Juice in the Joint
I just saw on the news at lunch time that O.J. Simpson is changing his address. That's right, folks. He will be living in public housing in the state of Nevada for the next 8-33 years, depending on time off for good behavior. Of course, the man is 61 now so it's unlike he will make it for 33 years, regardless of how he acts. The judge just kept reading off charges and sentences and his face just kept falling lower and lower. I don't think that he realizes yet that he is really going to jail. I think he thinks he will get out on appeal and the judge will let him wander around free until his appeal comes up. I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen. Sorry, O.J. This time the glove did fit, they did not acquit so in a cell, you will finally sit. Buh-bye.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Civics 101
I am in Houston this week, working on my MILs house and getting a little rest after Las Vegas. My wife and I both voted by mail so that is all taken care of. I saw a news story on the tube yesterday on some high school kids who all showed up at school in McCain t-shirts. Nothing wrong with that except on the back was the slogan, "Obama loves Osama-BFFs". The school officials made them change clothes to avoid trouble. They talked to one of the girls wearing the shirt who said (no kidding), "I think that it is just wrong that someone who wasn't even born here can run for president". I'm so glad she got all the facts before making a decision AND that she is so familiar with the Constitution. Idiot.
I am in Houston this week, working on my MILs house and getting a little rest after Las Vegas. My wife and I both voted by mail so that is all taken care of. I saw a news story on the tube yesterday on some high school kids who all showed up at school in McCain t-shirts. Nothing wrong with that except on the back was the slogan, "Obama loves Osama-BFFs". The school officials made them change clothes to avoid trouble. They talked to one of the girls wearing the shirt who said (no kidding), "I think that it is just wrong that someone who wasn't even born here can run for president". I'm so glad she got all the facts before making a decision AND that she is so familiar with the Constitution. Idiot.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Winners
Just as I am about to give up on the current generation coming out of high school, something happens that gives me hope. Last week, the students at Aledo High School in Aledo, TX ( a small town just west of Fort Worth) elected 18 year-old Kristen Pass as their homecoming queen. This is remarkable in that Kristen has Down's syndrome. Instead of going for the most popular or most attractive, these kids embraced the true spirit of inclusion and diversity, giving this young lady the thrill of her life. She has not removed her crown since. Here is a link to the story and video (I think): http://www.newsnet5.com/education/17723704/detail.html
Three cheers for Aledo. They are not all rednecks, after all.
Just as I am about to give up on the current generation coming out of high school, something happens that gives me hope. Last week, the students at Aledo High School in Aledo, TX ( a small town just west of Fort Worth) elected 18 year-old Kristen Pass as their homecoming queen. This is remarkable in that Kristen has Down's syndrome. Instead of going for the most popular or most attractive, these kids embraced the true spirit of inclusion and diversity, giving this young lady the thrill of her life. She has not removed her crown since. Here is a link to the story and video (I think): http://www.newsnet5.com/education/17723704/detail.html
Three cheers for Aledo. They are not all rednecks, after all.
Here's a little meme from Skylar's Dad that is kinda fun. You have to have something to say about each one word topic:
1. Clothes - usually and always at work, unless it is Naked Friday.
2. Furniture - mostly Early Marriage although we have been married 37 years.
3. Sweet - Dark chocolate in any form.
4. City - San Antonio, TX. I have been to many cities around the world but many of my happiest moments were in San Antone.
5. Drink - Casual drink is Fat Tire Amber Ale from the New Belgian Brewery in Fort Collins, CO but for serious drinking, either Grey Goose vodka and tonic or Woodford Reserve bourbon with a splash of water.
6. Music - Almost anything. Don't like punk much as it is too angry.
7. TV Series - For network, "The West Wing". For cable, "The Sopranos".
8. Film - "The Maltese Falcon" hands down.
9. Pastries - Starbuck's apple fritters. Yummy.
10. Coffee - Wait a minute, let me check the label on my IV. OK, Kroger Sumatran Blend. All of the flavor at a reasonable price.
No taggees - just do it if it feels good.
1. Clothes - usually and always at work, unless it is Naked Friday.
2. Furniture - mostly Early Marriage although we have been married 37 years.
3. Sweet - Dark chocolate in any form.
4. City - San Antonio, TX. I have been to many cities around the world but many of my happiest moments were in San Antone.
5. Drink - Casual drink is Fat Tire Amber Ale from the New Belgian Brewery in Fort Collins, CO but for serious drinking, either Grey Goose vodka and tonic or Woodford Reserve bourbon with a splash of water.
6. Music - Almost anything. Don't like punk much as it is too angry.
7. TV Series - For network, "The West Wing". For cable, "The Sopranos".
8. Film - "The Maltese Falcon" hands down.
9. Pastries - Starbuck's apple fritters. Yummy.
10. Coffee - Wait a minute, let me check the label on my IV. OK, Kroger Sumatran Blend. All of the flavor at a reasonable price.
No taggees - just do it if it feels good.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Love, Death and Vegas
I was in Las Vegas last week for a seminar at the Mirage. I hammered the casino for around $300. I'm surprised I wasn't banned but I guess they were feeling merciful. Anyway, I told myself before I went that, if I won enough money for a ticket to the Circ du Soleil show at the Mirage, "Love", I would go so I did win enough and I went.
This show is based on the music of The Beatles and has more dancing that true circus acts. It is truly spectacular, though. The opening actually made me cry a bit because it brought back so many memories of the time when The Beatles first came to the US. So much has happened in my life since then, most of it good but, by all means, not all of it. If you are a Beatles fan and get to Vegas, you should see this show. Take some cash, though, because the good seats are $150.
Flying back into Denver, we hit some very bad weather. I was listening to Air Traffic Control, which you can do on United, and they were constantly warning pilots of wind shear on the two runways that were in use. I have encountered turbulence before but nothing like this. Our pilot had to abort two approaches because of last minute wind shear. I was almost certain that the plane was going in the ground on the second one. The pilot decided to go to Colorado Springs instead but ATC talked him out it, saying that the front had moved off to the east. As we made our third approach, it was still very rough and I quit praying for a safe landing and just asked God to take care of my family. We did land safely, though. It took about twenty minutes for my hands to quit shaking from the adrenaline rush. After I calmed down, I got mad. The FAA should have suspended airport operations until that weather moved off. It didn't take very long for the front to move out and the brief suspension would have saved a lot of frayed nerves, as I am sure that we were not the only plane having problems.
I will be flying again next week to Indianapolis. I hope I don't have a similar experience or I may have to look into a seat on the Grayhound on my next trip.
I was in Las Vegas last week for a seminar at the Mirage. I hammered the casino for around $300. I'm surprised I wasn't banned but I guess they were feeling merciful. Anyway, I told myself before I went that, if I won enough money for a ticket to the Circ du Soleil show at the Mirage, "Love", I would go so I did win enough and I went.
This show is based on the music of The Beatles and has more dancing that true circus acts. It is truly spectacular, though. The opening actually made me cry a bit because it brought back so many memories of the time when The Beatles first came to the US. So much has happened in my life since then, most of it good but, by all means, not all of it. If you are a Beatles fan and get to Vegas, you should see this show. Take some cash, though, because the good seats are $150.
Flying back into Denver, we hit some very bad weather. I was listening to Air Traffic Control, which you can do on United, and they were constantly warning pilots of wind shear on the two runways that were in use. I have encountered turbulence before but nothing like this. Our pilot had to abort two approaches because of last minute wind shear. I was almost certain that the plane was going in the ground on the second one. The pilot decided to go to Colorado Springs instead but ATC talked him out it, saying that the front had moved off to the east. As we made our third approach, it was still very rough and I quit praying for a safe landing and just asked God to take care of my family. We did land safely, though. It took about twenty minutes for my hands to quit shaking from the adrenaline rush. After I calmed down, I got mad. The FAA should have suspended airport operations until that weather moved off. It didn't take very long for the front to move out and the brief suspension would have saved a lot of frayed nerves, as I am sure that we were not the only plane having problems.
I will be flying again next week to Indianapolis. I hope I don't have a similar experience or I may have to look into a seat on the Grayhound on my next trip.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Hurricane Ike
I got back from Houston late last week. It was a huge mess down there. Some 750,000 folks are still without power and many are without water. Galveston is worse, of course, but, somehow, I almost think it is better to have your home totally destroyed that to try to keep living in a house with no services. It was very hot and humid but the air dried out a bit on Wednesday and that cooled things off. Many of the traffic signals are still out but people are generally driving very courteously, treating every intersection as a four-way stop sign.
My MILs house was not damaged but a neighbors large oak tree fell over onto her driveway and took the power, phone and cable lines with it as well as the pole they were attached to. Her power is not back on yet and neither is my SILs or my surviving BILs. My daughter was lucky in that she only lost power briefly. I spent most of my time down there getting some generators set up at my MILs house so they could at least have some light and run some fans. We set up two 5700 watt gennys that run for about 10 hours on 5 gallons of gas. One runs while the other rests. Wal-Mart has dropped their prices for all grades of gasoline in response to the storm, which really means a lot to those people down there. They are also keeping plenty of ice on hand at all of their stores.
They still do not know how many people died in the storm. They just let people back on Galveston Island last Wednesday. The people on the west end of the island are just allowed to look and leave as that end of the island was pretty well completely destroyed since the sea wall does not stretch down there. They know there are probably bodies in the rubble but no one has time to search for them right now. One rather poignant story concerned a 74 year old man who refused to evacuate the island as he was fearful that looters would steal everything he had. As the storm grew worse, he finally understood that his house was going to be destroyed and got in his pickup truck to try to escape. His last communication was a cell phone call to some friends on the mainland, saying that his truck was floating and he had lost control. They found his body behind the wheel after the storm. Sad but I am afraid that there will be many more.
I got back from Houston late last week. It was a huge mess down there. Some 750,000 folks are still without power and many are without water. Galveston is worse, of course, but, somehow, I almost think it is better to have your home totally destroyed that to try to keep living in a house with no services. It was very hot and humid but the air dried out a bit on Wednesday and that cooled things off. Many of the traffic signals are still out but people are generally driving very courteously, treating every intersection as a four-way stop sign.
My MILs house was not damaged but a neighbors large oak tree fell over onto her driveway and took the power, phone and cable lines with it as well as the pole they were attached to. Her power is not back on yet and neither is my SILs or my surviving BILs. My daughter was lucky in that she only lost power briefly. I spent most of my time down there getting some generators set up at my MILs house so they could at least have some light and run some fans. We set up two 5700 watt gennys that run for about 10 hours on 5 gallons of gas. One runs while the other rests. Wal-Mart has dropped their prices for all grades of gasoline in response to the storm, which really means a lot to those people down there. They are also keeping plenty of ice on hand at all of their stores.
They still do not know how many people died in the storm. They just let people back on Galveston Island last Wednesday. The people on the west end of the island are just allowed to look and leave as that end of the island was pretty well completely destroyed since the sea wall does not stretch down there. They know there are probably bodies in the rubble but no one has time to search for them right now. One rather poignant story concerned a 74 year old man who refused to evacuate the island as he was fearful that looters would steal everything he had. As the storm grew worse, he finally understood that his house was going to be destroyed and got in his pickup truck to try to escape. His last communication was a cell phone call to some friends on the mainland, saying that his truck was floating and he had lost control. They found his body behind the wheel after the storm. Sad but I am afraid that there will be many more.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Kafka Would be Proud
Last Thursday, my wife called me while I was travelling to Minnesota to tell me that her little brother, who was 52, had been killed in a car wreck in Kuwait. He worked for an oil field service company there. Her older brother lives in Houston and was trying to get the details of how the remains would be repatriated when the hurricane came through and knocked out his power. We were able to find out that his company will pay for shipping the body. The catch is that Kuwait is an Islamic country and they do not do embalming there, nobody, no how, becuase, under Islamic law, the body must be buried within 24 hours. Because of all the paperwork, his body will not be shipped to Houston until this Friday or Saturday. It will be in a sealed metal coffin, thank God, and will have to be buried immediately.
Now the catch is that, with all of the rain, etc., they may not be able to dig a grave without it filling with water. So there will be further delays. There are no plans for any type of graveside service but there will be a funeral Mass. However, my wife's family don't want to have that until his wife and daughter get to the US. She is Filipino and not a US citizen so the State Department has to issue her a travel visa but first they have to determine that she doesn't have a nuclear weapon in her underwear or something so who knows how long it will take for her to get here. Also, she cannot go back to Kuwait since she is no longer a dependent of a foreign worker there. My wife and her mother are on their way to Houston now but have decided to stop and stay with her sister in Fort Worth since there is no power at my MILs house in Houston. All the rest of the family that lives outside Houston are waiting with one foot out the door since we don't know when the service will be. What a mess.
Ray was a very troubled man. He got divorced some years ago and hated the US goverment becuase the judge gave his ex-wife so much. He was pretty well estranged from the rest of the family who didn't even know he had remarried. Estranged or not, blood is blood and they want to take care of him. It's just too bad that such a "perfect storm" of events had to prevent them from taking care of business on a timely basis.
Last Thursday, my wife called me while I was travelling to Minnesota to tell me that her little brother, who was 52, had been killed in a car wreck in Kuwait. He worked for an oil field service company there. Her older brother lives in Houston and was trying to get the details of how the remains would be repatriated when the hurricane came through and knocked out his power. We were able to find out that his company will pay for shipping the body. The catch is that Kuwait is an Islamic country and they do not do embalming there, nobody, no how, becuase, under Islamic law, the body must be buried within 24 hours. Because of all the paperwork, his body will not be shipped to Houston until this Friday or Saturday. It will be in a sealed metal coffin, thank God, and will have to be buried immediately.
Now the catch is that, with all of the rain, etc., they may not be able to dig a grave without it filling with water. So there will be further delays. There are no plans for any type of graveside service but there will be a funeral Mass. However, my wife's family don't want to have that until his wife and daughter get to the US. She is Filipino and not a US citizen so the State Department has to issue her a travel visa but first they have to determine that she doesn't have a nuclear weapon in her underwear or something so who knows how long it will take for her to get here. Also, she cannot go back to Kuwait since she is no longer a dependent of a foreign worker there. My wife and her mother are on their way to Houston now but have decided to stop and stay with her sister in Fort Worth since there is no power at my MILs house in Houston. All the rest of the family that lives outside Houston are waiting with one foot out the door since we don't know when the service will be. What a mess.
Ray was a very troubled man. He got divorced some years ago and hated the US goverment becuase the judge gave his ex-wife so much. He was pretty well estranged from the rest of the family who didn't even know he had remarried. Estranged or not, blood is blood and they want to take care of him. It's just too bad that such a "perfect storm" of events had to prevent them from taking care of business on a timely basis.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Diversity
The corporate giant that I work for has annual sexual harassment awareness training for all employees annually. Last year, the managers had mandatory diversity training also. As a part of that training, we watched a video that was made in 1968 about a teached from Iowa that taught her class an important lesson about discrimination. I was very affected by this video and felt that it was a highly effective teaching tool. By some miracle, I just found the video on Google. I have not embedded it as it is somewhat long, almost an hour, but here is a link if you would like to watch it:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6189991712636113875
The looks on these kids faces when they find out what discrimination feels like says it all.
The corporate giant that I work for has annual sexual harassment awareness training for all employees annually. Last year, the managers had mandatory diversity training also. As a part of that training, we watched a video that was made in 1968 about a teached from Iowa that taught her class an important lesson about discrimination. I was very affected by this video and felt that it was a highly effective teaching tool. By some miracle, I just found the video on Google. I have not embedded it as it is somewhat long, almost an hour, but here is a link if you would like to watch it:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6189991712636113875
The looks on these kids faces when they find out what discrimination feels like says it all.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Obama
OK, first let me say that I am still glad that I stayed away from Invesco Field. Hot, crowded, people whining about it being hot and crowded, etc. At the same time, I wish I could have been in that crowd and felt what those people are feeling. I was too young to vote when JFK was elected but I was involved as my mother was very heavily involved in his campaign. I still have her invitation to his inaurgural ball in my souvenirs. I remember the excitement that people felt about that election, that this time, it was not about a couple of stodgy hacks slogging it out.
That is the way I feel now. I watched Obama's speech from beginning to end. I agree that he made an awful lot of promises that he is going to have an awful lot of trouble keeping. Still, the exitement is there, especially after 8 years of watching Bush murder the English language while acting like such a buffoon that Idi Amin would look dignified standing next to him. Maybe Obama can do it. Maybe these are more than campaign promises. Maybe we really can. I would like nothing more than to ditch my political pessimism and believe that a politician really gets it and will truly try to make a positive change. Time will tell but time may be running out.
OK, first let me say that I am still glad that I stayed away from Invesco Field. Hot, crowded, people whining about it being hot and crowded, etc. At the same time, I wish I could have been in that crowd and felt what those people are feeling. I was too young to vote when JFK was elected but I was involved as my mother was very heavily involved in his campaign. I still have her invitation to his inaurgural ball in my souvenirs. I remember the excitement that people felt about that election, that this time, it was not about a couple of stodgy hacks slogging it out.
That is the way I feel now. I watched Obama's speech from beginning to end. I agree that he made an awful lot of promises that he is going to have an awful lot of trouble keeping. Still, the exitement is there, especially after 8 years of watching Bush murder the English language while acting like such a buffoon that Idi Amin would look dignified standing next to him. Maybe Obama can do it. Maybe these are more than campaign promises. Maybe we really can. I would like nothing more than to ditch my political pessimism and believe that a politician really gets it and will truly try to make a positive change. Time will tell but time may be running out.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Democratic National Convention
The Democrats are coming to Denver next week. We have thousands of folks lined up to protest something, be it war, peace, killing fur-bearing animals, whatever. What the Democrats have to do with any of these things, I am not sure, but protests must be held. I am going to stay out of town in New York most of the week to avoid the hullabaloo.
I have nothing against the Democrats. I am sort of apolitical. I vote for the person whom I think will best represent me, regardless of political party, which I think most people do these days. I don't think that the US will come to an end regardless of who is elected.
I do know one thing: when all of these delegates fly into Denver, one thing they are bound to see as they leave the airport is a big. BLUE statue of a stallion with lighted red eyes. It cost us in excess of $1 million. All it needs to be the world's tackiest sculpture is a flashing neon penis. It simply screams, "Hi, folks, welcome to Hicksville". The delegates will know that, for all of Denver's claims to be a cosmopolitan, hip town, it is still full of rubes. Have fun, Democrats, and don't forget to spend lots of cash. We need the money for that neon penis upgrade.
The Democrats are coming to Denver next week. We have thousands of folks lined up to protest something, be it war, peace, killing fur-bearing animals, whatever. What the Democrats have to do with any of these things, I am not sure, but protests must be held. I am going to stay out of town in New York most of the week to avoid the hullabaloo.
I have nothing against the Democrats. I am sort of apolitical. I vote for the person whom I think will best represent me, regardless of political party, which I think most people do these days. I don't think that the US will come to an end regardless of who is elected.
I do know one thing: when all of these delegates fly into Denver, one thing they are bound to see as they leave the airport is a big. BLUE statue of a stallion with lighted red eyes. It cost us in excess of $1 million. All it needs to be the world's tackiest sculpture is a flashing neon penis. It simply screams, "Hi, folks, welcome to Hicksville". The delegates will know that, for all of Denver's claims to be a cosmopolitan, hip town, it is still full of rubes. Have fun, Democrats, and don't forget to spend lots of cash. We need the money for that neon penis upgrade.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Indianapolis
So, here I am in Indianapolis, home of the turncoat Baltimore Colts and the greatest spectacle in racing, Danika Patrick's legs. It is actually a pretty nice place. I could live here. Close in to downtown, there are some fantastic older homes on large lots that I would love to have.
I got a chance to run down south of here and meet up with my buddy, Jodi aka Hoosier Girl. It's always fun to meet bloggers in person and she was no exception. We had a great conversation (nothing sexy-lol). It was a real pleasure and I hope to have another opportunity to visit with her.
Back to Denver this afternoon. Turbulence forcast for the entire US is light to moderate at most altitudes so I will get the airport early and down a pint of Jack Daniels to get ready to fly. That way, I will only puke in my seatmate's lap instead of runnning up and down the aisle screaming and trying to break into the cockpit. See you on the ground.
So, here I am in Indianapolis, home of the turncoat Baltimore Colts and the greatest spectacle in racing, Danika Patrick's legs. It is actually a pretty nice place. I could live here. Close in to downtown, there are some fantastic older homes on large lots that I would love to have.
I got a chance to run down south of here and meet up with my buddy, Jodi aka Hoosier Girl. It's always fun to meet bloggers in person and she was no exception. We had a great conversation (nothing sexy-lol). It was a real pleasure and I hope to have another opportunity to visit with her.
Back to Denver this afternoon. Turbulence forcast for the entire US is light to moderate at most altitudes so I will get the airport early and down a pint of Jack Daniels to get ready to fly. That way, I will only puke in my seatmate's lap instead of runnning up and down the aisle screaming and trying to break into the cockpit. See you on the ground.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Flying Down a Bumpy Sky
I don't know if anyone but me flies a lot but it seems like there is a lot more turbulence than there used to be. I blame it on Al Gore. If he hadn't clued us in on all this global warming stuff, we probably would not have noticed. I am usually in the first 10 rows of coach if I am on United since I have status with them. Believe it or not, the ride is different in different parts of the plane. In First Class and the first part of coach, it's usually not too bouncy. However, when you are in the next-to-last row of a Southwest 737, you can feel like you are on an iron trampoline. I actually got bruises a couple of weeks ago coming into Denver. Now, because of the air flow over the mountains, it is never smooth coming into Denver but it's usually tolerable. This time, I was ready to start clawing at the exit. I don't get airsick but I sure get sick of moderate turbulence. I have never been in what they call severe turbulence and hope I never do. Logically, I know that it is not dangerous and that it would take a team of Godzillas to tear the wings off a commercial jet. However, it is sometimes hard to remember that when you are being flung side to side like a chew toy in a pit bull's mouth. I'm going to try my best to fly in the early morning before things heat up since it looks like there is not going to be any respite from thunderstorm season this year. I'm off to San Antonio this week where I will probably run into the remains of Hurrican Dolly. See you on the ground.
I don't know if anyone but me flies a lot but it seems like there is a lot more turbulence than there used to be. I blame it on Al Gore. If he hadn't clued us in on all this global warming stuff, we probably would not have noticed. I am usually in the first 10 rows of coach if I am on United since I have status with them. Believe it or not, the ride is different in different parts of the plane. In First Class and the first part of coach, it's usually not too bouncy. However, when you are in the next-to-last row of a Southwest 737, you can feel like you are on an iron trampoline. I actually got bruises a couple of weeks ago coming into Denver. Now, because of the air flow over the mountains, it is never smooth coming into Denver but it's usually tolerable. This time, I was ready to start clawing at the exit. I don't get airsick but I sure get sick of moderate turbulence. I have never been in what they call severe turbulence and hope I never do. Logically, I know that it is not dangerous and that it would take a team of Godzillas to tear the wings off a commercial jet. However, it is sometimes hard to remember that when you are being flung side to side like a chew toy in a pit bull's mouth. I'm going to try my best to fly in the early morning before things heat up since it looks like there is not going to be any respite from thunderstorm season this year. I'm off to San Antonio this week where I will probably run into the remains of Hurrican Dolly. See you on the ground.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Remembering Mark
On Tuesday, July 8, a man I worked closely with, Mark Elgin, was returning to Denver from a business trip. As he was exiting the plane, he fell very ill and paramedics were called to treat him. While the paramedics were working on Mark, he suffered a pulmonary embolism and died immediately. He could not be revived. Mark was 44 years old.
Mark was originally from the Philadelphia area and was a huge Eagles fan. I went to the Super Bowl party at his home three years ago when the Eagles played New England. He was a generous person who gave of his time freely. He was very much a family man who was very close to his wife and two children, a daughter 14 and a son 11. He will be missed by all of us.
If you have a moment this weekend, say a little prayer for Mark and his wife, Vickie, and children, Lucia and Nick. As you can imagine, this sudden, unexpected death has been a huge shock for them. I wish them peace and healing. I know that it won't come easy. Thank you.
On Tuesday, July 8, a man I worked closely with, Mark Elgin, was returning to Denver from a business trip. As he was exiting the plane, he fell very ill and paramedics were called to treat him. While the paramedics were working on Mark, he suffered a pulmonary embolism and died immediately. He could not be revived. Mark was 44 years old.
Mark was originally from the Philadelphia area and was a huge Eagles fan. I went to the Super Bowl party at his home three years ago when the Eagles played New England. He was a generous person who gave of his time freely. He was very much a family man who was very close to his wife and two children, a daughter 14 and a son 11. He will be missed by all of us.
If you have a moment this weekend, say a little prayer for Mark and his wife, Vickie, and children, Lucia and Nick. As you can imagine, this sudden, unexpected death has been a huge shock for them. I wish them peace and healing. I know that it won't come easy. Thank you.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Tagged
OK, I've been tagged by the hottest mom in Alabama, Midleah, so, out of my deep admiration for her, I will respond:
1. 8 things I have a passion for
My wife
My children
My country
My freedom
My job
Good food
Good beer
The Rocky Mountains
2. 8 things to do before I die
Travel to Northern Scotland
Go whale watching
Take an Alaskan cruise
Get a clean shot at Osama bin Laden
See my youngest son cured of bipolar disorder
Retire
Personally meet as many of my blogger friends as possible
Have Angelina Jolie beg me for sex
3. 8 things I say a lot
"How much?!!"
"Bonehead"
"I love you"
"Ouch" (say this more and more, the older I get)
"Shit"
"Goddam dog"
"Never happen"
"That was not a career-enhancing decision"
4. 8 books I have read recently
Duma Key
Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Playing for Pizza
An Innocent Man
The Gold Coast
The Love Song of J. Edgar Hoover
King Rat
5. 8 movies I have seen 8 times
The Maltese Falcon
A Night at the Opera
Blade Runner
StarWars IV: ANew Hope
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King
Jaws
I am not a tagger so I will skip # 6 but feel free to participate, if the spirit moves you.
OK, I've been tagged by the hottest mom in Alabama, Midleah, so, out of my deep admiration for her, I will respond:
1. 8 things I have a passion for
My wife
My children
My country
My freedom
My job
Good food
Good beer
The Rocky Mountains
2. 8 things to do before I die
Travel to Northern Scotland
Go whale watching
Take an Alaskan cruise
Get a clean shot at Osama bin Laden
See my youngest son cured of bipolar disorder
Retire
Personally meet as many of my blogger friends as possible
Have Angelina Jolie beg me for sex
3. 8 things I say a lot
"How much?!!"
"Bonehead"
"I love you"
"Ouch" (say this more and more, the older I get)
"Shit"
"Goddam dog"
"Never happen"
"That was not a career-enhancing decision"
4. 8 books I have read recently
Duma Key
Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Playing for Pizza
An Innocent Man
The Gold Coast
The Love Song of J. Edgar Hoover
King Rat
5. 8 movies I have seen 8 times
The Maltese Falcon
A Night at the Opera
Blade Runner
StarWars IV: ANew Hope
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King
Jaws
I am not a tagger so I will skip # 6 but feel free to participate, if the spirit moves you.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Dominos
OK, so we got the whole floor thing going on. Monday everning, I step out front to enjoy the last of the sunset and hear a hissing sound. I go around to the side of the house and find that my sprinkler system control valve is spraying water. Just a little though, so no big deal. I will call the landscaper in the AM, thinks I. So morning comes and I head down to the basement to drink my morning coffee and fool around on our auxilary computer (shhh-we are hijacking someone's unsecured wireless network). What do I find but a puddle of water under the hot water heater. It is leaking. One more contractor to call. I did get both the landscaper and the plumber out to the house yesterday and got everything fixed (new hot water heater-yikes). So I take my shower this morning and find that the shower will not turn off. We have a single water knob control which I hate and it hits a hard block at about the 1/4 On position. So the plumber, whose kids I am putting through Harvard, is on his way again. As our old friend Roseanne Rosannadanna says, "It's always something". I think in my next life, I will just rent a double wide mobile home.
OK, so we got the whole floor thing going on. Monday everning, I step out front to enjoy the last of the sunset and hear a hissing sound. I go around to the side of the house and find that my sprinkler system control valve is spraying water. Just a little though, so no big deal. I will call the landscaper in the AM, thinks I. So morning comes and I head down to the basement to drink my morning coffee and fool around on our auxilary computer (shhh-we are hijacking someone's unsecured wireless network). What do I find but a puddle of water under the hot water heater. It is leaking. One more contractor to call. I did get both the landscaper and the plumber out to the house yesterday and got everything fixed (new hot water heater-yikes). So I take my shower this morning and find that the shower will not turn off. We have a single water knob control which I hate and it hits a hard block at about the 1/4 On position. So the plumber, whose kids I am putting through Harvard, is on his way again. As our old friend Roseanne Rosannadanna says, "It's always something". I think in my next life, I will just rent a double wide mobile home.
Friday, June 27, 2008
I'm Floored
As some of you are aware, I am getting new floors in my house on the ground floor. This move is necessary as the "premium" carpet installed by the homebuilder had the staying power of your average Kleenex. Besides, my wife, LuckyLou, wants hardwoods so hardwoods it will be. I'm kinda looking forward to it myself as I grew up with hardwood floors. So, after much negotiation, the craftsman started work today. We had to move all the furniture out of the ground floor as, apparently, they cannot have one workman hold a couch up in the air while another one hammers boards under it. Who knew?
We are actually getting a combination of hardwood (living and dining rooms) and porcelain tile (kitchen and den). The tile work will go pretty fast, I'm told, but the wood takes longer as it has to be stained, sanded then stained again. We're talking solid oak here, When it comes to floors, LuckyLou don't screw around. Anyway. we are currently without internet service at the house, a fact that makes me itch all over and jump from foot to foot until I can get to work at a reasonable hour to get online. So, if you don't hear from me, I'm not mad, I'm just disabled for a bit (well, I might be mad but I try not to be churlish about it). I will bore you to tears with pics of my fine new floors when the workmen leave and I recover from the surgery to remove the arm and leg that it is costing me.
In other news, Pope Bendict has asked that all parishes be prepared to offer the Tridentine (Latin) mass. President Bush later said at a press conference that he was not even aware that Trident and Dentyne had merged and "that Pope feller was pretty danged sharp". Sigh.
As some of you are aware, I am getting new floors in my house on the ground floor. This move is necessary as the "premium" carpet installed by the homebuilder had the staying power of your average Kleenex. Besides, my wife, LuckyLou, wants hardwoods so hardwoods it will be. I'm kinda looking forward to it myself as I grew up with hardwood floors. So, after much negotiation, the craftsman started work today. We had to move all the furniture out of the ground floor as, apparently, they cannot have one workman hold a couch up in the air while another one hammers boards under it. Who knew?
We are actually getting a combination of hardwood (living and dining rooms) and porcelain tile (kitchen and den). The tile work will go pretty fast, I'm told, but the wood takes longer as it has to be stained, sanded then stained again. We're talking solid oak here, When it comes to floors, LuckyLou don't screw around. Anyway. we are currently without internet service at the house, a fact that makes me itch all over and jump from foot to foot until I can get to work at a reasonable hour to get online. So, if you don't hear from me, I'm not mad, I'm just disabled for a bit (well, I might be mad but I try not to be churlish about it). I will bore you to tears with pics of my fine new floors when the workmen leave and I recover from the surgery to remove the arm and leg that it is costing me.
In other news, Pope Bendict has asked that all parishes be prepared to offer the Tridentine (Latin) mass. President Bush later said at a press conference that he was not even aware that Trident and Dentyne had merged and "that Pope feller was pretty danged sharp". Sigh.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Painter/Saint
Just when I decide that there are no real good guys left, I read something like this:
This is fantastic! There is hope for us after all.
http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/hancockportraits_070702/
Just when I decide that there are no real good guys left, I read something like this:
This is fantastic! There is hope for us after all.
http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/hancockportraits_070702/
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Remember
At Arlington National Cemetary, 320,000 veterans lie at peace. Do not think of them in the abstract. They were sons, husbands, fathers, daughters, wives and mothers. For each stone marker, somewhere, there is a broken heart and lost dreams. These men and women gave everything they had and would ever have to guarantee that those remaining behind would remain free.
There are names that I recognize on these markers and those in other national cemetaries - Vic Driscoll, lifeguard and athlete, among the first to fall in Vietnam; Mike McAinich, classmate and fellow Scot, also killed in Vietnam; my great-uncle, Garland Baldwin, gassed in WWI, the war to end all wars; Ed Chittenden, who survived the Bataan death march in WWII.
As we celebrate the beginning of summer, we should stop and remember those who fell and pray for those who are still at risk in Iraq and Afghanistan. Let the dead rest in peace, their job well done. And let the living come home soon, to live out their dreams.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Well, as it turned out, I do have a little down time today. This place is nowhere near Mouseland. It is directly adjacent to Universal Studios Islands of Mystery, etc. I can see the rides and stuff out my hotel window but the building is well enough insulated that I can't hear the screams.
The tiny bit of child that is still alive in me wants to rush over there and ride everything I see. I don't really like roller coasters or anything that takes you high and drops you fast but I can't help but feel a little wistful as I think of days of yore when I would kill to go someplace like that. Getting older has it privledges but it can be a bitch, too. I hope all of you with younger children can take them someplace like this before they get too old to be seen with Mom and Dad. I know that it costs an arm and a leg but I think that the memories may be worth it.
The tiny bit of child that is still alive in me wants to rush over there and ride everything I see. I don't really like roller coasters or anything that takes you high and drops you fast but I can't help but feel a little wistful as I think of days of yore when I would kill to go someplace like that. Getting older has it privledges but it can be a bitch, too. I hope all of you with younger children can take them someplace like this before they get too old to be seen with Mom and Dad. I know that it costs an arm and a leg but I think that the memories may be worth it.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Land of Many Mice
Well, I am off to Orlando tomorrow for a trade convention. It will be hectic so I don't know if I will have time to post while I'm there. It's at the Universal Royal Pacific Hotel, which sounds pretty swanky. I like the city of Orlando. The downtown area has a section of little shops and restaurants done in bright tropical colors that is pretty cool. I can leave the tourist areas, though. The whole place smells like mice to me, with Mickey lurking on every corner. Which reminds me of a joke:
Mickey Mouse filed for divorce from Minnie Mouse. When they went to court, the judge asked Mickey and his attorney to approach the bench. "Mr. Mouse," the judge said, "It says here that you want to divorce your wife because she is crazy. Is that correct?"
"Oh, no, your honor," replied Mickey. " I want to divorce her because she's fucking Goofy".
Have a great week.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
Yes, I know it's a Hallmark holiday but we should have a special day to be especially nice to our moms and our spouses that are mothers to our children. The day is a bit bittersweet to me as my mother passed away May 21. 1999. I think about her a lot during this month as we were very close. We were really good friends as well as relatives. I pray for her soul every Sunday at Mass and will do so again tomorrow although I am certain she is in a better place/
Anyway, I will be grilling some USDA Prime New York strips that cost me a bit with big baked pototos and a good salad, celebrating the day with my wife and MIL. I hope you all have a great day
Yes, I know it's a Hallmark holiday but we should have a special day to be especially nice to our moms and our spouses that are mothers to our children. The day is a bit bittersweet to me as my mother passed away May 21. 1999. I think about her a lot during this month as we were very close. We were really good friends as well as relatives. I pray for her soul every Sunday at Mass and will do so again tomorrow although I am certain she is in a better place/
Anyway, I will be grilling some USDA Prime New York strips that cost me a bit with big baked pototos and a good salad, celebrating the day with my wife and MIL. I hope you all have a great day
What Next?
Once upon a time, in the business world, there were meetings. In these meetings, many people got into a room. mouthed platitudes such as "We must think outside the box" and "We must act synergistly". Then they went forth from the meeting, charged up and ready to make the world safe for surety bonds or whatever it is that the company dealt with.
Then, a wise man thought, "These meetings cost money. We have to bring in many people from many locations, reserve rooms at the Red Roof Inn and let them biggie size their meals at McDonalds. There must be a better way". And, thus, the conference call was invented. Now many people stayed at their desk and listened to the same platitudes while they surfed for porn on their work computer and then hung up, ready to make the world safe for whatever.
Now the next bold step has been taken: the webinar. Not only can we listen to someone read a Powerpoint presentation, we can actually watch them turn the pages on our computer and actually read the words, "We must think outside the box". Unfortunately, we can't surf for porn while this is going on but, if we have an office, we can close the door and practice our putting.
This post comes about as I look at my calendar for next week and see that I have one conference call on Monday, two on Tuesday, one on Wednesday, a webinar on Thursday and another two conference calls on Friday. If this keeps up, I will soon be able to out-putt Tiger Woods. Either that or I will have the best porn collection in the office.
Once upon a time, in the business world, there were meetings. In these meetings, many people got into a room. mouthed platitudes such as "We must think outside the box" and "We must act synergistly". Then they went forth from the meeting, charged up and ready to make the world safe for surety bonds or whatever it is that the company dealt with.
Then, a wise man thought, "These meetings cost money. We have to bring in many people from many locations, reserve rooms at the Red Roof Inn and let them biggie size their meals at McDonalds. There must be a better way". And, thus, the conference call was invented. Now many people stayed at their desk and listened to the same platitudes while they surfed for porn on their work computer and then hung up, ready to make the world safe for whatever.
Now the next bold step has been taken: the webinar. Not only can we listen to someone read a Powerpoint presentation, we can actually watch them turn the pages on our computer and actually read the words, "We must think outside the box". Unfortunately, we can't surf for porn while this is going on but, if we have an office, we can close the door and practice our putting.
This post comes about as I look at my calendar for next week and see that I have one conference call on Monday, two on Tuesday, one on Wednesday, a webinar on Thursday and another two conference calls on Friday. If this keeps up, I will soon be able to out-putt Tiger Woods. Either that or I will have the best porn collection in the office.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Moving On
Well, here I am in Oklahoma City today. At least, I think I am still in Oklahoma City. The way the wind is blowing outside, I may be in Iowa by now. I haven't seen any corn as high as an elephant's eye but the locals insist that it exists.
I went by the monument that is outside the Murrah Federal Center to those who died as a result of Timothy McVeigh's bombing. It is very serene and peaceful. So many children were killed in that attack. I can still see the news photo of the fireman carrying an injured baby that died in his arms. McVeigh got exactly what he deserved.
I go home tomorrow and get to stay for a whole week. Hurray!
Well, here I am in Oklahoma City today. At least, I think I am still in Oklahoma City. The way the wind is blowing outside, I may be in Iowa by now. I haven't seen any corn as high as an elephant's eye but the locals insist that it exists.
I went by the monument that is outside the Murrah Federal Center to those who died as a result of Timothy McVeigh's bombing. It is very serene and peaceful. So many children were killed in that attack. I can still see the news photo of the fireman carrying an injured baby that died in his arms. McVeigh got exactly what he deserved.
I go home tomorrow and get to stay for a whole week. Hurray!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Dave is Where?
Well. Kansas City, that's where, at the lovely Embassy Suites. No, no, not the Embassy Suites on 43rd Street. It is closed for repairs after a visit from some robots from the planet Nebraska. No, I am at the one in Overland Park, which is south of KC, proper (if KC is indeed proper). Nice day today, a little cool but sunny and breezy. I am about to go 4 or 5 pounds of Jack Stack's delicious barbeque. If you ever get over there, get the burnt ends. It doesn't sound appetizing but it is.
That's it. See you at my next destination.
Well. Kansas City, that's where, at the lovely Embassy Suites. No, no, not the Embassy Suites on 43rd Street. It is closed for repairs after a visit from some robots from the planet Nebraska. No, I am at the one in Overland Park, which is south of KC, proper (if KC is indeed proper). Nice day today, a little cool but sunny and breezy. I am about to go 4 or 5 pounds of Jack Stack's delicious barbeque. If you ever get over there, get the burnt ends. It doesn't sound appetizing but it is.
That's it. See you at my next destination.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Where in the World is that Fat Bastard, Dave?
Well. kiddies, today Dave is in New Orleans, LA. The historic Wyndham Whitney Hotel downtown on Poydras Street has kindly put me up in a very nice junior suite. The hotel is only a few blocks from the French Quarter, a place I stay away from as I know that I would show up on the internet flashing my boobs for beads. Oh, wait, Mardi Gras is over. Well, it's still not a good place to be, for a dignified, aged person like myself.
Instead, I walked the four blocks to Harrah's Casino and, over the course of the evening, hammered them for $1,018.75. Not bad for an amateur.
It is now 11:00pm and the weather forecast is dark, with continued dark until morning when there will be light unless God has decided to wind up this whole experiment and go bowling. See you when I get back to less dark and humid climes.
Well. kiddies, today Dave is in New Orleans, LA. The historic Wyndham Whitney Hotel downtown on Poydras Street has kindly put me up in a very nice junior suite. The hotel is only a few blocks from the French Quarter, a place I stay away from as I know that I would show up on the internet flashing my boobs for beads. Oh, wait, Mardi Gras is over. Well, it's still not a good place to be, for a dignified, aged person like myself.
Instead, I walked the four blocks to Harrah's Casino and, over the course of the evening, hammered them for $1,018.75. Not bad for an amateur.
It is now 11:00pm and the weather forecast is dark, with continued dark until morning when there will be light unless God has decided to wind up this whole experiment and go bowling. See you when I get back to less dark and humid climes.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Fire
For those of you unfamiliar with Colorado, it is dry here. Not Arizona or Nevada dry but pretty damn dry all the same. Also, there are thousands of acres of very dead pine trees here thanks to a one inch long bug called the pine bark beetle. Pretty well all the pine forests in Colorado will be destroyed by this bug over time and there is nothing we can do about it.
Put lots of dead trees together with really dry and what do you get? Yep, fire. We have had more red flag fire weather warnings in the last two weeks than in all the years I have lived here put together. Fortunately, the area where I live has very few trees as it is a fairly newly developed subdivision but the smoke can get pretty bad sometimes. I hope that it rains like hell sometime real soon or the whole state might burn up.
For those of you unfamiliar with Colorado, it is dry here. Not Arizona or Nevada dry but pretty damn dry all the same. Also, there are thousands of acres of very dead pine trees here thanks to a one inch long bug called the pine bark beetle. Pretty well all the pine forests in Colorado will be destroyed by this bug over time and there is nothing we can do about it.
Put lots of dead trees together with really dry and what do you get? Yep, fire. We have had more red flag fire weather warnings in the last two weeks than in all the years I have lived here put together. Fortunately, the area where I live has very few trees as it is a fairly newly developed subdivision but the smoke can get pretty bad sometimes. I hope that it rains like hell sometime real soon or the whole state might burn up.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
This Just In....
After picking up Pope Benedict XVI at the airport, George Bush first asked where Mrs. Pope was. After being reminded that Catholic priests do not marry, the Prez quipped, " Wow, I bet you got one strong right hand-har har".
Later. the Pope asked if things were going well in Iraq. Georgie answered, " Hey, does the Pope wear a tall hat? Oh, wait, you're him."
And so it goes
After picking up Pope Benedict XVI at the airport, George Bush first asked where Mrs. Pope was. After being reminded that Catholic priests do not marry, the Prez quipped, " Wow, I bet you got one strong right hand-har har".
Later. the Pope asked if things were going well in Iraq. Georgie answered, " Hey, does the Pope wear a tall hat? Oh, wait, you're him."
And so it goes
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Monday, March 03, 2008
Giselle
My 18 year-old grandson called me at around 4:00pm CST today. I am on the road as usual (in Louisiana this time) and he calls me now and then so I can remind him as to when I will return so he can tell the hookers to go home and get rid of the empty wine bottles. This time, though, he said," I just called to tell you that you are a great grandfather". I said, "Well, thanks, dude. You are pretty cool also." "No", he replied, " you are a great-grandfather. My sister had her baby this morning" I forgot about that impending event.
She arrived a few days early by c-section as she was a breach baby. Her name is Giselle. She is 6 pounds + and 19 inches long ( or tall-whatever). As luck would have it, I was planning to go down to Texas tomorrow for some vacation time and my wife is already there with her mom. So we are going over to San Antonio for a couple of days and meet the young lady.
It's very hard for me to believe that I am a great-grandfather. I'm only 60 but my oldest son couldn't keep his equipment in check and wound up as a father at age 17. He did the right thing, though, and took a hand in raising my grand-daughter and eventually married her mother, although they later divorced.
Anyway, I am pretty tickled and will post some pics as soon as I get some. Welcome to the world, Giselle. I'm looking forward to spoiling you rotten.
My 18 year-old grandson called me at around 4:00pm CST today. I am on the road as usual (in Louisiana this time) and he calls me now and then so I can remind him as to when I will return so he can tell the hookers to go home and get rid of the empty wine bottles. This time, though, he said," I just called to tell you that you are a great grandfather". I said, "Well, thanks, dude. You are pretty cool also." "No", he replied, " you are a great-grandfather. My sister had her baby this morning" I forgot about that impending event.
She arrived a few days early by c-section as she was a breach baby. Her name is Giselle. She is 6 pounds + and 19 inches long ( or tall-whatever). As luck would have it, I was planning to go down to Texas tomorrow for some vacation time and my wife is already there with her mom. So we are going over to San Antonio for a couple of days and meet the young lady.
It's very hard for me to believe that I am a great-grandfather. I'm only 60 but my oldest son couldn't keep his equipment in check and wound up as a father at age 17. He did the right thing, though, and took a hand in raising my grand-daughter and eventually married her mother, although they later divorced.
Anyway, I am pretty tickled and will post some pics as soon as I get some. Welcome to the world, Giselle. I'm looking forward to spoiling you rotten.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Friday, February 08, 2008
Kelly Clarkson feat. Reba - Because Of You Music Video
Uploaded by kellyelement
For Kim's friend and relative and others like them. Rescue yourself before it's too late.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
HURRAY!! My 2008 DoodleCat Calendar came in the mail today. Now I understand how Steve Martin felt when the new phone books came out.
Now you can just sit there and seethe with jealousy and envy OR you can get your own with twelve months of pictures of the lovely DoodleCat in a variety of provocative poses (so what if January is shot-you still got the picture). Just look to your left. See those links? Click on the one for my buddy, Two Can Anne. Look for the link to order your own calendar (it says 2007 but you will see it is for 2008 when you get to the site). Order now. Times a wastin'.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Dr. Phil
I've been sitting around today,working on the computer and listening to the TV in the other room. I have now heard the ad about 4 times for The Dr. Phil Show where the good doc has promised to tell all breathlessly waiting 'Mericans the REAL truth about his interview with Britney. I am so happy that this crackpot has finally revealed his true self - a media whore with all of the professional ethics of your average pimp. Hey, Doc. ARE YOU STEW-PID??
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Blatantly stolen from Teri:
Let's start a band:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RandomThe first article title is the name of your band.
2. http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.
3. http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
Here's mine:
German Skeleton Results of 2006 presents "That would be No".
Let's start a band:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:RandomThe first article title is the name of your band.
2. http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.
3. http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.
Here's mine:
German Skeleton Results of 2006 presents "That would be No".
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Oh, Boy, A Contest!
In response to a challenge from Jodie at Tres Bizarre, I borrowed this picture from her blog. My caption: " I told my plastic surgeon that, every time I pull this hair, my face does this".
Friday, January 04, 2008
Tagged, I am
That special person, Kim tagged me for no good reason, as did that intrepid toro muncher, Sushiboy. The rules are:
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Okey-dokey, let's see:
1. Like SK, I won the award for best juvenile actor for my potrayal of Billy in "Season in the Sun" with the Vagabond Players of Houston, TX. The year was 1956. I was 9. I still have the statue.
Thus was my 15 minutes.
2. I served in the Army National Guard in the 71st Airborne Battalion. To this day, I would still rather jump out of the plane rather than land, a fact that really pisses off flight attendents.
3. My great to the third power grandfather (paternal) signed the Texas Declaration of Independance, which really pissed off a whole bunch of Mexicans. Do you see a theme here?
4. My great to the fourth power grandfather(paternal) fought in the Revolutionary War which pissed off enough Brits that they captured him and held him prisoner in Quebec until the war was over. I guess my family just generally pisses people off.
5. I met George W. Bush in Texas when he was running for Congress. When I think that I had the chance to tell him to try selling life insurance instead of politics, it keeps me awake at night.
6. I saw Janis Joplin in concert two weeks before she died. When I heard the news, I cried.
7. Gray Goose vodka is the only French product I allow in the house. And I allow a lot of it.
Sorry, every blogger I feel comfortable tagging has already been tagged. So deal with it.
Ok, Hoosiergirl has now been tagged. My oversight.
That special person, Kim tagged me for no good reason, as did that intrepid toro muncher, Sushiboy. The rules are:
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Okey-dokey, let's see:
1. Like SK, I won the award for best juvenile actor for my potrayal of Billy in "Season in the Sun" with the Vagabond Players of Houston, TX. The year was 1956. I was 9. I still have the statue.
Thus was my 15 minutes.
2. I served in the Army National Guard in the 71st Airborne Battalion. To this day, I would still rather jump out of the plane rather than land, a fact that really pisses off flight attendents.
3. My great to the third power grandfather (paternal) signed the Texas Declaration of Independance, which really pissed off a whole bunch of Mexicans. Do you see a theme here?
4. My great to the fourth power grandfather(paternal) fought in the Revolutionary War which pissed off enough Brits that they captured him and held him prisoner in Quebec until the war was over. I guess my family just generally pisses people off.
5. I met George W. Bush in Texas when he was running for Congress. When I think that I had the chance to tell him to try selling life insurance instead of politics, it keeps me awake at night.
6. I saw Janis Joplin in concert two weeks before she died. When I heard the news, I cried.
7. Gray Goose vodka is the only French product I allow in the house. And I allow a lot of it.
Sorry, every blogger I feel comfortable tagging has already been tagged. So deal with it.
Ok, Hoosiergirl has now been tagged. My oversight.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year
The new year snuck in around my house, as usual. We watched the ball drop on Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve (poor Dick-such a travesty) and shared the first kiss of the new year for the 36th time. I always hope that the new year will be better, while realizing that January 1 is really just another day.
I picked up the newspaper this morning. 5 people killed, four of them children and 5 injured by a drunk driver hitting their mini-van head-onwhile driving the wrong way down a highway in Ohio.
The drunk suffered an injured jaw.
Same shit, different year.
The new year snuck in around my house, as usual. We watched the ball drop on Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve (poor Dick-such a travesty) and shared the first kiss of the new year for the 36th time. I always hope that the new year will be better, while realizing that January 1 is really just another day.
I picked up the newspaper this morning. 5 people killed, four of them children and 5 injured by a drunk driver hitting their mini-van head-onwhile driving the wrong way down a highway in Ohio.
The drunk suffered an injured jaw.
Same shit, different year.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
This Just In....
Recently discovered scrolls indicate that the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas was started by a group of Bethehem merchants around 65 CE as a way of extending the lucrative Hanukkah shopping season. It was thought that people would follow the example of the Magi and give gifts of gold, frankincense and myrhh. However, ancient inventory and sales records show that these items were far outstripped by sales of Billy Bass and various Chia figures.
And so it goes.
Recently discovered scrolls indicate that the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas was started by a group of Bethehem merchants around 65 CE as a way of extending the lucrative Hanukkah shopping season. It was thought that people would follow the example of the Magi and give gifts of gold, frankincense and myrhh. However, ancient inventory and sales records show that these items were far outstripped by sales of Billy Bass and various Chia figures.
And so it goes.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
This Just In...
The entertainment community was shocked and agog at today's news that Pam Anderson has filed for divorce from her husband of two months, Rick Solomon. Although separated, their much awaited secretly leaked sex tape should be available just in time for Christmas. Or at least Kwanzaa.
No word yet as to who has custody of the mobile home.
The entertainment community was shocked and agog at today's news that Pam Anderson has filed for divorce from her husband of two months, Rick Solomon. Although separated, their much awaited secretly leaked sex tape should be available just in time for Christmas. Or at least Kwanzaa.
No word yet as to who has custody of the mobile home.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
I was thinking that, you know, here I am, starting to reach the end of middle age and enter my "golden years" and I am still not world famous. So I whipped out my always reliable predictor of the future and asked point blank if I was going to be rich and famous. You can see the reply above. Oh, well, I'm still good at Putt Putt.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Friday Field Trip
Today, we are just going to make a quick run south of Denver to Colorado Springs to visit The Garden of the Gods. Just get on I-25 and head south. You will be an exit sign for the garden fairly soon after you get past the Air Force Academy. From Denver, it's about an hours drive
The Garden of the Gods (GOG) is a series of red rock formations made mainly of sandstone. Over the centuries , the wind, rain and snow have eroded the rock into fantastic shapes that are worth a trip by themselves. There is a visitors center that explain the geology of the area for the academics among you (and those that need a bathroom or Coke). Technical climbing is allowed in some areas but don't forget to register.
It only takes about 20 minutes to drive through the park if you don't stop but stop. Look around. Listen to the echo of an eagles scream and the whisper of the wind. Laugh at the three-striped chipmunks that will run right up your leg looking for a treat. This ground was sacred to the Anasazi Indians, whose cliff dwellings are preserved a short distance west. Let it be sacred to you, too. Enjoy.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Coda
In reference to the post "Redemption" below, Lawrence Trujillo was sentenced to 48 years in prison for the three murders he committed with his truck. He will be eligible for parole in 33 years. Frank Bingham is not so lucky. To quote from his statement at the sentencing, " I am no longer a husband. I am no longer a father. And I often feel that I am just a shell of the person that I was. I will not live as a victim but will move on one tiny step at a time". My thoughts and best wishes stay with him.
In reference to the post "Redemption" below, Lawrence Trujillo was sentenced to 48 years in prison for the three murders he committed with his truck. He will be eligible for parole in 33 years. Frank Bingham is not so lucky. To quote from his statement at the sentencing, " I am no longer a husband. I am no longer a father. And I often feel that I am just a shell of the person that I was. I will not live as a victim but will move on one tiny step at a time". My thoughts and best wishes stay with him.
Monday, October 01, 2007
MIRACLES HAPPEN
13 innings, 10 pitchers, Colorado 9 - San Diego 8
This team has truly pulled off some amazing wins down the stretch. Given the tendency of the GM of the Rockies to trade any player that shows any promise, it is unlikely that they will go this far next year so we must hope they go all the way this year. Next up - a very tough Phillies team that has also performed very well in the last 4 weeks. May the best team win - GO ROCKIES!!!
Friday, September 07, 2007
News, News, News
So what is going on in the world? Let's see:
New tape from Osama? - Bin Laden has reportedly released a new video. Of course, the first question is : who cares? Probably the same old "slaughter the infidels" crap - ho hum. And what's up with the beard? Four years ago, it was mostly gray. The new tape shows him with a black beard. Has our boy been using Grecian Formula for Beards and Mustaches or did they just hang a beard on the closest fellaheen that looked like Osama to fool the stupid Westerners? The only reason I care at all is that I am still hoping to get a good clean shot at him someday and collect that $50 million, which I will spend on mercenaries to battle terrorists.
What else? Oh, yeah, eight guys got indicted in Colorado for smuggling sea turtle skins and eggs. Sea turtles are one hard sneeze from extinction and these clowns are making boots from their skins. And the eggs? Well, it turns out that, like rhino horns and bear gall bladders, they are supposed to be an erectile aid. We have to start making sure that American TV gets out to the whole world, no matter how remote. That way, these flaccid fools can see commercials for Viagra, Cialis and that other one every 10-15 minutes. They are lots cheaper than rhino horns and don't involve pissing off a rhino or a bear, either (always a good thing).
Guess that's it for now. Tune in tomorrow to see if Paris Hilton has really taken the cloth and will live out the rest of her days as a nun.
So what is going on in the world? Let's see:
New tape from Osama? - Bin Laden has reportedly released a new video. Of course, the first question is : who cares? Probably the same old "slaughter the infidels" crap - ho hum. And what's up with the beard? Four years ago, it was mostly gray. The new tape shows him with a black beard. Has our boy been using Grecian Formula for Beards and Mustaches or did they just hang a beard on the closest fellaheen that looked like Osama to fool the stupid Westerners? The only reason I care at all is that I am still hoping to get a good clean shot at him someday and collect that $50 million, which I will spend on mercenaries to battle terrorists.
What else? Oh, yeah, eight guys got indicted in Colorado for smuggling sea turtle skins and eggs. Sea turtles are one hard sneeze from extinction and these clowns are making boots from their skins. And the eggs? Well, it turns out that, like rhino horns and bear gall bladders, they are supposed to be an erectile aid. We have to start making sure that American TV gets out to the whole world, no matter how remote. That way, these flaccid fools can see commercials for Viagra, Cialis and that other one every 10-15 minutes. They are lots cheaper than rhino horns and don't involve pissing off a rhino or a bear, either (always a good thing).
Guess that's it for now. Tune in tomorrow to see if Paris Hilton has really taken the cloth and will live out the rest of her days as a nun.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Freedom to Love
I was in Chicago on business for the last few days. I really like Chicago in spite of there being so many whiny Cubs fans. Anyway, our office is on Madison by the river. I went downstairs yesterday to get some air about 10:00 am as I was tired of sitting on my butt in meetings. It was a beautiful day and there were a lot of people milling around. I saw a young Latin couple walking slowly down Madison hand in hand. They stopped at the bridge and enjoyed a lingering kiss. They spoke briefly, kissed again, then went their separate ways, he to his job and she to hers, I assumed, as they were both in business attire.
I thought that we often think about our freedom of speech, religion etc. in this country but not the freedom just to give someone a kiss on the street in front of the world. In some Muslim countries, this could get you killed. It would certainly get you ostracized. So the next time you see a display of public affection, be glad that you live in a country where the right to love is a freedom, too.
I was in Chicago on business for the last few days. I really like Chicago in spite of there being so many whiny Cubs fans. Anyway, our office is on Madison by the river. I went downstairs yesterday to get some air about 10:00 am as I was tired of sitting on my butt in meetings. It was a beautiful day and there were a lot of people milling around. I saw a young Latin couple walking slowly down Madison hand in hand. They stopped at the bridge and enjoyed a lingering kiss. They spoke briefly, kissed again, then went their separate ways, he to his job and she to hers, I assumed, as they were both in business attire.
I thought that we often think about our freedom of speech, religion etc. in this country but not the freedom just to give someone a kiss on the street in front of the world. In some Muslim countries, this could get you killed. It would certainly get you ostracized. So the next time you see a display of public affection, be glad that you live in a country where the right to love is a freedom, too.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Lawyers-GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Their are things in the world that are natural enemies: cats and dogs, seals and sharks......and humans and lawyers. Check this out:
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118757264153102523.html
Their are things in the world that are natural enemies: cats and dogs, seals and sharks......and humans and lawyers. Check this out:
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118757264153102523.html
Friday, August 10, 2007
Crazy Legs
I don't know what's funnier - the video or the guys watching it.
http://dcist.com/2007/07/19/nbc4_anchors_lo.php
I don't know what's funnier - the video or the guys watching it.
http://dcist.com/2007/07/19/nbc4_anchors_lo.php
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Redemption
On November 10, 2006, Frank Bingham and his wife, Becca decided to take the light rail downtown for a little outing with their children, Macie, 4 and Garrison, 2. They got some hot chocolate, then started across the street at the intersection of Arapahoe and 15Th Street. Lawrence Trujillo and his passenger, Eric Snell, had spent the past few hours hitting bars and strip clubs. Trujillo, who was so intoxicated that he later said he couldn't remember even driving the pickup truck he was in, blew through the red light at the intersection and hit the Bingham family, killing Becca and the two children and injuring Frank. Witnesses said the brake lights came on briefly after the impact, then the truck sped away. The front license plate, which later would be used to identify Trujillo as the killer, was torn loose by the force of the crash and was left at the scene. A security camera at the intersection also caught the accident on tape.
Yesterday, Mr. Trujillo appeared in court in what was supposed to be a status hearing preliminary to his trial next week. Instead, Mr. Trujillo pleaded guilty to all 13 counts against him There was no plea bargain or any other deal; he just decided that he would take his punishment and not make Frank Bingham relive the horror of that night, especially the video of his wife and children being shredded by the truck. By doing this, Trujillo virtually guarantees himself a true life sentence. He could be sentenced to a total of 174 years in prison. He is now 36 years old.
I think that this is one of the most remorseful defendants I have ever seen. I certainly don't condone what he did. There was absolutely no excuse for it and he deserves to be severely punished. Judging from his demeanor and attitude, I would not be surprised if he spent the remainder of his life on his knees, praying for the souls of the people he killed and asking forgiveness. I hope that, by putting an end to the legal part of this situation, Frank Bingham can find some peace and move forward with his life. I'm sure that he will never forget but, maybe someday, he can forgive.
On November 10, 2006, Frank Bingham and his wife, Becca decided to take the light rail downtown for a little outing with their children, Macie, 4 and Garrison, 2. They got some hot chocolate, then started across the street at the intersection of Arapahoe and 15Th Street. Lawrence Trujillo and his passenger, Eric Snell, had spent the past few hours hitting bars and strip clubs. Trujillo, who was so intoxicated that he later said he couldn't remember even driving the pickup truck he was in, blew through the red light at the intersection and hit the Bingham family, killing Becca and the two children and injuring Frank. Witnesses said the brake lights came on briefly after the impact, then the truck sped away. The front license plate, which later would be used to identify Trujillo as the killer, was torn loose by the force of the crash and was left at the scene. A security camera at the intersection also caught the accident on tape.
Yesterday, Mr. Trujillo appeared in court in what was supposed to be a status hearing preliminary to his trial next week. Instead, Mr. Trujillo pleaded guilty to all 13 counts against him There was no plea bargain or any other deal; he just decided that he would take his punishment and not make Frank Bingham relive the horror of that night, especially the video of his wife and children being shredded by the truck. By doing this, Trujillo virtually guarantees himself a true life sentence. He could be sentenced to a total of 174 years in prison. He is now 36 years old.
I think that this is one of the most remorseful defendants I have ever seen. I certainly don't condone what he did. There was absolutely no excuse for it and he deserves to be severely punished. Judging from his demeanor and attitude, I would not be surprised if he spent the remainder of his life on his knees, praying for the souls of the people he killed and asking forgiveness. I hope that, by putting an end to the legal part of this situation, Frank Bingham can find some peace and move forward with his life. I'm sure that he will never forget but, maybe someday, he can forgive.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to.
Oyez. By order of HRH Dr. Mom, here be my official birthday post, albeit slightly early. As you can see, the serving wenches were hitting the mead before putting the candles on the cake but, what the hey.
Wow. It's hard to believe that I am going to be 60 years old. 6 decades. 12 lustrums. 3 score. 3/5 of a century. It seems like it was just a little while back that I was starting my first real job as a file clerk with a major insurance company while I went to college. Now, 42 years later, I am a vice-president with that same company. I guess I have such a winning smile that they couldn't bear to fire me. That and I have pictures of the CEO and his assistant in flagrante (not really, Joe, relax). I have a few less teeth than I had then and a lot more poundage but, all in all, I feel pretty good for someone on the verge of decrepitude.
I plan to spend Monday doing some old man stuff, like fishing and/or golf.I just want to relax a bit and ponder the meaning of life. My wife will be taking me out to dinner at a restaurant of my choosing (I'm thinking steak). Should be a relaxing day. Hope you all have a good one, too.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Yankee Dimes
I just read a very touching post at this blog:http://chellestales.blogspot.com/. I encourage you to read it.
I have been having a similar experience. My mother always called little kisses Yankee dimes, which is an old Southern expression if you have never heard the term before. When I was a boy, she would come up behind me, hug me and say, "Give me a Yankee dime and I'll let you go." She passed away in 1999 and, since then, I have been finding dimes everywhere.
The occurrence that really got to me was last year. The pieces of her furniture that no one in the family wanted had gone from her apartment to a storage unit to our garage over the last 7 years. I finally decided it had to go and called a local charity to come pick it up. I moved the pieces onto the driveway and swept the floor where the furniture had sat for so long. After I swept, the wind came up and blew more stuff into the garage so I swept again. As the people were loading the furniture, I felt a pretty strong pang to see it going at last. I felt guilty about giving her things away as these were things that were fairly dear to her and I was just discarding them like nothing. With some tears in my eyes, I went back into the garage to sweep it one last time. As I looked over the floor to see if I had missed anything, there, in plain sight where I had swept three times, lay a shiny dime. It was as if I were being told that everything was all right. I picked the dime up, kissed it and put it away. Then I cried.
I still find dimes from time to time but that time was the time that I truly felt her presence.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Happy Birthday to Us
Happy Fourth, folks. I hope you are all having a great day off, smoking a roast or a joint or whatever. I couldn't get this video to post so just follow the url for a slightly different take on the Sousa classic:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3980220254073703540
Enjoy and don't blow your hand off with an M-80.
Happy Fourth, folks. I hope you are all having a great day off, smoking a roast or a joint or whatever. I couldn't get this video to post so just follow the url for a slightly different take on the Sousa classic:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3980220254073703540
Enjoy and don't blow your hand off with an M-80.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
| In 1947 (the year you were born) |
 Harry Truman is president of the US Jackie Robinson breaks the color barrier in baseball by joining the Brooklyn Dodgers Britain grants independence to India and Pakistan The Truman Doctrine is formulated to aid Greece and Turkey against Communist rebels and Soviet expansionism The House UnAmerican Activities Committee begins hearings into alleged communist influence in Hollywood The CIA is established David Bowie, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Elton John, David Letterman, and Stephen King New York Yankees win the World Series Chicago Cardinals win the NFL championship Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup The Diary of Anne Frank is published Jack Kerouac makes the journey which he will later chronicle in his book On the Road There are 14,000 television sets in use in the United States |
They missed on celebrity: Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was not only born in the same year as yours truly but on the same date, July 30.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
| You Are the Thumb |
 You're unique and flexible. And you defy any category. Mentally strong and agile, you do things your own way. And you do them well. You are a natural leader... but also truly a loner. You inspire many but connect with few. You get along well with: The Middle Finger Stay away from: The Pinky |
Friday, June 01, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Memorial Day
As we start off this three day weekend, we should all stop for a moment to reflect on the meaning of the holiday before firing up the grill for the cookout. I had an opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery a few years ago. As I stood on the hill by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I looked around and, as far as the eye could see, there were white marble grave markers. Many of these markers have been placed for men and women who served this country, came home, lived their lives with their families and, in the fullness of time, passed away, their grave site a gift of a grateful nation. However, there are so many that had their lives ripped from them in one violent instant, moving from life to death so quickly that they hardly knew it, leaving their loved ones to wonder why. Others died slowly on the battlefield, their life seeping from them as their blood stained the ground of a foreign nation. There are more than men and women buried here. There are hopes and dreams that never came to fruition, ambitions that were never realized.
Therefore, before we head out to have fun this weekend, we should whisper a simple "Thank You". Most of these people gave everything they had so we could remain safe to be with our families. They are continuing to do so everyday is Iraq, Afghanistan and other places where they go in harms way. Thank you all and be careful out there.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Profound Thoughts.
Mrs. Just Dave is out of town taking care of her mother and I am sitting around with too much time on my hands. I was thinking about when we lived in Lubbock, Texas, a place that makes a pancake look hilly. My youngest son, who was around 4 or 5 had a hamster that he really enjoyed taking care of and playing with. Of course, one morning we awoke and found that, sometime during the night, Fred the hamster has crossed over to Beulah Land.
My son was upset but not hysterical. We found a proper coffin ( a shoe box), packed with some sewing scraps and laid Fred to rest, with all due ceremony, in the back yard, deep enough so the dog couldn't disinter him for a snack. Afterwards, my son asked, "Why did Fred die?". We sat and I explained to him the nature of life and death, that for every birth, we owe a death back. It is not something to worry about or be afraid, it is just a fact of existence. I could see the conflict on his face as he worked this information over in his head. I thought he was wondering if even Mom and Dad and even he had to die someday. When he finally spoke, he said, "You mean even the damn flies die without being swatted?" Like I say, profound thoughts.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
INTERVIEW
I invited Teri over at Family Tree Junkie to interview me and she took me at my word. Here are the questions and my answers-straight up:
1. If you could change your present career, what would you do?
This is tough because I really enjoy what I do. However, I think it would be cool to be the director of a world-class ballet company, like American Ballet Theater. I know that it's damn hard work but think of the interesting people you would meet.
2. Besides your spouse, who is the other person that most influences your life and why?
No contest - my mother. She was a red-hot liberal living in the south and didn't care who knew it. She taught me that race is meaningless and to respect people for who they are, not their color. She also taught me to appreciate beauty (see number 1).
3. What is the most important place you want to see, thing you want to do, before you die?
I want to visit the Isle of Skye in Scotland to see where my ancestors came from. I am very curious to see the actual spots in person and not on TV.
4. If the seven "ancient wonders" of the world were still around, what would you most like to see?
I think that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were probably pretty cool (pun intended).
5. If you could do one thing to change the world, what would it be?
Make everyone the same color and religion. Then we would have to search harder for reasons to hate each other.
I invited Teri over at Family Tree Junkie to interview me and she took me at my word. Here are the questions and my answers-straight up:
1. If you could change your present career, what would you do?
This is tough because I really enjoy what I do. However, I think it would be cool to be the director of a world-class ballet company, like American Ballet Theater. I know that it's damn hard work but think of the interesting people you would meet.
2. Besides your spouse, who is the other person that most influences your life and why?
No contest - my mother. She was a red-hot liberal living in the south and didn't care who knew it. She taught me that race is meaningless and to respect people for who they are, not their color. She also taught me to appreciate beauty (see number 1).
3. What is the most important place you want to see, thing you want to do, before you die?
I want to visit the Isle of Skye in Scotland to see where my ancestors came from. I am very curious to see the actual spots in person and not on TV.
4. If the seven "ancient wonders" of the world were still around, what would you most like to see?
I think that the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were probably pretty cool (pun intended).
5. If you could do one thing to change the world, what would it be?
Make everyone the same color and religion. Then we would have to search harder for reasons to hate each other.
Monday, April 23, 2007
PERSPECTIVE
Last Monday, 33 people were killed by a crazed gunman in Virginia. I will not deny that this is tragic and outrageous. This happens almost every day in Iraq since George Bush liberated the country. Where are the television special reports? Where are the editorials? The vast majority of those dying are not soldiers but innocent Iraqis going about their daily business. Do we think that their lives are less valuable than those of the people in Virginia? I promise you, the Iraqis don't.
Last Monday, 33 people were killed by a crazed gunman in Virginia. I will not deny that this is tragic and outrageous. This happens almost every day in Iraq since George Bush liberated the country. Where are the television special reports? Where are the editorials? The vast majority of those dying are not soldiers but innocent Iraqis going about their daily business. Do we think that their lives are less valuable than those of the people in Virginia? I promise you, the Iraqis don't.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Planet Earth - The Series
Has anyone been keeping up with this series on Discovery Channel? It has absolutely been blowing my mind. My grandson mentioned it to me and my first thought was, "Yeah, yeah, another National Geographic ripoff". National Geographic wishes it could get images like this.
A while back, we decided to get a high definition TV. One of those 42-inch flat panel jobs. The picture was cool and the hi-def channels were nice but I really wasn't that impressed until I watched an episode of "Planet Earth" on Discovery HD Theater. The images were like really excellent 3D.
This series is not for everyone as it largely concentrates on animals and has many scenes of bug animals eating small animals. It's not really gory but young kids might have a problem with it. It is also sad. The episode exploring life at the North and South Pole featured a vignette about a male polar bear. Since the Arctic ice pack has receded so far due to warming, polar bears can no longer find seals by waiting by holes in the ice as there are now huge expanses of open water even in winter. Therefore, this polar bear swam 60 miles to an island where there were walruses. He had to rest for an entire day before he could try to attack one. He could not deal with an adult walrus because they are huge so he tried to break through their protective front to get at a calf. He tried and tried to no avail. Exhausted and wounded by walrus tusks, he finally gave up, walked a distance away, lay down and, over a period of time, just died. I am afraid that, unless something changes, my great-grandchildren will never see a polar bear.
Anyway, watch an episode and see what you think.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Read, Red, Read
Alrighty, then, on a lighter note, let's talk about books. I know that this blog gets all the traffic of Highway 50 through northern Nevada but I will still challenge the lonely and confused that wander here to tell us the last 6 books that you have read, including the one you are reading now. You can include as much or as little info as you wish. I picked 6 because it's not 5 and it's not 10 (my blog-I get to make the rules). Here goes:
1. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin (non-fiction) - I'm just reading this to suck up to Anne Altman.
2. Lisey's Story by Stephen King (fiction)
3. The Afghan by Frederick Forsythe (fiction) - Hint-not about a blanket for you knitting fans.
4. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (non-fiction) - Anyone that lives in Chicago should read this book.
5. Jesus, Elvis and Coca-Cola by Kinky Freidman (fiction, I think but with Kinky, you never know)
6. We were Soldiers Once...And Young by Hal Moore (non-fiction) - I have a morbid fascination with the Vietnam war, having come very close to getting a free trip there in 1967.
So, whats about you? This is not a tag, just a way to have some fun, for me anyway.
Alrighty, then, on a lighter note, let's talk about books. I know that this blog gets all the traffic of Highway 50 through northern Nevada but I will still challenge the lonely and confused that wander here to tell us the last 6 books that you have read, including the one you are reading now. You can include as much or as little info as you wish. I picked 6 because it's not 5 and it's not 10 (my blog-I get to make the rules). Here goes:
1. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin (non-fiction) - I'm just reading this to suck up to Anne Altman.
2. Lisey's Story by Stephen King (fiction)
3. The Afghan by Frederick Forsythe (fiction) - Hint-not about a blanket for you knitting fans.
4. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (non-fiction) - Anyone that lives in Chicago should read this book.
5. Jesus, Elvis and Coca-Cola by Kinky Freidman (fiction, I think but with Kinky, you never know)
6. We were Soldiers Once...And Young by Hal Moore (non-fiction) - I have a morbid fascination with the Vietnam war, having come very close to getting a free trip there in 1967.
So, whats about you? This is not a tag, just a way to have some fun, for me anyway.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Unfinished Book
I was looking at another blog today (Family Tree Junkie-try it, you'll like it) and the question came up about your feelings on the loss of your parents. It started me thinking about death in general and what symbolizes death. We see many symbols like skulls, The Grim Reaper, tombstones, etc. For me, I always see an book, laying on a bedroom nightstand. The reader's place is bookmarked but the book will never be finished because the reader is dead.I probably get this image because both of my parents were readers, my mother more than my dad. When they died, they both left books on the nightstand, unfinished. I often wondered if one of their last thoughts was about the book - what was going on in it, what would happen to the protagonist, how would the story end. I read a lot also and I can't help wondering what book will be left on my nightstand when I die.
On a metaphorical level, I guess we can look at our lives as books. Some are long, some are short, some so short that the story was barely started before the book ended. I think I am feeling sad today about short books because there has been a rash of meaningless car crash deaths involving teens around here lately. Also, there was a story in the newspaper today about the psycho that invaded Platte Canyon High School in the small town of Bailey, CO on September 27, 2006. He held seven female students hostage, sexually molested them, then shot 16 year-old Emily Keyes in the head before killing himself while police broke in, trying to rescue the girls. Emily died while being transported to the hospital by helicopter.
During the crisis, Emily sent a text message on her cell phone to her parents - " I love you guys". Emily's book was far too short.
I was looking at another blog today (Family Tree Junkie-try it, you'll like it) and the question came up about your feelings on the loss of your parents. It started me thinking about death in general and what symbolizes death. We see many symbols like skulls, The Grim Reaper, tombstones, etc. For me, I always see an book, laying on a bedroom nightstand. The reader's place is bookmarked but the book will never be finished because the reader is dead.I probably get this image because both of my parents were readers, my mother more than my dad. When they died, they both left books on the nightstand, unfinished. I often wondered if one of their last thoughts was about the book - what was going on in it, what would happen to the protagonist, how would the story end. I read a lot also and I can't help wondering what book will be left on my nightstand when I die.
On a metaphorical level, I guess we can look at our lives as books. Some are long, some are short, some so short that the story was barely started before the book ended. I think I am feeling sad today about short books because there has been a rash of meaningless car crash deaths involving teens around here lately. Also, there was a story in the newspaper today about the psycho that invaded Platte Canyon High School in the small town of Bailey, CO on September 27, 2006. He held seven female students hostage, sexually molested them, then shot 16 year-old Emily Keyes in the head before killing himself while police broke in, trying to rescue the girls. Emily died while being transported to the hospital by helicopter.
During the crisis, Emily sent a text message on her cell phone to her parents - " I love you guys". Emily's book was far too short.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Slow Boarding, Not Snow Boarding
As those of you who ever fly know, the airlines who have more than class of service usually let the first class passengers board first. Makes perfect sense. They are the ones in the front of the plane so, on most flights (737s, A319s and A320s), you have to get around them to get to your seat. Almost invariably, there is one clown standing in the middle of the aisle, trying to take his coat off and put up his carry-on luggage (usually consisting of a steamer trunk) while carrying on a heated cellphone conversation with one of his minions. You know it is a minion because sentences like, "This had better get done today or else" or "I can't believe you haven't completed that project yet" fly like spittle from his taunt lips. These words also are meant to let you know how important he is and that you had best not try to uproot him so you can get your measly shit put up and sit down.
Guess what, dweeb. You are not important. You are just another asshole. You are just another selfish, self-absorbed asshole who can be replaced in whatever function you perform in about 20 minutes. And that's if you die on a Sunday. The flight attendents may be afraid of you but we know who you are. So next time, plop your fat ass down in your seat and curse your peons from there. And do it quietly as we don't want to listen to your bullshit, either.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Ichabod
Ok, since it seems that everyone is posting pictures of their cat, here is a shot of Ichabod, our kitty.
We got him from my sister-in-law who found him on the parking lot at her office. At that time, he was nothing but ears, hence the name, Ichabod after Ichabod Crane. He also had a dandy case of ringworm that we all promptly got. However, that was 13 years ago and all is forgiven. He is a very mellow cat that puts up with all kinds of bullshit from our dog with dignity and an aplomb worthy of a prince. He is getting old and his patience is growing shorter but he is still the first to welcome me when my feet hit the floor in the morning and when I return from a business trip. I hope he sticks around for a few more years.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
OK, So I Live Under a Rock
I just discovered a singer that channels Diane Washington, Billy Holiday and about three dozen others. Not bad considering she is 19 years old. Her name is Renee Olstead and she completely knocks my socks off. I could listen to her sing "Sunday Kind of Love" for hours. Yeah, yeah, I know, you guys are hip and have been listening to her for years but I am a musical caveman.
For a taste, go to www.reneeolstead.com . You won't be sorry. How come chicks like this don't show up on American Idol instead of the freak show they get now?
I just discovered a singer that channels Diane Washington, Billy Holiday and about three dozen others. Not bad considering she is 19 years old. Her name is Renee Olstead and she completely knocks my socks off. I could listen to her sing "Sunday Kind of Love" for hours. Yeah, yeah, I know, you guys are hip and have been listening to her for years but I am a musical caveman.
For a taste, go to www.reneeolstead.com . You won't be sorry. How come chicks like this don't show up on American Idol instead of the freak show they get now?
Friday, January 12, 2007
James Brown's body lies a-moldering.....Somewhere.
James Brown is dead and likely to remain so. However, his big gold coffin is still not buried. Why, you might ask. Do they lack the proper permits? Are they waiting to see if he will rise again, even though it has been way past the customary three days? None of the above. His survivors, who are apparently numerous enough to fully inhabit the Gobi Desert, can't decide where to plant the poor guy. C'mon, folks. Can't we all just get along? Flip a coin, play a few hands of Three Card Monte, something but work it out. Embalming fluid doesn't last forever.
James Brown is dead and likely to remain so. However, his big gold coffin is still not buried. Why, you might ask. Do they lack the proper permits? Are they waiting to see if he will rise again, even though it has been way past the customary three days? None of the above. His survivors, who are apparently numerous enough to fully inhabit the Gobi Desert, can't decide where to plant the poor guy. C'mon, folks. Can't we all just get along? Flip a coin, play a few hands of Three Card Monte, something but work it out. Embalming fluid doesn't last forever.
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