you won't be able to change their minds and life is too short for that.
He looked at me, gave me a little smile and said, "Well, at least he wasn't making fun of the Easter Bunny." I smiled and told him THAT was a discussion for another time.
He wound up being teased because he believed.
So, Brooke called me on my way home from work (ANOTHER late one), told me of his troubles and felt that we should tell him.
After we put Cameron to bed, we tucked in Ethan and told him the truth. He didn't know how to handle it. It looked like he was going to cry, but he was smiling. He was upset because the older kid "was ruining it, for EVERYONE!!!" and went on how this kid always likes being right and what was wrong with him? I told him that in life you'll run into those kinds of people your whole life. There are a few that daddy works with. All you can do is shrug your shoulders and let them think what they want because you won't be able to change their minds and life is too short for that.
He looked at me, gave me a little smile and said, "Well, at least he wasn't making fun of the Easter Bunny." I smiled and told him THAT was a discussion for another time.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Change We Can Believe In
Hearty congratulations to President Elect Barack Obama. He ran a great campaign and did what he needed to in order to ascend to the highest office in the land.
We are in for an interesting four years.
I'm VERY CURIOUS to see what the GOP does next. They got their hats HANDED to them and this is a wonderful opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
I hope they make the most of it.
We are in for an interesting four years.
I'm VERY CURIOUS to see what the GOP does next. They got their hats HANDED to them and this is a wonderful opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
I hope they make the most of it.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
So, I'm Selfish...
Now I'm being told that those who don't want to pay higher taxes are "selfish". No, I just want only MY hand reaching into my wallet, not Uncle Sam's.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/10/obamas-new-atta.html
Here's a secret, you can pay AS MUCH AS YOU WANT in taxes. The IRS will cash your check if it's more than you owe. Go ahead. Try it.
I'LL keep my money and spend it on my family (my mortgage, my property taxes, my children's education, our retirement, our cars, and MAYBE a vacation every other year).
The sack on this guy is amazing. Does he use a wheelbarrow to cart it around?
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/10/obamas-new-atta.html
Here's a secret, you can pay AS MUCH AS YOU WANT in taxes. The IRS will cash your check if it's more than you owe. Go ahead. Try it.
I'LL keep my money and spend it on my family (my mortgage, my property taxes, my children's education, our retirement, our cars, and MAYBE a vacation every other year).
The sack on this guy is amazing. Does he use a wheelbarrow to cart it around?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Taxes and an Example
From an E-mail I received and it summed up our tax situation perfectly for me:
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that’s what they decided to do.
The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve.‘Since you are all such good customers,’ he said, ‘I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.’Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share?’ They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.
‘I only got a dollar out of the $20,’declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,’ but he got $10!’
‘Yeah, that’s right,’ exclaimed the fifth man. ‘I only saved a dollar, too.
It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I!’
‘That’s true!!’ shouted the seventh man. ‘Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!’
‘Wait a minute,’ yelled the first four men in unison.‘We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!’
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore.
In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:
The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.
So, that’s what they decided to do.
The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve.‘Since you are all such good customers,’ he said, ‘I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.’Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.
The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share?’ They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.
And so:
The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).
Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.
‘I only got a dollar out of the $20,’declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,’ but he got $10!’
‘Yeah, that’s right,’ exclaimed the fifth man. ‘I only saved a dollar, too.
It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I!’
‘That’s true!!’ shouted the seventh man. ‘Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!’
‘Wait a minute,’ yelled the first four men in unison.‘We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!’
The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.
The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!
And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore.
In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Uh oh...When Barack is President, Here's One Station Who'll Get their License Pulled
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Super Majority???
Let's just move the White House to San Francisco so Nancy Pelosi can help set the agenda. It'll be more convenient for the "dim bulb from Searchlight, NV" Harry Reid as well.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=6024813&page=1
If they get the supermajority, it's going to be a PAINFUL few years until we get to vote again!
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=6024813&page=1
If they get the supermajority, it's going to be a PAINFUL few years until we get to vote again!
ACORN?? No, that group is NUTS!!!
And the taxpayer is funding it. Read about it here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122394051071230749.html
If you like visual aids, here's their attempt to register Mickey Mouse to vote in Florida this election cycle.
If only there was a forum for SOMEONE to ask Candidate Barack Obama, the "Community Organizer" about his affilation with ACORN...hmmmm....where could someone ask him about that very publically for the "undecided" voter to see???
HELLO!!!! JOHN MCCAIN...WAKE UP!!!!!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Senator Tom Colburn is Right!
"The root of the problem is political greed in Congress. Members...from both parties wanted short-term political credit promoting home ownership even though they were putting our entire economy at risk by encouraging people to buy homes they couldn't afford. Then, instead of conducting thorough oversight and correcting obvious problems with unstable entities like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, members of Congress chose to...distract themselves with unprecedented amounts of pork-barrel spending."
Greed on Wall Steet (as both sides claim) sure as hell didn't help, but they weren't alone in this trouble.
Greed on Wall Steet (as both sides claim) sure as hell didn't help, but they weren't alone in this trouble.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Perfect Storm
This was the perfect storm. Clinton, encourages riskier mortgages, there’s an understanding there’s no risk associated with dodgy loans the banks are forced into from a CRA perspective because Fannie/Freddie and the secondary market will take the bad loans, the Fed kept rates too low for too long leaving an abundance of cheap money to lend in the markets, Fannie/Freddie expand their portfolios and load up on crap, the Democats stiff arm reform because Fannie/Freddie are lining their pockets (and the Republicans didn’t push hard or vocally enough), the insurers avoided oversight by not technically insuring the commercial banks default risk on these mortgages (60 Minutes had a piece on this aspect last week, “credit default swaps”) but selling these products without the proper reserve required when the banks came calling, people stopped paying mortgages they couldn’t afford, and then the dominoes fell.
Banks have assets on their books that they are unsure of (either individual loans or securitized packages of loans), so they’re holding onto their cash in the event the marking to market (thanks FASB) hits their portfolios hard, they’re not lending to the general public, nor each other, and now the market is illiquid until the clowns in Washington figure out what to do (after they’re done pointing fingers). In the interim, “Joe Six-pack” is tired of watching his 401 go down the toilet and moving funds into safer investments that don’t hold stocks which is causing the market to continue to search for a bottom.
As far as my Clinton comment, this isn't the rant of a right wing nutjob, hit the NY Times here: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9c0de7db153ef933a0575ac0a96f958260&sec=&spon=&&scp=1&sq=Fannie%20Mae%20Eases%20Credit%20To%20Aid%20Mortgage%20Lending%20&st=cse
Banks have assets on their books that they are unsure of (either individual loans or securitized packages of loans), so they’re holding onto their cash in the event the marking to market (thanks FASB) hits their portfolios hard, they’re not lending to the general public, nor each other, and now the market is illiquid until the clowns in Washington figure out what to do (after they’re done pointing fingers). In the interim, “Joe Six-pack” is tired of watching his 401 go down the toilet and moving funds into safer investments that don’t hold stocks which is causing the market to continue to search for a bottom.
As far as my Clinton comment, this isn't the rant of a right wing nutjob, hit the NY Times here: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9c0de7db153ef933a0575ac0a96f958260&sec=&spon=&&scp=1&sq=Fannie%20Mae%20Eases%20Credit%20To%20Aid%20Mortgage%20Lending%20&st=cse
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Blow It All Up
I'm talking Cubs of course. Baseball Today is talking about a rumor involving Cub pitching going to the Mets (hopefully along with a huge contract) for Beltran.
We need a lefty run producer because Fukudome hasn't worked out.
I still haven't decided if I'm boxing up my Cub gear until they win a post season series, and I'll save my friend Craig the trouble, yes, I know I may never need it again so long as I live.
We need a lefty run producer because Fukudome hasn't worked out.
I still haven't decided if I'm boxing up my Cub gear until they win a post season series, and I'll save my friend Craig the trouble, yes, I know I may never need it again so long as I live.
401K
So, I checked and my 401K today roughly equals my 401K on 5/14/07. That includes ALL the contributions I've made to it since then, as well as rolling into it a small IRA I had from my time served at CoVest Banc.
Nice!
Nice!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Happy Place
Things I love:
My wife: She's the best. We're on the same wavelength with so much of our lives. Jobs. Kids. Parenting. Roles around the house. She's amazing and been really patient with my challenges at work right now.
My kids: There are times I see probably more of me in them and their actions than I would like. My heart broke a little when Ethan was in goal yesterday and didn't know much about how to play the position (other than he wouldn't be running much). Our coaching staff forgot to put a goalie coach back by him, until about 6 of his teammates on the field were yelling at him on where he should be playing. I told him after the game I was proud he tried something new and we'd work on it this weekend.
Fall: Pumpkin is my favorite flavor. I like the weather changing. I'm tired of mowing the grass and I'm not ready to shovel snow yet, fall gives me a break (oh, I forgot about raking leaves). I love pro football (but Tom Brady has killed my Fantasy team), and back in the day I LOVED FSU football. I left them behind when I had kids, but I really enjoyed watching yesterday (for the first time in like six years) when they went up and down the field against a pathetic Hurricane Defense and beat the U. The game wasn't as close as the score indicated.
Frightfest at Six Flags: Techinically it could be considered part of the point above, but I love how they really go all out to remake the park for one month out of the year. We have passes, so it doesn't cost any extra and we're going later today.
Hockey: The Blackhawks should be better this year.
Old Friends: I spent forty five minutes this last week catching up with one of my childhood friends that I hadn't talked with in years. I ran into his bride at the grocery store and got his number again from her. This past week I ran into one of my old banking buddies and I think we'll meet for drinks and catch up on Friday. I do believe God was at work in re-opening these lines of communication. It's something I've needed desperately lately with my frustration at work and my rant in my last post. There are still others I don't quite make time for (and they're pretty busy too) that I'd like to see again before the snow falls. But I'll work on them too.
Marquette Basketball: We'll see if Buzz can coach as well as he recruits.
Bike rides: I've got Ethan on two wheels and there's a fantastic path that's part of the park district near our house. Ethan can't quite go as long and hard and fast as I'd like, but we can go together and maybe next year he will. It's great exercise and I'm finally riding my bike more. My friend Jason encouraged me a year or so ago when I went out to visit him. He was right.
Monster Cereals: Frankenberry, Boo-Berry, & Count Chocula should be coming to Target again soon. These sugary sweets my parents denied me as child I've embraced as an adult for the last few years. I love them (and I agree with Walt and Barb in saying it's too much sugar for a kid, especially since I'll only let Ethan and Cam have it on the weekends).
My sisters: I have great siblings. My oldest is so caring, thoughtful and sensitive. I hope she's able to find something in the job market that is fulfilling for her. She's got a great guy in her life and I think they're great together. My second oldest is a professional and she hosted a really nice party last weekend that I enjoyed immensely. I don't talk to her nearly enough. My youngest older sister. She's been in a similiar crossroads career-wise as I have been (amazing since we both work for the "Big H"). Her husband is a neat guy I enjoy talking to, and we should get together more frequently just to watch a game or shoot the bull.
Push ups: I had been doing them religiously the last few years, but the crap that's been going on at work lately, I've been sluffing off on them. I'll get back on that this week and continue again.
I have a great life and need to focus on the things and people in this post, less so on the bullshit in the last one.
I feel better and I'm going to get cleaned up and head to fright fest with my bride and my boys.
My wife: She's the best. We're on the same wavelength with so much of our lives. Jobs. Kids. Parenting. Roles around the house. She's amazing and been really patient with my challenges at work right now.
My kids: There are times I see probably more of me in them and their actions than I would like. My heart broke a little when Ethan was in goal yesterday and didn't know much about how to play the position (other than he wouldn't be running much). Our coaching staff forgot to put a goalie coach back by him, until about 6 of his teammates on the field were yelling at him on where he should be playing. I told him after the game I was proud he tried something new and we'd work on it this weekend.
Fall: Pumpkin is my favorite flavor. I like the weather changing. I'm tired of mowing the grass and I'm not ready to shovel snow yet, fall gives me a break (oh, I forgot about raking leaves). I love pro football (but Tom Brady has killed my Fantasy team), and back in the day I LOVED FSU football. I left them behind when I had kids, but I really enjoyed watching yesterday (for the first time in like six years) when they went up and down the field against a pathetic Hurricane Defense and beat the U. The game wasn't as close as the score indicated.
Frightfest at Six Flags: Techinically it could be considered part of the point above, but I love how they really go all out to remake the park for one month out of the year. We have passes, so it doesn't cost any extra and we're going later today.
Hockey: The Blackhawks should be better this year.
Old Friends: I spent forty five minutes this last week catching up with one of my childhood friends that I hadn't talked with in years. I ran into his bride at the grocery store and got his number again from her. This past week I ran into one of my old banking buddies and I think we'll meet for drinks and catch up on Friday. I do believe God was at work in re-opening these lines of communication. It's something I've needed desperately lately with my frustration at work and my rant in my last post. There are still others I don't quite make time for (and they're pretty busy too) that I'd like to see again before the snow falls. But I'll work on them too.
Marquette Basketball: We'll see if Buzz can coach as well as he recruits.
Bike rides: I've got Ethan on two wheels and there's a fantastic path that's part of the park district near our house. Ethan can't quite go as long and hard and fast as I'd like, but we can go together and maybe next year he will. It's great exercise and I'm finally riding my bike more. My friend Jason encouraged me a year or so ago when I went out to visit him. He was right.
Monster Cereals: Frankenberry, Boo-Berry, & Count Chocula should be coming to Target again soon. These sugary sweets my parents denied me as child I've embraced as an adult for the last few years. I love them (and I agree with Walt and Barb in saying it's too much sugar for a kid, especially since I'll only let Ethan and Cam have it on the weekends).
My sisters: I have great siblings. My oldest is so caring, thoughtful and sensitive. I hope she's able to find something in the job market that is fulfilling for her. She's got a great guy in her life and I think they're great together. My second oldest is a professional and she hosted a really nice party last weekend that I enjoyed immensely. I don't talk to her nearly enough. My youngest older sister. She's been in a similiar crossroads career-wise as I have been (amazing since we both work for the "Big H"). Her husband is a neat guy I enjoy talking to, and we should get together more frequently just to watch a game or shoot the bull.
Push ups: I had been doing them religiously the last few years, but the crap that's been going on at work lately, I've been sluffing off on them. I'll get back on that this week and continue again.
I have a great life and need to focus on the things and people in this post, less so on the bullshit in the last one.
I feel better and I'm going to get cleaned up and head to fright fest with my bride and my boys.
Dark Place
I don't know how much more of this nonsense I can stand.
Cubs: They've failed again. Why did they waste all that jet fuel to get to LA, when a postage stamp would do? They completely mailed it in. No passion. No desire. You could see it at the end with the players on the bench from the seventh inning on. Why weren't they on the front step, encouraging each other?
Do I box all my Cubs stuff up and put it away in my basement? I haven't decided yet because I don't think it's wise to make these sorts of decisions in haste. I don't want to be frustrated any more by them. Do I no longer throw myself in after them? Do I pass on Spring Training? Do I no longer attend games? Do I hang up the royal blue pinstrips forever? Do I discourage the boys from loving the Cub? Fortunately (or unfortanately) neither Ethan nor Cameron have the patience or attention span yet to sit through a game either on the couch or at the park).
Politics: I'm tired of the Republicans being painted as stupid/corrupt/bumbling/evil/incompetent by the Mainstream Media. I'm tired of watching the Democrats get a pass for all their indiscretions and failures. How can Barney Frank still have a job after the Fannie/Freddie debacle THAT HAPPENED ON HIS WATCH? How dare he and his party lay the blame for this solely at the feet of everyone on the other side of the aisle? They're ALL PIGS, they've ALL FAILED their electorate. This "bailout" package is a sham and never should have been passed. I'm tired of being forced to pony up and pay for everyone else's mistakes. I'm tired of watching politicians and their friends get theirs by working the system. WHERE'S MINE????!?!?!?!
What do you when enough is enough and you've had enough?
Cubs: They've failed again. Why did they waste all that jet fuel to get to LA, when a postage stamp would do? They completely mailed it in. No passion. No desire. You could see it at the end with the players on the bench from the seventh inning on. Why weren't they on the front step, encouraging each other?
Do I box all my Cubs stuff up and put it away in my basement? I haven't decided yet because I don't think it's wise to make these sorts of decisions in haste. I don't want to be frustrated any more by them. Do I no longer throw myself in after them? Do I pass on Spring Training? Do I no longer attend games? Do I hang up the royal blue pinstrips forever? Do I discourage the boys from loving the Cub? Fortunately (or unfortanately) neither Ethan nor Cameron have the patience or attention span yet to sit through a game either on the couch or at the park).
Politics: I'm tired of the Republicans being painted as stupid/corrupt/bumbling/evil/incompetent by the Mainstream Media. I'm tired of watching the Democrats get a pass for all their indiscretions and failures. How can Barney Frank still have a job after the Fannie/Freddie debacle THAT HAPPENED ON HIS WATCH? How dare he and his party lay the blame for this solely at the feet of everyone on the other side of the aisle? They're ALL PIGS, they've ALL FAILED their electorate. This "bailout" package is a sham and never should have been passed. I'm tired of being forced to pony up and pay for everyone else's mistakes. I'm tired of watching politicians and their friends get theirs by working the system. WHERE'S MINE????!?!?!?!
What do you when enough is enough and you've had enough?
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Kosuke Should NOT Be Benched
I can't believe I wrote that, but I did and here's why.
1. Chavez Ravine has a HUGE outfield, and Fukudome's strength is his defense. You need a guy who can run patrolling right.
2. DeRosa has a gimpy leg right now. The guy is dinged up right now and running down fly balls or gappers probably isn't going help his leg. Despite his error on Thursday, his bat needs to be in the line up.
3. Redemption. You need to stick DeRo back at second so he can make up for his error in the field (he certainly did his job at the plate).
4. Kuroda. The Cubs haven't been able to figure him out yet in their prior two starts against him, but Fukudome has the most experience against him. Tap into his knowledge and share it with his teammates.
5. 38 Million Dollars. I believe that is what's left on Kosuke's contract. He hasn't put in the time in the cage like he should (Man Ram is constantly hitting and he's got a bigger contract and bigger talent than anyone on the Cubs right now). You stick him in the doghouse now, you risk losing him for the next three years.
I can't believe I'm sticking up for Fukudome, but I am. Start him Lou.
1. Chavez Ravine has a HUGE outfield, and Fukudome's strength is his defense. You need a guy who can run patrolling right.
2. DeRosa has a gimpy leg right now. The guy is dinged up right now and running down fly balls or gappers probably isn't going help his leg. Despite his error on Thursday, his bat needs to be in the line up.
3. Redemption. You need to stick DeRo back at second so he can make up for his error in the field (he certainly did his job at the plate).
4. Kuroda. The Cubs haven't been able to figure him out yet in their prior two starts against him, but Fukudome has the most experience against him. Tap into his knowledge and share it with his teammates.
5. 38 Million Dollars. I believe that is what's left on Kosuke's contract. He hasn't put in the time in the cage like he should (Man Ram is constantly hitting and he's got a bigger contract and bigger talent than anyone on the Cubs right now). You stick him in the doghouse now, you risk losing him for the next three years.
I can't believe I'm sticking up for Fukudome, but I am. Start him Lou.
Let's Get One Win in LA....
if they start thinking about winning three straight, or the crushing history of a 100 years of failure, it'll never happen.
Edwardo Perez (I know, WHO???) on ESPN was laughing at the idea of the Cubs winning tonight. Kuroda has been a mystery to them so far this year and Harden's velocity has been down since receiving a cortisone shot, but come on, LAUGH AT THEM on ESPN??? Who the hell is this clown and what gives him the right?
I liked Bill Murray's approach better. He feels sorry for the Dodgers because now that they're the home team, all the pressure will be on them, and let's see how THEY deal with it. I don't know that I feel sorry for them, but he is right.
So, let's get one f'ing win in LA tonight and worry about tomorrow then.
Edwardo Perez (I know, WHO???) on ESPN was laughing at the idea of the Cubs winning tonight. Kuroda has been a mystery to them so far this year and Harden's velocity has been down since receiving a cortisone shot, but come on, LAUGH AT THEM on ESPN??? Who the hell is this clown and what gives him the right?
I liked Bill Murray's approach better. He feels sorry for the Dodgers because now that they're the home team, all the pressure will be on them, and let's see how THEY deal with it. I don't know that I feel sorry for them, but he is right.
So, let's get one f'ing win in LA tonight and worry about tomorrow then.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Do you realize...
that if the Cubs and Marlins sweep the Beermakers and Metropolitans, AND the Astros win out, the Cubs will have to go to Houston and play the make up game on Monday?
I can’t decide if I’m enjoying the Sox crumble or if it makes me ill. I want to see them in the post season, but I sure as hell don't want to meet them at the Fall Classic.
Will McCain show up tonight? I can't decide if he's brilliant or has lost his marbles. Is he really putting the country first, or is he concerned he'll get hammered tonight (or Palin will in HER debate which is when this one would be postponed until)?
They should debate. McCain should show up, and he should wipe the floor with Obama on Foreign Policy (the agreed subject of the debate). Will he? I'm not confident.
I can’t decide if I’m enjoying the Sox crumble or if it makes me ill. I want to see them in the post season, but I sure as hell don't want to meet them at the Fall Classic.
Will McCain show up tonight? I can't decide if he's brilliant or has lost his marbles. Is he really putting the country first, or is he concerned he'll get hammered tonight (or Palin will in HER debate which is when this one would be postponed until)?
They should debate. McCain should show up, and he should wipe the floor with Obama on Foreign Policy (the agreed subject of the debate). Will he? I'm not confident.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Obama Should Stand Up...
because his chair muffling the words coming out of his behind.
So McCain wants to postpone the debate to go back to Washington (and he invited Obama to do the same) and help shore up the bailout crisis. Obama's response:
Preparing for the debate in Florida, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama held a previously unscheduled news conference, arguing the debate should go on.
"I believe that we should continue to have the debate," Obama said. "It's my belief that this is exact time when the American people need to hear form the person who in approximately 40 days will be responsibly for dealing with this mess and I think that it is going to be part of the President’s job to deal with more than one thing at once."
Obama said that unlike McCain, he will not suspend ads, or campaign events scheduled between now and Friday's debate.
"I think it's very important that the American people see the people who potentially could be in charge of this problem within the next couple of months and so my attitude is that we need to be focused on solving the problems, as I have been," Obama said. "It's also important that we communicate where we need to go in getting us out of the situation."
I don't think he's focusing on anything other than his grab at the brass ring. Financial Crisis be damned, Barack wants his moment in the sun.
That's not leadership, that's vanity.
So McCain wants to postpone the debate to go back to Washington (and he invited Obama to do the same) and help shore up the bailout crisis. Obama's response:
Preparing for the debate in Florida, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama held a previously unscheduled news conference, arguing the debate should go on.
"I believe that we should continue to have the debate," Obama said. "It's my belief that this is exact time when the American people need to hear form the person who in approximately 40 days will be responsibly for dealing with this mess and I think that it is going to be part of the President’s job to deal with more than one thing at once."
Obama said that unlike McCain, he will not suspend ads, or campaign events scheduled between now and Friday's debate.
"I think it's very important that the American people see the people who potentially could be in charge of this problem within the next couple of months and so my attitude is that we need to be focused on solving the problems, as I have been," Obama said. "It's also important that we communicate where we need to go in getting us out of the situation."
I don't think he's focusing on anything other than his grab at the brass ring. Financial Crisis be damned, Barack wants his moment in the sun.
That's not leadership, that's vanity.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Peanut=Knucklehead
Ok, I know the Defense has won us so many games over the last three years, but in overtime, YOU CAN NEVER BE THE SECOND MAN IN THE PILE during extra curricular activity. They could have stripped a bear down, had one guy hold him down, and another give him a pink-belly, but YOU CAN NEVER BE THE SECOND MAN IN THE PILE in overtime.
I love Peanut, and he's a knucklehead, only for today. He starts over tomorrow.
Knucklehead.
I love Peanut, and he's a knucklehead, only for today. He starts over tomorrow.
Knucklehead.
2008 NL Central Division Champions!
For the first time in 100's years, the Cubs are going to the post season. I'd be proud if it weren't so embarassing.
Enough of that negativity. We've clinched the division and now we need the Beermakers to step up and put some pressure on the NL East runner up. If the Brewers have fallen and cannot get up, we'll be looking at 4 of 5 against either Hamels/Myers or Santanna/Pelfrey. I still like our chances, but I'd like them better if one of them has to pitcher their starters down the stretch.
Next Year is HERE!!!!
Enough of that negativity. We've clinched the division and now we need the Beermakers to step up and put some pressure on the NL East runner up. If the Brewers have fallen and cannot get up, we'll be looking at 4 of 5 against either Hamels/Myers or Santanna/Pelfrey. I still like our chances, but I'd like them better if one of them has to pitcher their starters down the stretch.
Next Year is HERE!!!!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
I Feel Better....
Who said it???
"We're playing like we're waiting to get beat. You don't have a big enough lead in September to play ball like that. Teams [that] play ball like that invariably get caught, no matter how big the lead."
"You can talk about having fun, talk about relaxing, you've got to get your shirt[sleeves] rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass! Period!"
Was it:
A) Dusty Baker
B) Don Baylor
C) Jim Riggleman
D) Sweet Lou Pinnella
Oh, and they won yesterday. Let's get another today!!!!
"We're playing like we're waiting to get beat. You don't have a big enough lead in September to play ball like that. Teams [that] play ball like that invariably get caught, no matter how big the lead."
"You can talk about having fun, talk about relaxing, you've got to get your shirt[sleeves] rolled up and go out and kick somebody's ass! Period!"
Was it:
A) Dusty Baker
B) Don Baylor
C) Jim Riggleman
D) Sweet Lou Pinnella
Oh, and they won yesterday. Let's get another today!!!!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
First Day of School
Cameron is now a Kindergartener. I'm old.
That headband is so he doesn't get lost during the chaos after school where little kids are being herded onto the appropriate bus or van.
Oh, and I still have a HOT WIFE!
Not Worried...
Not yet. The Cubs WILL make the playoffs, but if they keep scuffling like they have been, they won't get out of the first round again this year.
They are squeezing their bats into sawdust, we don't need Lou to scream and flip over tables in the clubhouse (but that would make ME feel better), he needs to loosen them up. They don't need to relax and get comfy, they need to stop pressing.
I really hope Pujols hurries up and opts for that elbow surgery before tonight's game. Why wait until the end of the year?
The good news? The Large Hadron Collider didn't generate black holes stable enough to swallow the earth whole.
Enjoy your day.
They are squeezing their bats into sawdust, we don't need Lou to scream and flip over tables in the clubhouse (but that would make ME feel better), he needs to loosen them up. They don't need to relax and get comfy, they need to stop pressing.
I really hope Pujols hurries up and opts for that elbow surgery before tonight's game. Why wait until the end of the year?
The good news? The Large Hadron Collider didn't generate black holes stable enough to swallow the earth whole.
Enjoy your day.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
RNC, What To Do???
Ok, with Gustav bearing down on New Orleans, do the right thing. Don't cancel the Convention, turn it into a telethon. Bring in the Red Cross for blood donations and have the delegates make care packages.
Now's not the time to party, now's the time to take care of our nation.
Oh, and we'll get to watch the Donkeys piss and moan that there was no national crisis during their party, so they didn't get a chance to do the right thing and give back to the nation, they had to worship on Mt. Obama at the Liberal Forum (I cannot believe their stagecraft).
Now's not the time to party, now's the time to take care of our nation.
Oh, and we'll get to watch the Donkeys piss and moan that there was no national crisis during their party, so they didn't get a chance to do the right thing and give back to the nation, they had to worship on Mt. Obama at the Liberal Forum (I cannot believe their stagecraft).
From News Anchor to VP Nominee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bza63nnqiKA
I'm absolutely floored by McCain's choice and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm leerly of her lack of experience in office, but I do understand that she's accomplished more in the last 20 months as Governor of Alaska than Barrack did in his (so far) first term as a Senator and the eight years he spent in the state house of Illinois.
You can only do so much as a Senator, but have they balanced a budget (ok, so Sarah did it for the State only twice but that's two more times than Barack or Joe Biden did combined).
I'm absolutely floored by McCain's choice and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'm leerly of her lack of experience in office, but I do understand that she's accomplished more in the last 20 months as Governor of Alaska than Barrack did in his (so far) first term as a Senator and the eight years he spent in the state house of Illinois.
You can only do so much as a Senator, but have they balanced a budget (ok, so Sarah did it for the State only twice but that's two more times than Barack or Joe Biden did combined).
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Watch Out Reds Fans, Dusty's At It Again!!!!
I'm a Cubs fan, and I've seen this before. I'm also an owner of Aaron Harang in Fantasy Baseball, so yet again, Dusty found a way to screw me.
From Jayson Stark's Column on ESPN:
Seeing Red: We've heard some buzzing lately, among baseball men, scouts and players, about a recent Dusty Baker quote on the Reds' troubles that sure looked like an attempt to absolve himself of all blame.
"I have never wanted to win more than I do right here, and I will," Baker told the Dayton Daily News' Hal McCoy. "But this is Wayne Krivsky's team, not Walt Jocketty's and not mine. I just hope there is enough out there after the season that we can get to help us."
Maybe we're not reading that right. But if we're misinterpreting it, suffice it to say we're not the only ones. And it appears Baker is saying that the Reds' disappointing record is his players' fault, and his former GM's fault, but not his own or his current GM's doing.
Well, obviously, Jocketty is only now beginning to put his stamp on this roster. And the players haven't exactly overachieved. But doesn't the manager bear some responsibility for this mess, too?
Scouts who have followed the Reds continually talk about their messy execution, their mediocre defense and their distinct lack of energy. There also has been plenty of second-guessing of Baker's lineup choices (particularly those 242 at-bats Corey Patterson has gotten).
And there is no shortage of people wondering whether Aaron Harang's forearm injury -- along with his 1-6, 8.49 slide in the past 2½ months -- might be a direct result of Baker's decision to allow him to throw 63 pitches in relief on two days' rest in a May 25 18-inning game, then start him on three days' rest immediately afterward.
Dusty Baker has many admirable traits. And this is not an attempt to heap all the blame on him. We're just saying that when teams like this fall apart, it's everybody's fault -- including the manager's.
From Jayson Stark's Column on ESPN:
Seeing Red: We've heard some buzzing lately, among baseball men, scouts and players, about a recent Dusty Baker quote on the Reds' troubles that sure looked like an attempt to absolve himself of all blame.
"I have never wanted to win more than I do right here, and I will," Baker told the Dayton Daily News' Hal McCoy. "But this is Wayne Krivsky's team, not Walt Jocketty's and not mine. I just hope there is enough out there after the season that we can get to help us."
Maybe we're not reading that right. But if we're misinterpreting it, suffice it to say we're not the only ones. And it appears Baker is saying that the Reds' disappointing record is his players' fault, and his former GM's fault, but not his own or his current GM's doing.
Well, obviously, Jocketty is only now beginning to put his stamp on this roster. And the players haven't exactly overachieved. But doesn't the manager bear some responsibility for this mess, too?
Scouts who have followed the Reds continually talk about their messy execution, their mediocre defense and their distinct lack of energy. There also has been plenty of second-guessing of Baker's lineup choices (particularly those 242 at-bats Corey Patterson has gotten).
And there is no shortage of people wondering whether Aaron Harang's forearm injury -- along with his 1-6, 8.49 slide in the past 2½ months -- might be a direct result of Baker's decision to allow him to throw 63 pitches in relief on two days' rest in a May 25 18-inning game, then start him on three days' rest immediately afterward.
Dusty Baker has many admirable traits. And this is not an attempt to heap all the blame on him. We're just saying that when teams like this fall apart, it's everybody's fault -- including the manager's.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Change is What You'll Have Left in Your Paycheck...
If Obama gets in...enjoy!!!
INTERESTING DATA JUST RECEIVED ON TAXES
Spread the word.....
This is something you should be aware of so you don't get blind-sided. This is really going to catch a lot of families off guard. It should make you worry.
Proposed changes in taxes after 2008 General election:
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples) McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales
How does this affect you?
If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN 15% (no change)
OBAMA 39.6%
How will this affect you?
If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama become President. The experts predict that 'higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN (no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA
(reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750
Under Obama your taxes will more than double!
How does this affect you?
No explanation needed. This is pretty straight forward.
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA Restore the inheritance tax
How does this affect you?
Many families have lost businesses, farms and ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will not only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES BEING PROPOSED BY OBAMA
* New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet
* New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already)
* New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity)
* New taxes on retirement accounts and last but not least....
* New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!
INTERESTING DATA JUST RECEIVED ON TAXES
Spread the word.....
This is something you should be aware of so you don't get blind-sided. This is really going to catch a lot of families off guard. It should make you worry.
Proposed changes in taxes after 2008 General election:
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples) McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales
How does this affect you?
If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN 15% (no change)
OBAMA 39.6%
How will this affect you?
If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama become President. The experts predict that 'higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN (no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 60K- tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA
(reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400
Single making 50K - tax $14,000
Single making 75K - tax $23,250
Married making 60K - tax $16,800
Married making 75K - tax $21,000
Married making 125K - tax $38,750
Under Obama your taxes will more than double!
How does this affect you?
No explanation needed. This is pretty straight forward.
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA Restore the inheritance tax
How does this affect you?
Many families have lost businesses, farms and ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will not only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES BEING PROPOSED BY OBAMA
* New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet
* New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already)
* New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity)
* New taxes on retirement accounts and last but not least....
* New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
When Did I Get Old????
OK, so we took the boys to a water park for Ethan's birthday, and I'm getting tired climbing essentially four flights of stairs repeatedly to go down the water slides. Then when I'm up there with Brooke and the boys, I'm paranoid about the kids looking over the sides because I don't like looking over the sides ALL THE WAY DOWN. Then I take the body slides, and I'm noticing I'm getting claustrophobic going down the slides because they're really narrow. And they're dark. Then I take Ethan down the Vortex (which is like a huge toilet bowl, which makes us...well you know) and I'm loving it, except for the part where we go down the final tube backwards.
I'm old and afraid. When did this happen?
I felt slightly better that there was this youngish Indian woman in a bikini who was trying to look cool in the lazy river, and then she flipped over. I was laughing my behind off when she popped out of the water. It was priceless.
I'm old and afraid. When did this happen?
I felt slightly better that there was this youngish Indian woman in a bikini who was trying to look cool in the lazy river, and then she flipped over. I was laughing my behind off when she popped out of the water. It was priceless.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Chuck at ComicCon
I got hooked on this show LATE into the run last season and was wise enough to TiVo the whole season on a recommendation from my sister and caught up on it during the strike.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
15 Year College Reunion Recollections
This last weekend was my 15 year college reunion at Marquette in Milwaukee, WI.
Random Thoughts:
- I know how my kids feel when we have guests come to the house. They're so excited and don't know how to process it, so they'll yell "HIDE!!!" even when people are coming to see them. THAT'S how I felt when Rob and Matt were en route to pick me up on Friday.
- Rob needs to shave that hair under his lip. He's got a handsome face and he shouldn't hide it, unless he has his heart set on playing Cyndi Lauper's dad (Captain Lou Albano) in her next video.
- Matt has a great sense of humor and has balls the size of church bells. His brown eye was winking at that lady by the statue.
- I closed Wolski's (pretty much).
- I didn't think it was possible, but Devin and Jen are even more fun to be around now than when we were in college.
- I can't drink like I used to, and that's OK and no I'm not angry about it (or anything else).
- Trinity in Milwaukee rocks. Their Bailey's Battered French Toast was fantastic!
- Amber is quite the dish (no wonder the girls wanted to try her cherry chapstick). She and Jeff are great together.
- I realized I dress like an old man when a 50 year old complemented me on my shirt (he was wearing the same one).
- Pete Berzins was great to talk to and he and Nicole are great couple.
- Lakefront Brewery has the best tours, even if you don't get into one.
- My RA from Sophomore year at Mashuda is a State Representative in Michigan. If you live in the "Fightin' 79th" District of Michigan, vote for John Proos. http://johnproos.com/index.php
- Jeff is A LOT of fun to hang with at the bar. He takes tremendous pride in making sure all his friends are taken care of.
- The bartender who put on "Beat It" at around 12:30 AM at Murph's deserves a raise.
- I married very well. Much like my relationship with my family, I'm pretty sure my friends like Brooke better than me and I'm fine with that because they LOVE her.
- Rob's blanket apology to anyone he may have offended the night before with his actions.
- Skipping out at Real Chili never gets old. No, not me, but someone I know did.
- Water Street Brewery has the coolest chef in town because he hates the Red Wings and bought me a beer because of my Blackhawks shirt.
- I'm so very lucky to have such wonderful people let me hang out with them and call them my friends.
Peace!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Brave Democrats in Congress...Working for YOU!!!
It's no wonder these clowns have an approval rating smaller than my shoe size.
I guess if they don't think they can win a debate, they'll make sure they can't HAVE a debate.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121685595088379073.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks
I guess if they don't think they can win a debate, they'll make sure they can't HAVE a debate.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121685595088379073.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks
Monday, July 21, 2008
There Isn't ONE Mirror He Doesn't Like
I saw this on the Opinion Pages of the Chicago Tribune today at lunch. He pretty much hits the nail on the head with Barack. I love Irwin Stelzer's parallel with Moses...tee hee!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0721krauthammerjul21,0,687996,print.story
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0721krauthammerjul21,0,687996,print.story
Article 62 of the Bro Code
"How I Met Your Mother" is one of my favorite shows, and Barney is one of my favorite characters. To the right is a jpeg of two pages of his "Bro Code" and I'd LOVE to read the rest of it.
Is the Starbucks Near YOU Closing????
Find Out!
I didn’t see Fortuna on there (my beautiful bride's home town), but I don’t know if their “Fortuna” location is actually IN Fortuna or in a neighboring suburb of that burgeoning megalopolis (there are THREE stoplights there now).
http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-STARBUCKS_080718.html
I saw some ink on this over the weekend in the Chicago Tribune. When Starbucks announced they were shuttering some stores, a NUMBER of leftist elites laughed and said it couldn’t happen to a better corporation (even though they provide valuable medical benefits to part time employees), NOW they’re screaming because Starbucks is pulling out of their less profitable locales and MANY of them are in towns/cities that are undergoing redevelopment and re-gentrification.
I didn’t see Fortuna on there (my beautiful bride's home town), but I don’t know if their “Fortuna” location is actually IN Fortuna or in a neighboring suburb of that burgeoning megalopolis (there are THREE stoplights there now).
http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-STARBUCKS_080718.html
I saw some ink on this over the weekend in the Chicago Tribune. When Starbucks announced they were shuttering some stores, a NUMBER of leftist elites laughed and said it couldn’t happen to a better corporation (even though they provide valuable medical benefits to part time employees), NOW they’re screaming because Starbucks is pulling out of their less profitable locales and MANY of them are in towns/cities that are undergoing redevelopment and re-gentrification.
Friday, July 18, 2008
SUCKED!!!!
Yeah, and I'm as crazy as this guy below:
Just give his family and child the damn Oscar already.
I thought he was REALLY good. I think because he died you’ve got a LOT of people in Hollywood who are interested in honoring his (brief) body of work. I think because it made SILLY money over the weekend, it actually might work against that groundswell. That said, the LOTR: Return of the King made buckets o’ cash and I think won Best Picture. Still, this is a “comic book” movie.
The whole movie was very good, but it’s REALLY FRIGGIN’ DARK. There were a handful of scenes that if they’d extended the action a split second longer, it would have gotten an R. I think it might have deserved one regardless. I did turn into my sister more than once (she’s VERY CONCERNED about kids attending movies they shouldn’t), marveling at all the AWFUL parents who brought their youngin’s. When we were walking out, we were behind a guy with FIVE kids, three of them had to be between the ages of 8 and 4. Some well intentioned older woman waiting in line to see the movie after us bent over and asked the boys “So, how did you like it?” and unsolicited I responded (loudly), “It’s totally not appropriate for kids that age.” And she responded “Really????” and I said, “Yes, it’s PG-13 for a REASON!” I don’t even think I broke stride.
Strong efforts from all the actors involved and plenty of screen time for all the characters. The only MINOR quibble is it sounded like Bale was gargling razor blades when he talked as Batman and he did that QUITE a bit, particularly in the final third of the film. Assuming they make another, THAT one will be even be darker still.
Just give his family and child the damn Oscar already.I thought he was REALLY good. I think because he died you’ve got a LOT of people in Hollywood who are interested in honoring his (brief) body of work. I think because it made SILLY money over the weekend, it actually might work against that groundswell. That said, the LOTR: Return of the King made buckets o’ cash and I think won Best Picture. Still, this is a “comic book” movie.
The whole movie was very good, but it’s REALLY FRIGGIN’ DARK. There were a handful of scenes that if they’d extended the action a split second longer, it would have gotten an R. I think it might have deserved one regardless. I did turn into my sister more than once (she’s VERY CONCERNED about kids attending movies they shouldn’t), marveling at all the AWFUL parents who brought their youngin’s. When we were walking out, we were behind a guy with FIVE kids, three of them had to be between the ages of 8 and 4. Some well intentioned older woman waiting in line to see the movie after us bent over and asked the boys “So, how did you like it?” and unsolicited I responded (loudly), “It’s totally not appropriate for kids that age.” And she responded “Really????” and I said, “Yes, it’s PG-13 for a REASON!” I don’t even think I broke stride.
Strong efforts from all the actors involved and plenty of screen time for all the characters. The only MINOR quibble is it sounded like Bale was gargling razor blades when he talked as Batman and he did that QUITE a bit, particularly in the final third of the film. Assuming they make another, THAT one will be even be darker still.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Bunk and HOOEY!!!!
Man-made Global Warming (seemingly incontrovertable even earlier this year) may be like the Loch Ness Monster or Big-Foot, complete fabrications to gin up money for those who stand to profit off the panic and doomsayers (paging Mr. Gore).
http://www.dailytech.com/Myth+of+Consensus+Explodes+APS+Opens+Global+Warming+Debate/article12403.htm
I'm not saying the planet isn't warming (and I'm not saying it is), but it's highly egotistical to assume that it's man-made and not just a natural cycle.
Despite what I like to think, I don't make the sun rise in the East and set in the West everyday either.
Skidoosh!
http://www.dailytech.com/Myth+of+Consensus+Explodes+APS+Opens+Global+Warming+Debate/article12403.htm
I'm not saying the planet isn't warming (and I'm not saying it is), but it's highly egotistical to assume that it's man-made and not just a natural cycle.
Despite what I like to think, I don't make the sun rise in the East and set in the West everyday either.
Skidoosh!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Obama Ain't Funny
Other than Americans who oppose oppressive tax rates and a government who is powerful enough to give you everything (and also powerful enough to take it all away), do you know who else should be shaking their boots? Talk show hosts and comedians.
I don't find the New Yorker Cover funny in any way and I think it's in poor taste, but the linked article is pretty good.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Just Drill, Baby!!!
Thank you W for lifting the Presidential ban. No, I don't believe for one second that new exploration will occur any time soon, but the important thing is you've done your part. Now it's up to our friends in Congress. Based on their quotes in the attached link, it's little wonder to me that their approval ratings aren't even in double digits right now.
I'm happy political points are made while I'm paying $4.25 a gallon.
Hit the link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a362RHmsy71s&refer=worldwide
I'm happy political points are made while I'm paying $4.25 a gallon.
Hit the link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a362RHmsy71s&refer=worldwide
Friday, July 11, 2008
Dog Sense
Have you ever heard that a dog 'knows' when an earthquake is about to hit?
Have you ever heard that a dog can 'sense' when a tornado is stirring up, even 20 miles away? Do you remember hearing that before the December tsunami struck Southeast Asia, dogs started running frantically away from the seashore, at breakneck speed?
Do you know that dogs can detect cancer and other serious illnesses and danger of fire? Somehow they always know when they can 'go for a ride' before you even ask, and how do those dogs and cats get home from hundreds of miles away?
I'm a firm believer that animals - and especially dogs - have keen insights into the truth. And you can't tell me that dogs can't sense a potentially terrible disaster well in advance.Simply said, a dog just KNOWS when something isn't right... when impending doom is upon us... they'll always try to warn us!
Have you ever heard that a dog can 'sense' when a tornado is stirring up, even 20 miles away? Do you remember hearing that before the December tsunami struck Southeast Asia, dogs started running frantically away from the seashore, at breakneck speed?
Do you know that dogs can detect cancer and other serious illnesses and danger of fire? Somehow they always know when they can 'go for a ride' before you even ask, and how do those dogs and cats get home from hundreds of miles away?
I'm a firm believer that animals - and especially dogs - have keen insights into the truth. And you can't tell me that dogs can't sense a potentially terrible disaster well in advance.Simply said, a dog just KNOWS when something isn't right... when impending doom is upon us... they'll always try to warn us!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Hallejulah and Pass the Ammunition
I guess Marvel Studios isn't do dumb after all. Hit the link: http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/marvel-locks-in-jon-favreau-for-iron-man-2/
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
AMEN!
A silly (but VERY TRUE) e-mail missive forwarded to me by my missus which proposes a new Bill of Rights:
'We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other constant bed-wetters.
We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.
ARTICLE I: You do NOT have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you!
You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes . (This one is my pet peeve...get an education and go to work....don't expect everyone else to take care of you!)
ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.
ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, inten tionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprise d if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.
ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others! If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you
to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)
ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly....)
ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!
'We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other constant bed-wetters.
We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.
ARTICLE I: You do NOT have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything.
ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you!
You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be.
ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.
ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes . (This one is my pet peeve...get an education and go to work....don't expect everyone else to take care of you!)
ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.
ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, inten tionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprise d if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair.
ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others! If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.
ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you
to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. (AMEN!)
ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.
ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly....)
ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
HAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!
I'm seeing this opening weekend. For added web-fun, hit me: http://www.whysoserious.com/
Or, just hit this for a new trailer: http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/the-dark-knight/trailer-e
THANK YOU JIM HENDRY!!!
While I'll miss the goofy grin of Sean Gallagher, I'm happy as can be (after missing on Sabathia) that Jim Hendry is pulling the strings for the Cubs. I don't care WHAT he said, this was his Winston Wolfe persona taking care of the "Bonnie Situation" (if you don't know what I'm talking about, rent "Pulp Fiction". You're welcome). Something Andy McPhail (McFail) would NEVER have done.
No, I'm not printing my World Series Tickets yet, but we've matched the top end of the Brewers situation. With Rich Harden coming over, we now have our "Ben Sheets" in that when the guy is healthy, he's one of the best in the bigs, the trick is "when the guy is healthy" part. Buster Olney on ESPN compared him to an older Mark Prior. I see that. When he's on the bump, it's magic.
Oh, and when the Brewers added Sabathia, they got their "Big Z". I love our chances, our bullpen is better than theirs and our hitting more consistent, and kicking the ball around the field is something they do now and we did (A LOT) last year.
My buddy Geoff beat me to the punch with his spot on assessment of the impotence in the realm of political intercourse going on in the Congress with their now SINGLE DIGIT approval rating. This isn't golf folks where the low score wins. See Geoff's blog here: http://prayersforwah.blogspot.com/.
Lastly, my darling sister corrected my blog protocol by insisting I pass along the kudos to her source for the Home Depot tip from earlier. My original post has been corrected. Thanks again Sis!
She also has an idea about Entertainment Weekly scaling back their publishing by asking subscribers to hit their website. I think she may be right on the money with this one.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Your Carbon Ration Card Is Coming
I'm mildly suspicious of the global warming hoo-ha that's been buzzing for the last year or so. Yes, I love Mother Earth, yes, I'm against wasteful practices, yes, I'm for reducing energy bills (because I'm cheap), and YES I'm for energy independence, but I've been curious about what Al Gore has been up to.
Here's part of it: http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB121538804508931123.html
The guy (Al Gore) is now universally loved by the left and he passes up a run at the White House. It's because he didn't want to limit himself.
Did you know you're not supposed to throw out those curly-q bulbs when you're done with them? They have mercury in them (yes the stuff we used to chase over our work benches in High School Chemistry class with Mr. Powers). You know if they break, you're not supposed to vacuum them up? Dealing with those things are like dealing with "Happy Fun Ball" from the old SNL days. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7358768984043835546
I have nothing really against even those bulbs, but the way they were rolled out with so little information (or even a PLAN) about how to dispose of them is just terrible. It'll be a news story in six months about how dangerous they are to your family if they break, and if it's not, it'll be a tragic news story in 20 years about how our groundwater is laced with mercury because EVERYONE threw them away when they burnt out.
Here's part of it: http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB121538804508931123.html
The guy (Al Gore) is now universally loved by the left and he passes up a run at the White House. It's because he didn't want to limit himself.
Did you know you're not supposed to throw out those curly-q bulbs when you're done with them? They have mercury in them (yes the stuff we used to chase over our work benches in High School Chemistry class with Mr. Powers). You know if they break, you're not supposed to vacuum them up? Dealing with those things are like dealing with "Happy Fun Ball" from the old SNL days. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7358768984043835546
I have nothing really against even those bulbs, but the way they were rolled out with so little information (or even a PLAN) about how to dispose of them is just terrible. It'll be a news story in six months about how dangerous they are to your family if they break, and if it's not, it'll be a tragic news story in 20 years about how our groundwater is laced with mercury because EVERYONE threw them away when they burnt out.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
I'm Awesome
I scooped ESPN by like a half hour on the story below. They're lazy.
Oh, and the coolest image I could find that exemplifies the greatness of America on our birthday weekend:
I pulled that from Ariania Huffington's site, I remember when she was a conservative too.
Damnit!!!!
This is going to haunt my beloved Cubbies: http://blogs.jsonline.com/brewers/
Sabathia going to the Beermakers absolutely sucks. We needed him to slot between Z and Dempster for our post season rotation. Don't the Brewers know that it's been 100 years for us and THIS IS OUR YEAR?!?!??! I hate it when other teams don't follow the obvious story lines.
Who's left to go get who'd be worth trading top prospects for? Rich Harden of the A's or Bedard from Seattle might qualify. AJ Burnett said he'd come to Chicago, but his numbers are awfully similar to Lilly's (not a bad thing, just not a WOW pitcher who could carry us a little in the post season).
Had an enjoyable day today with mi familia at Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags. I kind of pissed and moaned about going. It's a holiday weekend, sunny and 85 degrees out and I'd assumed all of Park City would be there. It was a little crowded, and my 7 year old and 5 year old sons got QUITE an eyeful from all the skin they saw, but it was a pretty enjoyable day. Brooke was right about going and I'm glad we went. Cameron almost lost his trunks about a dozen times in the wave pool. I'd hike them up for him, and two waves later he's practically bare-assed again. It was hilarious.
I saw a NUMBER of stupid things in the paper today:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0704pledgejul06,0,2987262.story
Is it Time to Retire the Pledge of Allegiance? Why? As my sister and Dr. Stephen T. Colbert, DFA pointed out correctly, America is "the greatest, best country God has ever given man on the face of the Earth". Why NOT pledge allegiance to It's flag? So WHAT that the Pledge itself was started out to sell flags? Too many people are putting their individualism above the good of the group. I know that sounds vaguely Socialistic or Communistic, but I think it's more like "all for one and one for all" rather than the more fashionable "all for me".
Starbucks is hurting.
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN0437926720080706?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews&rpc=22&sp=true
I don't particularly care much about this (but it may be a BUY opportunity for their stock), as the market is speaking and their popularity is waning. I'm not getting the schadenfreude going on out there about this. I sure as hell don't have time to lay about in a coffee house and peruse the paper or shoot the breeze with whomever is in there. But taking delight in the downturn of this commercial giant is just crazy. Sure, I'd like to be rewarded for my business as a loyal customer (I'm not really one at Starbucks), but expecting free WiFi while I sip a latte? Who are these people? They're nuts.
The Cubs took two of three from the Cardinals and I had just as many hits as Jim Edmonds did. I guess LaRussa still has his number.
Sabathia going to the Beermakers absolutely sucks. We needed him to slot between Z and Dempster for our post season rotation. Don't the Brewers know that it's been 100 years for us and THIS IS OUR YEAR?!?!??! I hate it when other teams don't follow the obvious story lines.
Who's left to go get who'd be worth trading top prospects for? Rich Harden of the A's or Bedard from Seattle might qualify. AJ Burnett said he'd come to Chicago, but his numbers are awfully similar to Lilly's (not a bad thing, just not a WOW pitcher who could carry us a little in the post season).
Had an enjoyable day today with mi familia at Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags. I kind of pissed and moaned about going. It's a holiday weekend, sunny and 85 degrees out and I'd assumed all of Park City would be there. It was a little crowded, and my 7 year old and 5 year old sons got QUITE an eyeful from all the skin they saw, but it was a pretty enjoyable day. Brooke was right about going and I'm glad we went. Cameron almost lost his trunks about a dozen times in the wave pool. I'd hike them up for him, and two waves later he's practically bare-assed again. It was hilarious.
I saw a NUMBER of stupid things in the paper today:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0704pledgejul06,0,2987262.story
Is it Time to Retire the Pledge of Allegiance? Why? As my sister and Dr. Stephen T. Colbert, DFA pointed out correctly, America is "the greatest, best country God has ever given man on the face of the Earth". Why NOT pledge allegiance to It's flag? So WHAT that the Pledge itself was started out to sell flags? Too many people are putting their individualism above the good of the group. I know that sounds vaguely Socialistic or Communistic, but I think it's more like "all for one and one for all" rather than the more fashionable "all for me".
Starbucks is hurting.
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN0437926720080706?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews&rpc=22&sp=true
I don't particularly care much about this (but it may be a BUY opportunity for their stock), as the market is speaking and their popularity is waning. I'm not getting the schadenfreude going on out there about this. I sure as hell don't have time to lay about in a coffee house and peruse the paper or shoot the breeze with whomever is in there. But taking delight in the downturn of this commercial giant is just crazy. Sure, I'd like to be rewarded for my business as a loyal customer (I'm not really one at Starbucks), but expecting free WiFi while I sip a latte? Who are these people? They're nuts.
The Cubs took two of three from the Cardinals and I had just as many hits as Jim Edmonds did. I guess LaRussa still has his number.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Happy Independence Day!!!!!
Oh, wait, that was yesterday? Sorry. I wonder if Hallmark makes "Happy Belated Birthday" cards you can give to the greatest country on the planet?
I went to a wonderful cookout yesterday at my sisters. I had the best time running around the park with my oldest son Ethan, my brother in law Sean, my niece Shannon, and my future brother in law Rich. We played catch with an Aerobie (I hadn't played with one of these in YEARS and that's a shame), it was SO much fun.
My brother in law Sean is generally on the other side of the political spectrum than yours truly (hell, MOST of my family is at least a little LEFT of me), but it was really nice that we agreed our Country should be migrating toward nuclear power. The cost of doing it these days is substantially higher than if we'd done it during the 70's (when France did it), but most of the safety issues since then have been ironed out and with recycling of much of the waste generated, it just makes sense.
Nice to get a win last night to start the series with the Cardinals. It was awfully classy of them to give Jim Edmonds a standing O at his first at bat. Too bad he didn't do much yesterday at the dish. He'll have to hit a couple HR's today to make up for yesterday, which the Porembski Hitmen sorely need (my fantasy baseball team).
One of my sisters was kind enough to tip me off to this (courtesy of www.everydaycheapskate.com):
Home Depot offers free Kids Workshops on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon, at all Home Depot stores. Kids ages 5 to 12 get to make fun projects like toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers as well as other more educational projects like a birdhouse, bughouse and even a Declaration of Independence frame kit. Each kid also receives a kid-sized orange apron like the Home Depot associates wear in the stores and an achievement pin. Go to www.homedepot.com and type 'kids workshops' in the search box, to find the schedule for the Home Depot closest to you.
I took the boys after swimming lessons today and we built birdhouses. We had so much fun and it was FREE!!!!! Something tells me we'll be going back on August First to build flag holders, and every first of the month thereafter. THANKS FRANCINE!!!!
I went to a wonderful cookout yesterday at my sisters. I had the best time running around the park with my oldest son Ethan, my brother in law Sean, my niece Shannon, and my future brother in law Rich. We played catch with an Aerobie (I hadn't played with one of these in YEARS and that's a shame), it was SO much fun.
My brother in law Sean is generally on the other side of the political spectrum than yours truly (hell, MOST of my family is at least a little LEFT of me), but it was really nice that we agreed our Country should be migrating toward nuclear power. The cost of doing it these days is substantially higher than if we'd done it during the 70's (when France did it), but most of the safety issues since then have been ironed out and with recycling of much of the waste generated, it just makes sense.
Nice to get a win last night to start the series with the Cardinals. It was awfully classy of them to give Jim Edmonds a standing O at his first at bat. Too bad he didn't do much yesterday at the dish. He'll have to hit a couple HR's today to make up for yesterday, which the Porembski Hitmen sorely need (my fantasy baseball team).
One of my sisters was kind enough to tip me off to this (courtesy of www.everydaycheapskate.com):
Home Depot offers free Kids Workshops on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon, at all Home Depot stores. Kids ages 5 to 12 get to make fun projects like toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers as well as other more educational projects like a birdhouse, bughouse and even a Declaration of Independence frame kit. Each kid also receives a kid-sized orange apron like the Home Depot associates wear in the stores and an achievement pin. Go to www.homedepot.com and type 'kids workshops' in the search box, to find the schedule for the Home Depot closest to you.
I took the boys after swimming lessons today and we built birdhouses. We had so much fun and it was FREE!!!!! Something tells me we'll be going back on August First to build flag holders, and every first of the month thereafter. THANKS FRANCINE!!!!
Friday, July 4, 2008
So, Here We Go...
My first post to my blog and I'm speechless. Lots of yardwork to do today before our cookout at my sister's place in Gurnee, and then the Cubs game tonight in St. Louis.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
