Won't Get Fooled Again

Saddam Hussein - Dead

Saddam Hussein was executed today.

It's certainly been a long road from way back when I was in Junior High (actually acting in a play that particular night) when Desert Shield became Desert Storm and the First Gulf War began.

I won't pretend to know what this will do to the region. I only hope it doesn't cause further violence. I think there's enough violence in Iraq already.

Terminal Case

I'm realizing that I left off the last day of my trip, the day where I (thankfully) returned home.

Our flight was supposed to leave at noon local time. That would get us home around 6pm Central time. Not too bad and only a little later than I'd get home had I worked a regular day on Thursday.

We left for the airport around 9:30am, since my colleague wanted to get there a little early and do some work. I figured, 'why not', since I had a few books and my iPod. Plus, we would be sitting in the AA Admiral's Club (since he's a member) and they'd have food and drinks there and stuff.

Getting through security was no problem (even with two laptops each) and we headed to the club. We relaxed for a couple hours and then WHAMMO...our flight's departure time was changed to 2:15pm. It stunk, but there's nothing you can do, right?

around 1:45pm, we headed down to the gate...and here comes Round 2. The woman announces that the flight to Chicago that was to take off after ours (originally at 2:15pm, coincidentally) has been canceled. This does not do much for the holiday cheer of those around us. Also, our flight will now *board* at 3:45pm. I say *board* because we will not actually be leaving to fly anywhere. We'll just park somewhere out there because they need to clear the gate. Basically, they need to get rid of us. She said we'd probably leave at 5pm, but she couldn't promise anything. That's always nice.

We go back to the club. There, we hear about a guy whose flight was canceled and he would not be able to get out until that Sunday...Christmas Eve. Yikes.

We did actually board at 3:45pm. And we did actually leave at 5pm. Our seats were in First so even though we sat there without going anywhere for a while at least they were nice chairs. Also, they played the movie "Invincible" which I wanted to see, so that was nice.

When we got there, we headed to our baggage claim and waited and waited. Our flight was up on the monitor for this claim, but it was another flight's baggage. I told my colleague that I was going to look at the other claims and see if our bags were anywhere else. After walking down 4-5 vestibules I found them and called him. After I got my bags I walked past our original claim and told everybody where our flight's bags actually were and people were pissed at the airline big time.

Anyway, I'm just glad we got home Thursday, and safely.

Another thing to agree on

This guy is talented, and Natalie Imbruglia is a great sport.

Can we all just agree on this one thing?

Do we really need instructions for leaving voicemails for people? I swear, when I call somebody and have to leave a message not only do I get a 'leave a message at the beep' from the person, but I get an automated voice "press #, blaa blaa" telling me to do the same thing. 90% of the time these automated messages are longer than the actual person's "I'm not here" message, and 100% of the time they're longer than the message I intend to leave.

RIP

Former President Gerald Ford died today at age 93.

RIP

(story)

Merry Christmas!

Have a great holiday.

The Light at the End

We checked out of the hotel this morning. We have reservations at another one that's a lot closer to the airport for tonight. Originally I had thought we would be onsite tomorrow as well, but as I looked at the itinerary I saw that we were leaving at noon so going into the office was out.

We get back home tomorrow around 6pm. A Monday--->Thursday night trip, so that's not too bad. At least our flight home is in first.

Also, we passed a Chick-Fil-A between the John Wayne airport and the office. Maybe we'll stop there to eat dinner on our way back.

Me Gone

I somehow lost my sunglasses today. I'm not sure where. They were my good pair too, damn it. The hotel took my info so if they ever find them (yeah right) they'll send them to me.

IF somebody found them and kept them for themselves, Merry Christmas I suppose.

We went to a local mexican place for lunch. I had tacos and they were pretty good. At this place they put the cheese in first, and then the meat, which I thought was odd.

We went to a sportsbar for dinner. NIU was playing in a bowl game and getting their ass kicked but we got to see the end of the Bulls/Lakers game and the Bulls won.

For Fantasy Football, even though I'm out of the money (and have been for a few weeks) I'm in the playoffs (consolation bracket) and will play this weekend for 5th place. Not *too* bad in a 10 team league, especially since I haven't been able to spend as much time with it as I'd like...mostly I just add free agents who are better than my guys and start yahoo's recommended roster. I just haven't had the time to research guys like I normally might.

In the other yahoo league I'm in (where I'm the commish) I've gotten my ass kicked all year and I'm in last place by far...even worse than a guy who doesn't even check his team I'm sure.

Oh well.

Being away stinks. I miss my family. I'll be happy to be back home...and then Christmas will be right around the corner.

Away Message

I have been lucky enough over the last 6+ months to have not had to travel for work.
That ended this week, unfortunately. Leaving home and my wife and daughter stinks.

I'm not sure if it is easier leaving a baby than it is leaving a child who's a little older. I suppose an older kid can understand and talk to you about it and stuff, whereas with a newborn, who knows what they are thinking, if anything about it at all. I know I miss her a lot. I'm sure I'll have to travel again. Who knows when. I'll try to make it the bare minimum I can. If it wasn't for the busy weekend we just had and the weather at home, I would have taken them both with me here. Maybe the next trip will be to somewhere where we can take a little vacation.

One saving grace was that the destination wasn't too bad a place...Palm Springs, CA.

The flight wasn't too bad. I started the new Michael Crichton book "Next" at the airport and read the whole flight. I think I might have tried to close my eyes for about 10 minutes but that didn't do any good. Even though I got up early (for me) and Sunday was a late night, it didn't matter. The book was good though. I actually had about 20 pages left by the time I went to bed in the hotel, so I just finished it.

We landed at the John Wayne airport. They even have a statue of him down there by baggage.

Because the location we're visiting is kinda the middle of nowhere, the hotel was about 2 hours away from the airport. We didn't fly into the Palm Springs airport
for some reason...either itinerary or price, I don't remember which. Anyways, we rented a car and drove there.

The hotel is nice. It kinda reminds me of the hotel in "The Shining" because it's so empty. It's a golf resort and I guess most peopel think it is too cold to golf here now. I don't think it's too bad...though it gets pretty cold (maybe ~40F) at night. There are mountains all around us. IT's weird...growing up in the midwest and spending most of my life there, I always think the mountains look fake somehow.

Puttin' on the Ritz

Peter Boyle died today.

I thought he was great as Raymond's father on Everybody Loves Raymond, but I first saw him in Young Frankenstein.

He was a great comedian. He'll be missed. RIP

Ravensoft Elite Force General Board

Raven Software is closing its forums.

A board has been setup here for those of us who want to stay in touch.

Not sure on when the official board will be shut down, or how long it will be shut down for.

This could be a bad sign

The previously owners of our home had satellite internet. Because of that, they had an antenna on the roof which was attached to a tripod. They removed the antenna when they left, but the tripod was attached to the roof and I told them they could leave it. I figured we could put a flag up there or something, but I didn't do anything about it for months.

A month or so ago, I bought a Bears flag and attached it to the tripod. I didn't do a very good job of attaching it but I figured I'd get back up there later and really make sure it was secure. Cold weather and snow came shortly after and I didn't do anything about it.

The other day, I noticed a weird formation of ice coming over the gutter in above our front door. I broke some of it away, and I noticed a part of my Bears flag was underneath it all.

Yes, the Bears flag is now in the gutter. The snow is melting today, so I'll retrieve it--but this does not bode well for this season.

And yes, I'm the same guy who attached his Bears windsock to the Santa Fe for the drive up here. The wind tore it to ribbons.

If I was a show, I wouldn't even watch me.

3 Episodes ( 53 Costs, 36 Reception, and 46 Cult Appeal )

Everything seemed to go wrong with you. You had high hopes and high expectations, and you poured the money into making sure it happened. But something along the way went wrong. People just didn't tune in. And because you tried to go for the bigger mainstream audience, you didn't inject enough innovative material to make the experts take notice. An failure in every sense of the word, FOX lets you go after a meager three episodes.

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 99% on Costs You scored higher than 99% on Reception You scored higher than 99% on Cult Appeal

Link: The When Will FOX Cancel You? Test written by hashtable on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

The Undiscovered Country

I just read that yesterday was the 15th anniversary of the opening of the movie Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. It's the first Trek film I can remember going to see. I saw it in a theater in Naperville with my Uncle. It sure doesn't feel like 15 years ago. Yikes.

What did I do in 2006?

What have you done in 2006?
With 2006 coming to an end, have you...

1. had any relationships this year?

yeap, with my wife.

2. had your birthday yet?

Yes

3. cried yet?

I don't think so. I was upset when I thought my daughter might be in danger before the c-section, but I don't think I cried.

4. cheated on someone?

No

5. been to a live play?

No

6. drunk Starbucks?

I'm trying to think if I've had a caramel apple cider since we moved back. I don't think so.

7. gone camping?

No, but it would have been nice.

8. bought something?

Sure

9. met someone special?

yes, my daughter. :)

10. been out of state?

State, Country, Hemisphere

11. gone snowboarding?

No, but it would be neat.

12. What are you thinking about?

my upcoming trip

13. hugged someone?

Yes

14. slept in someone else's bed?

Plenty of hotel beds

15. drunk any alcohol?

Yes

16. loaned out money?

Not more than $5-$10 over the course of a day or two.

17. gotten in a car accident?

No, but I got a ticket in February.

18. gone over your cell phone bill?

I don't get billed for my phone, but my wife has gone over hers.

19. been called a whore?

heh, I don't think so.

20. done something you regret?

yeah, today's lunch at portillo's. I should have had a salad or pasta.

Not going anywhere for a while?

I've noticed that everybody's favorite candy bar seems to be Snickers. Given a bag of candy with lots of choices, most people grab the Snickers.

Personally, Snickers has been eclipsed by Take5 as my favorite candy bar.

Time for a Good Cry

The Thanksgiving Edition of this literally had me in tears on the way into work. I'm talking laughing so hard with so many tears that I was afraid of getting into an accident.

Check it out, if you have time. The previous three seasons of the podcast are available on itunes.

Baby-fresh Scent

Part of the Process

Well, yesterday was election day. After days and days of signs, calls, and commercials, it all came down to one day. Long story short, in the race I really cared about, my candidate (Tammy Duckworth) lost. However, for Peter Roskam it was a pyrrhic victory due to the fact the the Republicans have lost control of the House of Representatives, and seem poised to lose the Senate as well. (some races still undecided)

I feel this election was a referendum on the Iraq War, which seems to be more of a boondoggle with every passing day, and President Bush, who is as unpopular as ever. I'm just glad that the family member who was over there has returned safely. Hopefully he doesn't have to go back to that shit as Iraq seem to be turning into Vietnam II where this Congress (or the next President) will pull us out of there.

For Governor, I voted for Judy Baar Topinka, who also lost. I did not particularly support her but as I feel the incumbent (don't feel like googling to make sure I spell his name correctly) is somewhat corrupt and a crazy spender, I voted Republican. The Green party candidate was pro-concealed carrying of weapons so he was a no-go for me.

Personally, I am something of a social liberal (gay marriage: ok, stem cells: ok, abortion: ok but rather not) and a fiscal conservative...which is kinda funny because I don't pay attention to what I spend and have no clue what we have or don't have in the bank. Thank God for my wife.

Name Game

When you google my daughter's full name, you don't get any results. (until she cures cancer, that is)

In any case, it's a far cry from the mess that comes up when you google *my* full name.

Question of the day

What good is using a "handsfree" bluetooth earpiece while driving if you are using one hand to drive and the other to gesticulate while you talk on the phone?

baby dazed

Picture time...



More later.

Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again...

Very long story short...

7lbs, 2oz, 20 inches long, and cute as a button.

More later...like when I've eaten and slept.

So instead, the cutter gets death by a thousand cuts...

CNN.com - Bush: Democrats the 'party of cut-and-run' - Sep 28, 2006: "President Bush counterpunched at Democrats on Thursday, saying their criticism of the war in Iraq has turned their party into one of 'cut-and-run' obstructionists."

I'll never understand this way of thinking. First of all, I'm pretty much against labelling an entire party in any way. Secondly, why does it become all about 'cut and run' if you're simply wondering about specific goals and timeframes? If we just stay there while little insurgent attacks keep happening against our troops until enough is enough and *everybody* thinks we should leave, isn't that just 'death by a thousand cuts'?

September Showers

We had our baby shower this past Sunday. It was at the same place as our wedding shower. When we got there the room was hot so I went back home and got a fan so Court wouldn't be too warm. Unfortunately, the fact that I wore a Bears jersey under my shirt made me constantly sweat the whole day. Oh well, at least they won.

We got a ton of stuff. Today we'll be going to get our baby furniture. Amazon points, baby!

The shower was nice. The whole thing is really not my deal. I'm uncomfortable with being (near to, anyways, since Court is the real center) the center of attention with these types of things. Add in all the baby stuff on top of that. I wonder why we need so many of these baby outfits considering sometimes it seems we do laundry so often I wear the same 3 pairs of socks every week. There seems to be some type of device for every baby scenario, and I'm sure the stuff we have barely scratches the surface. It's amazing.

I got to see my Godson, which was nice. Pretty soon there will be a lot of babies/children around with our kid, my Nephew, and my Godson. I've said before that I am not much good around babies since it seems they are just really fragile and holding one is just an excercise in making sure you don't drop it. I can't wait for them to get older.

My BIL tells me that once our baby comes I'll really start to understand it all. I'm sure he's right but I can't stop thinking about what my Dad thought/felt when it came to me (and my sister) and how things ended up working out as they have. I already know I've done things I can't imagine my Dad would ever do (registering for a baby shower, I don't think so) but what's that mean, really? The true test is being a real *team* with your wife (or husband) and facing things together...a case where my dad (seemingly) made things worse rather than better.

I find myself looking forward to our kid really coming into his/her own rather than just being something that's passed around like the most fragile thing ever.

The day has arrived

huzzah!

So very ready for some football

Being a Cub fan, I've only been ready for the first Bears game of the year for about 4 months. Being that they tore the hell out of Fav-ray and the Packers, the wait was worth it. It's my first full-year back in IL so my BIL came by and (in what will become a back and forth tradition) he came over and we watched the game. My SIL and MIL came by with my nephew (who has gotten a lot bigger this past week, I swear) and then the girls left to go shoppig or whatever. We ate a bunch of junk and watch Rex the Beast and the Bears D destroy Green Bay.

It'd be sad to watch Favre these days, if he hadn't spent so much time kicking our asses. He should never have come back. For the first time ever he was looking like he didn't even care. He sucks.

Our Five-Year Mission

My thoughts and remembrances of 9/11 have been stated here before, so I'll save the recanting of it all here. I find that five years has passed pretty quickly. In that time, we have invaded Afghanistan and Iraq and in my opinion squandered some of the international goodwill that was felt for us in the aftermath of the events of 9/11/2001.

Though the jury is still out on Iraq, it seems to be a quagmire of sorts. For Afghanistan (and the destruction of the Government which support Al-Qaeda) it would seem that we were successful. I am not sure whether the absence of any sort of 9/11-type attack against this country since then is proof of the righteousness of our actions or simply coincidental.

but was I ever?

I must not be net hip anymore, because I have no clue why somebody I don't even know wants to add me as a myspace friend.

Movie ticket stubs currently in my wallet

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest


• Clerks 2


• Superman Returns (IMAX)


• Superman Returns (opening night in TX)

priming the pump

We had a nice weekend. My BIL and SIL are moving to Bloomingdale from Naperville, so we are happy about that. It's a lot closer to us (probably 20 minutes closer) and this way we'll see them more often.

Court spent yesterday watching their baby son (our nephew) while the rest of us shuttled a few things to the new house. I think it was good for Court as we are not too far away ourselves from having a little one around. Personally, I am not much of a baby-holder but I think they are amazing. I think this little chair they have now (Braiden has one too, and we registered for one) is the neatest thing beacuse the baby just kind of sits in it (once he can hold his head up) and looks like a little person with his chair.

I'm exited about our little one, but I will be very happy when he (or she) hits 4 or 5 or so and starts running around like a maniac. I've told Court many times that I'll take over the reigns at that point. :)

His beard has a beard

Depending on what we are doing I usually don't shave on weekends...or at least on Saturday. Sometimes on a Friday (if it doesn't look too bad) I won't shave...I guess because it's 'casual day'. I didn't shave this past Friday. This past weekend I'd planned on seeing family on Sunday so I was going to shave. Problem was, I didn't feel well so this fell through. On Monday I worked from home so I didn't shave. Consequently, on Tuesday morning I pretty much looked like a homeless man.

Yes, this is a strange post, but it's all I have time for now.

Proud to be...

You Are 73% American

Most times you are proud to be an American. Though sometimes the good ole US of A makes you cringe Still, you know there's no place better suited to be your home. You love your freedom and no one's going to take it away from you!

How American Are You?

ESPN.com: Page 2 : A Sports Guy can dream ...

ESPN.com: Page 2 : A Sports Guy can dream ...: "My bosses won't allow me to say which six announcers I would deport to Eastern Europe, but here are their initials jumbled together backwards: WBMABCMJMTBJ."

Ok, can we unscramble this? I feel pretty safe with...

Joe Buck

Tim McCarver

John Madden Johnny Miller or (the HATED) Joe Morgan

Chris Berman

Al Michaels

But who is BW?

TV Nation

My plans for the upcoming fall schedule:

Monday -

8pm Heroes
9pm CSI Miami/Studio 60

Monday Night Football (live)

Tuesday -

7pm NCIS
8pm Veronica Mars

Wednesday -

7pm Bones/Jericho
8pm Lost
9pm CSI:NY/Kidnapped or The Nine

Thursday -

7-8pm Earl & the Office/Smallville
8pm CSI/Supernatural
9pm ER

Friday -

8pm Las Vegas
9pm Numb3rs
(also SG-1, SGA, and BSG)

6 random things about me

• I've never had a cavity.


• Stemming from an incident at DeVry, whenever I use a public bathroom I double (nay, triple) check that I'm going into the Men's room before I do so.


• I'm developing Monk-level OCD about some things. (swimming in communal water? no thanks!)


• My alarm goes off at 7am but I hit snooze 3 times.
  
• I have travelled almost entirely around the Earth. (as far east as Moscow, as far west as Beijing)

Strangely coincidental

Birthday Calculator: "You entered: 11/20/1977

Your date of conception was on or about 27 February 1977 which was a Sunday."

At least one person out there will find this kinda weird. oh, and gross.

Time to make some plans for the weekend?

Exploring 'Mars' should be easier with CW: "She'll meet some of her Chicago fans this weekend while signing autographs from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Wizard World convention in Rosemont."

I hadn't planned on going...we'll see what happens.

No real justification.

China kills 50,000 dogs in campaign against rabies: "Dogs being walked were seized from their owners and beaten to death on the spot, the Shanghai Daily newspaper reported. Led by the county police chief, killing teams entered villages at night creating noise to get dogs barking, then beat the animals to death, the reports said."

This is absolutely horrible. Words just can't express.

X-Entertainment - The Sectaurs HYVE Playset, 1984.

X-Entertainment - The Sectaurs HYVE Playset, 1984.

Yes, I had this. Yes, it was awesome.

The Heat is On

Man, it is hotter than hell outside. It doesn't help that my browser keeps throwing up Heat Advisories for Wood Dale that stretch until 9:15pm tonight. 9:15PM?? Man. It staggers me that people actually go to the beach in the heat for their vacations. Crazy.

We saw Pirates 2 over the weekend. While the company was good, the movie was just 'eh'.

You don't tug on Superman's cape...

Been a busy last few weeks. All sorts of things going on around our house. Crazy.

Anyways, I thougth I would write up some thoughts I had about Superman Returns, seeing as how I've seen it three times. (theater, IMAX, drive-in)

I enjoyed the movie, but as many have said, no as much as I had hoped to. It's a tad too long...the ending drags on few minutes past the logical end point. I enjoyed the story, but there was one bit that I thought was a missed opportunity. Not to put too fine a point on it, but since Superman actually 'returns' after a 5-year absence, it seems to me he doesn't really consider what that actually 'cost' others, besides what it cost him in terms of Lois. How many people didn't get saved, etc? It was just a thought I had.

The action is amazing. There's a plane rescue sequence that beats the 'Kong fighting T-rex' scene as the most amazing thing I've ever seen on a movie screen. Superman flies seamlessly...there's even sonic booms at times.

Brandon Routh plays a great Superman and a bumbling Clark Kent...just as it should be. There's one point there two characters start thinking Clark might be Superman and he gives such a dorky reaction that it puts those thoughts out of their heads right away. I thought Routh did a fine job. Kevin Spacey is a good Luthor too...kind of a middle point between the Smallville Lex and the Gene Hackman comedic Lex. There's one point towards the end of the movie where Lex is coldly brutal towards Superman...and it elicited a pretty strong negative reaction from me. (which I guess is the point)

I thought Kate Bosworth was a little too young to play Lois...plus, having a 5-year-old kid to boot. She did a nice job acting the part though. I thought that the Lois from Smallville might have done a better job.

I enjoyed the little bits that referred to the original Richard Donner Superman film...like the Kryptonite being discovered in Adis Ababa, Glen Ford being Pa Kent, Kitty saying that it seemed like Lex had visited the Fortress of Solitude before.

Anyways...the movie was't the total smash hit I had thought it might be, but it's made decent money. There'll probably be a sequel. If so, I'll go see it.

Great Minds...

ESPN.com: Page 2 : Why I love the World Cup: "4. There's something fascinating about the underlying baggage in every game. My buddy Kurt e-mailed me last week, 'If you're a Nazi war criminal who escaped the Allied forces after WWII, who do you root for tomorrow: Germany, who propelled you to the top of their system, or Argentina, who took you in and helped hide your crimes against humanity?'"

I know I said I wouldn't be all about the links anymore, but I made this same joke last week while the game was being played while we were eating at the airport on Friday.

Waiting for the ding, because there's something in the oven...

Hitting to all fields...

• In Texas now, heading back home tomorrow. It's been pretty hot here, but not too bad. As with all Texas trips, there has been way too much eating of food. Traveling means eating out, of course, and down here that means BEEF.


• After waiting what feels like FOREVER for this day to finally arrive, we went to see Superman Returns last night. The five of us (from the US, Canada, and Italy collectively) went to the 6:30p showing. We had no troubles getting in but the theater filled up fast. I even picked up a SR mini-poster for my friend's son. (review coming soon)


• I'm very close to being a one-car guy again, as Uncle Tom and Ricky picked up the Contour last Sunday. They're trying it out for a week and we'll talk when I get back. It was a good car--it still is.


• Surprise trip popped up in August. Can't give too much away...you never know who is listening.


• Some sort of beast got into our soffit while I was gone (of course). I was hoping the soffit would keep until next year, but there you go.


• I've given up on baseball this year.


• The NFL Head Coach game came out the other day. I've seen a TON of commericals about it too. Looking foward to that.


• Looking foward to heading home tomorrow...

ESPN.com - MLB - Guillen directs homosexual slur at Chicago columnist

ESPN.com - MLB - Guillen directs homosexual slur at Chicago columnist: "'I don't have anything against those people. In my country, you call someone something like that and it is not the same as it is in this country.'"

What BS. I hate Mariotti too, but Ozzie has lived here for 20+ yeasrs. THIS is 'his country'. He's just using that as an excuse.

The truth is hurting again...

those 3 bears QBs will combine for more victories than m. prior and k. wood this year.

(quote from a message board I read)

Pick a Car-duh

Saturday, it was our intention to go out and look at cars for a few more. More than a few hours later, we had bought a car. That was not the plan, but it worked out nicely anyway.

We first went to a Ford dealership in Elk Grove. I wanted to take an up-close look at the new Mustangs, and maybe...well...actually SIT in one and decide if I even liked it that much. Finding out about the upcoming new addition to our family had soured me on the Mustang a little bit, but not so much as to totally dismiss it.

After looking it over and getting inside, I wasn't ready to come out and say I didn't want it. I think a baby seat would have fit in the back...if only because a baby is about the only kind of human that would fit back there comfortably. Still, I had to think about whether it would be the best idea to get a sportscar when I KNEW there was a baby coming soon.

We left the Ford dealership (with the salesman saying there was room for discussion in terms of price) and went to the Toyota dealership in Lombard. I had looked at it a few times in parking lots and at a dealer, but I hadn't really *looked* at it closely to see how I'd like to own one. Plus, Court had not seen it. After talking with the guy for a while, we took a test drive.

One thing I really noticed about it was how quiet it was. Of course, nowadays, I can barely even tell if a new car is running at all with how quiet they all are. I'm not sure how I feel about that in principle...it reminds me of a Gene Hackman quote from Crimson Tide. "I don't trust air I can't see."

There's plenty of room all around, the handling and acceleration were really nice, and it really was the 'safe' choice in terms of buying a car. Nobody is going to fault anybody for buying a Toyota Camry, really. It's practical. And after thinking about it I figured I shouldn't fault the car for that. While the Mustang would have been the more fun choice (for me anyway, and that's what it's all about, right?) I just couldn't justify it to myself. I'm not exactly planning to be the primary baby transporter (who knows) but the Camry was the safer, more logical choice, ten times out of ten.

We ended up buying one, after I said a million times that day that we weren't. Oh well.

Negotiating with the guy was just like buying that fur hat in Moscow, but writ large. He did all the normal stuff, and worse than that, he was nice. That's the killer. I think we did ok on it, but who knows.

It does have integrated BlueTooth, which is nice. So now I can by that guy talking into the air while I'm driving. Look out.

It's nice to drive, and while it's not a Mustang it does have nice pickup...so I got that going for me.

Breaking Away

After everything that's been going on in terms of time demands, most of my posts are really just pull-outs of links I've seen on fark and other places. I'm going to try to get away from that...but if something funny or interesting pops up, I'll post it.

In an effort to get back to actually writing about actual stuff...

Filming Locations for Knight Rider 2000 (1991) (TV)

I'm not sure what is sadder...

A - The first thing I thought while walking through Rivercenter Mall was that it looked like the place at the end of Knight Rider 2000.

OR

B - That it actually WAS the place at the end of Knight Rider 2000.

If you have some time

Give it a look, and make sure you watch until the end.

Elementary School

In honor of Arthur Conan Doyle's 147th Birthday today, I present my favorite Holmes quote...

`I consider that a man's brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose.

A fool takes in all the lumber of every sort that he comes across, so that the knowledge which might be useful to him gets crowded out, or at best is jumbled up with a lot of other things, so that he has a difficulty in laying his hands upon it.

Now the skilful workman is very careful indeed as to what he takes into his brain-attic.He will have nothing but the tools which may help him in doing his work, but of these he has a large assortment, and all in the most perfect
order.

It is a mistake to think that that little room has elastic walls and can distend to any extent. Depend upon it there comes a time when for every addition of knowledge you forget something that you knew before.

It is of the highest importance, therefore, not to have useless facts elbowing out the useful ones.'

From the "Shouldn't be funny, but still is" file...

SI.com - Writers - The 10 Spot: "Barrett's right cross has been second-guessed by players throughout baseball, who question why Barrett didn't hit Pierzynski hard enough to deck him."

She's having had a baby!

or

Say Uncle

Big Time congrats go out to Aimee and Chris, who welcomed little Jakub Mitchell (7lbs 9oz) into the world just in time for first pitch for today's Cub game!

We look forward to getting to know the little guy.

Mars to Earth

TV Guide Community: Ausiello Report: "It's Official: Veronica Mars Renewed,"


WOOOO HOOOOOO!

and what have YOU done?

[x] I have read a lot of books.
[] I have been on some sort of varsity team.
[] I have run more than 2 miles without stopping.
[x] I have been to Canada.
[x] I have been to Europe.
[x] I have watched cartoons for hours.
[x] I have tripped UP the stairs.
[x] I have fallen down an entire flight of stairs.
[x] I have been snowboarding/skiing.
[x] I have played ping pong.
[] I swam in the ocean.
[] I have been on a whale watch.
[x] I have seen fireworks.
[x] I have seen a shooting star.
[x] I have seen a meteor shower.
[x] I have almost drowned.
[x] I have been so embarrassed I wanted to disappear.
[x] I have listened to one CD over and over and over again.
[] I have had stitches.
[] I have had frostbite.
[] I have licked a frozen pole and got stuck there.
[x] I have stayed up til 2 doing homework/projects. (I, in fact, still do this daily.)
[x] I currently have a job.
[x] I have been ice skating.
[x] I have been rollerblading.
[x] I have fallen flat on my face.
[x] I have tripped over my own two feet.
[] I have been in a fist fight.
[x] I have played videogames for more than 3 hours straight.
[] I have watched the Power Rangers.
[] I attend Church regularly.
[x] I have played truth or dare.
[x] I have already had my 16th birthday.
[x] I have already had my 18th birthday.
[x] I've called someone stupid.
[x] I've been in a verbal argument.
[] I've cried in school.
[] I've played basketball on a team.
[x] I've played baseball on a team.
[x] I've played football on a team.
[x] I've played soccer on a team.
[] I've done cheerleading on a team.
[x] I've played softball on a team.
[x] I've played volleyball on a team.
[] I've played tennis on a team.
[] I've been in the marching band.
[x] I've been swimming more than 20 times in my life.
[] I've bungee jumped.
[] I've climbed a rock wall.
[x] I've lost more than $20.
[x] I've called myself an idiot.
[x] I've called someone else an idiot.
[] I've cried myself to sleep.
[x] I've had (or have) pets.
[] I've owned a Spice Girls CD.
[] I've owned a Britney Spears CD.
[] I've owned an N*Sync CD.
[] I've owned a Backstreet Boys CD.
[] I've mooned someone.
[x] I have sworn at someone of authority before.
[x] I've been in the newspaper.
[] I've been on TV.
[x] I've been to Hawaii.
[] I've eaten sushi.
[x] I've been on the other side of a waterfall.
[x] I've watched all of the Lord of the Rings movies.
[x] I've watched all the Harry Potter movies.
[x] I've watched all of the Rocky movies.
[x] I've watched the Three Stooges.
[x] I've watched "Newlyweds" Nick & Jessica.
[x] I've watched Looney Tunes.
[] I've been stuffed into a locker/I have stuffed others into lockers.
[x] I've been called a geek.
[x] I've studied hard for a test and got a bad grade.
[x] I've not studied at all for a test and aced it.
[x] I've hugged my mom within the past 24 hours.
[] I've hugged my dad within the past 24 hours.
[x] I've met a celebrity/music artist.
[] I've written poetry.
[] I've been arrested.
[x] I've been attracted to someone much older than me.
[x] I've been tickled till I've cried.
[x] I've tickled someone else until they cried.
[x] I've had/have siblings.
[] I've been to a rock concert.
[x] I've listened to classical music and enjoyed it.
[x] I've been in a play.
[x] I've been picked last in gym class.
[x] I've been picked first in gym class.
[x] I've been picked in that middle-range in gym class.
[] I've cried in front of my friends.
[] I've read a book longer than 1,000 pages.
[] I've played Halo 2.
[xxxxxx] I've freaked out over a sports game.
[] I've been to Alaska.
[x] I've been to China.
[] I've been to Spain.
[x] I've been to Japan.
[] I've had a fight with someone on AIM.
[x] I've had a fight with someone face-to-face.
[x] I've had serious conversations on any IM.
[x] I've forgiven someone who has done something wrong to me.
[x] I've been forgiven.
[] I've screamed at a scary movie.
[] I've cried at a chick flick.
[x] I've watched a lot of action movies.
[x] I've screamed at the top of my lungs.
[] I've been to a rap concert.
[] I've been to a hip hop concert.
[x] I've lived in more than 2 houses.
[x] I've driven on the highway/been on the highway.
[x] I've driven more than 40 miles in a day/been in a car that went more than 40 miles in a day. (40 miles? That's nothing)
[x] I've been in a car accident.
[] I've done drugs.
[x] I've been homesick.
[x] I've thrown up.
[] I've puked on someone.
[x] I've been horseback riding.
[] I've filled out more than 10 MySpace surveys.
[x] I've spoken my mind in public.
[x] I've proved someone wrong.
[x] I've been proven wrong by someone.
[] I've broken a leg.
[x] I've broken an arm or a finger.
[x] I've fallen off a swing.
[x] I've swung on a swing for more than 30 minutes straight.
[] I've watched Winnie the Pooh movies.
[x] I've forgotten my backpack when I've gone to school.
[x] I've lost my backpack.
[x] I've come close to dying.
[] I've seen someone die.
[x] I've known someone who has died.
[] I've wanted to be an actor/actress at some point.
[] I've done modeling.
[] I've forgotten to brush my teeth some mornings.
[x] I've taken something/someone for granted.
[x] I've realized how good my life is.
[x] I've counted my blessings.
[x] I've made fun of a classmate.
[x] I've been asked out by someone and I said no.
[] I've slapped someone in the face.
[x] I've been skateboarding.
[x] I've been backstabbed by someone I thought was a friend.
[x] I've lied to someone to their face.
[x] I've told a little white lie.
[x] I've taken a day off from school just so I don't go insane.
[] I've fainted.
[] I've had an argument with someone about whether cheerleading is a sport or not.
[x] I've pushed someone into a pool.
[x] I've been pushed into a pool.
[x] I've been/am in love.

What's in a name?

Popular baby names

Of the perspective names we have chosen for our little sprout, our boy name is between 50-100 and our girl name is between 1-50.

See if you can't take a guess. :)

Against the Wal

Conversation between me the girl at checkout at Walgreens the other night.

I had my Cub pullover on.

Her: "I liked you until I saw you were a Cubs fan."

Me: "Well, I guess you can at least sympathize with me now."

Her: "Aw, they're a good team."

Me: "I keep telling myself that, and they're proving me wrong."

Her: "Well, at least you're not like us with all the new bandwagon fans."

Me: "yeah, I guess I can at least take solace in that."

(walks out of the store with my head down)

Texas-style Fried President

Daily Kos: Re-Improved Colbert transcript (now with complete text of Colbert-Thomas video!): "The greatest thing about this man is he's steady. You know where he stands. He believes the same thing Wednesday that he believed on Monday, no matter what happened Tuesday. Events can change; this man's beliefs never will. As excited as I am to be here with the president, I am appalled to be surrounded by the liberal media that is destroying America, with the exception of Fox News. Fox News gives you both sides of every story: the president's side, and the vice president's side."

You've got to take a look at this if you get the chance. heh heh

So much time and so little to do

Strike that, reverse it.

The lack of lengthy posts over the past few weeks aren't the sign that nothing is happening. On the contrary, it's been craziness ever since we closed on the house.

Shortly after I got back from China we moved in, with the help of friends and family. Thanks to everybody who helped out, big time. The storage spaces were emptied and furniture, boxes, and tubs were moved into the house and the garage. We're still going through everything.

A few days later, I went to Houston for a tradeshow. Somewhere in between there we bought a new bedroom set, living room couch and loveseat, and a set of new bookcases. We had originally planned on keeping our queen-size bed but decided after a night with the two of us and the cat and the dog that it was time to get a bigger bed. We'd always talked about it and now that we plan to have our bedroom set for a long while we figured it was time to get the king-size. We went to a local place for the mattress (the guy looked like a real-life Peter Griffin) and it all got delivered this past Saturday. The bedroom looks nice all put together and everything.

We spent the rest of Saturday going to Home Depot and picking up supplies for the lawn and some other stuff. I put down grass seed on Sat afternoon (the lawn is an embarassing mess) and raked and watered, etc.

It's just been a crazy past few weeks. I leave for LV on Tuesday again. Hopefully once I return that will be it for travel until June or so.

X-box to the rescue

Superman Returns

Wow. Too bad it's not for PC though!

Got gas?

Oil breaks through record $75 as gas shortages reported - Apr. 21, 2006

Not too surprising, as gas has gone up and up in recent days. Luckily enough, my car is pretty effcient...mostly due to its low weight and small engine.

I'm wondering what has happened to all the oil we were supposed to be getting from Iraq??

random fact about me

Sometime I turn the Tivo sound effects on just so I remember why I turned them off.

She be the Judge

CNN.com - Ex-governor guilty of racketeering - Apr 17, 2006: "Rather than declare a mistrial, U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer decided to replace the two jurors with alternates and, over the objection of Ryan's attorneys, ordered the jury to start deliberations over again."

Interestingly enough, she was the Judge when I did my two-week stint as a juror in Federal Court some years ago.

Birthday Meme

Type in your birthday (minus the year) in the search bar at wikipedia.org, and pick three interesting events, four births, two deaths, and a holiday.

Events:

1789 - New Jersey becomes the first U.S. state to ratify the Bill of Rights.

1943 - World War II: Battle of Tarawa begins - United States Marines land on Tarawa atoll in the Gilbert Islands and suffer heavy fire from Japanese shore guns and machine guns.

1962 - Cuban Missile Crisis ends: In response to the Soviet Union's agreeing to remove its missiles from Cuba, U.S. President John F. Kennedy ends the quarantine of the Caribbean nation.

Births:

1921 - Jim Garrison, American detective, author, and politician (d. 1992)

1924 - Benoît Mandelbrot, Polish-born mathematician who made discoveries in fracals

1925 - Robert F. Kennedy, U.S. Attorney General, Senator from New York State, and brother of President John F. Kennedy (d. 1968)

1940 - Bob Einstein, American actor better known as Super Dave Osborne

Deaths:

1910 (N.S.) - Leo Tolstoy, Russian novelist (b. 1828)

1737 - Caroline of Ansbach, Queen of George II of Great Britain (b. 1683)

Holiday:

United Kingdom - wedding day of Queen Elizabeth II (1947), official flag day

Man, I love this show.

NBC.com > The Office

Home Wire-ing

Posting this from the utility room of our new home. Just got the cable internet up and working. The Comcast guy was here earlier and ran a new line to the house. The rooms had been wired off of the house antenna, so it was a small thing to replace the source with the cable line. Not sure where the cablemodem will go eventually.

The (Two) China Sydrome

or

Little red book for some, little American flags for others

In talking with a local Chinese colleague at the Jinan airport yesterday, I happened to bring up Taiwan. This brought about an abrupt change in the conversation. I'll explain why later.

Quick thing on Taiwan to save you from visiting the wiki...a few years after the end of WWII (maybe 1948 or 1949) Chiang Kai-shek and his followers were forced from mainland China by the Communist followers of Mao Zedong after the Chinese Civil War. The Chiang government fled to Taiwan and made that the seat of his 'Presidency'. At that time (and maybe now, but more on that later) Taiwan was part of China...the People's Republic (or Mainland) China.

Anyway, back to our story. I had mentioned Taiwan, and whether it was a separate entity from China itself, and my colleague became very passionate about the fact that it was not. After I stated that I had thought that China didn't consider Taiwan another country, he started in on how I only thought that because I believe what the American media told me, and how would I like it if Alaska decided to break off and become another nation? Of course, I told him that would be fine, but that's neither here nor there. I think the issue comes from how the US pretty much treats Taiwan as a sovereign nation, even thought it does not formmally recognize it as such...mostly due to how China would feel about that.

He asked how I would feel if another country 'backed' the Confederacy in the Civil War (they did, but I didn't bring that up) and that led to a bunch of stuff about how America involves itself in the issues of other nations, 'what gives us the right to be the cops of the world', etc. Fun stuff.

It wasn't in a mean way, and that was the thing. A few examples of American misdeeds were brought up that I thought were a little out of hand...such as the treatment of the Indians and all that. Of course, I had to ask for an example that wasn't 100+ years old.


I kept joking about how China was a Capitalist Country and just didn't want to admit it. He said that wasn't as bad a word now as it used to be, but he still didn't look too happy about it. He kept saying they were a 'free market economy' which I told him is just an Economist's fancy term for 'Capitalism'.

I found it a little hard to agree with much he said...it seemed he was saying I was fed everything by the media. I wonder where he got his pre-conceptions about America?

On my stating that just because the Government decides something doesn't mean everyone agrees with it, I was told that since the Presidential election is pretty much 'majority rules' then the people who did NOT vote for the winner pretty much have to live under a tyrant and have no say in anything. When I brought up the system of checks and balances I was told that that concept is pretty much something we tell other countries so they don't think the President is a tyrant. (hello, Federal Republic)

I didn't start in on him with anything about China--though the Human Rights Band was striking a few chords. I'm not exactly going to take stands (such as defending the Iraq War) that I don't believe in just to argue with somebody. Hello, I'm not Shell.

Anyways, it probably looks harsher than it really was. It was really just a conversation. But it's the second I've had with someone from another country that doesn't exactly love America...but why should he? And why should I care?

The Father of the Pride

Man, it feels good to make a stand after so many years of backing down.

First the Bear now the Dragon

In the hotel in Beijing now. Quick thoughts:

• Exhausted


• Sleep on and off on the flight here. Seat was cramped.


• Just found out I have to get picked up at 7:30am to fly to another province where I'll be working for Monday and Tuesday, then fly back here Tuesday.


• Driver who was picking me up had his car towed while waiting for me inside. He went off to retrieve it leaving me to wonder if I'd ever see him again as I stood outside an unfamiliar country in an unfamiliar city.


• Room here is huge.


• No clue what I will be eating for the next 2 days. I know the hotel has an Italian place.


• SMS and phone seem to be working. Who knows what the charges are.


• City not as crowded as I thought, but it was late at night. Seems spread out with lots of big buildings.


• For those keeping score...Moscow: Drive on right side. Narita, Japan: Drive on left side. Beijing: Drive on right side.


• I feel like garbage. The boss says he's been awake since 2am local time. Fun stuff.

More later.

Land of the Rising Sun

Well, sitting here in the HAL business-class lounge. Got in from Chicago a short while ago. Now, I'm in Narita, Japan...which must not be too far from Tokyo. It's breezey here, which is nice. How do I know how it is outside, you might wonder. Well, I'll get to that.

We closing on the house yesterday. Everything went quickly on the bank side so there were no problems at all. We got a key and the previous owners will be out on Friday the 31st so we'll really take possession at that point. They'll leave the rest of the keys in the house.

We stayed over late at Mom and Don's and watched some stuff off of the Tivo. I say 'we', but Court was sleeping most of the time. Sometime around midnight we headed over to her parent's to go to bed. My flight left at 11am so I slept until after to eight or so. Court's Mom had made french toast and bacon and pancakes and stuff so I ate a good breakfast, which I was thankful for, because for the next few days I've got to eat whenever I can when it's something I'll enjoy.

We headed to the aiport and said our goodbyes. I miss her. :(

Anyways, I was flying on a 777. First time I've ever been on one. VERY nice plane. Business class seats were really comfortable and had plenty of room...I didn't see the First Class setup as that much better. We got some Bose noise-cancelling headphones, which are FANTASTIC. I'm thinking of getting some because they work so well. Too bad they're expensive out the ying yang. The work like a charm tough...it takes 80% of that constant airplane THRUMMING out of the picture totally. I hooked them into my iPod and listened to some old TK shows I had missed as well as some music and stuff. I also read a lot and watched the end of National Treasure.

I say next to a nice guy who works for UL. We talked about travelling and stuff. He's doing a talk to some Chinese manufacturers about new specifications for mattress flamability. I guess they're upping the standards so they have to be able to withstand an open flame without bursting into flames...the old standard was a cigarette-style flame I guess. That was good to hear. He's flying somewhere else so we said our 'have a good flight' things and went on our way.

The Boss had called me the other day to say that there was an odd setup at the airport here...that I would have to take a shuttle to another terminal to get where I needed to go for my connection. The thing was...I had no boarding pass. I had to go through security to reach the shuttle but they were happy to just look at my intinerary. When I got to the connection office I got my boarding pass and all that, and they told me where the lounge was, and here I sit. Got a nice power jack here, so I'm charging back up since I siphoned off my laptop's power for the iPod when I was at O'Hare. I've newly discovered the 'hold' function which is like a keylock that stops the iPod from turning on whenever it gets bumped or anything. I think it was on and 'playing' Friday night because the batt was a little drained this (Sat) morning.

The iPod has worked great...I'm figuring stuff out on it and everything. The guy from UL had one he had just bought too but he was having some problems. He didn't have the software loaded up on his laptop but I told him I had the driver CD (which I just happened to have) so he loaded it up. However, I think when he loaded up iTunes he chose to sync his local Library with his iPod and thus erased everything he'd put on his iPod earlier with his empty local library. At least, I think that's what happened. No big loss, he said, since he had it all at home.

I've just found out it has an alarm functionality, which is nice. The clear case is working out nicely.

My flight boards at 5:50p and it's 4:03p now, local time. In Chicago, it's 1:05 Sunday morning. My cell doesn't seem to work here so I can't let anybody know I've gotten here safely. I've just found a wireless LAN to hookup to! NICE!

(too bad it's un-secured pay-to-play...no thanks)

More later

Somebody tell Bode he's at 15:01

ESPN.com - OLY - Bode's mail has gone downhill since Torino: "'The stuff after the Olympics was pretty aggressive,' Miller said. 'People were getting pretty fired up and pretty involved considering the amount of research they were willing to do, which as an athlete is a maybe a little bit weird and a little bit frustrating."

myPod

Yes, I got one.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKLAHOMA

Just sink sank sunk my Final Four.

Is there anyone here who speaks English? Or maybe even ancient Greek?

Well, I'm back. Got back Saturday night, matter of fact.

The flight to Brussels was pretty nice. The nicest flight I've ever been on, in fact. Business Class was actually First Class on this flight since there was no First Class. The seats were large and leaned pretty far back. There was a TON of legroom...so much so that if the guy in front of my put his seat all the way back I still couldn't touch it with my foot. Also, a legrest popped up which was very nice.

On this flight, we were given portable DVD players with a dozen or so movies. One was, of course, "Good Night and Good Luck" which I had just paid to see. I watched "The Last Samurai", eventually. I thought it was good. For most of the flight I read, so I started the movie late and it was about 98% done by the time the machines were automatically shut down due to landing.

Another nice thing about the flight was the food. I think we were constantly eating. Drinks whenever we wanted too, and as much as we wanted. I sat next to a colleague from work and we talked a little but mostly read and watched movies. We landed in Brussels and spent a short time at the airport getting to our next gate. The flight from Brussels to Moscow was on a smaller plane but the Business Class seat (again, no First Class on this flight) still had a good amount of room. By the time I landed in Moscow (something like 5pm local time, 9 hours ahead of Chicago) I had been awake for quite a while.

We got off the plane and I picked up my bag. Then, we had to find our driver who was to take us to the hotel. Luckily, the local office had arranged a car and driver so we just had to look for the sign with our company's name on it. The problem was...the guy didn't speak English at all. Luckily, to get to the hotel he didn't need to, but he did keep trying to tell us stuff we didn't understand, and vice versa. We're not even sure we understood the guy's name correctly.

The hotel was nice. We ended up meeting up with a guy from Swindon who was also there from work, so we had dinner with him and discussed the situation in terms of the engagement and how it would all go. I think I had some kind of beef dish. This was an 'authentic' restaurant that was located in the hotel. The pop came in small bottles. I don't think anywhere we ate at had fountains for soda.

(more later)

amazing news yesterday

This changes EVERYTHING! :D

Time to call DirecTV

DOSE :: Story: "The New York Post's Page Six reported Tuesday the cable network has not only picked up the cancelled show, it has ordered 26 more episodes. The news supports recent Internet rumblings about producers hammering out a deal with Showtime execs. "


(actually, I'll just make the change online, natch)

Computer Fact or Fiction? - Yahoo! News

Computer Fact or Fiction? - Yahoo! News: "Your little helper will never tell you, because he or she is too polite, but no one likes being the 'computer kid' to the extended family or neighborhood."


heh heh

eamus catuli

Had the home inspection for the new house yesterday morning at 9:30a. Of course, Cubs tickets went on sale at 10a and I've only been looking forward to that for months.

Anyways, everything was ok with the house and I headed to work to get in virtual lines in the cubs' "virtual waiting room". In the end, I was able to get tickets to three games, Cubs/Braves, Cubs/Nationals, Cubs/Astros and I'm also in one some Cubs/Cards tickets that we got as a group at work. That'll be a blast!

CNN.com - Bush blames lab's funding shortfall on mix-up - Feb 21, 2006

CNN.com - Bush blames lab's funding shortfall on mix-up - Feb 21, 2006

What a total joke.

soft serve

The Digital Bits - We Know DVD!: "Patton will include an introduction and audio commentary by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola"

gah, another double dip.

barking up the right tree

you know it's sad when even the dog has the sense to go upstairs and go to bed.

rot it out

Jr znl abg unir sbhaq n ubhfr, ohg V fher nz qbar ybbxvat.

Chicago Sun-Times :: Winter Games 2006

Chicago Sun-Times :: Winter Games 2006

So far, it looks like Bode Miller isn't doing the 'put up' part of 'put up or shut up'. In discussing him yesterday, I had heard someone say "He doesn't care about the medals, he just wants to ski!"--seemingly the ultimate 'bad boy' creedo. I think it sounds pretty stupid.

If you don't care about winning a medal, then why go? If you just want to ski, go to damn Aspen or something.

CNN.com - Two dead in Pakistan rioting - Feb 14, 2006

CNN.com - Two dead in Pakistan rioting - Feb 14, 2006: "CNN is not showing the negative caricatures of the likeness of the Prophet Mohammed because the network believes its role is to cover the events surrounding the publication of the cartoons while not unnecessarily adding fuel to the controversy itself."

But let's keep showing pictures every time somebody burns an American flag? Come on now.

It's one or the other. Either show pictures of this kind of stuff, or don't.

oh, yeah...

You Should Drive a Ford Shelby Mustang Cobra

You have an extreme need for speed, even when you're not in a hurry. And while your flying by, you don't want to look like every other car on the road!

What 2007 Car Should You Drive?

Hitting to all fields...

• House hunting continues. We'll be out looking again tomorrow and maybe Sunday.


• The Ricky Gervais podcast is hilarious.


• I have pretty much abandoned all radio listening in order to listen to podcasts over my mp3 CD player in the car.


• Cubs tickets go on sale Feb 24th. I've already got some dates picked out. We'll see how that goes, when it comes.


• I'm reading my new hardcovers in anticipation of taking the new paperbacks on the plane to Moscow. Current plans are Chicago-->Brussels-->Moscow and then back to Chicago through a country I can't remember right now. Hopefully I will *not* have to go to Romania from Moscow.


• Starting in on Veronica Mars Season Two. Good stuff.


• Super Bowl was uneventful save the MacGyver VISA commercial.


• Heart-shaped pizza at Barnaby's on V-day, yo.

That's all for now.

Post's Tony Kornheiser Gets Hot 'Monday Night' Date

Post's Tony Kornheiser Gets Hot 'Monday Night' Date: "At the same time, however, he could not recall broadcasting a live game. 'I've never done this,' he said. 'It seems daunting. I could be a disaster.'"

I'll definitely start watching MNF again.

CNN.com - Iran invites cartoons on Holocaust - Feb 7, 2006

CNN.com - Iran invites cartoons on Holocaust - Feb 7, 2006: "A prominent Iranian newspaper says it is going to hold a competition for cartoons on the Holocaust to test whether the West will apply the principle of freedom of expression to the Nazi genocide against Jews as it did to the caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed."

Well, somehow I doubt any embassies will be attacked.

WhyPod?

Isn't it funny that I want an iPod even though I wouldn't use it at all probably?

A loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of butter

The complete text of an email I sent to Jewel's customer care website last night:

A short time ago I returned from this Jewel. I returned without any groceries. When I went to checkout I was told that they were having problems. Eventually they made repeated announcements that they couldn't take credit or debit payments...later this was extended to cash as well as *everything* stopped working with every register. After waiting for 20 minutes or so (I had deli meat) I decided to just give up and leave, and many people did the same. I noticed while this was going on that customers kept entering the store. By the time I had left, thankfully, they were telling people about their problem so they wouldn't have to waste their time. I'm writing because I'm pretty amazed that Jewel had no backup system in place to meet this kind of challenge. I found it very hard to believe.

Big thanks go to Shell who brought me home a piece of apple pie because she knew I was in a really bad mood.

Two Words

Hollywood Is Calling: "Dennis Haskins "

Shell, I think I just found your birthday gift.

you talk tv

Was thinking the other day...there are an awful lot of shows that I (or Court) watch that won't be around next year.

Cancelled:

• The West Wing


• Justice League Unlimited


• Charmed (Court)


• 7th Heaven (Court)


• Arrested Development


• Threshold (cancelled earlier this season)

Might not be back (or just not a lock and not confirmed back):

• Veronica Mars


• Smallville


• Numb3rs


• Invasion

I wonder what I'll do with all the extra time I'll have.

RIP crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger

20 years ago, today.

I believe I had that one

Oprah says Frey �betrayed millions of readers� - BOOKS - MSNBC.com: "Oprah Winfrey challenged author James Frey over his disputed memoir, asking him on a live telecast of her show Thursday to explain why he �felt the need to lie.�"

Danger! Danger!

I've just now found out that Morley Candy's Peanut Butter Block and World's Finest chocolate bars with almond, two of my favorite candies from my youth, are available online.

This can't be good.

Gain for Channel 9 is loss for Channel 50

Gain for Channel 9 is loss for Channel 50

Good. The signal for Channel 9 is much clearer and crisper than UPN.

Since the demise of 'Enterprise', the only UPN show I watch is 'Veronica Mars'. It'll be nice to see it alongside 'Smallville'...especially since Veronica and Chloe are virtual twins by looks and nature.

The power of positive drinking

I was feeling sick this morning, my friend and I went downstairs to the caf to get something to drink. I was going to get some orange juice. When I opened the cooler thing, they had the regular 'no pulp' stuff I usually get and they also had some that was marked 'immunity defense'. It says it 'promotes a healthy immune system with Antioxidants, C, E, & Selenium'. Now of course, Selenium, one of my favs on the periodic table (good old #34), was a definite eye-catcher. Anyways, I picked it up.

I think it's actually making me feel better. Freaky.

Ford to cut up to 30,000 jobs

Ford to cut up to 30,000 jobs: "Reacting to news of the job cuts, White House press secretary Scott McClellan said: 'Anytime someone loses a job we're concerned about it, we're concerned about the community.'

However, McClellan said overall the economy 'is going strong.'"


uh...huh.

CNN.com - Bush tells abortion foes, 'We will prevail' - Jan 23, 2006: "'This is a cause that appeals to the conscience of our citizens and is rooted in America's deepest principle,' the president said. 'And history tells us that with such a cause we will prevail.'"

yeah, this is gonna turn out well.

Had an ok weekend. Court had to work both days and well into both nights. I went over to work on a family member's PC on Saturday. Grandma took us out to dinner to a nice local place and we had a good time. Sunday I did some runnind around I had to do and some shopping. I still haven't replaced my right rear turn signal light which is out and has been for a week.

I watched the pilot episode of SeaQuest last night. It was great to see it again after such a long time. I think I hadn't seen it since it originally aired and that was over 10 years ago. I'm looking forward to continuing the season and picking up seasons 2 and 3 when they come out. I've also got The Flash but haven't started that up yet.

We're going to start house stuff this weekend. I think I'm going to take Monday off too. We'll see.

ESPN.com: Page 2 : Welcome to the glossary: "The game where you've won too many games in a row during a season, and the PlayStation activates that 'There's no f------ way you're winning this game' chip."

This happened to me with Madden the other day. The Bucs actually recovered two onside kicks during the game, the second one happening with no time on the clock and they ran it all the way back for the game-winning TD.

An offer I couldn't refuse

Had a call from cousin Beth last night. All is well with them...she and the hub had a 'date night' where they went to 'The Melting Pot' which is always nice. After a bit, she said she had something to ask me. She said that George and her had decided to ask Court and I if we would be Braiden's Godparents! How cool is that?

I've never been anything like that to anybody. Court is Tyler's Godmother. I actually have yet to tell Court, since she is busy at work at the moment and I talked to Beth pretty late last night. (still early in AZ though)

I think it's amazing, and a fantastic honor. I can't wait to meet the kid! :)

Gear Live | CES 2006 Video: TiVo Series 3 Video Interview, First Look

It will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine.

MiceAge.com: "(Disney was advising people to arrive by 4:30)"


Yes, and welcome to why the last time I did that is the LAST I will do that.

ESPN.com: Page 2 : Pain, suffering ... misery: "But when the Lions won the overtime coin toss against the Bears in 2002, elected to kick and then watched the Bears drive for the game-winning field goal"

I was at this game. We actually thought that the Bears had won the toss. I didn't find out the Lions did until we got home.

Ivy Chat: "So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good Night!"

Korey is gone.

Long live Juan Pierre.

Life on Mars

Had a nice weekend. Met my Dad for breakfast with his cousin and her family. They're nice people from my Dad's side that I don't see all the time. They're probably the only people from his family (aside from his half-brother's family) that live in Illinois. They live out in Grayslake. On the way there we passed the Moto Libertyville facility.

On Sunday, I did absolutely nothing, and I loved it. Over the weekend I started watching "Veronica Mars", which has been collected on the (formerly upstairs) Tivo for the past season and a half. I had thought about forgetting all about it and deleting it all, but I decided to watch. I'm glad I did. It's a great show. I'm looking forward to finishing out the second half of the first season.

I've just heard Spanish being spoken for the first time since we left FL.

Seems odd to hear everybody everywhere speaking English.

This week's fark hero tag goes to my sister, who set the Tivo to record the return of 'Scrubs' for me on Tuesday. She recorded both episodes, and they were both new. Bravo!

Orange you glad I didn't say Banana?

Heading to Jewel last night, I picked up some orange juice. I was a little suprised to see that it was like $4.59 (or something) for the two quart carton of Tropicana. That was more than it usually is, I thought.

Then, I thought again.

Rain, Rain

or

Until I met a man who had no feet

Reporting in from my new cube in Schaumburg. First day 'back' and everything is going good. I need to get my badge flashed or something so it can open the doors around here. We'll see how soon I get around to doing that.

Got some nice news from Court this morning. her commute only took a half hour. We'll see if that holds up. Hopefully so.

The truck delivered our stuff yesterday. The driver called me right when I finished getting dressed and I called Court and we met there. My FIL and MIL came too, with their Escape. This would be the first in a recurring theme of bringing an SUV to offload stuff.

On looking at the storage space we'd gotten, my FIL said he didn't think it would be big enough. Originally, we'd gotten one that would be big enough...unfortunately, that one was on a row that the 53' truck would not be able to reach. (suprise)

We ended up getting a smalller unit on the main row. Yesterday, we went ahead and got another one. We ended up needed both, though neither was packed very tightly nor was the second one completely full. The only casualties in the move were the leg of a kitchen chair (broken completely off) and my and my FIL's coats, which had some weird stuff on them from leaning against the side of the unit. My MIL was able to wash them both though so they weren't stained forever.

It poured rain at times...I had a clipboard from the driver to mark off their numbers that they put on each of our pieces...all the while my FIL was trying to keep an eye out for *our* number which we put on all our boxes. There were some things we didn't want to be stored in the (possibly) freezing cold so he was keeping a look out so we could put them off to the side. Our papers were drenched and the endless calling out of different numbers was a ton of fun, as you can imagine. There's one big pack of pictures that we haven't been able to locate...hopefully it's just buried in the back of the first unit.

We took our TVs to my Mom's place...the 32" is heavy as hell and was a total pain in the ass to get into the house...thanks to Don and my FIL for helping with that. It weighs a ton. I was amazed to see one of the movers carry it by himself out of the truck and into my FIL's SUV. It's got to weigh a bulky 200lbs.

Anyway, in the end, it all worked out. Hopefully everything got here in working condition and wasn't damaged or anything. I didn't see anything aggrevious or anything.

Trip to China looks to have been pospoted until February, which is nice. Having it this week was just too much stuff going on. Court leaves for FL in a few hours. I'm taking her to the airport during lunch. We'll all miss her and look forward to seeing her when she gets back.


One last thing...on leaving the storage unit at one point, in the cold, pouring rain, I was thinking of how miserable it was to have rained while we had to do all this stuff. Then, I saw a guy biking down the street. This was a cold, pouring ass rain. He could only be doing it becaues he had to. I felt a little stupid bitching about my day when I saw how his was going.