I was just talking with Thing1 after his Politics class. The discussion tonight was on special interest groups. The professor (a self described "uber liberal" who things Barack Obama walks on water) was asking it anyone or their parents belonged to one of the groups that was being discussed. National Assocation of Social Workers - check. Some teachers union - check. Any others?
Thing1 speaks up: "My dad is a member of the NRA". The prof takes a half step back. "Are you a member?" Thing1: "Not yet but I will be" (yeah I know - he should be. I'll have to fix that soon). The prof starts into treating American Rifleman like Playboy. Thing1 is too busy laughing at him to go on.
Turns out Thing1 was waiting for him to start the whole "guns are evil and kill people" arguement as he was ready for him.
Maybe next time...
I love that boy!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Pride before the fall
Just about everyone is talking about John Kerry's lame attempt at humor:
I can almost see where he was attempting to go. Then again Kerry had no problem slamming his fellow Viet Nam vets in the 70's and was calling Marines 'terrorists' not too long ago. So maybe I can't.
Funny thing - all he had to do was to say "I'm sorry. It was an attempted jab at President Bush and I blew the line. I meant no disrespect to the incredibly brave men and women who put their lives on the line so I can make an ass of myself. Please accept my apology"
And it would have been over. But no - blame it on the right wing chickenhawks. Stupid!
And to think this guy was almost the President?
- "You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."
I can almost see where he was attempting to go. Then again Kerry had no problem slamming his fellow Viet Nam vets in the 70's and was calling Marines 'terrorists' not too long ago. So maybe I can't.
Funny thing - all he had to do was to say "I'm sorry. It was an attempted jab at President Bush and I blew the line. I meant no disrespect to the incredibly brave men and women who put their lives on the line so I can make an ass of myself. Please accept my apology"
And it would have been over. But no - blame it on the right wing chickenhawks. Stupid!
And to think this guy was almost the President?
Project Valour IT
The 2006 Project Valour-IT Competition is up and running.
Want to be part of something big?
Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss (Captain Chuck Ziegenfuss' father), provides voice-controlled software and laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand and arm injuries or amputations at major military medical centers. Operating laptops by speaking into a microphone, our wounded heroes are able to send and receive messages from friends and loved ones, surf the 'Net, and communicate with buddies still in the field without having to press a key or move a mouse.
It's easy to help. Just click on the Make a Donation button.
It's a tax-deductible donation and eligible for matching funds from companies who do that sort of thing (see: http://soldiersangels.org/valour/irsinfo.html for proof for the cautious).
The snail mail address for those who'd rather donate that way (be sure to put ARMY in big letters on the check):
Soldiers' Angels
1150 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248
There are also teams for the Marines, Air Force, and Navy. My dad was a Marine and two brothers and a sister were Air Force. I picked team Army as a thank you to Matt of blackfive.net. He was the first milblogger I read and has had a huge impact on my understanding of the the armed forces.
Spread the word.
Want to be part of something big?
Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss (Captain Chuck Ziegenfuss' father), provides voice-controlled software and laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand and arm injuries or amputations at major military medical centers. Operating laptops by speaking into a microphone, our wounded heroes are able to send and receive messages from friends and loved ones, surf the 'Net, and communicate with buddies still in the field without having to press a key or move a mouse.
It's easy to help. Just click on the Make a Donation button.
It's a tax-deductible donation and eligible for matching funds from companies who do that sort of thing (see: http://soldiersangels.org/valour/irsinfo.html for proof for the cautious).
The snail mail address for those who'd rather donate that way (be sure to put ARMY in big letters on the check):
Soldiers' Angels
1150 N Loop 1604 W, Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248
There are also teams for the Marines, Air Force, and Navy. My dad was a Marine and two brothers and a sister were Air Force. I picked team Army as a thank you to Matt of blackfive.net. He was the first milblogger I read and has had a huge impact on my understanding of the the armed forces.
Spread the word.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Signs
We left them alone for the day... and they multiplied!
All Republicans.
I don't usually vote a straight ticket as there are a few Democrats in the area that have been doing a great job and I've been voting for them. This year, it's straight Republican.
All Republicans.
I don't usually vote a straight ticket as there are a few Democrats in the area that have been doing a great job and I've been voting for them. This year, it's straight Republican.
A Day Off
Since it's my birthday the wife and I spent some time together. After a quick trip to her dad's to fix a computer problem we were off to a local nature center for a quiet walk.
See some critters
And just take in the view.
Near the end of our walk we came upon the farm at the site. All of the sudden I was hungry...
Off to Prairie Rock!
See some critters
And just take in the view.
Near the end of our walk we came upon the farm at the site. All of the sudden I was hungry...
Off to Prairie Rock!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Saturday, October 21, 2006
From Thursday
I was going through the wifes pictures from the Montgomery Gentry show on Thursday and this one just jumps out.
A great shot!
A great shot!
It's a win. 57 - 6
It only took till the last game of the season but Streamwood High School pulled off it's first win in 2 years.
57 - 6 over East Aurora.
Mistake free football and some great plays made for a fun (on our side of the field) game to watch.
57 - 6 over East Aurora.
Mistake free football and some great plays made for a fun (on our side of the field) game to watch.
The Office
Not the crappy TV show but the place I spend 45 to 55 hours a week at. This one is only temporary. As rumors go we (I share with two other people) get moved into an interior dungeon in 3 to 6 months.
The desk
Some toys
More toys
The desk
Some toys
More toys
Thursday, October 19, 2006
And She's Gone
They are off to see the boys
The wife (center), her sister (right), and a friend are off in the limo to see Montgomery Gentry at the Rosemont Theatre. From the front row...
Me - Thing2 has a choral concert tonight.
The wife (center), her sister (right), and a friend are off in the limo to see Montgomery Gentry at the Rosemont Theatre. From the front row...
Me - Thing2 has a choral concert tonight.
Internet Explorer v7
Jericho - IP Addresses
I've been watching Jericho while the wife and daughter watch Dancing with the Stars - the results! It's a decent show. Much better than watching Jerry Springer dance...
I noticed something funny last night when the girls were trying to check email after power came back on.
Same thing happened in The Net.
One would think the producers could have sold the product placement to someone, used a real IP address, and lingered a little longer on it. Just like the phone number used in 24...
I noticed something funny last night when the girls were trying to check email after power came back on.
Same thing happened in The Net.
One would think the producers could have sold the product placement to someone, used a real IP address, and lingered a little longer on it. Just like the phone number used in 24...
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
4 interceptions and 2 fumbles
Not a good day for Rex Grossman but the defense takes over.
Way to go Bears!
Way to go Bears!
Cook County Gun Ban Referendum
The Cook County Board, acting in secret as usual (or the main stream media doesn't care) has placed an advisory referendum on the November ballot.
From - Voterinfonet
Ignoring the fact that the Clinton Assault Weapon Ban did nothing to fight crime the Crook County Board is trying to force Chicago's extremist views on the rest of the state.
Just vote NO!
From - Voterinfonet
- 100101 Countywide Advisory Referendum 1 "For the health and safety of children and the entire community, shall the State of Illinois enact a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, sale, delivery and possession of military-style assault weapons and .50 caliber rifles?"
Ignoring the fact that the Clinton Assault Weapon Ban did nothing to fight crime the Crook County Board is trying to force Chicago's extremist views on the rest of the state.
Just vote NO!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Goodbye, Goodbye, Goodbye, My Old Friend
Thing2 and I headed off to Life Changers International Church last night. Not for service but to rock! Mercy Me was touring and had Audio Adrenaline (on their farewell tour) along with newcomer Phil Wickham.
Getting there was half the fun. The venue isn't far from home - maybe 10 minutes. Once we were there parking was interesting. One lane to get into the lot and no one directing traffic by the entrance. Once parked we got in line. 45 minutes before the show and the doors were still not open. Very disorganized. We ran into our senior pastor and another family from church in line and decided to sit with them.
Once in and seated (general admission) Thing2 and I headed for the the t-shirt tables. She wanted a Audio-A shirt so I got her one. As we worked our way back to the seats the lights went out. We got to step on some toes...
Phil Wickham led off the night
Phil is pretty good. I think he has a great future.
I scanned the crowd looking for anyone else I might know and it varied. Lots of folks older than me and a large amout of teens (like thing2). I think some of the older folks are not going to like AudioA...
Audio Adrenaline. Wow. The first time I get to see them live is on their farewell tour. Powerful words and great music.
Good old loud rock and roll with meaning. Thing1 would like these guys. Some of the older folks stayed seated while the rest of us jumped, clapped, and sang.
Mercy Me. More of a ballad style. Much different than Phil Wickham or Audio A. Much of the crowd sat down as the music, while enjoyable, was slower. Bart Millard is an incredible speaker. His spoken word between songs was as awesome as the best sermons I've ever heard.
And what is a concert without confetti?
If AudioA is coming to a town near you - go. It's your last chance.
Getting there was half the fun. The venue isn't far from home - maybe 10 minutes. Once we were there parking was interesting. One lane to get into the lot and no one directing traffic by the entrance. Once parked we got in line. 45 minutes before the show and the doors were still not open. Very disorganized. We ran into our senior pastor and another family from church in line and decided to sit with them.
Once in and seated (general admission) Thing2 and I headed for the the t-shirt tables. She wanted a Audio-A shirt so I got her one. As we worked our way back to the seats the lights went out. We got to step on some toes...
Phil Wickham led off the night
Phil is pretty good. I think he has a great future.
I scanned the crowd looking for anyone else I might know and it varied. Lots of folks older than me and a large amout of teens (like thing2). I think some of the older folks are not going to like AudioA...
Audio Adrenaline. Wow. The first time I get to see them live is on their farewell tour. Powerful words and great music.
Good old loud rock and roll with meaning. Thing1 would like these guys. Some of the older folks stayed seated while the rest of us jumped, clapped, and sang.
Mercy Me. More of a ballad style. Much different than Phil Wickham or Audio A. Much of the crowd sat down as the music, while enjoyable, was slower. Bart Millard is an incredible speaker. His spoken word between songs was as awesome as the best sermons I've ever heard.
And what is a concert without confetti?
If AudioA is coming to a town near you - go. It's your last chance.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Surprise!
I'm on the way home yesterday from work. My cell phone rings - caller ID identies the number as home. Ok - the wife wants me to pick something up. I answer and the voice on the other end is a lot deeper than I expected.
"Hi Dad!"
Ok - Thing1 is home. This should be interesting. Why is he home? He was supposed to be a mall rat today with some friends from school.
"We went to Woodfield and decided to stop by"
Please note - Woodfield is 10 minutes from our house. It's 90 from his school.
So I get home and meet his roommate and a friend they brought along. Nice kids - even mine. Took them out for pizza before they headed back. All three of them liked to talk about life at school. It was very entertaining.
Today - they are off to Wrigleyville for dinner with his friends parents. They are taking the train from Midway up to the station by Wrigley field and then walking to her parents house.
We were joking that they should go to Rockford on Sunday and hang out with his roommates parents. Then all three could have met the families. I don't think they are going to but it would be a interesting train ride.
"Hi Dad!"
Ok - Thing1 is home. This should be interesting. Why is he home? He was supposed to be a mall rat today with some friends from school.
"We went to Woodfield and decided to stop by"
Please note - Woodfield is 10 minutes from our house. It's 90 from his school.
So I get home and meet his roommate and a friend they brought along. Nice kids - even mine. Took them out for pizza before they headed back. All three of them liked to talk about life at school. It was very entertaining.
Today - they are off to Wrigleyville for dinner with his friends parents. They are taking the train from Midway up to the station by Wrigley field and then walking to her parents house.
We were joking that they should go to Rockford on Sunday and hang out with his roommates parents. Then all three could have met the families. I don't think they are going to but it would be a interesting train ride.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
January 14th doesn't seem so far away
Sunday January 14th (8-10pm EST)
Monday January 15th (8-10pm EST)
Hours 5-24 will air Monday's at 9pm EST uninterrupted until May!
Yes! Something to look forward to in the cold, cold winter
Sunday, October 08, 2006
It started so innocently
I had just picked up Thing2 from the homecoming parade. The activities choir had a float in it and she had walked and sang along the parade route. After we dropped off another choir member she quietly said those words I had been dreading to hear:
I remain calm. I'm not ready for this. She's only 15. So I ask her who's the soon to be deceased boy? :-)
She smiles and says J.
Whew. She's known him for a couple of years and they have some of the same issues. He's a pretty good kid with nice parents. And then it hits me - what did you answer with?
Time for a new gun.
The wife was less than thrilled as Thing2 didn't have anything to wear. So they had to go shopping on Friday.
Ahh - Friday. High School Football. Thing2 likes the game and the activiites choir sings the national anthem before home games.
We lost. It's a rebuilding year with a new coach and a new philosophy. The mistakes are getting fewer and fewer. Next year will be a better year.
Saturday is dance day. We spend the afternoon with my father-in-law celebrating #82. He's just recoving from gallbladder removal so we only spent a few hours. On the way home I asked if anyone minded if I stopped and bought a new gun. Thing1 was all for it. The women said no.
J showed up right on time. Even had a corsage.
They looked pretty good together.
Thing1 and I picked them up afterwards. Both said they had a good time. And I survived.
- "I've been asked to homecoming"
I remain calm. I'm not ready for this. She's only 15. So I ask her who's the soon to be deceased boy? :-)
She smiles and says J.
Whew. She's known him for a couple of years and they have some of the same issues. He's a pretty good kid with nice parents. And then it hits me - what did you answer with?
- Yes
Time for a new gun.
The wife was less than thrilled as Thing2 didn't have anything to wear. So they had to go shopping on Friday.
Ahh - Friday. High School Football. Thing2 likes the game and the activiites choir sings the national anthem before home games.
We lost. It's a rebuilding year with a new coach and a new philosophy. The mistakes are getting fewer and fewer. Next year will be a better year.
Saturday is dance day. We spend the afternoon with my father-in-law celebrating #82. He's just recoving from gallbladder removal so we only spent a few hours. On the way home I asked if anyone minded if I stopped and bought a new gun. Thing1 was all for it. The women said no.
J showed up right on time. Even had a corsage.
They looked pretty good together.
Thing1 and I picked them up afterwards. Both said they had a good time. And I survived.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Monday, October 02, 2006
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