You've no doubt seen the snow up north, the rains and tornadoes down south. We've heard what Carolina was looking for the last two nights, but now we know what they're thinking back home here in Richmond.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms overnight, plenty of wind through Monday. So, we'll see what happens...kicking back all afternoon and evening tomorrow watching rain fall really won't be a problem with me. :)
------------------------------------------------------------------
The funeral took place Friday for Grannie. Not a cloud in the sky, but windy and plenty of sun...enough that I got some burn on the face while out in the cemetery. Saw some relatives I hadn't seen since Mama died, one who didn't remember me (which was hilarious!) and got to hang with bro for awhile, which is always good, even in the saddest of situations.
As a pallbearer, I did have one really important factor to remember, and my brother kept it at the forefront of my mind. Make sure I'm on the "left arm" side of the casket, so I don't use my right shoulder, which is permanently on the disabled list in terms of how much weight it can carry. And all went well, until we took the short walk behind the hearse to the gravesite, and as the casket is brought out, I see that process turns around at this point.
Ut oh. Well, I improvised and did a "shuffle step" using both arms to carry the casket. Everything worked out fine. The service was a service; I have thoughts about it that I decline to share.
I took the children over and showed them Grannie's parents; my Great Grandparents, and their Great-Great Grandparents. Grannie's dad died very young (at 43 in 1937), but her mom lived 87 years and I got to know her really well. My favorite "Granny Robert" story (yes, we used the first name of the grandad to identify both; I don't know why, I just heard my siblings do it when I was little and followed suit) was when we'd have breakfast.
The last six years of her life she lived with Grannie and Granddaddy Frank after her second husband passed. So when I went down to visit for several days I got to hang out with her, too. You'd think an "early teenager" wouldn't want to spend the day at the home of his grandparents, in their mid to late 60's, and his Great-Grannie, who was in her 80s.
Not so. Grannie Robert and I would sit down for breakfast...of course mine consisted of Grannie Frank's homemade biscuits and homemade butter, churned by a friend at the end of the dirt road. Oh, and field peas. They are dark, NOT mushy, don't taste like a green pea at all, but are NOT black-eyed peas. I could eat them three meals a day at Grannie's. Grannie Robert would sit down with me with her milk and Nabisco Shredded Wheat, and, each morning proclaim, "...time for my bail of hay!". She was so cool.
So, I introduced the kids to their "great-great-grannie", their "great-grannie's" mom. Talked to several people, and, then walked through the cemetery showing the kids and Mom headstones of veterans of World War I and II, one for a man who was born in 1869, or as I told the kids, four years after the Civil War.
Uncle Frank and I both confirmed that our funerals will be "anti-funerals". There will be laughter, celebration; he's thinking about havin' a pig-pickin....each attendant at mine will automatically receive a 24-pack of Mountain Dew just for coming. Neither of us want solemn, because, hey, when I'm gone, I'll be at peace, so why not everybody else? :)
Then back to the hotel for the indoor pool, run out to get food for dinner, watch some TV, get sleepy and go to bed. Oh, forgot that I woke up Friday morning VERY groggy (in other words, like I do on days when I may end up in bed all day; even my wife admitted last night she was worried when she saw me), but God helped me through because I had to be there for Grannie. As soon as we returned to the hotel, Aunt Tammy, mom, and the kids went shopping and I went TO SLEEP!!
Today we shopped, we ate, and we came home. We also made the trip much quicker when the kids decided to play a game of "How many license plates from different states can we find?" And, yes, admit it, you've done that on a road trip, too, either in the back seat as the kid, or the front seat as the parent thinking..."occupied, gotta keep them occupied...so they don't kill each other....."
With Spring Break week for many ending places, the states we saw the most were:
1) New York (overwhelmingly; in fact it got to be a running joke after awhile.)
2) New Jersey
3) Maryland (right on the heels of New Jersey)
4) Pennsylvania
5) Florida
We didn't consider Virginia or North Carolina plates.
We also saw Tennessee, Delaware, District of Columbia, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Georgia.
Surprises included Wisconsin, Texas, South Dakota, Colorado, Idaho and Arizona.
Canada weighed in with three from Ontario and one from Quebec.
But the kids went NUTS when we saw......Hawaii. Yes, Hawaii. Wow!
Finally, each of us had a state we really wanted to find. Rachel wanted Mississippi and we didn't see any. Dad wanted Maine and we didn't see any. Robbie wanted to see California.
We get off the interstate near home, grab food at Chick-Fil-A, and although Dad earlier proclaimed the game over being now off I-95, Dad couldn't help but drop his jaw as, driving home,I see a car waiting to turn left into a housing area. Yep. License plates from California.
Couldn't let that one go unannounced. :)
So, it's nice to be home and we have a day to rest, unpack, recharge and get ready for the real routine, in effect again, Monday morning. It's also nice to know Grannie is at peace, and the cloud of "waiting for the inevitable" is behind us once more.
If you're out tomorrow anywhere from South Carolina to Maine, be careful!!
Next week, posts devoid of words such as "pallbearer", "cemetery", "tears" and "Mountain Dew".
Well, actually I can only promise you the absence of the first two words. :)
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
In North Carolina.....to say thank you.
Grannie Frank passed away at 5am Wednesday morning after being taken back to the hospital earlier in the night for fear of pneumonia settling in.
We didn't make the visitation tonight (I didn't get away from work until going on 7pm) and we hit the road a little after 8. Hotel room is great so far (I'm sitting on the bed as I type!)
Funeral is later today at 11am at Barbours Chapel Advent Christian Church. I'll be a pallbearer. Then, later in the day, we're determined that the kids will have some fun before spring break ends (we were originally booked to be in a hotel in Virginia Beach tonight). We're right beside the huge shopping complex (used to be called the Carolina Pottery) here in Smithfield; the Ava Gardner Museum is downtown, about two miles away, and there's a new 10-screen cineplex behind the hotel.
Oh, and the indoor pool here. I think we'll find something to do. :)
BUT--I MUST EXPRESS MY FURY against the Smithfield Herald's website, which is operated by the News and Observer of Raleigh. Grannie's obituary had two errors:
1) It said visitation would be Thursday, 7p to 9p, at the funeral home. Quick question: Which funeral home??
2) But MUCH WORSE, she is listed as being survived by her four daughters. Her oldest daughter was my Mama....who died 12/28/2002. I hit the roof when I saw that on their online obituary section and immediately emailed the managing editor. I'll be interested if they publish a correction. They sure need to; that's a complete insult to the memory of my mother.
So, back home Saturday afternoon...and back to work and school Monday. It's been a weird spring break for the kids. I hope we can finish it with a bang.
Live at the Best Western Smithfield Inn, Smithfield, North Carolina....good night!
We didn't make the visitation tonight (I didn't get away from work until going on 7pm) and we hit the road a little after 8. Hotel room is great so far (I'm sitting on the bed as I type!)
Funeral is later today at 11am at Barbours Chapel Advent Christian Church. I'll be a pallbearer. Then, later in the day, we're determined that the kids will have some fun before spring break ends (we were originally booked to be in a hotel in Virginia Beach tonight). We're right beside the huge shopping complex (used to be called the Carolina Pottery) here in Smithfield; the Ava Gardner Museum is downtown, about two miles away, and there's a new 10-screen cineplex behind the hotel.
Oh, and the indoor pool here. I think we'll find something to do. :)
BUT--I MUST EXPRESS MY FURY against the Smithfield Herald's website, which is operated by the News and Observer of Raleigh. Grannie's obituary had two errors:
1) It said visitation would be Thursday, 7p to 9p, at the funeral home. Quick question: Which funeral home??
2) But MUCH WORSE, she is listed as being survived by her four daughters. Her oldest daughter was my Mama....who died 12/28/2002. I hit the roof when I saw that on their online obituary section and immediately emailed the managing editor. I'll be interested if they publish a correction. They sure need to; that's a complete insult to the memory of my mother.
So, back home Saturday afternoon...and back to work and school Monday. It's been a weird spring break for the kids. I hope we can finish it with a bang.
Live at the Best Western Smithfield Inn, Smithfield, North Carolina....good night!
Monday, April 09, 2007
An Easter to remember, for good and bad reasons....
We spent Easter in North Carolina. We enjoyed a wonderful service at my brother's church, where he's currently filling in while the search for a Pastor continues. The Easter sermon--as Dick Vitale would say, "Awesome baby! With a capital "A"!!"
On the way to church, a different story. As we come to a "T" (our road ends at another), we begin to see unfold in front of us the results of a four-car accident that had obviously just happened. One car heading north with its front end completely crinkled in with someone trapped inside. A second car now in the deep ditch on the other side of the road, damaged. A third car hit, and now on the grass at the southwest corner, with a lady injured, down on the ground and in shock, and, honestly, I can't remember where car #4 was.
I was among the first to call 911; we stayed a few minutes to see rescue personnel begin to arrive, as did a few others who had come up on the scene. It was horrible; people on their way to Easter Services (you could tell by their clothing) and now this; probably the worst accident I've seen.
And if you have a problem digging there's a God, believe this. We were to leave my brother's house for church at 10:30 and my wife had decided to put her makeup on in the van to keep us from being later. Then, a change of mind just before leaving. That puts us in the van at 10:32.
Two minutes? It can make a huge difference.
I've checked all the news sources I know of in New Bern and have not seen any coverage, so I'm hoping that is good news and there were no serious injuries. If there weren't, it is nothing short of an Easter miracle.
Tammy tells us of another way to the church, and we get there to find out several of the rescue workers worship there, so when the page went out, beepers went off everywhere with people racing out of the church.
One thing I thought that was pretty cool was that first response volunteer workers, some of them, arrived in what looked like their own vehicles, which also contained all the equipment and apparently markings, so that you'd know it was rescue if it came up behind you on the road; I don't remember for sure about the markings. We explained to Rachel that Craven County is different from Henrico County, in that Henrico has more money (close to city, more population) and has more "rescue vehicles", where there they used other means.
God bless those willing to sacrifice their Easter Sunday service for those whose Easter went very wrong.
-------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the day went well. There is a decent Golden Corral in the world (it's NOT in Richmond!). The New Bern location, and the Smithfield location, are the two I will frequent. Moms and kids went to the movies and do a "Flat Stanley" tour of downtown New Bern, while bro and I chilled, watched some hockey, some Masters.....
...and I was very happy to see Zack Johnson win. What a great story.
And, the trip home went well, too. One quick note; we stop in Tarboro to gas up, and after paying at the pump, I went in to buy a Coke. The lady there was unbelievably nice; showing me where the soft drinks were (on the opposite side of the store than the beer, et al, which was unusual), and asking me if I was on my way home. I whispered, "yes, ma'am."
"Have a safe trip", she replied, in the nicest manner possible.
I love North Carolina. You'd think I was born there or lived there for years. I've not lived one day as a "resident" of North Carolina...but thanks to all my family ties, I'll do what they do for famous people when they come speak at college commencements....
I'll make myself a "honorary" citizen! How I know I deserve this? I killed (gulp) an entire pint of Smithfield BBQ at work for "brunch" today.
BBQ...pig out...what symmetry. :)
On the way to church, a different story. As we come to a "T" (our road ends at another), we begin to see unfold in front of us the results of a four-car accident that had obviously just happened. One car heading north with its front end completely crinkled in with someone trapped inside. A second car now in the deep ditch on the other side of the road, damaged. A third car hit, and now on the grass at the southwest corner, with a lady injured, down on the ground and in shock, and, honestly, I can't remember where car #4 was.
I was among the first to call 911; we stayed a few minutes to see rescue personnel begin to arrive, as did a few others who had come up on the scene. It was horrible; people on their way to Easter Services (you could tell by their clothing) and now this; probably the worst accident I've seen.
And if you have a problem digging there's a God, believe this. We were to leave my brother's house for church at 10:30 and my wife had decided to put her makeup on in the van to keep us from being later. Then, a change of mind just before leaving. That puts us in the van at 10:32.
Two minutes? It can make a huge difference.
I've checked all the news sources I know of in New Bern and have not seen any coverage, so I'm hoping that is good news and there were no serious injuries. If there weren't, it is nothing short of an Easter miracle.
Tammy tells us of another way to the church, and we get there to find out several of the rescue workers worship there, so when the page went out, beepers went off everywhere with people racing out of the church.
One thing I thought that was pretty cool was that first response volunteer workers, some of them, arrived in what looked like their own vehicles, which also contained all the equipment and apparently markings, so that you'd know it was rescue if it came up behind you on the road; I don't remember for sure about the markings. We explained to Rachel that Craven County is different from Henrico County, in that Henrico has more money (close to city, more population) and has more "rescue vehicles", where there they used other means.
God bless those willing to sacrifice their Easter Sunday service for those whose Easter went very wrong.
-------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the day went well. There is a decent Golden Corral in the world (it's NOT in Richmond!). The New Bern location, and the Smithfield location, are the two I will frequent. Moms and kids went to the movies and do a "Flat Stanley" tour of downtown New Bern, while bro and I chilled, watched some hockey, some Masters.....
...and I was very happy to see Zack Johnson win. What a great story.
And, the trip home went well, too. One quick note; we stop in Tarboro to gas up, and after paying at the pump, I went in to buy a Coke. The lady there was unbelievably nice; showing me where the soft drinks were (on the opposite side of the store than the beer, et al, which was unusual), and asking me if I was on my way home. I whispered, "yes, ma'am."
"Have a safe trip", she replied, in the nicest manner possible.
I love North Carolina. You'd think I was born there or lived there for years. I've not lived one day as a "resident" of North Carolina...but thanks to all my family ties, I'll do what they do for famous people when they come speak at college commencements....
I'll make myself a "honorary" citizen! How I know I deserve this? I killed (gulp) an entire pint of Smithfield BBQ at work for "brunch" today.
BBQ...pig out...what symmetry. :)
Sunday, April 08, 2007
So, Kenju, guess where I am?
....so I sit down this afternoon, and see my blog friend kenju left a comment on Friday night's crybaby "why doesn't anyone think I'm attractive" entry (which wasn't the original reason for the posting, but nonetheless...)
The post was a friendly nudge that she would visiting a place near and dear to my heart....Smithfield BBQ.
Well, dear, as I post, at this moment....my wife is bringing me...Smithfield BBQ!!!
Whoo hoo!!!
We spend Easter in North Carolina; another keep weekend trip, and certainly bittersweet.
Last weekend, my sister-in-law called and told my wife that my Grannie, who's been in poor, declining health for awhile now, looked at her and said, "...you tell Robbie that if he wants to see me, he needs to come down."
When my wife told me that Sunday night, it floored me, quite frankly. The fact she even was thinking of me was very touching. So, the wheels start spinning as to when to try to get to see her. We ended up shooting for Saturday and came down after my wife got off of work yesterday afternoon.
We arrived in Four Oaks and I took a quick trip through "town" and back to Grannie and Grandaddy's farm where I'd vacation every summer in my very, very early years (5, 6, 7 years old). Whoever owns it now has done a masterful job keeping its originality but also making it modern with beautiful fixtures and features.
My favorite part? One of Grandaddy's old tobacco barns was still standing. Not well, mind you, but still standing. :)
We met sis and headed to Benson to the nursing facility and when I got to her room, I was stunned by her appearance. I didn't think she was going to be as far downhill as she was. So, I took a moment while going in to readjust, and told my Aunt Edna my doctor may have told me not to talk for two weeks, but I every intention of talking to my Grannie. :)
We stayed about 1/2 hour and my cousin Terry, who I of course didn't recognize, came in to relieve my aunt so she could go home. He would spend the night with her. She tried to speak but we understood very little. I did, though, hear her say "Jesus", so I believe it will be a short time before she heads home, but I was very happy to say she was not in pain; the only problem other than the overall health was sores on her ears from lying on pillows hour, after hour, after hour. Her Parkinson's did the most damage; without it she probably would be ticking right along, albeit with limited mobility. But when it got to the point several weeks ago when she fell at Aunt Edna's house, where she lived and my aunt couldn't pick her up, it was time to place her in a care facility.
When Grannie passes, it will almost end the Four Oaks era of life; save Aunt Edna, the Strickland (Frank and Cleo side) will be gone.
And this was the first time I had been bedside of a relative since I lost Mama 4 1/2 years ago. I made it.
Several weeks ago I had to trains of thought:
1) I don't know if I can handle watching someone in the same condition as my Mama was for nine days.
2) I don't want the next time to see my Grannie be with her in her coffin.
Well---Grannie (and I shouldn't be surprised), answered it for me. And I'll forever be grateful for coming down.
-------------------------------------------------------
Easter 2007; I'll post in a bit. But first (kenju!!!), I've just been given a Smithfield BBQ sandwich and hush puppies.
LET THE GLUTTONY BEGIN!!
The post was a friendly nudge that she would visiting a place near and dear to my heart....Smithfield BBQ.
Well, dear, as I post, at this moment....my wife is bringing me...Smithfield BBQ!!!
Whoo hoo!!!
We spend Easter in North Carolina; another keep weekend trip, and certainly bittersweet.
Last weekend, my sister-in-law called and told my wife that my Grannie, who's been in poor, declining health for awhile now, looked at her and said, "...you tell Robbie that if he wants to see me, he needs to come down."
When my wife told me that Sunday night, it floored me, quite frankly. The fact she even was thinking of me was very touching. So, the wheels start spinning as to when to try to get to see her. We ended up shooting for Saturday and came down after my wife got off of work yesterday afternoon.
We arrived in Four Oaks and I took a quick trip through "town" and back to Grannie and Grandaddy's farm where I'd vacation every summer in my very, very early years (5, 6, 7 years old). Whoever owns it now has done a masterful job keeping its originality but also making it modern with beautiful fixtures and features.
My favorite part? One of Grandaddy's old tobacco barns was still standing. Not well, mind you, but still standing. :)
We met sis and headed to Benson to the nursing facility and when I got to her room, I was stunned by her appearance. I didn't think she was going to be as far downhill as she was. So, I took a moment while going in to readjust, and told my Aunt Edna my doctor may have told me not to talk for two weeks, but I every intention of talking to my Grannie. :)
We stayed about 1/2 hour and my cousin Terry, who I of course didn't recognize, came in to relieve my aunt so she could go home. He would spend the night with her. She tried to speak but we understood very little. I did, though, hear her say "Jesus", so I believe it will be a short time before she heads home, but I was very happy to say she was not in pain; the only problem other than the overall health was sores on her ears from lying on pillows hour, after hour, after hour. Her Parkinson's did the most damage; without it she probably would be ticking right along, albeit with limited mobility. But when it got to the point several weeks ago when she fell at Aunt Edna's house, where she lived and my aunt couldn't pick her up, it was time to place her in a care facility.
When Grannie passes, it will almost end the Four Oaks era of life; save Aunt Edna, the Strickland (Frank and Cleo side) will be gone.
And this was the first time I had been bedside of a relative since I lost Mama 4 1/2 years ago. I made it.
Several weeks ago I had to trains of thought:
1) I don't know if I can handle watching someone in the same condition as my Mama was for nine days.
2) I don't want the next time to see my Grannie be with her in her coffin.
Well---Grannie (and I shouldn't be surprised), answered it for me. And I'll forever be grateful for coming down.
-------------------------------------------------------
Easter 2007; I'll post in a bit. But first (kenju!!!), I've just been given a Smithfield BBQ sandwich and hush puppies.
LET THE GLUTTONY BEGIN!!
Friday, April 06, 2007
Happy.....Spring Break?
I'm sorry, did someone say Break?
The kids only had a "half-day" at school, and with our usual driver out of town on an emergency, there was no one to pick up/watch the kids. So, Dad leaves work, gets Rachel, stops at McDonalds, goes back to work; about an hour later, Rachel and Dad leave, pick up Robbie, give him his food, take him home, Rachel and I return to work again.
Head spinning yet? Thank goodness I didn't have as much commercial copy to hunt down today than I normally have on a Friday, so it all worked out.
So, Robbie and Rachel are off until 4/16, my best buddy at work is gone all next week, and, to beat all, they say it's snowing here overnight. Yeah, spring break alright!
We head back to North Carolina (I'm catching up from all the trips I missed from '03 to '06!) tomorrow afternoon. Grannie is not doing well, and she has asked to see me. Now that is an honor, so I won't let her down. We'll visit tomorrow evening, then head to New Bern for the night, and Easter Sunday Service at my brother's church. That'll be cool.
And, I can't wait to sing the great Easter hymns like, "Christ Arose" and "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today"....oh, that's right. I can't wait to mouth them. I can make myself look like I'm belting out a major league tune, and continue in silence.
Tonight, the past few hours, have been the most difficult time so far in this odyssey keeping myself from talking. Normally. So, I'm getting somewhat frustrated with myself. Being as exhausted as I am right now, I suspect that something to do with it.
So, trip to NC and cannot talk. I WILL, though, talk to my Grannie! :)
Back home Sunday night. Then I hear it's Dad, work your butt off Monday thru Thursday, so we can leave Thursday evening for my first trip to Virginia Beach since the earth-shaking weekend of May 2 and 3, 2004. The family's next trip to Va Beach was the next month, without me, as I am home, working, with a severely separated shoulder.
So, I'm looking forward to the trip; it's really the first "relax trip" I will have taken in, well, three years, and that one was "one night only".
And a shout out to a friend at work who hooked us up with a new place (to us) to stay at the oceanfront. Whoo hoo!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparently, Ace Young was at the radio station the past two mornings. I think I walked right past him coming in to work Thursday morning. I didn't know who he was (remember, American Idol is banned from our home). Find out he's back today and a friend apparently brushed against him, came back in the office and said she wasn't washing her left arm again.
Someone does the accidental brush on me, and they return to their cubicles and say, "SAFEGUARD! DIAL! PURELL! ANYTHING! No one took a picture did they? I'd be SCARRED FOR LIFE!"
So, I learned this week that long hair, a six o'clock shadow, jeans, and no jelly belly apparently equals ladies wanting to brush you or take pictures with you.
Having none of those items/qualities, I can only conclude by saying....
"Fat lot I know!!"
(Editor's rebuttal: I have lost five pounds in the past two weeks, eating more salads and definitely less fast food. I'm going for "24 pounds", boy is that ironic! 24 pounds would return me to the 200 level. Then we'll go from there.)
5'10", 180 pounds, and most of the belly gone. That would be great...healthy, more energy, improved sleep.....and still no "hey, he's handsome!" pronouncements. :)
It's gotta be mid-life crisis symptom #17. For years I could have cared less what people thought about my looks. Maybe this will go away, just quietly go away.
Maybe the gut will, too!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Boy, this wasn't meant to be a "lose weight, got a gut, woe for me that no woman notices me" post....that just kinda came up.
Our TOP STORY: Spring Break is here. Lots going on the next nine days, and, of course, we'll keep you posted.
And if you haven't been here either in a few days, or ever, please scroll down to the picture in the last post.
I wanna be her geek!! I love you, Chloe!!!! :)
The kids only had a "half-day" at school, and with our usual driver out of town on an emergency, there was no one to pick up/watch the kids. So, Dad leaves work, gets Rachel, stops at McDonalds, goes back to work; about an hour later, Rachel and Dad leave, pick up Robbie, give him his food, take him home, Rachel and I return to work again.
Head spinning yet? Thank goodness I didn't have as much commercial copy to hunt down today than I normally have on a Friday, so it all worked out.
So, Robbie and Rachel are off until 4/16, my best buddy at work is gone all next week, and, to beat all, they say it's snowing here overnight. Yeah, spring break alright!
We head back to North Carolina (I'm catching up from all the trips I missed from '03 to '06!) tomorrow afternoon. Grannie is not doing well, and she has asked to see me. Now that is an honor, so I won't let her down. We'll visit tomorrow evening, then head to New Bern for the night, and Easter Sunday Service at my brother's church. That'll be cool.
And, I can't wait to sing the great Easter hymns like, "Christ Arose" and "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today"....oh, that's right. I can't wait to mouth them. I can make myself look like I'm belting out a major league tune, and continue in silence.
Tonight, the past few hours, have been the most difficult time so far in this odyssey keeping myself from talking. Normally. So, I'm getting somewhat frustrated with myself. Being as exhausted as I am right now, I suspect that something to do with it.
So, trip to NC and cannot talk. I WILL, though, talk to my Grannie! :)
Back home Sunday night. Then I hear it's Dad, work your butt off Monday thru Thursday, so we can leave Thursday evening for my first trip to Virginia Beach since the earth-shaking weekend of May 2 and 3, 2004. The family's next trip to Va Beach was the next month, without me, as I am home, working, with a severely separated shoulder.
So, I'm looking forward to the trip; it's really the first "relax trip" I will have taken in, well, three years, and that one was "one night only".
And a shout out to a friend at work who hooked us up with a new place (to us) to stay at the oceanfront. Whoo hoo!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparently, Ace Young was at the radio station the past two mornings. I think I walked right past him coming in to work Thursday morning. I didn't know who he was (remember, American Idol is banned from our home). Find out he's back today and a friend apparently brushed against him, came back in the office and said she wasn't washing her left arm again.
Someone does the accidental brush on me, and they return to their cubicles and say, "SAFEGUARD! DIAL! PURELL! ANYTHING! No one took a picture did they? I'd be SCARRED FOR LIFE!"
So, I learned this week that long hair, a six o'clock shadow, jeans, and no jelly belly apparently equals ladies wanting to brush you or take pictures with you.
Having none of those items/qualities, I can only conclude by saying....
"Fat lot I know!!"
(Editor's rebuttal: I have lost five pounds in the past two weeks, eating more salads and definitely less fast food. I'm going for "24 pounds", boy is that ironic! 24 pounds would return me to the 200 level. Then we'll go from there.)
5'10", 180 pounds, and most of the belly gone. That would be great...healthy, more energy, improved sleep.....and still no "hey, he's handsome!" pronouncements. :)
It's gotta be mid-life crisis symptom #17. For years I could have cared less what people thought about my looks. Maybe this will go away, just quietly go away.
Maybe the gut will, too!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Boy, this wasn't meant to be a "lose weight, got a gut, woe for me that no woman notices me" post....that just kinda came up.
Our TOP STORY: Spring Break is here. Lots going on the next nine days, and, of course, we'll keep you posted.
And if you haven't been here either in a few days, or ever, please scroll down to the picture in the last post.
I wanna be her geek!! I love you, Chloe!!!! :)
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
More and more I fall in love......
If Chloe is a geek, sign me up for a pocket protector!!
Click here for the interview with Mary Lynn Rajskub....
Two weeks of silence: five down, nine to go.....
Not speaking. For two weeks. The first day I thought it to be psychologically chic. The weekend was no problem. Monday I realized how emotionally wrenching it can be to not be able to talk. Today I tried in any way I could to be the witty jokester, only without the use of the spoken English language.
With nine days to go, I'm compiling a list of "things that might happen when I start talking again....or, things I hope are fixed during these 14 days other than my vocal cords....
BUT BEFORE WE BEGIN: I get a kick out of people asking me for answers to questions and explanations to whatever. It's not their fault, it's a natural human action. :)
1) I might recognize my voice.
2) I get to say the word "angst" again, and not just feel the emotion.
3) Drive-thrus will return to being relevant.
4) My brain has had enough time to reprogram itself to make sure I stop yelling the name of my Swedish lover, Anna, in the middle of the night.
5) That I won't have to waste precious vocal cord tissue on the following trite advertising phrases:
--that number again
--it's that time of year again
--hurry, sale ends soon
--lowest prices of the season
--friendly, knowledgable staff
--"insert holiday or season name here" is right around the corner!
--www
--want to save money?
Ha! No, I'm burning through my money, I won't be coming to your store! Heavens to Betsy.....
6) It will be at least 12 hours before yelling my childrens' names returns to being a reflex action
7) I still won't speak a foreign language.
8) I can verbally explain to my wife why "not tonight dear, my legs hurt" is damaging to a guy's ego.
9) I can sing along to the portion of "Rappers Delight" that begins, "..ever been over to a friend's house to eat and the food just ain't no good?"
We will stop at nine. More to come, I reckon.
That is, if I stop yelling out Anna's name. That keeps up, and my voice won't be the only thing on my body not working. :)
With nine days to go, I'm compiling a list of "things that might happen when I start talking again....or, things I hope are fixed during these 14 days other than my vocal cords....
BUT BEFORE WE BEGIN: I get a kick out of people asking me for answers to questions and explanations to whatever. It's not their fault, it's a natural human action. :)
1) I might recognize my voice.
2) I get to say the word "angst" again, and not just feel the emotion.
3) Drive-thrus will return to being relevant.
4) My brain has had enough time to reprogram itself to make sure I stop yelling the name of my Swedish lover, Anna, in the middle of the night.
5) That I won't have to waste precious vocal cord tissue on the following trite advertising phrases:
--that number again
--it's that time of year again
--hurry, sale ends soon
--lowest prices of the season
--friendly, knowledgable staff
--"insert holiday or season name here" is right around the corner!
--www
--want to save money?
Ha! No, I'm burning through my money, I won't be coming to your store! Heavens to Betsy.....
6) It will be at least 12 hours before yelling my childrens' names returns to being a reflex action
7) I still won't speak a foreign language.
8) I can verbally explain to my wife why "not tonight dear, my legs hurt" is damaging to a guy's ego.
9) I can sing along to the portion of "Rappers Delight" that begins, "..ever been over to a friend's house to eat and the food just ain't no good?"
We will stop at nine. More to come, I reckon.
That is, if I stop yelling out Anna's name. That keeps up, and my voice won't be the only thing on my body not working. :)
No Arm? Still Travel......
....or "24", 9pm to 10pm.
I was VERY close to calling last night's "24" the most boring of the season to this point....until Jack found Gredenko's left arm on the floor. Then it got interesting real fast.
Suddenly, one of the best markout moments in recent "24" memory springs to the surface. Here's an idea! You chop off my left arm; I out you in a bar full of really, really drunk guys. Who see the terrorist stuff on the bar TV. Who realize that Fayed was, well, Fayed. Let the brawl begin.
But the even better part was after Jack got there, told the guy they'd get medical attention for his friend, once Fayed proclaimed he hoped he died, he just plants a foot into Fayed's face and says, "SHUT UP". THAT was priceless, purely priceless.
But then, EVERYBODY gets the last minute swerve that Palmer, yes, PALMER ordered the same strike he fought Daniels to stop. Why? For Palmer it was all a power play. Now he gets to show he's "tough man". Now...let's go back in time shall we?
1) Brother, President David Palmer, assassinated from across the street, high-rise to high-rise, marksman style. The only other human in the room? WAYNE PALMER.
2) When Buchanan offered his house as a quick haven for Chloe to do critical computer work before it was busted into by guys with guns, who was it that also was there, apparently went to bed and NEVER (what?!?) heard the commotion?? WAYNE PALMER.
3) Who, somehow, leaving many "24" wonks with scratching heads, became President during the 18-month Jack Cruise To China? WAYNE PALMER.
4) Who was playing the "buddy-buddy" card to get the VAST majority of Muslims to rise up against the militants, even going as far as to working with a known past terrorist who SAID he wanted peace (but never really had a chance to prove it) in Assad, thereby refusing military action after the nuke hit? WAYNE PALMER.
5) And now, after dramatically coming out of a coma (what?!?) in time to make a phone call, who has "turned on a dime" and ordered the assault that could create World War III-ish chaos? WAYNE PALMER.
You know, the guy who made sure his brother stood in front of the window perfectly and long enough for the shot heard 'round the world.
I've been saying this for a year now, PALMER IS EVIL. And, after a few weeks of learning how to hate VP Daniels, we all may be wanting to attend his next pep rally, even going as far as endorsing his move to commit perjury.
I am smelling the Palmer I've been waiting for. Let's see what happens.
I was VERY close to calling last night's "24" the most boring of the season to this point....until Jack found Gredenko's left arm on the floor. Then it got interesting real fast.
Suddenly, one of the best markout moments in recent "24" memory springs to the surface. Here's an idea! You chop off my left arm; I out you in a bar full of really, really drunk guys. Who see the terrorist stuff on the bar TV. Who realize that Fayed was, well, Fayed. Let the brawl begin.
But the even better part was after Jack got there, told the guy they'd get medical attention for his friend, once Fayed proclaimed he hoped he died, he just plants a foot into Fayed's face and says, "SHUT UP". THAT was priceless, purely priceless.
But then, EVERYBODY gets the last minute swerve that Palmer, yes, PALMER ordered the same strike he fought Daniels to stop. Why? For Palmer it was all a power play. Now he gets to show he's "tough man". Now...let's go back in time shall we?
1) Brother, President David Palmer, assassinated from across the street, high-rise to high-rise, marksman style. The only other human in the room? WAYNE PALMER.
2) When Buchanan offered his house as a quick haven for Chloe to do critical computer work before it was busted into by guys with guns, who was it that also was there, apparently went to bed and NEVER (what?!?) heard the commotion?? WAYNE PALMER.
3) Who, somehow, leaving many "24" wonks with scratching heads, became President during the 18-month Jack Cruise To China? WAYNE PALMER.
4) Who was playing the "buddy-buddy" card to get the VAST majority of Muslims to rise up against the militants, even going as far as to working with a known past terrorist who SAID he wanted peace (but never really had a chance to prove it) in Assad, thereby refusing military action after the nuke hit? WAYNE PALMER.
5) And now, after dramatically coming out of a coma (what?!?) in time to make a phone call, who has "turned on a dime" and ordered the assault that could create World War III-ish chaos? WAYNE PALMER.
You know, the guy who made sure his brother stood in front of the window perfectly and long enough for the shot heard 'round the world.
I've been saying this for a year now, PALMER IS EVIL. And, after a few weeks of learning how to hate VP Daniels, we all may be wanting to attend his next pep rally, even going as far as endorsing his move to commit perjury.
I am smelling the Palmer I've been waiting for. Let's see what happens.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
"The Witham Headlines" debuts.....
....go down the right hand side of the blog's front page and find my newest addition:
The Witham Headlines---powered by Google News, works via keyword. I currently have five. Click on any to see the latest headlines featuring that keyword.
I'll change them up from time to time with GUARANTEED PROMISE.
The following will never be keywords:
--Britney
--Spears
--Anna Nicole
--Paris Hilton
--Tom Cruise
--gossip
Won't it be nice to see news and NOT have to see any of that? (Unless they party in Hanover or with someone named Bonnie, of course....)
The Witham Headlines---powered by Google News, works via keyword. I currently have five. Click on any to see the latest headlines featuring that keyword.
I'll change them up from time to time with GUARANTEED PROMISE.
The following will never be keywords:
--Britney
--Spears
--Anna Nicole
--Paris Hilton
--Tom Cruise
--gossip
Won't it be nice to see news and NOT have to see any of that? (Unless they party in Hanover or with someone named Bonnie, of course....)
The best two reasons for silence today......
......first, of course, not to be egotistical, but....me. We're past the 72 hour mark of our two weeks of silence. I have slipped a few times (how can you NOT, you know?!?), but don't think I have spoken more than 40 words since Thursday afternoon.
......secondly, the normal silence you hear coming out of Baltimore, Maryland, is the 2007 Baltimore Orioles baseball season, which, unfortunately begins tomorrow. Is this the year Tampa Bay finally surpasses the O's for fourth place in the AL East?
And, as a final, side note, I'm reading some predictions on ESPN.com regarding the new season, and I note at least one name being touted by experts as their choice for American League MVP......AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE GUY.
I think baseball "jumped the shark" in my life a long time ago.
......secondly, the normal silence you hear coming out of Baltimore, Maryland, is the 2007 Baltimore Orioles baseball season, which, unfortunately begins tomorrow. Is this the year Tampa Bay finally surpasses the O's for fourth place in the AL East?
And, as a final, side note, I'm reading some predictions on ESPN.com regarding the new season, and I note at least one name being touted by experts as their choice for American League MVP......AND I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE GUY.
I think baseball "jumped the shark" in my life a long time ago.
The Final Two.....
....well, Georgetown goes down and so does my bracket and my chance to beat my brother in our bracket challenge. As Rachel would say, "Ah, snap!"
Tomorrow night. Let's be serious. Do you honestly think Ohio State has a chance? I sure don't.
Florida beat them 86-60 in December, with, granted, some definite changes in Ohio State's makeup.
Any changes won't matter. They'll make it interesting, but it's Florida by 14. Call it 76-62.
NOTE: After seeing him interviewed after Ohio State's win yesterday, I will predict this:
Greg Oden will be a very, very good college basketball analyst one day. In the short answer he gave, I could separate him from the usual answers that are given, plus his vocal clarity was excellent. Hey, if 6' 10" Len Elmore can do the job for many years, why not Oden?
Tomorrow night. Let's be serious. Do you honestly think Ohio State has a chance? I sure don't.
Florida beat them 86-60 in December, with, granted, some definite changes in Ohio State's makeup.
Any changes won't matter. They'll make it interesting, but it's Florida by 14. Call it 76-62.
NOTE: After seeing him interviewed after Ohio State's win yesterday, I will predict this:
Greg Oden will be a very, very good college basketball analyst one day. In the short answer he gave, I could separate him from the usual answers that are given, plus his vocal clarity was excellent. Hey, if 6' 10" Len Elmore can do the job for many years, why not Oden?
Saturday, March 31, 2007
There'll be alot of blogging goin' on 'round here!
Thank you, Foghorn Leghorn for that cameo appearance.
When last we left you, week three of laryngitis was underway. Finally, on Wednesday, I bit the bullet and called my ear/nose/throat doctor who did the incredible job on my deviated septum in 2003. The fear was it would be awhile before I could get an appointment. Much to my surprise, they set me up for a 3pm appointment yesterday.
I'm very thankful for the work-in appointment. Dr. Cross did the scope (the camera that goes up your nose, then heads downward to see your throat---and NO, it doesn't hurt!), and we could see two things.
--Smooth vocal cords were nowhere near smooth.
--Polyp on the right cord.
Dr. Cross is confident the meds he gave me will eliminate the polyp, and in addition to the meds, he told me not to talk for two weeks.
Two weeks.
How many of you remember the cartoon where a huge snowstorm hits Grannie's house, leaving Sylvester and Tweety snowed in. On the radio, Sylvester hears the reporter say, "..all roads will be closed for six weeks." Sylvester shouts, "SIX WEEKS??!!?? I'LL STARVE!!!!"
He proceeds to go all over the kitchen, finding nothing but bird seed in every cabinet. Sylvester has one choice. Kill da Tweety??
And there you have the cartoon premise, except that in the end, when Grannie can finally get to the house, she's brought whole bags of....bird seed.
So therefore, I'm a cat in a bird seed world, "silenced" in for two weeks. :)
----------------------------------------------------
So far, it's not been bad. I said exactly one word all day Friday and that was a mistake. Early Saturday morning, and I'm up to nine words. Two sentences. OOPS! And it's the weirdest feeling once you catch yourself doing something that comes SO naturally, then chastisizing yourself over it. So, ten words so far. I can return to vocalization on, HA!, Friday April 13th. We may be at the beach, that morning.
Possible first words...."stop pooping on my van!" ?????
----------------------------------------------------
I typed my wife my daily details tonight and told her the next 13 days are going to be very interesting. I'll make no impressions yet, but I do see some "observation" categories already coming into place.
--Who keeps on doing the daily thing with you, communicating and all, even though you can't speak aloud.
--Who decides to have less communication with you, for whatever reason.
--If you are in any type of group setting, how you not being able to speak changes the dynamics of the room. Do I feel like an outsider? An eavesdropper? Who goes the extra mile to make sure what's normally communicated still gets done? Even though you're still "one of the gang", do you feel that way?
--People who demand of you what they've always wanted, and they don't care if you can't talk. You know, like co-workers IN THE BUILDING who pick up their phone to CALL ME, as if I could answer the phone! Get up, walk down one hall, down another, and voila! I'm there!!
--A MAJOR point.....what will I learn about myself?!?!??? Will I be more appreciative of the power of speaking? Will I learn to use it better, more efficiently? Will this help me not only stop taking speaking, but many other things, for granted?
--How will my ability to observe and understand other people change, and, hopefully, improve? You know, sometimes you can't really listen to the whole situation until you shut up.
And now's my chance to get all the details on all the situations. :)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Needless to say I will probably spend more time here than normal for the next two weeks, the great outlet this is for speaking your mind.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Final Four CORRECTION---In my Monday post I stated Gary Hess had picked Georgetown to win it all. I was wrong; his email read Florida over Georgetown. Oops!
I'm looking forward to the games tomorrow night.
So, for now, time for good night, plenty of pondering, but, please, as always...no wagering.
When last we left you, week three of laryngitis was underway. Finally, on Wednesday, I bit the bullet and called my ear/nose/throat doctor who did the incredible job on my deviated septum in 2003. The fear was it would be awhile before I could get an appointment. Much to my surprise, they set me up for a 3pm appointment yesterday.
I'm very thankful for the work-in appointment. Dr. Cross did the scope (the camera that goes up your nose, then heads downward to see your throat---and NO, it doesn't hurt!), and we could see two things.
--Smooth vocal cords were nowhere near smooth.
--Polyp on the right cord.
Dr. Cross is confident the meds he gave me will eliminate the polyp, and in addition to the meds, he told me not to talk for two weeks.
Two weeks.
How many of you remember the cartoon where a huge snowstorm hits Grannie's house, leaving Sylvester and Tweety snowed in. On the radio, Sylvester hears the reporter say, "..all roads will be closed for six weeks." Sylvester shouts, "SIX WEEKS??!!?? I'LL STARVE!!!!"
He proceeds to go all over the kitchen, finding nothing but bird seed in every cabinet. Sylvester has one choice. Kill da Tweety??
And there you have the cartoon premise, except that in the end, when Grannie can finally get to the house, she's brought whole bags of....bird seed.
So therefore, I'm a cat in a bird seed world, "silenced" in for two weeks. :)
----------------------------------------------------
So far, it's not been bad. I said exactly one word all day Friday and that was a mistake. Early Saturday morning, and I'm up to nine words. Two sentences. OOPS! And it's the weirdest feeling once you catch yourself doing something that comes SO naturally, then chastisizing yourself over it. So, ten words so far. I can return to vocalization on, HA!, Friday April 13th. We may be at the beach, that morning.
Possible first words...."stop pooping on my van!" ?????
----------------------------------------------------
I typed my wife my daily details tonight and told her the next 13 days are going to be very interesting. I'll make no impressions yet, but I do see some "observation" categories already coming into place.
--Who keeps on doing the daily thing with you, communicating and all, even though you can't speak aloud.
--Who decides to have less communication with you, for whatever reason.
--If you are in any type of group setting, how you not being able to speak changes the dynamics of the room. Do I feel like an outsider? An eavesdropper? Who goes the extra mile to make sure what's normally communicated still gets done? Even though you're still "one of the gang", do you feel that way?
--People who demand of you what they've always wanted, and they don't care if you can't talk. You know, like co-workers IN THE BUILDING who pick up their phone to CALL ME, as if I could answer the phone! Get up, walk down one hall, down another, and voila! I'm there!!
--A MAJOR point.....what will I learn about myself?!?!??? Will I be more appreciative of the power of speaking? Will I learn to use it better, more efficiently? Will this help me not only stop taking speaking, but many other things, for granted?
--How will my ability to observe and understand other people change, and, hopefully, improve? You know, sometimes you can't really listen to the whole situation until you shut up.
And now's my chance to get all the details on all the situations. :)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Needless to say I will probably spend more time here than normal for the next two weeks, the great outlet this is for speaking your mind.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Final Four CORRECTION---In my Monday post I stated Gary Hess had picked Georgetown to win it all. I was wrong; his email read Florida over Georgetown. Oops!
I'm looking forward to the games tomorrow night.
So, for now, time for good night, plenty of pondering, but, please, as always...no wagering.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Orlando, lots of money.....
....pretzel at Universal Studios....outrageous
....SpongeBob toe socks for little sister....$7.50 on clearance
....going to Florida without Mom and Dad....priceless
The gang returned to school last night around 1030. They were a bunch of exhausted high schoolers. He had a wonderful time, but was ready to come home.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Me? We're completing day 15 of no voice. This has become WAY past annoying now. Can't talk to kids on phone, can't talk to co-workers in same room, so it's like I'm watching reality unfold around me but I'm in Section 308 instead of on the field where I should be. The coughing sucks, too.
So? I'm contemplating a call to my ear/nose/throat doctor who did an incredible job with my deviated septum surgery back in '03. Just want to make sure that there's not more than meets the eye.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I, as usual, didn't do very well picking the Final Four.
I got one right, though. And they were also my pick to win it all, so my hope is still alive in that center line in the bracket.
Georgetown.
And here's some optimism....
UNREAL, BUT GET THIS....our Sports Director for WRVA and Virginia News Network (and fellow "24" fan) Gary Hess, correctly predicted all four teams!
He ALSO chose Georgetown to cut down the nets. Maybe I can ride his coattails...:)
------------------------------------------------------------
Good episode of "24" tonight....at least the Rick Schroder character shows promise of having more depth than just a bully who got away with something in Denver.
President Palmer's last second phone call seemed a bit surreal, but it is television, folks. And, well.....I'll be interested to see where Vice President Daniels come 6am tomorrow morning.
And Jack....great interaction with Brady. Love seeing the 3D-side of Jack. Great writing, great character, excellent way to bring out that line of the story.
Good night, folks. :)
....SpongeBob toe socks for little sister....$7.50 on clearance
....going to Florida without Mom and Dad....priceless
The gang returned to school last night around 1030. They were a bunch of exhausted high schoolers. He had a wonderful time, but was ready to come home.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Me? We're completing day 15 of no voice. This has become WAY past annoying now. Can't talk to kids on phone, can't talk to co-workers in same room, so it's like I'm watching reality unfold around me but I'm in Section 308 instead of on the field where I should be. The coughing sucks, too.
So? I'm contemplating a call to my ear/nose/throat doctor who did an incredible job with my deviated septum surgery back in '03. Just want to make sure that there's not more than meets the eye.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I, as usual, didn't do very well picking the Final Four.
I got one right, though. And they were also my pick to win it all, so my hope is still alive in that center line in the bracket.
Georgetown.
And here's some optimism....
UNREAL, BUT GET THIS....our Sports Director for WRVA and Virginia News Network (and fellow "24" fan) Gary Hess, correctly predicted all four teams!
He ALSO chose Georgetown to cut down the nets. Maybe I can ride his coattails...:)
------------------------------------------------------------
Good episode of "24" tonight....at least the Rick Schroder character shows promise of having more depth than just a bully who got away with something in Denver.
President Palmer's last second phone call seemed a bit surreal, but it is television, folks. And, well.....I'll be interested to see where Vice President Daniels come 6am tomorrow morning.
And Jack....great interaction with Brady. Love seeing the 3D-side of Jack. Great writing, great character, excellent way to bring out that line of the story.
Good night, folks. :)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
And Mr. Witham's off to Orlando!!
Robbie's high school chorus trip to Orlando, Florida and Universal Studios began tonight as the charter buses left Hermitage High just after 8pm.
I was great there and while waiting for him to depart.
I cried at work before, and when the bus is pulling out of the school. Rachel and I cried, hugged, and she said...even though he bugs me, I still love him.
He's one step closer to being on his own.....and it's all happening way, way too fast.
Happy trails, Robbie! Get some sun and bring back the grand prize!!!
I was great there and while waiting for him to depart.
I cried at work before, and when the bus is pulling out of the school. Rachel and I cried, hugged, and she said...even though he bugs me, I still love him.
He's one step closer to being on his own.....and it's all happening way, way too fast.
Happy trails, Robbie! Get some sun and bring back the grand prize!!!
Thank you, Mr. DeForest
Calvert DeForest. Known to millions like me first as Larry "Bud" Melman.
He passed away Monday at age 85. If one person, other than Dave Letterman himself, exemplified the revolutionary humor of the Letterman era, it was Larry/Calvin.
He was just himself, agreeing to do off the wall bits, and was able to make America laugh, time after time. And with such ease. Nothing complex, and not needing to be a "character"; he was just himself. And he had some of the best sense of comedic timing I've ever seen.
If you enjoyed Mr. DeForest's work, thank him, his friends and colleagues, by signing the guest book over at Legacy.com.
He passed away Monday at age 85. If one person, other than Dave Letterman himself, exemplified the revolutionary humor of the Letterman era, it was Larry/Calvin.
He was just himself, agreeing to do off the wall bits, and was able to make America laugh, time after time. And with such ease. Nothing complex, and not needing to be a "character"; he was just himself. And he had some of the best sense of comedic timing I've ever seen.
If you enjoyed Mr. DeForest's work, thank him, his friends and colleagues, by signing the guest book over at Legacy.com.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Advertisements that are.....
.....an insult to the female gender, part two.
Maxoderm.
I only offer a link because you can see one of their ridiculous ads on their home page. They have two, all over digital cable (you can't watch History International for an hour without seeing this commercial at least once---no one watching History International has "stamina" anymore??)
Commercial one: It's the spot on the site. Long-haired blonde, mid 20s, at the bar, sees older man, is thankful she happens to have Maxoderm in her purse (because he doesn't have time to SAY to her he's got it on him....they're across the room from each other), then heads over, turns back and talks about how Maxoderm is "totally different" than the ED drugs, then turns and walks with Dad....I mean Uncle....I mean Old Boss....I mean tonight's date out the door.
STOP! As an aside, yes I do think God places men and women with significant age differences together, that wasn't a blanket statement about legit relationships. This is all about finding tonight's sex toy.
Now---my question....is she so hard up to find someone that she has to make sure she can provide the, ah, stamina, for said guy by carrying the stuff in her purse?
Oh...and does it even work? That's another post that probably won't show up here.
Hope Blondie also brought a few other things with her to prevent, like, STD's, while that Maxoderm's at work.
Commercial two: Size-six, dark haired, 26 year old woman, partying on the dance floor like it's 1999. Wears the "3/4 shirt" so we get plenty of shots of her slender, shapely belly sweating up a storm while we're entertained by her navel.
*tongue firmly in cheek*
After dancing for six days (just kidding...maybe), guy notices her fluffing her hair around as if she were looking for live animals in her scalp. He goes for his "date choice of the night" and she responds. I guess she's already figured out he's got Maxoderm (in public? HOW?!?), because as he whisks her away, at the door she tells us, "...he doesn't need a prescription, he's got Maxoderm".
What? Did he have his Maxoderm ID bracelet on or something?
So, tonight's lesson is this: women are more likely to involve themselves in risky one-night stands if they either:
---find a man wearing the "I've got Maxoderm in my pocket and I'm happy to see you" T-Shirt
---make sure they've stocked up on Maxoderm at home, in the car, and in the purse, for you never know when you'll find the right guy whose name you do not know.
AM I THE ONLY ONE OUTRAGED AT HOW DISGRACEFUL AND DENEGRATING THESE PORTRAYALS ARE??
Are there women like this? Yes, I know that.
Do I think Maxoderm will be around in five years? Ah, no. I don't see it in the FDA's approval line anytime soon, so it'll have its 15 minutes, then get repackaged with another name and even bigger claim.
And be it known in closing.....I'm not posting this out of jealousy. I don't need Maxoderm. At least, that's what wifey says. :)
Maxoderm.
I only offer a link because you can see one of their ridiculous ads on their home page. They have two, all over digital cable (you can't watch History International for an hour without seeing this commercial at least once---no one watching History International has "stamina" anymore??)
Commercial one: It's the spot on the site. Long-haired blonde, mid 20s, at the bar, sees older man, is thankful she happens to have Maxoderm in her purse (because he doesn't have time to SAY to her he's got it on him....they're across the room from each other), then heads over, turns back and talks about how Maxoderm is "totally different" than the ED drugs, then turns and walks with Dad....I mean Uncle....I mean Old Boss....I mean tonight's date out the door.
STOP! As an aside, yes I do think God places men and women with significant age differences together, that wasn't a blanket statement about legit relationships. This is all about finding tonight's sex toy.
Now---my question....is she so hard up to find someone that she has to make sure she can provide the, ah, stamina, for said guy by carrying the stuff in her purse?
Oh...and does it even work? That's another post that probably won't show up here.
Hope Blondie also brought a few other things with her to prevent, like, STD's, while that Maxoderm's at work.
Commercial two: Size-six, dark haired, 26 year old woman, partying on the dance floor like it's 1999. Wears the "3/4 shirt" so we get plenty of shots of her slender, shapely belly sweating up a storm while we're entertained by her navel.
*tongue firmly in cheek*
After dancing for six days (just kidding...maybe), guy notices her fluffing her hair around as if she were looking for live animals in her scalp. He goes for his "date choice of the night" and she responds. I guess she's already figured out he's got Maxoderm (in public? HOW?!?), because as he whisks her away, at the door she tells us, "...he doesn't need a prescription, he's got Maxoderm".
What? Did he have his Maxoderm ID bracelet on or something?
So, tonight's lesson is this: women are more likely to involve themselves in risky one-night stands if they either:
---find a man wearing the "I've got Maxoderm in my pocket and I'm happy to see you" T-Shirt
---make sure they've stocked up on Maxoderm at home, in the car, and in the purse, for you never know when you'll find the right guy whose name you do not know.
AM I THE ONLY ONE OUTRAGED AT HOW DISGRACEFUL AND DENEGRATING THESE PORTRAYALS ARE??
Are there women like this? Yes, I know that.
Do I think Maxoderm will be around in five years? Ah, no. I don't see it in the FDA's approval line anytime soon, so it'll have its 15 minutes, then get repackaged with another name and even bigger claim.
And be it known in closing.....I'm not posting this out of jealousy. I don't need Maxoderm. At least, that's what wifey says. :)
Advertisements that are......
...an insult to the female gender.
1) Nutrisystem. These air all over GSN (you know, only fat people watch Match Game), and, there it was on CNN yesterday at McDonalds.....
Check THIS line out (I'm quoting the best as I can....)
"I have my life back; my husband says he has his wife back."
Okay...his wife was GONE because she put on 40 pounds. First, I could on all day with jokes about, you know, "there was more of her, how could he lose her? Ha ha.."
Why do I have the feeling this guy married her, in part (I give benefit of the doubt) because of her shape. And maybe not her shape as it connects to the more important element, her soul. Her heart.
See, my wife has been obese her entire life. So when I hear a guy talk about "getting his wife back" again after she loses weight, I seeth. The ONLY acceptable way to use this logic is if the 40 pound loss aided in reducing or eliminating a medical problem. Then, that's great. But if it's simply because his wife's got "the hots" back? GIVE ME A BREAK.
I've only known my wife to be at under 200 pounds in our 19 years of marriage on two short-term occasions. Add 40 pounds to her, and nothing changes in the heart and soul. She's just as, how shall I say, ah, good in bed no matter what her weight total has EVER been while we've been together.
She had Lap-Band Surgery in December.
I know you now are rolling your eyes thinking, "oh! Now I get it! Your situation isn't vanity!" THINK, people, think.
She has a direct relative who lives in retirement in an easy chair. Not because of the pension plan and the great financial investments of 40 years. It's because she's a minimum of 300 pounds and rarely can go anywhere except from one adult child's house to another.
My wife wants to ride rollercoasters with her grandchildren. She wants to get back to re-doing the backyard landscape...and re-doing, and re-doing.....
She doesn't want diabetes. In less than 90 days since the surgery, she's already off her HBP medication.
And all this she will.
And me? I won't get "my wife back". She never left. In fact, it'll be strange to see her quite a bit less than me (pressure's on me now!).
MY PROBLEM?---She's already had two customers at her financial institution hit on her. I knew the vain men would start noticing.
As for me? I'm going to bed. :) :) :)
1) Nutrisystem. These air all over GSN (you know, only fat people watch Match Game), and, there it was on CNN yesterday at McDonalds.....
Check THIS line out (I'm quoting the best as I can....)
"I have my life back; my husband says he has his wife back."
Okay...his wife was GONE because she put on 40 pounds. First, I could on all day with jokes about, you know, "there was more of her, how could he lose her? Ha ha.."
Why do I have the feeling this guy married her, in part (I give benefit of the doubt) because of her shape. And maybe not her shape as it connects to the more important element, her soul. Her heart.
See, my wife has been obese her entire life. So when I hear a guy talk about "getting his wife back" again after she loses weight, I seeth. The ONLY acceptable way to use this logic is if the 40 pound loss aided in reducing or eliminating a medical problem. Then, that's great. But if it's simply because his wife's got "the hots" back? GIVE ME A BREAK.
I've only known my wife to be at under 200 pounds in our 19 years of marriage on two short-term occasions. Add 40 pounds to her, and nothing changes in the heart and soul. She's just as, how shall I say, ah, good in bed no matter what her weight total has EVER been while we've been together.
She had Lap-Band Surgery in December.
I know you now are rolling your eyes thinking, "oh! Now I get it! Your situation isn't vanity!" THINK, people, think.
She has a direct relative who lives in retirement in an easy chair. Not because of the pension plan and the great financial investments of 40 years. It's because she's a minimum of 300 pounds and rarely can go anywhere except from one adult child's house to another.
My wife wants to ride rollercoasters with her grandchildren. She wants to get back to re-doing the backyard landscape...and re-doing, and re-doing.....
She doesn't want diabetes. In less than 90 days since the surgery, she's already off her HBP medication.
And all this she will.
And me? I won't get "my wife back". She never left. In fact, it'll be strange to see her quite a bit less than me (pressure's on me now!).
MY PROBLEM?---She's already had two customers at her financial institution hit on her. I knew the vain men would start noticing.
As for me? I'm going to bed. :) :) :)
Monday, March 19, 2007
I know I couldn't talk, but I didn't mean not to post.....
:)
Welcome to day nine of laryngitis. This has been a strange "cold aka whatever". Nasal congestion, sure. Followed by chest congestion...check. Cough develops. Hardly any cough! And, while taking my cough medicine (an expectorant), almost all the coughs are productive.
Yet, the voice shows a little improvement only. Usually in about a week I'm back in action. Wonder who has the Rob doll and they keep sticking needles in the neck? :)
Anyway.....a few notes over these past few days:
--Three of my Final Four remain alive (Oregon, Texas A&M, and Georgetown, my pick to win it all).
--God bless VCU. What a gutsy performance to beat Duke, and I really wished I saw the Pitt game, especially the big comeback.
--Down side of VCU's national exposure---Anthony Grant won't be their coach very long.
--I was surprised (probably with alot of other fans) at how few upsets there have been. Good news about that--we'll see some MONSTER matchups Thursday and Friday in the Sweet Sixteen.
----------------------------------------------------
Remind me to rail about Nutri-System and their discriminatory advertising.
----------------------------------------------------
Remind me to rail about Comcast, GSN, and a great editorial I saw in the local paper Sunday.
----------------------------------------------------
And, finally, remind me to be thoroughly embarrassed to be an ACC fan right now. How pitiful was this weekend, eh??
P.S.--excellent episode of "24" again this week---they left Maria in "holding" (pardon the pun), the war happy Veep is causing drastic measures himself, and by others, and we learn that, among other things, Jack can fly a drone.
We also learned Audrey Raines is dead. And maybe the plot of "24" the Movie. Jack's revenge in China. Wouldn't surprise me.
Welcome to day nine of laryngitis. This has been a strange "cold aka whatever". Nasal congestion, sure. Followed by chest congestion...check. Cough develops. Hardly any cough! And, while taking my cough medicine (an expectorant), almost all the coughs are productive.
Yet, the voice shows a little improvement only. Usually in about a week I'm back in action. Wonder who has the Rob doll and they keep sticking needles in the neck? :)
Anyway.....a few notes over these past few days:
--Three of my Final Four remain alive (Oregon, Texas A&M, and Georgetown, my pick to win it all).
--God bless VCU. What a gutsy performance to beat Duke, and I really wished I saw the Pitt game, especially the big comeback.
--Down side of VCU's national exposure---Anthony Grant won't be their coach very long.
--I was surprised (probably with alot of other fans) at how few upsets there have been. Good news about that--we'll see some MONSTER matchups Thursday and Friday in the Sweet Sixteen.
----------------------------------------------------
Remind me to rail about Nutri-System and their discriminatory advertising.
----------------------------------------------------
Remind me to rail about Comcast, GSN, and a great editorial I saw in the local paper Sunday.
----------------------------------------------------
And, finally, remind me to be thoroughly embarrassed to be an ACC fan right now. How pitiful was this weekend, eh??
P.S.--excellent episode of "24" again this week---they left Maria in "holding" (pardon the pun), the war happy Veep is causing drastic measures himself, and by others, and we learn that, among other things, Jack can fly a drone.
We also learned Audrey Raines is dead. And maybe the plot of "24" the Movie. Jack's revenge in China. Wouldn't surprise me.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Several quick thoughts.....
1) "24" was excellent last night! They were back on their game, especially with the great acting of President Logan, Martha, and Aaron Pierce. See? Jack doesn't have to be on half the show or more! But, we learned that last year. Next week looks really interesting, and I wouldn't trust Suberov for love nor money. :)
2) Hillary is already beckoning the term "vast right-wing conspiracy", and it's only March 2007. There must be some numbers in their inside polling that are already worrying them. Good Lord, she's got to create the "vast left-wing conspiracy" so she can get the nomination!
3) I HATE Maxoderm commercials. The ladies set the female gender back a minimum of 50 years.
4) Fred Thompson? Yeah, I can dig that. My lady in Philly has been telling us this for weeks and weeks, and I think there's a gap in there that he could fill and get right into the thick of the race.
5) After staying out of work yesterday and returning today, feeling better but with no voice, I really haven't studied the Tournament Brackets that much. I need to get this done by tomorrow night.
More to come....but right now, I've gotta eat!
2) Hillary is already beckoning the term "vast right-wing conspiracy", and it's only March 2007. There must be some numbers in their inside polling that are already worrying them. Good Lord, she's got to create the "vast left-wing conspiracy" so she can get the nomination!
3) I HATE Maxoderm commercials. The ladies set the female gender back a minimum of 50 years.
4) Fred Thompson? Yeah, I can dig that. My lady in Philly has been telling us this for weeks and weeks, and I think there's a gap in there that he could fill and get right into the thick of the race.
5) After staying out of work yesterday and returning today, feeling better but with no voice, I really haven't studied the Tournament Brackets that much. I need to get this done by tomorrow night.
More to come....but right now, I've gotta eat!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Go NC State Wolfpack!!
It's been a good weekend for Sidney Lowe, his red jacket, and his NC State Wolfpack.
I was excited when State hired Sidney as basketball coach, because the program finally restored connection to its glory years of Jim Valvano, esp. the 1983 Cardiac Pack National Champions (Lowe was our point guard).
So, I got to see NC State put away Duke Thursday in overtime, and Virginia last night (it's always sweet to see UVA lose!!), and I wake up this evening to find out they defeated Virginia Tech for the 3rd time this season. State is in the ACC Tournament final!!
Here's hoping that this great run ends like the 1983 ACC Final, when State had to win to make the NCAA Tournament; they beat UVA and Ralph Sampson by three, opening the door for them to make the most improbable run to the NCAA Championship ever (sorry, Villanova).
As opposed to 1997, 2002 and 2003, when surprising Pack runs ended on Sunday afternoon, losing to UNC, Duke, and Duke again, in that order.
Go get 'em Sidney! Now, where can I go buy myself a red jacket??
I was excited when State hired Sidney as basketball coach, because the program finally restored connection to its glory years of Jim Valvano, esp. the 1983 Cardiac Pack National Champions (Lowe was our point guard).
So, I got to see NC State put away Duke Thursday in overtime, and Virginia last night (it's always sweet to see UVA lose!!), and I wake up this evening to find out they defeated Virginia Tech for the 3rd time this season. State is in the ACC Tournament final!!
Here's hoping that this great run ends like the 1983 ACC Final, when State had to win to make the NCAA Tournament; they beat UVA and Ralph Sampson by three, opening the door for them to make the most improbable run to the NCAA Championship ever (sorry, Villanova).
As opposed to 1997, 2002 and 2003, when surprising Pack runs ended on Sunday afternoon, losing to UNC, Duke, and Duke again, in that order.
Go get 'em Sidney! Now, where can I go buy myself a red jacket??
HAVE A HAPPY PERIOD??!!??!!??
NO---I cannot understand a women's period.
I'm a man.
Even if I'm married, work in the same office as three women, and am counting the months until I have to buy the first "supplies" for my daughter.
I don't have a flippin' clue.
But this lady does. Easily one of the funniest blog posts I've ever read. Ladies, enjoy!!! Men, just move on, we don't have a clue. :)
I'm a man.
Even if I'm married, work in the same office as three women, and am counting the months until I have to buy the first "supplies" for my daughter.
I don't have a flippin' clue.
But this lady does. Easily one of the funniest blog posts I've ever read. Ladies, enjoy!!! Men, just move on, we don't have a clue. :)
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
When Cable News looks weird......
Kiran Chetry....on CNN.
I haven't seen her on TV there yet; I had heard she bolted Fox after some, ah, negotiating issues, I reckon.
She always struck me as a Fox News person "through and through", as it were. Really don't know why.
So, when I saw the above screen grab online tonight (thanks to reportercaps.com), I thought, surreal.
Kinda like when your favorite wrestler left one promotion for another back in the 1980s or 1990s. What? Hulk Hogan in WCW? It doesn't LOOK RIGHT!!!
Good luck, Kiran!! :)
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Post No. #550-----
Feels like I'm moving up the all-time home run list.....without steroids.
As a kid, buying the Street and Smith's Baseball Yearbook before they cried, "Play Ball!" was one of the rites of spring. And I especially studied the pages that gave the updated all-time leaders in all categories (some of you may not remember when Babe Ruth was the king at 714!)
Quick aside---April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron can break Ruth's record at home against the Dodgers. The game is on NBC's Monday Night Baseball. Storm moves through Beaverdam, and, yep, we lose power. Later, Dad comes in the room to inform bro and I that Aaron hit number 715 (he heard it on battery-operated radio). Hmmm....never did ask him why he didn't just yell for us to come into his room to join him and listen...
Anyway, I'm up to 550 posts on this ol' blog. Most things in life that I've attempted....
---Staying up 24 hours straight
---Staying up to watch all 21 1/2 hours of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon
---Staying up 24 hours straight playing records the whole time
....what's my fixation on 24? Hee hee......
I'm just glad that, for once in my life, I stuck to a personal project, and that's cool. I know it doesn't warm any other hearts, and probably won't inspire anyone to do anything, but, I'm happy.
Now, to go write that novel....or series of children's books I've always wanted to write......
....like my blogger friend in Philly. :)
P.S.----Ms. Clinton preaches the politics of division here. I thought she decried that....hmmm......
P.P.S.----Follow up to last post....here's Hillary does Gomer Pyle (and I mean an impression!)
As a kid, buying the Street and Smith's Baseball Yearbook before they cried, "Play Ball!" was one of the rites of spring. And I especially studied the pages that gave the updated all-time leaders in all categories (some of you may not remember when Babe Ruth was the king at 714!)
Quick aside---April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron can break Ruth's record at home against the Dodgers. The game is on NBC's Monday Night Baseball. Storm moves through Beaverdam, and, yep, we lose power. Later, Dad comes in the room to inform bro and I that Aaron hit number 715 (he heard it on battery-operated radio). Hmmm....never did ask him why he didn't just yell for us to come into his room to join him and listen...
Anyway, I'm up to 550 posts on this ol' blog. Most things in life that I've attempted....
---Staying up 24 hours straight
---Staying up to watch all 21 1/2 hours of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon
---Staying up 24 hours straight playing records the whole time
....what's my fixation on 24? Hee hee......
I'm just glad that, for once in my life, I stuck to a personal project, and that's cool. I know it doesn't warm any other hearts, and probably won't inspire anyone to do anything, but, I'm happy.
Now, to go write that novel....or series of children's books I've always wanted to write......
....like my blogger friend in Philly. :)
P.S.----Ms. Clinton preaches the politics of division here. I thought she decried that....hmmm......
P.P.S.----Follow up to last post....here's Hillary does Gomer Pyle (and I mean an impression!)
Monday, March 05, 2007
Blogosphere Explosion
1) Ann Coulter brings an F-bomb (no, not the word for IC) on John Edwards, and most conservatives reply with disdain and disgust. I, too, join them. There's alot of things she has said/written with which I have wholeheartedly agreed. I also don't have a problem with reasonable satire. Note the word "reasonable". Calling someone a f....., is not reasonable. Period.
2) Good job by Michelle Malkin tonight on O'Reilly explaining this whole mess. Her reminding us of Ronald Reagan's speeches at CPAC brought about the stark contrast between "Morning in America" and, well...that f-word, which "was a joke", Ann said.
3) I'll withhold comment on Hillary's hymn sing until I get a chance to see and hear it for myself.
Dear God, we've got to live with this crap for another 20 MONTHS???!!!???
-----------------------------------------------------
"24"! YES, IT IS ON!
Oh, and it's the 5pm hour and Jack just can't get the "going into the consulate" thing out of his system. You'd think 20 months in a Chinese prison would change a guy's mind.......
Let me offer up some conversation banter here.....
Jack taking an ambassador hostage in his own consulate is breaking law, right?
Reid, et al, setting the bomb to kill Palmer is breaking law, right?
Yes, the plot to kill Palmer is much worse in terms of "level of law breaking", but how can I actually sit here and tell Jack to break the law if that's what it takes to find the ultimate bad guy, while booing Reid, Carson, et al, for their lawbreaking. Right? Am I right? The issue tonight, is justification. I'm still developing this line of thought.....
.....as my wife pointed out, the pretty lady from last year's "Invasion" show has landed a job on "24" as the Veep's assistant.
At 5:46PM.....FROM THE JACK BAUER HYMNAL----COUNT YOUR FINGERS, BREAK THEM ONE BY ONE.......
.....and then Jack gets bombed. I think Jack had a brief flashback to the Chinese Consulate and thought it better to get assaulted at the consulate rather than, say, in Siberia......
310-597-3781. If I call that number, do I get CTU or a "24" promo?
Why do you leave a door open to make a secret phone call? Don't you, like LOCK IT to give yourself some extra time???
Season six is not living up to season five (I don't think any season will....), but we'll see what happens from here. I will say this:
THANK YOU to the writers/producers of "24" for not making us go through possible nuclear explosions every two hours all day long. There's more character development, and I do like that. I don't need all the bombs. But I know lots of "24" fans do.
Tonight's "24" brought to you by the Dodge Avenger, and DEEP PURPLE!!
So exactly how does a Dodge Avenger put smoke on the water, and fire in the sky?
I dunno.
2) Good job by Michelle Malkin tonight on O'Reilly explaining this whole mess. Her reminding us of Ronald Reagan's speeches at CPAC brought about the stark contrast between "Morning in America" and, well...that f-word, which "was a joke", Ann said.
3) I'll withhold comment on Hillary's hymn sing until I get a chance to see and hear it for myself.
Dear God, we've got to live with this crap for another 20 MONTHS???!!!???
-----------------------------------------------------
"24"! YES, IT IS ON!
Oh, and it's the 5pm hour and Jack just can't get the "going into the consulate" thing out of his system. You'd think 20 months in a Chinese prison would change a guy's mind.......
Let me offer up some conversation banter here.....
Jack taking an ambassador hostage in his own consulate is breaking law, right?
Reid, et al, setting the bomb to kill Palmer is breaking law, right?
Yes, the plot to kill Palmer is much worse in terms of "level of law breaking", but how can I actually sit here and tell Jack to break the law if that's what it takes to find the ultimate bad guy, while booing Reid, Carson, et al, for their lawbreaking. Right? Am I right? The issue tonight, is justification. I'm still developing this line of thought.....
.....as my wife pointed out, the pretty lady from last year's "Invasion" show has landed a job on "24" as the Veep's assistant.
At 5:46PM.....FROM THE JACK BAUER HYMNAL----COUNT YOUR FINGERS, BREAK THEM ONE BY ONE.......
.....and then Jack gets bombed. I think Jack had a brief flashback to the Chinese Consulate and thought it better to get assaulted at the consulate rather than, say, in Siberia......
310-597-3781. If I call that number, do I get CTU or a "24" promo?
Why do you leave a door open to make a secret phone call? Don't you, like LOCK IT to give yourself some extra time???
Season six is not living up to season five (I don't think any season will....), but we'll see what happens from here. I will say this:
THANK YOU to the writers/producers of "24" for not making us go through possible nuclear explosions every two hours all day long. There's more character development, and I do like that. I don't need all the bombs. But I know lots of "24" fans do.
Tonight's "24" brought to you by the Dodge Avenger, and DEEP PURPLE!!
So exactly how does a Dodge Avenger put smoke on the water, and fire in the sky?
I dunno.
Friday, March 02, 2007
It ain't just the stock market......
......my emotions have been going on a huge rollercoaster ride this week, and at the closing bell tonight, I admit that I've experienced significant losses, too.
The good news is I don't plan on selling myself off anytime soon. :)
The bad news is it's becoming apparent that February 19, 2007 will go down as one of the worst days of, say, the past almost 40 years of my life......
Don't ask why. It's private.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bloggers----you know this feeling. You see something and want to link to it, hear something and want to comment on it, but are so busy that, three days later, when you finally get a chance to blog......I CANNOT REMEMBER A THING. :)
But I'll try.
First, a couple of links to good stories from this week's CBS Evening News.
---Over 50 years, and they're still playing cards.....
---This lady didn't just play the fiddle, she made it, too! Oh, and she's 90.
----------------------------------------------------------------
What fringe 0.13 percent of the population elected Al Gore the "next God"??
----------------------------------------------------------------
Rachel says her school has celebrated her 10th birthday all week by having great lunches, every day this week.
----------------------------------------------------------------
I'd like to go back to North Carolina this weekend. Had more fun there last weekend than I have this week. And I hear the BBQ is good down there, too. :)
OH, AND FINALLY----to the potential winner of tonight's $275 million dollar Mega Millions jackpot, I know a GREAT way to make a small investment and create nice revenue growth. Call it your "coffee fund".
P.S.----Get off Katie Couric's back!!! I'm sick and tired of hearing everybody gripe about her and call her a failure, yadda, yadda.
Do any of you remember when Walter Cronkite was TAKEN OFF the anchor desk at a 1964 National Convention when CBS News looked for a team to take on the then #1 team of Huntley and Brinkley on NBC??
Alright then. Hang in there, Katie. :)
The good news is I don't plan on selling myself off anytime soon. :)
The bad news is it's becoming apparent that February 19, 2007 will go down as one of the worst days of, say, the past almost 40 years of my life......
Don't ask why. It's private.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bloggers----you know this feeling. You see something and want to link to it, hear something and want to comment on it, but are so busy that, three days later, when you finally get a chance to blog......I CANNOT REMEMBER A THING. :)
But I'll try.
First, a couple of links to good stories from this week's CBS Evening News.
---Over 50 years, and they're still playing cards.....
---This lady didn't just play the fiddle, she made it, too! Oh, and she's 90.
----------------------------------------------------------------
What fringe 0.13 percent of the population elected Al Gore the "next God"??
----------------------------------------------------------------
Rachel says her school has celebrated her 10th birthday all week by having great lunches, every day this week.
----------------------------------------------------------------
I'd like to go back to North Carolina this weekend. Had more fun there last weekend than I have this week. And I hear the BBQ is good down there, too. :)
OH, AND FINALLY----to the potential winner of tonight's $275 million dollar Mega Millions jackpot, I know a GREAT way to make a small investment and create nice revenue growth. Call it your "coffee fund".
P.S.----Get off Katie Couric's back!!! I'm sick and tired of hearing everybody gripe about her and call her a failure, yadda, yadda.
Do any of you remember when Walter Cronkite was TAKEN OFF the anchor desk at a 1964 National Convention when CBS News looked for a team to take on the then #1 team of Huntley and Brinkley on NBC??
Alright then. Hang in there, Katie. :)
Monday, February 26, 2007
HELP WANTED: Investors (Well.....there IS a Smithfield, Virginia, too.)
Even though NOBODY in the Commonwealth has a clue about fixin' BBQ.....
I need a couple of people with some $$$ to invest, and they'd rather get better return on their money than, say, 2.67% or something....
It's REAL simple. We need to open Virginia's first Smithfield Chicken & BBQ location.
There aren't many choices for BBQ in the Richmond area, in my opinion. The leader of the pack is Bill's Barbeque. When you ask most people, "What's the first word that comes to your mind when you hear BBQ?" in Richmond, Bill's will be the one.
But, well, in a word.....Bill's BBQ is soggy. There's no real "texture". Do I expect my sandwich bun like "toasted"? Heck, no. But I do expect it to still have shape and flavor, rather than it be taken over by soggy BBQ.
Kudos to Bill's on one thing, though.....they have limeade. We'd have to do something about that on our menu.
Smithfield could come into Richmond and meteorically rise to popularity. Spacious eat-in facilities, employees who bring you your food and come refill your sweet iced tea (oh, and no one in Virginia makes sweet tea like Smithfield, either!). Very clean, family-friendly, fairly-priced (in other words, scratch Arby's from your choices; they're simply too pricey now.)
Start with one location....I have ideas as to location (which I won't divulge here), and watch the revolution begin.
SMITHFIELD CHICKEN & BBQ.....I BEG OF YOU....PLEASE COME TO RICHMOND!!!!!!
P.S.---I didn't even start to talk about their chicken. That's another page and a half. And the fries? Shoestrings that no one can touch (sorry, McDonalds), and the finisher----HUSH PUPPIES---the BEST in the world. I ate 'em cold driving home last night. I ate 'em cold at 6am Sunday morning when I woke up to go to men's room.
You'll eat 'em 24/7, too.
Now, back to the investor search.....:)
I need a couple of people with some $$$ to invest, and they'd rather get better return on their money than, say, 2.67% or something....
It's REAL simple. We need to open Virginia's first Smithfield Chicken & BBQ location.
There aren't many choices for BBQ in the Richmond area, in my opinion. The leader of the pack is Bill's Barbeque. When you ask most people, "What's the first word that comes to your mind when you hear BBQ?" in Richmond, Bill's will be the one.
But, well, in a word.....Bill's BBQ is soggy. There's no real "texture". Do I expect my sandwich bun like "toasted"? Heck, no. But I do expect it to still have shape and flavor, rather than it be taken over by soggy BBQ.
Kudos to Bill's on one thing, though.....they have limeade. We'd have to do something about that on our menu.
Smithfield could come into Richmond and meteorically rise to popularity. Spacious eat-in facilities, employees who bring you your food and come refill your sweet iced tea (oh, and no one in Virginia makes sweet tea like Smithfield, either!). Very clean, family-friendly, fairly-priced (in other words, scratch Arby's from your choices; they're simply too pricey now.)
Start with one location....I have ideas as to location (which I won't divulge here), and watch the revolution begin.
SMITHFIELD CHICKEN & BBQ.....I BEG OF YOU....PLEASE COME TO RICHMOND!!!!!!
P.S.---I didn't even start to talk about their chicken. That's another page and a half. And the fries? Shoestrings that no one can touch (sorry, McDonalds), and the finisher----HUSH PUPPIES---the BEST in the world. I ate 'em cold driving home last night. I ate 'em cold at 6am Sunday morning when I woke up to go to men's room.
You'll eat 'em 24/7, too.
Now, back to the investor search.....:)
I am truly honored.....
| You Are Most Like Ronald Reagan |
 People tend to think you're a god - or that you almost ruined the country. But even if people do disagree with you, they still fall victim to your charms! |
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Birthdays, church, NASCAR, Hams, and rain.....
In a nutshell, there's our Sunday in New Bern, NC, as we count down until the time we must depart to get the family home for their Monday of school and job (and my day of sleep!!! And I think I'll work on this blog, too.)
It was good to be in church today!!! We were at Uncle Frank's church, where he has been filling in as "interim minister" during their ministerial search. He did a fantastic job as he threw down the gauntlet of confession to God from Daniel in Daniel 9. Good stuff!
Then, an overflow Golden Corral lost our business (just no room!) and we went to Ham's. First time at a Ham's, and I enjoyed very much. Good food, good service, and Mountain Dew. That's all I need. Pictures and pictures of the family to celebrate Papa's 75th and Rachel's 10th birthdays. I especially enjoyed taking photos of Rachel eating just as the fork hit the mouth. :)
Now, lots of rain falling (but no storms!!!) as we prepare to go. An all-too-quick but very enjoyable visit to Witham Nation South.
Now I can listen again to an awesome radio station going home (100.7 The River) out of Raleigh (a Clear Channel station!).....why can't we have a station this good back home???
It was good to be in church today!!! We were at Uncle Frank's church, where he has been filling in as "interim minister" during their ministerial search. He did a fantastic job as he threw down the gauntlet of confession to God from Daniel in Daniel 9. Good stuff!
Then, an overflow Golden Corral lost our business (just no room!) and we went to Ham's. First time at a Ham's, and I enjoyed very much. Good food, good service, and Mountain Dew. That's all I need. Pictures and pictures of the family to celebrate Papa's 75th and Rachel's 10th birthdays. I especially enjoyed taking photos of Rachel eating just as the fork hit the mouth. :)
Now, lots of rain falling (but no storms!!!) as we prepare to go. An all-too-quick but very enjoyable visit to Witham Nation South.
Now I can listen again to an awesome radio station going home (100.7 The River) out of Raleigh (a Clear Channel station!).....why can't we have a station this good back home???
Saturday, February 24, 2007
All Things Witham---On The Road For The First Time EVER!!!
Welcome to my first blog post outside of Virginia!!
We're live tonight in New Bern, North Carolina, as we traveled here earlier this evening to celebrate two milestone birthdays!
On Monday, our wonderful daughter, Rachel, turns the big 10!! I'm still trying to figure out where in the world those ten years disappeared to!!!!
Then, the person she shares that birthday with, her Papa (my Dad), turns the big 75! So, at the risk of letting a big day go by, we came down to celebrate both birthdays tomorrow, since we have to be back home at this time tomorrow night so the kids can get to school Monday.
I, on the other hand, had at least some foresight and am taking Monday off to snooze. :)
There is a chance of some storms tomorrow PM, so I'm hoping they will either not develop or we can dodge the bullet.
---------------------------------------------------------
Quick, few, end-of-week musings:
1) Lots and lots on my mind right now, about things happening, things that may happen, things that may not. I'm very happy that, in spite of all that rambling through my mind at warp speed, I still made the trip here to NC. But, let it be said, next week could turn out to be extremely pivotal. Plus, my jury duty "on-call period" will be done soon, and that will make me happy, no matter what other emotions come my way.
2) NC State.....will they ever be able to recruit with UNC and Duke at their side door? They used to......hopefully Sidney Lowe can, because Lord knows we need some players. The poor guys there now, when you run only seven players, you run out of steam. I don't look forward to seeing their "March legs". They'll probably be tired. I hope at least an NIT bid, so the guys, and the coach, can play some March tournament basketball. All experience is a positive right now.
3) The Taco Bell gutted by fire next to work last Thanksgiving has been open a few weeks now. No word as to whether they plan to add rats as their latest attraction, a la NYC.
Good night from North Carolina!! Happy birthday Papa and Rachel! February 26, 1932 and February 26, 1997. :)
We're live tonight in New Bern, North Carolina, as we traveled here earlier this evening to celebrate two milestone birthdays!
On Monday, our wonderful daughter, Rachel, turns the big 10!! I'm still trying to figure out where in the world those ten years disappeared to!!!!
Then, the person she shares that birthday with, her Papa (my Dad), turns the big 75! So, at the risk of letting a big day go by, we came down to celebrate both birthdays tomorrow, since we have to be back home at this time tomorrow night so the kids can get to school Monday.
I, on the other hand, had at least some foresight and am taking Monday off to snooze. :)
There is a chance of some storms tomorrow PM, so I'm hoping they will either not develop or we can dodge the bullet.
---------------------------------------------------------
Quick, few, end-of-week musings:
1) Lots and lots on my mind right now, about things happening, things that may happen, things that may not. I'm very happy that, in spite of all that rambling through my mind at warp speed, I still made the trip here to NC. But, let it be said, next week could turn out to be extremely pivotal. Plus, my jury duty "on-call period" will be done soon, and that will make me happy, no matter what other emotions come my way.
2) NC State.....will they ever be able to recruit with UNC and Duke at their side door? They used to......hopefully Sidney Lowe can, because Lord knows we need some players. The poor guys there now, when you run only seven players, you run out of steam. I don't look forward to seeing their "March legs". They'll probably be tired. I hope at least an NIT bid, so the guys, and the coach, can play some March tournament basketball. All experience is a positive right now.
3) The Taco Bell gutted by fire next to work last Thanksgiving has been open a few weeks now. No word as to whether they plan to add rats as their latest attraction, a la NYC.
Good night from North Carolina!! Happy birthday Papa and Rachel! February 26, 1932 and February 26, 1997. :)
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
A few "24" thoughts....
....I don't know, but the last few minutes of the show this week confused me. Jack's dad didn't plan on killing him all along, just to apprehend him to start this magical mystery tour with the first stop checking on President Logan?
Personally, I don't think Phillip can kill Jack. He loves him too much.
Next week, the bomb goes off on Assad; Palmer survives (because, remember, he's in on it all!!)
Morris. There's really not much more they can do with his character if you think about it. And, honestly, the sooner he leaves the better.
When's the dark-haired chick at CTU going to do anything more than say four to seven lines a week?
Why do I get the feeling that Lennox will get just desserts on these assassination lovers before it's all over?
Oh, and now, let's get Marilyn and Josh back to CTU where they can stay comfortably during the rest of the day; no longer a pawn of dad-in-law or grandpop, with really not much else to do. Until of course, she tells Jack he's the dad. That'll be about hour 21.
So, that is all for now. :)
Personally, I don't think Phillip can kill Jack. He loves him too much.
Next week, the bomb goes off on Assad; Palmer survives (because, remember, he's in on it all!!)
Morris. There's really not much more they can do with his character if you think about it. And, honestly, the sooner he leaves the better.
When's the dark-haired chick at CTU going to do anything more than say four to seven lines a week?
Why do I get the feeling that Lennox will get just desserts on these assassination lovers before it's all over?
Oh, and now, let's get Marilyn and Josh back to CTU where they can stay comfortably during the rest of the day; no longer a pawn of dad-in-law or grandpop, with really not much else to do. Until of course, she tells Jack he's the dad. That'll be about hour 21.
So, that is all for now. :)
Sunday, February 18, 2007
An observation after this particular Sunday......
.....I really, really, really, really, really, really, really miss the National Football League.
And once my favorite event, The NCAA Tournament ends, I hit bottom.
And begin to count the days until the first training camp opens, and visions of fantasy football magazines dance in my head.
Hang on like-minded, we'll make it to late July!!!!
And once my favorite event, The NCAA Tournament ends, I hit bottom.
And begin to count the days until the first training camp opens, and visions of fantasy football magazines dance in my head.
Hang on like-minded, we'll make it to late July!!!!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Some thoughts about JetBlue and I-78......
1) JetBlue's decision this weekend to cancel a bunch of flights (including here in Richmond) to, I guess, regroup after their problems with the weather, cancelled flights, and the PR nightmare of New York City a few days ago, leaves me bewildered. Why try to "fix" a problem by inconveniencing MORE people with more cancellations?
2) But, I DO know these thoughts without a doubt. Regarding the transportation nightmares resulting from the huge snow/ice storm in the Northeast......
----I have tremendous amounts of sorrow for all the stranded travelers on I-78 in Pennsylvania, who are stuck, totally stuck in miles and miles of traffic, for up to 24 hours. Issues such as food and especially warmth become life-threatening issues. That must have been a nightmare for all drivers and passengers involved.
----With the exception of children, I have NO sympathy for the people I saw interviewed the other night on TV who had to "endure" waits of up to 11 hours on a JetBlue airplane. Was JetBlue apparently completely clueless and negligent to their customers? ABSOLUTELY.
BUT.....BUT......if I am stuck somewhere, I would MUCH rather it be in an airplane safely on the tarmac on the ground as opposed to, say, I-78 in Pennsylvania. Some people interviewed made it sound like the airplane became a war zone and they were furious at the horrific experience they had just lived through.
I'm sorry....no sympathy. If I were there, would I be disappointed and frustrated? Yes. Mad that JetBlue apparently never provided passengers information updates? Yes.
Act on television as if you just survived some sort of military battle?? Forget it.
If the maturity portion of my brain was working in conjunction with my reality portion, I would realize I was inside, warm, and inconvenienced by lack of food, bathroom facilities and patience, but I COULD BE IN MUCH, MUCH MORE DESPERATE STRAITS.
Had I been one of the passengers who went on TV and acted so "in the moment emotional" about my day, then went home or to a hotel and see the I-78 story on the air.......
.....I would have found myself relatively embarrassed. The people that went through hell were in cold cars in the middle of an "asphalt-nowhere", thinking they might not get out of what started as "just as a traffic jam" alive, not in JetBlue airplanes.
Sorry-----this has just eaten at me since I saw it on TV. There is desperate, and then there is "desperate".
I pray no one who reads this will end up in something like an "I-78 experience".
And when I want to get mad during an airplane delay, someone remind me my kids used to cry alot, too.
2) But, I DO know these thoughts without a doubt. Regarding the transportation nightmares resulting from the huge snow/ice storm in the Northeast......
----I have tremendous amounts of sorrow for all the stranded travelers on I-78 in Pennsylvania, who are stuck, totally stuck in miles and miles of traffic, for up to 24 hours. Issues such as food and especially warmth become life-threatening issues. That must have been a nightmare for all drivers and passengers involved.
----With the exception of children, I have NO sympathy for the people I saw interviewed the other night on TV who had to "endure" waits of up to 11 hours on a JetBlue airplane. Was JetBlue apparently completely clueless and negligent to their customers? ABSOLUTELY.
BUT.....BUT......if I am stuck somewhere, I would MUCH rather it be in an airplane safely on the tarmac on the ground as opposed to, say, I-78 in Pennsylvania. Some people interviewed made it sound like the airplane became a war zone and they were furious at the horrific experience they had just lived through.
I'm sorry....no sympathy. If I were there, would I be disappointed and frustrated? Yes. Mad that JetBlue apparently never provided passengers information updates? Yes.
Act on television as if you just survived some sort of military battle?? Forget it.
If the maturity portion of my brain was working in conjunction with my reality portion, I would realize I was inside, warm, and inconvenienced by lack of food, bathroom facilities and patience, but I COULD BE IN MUCH, MUCH MORE DESPERATE STRAITS.
Had I been one of the passengers who went on TV and acted so "in the moment emotional" about my day, then went home or to a hotel and see the I-78 story on the air.......
.....I would have found myself relatively embarrassed. The people that went through hell were in cold cars in the middle of an "asphalt-nowhere", thinking they might not get out of what started as "just as a traffic jam" alive, not in JetBlue airplanes.
Sorry-----this has just eaten at me since I saw it on TV. There is desperate, and then there is "desperate".
I pray no one who reads this will end up in something like an "I-78 experience".
And when I want to get mad during an airplane delay, someone remind me my kids used to cry alot, too.
Me??? Rascal Flatts??? In the same building?? Within feet of each other??
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction!!
Rascal Flatts and Rob Witham in the SAME building.
Only a beautiful almost ten-year old freckled-face daughter could pull this one off. And what's even better, she never knew she was doing it!!
Here's the story, which has been a big secret for about four to six weeks.
--Daddy finds out Rascal Flatts, his daughter's favorite group, was coming to the new arena in Charlottesville. Dad was able to get two tickets for the show to be his present to Rachel for her 10th birthday. One catch.....let's NOT tell Rachel...make it a surprise.
--I get the tickets, and cannot believe the location. I hoped to be "in the building"; you know, Section 309....that's cool by me! What do the tickets say? "Floor. Row E." "Is this as good as I think it is?", I ask myself.
--So, the day comes, I call Rachel at work on speakerphone late in the day to inform her that her and Dad were going on a date. Her reaction......"what??" We meet at home around 530 and hit the road. Traffic was heavy all the way to C-Ville.
--Then the worst part of the night begins. I take the 3rd exit like the directions say, but the flashing sign on the road said take the second exit for parking. At this arena, you either pay lots and park close, or park for free and hoof it. 15 minutes worth of walkin'. Most nights, that's actually good exercise. Last night, with temps falling thru the 20's and Rachel having NO idea what was going on....she ended up cold and confused.
So, I take the third...wait in a long line of cars, then find what I thought was the right street based on the map....and was right. Went into an area of the University to park.....full; side parking lot...full---Rachel and I drive around for ten minutes, and SHE saved the day. We pass a building and she says, "Dad, you can park in there, I see stairs. And cars." I go around, get back to the other side of the building, enter the deck and the first parking place is open. I gladly take it.
--Of course, I'm in shorts. I'm always in shorts. Funny, the whole walk, my legs weren't really cold; it was the top half of me that was freezing! Okay, back to the really important part....
--I've taken Rachel up the interstate on a one hour, fifteen minute road trip and she knows nothing about what's at the end of the potential rainbow. We approach the building, she later said she saw how big it was and thought it must be some kind of show, but with no marquee or sign to announce to surprise, I take out the tickets just as we walk into the building.
"Rachel, tell me what it says on the tickets."
Rachel, who always reacts emotionally on a two-hour delay, looked, said nothing, then quietly said, "Rascal Flatts." Let the shock begin.
Then we have very nice UVA people (DID I JUST SAY THAT??) help ya find your seats.
The seats. Yeah, the seats that put you TEN FEET from the front walkway of the stage.
After a gaggle of teenage girls swooped in front of us to try to have their hand touched by the opening act, I told Rachel just before the main event, "...you better get up and stand at the end of that railing, or you'll never see the show."
So, she staked her claim to a slab of concrete, and proceeded to never sit down. Two solid hours of Rachel mesmerized by what was unfolding in front of her, fifteen chances to be "psuedo-crushed" by aforementioned group of teens, surviving one lady's "super-scream" just behind us, who I told Rachel after the show should join the military and become a drill sargeant, and having Rascal Flatts come up to eight to ten feet away from her.
(Rachel, by the way, never held her hand out to be touched. She got her maturity from her Dad.) :) :)
REVIEW:
1) The show? Well done; the stage was tremendously put together with a huge tall rectangle screen in the back middle showing some of their videos during their performances. The top is semi-circled with "little monitors" on them in checkboard fashion. Not overdone. I appreciated that. Sparks in the opening song; serious confetti at the end (before the encore). The best technical aspect of the night was when the threesome all came to within ten feet of Rachel, there was a hydraulic machine up high, they connected cables to the end of the stage, it rose high and carried them over the heads of the floor seating onto a small stage on the other end of the floor. The back upper and lower levels went nuts as they "brought the show closer" to them.
2) The group? They put on a pretty good show; quite entertaining for a general music fan like me, and apparently more like a worship experience based on the emotional reaction of many girls around me. Rachel later admitted to screaming twice and smiling alot. See, all I saw of her was the back of her head! She wouldn't look stoic alot when turning around to see me, and I asked her if she was smiling. She said yes. I told her I wanted to make sure the group didn't look down and think you weren't having fun!!
3) The music? Thank God they are musicians, and not just studio singers. The lead guy only sang, but another guy (Jay) really impressed me with acoustic and electric guitar work, a drums duet he had with the stage band's drummer that was nuts, then a virtuoso performance on the piano. When I see a group member sing, interact with the crowd, have fun, and show that much musical dexterity, I see worth in the cost of a ticket.
4) The final score? I enjoyed the show, I bounced up and down out of my chair taking pictures for my girl when good opportunities arose (and there were many) while holding her coat, and I enjoyed the people-watching.
Am I now a "Rascal Flatts fan"? No. Can I listen to their CD now in the van without thinking "yech!"? Yeah. Because that means Rachel's in the van, too, and I'll apparently use Rascal Flatts to any and all lengths to surprise my girl. :)
Like I said to some people yesterday and today:
"She's had me around her finger for ten years now, at least once I should be able to string her along!"
Happy Birthday, Rachel!
And, to Dee, the lady who put us in the seats that made my girl's surprise dream come true, I will kiss your feet when I see you. Thank you. :)
Rascal Flatts and Rob Witham in the SAME building.
Only a beautiful almost ten-year old freckled-face daughter could pull this one off. And what's even better, she never knew she was doing it!!
Here's the story, which has been a big secret for about four to six weeks.
--Daddy finds out Rascal Flatts, his daughter's favorite group, was coming to the new arena in Charlottesville. Dad was able to get two tickets for the show to be his present to Rachel for her 10th birthday. One catch.....let's NOT tell Rachel...make it a surprise.
--I get the tickets, and cannot believe the location. I hoped to be "in the building"; you know, Section 309....that's cool by me! What do the tickets say? "Floor. Row E." "Is this as good as I think it is?", I ask myself.
--So, the day comes, I call Rachel at work on speakerphone late in the day to inform her that her and Dad were going on a date. Her reaction......"what??" We meet at home around 530 and hit the road. Traffic was heavy all the way to C-Ville.
--Then the worst part of the night begins. I take the 3rd exit like the directions say, but the flashing sign on the road said take the second exit for parking. At this arena, you either pay lots and park close, or park for free and hoof it. 15 minutes worth of walkin'. Most nights, that's actually good exercise. Last night, with temps falling thru the 20's and Rachel having NO idea what was going on....she ended up cold and confused.
So, I take the third...wait in a long line of cars, then find what I thought was the right street based on the map....and was right. Went into an area of the University to park.....full; side parking lot...full---Rachel and I drive around for ten minutes, and SHE saved the day. We pass a building and she says, "Dad, you can park in there, I see stairs. And cars." I go around, get back to the other side of the building, enter the deck and the first parking place is open. I gladly take it.
--Of course, I'm in shorts. I'm always in shorts. Funny, the whole walk, my legs weren't really cold; it was the top half of me that was freezing! Okay, back to the really important part....
--I've taken Rachel up the interstate on a one hour, fifteen minute road trip and she knows nothing about what's at the end of the potential rainbow. We approach the building, she later said she saw how big it was and thought it must be some kind of show, but with no marquee or sign to announce to surprise, I take out the tickets just as we walk into the building.
"Rachel, tell me what it says on the tickets."
Rachel, who always reacts emotionally on a two-hour delay, looked, said nothing, then quietly said, "Rascal Flatts." Let the shock begin.
Then we have very nice UVA people (DID I JUST SAY THAT??) help ya find your seats.
The seats. Yeah, the seats that put you TEN FEET from the front walkway of the stage.
After a gaggle of teenage girls swooped in front of us to try to have their hand touched by the opening act, I told Rachel just before the main event, "...you better get up and stand at the end of that railing, or you'll never see the show."
So, she staked her claim to a slab of concrete, and proceeded to never sit down. Two solid hours of Rachel mesmerized by what was unfolding in front of her, fifteen chances to be "psuedo-crushed" by aforementioned group of teens, surviving one lady's "super-scream" just behind us, who I told Rachel after the show should join the military and become a drill sargeant, and having Rascal Flatts come up to eight to ten feet away from her.
(Rachel, by the way, never held her hand out to be touched. She got her maturity from her Dad.) :) :)
REVIEW:
1) The show? Well done; the stage was tremendously put together with a huge tall rectangle screen in the back middle showing some of their videos during their performances. The top is semi-circled with "little monitors" on them in checkboard fashion. Not overdone. I appreciated that. Sparks in the opening song; serious confetti at the end (before the encore). The best technical aspect of the night was when the threesome all came to within ten feet of Rachel, there was a hydraulic machine up high, they connected cables to the end of the stage, it rose high and carried them over the heads of the floor seating onto a small stage on the other end of the floor. The back upper and lower levels went nuts as they "brought the show closer" to them.
2) The group? They put on a pretty good show; quite entertaining for a general music fan like me, and apparently more like a worship experience based on the emotional reaction of many girls around me. Rachel later admitted to screaming twice and smiling alot. See, all I saw of her was the back of her head! She wouldn't look stoic alot when turning around to see me, and I asked her if she was smiling. She said yes. I told her I wanted to make sure the group didn't look down and think you weren't having fun!!
3) The music? Thank God they are musicians, and not just studio singers. The lead guy only sang, but another guy (Jay) really impressed me with acoustic and electric guitar work, a drums duet he had with the stage band's drummer that was nuts, then a virtuoso performance on the piano. When I see a group member sing, interact with the crowd, have fun, and show that much musical dexterity, I see worth in the cost of a ticket.
4) The final score? I enjoyed the show, I bounced up and down out of my chair taking pictures for my girl when good opportunities arose (and there were many) while holding her coat, and I enjoyed the people-watching.
Am I now a "Rascal Flatts fan"? No. Can I listen to their CD now in the van without thinking "yech!"? Yeah. Because that means Rachel's in the van, too, and I'll apparently use Rascal Flatts to any and all lengths to surprise my girl. :)
Like I said to some people yesterday and today:
"She's had me around her finger for ten years now, at least once I should be able to string her along!"
Happy Birthday, Rachel!
And, to Dee, the lady who put us in the seats that made my girl's surprise dream come true, I will kiss your feet when I see you. Thank you. :)
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
4th Post of the Day: See Gilmore Girls last night?
Our CW station pre-empted the Gilmore Girls for a college basketball game, which normally would meet with my approval.
But, in this case, my wife does have me interested in the show, and last night was supposed to be a pivotal episode concerning Lorelai and her true feelings about the "loves" of her life.
CW doesn't replay their shows online, so the question is:
Anyone see Gilmore Girls last night? If you did, what happened? Click "comments" and please clue me in so I can, again, be my wife's hero.
At least for ten minutes.
But, in this case, my wife does have me interested in the show, and last night was supposed to be a pivotal episode concerning Lorelai and her true feelings about the "loves" of her life.
CW doesn't replay their shows online, so the question is:
Anyone see Gilmore Girls last night? If you did, what happened? Click "comments" and please clue me in so I can, again, be my wife's hero.
At least for ten minutes.
GSN------I can't believe you did this to me!!!!!!
So, I have my TV on in the office for an hour, tuned to GSN for Password Plus and $100,000 Pyramid.
If I could pick one game show to have been on, it would have been Pyramid, without a doubt. The whole purpose of the game, especially the winners' circle, is tremendous. I'd put my headphones on and listen so the girls wouldn't be tortured.
So, $100,000 Pyramid is in their $100,000 Tournament, consisting of the three players who had won in the winners' circle in the quickest time over the past several months. The first of those three to win in the winners' circle this time gets $100K, and the tourney is over.
As of a week ago Friday, they had played 10 shows with two games each....and no one had made it to the top of the Pyramid yet.
So, Monday at 11:30, when I should see another two chances for someone to win it all, what does GSN do???
THEY REPLACE THE SHOW WITH "THE WEAKEST LINK"!!!!!!!!!
WHAT??!!??????
So, I don't know who eventually won the money. Yeah, I know it's a mid to late 80s show and I could surf online and find out, but THAT'S NOT THE POINT. You also cannot watch the drama of someone winning it all online either.
Why not schedule things so that the winning episode could have aired on that Friday, so that on Monday, people like me wouldn't have gotten VERY UPSET to see the program change.
There. I feel better. And I still love the ladies of Playmania. :)
If I could pick one game show to have been on, it would have been Pyramid, without a doubt. The whole purpose of the game, especially the winners' circle, is tremendous. I'd put my headphones on and listen so the girls wouldn't be tortured.
So, $100,000 Pyramid is in their $100,000 Tournament, consisting of the three players who had won in the winners' circle in the quickest time over the past several months. The first of those three to win in the winners' circle this time gets $100K, and the tourney is over.
As of a week ago Friday, they had played 10 shows with two games each....and no one had made it to the top of the Pyramid yet.
So, Monday at 11:30, when I should see another two chances for someone to win it all, what does GSN do???
THEY REPLACE THE SHOW WITH "THE WEAKEST LINK"!!!!!!!!!
WHAT??!!??????
So, I don't know who eventually won the money. Yeah, I know it's a mid to late 80s show and I could surf online and find out, but THAT'S NOT THE POINT. You also cannot watch the drama of someone winning it all online either.
Why not schedule things so that the winning episode could have aired on that Friday, so that on Monday, people like me wouldn't have gotten VERY UPSET to see the program change.
There. I feel better. And I still love the ladies of Playmania. :)
The end of cereal.......
...okay, it's over. You cannot make me take back the following statement:
Almost all of my favorite cereals don't taste good/right/like they used to.....anymore....at all.
It started with General Mills deciding that the "whole grain" train was the right, healthy way to go. They may be right about that, but Lucky Charms don't taste the same, neither do other GM cereals, except for Cheerios.
Well, let's go to Post and one of my all-time favorites, Honey Comb. The last two boxes bought, tasted yecch. Weeks ago, a box of Waffle Crisp yielding a disgusting surprise......
Dear God, Cap'n Crunch didn't do this, too, did he? The last box was, ugh.
So.....I'm putting all my hopes and dreams and cereal future on three small characters.....
Snap, Crackle, and Pop.
Almost all of my favorite cereals don't taste good/right/like they used to.....anymore....at all.
It started with General Mills deciding that the "whole grain" train was the right, healthy way to go. They may be right about that, but Lucky Charms don't taste the same, neither do other GM cereals, except for Cheerios.
Well, let's go to Post and one of my all-time favorites, Honey Comb. The last two boxes bought, tasted yecch. Weeks ago, a box of Waffle Crisp yielding a disgusting surprise......
Dear God, Cap'n Crunch didn't do this, too, did he? The last box was, ugh.
So.....I'm putting all my hopes and dreams and cereal future on three small characters.....
Snap, Crackle, and Pop.
Happy Valentines Day.......
......I guess.
Just kidding. Valentine's Day, though, has never been a big day in the Witham Nation, since our wedding anniversary was two weeks ago.
Bonnie spent her V-Day getting her first portal treatment for the Lapband. I got to see it and watch on X-Ray. Very fascinating. And, in a moment of poignacy, and some embarassment, the nurse couldn't get my "flak-jacket" keeping me safe from the radiation, to snap to in the front with the same type of snap that is on bicycle helmets. So, I held both sides....and thought of the irony.
Maybe I need to do something 'bout that. It's the only part of my body that is "fat". Kill the tummy, return to regular programming. It would help my heart, my apnea, my overall health, and, heck, maybe a few more things. :)
So, as wifey makes hard-earned progress, yours truly gets a reality check. Happy Valentines Day.
Just kidding. Valentine's Day, though, has never been a big day in the Witham Nation, since our wedding anniversary was two weeks ago.
Bonnie spent her V-Day getting her first portal treatment for the Lapband. I got to see it and watch on X-Ray. Very fascinating. And, in a moment of poignacy, and some embarassment, the nurse couldn't get my "flak-jacket" keeping me safe from the radiation, to snap to in the front with the same type of snap that is on bicycle helmets. So, I held both sides....and thought of the irony.
Maybe I need to do something 'bout that. It's the only part of my body that is "fat". Kill the tummy, return to regular programming. It would help my heart, my apnea, my overall health, and, heck, maybe a few more things. :)
So, as wifey makes hard-earned progress, yours truly gets a reality check. Happy Valentines Day.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Lyrics.....
.....off and on I'll quote some cool, some quirky, and some poignant lyrics of various songs that I've encountered.
NOW, before you call me what I AM NOT....the song where I find these lyrics does NOT advocate the return of the "South". It's the anthem of Southern Rock. Having said that, let it be known that I absolutely love this line from "The South's Gonna Do It Again" from the Charlie Daniels Band....
"Elvin Bishop's sittin' on a bail of hay; he ain't good lookin' but he sure can play."
Now, if you're Elvin, how do you take that? I guess it depends upon what's more important to one's manhood....looks or the ability to rip a guitar to shreds. :)
NOW, before you call me what I AM NOT....the song where I find these lyrics does NOT advocate the return of the "South". It's the anthem of Southern Rock. Having said that, let it be known that I absolutely love this line from "The South's Gonna Do It Again" from the Charlie Daniels Band....
"Elvin Bishop's sittin' on a bail of hay; he ain't good lookin' but he sure can play."
Now, if you're Elvin, how do you take that? I guess it depends upon what's more important to one's manhood....looks or the ability to rip a guitar to shreds. :)
Monday, February 12, 2007
"24" and more......
....what a nasty, nasty father Phillip Bauer is.
Chloe is guilty because of Morris' stint with the terrorists.
Jack is guilty thinking he killed Graem.
Phillip is a nasty, nasty father.
Meanwhile, do they try to kill Palmer and kill Assad instead? Or both?
The first hour was non-stop; I'm surprised the second hour is turning into a "tweener" episode.
The end will probably be different......
Hey, and Chloe has a pretty good right slap!
Good Lord, didn't take long for Phillip to use leverage via his grandson. Nasty, nasty......
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
On other quick notes before the big ending in ten minutes.....
--Saturday was strange. Real strange. I actually couldn't sleep. (What??!??) Even taking my correct medication, I was awake, and awake, and awake. So, I took Rachel to her, dare I say, "boyfriend's" birthday party? It was at an inside go-kart racing place. I really didn't think Rachel was going to get on a go-kart and drive, but she did! I was so proud of her! They did two seven-minute "shifts", and she improved her best lap time from 1:02 in the first shift, to :45.5 in the second. Heck, she'd probably beat me!!
--Sunday, I, ah, caught up on the sleep. I slept. Like, all day slept. And that's the end of that day.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't watch the Grammys.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, I don't know whether giving the Dixie Chicks an award was for musical excellence or as a political statement to slap George W. Bush.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay----tonight's "can't believe" moment on "24" is....Morris gets a drill in the shoulder one hour, and is back to work the next?? Yeah, right.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have officially lost track of how many shows my wife watches on TV. Let me see here.....
--"24"
--Heroes (online since it's on against "24")
--CSI: Miami
--NCIS (online since it's on against Gilmore Girls)
--Gilmore Girls
--The Unit
--Bones
--Lost
--Ugly Betty
--Grey's Anatomy
--CSI (online since it's on against Greys)
--Men in Trees
--Monk
--Psych
--Numb3rs (online since it's on against Psych)
--Desperate Housewives
--Brothers and Sisters (she's trying to catch up on this show's first season online)
Me? I watch "24" and "Gilmore Girls". And that's all.
OH! And I watch my wife watch TV....forgot about that!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, I didn't see the end of the 2pm hour coming either. So next week, Jack learns the truth about pop (he's a nasty, nasty father), which means he and Marilyn will inevitably join forces (but probably not trust each other) and, well, you know......
.....still won't stop Jack and Chloe. One day, friends. One day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In closing.....
The Orioles lose Kris Benson for the season. Sorry he's hurt, but he would be no help. We were 67-95 last year, right?
The Giants say goodbye to Arrington, Pettigout, and Emmons. The new GM better shake that place up; they need it. Bad.
And, NBC wins the Tiki Barber sweepstakes. Where's he going to fit in on Sunday night? They already have three gabbers and Bob Costas, and they'd never put him in the booth with Al and John. Sterling? Bus? Cris? Is one of them gone? Definitely not Cris. And the "Today Show"? What the heck is he going to do there? Do you think they'll let Tiki do news stories (like Fox News had him fill in on their morning show and did NOT limit him to sports stuff)? I doubt it, but I hope so.
Oh, and does anyone know who's replacing Bryant Gumbel on NFL Network next year?
---------------------------------------------------
BREAKING........Chargers fire Schottenheimer. Goes 14-2, loses first round home game in playoffs.....again.......is this it for Marty? Or is there a team willing to give him one more chance to get to the playoffs.....and win?
Chloe is guilty because of Morris' stint with the terrorists.
Jack is guilty thinking he killed Graem.
Phillip is a nasty, nasty father.
Meanwhile, do they try to kill Palmer and kill Assad instead? Or both?
The first hour was non-stop; I'm surprised the second hour is turning into a "tweener" episode.
The end will probably be different......
Hey, and Chloe has a pretty good right slap!
Good Lord, didn't take long for Phillip to use leverage via his grandson. Nasty, nasty......
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
On other quick notes before the big ending in ten minutes.....
--Saturday was strange. Real strange. I actually couldn't sleep. (What??!??) Even taking my correct medication, I was awake, and awake, and awake. So, I took Rachel to her, dare I say, "boyfriend's" birthday party? It was at an inside go-kart racing place. I really didn't think Rachel was going to get on a go-kart and drive, but she did! I was so proud of her! They did two seven-minute "shifts", and she improved her best lap time from 1:02 in the first shift, to :45.5 in the second. Heck, she'd probably beat me!!
--Sunday, I, ah, caught up on the sleep. I slept. Like, all day slept. And that's the end of that day.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I didn't watch the Grammys.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, I don't know whether giving the Dixie Chicks an award was for musical excellence or as a political statement to slap George W. Bush.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay----tonight's "can't believe" moment on "24" is....Morris gets a drill in the shoulder one hour, and is back to work the next?? Yeah, right.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have officially lost track of how many shows my wife watches on TV. Let me see here.....
--"24"
--Heroes (online since it's on against "24")
--CSI: Miami
--NCIS (online since it's on against Gilmore Girls)
--Gilmore Girls
--The Unit
--Bones
--Lost
--Ugly Betty
--Grey's Anatomy
--CSI (online since it's on against Greys)
--Men in Trees
--Monk
--Psych
--Numb3rs (online since it's on against Psych)
--Desperate Housewives
--Brothers and Sisters (she's trying to catch up on this show's first season online)
Me? I watch "24" and "Gilmore Girls". And that's all.
OH! And I watch my wife watch TV....forgot about that!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, I didn't see the end of the 2pm hour coming either. So next week, Jack learns the truth about pop (he's a nasty, nasty father), which means he and Marilyn will inevitably join forces (but probably not trust each other) and, well, you know......
.....still won't stop Jack and Chloe. One day, friends. One day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In closing.....
The Orioles lose Kris Benson for the season. Sorry he's hurt, but he would be no help. We were 67-95 last year, right?
The Giants say goodbye to Arrington, Pettigout, and Emmons. The new GM better shake that place up; they need it. Bad.
And, NBC wins the Tiki Barber sweepstakes. Where's he going to fit in on Sunday night? They already have three gabbers and Bob Costas, and they'd never put him in the booth with Al and John. Sterling? Bus? Cris? Is one of them gone? Definitely not Cris. And the "Today Show"? What the heck is he going to do there? Do you think they'll let Tiki do news stories (like Fox News had him fill in on their morning show and did NOT limit him to sports stuff)? I doubt it, but I hope so.
Oh, and does anyone know who's replacing Bryant Gumbel on NFL Network next year?
---------------------------------------------------
BREAKING........Chargers fire Schottenheimer. Goes 14-2, loses first round home game in playoffs.....again.......is this it for Marty? Or is there a team willing to give him one more chance to get to the playoffs.....and win?
Friday, February 09, 2007
Sadness in the Orioles' family, again....twice....
After losing Pat Dobson to leukemia in November, the Oriole family loses two more members in the span of just a few days.....
Steve Barber: The first 20-game winner in the modern Oriole era, and played for the 1966 World Series Champs, died at 67.
Hank Bauer: Best known as a key member of the 1950's Yankee dynasty, I can forgive him for the pinstripes because he managed the Orioles to their first World Series title in 1966.
They join Pat Kelly, Dave McNally, Chuck Thompson, Curt Blefary, Mark Belanger, Nellie Briles, Moe Drabowsky, and Elrod Hendricks in Oriole history.
And to Steve, and to Hank, a big thanks!
Steve Barber: The first 20-game winner in the modern Oriole era, and played for the 1966 World Series Champs, died at 67.
Hank Bauer: Best known as a key member of the 1950's Yankee dynasty, I can forgive him for the pinstripes because he managed the Orioles to their first World Series title in 1966.
They join Pat Kelly, Dave McNally, Chuck Thompson, Curt Blefary, Mark Belanger, Nellie Briles, Moe Drabowsky, and Elrod Hendricks in Oriole history.
And to Steve, and to Hank, a big thanks!
"24" from Monday night, or, catching up this week, part one
Let's do the best we can four days removed from the latest hour.
--Didn't see the Morris "is the expert" storyline revealing....I was NOT paying attention there. "Why was my brother in Valencia?"---why didn't I realize that line was key?? Well, this is just taking us one step closer to the eventual Jack/Chloe hook-up I've been begging for....it just makes sense!!
--The dark-haired assistant to Buchanan....is she going to say "yes, sir" and walk around all day? No, that "sign in under my passcode" deal will return to haunt someone.
--Kudos to Karen for hanging up on the Mister. Gee, I could relate. Happens to me all the time. :)
--SWEET swerve by Prez Lil' Palmer, taking Lennox's suggestions and sneezing on them. And......ooohhh....we have a vice-president with his own agenda. Didn't that happen last year for about 90 minutes?
--Now, to the Bauer family.
"They're wacky and they're goofy, Graem liked to hear ka-boomy, now all in the same room-y, the Bauer Family!" (insert finger snaps here)
Jack's conversation with Dad in the back of the van early on.....didn't believe the Dad. Something just wasn't genuine. I didn't spend the rest of the hour predicting his eventual "badness", but I didn't become shocked when it happened.
Now, how? Another story. Dad: "You've been a great son". Been, eh? That's a clue.
Now, as someone pointed out to me this week, Dad's calling for EMT's, blaming CTU (obviously to dig deep into Jack's heart and psyche).....but, how 'bout some fingerprints on the IV thingy? Maybe Graem will get revenge by revealing the damning evidence against Dad to Nina Myers as she returns from the dead in the 7pm hour. Huh??
Some of the best acting ever on "24" was shown in the room where Graem and Jack, and later Graem and Dad, had their showdowns. Jack simultaneously hugging his brother trying to get the information, not wanting to shoot him up closer to death, but, then turning on a dime and screaming "Four CC's!!!!" because the truth....well, the truth was the important thing.
These scenes are the payoff to my hope to discover the Jack Bauer under the Jack Bauer hero personna. Cannot wait for the eventual "father/son" showdown.
Next week......
Two Big Hours of "24"!!! The hours taking place are between 1pm and 3pm.
BEST LINE: "We are NOT THE SAME!!!"---Jack Bauer to his brother after Graem confessed arranging the whole Palmer/Tony/Michelle disaster, trying to bait Jack out and blame him.
--Didn't see the Morris "is the expert" storyline revealing....I was NOT paying attention there. "Why was my brother in Valencia?"---why didn't I realize that line was key?? Well, this is just taking us one step closer to the eventual Jack/Chloe hook-up I've been begging for....it just makes sense!!
--The dark-haired assistant to Buchanan....is she going to say "yes, sir" and walk around all day? No, that "sign in under my passcode" deal will return to haunt someone.
--Kudos to Karen for hanging up on the Mister. Gee, I could relate. Happens to me all the time. :)
--SWEET swerve by Prez Lil' Palmer, taking Lennox's suggestions and sneezing on them. And......ooohhh....we have a vice-president with his own agenda. Didn't that happen last year for about 90 minutes?
--Now, to the Bauer family.
"They're wacky and they're goofy, Graem liked to hear ka-boomy, now all in the same room-y, the Bauer Family!" (insert finger snaps here)
Jack's conversation with Dad in the back of the van early on.....didn't believe the Dad. Something just wasn't genuine. I didn't spend the rest of the hour predicting his eventual "badness", but I didn't become shocked when it happened.
Now, how? Another story. Dad: "You've been a great son". Been, eh? That's a clue.
Now, as someone pointed out to me this week, Dad's calling for EMT's, blaming CTU (obviously to dig deep into Jack's heart and psyche).....but, how 'bout some fingerprints on the IV thingy? Maybe Graem will get revenge by revealing the damning evidence against Dad to Nina Myers as she returns from the dead in the 7pm hour. Huh??
Some of the best acting ever on "24" was shown in the room where Graem and Jack, and later Graem and Dad, had their showdowns. Jack simultaneously hugging his brother trying to get the information, not wanting to shoot him up closer to death, but, then turning on a dime and screaming "Four CC's!!!!" because the truth....well, the truth was the important thing.
These scenes are the payoff to my hope to discover the Jack Bauer under the Jack Bauer hero personna. Cannot wait for the eventual "father/son" showdown.
Next week......
Two Big Hours of "24"!!! The hours taking place are between 1pm and 3pm.
BEST LINE: "We are NOT THE SAME!!!"---Jack Bauer to his brother after Graem confessed arranging the whole Palmer/Tony/Michelle disaster, trying to bait Jack out and blame him.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Super Bowl Commercials
My top four:
4) Bud Light: "Rock, Paper, Scissors"
3) Bud Light: "Auctioneer"
2) T-Mobile: "Wade and Barkley"
1) CBS Late Show promo---Letterman and Oprah cozy on the couch. Hilarious, in less than ten seconds.
Now, the road to Super Bowl XLII is underway!!!
4) Bud Light: "Rock, Paper, Scissors"
3) Bud Light: "Auctioneer"
2) T-Mobile: "Wade and Barkley"
1) CBS Late Show promo---Letterman and Oprah cozy on the couch. Hilarious, in less than ten seconds.
Now, the road to Super Bowl XLII is underway!!!
Super Bowl XLI
Well, that didn't take long.
Just as my bro warned me during our pre-game chat on my way home from the station, watch out for Devin Hester.
7-0, Bears.
Peyton better calm the offense down (false starts) and get into a rhythm.
COMMERCIAL: Bud Light takes the lead with "Rock, Paper, Scissors".
They talked about rain all afternoon on the Super Bowl Today, and with 11 minutes left, 1st quarter, it's a comin' down.
BTW: Kudos to CBS, who actually made a four-hour pregame show not seem like four hours. Great segments on Walter Payton and Brian Piccolo, the kidney donation of a former teammate in Dallas, and Katie Couric's report on Hines Ward.
SPEAKING OF KATIE COURIC: I can already hear the media blogosphere.....
"Look at her hairdo! Chet Huntley is rolling over in his grave, Cronkite is rolling over in his recliner."
GIVE ME A BREAK! But that's another story for another time.....
Manning eludes pressure, sends it downfield, Reggie Wayne is WIDE OPEN...touchdown! But, here we go again, the point after is botched! 7-6, early on.
COMMERCIALS: Fed Ex does the same thing as last year, only not cavemen, it's astronauts. The comet saved the spot from being really lame.
Bud Light and the auctioneer. EXCELLENT spot. It takes over #1, with their other spot 2nd.
FUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!-----Well, well....how the momentum swings! Colts get the ball. WAIT! Colts return the favor. Addai never had it---Alex Brown was all over him.
THOMAS JONES!!!!!!!-----one carry, 52 yards from the Big Stone Gap native, who, a year ago, was considered on his way out of Chicago, as they looked to Cedric Benson for the future. The city likes him now.
Grossman to Muhammed. Touchdown, Bears. Around three Colts to boot. 14-6, da Bears.
COMMERCIAL: Snickers....let's see. Gross, funny with the chest hair part, and the gay community is gonna scream. Chevrolet....good spot.
YIKES!!! DAVE & OPRAH!!!! Better than any commercial so far.
Game action-----in the pouring rain. The more it rains, the closer the Vince Lombardi Trophy moves to the Bear sidelines. Peyton looks really shaky. Like the pass to Wayne was the exception and not the rule.
FUMBLE!!!!!! The Colts are back in Bear territory. What a shot with the helmet!!
But it doesn't help. Three and out, try now to pin the Bears back deep. (Remember the coffin corner?? No one does that anymore.) 1:46 to go. And they do. First down at the four.
Anyone smell a Super Bowl record for fumbles???
Whoa. Tait down. Benson down. Inhale moment for Chicago. John St. Clair is in for Tait, as another UVA grad makes an appearance (see Greta? I actually would mention them!). Thomas Jones being the other, of course.....
There's not been a wilder opening quarter of a Super Bowl, that's for sure. Nine seconds left, back to the Colts.
GREAT LINE: Phil Simms....commenting on stars of a new CBS series being in the stands for the game...in the rain....."If it were a hit show, they'd be in a suite."
First Quarter Ends: Chicago 14, Indy 6.
COMMERCIAL: Wonder if there's an opening at GoDaddy.com in marketing? Shhh, don't tell wifey!!
We need to take Joseph Addai seriously. 7 rushes, 38 yards so far on the vaunted Bear "D".
He leads them to a field goal, and it's 14-9.
COMMERCIAL: Well, ain't that a kick in the head!! Excellent Bud spot with the dog winning the heart of the ladies' float.
QUESTION?:---How far away from the Grammys will you be next Sunday night? :)
Game is settling down now. Nice stop on 3rd down by Sanders. Chicago to punt, 9 1/2 to go until we ignore Prince. It's just pouring. Are they really coming back to Miami for another one?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nantz and Simms; they're great!
Simms: You're looking at your computer and saying 'oh, the rain should be gone in about 20 minutes....'"
Nantz: I forgot to tell you I failed meteorology class.
Simms: You? Fail? You'd give the teacher an apple to change the grade!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colts are settled down now, even in the rain. Remember when the Bears played the Eagles in the Fog Bowl many years ago? The cameras are beginning to take a wettin'.
TOUCHDOWN! Rhodes bulls his way on three carries to take the lead for the first time. 16-14, and yes, Peyton, it's too early to go for two.
COMMERCIAL: A medical spot has never quite looked that way. But I've already forgotten their website. The spot didn't work. I remember the characters, but not the sponsor.
At 7:44PM, the Colts take over again after a Bear three and out. As wild as quarter one was, the second quarter is about as "normal" as it can be in a South Florida rain.
Addai again, this time a nice reception and jive. Two minute warning.
COMMERCIAL: "Connectile Dysfunction". Pretty good one, Sprint.
BIG turnover.....Colts could have taken a five or nine point lead, but FUMBLE!!! Bears can try a two-minute drill.
No, they won't. Grossman FUMBLE!! Back to Indy. Urhacler, a BIG stop to force a field goal attempt. Vinatieri MISSED. He's human! He's human in a Super Bowl! Wow!!
HALFTIME: Indy 16, Chicago 14.
First trip in the blogosphere...remember I said Katie Couric would take ANOTHER beating? Check this out. Message to blogger: It's Hines Ward. He plays at Heinz Field. Just a little football note.
Now time to avoid the halftime show AGAIN THIS YEAR!!
Other channels......
SPEED CHANNEL: Monster Trucks
ESPN: Figure Skating
ESPN2: World's Strongest Man
FOX: X-2, X-Men United
QVC: My sweetheart, Lisa Robertson!!!!!
and I have to give a shout out to my daughter's favorite:
ANIMAL PLANET: Puppy Bowl 3
UPDATE: Here's Lisa's bio page.
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Second half is ready. Missed Prince singing. Mission accomplished.
Do the Colts have it in hand if they score a TD on the opening drive and take six or seven minutes off the clock?
Here's a thought: first team to finish building their ark wins.
I'm telling you----Addai is a factor tonight. GREAT job by the O-line to get him the hole. He's my MVP pick at the moment.
Look at the clock, folks....we're already under eight minutes to go.
SIMMS: "And Jim, it's not stopped raining." (see earlier in blog the Nantz/Simms diatribe). These guys are equal to Gumbel/Simms, behind Summerall/Madden. I LOVE Dick Enberg, but he never had that four-star analyst with him. That's certainly not his fault.
That was the ugliest 24 yard field goal I've seen in awhile.
COMMERCIAL: "Meet The Robinsons"...opens March 30 and looks very promising.
Also...Coke's spots are all different. There seems to be no marketing scheme, like Bud Light. When Bud Light shows five spots in a Super Bowl, there is at least a little congruency. The Sheryl Crow/Revlon spot is pretty good. If for no other reason, you can look at Sheryl Crow.
Bears FINALLY have the ball and seem aggressive. They are SO lucky to be only five points down. Oops! Finally a sack by the weather, assisted by McFarland. Oh, dear, Grossman is looking like the mid-season Grossman. You've GOT TO BE ABLE to successfully snap the ball.
Boring commercials give me a chance to teach wifey what a "two-possession game" is. The Colts better make this a "two-possession game", or Chicago is gonna bite them...in spite of Grossman.
Dang, Rhodes is making his claim for MVP. The three big runs to the second TD, and now ripping off 36 yards. How about eight more and a facemask?
Did you see anyone say or write in the past two weeks that the key to the game would be:
"THE COLTS RUNNING GAME"????
Good Lord.....third and goal at the ten. They MUST get in the end zone this time. Another field goal is a BIG victory for the Bears. Run on third down, and almost gets Rhodes in!
But, alas, ANOTHER field goal. It's good and they hit the kicker. Running into the kicker doesn't provide an automatic first down, though, after seeing the replay, I'd like to know the ref's definition of "roughing the kicker". Maybe he's looking for blood or something.
COMMERCIAL: EXCELLENT spot for T-Mobile! "I'm sorry, is that your Dad??" Barkley gets dissed!!!!
So far:
1) Bud Light "Auctioneer"
2) T-Mobile "Wade and Barkley"
3) Bud Light "Rock, Paper, Scissors".
.....Colts with a STUPID penalty, and the Bears set up in great field position. Rex and company better do something with it.
Offensive Plays: Indy 63, Chicago 23 Wow.
Chicago's answer to Addai/Rhodes is Jones, now the workhorse with Benson out. Colts almost got to Grossman (sure knocked him down)....the only way to keep Rex from being completely rattled is to run the ball. Hey, good job by Grossman to elude several Colts.
FG attempt for the Bears this time. 44 yards...weather doesn't matter, and it's 22-17. Bears now need a three and out from their defense!!!
Harrison....challenge. He CAUGHT THE BALL. With possession, he's dragging both feet. Should be overturned. Great camera work by CBS. No doubt about that one.
Big third down now, especially if they get a first down. And they do, thanks to Wayne. That challenge could be big before it's all over.
End of three: Colts 22, Bears 17.
Colts' plan now: Move the chains, move the chains, eat the clock, eat the clock. But NOT a false start. 2nd and 13. Bears finally get some pressure on Manning and Harrison limps off.
13:38 to go, back to the Bears. The first holding penalty of the night.
Mooooooushin Muhammed with a great catch and run, and Bears are back in business.
NO THEY ARE NOT----INTERCEPTED! TOUCHDOWN COLTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, there's your Grossman moment.
BUT WAIT-----it's challenge time again. Remember, irrefutable evidence is needed to overturn the turnover (sorry, that just kinda came out....)
Another GREAT camera moment for CBS, and Nantz is right, they could have gone down to the field and check the divot where the cleat came down.
Colts....29-17. No one has come back from more than ten points to win a Super Bowl. Either the Bears make history, or they're history.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THOUGHT: Is this the lamest year for Super Bowl commercials or what??
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just went to NFL.com and voted for Joseph Addai as MVP.
Hey, look, another interception! Bob Sanders in the house----but there's a flag. GREAT article on Sanders in the Richmond paper yesterday. Too bad I CANNOT FIND IT at their site.
Bears back with the ball with 7:20 to go. Jones goes to 100 yards rushing, but probably too little, too late.
Hmmmm....I'm beginning to think Rhodes could be MVP. How about BOTH as co-MVPs??
Time for the NFL commercial contest winner......2:01 to play. Hey, it was very good!!! I rank it at #4.
And the final two minutes dwindle away.....
SO:
1) Tony Dungy becomes the third person to win a Super Bowl as a player and a coach. He's the first African-American to win it. Much maligned after Tampa Bay fired him, Indy immediately went for him and tonight, it's payoff for the entire organization.
2) Peyton Manning is NOT this generation's Dan Marino.
3) They won with DEFENSE and a RUNNING GAME. 50 years from now, history will look back on this team and say: What??!!?? They won??!!?? But they didn't play Colts football.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally.....on a personal note, here's the real reason I rooted for the Colts tonight.
My best friend at church growing up was a big Colts fan. He went thru the ups and downs of Bert Jones, playoff disappointments, the middle of the night move, Ron Meyer coaching, Mike Pagel at quarterback.......and saw Peyton and company mature into a Super Bowl contender.
Tonight, a shout up to heaven, where Mike looks down and sees his Colts finally win the big one.
Congratulations, Mike. This one's for you. :)
Just as my bro warned me during our pre-game chat on my way home from the station, watch out for Devin Hester.
7-0, Bears.
Peyton better calm the offense down (false starts) and get into a rhythm.
COMMERCIAL: Bud Light takes the lead with "Rock, Paper, Scissors".
They talked about rain all afternoon on the Super Bowl Today, and with 11 minutes left, 1st quarter, it's a comin' down.
BTW: Kudos to CBS, who actually made a four-hour pregame show not seem like four hours. Great segments on Walter Payton and Brian Piccolo, the kidney donation of a former teammate in Dallas, and Katie Couric's report on Hines Ward.
SPEAKING OF KATIE COURIC: I can already hear the media blogosphere.....
"Look at her hairdo! Chet Huntley is rolling over in his grave, Cronkite is rolling over in his recliner."
GIVE ME A BREAK! But that's another story for another time.....
Manning eludes pressure, sends it downfield, Reggie Wayne is WIDE OPEN...touchdown! But, here we go again, the point after is botched! 7-6, early on.
COMMERCIALS: Fed Ex does the same thing as last year, only not cavemen, it's astronauts. The comet saved the spot from being really lame.
Bud Light and the auctioneer. EXCELLENT spot. It takes over #1, with their other spot 2nd.
FUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!-----Well, well....how the momentum swings! Colts get the ball. WAIT! Colts return the favor. Addai never had it---Alex Brown was all over him.
THOMAS JONES!!!!!!!-----one carry, 52 yards from the Big Stone Gap native, who, a year ago, was considered on his way out of Chicago, as they looked to Cedric Benson for the future. The city likes him now.
Grossman to Muhammed. Touchdown, Bears. Around three Colts to boot. 14-6, da Bears.
COMMERCIAL: Snickers....let's see. Gross, funny with the chest hair part, and the gay community is gonna scream. Chevrolet....good spot.
YIKES!!! DAVE & OPRAH!!!! Better than any commercial so far.
Game action-----in the pouring rain. The more it rains, the closer the Vince Lombardi Trophy moves to the Bear sidelines. Peyton looks really shaky. Like the pass to Wayne was the exception and not the rule.
FUMBLE!!!!!! The Colts are back in Bear territory. What a shot with the helmet!!
But it doesn't help. Three and out, try now to pin the Bears back deep. (Remember the coffin corner?? No one does that anymore.) 1:46 to go. And they do. First down at the four.
Anyone smell a Super Bowl record for fumbles???
Whoa. Tait down. Benson down. Inhale moment for Chicago. John St. Clair is in for Tait, as another UVA grad makes an appearance (see Greta? I actually would mention them!). Thomas Jones being the other, of course.....
There's not been a wilder opening quarter of a Super Bowl, that's for sure. Nine seconds left, back to the Colts.
GREAT LINE: Phil Simms....commenting on stars of a new CBS series being in the stands for the game...in the rain....."If it were a hit show, they'd be in a suite."
First Quarter Ends: Chicago 14, Indy 6.
COMMERCIAL: Wonder if there's an opening at GoDaddy.com in marketing? Shhh, don't tell wifey!!
We need to take Joseph Addai seriously. 7 rushes, 38 yards so far on the vaunted Bear "D".
He leads them to a field goal, and it's 14-9.
COMMERCIAL: Well, ain't that a kick in the head!! Excellent Bud spot with the dog winning the heart of the ladies' float.
QUESTION?:---How far away from the Grammys will you be next Sunday night? :)
Game is settling down now. Nice stop on 3rd down by Sanders. Chicago to punt, 9 1/2 to go until we ignore Prince. It's just pouring. Are they really coming back to Miami for another one?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nantz and Simms; they're great!
Simms: You're looking at your computer and saying 'oh, the rain should be gone in about 20 minutes....'"
Nantz: I forgot to tell you I failed meteorology class.
Simms: You? Fail? You'd give the teacher an apple to change the grade!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colts are settled down now, even in the rain. Remember when the Bears played the Eagles in the Fog Bowl many years ago? The cameras are beginning to take a wettin'.
TOUCHDOWN! Rhodes bulls his way on three carries to take the lead for the first time. 16-14, and yes, Peyton, it's too early to go for two.
COMMERCIAL: A medical spot has never quite looked that way. But I've already forgotten their website. The spot didn't work. I remember the characters, but not the sponsor.
At 7:44PM, the Colts take over again after a Bear three and out. As wild as quarter one was, the second quarter is about as "normal" as it can be in a South Florida rain.
Addai again, this time a nice reception and jive. Two minute warning.
COMMERCIAL: "Connectile Dysfunction". Pretty good one, Sprint.
BIG turnover.....Colts could have taken a five or nine point lead, but FUMBLE!!! Bears can try a two-minute drill.
No, they won't. Grossman FUMBLE!! Back to Indy. Urhacler, a BIG stop to force a field goal attempt. Vinatieri MISSED. He's human! He's human in a Super Bowl! Wow!!
HALFTIME: Indy 16, Chicago 14.
First trip in the blogosphere...remember I said Katie Couric would take ANOTHER beating? Check this out. Message to blogger: It's Hines Ward. He plays at Heinz Field. Just a little football note.
Now time to avoid the halftime show AGAIN THIS YEAR!!
Other channels......
SPEED CHANNEL: Monster Trucks
ESPN: Figure Skating
ESPN2: World's Strongest Man
FOX: X-2, X-Men United
QVC: My sweetheart, Lisa Robertson!!!!!
and I have to give a shout out to my daughter's favorite:
ANIMAL PLANET: Puppy Bowl 3
UPDATE: Here's Lisa's bio page.
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Second half is ready. Missed Prince singing. Mission accomplished.
Do the Colts have it in hand if they score a TD on the opening drive and take six or seven minutes off the clock?
Here's a thought: first team to finish building their ark wins.
I'm telling you----Addai is a factor tonight. GREAT job by the O-line to get him the hole. He's my MVP pick at the moment.
Look at the clock, folks....we're already under eight minutes to go.
SIMMS: "And Jim, it's not stopped raining." (see earlier in blog the Nantz/Simms diatribe). These guys are equal to Gumbel/Simms, behind Summerall/Madden. I LOVE Dick Enberg, but he never had that four-star analyst with him. That's certainly not his fault.
That was the ugliest 24 yard field goal I've seen in awhile.
COMMERCIAL: "Meet The Robinsons"...opens March 30 and looks very promising.
Also...Coke's spots are all different. There seems to be no marketing scheme, like Bud Light. When Bud Light shows five spots in a Super Bowl, there is at least a little congruency. The Sheryl Crow/Revlon spot is pretty good. If for no other reason, you can look at Sheryl Crow.
Bears FINALLY have the ball and seem aggressive. They are SO lucky to be only five points down. Oops! Finally a sack by the weather, assisted by McFarland. Oh, dear, Grossman is looking like the mid-season Grossman. You've GOT TO BE ABLE to successfully snap the ball.
Boring commercials give me a chance to teach wifey what a "two-possession game" is. The Colts better make this a "two-possession game", or Chicago is gonna bite them...in spite of Grossman.
Dang, Rhodes is making his claim for MVP. The three big runs to the second TD, and now ripping off 36 yards. How about eight more and a facemask?
Did you see anyone say or write in the past two weeks that the key to the game would be:
"THE COLTS RUNNING GAME"????
Good Lord.....third and goal at the ten. They MUST get in the end zone this time. Another field goal is a BIG victory for the Bears. Run on third down, and almost gets Rhodes in!
But, alas, ANOTHER field goal. It's good and they hit the kicker. Running into the kicker doesn't provide an automatic first down, though, after seeing the replay, I'd like to know the ref's definition of "roughing the kicker". Maybe he's looking for blood or something.
COMMERCIAL: EXCELLENT spot for T-Mobile! "I'm sorry, is that your Dad??" Barkley gets dissed!!!!
So far:
1) Bud Light "Auctioneer"
2) T-Mobile "Wade and Barkley"
3) Bud Light "Rock, Paper, Scissors".
.....Colts with a STUPID penalty, and the Bears set up in great field position. Rex and company better do something with it.
Offensive Plays: Indy 63, Chicago 23 Wow.
Chicago's answer to Addai/Rhodes is Jones, now the workhorse with Benson out. Colts almost got to Grossman (sure knocked him down)....the only way to keep Rex from being completely rattled is to run the ball. Hey, good job by Grossman to elude several Colts.
FG attempt for the Bears this time. 44 yards...weather doesn't matter, and it's 22-17. Bears now need a three and out from their defense!!!
Harrison....challenge. He CAUGHT THE BALL. With possession, he's dragging both feet. Should be overturned. Great camera work by CBS. No doubt about that one.
Big third down now, especially if they get a first down. And they do, thanks to Wayne. That challenge could be big before it's all over.
End of three: Colts 22, Bears 17.
Colts' plan now: Move the chains, move the chains, eat the clock, eat the clock. But NOT a false start. 2nd and 13. Bears finally get some pressure on Manning and Harrison limps off.
13:38 to go, back to the Bears. The first holding penalty of the night.
Mooooooushin Muhammed with a great catch and run, and Bears are back in business.
NO THEY ARE NOT----INTERCEPTED! TOUCHDOWN COLTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, there's your Grossman moment.
BUT WAIT-----it's challenge time again. Remember, irrefutable evidence is needed to overturn the turnover (sorry, that just kinda came out....)
Another GREAT camera moment for CBS, and Nantz is right, they could have gone down to the field and check the divot where the cleat came down.
Colts....29-17. No one has come back from more than ten points to win a Super Bowl. Either the Bears make history, or they're history.
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THOUGHT: Is this the lamest year for Super Bowl commercials or what??
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Just went to NFL.com and voted for Joseph Addai as MVP.
Hey, look, another interception! Bob Sanders in the house----but there's a flag. GREAT article on Sanders in the Richmond paper yesterday. Too bad I CANNOT FIND IT at their site.
Bears back with the ball with 7:20 to go. Jones goes to 100 yards rushing, but probably too little, too late.
Hmmmm....I'm beginning to think Rhodes could be MVP. How about BOTH as co-MVPs??
Time for the NFL commercial contest winner......2:01 to play. Hey, it was very good!!! I rank it at #4.
And the final two minutes dwindle away.....
SO:
1) Tony Dungy becomes the third person to win a Super Bowl as a player and a coach. He's the first African-American to win it. Much maligned after Tampa Bay fired him, Indy immediately went for him and tonight, it's payoff for the entire organization.
2) Peyton Manning is NOT this generation's Dan Marino.
3) They won with DEFENSE and a RUNNING GAME. 50 years from now, history will look back on this team and say: What??!!?? They won??!!?? But they didn't play Colts football.
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And finally.....on a personal note, here's the real reason I rooted for the Colts tonight.
My best friend at church growing up was a big Colts fan. He went thru the ups and downs of Bert Jones, playoff disappointments, the middle of the night move, Ron Meyer coaching, Mike Pagel at quarterback.......and saw Peyton and company mature into a Super Bowl contender.
Tonight, a shout up to heaven, where Mike looks down and sees his Colts finally win the big one.
Congratulations, Mike. This one's for you. :)
Friday, February 02, 2007
And thus ends another work week....various, random thoughts.....
....before I go crash and burn in the bed (hopefully not all day tomorrow!!)
--The groundhog didn't see his shadow. Early spring, eh? Means Virginia will have experienced about a four-week winter (and that's being generous) if the varmit is right. Why do we get so excited over a groundhog? How did groundhogs get a day for themselves on the calendar??
How about Pickle Day? Hamburger Day? Necktie Day? Coffee Day? Oh, I've got one! Mountain Dew Day!!!!
--Bill Murray was priceless again on Letterman last night. Dave's first ever late night guest on both his NBC and CBS shows, appeared to help Dave celebrate 25 years in late night (Late Night with David Letterman premiered on NBC on February 1, 1982). Murray snakes through Dave to get to Les Moonves, the king of CBS, to snatch some tickets for Sunday's game. Murray is a big Bears fan.
--I'm so frustrated about time lately. Start work early, leave late, come home, go to bed not long afterwards.....that's life right now. Yet, I'm afraid there are friends that think I'm avoiding them or have chosen to forget about them because I'm having trouble finding 15 minutes to compose an email. When it comes to emailing someone, if we don't do it like, on a daily or weekly basis, I like to take some time to put it together. This weekend, my number one goal is to get at least two of these projects finally in my rear view mirror. In my current "life circle" (work, home, work, home, work...you get the idea) there are not alot of true "friends". I need to keep the ones I have!!
--Mary Cheney, the vice-president's daughter, who happens to be a lesbian, is having a baby. Let's see, we can:
A) criticize her decision and begin a moral attack with holier-than-thou platitudes...
B) realize the baby is created in God's image, God loves him/her and has a plan for that baby. Rejoice in the birth! Whether you agree with the lifestyle or not, celebrate the continuation of life.
Because by celebrating life, rather than trying to "scare people to death", we'll find more people truly interested in a relationship with Jesus.....
God is a God of wrath....and a God of love. And I don't think it's coincidental that the first song many of us learned was....
"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so...."
As opposed to a declaration of the wrath of God.
Everyone yearns for love. Let's love them as Christ would and let the Holy Spirit open their hearts to the love only He can give.
PS------GO COLTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--The groundhog didn't see his shadow. Early spring, eh? Means Virginia will have experienced about a four-week winter (and that's being generous) if the varmit is right. Why do we get so excited over a groundhog? How did groundhogs get a day for themselves on the calendar??
How about Pickle Day? Hamburger Day? Necktie Day? Coffee Day? Oh, I've got one! Mountain Dew Day!!!!
--Bill Murray was priceless again on Letterman last night. Dave's first ever late night guest on both his NBC and CBS shows, appeared to help Dave celebrate 25 years in late night (Late Night with David Letterman premiered on NBC on February 1, 1982). Murray snakes through Dave to get to Les Moonves, the king of CBS, to snatch some tickets for Sunday's game. Murray is a big Bears fan.
--I'm so frustrated about time lately. Start work early, leave late, come home, go to bed not long afterwards.....that's life right now. Yet, I'm afraid there are friends that think I'm avoiding them or have chosen to forget about them because I'm having trouble finding 15 minutes to compose an email. When it comes to emailing someone, if we don't do it like, on a daily or weekly basis, I like to take some time to put it together. This weekend, my number one goal is to get at least two of these projects finally in my rear view mirror. In my current "life circle" (work, home, work, home, work...you get the idea) there are not alot of true "friends". I need to keep the ones I have!!
--Mary Cheney, the vice-president's daughter, who happens to be a lesbian, is having a baby. Let's see, we can:
A) criticize her decision and begin a moral attack with holier-than-thou platitudes...
B) realize the baby is created in God's image, God loves him/her and has a plan for that baby. Rejoice in the birth! Whether you agree with the lifestyle or not, celebrate the continuation of life.
Because by celebrating life, rather than trying to "scare people to death", we'll find more people truly interested in a relationship with Jesus.....
God is a God of wrath....and a God of love. And I don't think it's coincidental that the first song many of us learned was....
"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so...."
As opposed to a declaration of the wrath of God.
Everyone yearns for love. Let's love them as Christ would and let the Holy Spirit open their hearts to the love only He can give.
PS------GO COLTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Analysts downgrade 2007 Winning Numbers outlook....
.....analysts are revising their yearly forecast on the winning numbers that appear monthly on this blog. Last year's composite total of 62 was seen by experts as an "off-year" and not typical of past historical performance. Thus, they believed economic conditions would lead to an increase.
January did not give their forecasts any added credibility, though, it is only one month.
JANUARY WINNING NUMBERS: 6, 7, 21, 28
Indicators are being researched and there appears to be a redoubled effort underway to seriously investigate "interest rates" and the effect they may have as the year continues to unfold.
January did not give their forecasts any added credibility, though, it is only one month.
JANUARY WINNING NUMBERS: 6, 7, 21, 28
Indicators are being researched and there appears to be a redoubled effort underway to seriously investigate "interest rates" and the effect they may have as the year continues to unfold.
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