I Throw My Shoes at You!

So, this Iraqi journalist throws his shoes at the United States President. The ultimate insult, the media shouts, "See they hate us". The evil empire has struck again.

What happens to this journalist? He's detained, a big debate, should he be fined, or jailed for awhile or just released.

Doesn't anyone see the Big Picture here.

Under Saddam, he probably would have been tortured and executed, and his family, good chance the same fate.

What has the evil empire done?

Remember Our Family

and

Friends in the Military

The following poem was written by a Marine.

I first heard it sung as a Cadence.

'Twas the night before Christmas,

He lived all alone,

In a one bedroom house made of

Plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney

With presents to give,

And to see just who

In this home did live.

I looked all about;

A strange sight I did see,

No tinsel, no presents,

Not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle,

Just boots filled with sand,

On the wall hung pictures

Of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,

Awards of all kinds,

A sober thought

Came through my mind.

For this house was different,

It was dark and dreary,

I found the home of a soldier,

Once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,

Silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor

In this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle,

The room in such disorder,

Not how I pictured

A United States soldier.

Was this the hero

Of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho,

The floor for a bed?

I realized the families

That I saw this night,

Owed their lives to these soldiers

Who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world,

The children would play,

And grownups would celebrate

A bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom

Each month of the year,

Because of the soldiers,

Like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder

How many lay alone,

On a cold Christmas eve

In a land far from home.

The very thought

Brought a tear to my eye,

I dropped to my knees

And started to cry.

The soldier awakened

And I heard a rough voice,

"Santa don't cry,

This life is my choice;

I fight for freedom,

I don't ask for more,

My life is my god,

My country, my corps."

The soldier rolled over

And drifted to sleep,

I couldn't control it,

I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,

So silent and still

And we both shivered

From the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave

On that cold, dark, night,

This guardian of honor

So willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,

With a voice soft and pure,

Whispered, "carry on Santa,

It's Christmas day, all is secure."

One look at my watch,

and I knew he was right.

"Merry Christmas my friend,

and to all a good night."

It's a New Day

for Obama Supporters

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

The ONION

America's Finest News Source

The Lake That Was There
and Now It's Not

A couple of weeks ago we took a trip up to the Wisconsin Dells. Dropped the kids off at Noah's Ark water park, it is a huge park with some incredible water rides. While they were having fun at the park we kicked around the Dells going to the many shops. It really got to the point of sensory overload, all the collectibles and junk. After we picked them up we stopped by what was once Lake Delton. Here what we saw.

Some mud,

pacthes of weeds,

a few sand bars

and an empty lake

The Boys, a couple of them walked out to the middle of what was the lake.

I believe this lake front property

has lost something.

LIKE THE LAKE!

At least they still have the house.

May 2008 Marine Graduation

In May we made the trip to San Diego, specifically to the MRSD. To see our oldest son graduate from Marine Recruit Training otherwise known as boot camp. It was a great trip, nice flight out on Southwest, smooth and uneventful. We stayed on base at billeting not the most luxurious accommodations but adequate and comfortable. And you can’t beat the price. What’s nice about staying on base is your there at 7am when the events start.

United States Marine Graduation is a two day event:

Thursday is "Family Day" and Graduation is on Friday.

"Family Day" includes the "Motivational Run", the final run for the company of recruits. I believe it’s a five mile run, and I didn’t see any Marine breathing hard at the end. Then while the Marines go back to their barracks and change into their uniforms, we got to meet the Drill Instructors, After an hour or so we went out to the Deck (aka the grinder) where the platoons formed up and the Marines are allowed "Liberty" from about 1:00 PM on until 6:00 p.m. to visit with family and friends, so we had lunch and walked around the non-restricted areas of the Depot. This consists of a Museum, restaurants, convenience store and an assortment of gift, electronic and clothing stores. The recruits hadn’t been on this side of the base before today. Take into account they had been cut off from the world for the last three months, they enjoyed the change of pace.
Graduation takes place on Friday and is the culmination of Recruit Training (though they became Marines about a week before when they completed the Crucible). So it’s up early, watch the raising of the colors, which is inspiring. Stop at, of all places Starbucks, yes there is one right on base and the easiest place to grab a cup that early. Head over to the bleachers on the other side of the deck (you walk around the deck it’s sacred ground for the Corp.). The Marine Band plays a few tunes and then five Platoons march out and around the deck and form up in front of the stands, a speech and then there are dismissed. The Marines get a 10 day leave and then have to report to Camp Pendleton for further training.

We got through the 10 day leave in record time, it did seem to fly. Sven was home (Wisconsin) with us for a few days and then went down to Chicago (previous home) for a few days to hang out with friends and see his Recruiter. Before he left I told him to stay out of trouble. He replied "Dad, I'm a Marine I'm held to a higher standard." with that I knew I didn't have worry, so I said keep your brother out of trouble.

You see he took his brother Connor,

who is finishing High school this year,

To Chicago (actually western suburbs),

To meet his Recruiter,

The Recruiter asked him what he wanted to be,

Connor said "I want to be a Marine",

The Recruiter said "Sign here",

Now Connor leaves January 2009.

And all is safe and secure in this Marine home.

Connor has wanted to join for years; it’s a path he decided on early in life. So, they got back from their trip a few days before Sven had to go to Camp Pendleton, and they did some yard work and we just relaxed.I have started to drive my wife crazy, you see Sven bought this Cadence CD, that of course I made a copy for the truck. And I have a habit of playing it a lot, like all the time and loud real loud. And I often sing along, it makes me feel good. Can't wait to get the top off the jeep and crank it up. I do like to share.

From 100 inches of Snow
to Flooding
what's next Locust!

The seasons are getting wild and crazy up here. Last winter we had record snow fall at 100 inches. Then this spring we first had flooding from the ice/snow melt, then just when you catch your breath, here comes the flood waters from the rain.

This is ain street, the river is about a half a block to the left(west) in this picture. The water is a foot to 2 feet deep. You can't tell but there was a fast current. This street was like this for several weeks, and part of it is still closed.

In this picture of the river you get an idea of how fast the current in the river was, the table also is a good reference for the depth. If you look at the lower right section of the picture you'll notice the specks in the water. Those specks are the top fins of some verylarge fish (mostly Carp). The fish were swimming in to the shallower water in an attempt to escape the river cuurent.

You would never know that there is a park under all the water. This is Traxler park that is next to the river, the park is 27 acres and I'd estimate it was covered with two to three feet of water.

Last but by far not the least, here is the footage of the house on Lake Delton that floated away when the lake emptied. Lake Delton is the home of Tommy Bartletts Water Show and many other Wisconsin Dells attractions. Currently it's a mud hole.

So you what to be President

I can only see one sure fire way to get elected President of the United States in the 2008 election. If you run on this platform and even if you donʼt, you had better come through on this issue because the future of this Nation depends on it.

Lower prices of energy: gas, diesel, jet fuel, electricity, the price of energy has gotten out of control and there is no excuse for it. Not in this country that has the resources, knowledge and ability that we have. Iʼm not talking about cutting the federal gas tax for the summer, letʼs get prices down and I mean down, to where the economy can start growing again.

The plan is simple itʼs been talked about and debated over and over again. (Congress might take some notes since their approval rating is so low you have to pump air down to it.)
Tap our oil reserves, yes, that means off shore drilling (which can be done 50 miles out, and the horizon is at 35 miles, it wonʼt ruin your million dollar view). Letʼs drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and the Dakotaʼs thereʼs suppose to be a lot of oil and we have the technology to do it safely. Iʼm sure if we take the proper precautions we can do it with out destroying the environment. As I recall when the built the Alaska pipeline there were predictions that Alaska would become an environmental disaster, last time I looked, it has not happened.
Build refineries, our technology is better and we can make it safe.

The excuse that we won't see any benefits for 7 years tells me one fact, we should have started 10 years ago.

Nuclear energy, technology has advanced and where else are going to get the electricity to power all the electric cars.
Push for alternate energy sources, Bio-fuels have worked for Brazil, why not here.

Time to stop talking about it, because we can make it happen.

What's your Favorite WHINE?

Have we become a nation of whiners, as Ex-senator Phil Gramm stated recently? In case you missed it, “‘We have sort of become a nation of whiners. You just hear this constant whining, complaining about a loss of competitiveness, America in decline' despite a major export boom that is the primary reason that growth continues in the economy,". A lot of people got upset over this and whined about it (big surprise).
I personally believe there is some truth in his words. Not the whole nation mind you, but there are groups that just love to whine, about how bad this is or how horrible that is. And the ultimate, how horrible this nation is.
I've gotten really sick of it; look at the incredible accomplishments, the contributions that have benefited not only this nation, but the world. So you got the idea of the great things we've done in the past, and sure there have been some mistakes, learn from them.
We did great things yesterday, we can build the future.

It's Been awhile

I haven't been scheduling my time very well lately. So, this blog has lacked the attention that I feel it deserves. It has been busy around here the last few months. We had a U.S. Marine graduation, Hockey Tournaments, new job, and the flooding of the Midwest, oh and $4 for a gallon of gas. these are all subjects for the up coming weeks.

April 3, 2008 - 21:00 hours

It's SNOWING big fluffy flakes

It's SNOWING again

It's Snowing

again

The Invasion of the Cell Phones

Last Christmas we broke down and got cell phones for the family. With this family that means we max out the family plan with everyone getting a phone but me. That's all right, I don't want to be in touch at all times. I like getting in the car and listen to music or talk radio, to be out of touch. I personally don't think I'm anti-social, I just don't need to be in touch 24/7.

The good news is we can now keep track of the kids at all times. Better pick up the phone a let me know where you are and what your up to, asked them "Do you really want this leash? and they replied YES!" So, on this side of the coin it's a parents dream.

I am still concerned about our dependency on cell phones, read this article "Lose cell phone, get cast away from society" and I think you'll see what I mean.

This Isn't Robby the Robot

Having a Great Dane, the name BigDog always catches my eye. But to see Boston Dynamics quadruped robot named BigDog in this video is unbelieveable. I keep thinking it a couple of guys in a costume. Check it out.

Media over the Internet

Today Hulu.com opened its doors to the public. This is a joint venture between News Corp. and NBC Universal, and the word is they are going to make a large library of ad-supported TV shows and movies available.

I checked it out earlier, lots of content and excellent delivery over my cable modem. Well worth the time.

This is one more step toward media convergence, how long will it take for others to follow?

Getting Tired of the

Same Old TV

Gettig tired of the Game Shows and Reality TV. Try something new, and their on HBO.

Flight of the Conchords

Is it Security or Big Brother

ThruVision has announced T5000 Security Imaging System, a security imaging system that can detect explosives, narcotics, weapons, plastics hidden under clothing from 80 feet. I'm sure this system could speed up the security checks at the airport and there are plenty of other very valid applications. What concerns me is that this technology could proliferate through our daily lives. If you take a good look around, you'll see that we are currently being tracked by security cameras as we go about our daily routines. Where do we draw the privacy line, do we end up with a totalitarian state for the sake of safety.

News Item Reuters

Fallen Behind, Springing Ahead

This is the week-end that we lose an hour. Set those clocks ahead. Run around the house checking the time. The atomic clocks we have do it on their own, some pieces have a circuit that will do it automatically, unfortunately we've change the date for the time change so we have to change it today and again later, and then there are all the manual set clocks. You don't even realize how many clocks you have until you have to check them all. We have four in the kitchen alone. It's not that is bad, I just have better things to do with my time.

This morning I woke up at 7am as usual, but the clock says it's 8am. It's 9pm now but it feels like 8pm. This day is a loss, maybe because it was overcast, grey and dreary, and never seemed to much more than a twilight. Or the light dusting of snow and 20 degree temperature. I did make the pancakes, it's Sunday you know.

Is it Tradition or is it being Predictable,

Sunday Pancakes

I've gotten in the habit of getting up Sunday morning and cooking up a big batch of pancakes for the family. I've been doing this for awhile now and I've learned a couple of tricks that always means success. I use an electric skillet, you set it for 350 degrees and keep an eye on the ckes and they'll always be that perfect golden brown. Add some vanilla extract for a smooth taste (1tsp. for 2 cups of mix, 2tsp. for 4 and so on). One of my sons likes chocolate chip pancakes, so I add some Herseys syrup and some chips for him. I do some special orders.

When does it go from being predictable to a tradition? My daughter spent last night at her girl friends home and when I picked her up the first words to me were "Are there any pancakes left!".

Selling the Icons

Making the news, at least in the Chicago area, is Sam Zells statement that he planning on selling the name rights for Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs. Mr. Zell became the owner of the Cubs and Wrigley Field through the purchase of the Chicago Tribune newspaper. As part of the change in ownership certain assets are going to be sold off. Namely the Cubs and Wrigley field to separate buyers. This is fine, maybe the Cubs will become a winning team, and selling the Ballpark, rumored to the Illinois State Sports Authority (which means Illinois tax payers will be paying and paying for it). This is change that happens.

But changing the name of Wrigley Field is tearing off another piece of the fabric that makes Chicago and throwing it away. Years ago you could say, I was at Comiskey last night, I went to the Stadium, or I have a date at Wrigley, and people would know you where either at a White Sox’s game, at a Blackhawks or Bull’s game, or a Cub’s game. These were names that were Chicago. Now Comiskey is gone, torn down and replaced by a Stadium that is more like a mall than a ball field named US Cellular Field. The Chicago Stadium likewise is gone replaced by the United Center. Should another piece of Chicago be sold to the highest bidder?

I spent many years in the centerfield bleachers at Wrigley. Spent some cold nights waiting in line to get the coveted opening day and the St. Louis series bleacher seats at the friendly confines. Sometimes there would be 20, sometimes just a few but I always knew someone in the centerfield bleachers. One year on opening day we had a snow ball fight in the bleachers, the next year it was 70 degrees. Roasted on hot summer days getting that bleacher tan and sat through rain delays drinking a beer on the ramp. The first night game at Wrigley field was rained out, I sat there drench to the bone till they called it. The following night became the Official first night game and of course I didn’t have that ticket. But I was there the first time the lights came on and the first pitch was thrown. Saw them lose to the Giants in the play-offs for another “Wait till next Year” all in the friendly confines.

Memories I haven’t thought of in a long time,

Memories of Wrigley Field

Keeping Warm

No. 2 son sporting a fur coat and a Russian Officers hat in -5 degree weather.

The Bald Eagle and the U. S. Marine Corp.

Last Sunday we were driving cross the Rock River on the Memorial bridge when I saw what I first thought was just a large Hawk. We have an abundance of hawks up here. The size made me really take notice of it, and I realized that the head and neck were white. Now the only bird I know of that is that big with a white head and neck is a Bald Eagle, and if you go about 2 hours northwest you'll find a colony of eagles (I don't know what you call an area where eagles nest). So, I start yelling at the kids to look at this bird that's crossed our path heading in the same direction we'll be going once we get on the interstate.

I remark to my oldest son that this could be a favorable prediction on the new chapter in his life. The reason we were all in the car driving to Chicago was to bring my oldest son to the MEP Station (Military Entrance Processing Station). My oldest has joined the Marines, and has now started the 82 weeks of training for his MOS with Boot Camp. This is a new chapter in his life, he's not our little boy anymore, but he'll always be our son.








Dad and future Marine at the MEP Station.










Mom and Future Marine.














All the kids.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow some more.....

About 20 inches in 30 Hours

We're currently around 76 inches of snow for the season and at this pace we'll break the record. Fortunately we've had a few warm spells to melt it.

During this storm there were over 2000 cars and trucks stranded on I-90 between Beloit Wi. and Madison Wi., some for as long as 12 hours. Fortunately there were no serious accidents or injuries.

This was taken at 5pm after 8 inches had fallen, the white spots are caused by the flash reflecting off the snowflakes.

And we now a shot after the storm with the walk way shoveled.








The Evergreen tree in the back that's carrying a heavy load.








Our Great Dane "Cody" is not happy about the difficulty in getting to his favorite trees.

Can't Believe I'm Doing This!

Bears Fan, living in Packerland,

Cheering for a New York Team!

This just isn't right.

The Patriots offensive line tried to overcome the Giants defensive line but just couldn't find the holes they needed. Brody was never given the time he needed to execute and all too often was staring at a white jersey coming for him. The defensive line of the Patriots did an excellent job of coverage and pressure on Eli Manning and he with stood the challenge. With only a single ball possession per team in the first quarter, you knew this was going to be an intense, down to the last minute, who's going to win game.

The Giants final drive in the last minutes of the fourth quarter for their go ahead touchdown, and the subsequent Patriots possession with less than 2 minutes of time left, this had to put you on the edge of your seat. Every Hail Mary Brody threw in the final seconds made you hold your breath in anticipation; will the Patriots pull victory from the jaws of defeat? This was a great game; this is what the Super Bowl is about.

The downside to the game was the lack of sportsmanship shown by the Patriots. From Coach Belichick running onto the field in the last seconds (causing a delay) to congratulated Coach Coughlin and then disappearing up the tunnel before the game ended. To the Patriot team generally leaving without seeming to congratulate the underdog team that prevailed.

The upside and hats off to Coach Coughlin, for being on thin ice on keeping your job at the beginning of the season to winning the Super Bowl. You had a hard road to travel and you succeeded.

The Super Bowl is over and much too every one’s surprise "the underdog" the Giants won.

Blue Tooth Technology Reapplied

Technologies are always advancing at different speeds, so to see a commonly used technology (in this case Blue Tooth) being re-purposed for another use is great.
Check out this CNN story and video.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2008/01/25/sot.bleill.bluetooth.legs.cnn

Odd Items from the In-Box #3

How much does a house weigh?

Answer: More than a rural two lane bridge can hold.

Courtsey of Captain Smiles

Odd Items from the In-Box #2

These men have just finished placing solid steel pillars in concrete to stop vehicles from parking on the pavement outside a sports bar downtown. They are cleaning up at the end of the day.

How long do you think it will be before they realize
where their vehicle is parked?

Courtsey of Captain Smiles

Odd Items from the In-Box #1

Yes That is a POWER STRIP floating

on a couple of flip flops in a pool!

Courtsey of Captain Smiles

Cooking Under Pressure

A couple of months ago I picked up a pressure cooker at a nearby big box store. I'd wanted to try cooking with one for some time. It is an awesome way to cook during these cold months when you don't want to go outside and fire up the grill.
First thing I tried was tried was cutting up a pork shoulder into chunks, added some BBQ sauce, spices and water, bring it to pressure for 20 - 25 minutes, let it decompress on its own and you have some great pulled pork. Now, I'm not saying it'll be as good as pork that's been smoked for 12 hours, but you’re not going to be disappointed. You can do the same thing with beef, got that roast that looks good, but you know it's going to be chewy, cut it up, throw it in the cooker and it'll come out and melt in your mouth. One warning, cooking it so that it comes out rare is difficult and it probably won't be as tender.
Say, you want some veggies with this, just throw them in with the meat (potatoes and carrots work well), depending on the amount of liquid you use, it can be a roast and veggies, a stew, or soup. For last week’s NFL play-off game I did some beef and we had some tasty beef sandwiches for the game.
Great comfort food for a winter’s day (currently 5 degrees here)

Let the Circus Begin

The Primaries have started and so has the three ring circus that goes with it.

• Ring one the Democrats
• Center Ring The Media, the Polls, the Dirty Tricks
• Ring three the Republicans

This is will be so entertaining we'll forget the writers are on strike.

And a Cold Wind is Blowing.........

Got a few of more inches of snow yesterday and then the skies cleared and the temperature started dropping. Last night I watched my outdoor thermometer drop from a balmy 10 to -6 degrees when finally turned in for the night. This is the kind of weather that makes your eyes tear up and takes away your breath when you go out. There is another side to this weather, you may can ponder, it slaps you up the side of the head and lets you know that your alive.

4pm taking the dog for a walk, it's -3 degrees, get to the end of the driveway and the dog (Great Dane) looks at me with an expression of "are you crazy" then pulls me back to the house.

-7 at 5:30pm, I'd say -15 by midnight.

I discovered an easy way of keeping warm in this weather (besides not going out or heading to the Caribbean). The usual rules of dressing in layers, wear a hat all work well, but if you really want to stay warm invest in a pair of Wrangler rugged wear thinsulate lined jeans. These jeans are great, when the temp. drops under 35, I pull them out. I've found that I can get by wearing a lighter coat and still stay comfortable.

Tomorrow is suppose to be more of the same, but there are a couple of football games.
So, you stock up the fridge make a list of things to do around the house and enjoy.