So I'm sitting in my favorite chair watching the Amazing Race with my laptop doing some work. I'm watching the battery power indicator and it shows me I still have an hour and 14 minutes available so I'm plugging away (working on a new application for email, more on that some other time) and 5 minutes later it just shuts off. No warning, nothing... Luckily I had everything saved but how is that helpful? Yeah, it's great that I can work in the living room but what the fuck... I can't even start the thing on battery power any more, it has to be plugged in and started then I can unplug it. It's starting to get on my nerves. I'm thinking that I'd like an Apple iBook instead. Anyone have one? Know someone who does? I'd love to hear about it. In the mean time I guess I'll go work in my office instead...
Speaking of the Amazing Race, for the second week in a row no one was eliminated! It's starting to get on my nerves. I want the Weavers gone, now! They are SOOO annoying. I wish the season was over already and I hope they never do a family one again. I've never seen so many disfunctional families that just scream at each other. And people wonder why the holidays are stressful. It's because families are nuts and shouldn't be in the same room together for more than 5 minutes. I'm starting to think that it would be more fun to spend the holidays with your friends and forget about the family crap. Not that there's anything wrong with MY family of course. :)
On the sports front, the Badger men's hoop team lost a nailbiter to Wake Forest in the Big 10/ACC challenge. The Big 10 never does well in this. Illinois did beat UNC in a rematch of the championship game from last season but neither team is the same, both losing many key players. Purdue set a dubious record by losing by 40 to Florida State. First year without Gene Keady could be a long one for the Boilermakers.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Media Merging
Has television started to merge with the internet more? Are we on the path that will merge these technologies together into a more interactive experience?
It started with show recaps on the internet and went to being able to view previews for the next week. Then some shows started to blend in more "behind the scenes" footage and maybe interviews with the actors or contestants.
Recently I found an entire episode of Threshold online at CBS.com to view for free. Apple announced the sale of tv shows for the new iPod. Last weeks episode of CSI Miami had a secret revealed only online.
It appears to me that the networks are trying to find a way to draw the viewers in deeper into the show, not just when they are watching but in other ways as well. Where is this going to lead us? Microsoft is already pushing the Media Center operating system and Sony has created a Vaio that has like 8 tv tuners built in. Won't be long before your entertainment system does not require a separate vcr, tivo, dvd player and recorder but will instead those will be replaced by a single pc that has all those capabilities. You can do it now but there are so many issues with video formats, etc that it takes a guy from the Geek Squad days to set you up.
For now? Keep watching the network websites for more interesting things to come and you'll have to settle for separate boxes to handle everything. For me, I'm looking for the right price on a Directv HD Tivo box. They've come from $1,000 to $600 in the last 6 months and now they're offering a $200 rebate. It's getting closer. I'm waiting for a total price below $400.
By the way, I have finally updated my DVD collection online. Click the link over on the right to view.
It started with show recaps on the internet and went to being able to view previews for the next week. Then some shows started to blend in more "behind the scenes" footage and maybe interviews with the actors or contestants.
Recently I found an entire episode of Threshold online at CBS.com to view for free. Apple announced the sale of tv shows for the new iPod. Last weeks episode of CSI Miami had a secret revealed only online.
It appears to me that the networks are trying to find a way to draw the viewers in deeper into the show, not just when they are watching but in other ways as well. Where is this going to lead us? Microsoft is already pushing the Media Center operating system and Sony has created a Vaio that has like 8 tv tuners built in. Won't be long before your entertainment system does not require a separate vcr, tivo, dvd player and recorder but will instead those will be replaced by a single pc that has all those capabilities. You can do it now but there are so many issues with video formats, etc that it takes a guy from the Geek Squad days to set you up.
For now? Keep watching the network websites for more interesting things to come and you'll have to settle for separate boxes to handle everything. For me, I'm looking for the right price on a Directv HD Tivo box. They've come from $1,000 to $600 in the last 6 months and now they're offering a $200 rebate. It's getting closer. I'm waiting for a total price below $400.
By the way, I have finally updated my DVD collection online. Click the link over on the right to view.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Post Turkey Day Syndrome
Ever notice how hard it is to get going again after a 4 day weekend? I'm in a fog...
Lots to cover today as I haven't blogged since Wednesday.
Firstly, the name change. I guess I just got bored with the stupid Random Spewings thing and the direction it has taken isn't where it started, so we have a new name.
Thanksgiving was pretty uneventful. Family came over to our place. We did the food and football thing as usual. Afterwards we made up plates for my sister and brother-in-law and took them over along with a pumpkin pie and a couple bottles of Leinie's Apple Spice beer. They just brought their daughter home from the hospital after 2 months (she was premature) and they couldn't come over.
Friday was interesting... started the day with my neighbor and I hitting some stores and having breakfast. I'm not sure if that makes us women or not... I picked up some presents for my nephew and mom and a couple goodies for myself.
When I got home I noticed a package from Fed Ex at the front door. It was the new controller card for my garage door opener! Ok, now I can get to work and get the remotes working and all will be good. I move the cars out, grab the ladder and proceed to take the outer cover off the opener. I set it on top of the ladder but then realized the controller card was on the opposite side. Down the ladder I go and I start dragging it to the other side when I realize that the cover is probably not going to just stay right there nicely. I look up to see how it's doing and it decided at that precise moment to perform a kamikaze attack on me. Damn thing hit me right in the mouth. Staggered like a punch drunk heavyweight, I drop to a knee, swearing like a sailor (side question: do sailors really swear that much?). I'm checking my teeth and they all seem to be there and I think I'm all good. I look at Cdubya and ask if I'm bleeding at all. She says "uh, yeah." At that point I can feel a warm liquid running down my upper lip. Taking a look in the mirror I can see that my moustache is a fairly dark maroon color it normally isn't... Ok, it's just a small cut, I'll live. I hold a tissue to it to try to stop the bleeding and Cdubya brings me a paper towell and some ice. After 5 minutes or so the bleeding has stopped. I clean it up best I can and I'm thinking ok, back to work. Looking in the mirror I decide to smile a little to check my teeth again and my stomach does a flip flop. The "little" cut is not so little. It's very deep and extends from my nose to my lip. At that point I utter a little "uhhhhhh" and tell Cdubya I better call Dr. Mike (my friend that lives a couple houses over). He's been up all night at the hospital and then our little shopping trip and breakfast, I'm hoping he's still awake. He is, I go over and he says I need to get stitches. So, I spend the next two hours at urgent care where this friendly old doctor with the longest eyebrows I've ever seen gives me 3 stitches. You can't really tell they're there because of the stache. They come out tomorrow.
As for the garage door opener, I went back to work when I got home. Pulled the card out and took it inside where I discovered that Genie had sent me the wrong card. Pissed off I put the old card back in, tightened everything that could be tightened and just for shits and giggles I tried programming the remote again. And wouldn't you know it, it worked! I did the other one, then put the cover back on. They both still worked. I programmed my car, then Cdubya's, then the keypad. Everything worked! And still does... go figure.
Saturday I played in Grinder's poker tourney. I was a little miffed that it turned out to be a limit tournament when it was supposed to be no limit. I'm not a good limit player and love the aggressive nature of a NL tourney. I took down a big pot the very first hand with 3 8's but it just dwindled away. Took 3 bad beats, twice losing good hands to river flushes and once to a river inside straight. Pretty depressing. I finished 7th out of 9 players. Grinder went out right after me despite never playing a hand. :)
In football, the Packers moved one step closer to obtaining that first round pick. Unfortunately, Houston blew a huge lead and lost to St. Louis so they still are a game worse than GB.
And our hockey team actually looked worse than the Packers. We lost 9-2. It got really ugly as two of our players got upset and took stupid penalties then quit and left. It's just a game, amazing how quickly people forget that. The other team had not won a game yet so they were given a new player to help. Well, that guy turned out to have played college hockey at Minnesota State Mankato (same conference Wisconsin is in). And it showed, he was a maniac. We're an intermediate league, he has no business there. Oh well...
Have a good week.
Lots to cover today as I haven't blogged since Wednesday.
Firstly, the name change. I guess I just got bored with the stupid Random Spewings thing and the direction it has taken isn't where it started, so we have a new name.
Thanksgiving was pretty uneventful. Family came over to our place. We did the food and football thing as usual. Afterwards we made up plates for my sister and brother-in-law and took them over along with a pumpkin pie and a couple bottles of Leinie's Apple Spice beer. They just brought their daughter home from the hospital after 2 months (she was premature) and they couldn't come over.
Friday was interesting... started the day with my neighbor and I hitting some stores and having breakfast. I'm not sure if that makes us women or not... I picked up some presents for my nephew and mom and a couple goodies for myself.
When I got home I noticed a package from Fed Ex at the front door. It was the new controller card for my garage door opener! Ok, now I can get to work and get the remotes working and all will be good. I move the cars out, grab the ladder and proceed to take the outer cover off the opener. I set it on top of the ladder but then realized the controller card was on the opposite side. Down the ladder I go and I start dragging it to the other side when I realize that the cover is probably not going to just stay right there nicely. I look up to see how it's doing and it decided at that precise moment to perform a kamikaze attack on me. Damn thing hit me right in the mouth. Staggered like a punch drunk heavyweight, I drop to a knee, swearing like a sailor (side question: do sailors really swear that much?). I'm checking my teeth and they all seem to be there and I think I'm all good. I look at Cdubya and ask if I'm bleeding at all. She says "uh, yeah." At that point I can feel a warm liquid running down my upper lip. Taking a look in the mirror I can see that my moustache is a fairly dark maroon color it normally isn't... Ok, it's just a small cut, I'll live. I hold a tissue to it to try to stop the bleeding and Cdubya brings me a paper towell and some ice. After 5 minutes or so the bleeding has stopped. I clean it up best I can and I'm thinking ok, back to work. Looking in the mirror I decide to smile a little to check my teeth again and my stomach does a flip flop. The "little" cut is not so little. It's very deep and extends from my nose to my lip. At that point I utter a little "uhhhhhh" and tell Cdubya I better call Dr. Mike (my friend that lives a couple houses over). He's been up all night at the hospital and then our little shopping trip and breakfast, I'm hoping he's still awake. He is, I go over and he says I need to get stitches. So, I spend the next two hours at urgent care where this friendly old doctor with the longest eyebrows I've ever seen gives me 3 stitches. You can't really tell they're there because of the stache. They come out tomorrow.
As for the garage door opener, I went back to work when I got home. Pulled the card out and took it inside where I discovered that Genie had sent me the wrong card. Pissed off I put the old card back in, tightened everything that could be tightened and just for shits and giggles I tried programming the remote again. And wouldn't you know it, it worked! I did the other one, then put the cover back on. They both still worked. I programmed my car, then Cdubya's, then the keypad. Everything worked! And still does... go figure.
Saturday I played in Grinder's poker tourney. I was a little miffed that it turned out to be a limit tournament when it was supposed to be no limit. I'm not a good limit player and love the aggressive nature of a NL tourney. I took down a big pot the very first hand with 3 8's but it just dwindled away. Took 3 bad beats, twice losing good hands to river flushes and once to a river inside straight. Pretty depressing. I finished 7th out of 9 players. Grinder went out right after me despite never playing a hand. :)
In football, the Packers moved one step closer to obtaining that first round pick. Unfortunately, Houston blew a huge lead and lost to St. Louis so they still are a game worse than GB.
And our hockey team actually looked worse than the Packers. We lost 9-2. It got really ugly as two of our players got upset and took stupid penalties then quit and left. It's just a game, amazing how quickly people forget that. The other team had not won a game yet so they were given a new player to help. Well, that guy turned out to have played college hockey at Minnesota State Mankato (same conference Wisconsin is in). And it showed, he was a maniac. We're an intermediate league, he has no business there. Oh well...
Have a good week.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Xmas Gift Ideas
Just in time for Black Friday shopping, here's what you've been waiting for, what to get me for Christmas. :)
Golf launchpad simulator
This ultra cool device connects to your pc or PS2 and allows you to play Tiger Woods Golf or Links using your own clubs. You can play any course that you have, hitting every club in your bag, from your Big Bertha driver to sinking knee buckling 5 foot putts. 2 versions available. For $199 you get the PS2 version and you have to have your own copy of Tiger Woods golf. For $249 you get the PC/Mac version and includes a copy of Tiger Woods golf from EA Sports. With that version you can also use Links instead of TW.
RadarGolf System
From the folks at Sharper Image comes this gift for the golfer that's constantly losing his balls... The RadarGolf system consists of golf balls that have little microchips imbedded in them and a radar device that will help you find them. Of course, it's ridiculously expensive, even on sale at $279.96 but if you got the money... Not sure how good the balls are either. But technically you shouldn't have to buy too many. Of course, I wouldn't use them when hitting over water as the radar isn't going to help you much if you dunk one in the pond. 
Turbo-Groomer 5.0
Once more from our friends at the Sharper Image comes this little device for the guy with a few too many wild nose hairs... even has a headlight so you can trim them up in the dark I guess. This baby can do it all, soon you'll be as shiny as a dutch school boy...
iPod Nano
Everyone needs an iPod and this one is ultra cool. I have the Mini and I thought that was small till I laid eyes on the Nano. At $199 for 2 GB or $249 for 4 GB there's one for everyone. Comes in white or black.
Logitech Cordless Keyboard and Mouse
Tired of all those cords running wild? Unplug with this cordless keyboard and mouse combo from Logitech. It's normally $70 but Friday it will be $20 at CompUSA.
That should be enough to give you some ideas of what to get or what to ask for. Enjoy!
Golf launchpad simulator
This ultra cool device connects to your pc or PS2 and allows you to play Tiger Woods Golf or Links using your own clubs. You can play any course that you have, hitting every club in your bag, from your Big Bertha driver to sinking knee buckling 5 foot putts. 2 versions available. For $199 you get the PS2 version and you have to have your own copy of Tiger Woods golf. For $249 you get the PC/Mac version and includes a copy of Tiger Woods golf from EA Sports. With that version you can also use Links instead of TW.
RadarGolf System
From the folks at Sharper Image comes this gift for the golfer that's constantly losing his balls... The RadarGolf system consists of golf balls that have little microchips imbedded in them and a radar device that will help you find them. Of course, it's ridiculously expensive, even on sale at $279.96 but if you got the money... Not sure how good the balls are either. But technically you shouldn't have to buy too many. Of course, I wouldn't use them when hitting over water as the radar isn't going to help you much if you dunk one in the pond. Turbo-Groomer 5.0
Once more from our friends at the Sharper Image comes this little device for the guy with a few too many wild nose hairs... even has a headlight so you can trim them up in the dark I guess. This baby can do it all, soon you'll be as shiny as a dutch school boy...
iPod Nano
Everyone needs an iPod and this one is ultra cool. I have the Mini and I thought that was small till I laid eyes on the Nano. At $199 for 2 GB or $249 for 4 GB there's one for everyone. Comes in white or black.
Logitech Cordless Keyboard and Mouse
Tired of all those cords running wild? Unplug with this cordless keyboard and mouse combo from Logitech. It's normally $70 but Friday it will be $20 at CompUSA.
That should be enough to give you some ideas of what to get or what to ask for. Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Reggie Bush Lottery
Trying to look on the bright side of the latest Packer debacle, I figured I would examine what it's going to take for them to get the first pick in the draft and the rights to Reggie Bush out of USC (whom I think will be the first pick).
Currently, the Packers are 2-8. That puts them tied with New Orleans, San Francisco, Tennessee and the NY Jets and 1 game ahead of Houston who is 1-9.
Let's look first at the Packers remaining schedule and figure out how they will finish. Their next 2 games are at Philly and at the Bears. Obvious losses. Then home against Detroit, another loss. Then at Baltimore. They could win that one. Then 2 more at home, against the Bears again and the Seahawks looking for revenge. I put them at a 3-13 finish. That's prime Reggie Bush land there.
Let's look at Houston next. Now, obviously the Packers need to have the worst record so we're going to need Houston to win at least 2 more games to finish at 3-13 as well. Looking at their schedule they could easily win a few more. They have St. Louis, Arizona and Jacksonville at home and are at Baltimore, Tennessee and San Fran. Now, let's assume they beat San Fran and St. Louis. That puts them at 3-13.
New Orleans, NY, Tennessee and San Fran will need to win 1 more game each to get to the 3-13 category. Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that all 5 teams finish at 3-13. Ooh, who gets first pick? It must be some complicated set of procedures for determining it, right? Well, sort of, only it's not what you would think and it's not the same as the procedure for determining playoff seeding.
Here's how it goes.
1) Strength of Schedule
2) Conference Tie breaker, which is best conference schedule.
3) Coin toss
What? Coin toss? You're leaving the future of a franchise up to which way George Washington's face lands? Uh, yep, it could happen.
Let's look closer at strength of schedule.
Through 10 games:
Packers' Opponents: 87-73
New Orleans' Opponents: 82-78
San Fran's Opponents: 85-75
NY Jets' Opponents: 82-78
Tennessee's Opponents: 79-81
Houston's Opponents: 86-74
Ok, what does that mean for the draft? What I can't find is whether the lowest strength of schedule gets the first pick or the highest. To me, it would be the lowest because you managed to have the worst record with the easiest schedule. In that scenario, Tennessee would draft first and the Packers would have the 6th pick.
But, what if it's not? What if they deem hardest schedule as the criteria? Then the Packers would manage to get first pick!
What if they tied with someon for hardest schedule and it went to conference record?
Here are the current conference records for each team:
Packers: 2-5 with 5 conference games left. Probably finish 2-10.
New Orleans: 1-6 with 5 conference games left. Probably finish 1-11.
San Fran: 2-7 with 3 conference games left. Probably finish 3-9.
NY Jets: 1-6 with 5 conference games left. Probably finish 1-11.
Tennessee: 2-6 with 4 conference games left. Probably finish 4-8.
Houston: 1-8 with 3 conference games left. Probably finish 1-11.
As you can see, it's really up in the air. The Pack has a shot at Bush but so do many other teams. Tune in weekly to see who is getting worse and who is winning themselves out of contention!
Currently, the Packers are 2-8. That puts them tied with New Orleans, San Francisco, Tennessee and the NY Jets and 1 game ahead of Houston who is 1-9.
Let's look first at the Packers remaining schedule and figure out how they will finish. Their next 2 games are at Philly and at the Bears. Obvious losses. Then home against Detroit, another loss. Then at Baltimore. They could win that one. Then 2 more at home, against the Bears again and the Seahawks looking for revenge. I put them at a 3-13 finish. That's prime Reggie Bush land there.
Let's look at Houston next. Now, obviously the Packers need to have the worst record so we're going to need Houston to win at least 2 more games to finish at 3-13 as well. Looking at their schedule they could easily win a few more. They have St. Louis, Arizona and Jacksonville at home and are at Baltimore, Tennessee and San Fran. Now, let's assume they beat San Fran and St. Louis. That puts them at 3-13.
New Orleans, NY, Tennessee and San Fran will need to win 1 more game each to get to the 3-13 category. Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that all 5 teams finish at 3-13. Ooh, who gets first pick? It must be some complicated set of procedures for determining it, right? Well, sort of, only it's not what you would think and it's not the same as the procedure for determining playoff seeding.
Here's how it goes.
1) Strength of Schedule
2) Conference Tie breaker, which is best conference schedule.
3) Coin toss
What? Coin toss? You're leaving the future of a franchise up to which way George Washington's face lands? Uh, yep, it could happen.
Let's look closer at strength of schedule.
Through 10 games:
Packers' Opponents: 87-73
New Orleans' Opponents: 82-78
San Fran's Opponents: 85-75
NY Jets' Opponents: 82-78
Tennessee's Opponents: 79-81
Houston's Opponents: 86-74
Ok, what does that mean for the draft? What I can't find is whether the lowest strength of schedule gets the first pick or the highest. To me, it would be the lowest because you managed to have the worst record with the easiest schedule. In that scenario, Tennessee would draft first and the Packers would have the 6th pick.
But, what if it's not? What if they deem hardest schedule as the criteria? Then the Packers would manage to get first pick!
What if they tied with someon for hardest schedule and it went to conference record?
Here are the current conference records for each team:
Packers: 2-5 with 5 conference games left. Probably finish 2-10.
New Orleans: 1-6 with 5 conference games left. Probably finish 1-11.
San Fran: 2-7 with 3 conference games left. Probably finish 3-9.
NY Jets: 1-6 with 5 conference games left. Probably finish 1-11.
Tennessee: 2-6 with 4 conference games left. Probably finish 4-8.
Houston: 1-8 with 3 conference games left. Probably finish 1-11.
As you can see, it's really up in the air. The Pack has a shot at Bush but so do many other teams. Tune in weekly to see who is getting worse and who is winning themselves out of contention!
The Fat Lady is Kickin' out the Jams
Can we finally just say the Packers season is officially over? Last night's game against the Vikings looked earily similar to the last time they met. Packers dominate much of the first half and lead at the break. 2 different teams show up in the 2nd half and the Packers blow the lead and lose on a last second field goal. They sure know how to keep it close and yet still manage to lose... I believe that's their 5th loss of 3 points or less. Amazing.
I read that thousands of pimply faced college freshmen lined up for more than 24 hours just to try to give the king of the losers, Bill Gates, $300 to $400 for a new XBox 360. Maybe they should spend what little money they have on acne treatments and clothes. I can guarantee that they are not going to get laid by an Xbox... although, I'm sure Bill will be working on that soon.
Personally, I have a PS2... :)
Let's see... Badger news...
Hockey team still ranked number 2 after a weekend sweep of Minn State Mankato.
Basketball team won some Virgin Islands tournament against 3 division 8 schools... and barely won the last 2 games. I don't take that as a good sign.
And the men's cross country team won the national championship yesterday. Congrats!
Coming tomorrow, Christmas gift ideas! Ok, it's mostly stuff I want but you might want them too.
I read that thousands of pimply faced college freshmen lined up for more than 24 hours just to try to give the king of the losers, Bill Gates, $300 to $400 for a new XBox 360. Maybe they should spend what little money they have on acne treatments and clothes. I can guarantee that they are not going to get laid by an Xbox... although, I'm sure Bill will be working on that soon.
Personally, I have a PS2... :)
Let's see... Badger news...
Hockey team still ranked number 2 after a weekend sweep of Minn State Mankato.
Basketball team won some Virgin Islands tournament against 3 division 8 schools... and barely won the last 2 games. I don't take that as a good sign.
And the men's cross country team won the national championship yesterday. Congrats!
Coming tomorrow, Christmas gift ideas! Ok, it's mostly stuff I want but you might want them too.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Harry Potter and the Garage Door Opener of Fire
Good Monday morning...
Anyone get out to see Harry Potter this weekend? We attempted to go to the 3rd show on Saturday (12:15) but it sold out while we were in line. We bought tickets for the 11:15 Sunday show and went back then. It was great. Of course, there were things in the book not mentioned or glossed over in the movie but it was a huge book and the movie was 2 1/2 hours already. I can live with that. I thought the special effects were excellent, didn't look super fake like some have in the past. There was quite a bit of humor in this one as well. I give it 3 1/2 stars.
So, Saturday, after not being able to see the movie I started working on the new garage door opener. I started around 1:30, tearing down the old one, putting together the new one, running the wiring, etc. Around 5:00 I had to quit, but I had everything up and the wiring tacked up. Sunday, after the movie and lunch, I was able to get everything connected and working properly. Unfortunately, the damn remotes won't work! The instructions for programming them couldn't be simpler but they just won't work. Neither remote nor the wireless keypad work. I called my dad, who is an electrician and worked for Genie way back when I was just a toddler. I ended up taking the outer cover off the power head and looking for anything I could fuck with. Nothing... but I had unplugged it while I was doing this, and when I plugged it in and tried programming a remote it actually worked! I was so excited, I hung up on dad and put the cover back on and grabbed the other remote and programmed it. Hit the button and... NOTHING. I grabbed the already programmed first remote and hit the button... NOTHING. What the fuck... now I'm pissed... and I noticed that it's 6:00 and I have a 7:00 hockey game.
I go get cleaned up and at 6:15 I'm ready to leave for hockey. Only then I realize it's my turn to bring beer and I don't have any... ok, I'm off like a rocket for Village Liquor in Cottage Grove. Unfortunately, they closed at 6... back to Piggly Wiggly to see what they have. Not much, but I see 4 different 6-packs of Berghoff on the shelf and grab those and a bag of ice and I'm gone. Made it to hockey just as the zamboni was finishing up, no problem.
Unfortunately our hockey team was missing our 2 best players (1 forward, 1 defense) and Tim. We spent the first period and a half stuck in our own end with the other team totally dominating. Luckily for us we held them to 3 goals during this time. We finally got our first goal after a rebound of my shot from the point to make it only 3-1. We traded a couple goals to make it 4-2 going into the 3rd. The other team started to tire and we turned the play the other way but a couple breaks for them made it 6-2. We didn't give up though and chipped away with 2 more goals to make it 6-4. We pulled the goalie but they were able to get control and fire a shot from their own end that went in to make the final score 7-4. Oh well... at least we didn't give up.
Oh, couples league bowling Saturday night. Grinder has me by 16 pins after 2 games... but I beat him by 17 in the 3rd game to take him 638 to 637. Unfortunately, a guy on the team I was bowling against beat me by 1 with a 639 and our team got crushed and lost all 7 points. This is becoming a far too familiar feeling for me.
Packers/Vikings tonight at 8. Not sure if I'm going to watch much of it or not. Gotta help out getting all the food for turkey day tonight and hopefully getting that garage door opener working right.
Anyone get out to see Harry Potter this weekend? We attempted to go to the 3rd show on Saturday (12:15) but it sold out while we were in line. We bought tickets for the 11:15 Sunday show and went back then. It was great. Of course, there were things in the book not mentioned or glossed over in the movie but it was a huge book and the movie was 2 1/2 hours already. I can live with that. I thought the special effects were excellent, didn't look super fake like some have in the past. There was quite a bit of humor in this one as well. I give it 3 1/2 stars.
So, Saturday, after not being able to see the movie I started working on the new garage door opener. I started around 1:30, tearing down the old one, putting together the new one, running the wiring, etc. Around 5:00 I had to quit, but I had everything up and the wiring tacked up. Sunday, after the movie and lunch, I was able to get everything connected and working properly. Unfortunately, the damn remotes won't work! The instructions for programming them couldn't be simpler but they just won't work. Neither remote nor the wireless keypad work. I called my dad, who is an electrician and worked for Genie way back when I was just a toddler. I ended up taking the outer cover off the power head and looking for anything I could fuck with. Nothing... but I had unplugged it while I was doing this, and when I plugged it in and tried programming a remote it actually worked! I was so excited, I hung up on dad and put the cover back on and grabbed the other remote and programmed it. Hit the button and... NOTHING. I grabbed the already programmed first remote and hit the button... NOTHING. What the fuck... now I'm pissed... and I noticed that it's 6:00 and I have a 7:00 hockey game.
I go get cleaned up and at 6:15 I'm ready to leave for hockey. Only then I realize it's my turn to bring beer and I don't have any... ok, I'm off like a rocket for Village Liquor in Cottage Grove. Unfortunately, they closed at 6... back to Piggly Wiggly to see what they have. Not much, but I see 4 different 6-packs of Berghoff on the shelf and grab those and a bag of ice and I'm gone. Made it to hockey just as the zamboni was finishing up, no problem.
Unfortunately our hockey team was missing our 2 best players (1 forward, 1 defense) and Tim. We spent the first period and a half stuck in our own end with the other team totally dominating. Luckily for us we held them to 3 goals during this time. We finally got our first goal after a rebound of my shot from the point to make it only 3-1. We traded a couple goals to make it 4-2 going into the 3rd. The other team started to tire and we turned the play the other way but a couple breaks for them made it 6-2. We didn't give up though and chipped away with 2 more goals to make it 6-4. We pulled the goalie but they were able to get control and fire a shot from their own end that went in to make the final score 7-4. Oh well... at least we didn't give up.
Oh, couples league bowling Saturday night. Grinder has me by 16 pins after 2 games... but I beat him by 17 in the 3rd game to take him 638 to 637. Unfortunately, a guy on the team I was bowling against beat me by 1 with a 639 and our team got crushed and lost all 7 points. This is becoming a far too familiar feeling for me.
Packers/Vikings tonight at 8. Not sure if I'm going to watch much of it or not. Gotta help out getting all the food for turkey day tonight and hopefully getting that garage door opener working right.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Venturing into that seedy underworld
I made my first deposit into a Neteller account today so that I could play in Grinder's next hold 'em tournament. I guess this will put me down the path of becoming a degenerate gambler and soon I'll be selling off internal organs to cover my losses... How much can you get for a kidney on eBay anyway?
My goal in playing in this tournament is to show that you don't have to play every day for hours on end and read 16,000 books written by other people that play every day for hours on end in order to play Texas Hold 'em. It's not rocket science... And the online version is a little different for me since you can't really look a guy in the eye to figure out if he's bluffing. I have played some single table tournaments online before (for prizes, not money) and done well. I enjoy no limit hold 'em, maybe it's just fun to be able to say "ALL IN". And in the latest multi-table "real human" tournament I played in I took 2nd (to CG, that lucky bastard).
Oh well, worst case, it's a tax write-off for gambling losses. :)
Does the IRS read these things? Haha
Anyway, last night was Survivor night. Anyone else enjoy Steph and Danni crawling in the mud? Maybe it was just me, but I doubt it. Jamie finally got what he has deserved for quite some time. What a paranoid psycho... I'm glad he's gone. What was with his diatribe about Lydia stabbing him in the back? He did save her the very first vote but since then he hasn't done anything for her. Oh well, sucks to be you...
I noticed a first last night. I was trying to find out what happened to Threshold which was on Friday nights on CBS until recently. In looking at CBS's web site I found it was moved to Tuesday's starting next week at 9 CT (opposite Boston Legal). Anyway, while I was there I noticed that they actually have the entire last episode available to watch online! I've never seen a network do this, could it be the start of something better? I doubt it because they will need to make money from it... It is cool though. http://www.cbs.com/primetime/threshold/
While I'm on tv talk, what the hell is up with the commercials being 10x louder than the show? Is it just some channels? Is it just the digital (HD) feeds? I was watching CBS last night and I swear I had to turn down the volume at every commercial break. How annoying... Maybe my good buddy CB could look into that and get back to me... hint hint.
Everyone have a great weekend. Packers/Vikings on Monday Night Football. How exciting, not even sure I'll watch that one.
My goal in playing in this tournament is to show that you don't have to play every day for hours on end and read 16,000 books written by other people that play every day for hours on end in order to play Texas Hold 'em. It's not rocket science... And the online version is a little different for me since you can't really look a guy in the eye to figure out if he's bluffing. I have played some single table tournaments online before (for prizes, not money) and done well. I enjoy no limit hold 'em, maybe it's just fun to be able to say "ALL IN". And in the latest multi-table "real human" tournament I played in I took 2nd (to CG, that lucky bastard).
Oh well, worst case, it's a tax write-off for gambling losses. :)
Does the IRS read these things? Haha
Anyway, last night was Survivor night. Anyone else enjoy Steph and Danni crawling in the mud? Maybe it was just me, but I doubt it. Jamie finally got what he has deserved for quite some time. What a paranoid psycho... I'm glad he's gone. What was with his diatribe about Lydia stabbing him in the back? He did save her the very first vote but since then he hasn't done anything for her. Oh well, sucks to be you...
I noticed a first last night. I was trying to find out what happened to Threshold which was on Friday nights on CBS until recently. In looking at CBS's web site I found it was moved to Tuesday's starting next week at 9 CT (opposite Boston Legal). Anyway, while I was there I noticed that they actually have the entire last episode available to watch online! I've never seen a network do this, could it be the start of something better? I doubt it because they will need to make money from it... It is cool though. http://www.cbs.com/primetime/threshold/
While I'm on tv talk, what the hell is up with the commercials being 10x louder than the show? Is it just some channels? Is it just the digital (HD) feeds? I was watching CBS last night and I swear I had to turn down the volume at every commercial break. How annoying... Maybe my good buddy CB could look into that and get back to me... hint hint.
Everyone have a great weekend. Packers/Vikings on Monday Night Football. How exciting, not even sure I'll watch that one.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
And the slide continues
After a great start to the bowling season (33-16 after 7 weeks) we have gone into a tailspin that shows no sign of stopping. We've now lost every point for the 4th week in a row. That drops us to 33-44 and we're closing in on last place. Thankfully we have 2 halves. We'll just chalk this one up to bad luck and move on.
Did I mention I replaced the finger grips in my bowling ball Saturday? No? Well, I did. Best 8 bucks I've spent in a while. No pain last night. Managed to get back to some semblance of normalcy with a 664 (185,235,244). Pretty much blew the last game by throwing back to back splits in the 8th and 9th frames after strikes the first 7. Recovered to punch out in the 10th.
The weather word for today would be "crisp". Fucking 12 degrees this morning when I left for work. Thank god for those seat warmers. Weather Pixie is going to go back inside pretty soon I think.
Anyone have a space heater I can borrow this weekend? I want to put in my new garage door opener without freezing...
later!
Did I mention I replaced the finger grips in my bowling ball Saturday? No? Well, I did. Best 8 bucks I've spent in a while. No pain last night. Managed to get back to some semblance of normalcy with a 664 (185,235,244). Pretty much blew the last game by throwing back to back splits in the 8th and 9th frames after strikes the first 7. Recovered to punch out in the 10th.
The weather word for today would be "crisp". Fucking 12 degrees this morning when I left for work. Thank god for those seat warmers. Weather Pixie is going to go back inside pretty soon I think.
Anyone have a space heater I can borrow this weekend? I want to put in my new garage door opener without freezing...
later!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Impending death versus the open road
Ok, it's 6am, you're making your morning commute to work on the beltline. You know from the radio and tv and common sense that the roads are quite icy. It rained/snowed all night and got colder, we know you can do that simple math...
But you're faced with a dilemma. You've never seen this much open road on the beltline before, it must be your lucky day! So, common sense and caution go sit in the back seat, maybe you turn the stereo up a little louder than usual to drown out their screams, and you press the accelerator a little harder... this ain't so bad, you think as you approach 70 mph and close in on the Whitney Way overpass... you reach down to check your messages on your cell phone as you take another swig of coffee... the car veers slightly towards the shoulder. Not a problem, you adjust the wheel with your knee (you've got it in cruise control now at 72 mph, well over the 55 limit). Something is tickling the back of your brain, telling you this might be a mistake but you just ignore it and go back to your messages as the car begins a slide towards the guard rail, but you don't really notice until you see the lights of a snow plow up ahead, which causes you to tap the brakes as you're going over Whitney Way and whoooooooaaaaaa neeellllllyyyyyy, you slide clean off the road, flip and barrel roll down the embankment, just like in NASCAR. Only when you come to a rest upside down in a giant mud puddle, your cell phone is stuck in your mouth and your own urine has joined the hot coffee in your lap. It doesn't matter to you though, you're dead.
One more jackass off the road...
But you're faced with a dilemma. You've never seen this much open road on the beltline before, it must be your lucky day! So, common sense and caution go sit in the back seat, maybe you turn the stereo up a little louder than usual to drown out their screams, and you press the accelerator a little harder... this ain't so bad, you think as you approach 70 mph and close in on the Whitney Way overpass... you reach down to check your messages on your cell phone as you take another swig of coffee... the car veers slightly towards the shoulder. Not a problem, you adjust the wheel with your knee (you've got it in cruise control now at 72 mph, well over the 55 limit). Something is tickling the back of your brain, telling you this might be a mistake but you just ignore it and go back to your messages as the car begins a slide towards the guard rail, but you don't really notice until you see the lights of a snow plow up ahead, which causes you to tap the brakes as you're going over Whitney Way and whoooooooaaaaaa neeellllllyyyyyy, you slide clean off the road, flip and barrel roll down the embankment, just like in NASCAR. Only when you come to a rest upside down in a giant mud puddle, your cell phone is stuck in your mouth and your own urine has joined the hot coffee in your lap. It doesn't matter to you though, you're dead.
One more jackass off the road...
I also learned a new term last night while watching The War at Home, which I tivo'd from Sunday night (it's on before Family Guy on Fox, and stars Michael Rappaport). His slightly gay son is dating a very fat, ugly girl and he can't believe it. He's ok with the heavy girl that's got the pretty face or the one with the great body but no face but not both. He says to his wife that he's dated his share of butterfaces before and she asks "butterface?" To which he replies, "you know, everything's great but 'er face." At which point I choked on my Guiness and couldn't stop laughing for 10 minutes. It's amazing how I still find humor in sitcoms.
And last night was the Country Music Awards and the big winner was... oh, who gives a fuck.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
First Snow
We're supposed to get our first snowfall of the year tonight and tomorrow. Just an inch or two but some pretty strong winds again could make it fun. The first snow is always kind of special. It's exciting and you're not sick of it yet. Plus it always looks so clean. Minnesota looks to get quite a bit more, maybe 6 inches. Not sure if they're lucky or pathetic... ah, it's Minnesota, so they're pathetic. :)
And being mr. prepared, I got out the snow blower last Friday and got it ready to go. I always love firing it up the first time, tons of blue smoke filling up the neighborhood. I'm sure that's not bad for the environment... right?
I took my new Murano to the car wash near American Parkway on the east side of Madison yesterday at lunch. They have those high speed spinning brushes and it bent my front license plate almost in half. Guess I won't be going back there. Luckily it didn't do any real damage.
ATTENTION, ATTENTION. Will someone please inform the Philadelphia Eagles that Reggie Brown is not Terrell Owens... Oh yeah, I think they learned that last night.
Hockey Badgers moved up to number 2 in the latest US hockey poll, behind the evil Wolverines of Michigan...
Have a great Tuesday.
And being mr. prepared, I got out the snow blower last Friday and got it ready to go. I always love firing it up the first time, tons of blue smoke filling up the neighborhood. I'm sure that's not bad for the environment... right?
I took my new Murano to the car wash near American Parkway on the east side of Madison yesterday at lunch. They have those high speed spinning brushes and it bent my front license plate almost in half. Guess I won't be going back there. Luckily it didn't do any real damage.
ATTENTION, ATTENTION. Will someone please inform the Philadelphia Eagles that Reggie Brown is not Terrell Owens... Oh yeah, I think they learned that last night.
Hockey Badgers moved up to number 2 in the latest US hockey poll, behind the evil Wolverines of Michigan...
Have a great Tuesday.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Ass Dragging
No, it's not a post about my dog in the backyard.... but it is dog related.
Sazi, one of my 2 border collies (one on the right) has epilepsy and occasionally has a bad night. Last night was one of those nights. We had a late night Saturday night and I noticed that she sometimes struggles when she hasn't had enough sleep. Around midnight she had a seizure. It wasn't bad and she was fine a couple minutes later. Unfortunately at 3:30am she happened to be in the powder room and started seizing again. This time she had 4 of them and it lasted about an hour. Eventually she was ok, but I think I got about 2 hours of sleep for the entire night, so it's my ass that's dragging. Not how I really wanted to start my week...
Prior to that though, we had a hockey game. We were lethargic coming out of our bye week and struggled early against the league's best goalie. We were down 2-0 after 2 periods before we finally got on the board about half way through the 3rd. With a minute left we pulled the goalie and ended up with a face off in their zone with 20 seconds left. We won the draw, got off a shot and the rebound went to the other defenseman who rifled a shot top shelf with 12 seconds left to tie it up. We ended up losing in the shootout though, but it was a great relief to steal a point.
On Saturday we went to the Badger hockey game against top ranked Colorado College and saw a great game. Badgers won 3-0 and coupled with their 2-2 tie on Friday night, took 3 of 4 points and should move up close to the top, if not number 1, when the polls come out this week. It could have been much more than 3-0 if they had capitalized a few more times on their 10 power play attempts (they had 1 pp goal). They completely dominated the play.
Bought a new garage door opener (a Genie screw drive one) to replace the crap I currently have. The reason for this is that both my vehicles have the Homelink opener system built in but my opener doesn't play nice so it will be replaced.
And... the Packers won! Holy crap, don't even know what to say there. Probably helped that I missed the 2nd half because of my hockey game.
Unfortunately the Badgers were not as lucky in their game against Iowa. Would have been nice to get a win in Barry Alvarez last home game, but the Squawkeyes wouldn't play along.
Have a nice week...
Friday, November 11, 2005
Fantasy not so fantastic
Ok pervs, it's not that kind of fantasy I'm talking about. It's fantasy football. After several years of smooth sailing riding my "big three" of Holmes, Owens and Moss, I have run into a bit of a problem.
Early on I was given the opportunity of getting out from under the Moss train wreck and got Stephen Jackson in return and it's been probably one of the best trades I've ever made (thanks Mike!).
I still had Holmes and Owens to lead me (scoring only league) and adding Jackson solidified my team and after a rough start I began to climb up the standings and have found myself in 3rd (granted, I'm like 20 games out of first, but hey).
But the last 2 weeks have pretty much ended any chance I had. First, TO decides he hasn't said enough about how he's been mistreated and he winds up suspended for the whole season! Ok, that one hurt, but he's just one player. The Priest lands on his head and after they initially said concussion (phew, he'll just miss 1 game) all of a sudden he's got a carreer threatening spinal injury and is out for the season at a minimum.
Ok, how do you replace those guys? My big three is now a big zero...
As you all know, last night was Survivor night. Judd once again proved to be a total assface... I'm not sure why he felt the need to tell everyone that the hidden immunity idol was definitely on the ground after he told Steph it was definitely NOT on the ground. Why say anything at all? Jerk... oh, and nice job getting drunk and barfing in the shelter ya putz.
I knew Gary found the idol when he was walking back, you could see him hiding something behind his back. I just wish he had called Judd out when he said he had NEVER lied... Gary caught him red handed... oh well. Bobby Jon was the unfortunate victim of Gary's last second save by the idol.
And here's the moment you've all been waiting for... *drumroll please*
The new car!
Early on I was given the opportunity of getting out from under the Moss train wreck and got Stephen Jackson in return and it's been probably one of the best trades I've ever made (thanks Mike!).
I still had Holmes and Owens to lead me (scoring only league) and adding Jackson solidified my team and after a rough start I began to climb up the standings and have found myself in 3rd (granted, I'm like 20 games out of first, but hey).
But the last 2 weeks have pretty much ended any chance I had. First, TO decides he hasn't said enough about how he's been mistreated and he winds up suspended for the whole season! Ok, that one hurt, but he's just one player. The Priest lands on his head and after they initially said concussion (phew, he'll just miss 1 game) all of a sudden he's got a carreer threatening spinal injury and is out for the season at a minimum.
Ok, how do you replace those guys? My big three is now a big zero...
As you all know, last night was Survivor night. Judd once again proved to be a total assface... I'm not sure why he felt the need to tell everyone that the hidden immunity idol was definitely on the ground after he told Steph it was definitely NOT on the ground. Why say anything at all? Jerk... oh, and nice job getting drunk and barfing in the shelter ya putz.
I knew Gary found the idol when he was walking back, you could see him hiding something behind his back. I just wish he had called Judd out when he said he had NEVER lied... Gary caught him red handed... oh well. Bobby Jon was the unfortunate victim of Gary's last second save by the idol.
And here's the moment you've all been waiting for... *drumroll please*
The new car!
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Highs and Lows
My life is a rollercoaster ride...
Got my new Nissan Murano yesterday after work. Love it!!! Will post a picture as soon as I can.
Had to rush home to change for bowling, then rush back to the dealer because I dropped my cell phone there somewhere.
Bowling started out ok. All 9's and strikes the first game, missed my first 10 pin shot for my only open and shot 203. 2nd game had a couple nice runs of strikes and shot a 245. Not bad, right? Right... so I start the 3rd game with a 10 pin and missed it, only my 2nd open of the night... that's ok. Then I get a split... and I continue on with 3 more splits and shoot a whopping 143 and don't even get 600. What the fuck is the problem here people?!?!?
I'm wondering if I am getting to the point where my body can't handle the style of bowling that I have. Maybe it's time to stop trying to be a big cranker and just learn to bowl with a more easy style. I tell you what, my arm is hanging by the 3rd game. I'm only averaging like 170 that game so something is going wrong. Maybe I just need to work out and build up that strength again. I haven't really done much since my rehab from surgery ended back in April.
Ok, that's enough bitching for one day... Back to my Starbucks coffee and off to the NBC15 web site to see if Grinder passed his heart test.
Later
Got my new Nissan Murano yesterday after work. Love it!!! Will post a picture as soon as I can.
Had to rush home to change for bowling, then rush back to the dealer because I dropped my cell phone there somewhere.
Bowling started out ok. All 9's and strikes the first game, missed my first 10 pin shot for my only open and shot 203. 2nd game had a couple nice runs of strikes and shot a 245. Not bad, right? Right... so I start the 3rd game with a 10 pin and missed it, only my 2nd open of the night... that's ok. Then I get a split... and I continue on with 3 more splits and shoot a whopping 143 and don't even get 600. What the fuck is the problem here people?!?!?
I'm wondering if I am getting to the point where my body can't handle the style of bowling that I have. Maybe it's time to stop trying to be a big cranker and just learn to bowl with a more easy style. I tell you what, my arm is hanging by the 3rd game. I'm only averaging like 170 that game so something is going wrong. Maybe I just need to work out and build up that strength again. I haven't really done much since my rehab from surgery ended back in April.
Ok, that's enough bitching for one day... Back to my Starbucks coffee and off to the NBC15 web site to see if Grinder passed his heart test.
Later
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Destination Kohler
Last night I checked out Destination Kohler while watching the Amazing Race on CBS. They have some interesting packages. I'm thinking about taking Cdubya up for a Saturday night in the next month or so. They have some interesting shops she would enjoy with cooking demonstrations (she's into that kind of stuff), plus I could get a look at Whistling Straits. The Kohler Design Studio looks pretty cool too.
On the 2 hour Amazing Race last night, the Branson family got lucky the first pit stop was a non-elimination one so they survived and I finally got my wish in the 2nd hour when the Paolo family from NY (the family I hate, as I'm sure everyone in the world does by now) got eliminated. Once again good old dad screwed up the directions. At least this time he didn't blame his son for bad driving.
Warning, blatant brand name usage ahead
Only 8 hours and 15 minutes till I pick up my new Nissan Murano... how am I supposed to get any work done??? I refilled my Starbucks coffee, got my iPod Mini ready and put my Sony Ericsson cell phone on vibrate, so I am ready to work... just need to forget about the car and do it.
On the 2 hour Amazing Race last night, the Branson family got lucky the first pit stop was a non-elimination one so they survived and I finally got my wish in the 2nd hour when the Paolo family from NY (the family I hate, as I'm sure everyone in the world does by now) got eliminated. Once again good old dad screwed up the directions. At least this time he didn't blame his son for bad driving.
Warning, blatant brand name usage ahead
Only 8 hours and 15 minutes till I pick up my new Nissan Murano... how am I supposed to get any work done??? I refilled my Starbucks coffee, got my iPod Mini ready and put my Sony Ericsson cell phone on vibrate, so I am ready to work... just need to forget about the car and do it.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
My obsession with cars
I admit it, I have a problem...
Ever since I bought my first brand new car back in 1990 (a Toyota Celica GT) I have had this desire to constantly get a new car. There's nothing like the feeling of driving that new car off the lot, perfect condition, no scratches, door dings, funny smells... just a pristine machine.
Brief history from there...
Ever since I bought my first brand new car back in 1990 (a Toyota Celica GT) I have had this desire to constantly get a new car. There's nothing like the feeling of driving that new car off the lot, perfect condition, no scratches, door dings, funny smells... just a pristine machine.
Brief history from there...
- '91 traded in the Celica and bought a Mitsubishi Eclipse GS. I didn't really like the Celica, it handled horribly (remember, I was 25, it was all about the handling and power).
- '94 traded in Cdubya's old Celica ST for a new Ford Ranger pick up.
- '95 traded in the Eclipse for a new Jeep Cherokee.
- '97 traded in the Ranger for a Hyundai Tiberon
- end of '98 sold the Tiberon (moved back to Wisconsin, didn't want to move 2 cars).
- 2001 traded in an old VW GTI I had bought for commuting AND the Cherokee and bought a new Cherokee and a Chrysler Sebring LXi sedan.
- 2003 traded in the Cherokee for a GMC Yukon for Cdubya.
- April 2005 traded in the Sebring for a Scion tC.
And now I've realized the mistake that was. I'm not 25, don't want to shift, don't want a little car... but could I get out of that mistake?
Fortunately, the fine folks at Zimbrick Nissan needed to get rid of some of their 2005's. I was able to find what I really wanted at a decent price and will be picking it up tomorrow night.
Click here to see my new Nissan Murano. The web site shows the 2006's but they didn't change from 2005. Here are the details:
- Murano SL AWD
- SL Touring package
- Platinum color with Charcoal leather interior.
- floormats, splash guards, cargo cover, sunroof wind deflector
Monday, November 07, 2005
Monday Morning QB
Is it just me or does Favre make a lot more mistakes than he used to? I find myself at least 2 or 3 times a game going "what the fuck, Brett?". Maybe this is the end for a super star and his coach... One thing I do know, they are not a 1-7 team. They have played well enough in just about every game to win but mistakes (see above) have cost them every time.
On the bright side, the 20 points Pittsburgh scored all helped my fantasy team as I had their defense (fumble return for td, see above, 6 points), their kicker (2 fg, 2 xp, 8 points) and Duce Staley, whom I activated for the first time this season out of desperation (1 td, 6 points).
So after a horrible start where I was in last place (9 teams) after 3 weeks, I have turned it around and am closing in on 3rd place.
So, what else happened this weekend... Friday went golfing, still sucking but hey it was November 4th and it was in the 60's and sunny, how can you complain about that.
Saturday I ended up having to mow the lawn (penalty for being able to golf in November is still having to mow in November). I raked up all the leaves too, but then we had a huge t-storm (very odd for November in Wisconsin) and they all got blown all over the place including the remaining ones that were still hanging on the trees. Looks like I didn't do anything.
I then decided I would watch the Badger/Penn State game. Ouch! PSU has a tremendous defense and Bucky had no answers. Reminds me of last season when they were undefeated and in the top 5 and got shellacked the last 3 games...
Fortunately, the hockey Badgers went into North Dakota and swept both games. Amazing start to the season, it's possible this is the team Eaves has been building up to.
Saturday night was couples bowling... I guess people must have been bitching about the lack of oil at Bowl-a-vard because there was enough oil to fry a turkey... It took everything I had just to get the ball to turn a little bit. I haven't had to work that hard in a long time. Shot a low 600, which felt much better just because I had to actually work for it.
Sunday, went to see my new niece. She's doing great. She was born 12 weeks early at 2 lbs, 13 oz and is now up to 4 lbs 5 oz and is out of the incubator (she's been in NICU for 5 weeks now). She'll be going home before Christmas.
I did some looking at small SUV's again yesterday. This time checking out what I could get used. Saw a few Lexus RX300's that weren't too badly priced but they are kind of boring looking. I saw a couple of Nissan Murano's that weren't too bad and they have some style to them. Cdubya liked a white one we saw. I think I'll go check it out at lunch, it's close by.
Have a great week.
On the bright side, the 20 points Pittsburgh scored all helped my fantasy team as I had their defense (fumble return for td, see above, 6 points), their kicker (2 fg, 2 xp, 8 points) and Duce Staley, whom I activated for the first time this season out of desperation (1 td, 6 points).
So after a horrible start where I was in last place (9 teams) after 3 weeks, I have turned it around and am closing in on 3rd place.
So, what else happened this weekend... Friday went golfing, still sucking but hey it was November 4th and it was in the 60's and sunny, how can you complain about that.
Saturday I ended up having to mow the lawn (penalty for being able to golf in November is still having to mow in November). I raked up all the leaves too, but then we had a huge t-storm (very odd for November in Wisconsin) and they all got blown all over the place including the remaining ones that were still hanging on the trees. Looks like I didn't do anything.
I then decided I would watch the Badger/Penn State game. Ouch! PSU has a tremendous defense and Bucky had no answers. Reminds me of last season when they were undefeated and in the top 5 and got shellacked the last 3 games...
Fortunately, the hockey Badgers went into North Dakota and swept both games. Amazing start to the season, it's possible this is the team Eaves has been building up to.
Saturday night was couples bowling... I guess people must have been bitching about the lack of oil at Bowl-a-vard because there was enough oil to fry a turkey... It took everything I had just to get the ball to turn a little bit. I haven't had to work that hard in a long time. Shot a low 600, which felt much better just because I had to actually work for it.
Sunday, went to see my new niece. She's doing great. She was born 12 weeks early at 2 lbs, 13 oz and is now up to 4 lbs 5 oz and is out of the incubator (she's been in NICU for 5 weeks now). She'll be going home before Christmas.
I did some looking at small SUV's again yesterday. This time checking out what I could get used. Saw a few Lexus RX300's that weren't too badly priced but they are kind of boring looking. I saw a couple of Nissan Murano's that weren't too bad and they have some style to them. Cdubya liked a white one we saw. I think I'll go check it out at lunch, it's close by.
Have a great week.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Is it really November?
No sign of winter in sight, other than it being dark when I leave work. 60's every day? I wonder how long this will continue? I guess I should just shut up and go golfing, which I am at noon today.
Huge news emanating from Miller Park at 11:30 today. Robin Yount will be named bench coach. It's great that the Brewers were able to bring home this local hero. One of the few truly good guys in sports. I hope that mentioning his name will get me ads for his stuff like it did when I mentioned Iverson. Guess I need to be more careful who I talk about.
Survivor... I'm pretty disappointed in Rafe and Cindy. They both had the opportunity to vote Jamie out and still have their power in place and they both wussed out. Rafe was very upset with Jamie's comments and it seemed obvious he would turn against him. Cindy, she's just stupid I guess. Does she not remember that if they had lost immunity the time before she would have been voted out? Duh... hello mcfly! So, Brandon the good old boy, goes home to gramma, while Jamie will continue to piss everyone off. I really don't know who I want to win. Maybe Steph I guess but I'm kind of tired of her now... If Rafe would have turned on Jamie he would have been my pick but he turned out to be just another talker...
Oh, and speaking of the Brewers, I continue down the article in the paper and find that they are raising ticket prices for 60% of the seats and they also will charge more for their 10 "marquee" games next season (7 against the Cubs and 3 against the Cardinals). What the hell is that?
Well, I better get back to (warning, geek talk ahead) designing my new web service.
Have a great Friday and weekend.
Huge news emanating from Miller Park at 11:30 today. Robin Yount will be named bench coach. It's great that the Brewers were able to bring home this local hero. One of the few truly good guys in sports. I hope that mentioning his name will get me ads for his stuff like it did when I mentioned Iverson. Guess I need to be more careful who I talk about.
Survivor... I'm pretty disappointed in Rafe and Cindy. They both had the opportunity to vote Jamie out and still have their power in place and they both wussed out. Rafe was very upset with Jamie's comments and it seemed obvious he would turn against him. Cindy, she's just stupid I guess. Does she not remember that if they had lost immunity the time before she would have been voted out? Duh... hello mcfly! So, Brandon the good old boy, goes home to gramma, while Jamie will continue to piss everyone off. I really don't know who I want to win. Maybe Steph I guess but I'm kind of tired of her now... If Rafe would have turned on Jamie he would have been my pick but he turned out to be just another talker...
Oh, and speaking of the Brewers, I continue down the article in the paper and find that they are raising ticket prices for 60% of the seats and they also will charge more for their 10 "marquee" games next season (7 against the Cubs and 3 against the Cardinals). What the hell is that?
Well, I better get back to (warning, geek talk ahead) designing my new web service.
Have a great Friday and weekend.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Another Brutal Wednesday
For the 2nd consecutive week our bowling team was taken to the woodshed. We have now gone from a 33-16 record to 33-30 in 2 measly weeks. I will shoulder some of the blame as I have struggled to find the groove coming out of my off week. Not sure what it is, maybe I should try sober once and see if that's the problem. I never had that kind of problem before though... I'll give that a shot Saturday in couples league.
On a brighter note, Mike is selling off some clothes on ebay. Click here to bid on one hot item.
How bad do you have to be to get cut from the Packers? Ask Joey Thomas, who was dumped yesterday. Who's next? Packers get a visit from the Steelers this week. I think I may have to go to the dog groomers or something instead of watching that.
Badgers make the trek to Happy Valley, PA on Saturday to take on Penn State for the lead in the Big 10 race. Last year the Badgers knocked both QB's out of the game early with vicious hits (the one on Robinson from Erasmus James was crazy). Wonder if they'll want a little payback on Stocco... could be an interesting game. One humorous note. As a high school football player in PA, Barry Alvarez was not recruited by Joe Paterno. Apparently Joe thought Barry's ass was a little too big.
Bucks are 2-0... and Stephen A. Smith selected them as his "sleeper pick" for this season. Maybe it really is their season... hahahaha.
This just came through my inbox.
Now, I'm no Cubs fan but this is FUNNY.
On a brighter note, Mike is selling off some clothes on ebay. Click here to bid on one hot item.
How bad do you have to be to get cut from the Packers? Ask Joey Thomas, who was dumped yesterday. Who's next? Packers get a visit from the Steelers this week. I think I may have to go to the dog groomers or something instead of watching that.
Badgers make the trek to Happy Valley, PA on Saturday to take on Penn State for the lead in the Big 10 race. Last year the Badgers knocked both QB's out of the game early with vicious hits (the one on Robinson from Erasmus James was crazy). Wonder if they'll want a little payback on Stocco... could be an interesting game. One humorous note. As a high school football player in PA, Barry Alvarez was not recruited by Joe Paterno. Apparently Joe thought Barry's ass was a little too big.
Bucks are 2-0... and Stephen A. Smith selected them as his "sleeper pick" for this season. Maybe it really is their season... hahahaha.
This just came through my inbox.
Now, I'm no Cubs fan but this is FUNNY.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Spending Spree
Ok, spent lunch at the mall... bought the Sex and the City collection at Best Buy, then went to Dick's and bought a new hybrid 2 iron replacement club.
Anyone interested in my Callaway Heavenwood? It's a cross between a 4 wood and a 7 wood. It has the loft of a 7 wood but the length of a 4 wood. I typically hit it about 210 yards. The thing I didn't like about it is that it has a slightly offset head and I already hit a draw so it turned that into a massive hook with this thing. If you hit a fade or slice, this may be the club for you. I always hit it good, it was just always left... $25 and it's yours.
Anyone interested in my Callaway Heavenwood? It's a cross between a 4 wood and a 7 wood. It has the loft of a 7 wood but the length of a 4 wood. I typically hit it about 210 yards. The thing I didn't like about it is that it has a slightly offset head and I already hit a draw so it turned that into a massive hook with this thing. If you hit a fade or slice, this may be the club for you. I always hit it good, it was just always left... $25 and it's yours.
Opening Day in the NBA
Does anyone care?
I was certainly hanging on the edge of my seat to see if Allen Iverson complied with the new dress code or not... yawn. I actually heard one player complain that the NBA is making lots of money because of the hip hop image and the players should be allowed to dress in hip hop style (whatever the fuck that is). Marcus Camby wants a clothing allowance... an allowance?!?!?! If you hadn't spent your 16 million on crack and ho's maybe you could afford a suit...
Bucks did win in OT, maybe this is their year... hahahahhahahaha.
In TV news, Amazing Race was in Costa Rica where the family with the two little kids got eliminated because mom wouldn't get on her hands and knees and find the damn red bean. I still don't care who wins, just don't like that NY team at all, I wish they would just kill each other and get it over with.
Did you all rush out and get your Star Wars episode III dvd yesterday? It's on sale for $14.99 at Best Buy, Target and Circuit City. I got mine. When did Best Buy become all about bugging the customer? I wandered around for 5 minutes checking out what other dvd's they had then walked past the cameras and camcorders over to the computer section. I was asked if I needed help no fewer than 6 times and when I said "absolutely not" I was kindly reminded that they don't work on commission so if there's ANYTHING they can do to help me just to ask. Yeah, I know how stores work dumb ass...
Now Cdubya informed me that you can buy all the episodes of Sex and the City in one box set (20 dvd's) and that I should run over to Best Buy at lunch and pick it up since it's "on sale" for $165... and that is only $8/dvd and that's a good deal. It's $165! I'll probably do it anyway... she doesn't know I'm going to go buy a new golf club yet. ;)
Hey, it's bowling day, everyone have a happy hump day.
I was certainly hanging on the edge of my seat to see if Allen Iverson complied with the new dress code or not... yawn. I actually heard one player complain that the NBA is making lots of money because of the hip hop image and the players should be allowed to dress in hip hop style (whatever the fuck that is). Marcus Camby wants a clothing allowance... an allowance?!?!?! If you hadn't spent your 16 million on crack and ho's maybe you could afford a suit...
Bucks did win in OT, maybe this is their year... hahahahhahahaha.
In TV news, Amazing Race was in Costa Rica where the family with the two little kids got eliminated because mom wouldn't get on her hands and knees and find the damn red bean. I still don't care who wins, just don't like that NY team at all, I wish they would just kill each other and get it over with.
Did you all rush out and get your Star Wars episode III dvd yesterday? It's on sale for $14.99 at Best Buy, Target and Circuit City. I got mine. When did Best Buy become all about bugging the customer? I wandered around for 5 minutes checking out what other dvd's they had then walked past the cameras and camcorders over to the computer section. I was asked if I needed help no fewer than 6 times and when I said "absolutely not" I was kindly reminded that they don't work on commission so if there's ANYTHING they can do to help me just to ask. Yeah, I know how stores work dumb ass...
Now Cdubya informed me that you can buy all the episodes of Sex and the City in one box set (20 dvd's) and that I should run over to Best Buy at lunch and pick it up since it's "on sale" for $165... and that is only $8/dvd and that's a good deal. It's $165! I'll probably do it anyway... she doesn't know I'm going to go buy a new golf club yet. ;)
Hey, it's bowling day, everyone have a happy hump day.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
My eBay Claim
Had to post this because I never thought it would happen... Here's the story.
In June I was looking for a new cpu for my Dell Dimension 2400. I found that I needed a certain cpu to match my motherboard. I was watching the auctions on eBay and found exactly what I was looking for and bid on it and won. Sweet! $84 got me basically a lot faster.
I paid immediately and waited and waited for it to arrive. After 3 weeks and a couple emails to the seller it arrived. I was ready to install it right away. I took the package out of the box and opened it up. I examined the writing on the chip (after finding my reading glasses of course, that shit is small!) and wow, wouldn't you know, it's not even close. Oh, it was a Pentium 4 alright but it was a 533 mhz bus instead of 400 and was a 2.7 ghz processor instead of 2.4. Ok, I'm confused, the auction was for a 2.4, 400 and that's the maximum my motherboard could handle. He must have sent me the wrong one...
So, I email him.... wait.... wait.... wait... email him again... wait... finally a response. He doesn't have the chip that he auctioned, that was a typo! A typo!?!?! What the fuck... He says he'll sell me a motherboard for it cheap... oh yeah, I can see where this is going. Scamming mother f'er...
I say no thanks, I want a refund. He agrees and I ship it back.
I email him that I've sent it, did he get it? And I wait... and wait... and wait... 2 more weeks go by, I go to PayPal and find the seller's email address (I had been communicating through eBay previously). I email that address directly, nothing... once more, finally get a response from him (from a different address) saying not to email his father any more! Oh crap, not only am I getting scammed it's by some f'ing punk. He says that he got the chip but that almost all the pins are bent and that he's not refunding me a penny!!!
Ok, I've been patient up till now. 3 months have gone by and I finally hit the roof. I tell him that oh yeah, he'll be giving me a god damn refund... I try threats, I try emailing his father, nothing. I get an offer from him finally for half. I tell him to shove it up his ass, I want the whole thing. He says then I better file a claim.
Ok, you little punk, I'll do just that. I got to Pay Pal because eBay suggests trying that first. Oops, has to be within 30 days to do that. Crap.
I go back to eBay and file a claim with them, thinking I'm pretty much out $84. After 3 weeks I get an email saying they'd been assigned my case and could I send my payment information from Pay Pal. I fax it in and today I got an email saying that I won the case and am getting $52.50 back! Ok, it's not the $84 that I paid but it's better than nothing and I can finally put this behind me.
And the computer? Still sitting with the old cpu and I keep vacillating between buying a "new" processor or just replacing the whole computer...
In June I was looking for a new cpu for my Dell Dimension 2400. I found that I needed a certain cpu to match my motherboard. I was watching the auctions on eBay and found exactly what I was looking for and bid on it and won. Sweet! $84 got me basically a lot faster.
I paid immediately and waited and waited for it to arrive. After 3 weeks and a couple emails to the seller it arrived. I was ready to install it right away. I took the package out of the box and opened it up. I examined the writing on the chip (after finding my reading glasses of course, that shit is small!) and wow, wouldn't you know, it's not even close. Oh, it was a Pentium 4 alright but it was a 533 mhz bus instead of 400 and was a 2.7 ghz processor instead of 2.4. Ok, I'm confused, the auction was for a 2.4, 400 and that's the maximum my motherboard could handle. He must have sent me the wrong one...
So, I email him.... wait.... wait.... wait... email him again... wait... finally a response. He doesn't have the chip that he auctioned, that was a typo! A typo!?!?! What the fuck... He says he'll sell me a motherboard for it cheap... oh yeah, I can see where this is going. Scamming mother f'er...
I say no thanks, I want a refund. He agrees and I ship it back.
I email him that I've sent it, did he get it? And I wait... and wait... and wait... 2 more weeks go by, I go to PayPal and find the seller's email address (I had been communicating through eBay previously). I email that address directly, nothing... once more, finally get a response from him (from a different address) saying not to email his father any more! Oh crap, not only am I getting scammed it's by some f'ing punk. He says that he got the chip but that almost all the pins are bent and that he's not refunding me a penny!!!
Ok, I've been patient up till now. 3 months have gone by and I finally hit the roof. I tell him that oh yeah, he'll be giving me a god damn refund... I try threats, I try emailing his father, nothing. I get an offer from him finally for half. I tell him to shove it up his ass, I want the whole thing. He says then I better file a claim.
Ok, you little punk, I'll do just that. I got to Pay Pal because eBay suggests trying that first. Oops, has to be within 30 days to do that. Crap.
I go back to eBay and file a claim with them, thinking I'm pretty much out $84. After 3 weeks I get an email saying they'd been assigned my case and could I send my payment information from Pay Pal. I fax it in and today I got an email saying that I won the case and am getting $52.50 back! Ok, it's not the $84 that I paid but it's better than nothing and I can finally put this behind me.
And the computer? Still sitting with the old cpu and I keep vacillating between buying a "new" processor or just replacing the whole computer...
Please give me candy
Sorry for the delay, it appears blogger has some issues this morning.
So, funniest thing last night. Doorbell rings and I answer and there's this little boy, about 4, dressed in a batman costume but alone and no bucket or bag for his candy. I wait for him to say something but he just stands there silently. Not wanting to scare him, I softly ask "what do you say?". Looking down at the ground, he says even softer "please give me candy". I had to laugh...
We ended up with about 30 kids total, plenty of candy left over for yours truly. Last kids were around 8:30 and never did have the way too old teenagers with pillow cases this year. Probably helped that I turned off all the lights at 8:45.
Watched Catwoman last night... ugh, don't you all make the same mistake. There's an hour and 40 minutes I'll never get back.
Have a great Tuesday!
So, funniest thing last night. Doorbell rings and I answer and there's this little boy, about 4, dressed in a batman costume but alone and no bucket or bag for his candy. I wait for him to say something but he just stands there silently. Not wanting to scare him, I softly ask "what do you say?". Looking down at the ground, he says even softer "please give me candy". I had to laugh...
We ended up with about 30 kids total, plenty of candy left over for yours truly. Last kids were around 8:30 and never did have the way too old teenagers with pillow cases this year. Probably helped that I turned off all the lights at 8:45.
Watched Catwoman last night... ugh, don't you all make the same mistake. There's an hour and 40 minutes I'll never get back.
Have a great Tuesday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
