Watching the news last night and they had a story about how some Chicago Public School students went down to Springfield to lobby for a '1 gun a month' law to stop the violence in the city of Chicago (somehow the fact that violence is a social problem escapes these clowns). The measure was defeated and the usual whining ensued.
I looked at the wife and I said - just think - a few more votes and I'd have to buy a new gun every month. I mean it would be the law. :-)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Monday, April 07, 2008
One Step Closer
Thing1 has passed his education certification test! He finishes up having complete control of his class this week and then he gradually turns control back to his co-operating teacher over the next week or so. Graduation is only five weeks away (man it seems like yesterday we dropped him off for the first time) and then we have him back at home till he moves out on his own.
If anyone is looking for a elementary ed major certified to teach K-8 I've got a great one here.
If anyone is looking for a elementary ed major certified to teach K-8 I've got a great one here.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Perception
From one of my brothers
--
Perception
A biker is riding by the zoo, when he sees a little girl leaning into the lion's cage. Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her screaming parents.
The biker jumps off his bike, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch. Whimpering from the pain, the lion jumps back letting go of the girl, and the biker brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly.
A New York Times reporter has seen the whole scene, and addressing the biker, says, "Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I saw a man do in my whole life."
"Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this little kid in danger, and acted as I felt right."
"Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed. I'm a journalist from the New York Times , you know, and tomorrow's paper will have this on the first page. What motorcycle do you ride and what political affiliation do you have?"
"A Harley Davidson and I am a Republican."
The journalist leaves.
The following morning the biker buys The New York Times to see if it indeed brings news of his actions, and reads, on first page:
Republican Biker Gang Member Assaults African Immigrant and Steals his Lunch
--
Perception
A biker is riding by the zoo, when he sees a little girl leaning into the lion's cage. Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her screaming parents.
The biker jumps off his bike, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch. Whimpering from the pain, the lion jumps back letting go of the girl, and the biker brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly.
A New York Times reporter has seen the whole scene, and addressing the biker, says, "Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I saw a man do in my whole life."
"Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this little kid in danger, and acted as I felt right."
"Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed. I'm a journalist from the New York Times , you know, and tomorrow's paper will have this on the first page. What motorcycle do you ride and what political affiliation do you have?"
"A Harley Davidson and I am a Republican."
The journalist leaves.
The following morning the biker buys The New York Times to see if it indeed brings news of his actions, and reads, on first page:
Republican Biker Gang Member Assaults African Immigrant and Steals his Lunch
Another reason I'm a Netflix fan
I'm in class this week so I'm really behind on email. This showed up this morning:
I really didn't notice anything. Yet they stepped up, admitted a problem, and made it right (even though the didn't have to). Well done Netflix!
- As you may have heard, our shipping system was unexpectedly down for most of Monday. We should have shipped your DVDs but were unable to. Your DVDs were shipped today, Tuesday, March 25th, instead.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. We will issue a 5% credit to your account in the next few days. You don't need to do anything. The credit will be automatically applied to your next billing statement.
I really didn't notice anything. Yet they stepped up, admitted a problem, and made it right (even though the didn't have to). Well done Netflix!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
An Easter Transition
We planned a small gathering. The four of us, my wife's dad and his wife, my sister, and her family. Much less that the usual chaos that seems to erupt on holidays at Casa de Al.
After church the prep began. Ham in the crock pot, potatoes, veggies. And candy. Lots of candy. So far it was it was a typical Easter.
Dinner was great. My brother-in-law headed out to the family room to watch college hoops on the HDTV. He was asleep in just a few minutes. Too much Cabernet with dinner I guess as there was no triptophan in play. After clean up I went out to harass him and that's when it got weird...
My sister and her husband lean to the political left. My wife and I lean to the political right. Needless to say it can get interesting at times when the discussion turns to politics. Always friendly but interesting. So when my brother-in-law started asking questions about guns I was just a little confused. It turns out that they are worried about society and the possible problems ahead if the economy tanks. They live in a more upscale neighborhood than I do (making 3 times what I do helps in that regard) so Randy thought (correctly IMO) that they would be a more likely target for home invasion and burglary. Randy was thinking that having a gun for personal protection might be a good idea. I was kind of surprised. Then he said that my sister was in favor of this as well. I was shocked. My sister had made it very clear over the years that "guns were bad". Having me around constantly challenging her must have finally sunk in. :-)
So we talked. I got out my guns and went though each one and why I had it. During this Thing1 came out and started talking about his favorites and the tens of thousands of rounds that we have fired together. Time together shooting - as he gets older we need to do that more often before he moves out and starts his own life. Anyways I started with my .22's. A Ruger MarkII and a Dan Wesson 4 inch revolver. Cheap ammo and great practice. Then it was on to the Glock 17 and the CZ75c. Ammo costs more but as far as personal protection a 9mm is far superior to a .22. Randy seemed to like the grip of the Glock. Not so much the CZ. The grip circumference really seems to matter to him.
Then the long arms came out. A old H&R 865 .22 that my dad gave me 25 years ago. It's a great little bolt action rifle that is very accurate. Then the Ruger 10/22. It wears a dot sight that makes hitting the target easy. Finally the KelTec Sub2000. Kind of a scary black rifle but it's inexpensive and, in my experience, reliable. I had a couple more but it became obvious that Randy was interested in the handguns.
So we talked some more. My big question seemed to surprise him. Would you be willing to take a human life? Or are you hoping to scare the bad guy away? How would you secure the house? Secure the gun(s)? These questions need to be answered before buying a gun for self preservation. Then Randy started asking questions: How to buy a gun? Where? Where to practice, how often, etc. What is a good home defense weapon? Lots of great questions. Hopefully my answers will get him thinking.
It looks like a Ruger MarkII will be his first purchase. If that works out then Randy and his wife need to see if they can share a gun or if due to some physical strength issues, will need something lighter and less powerful than Randy can handle. Lots of decisions.
It looks like the transition from sheep to sheepdog has begun.
After church the prep began. Ham in the crock pot, potatoes, veggies. And candy. Lots of candy. So far it was it was a typical Easter.
Dinner was great. My brother-in-law headed out to the family room to watch college hoops on the HDTV. He was asleep in just a few minutes. Too much Cabernet with dinner I guess as there was no triptophan in play. After clean up I went out to harass him and that's when it got weird...
My sister and her husband lean to the political left. My wife and I lean to the political right. Needless to say it can get interesting at times when the discussion turns to politics. Always friendly but interesting. So when my brother-in-law started asking questions about guns I was just a little confused. It turns out that they are worried about society and the possible problems ahead if the economy tanks. They live in a more upscale neighborhood than I do (making 3 times what I do helps in that regard) so Randy thought (correctly IMO) that they would be a more likely target for home invasion and burglary. Randy was thinking that having a gun for personal protection might be a good idea. I was kind of surprised. Then he said that my sister was in favor of this as well. I was shocked. My sister had made it very clear over the years that "guns were bad". Having me around constantly challenging her must have finally sunk in. :-)
So we talked. I got out my guns and went though each one and why I had it. During this Thing1 came out and started talking about his favorites and the tens of thousands of rounds that we have fired together. Time together shooting - as he gets older we need to do that more often before he moves out and starts his own life. Anyways I started with my .22's. A Ruger MarkII and a Dan Wesson 4 inch revolver. Cheap ammo and great practice. Then it was on to the Glock 17 and the CZ75c. Ammo costs more but as far as personal protection a 9mm is far superior to a .22. Randy seemed to like the grip of the Glock. Not so much the CZ. The grip circumference really seems to matter to him.
Then the long arms came out. A old H&R 865 .22 that my dad gave me 25 years ago. It's a great little bolt action rifle that is very accurate. Then the Ruger 10/22. It wears a dot sight that makes hitting the target easy. Finally the KelTec Sub2000. Kind of a scary black rifle but it's inexpensive and, in my experience, reliable. I had a couple more but it became obvious that Randy was interested in the handguns.
So we talked some more. My big question seemed to surprise him. Would you be willing to take a human life? Or are you hoping to scare the bad guy away? How would you secure the house? Secure the gun(s)? These questions need to be answered before buying a gun for self preservation. Then Randy started asking questions: How to buy a gun? Where? Where to practice, how often, etc. What is a good home defense weapon? Lots of great questions. Hopefully my answers will get him thinking.
It looks like a Ruger MarkII will be his first purchase. If that works out then Randy and his wife need to see if they can share a gun or if due to some physical strength issues, will need something lighter and less powerful than Randy can handle. Lots of decisions.
It looks like the transition from sheep to sheepdog has begun.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Perfect for a summer day
With it being ~5 degrees Fahrenheit right now the thought of spending a warm summer day laying on the grass and listening to great music has a lot of appeal.
Ignite Chicago
Newsboys, MercyMe, David Crowder Band, Hawk Nelson, Superchic[k], Todd Agnew, Red, John Reuben, Tenth Avenue North
Alexian Field - Schaumburg, IL
July 20, 2008
I can't wait!
Ignite Chicago
Newsboys, MercyMe, David Crowder Band, Hawk Nelson, Superchic[k], Todd Agnew, Red, John Reuben, Tenth Avenue North
Alexian Field - Schaumburg, IL
July 20, 2008
I can't wait!
Driving through Montana
Two men were driving through Montana when they got pulled over by a state trooper. The cop walked up and tapped on the window with his nightstick. The driver rolled down the window, and WHACK, the cop smacked him in the head with his nightstick.
'What the hell was that for?' the driver asked.
'You're in Montana son,' the trooper answered. 'When we pull you over in Montana, you better have your license ready, by the time we get to your car.'
'I'm sorry, officer,' the driver said, 'I'm not from around here.'
The trooper runs a check on the guy's license--he's clean, and gives the guy his license back.
The trooper then walks around to the passenger side and taps on the window.
The passenger rolls down the window, and WHACK, the trooper smacks him on the head with the nightstick.
'What'd you do that for?' the passenger demands.
'Just making your wish come true,' replied the trooper.
'Making WHAT wish come true?' the passenger asked.
'Because I know your type,' the trooper says, 'two miles down the road, you're gonna turn to your buddy and say, 'I wish that a**hole would've tried that CRAP with me!'
'What the hell was that for?' the driver asked.
'You're in Montana son,' the trooper answered. 'When we pull you over in Montana, you better have your license ready, by the time we get to your car.'
'I'm sorry, officer,' the driver said, 'I'm not from around here.'
The trooper runs a check on the guy's license--he's clean, and gives the guy his license back.
The trooper then walks around to the passenger side and taps on the window.
The passenger rolls down the window, and WHACK, the trooper smacks him on the head with the nightstick.
'What'd you do that for?' the passenger demands.
'Just making your wish come true,' replied the trooper.
'Making WHAT wish come true?' the passenger asked.
'Because I know your type,' the trooper says, 'two miles down the road, you're gonna turn to your buddy and say, 'I wish that a**hole would've tried that CRAP with me!'
Lunar Eclispe
Took some pictures last night. Well I tried to take some pictures. It was kinda last minute and just a bit chilly (~3F).
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Fast Cars
We headed off to the Chicago Auto Show today. Picked up Thing1 at school, dodged lots of potholes, and made it to McCormick place to wander the aisles and see what grabbed our attention. Thing1 graduates in just over 90 days and is thinking of a new car once he has gotten that first job so he had certain models he wanted to see. Me - I just like to look and dream a bit.
We found some race cars. One of Tony Stewart's new rides was there.
He managed a close second in the Bud Shootout tonight.
Kevin Harvick had a car at the Shell display.
Shell was nice enough to have a board so that fans could wish Kevin well.
If one goes straight down from the first O a little bit you might find something a little different...
I wonder where that came from...
Chevrolet had a Bumblebee Camaro on display. What a beautiful car. Thing1 wants one as one as long as it can transform.
And if I had 100K to spend... It would be on a Chevrolet ZR1 Corvette.
We found some race cars. One of Tony Stewart's new rides was there.
He managed a close second in the Bud Shootout tonight.
Kevin Harvick had a car at the Shell display.
Shell was nice enough to have a board so that fans could wish Kevin well.
If one goes straight down from the first O a little bit you might find something a little different...
I wonder where that came from...
Chevrolet had a Bumblebee Camaro on display. What a beautiful car. Thing1 wants one as one as long as it can transform.
And if I had 100K to spend... It would be on a Chevrolet ZR1 Corvette.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Compusa.com ?
I was on the CompUSA email list for advertised specials when the brick and mortar stores were still around. When they went away I stopped getting email from them. Today I got a email ad from compusa.com that looked a lot like a TigerDirect.com ad - right down to the prices.
So I looked at the bottom of the compusa.com ad:
Dig out a deleted TigerDirect.com ad:
I guess they are one and the same now.
So I looked at the bottom of the compusa.com ad:
- CompUSA.com
7795 W Flagler Street, Suite 35
Miami, FL 33144
Dig out a deleted TigerDirect.com ad:
- Copyright (c) TigerDirect Inc. 2008
7795 West Flagler Street Miami, FL 33144
I guess they are one and the same now.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
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