So far so good. Only one small moment of insaneness which involved cat toys but we will not speak of that. No news on whether they shipped a new lamp for the TV even though we spent extra money for Fed Ex Next Hour Shipping.
Doug Moe has a piece in the paper about a Picture Car Driver, Carl Peronto, who is pushing for a premier at the Orpheum. Well, it depends what you call a Premier. But I feel and this has been confirmed by a secret Universal Insider that it probably ain't going to happen. remember, premiers are not really for showing off movies, they are for Hollywood networking.
Now - I can see Madison having an event for sure. But the The Premier. On that note I still have it on my list of things to do to have an event at East Gate for a Columbus event. This would hopefully include bus's from Columbus. We would have the entire theatre to ourselves for a showing. I've spoken to a pimply 5th in command holiday teenager there and found out what needed to be done. Stay tuned.
==============================
The Kurth I believe is open tonight - not sure if that can make it to Midnight but it's open for a while. BTW - a few months ago we spotted some Universial Studio workers at the Kurth.
If y'all can't make it have a very safe new year eve and drink responsibly.
==============================
I need a new name for a beer I bottled last night - it WAS called Flat Squirrel but to many people think it is a Fat Squirrel clone (not sure HOW they get that idea). it's funny when someone tried it and say "wow that does taste like Fat Squirrel" well - it's not suppose to and doesn't actually. hmmmmm how can I use this trickery in the future.
So FLAT Squirrel has this description ( Toasty malt flavors (sorta like biscuits just pulled from the oven coasting in equilibrium with crisp hoppiness.)
It really does have a biscuits flavor. I used 3 oz's of Biscuit Malt i the recipe. so I want to change the name before it's too late. Once it's in peoples minds it's hard to get out. I was called Ronald an entire summer once because I went a week to long without correcting the ladies on my name, then it was too late.
===============================
I picked up a simple game from the past a few days ago. It was 50% so I figured WHY NOT - it's called The Farming Game and is like Monopoly on steroids. DJ and I played it last night and it's fun BUT I can see it will take a LONG time to finish. Thus when the directions say play to $250,000 or a time limit . . .they mean time limit.
Upon further review I found a website called Board game Geek and they rate all the board games. now I MUST find a game called "Agricola". It's rated highest from 365 voters. OR a game called "Puerto Rico" sounds awesome.
The current game that we play The Settlers of Cataan is rated 35th. I came in dead last the last time we played and Jenny seems to ALWAYS win!
===============================
I better get out and get the snow off the driveway - we have to move DJ's dad down the hall today. My job is to unhook and hook up his entertainment center and move all the heavy stuff - WHOO HOO.
Have a great last day of 2008 - I WOULD say good riddance but in reality this has been a great year for the Melotte's. We made so many new friends and personally I had a real fun year. Sure - there was a horrific dark moment but what does not tear you down will make you stronger.
So to all my new and nameless friends around the world - cheers!
Rod
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Are We Survivors?????
At EXACTLY 11:00 (give or take a half hour) the bulb on our Mitsubishi WD-52631 HD TV burned out leaving the living room dark and scary and creating an emptiness in my well being.
I, of course mistakenly, blame Adubya for this as he is the one that talked me into this once outstanding TV. I mean, five color wheels instead of the typical three! Totally beautiful color . . . . until now.
So I was forced to contact Mitsubishi ("mitsu" meaning "three" and "hishi" meaning "water caltrop" . . .WTF? - also Mitsubishi was the manufacture of the Japanese Zero in WWII). Mitsubishi stands for "three water chestnuts"?
ANYWAY - it SEEMS the bulbs go out rather frequently since ordering one was so FREAKING easy. Only cost $250. Adubya (who had his bulb go out a few months ago) said they are easy to install.
Wonderful!
Remember HBO's biggest Bone Head Blunder show Deadwood? The greatest TV show ever until they canceled it with one episode to go? And then they PROMISED people there would be a final wrap-up movie? But it never happened? People were obsessed with that show, as much as the Sopranos. Totally screwed HBO watchers and I canceled HBO when they canceled Deadwood.
ANYWAY - there was a scene when Bullock and his wife were in their house watching "TV" but since there was no TV back then . . . .the chairs were in front of a window.
=============================
Beer.
I have had some great success in beer lately. A Sassy cow Milk Stout that is great. A wonderful IPA which will become my FIRST house beer. A messed up Columbus Carriage Classic II that is mellowing out very nicely (I forgot 2 lbs of barley).
Here is a photo of my IPA. Mine is on the left (with a gulp out of it) and the beer I tried to imitate is on the right.
For Christmas I got a freakishly huge propane burner for doing full boils in the garage. All I need is a chiller now! My birthday is coming up in a month :-)
=====================================
Have a wonderful Tuesday - I think I saw a bird outside - EXCITEMENT!!
Rod
I, of course mistakenly, blame Adubya for this as he is the one that talked me into this once outstanding TV. I mean, five color wheels instead of the typical three! Totally beautiful color . . . . until now.
So I was forced to contact Mitsubishi ("mitsu" meaning "three" and "hishi" meaning "water caltrop" . . .WTF? - also Mitsubishi was the manufacture of the Japanese Zero in WWII). Mitsubishi stands for "three water chestnuts"?
ANYWAY - it SEEMS the bulbs go out rather frequently since ordering one was so FREAKING easy. Only cost $250. Adubya (who had his bulb go out a few months ago) said they are easy to install.
Wonderful!
Remember HBO's biggest Bone Head Blunder show Deadwood? The greatest TV show ever until they canceled it with one episode to go? And then they PROMISED people there would be a final wrap-up movie? But it never happened? People were obsessed with that show, as much as the Sopranos. Totally screwed HBO watchers and I canceled HBO when they canceled Deadwood.ANYWAY - there was a scene when Bullock and his wife were in their house watching "TV" but since there was no TV back then . . . .the chairs were in front of a window.
This is what my life has become.
=============================Beer.
I have had some great success in beer lately. A Sassy cow Milk Stout that is great. A wonderful IPA which will become my FIRST house beer. A messed up Columbus Carriage Classic II that is mellowing out very nicely (I forgot 2 lbs of barley).
Here is a photo of my IPA. Mine is on the left (with a gulp out of it) and the beer I tried to imitate is on the right.
For Christmas I got a freakishly huge propane burner for doing full boils in the garage. All I need is a chiller now! My birthday is coming up in a month :-)
=====================================
Have a wonderful Tuesday - I think I saw a bird outside - EXCITEMENT!!
Rod
Monday, December 29, 2008
Vacation Week - SECU FUBR
It's vacation week so the blog will be a little smaller then normal due to being only half awake when writing.
So what exciting thing happened today already? SUMMIT CREDIT UNION FUBR. I wake up to see how much I can spend today. I'm a little short and need some bottle caps for beer and low and behold . . . . .I AM WAY WAY OVERDRAWN!!! What?????? What happened.
So I log into my checking account and everything I have done since Christmas HAS BEEN DOUBLED. DJ logs in and EVERYTHING SHE HAS DONE HAS BEEN DOUBLED! WTF??
So I call SECC and it seems their phones are not working. hmmmmmm
I swear SECC is the WORST place to put money. They have screwed up every loan we have ever taken out, we get other peoples papers in the mail at times and they "forget" to do things.
One time we had to move like $5000 from escrow into another account. Then it would be moved BACK into another money bucket, except they "forgot" the moving back part.
Totally incompetent place. Every time we get a loan we have money taken out of each of our checks and put into some other account or to pay off somebody. Never happens. The wrong amount gets taken out or ALL the $ is taken out of MY account or the money is taken out but never paid to anybody.
BUT - there is an upside.
I am forced to use my brain.
Many people THINK they are using their brain but they aren't. Using your brain, REALLY using it is a way to combat Alzheimer's. Not just thinking about things but learning new things is how you exercise your brain.
My constant obsessions are exercise, wine, stocks, poker, gardening and now beer are keeping the brain cells from gathering dust (or at least I like to think they are dust free). Being a computer programmer you would think THAT would be enough but seriously. Working your job NORMALLY is a autopilot thing. Sure you are solving puzzles but they are the same kind of puzzles you have been solving for years. You are not opening up new pathways to enlightenment.
So if you are getting stale, learn something new. Try to become an expert.
=======================================
Public Enemies - I have nothing for ya! ZIP Wait - I did find out that Michael Mann is in teh movie. He is seated in the Biograph Theatre in one scene.
========================================
Brett Favre - I bet he REALLY retires now. He totally sucked the last 5 games of the season - I mean HORRIBLE! Favre was so bad they fired his coach this morning. 2 TDs and 9 interceptions are a rough way to finish a season. HOWEVER - if he does retire he can come back to GB and he will be loved!!
The one thing people forget was that his last year with the Packers was his second best year of his career. They forget that the two years BEFORE his last withthe packers were his WORST two years of his career. They seem to forget the 47 interceptions.
Now don't get me wrong - I'm not railing on Brett. I'm just saying that people tend to forget the bad things and frustration.
This year Brett had a QB rating of only 57.4 when temps were less then 40. Rogers was 105.
One last thing about the NFL - it's goign to be an outstanding post season. No team that is way way better then the next.
=============================
Two photos a day apart from the same area. Fun with fog!
Have a great day
Rod
So what exciting thing happened today already? SUMMIT CREDIT UNION FUBR. I wake up to see how much I can spend today. I'm a little short and need some bottle caps for beer and low and behold . . . . .I AM WAY WAY OVERDRAWN!!! What?????? What happened.
So I log into my checking account and everything I have done since Christmas HAS BEEN DOUBLED. DJ logs in and EVERYTHING SHE HAS DONE HAS BEEN DOUBLED! WTF??
So I call SECC and it seems their phones are not working. hmmmmmm
I swear SECC is the WORST place to put money. They have screwed up every loan we have ever taken out, we get other peoples papers in the mail at times and they "forget" to do things.
One time we had to move like $5000 from escrow into another account. Then it would be moved BACK into another money bucket, except they "forgot" the moving back part.
Totally incompetent place. Every time we get a loan we have money taken out of each of our checks and put into some other account or to pay off somebody. Never happens. The wrong amount gets taken out or ALL the $ is taken out of MY account or the money is taken out but never paid to anybody.
BUT - there is an upside.
I am forced to use my brain.
Many people THINK they are using their brain but they aren't. Using your brain, REALLY using it is a way to combat Alzheimer's. Not just thinking about things but learning new things is how you exercise your brain.
My constant obsessions are exercise, wine, stocks, poker, gardening and now beer are keeping the brain cells from gathering dust (or at least I like to think they are dust free). Being a computer programmer you would think THAT would be enough but seriously. Working your job NORMALLY is a autopilot thing. Sure you are solving puzzles but they are the same kind of puzzles you have been solving for years. You are not opening up new pathways to enlightenment.
So if you are getting stale, learn something new. Try to become an expert.
=======================================
Public Enemies - I have nothing for ya! ZIP Wait - I did find out that Michael Mann is in teh movie. He is seated in the Biograph Theatre in one scene.
========================================
Brett Favre - I bet he REALLY retires now. He totally sucked the last 5 games of the season - I mean HORRIBLE! Favre was so bad they fired his coach this morning. 2 TDs and 9 interceptions are a rough way to finish a season. HOWEVER - if he does retire he can come back to GB and he will be loved!!
The one thing people forget was that his last year with the Packers was his second best year of his career. They forget that the two years BEFORE his last withthe packers were his WORST two years of his career. They seem to forget the 47 interceptions.
Now don't get me wrong - I'm not railing on Brett. I'm just saying that people tend to forget the bad things and frustration.
This year Brett had a QB rating of only 57.4 when temps were less then 40. Rogers was 105.
One last thing about the NFL - it's goign to be an outstanding post season. No team that is way way better then the next.
=============================
Two photos a day apart from the same area. Fun with fog!
Have a great day
Rod
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Elweed
I was picking up my buddy from Kindergarten Elweed yesterday. DJ told me not to let him know that the word "flooding" was in the weather forecast.
You see last year it seemed whenever we had a apocalyptic weather event Elweed was visiting and would have to stay overnight. Blizzard, flooding and now "flooding" was again in the weather forecast.
It all started a few days before Christmas 2007 when I started to take him home in a blizzard and I turned back. Little did I know the somewhat humorous (for me . . . sort of) events that would happen in the next few days.
Saturday
We purchased some 6-packs of random microbrews, seven kinds of beer actually and we thought we would do a microbrew beer tasting, play a bunch of poker and hang out. And that's what we did. He was In The Money in poker 6 out of 6 times Saturday night and I was crushing No Limit on the computer next to him and all was well.
Sunday
Sunday comes and the storm that was suppose to hit Saturday was all rain. But NOW it had turned cold with 50mph winds with true white out conditions. The temp had dropped to 10 (compared to 40 the day before). After watching the Packer game we took off towards Madison. Five miles later I am turning around and aborting the mission. After seeing 5 cars in the ditch and with whiteout and only being able to steer straight ahead I said "fuck this".
SO - Elweed is STILL here. We drank more beer, played more poker and relaxed. Elweed was 5 of 7 In The Money and I continued to crush NL10.
I went to bed and he stayed up a little longer and drank a few more Guinness and he would go to the garage to smoke cigs and . . .whatever.
Monday
Monday he wakes up and complains about not being able to breath very well. DJ and I sluff it off as an Elweed thing but he continues to complain and bends over in pain a few times.
After about 3 hours of this we decide to go to Urgent Care in Columbus.
Now remember - Elweed has SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder) and is not to fond of NEW things at all so this was not a pleasure trip. He has not seen a Doctor for over 30 years.
He gets in right away and they do their X-rays and as DJ predicted after searching the Internet, a collapsed lung. Now there is no reason for this, no trama, no accident but I have my theory. I THINK he took a BIG hit of pot late at night, coughed, and blew a hole in his lung! Too funny!
ANYWAY - he is lying there, thirsty and having to pee. No one will give him liquid but he really has to pee. A nurse comes in and announces that they have now transferred him from the emergency room to the hospital (hmmmm, THAT'S not good). They are going to wheel him into the operating room and he says I HAVE TO PEE! There are three female nurses in the room running about, the door is open, people walking by and one is holding up a catheter saying "Here you go". " WHAT? can't I just go into the men's room?" "no no just go in here, no big deal". At this point I left to let him deal with his little hell. I'm not sure if he ever went.
Two hours later he is in his room and we're talking, a nurse comes in to ask The List of Mindless Questions, "have you ever had bubonic plague? and have you ever had that and after the fourth "have you" question he says - "I have never had anything, I have not been to a doctor in 30 years I have never been diagnosed with anything!!" There is a pause and the nurse with a blank look on her face says "Have you ever had Typhoid?" "NO" he yells!
I can tell 4 hours without a cig is having an effect on his mental well being.
Then there are other questions "Do you drink beer?. WHAT DO YOU MEAN DO I DRINK BEER! AM I DRINKING BEER NOW? HAVE I EVER DRANK BEER?
Have you ever taken drugs?
pfffft! I can tell this is going to be fun.
"Marijuana"! long silence . . . . . "having problems spelling it"?. we all laugh and she says no she can't . "P . . O . . T" . and we all laugh!
"Do you have any emotional problems?" "How do you mean?" "Like depression" "I have had depression problems in the past" "And how do you feel now?" "Well, I'm laying here with tubes in me, I have not had a cigarette in 6 hours and I'm hungry how do YOU think I feel". "I mean concerning depression". "OH, no I'm fine thank you".
Do you have any financial concerns?
I HAVE A DOLLAR FIFTY TO MY NAME, NO INSURANCE AND I CAN'T WORK FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG! WHAT DO YOU THINK!
So after a few more questions she leaves.
Elweed says "I'm not sure she liked me".
OK - question time is over and he is wondering about food. Elweed has a metabolism like a . . . well . . .he can eat a family pack of Swanson Frozen Chicken with ease. If he goes to McDonald's he will order four quarter pounders with fries and eat them like cookies. They bring him supper and he looks at it and says. Well, this is fine for a snack. Can I get more? So they bring him TWO meals.
The next day (Christmas) he calls and ask if I can bring up some food. I ask about their food and he says they woke him up every 20 minutes and when he did get to sleep he woke up at noon to this HUGE LUNCH.
"I'm pumped full of morphine, feel like vomiting and I wake up to a two double size plates of garbage under my nose."
Try finding a fast food place on Christmas in Columbus.
So - that is how MY four days around Christmas was. THIS year was our first Columbus Christmas without Elweed - THANK GOD!
Post Script - this event changed Elweeds life for the better. He found that he was in perfect health except for the hole in his lung. He worked out a deal with the Hospital and I THINK is paying his bills. With a new lease on life he is paying his income taxes. His employer who wanted to fire him because he was not at work actually gave him MORE hours (up to 20 now). And people noticed that the cleaners taking his place were ot half as good as he was.
So it worked out well.
=================================
Have a Sunday
Rod
You see last year it seemed whenever we had a apocalyptic weather event Elweed was visiting and would have to stay overnight. Blizzard, flooding and now "flooding" was again in the weather forecast.
It all started a few days before Christmas 2007 when I started to take him home in a blizzard and I turned back. Little did I know the somewhat humorous (for me . . . sort of) events that would happen in the next few days.
Saturday
We purchased some 6-packs of random microbrews, seven kinds of beer actually and we thought we would do a microbrew beer tasting, play a bunch of poker and hang out. And that's what we did. He was In The Money in poker 6 out of 6 times Saturday night and I was crushing No Limit on the computer next to him and all was well.
Sunday
Sunday comes and the storm that was suppose to hit Saturday was all rain. But NOW it had turned cold with 50mph winds with true white out conditions. The temp had dropped to 10 (compared to 40 the day before). After watching the Packer game we took off towards Madison. Five miles later I am turning around and aborting the mission. After seeing 5 cars in the ditch and with whiteout and only being able to steer straight ahead I said "fuck this".
SO - Elweed is STILL here. We drank more beer, played more poker and relaxed. Elweed was 5 of 7 In The Money and I continued to crush NL10.
I went to bed and he stayed up a little longer and drank a few more Guinness and he would go to the garage to smoke cigs and . . .whatever.
Monday
Monday he wakes up and complains about not being able to breath very well. DJ and I sluff it off as an Elweed thing but he continues to complain and bends over in pain a few times.
After about 3 hours of this we decide to go to Urgent Care in Columbus.
Now remember - Elweed has SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder) and is not to fond of NEW things at all so this was not a pleasure trip. He has not seen a Doctor for over 30 years.
He gets in right away and they do their X-rays and as DJ predicted after searching the Internet, a collapsed lung. Now there is no reason for this, no trama, no accident but I have my theory. I THINK he took a BIG hit of pot late at night, coughed, and blew a hole in his lung! Too funny!
ANYWAY - he is lying there, thirsty and having to pee. No one will give him liquid but he really has to pee. A nurse comes in and announces that they have now transferred him from the emergency room to the hospital (hmmmm, THAT'S not good). They are going to wheel him into the operating room and he says I HAVE TO PEE! There are three female nurses in the room running about, the door is open, people walking by and one is holding up a catheter saying "Here you go". " WHAT? can't I just go into the men's room?" "no no just go in here, no big deal". At this point I left to let him deal with his little hell. I'm not sure if he ever went.
Two hours later he is in his room and we're talking, a nurse comes in to ask The List of Mindless Questions, "have you ever had bubonic plague? and have you ever had that and after the fourth "have you" question he says - "I have never had anything, I have not been to a doctor in 30 years I have never been diagnosed with anything!!" There is a pause and the nurse with a blank look on her face says "Have you ever had Typhoid?" "NO" he yells!
I can tell 4 hours without a cig is having an effect on his mental well being.
Then there are other questions "Do you drink beer?. WHAT DO YOU MEAN DO I DRINK BEER! AM I DRINKING BEER NOW? HAVE I EVER DRANK BEER?
Have you ever taken drugs?
pfffft! I can tell this is going to be fun.
"Marijuana"! long silence . . . . . "having problems spelling it"?. we all laugh and she says no she can't . "P . . O . . T" . and we all laugh!
"Do you have any emotional problems?" "How do you mean?" "Like depression" "I have had depression problems in the past" "And how do you feel now?" "Well, I'm laying here with tubes in me, I have not had a cigarette in 6 hours and I'm hungry how do YOU think I feel". "I mean concerning depression". "OH, no I'm fine thank you".
Do you have any financial concerns?
I HAVE A DOLLAR FIFTY TO MY NAME, NO INSURANCE AND I CAN'T WORK FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG! WHAT DO YOU THINK!
So after a few more questions she leaves.
Elweed says "I'm not sure she liked me".
OK - question time is over and he is wondering about food. Elweed has a metabolism like a . . . well . . .he can eat a family pack of Swanson Frozen Chicken with ease. If he goes to McDonald's he will order four quarter pounders with fries and eat them like cookies. They bring him supper and he looks at it and says. Well, this is fine for a snack. Can I get more? So they bring him TWO meals.
The next day (Christmas) he calls and ask if I can bring up some food. I ask about their food and he says they woke him up every 20 minutes and when he did get to sleep he woke up at noon to this HUGE LUNCH.
"I'm pumped full of morphine, feel like vomiting and I wake up to a two double size plates of garbage under my nose."
Try finding a fast food place on Christmas in Columbus.
So - that is how MY four days around Christmas was. THIS year was our first Columbus Christmas without Elweed - THANK GOD!
Post Script - this event changed Elweeds life for the better. He found that he was in perfect health except for the hole in his lung. He worked out a deal with the Hospital and I THINK is paying his bills. With a new lease on life he is paying his income taxes. His employer who wanted to fire him because he was not at work actually gave him MORE hours (up to 20 now). And people noticed that the cleaners taking his place were ot half as good as he was.
So it worked out well.
=================================
Have a Sunday
Rod
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The Complete Public Enemies Columbus Blog on a disk
A quick Saturday blog.
All the little Public enemies Elves went to the movies and all came out empty handed with nary a one seeing a PE trailer.
SO - current movies - no trailer.
I WOULD like to hear some reviews of all the holiday movies so if you feel like writing a personal review - go for it.
Speaking of movies we watched Mama Mia! last night. Come on now Meryl Streep?? Remington Steele?? This WOULD have been a good movie if they would have gotten rid of those two clowns. Every time I saw them sing I cringed. They REALLY needed to get two unknowns for those parts.
Good music but Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan were REALLY out of character and really killed the movie. I could not take the movie seriously and thought it was a gimmick.
I DID like the music though.
===================================
Be prepared for some HOPEFULLY only minor flooding today. A Sh*tload of heavy rain is coming our way with embedded thunderstorms. turning colder tonight with light freezing rain and a few inches of snow!
==================================
More then one person has contacted me about getting The Complete Public Enemies Columbus Blog on a disk. I know Graham Man has a copy and perhaps he would like to share?
Order in the next 10 minutes and get TWO disks, give to friends BUT WAIT THAT'S NOT ALL. Order in the next THREE minutes and we will send you the 2009 Dog Poop Calendar.
AND THAT'S NOT ALL!!
Act withen the next 30 seconds and we will send you the new Marie Antoinette, Queen of France action figure with ejector head.
Best know for saying "Let them eat cake" this highly educational action figure can be loads of fun for the whole family.
================================
The Wisconsin Football team plays today in the Champs Sports Bowl. I can't tell you how excited I am, seriously, I can't tell you.
"Champs" I believe, is a local bar in Orlando who is sponsoring the game.
Hey - the Twisted Kilt should sponsor the game - THAT would be sweet.
===============================
Mark suggested I check into the SWAP shop for a computer. But don't those computers lack operating systems??
================================
Have a wet Saturday
Rod
All the little Public enemies Elves went to the movies and all came out empty handed with nary a one seeing a PE trailer.
SO - current movies - no trailer.
I WOULD like to hear some reviews of all the holiday movies so if you feel like writing a personal review - go for it.
Speaking of movies we watched Mama Mia! last night. Come on now Meryl Streep?? Remington Steele?? This WOULD have been a good movie if they would have gotten rid of those two clowns. Every time I saw them sing I cringed. They REALLY needed to get two unknowns for those parts.
Good music but Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan were REALLY out of character and really killed the movie. I could not take the movie seriously and thought it was a gimmick.
I DID like the music though.
===================================
Be prepared for some HOPEFULLY only minor flooding today. A Sh*tload of heavy rain is coming our way with embedded thunderstorms. turning colder tonight with light freezing rain and a few inches of snow!
==================================
More then one person has contacted me about getting The Complete Public Enemies Columbus Blog on a disk. I know Graham Man has a copy and perhaps he would like to share?
Order in the next 10 minutes and get TWO disks, give to friends BUT WAIT THAT'S NOT ALL. Order in the next THREE minutes and we will send you the 2009 Dog Poop Calendar.
AND THAT'S NOT ALL!!Act withen the next 30 seconds and we will send you the new Marie Antoinette, Queen of France action figure with ejector head.
Best know for saying "Let them eat cake" this highly educational action figure can be loads of fun for the whole family.
================================
The Wisconsin Football team plays today in the Champs Sports Bowl. I can't tell you how excited I am, seriously, I can't tell you.
"Champs" I believe, is a local bar in Orlando who is sponsoring the game.
Hey - the Twisted Kilt should sponsor the game - THAT would be sweet.
===============================
Mark suggested I check into the SWAP shop for a computer. But don't those computers lack operating systems??
================================
Have a wet Saturday
Rod
Friday, December 26, 2008
Fading Into Obscurity
I was doing some surfing last night and realized there are many new glitzy Public Enemies sites all spouting trailers and fancy photos and I feel THIS blog will soon no longer be the nexus for Public Enemies information.
No problem. A tiny little town in the Mid West filled a need and that is fine. Let the young puppy's have there day. I certainly don't want to get into a competition on who get's the scoops - that's just silly and a lot of stress.
STILL - no trailers. What can ya do!
===============================
Christmas Eve DJ and I drove around looking at decorations and looking in windows. At the Mayor's place we saw singing and caroling around a piano. I was a Norman Rockwell moment. Then we went to Walgreen's and it was not a Norman Rockwell moment at all.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wizard suggested I make a hobby out of investing - too late - I've obsessed over that in my life already. My brother tried to talk my parents into buying a tiny company called Xerox for $2 a share many years ago(they thought he was just a child)and this has always interested me.
I TRIED to play an investment board game last night but no one wanted to play. Most games I play have some sort on investment scenario.
Remember the Tech craze in the stock markets? BUY VDOT!!! The company had the internet computer language of the future. O'WELL! The VDOT forums were the first place Grinders Island saying was heard. Six months later they were all drinking Kool-Aid.
I WISH I could find a good computer/board game about investing.
At the moment I'm watching mortgage rates looking into refinancing. We're at 5.75 which seemed pretty good a year ago.
=======================================
Today? Going shopping for a Blu-ray player. it IS Black and Blue friday isn't it? Also need a bagel cutter. Did you know that cutting a bagel is THE most dangerous thing you can do in a kitchen? A bagel is the cause for the most trips to the emergency room of any other bakery product. BE CAREFUL.
=======================================
That's it.
Have a good day - It's WARM today - near 40F!!!
NOTE - DJ just read the blog and said I sound sad. hmmmmmm I think it is just the coffee not taking hold yet. I'm sad the coffee is taking so long to wake me up.
OH = Old Computers. I'm still looking for an OLD computer for my weather station. I now have a old laptop with no serial connection which does not work. A WIN 98 computer then reboots every 15 minutes and a VERY old WIN95 computer with a 1 gig hard drive which is useless. LOL
So thanks guys - still looking for a WORKABLE old computer, WIN 98 or greater.
Rod
No problem. A tiny little town in the Mid West filled a need and that is fine. Let the young puppy's have there day. I certainly don't want to get into a competition on who get's the scoops - that's just silly and a lot of stress.
STILL - no trailers. What can ya do!
===============================
Christmas Eve DJ and I drove around looking at decorations and looking in windows. At the Mayor's place we saw singing and caroling around a piano. I was a Norman Rockwell moment. Then we went to Walgreen's and it was not a Norman Rockwell moment at all.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Wizard suggested I make a hobby out of investing - too late - I've obsessed over that in my life already. My brother tried to talk my parents into buying a tiny company called Xerox for $2 a share many years ago(they thought he was just a child)and this has always interested me.
I TRIED to play an investment board game last night but no one wanted to play. Most games I play have some sort on investment scenario.
Remember the Tech craze in the stock markets? BUY VDOT!!! The company had the internet computer language of the future. O'WELL! The VDOT forums were the first place Grinders Island saying was heard. Six months later they were all drinking Kool-Aid.
I WISH I could find a good computer/board game about investing.
At the moment I'm watching mortgage rates looking into refinancing. We're at 5.75 which seemed pretty good a year ago.
=======================================
Today? Going shopping for a Blu-ray player. it IS Black and Blue friday isn't it? Also need a bagel cutter. Did you know that cutting a bagel is THE most dangerous thing you can do in a kitchen? A bagel is the cause for the most trips to the emergency room of any other bakery product. BE CAREFUL.
=======================================
That's it.
Have a good day - It's WARM today - near 40F!!!
NOTE - DJ just read the blog and said I sound sad. hmmmmmm I think it is just the coffee not taking hold yet. I'm sad the coffee is taking so long to wake me up.
OH = Old Computers. I'm still looking for an OLD computer for my weather station. I now have a old laptop with no serial connection which does not work. A WIN 98 computer then reboots every 15 minutes and a VERY old WIN95 computer with a 1 gig hard drive which is useless. LOL
So thanks guys - still looking for a WORKABLE old computer, WIN 98 or greater.
Rod
Thursday, December 25, 2008
A Parents Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house
I searched for the tools to hand to my spouse.
Instructions were studied and we were inspired,
In hopes we could manage "Some Assembly Required."
The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds,
While Dad and I faced the evening with dread:
A kitchen, two bikes, Barbie's town house to boot!
And, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot!
We opened the boxes, my heart skipped a beat....
Let no parts be missing or parts incomplete!
Too late for last-minute returns or replacement;
If we can't get it right, it goes in the basement!
When what to my worrying eyes should appear,
But 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear,
With each part numbered and every slot named,
So if we failed, only we could be blamed.
More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out,
All over the carpet they were scattered about.
"Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there!
Slide on the seats, and staple the stair!
Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand."
"Honey," said hubby, "you just glued my hand."
And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact
That all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact
To keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night
With "assembly required" till morning's first light.
We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work,
Till our eyes, they went bleary; our fingers all hurt.
The coffee went cold and the night, it wore thin
Before we attached the last rod and last pin.
Then laying the tools away in the chest,
We fell into bed for a well-deserved rest.
But I said to my husband just before I passed out,
"This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt.
Tomorrow we'll cheer, let the holiday ring,
And not have to run to the store for a thing!
We did it! We did it! The toys are all set
For the perfect, most perfect, Christmas, I bet!"
Then off to dreamland and sweet repose I gratefully went,
Though I suppose there's something to say for those self-deluded...
I'd forgotten that BATTERIES are never included!
Happy Holidays
Rod and DJ
I searched for the tools to hand to my spouse.
Instructions were studied and we were inspired,
In hopes we could manage "Some Assembly Required."
The children were quiet (not asleep) in their beds,
While Dad and I faced the evening with dread:
A kitchen, two bikes, Barbie's town house to boot!
And, thanks to Grandpa, a train with a toot!
We opened the boxes, my heart skipped a beat....
Let no parts be missing or parts incomplete!
Too late for last-minute returns or replacement;
If we can't get it right, it goes in the basement!
When what to my worrying eyes should appear,
But 50 sheets of directions, concise, but not clear,
With each part numbered and every slot named,
So if we failed, only we could be blamed.
More rapid than eagles the parts then fell out,
All over the carpet they were scattered about.
"Now bolt it! Now twist it! Attach it right there!
Slide on the seats, and staple the stair!
Hammer the shelves, and nail to the stand."
"Honey," said hubby, "you just glued my hand."
And then in a twinkling, I knew for a fact
That all the toy dealers had indeed made a pact
To keep parents busy all Christmas Eve night
With "assembly required" till morning's first light.
We spoke not a word, but kept bent at our work,
Till our eyes, they went bleary; our fingers all hurt.
The coffee went cold and the night, it wore thin
Before we attached the last rod and last pin.
Then laying the tools away in the chest,
We fell into bed for a well-deserved rest.
But I said to my husband just before I passed out,
"This will be the best Christmas, without any doubt.
Tomorrow we'll cheer, let the holiday ring,
And not have to run to the store for a thing!
We did it! We did it! The toys are all set
For the perfect, most perfect, Christmas, I bet!"
Then off to dreamland and sweet repose I gratefully went,
Though I suppose there's something to say for those self-deluded...
I'd forgotten that BATTERIES are never included!
Happy Holidays
Rod and DJ
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Catastrophic Hard Drive Failure.
Since no one will actually read this today . . . . . .Oh Well. BRING ON THE COFFEE!I had a 1990 VW Vanagon five years ago. Had the pop top and a refrigerator and an awesome sound system (12 inch sub woofer) and a perfect body. The only problem was that it leaked fluid out of the Master Cylinder. It seems that the wrong coolant was put in at some time and it corrodes stuff. Something unique to Vanagons I guess. I was content with filling it up on a regular basis because it was a sweet ride. So sweet that I was looking around and ready to pay major bucks to fix it.
Upon further investigation and after consulting a number if VW experts I found that it would actually be CHEAPER to replace the entire engine rather then to replace the Master Cylinder (something about being impossible to get at it while the van is right side up - seriously)! OK - let's go that route.
Then once I had made the decision to go the "new engine" route I find that there are no new engines to be had that did not have the same problem. It seems ALL Vanagons at this age have this problem. When I see a vintage Vanagon owner and ask him if his Master Cylinder is leaking and it is always "yes".
SO! I started wondering what happens, how long can I go adding fluid. How will I know when it's time to give up "Yahoo #1" (it's name). The answer?
As one VW expert said "You will know when it's time when you have a catastrophic event and your van no longer moves".
DANG!! That's not good is it. DJ is not really into catastrophic event's.
I bring this all up because the final results about my hard drive news came to me today. Even after my computer geek friend did all he could and even after HIS "Forensic Child Pornography can see anything in your computer expert" looked at it the result was . . Catastrophic Hard Drive Failure.
Dang!!! There were a lot of Public Enemies photos on that drive. I wonder if Universal had something to do with this. Did they sneak into my house and pour peanut butter on my drive?
So this is a warning. Back up your hard drives.
================================
Packers - so how odd is this season? VERY odd. Only 3 teams have ever lost 8 games by 4 points or less since the merger. The Pack have lost 7 but here is another odd stat. Using Pythagorean wins which looks at points scored and points given up and tells you how many wins you SHOULD have (8.2), the Packers are the 3rd most underachieving team in the last 39 years.
OH - and Football Outsiders predict a 100% chance for the Packers to win Sunday. They also rank Rogers as the #9 QB in the NFL. Favre is ranked 23rd and MAN has he looked bad the last 5 games. remember - the Jets have not only played the easiest schedule in the NFL this year - they have played the easiest schedule of ANY team in the last TEN year
===================
Enough blah blah = I would like to say Hi and Thank you to all the readers around the world. To the reader in Columbia (weird, a guy writing in Columbus in Columbia County is read BY a person in Columbia the country), to my friends in California (who ever you are). to the Qatar person who has been around for a few months and of course my buds in Australia (don't let the Bunyip's get ya) . Merry Christmas to all you guys in Germany and France and Spain and Turkey (there are a few of you, do you know each other?) Hungrey and Sweden of course the United Kingdom.
I hope I did not miss any of you other regular readers. OH Canada (as I burst out into song).
I even see someone on main land China has been logging on in the last few weeks. And SOMEBODY has been a long time reader somewhere in Africa. I can't tell the country but thank you.
I truly am humbled that you have stuck around and read this blog three hundred and twenty thousand times (and saddened as you must be terribly bored).
Have a Merry Christmas and tell them Rod from little Columbus Wisconsin (population about 5000) says Happy Holidays and scratch your pets on the head for me, in fact give them a little treat.
and to all
A good Day
Rod and DJ
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
It's not in MY Jeans!!
On the way to work today Sirius Satellite radio played some Bob Marley music. Here DJ and I are driving to work with wind blowing the snow and making the road look like we are floating on a cloud. As soon as we hear Bob Marley we both get huge grins.
Memories of St. John danced in our head.
We remember our week in paradise when we would sit in our cottage, perched on top of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean and listen to Ziggy Marley music. One of the vivid minds eye memories I have is sitting on the deck at night and watching cruise ships with lights blazing go by in the distance and disappear over the horizon.
ANYWAY - I thought I'd pass on some warm weather vibes. For more warm weather adventures you can always check out our St. John Vacation blog. Read about DJ's defense against rabid butterflies, and getting lost in O’Hare.
=========================================
I'm not a "bad boy" so it's not in MY jeans.
It seems scientists have found that the "bad boy" thing is actually linked to a gene. When looking at "popular" males they found that they all have a certain genetic link. This certain kind of serotonin gene also is also responsible for "breaking rules". The males grow out of this an the "bad boys" become effeminate men (I just made that up so don't beat the crap out of me).
. . . . . . . .I actually had the crap beat out of me in Junior High. I was a skinny kid that would not back down to bullies (WHAT! was I thinking). One time a guy started pushing me and Elweed around for no reason. He picked on me and started shoving me. I had my arms up to protect myself and he told me to put down my arms.
When I did I must have surprised him and he gave me a right hook that landed on my mouth splattering blood ALL over. Well, this got me a little angry and I gave HIM a right hook which surprised him as I landed it BAM right on his eye. he was perhaps 100 lbs heavier then I was so I think he was shocked I woukld attack back.
WELL - THAT really frightened me and I fell to the ground (not knowing my face was covered with blood - four stitches in my lip). We parted ways at that point. He got in BIG trouble and when I got back to school I saw he had a big shiner on his eye! I was a hero to all the other skinny geeks.
========================
This is all I'm going to say about the Packers.
Me and a couple other guys were walking back from Starbucks lamenting about the Packers and were standing on a busy street corner. A half a block away a car stops and another car starts honking in anger. One of the guys in our group starts screaming in mock anger at the cars and all of a sudden me and the other guy start screaming also. We're like cat's that hear one cat screaming and we get caught up in the frenzy.
It felt good as we raised our fists and yelled obscenities at some unknown problem down the street.
Then we all broke out laughing as we noticed people all around us were staring. WHEW - had to let it all out!
A balderdash said - "I hope we tie with Detroit".
McCarthy said in a news conference that "It's like the movie Ground Hog Day". You know? I like him just a LITTLE more now!
===========================
Beer- Columbus Carriage Classic 2 tastes might fine. Not exactly like #1 because . . .well . . . .I forgot to add 2 pounds of 2-row barley. I have since changed the way I do things so that will not happen again. It's a little lighter and a little more hoppy.
Sassy Cow Milk Stout is GREAT!! This will really get better with age. YUMMY!!!
I just brewed up a Scottish Heavy (5% ABV). It's weird as I always thought Scottish Ales were high alcohol but in reality they are LOW in alcohol.
Flat Squirrel 2 is the next to be bottled and I'm brewing an Amarillo SMaSH next. This is a Single Malt and Single Hop brew. I'm also working a Grinder Original American Brown Ale.
===========================
One year ago today my buddy Elweed blew out his lung smoking weed. Ended up in the Columbus Hospital for a week. It was actually the best thing that ever happened to him as it changed his life.
How?
He saw a Doctor for the first time in 30 years ( never ever insurance) and found out that, except for the hole in his lung he was in good health. He could not pay for the week stay as he is below the poverty line (can't find more then 20 hours of work a week) but they worked out a deal and he started to pay his bills. This also made him do his tax's for the first time in 20 years and he found he was GETTING money back (as all his friend have been telling him for years).
He has a Social Anxiety problem and no driver license but man, can he clean. A very very professional janitor - it's really too bad he could not find a full time job cleaning somewhere - he would be an outstanding employee. Like Monk - can not stand dirty things - the perfect job for a janitor!!
==========================
I have to run - have a great day and a wonderful Holiday season. Not sure when the next blog will come, tomorrow? Who knows - I'll keep in touch.
I love you guys!!
Cheers
Rod and DJ!
Memories of St. John danced in our head.
We remember our week in paradise when we would sit in our cottage, perched on top of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean and listen to Ziggy Marley music. One of the vivid minds eye memories I have is sitting on the deck at night and watching cruise ships with lights blazing go by in the distance and disappear over the horizon.
ANYWAY - I thought I'd pass on some warm weather vibes. For more warm weather adventures you can always check out our St. John Vacation blog. Read about DJ's defense against rabid butterflies, and getting lost in O’Hare.
The scene from our deck each morning
What we were forced to look at while washing dishes
through the kitchen window.
through the kitchen window.
And . . . . back to reality
=========================================I'm not a "bad boy" so it's not in MY jeans.
It seems scientists have found that the "bad boy" thing is actually linked to a gene. When looking at "popular" males they found that they all have a certain genetic link. This certain kind of serotonin gene also is also responsible for "breaking rules". The males grow out of this an the "bad boys" become effeminate men (I just made that up so don't beat the crap out of me).
. . . . . . . .I actually had the crap beat out of me in Junior High. I was a skinny kid that would not back down to bullies (WHAT! was I thinking). One time a guy started pushing me and Elweed around for no reason. He picked on me and started shoving me. I had my arms up to protect myself and he told me to put down my arms.
When I did I must have surprised him and he gave me a right hook that landed on my mouth splattering blood ALL over. Well, this got me a little angry and I gave HIM a right hook which surprised him as I landed it BAM right on his eye. he was perhaps 100 lbs heavier then I was so I think he was shocked I woukld attack back.
WELL - THAT really frightened me and I fell to the ground (not knowing my face was covered with blood - four stitches in my lip). We parted ways at that point. He got in BIG trouble and when I got back to school I saw he had a big shiner on his eye! I was a hero to all the other skinny geeks.
========================
This is all I'm going to say about the Packers.
Me and a couple other guys were walking back from Starbucks lamenting about the Packers and were standing on a busy street corner. A half a block away a car stops and another car starts honking in anger. One of the guys in our group starts screaming in mock anger at the cars and all of a sudden me and the other guy start screaming also. We're like cat's that hear one cat screaming and we get caught up in the frenzy.
It felt good as we raised our fists and yelled obscenities at some unknown problem down the street.
Then we all broke out laughing as we noticed people all around us were staring. WHEW - had to let it all out!
A balderdash said - "I hope we tie with Detroit".
McCarthy said in a news conference that "It's like the movie Ground Hog Day". You know? I like him just a LITTLE more now!
===========================
Beer- Columbus Carriage Classic 2 tastes might fine. Not exactly like #1 because . . .well . . . .I forgot to add 2 pounds of 2-row barley. I have since changed the way I do things so that will not happen again. It's a little lighter and a little more hoppy.
Sassy Cow Milk Stout is GREAT!! This will really get better with age. YUMMY!!!
I just brewed up a Scottish Heavy (5% ABV). It's weird as I always thought Scottish Ales were high alcohol but in reality they are LOW in alcohol.
Flat Squirrel 2 is the next to be bottled and I'm brewing an Amarillo SMaSH next. This is a Single Malt and Single Hop brew. I'm also working a Grinder Original American Brown Ale.
===========================
One year ago today my buddy Elweed blew out his lung smoking weed. Ended up in the Columbus Hospital for a week. It was actually the best thing that ever happened to him as it changed his life.
How?
He saw a Doctor for the first time in 30 years ( never ever insurance) and found out that, except for the hole in his lung he was in good health. He could not pay for the week stay as he is below the poverty line (can't find more then 20 hours of work a week) but they worked out a deal and he started to pay his bills. This also made him do his tax's for the first time in 20 years and he found he was GETTING money back (as all his friend have been telling him for years).
He has a Social Anxiety problem and no driver license but man, can he clean. A very very professional janitor - it's really too bad he could not find a full time job cleaning somewhere - he would be an outstanding employee. Like Monk - can not stand dirty things - the perfect job for a janitor!!
==========================
I have to run - have a great day and a wonderful Holiday season. Not sure when the next blog will come, tomorrow? Who knows - I'll keep in touch.
I love you guys!!
Cheers
Rod and DJ!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Merry Christmas to All
.
With Christmas only a few days away and who knows when you will be at work (where most of you read this blog) I will say it right now - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. It's been an outstanding year for the Melotte family. I can't tell you how much we appreciate living in Columbus.
=================================
OK - the weather, let's get it out of the way.
Tonight a couple inches.
Tomorrow, maybe three more.
Tomorrow night, another inch.
Wednesday 4 to 7.
so a total of 10-14 inches between now and Christmas! YEE HAA!!
=================================
I had to go to the store yesterday so Blake and I took off with a camera and I snapped a few snapshots - nothing award winning. Just Columbus, small town America in the winter.
I would say "ENJOY" but to me that always sounds condescending. Like, I KNOW you will ENJOY the photos (or food or whatever) but what if you DON'T enjoy them. What then? Don't tell ME to ENJOY, I will decide for myself! Better to say "I hope you Enjoy". (my pet peeve for the day).
All of these are taken through the car window - I'm not going out there!! I figured in case someone found my frozen body they could trace the photos to find my home. Except I did drive around a little. hmmmmm!
============================
For all of you parents still looking for gifts check out Princess Unicorn. I bet every girl and effeminate boy would love one. But remember - Do not play with Princess Unicorn if you are allergic to lead based paint.
============================
ON this day in history - 2005 - Scientists discover two more rings around your anus! THAT is SO WEIRD!
Have a great day!
Rod
With Christmas only a few days away and who knows when you will be at work (where most of you read this blog) I will say it right now - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. It's been an outstanding year for the Melotte family. I can't tell you how much we appreciate living in Columbus.
=================================
OK - the weather, let's get it out of the way.
Tonight a couple inches.
Tomorrow, maybe three more.
Tomorrow night, another inch.
Wednesday 4 to 7.
so a total of 10-14 inches between now and Christmas! YEE HAA!!
=================================
I had to go to the store yesterday so Blake and I took off with a camera and I snapped a few snapshots - nothing award winning. Just Columbus, small town America in the winter.
I would say "ENJOY" but to me that always sounds condescending. Like, I KNOW you will ENJOY the photos (or food or whatever) but what if you DON'T enjoy them. What then? Don't tell ME to ENJOY, I will decide for myself! Better to say "I hope you Enjoy". (my pet peeve for the day).
All of these are taken through the car window - I'm not going out there!! I figured in case someone found my frozen body they could trace the photos to find my home. Except I did drive around a little. hmmmmm!
============================For all of you parents still looking for gifts check out Princess Unicorn. I bet every girl and effeminate boy would love one. But remember - Do not play with Princess Unicorn if you are allergic to lead based paint.
============================
ON this day in history - 2005 - Scientists discover two more rings around your anus! THAT is SO WEIRD!
Have a great day!
Rod
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Saints and Solders
DJ and I watched a fantastic film last night and we both give it Grinders Seal of Approval. A truly wonderful, spiritual WWII movie that has to do more with individuals rather then the overall war effort.It's about five solders that escape the Malmedy massacre and are trapped behind enemy lines. A English pilot dropped into their laps and they MUST get secret information back to Allied lines. It's a true story.
The really interesting thing about this film is that it was made for LESS then $1 million. They used an amazing amount of WWII re-enactors, extras, and rare period equipment in the hills of Utah. And the weather just did not cooperate. It would snow when they wanted clear and rain when they wanted snow.
They used potato flakes for snow an it kept jamming the guns, in fact one scene is changed when a gun jammed.
It's an old time WWII movie rated PG-13 and has won so many awards it's silly. You really should watch this. It's not bloody like saving Private Ryan.
Here is the trailer - check it out!!!!
======================================
Sorry - no blog Friday - it was a snow day. No blog Saturday as we got up early to go Christmas shopping. Today? Well, it's -8F with 20 mph winds and I'm stalling by writing a blog hoping the 4 foot snow drift in my driveway will go away.
Snow totals?
For Columbus, 10.5 inches Friday, 3.4 inches Saturday. The front went through at 11:00 last night dropping the temp from 22F to 0F in one hour.
More snow Tuesday - 2-5 inches THEY are saying - I have not really looked into THAT storm yet (I did call Fridays right on didn't I - tee hee) as I'm dealing with HIGHS of 2F and 4F the next couple days and am in denial.
YES - we are above last years snow total and need about 7 inches to beat last year - I think we can do it as there are more storms in the que. Watch that BIG one that is just hitting the northern west coast. That's the one we're getting Tuesday. I'm thinking mid day Tuesday. TO ME it looks like it will be hitting it's peak right over Wisconsin.
STILL looking for an old desk top computer. I took my broken beast to the Nerd Heard at Buy More and they said it would cost $200 to fix. Well, that is a little extreme for a weather robot.
=============================
STILL no trailer for PE! waiting waiting waiting.
So that's it for today. PLEASE be careful traveling. -30 to -40F Wind chills.
OH - finally - whos'in - I am aware of your presence. Yesterday I was driving home from Left Hand Louie's house and as I was tunnel visioning my way home a vision of YOU entered my mind - I immediately thought NOT ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE NIGHTMARES but then I looked in my rear view mirror and I believe you car was just entering the Park Ave.
have a great day - INDOORS!!
Rod
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Have fun shoveling tomorrow.
Public Enemies Photo blog
I found this cool picture of a horse!
There is an article in the Wisconsin State Journal by Doug Moe (I used to play softball with him) and he is talking about how PE should have the Premiere in Madison. This would be nice but it's like having the Superbowl in Green Bay - not going to happen.
He says Michael Mann owes us because he went to UW Madison and so forth. ummmmm - I believe having part of the movie IN Madison could be payback??? Anyway, Premiere's are a way to get all the Hollywood people in one place to see the latest work of art. They are for networking and showing off. Not for paying somebody back (unless you are in Illinois I suppose).
Perhaps I'm a realist and know that in the real world a Premiere in Madison or Columbus would not be in Universal's best interest. Heck - they ONLY have three movies this summer, do they want to waste a Premiere in a State where many US citizens don't even know where it is?
----------------------------------------------------------
I found this cool picture of a horse!
There is an article in the Wisconsin State Journal by Doug Moe (I used to play softball with him) and he is talking about how PE should have the Premiere in Madison. This would be nice but it's like having the Superbowl in Green Bay - not going to happen.
He says Michael Mann owes us because he went to UW Madison and so forth. ummmmm - I believe having part of the movie IN Madison could be payback??? Anyway, Premiere's are a way to get all the Hollywood people in one place to see the latest work of art. They are for networking and showing off. Not for paying somebody back (unless you are in Illinois I suppose).
Perhaps I'm a realist and know that in the real world a Premiere in Madison or Columbus would not be in Universal's best interest. Heck - they ONLY have three movies this summer, do they want to waste a Premiere in a State where many US citizens don't even know where it is?
THE COMING STORM!!!
It could be snowing already by the time you read this. However - I believe this storm is slowing down. I said this yesterday at lunch to DJ. I believe most weather talking heads are 6 hours off. Yesterday I said I thought the storm would hit Madison about Midnight while TV stations were still talking about 6:00.
Now I see stations are hedging their bets and saying 8:00 while I'm looking at 2:00 AM Friday. In fact I'm thinking this is goign to be a FRIDAY event and have nothing to do with Thursday at all.
Here is an oddity . The MOST snow ever on December 19th is 2.9 inches, we're going to break that record by 7 inches and this could be one of the top 7 storms ever in December for Madison. The BIG snow track has slide south a little but it's a pretty wide band.
The reason for the storm can be seen in this map. All of that purple humidity is moving north and hitting cold temps. Plus the jet stream is pointing right at Wisconsin.
OH - We have two more big storms coming - don't put away the shovels.
========================================
Betty - I think I can use your computer. I'm still looking for one.
Survivor - My passport is good to go!!
========================================
This is a cartoon that appeared in Harpers Weekly in 1909. Even though the Wright Brothers successfully flew their first plane in 1903 it was not wildly accepted as truely wonderful and did not really get any attention until demonstration in 1908.
Until then most people consider the future of air travel would be in lighter then air dirigibles.
This cartoon on December 18th 1909 shows that finally people were starting to think an airplane might be something in their future. After all if Santa Clause can safe in one it can't be THAT much of a gimmick.
As artwork I really like this.
On this day in 1892 Peter Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite" premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Keith Richards turns 65 today who ever thought he would live that long.
Brad Pitts B-Day (45)
Steven Spielberg (62)
On this day EMI the British record company rejected the Beatles (they later signed them once they put down their hash pipes)
And lastly I would be remiss if I did not say the 50th episode of The A team aired on this date in 1985.
============================
Digital cameras are really going to comeback and bite is in 100 years. The reason is that so many photos will be lost. So many common shots that we think are garbage now but in 100 years they will be gold.
I love looking at old photos - that are not works of art but show us how life was 100 years ago.
This is a panoramic of Trenton New Jersey from 1909. I THINK you can enlarge it if you clicjk on it. Pretty cool photo I believe.
Have fun shoveling tomorrow.
Betty - I need a current email - or email me (computer).
Rod
It could be snowing already by the time you read this. However - I believe this storm is slowing down. I said this yesterday at lunch to DJ. I believe most weather talking heads are 6 hours off. Yesterday I said I thought the storm would hit Madison about Midnight while TV stations were still talking about 6:00.
Now I see stations are hedging their bets and saying 8:00 while I'm looking at 2:00 AM Friday. In fact I'm thinking this is goign to be a FRIDAY event and have nothing to do with Thursday at all.
Here is an oddity . The MOST snow ever on December 19th is 2.9 inches, we're going to break that record by 7 inches and this could be one of the top 7 storms ever in December for Madison. The BIG snow track has slide south a little but it's a pretty wide band.
The reason for the storm can be seen in this map. All of that purple humidity is moving north and hitting cold temps. Plus the jet stream is pointing right at Wisconsin.
OH - We have two more big storms coming - don't put away the shovels.
========================================
Betty - I think I can use your computer. I'm still looking for one.
Survivor - My passport is good to go!!
========================================
This is a cartoon that appeared in Harpers Weekly in 1909. Even though the Wright Brothers successfully flew their first plane in 1903 it was not wildly accepted as truely wonderful and did not really get any attention until demonstration in 1908.
Until then most people consider the future of air travel would be in lighter then air dirigibles.
This cartoon on December 18th 1909 shows that finally people were starting to think an airplane might be something in their future. After all if Santa Clause can safe in one it can't be THAT much of a gimmick.
As artwork I really like this.
On this day in 1892 Peter Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite" premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Keith Richards turns 65 today who ever thought he would live that long.
Brad Pitts B-Day (45)
Steven Spielberg (62)
On this day EMI the British record company rejected the Beatles (they later signed them once they put down their hash pipes)
And lastly I would be remiss if I did not say the 50th episode of The A team aired on this date in 1985.
============================
Digital cameras are really going to comeback and bite is in 100 years. The reason is that so many photos will be lost. So many common shots that we think are garbage now but in 100 years they will be gold.
I love looking at old photos - that are not works of art but show us how life was 100 years ago.
This is a panoramic of Trenton New Jersey from 1909. I THINK you can enlarge it if you clicjk on it. Pretty cool photo I believe.
Have fun shoveling tomorrow.
Betty - I need a current email - or email me (computer).
Rod
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Gas Up The Snow Blowers!
Public Enemies Photo blog
Gas up the snow blowers because we aren't even CLOSE to being done with snow for the next week! Yesterday afternoon I was looking at the upcoming week and as my eyes got wider I realized I better get out my calculator.
BEFORE Storm #1 I estimated that between Tuesday the 16th and Tuesday the 23rd we could get between 17 to 29 inches of snow!! YEA - that's right, 17 to 29.
Storm #1 dumped 4.5 inches on Columbus. Storm #2 hitting Thursday night is looking pretty wicked. Major icing near the State border and snow more north. Still they are saying 9 to 12 and that has been pretty constant. I'm looking at a 15 hour snow event. With 20mph winds.
THEN - Saturday night and Sunday there is a CHANCE for another 6-10 inches - YEE HAA!!!
New storm is way way down to the lower left of the U.S.
----------------------------
A note to ms wonderland. Yea - I did notice the British were left out of all that. I'm thinking they might have said Allies instead of The U.S. If it's any consolation the forum I grabbed that from is having a rather heated debate about that very topic. I do have to say that the U.S. was the franchise player for the Allies though. :-)
-----------------------------------------
No news on the Public Enemies Trailer scene. Nothing to report on THAT topic. Sorry.
-----------------------------------------
Survivor - I'm going to have to look for my Passport and see how old it is. I got my Passport the last time I applied for Survivor and it might be time to get a new one and I'm not sure I want to spend $75 for a new one JUST for this.
------------------------------------------
I know you all watch C-Span all the time right? Well - IN CASE you missed it, this is White House Week with lots of interesting shows about the logistics of running the White House. Last night they were preparing for a State Dinner and all that needs to be done. Then they had a piece about moving out the old and in with the new President.
The old President is moved out at noon on inauguration day and the new President is moved in. In 6 hours they have to completely move in, unpack and make the White House a home. They have to have EVERYTHING done so when the Obama's come "home" it is like they have lived there for years. The kitchen must be full of all their favorite food, the bedrooms are completely unpacked, no box's, the living room is completely comfortable with everything is in it's place including favorite magazines and toys in their perfect place.
I want to get those guys to move ME next time.
===================================
In 1969 an estimated 50 million viewers watched singer Tiny Tim marry Miss Vicky on NBC's "Tonight Show." And no that is what he looked like THEN!! I know I know - he's a babe magnet!
HEY - It's Giovanni and Marissa Ribisi birthdays, both are 34. They are twins.
===================================
Here is something you don't want to see.
Remember that winter scene I took showing the mill and river? Many people fail to look behind them the mill seen is so pretty.
Here is the opposite side of that bridge many people miss.
And lastly I was looking at my old blog and found this screen shot from my poker days. Notice that I was playing 2 games at once AND on both tables I had quads!!! Ahhhh - the good old days of making REAL money!
Have a great day!
Rod
BEFORE Storm #1 I estimated that between Tuesday the 16th and Tuesday the 23rd we could get between 17 to 29 inches of snow!! YEA - that's right, 17 to 29.
Storm #1 dumped 4.5 inches on Columbus. Storm #2 hitting Thursday night is looking pretty wicked. Major icing near the State border and snow more north. Still they are saying 9 to 12 and that has been pretty constant. I'm looking at a 15 hour snow event. With 20mph winds.
THEN - Saturday night and Sunday there is a CHANCE for another 6-10 inches - YEE HAA!!!
Snow so far compared to 2007-8
New storm is way way down to the lower left of the U.S. 
----------------------------A note to ms wonderland. Yea - I did notice the British were left out of all that. I'm thinking they might have said Allies instead of The U.S. If it's any consolation the forum I grabbed that from is having a rather heated debate about that very topic. I do have to say that the U.S. was the franchise player for the Allies though. :-)
-----------------------------------------
No news on the Public Enemies Trailer scene. Nothing to report on THAT topic. Sorry.
-----------------------------------------
Survivor - I'm going to have to look for my Passport and see how old it is. I got my Passport the last time I applied for Survivor and it might be time to get a new one and I'm not sure I want to spend $75 for a new one JUST for this.
------------------------------------------
I know you all watch C-Span all the time right? Well - IN CASE you missed it, this is White House Week with lots of interesting shows about the logistics of running the White House. Last night they were preparing for a State Dinner and all that needs to be done. Then they had a piece about moving out the old and in with the new President.
The old President is moved out at noon on inauguration day and the new President is moved in. In 6 hours they have to completely move in, unpack and make the White House a home. They have to have EVERYTHING done so when the Obama's come "home" it is like they have lived there for years. The kitchen must be full of all their favorite food, the bedrooms are completely unpacked, no box's, the living room is completely comfortable with everything is in it's place including favorite magazines and toys in their perfect place.
I want to get those guys to move ME next time.
===================================
In 1969 an estimated 50 million viewers watched singer Tiny Tim marry Miss Vicky on NBC's "Tonight Show." And no that is what he looked like THEN!! I know I know - he's a babe magnet!HEY - It's Giovanni and Marissa Ribisi birthdays, both are 34. They are twins.
===================================
Here is something you don't want to see.
Remember that winter scene I took showing the mill and river? Many people fail to look behind them the mill seen is so pretty.
Here is the opposite side of that bridge many people miss.
And lastly I was looking at my old blog and found this screen shot from my poker days. Notice that I was playing 2 games at once AND on both tables I had quads!!! Ahhhh - the good old days of making REAL money!
Have a great day!Rod
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
BCS Declares Germany Winner of World War II
So we are freakishly cold once again. This month Wisconsin is 7 degrees below normal. I heard one person in a store last night say that "it's winter". No, no - it's not winter actually. Remember, we only have a white Christmas 50% of the time so this is pretty abnormal.
NOAA still says we have a good chance to have a warmer then normal winter so . . . . . I'm counting on January to me warmer and toasty.
If we are this cold it has to be warm SOMEWHERE right? Yup. Alaska is way above average. Most of Europe is above average. It'll all even out sooner or later. Think of how warm a nice average 30 will feel.
===============================
OK - Everybody that saw the new movie Delgo last weekend raise their hands.
tick . . . . .tick . . . . .tick . . .
OK - everybody that saw the trailer for Delgo raise their hands
tick . . . . .tick . . . . .tick . . . FINE . . .
Everybody that has even HEARD of Delgo raise their hands.
Nadda?
WELL now - you missed the biggest major movie opening DUD in history. A $40M disaster. With over 2000 theaters showing the movie, ON AVERAGE, TWO people watched it per showing. That is 2 people. It grossed a tiny bit over $500,000 for three days in 2,160 theaters.
Freddie Prinze Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt, Val Kilmer, Malcolm McDowell, Kelly Ripa, and Anne Bancroft in her last movie could not save it this animated loser. I actually saw a trailer by accident and commented "That looks horrible".
It is 1.5 million BELOW the next biggest DUD! Which was? . . . . . . . P2 (that's the name of the movie).
==========================
Here is a little history of the Columbus Library
On January 20, 1877 a meeting of prominent citizens was held at the Opera House on the second floor of City Hall to organize a Library Association. People paid for a subscription to use the library located in two rooms over the current Sharrow Drug Store. The library started with 54 books donated by Ex-Governor James Lewis a resident of Columbus.
24 years later in 1901 a free library was formed with 1,965 books. The library was located in City Hall. It soon became apparent that this would not provide adequate space.
The current Prairie style library was build at its present location 11 years later in 1912 with $10,000 from Andrew J. Carnegie who was approached by the Woman's Club for funding. The Women's Club loaned the city $3.00 to get the deed to two lots. They than did fundraiser to pay for the site and furnish the building. There was now a collection of 4,643 books.
The library was renovated 78 years later in 1990 to increase space and provide a handicapped accessible elevator but even with the expansion it was not up to the standard square footage required due to a land lock situation.
In 1991 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Places.
========================
Water Water Everywhere.
We had a field trip to the Columbus Water Works last week and it was pretty interesting. John Andler was our tour guide and he was a wealth of information AND made it entertaining.
The Columbus Water Utility started in 1896 and added the Electric Utility in 1898 (forming CW&L). The the water well is 677 deep and serves 2,110 customers. One of the nice things people do not realize is that while they complain about the cost of water, all that money goes back into Columbus. CW&L makes the largest payments in tax's to the city. Over 6% of all taxes collected in Columbus comes from CW&L. Other communities pay slightly less but all of THAT money goes to the State.
CW&L contributed 1,512,923 in the past 5 years to taxes and because CW&L is community owned it does not make a profit, you are paying only what it costs. It seems when a town has to buy the water from other sources the revenue does not go back into the community like it does in Columbus.
The Columbus Water Plant has a capacity of 2,500,000 gallons a day of softened, iron filtered water. Fluoride, chlorine and sodium silicates are added to the water just before leaving the plants and there are 32.4 miles of water mains.
The a new water tower was erected in 1971 an can hold 250,000 gallons of water and replaced the the 70,000 water that was build in 1896 (now an historic landmark near the Antique Mall I believe).
The following are some photos of where you water comes from.
This is where it all begins. The big pump that reaches down 677 feet into mother earth.
Above the pump there need to be an opening just in case there is a pipe problem. So far it's never been opened.
Here is John explaining the inner workings of water.
Once the big Green pump gets the water it is put into vast holding tanks and then these pumps take the water from the tanks and . . . . . . . does something with it (hey - I was taking photos).
We enter the next room which is filled with large tanks that soften and and iron filter the water (thank goodness we didn't have a test at the end).
Brainiac - where it all happens - this replaced the old computer which is shown below this photo.
But I COULD be wrong about that! I believe that is John in the upper left corner. Nancy Olson is located on the right side and is now the office manager. That's Tim Geiger leaning against the post in the middle. I think he was looking at the point spreads on "The Board". And that is Mr. Wizard front and center (no longer with CW&L).
And here Blaze is testing a pump fart.
I'm in need of a video cam. VHS or DVD (No mini-DV's, 8mm or VHS C) for taping my Survivor App. anyone? anyone? I only need it for 3 minutes! :-)
=======================
BCS Declares Germany Winner of World War II - US Ranked 4th.
After determining the Big-12 championship game participants the BCS computers were put to work on other major contests and today the BCS declared Germany to be the winner of World War II.
"Germany put together an incredible number of victories beginning with the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland and continuing on into conference play with defeats of Poland, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands. Their only losses came against the US and Russia; however considering their entire body of work--including an incredibly tough Strength of Schedule--our computers deemed them worthy of the #1 ranking."
Questioned about the #4 ranking of the United States the BCS commissioner stated "The US only had two major victories--Japan and Germany. The computer models, unlike humans, aren't influenced by head-to-head contests--they consider each contest to be only a single, equally-weighted event."
German Chancellor Adolph Hitler said "Yes, we lost to the US; but we defeated #2 ranked France in only 6 weeks." Herr Hitler has been criticized for seeking dramatic victories to earn 'style points' to enhance Germany's rankings. Hitler protested "Our contest with Poland was in doubt until the final day and the conditions in Norway were incredibly challenging and demanded the application of additional forces."
The French ranking has also come under scrutiny. The BCS commented " France had a single loss against Germany and following a preseason #1 ranking they only fell to #2."
Japan was ranked #3 with victories including Manchuria, Borneo and the Philippines.
Have a warm Tuesday!
Rod
NOAA still says we have a good chance to have a warmer then normal winter so . . . . . I'm counting on January to me warmer and toasty.
If we are this cold it has to be warm SOMEWHERE right? Yup. Alaska is way above average. Most of Europe is above average. It'll all even out sooner or later. Think of how warm a nice average 30 will feel.
===============================
OK - Everybody that saw the new movie Delgo last weekend raise their hands.
tick . . . . .tick . . . . .tick . . .
OK - everybody that saw the trailer for Delgo raise their hands
tick . . . . .tick . . . . .tick . . . FINE . . .
Everybody that has even HEARD of Delgo raise their hands.
Nadda?
WELL now - you missed the biggest major movie opening DUD in history. A $40M disaster. With over 2000 theaters showing the movie, ON AVERAGE, TWO people watched it per showing. That is 2 people. It grossed a tiny bit over $500,000 for three days in 2,160 theaters.
Freddie Prinze Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt, Val Kilmer, Malcolm McDowell, Kelly Ripa, and Anne Bancroft in her last movie could not save it this animated loser. I actually saw a trailer by accident and commented "That looks horrible".
It is 1.5 million BELOW the next biggest DUD! Which was? . . . . . . . P2 (that's the name of the movie).
==========================
Here is a little history of the Columbus Library
On January 20, 1877 a meeting of prominent citizens was held at the Opera House on the second floor of City Hall to organize a Library Association. People paid for a subscription to use the library located in two rooms over the current Sharrow Drug Store. The library started with 54 books donated by Ex-Governor James Lewis a resident of Columbus.
24 years later in 1901 a free library was formed with 1,965 books. The library was located in City Hall. It soon became apparent that this would not provide adequate space.
The current Prairie style library was build at its present location 11 years later in 1912 with $10,000 from Andrew J. Carnegie who was approached by the Woman's Club for funding. The Women's Club loaned the city $3.00 to get the deed to two lots. They than did fundraiser to pay for the site and furnish the building. There was now a collection of 4,643 books.
The library was renovated 78 years later in 1990 to increase space and provide a handicapped accessible elevator but even with the expansion it was not up to the standard square footage required due to a land lock situation.
In 1991 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Places.
========================
Water Water Everywhere.
We had a field trip to the Columbus Water Works last week and it was pretty interesting. John Andler was our tour guide and he was a wealth of information AND made it entertaining.
The Columbus Water Utility started in 1896 and added the Electric Utility in 1898 (forming CW&L). The the water well is 677 deep and serves 2,110 customers. One of the nice things people do not realize is that while they complain about the cost of water, all that money goes back into Columbus. CW&L makes the largest payments in tax's to the city. Over 6% of all taxes collected in Columbus comes from CW&L. Other communities pay slightly less but all of THAT money goes to the State.
CW&L contributed 1,512,923 in the past 5 years to taxes and because CW&L is community owned it does not make a profit, you are paying only what it costs. It seems when a town has to buy the water from other sources the revenue does not go back into the community like it does in Columbus.
The Columbus Water Plant has a capacity of 2,500,000 gallons a day of softened, iron filtered water. Fluoride, chlorine and sodium silicates are added to the water just before leaving the plants and there are 32.4 miles of water mains.
The a new water tower was erected in 1971 an can hold 250,000 gallons of water and replaced the the 70,000 water that was build in 1896 (now an historic landmark near the Antique Mall I believe).
The following are some photos of where you water comes from.
This is where it all begins. The big pump that reaches down 677 feet into mother earth.
Above the pump there need to be an opening just in case there is a pipe problem. So far it's never been opened.
Here is John explaining the inner workings of water.
Once the big Green pump gets the water it is put into vast holding tanks and then these pumps take the water from the tanks and . . . . . . . does something with it (hey - I was taking photos).
We enter the next room which is filled with large tanks that soften and and iron filter the water (thank goodness we didn't have a test at the end).
Brainiac - where it all happens - this replaced the old computer which is shown below this photo.
But I COULD be wrong about that! I believe that is John in the upper left corner. Nancy Olson is located on the right side and is now the office manager. That's Tim Geiger leaning against the post in the middle. I think he was looking at the point spreads on "The Board". And that is Mr. Wizard front and center (no longer with CW&L).And here Blaze is testing a pump fart.
OH - The Public Fire Protection scam. It seems that (and correct me when if wrong) if you look at your bill you are being charged $9.30 for Fire Protection per month. The odd thing is that if you have a $70K house you are being charged $9.30. If you have a $500,000 house, you are being charged $9.30. If you have a multimillion industry you are being charged $9.30.
Would it not be better to be charged what your residence is assessed at?
Anyway - that is my only gripe! $1 a day for clean water is not so bad when you think about it.
============================
Would it not be better to be charged what your residence is assessed at?
Anyway - that is my only gripe! $1 a day for clean water is not so bad when you think about it.
============================
=======================
BCS Declares Germany Winner of World War II - US Ranked 4th.
After determining the Big-12 championship game participants the BCS computers were put to work on other major contests and today the BCS declared Germany to be the winner of World War II.
"Germany put together an incredible number of victories beginning with the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland and continuing on into conference play with defeats of Poland, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands. Their only losses came against the US and Russia; however considering their entire body of work--including an incredibly tough Strength of Schedule--our computers deemed them worthy of the #1 ranking."
Questioned about the #4 ranking of the United States the BCS commissioner stated "The US only had two major victories--Japan and Germany. The computer models, unlike humans, aren't influenced by head-to-head contests--they consider each contest to be only a single, equally-weighted event."
German Chancellor Adolph Hitler said "Yes, we lost to the US; but we defeated #2 ranked France in only 6 weeks." Herr Hitler has been criticized for seeking dramatic victories to earn 'style points' to enhance Germany's rankings. Hitler protested "Our contest with Poland was in doubt until the final day and the conditions in Norway were incredibly challenging and demanded the application of additional forces."
The French ranking has also come under scrutiny. The BCS commented " France had a single loss against Germany and following a preseason #1 ranking they only fell to #2."
Japan was ranked #3 with victories including Manchuria, Borneo and the Philippines.
Have a warm Tuesday!
Rod
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tribal Council Bitter
We just got word that the 7th Floor of our building is a Peanut Free zone. I guess you have to go outside if you want to eat peanuts. I didn't mind when the building became smoke free but now this is hitting too close to home. What's next?? Will they soon make our floor a Red Dye #7 free zone?
==================================
I was going to blog about our water tour but I forgot my orange cheat sheet in the car and since it is over 600 below zero today (without the wind chill) I'll wait until tomorrow.
However - many of you in Columbus noticed that BEER was actually coming from your faucets the last few days. This has actually been the plan all along. I needed access to the water plant and under the guise of a "water tour" we infiltrated the high security area. Here is DJ flipping the main beer switch!
Notice the slightly crazed look on her face.
In reality I want to thank John Andler for giving us the tour - it was actually pretty interesting. Tomorrow I'll mention why the City Government is screwing many home owners over with the Public Fire Protection Fee.
=================================
No big Public Enemies news. We wait with baited breath.
I received an Merry Christmas email from Bob Wagner (1st Assistant Director) the other day and speaking of him there was a Bob sighting on CH3 this morning. There was a news item about the new Wisconsin tax break and they had clips of PE shooting in cold Columbus. First thing I saw was Bob yelling instructions to somebody.
I gotta tell ya - as much as the guy scared the crap out of me he did get the job done. OH - go watch his new movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, it DOMINATED Golden Globe nominations with five! Picture - Drama, Director (David Fincher), Actor - Drama (Brad Pitt), Screenplay, Score.
Here's the tiny news item.
MILWAUKEE -- Money is being made from Wisconsin-made movies.
Movies like Johnny Depp's "Public Enemies," which was filmed in the state last spring, have brought in more than $9 million.
Tax breaks for the film and video game industry have also created at least 850 jobs in the state this year, according to The Associated Press.
Eight feature films and more than a dozen television shows were filmed in Wisconsin this year.
A new movie called "Project Solitude" starring Eric Roberts is being filmed this month around Green Bay.
======================
Anybody watch Survivor? Well - once again I'm going to fill out the application and tape an audition. I've applied in the past but it was a while ago when Survivor was in the single digits. I want to be on Survivor 20. Problem is I can't find the application on CBS.com. I'll continue to look.
If anyone has a video recorder I could use one at some point. I'll fill out the 15 page application when I can find it.
Grinder - Beer Maker from Wisconsin. I'm going to make some PBR (Probst Blue Ribbon) along with some Immunity Idol Amber and a batch of Tribal Council Bitter(any other good ones you can think of?). I'll make some cool labels and send a 3 pack along with application and video. Bribe you say? How low will I go!!!
===================================
The Day the Earth Stood Still. Well . . . . . . . it was #1 at the theaters but not a lot of competition. 55% males and 51% over 25 and it played at 120 IMax theaters. The problem is that reviews are poor and audience feedback is not very kind meaning it's long term life is not going to be very . . . long.
Movie goers are ignoring the critics when it comes to Four Christmases and looks to make about $140M
Austrailia which was shut out from the Golden Globes might be called a bomb and has made only $37M so far.
===================================
Anyone not at The Kurth Friday night missed out on some fun times with lots of new people. Kim Bates and hubby along with Megs Agnew and hubby were there. A new PE nut named Chris showed up from Beaver Dam with scrap book in hand which contained photos of him and Micheal Mann hanging out together. Plus Chris has a HUGE collection of autographed Packer footballs.
A good time was had by yhe large crowd. Remember - LAST week was the 3rd Friday of the month so no 3rd Friday this week.
On a side note - if anyone see's a Caldwell from the lumber place in Columbus - their website is all messed up. Pages broken and emails to them are bouncing back.
=======================
And then there is George W Bush. You guys have seen the reporter that threw not one but two shoes at George?? Well . . . . . . what happened to his guards that are suppose to jump in front of a bullet for him. They could not stop two shoes??? George was bobbing and weaving.
=======================
OH - anybody have an OLD computer laying around?? My weather station needs you. I brought up my old WIN98 computer from the basement for the weather station but it keeps rebooting every 10 minutes. Not sure what THAT is about!! So any old computer would do. All I have is my laptop now.
=======================
Rianna is on the front page of the Wisconsin State Journal this morning. BIG article!!! I wonder if the Columbus Journal will have anything next week.
-----------------------
Mark wanted me to insert this
Antique Mall of Portage is having a big sale 15% off anything $20 or more
======================
Have a cold day in hell Monday.
Rod
==================================
I was going to blog about our water tour but I forgot my orange cheat sheet in the car and since it is over 600 below zero today (without the wind chill) I'll wait until tomorrow.
However - many of you in Columbus noticed that BEER was actually coming from your faucets the last few days. This has actually been the plan all along. I needed access to the water plant and under the guise of a "water tour" we infiltrated the high security area. Here is DJ flipping the main beer switch!
Notice the slightly crazed look on her face.
In reality I want to thank John Andler for giving us the tour - it was actually pretty interesting. Tomorrow I'll mention why the City Government is screwing many home owners over with the Public Fire Protection Fee.
=================================
No big Public Enemies news. We wait with baited breath.
I received an Merry Christmas email from Bob Wagner (1st Assistant Director) the other day and speaking of him there was a Bob sighting on CH3 this morning. There was a news item about the new Wisconsin tax break and they had clips of PE shooting in cold Columbus. First thing I saw was Bob yelling instructions to somebody.
I gotta tell ya - as much as the guy scared the crap out of me he did get the job done. OH - go watch his new movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, it DOMINATED Golden Globe nominations with five! Picture - Drama, Director (David Fincher), Actor - Drama (Brad Pitt), Screenplay, Score.
Here's the tiny news item.
MILWAUKEE -- Money is being made from Wisconsin-made movies.
Movies like Johnny Depp's "Public Enemies," which was filmed in the state last spring, have brought in more than $9 million.
Tax breaks for the film and video game industry have also created at least 850 jobs in the state this year, according to The Associated Press.
Eight feature films and more than a dozen television shows were filmed in Wisconsin this year.
A new movie called "Project Solitude" starring Eric Roberts is being filmed this month around Green Bay.
======================
Anybody watch Survivor? Well - once again I'm going to fill out the application and tape an audition. I've applied in the past but it was a while ago when Survivor was in the single digits. I want to be on Survivor 20. Problem is I can't find the application on CBS.com. I'll continue to look.
If anyone has a video recorder I could use one at some point. I'll fill out the 15 page application when I can find it.
Grinder - Beer Maker from Wisconsin. I'm going to make some PBR (Probst Blue Ribbon) along with some Immunity Idol Amber and a batch of Tribal Council Bitter(any other good ones you can think of?). I'll make some cool labels and send a 3 pack along with application and video. Bribe you say? How low will I go!!!
===================================
The Day the Earth Stood Still. Well . . . . . . . it was #1 at the theaters but not a lot of competition. 55% males and 51% over 25 and it played at 120 IMax theaters. The problem is that reviews are poor and audience feedback is not very kind meaning it's long term life is not going to be very . . . long.
Movie goers are ignoring the critics when it comes to Four Christmases and looks to make about $140M
Austrailia which was shut out from the Golden Globes might be called a bomb and has made only $37M so far.
===================================
Anyone not at The Kurth Friday night missed out on some fun times with lots of new people. Kim Bates and hubby along with Megs Agnew and hubby were there. A new PE nut named Chris showed up from Beaver Dam with scrap book in hand which contained photos of him and Micheal Mann hanging out together. Plus Chris has a HUGE collection of autographed Packer footballs.
A good time was had by yhe large crowd. Remember - LAST week was the 3rd Friday of the month so no 3rd Friday this week.
On a side note - if anyone see's a Caldwell from the lumber place in Columbus - their website is all messed up. Pages broken and emails to them are bouncing back.
=======================
And then there is George W Bush. You guys have seen the reporter that threw not one but two shoes at George?? Well . . . . . . what happened to his guards that are suppose to jump in front of a bullet for him. They could not stop two shoes??? George was bobbing and weaving.
=======================
OH - anybody have an OLD computer laying around?? My weather station needs you. I brought up my old WIN98 computer from the basement for the weather station but it keeps rebooting every 10 minutes. Not sure what THAT is about!! So any old computer would do. All I have is my laptop now.
=======================
Rianna is on the front page of the Wisconsin State Journal this morning. BIG article!!! I wonder if the Columbus Journal will have anything next week.
-----------------------
Mark wanted me to insert this
Antique Mall of Portage is having a big sale 15% off anything $20 or more
======================
Have a cold day in hell Monday.
Rod
Friday, December 12, 2008
End of the Week Blog!
Universal only has three major movies this coming summer. Drag Me to Hell on May 29th, Land of the Lost on June 5th, Public Enemies on July 1st.
And THAT my friends is all the big news from Public Enemies.
Our good friend John Michael Bolger has an interview over at Johnny Depp Reads, also Rachel has brought it to our attention that JMB now has a facebook account (oh man, does he know what he is getting into?) I'm so sorry for you JMB. I will send you some cheese curds!
==========================
I just love factory and industrial photos. I took this last year on the drive to work.
Anybody else see the moon driving to work today??
==========================
Remember - Water Tour tonight!!! Meet at The Kurth and we will caravan over about 6:15. John Adler our tour guide (who is working overtime for us) will have his lights on in his car so we can find the place when we get close.
Kim Bates reminds us that there is an opening reception for Will Gilmore's paintings from 6-8 tonight at the West James Gallery, 116 W James (Visitor Center). He's done some beautiful landscapes of areas around Columbus. The paintings will hang until January 12th if you don't get a chance to come tonight.
=============================
I bottled up my Milk Stout a couple nights ago. Tasted pretty good and even DJ liked it.
I guess I'll have to make a trip to the Sassy and drop off a couple of bottles.
===================================
Betty Page, the woman who launched ten's of thousands of missiles passed away at the age of 85.
Perhaps the males of the audience will recognize her as she was one of the key personalities for the sexual revolution in the 60's and had become a cult figure.
As artists Olivia de Berardinis (who's idealized portraits of Nurse Bettie, Jungle Bettie, Voodoo Bettie, Banned in Boston Bettie, Maid Bettie, Crackers in Bed Bettie) puts it. "What some see as a bad-girl image was in fact a certain sensual freedom and play-acting - it was part of the fun of being a woman."
Pages official website www.BettyPage.com has received over 600 million hits in the last 5 years.
============================
IT'S BOB BARKERS BIRTHDAY - he's 85
============================
Funny thing . . . for me!! IF you google Public Enemies Universal the 9th hit down the list is this blogs "MANN MELTDOWN - UNIVERSAL SCRAPS PUBLIC ENEMIES" post.
WHOOP!!!
==========================
OH - Amazing Race results
Mark comes in 1st place with 22 points. Everybody EXCEPT DJ gets -15 points for predicting Nick and Star would come in 1st (unreal).
So the official standings are
Mark 22
Jenny 25
Colette 26
DJ 28
Rod 29
Andy a distant 32
==========================
Have a great weekend and I hope to see you tonight!
Rod
And THAT my friends is all the big news from Public Enemies.
Our good friend John Michael Bolger has an interview over at Johnny Depp Reads, also Rachel has brought it to our attention that JMB now has a facebook account (oh man, does he know what he is getting into?) I'm so sorry for you JMB. I will send you some cheese curds!
==========================
I just love factory and industrial photos. I took this last year on the drive to work.
Anybody else see the moon driving to work today??==========================
Remember - Water Tour tonight!!! Meet at The Kurth and we will caravan over about 6:15. John Adler our tour guide (who is working overtime for us) will have his lights on in his car so we can find the place when we get close.
Kim Bates reminds us that there is an opening reception for Will Gilmore's paintings from 6-8 tonight at the West James Gallery, 116 W James (Visitor Center). He's done some beautiful landscapes of areas around Columbus. The paintings will hang until January 12th if you don't get a chance to come tonight.
=============================
I bottled up my Milk Stout a couple nights ago. Tasted pretty good and even DJ liked it.
I guess I'll have to make a trip to the Sassy and drop off a couple of bottles.===================================
Betty Page, the woman who launched ten's of thousands of missiles passed away at the age of 85.
Perhaps the males of the audience will recognize her as she was one of the key personalities for the sexual revolution in the 60's and had become a cult figure.
As artists Olivia de Berardinis (who's idealized portraits of Nurse Bettie, Jungle Bettie, Voodoo Bettie, Banned in Boston Bettie, Maid Bettie, Crackers in Bed Bettie) puts it. "What some see as a bad-girl image was in fact a certain sensual freedom and play-acting - it was part of the fun of being a woman."Pages official website www.BettyPage.com has received over 600 million hits in the last 5 years.
============================
IT'S BOB BARKERS BIRTHDAY - he's 85
============================
Funny thing . . . for me!! IF you google Public Enemies Universal the 9th hit down the list is this blogs "MANN MELTDOWN - UNIVERSAL SCRAPS PUBLIC ENEMIES" post.
WHOOP!!!
==========================
OH - Amazing Race results
Mark comes in 1st place with 22 points. Everybody EXCEPT DJ gets -15 points for predicting Nick and Star would come in 1st (unreal).
So the official standings are
Mark 22
Jenny 25
Colette 26
DJ 28
Rod 29
Andy a distant 32
==========================
Have a great weekend and I hope to see you tonight!
Rod
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Rianna's Going to New York!
Yet another victory for Columbus. Rianna has been selected for a chance to be the cover for Carol Alt's new book Model's Inc.
You can read more over at Left Hand Louie's (the proud father) blog. Congratulations Rianna!!
============================
The Water Tour.
I need an approximate head count for how many people are planning on attending. THERE WILL BE HANDOUTS!
Here is the deal - The tour will be at 950 Maple Ave at 6:30ish. We can meet at The Kurth about 6:15 and caravan over (so we don't get lost in the heavy Columbus traffic) or you can go right to the Water Place.
Depending how long this takes afterword DJ and I are going to the Visitor Center for a free art exhibit by Will Gillmore and then to the Kurth. All are invited to all events. The art exhibit is from 6 to 8?============================
Depression and Suicide around Christmas.
It seems this time of year newspapers and television start to come out with articles and news about how this time of year makes people depressed and suicides numbers are high.
Odd - when you look at the facts this time of year is actually the LOWEST time of the year for depression and suicides. In a study over the last 10 years, early spring and late fall are the times people get depressed. Christmas time, ODDLY, is when most people are actually the cheeriest and suicide rates are at their very lowest.
Yet another myth that seems to have taken hold and is perpetuated by the media.
============================
On this day in 1941 spare tires were outlawed because of the shortage of rubber due to WWII.
Also in 1941 Germany declared war on the United States.
In 1972 man landed on the moon for the last time. After searching and once again finding no cheese America decided that the moon trips were fruitful.
Boll Weevil Honored
On December 11, 1919, the citizens of Enterprise, Alabama erected a monument to the boll weevil, the pest that devastated their fields but forced residents to end their dependence on cotton and to pursue mixed farming and manufacturing.
The infestation led to the introduction of the peanut—an alternative crop popularized by the Tuskegee Institute's George Washington Carver. Peanut cultivation not only returned vital nutrients to soils depleted by cotton cultivation, but also proved a successful cash crop for local farmers.
King Cotton
=====================================And remember - If your parents never had children, chances are you won’t either.
Have a Thursday
Rod
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Snow? Bring It!
And you think YOU hate scraping your car in the morning?
I really don't have anything to say today. But when I typed that I feel like my mom how has said every year for the last 30 years that THIS Christmas will be smaller then the last Christmas. Granted I don't get the embarrassing amount of toys that I did when I was 7 but every year I tell her that I don't expect anything.
But then each year she puts together a Grab box of 50 or 60 $5 presents all wrapped up and the family take turns picking random presents. Then we trade and barter for the good ones (not unlike what they did on The Office last night . . .. hmmmmmm).
Anybody watch The Office??
You do know who Creed is in real life don't you? Ever notice where ever their is some singing or anything musical this weird guy is in the mix? His real name is Creed Bratton and is an original member of The Grass Roots and co-wrote many of their songs.
Speaking of TV. Did any of you catch the new show on TNT called Leverage staring Timothy Hutton? Pretty good. It's on Tuesdays nights and is sort of an Oceans 11, Sting, Robin Hood adventure. They steal from companies and people that have done something despicable. They "get even" and get paid with "other revenue streams" as they cal it.
Peppy banter and a nice cast of thief's with some humor. Hutton is the one "honest" guy that tries to keep his thieves happy and focused on the job at hand.
I took this last year and wanted to go to the mill yesterday but . . . I also wanted to get home after taking the photo and thought maybe I might not . . . . . . so I time traveled back to last year.
Questions - Jill asked - Just wondering how PE Fans and JMB fans feel about John Michael Bolger coming back to Wisconsin? THIS IS A HUGE POSSIBILITY BUT I NEED TO KNOW!
I think would have to stop him at the border don't you??
Of course a two headed Anonymous then posted a comment and 2 minutes later responded to her or himself. hmmmmmm
Whatever!
Anyway - we would love to have him come back to Columbus and there is always an open invitation at The Kurth for a fun time singing songs and relating made up stories about filming. AND we could have a faux cobblestone signing.
Speaking of The Kurth.
Since the 3rd Friday is SO close to Christmas I am moving the 3rd Friday up to this week - HOWEVER - Christmas will continue to be the 4th Thursday this year so do not rearrange your Christmas plans.
This is like Our Home Brew Club that meets every 4th Thursday of the month, although we have NEVER met in the 4th Thursday yet!!
The field trip SHOULD be THIS Friday the 12th which is the unofficial 3rd Friday. OR you can say it will be the FIRST 12th of the month. No snow or maybe a few flurry's Friday, perhaps rain on Sunday an Monday. I'll have details Friday but I would expect to meet at The Kurth 6 to 6:30ish.
We're already behind last years total snow - it's goign to be hard to catch up. The below chart shows last year and this year so far in purple-ish.
We had 8.3 inches monday and Tuesday. I took 5 readings at various points and averaged them out. Notice we need another 6 inches by Friday to keep pace.
I really don't have anything to say today. But when I typed that I feel like my mom how has said every year for the last 30 years that THIS Christmas will be smaller then the last Christmas. Granted I don't get the embarrassing amount of toys that I did when I was 7 but every year I tell her that I don't expect anything.But then each year she puts together a Grab box of 50 or 60 $5 presents all wrapped up and the family take turns picking random presents. Then we trade and barter for the good ones (not unlike what they did on The Office last night . . .. hmmmmmm).
Anybody watch The Office??
You do know who Creed is in real life don't you? Ever notice where ever their is some singing or anything musical this weird guy is in the mix? His real name is Creed Bratton and is an original member of The Grass Roots and co-wrote many of their songs.Speaking of TV. Did any of you catch the new show on TNT called Leverage staring Timothy Hutton? Pretty good. It's on Tuesdays nights and is sort of an Oceans 11, Sting, Robin Hood adventure. They steal from companies and people that have done something despicable. They "get even" and get paid with "other revenue streams" as they cal it.Peppy banter and a nice cast of thief's with some humor. Hutton is the one "honest" guy that tries to keep his thieves happy and focused on the job at hand.
I took this last year and wanted to go to the mill yesterday but . . . I also wanted to get home after taking the photo and thought maybe I might not . . . . . . so I time traveled back to last year.
Questions - Jill asked - Just wondering how PE Fans and JMB fans feel about John Michael Bolger coming back to Wisconsin? THIS IS A HUGE POSSIBILITY BUT I NEED TO KNOW!
I think would have to stop him at the border don't you??
Of course a two headed Anonymous then posted a comment and 2 minutes later responded to her or himself. hmmmmmm
Whatever!
Anyway - we would love to have him come back to Columbus and there is always an open invitation at The Kurth for a fun time singing songs and relating made up stories about filming. AND we could have a faux cobblestone signing.
Speaking of The Kurth.
Since the 3rd Friday is SO close to Christmas I am moving the 3rd Friday up to this week - HOWEVER - Christmas will continue to be the 4th Thursday this year so do not rearrange your Christmas plans.
This is like Our Home Brew Club that meets every 4th Thursday of the month, although we have NEVER met in the 4th Thursday yet!!
The field trip SHOULD be THIS Friday the 12th which is the unofficial 3rd Friday. OR you can say it will be the FIRST 12th of the month. No snow or maybe a few flurry's Friday, perhaps rain on Sunday an Monday. I'll have details Friday but I would expect to meet at The Kurth 6 to 6:30ish.
We're already behind last years total snow - it's goign to be hard to catch up. The below chart shows last year and this year so far in purple-ish.
We had 8.3 inches monday and Tuesday. I took 5 readings at various points and averaged them out. Notice we need another 6 inches by Friday to keep pace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)