....and Bonnie has picked up the contract option for a 20th.
I cannot believe we've been married 19 years as of shortly after noon today (hey, none of your business when we consummated it!).
Three apartments, eleven vehicles, one mortgage, one son, one daughter, many hours volunteering at school, about 150 hours a year spent traveling to and from church from 1997 to 2005, countless hamburgers, too many shared newspaper routes to even want to remember, an airplane trip to Kansas City, very few nights apart, many extra hours spent at the radio station (and she'd even spend a few with me, bless her heart), painting the house, vinyl siding the house, gravel driveway, paved driveway, Monday morning trash pickups, school field trips, and, I think, some 400 movies on VHS and DVD.
This is just to name a few numerical details.
From Barney to Blues Clues, a compact car to a minivan, diapers to high school choral outfit....we have seen much. And there's more to come. :)
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Now SHE is a true Bears fan, and for good reason!!
I understand Bipolar Disorder; I have it.
I cannot, though, fathom what this lady experiences. My heart goes out to her, NOT for pity, but for sheer amazement at how she battles every day.
And this week's battle is special. Her son's in the Super Bowl. This is a MUST read.
Sunday, I'm rooting for the Colts....and the Bears' #31.
I cannot, though, fathom what this lady experiences. My heart goes out to her, NOT for pity, but for sheer amazement at how she battles every day.
And this week's battle is special. Her son's in the Super Bowl. This is a MUST read.
Sunday, I'm rooting for the Colts....and the Bears' #31.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
What a week......:) :)
This has been a great week for moi. Through no actions of my own, mind you. Others' plans motivate me to things not done in years, I'm reminded of the importance of communication in any way you need to (nothing illegal of course!!), and I see the aftereffects of the breakthrough over this weekend.
It begins Wednesday one week ago (Jan 17) when I received a forwarded email from my niece, announcing to us she was to be wed in one week. After reconnecting my jaw with the face, I talked with my wife via phone. Funny....looking back now this sure sounds like how wifey & I took the plunge.
Circumstances began to develop at the office Tuesday afternoon where I began to flirt with the idea of going to North Carolina the next day....for two reasons. One, to visit a relative, and two, get to the wedding. By late Tuesday, my mind was made up. So I worked ahead as much as I could, told two co-workers about my absence, and headed home.
Please note that I slept that night four hours straight, which is highly unusual (I usually don't go more than three without waking up), so I was getting rest and not becoming nervous.
Let me clue many of you in on the following fact: January 24th marked the 1,333rd day since I last left the Commonwealth of Virginia. This issue has been one of the MAJOR stumbling blocks in my comeback battle against depression. My last visit to N.C., in 2003, was a disasterous weekend which only left me dying to get home. I never wanted to be too far from home.
I made it to Virginia Beach once, and Skyline Drive once, and Charlottesville once between June 1, 2003 and last Wednesday, but never could cross a state line. In past attempts to go south, I would back out the morning of.....the last attempt I got as far as the Burger King drive-thru next to the interstate where I boldly told my wife to take me home.
I know the entire situation has been very negative on my wife and especially my kids, plus my relatives in North Carolina (brother, sis in law, niece, and Dad) would be continually disappointed that I didn't come with the rest of the family.
From the moment I woke up Wednesday morning, I had an absolutely different feeling. NO NERVOUSNESS at all concerning the impending trip. I left around 9:15 and headed south on I-95.
I did not know how I would react when I got to the Virginia/North Carolina border, but I did know that I was getting more excited as the miles past, whereas anytime in the past 3 1/2 years I would have been getting closer and closer to throwing up, most likely.
At exactly 11am, the van crossed the border into North Carolina, my eyes full of tears, my heart filled with joy. And looking back, I think going alone was the way I had to do this. It was me, CD's, the radio, and God, for four hours down, four hours back.
Proving I hadn't been in NC in a long time, I took US 264 East rather than US 64 to head to New Bern, and ended up in Greenville....panicking. The wedding started at two. Time was running out. Yikes!!
About a half-dozen cell phone calls to my brother later, I'd finally gotten back on track. He told me to meet him in a parking area where workers at a plant park their cars, then head over to work. I almost past the road he referenced without realizing where I was; it came together, and I slammed on brakes to turn into the "parking area", which I should have known, was an area of dirt and sand with several strategically-positioned ruts. After all, I am back in North Carolina. You don't need asphalt to create parking there! :)
I followed him to the church and arrived at 1:59pm. I was greatful to find out the wedding would start late, and NOT because of me. In fact, the bride (my niece) pulled in the church lot (which is paved) right behind me. My appearance was not revealed to her, so she met me at the van and gave me a big hug.
I went in the church, met people and figured out how to photograph this event, well, kinda. No one ever nominated me for "photographer of the month", but I ended up doing pretty good.
There weren't more than 20 people at the wedding, which was a very close-knit affair. I'd never seen a service like this before and probably never will. No one sat down. No one. The family and friends gathered all stood behind and around the happy couple. It wasn't crowded....my bro had proper room to give her away and step back, etc......it was the most intimate wedding scene I've ever seen and you could feel the joy of the couple, and of everyone else in the sanctuary.
Simply put, it was cool. My niece whispered her vows (did she really say them, Pastor?? j/k) and it only took a few minutes. Then it was done, and the avalanche of picture-taking began. There had to be a half-dozen cameras in action before, during, and especially after the ceremony. So, after lots of photo ops with the stars and supporting cast, we headed to the fellowship hall to enjoy the reception. I need to remind myself to post a picture of the cake, because I cannot describe the "bride/groom" topper....you just need to see it.
I was MADE to get in one big "family" photo (I told bro afterwards there wasn't to be any physical evidence that I was there...ha!), which I hesitated because, well, I wore a golf shirt and.....ah.....shorts. I didn't expect the affair to be quite as fancy as it turned out to be (my bad!)
Then we cleaned up and went back to Uncle Frank's house, where the bridge/groom eventually arrived. I enjoyed conversing with the groom's dad and sister from Iowa, and about 7pm, I realized I had to get on the road. So, I made one of the two trips I'd planned. I should've known my original itinerary was too much.
The four hour drive home felt like it took 90 minutes. It was the nicest trip home from NC I have had in years and years. What a day.
472.6 miles driven...left 915am, arrived home 1109pm. Richmond to New Bern to Richmond.
As I told my wife, as for the "ball and chain" of being petrified of being far from home, not only did I unlock the chain and walked away from that stupid ball.....I took the key, unlocked the chain, took it off my ankle, then lifted the ball with my good arm (hee) and proceeded to slam the ball into the ground, smashing it to bits.
That part of the depression recovery is DONE!!! And I made sure to take my niece aside and personally thank her for being the one responsible for this all happening. :)
There was only ONE disappointing event of the day, other than not making all hoped-for stops.
I didn't get to Smithfield BBQ (see a few posts down). But it was much more important to get to know new family members than eat hush puppies. I'll get them soon. :)
So, to Daniel and his new "Marine wife", my niece, Krista...congratulations and all the best. And lots of prayers for protection for Daniel, who returns to Al-Sadr, Iraq for another tour in February.
Then Friday night I was reminded that the best way to handle concerns, problems and insecurities was to talk about them (especially since the person involved gave me that good advice!), and it relieved worry and restored peace.
Then I woke up at 1130am Saturday and didn't have to go back to bed just hours later.
Then I slept in today to 230pm (didn't mean to sleep THAT late), then worked/enjoyed the rest of the day.
For those of you who have battled/are battling depression, you know where I've been, and some of you know where I am now. And I pray all of us, together, will, in our own journeys, be able to take off those chains and smash the balls into bits, getting another step closer to the man I'm supposed to be, and the person you're supposed to be.
1,333 days. It's over. Let's move forward. :)
It begins Wednesday one week ago (Jan 17) when I received a forwarded email from my niece, announcing to us she was to be wed in one week. After reconnecting my jaw with the face, I talked with my wife via phone. Funny....looking back now this sure sounds like how wifey & I took the plunge.
Circumstances began to develop at the office Tuesday afternoon where I began to flirt with the idea of going to North Carolina the next day....for two reasons. One, to visit a relative, and two, get to the wedding. By late Tuesday, my mind was made up. So I worked ahead as much as I could, told two co-workers about my absence, and headed home.
Please note that I slept that night four hours straight, which is highly unusual (I usually don't go more than three without waking up), so I was getting rest and not becoming nervous.
Let me clue many of you in on the following fact: January 24th marked the 1,333rd day since I last left the Commonwealth of Virginia. This issue has been one of the MAJOR stumbling blocks in my comeback battle against depression. My last visit to N.C., in 2003, was a disasterous weekend which only left me dying to get home. I never wanted to be too far from home.
I made it to Virginia Beach once, and Skyline Drive once, and Charlottesville once between June 1, 2003 and last Wednesday, but never could cross a state line. In past attempts to go south, I would back out the morning of.....the last attempt I got as far as the Burger King drive-thru next to the interstate where I boldly told my wife to take me home.
I know the entire situation has been very negative on my wife and especially my kids, plus my relatives in North Carolina (brother, sis in law, niece, and Dad) would be continually disappointed that I didn't come with the rest of the family.
From the moment I woke up Wednesday morning, I had an absolutely different feeling. NO NERVOUSNESS at all concerning the impending trip. I left around 9:15 and headed south on I-95.
I did not know how I would react when I got to the Virginia/North Carolina border, but I did know that I was getting more excited as the miles past, whereas anytime in the past 3 1/2 years I would have been getting closer and closer to throwing up, most likely.
At exactly 11am, the van crossed the border into North Carolina, my eyes full of tears, my heart filled with joy. And looking back, I think going alone was the way I had to do this. It was me, CD's, the radio, and God, for four hours down, four hours back.
Proving I hadn't been in NC in a long time, I took US 264 East rather than US 64 to head to New Bern, and ended up in Greenville....panicking. The wedding started at two. Time was running out. Yikes!!
About a half-dozen cell phone calls to my brother later, I'd finally gotten back on track. He told me to meet him in a parking area where workers at a plant park their cars, then head over to work. I almost past the road he referenced without realizing where I was; it came together, and I slammed on brakes to turn into the "parking area", which I should have known, was an area of dirt and sand with several strategically-positioned ruts. After all, I am back in North Carolina. You don't need asphalt to create parking there! :)
I followed him to the church and arrived at 1:59pm. I was greatful to find out the wedding would start late, and NOT because of me. In fact, the bride (my niece) pulled in the church lot (which is paved) right behind me. My appearance was not revealed to her, so she met me at the van and gave me a big hug.
I went in the church, met people and figured out how to photograph this event, well, kinda. No one ever nominated me for "photographer of the month", but I ended up doing pretty good.
There weren't more than 20 people at the wedding, which was a very close-knit affair. I'd never seen a service like this before and probably never will. No one sat down. No one. The family and friends gathered all stood behind and around the happy couple. It wasn't crowded....my bro had proper room to give her away and step back, etc......it was the most intimate wedding scene I've ever seen and you could feel the joy of the couple, and of everyone else in the sanctuary.
Simply put, it was cool. My niece whispered her vows (did she really say them, Pastor?? j/k) and it only took a few minutes. Then it was done, and the avalanche of picture-taking began. There had to be a half-dozen cameras in action before, during, and especially after the ceremony. So, after lots of photo ops with the stars and supporting cast, we headed to the fellowship hall to enjoy the reception. I need to remind myself to post a picture of the cake, because I cannot describe the "bride/groom" topper....you just need to see it.
I was MADE to get in one big "family" photo (I told bro afterwards there wasn't to be any physical evidence that I was there...ha!), which I hesitated because, well, I wore a golf shirt and.....ah.....shorts. I didn't expect the affair to be quite as fancy as it turned out to be (my bad!)
Then we cleaned up and went back to Uncle Frank's house, where the bridge/groom eventually arrived. I enjoyed conversing with the groom's dad and sister from Iowa, and about 7pm, I realized I had to get on the road. So, I made one of the two trips I'd planned. I should've known my original itinerary was too much.
The four hour drive home felt like it took 90 minutes. It was the nicest trip home from NC I have had in years and years. What a day.
472.6 miles driven...left 915am, arrived home 1109pm. Richmond to New Bern to Richmond.
As I told my wife, as for the "ball and chain" of being petrified of being far from home, not only did I unlock the chain and walked away from that stupid ball.....I took the key, unlocked the chain, took it off my ankle, then lifted the ball with my good arm (hee) and proceeded to slam the ball into the ground, smashing it to bits.
That part of the depression recovery is DONE!!! And I made sure to take my niece aside and personally thank her for being the one responsible for this all happening. :)
There was only ONE disappointing event of the day, other than not making all hoped-for stops.
I didn't get to Smithfield BBQ (see a few posts down). But it was much more important to get to know new family members than eat hush puppies. I'll get them soon. :)
So, to Daniel and his new "Marine wife", my niece, Krista...congratulations and all the best. And lots of prayers for protection for Daniel, who returns to Al-Sadr, Iraq for another tour in February.
Then Friday night I was reminded that the best way to handle concerns, problems and insecurities was to talk about them (especially since the person involved gave me that good advice!), and it relieved worry and restored peace.
Then I woke up at 1130am Saturday and didn't have to go back to bed just hours later.
Then I slept in today to 230pm (didn't mean to sleep THAT late), then worked/enjoyed the rest of the day.
For those of you who have battled/are battling depression, you know where I've been, and some of you know where I am now. And I pray all of us, together, will, in our own journeys, be able to take off those chains and smash the balls into bits, getting another step closer to the man I'm supposed to be, and the person you're supposed to be.
1,333 days. It's over. Let's move forward. :)
Friday, January 26, 2007
BREAKTHROUGH!!!
I have SO MUCH to blog about. So, I'm gonna go to bed and rest up before I share all the good news.
That's right, "all the good news". Us depressed people ain't supposed to say that, are we? :)
That's right, "all the good news". Us depressed people ain't supposed to say that, are we? :)
Monday, January 22, 2007
"24", Day 6....10am to 11am
This won't be five-star live blogging tonight; I'm off my game, but I don't want to miss "24".
"Why do people I know keep dying?"---Chloe O'Brian
"Not after this!"---Jack Bauer
Wife notes that our friends Greta and Heidi are happy again this hour since Jack hasn't changed out of that shirt. You know, it shows off "chiseling". Wifey likes it, too, she's just kind enough not to rub it in.
"These people want to live in the Stone Age, I say let them."----Feisty Admiral
"Would you like some mineral water, Mr. Assad?"---Morris O'Brian
"How will you be putting a wire on him?"---Sandra Palmer, who is universally despised by all "24" viewers I've spoken to. Why does she want to know? Does she do wiring of suspects part-time?? She came from the same gene pool as David Palmer????
Hmmmm......finally, some background on Jack. Let's see lots more, I want to learn Jack.
SHOCKER!!!----Greg Bauer??? The baldy guy???? What???? How does Jack not know this last season? I need to look back into their interaction then.
"Whatever's going to happen next, I'm sure it'll be in another city."---Greg, evil brother of Jack.
---------------------------------------
Is it time now for our first "babe with a gun"? Or our first "Kim Bauer" be-a-like?
Is it me or is this guy in detention look, from his profile angle, just a bit like Dick Morris?
---------------------------------------
"You know that's Jack's son."----the wife
Jack never was the "house guest" type. And, Jack has many uses for cords from lamps.
"You're hurting me now!"----Greg
"Trust me, I'm not."----Jack
The President speaks..............."did the guy change the teleprompter?" (The wife).
Well, that we don't know, but we do know Jack has multiple uses for a trash bag as well.
--------------------------------------
Next hour......meet the father, wonder what sister-in-law is doing glued to the bannister, and, what'll happen to Karen.
I doubt Chloe gets time to check out The Price Is Right.
"Why do people I know keep dying?"---Chloe O'Brian
"Not after this!"---Jack Bauer
Wife notes that our friends Greta and Heidi are happy again this hour since Jack hasn't changed out of that shirt. You know, it shows off "chiseling". Wifey likes it, too, she's just kind enough not to rub it in.
"These people want to live in the Stone Age, I say let them."----Feisty Admiral
"Would you like some mineral water, Mr. Assad?"---Morris O'Brian
"How will you be putting a wire on him?"---Sandra Palmer, who is universally despised by all "24" viewers I've spoken to. Why does she want to know? Does she do wiring of suspects part-time?? She came from the same gene pool as David Palmer????
Hmmmm......finally, some background on Jack. Let's see lots more, I want to learn Jack.
SHOCKER!!!----Greg Bauer??? The baldy guy???? What???? How does Jack not know this last season? I need to look back into their interaction then.
"Whatever's going to happen next, I'm sure it'll be in another city."---Greg, evil brother of Jack.
---------------------------------------
Is it time now for our first "babe with a gun"? Or our first "Kim Bauer" be-a-like?
Is it me or is this guy in detention look, from his profile angle, just a bit like Dick Morris?
---------------------------------------
"You know that's Jack's son."----the wife
Jack never was the "house guest" type. And, Jack has many uses for cords from lamps.
"You're hurting me now!"----Greg
"Trust me, I'm not."----Jack
The President speaks..............."did the guy change the teleprompter?" (The wife).
Well, that we don't know, but we do know Jack has multiple uses for a trash bag as well.
--------------------------------------
Next hour......meet the father, wonder what sister-in-law is doing glued to the bannister, and, what'll happen to Karen.
I doubt Chloe gets time to check out The Price Is Right.
Friday, January 19, 2007
LONG LIVE SMITHFIELD BBQ!!!!!
When you come across a blog that is written not only by someone who actually knows what Smithfield BBQ is, but actually realizes it is the BEST BBQ in the history of the world, you take note!!!
So, please welcome Amy, aka Aidensmamma, as she proves she's from North Carolina. I oughta know. My mom and two siblings were born there, grandparents lived there, brother and father live there now. And, secretly, I've always wanted to live in Johnston County and work in Raleigh. :)
Click here and enjoy!!
So, please welcome Amy, aka Aidensmamma, as she proves she's from North Carolina. I oughta know. My mom and two siblings were born there, grandparents lived there, brother and father live there now. And, secretly, I've always wanted to live in Johnston County and work in Raleigh. :)
Click here and enjoy!!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
"24" in the news: the annual Muslim uprising.....
I honestly believe most Muslims in the United States do not feel to the extent that Rabiah Ahmed does.
Check out paragraph four of this article. The grocery store??? I don't remember running around Ukrops this morning trying to find an evil Muslim terrorist.
Then skip down to paragraphs eight and nine, where Fox simply makes sense in their explanation of "24" in its entirety.
Glenn Beck is so right; the best hope we have for an end to Islamic extremism is for the TRUE Islamic community to arise and take back their religion. Push the extremists exactly where they belong---first to the fringe, then over the cliff.
Then, there won't be as many concerns about TV portrayals, or taking visits around town.
AND.........for those of you people who are so hateful, biased, and stupid enough to continue to look at all Muslim-Americans as the murderer coming after you? Do this instead........
.........when you see a Muslim-American, take all your negative energy and think of Osama Bin Laden. HE'S the murderer coming after you.
Check out paragraph four of this article. The grocery store??? I don't remember running around Ukrops this morning trying to find an evil Muslim terrorist.
Then skip down to paragraphs eight and nine, where Fox simply makes sense in their explanation of "24" in its entirety.
Glenn Beck is so right; the best hope we have for an end to Islamic extremism is for the TRUE Islamic community to arise and take back their religion. Push the extremists exactly where they belong---first to the fringe, then over the cliff.
Then, there won't be as many concerns about TV portrayals, or taking visits around town.
AND.........for those of you people who are so hateful, biased, and stupid enough to continue to look at all Muslim-Americans as the murderer coming after you? Do this instead........
.........when you see a Muslim-American, take all your negative energy and think of Osama Bin Laden. HE'S the murderer coming after you.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Hours Three and Four: 8am to 10am
Well.....so far, at :18 after the hour...
1) This Palmer will negotiate with terrorists.
2) This Palmer has little sense and no backbone.
3) Jack had to get at least SOME exercise during his China excursion, though his driving skills are certainly rusty.
4) Wifey reminds me each season a "family" in typical America gets involved.
Oh, and brilliant the plan of Jack to create the fender-bender. But Assad won't make it to 9am.
8:21am---meanwhile, at Palmdale, the Gap Band is singing "Party Train" as the buses come to pick up the terrorists, ah, freedom fighters, for their field trip.
THOUGHT OUT OF NOWHERE: Why doesn't it ever rain?
8:23am---Curtis adds to fuel in Jack's mind about "can he do this anymore?" He's changed. Really changed. Jealous? Yep.
8:25am---didn't they teach "expendable teenager" not to go after terrorists with dirty dishes in middle school?
THOUGHT OUT OF NOWHERE II: For those of you who want "non-stop action", this may not top Season Five.
THOUGHT OUT OF NOWHERE III: "24" will be alot better once this road is traveled. I mean, who really IS Jack? If he doesn't know, who does? I know, I know....other than Chloe....
THOUGHT OUT OF NOWHERE IV: I could have married Chloe. She's like my wife, only my wife doesn't snarl, talks more, and gets the cutest look with her nose and eyebrows when she smiles.
COULD SOMEONE PLEASE ELIMINATE AMERICAN IDOL???
Back to work.....
Is it me or is the lady playing Sandra Palmer just bad? She sounds like she's reading cue cards!!
And I thought people were scared to come out of their homes. Why the protesters on the sidewalk chanting? Did they have the signs in mothballs just in case they needed them??
Whoa. Are we seeing a developing undercurrent of a political statement regarding civil liberties during a time of unrest? Maybe the FBI is using the old copy of the former Vice President's martial law plan from some 18-20 months ago.
It's almost 8:42.
Chloe quote: "You mean like I'm doing already?"
PREDICTION: By 9am, Assad is dead, the lead will be, too, and they'll be serving sandwiches in the Palmdale Moving Cafe.
Curtis IS doing his job. But he's not supposed to have the smirk. Hmm......
QUOTE TO REMEMBER: Jack just said, "too risky"???? More doubt.
CORRECTION: Well, there's some action after all. Nice explosion.
WIFE IS RIGHT I: Let them get on the plane, then bomb it. I agree.
QUOTE TO REMEMBER: "Their President gave in to us.", terrorist talking to Fayed, the really, really bad terrorist.
Chicken President, doubting Jack, the real President only available to hawk insurance for another season. WHAT WILL WE DO!!??!!
-----------------------
Ready to see "wussy neighbor" get tough? Well, that should be enough headbutts to the floor.
THOUGHT OUT OF NOWHERE V: C'mon, there MUST be new technology regarding computers that Jack doesn't know! Computers are revolutionized in 18 months!!
Wow! Quickest appearance by a mole in "24" history!!!!
Assad is alive, and we head for 9am.
-----------------------
Best commercial of the hour: Tostitos--"Mommy and Daddy Wrestling".
-----------------------
9am to 10am.
Lesson #1---President Palmer can say "nuclear".
QUOTE TO REMEMBER: "I don't think I'm up to it.", as well as, "I'll do my best."---Jack Bauer
On this day, Jack's best will NOT be enough.
What's Curtis gonna do to go against Jack? "What did the Chinese do to you?", he said to Jack.
Hmmmm......would you trust the last nuke built by the Soviets? Is it gonna work? Quality control? Did they have it in 1990?
Is this the FIRST PAY PHONE used on "24"? Probably not; just wondered.
Well.....Mom dialed 911 after all. "Can't say I blame her", says wifey.
CO-WORKER THOUGHT: She says the White House goes up in flames tonight. We'll see.
AGAIN----I PLEAD WITH YOU-----ELIMINATE AMERICAN IDOL!!! AAAHHHHH!!!
Trust the Ambassador? Let's talk to Jack. Let's talk to Assad. Let's see Curtis' eyes leave his head.
Now the President's sister is going berserk, and here comes goofy hubby, now killer and deliverer of all things nuclear.
Tom Lennox. Hmmm.....Tom Lennox. Remember his brief appearance last season.
Jack now goes after this season's "Beh-roos" (can't remember spelling). He's barely alive.
The address is in Valencia. Hope they pick up some fresh-tasting orange juice!!
--------------------------------------------
Okay. Rush Limbaugh says the "gosh-I-can't-believe-they-did-that-moment" at the end of this hour is the biggest of the first eight. So, hold on folks.
Well, now we know the Curtis/Assad connection, and Curtis is taking it into his own hands.
Curtis is gone. Jack now breaks. This puts him over the edge.
"I'm done."-----Jack Bauer
THAT ISN'T ALL, FOLKS. THEY WANTED THE WHITE HOUSE TO HAVE THE FEED.
WHY?
That's why.
Nothing more to blog. The last ten minutes said it all.
1) This Palmer will negotiate with terrorists.
2) This Palmer has little sense and no backbone.
3) Jack had to get at least SOME exercise during his China excursion, though his driving skills are certainly rusty.
4) Wifey reminds me each season a "family" in typical America gets involved.
Oh, and brilliant the plan of Jack to create the fender-bender. But Assad won't make it to 9am.
8:21am---meanwhile, at Palmdale, the Gap Band is singing "Party Train" as the buses come to pick up the terrorists, ah, freedom fighters, for their field trip.
THOUGHT OUT OF NOWHERE: Why doesn't it ever rain?
8:23am---Curtis adds to fuel in Jack's mind about "can he do this anymore?" He's changed. Really changed. Jealous? Yep.
8:25am---didn't they teach "expendable teenager" not to go after terrorists with dirty dishes in middle school?
THOUGHT OUT OF NOWHERE II: For those of you who want "non-stop action", this may not top Season Five.
THOUGHT OUT OF NOWHERE III: "24" will be alot better once this road is traveled. I mean, who really IS Jack? If he doesn't know, who does? I know, I know....other than Chloe....
THOUGHT OUT OF NOWHERE IV: I could have married Chloe. She's like my wife, only my wife doesn't snarl, talks more, and gets the cutest look with her nose and eyebrows when she smiles.
COULD SOMEONE PLEASE ELIMINATE AMERICAN IDOL???
Back to work.....
Is it me or is the lady playing Sandra Palmer just bad? She sounds like she's reading cue cards!!
And I thought people were scared to come out of their homes. Why the protesters on the sidewalk chanting? Did they have the signs in mothballs just in case they needed them??
Whoa. Are we seeing a developing undercurrent of a political statement regarding civil liberties during a time of unrest? Maybe the FBI is using the old copy of the former Vice President's martial law plan from some 18-20 months ago.
It's almost 8:42.
Chloe quote: "You mean like I'm doing already?"
PREDICTION: By 9am, Assad is dead, the lead will be, too, and they'll be serving sandwiches in the Palmdale Moving Cafe.
Curtis IS doing his job. But he's not supposed to have the smirk. Hmm......
QUOTE TO REMEMBER: Jack just said, "too risky"???? More doubt.
CORRECTION: Well, there's some action after all. Nice explosion.
WIFE IS RIGHT I: Let them get on the plane, then bomb it. I agree.
QUOTE TO REMEMBER: "Their President gave in to us.", terrorist talking to Fayed, the really, really bad terrorist.
Chicken President, doubting Jack, the real President only available to hawk insurance for another season. WHAT WILL WE DO!!??!!
-----------------------
Ready to see "wussy neighbor" get tough? Well, that should be enough headbutts to the floor.
THOUGHT OUT OF NOWHERE V: C'mon, there MUST be new technology regarding computers that Jack doesn't know! Computers are revolutionized in 18 months!!
Wow! Quickest appearance by a mole in "24" history!!!!
Assad is alive, and we head for 9am.
-----------------------
Best commercial of the hour: Tostitos--"Mommy and Daddy Wrestling".
-----------------------
9am to 10am.
Lesson #1---President Palmer can say "nuclear".
QUOTE TO REMEMBER: "I don't think I'm up to it.", as well as, "I'll do my best."---Jack Bauer
On this day, Jack's best will NOT be enough.
What's Curtis gonna do to go against Jack? "What did the Chinese do to you?", he said to Jack.
Hmmmm......would you trust the last nuke built by the Soviets? Is it gonna work? Quality control? Did they have it in 1990?
Is this the FIRST PAY PHONE used on "24"? Probably not; just wondered.
Well.....Mom dialed 911 after all. "Can't say I blame her", says wifey.
CO-WORKER THOUGHT: She says the White House goes up in flames tonight. We'll see.
AGAIN----I PLEAD WITH YOU-----ELIMINATE AMERICAN IDOL!!! AAAHHHHH!!!
Trust the Ambassador? Let's talk to Jack. Let's talk to Assad. Let's see Curtis' eyes leave his head.
Now the President's sister is going berserk, and here comes goofy hubby, now killer and deliverer of all things nuclear.
Tom Lennox. Hmmm.....Tom Lennox. Remember his brief appearance last season.
Jack now goes after this season's "Beh-roos" (can't remember spelling). He's barely alive.
The address is in Valencia. Hope they pick up some fresh-tasting orange juice!!
--------------------------------------------
Okay. Rush Limbaugh says the "gosh-I-can't-believe-they-did-that-moment" at the end of this hour is the biggest of the first eight. So, hold on folks.
Well, now we know the Curtis/Assad connection, and Curtis is taking it into his own hands.
Curtis is gone. Jack now breaks. This puts him over the edge.
"I'm done."-----Jack Bauer
THAT ISN'T ALL, FOLKS. THEY WANTED THE WHITE HOUSE TO HAVE THE FEED.
WHY?
That's why.
Nothing more to blog. The last ten minutes said it all.
LIVE Blogging is next!
Quick thoughts on first two hours of "24" last night:
1) Jack's return seemed overblown (size of aircraft) and even messianic (hair!), otherwise fine.
2) Line of the night: Jack Bauer, "Drop the coffee".
3) I can see how Chloe was married to the shiny one.
BIGGEST EVENT: Looks like we'll really get to see the "cerebral" Jack this season and see him (gasp) fail. He can't win every time, this isn't DC Comics. I'm chomping at the bit to see a whole new side of character development from him.
And Chloe's dressing one step closer to get Jack to fall for her!! Fact is, he already is; he's too busy to know it yet.
HERE WE GO!!
1) Jack's return seemed overblown (size of aircraft) and even messianic (hair!), otherwise fine.
2) Line of the night: Jack Bauer, "Drop the coffee".
3) I can see how Chloe was married to the shiny one.
BIGGEST EVENT: Looks like we'll really get to see the "cerebral" Jack this season and see him (gasp) fail. He can't win every time, this isn't DC Comics. I'm chomping at the bit to see a whole new side of character development from him.
And Chloe's dressing one step closer to get Jack to fall for her!! Fact is, he already is; he's too busy to know it yet.
HERE WE GO!!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Possible sponsors of tonight's season premiere of "24"....
The official "groomer" of Jack Bauer post-China.
The new "hip" vacation trip for "24" wonks who want to feel closer to Jack......
The last "hip guy" to speak softly and carry a lethal weapon....
During a local break, a guide to those who'll help you make sure your "ex" doesn't show up at the worst possible time......
Hi, I'm Jack Bauer, and whenever I save the United States, I count on these.....
...disclaimer: make sure you carry four of them to guarantee you a good day and a half of signal.
Stylish CTU leaders, even on the most trying day, look great with this accessory.....
The official wardrobe provider of Karen Hayes when she's not on duty.....
....and finally......the product that describes Curtis Manning perfectly.
Off to the "24" bash!!!
The new "hip" vacation trip for "24" wonks who want to feel closer to Jack......
The last "hip guy" to speak softly and carry a lethal weapon....
During a local break, a guide to those who'll help you make sure your "ex" doesn't show up at the worst possible time......
Hi, I'm Jack Bauer, and whenever I save the United States, I count on these.....
...disclaimer: make sure you carry four of them to guarantee you a good day and a half of signal.
Stylish CTU leaders, even on the most trying day, look great with this accessory.....
The official wardrobe provider of Karen Hayes when she's not on duty.....
....and finally......the product that describes Curtis Manning perfectly.
Off to the "24" bash!!!
Boy, this sure hit the nail on the head!
My thanks to my favorite blogger for the link to this one.....
| Your Blogging Type is Confident and Insightful |
 |
Friday, January 12, 2007
Well, Chloe fans, it didn't take THAT long for eight months to pass.....
THE weekend is finally here.
Think about it......
---excellent playoff football weekend
---maybe for you a three-day weekend (yes for my wife and kids, me? Not so much)
---and the most anticipated event of 2007 arrives.
"24" IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!
You think nearly eight months has been hard on us fans to wait, think about JACK!! He lived thru 18 months in China! Somehow I don't think we'll see pictures of him, sunglasses and sunhat on, camera around his neck, touring the Great Wall.
I hear TREMENDOUS things about what we'll see as the day unfolds. Rush Limbaugh has seen the first eight hours and says the first four will leave you shaking your head, especially hour four.
AND, I'm happy to announce that the site of last May's "24" Season 5 Finale welcomes us again to the "Season 6 Premiere" of the BEST SERIES ON TELEVISION!!!
Did I mention that "24" was the best series on TV? For my money, it's the best episodic television series EVER.
Remember, before "24", networks never dreamed of "fall finales" and "16 new episodes in a row, no repeats", as ABC is now touting with "Lost" (which they've screwed up royally, and I mean from a scheduling and promotion standpoint, I don't watch the show.)
Have a series with 24 new episodes in a row, with the season only lasting four months???
It worked.
If Kiefer fulfills all three years of his new contract, we'll end up with Season Six, then seven and eight, PLUS, don't forget there's a movie in the works.
Face it, it's the decade of JACK! Well, for most of you "24" aficionados......
For me, it's the decade of CHLOE!!!!!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------
SO.......we'll blog about the first two hours airing Sunday night before Monday night's show, then we will resume an "All Things Witham" tradition:
LIVE BLOGGING "24"!!!
Blog ya Monday, at 8p eastern.
Think about it......
---excellent playoff football weekend
---maybe for you a three-day weekend (yes for my wife and kids, me? Not so much)
---and the most anticipated event of 2007 arrives.
"24" IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!
You think nearly eight months has been hard on us fans to wait, think about JACK!! He lived thru 18 months in China! Somehow I don't think we'll see pictures of him, sunglasses and sunhat on, camera around his neck, touring the Great Wall.
I hear TREMENDOUS things about what we'll see as the day unfolds. Rush Limbaugh has seen the first eight hours and says the first four will leave you shaking your head, especially hour four.
AND, I'm happy to announce that the site of last May's "24" Season 5 Finale welcomes us again to the "Season 6 Premiere" of the BEST SERIES ON TELEVISION!!!
Did I mention that "24" was the best series on TV? For my money, it's the best episodic television series EVER.
Remember, before "24", networks never dreamed of "fall finales" and "16 new episodes in a row, no repeats", as ABC is now touting with "Lost" (which they've screwed up royally, and I mean from a scheduling and promotion standpoint, I don't watch the show.)
Have a series with 24 new episodes in a row, with the season only lasting four months???
It worked.
If Kiefer fulfills all three years of his new contract, we'll end up with Season Six, then seven and eight, PLUS, don't forget there's a movie in the works.
Face it, it's the decade of JACK! Well, for most of you "24" aficionados......
For me, it's the decade of CHLOE!!!!!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------
SO.......we'll blog about the first two hours airing Sunday night before Monday night's show, then we will resume an "All Things Witham" tradition:
LIVE BLOGGING "24"!!!
Blog ya Monday, at 8p eastern.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Political strategy in the Men's room......
So, I stop by the restroom before I leave the office tonight, and someone had left a newspaper on the floor.
Who do I see? Nancy Pelosi (plus Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid). You may insert your own joke here, I will resist the urge.
Nancy says Congress will not allow the President to send in more troops to Iraq.
Which got me to thinking......like a politican..........
The LAST thing that ANY of us should politicize is the situation in Iraq. It puts our troops in more danger, first of all, and secondly, we are talking about the most sensitive region in the world (always has been, always will be).
Will "politics" inevitably come up in a frank, honest dialogue on the subject? Sure. What I'm speaking of is "using politics to further your political career/agenda/ambitions".
So, I started thinking like a politican who only wants to look good and get re-elected.
Let's say I'm George W. Bush. I hear the cries of the new majority on Capitol Hill and say, "Okay, let's do it your way."
Bush goes to the Iraqi Prime Minister and announces that all United States military personnel will be out of Iraq no later than December 31, 2007. So, they've got a year to get their own house in order.
Now, we know the following would most likely occur:
1) Terrorists and terror sympathizers would continue their sectarian attacks and count down the days until 01/01/08. More and more Iraqis will die.
2) After January 1, 2008, when we are "gone", it's most likely that the government there now could last, say, 30 days. So therefore, all-out chaos ensues and contributes to the destabilization of an already destablized region. Plus, with no blanket protection by the U.S. and coalition forces in their way, the attacks become bombardments.
3) So, by the 2008 political conventions, it could be argued that there would be more Iraqi deaths in the chaotic first half of 2008 (as well as maybe a threatened invasion by Iran, Syria, or both) than there were in 2007, or in 2006, or in 2005, etc......when the U.S. still had a presence.
Hmmmm.....now, to score possibly debilitating points to Hillary, Barack, whoever......the GOP can, at their convention, point to the Middle East and say, "Look how all hell has broken loose since our forces left. Yes, there were big problems while we were there, but there was some level of stability. There is none now. We have the Democratic Congress to thank for our role in the year of hell that is 2008 in the Middle East."
The Dems nominee would (correctly) remind the electorate that it was the GOP that led us into Iraq in the first place (which McCain, Guliani, etc. could retort that Democrats such as Hillary Clinton and John Edwards voted for the war, too).
I don't like thinking like a political think-tank. My above logic is only trying to protect my political future, and not the deaths of innocent people.
And, oh, by the way, while we continue to disintegrate as a society pointing fingers......who's minding the store called "Friends of Israel"?
God forbid........
It's Mary Lynn! Not Chloe this time.....Mary Lynn....
I catch the start of Letterman Friday night to discover Chloe was going to be on!!
So, I waited, and she was the final segment, and certainly worth the wait. It was the first time I really got to see 100 percent Mary Lynn. Almost any other time you see her in the media, it's always wrapped up in conversation about her "24" alter-ego. Dave actually brought up things like, holidays, and her New Years Resolution. If you want to know why Dave was willing to help her fulfill the resolution immediately, click here.
I like Mary Lynn even more than I like Chloe. :) You go, girl!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I still say that when "24" finally sails off into TV history, it will include Jack and Chloe finally getting together. Imagine their children! A combination of scowl, patriotism, and the ability to break someone's fingers when necessary. Feel sorry for their schoolteachers!
Why do I insist on this? Simple, since Jack's wife died in season one, there's been no other woman he's been able to fully, fully trust. When he is in his biggest crises, he calls on who?
Chloe. Every time. Her answer to him pretty much always comes two-pronged:
1) "I don't know if I can do that, Jack!"---said in an insistent whisper, always reminding him of CTU Protocols, lack of computer availability, et al.
2) "Okay, Jack; I'll see what I can do!"---with a scowl, but a scowl filled with passion.
We are 166 hours away from season six. Whoo hoo!!!!!!
Friday, January 05, 2007
This Nation has NO immigration problem....
....it's more like how to handle a mass exodus.
I am speaking, of course, about The Raider Nation. Just a few years back, the Oakland Raiders won the AFC Championship and headed to Super Bowl XXXVII. Early on in the game, John Madden (who coached the Raiders to their first Super Bowl at Super Bowl XI), noted how uninspired the Raiders looked. "They're playing for the world championship of professional football", he said, but he was right. They just weren't there.
It didn't help that former coach Jon Gruden was the opposing coach (Tampa Bay), thus he was wise to pretty much know what the Raider game plan would be. The final? 48-21. Our second Super Bowl loss, after three wins in a row. Since then:
2003: 4-12
2004: 5-11
2005: 4-12
2006: 2-14.
Now you know why memberships to the Raider Nation, once auctioned off for thousands, can now be found at your neighborhood yard sale.
So, Art Shell is out as coach after one, ah, dismal season. The last time they finished that bad, I wasn't even alive (1962). Where do they go from here?
There's no quarterback.
There's no running back.
There are loser wide receivers who don't deserve the honor of wearing an NFL uniform.
There's no offensive line.
Now, the defense was rated #3 in the league in 2006, so we have good talent there; a mixture of young guys and vets.
Heck, I can still live with Sebastian Janikowski.....who had to be one of the more frustrated Raiders in 2006, because he doesn't get on the field until the Raiders, like, get in field goal position, or, even more unbelievably, score a touchdown (they only scored 12 the WHOLE season!) Otherwise, he gets to kickoff once at the start of either the first or third quarter, then, that's it. Hey.....maybe I can get a job like that!!
So, we have the top pick in the April NFL Draft. Some thoughts.....
1) FOR THE LOVE OF KEN STABLER, DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT DRAFT BRADY QUINN!!!
---notice how, when Notre Dame played tough competition, they not only lost, they were trounced (see Michigan, USC, and LSU the other night). He ain't got it. Period. And to think Matt Leinart was still available in round one last year, but, nnnnooooo, we couldn't pick him!!
2) SAY GOODBYE TO ANDREW WALTER AND JUSTIN FARGAS.
---Fargas isn't that impressive, and certainly is not a #1 tailback. (Now that Ladell Betts signed a five-year deal with Washington, could we trade for Clinton Portis??)
---Walter is not the QB answer. Sorry. Nice guy and hard worker, I'm sure, but I doubt anything he brought to the table this season made the remaining Raider Nation salivate for 2007 and beyond.
3) GET BACK TO THE RAIDER WAY----FIND PLAYERS WHO PLAY RAIDER FOOTBALL!!!
---People have been mistaking this for the past 15 years as "players who play Raider Football equal hoodlums". For those of us who remember the true Raider Way, we know what this REALLY means. May I present.....
---Jim Plunkett, Kenny King, Lyle Alzado, Chris Bahr, Bob Chandler, Raymond Chester, Rich Gannon, Ted Hendricks, Jerry Rice, Bill Romanowski......heck, the best current receiver on the team, Ronald Curry, fits this category.
Real Raider fans know where I'm going. We go get the guys other people think are either washed up, have hit the apex of their career, or just plain old "won't make it in the NFL".
Jim Plunkett......very disappointing years in New England and San Francisco. Injuries, interceptions, etc. San Francisco cut him before the 1978 season. He caught on with Oakland, and rode the bench as insurance for Dan Pastorini.
Dan breaks his leg in the fifth game of the 1980 season, Plunkett takes over, and his last game that year was a victory in Super Bowl XV. Three years later, he wins the Super Bowl again. Jim Plunkett defines a "real Raider".
Add these to some deft draft choices over the years (though except for the past few years), mainly in the AFL days thru the 1980's, and you see why the Raiders were always near the top.
Oh, and Ronald Curry. I know a thing or two about him. Comes from Virginia. Played college football as a quarterback for North Carolina. When Curry was coming out of high school in Southeast Virginia, he got ALL the press. This other quarterback coming out around the same time from the same area, a guy named Michael Vick, got little attention.
Curry's stock plummeted; the Raiders picked him in round seven in 2002. He moves from return man, to wide receiver, thru an injury, and now, arguably, the best receiver on the team.
WHAT??? WHAT ABOUT RANDY MOSS??? Randy Moss doesn't play football. He is a guy filling an NFL uniform who doesn't deserve to. You play 24/7 as an NFL player, or you go to work at the local plant. Bravo to Ronald Curry for NOT giving up, especially after having so much attention fawned upon him so young.
----------------------------------------------------------------
In closing.....
1) If you can't pry Russ Grimm from Pittsburgh, promote Rob Ryan, the defensive coordinator, who has crafted that side of the ball to near the top of NFL statistics. They say Al Davis loves to hire "offensive-minded" head coaches. His last choice from the defensive side? Some guy named John Madden.
2) Take JaMarcus Russell as your QB of the future (LSU), coming from the same mold of Steve McNair and, now, Vince Young.
3) If you trade the number one pick, you better get three great picks in return, plus a quality offensive lineman and a third-down back.
4) Memorize the waiver wire and free agent lists post-draft, and FIND SOME RAIDER PLAYERS!! First priority------offensive linemen.
Otherwise, who's gonna protect JaMarcus Russell?
I'm not leaving the Raider Nation---after 32 years as a member, I have tenure. :)
I am speaking, of course, about The Raider Nation. Just a few years back, the Oakland Raiders won the AFC Championship and headed to Super Bowl XXXVII. Early on in the game, John Madden (who coached the Raiders to their first Super Bowl at Super Bowl XI), noted how uninspired the Raiders looked. "They're playing for the world championship of professional football", he said, but he was right. They just weren't there.
It didn't help that former coach Jon Gruden was the opposing coach (Tampa Bay), thus he was wise to pretty much know what the Raider game plan would be. The final? 48-21. Our second Super Bowl loss, after three wins in a row. Since then:
2003: 4-12
2004: 5-11
2005: 4-12
2006: 2-14.
Now you know why memberships to the Raider Nation, once auctioned off for thousands, can now be found at your neighborhood yard sale.
So, Art Shell is out as coach after one, ah, dismal season. The last time they finished that bad, I wasn't even alive (1962). Where do they go from here?
There's no quarterback.
There's no running back.
There are loser wide receivers who don't deserve the honor of wearing an NFL uniform.
There's no offensive line.
Now, the defense was rated #3 in the league in 2006, so we have good talent there; a mixture of young guys and vets.
Heck, I can still live with Sebastian Janikowski.....who had to be one of the more frustrated Raiders in 2006, because he doesn't get on the field until the Raiders, like, get in field goal position, or, even more unbelievably, score a touchdown (they only scored 12 the WHOLE season!) Otherwise, he gets to kickoff once at the start of either the first or third quarter, then, that's it. Hey.....maybe I can get a job like that!!
So, we have the top pick in the April NFL Draft. Some thoughts.....
1) FOR THE LOVE OF KEN STABLER, DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT DRAFT BRADY QUINN!!!
---notice how, when Notre Dame played tough competition, they not only lost, they were trounced (see Michigan, USC, and LSU the other night). He ain't got it. Period. And to think Matt Leinart was still available in round one last year, but, nnnnooooo, we couldn't pick him!!
2) SAY GOODBYE TO ANDREW WALTER AND JUSTIN FARGAS.
---Fargas isn't that impressive, and certainly is not a #1 tailback. (Now that Ladell Betts signed a five-year deal with Washington, could we trade for Clinton Portis??)
---Walter is not the QB answer. Sorry. Nice guy and hard worker, I'm sure, but I doubt anything he brought to the table this season made the remaining Raider Nation salivate for 2007 and beyond.
3) GET BACK TO THE RAIDER WAY----FIND PLAYERS WHO PLAY RAIDER FOOTBALL!!!
---People have been mistaking this for the past 15 years as "players who play Raider Football equal hoodlums". For those of us who remember the true Raider Way, we know what this REALLY means. May I present.....
---Jim Plunkett, Kenny King, Lyle Alzado, Chris Bahr, Bob Chandler, Raymond Chester, Rich Gannon, Ted Hendricks, Jerry Rice, Bill Romanowski......heck, the best current receiver on the team, Ronald Curry, fits this category.
Real Raider fans know where I'm going. We go get the guys other people think are either washed up, have hit the apex of their career, or just plain old "won't make it in the NFL".
Jim Plunkett......very disappointing years in New England and San Francisco. Injuries, interceptions, etc. San Francisco cut him before the 1978 season. He caught on with Oakland, and rode the bench as insurance for Dan Pastorini.
Dan breaks his leg in the fifth game of the 1980 season, Plunkett takes over, and his last game that year was a victory in Super Bowl XV. Three years later, he wins the Super Bowl again. Jim Plunkett defines a "real Raider".
Add these to some deft draft choices over the years (though except for the past few years), mainly in the AFL days thru the 1980's, and you see why the Raiders were always near the top.
Oh, and Ronald Curry. I know a thing or two about him. Comes from Virginia. Played college football as a quarterback for North Carolina. When Curry was coming out of high school in Southeast Virginia, he got ALL the press. This other quarterback coming out around the same time from the same area, a guy named Michael Vick, got little attention.
Curry's stock plummeted; the Raiders picked him in round seven in 2002. He moves from return man, to wide receiver, thru an injury, and now, arguably, the best receiver on the team.
WHAT??? WHAT ABOUT RANDY MOSS??? Randy Moss doesn't play football. He is a guy filling an NFL uniform who doesn't deserve to. You play 24/7 as an NFL player, or you go to work at the local plant. Bravo to Ronald Curry for NOT giving up, especially after having so much attention fawned upon him so young.
----------------------------------------------------------------
In closing.....
1) If you can't pry Russ Grimm from Pittsburgh, promote Rob Ryan, the defensive coordinator, who has crafted that side of the ball to near the top of NFL statistics. They say Al Davis loves to hire "offensive-minded" head coaches. His last choice from the defensive side? Some guy named John Madden.
2) Take JaMarcus Russell as your QB of the future (LSU), coming from the same mold of Steve McNair and, now, Vince Young.
3) If you trade the number one pick, you better get three great picks in return, plus a quality offensive lineman and a third-down back.
4) Memorize the waiver wire and free agent lists post-draft, and FIND SOME RAIDER PLAYERS!! First priority------offensive linemen.
Otherwise, who's gonna protect JaMarcus Russell?
I'm not leaving the Raider Nation---after 32 years as a member, I have tenure. :)
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Boise State, Baby!!!
Man! I had no idea how the Fiesta Bowl ended last night until I saw the 6pm news.
Hook and Ladder?
Statue of Liberty play?
Go for two instead of one?
When's the last time you saw a hook and ladder work? Tony Nathan in the Miami/San Diego epic playoff battle in 1981? Probably so.
Can't believe OU didn't smell that when they passed the ball down the middle.
The Statue of Liberty play was just beyond an awesome call.
Oh, and a player proposed to his cheerleader sweetheart live on Fox in the post-game. Pretty cool. :)
NOTE THIS BCS!!!!!-----Boise State should finish NO LOWER than #2 in any and all polls! Winner of OSU/Florida will get #1 (though if it's Florida, let the speculation begin!), the loser should go to #3, or below if Florida gets destroyed.
NOW CAN WE HAVE A 16-TEAM PLAYOFF?????
Hook and Ladder?
Statue of Liberty play?
Go for two instead of one?
When's the last time you saw a hook and ladder work? Tony Nathan in the Miami/San Diego epic playoff battle in 1981? Probably so.
Can't believe OU didn't smell that when they passed the ball down the middle.
The Statue of Liberty play was just beyond an awesome call.
Oh, and a player proposed to his cheerleader sweetheart live on Fox in the post-game. Pretty cool. :)
NOTE THIS BCS!!!!!-----Boise State should finish NO LOWER than #2 in any and all polls! Winner of OSU/Florida will get #1 (though if it's Florida, let the speculation begin!), the loser should go to #3, or below if Florida gets destroyed.
NOW CAN WE HAVE A 16-TEAM PLAYOFF?????
Editor's Note: New Year's Eve UPDATED
I egregiously left out a major event of 2006.
Please note the 12/31 entry is edited to reflect wifey's 40th birthday celebration, coming in at #3 in the Top 5 of 2006.
Yikes! Sorry.
Please note the 12/31 entry is edited to reflect wifey's 40th birthday celebration, coming in at #3 in the Top 5 of 2006.
Yikes! Sorry.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
All Things Witham: 2006 in the Witham Nation
Good news!
No broken bones.
No unscheduled hospital trips.
No major hurricanes.
No blizzards.
No rationing of Mountain Dew needed.
It's always good to start a year in review blog entry with some good news.
Now for reality. Hee hee.....
I'm not purposely going for chronological order; I'm too old to remember that stuff now. :)
January began with change. No, really, I mean it! We switched around our cubicles in our office (there are four of us, and three switched; one remained stationary), and it ended up being one of the toughest psychological battles of the year, for several reasons. As of now, I'm still not totally comfortable there, but it's much better than 12 months ago.
The New York Giants received a home version of the NFL Playoffs when Carolina promptly ran them off the field. The Colts choked again.
But just when you needed an emotional boost, it was the return of one of the five things I live for:
"24"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More shortly.
Finishing 2006 on the job, it was the first year since 1986 where I only held one job the entire calendar year. Good thing, because work at work is, well, always piling up. One of my employees saw her position eliminated, and we had a late year change in my department; I'm very excited about the person taking over the post. OH!!! I took a full week of vacation without going into the station in six years! I was getting used to that "vacation" stuff, I highly recommend it!!
2006 in sports saw the aforemention Giants dismissal, followed by two teams showing up this fall; one who wins, and one that implodes. They've backed into the playoffs and I'm sure Philadelphia will take care of them once and for all.
The Super Bowl was a bore. Totally. Halftime, too. I cannot stand the Rolling Stones.
NC State had their usual season, at least getting into the NCAA Tournament. After so many years NOT making the tourney in the 90's, I'll take a trip to the Dance anytime! They bowed out after a second round loss. Then Herb went west, several people snubbed the Pack, before they went old school and chose Sidney Lowe to be coach. FINALLY----a connection to the glory days of Jimmy V.
Oh, and two words describe March Madness.........GEORGE MASON??
The win against UConn in the Regional Final was my number two favorite game of all-time in the NCAA Tourney, behind, of course, the '83 Final. "THEY WON IT!! ON THE DUNK!"
Peter Angelos still owns the Orioles, so we'll skip baseball. We made it to one Richmond Braves game; the team's future being a big area story in 2006, when we heard of 4, 377 possible places to build a new stadium to keep the R-Braves, all of which stunk.....until someone finally realized that building/refurbishing at/near the current facility, combined with revitalization of that neighborhood, could end up making the baseball park the centerpiece of a new area of sports, bars, restaurants, parking, et al......so a night at the park could be an "experience".
The BEST sports event of 2006, without a doubt: "The Carolina Hurricanes Have Won The Stanley Cup!!!!!" What a ride; especially the finals against Edmonton. I was livid after they gave away Game 5 at home, and didn't show up for Game 6. But, when I was very shaky about their hopes, their came through in Game 7. The Cup's in Carolina! Whoo hoo!!!
Then it was wait for Football Training Camp, POF and Patrick Henry Football broadcasts! PH finishes 8-2, losing to Hermitage 41-14 in the final game, costing them a playoff berth. The Deep Run game was by far the best game of the year, with it ending the same, yet exactly the mirror image, of their 2005 game. The home team won in the first OT session, when the visiting team was stopped attempting a two-point conversion to win the game.
2005: Patrick Henry 20, Deep Run 19
2006: Deep Run 21, Patrick Henry 20
AND......CURLING at the Winter Olympics! Had it on TV every day at work, and even got a co-worker interested when he realized the women curlers are babes!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Television played a bigger role in our house in 2006 than maybe in any year since we got married. Wifey became "the easily addicted drama watcher". Dad endured the following:
Lost, Invasion, Greys Anatomy, Numb3rs, Psych and Heroes.
Dad accepted: Monk, Desperate Housewives, The 4400, NCIS, and The Unit.
Then Dad saw Mom get into: CSI and CSI: Miami; Vanished, and Standoff.
Dad enjoyed sharing in: Gilmore Girls, The Dead Zone.
Dad thoroughly enjoyed: The Closer. Easily my second favorite "show" (news and sports not included) on TV behind............
MOM AND DAD'S ONE TV APPOINTMENT: Jack Bauer, Chloe, CTU, and the gang. "24"!!!!
After season four ended with Jack walking away into the sunrise having to shed his very identity, we wondered how in the world the producers would top it. No problem, as we quickly found out.
One complaint: Frank Flynn resumed being Jack Bauer much, much too quickly. Other than that, it's hard to find flaws.
Plus, I will, for once, feed my ego, for suggesting the return of the Chinese, which indeed came to pass at the end of the 24 hours. The last scene of season five was exactly what I thought the last scene of season four was going to be!!
Now, a quick look ahead:
--President Palmer's brother will now be President. He's bad news now. I still say HE was the one who outed Jack; NO ONE ELSE was in the hotel room when he perfectly positioned his brother, David, at the window where he could be assassinated by a sniper.
--I hope it takes at least three or four hours for Jack to get back on American soil; as well as find a Gillette.
--And I STILL SAY, at whatever season they decide to wrap it up.....Jack and Chloe must get together. Period.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robbie's 2006: He finishes middle school (already??!!?), enjoys another choral field trip to Busch Gardens, starts playing at the weekly Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments at Books-A-Million, and starts high school. (High School??!!??) He turns 14, has some lady friends, and got maybe his favorite Christmas present ever when he and I went to the WWE Armageddon pay-per-view LIVE here in Richmond earlier this month.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rachel's 2006: Finished third grade (her hardest year yet); started fourth grade (she likes!.....except for some classmates who don't like her/it's more like they're jealous), had the flu at the same time as Mom, was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder in April after having MAJOR separation issues from Mom after returning to school. Spends mucho time with her cousins, has one spend the night almost every Friday night. Is in love with Howie Mandel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 will be remembered for:
---The Go-Go's Concert, May 15th; Rachel and I went and I had no voice!! Couldn't holla! What a great show!
---Mom's Caribbean Cruise, November 9th thru 18th. Me and the kids experiencing lots of "missing Mom". VERY happy to see her at the airport terminal late that Friday night, home safe.
---Getting a sneak peak of "Happy Feet" while Mom was gone.
---The Match Game Hour, 11 to midnight on GSN.
---Letterman, Rupert G, and, of course, "Will It Float?" Best hometown newspaper blooper, in a supermarket ad......."Boneless Bananas, 10 lbs for $1.00".
---Play-mania debuting on GSN (I LOVE MEL!!!)
---Waking up to Fox and Friends, not the radio, for the 2nd year in a row.
---Mom's Ob-Gyn procedure in November, followed by Lap-Band Surgery in December.
---Dad? Who's Dad? He works or sleeps!
---The "heat" of the summer, discovering our HVAC is too small to cool the house on a 95 degree day. Two window unit air conditioners, anyone?
---Summer #7 of the backyard pool.
---Getting to know the first shift workers at Ukrops.
---Getting to know the second shift workers at McDonalds.
---Surviving "Eliott Yamin" mania, when, not only do my co-workers in the office go ga-ga for him, HE COMES TO THE RADIO STATION one day and we're given specific instructions where we can and cannot be while he's there. I just went in the back room, went to my office, and hoped it was okay to run 10 feet down the hall to the kitchenette to get a plastic fork.
---The second time he came, this past fall, nobody noticed. But I did see him.
---Learning how to communicate via email/phone messages when work prevents you from getting to talk with your friend.
---Yes.....lots of weekend sleeping.
---A trip to Busch Gardens to meet Seka and friends.
---Dad shocks the world and takes the kids to Busch Gardens one nice August day without Mom, and without Mom even knowing it!!!
---Rachel has a piano recital and begins her second year of lessons. Watch out Van Cliburn!!!
---Our summer trip to Monticello.
---The kitties are definitely full-grown cats.
---Listening to CD's in the car rather than Richmond radio.
---Goodbye to my Cougar. My last drive: March 9, 2006, coming home from work on a cold night with the broken drivers-side window all the way down.
---Hello, Ford Windstar! I acquire it when Mom buys a conversion van, since she may have up to five kids with her on any given day.
---The Brick Oven Bistro.
---They go in the Ashland Wal-Mart, I sit in the van. :)
---Watching the entire Indy 500 for the first time in ages! See what Danica Patrick does to me?
---A car crashing into the Wonder Bread store on Staples Mill. Front windows and door destroyed; first row of bread still perfectly stacked.
---Tropical Storm Ernesto. Lots of rain, no repeat of Gaston, but Battery Park got nailed. A sad scene for so many residents.
---No snow. The only significant snow of last winter was in December of '05.
---Mom and the kids' holiday weekend trip to see Mom's best friend Stephanie outside of Greensboro, NC.
---Low key Thanksgiving and Christmas!
---Thank you, Dr. Buxton!
---Goodbye to Crown Gas Stations.
---Citgo equals Hugo Chavez. No more stops at Citgo.
---$3 per gallon for awhile. Currently $2.17. $1.49? Never again.
---Katie Couric took my job as anchor of the CBS Evening News.
---Church family reunions at a couples' dinner, the "24" finale party, and church on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
---Mom's annual "if at first you don't like the way you rearrange the great room, rearrange it again!"
---Glenn Beck's new TV show.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 2006, we said goodbye to :
Gerald Ford (38th President of the United States)
Paul Lindblad (1970s pitcher--Kansas City Royals)
Lou Rawls (You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine)
Don Stewart (Guiding Light's Mike Bauer)
Jack Snow (LA Rams wide receiver, then broadcaster)
Ron Jessie (NFL wide receiver)
Marc Potvin (NHL player)
Shelley Winters (The Poseidon Adventure)
Wilson Pickett (singer)
Gene McFadden (Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now)
Coretta Scott King (widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Darren McGavin (Kolchak: The Night Stalker)
Don Knotts (Barney Fife)
Dennis Weaver (McCloud)
Anthony Burger (Southern Gospel pianist, toured with Bill Gaither)
Curt Gowdy (what sport did he not call??)
Johnny Grunge (WCW's Public Enemy)
Al Lewis (Grandpa Munster)
Caspar Weinberger (Secretary of Defense under Reagan)
Lyn Nofziger (Press Secretary under Reagan)
Buck Owens (Hee Haw, Saturdays at 7pm on Channel 6)
Ray Meyer (DePaul Basketball Coach)
Maureen Stapleton (actress)
Peter Tomarken (No Whammies, Big Bucks, STOP!!)
Boom Boom Geoffrion (Montreal Canadiens star, Lite Beer ad fame)
Kirby Puckett (and we'll see you tomorrow night!)
Dana Reeve (husband of the late Christopher Reeve)
Steve Howe (LA Dodger pitcher)
Zola Levitt (Messianic Jewish broadcaster)
June Pointer (The Pointer Sisters)
Steve Mizerak (pool champion, Lite Beer ad alumnus)
Craig "Ironhead" Heyward (NFL Fullback)
Lloyd Bentsen (Senator, Dukakis running-mate in 1988)
Dan Ross (Cincinnati Bengals tight end; scored in Super Bowl XVI)
Johnnie Wilder, Jr. (founder of Heatwave..."Boogie Nights", "Grooveline")
Floyd Patterson (world heavyweight boxing champion)
Earl Woods (Tiger's dad and mentor)
Aaron Spelling (Ladies? Hi, Charlie!)
Billy Preston (Nothing From Nothing.....)
Red Buttons (The Poseidon Adventure)
June Allyson (The Glenn Miller Story; Depends commercials)
Jan Murray (game shows)
Glenn Ford (actor)
Bruce Gary (drummer for The Knack)
Mike Douglas (talk show host)
Bob Thaves (Frank and Ernest)
Craig Kusick (Minnesota Twins 1st Baseman)
Byron Nelson (PGA Golfing legend)
Ann Richards (thorn in George Bush's silver foot)
Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter)
Bob Mathias (Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist)
Red Auerbach (THE Boston Celtics)
Marijohn Wilkin (wrote "One Day at a Time")
Joe Niekro (pitcher, Phil's brother)
Sandy West (The Runaways)
Jane Wyatt (Father Knows Best)
Don Christensen (cartoonist)
Christopher Glenn (CBS Radio and "In The News")
Freddy Fender (Tex-Mex singer)
Johnny Callison (Philadelphia Phillies)
Cory Lidle (Yankees pitcher, NYC plane crash)
Ivan Murrell (MLB Outfielder with Padres, Astros, Braves)
Buck O'Neil (Negro League star; ambassador)
Pat Dobson (Orioles 20-win pitcher)
Bo Schembechler (Michigan Football Coach)
Tiger Conway (Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling)
Gerald Levert (R&B Singer)
Jack Palance (Oscar-winning actor)
Ed Bradley (CBS News; 60 Minutes)
Johnny Sain (Spahn and Sain and pray for rain!)
Paul Mauriat (Love Is Blue musician)
Saddam Hussein (evil)
Chris Brown (MLB player 1980's)
Jose Uribe (MLB player 1980's; teammate of Brown)
James Brown (Get in the hot tub!)
Joe Barbera (Hanna-Barbera)
Larry Sherry (LA Dodger pitcher)
---------------------------we interrupt at 11:59pm.........
The ball is dropping, Cody is joining me, Robbie's in his room, Uncle Frank's out, and it's 2007!!!
The Year of "40" has arrived. Where's the Metamucil? Where's the Depends? Somebody run to Wal-Mart! I need Geritol!!
---------------------------------------------------------
We continue......
Don Jardine (Destroyer/Super Destroyer, Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling)
Mike Evans (Lionel Jefferson)
Lamar Hunt (owned KC Chiefs, began AFL, named Super Bowl "Super Bowl")
Peter Boyle (puttin' on the ritz!---Young Frankenstein)
Jeane Kirkpatrick (former UN Ambassador)
Andra Franklin (NFL Running Back--Miami Dolphins)
Lloyd Wright
Roger Hedgepeth
---------------------------------------------------------------------
And, in closing, the five top events of 2006:
5) WWE Armageddon----Dad and Robbie's first-ever live wrestling show.
4) Season Five of "24"----provided great fun w/wifey, and a great email discussion group every Tuesday morning!
3) Mom's 40th birthday; featuring surprise party and surprise from Dad. :)
2) The Go-Go's; Live at Innsbrook on May 15th. Rachel and I go "Head Over Heals" for the fab five!
1) Mommy's LapBand Surgery, setting up a healthy future for her, and radical life changes in the Witham Nation.
Happy 2007 everybody!
The year of "40".
WHY ISN'T THE GERITOL HERE YET?????
No broken bones.
No unscheduled hospital trips.
No major hurricanes.
No blizzards.
No rationing of Mountain Dew needed.
It's always good to start a year in review blog entry with some good news.
Now for reality. Hee hee.....
I'm not purposely going for chronological order; I'm too old to remember that stuff now. :)
January began with change. No, really, I mean it! We switched around our cubicles in our office (there are four of us, and three switched; one remained stationary), and it ended up being one of the toughest psychological battles of the year, for several reasons. As of now, I'm still not totally comfortable there, but it's much better than 12 months ago.
The New York Giants received a home version of the NFL Playoffs when Carolina promptly ran them off the field. The Colts choked again.
But just when you needed an emotional boost, it was the return of one of the five things I live for:
"24"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More shortly.
Finishing 2006 on the job, it was the first year since 1986 where I only held one job the entire calendar year. Good thing, because work at work is, well, always piling up. One of my employees saw her position eliminated, and we had a late year change in my department; I'm very excited about the person taking over the post. OH!!! I took a full week of vacation without going into the station in six years! I was getting used to that "vacation" stuff, I highly recommend it!!
2006 in sports saw the aforemention Giants dismissal, followed by two teams showing up this fall; one who wins, and one that implodes. They've backed into the playoffs and I'm sure Philadelphia will take care of them once and for all.
The Super Bowl was a bore. Totally. Halftime, too. I cannot stand the Rolling Stones.
NC State had their usual season, at least getting into the NCAA Tournament. After so many years NOT making the tourney in the 90's, I'll take a trip to the Dance anytime! They bowed out after a second round loss. Then Herb went west, several people snubbed the Pack, before they went old school and chose Sidney Lowe to be coach. FINALLY----a connection to the glory days of Jimmy V.
Oh, and two words describe March Madness.........GEORGE MASON??
The win against UConn in the Regional Final was my number two favorite game of all-time in the NCAA Tourney, behind, of course, the '83 Final. "THEY WON IT!! ON THE DUNK!"
Peter Angelos still owns the Orioles, so we'll skip baseball. We made it to one Richmond Braves game; the team's future being a big area story in 2006, when we heard of 4, 377 possible places to build a new stadium to keep the R-Braves, all of which stunk.....until someone finally realized that building/refurbishing at/near the current facility, combined with revitalization of that neighborhood, could end up making the baseball park the centerpiece of a new area of sports, bars, restaurants, parking, et al......so a night at the park could be an "experience".
The BEST sports event of 2006, without a doubt: "The Carolina Hurricanes Have Won The Stanley Cup!!!!!" What a ride; especially the finals against Edmonton. I was livid after they gave away Game 5 at home, and didn't show up for Game 6. But, when I was very shaky about their hopes, their came through in Game 7. The Cup's in Carolina! Whoo hoo!!!
Then it was wait for Football Training Camp, POF and Patrick Henry Football broadcasts! PH finishes 8-2, losing to Hermitage 41-14 in the final game, costing them a playoff berth. The Deep Run game was by far the best game of the year, with it ending the same, yet exactly the mirror image, of their 2005 game. The home team won in the first OT session, when the visiting team was stopped attempting a two-point conversion to win the game.
2005: Patrick Henry 20, Deep Run 19
2006: Deep Run 21, Patrick Henry 20
AND......CURLING at the Winter Olympics! Had it on TV every day at work, and even got a co-worker interested when he realized the women curlers are babes!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Television played a bigger role in our house in 2006 than maybe in any year since we got married. Wifey became "the easily addicted drama watcher". Dad endured the following:
Lost, Invasion, Greys Anatomy, Numb3rs, Psych and Heroes.
Dad accepted: Monk, Desperate Housewives, The 4400, NCIS, and The Unit.
Then Dad saw Mom get into: CSI and CSI: Miami; Vanished, and Standoff.
Dad enjoyed sharing in: Gilmore Girls, The Dead Zone.
Dad thoroughly enjoyed: The Closer. Easily my second favorite "show" (news and sports not included) on TV behind............
MOM AND DAD'S ONE TV APPOINTMENT: Jack Bauer, Chloe, CTU, and the gang. "24"!!!!
After season four ended with Jack walking away into the sunrise having to shed his very identity, we wondered how in the world the producers would top it. No problem, as we quickly found out.
One complaint: Frank Flynn resumed being Jack Bauer much, much too quickly. Other than that, it's hard to find flaws.
Plus, I will, for once, feed my ego, for suggesting the return of the Chinese, which indeed came to pass at the end of the 24 hours. The last scene of season five was exactly what I thought the last scene of season four was going to be!!
Now, a quick look ahead:
--President Palmer's brother will now be President. He's bad news now. I still say HE was the one who outed Jack; NO ONE ELSE was in the hotel room when he perfectly positioned his brother, David, at the window where he could be assassinated by a sniper.
--I hope it takes at least three or four hours for Jack to get back on American soil; as well as find a Gillette.
--And I STILL SAY, at whatever season they decide to wrap it up.....Jack and Chloe must get together. Period.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robbie's 2006: He finishes middle school (already??!!?), enjoys another choral field trip to Busch Gardens, starts playing at the weekly Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments at Books-A-Million, and starts high school. (High School??!!??) He turns 14, has some lady friends, and got maybe his favorite Christmas present ever when he and I went to the WWE Armageddon pay-per-view LIVE here in Richmond earlier this month.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rachel's 2006: Finished third grade (her hardest year yet); started fourth grade (she likes!.....except for some classmates who don't like her/it's more like they're jealous), had the flu at the same time as Mom, was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder in April after having MAJOR separation issues from Mom after returning to school. Spends mucho time with her cousins, has one spend the night almost every Friday night. Is in love with Howie Mandel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 will be remembered for:
---The Go-Go's Concert, May 15th; Rachel and I went and I had no voice!! Couldn't holla! What a great show!
---Mom's Caribbean Cruise, November 9th thru 18th. Me and the kids experiencing lots of "missing Mom". VERY happy to see her at the airport terminal late that Friday night, home safe.
---Getting a sneak peak of "Happy Feet" while Mom was gone.
---The Match Game Hour, 11 to midnight on GSN.
---Letterman, Rupert G, and, of course, "Will It Float?" Best hometown newspaper blooper, in a supermarket ad......."Boneless Bananas, 10 lbs for $1.00".
---Play-mania debuting on GSN (I LOVE MEL!!!)
---Waking up to Fox and Friends, not the radio, for the 2nd year in a row.
---Mom's Ob-Gyn procedure in November, followed by Lap-Band Surgery in December.
---Dad? Who's Dad? He works or sleeps!
---The "heat" of the summer, discovering our HVAC is too small to cool the house on a 95 degree day. Two window unit air conditioners, anyone?
---Summer #7 of the backyard pool.
---Getting to know the first shift workers at Ukrops.
---Getting to know the second shift workers at McDonalds.
---Surviving "Eliott Yamin" mania, when, not only do my co-workers in the office go ga-ga for him, HE COMES TO THE RADIO STATION one day and we're given specific instructions where we can and cannot be while he's there. I just went in the back room, went to my office, and hoped it was okay to run 10 feet down the hall to the kitchenette to get a plastic fork.
---The second time he came, this past fall, nobody noticed. But I did see him.
---Learning how to communicate via email/phone messages when work prevents you from getting to talk with your friend.
---Yes.....lots of weekend sleeping.
---A trip to Busch Gardens to meet Seka and friends.
---Dad shocks the world and takes the kids to Busch Gardens one nice August day without Mom, and without Mom even knowing it!!!
---Rachel has a piano recital and begins her second year of lessons. Watch out Van Cliburn!!!
---Our summer trip to Monticello.
---The kitties are definitely full-grown cats.
---Listening to CD's in the car rather than Richmond radio.
---Goodbye to my Cougar. My last drive: March 9, 2006, coming home from work on a cold night with the broken drivers-side window all the way down.
---Hello, Ford Windstar! I acquire it when Mom buys a conversion van, since she may have up to five kids with her on any given day.
---The Brick Oven Bistro.
---They go in the Ashland Wal-Mart, I sit in the van. :)
---Watching the entire Indy 500 for the first time in ages! See what Danica Patrick does to me?
---A car crashing into the Wonder Bread store on Staples Mill. Front windows and door destroyed; first row of bread still perfectly stacked.
---Tropical Storm Ernesto. Lots of rain, no repeat of Gaston, but Battery Park got nailed. A sad scene for so many residents.
---No snow. The only significant snow of last winter was in December of '05.
---Mom and the kids' holiday weekend trip to see Mom's best friend Stephanie outside of Greensboro, NC.
---Low key Thanksgiving and Christmas!
---Thank you, Dr. Buxton!
---Goodbye to Crown Gas Stations.
---Citgo equals Hugo Chavez. No more stops at Citgo.
---$3 per gallon for awhile. Currently $2.17. $1.49? Never again.
---Katie Couric took my job as anchor of the CBS Evening News.
---Church family reunions at a couples' dinner, the "24" finale party, and church on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
---Mom's annual "if at first you don't like the way you rearrange the great room, rearrange it again!"
---Glenn Beck's new TV show.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 2006, we said goodbye to :
Gerald Ford (38th President of the United States)
Paul Lindblad (1970s pitcher--Kansas City Royals)
Lou Rawls (You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine)
Don Stewart (Guiding Light's Mike Bauer)
Jack Snow (LA Rams wide receiver, then broadcaster)
Ron Jessie (NFL wide receiver)
Marc Potvin (NHL player)
Shelley Winters (The Poseidon Adventure)
Wilson Pickett (singer)
Gene McFadden (Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now)
Coretta Scott King (widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Darren McGavin (Kolchak: The Night Stalker)
Don Knotts (Barney Fife)
Dennis Weaver (McCloud)
Anthony Burger (Southern Gospel pianist, toured with Bill Gaither)
Curt Gowdy (what sport did he not call??)
Johnny Grunge (WCW's Public Enemy)
Al Lewis (Grandpa Munster)
Caspar Weinberger (Secretary of Defense under Reagan)
Lyn Nofziger (Press Secretary under Reagan)
Buck Owens (Hee Haw, Saturdays at 7pm on Channel 6)
Ray Meyer (DePaul Basketball Coach)
Maureen Stapleton (actress)
Peter Tomarken (No Whammies, Big Bucks, STOP!!)
Boom Boom Geoffrion (Montreal Canadiens star, Lite Beer ad fame)
Kirby Puckett (and we'll see you tomorrow night!)
Dana Reeve (husband of the late Christopher Reeve)
Steve Howe (LA Dodger pitcher)
Zola Levitt (Messianic Jewish broadcaster)
June Pointer (The Pointer Sisters)
Steve Mizerak (pool champion, Lite Beer ad alumnus)
Craig "Ironhead" Heyward (NFL Fullback)
Lloyd Bentsen (Senator, Dukakis running-mate in 1988)
Dan Ross (Cincinnati Bengals tight end; scored in Super Bowl XVI)
Johnnie Wilder, Jr. (founder of Heatwave..."Boogie Nights", "Grooveline")
Floyd Patterson (world heavyweight boxing champion)
Earl Woods (Tiger's dad and mentor)
Aaron Spelling (Ladies? Hi, Charlie!)
Billy Preston (Nothing From Nothing.....)
Red Buttons (The Poseidon Adventure)
June Allyson (The Glenn Miller Story; Depends commercials)
Jan Murray (game shows)
Glenn Ford (actor)
Bruce Gary (drummer for The Knack)
Mike Douglas (talk show host)
Bob Thaves (Frank and Ernest)
Craig Kusick (Minnesota Twins 1st Baseman)
Byron Nelson (PGA Golfing legend)
Ann Richards (thorn in George Bush's silver foot)
Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter)
Bob Mathias (Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist)
Red Auerbach (THE Boston Celtics)
Marijohn Wilkin (wrote "One Day at a Time")
Joe Niekro (pitcher, Phil's brother)
Sandy West (The Runaways)
Jane Wyatt (Father Knows Best)
Don Christensen (cartoonist)
Christopher Glenn (CBS Radio and "In The News")
Freddy Fender (Tex-Mex singer)
Johnny Callison (Philadelphia Phillies)
Cory Lidle (Yankees pitcher, NYC plane crash)
Ivan Murrell (MLB Outfielder with Padres, Astros, Braves)
Buck O'Neil (Negro League star; ambassador)
Pat Dobson (Orioles 20-win pitcher)
Bo Schembechler (Michigan Football Coach)
Tiger Conway (Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling)
Gerald Levert (R&B Singer)
Jack Palance (Oscar-winning actor)
Ed Bradley (CBS News; 60 Minutes)
Johnny Sain (Spahn and Sain and pray for rain!)
Paul Mauriat (Love Is Blue musician)
Saddam Hussein (evil)
Chris Brown (MLB player 1980's)
Jose Uribe (MLB player 1980's; teammate of Brown)
James Brown (Get in the hot tub!)
Joe Barbera (Hanna-Barbera)
Larry Sherry (LA Dodger pitcher)
---------------------------we interrupt at 11:59pm.........
The ball is dropping, Cody is joining me, Robbie's in his room, Uncle Frank's out, and it's 2007!!!
The Year of "40" has arrived. Where's the Metamucil? Where's the Depends? Somebody run to Wal-Mart! I need Geritol!!
---------------------------------------------------------
We continue......
Don Jardine (Destroyer/Super Destroyer, Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling)
Mike Evans (Lionel Jefferson)
Lamar Hunt (owned KC Chiefs, began AFL, named Super Bowl "Super Bowl")
Peter Boyle (puttin' on the ritz!---Young Frankenstein)
Jeane Kirkpatrick (former UN Ambassador)
Andra Franklin (NFL Running Back--Miami Dolphins)
Lloyd Wright
Roger Hedgepeth
---------------------------------------------------------------------
And, in closing, the five top events of 2006:
5) WWE Armageddon----Dad and Robbie's first-ever live wrestling show.
4) Season Five of "24"----provided great fun w/wifey, and a great email discussion group every Tuesday morning!
3) Mom's 40th birthday; featuring surprise party and surprise from Dad. :)
2) The Go-Go's; Live at Innsbrook on May 15th. Rachel and I go "Head Over Heals" for the fab five!
1) Mommy's LapBand Surgery, setting up a healthy future for her, and radical life changes in the Witham Nation.
Happy 2007 everybody!
The year of "40".
WHY ISN'T THE GERITOL HERE YET?????
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