Woah I've been slacking. Not in my workouts, I'm still doing those, but in my posting. Life keeps getting in the way.
5 mile run this morning and swimming at lunch time.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
EOTWAWKI
Another installment of occasional updates on how we are doing out there
- Since 2006, roughly 3 million homes have been lost to foreclosure.
- Over the next two years, another 3.6 million are expected to lose their homes
- Sony Lays off 16,000
- The Airlines are projected to lose $5 billion this year
- Oprah is mad at herself for weighing 190 pounds
- Bank of America to slash 35,000 jobs (Merry Christmas)
- Man handcuffs wife to bed and loses key (sure he lost it)
As usual one of these is false
answer - Oprah "cry me a river" Winfrey is mad cause she weighs 200 pounds. She needs to come workout with me
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Arby's Curly Fries Update
After my munchies attack the other day while running and the scarfing down of the Curly Fries, I emailed Arby's the same story I posted here. Here is the response I got today from them.
Dear Rob;
Thank you for your comments. Our customer’s input and comments are always welcome and very important to us. We use this information to guide the decisions we make about our brand and our products.
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Arby’s Customer Relations
What a let down. No coupons for free product. No offers to stay in Arby's commercials or Fear Factor and eat other weird things. I could see a whole new reality series about runners who are forced to eat things they find while out on the roads running. No book deals to write about my life as a Running Curly Fry Eater. No movie deal to play a ridiculously good-looking Vampire who has given up human blood sucking and only eats Arby's Curly Fries in order not to upset his human girlfriend.
Dear Rob;
Thank you for your comments. Our customer’s input and comments are always welcome and very important to us. We use this information to guide the decisions we make about our brand and our products.
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Arby’s Customer Relations
What a let down. No coupons for free product. No offers to stay in Arby's commercials or Fear Factor and eat other weird things. I could see a whole new reality series about runners who are forced to eat things they find while out on the roads running. No book deals to write about my life as a Running Curly Fry Eater. No movie deal to play a ridiculously good-looking Vampire who has given up human blood sucking and only eats Arby's Curly Fries in order not to upset his human girlfriend.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Today's Workouts
5.2 miles running this morning in 60 degree weather :)
1,250 yards swimming at lunch time
1,250 yards swimming at lunch time
Hey Buddy Can You Spare a Dime?
Or $10 or $20 or $50? Maybe you can maybe you can’t. I realize these are tough times for some people so if you are one of them then don’t worry about the rest of this post. (you guys hang in there the Feds are on the job! – just remember; there is no problem that the government can’t make worse).
For the rest of you with a bit of change to spare…read on. Check out the website for Catholic World Missions. They ship food and medicine to the poorest of the poor. And unlike some relief supplies, these foods and medicines are handled by the Missionaries of the Poor, Sisters. So you know your donations are having a direct impact. How do I know this? Well anyone who has ever gone to Catholic School or CCD or had any encounter with Nuns knows what I’m talking about. These woman don’t take no for an answer. If they set their mind to do something it gets done. Think of Attila the Hun but in a habit and with a heart of gold.
So your donations aren’t ending up in the hands of some third world dictator so he can build a huge palace with 20 bathrooms, a heart-shaped pool, a cocoa-motion machine and hedges sculpted into the shape of The Donk.
I know everyone has various charities and churches they support but if you are looking for a good one to help out, please check out CWM. Maybe a cash donation equal to the equivalent of the amount you would spend on a Christmas gift for a close family member would be a good place to start.
And I promise to not ask you to donate to any cause for at least the rest of the year. Unless of course The Donk decides to get that Ear-Job he has been saving up for.
For the rest of you with a bit of change to spare…read on. Check out the website for Catholic World Missions. They ship food and medicine to the poorest of the poor. And unlike some relief supplies, these foods and medicines are handled by the Missionaries of the Poor, Sisters. So you know your donations are having a direct impact. How do I know this? Well anyone who has ever gone to Catholic School or CCD or had any encounter with Nuns knows what I’m talking about. These woman don’t take no for an answer. If they set their mind to do something it gets done. Think of Attila the Hun but in a habit and with a heart of gold.
So your donations aren’t ending up in the hands of some third world dictator so he can build a huge palace with 20 bathrooms, a heart-shaped pool, a cocoa-motion machine and hedges sculpted into the shape of The Donk.
I know everyone has various charities and churches they support but if you are looking for a good one to help out, please check out CWM. Maybe a cash donation equal to the equivalent of the amount you would spend on a Christmas gift for a close family member would be a good place to start.
And I promise to not ask you to donate to any cause for at least the rest of the year. Unless of course The Donk decides to get that Ear-Job he has been saving up for.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Today's Workouts
18 miles cycling this morning.
7 miles running with the 3 middle miles at a fast pace.
7 miles running with the 3 middle miles at a fast pace.
Today's Workouts
Actually yesterdays workouts.
6 mile run in the trails behind the pool complex, then a 1,000 yard swim.
6 mile run in the trails behind the pool complex, then a 1,000 yard swim.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Be back in a few days
Off to West Virginia to camp with the 3 middle boys, plus some friends and their boys. Camping as in staying in a house in the woods. I don't do tents.
Happy St Nick Day everyone.
Happy St Nick Day everyone.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Today's Workouts
40 miles biking from 4:30-7am this morning.
5.5 mile run at lunch time on the trails behind the pool complex where I swim. Quick change into my jammers and into the pool for 1000 yard swim.
5.5 mile run at lunch time on the trails behind the pool complex where I swim. Quick change into my jammers and into the pool for 1000 yard swim.
Yo Curly Where are Larry and Moe
My workout adventures yesterday.
For breakfast I took Barbara and Dominic to McDonald’s after 8am Mass. It was the feast of St Barbara, even though some commie at the Vatican took her off the calendar – but I digress.
Anyway I had a breakfast biscuit, hash brown and coffee. At 11am I went out and biked 26 miles. I got home around 12:30 and had a few more cups of coffee. I meant to have some Gatorade and a Power Bar but I got sidetracked with work.
At 2pm I went out for 10 mile run. A half of a mile into the run I realized I had forgotten to bring my bottle of Gatorade. I figured it was no big deal because it wasn’t hot out and I wouldn’t get dehydrated. I forgot about the lack of calories I had taken in.
At the 2 mile point of my run I started getting that light-headed low blood sugar feeling and my legs were feeling wobbly. For those of you who workout, this is called Bonking. I decided to switch my run to 6 miles and just try and get home without fainting.
At the 3.5 mile point I was feeling really weird, like at a Grateful Dead concert weird. Now I’m not thinking clearly at all. I decide to try and figure out who I know that lives near where I am at. So maybe I can get some food or a ride home. When low and behold what’s this littered on the ground? An Arby’s bag?
Hmmm I like Arby’s. Open up the bag. An empty milkshake cup, an empty roast beef sandwich wrapper, rats I like roast beef, and at the bottom of the bag…jackpot….an extra large order of Curly Fries that for some reason haven’t been touched.
I stick my glove covered mitts in there and start shoveling those fries in my mouth like I’m going to the electric chair. They are cold but so scrumptious. Too bad there are no ketchup packs to munch on too. It takes me about all of 90 seconds to eat them all. I look in the bag at the receipt from the food; it’s from yesterday afternoon, around 24 hours ago. Oh well it has been pretty cool recently. Kinda like a refrigerator. (It has been 4 hours now since I scarfed down the fries and no food poisoning …yet) The light headedness starts to go away and I decide to finish the last 2.5 miles of my run. Those are the fastest miles of my run, I’m Frying…I mean flying home.
Forget steroids and EPO, Arby’s fries are going to be my new performance enhancing drug.
For breakfast I took Barbara and Dominic to McDonald’s after 8am Mass. It was the feast of St Barbara, even though some commie at the Vatican took her off the calendar – but I digress.
Anyway I had a breakfast biscuit, hash brown and coffee. At 11am I went out and biked 26 miles. I got home around 12:30 and had a few more cups of coffee. I meant to have some Gatorade and a Power Bar but I got sidetracked with work.
At 2pm I went out for 10 mile run. A half of a mile into the run I realized I had forgotten to bring my bottle of Gatorade. I figured it was no big deal because it wasn’t hot out and I wouldn’t get dehydrated. I forgot about the lack of calories I had taken in.
At the 2 mile point of my run I started getting that light-headed low blood sugar feeling and my legs were feeling wobbly. For those of you who workout, this is called Bonking. I decided to switch my run to 6 miles and just try and get home without fainting.
At the 3.5 mile point I was feeling really weird, like at a Grateful Dead concert weird. Now I’m not thinking clearly at all. I decide to try and figure out who I know that lives near where I am at. So maybe I can get some food or a ride home. When low and behold what’s this littered on the ground? An Arby’s bag?
Hmmm I like Arby’s. Open up the bag. An empty milkshake cup, an empty roast beef sandwich wrapper, rats I like roast beef, and at the bottom of the bag…jackpot….an extra large order of Curly Fries that for some reason haven’t been touched.
I stick my glove covered mitts in there and start shoveling those fries in my mouth like I’m going to the electric chair. They are cold but so scrumptious. Too bad there are no ketchup packs to munch on too. It takes me about all of 90 seconds to eat them all. I look in the bag at the receipt from the food; it’s from yesterday afternoon, around 24 hours ago. Oh well it has been pretty cool recently. Kinda like a refrigerator. (It has been 4 hours now since I scarfed down the fries and no food poisoning …yet) The light headedness starts to go away and I decide to finish the last 2.5 miles of my run. Those are the fastest miles of my run, I’m Frying…I mean flying home.
Forget steroids and EPO, Arby’s fries are going to be my new performance enhancing drug.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Today's Workouts
26 miles cycling at lunch time.
6 mile run mid-afternoon. It was supposed to be 10 miles. More on that tomorrow.
6 mile run mid-afternoon. It was supposed to be 10 miles. More on that tomorrow.
Toxic Boobs
Several women have claimed that a popular type of bra from the leading lingerie firm Victoria’s Secret made them ill.
Roberta Ritter, 37, claims: "I had the welts that were very red, hot to the touch, extremely inflamed, blistery. It itched profusely. I couldn't sleep and was waking up itching."
Miss Ritter, from Ohio, filed a lawsuit against Victoria's Secret in May and claims she has been contacted by dozens of women suffering similar symptoms who are now seeking permission to join her in a class-action lawsuit.
Her lawyers said they purchased the same bra types that Miss Ritter had bought and had them laboratory tested. They claim the tests revealed that the bras showed traces of formaldehyde, which is used in the textile industry to make fabrics crease-resistant. The lawyers believe Miss Ritter may be allergic to formaldehyde.
Ok since I don't wear bras (well not on a regular basis) I have a few questions about this story:
1) There are labs that test bras?
2) Formaldehyde? Seriously? Isn't that the stuff those fetal-pigs we used to hack up in high school science class were kept in?
3) There are Victoria Secrets stores in Ohio?
4) Bras need to be crease-resistant?
5) If they aren't made crease-resistant, do women iron them? And if so how do they work around the curves?
Roberta Ritter, 37, claims: "I had the welts that were very red, hot to the touch, extremely inflamed, blistery. It itched profusely. I couldn't sleep and was waking up itching."
Miss Ritter, from Ohio, filed a lawsuit against Victoria's Secret in May and claims she has been contacted by dozens of women suffering similar symptoms who are now seeking permission to join her in a class-action lawsuit.
Her lawyers said they purchased the same bra types that Miss Ritter had bought and had them laboratory tested. They claim the tests revealed that the bras showed traces of formaldehyde, which is used in the textile industry to make fabrics crease-resistant. The lawyers believe Miss Ritter may be allergic to formaldehyde.
Ok since I don't wear bras (well not on a regular basis) I have a few questions about this story:
1) There are labs that test bras?
2) Formaldehyde? Seriously? Isn't that the stuff those fetal-pigs we used to hack up in high school science class were kept in?
3) There are Victoria Secrets stores in Ohio?
4) Bras need to be crease-resistant?
5) If they aren't made crease-resistant, do women iron them? And if so how do they work around the curves?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Today's Workouts
5 miles running this morning.
13 miles cycling at lunch time. It was supposed to be 25 miles, double flatted with only one spare inner tube. Wife to the rescue.
13 miles cycling at lunch time. It was supposed to be 25 miles, double flatted with only one spare inner tube. Wife to the rescue.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Good Thing They Aren't Brass Monkeys
For some bright reason the younger boys, Dominic (7) Robert (8) and Joey (10), decided they wanted to sleep in a tent in the backyard one night over the Thanksgiving Day weekend.
And for some reason my bride decided an adult needed to sleep out there. We do live in the 'wilds' of the Washington DC suburbs. So I guess she was worried about a rabbit nibbling their toes or a squirrel stealing their nuts. And of course there is the goatman you lives in the wood on the outskirts of our town, but I'm pretty sure he's a vegan. So, you guessed it, she slept out there. Yeah you thought I was going to sleep out there?! Sam didn't even bother to ask. My idea of roughing it is tap instead of bottled water. Rob Don't Camp!
It doesn't get real cold here but it did go down to 30 that night. So the boys must have put on just about every piece of clothing they owned. Joey had on 4 pairs of socks and 5 shirts. Plus he but on 3 pair of underwear, 2 pairs of pants and 2 pair of shorts...he must really be trying to protect something. Dominic out did them all. The next morning he counted his socks as he took them off; 10 on one foot and 11 on the other. Little momma, who is always cold, was all bundled up and snuggled up with the boys on the nice cold and hard ground. Barbara (12) joined them around midnight after wathcing a movie.
They did run a power cord to the tent and setup and radio and a light...why they didn't bring out an electric heater is beyond me. But I give them credit, they stayed out there the entire night.
Me? I slept in our nice king-sized bed. The one with the flannel sheets, electric blanket and down comforter...I was actually sweating.
And for some reason my bride decided an adult needed to sleep out there. We do live in the 'wilds' of the Washington DC suburbs. So I guess she was worried about a rabbit nibbling their toes or a squirrel stealing their nuts. And of course there is the goatman you lives in the wood on the outskirts of our town, but I'm pretty sure he's a vegan. So, you guessed it, she slept out there. Yeah you thought I was going to sleep out there?! Sam didn't even bother to ask. My idea of roughing it is tap instead of bottled water. Rob Don't Camp!
It doesn't get real cold here but it did go down to 30 that night. So the boys must have put on just about every piece of clothing they owned. Joey had on 4 pairs of socks and 5 shirts. Plus he but on 3 pair of underwear, 2 pairs of pants and 2 pair of shorts...he must really be trying to protect something. Dominic out did them all. The next morning he counted his socks as he took them off; 10 on one foot and 11 on the other. Little momma, who is always cold, was all bundled up and snuggled up with the boys on the nice cold and hard ground. Barbara (12) joined them around midnight after wathcing a movie.
They did run a power cord to the tent and setup and radio and a light...why they didn't bring out an electric heater is beyond me. But I give them credit, they stayed out there the entire night.
Me? I slept in our nice king-sized bed. The one with the flannel sheets, electric blanket and down comforter...I was actually sweating.
Monday, December 1, 2008
EOTWAWKI
Thus far in 2008 the Feds have spent or committed the following amounts of your money:
• $29 billion for Bear Stearns
• $143.8 billion for AIG (thus far, it keeps growing)
• $100 billion for Fannie Mae
• $100 billion for Freddie Mac
• $700 billion for Wall Street, including Bank of America (Merrill Lynch), Citigroup, JP Morgan (WaMu), Wells Fargo (Wachovia), Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and a lot more . On top of $45 billion for Citibank, comes a guarantee of $306 billion in bad loans.$800 billion to buy mortgages issued or backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and Federal Home Loan Banks.
• $200 billion for the auto industry
• $200 billion to buy securities tied to student loans, car-loans, credit card debt and small business loans.
• $8 billion for IndyMac
• $700 billion to $1 trillion stimulus package (from January)
• $50 billion for money market funds
• $138 billion for Lehman Bros. (post bankruptcy) through JP Morgan
• $620 billion for general currency swaps from the Fed
“The numbers change so fast, it is hard to even add them up. Rough total: $3,651,800,000,000 .00
****note the total is now even higher...The federal government committed an additional $800 billion to two new loan programs on last Tuesday
So the total is more like $4.5 trillion
• $29 billion for Bear Stearns
• $143.8 billion for AIG (thus far, it keeps growing)
• $100 billion for Fannie Mae
• $100 billion for Freddie Mac
• $700 billion for Wall Street, including Bank of America (Merrill Lynch), Citigroup, JP Morgan (WaMu), Wells Fargo (Wachovia), Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and a lot more . On top of $45 billion for Citibank, comes a guarantee of $306 billion in bad loans.$800 billion to buy mortgages issued or backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and Federal Home Loan Banks.
• $200 billion for the auto industry
• $200 billion to buy securities tied to student loans, car-loans, credit card debt and small business loans.
• $8 billion for IndyMac
• $700 billion to $1 trillion stimulus package (from January)
• $50 billion for money market funds
• $138 billion for Lehman Bros. (post bankruptcy) through JP Morgan
• $620 billion for general currency swaps from the Fed
“The numbers change so fast, it is hard to even add them up. Rough total: $3,651,800,000,000 .00
****note the total is now even higher...The federal government committed an additional $800 billion to two new loan programs on last Tuesday
So the total is more like $4.5 trillion
Happy Birthday Cecilia
Cecilia aka 'Hunter' aka 'Monster Baby' aka 'Tinker Bell' is 3 day. It's been a long 3 years with this. She is the #10 child in the family and I'v pretty much decided that every 10th child is a lemon, so we are stopping at 19 kids for sure....
When Cecilia is happy she is great to be around but when she's not happy...watch out!!!
When Cecilia is happy she is great to be around but when she's not happy...watch out!!!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Today's Workouts
25 miles cycling yesterday.
4.2 miles running today - a bit of the hair of the dog - legs a bit sore but really not too bad.
4.2 miles running today - a bit of the hair of the dog - legs a bit sore but really not too bad.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Today's Workouts
20 miles cycling. I bit chilly out but not horrible. Legs felt pretty good but I was tired.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Did you go with a traditional turkey? Or maybe something more exotic like a Turducken.
We went the turkey route. But here are some pictures of a Turducken we had at a party a few years ago. It was yummy.
We went the turkey route. But here are some pictures of a Turducken we had at a party a few years ago. It was yummy.
Monday, November 24, 2008
At Least He Knows What Dirty Is
After Mass yesterday I told Dominic to go change into some play clothes and hang up his church clothes since they weren't dirty.
Dominic - 'well my shirt's dirty'
me - 'you only wore it for an hour it's not dirty'
Dominic - 'I used the shirt sleeves to wipe my boogies on during church'
Dominic - 'well my shirt's dirty'
me - 'you only wore it for an hour it's not dirty'
Dominic - 'I used the shirt sleeves to wipe my boogies on during church'
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Pride goes before the fall
Pride goes before the fall.
So this is what it feels like to DNF. I bowed out (that’s a nice word for quitting) at the 34.4 mile aid station. Called Sam and the kids and they came and fetched me and we drove home. Why? I don’t know. Pacing seemed fine, nutrition fine, no injuries, training was decent. But from around mile 16 on my legs felt thrashed. Mile 15 or so is when you get off the Appalachian Trail (think running on a hilly rocky path). I think it did a number on me. By mile 32 I was reduced to a walk, a very slow walk. I was barely able to walk to the aid station. I only had 15.6 more miles to go and still 5 hours left on the 12 hour cutoff but I couldn’t even walk let alone run anymore so I bailed. I’m miserable sore (like everyone else who did the race I’m sure) and have no Finishers medal to show for it. I gave Joey my race shirt. I wanted to throw it away but it is a decent Under Armor shirt so I figured he could wear it around.
Oh how I so wanted to put one of those JFK 50 stickers on my car. Wanted it too bad maybe. I never even considered that I wouldn’t finish (not too bright taking a 50 mile race for granted). I thought maybe I wouldn’t make my goal time (sub 10 hours) but not finishing wasn’t even an option. I’ve never not finished a race. I did my first race in 1978 and no matter how hard they got a kept running somehow and finished the damn things. But that didn’t work today, I faked it as long as I could but I had nothing left. Everything from the lower back down was shot. I don’t think anything is injured, just sore as hell.
Now I will regroup and figure out what is next. I will also try and not put so much of myself into a race and the training that goes with it. It really does become all consuming and drains me mentally and physically. Plus it’s not good for my family. Hopefully I’ll quite feeling sorry for myself soon and stop being a baby.
Thanks to my wonderful wife and family for their support and for the Donk coming out and crewing for me. Love ya all
So this is what it feels like to DNF. I bowed out (that’s a nice word for quitting) at the 34.4 mile aid station. Called Sam and the kids and they came and fetched me and we drove home. Why? I don’t know. Pacing seemed fine, nutrition fine, no injuries, training was decent. But from around mile 16 on my legs felt thrashed. Mile 15 or so is when you get off the Appalachian Trail (think running on a hilly rocky path). I think it did a number on me. By mile 32 I was reduced to a walk, a very slow walk. I was barely able to walk to the aid station. I only had 15.6 more miles to go and still 5 hours left on the 12 hour cutoff but I couldn’t even walk let alone run anymore so I bailed. I’m miserable sore (like everyone else who did the race I’m sure) and have no Finishers medal to show for it. I gave Joey my race shirt. I wanted to throw it away but it is a decent Under Armor shirt so I figured he could wear it around.
Oh how I so wanted to put one of those JFK 50 stickers on my car. Wanted it too bad maybe. I never even considered that I wouldn’t finish (not too bright taking a 50 mile race for granted). I thought maybe I wouldn’t make my goal time (sub 10 hours) but not finishing wasn’t even an option. I’ve never not finished a race. I did my first race in 1978 and no matter how hard they got a kept running somehow and finished the damn things. But that didn’t work today, I faked it as long as I could but I had nothing left. Everything from the lower back down was shot. I don’t think anything is injured, just sore as hell.
Now I will regroup and figure out what is next. I will also try and not put so much of myself into a race and the training that goes with it. It really does become all consuming and drains me mentally and physically. Plus it’s not good for my family. Hopefully I’ll quite feeling sorry for myself soon and stop being a baby.
Thanks to my wonderful wife and family for their support and for the Donk coming out and crewing for me. Love ya all
Thursday, November 20, 2008
2 More Days But Who's Counting
Not much going on today. Working from home and getting ready to head out tomorrow morning to go to Hagerstown, MD. Running a race in that area on Saturday. It’s called the JFK 50 Miler. Part of it is on the Appalachian Trail and some of it’s on the C&O Tow Path. It finishes up on some country roads. This is my first race over the marathon distance. To say I’m slightly stressed would be an under-statement. Pray for my wife and kids who have to put up with me the next few days.
I’m packing an assortment of clothes for the race, We have a cold front coming through and the forecast for the race is: 23 degrees with a wind chill of 13 at the start of the race. Going up to a high of 36. I’ve got everything from running shorts to a winter parka packed.
I’ll probably look like this guy:
No if you will excuse me, I need to go repack my gear bag again, eat some more bananas and polish my running shoes.
I’m packing an assortment of clothes for the race, We have a cold front coming through and the forecast for the race is: 23 degrees with a wind chill of 13 at the start of the race. Going up to a high of 36. I’ve got everything from running shorts to a winter parka packed.
I’ll probably look like this guy:
No if you will excuse me, I need to go repack my gear bag again, eat some more bananas and polish my running shoes.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Birthday Haul
So here's the loot I got for my birthday from the family, other relatives and friends.
Rice Steamer
UMBC Dad t-shirt
Major Award t-shirt with a picture of a leg lamp
Civil War book
Some metal condiment holder thingie (ask Sam)
RUNNING SHOES
Nike workout shirt
Hoodie Sweat shirt
Bike shorts (picture below)
Bib Bike shorts (think bike shorts with suspenders - picture below)
Bib Bike tights (tights with suspenders and stirrups - picture below)
Dave's BFF t-shirt (picture below - yes I'm straight, see picture of 11 kids)
Matthew Mcconaughey pillow (see picture below - once again yes I'm straight there is a story behind each of the last 2 gifts)
Rice Steamer
UMBC Dad t-shirt
Major Award t-shirt with a picture of a leg lamp
Civil War book
Some metal condiment holder thingie (ask Sam)
RUNNING SHOES
Nike workout shirt
Hoodie Sweat shirt
Bike shorts (picture below)
Bib Bike shorts (think bike shorts with suspenders - picture below)
Bib Bike tights (tights with suspenders and stirrups - picture below)
Dave's BFF t-shirt (picture below - yes I'm straight, see picture of 11 kids)
Matthew Mcconaughey pillow (see picture below - once again yes I'm straight there is a story behind each of the last 2 gifts)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
EOTWAWKI
Another installment of occasional updates on how we are doing out there
As usual one of these is false
answer - Unfortunately Citicorp is planning to layoff over 50,000 employees. This on top of the 23,000 they have already laid off so far this year. Merry Christmas
- Starbucks reports that its profits are off 97% and it's stock is down 75% this year
- GM stock at lowest price since 1937
- Citicorp plans to layoff 35,000
- Sheik sues Michael Jackson for $7 million for failing to deliver new album
- White truffles are down 84%.
- Coach stock down 66% year to date
- Tiffany's stock is down 50% so far this year
As usual one of these is false
answer - Unfortunately Citicorp is planning to layoff over 50,000 employees. This on top of the 23,000 they have already laid off so far this year. Merry Christmas
Monday, November 17, 2008
Today's Workouts
4.3 mile run at lunch. Not much running will be happening this week. Resting up for the big race on Saturday.
A Weekend in the Life
Haven't done one of these in awhile.
Here was our life this past weekend starting Friday.
Friday
5-6am Sam at Holy Hour
6-6:30 Sam at grocery store
6:15am 4 littlest guys wake up
6:30-7am Sam at daily Mass
8-11am Homeschool
9-9:30am Sam back to grocery store
11-11:30am Lunch
12-1pm Holy Hour for Vocations
8am-4pm Dad at work
3:30-5pm Joey to a leadership training workshop
3:30-5pm K4J (Catholic Kids Club) at our house. Sometimes it is at the park down the street when the weather is nice. 15 boys. Girls club meets at a neighbors house, 2 of our girls go to that
5-7pm Dominic's birthday party. 7 boys invited.
6pm Caleb and Elizabeth leave for weekend retreat - home Sunday in time for lunch
6-8pm Barbara at Girl's club meeting
7pm-next morning Joey at slumber Birthday Party
Saturday - aka Dominic's birthday
7am dad grocery shopping
9-10:15am CCD for 3 of the kids
10:30-1pm Barbara at oratory
11:30-2pm Joey at year-end soccer party
noon-3pm Dominic lunch and birthday shopping with his aunt
3pm Alex home from college for weekend
5-9pm Barbara at year-end soccer party
5-8pm relatives over for Dominic's birthday dinner
Sunday - aka my birthday
7-8am Dad goes running
10am Mass
11:30am Caleb and Lizzie home from retreat in time for lunch
11:30am-1pm Lunch with Dad and Step mom at the Chinese buffet for my birthday
3-6pm Sam at church for and Internet Safety Forum
3-5pm Barbara had friends over
3-7:30pm Donk and Family over for dinner
7-8pm Friends over for cake and ice cream
8pm Alex heads back to college
8:30-11pm Redskins vs Cowboys game
Here was our life this past weekend starting Friday.
Friday
5-6am Sam at Holy Hour
6-6:30 Sam at grocery store
6:15am 4 littlest guys wake up
6:30-7am Sam at daily Mass
8-11am Homeschool
9-9:30am Sam back to grocery store
11-11:30am Lunch
12-1pm Holy Hour for Vocations
8am-4pm Dad at work
3:30-5pm Joey to a leadership training workshop
3:30-5pm K4J (Catholic Kids Club) at our house. Sometimes it is at the park down the street when the weather is nice. 15 boys. Girls club meets at a neighbors house, 2 of our girls go to that
5-7pm Dominic's birthday party. 7 boys invited.
6pm Caleb and Elizabeth leave for weekend retreat - home Sunday in time for lunch
6-8pm Barbara at Girl's club meeting
7pm-next morning Joey at slumber Birthday Party
Saturday - aka Dominic's birthday
7am dad grocery shopping
9-10:15am CCD for 3 of the kids
10:30-1pm Barbara at oratory
11:30-2pm Joey at year-end soccer party
noon-3pm Dominic lunch and birthday shopping with his aunt
3pm Alex home from college for weekend
5-9pm Barbara at year-end soccer party
5-8pm relatives over for Dominic's birthday dinner
Sunday - aka my birthday
7-8am Dad goes running
10am Mass
11:30am Caleb and Lizzie home from retreat in time for lunch
11:30am-1pm Lunch with Dad and Step mom at the Chinese buffet for my birthday
3-6pm Sam at church for and Internet Safety Forum
3-5pm Barbara had friends over
3-7:30pm Donk and Family over for dinner
7-8pm Friends over for cake and ice cream
8pm Alex heads back to college
8:30-11pm Redskins vs Cowboys game
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Silly Sunday
It's my birthday, I get to put up whatever I want :-P
This one is a lot funnier if you have seen Weird Al's orginal first
This one is a lot funnier if you have seen Weird Al's orginal first
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Happy Birthday Little Puppet
Dominic (#8) is 7 today! Is by far our goofiest most amusing child to be around.
For example. He gave himself the nickname Little Puppet when he was 4 years old. He picked it up from a movie called The Pacifier. He would walk around the house saying 'my friends call me Little Puppet'. We couldn't figure out where he got it from at first.
He's also famous for falling asleep anywhere and everywhere. We have tons of
pictures of him asleep. Asleep at the dinner table, on the stairs, in the hallway, on the toilet, during church (well everyone does that).
For example. He gave himself the nickname Little Puppet when he was 4 years old. He picked it up from a movie called The Pacifier. He would walk around the house saying 'my friends call me Little Puppet'. We couldn't figure out where he got it from at first.
He's also famous for falling asleep anywhere and everywhere. We have tons of
pictures of him asleep. Asleep at the dinner table, on the stairs, in the hallway, on the toilet, during church (well everyone does that).
Friday, November 14, 2008
EOTWAWKI
Another installment of occasional updates on how we are doing out there
As usual one of these is false
answer - this was a tricky one. 2 are wrong. The Brangelina one and Obama became the first half-black man elected prez
- DHL is laying off 9,500 US employees
- Democrats in the U.S. House have been conducting hearings on proposals to confiscate workers’ personal retirement accounts (including 401(k)s and IRAs) and convert them to accounts managed by the Social Security Admin
- 8 million houses with negative equity in the United States
- Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie announce they are adpoting the country of Nigeria
- Associated Press says that there are 10 million people out of work – the most in 25 years
- Fannie Mae Posts Record $29B Loss in Third Quarter
- "I fell asleep crying and smiling at the same time. I woke up with mascara running and a smile on my face!" — Beyoncé, gushing with pride the day after Barack Obama made history by becoming the first black president of the United States.
As usual one of these is false
answer - this was a tricky one. 2 are wrong. The Brangelina one and Obama became the first half-black man elected prez
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Only 8 More After This One
# 3 child (Caleb) turned 15 and 9 months recently - the age that the People's Republic of Maryland has decided to 'allow' us parents to teach Our children to drive. He actually can't get his license for another 6 months. And in that time he has to log 60 driving a parent.
So now I get to teach Caleb how to drive. Sam will help with it also but for some reason I seem to do better at this than she does. Which is kinda weird cause she has a whole lot more patience than I do. She has the patience of Job and I have the patience of Hannibal Lector at a morgue. Go figure.
Teaching a teen to drive in this traffic-packed crazed-driver area, also known as the DC suburbs is like teaching someone how to be a knife thrower and you are the target. Maybe it's that way in all areas of the country. But it sure seems particularly bad to me around here. On top of the sheer volume of traffic we have here. We also have; all the speed-crazed commuters rushing to work while texting or talking on their phones, soccer moms in their SUV's, immigrants who are in cars for the first time in their adult lives and lots of geezers who for some reason haven't moved down to Florida yet.
So far he's doing better than Alexandria or Josh did at this point. Alex if you are reading this - sorry but it's true. It's that whole hand-eye coordination thing.
Maybe I should get a sticker like this one put on the cars. The only problem with this sticker is that people like me would email the parents with horror stories of how bad their child was driving - just for a cheap thrill.
It could be worse - at least I don't have to deal with this with Caleb - at least I don't think so. Black nail polish maybe but not lipstick, that I know of....
Pray for me. I'm sure by the time I get to #11 I will have almost no hair left and have a nasty Valium addiction.
So now I get to teach Caleb how to drive. Sam will help with it also but for some reason I seem to do better at this than she does. Which is kinda weird cause she has a whole lot more patience than I do. She has the patience of Job and I have the patience of Hannibal Lector at a morgue. Go figure.
Teaching a teen to drive in this traffic-packed crazed-driver area, also known as the DC suburbs is like teaching someone how to be a knife thrower and you are the target. Maybe it's that way in all areas of the country. But it sure seems particularly bad to me around here. On top of the sheer volume of traffic we have here. We also have; all the speed-crazed commuters rushing to work while texting or talking on their phones, soccer moms in their SUV's, immigrants who are in cars for the first time in their adult lives and lots of geezers who for some reason haven't moved down to Florida yet.
So far he's doing better than Alexandria or Josh did at this point. Alex if you are reading this - sorry but it's true. It's that whole hand-eye coordination thing.
Maybe I should get a sticker like this one put on the cars. The only problem with this sticker is that people like me would email the parents with horror stories of how bad their child was driving - just for a cheap thrill.
It could be worse - at least I don't have to deal with this with Caleb - at least I don't think so. Black nail polish maybe but not lipstick, that I know of....
Pray for me. I'm sure by the time I get to #11 I will have almost no hair left and have a nasty Valium addiction.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
EOTWAWKI
Another installment of occasional updates on how we are doing out there
As usual one of these is false
answer - as of now the Senate has no plans for more give aways
- Disney's 3rd quarter profits were down 13%
- Circuit City files for bankruptcy protection
- Senate leaders have proposed a bill to give low income familes a $250 gas card
- Israeli Police arrested 2 monks for fighting at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, revered as the site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
- Feds give AIG $40 billion more in return for partial ownership
- A new study says home prices not likely to return to their peak values until 2023
As usual one of these is false
answer - as of now the Senate has no plans for more give aways
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
RIP Gus
We hardly knew you.
World’s ugliest dog dies after battle with cancer
GULFPORT, Fla. - A one-eyed, three-legged dog that won the title of world’s ugliest pooch this summer has died.
The St. Petersburg Times in Florida reports that Gus, a Chinese crested dog, had cancer. He was 9.
Gus was rescued from a bad home and went on to win the annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in northern California.
World’s ugliest dog dies after battle with cancer
GULFPORT, Fla. - A one-eyed, three-legged dog that won the title of world’s ugliest pooch this summer has died.
The St. Petersburg Times in Florida reports that Gus, a Chinese crested dog, had cancer. He was 9.
Gus was rescued from a bad home and went on to win the annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in northern California.
7 Is So Lame
(disclaimer - this post is in jest. If you have 0-7 kids I'm kidding ok? Don't get your panties in a bunch)
Only 7 of the kids were around this past weekend. 2 are away at college and 2 of the others were at various retreats over the weekend.
The house was quiet like a tomb or a morgue or a McCain victory party. It was so darn quiet, creepy quiet at times. I was waiting for someone to jump out of the closet with a hockey mask on and an axe in hand. Wait, bad example. That's a daily occurrence at our house.
Sam and I kept looking at each other wondering what to do with 'only' 7 around to take care of, feed, take to various activities etc......We cooked to much at meals, only used around 20 gallons of gas this weekend, didn't have enough bodies at chore time...heck I had to rake the leaves myself - who am I kidding, I didn't rake the leaves. The kids can do that this week. I mean what's the point of having them if I can't get work out them.
The biggest problem is when one of the kid’s playmates is gone and they get bored and are looking for attention. What you want daddy to play with you?! Daddy is busy watching this important North-Central Idaho vs. Southern Topeka Poly Tech football game. And after that PBS is having a documentary on the evolution of Victorian Dress and its influence on the Romantic period of English literature.
It was weird. Sam could actually go to the bathroom without being bothered. But she was in the bathroom a lot longer though. She probably forgot how to go without an audience.
For a good part of Saturday 4 of the other kids were out of the house doing other things. So we were down to 3 kids for awhile. Heck we can do that with one hand tied behind our backs. Which is a good thing since the boys will tie you up and try and burn you at the stake in a second if you aren’t paying attention.
Now, if it had been all the older kids that were away and we had the 7 youngest at home that would be a different story. That would mean Sam and I (really Sam) would have to buckle the kids into car seats, wipe little kids butts, clean up oatmeal that was used as finger-paint on the walls……
My kids noticed it too (well the non-blondes do). They kept asking where everyone was. And saying it was quiet and boring around the house.
To make up for it we had neighbors over for dinner Saturday night who have 5 young kids....that helped some but we still had lots of leftovers and it just wasn’t the same.
And just to show you what type of people we are, when we only have 7 kids at home we like to call up friends of ours who have 7 kids and tell them how easy they have it and how lame they are and that they better get to work on number 8.
Only 7 of the kids were around this past weekend. 2 are away at college and 2 of the others were at various retreats over the weekend.
The house was quiet like a tomb or a morgue or a McCain victory party. It was so darn quiet, creepy quiet at times. I was waiting for someone to jump out of the closet with a hockey mask on and an axe in hand. Wait, bad example. That's a daily occurrence at our house.
Sam and I kept looking at each other wondering what to do with 'only' 7 around to take care of, feed, take to various activities etc......We cooked to much at meals, only used around 20 gallons of gas this weekend, didn't have enough bodies at chore time...heck I had to rake the leaves myself - who am I kidding, I didn't rake the leaves. The kids can do that this week. I mean what's the point of having them if I can't get work out them.
The biggest problem is when one of the kid’s playmates is gone and they get bored and are looking for attention. What you want daddy to play with you?! Daddy is busy watching this important North-Central Idaho vs. Southern Topeka Poly Tech football game. And after that PBS is having a documentary on the evolution of Victorian Dress and its influence on the Romantic period of English literature.
It was weird. Sam could actually go to the bathroom without being bothered. But she was in the bathroom a lot longer though. She probably forgot how to go without an audience.
For a good part of Saturday 4 of the other kids were out of the house doing other things. So we were down to 3 kids for awhile. Heck we can do that with one hand tied behind our backs. Which is a good thing since the boys will tie you up and try and burn you at the stake in a second if you aren’t paying attention.
Now, if it had been all the older kids that were away and we had the 7 youngest at home that would be a different story. That would mean Sam and I (really Sam) would have to buckle the kids into car seats, wipe little kids butts, clean up oatmeal that was used as finger-paint on the walls……
My kids noticed it too (well the non-blondes do). They kept asking where everyone was. And saying it was quiet and boring around the house.
To make up for it we had neighbors over for dinner Saturday night who have 5 young kids....that helped some but we still had lots of leftovers and it just wasn’t the same.
And just to show you what type of people we are, when we only have 7 kids at home we like to call up friends of ours who have 7 kids and tell them how easy they have it and how lame they are and that they better get to work on number 8.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Today's Workouts
Monday - 4.3 miles running
Sunday - 5.2 miles running
Saturday - Day off! First day off from working out since the end of August
Sunday - 5.2 miles running
Saturday - Day off! First day off from working out since the end of August
EOTWAWKI
Another installment of occasional updates on how we are doing out there
As usual one of these is false
answer - the Walmart one is false - thankfully since that's my retirement plan
- Employers cut 240,000 jobs from their payrolls in October, the 10th straight month of cuts
- the number of job losses in 2008 so far is 1.2 million.
- The unemployment rate surged to 6.5%.
- Walmart announced it's laying off all of their greeters who give out the yellow smiley faces
- Gasoline prices fell another 2.6 cents to a national average of $2.314 a gallon
- Britney Spears joined Madonna on stage during her "Sticky and Sweet" tour
- GM is almost out of cash after posting a $4.2 Billion loss for the quarter - looking for help from the Feds
As usual one of these is false
answer - the Walmart one is false - thankfully since that's my retirement plan
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
How to Live Longer
How different lifestyle changes can add years to your life
1.8 years
Be a winner
2 years
Eat chocolate
2.5 years
Have lots of sex
3 years
Be religious – and have friends
3.6 years
Eat less meat
3.7 years
Keep active
4 years
Drink wine
4.1 years
Have low blood pressure and cholesterol
5 years
Be educated and play golf
6.6 years
Eat well
7 years
Lose weight
7.5 years
Stay positive
8 to 10 years
Don't smoke
10 years (men)
Get married
10-plus years
Be happy
14 years
Change your lifestyle - Researchers found that those who exercised regularly, ate five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, didn't smoke, and had a moderate alcohol consumption lived an average of 14 years longer than those who adopted none of these behaviours.
20 years
Be wealthy and live in the right neighbourhood
1.8 years
Be a winner
2 years
Eat chocolate
2.5 years
Have lots of sex
3 years
Be religious – and have friends
3.6 years
Eat less meat
3.7 years
Keep active
4 years
Drink wine
4.1 years
Have low blood pressure and cholesterol
5 years
Be educated and play golf
6.6 years
Eat well
7 years
Lose weight
7.5 years
Stay positive
8 to 10 years
Don't smoke
10 years (men)
Get married
10-plus years
Be happy
14 years
Change your lifestyle - Researchers found that those who exercised regularly, ate five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, didn't smoke, and had a moderate alcohol consumption lived an average of 14 years longer than those who adopted none of these behaviours.
20 years
Be wealthy and live in the right neighbourhood
Friday, November 7, 2008
EOTWAWKI
Another installment of occasional updates on how we are doing out there
As usual one of these is false
answer - No Obama clothing line...yet
- Both the US stocks and home values have each lost $5 trillion in value
- Fidelity Investments to layoff 1,300 workers
- The Gap announced a new line of clothing called 'Hope'. Inspired by the Obama victory
- Circuit City says it is closing 155 stores
- Toymaker Mattel lays off 1,000 workers
- A HS football coach in Chelsea, Mass., is accused of spending the team's uniform money at strip club
As usual one of these is false
answer - No Obama clothing line...yet
Pope Cracks Down on Slackers
From Bloomberg news:
“For the first time in almost half a century, Vatican administration staff will clock in for work as part of a clampdown on slackers, a sign that the global financial crisis has also spread to the world’s smallest state.
“Timekeeping was scrapped in 1960 under Pope John XXIII. Starting Jan. 1, the practice returns. All Holy See employees will be given magnetic badges and forced to clock in and out in an effort to track their movements and ensure they’re working a full day, said a Vatican spokesman who declined to be named.
“‘We can’t afford any waste,’ Bishop Renato Boccardo, secretary of the Governatorate of Vatican City State, told La Stampa newspaper. ‘There is a lot of work that needs doing, and the financial situation doesn’t allow us to hire more staff.’”
Just one more Sign of the Apocalypse
“For the first time in almost half a century, Vatican administration staff will clock in for work as part of a clampdown on slackers, a sign that the global financial crisis has also spread to the world’s smallest state.
“Timekeeping was scrapped in 1960 under Pope John XXIII. Starting Jan. 1, the practice returns. All Holy See employees will be given magnetic badges and forced to clock in and out in an effort to track their movements and ensure they’re working a full day, said a Vatican spokesman who declined to be named.
“‘We can’t afford any waste,’ Bishop Renato Boccardo, secretary of the Governatorate of Vatican City State, told La Stampa newspaper. ‘There is a lot of work that needs doing, and the financial situation doesn’t allow us to hire more staff.’”
Just one more Sign of the Apocalypse
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Priceless
Family Cell Phone Plan - $220 a month
Ring Tones - $1.99 each
Replacing the occasional phone that is dropped in puddles - $50
Bill when teenage daughter goes over her minutes - $75
Sending Love Texts to your Hunny during business meetings - Priceless
Ring Tones - $1.99 each
Replacing the occasional phone that is dropped in puddles - $50
Bill when teenage daughter goes over her minutes - $75
Sending Love Texts to your Hunny during business meetings - Priceless
Bad News for my Sons
is good news for my daughters
Attractive fathers do not pass their looks on to their sons but they will hand their good looks down to their daughters, research shows
Sorry boys, looks like your sisters are getting all my hotness.
Attractive fathers do not pass their looks on to their sons but they will hand their good looks down to their daughters, research shows
Sorry boys, looks like your sisters are getting all my hotness.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Happy Guy Fawkes Day -Update
Update to the earlier Guy Fawkes post.
My lovely bride just gave me our copy of The Gunpowder Plot by Hugh Ross Williamson that has been sitting on the bookshelf gathering dust. So I'm going to start reading that tonight in honor of the big day.
It's good timing since I just finished reading Walker Percy's Love in the Ruins (for like the 20th time) last night. That's a very appropriate book for these troubled times (aren't all times pretty much troubled times?)
My lovely bride just gave me our copy of The Gunpowder Plot by Hugh Ross Williamson that has been sitting on the bookshelf gathering dust. So I'm going to start reading that tonight in honor of the big day.
It's good timing since I just finished reading Walker Percy's Love in the Ruins (for like the 20th time) last night. That's a very appropriate book for these troubled times (aren't all times pretty much troubled times?)
Today's Workouts
Monday 4.2 miles
Tuesday 7 miles
Wednesday 4.3 miles
Easing back the mileage a bit to slowly rest up for the big race on the 22nd
Tuesday 7 miles
Wednesday 4.3 miles
Easing back the mileage a bit to slowly rest up for the big race on the 22nd
Happy Guy Fawkes Day
November 5th marks the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, a conspiracy to blow up the English Parliament and King James I in 1605, the day set for the king to open Parliament. The anniversary was named after Guy Fawkes, the most famous of the conspirators.
On the very night that the Gunpowder Plot was foiled, on November 5th, 1605, bonfires were set alight to celebrate the safety of the King. Since then, November 5th has become known as Bonfire Night. The event is commemorated every year with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire.
Apparently the British have no sense of humor ;). This post should not be taken as encouraging the blowing up any government building of any kind...not even the Dept of Motor Vehicles :-P
Alas I can't find Guy Fawkes listed in Butler's Lives of the Saints nor is it a Holy Day of Obligation...the Church has gotten soft over the years...
For a very loose modern day interpretation check out the movie V for Vendetta. Warning it's violent, salacious and potty-mouthed at times. You may want to catch an edited TV version of it instead of renting it. But the message, People shouldn't be afraid of their government, is awesome. And will become even more important now that Comrade Obama is the new Emperor.
"......words will always retain their power. Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission. How did this happen? Who's to blame? Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable, but again truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror. I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn't be? War, terror, disease. There were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. Fear got the best of you, and in your panic you turned to the now high chancellor, Adam Sutler. He promised you order, he promised you peace, and all he demanded in return was your silent, obedient consent......More than four hundred years ago a great citizen wished to embed the fifth of November forever in our memory. His hope was to remind the world that fairness, justice, and freedom are more than words, they are perspectives. So if you've seen nothing, if the crimes of this government remain unknown to you then I would suggest you allow the fifth of November to pass unmarked. But if you see what I see, if you feel as I feel, and if you would seek as I seek, then I ask you to stand beside me one year from tonight, outside the gates of Parliament, and together we shall give them a fifth of November that shall never, ever be forgot." - V
On the very night that the Gunpowder Plot was foiled, on November 5th, 1605, bonfires were set alight to celebrate the safety of the King. Since then, November 5th has become known as Bonfire Night. The event is commemorated every year with fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire.
Apparently the British have no sense of humor ;). This post should not be taken as encouraging the blowing up any government building of any kind...not even the Dept of Motor Vehicles :-P
Alas I can't find Guy Fawkes listed in Butler's Lives of the Saints nor is it a Holy Day of Obligation...the Church has gotten soft over the years...
For a very loose modern day interpretation check out the movie V for Vendetta. Warning it's violent, salacious and potty-mouthed at times. You may want to catch an edited TV version of it instead of renting it. But the message, People shouldn't be afraid of their government, is awesome. And will become even more important now that Comrade Obama is the new Emperor.
"......words will always retain their power. Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission. How did this happen? Who's to blame? Well certainly there are those more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable, but again truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror. I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn't be? War, terror, disease. There were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. Fear got the best of you, and in your panic you turned to the now high chancellor, Adam Sutler. He promised you order, he promised you peace, and all he demanded in return was your silent, obedient consent......More than four hundred years ago a great citizen wished to embed the fifth of November forever in our memory. His hope was to remind the world that fairness, justice, and freedom are more than words, they are perspectives. So if you've seen nothing, if the crimes of this government remain unknown to you then I would suggest you allow the fifth of November to pass unmarked. But if you see what I see, if you feel as I feel, and if you would seek as I seek, then I ask you to stand beside me one year from tonight, outside the gates of Parliament, and together we shall give them a fifth of November that shall never, ever be forgot." - V
EOTWAWKI
Another installment of occasional updates on how we are doing out there
One of these is false
answer - Obama and his followers just think he's The One
- A new hotel opening in Las Vegas put out a call for employees. It got 67,000 applicants for 500 jobs
- Gm Sales down 45%, Chrysler down 35%, Ford sales down 30%, Nissan down 33%, Honda down 25% and Toyota down 23% in October.
- Obama is the Chosen One
- A CEO in India was beaten to death by employees after announcing massive layoffs. 63 people have been charged with his murder
- American Express said last week that it will cut 7,000 employees
- An English soccer player was fined $2,600 for hitting a nightclub doorman in the head with his girlfriend's handbag
- Volvo got orders for 41,970 of its big trucks in the 3rd quarter of 2007. In the 3rd quarter of 2008, 155 orders
One of these is false
answer - Obama and his followers just think he's The One
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
My Man Card Has Been Suspended
I drank not one but two cups of pumpkin spice coffee at work today!!! I have no idea what came over me – maybe I was channeling The Donk. It was there and it was free - I'm so embarrassed. I normally take my coffee hot black and bitter (sounds kinda like a certain presidential candidate). I sincerely apologize to everyone. I expect better of myself. I hope the children of America haven’t been scarred for life. I like to think of myself as a coffee role model. If y’all give me another chance I promise to never ever let it happen again.
As punishment I’m suspending my Man Card for 1 week.
As punishment I’m suspending my Man Card for 1 week.
EOTWAWKI
Another installment of occasional updates on how we are doing out there
One of these is false
answer - the one about McDonald's, come on, you really think there is beef in their burgers
- New York State faces a deficit of more than $40 billion over the next 18 months
- Kannapolis, NC, took down flags honoring native son Dale Earnhardt because Martha Stewart was coming to town
- McDonald's announced that they are lowering the amount of beef in their double cheese-burgers
- In the 3rd quarter GM says its North American sales were off 18.9% from last year
- Obama thinks he is the Messiah
- High School Musical 3 grossed $42 million in its opening weekend
- $400 billion for another ‘stimulus package
One of these is false
answer - the one about McDonald's, come on, you really think there is beef in their burgers
The Lesser of Two Evils
A simple analogy for those who believe in voting for the lesser of two evils: Who would you rather vote for, Grima Wormtongue or Saruman, to take the Ring of Power to the fires of Mt. Doom?
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Amsuing Facts
Found a new site, Amusing Facts
Among the amusing facts you'll find at this site:
A dime has 118 ridges around its edge.
A cricket's ears are just below its knees
Early Romans used porcupine quills as toothpicks
America’s favorite Crayola color is blue.
Every second two Barbie dolls are sold around the world. And, Barbie's full name it Barbara Millicent Roberts.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Today's Workouts
15 mile run at lunch. That's 46 miles for the last 2 days, 31 yesterday and 15 today. Everything from my rear down to my toe-nails is sore.
Things a Guy Shouldn't Say to Another Guy
I'd just finished running at a high school track. The Donk stopped by to visit.
Donk: "I didn't recognize you with hair on your legs"
Donk: "I didn't recognize you with hair on your legs"
EOTWAWKI
- Another installment of occasional updates on how we are doing out there
- Starbucks is no longer providing insulators on their cups unless explicitly asked
- Japanese stocks have lost 50% of their value...bringing the index down to the 8,000 range, the lowest it’s been since 1982!
- GM is now trading in the $5 range – a price it last saw 60 years ago
- The California pension system has lost $37 billion over the last 12 months
- In September, 159,000 layoffs were recorded
- Whirlpool just announced 5,000 job cuts.
- American Express, hammered by the credit crisis, says it will slash 7,000 jobs as part of a drastic cost-cutting initiative
Only one of these is false
Answer - the CA pension system has lost $67 billion
Stuff Catholics Like
All Hallows Eve and All Saint’s Day
Instead of going on about how I'm dressing as Sarah Palin this year (hey I've got nice shoes and legs too)or how Sam is dressing up as Angeline Joline (I know Sam is a lot better looking than that - what can I say she wants twins too).
Go here for some thoughts and ideas about these two great feast days
Instead of going on about how I'm dressing as Sarah Palin this year (hey I've got nice shoes and legs too)or how Sam is dressing up as Angeline Joline (I know Sam is a lot better looking than that - what can I say she wants twins too).
Go here for some thoughts and ideas about these two great feast days
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Free Grub on Halloween and Voting Day
Halloween:
Free Burrito at Chipotle
Voting Day:
Free Donut at Krispy Kreme
Free Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream from 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Free Burrito at Chipotle
Voting Day:
Free Donut at Krispy Kreme
Free Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream from 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Today's Workouts
31 mile really long run today. All I have to say is this - Ouch!
This was a tough run. It took around 4:40 to complete. Last 7 miles or so were hard.
This is the longest I have ever run.
This was a tough run. It took around 4:40 to complete. Last 7 miles or so were hard.
This is the longest I have ever run.
EOTWAWKI
Another installment of occasional updates on how we are doing out there.
Only one of the above is made up
answer - meth isn't really being used to treat Alzheimer's - but it probably couldn't hurt
- The latest report says unemployment in Rhode Island has topped 9% – the highest rate in the nation.
- This month alone, stocks worldwide lost $10 trillion. The world stock index is down 48% so far for the year.
- A new government study reccomends using Crystal Meth as a treatment for Alzheimer's
- the Treasury Gross National Debt is now $10.326 trillion - up by a staggering $1.271 trillion from the $9.055 trillion in national debt only 12 months ago
- The National Automobile Dealers Association estimates 700 new-car dealerships will close this year, up from 430 last year, and taking with them an estimated 37,100 jobs
- PETA sent a letter to Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino asking him to stop eating Spam
- Congress is considering a third “stimulus package” of the year
- A musician is reportedly suing Jon Bon Jovi for $400 billion for allegedly stealing the lyrics to a song about the Red Sox.
Only one of the above is made up
answer - meth isn't really being used to treat Alzheimer's - but it probably couldn't hurt
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Today's Workouts
5.5 very windy miles running at lunch time. I know the calendar says it's October but it sure seems like March out there.
It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
First aired in 1966 - two years after I was born. Did you catch it on ABC last night?
Besides being based on a cool premise, a pumpkin that brings toys - I mean we all want more toys, it includes tons of other classic characters and bits.
Plus there was a bonus Charlie Brown show - You're not Elected Charlie Brown
I'm thinking Charlie Brown would make a better president than the current choices - I wonder if you can vote for him, with Joe Cool as his running mate.
Besides being based on a cool premise, a pumpkin that brings toys - I mean we all want more toys, it includes tons of other classic characters and bits.
- Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie right when he's about to kick it
- Pig Pen and his swirl of just
- Linus and his security blanket
- Sally threatening to sue Linus cause she missed trick or treating
- Charlie Brown getting a rock at every house
- and of course Snoopy wearing his WWI flying ace gear - climbing aboard his Sopwith Camel to do battle with the Red Baron
Plus there was a bonus Charlie Brown show - You're not Elected Charlie Brown
I'm thinking Charlie Brown would make a better president than the current choices - I wonder if you can vote for him, with Joe Cool as his running mate.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Hippie Lettuce is Better than Iceberg Lettuce
...at least on tacos out in Colorado.
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - A Colorado couple found an unusual topping on their order of tacos: a small bag of marijuana.
They discovered the drugs with their order from a Del Taco restaurant and called police, said Lakewood police spokesman Steve Davis.
Twenty-six-year-old Dennis Klermund, who police say waited on the husband when he picked up food Oct. 16, faces charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Klermund no longer works at the restaurant, said manager Ulises Montero. A message left for Klermund was not returned.
I don't know why he got fired. It sounds like a good business plan to me - give people the munchies so they will buy more tacos. Kinda like when Coca-Cola actually used to have coke in it.
You'd have to drug me to get me to eat at a Taco Bell type of place. That stuff is low-grade dog food. How my kids can eat at Taco Bell is beyond me, and I'll eat pretty much anything, anywhere, anytime.
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - A Colorado couple found an unusual topping on their order of tacos: a small bag of marijuana.
They discovered the drugs with their order from a Del Taco restaurant and called police, said Lakewood police spokesman Steve Davis.
Twenty-six-year-old Dennis Klermund, who police say waited on the husband when he picked up food Oct. 16, faces charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Klermund no longer works at the restaurant, said manager Ulises Montero. A message left for Klermund was not returned.
I don't know why he got fired. It sounds like a good business plan to me - give people the munchies so they will buy more tacos. Kinda like when Coca-Cola actually used to have coke in it.
You'd have to drug me to get me to eat at a Taco Bell type of place. That stuff is low-grade dog food. How my kids can eat at Taco Bell is beyond me, and I'll eat pretty much anything, anywhere, anytime.
Monday, October 27, 2008
It's Hard to be Humble
We have a family tradition where I take each child out by themselves for their birthdays. I take them out to breakfast or lunch and spend a little bit of time with them alone. Mary's 5th birthday was last month and we hadn't gotten it done yet but we finally found the time a few days ago. We went out to a burger joint and stuffed ourselves with cheeseburgers and fries. Mary and I had a great time but maybe, just maybe the special attention went to her head.
After we got home from lunch, at random times, around her older brothers and sisters, Mary would say things like "oh if you are wondering I'm not hungry" or "I'm not hungry I'm stuffed with fries and cheeseburgers". Or later in the day - "did i mention I went to lunch with dad?"
She's got the cuteness down, now to work on the humility.
After we got home from lunch, at random times, around her older brothers and sisters, Mary would say things like "oh if you are wondering I'm not hungry" or "I'm not hungry I'm stuffed with fries and cheeseburgers". Or later in the day - "did i mention I went to lunch with dad?"
She's got the cuteness down, now to work on the humility.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Silly Sunday
The 80’s through music in 10 minutes
The good the bad and the ugly. For all of you around my age who survived the 80’s.
And I don’t want to hear how hot Rick Springfield was. And yeah Boy George scares me too. Eddie Murphy should stick to comedy. I liked Van Halen better with David Lee than Sammy. Mesiah complex or not, Bono can sing. Slash’s top hat is awesome. How much hairspray was used in making video’s in the 80’s?
Dark Secret – I took Sam to see Wham in concert and I lusted after the dude in A-Ha’s hair.
The good the bad and the ugly. For all of you around my age who survived the 80’s.
And I don’t want to hear how hot Rick Springfield was. And yeah Boy George scares me too. Eddie Murphy should stick to comedy. I liked Van Halen better with David Lee than Sammy. Mesiah complex or not, Bono can sing. Slash’s top hat is awesome. How much hairspray was used in making video’s in the 80’s?
Dark Secret – I took Sam to see Wham in concert and I lusted after the dude in A-Ha’s hair.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Touchy Touchy
Shame on McCain and Palin for using an old code word for black
By Lewis Diuguid, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist
The "socialist" label that Sen. John McCain and his GOP presidential running mate Sarah Palin are trying to attach to Sen. Barack Obama actually has long and very ugly historical roots.
J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972, used the term liberally to describe African Americans who spent their lives fighting for equality.
Those freedom fighters included the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who led the Civil Rights Movement; W.E.B. Du Bois, who in 1909 helped found the NAACP which is still the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization; Paul Robeson, a famous singer, actor and political activist who in the 1930s became involved in national and international movements for better labor relations, peace and racial justice; and A. Philip Randolph, who founded and was the longtime head of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and a leading advocate for civil rights for African Americans.
McCain and Palin have simply reached back in history to use an old code word for black. It set whites apart from those deemed unAmerican and those who could not be trusted during the communism scare.
Shame on McCain and Palin.
This would be a great comedy piece if this nit-wit wasn't trying to be serious. Maybe he could turn it into a skit for Tina Fey to do on SNL.
Calling Obama a socialist (or commie or Marxist) is not racist, it's the truth. And by the way Lewis, MLK Jr was a Marxist.
Not that McCain and Palin seem like shining examples of free enterprise. I've yet to see them not support a government theft, I mean bailout, program.
By Lewis Diuguid, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist
The "socialist" label that Sen. John McCain and his GOP presidential running mate Sarah Palin are trying to attach to Sen. Barack Obama actually has long and very ugly historical roots.
J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI from 1924 to 1972, used the term liberally to describe African Americans who spent their lives fighting for equality.
Those freedom fighters included the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who led the Civil Rights Movement; W.E.B. Du Bois, who in 1909 helped found the NAACP which is still the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization; Paul Robeson, a famous singer, actor and political activist who in the 1930s became involved in national and international movements for better labor relations, peace and racial justice; and A. Philip Randolph, who founded and was the longtime head of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and a leading advocate for civil rights for African Americans.
McCain and Palin have simply reached back in history to use an old code word for black. It set whites apart from those deemed unAmerican and those who could not be trusted during the communism scare.
Shame on McCain and Palin.
This would be a great comedy piece if this nit-wit wasn't trying to be serious. Maybe he could turn it into a skit for Tina Fey to do on SNL.
Calling Obama a socialist (or commie or Marxist) is not racist, it's the truth. And by the way Lewis, MLK Jr was a Marxist.
Not that McCain and Palin seem like shining examples of free enterprise. I've yet to see them not support a government theft, I mean bailout, program.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Today's Workouts
14 miles running on some sore legs but they did loosen up some after about 4 miles. 100 miles total in the last 7 days.
Stuff Catholics Like
Long Hair - Ok so this doesn't just apply to Catholics, so sue me.
#12 May be Delayed Longer Than Expected
AKA - Sam cut her hair again.
No she didn't really shave it off ala Brittany Spears. But it's around shoulder length now. It's gotten progressively shorter over the years. So a 'Brittany' hair-do in the near future isn't that far-fetched. 5 years ago, when she really loved me, it was down to her waist. Sure it might have hung in the toilet when she sat down and yes on occasion it would get caught in the car door on exiting (its not like anyone ever drove away when it was stuck in the door). All those things are a small price to pay for love.
The first time she really whacked it off she made me do it! First she tricked me (not hard to do) into saying yes to a haircut. She said she wanted to donate to 'locks for love' so some little girl with cancer could have a wig to wear while going through treatments. Now how am I supposed to say no to that? Even I'm not that cold-hearted. Then to save money she had me cut it off. Sam has nice long straight hair so she had me cut off 24 inches...2 feet! That is a whole lot of hair. I imagine some girl has a beauitful wig now becuase of it...ok so that was worth it.
I know I know, what is it with us guys and long hair on our women? Why do we like it so? Is it a leftover gene from our caveman days when we used to drag women around by their hair? Is it because we love to get our hands all tangled up in it and smell it? Or maybe it's because the norm in society is for men to have short hair and we have Hair-Envy?
Don't get me wrong, she's still stunningly beautiful. And hopefully there will be a 12 soon, sure can't hurt to try.
Of course I'm not saying she has to have it down to the ground. It is possible to have hair that is too long. Unless you are locked in a castle tower of course. Then anything goes.
#12 May be Delayed Longer Than Expected
AKA - Sam cut her hair again.
No she didn't really shave it off ala Brittany Spears. But it's around shoulder length now. It's gotten progressively shorter over the years. So a 'Brittany' hair-do in the near future isn't that far-fetched. 5 years ago, when she really loved me, it was down to her waist. Sure it might have hung in the toilet when she sat down and yes on occasion it would get caught in the car door on exiting (its not like anyone ever drove away when it was stuck in the door). All those things are a small price to pay for love.
The first time she really whacked it off she made me do it! First she tricked me (not hard to do) into saying yes to a haircut. She said she wanted to donate to 'locks for love' so some little girl with cancer could have a wig to wear while going through treatments. Now how am I supposed to say no to that? Even I'm not that cold-hearted. Then to save money she had me cut it off. Sam has nice long straight hair so she had me cut off 24 inches...2 feet! That is a whole lot of hair. I imagine some girl has a beauitful wig now becuase of it...ok so that was worth it.
I know I know, what is it with us guys and long hair on our women? Why do we like it so? Is it a leftover gene from our caveman days when we used to drag women around by their hair? Is it because we love to get our hands all tangled up in it and smell it? Or maybe it's because the norm in society is for men to have short hair and we have Hair-Envy?
Don't get me wrong, she's still stunningly beautiful. And hopefully there will be a 12 soon, sure can't hurt to try.
Of course I'm not saying she has to have it down to the ground. It is possible to have hair that is too long. Unless you are locked in a castle tower of course. Then anything goes.
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