NTex CrappieRaider

Jeez!

2011-10-29T12:41:00.002-05:00

Get over the Rangers choke, please.
Run this morning resulted in a sore throat because it was so cold outside. Not sure, maybe 45.
At age 78, dad still has some hot sports opinions. "Why doesn't her just die" referring to Clint Eastwood. He never was a fan and doesn't sound like he's going to change his mind.
Mom would have been 78 on the 22nd. Wonder how she would have looked and how well she would be getting around. I always thought she was where we got our athletic ability from. Story goes that she was the fastest in her class.
Zach drove to Sherman which took a little over an hour. Only two "clinch" moments and a few reminders like both hands on the wheel, go the speed limit, etc.
If you drink a lot of coffee (from beans) do your farts smell different?
Probably shouldn't have written that last one.

Where oh where have you been

2011-10-19T18:12:00.002-05:00

Right here boys, right here
Twitter is stupid
The color red is cool
Too many cat videos in this world
Just the word "loogie" is gross much less the action
Why is there no double "uu"? There's "oo" and "ee". U racist?
Can November be SMU Tate Lecture Series month? Please? Where are the archives?
Wind chill 18 playing baseball would be crap!
It's hard to find a good pair of lamps. When you do, BUY THEM!

Sunday Update

2011-03-27T11:10:00.002-05:00

Weigh in yesterday reflected a 27.5 lb reduction since January 4. Keep the faith, only 11.5 to go for my first goal
Running total for the week was only 11.8 miles but there were some time constraints. Long run was 4.8 miles and felt really good perhaps because it was a morning run at about 65 degrees.
Funeral sermon on Wed. had a very good correlation between George's life and seasons of the year. I'm sure the non Catholics agreed.
The grave site was about 50 yards from my mother's grave which made it difficult to contain my emotions. Think I did pretty well until I met up with my sister.
I need a new weed eater as I have two in the garage that don't work. One is about 15 years old and the other was given to me because she couldn't get it to work either. It worked fine for me for about 3 years but has met it's maker.
Last Sunday we took apart the both carbs on the boat, cleaned and put back together. Fired right up but when I took it out Wed. it kept smoking like crazy. It ran fine but we used a lot of WD-40 and it's going to take a while to get it all burned off/out of the motor.
Ever feel like you're in competition with a smart phone? Seems like every where I go it's more important to answer that text, play that game, check that web page. Can't we all just stop for an hour, event, day? I'd like a "cyber-free" day perhaps replacing Valentine's Day.

Wait Just a Minute...

2011-03-25T16:05:00.002-05:00

A snake? Seriously? I can now say I've caught one, with a jig no less. When I first pulled it out of the water I almost, well, you know. All I saw was fangs and an "S". It would have been fun to watch me get that line cut though. I wanted to keep it out of the water so I could keep an eye on it but with a 9' pole it was kind of difficult to maneuver. I was trying to not cut my line at the reel so I let out about 5 feet of line, pulled it towards me from the tip and then cut it. With my teeth. That darn thing balled up a couple of times and when it was free, swam to the shore with a blue/white jig still in it's mouth.

I'm convinced that people just don't know how to drive. Lack of education, practice, feeling of invincibility, or maybe just a lack of a brain. Stopping in the middle of a school zone to find your phone and then texting will you proceed to the front door...bad idea but only if there's someone to enforce it. Some days I want to call the authorities but it just won't do any good.

NASCAR still = power down.

Sure thought I was going to do better on my bracket but the games are not over yet. Same with hockey, there's still 10 games to play so hang on!

Of course it was a flop!!

Killing Time

2011-03-18T10:07:00.003-05:00

Fantasy hockey is kicking my butt. Seven players were injured at the beginning of this scoring period and my team is in last this week (overall 3rd). I predict a finish in the middle of the pack, maybe 5th.
Longhorns play in about an hour. I'm hoping for epic failure.
Yesterday's run was about 4 miles and it was extremely windy. I was shocked to discover my time was faster than Tuesday.
Getting a birth certificate takes 4-6 weeks unless you pay an extra $20 to expedite. I wonder if they do that because of past bribes. Paying the extra speeds it up to 1-2 weeks. Business days only of course.
The wind is continuing to blow at 20-30 mph gusty. I have the boat ready but just can't take it out in these conditions. Safety before crappie.
Want a killer video game? Nazis team with dinosaurs?
The laundry room shelves are completed except for a coat of paint. I've lost my motivation and the boys make too big of a mess. Over/Under on completion: 1 month.
Biggest Facebook Security Risks?
Texted the boys to stop listening to The Ticket as they were talking to a girl about girl fantasies and the like. Sometimes I want to take away everything electronic from the kids including alarm clocks. They don't seem to work and the boys can't turn the off in the dark.
Weigh in yesterday results: down 26.5 lbs. since January 4. Went out last night and had a few green beers which bumped me back up a few.
I did not know: "A real macchiato has just a stain of milk foam and no sugar", yahoo.com. But it sure does taste good with the extra milk.

February totals

2011-03-05T12:24:00.002-06:00

Ran over 30 miles, didn't get an exact total as I discovered I was running further than I had originally mapped out. Ten days with at least 3.25 miles on each occasion. My trip to Austin and the ice storm put a damper on things.
I ran what I thought was 5 miles last Saturday but it turned out to be 4.8. Bummer yet cool at the same time.
My two months on Atkins was yesterday and after dinner wight was down 22.5. Weigh in today was another lb. less so I've dropped 23.5 total. So we're talking about 12 per month, 3 per week. I'll take that since my online BMI still says severely obese.
Anyone else ready for March Madness? Believe it or not I'm getting psyched and think it's going to be a good one. Tip: don't trust the Big East.
I cleaned house for about an hour and half today and barely put a dent in it.
Did yard work for about and hour and barely put a dent in it.
The tulips I bought two weeks ago were about 4 inches tall and have grown like weeds. They are already blooming. That might be a first.
Sorry no pics or links today.

Diaries of a Snowcation

2011-02-04T09:57:00.002-06:00

Thoughts during this wonderful 6 day weekend:

For people not getting out of the house there are a lot of people out of the house
Missus woke me up at 3:30 to complain of a strange noise. Discovered it was a wind turbine so I'm giving her hell all day. Nonstop. Shh. What was that? Greatness.
My dogs are German. They don't like snow. Um was ist dass alle?
I need a haircut so bad but the barber has been out all week and will probably be today as well. Gotta get one by Monday so if anyone wants to volunteer...
DVR is empty now so bring on the crap. Example: Lady in Cement
Weight loss has stalled for now but I'm not getting any exercise. Snow is not an excuse, just don't feel like doing anything. Have only gained back 1/2 lb.
Public Enemies is a good movie. Not a fan of Johhny Depp but I like a good shoot 'em up.
I knew we got a lot of snow when I woke up and the shades were bright white. They seemed to be brighter than when the sun is out. Current count from the eldest, 5 1/4".

Adventure continues

2011-01-30T10:18:00.002-06:00

So I've continued Induction on Atkins and I've slowed a little bit but still losing a little bit. When I weighed today I came in 17.5 lbs lost, almost half way to my goal. I cheated a little bit with dry roasted peanuts but just a couple of handfuls. Phase 2, OWL, introduces nuts so if I'm cheating it's best to choose an item from the next stage. I should being that phase Feb. 8 which will be 6 weeks of induction.

I've also run every other day for a couple of weeks with 7 straight days of at least 2.25 miles. My times were getting better each time so I increased the distance and on Thursday put in 2.65. I'll look to continue that distance today and throughout the week. My time was 26:24 so I'm still on a 10 minute mile pace which I'd like to increase. I'll get back to 5k distance and then begin improving my speed. Wish me luck.

New Adventure

2011-01-24T06:21:00.002-06:00

I began Atkins on January 4. I haven't logged or entered any journal entries because I didn't know how successful I'd be. I have only cheated with two bite size dark chocolate Hershey bars and a couple of cookies a couple of weeks ago. Other than that I can't remember anything I've done to cheat. Previous versions of Atkins didn't really include vegetables but the newer version has most of the carbs coming from veggies. You have to find ways to change your current diet to include some at almost every meal and in snacks.

I've started reading the new Atkins book and it's pretty good. It can be a little complicated but I attribute that to sitting down and reading 89 pages in one day. There's also a featured article in the Feb. issue of Reader's Digest (on the cover) that's pretty good. I've also found a couple of good websites for support, atkins.com and fatsecret.com. The latter has really cool features including tracking of food, exercise, calories, net carbs, etc. Very helpful.

So down the the results. Since I began 20 days ago I've lost 16 lbs. I'm still in the induction stage and plan to stay there for two more weeks. After that I'll slowly add other food choices. Welcome to my adventure, I'm about 1/3 of the way to my first weight goal.

cool pic

2010-10-04T11:45:00.002-05:00

Anybody Else See This?

2010-07-27T07:55:00.000-05:00

Black Friday

2010-07-16T10:13:00.002-05:00

This is quite possibly the last Friday that I take off this summer. Things are starting to get busier at work and so will we.
I absolutely LOVE the British Open. The conditions make the course such a challenge, much like Texas esp. Lubbock. There was a 1:06 delay because the golf balls were being blown by the wind as they removed their markers. If I had a dime...
Tiger's pissed.
Wonder why they call them sandwich buns and not hamburger buns? They make hot dog buns.
And why do they call it hamburger? Why are they called hot dogs?
I'll be happy when the Musers return to the Ticket next week but at the same time I won't be able to listen very much.
If you were to make a quick 3 or 4 day trip in Texas, where would you go?
I would be very nervous interviewing in front of a committee like we did this week. Very large table and 9 people asking all kinds of questions. Spooky.
I went for a run this morning and the heat broke out. In a big way. Feels like 75 my a**.

Total Randomness

2010-07-03T08:26:00.002-05:00

I looked up at the calendar on Thursday only to realize it is July. Seriously? The summer time is just flying by.
I love this rain. It help off long enough for Cliff and I to get some fishing in, only had 7 keeper crappie and a stray catfish. Cliff said he'd eat it so I chopped them all up and gave him the lot of em.
Twins won again last night, hanging on to 1st place, barely. I'm not a fan of their closer, Rauch. And if you haven't watched video at MLB.com, you're missing some high quality stuff.
Another former Longhorn was arrested. It's slowed down a bit, only averaging one per week right now. It's the clean cut Chris Simms. Wonder what daddy thinks.
Errands to run today, not sure if I'll have enough time for Bed Bath and Beyond.
Watched Youth in Revolt last night. It's definitely not for the youth but certainly entertaining. I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5.
Here's a link to some of the best commercials for the Twins.

Are You Kidding Me?

2010-06-25T20:46:00.000-05:00

Now this is Funny

2010-06-24T17:05:00.000-05:00

Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

There's No Fish in that Lake

2010-06-12T08:43:00.002-05:00

Fished for about 5 hours yesterday in the 90 degree heat. Slightly overcast and humid. Only managed to catch 17 and put 10 in the live well. Partner caught 7 and kept 4. It was an OK outing but felt we were both off our game a little bit.

Bear Trap

2010-06-11T07:48:00.000-05:00

No Way You Can

2010-06-09T06:55:00.000-05:00

Keep from tearing up, even just a little bit.

Interesting

2010-06-03T08:27:00.001-05:00

Remember Me?

2010-06-03T06:46:00.003-05:00

Haven't posted in quite some time. Just letting you know I'm still kicking. Here's a funny little video for you.

Cure for Boredom?

2010-03-18T08:54:00.002-05:00

So yesterday I got a dose of motivation and got busy around the house. I started working after I returned from Home Depot and the Sprint store (got my contacts transferred). You be the judge, good day or bad day?

painted bathroom cabinet sides and kick plate
painted the trim and header of the overhead garage door
cleaned gutters on front of house
took the globe off of the front porch light fixture and cleaned
swept kitch and big room floors
wet mopped the big room floor
washed, dried, and folded 4 loads of laundry (most of it anyway)
cleaned out the lint area, not filter, on dryer (everyone should do this)
cleaned both toilets
scrubbed boys bathtub and shower doors
took coffee and plant to wife (not really work)
unloaded and loaded dishwasher before and after dinner
cooked lunch and dinner
greased the rollers on the garage door

There might have been other things I did in passing but that's pretty much it. Not sure what today brings but isn't that always the case?

Light Switch

2010-03-16T08:17:00.005-05:00

I have two switches on the wall that don't turn anything on or off. There is a ceiling fan close by that I assumed was controlled by one if not both. I replaced both switches yesterday and everything is better now. I have confirmed that those switches do indeed control nothing. As a protest to this situation I've decided that I'm going to start putting an additional button on the keyboard that doesn't actually make a character. I won't even give it a name or label it.

Better yet, maybe I'll put an extra unlabeled knob on the stereo. Can you imagine how crazy that would drive a person? "I think it just got louder. No wait, the balance went to the left. Hold on, I think the singer just farted." Yes, I've added a fart drop button to the stereo. Children, enjoy.

This is the NFL?

2010-03-15T08:59:00.003-05:00

Why in the world would these hideous things be approved for game play? MONEY! These are two of the packers players, they look like high school kids. I don't know anyone that would buy this crap but oh well, enjoy.

Coolest Sport Ever?

2010-03-13T19:51:00.000-06:00

Weekend Musings

2010-03-13T11:53:00.002-06:00

Another Saturday, another 5k. That's 4 weeks in a row and my time is gradually getting a little better. Not much but I'll take every second I can get.
I have to agree with Jub-Jub, I like tournaments. Basketball are great but don't hold a candle to curling. Remember that classic match between Norway and France in '03? Oh the tension!
Denton is a great city. I'd like to have the opportunity to choose my own utility company but other than that I really like it. There are so many active people here, running, biking, and they all seem very friendly. Example: I was running in the park the other day and passed an elderly lady walking her dog. I completed a lap and when I passed her again she gave a thumbs up and said "great job". That's pretty typical of the locals.
My wife is looking for a new hair stylist and I feel for her. I've tried other barbers when Reba is gone and it just doesn't compare. Good luck dear.
What were the best times of your life? High School? College? Now? Here's what one catholic says.
I've started using the exercise ball and while it doesn't seem difficult or like I'm really working out, I think it's doing some good. I got another loop in the belt back.

Cold Plants?

2010-03-06T07:42:00.003-06:00

Here's a proven method to keep those plants warm during the coldest of days.

Or you can use the double barrel approach:

Rules for teachers in 1915

2010-03-03T13:44:00.002-06:00

You will not marry during the term of your contract.
You are not to keep company with men.
You must be home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless attending a school function.
You may not loiter downtown in ice cream stores.
You may not travel beyond city limits unless you have the permission of the chairman of the board.
You may not ride in a carriage or automobile with any man unless he is your father or brother.
You may not smoke cigarettes.
You may not dress in bright colors.
You may under no circumstances dye your hair.
You must wear at least two petticoats.
Your dresses must not be any shorter than two inches above the ankle.
To keep the school room neat and clean, you must:
- sweep the floor at least once daily
- scrub the floor at least once a week with hot, soapy water
- clean the blackboards at least once a day
- start the fire at 7 a.m. so the room will be warm by 8 a.m.

Truth or Humor?

2010-03-02T17:20:00.004-06:00

Let me know what you think about this.

Got my total for February...24.5 running and only 7.5 biking. I put more emphasis on the running (obviously) as I want to compete in a 5K. I don't have any delusions that I might actually place so compete is a poor choice of words. How about finish.

The Dallas Morning News is only worth printing during football season. It seems that as soon as it's over I'm ready to jump the shark. I'm not even sure the coupons are worth it anymore as they typically expire within a couple of months. Sorry but I don't need to get Old English every month, just every other year. I just can't toss that $3.00 coupon, THAT'S A DEAL!!

Is That Doc from Love Boat?

2010-02-28T20:40:00.003-06:00

I remember having to watch this with my parents way back in the day. They kept asking "where did we go wrong?" "What happened to you?" Some questions can only be answered by a doctor.

Interesting?

2010-02-28T20:38:00.000-06:00

NOT!!!

Oddly Hot?

2010-02-21T09:06:00.002-06:00

We've come a Long Way

2010-02-20T21:24:00.003-06:00

This stadium looks soooo different from the last time I went to a game. I've been to more away games than home games since I graduated, that's sad. I sure hope I can make one this year..in Lubbock.

She's Such a Fan

2010-02-17T08:56:00.002-06:00

This just drives me crazy. Notice how she seems so excited, like she's a big fan. Seems to me she would know better if she were a true fan.

Three Day Weekend Thoughts

2010-02-14T09:54:00.002-06:00

Unable to fix the PS3, yes it died again. I took it apart and did the same thing as last time but getting no power. This thing ain't beat me yet.
I've never known a woman that drinks whiskey. Most will only go to rum or vodka for the "hard stuff". I can see why though, Jack is nasty as well as others.
I just couldn't bring myself to running over the last week, even indoors. Lack of motivation will be my downfall. Just watch.
The wall that was constructed at the luge track looks completely natural. Did they leave it out originally because of aesthetics? (spell check got me on that one, missed the first "e")
I like the cold weather but the wife doesn't. Is that bad?
She burps too. Not that that has anything to do with the cold. She likes to burp. If you're good at it, why stop?
Zach's new phone has the slide option showing a full qwerty keyboard. Let's see how that goes. A coworker wants to purchase that style but I'm just not that into it. I text fine with my 2004 flip Motorola.
You'd think a three day weekend would be cause for more thoughts.
Have a happy hockey! Looking forward to the tournament.

Why Parents Drink

2010-02-09T11:18:00.000-06:00

A father passing by his son's bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up.. Then he saw an Envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to 'Dad.' With the worst premonition he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.

Dear Dad:

It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you..

I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice.

But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am. But it' s not only the passion... Dad she's pregnant.

Stacy said that we will be very happy.

She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.

Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone. We'll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy.

In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it.

Don't worry Dad. I'm 15 and I know how to take care of myself.

Someday I'm sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren.

Love,
Your Son John

PS. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Tommy's house.

I Just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than a Report card... That's in my center desk drawer....

I love you. Call me when it's safe to come home.

Weekend Musings

2010-02-07T10:14:00.003-06:00

Went to a my 7th grade nephew's basketball game yesterday and it wasn't nearly as bad as the games I refereed several years ago. I think talent overall is 100X better than then. Several of the kids were coordinated and good shooters, even making free throws. Way to go Ross, I enjoyed it.
I saw two girls this morning at Kroger wearing very short dresses and no panty hose yet sporting coats. Now I've never dressed like that before but they had to have been freezing and if they had on hose, how much would it help in 42 degrees?
I'm giving away dead batteries later, free of charge.

Dad Joke?

2010-02-05T06:27:00.003-06:00

An elderly man on a Moped, looking about 100 years old, pulls up next to a doctor at a street light.

The old man looks over at the sleek shiny car and asks, "What kind of car ya got there, sonny?"

The doctor replies, "A Ferrari GTO. It cost half a million dollars!"

"That's a lot of money," says the old man. "Why does it cost so much?"

"Because this car can do up to 320 miles an hour!" states the doctor proudly.

The Moped driver asks, "Mind if I take a look inside?"

"No problem," replies the doctor.

So the old man pokes his head in the window and looks around. Then, sitting back on his Moped, the old man says, "That's a pretty nice car, all right... but I'll stick with my Moped!"

Just then the light changes, so the doctor decides to show the old man just what his car can do. He floors it, and within 30 seconds the speedometer reads 160 mph.

Suddenly, he notices a dot in his rear view mirror. It seems to be getting closer! He slows down to see what it could be and suddenly WHOOOOSSSHHH!

Something whips by him going much faster!

"What on earth could be going faster than my Ferrari?" the doctor asks himself.

He presses harder on the accelerator and takes the Ferrari up to 250 mph.

Then, up ahead of him, he sees that it's the old man on the Moped!

Amazed that the Moped could pass his Ferrari, he gives it more gas
And passes the Moped at 275 mph. He's feeling pretty good until he looks in his mirror and sees the old man gaining on him AGAIN!

Astounded by the speed of this old guy, he floors the gas pedal and takes the Ferrari all the way up to 320 mph.

Not ten seconds later, he sees the Moped bearing down on him again!
The Ferrari is flat out, there's nothing he can do!

Suddenly, the Moped plows into the back of his Ferrari, demolishing the rear end. The doctor stops and jumps out and unbelievably the old man is still alive.

He runs up to the banged-up old guy and says, "I'm a doctor.... Is there anything I can do for you?"

The old man whispers, "Unhook my suspenders from your side view mirror!"

Pretty Neat System

2010-02-05T06:12:00.004-06:00

What is the speed limit in Cananda?
Connections are RCA, I've got dozens of those at home.
Who would use that car for an armed robbery? Does not look reliable.

Couple More Tech Pictures

2010-02-04T06:45:00.003-06:00

Not a Red Raider?

2010-02-02T18:22:00.003-06:00

Maybe you should be. This is a picture taken a few weeks ago on campus, gotta love it.

January Totals

2010-02-02T06:54:00.002-06:00

I had hoped to get 20 and 40 for the month but I didn't quite make it. That's 20 miles jogging and 40 miles biking. It was pretty cold this month so I didn't get on the bike as much, only 22 miles. That's a result from 3 bike trips. Ouch, that's go to improve. I don't recall how many times I went jogging but I did log 18.85 miles, almost there.

I hope to participate in a 5K this year so I've got to step it up. I usually jog 2.15 miles each time but occasionally bump it up to 2.5. Seems easier outside than on a treadmill even though you can set an even pace. Yesterday I jogged a mile and then walked for a bit before double timing it for 1/4 mile. I repeated this until I finished my 2.15 miles and it was a little challenging as my back was killing me.

Any tips on getting to the 5K threshold faster would be greatly appreciated. I wonder if changing my running path will be enough to get that extra mile. BTW, that's not me above, not even a body double.

Yahoo Gets it Right

2010-01-31T11:22:00.004-06:00

So Bryant McKinnie of the Vikings missed a couple of practices for the Pro Bowl and was kicked off the team. That's the equivalent of getting your participation trophy in youth soccer or baseball taken away . Does he really care? Below is an excerpt from Yahoo that I think sums it up best.

Let's just call it like it is. First of all, McKinnie never should have been voted to the Pro Bowl in the first place. He was an average lineman at best this year, finding himself benched against the Carolina Pantherson December 21 for giving up sacks and pressures without letup. The Vikings got to the NFC Championship despite their line, and everybody knows it. For McKinnie to take an award he doesn't deserve and throw it away is one thing -- but to throw his teammates under the bus and put an already undermanned roster under more pressure is absolutely inexcusable. Diehl is the professional in this scenario, and he's now the one who will be playing more, and possibly subjecting himself to injury. McKinnie needs to figure it out -- and fast. The Pro Bowl may be a joke to him (and many others), but leaving your fellow football players in the lurch is hardly humor fodder.

This Kills Me.

2010-01-30T13:01:00.002-06:00

Football graduation rates in the Big 12. I've been looking for the arrest rates as well, wondering if the chart would be flipped. UT and OU are Nike schools. Just Win Baby. Nothing else matters, period. As a coach how can you live with yourself? Do you tell the kids they can come to Austin and get a degree or do you just tell them to play football? Where's the statements from Stoops and Brown regarding these grad rates? Can't find that either.

Live From Ralph Strangis

2010-01-28T12:53:00.000-06:00

Favre and Vikings Classically Heroic
Ralph Strangis – January 25, 2010

So often it is the outcome that consumes us, that validates our performances and supports our claims and beliefs. We use the scoreboard to tell us if we’re winners and trophies of every kind to proclaim to the world that we are who we say we are.

The problem is – that outcomes are the end product of complex equations. No single factor or person can control an outcome, despite our egocentric notions and grandiose beliefs to the contrary. In a football game the outcome is determined by combining all elements; your team’s players, their team’s players, subjective officiating, booth reviews, opportunities and mistakes, plays made and missed at all junctures, the toss of a coin, and the haphazard bounce of an oblong ball on a synthetic surface. It follows that looking at the scoreboard as the only means to evaluate success or failure is at least simplistic and often off the mark entirely.

In Sunday’s NFC Championship game the outcome, the final score said: New Orleans 31, Minnesota 28. Some will say then that simply the Saints won and the Vikings lost. They will posit that the Vikings are cursed, that Brett Favre choked, that the legacy of Minnesota late-season failures is secure and that New Orleans has finally shed its losing ways and are “AINTS” no more. Yes it is a hard-fought and important victory for New Orleans, and they are more than a deserving team to represent the conference in the big game.

As a lifelong Vikings fan I saw something else too. I saw a classic and epic tale of a group of players that would not shut down or quit. I watched as mistakes that would completely destroy a weaker group embolden them and solidify their intent. I watched as injured players pushed on through unrelenting pain. And I saw a 40 year-old quarterback defiant in the face of one bone-rattling hit after another willing himself and his team to keep battling no matter how many times he or they hit the canvas. Playing it safe, pushing the game down the tracks and hoping for something good to just happen for them is not a part of this group’s DNA.

Twelve months earlier the Vikings limped through a playoff game against the Eagles with all the purpose of a rudderless craft. They had players, but they were hardly a team. That group slipped into the pile with all those other Vikings teams which had teased their fans a bit, only to leave them hollow and waiting for next year.

The franchise is replete with heartbreaking losses and characterized by teams who either would not or could not show up when they were counted on most. Not this group. Not on that Sunday. This team is unlike any Vikings team before it, and it was because of one guy.

Vikings coach Brad Childress knew exactly what he was doing when he pursued Brett Favre and got him to leave his cozy quasi-retirement. And he also knew when to get out of the way after a late-season battle over whose team this would be. Favre’s message at the time - that Childress signed off on and the team took complete ownership of was – this is Brett Favre’s team – and Brett Favre’s team will not quit playing. Not ever. No matter what. In the second half of the Monday night game in Chicago the dye was cast. The Vikings smacked around a disinterested Giants team in the regular season finale and then hammered the Cowboys in the Divisional playoff game that put Dallas on an airplane home crying foul; that the Vikings had the audacity to keep playing – no matter what.

Saints Coach Sean Payton had been paying attention. His game plan was to go after the head of the snake, and that’s what his team did. But Favre and his team would not surrender or succumb, they would not, as many previous editions of the Vikings had, go quietly into the night. Despite Favre and his team’s own transgressions, despite sustaining a torrent of unwelcomed body belts, and despite a solid counter-punching opponent, this Vikings team did anything but go quietly into the night.

It may seem a stretch, but to watch the game I couldn’t help but think that Favre and his teammates more than once said “this game may do me permanent harm, but I’ll be damned if I’m not going to keep getting up.” No – this is not your father’s Vikings team.

The most important lesson then is this; how will you acquit yourself at life’s most critical moments? How will you respond when things get “too hard”? Will you continue to battle with every last ounce you have – or will you just – slip quietly away…?

Brett Favre may be the classic literary tragic hero; his greatest strengths will also be his undoing. But he doesn’t know anything else. He is at all times trying to win a game, not trying not to lose it.

To a starving fan base he brought hope and promise and delivered more heroic moments in weeks than they’d seen in years. To a mid-pack team he brought a swagger and confidence and will to fight than they had never known, and those things will stay with this group going forward. And to an audience of millions he showed what true character and real heroism really is, if they were paying attention. That the scoreboard did not validate his actions is hardly the point.

You may find it odd that I think it selfish of me that I want him to retire. I’m a Vikings fan, yet I want to remember Sunday as his finest hour and can’t imagine anything ahead that will match this season or his performance against New Orleans. At 40 years old - he took their best shots and kept coming back at them. This was his opus, his master work. Favre put everything together for one day – all of it – every representation of his body of work. His young warriors alongside him followed his lead. And he and his team just flat out refused to stop playing.

I think about the interception; the decision and the throw. Is there any doubt that they would have been in that spot in the first place without him? And at the end of the day, it’s just one play in a game that had many that conspired to form the outcome.

But honestly - that’s the Brett Favre I saw in Green Bay, that’s the Brett Favre I saw all season, and that’s the Brett Favre I want. And Sunday gave us every indication that as long as his body is able to do what his spirit commands, he’ll stay with it. Someday, and perhaps sooner rather than later, the body will fade, even though the fire still burns, and he’ll know it, and that will be that.

I know, if you’re a Vikings fan you really wanted the Super Bowl champion sweatshirt. But on Sunday, Favre and the Vikings gave you a much more valuable souvenir.

Ralph Strangis is a Minnesota native, lifelong Vikings fan, and is the play-by-play broadcaster for the Dallas Stars hockey team, currently in his 20th season with the club.

Released By Tech

2010-01-23T08:57:00.001-06:00

http://www.texastech.edu/headcoachtuberville/index.php

Credit to Boston's Legal Ass

2010-01-18T17:54:00.000-06:00

These are actual comments made on students' report cards by teachers in the New York City public school system. All teachers were reprimanded, but boy are these funny and likely appropriate.

1. Since my last report, your child has reached rock bottom and has started to dig.

2. I would not allow this student to breed.

3. Your child has delusions of adequacy.

4. Your son is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.

5. Your son sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.

6. The student has a 'full six-pack' but lacks the plastic thing to hold it all together.

7. This child has been working with glue too much.

8. When your daughter's IQ reaches 50, she should sell.

9. The gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming.

10. If this student were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week.

11. It's impossible to believe the sperm that created this child beat out 1,000,000 others.

12. The wheel is turning but the hamster is definitely dead.

Stuff and Whatnot ***Edited

2010-01-16T21:59:00.004-06:00

Fixed the PS3 today, completely tore it apart and put back together after applying heat to the CPU and GPU. Only had 4 screws left over but I know where they go so that's okay.
Kinda boring football today. Hope the Vikings game is boring too...in our favor.***Not even close to boring. Absolutely loved the entire game, couldn't stop watching.
Stars played their best game of the year today. Intensity was at a high level.
I'm tired of using a tank of gas per week. Mostly picking up kids and dropping them off.
I think the fireplace needs to be cleaned, it smells like I made ribs in the living room. I didn't.
Ever get tired of technology? Me too. Real tired.
I'd love to take a trip to somewhere sunny with a beach. And it needs to be warm.
Just love those cupcakes up top.

Says He's a Salesman

2010-01-16T09:59:00.001-06:00

I believe him after listening to this. He just talks very smoothly and has a soothing voice. Let's just hope that translates to WINS! (sorry, embed didn't work)

Want me to Stop?

2010-01-14T13:04:00.001-06:00

Had to try this

2010-01-12T13:27:00.001-06:00

You should see an emoticon above. It's become very easy to do this, I remember the good old days where you had to write so much code to make it happen. I have no idea how I learned that much less taught it.

Another Hitler Video...Funny

2010-01-10T09:54:00.001-06:00

Gotta Watch Cowboys now

2010-01-09T09:05:00.003-06:00

Team Leach is going to show some Mike Leach advertisements during the game. Not sure what they are but you can read more here.

One More Quote

2010-01-09T07:37:00.001-06:00

QUOTE FROM BUTCH FORD

"When Adam went to high school here, there were two coaches, me and Craig James, Craig James coached Adam and I coached the rest of the team. I was NEVER so happy to see one boy graduate!"

Butch Ford
Athletic director/Head coach
Celina Bobcats
Celina Texas

Last Year's Darwin Awards

2010-01-08T06:23:00.001-06:00

Here is the glorious winner:

1. When his 38 caliber revolver failed to fire at his
intended victim during a hold-up in Long Beach , California
would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only
inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the
trigger again. This time it worked.

And now, the honorable mentions:

2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a
meat cutting machine and after a little shopping around,
submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company
expecting negligence sent out one of its men to have a look
for himself. He tried the machine and he also lost a finger.
The chef's claim was approved.

3. A man who shoveled snow for an hour to clear a space for
his car during a blizzard in Chicago returned with his
vehicle to find a woman had taken the space.. Understandably,
he shot her.

4. After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a
Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he
was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had
escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence, the driver
went to a nearby bus stop and offered everyone waiting there
a free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental
hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very
excitable and prone to bizarre fantasies. The deception
wasn't discovered for 3 days.

5. An American teenager was in the hospital recovering from
serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When
asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that
he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head
to a moving train before he was hit.

6. A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill
on the counter, and asked for change. When the clerk opened
the cash drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the
cash in the register, which the clerk promptly provided. The
man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20
bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from
the drawer... $15. [If someone points a gun at you and gives
you money, is a crime committed?]

7. Seems an Arkansas guy wanted some beer pretty badly. He
decided that he'd just throw a cinder block through a
liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted
the cinder block and heaved it over his head at the window.
The cinder block bounced back and hit the would-be thief on
the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window
was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on
videotape.

8. As a female shopper exited a New York convenience store,
a man grabbed her purse and ran. The clerk called 911
immediately, and the woman was able to give them a detailed
description of the snatcher. Within minutes, the police
apprehended the snatcher. They put him in the car and drove
back to the store. The thief was then taken out of the car
and told to stand there for a positive ID. To which he
replied, "Yes, officer, that's her. That's the
lady I stole the purse from."

9. The Ann Arbor News crime column reported that a man
walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti , Michigan at 5 A.M.,
flashed a gun, and demanded cash. The clerk turned him
down because he said he couldn't open the cash register
without a food order. When the man ordered onion rings, the
clerk said they weren't available for breakfast. The
man, frustrated, walked away.

10. When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a motor
home parked on a Seattle street, he got much more than he
bargained for. Police arrived at the scene to find a very
sick man curled up next to a motor home near spilled sewage.
A police spokesman said that the man admitted to trying to
steal gasoline, but he plugged his siphon hose into the
motor home's sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the
vehicle declined to press charges saying that it was the
best laugh he'd ever had.

The wife says...

2010-01-07T20:16:00.002-06:00

CandyHaven makes a great cake.

"I'd like a strawberry M&M cake with Mars bars icing and could you use gummy bears for the candles?"

Day off today

2010-01-07T16:19:00.002-06:00

Didn't do much today although I had plans to work on the house a little bit. Some of the more exhaustive events today?

Played the Wii with wife and Ben for about and hour
Watch "Enemy at the Gate". Saw it in the theatre several years ago and didn't like it much at the time. It was much better in the confines of the living room.
Snuck out to the store to get a new electric razor. The foil on my old one has a cut in it and last time that happened I got a nice cut on my face.
Brought the trash bin to the back yard. Harder than it sounds since it's about 10 degree wind chill outside.
Unpacked the razor and plugged it in.

Whew, time for a nap.

Pictures

2010-01-03T16:33:00.001-06:00

I came across these from the 3p Challenge 2009. This year's event will be held on March 27, 2010. Not sure if I'll undertake the adventure again this year, depends on how deep the water is.

Another Funny

2010-01-03T14:38:00.001-06:00

Watch some of the language in this one but there's some great stuff in here.

Best Sign?

2010-01-03T10:53:00.002-06:00

Please answer the question

2010-01-02T18:20:00.001-06:00

Not sure he answered a single one.

More Tech dribble

2010-01-02T12:50:00.002-06:00

Is this a good video or not? Fubar could put together a pretty good one too, just a few more curse words.

Anybody believe this?

2010-01-02T12:05:00.003-06:00

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4783342&bn_req=RelatedVideos&bn_guide=AlsoUsed&bn_bnrank=2&

Here's a thought, answer the question. All he's got is the sympathy card and he's playing the heck out of it. He should have taken his child out of the situation if he was so concerned, especially since he's not going to play.

But this song is genius.

Frickin' Ridiculous

2009-12-30T12:41:00.002-06:00

Can't believe Leach was fired, here's some very interesting reading and watching.

http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/

Can you spot me?

2009-12-28T16:43:00.003-06:00

Can you found me in this Picture ? It was taken during tailgating at a football game. Hint: Look in the background.

Creepy or Cool?

2009-12-17T06:42:00.001-06:00

http://www.freakingnews.com/Mouth-Eyes-Pictures--1741.asp

Really neat!

2009-12-14T09:20:00.003-06:00

Found this on at www.wordle.net.

Football Yeah

2009-09-12T07:49:00.002-05:00

Does anyone else still look at the DMN for their high school alma mater's score? Not good for the Rams.
Denton Ryan won 70-63. Had to check the box score to make sure it was football.
Tech will play Rice today which could be interesting. Especially since we have the Longhorn next week.
I still don't believe Michigan or Notre Dame are "back" Those defenses just don't quite do it for me.
College game day just might make an appearance in Austin next week, assuming the Red Raiders crack the top 25. You know the pollsters like to help match up ranked teams.
Have the women stopped reading yet? Here's one for you ladies. The San Angelo major skipped out on his swearing in. His excuse was he had to flee to Mexico to see his lover. Well, his lover was a 20 year old Mexican college student. Illegally here. How does all that happen? Don't forget to read the caption.

Password Wednesday

2009-09-09T19:38:00.002-05:00

So today is the first Wednesday of my new ritual to change a password. I figure if I change one account to the same password every Wed., I'll have them all the same by Thanksgiving then start all over. This should keep things pretty secure. Join me, we'll have fun!

Oprah interview tonight at 10 with Gloria Compost. I bet it's crappy. LOTI

John Legend is actually pretty good. He ain't no PUFF artist, seems very classy. The older Peter Gabriel might could learn a thing or two. Nice voice but doesn't seem too be as classy.

I had a good thought but lost it. Why does that happen? Cleaning chemicals getting to me? Maybe I should stop snorting the Comet. Ouch!

Getting frustrated with the house selling. I'm not sure there's a cleaner house out there that isn't as clean (that's not new). It's odd to me that two comments were "too high priced" but they haven't made an offer or given a range that they are looking for. Oh well, the quest continues.

Til later, later.

Interesting Links

2009-09-05T16:29:00.003-05:00

Need something intesting to look at? Give these a tray.

Sugar snacks
Chemical Free Shop
Shopping for your iWhatever.
What if the oceans rise? Cool interactive page.
Creepy tears from a boy.

Weekend Thoughts

2009-08-30T18:04:00.002-05:00

Two house showings in the last 48 hours, cross your fingers.
Looked at a nice foreclosure today. That means more work which isn't a bad thing.
College football starts Thursday night. Does it matter who's playing? Tech vs. North Dakota State on Saturday.
Vikings tomorrow vs. Houston.
Sport sport sport. BTW, Twins beat Rangers today, another 2 out of 3 series. Nice
George Carlin was not that funny to me. We listened to his tapes at track meets and laughed at the 7 words but other than that, big bag of nothing IMO.
Dan Cook, not so much either. Too much filth. Although Richard Pryor had some filth and I thought he was genius. Mudbone, nuff said.
I wish tomorrow were Labor Day. Do not want to work at all. Let's all psych ourselves into having a great week knowing there's a three day weekend coming up. Anyone want to puke?
Song lyrics in my head: "I just smelled Haley's vomit, and I think I'm gonna puke too". Honk if you get it.
I like ducks.

From My Favorite Book MMM...Cupcakes

2009-08-29T16:03:00.002-05:00

New iPhone Apps-Gold

2009-08-28T22:24:00.000-05:00

Anybody Out There?

2009-08-28T22:04:00.004-05:00

So crucify me for not blogging, go ahead. I understand. Really, I do. What would happen to Denny if he skipped one of his 3 posts per day? Or Barry for forgetting the pics that keep you coming back? Problem is I just don't have the rabid fan base that they do. So here's some hot sports opinions to get you back on track:

Women can talk. They can also get loud when they talk. (revelation?)
Was the wheel that great of an invention? I mean, wouldn't somebody have stumbled across it eventually? Seems like a much overrated invention.
Stop the stories about the cowboys' stadium.
Stop the stories about the rainbow lounge.
More stories about hot moms in Denton.
Several teachers take Fridays off. It's amazing to see the number of classrooms and computer labs that appear to be doing nothing.
I don't think taking a chess class helps much other than you get more experience playing and have to play people better than you.
Let's talk chickens. OMG.
Did you hear that football season is in session? Bad Radio was talking about kids playing at 5 years old. OMG. Diaper change at halftime?
What time is too early to go to bed on a weekend? Ten p.m.? Ready to crash now.
Nothing is more frustrating that lack of communication. Can't we just try to keep everyone that needs to know...knowing? I've been doing this for 12 years and have never had so many last minute requests, moves, etc. "We've been planning this since the spring." Really. Hopefully never again. Right.
My favorite numbers are 5, 55, and for some reason 34. Lots of great athletes with 34. Pick three numbers tonight?

A little Fun at Work

2009-08-16T21:02:00.000-05:00

Check out the video here: MacMondays

Friday Thoughts

2009-08-07T22:16:00.003-05:00

Kinda nervous about the middle Raider playing football. Keep your eyes open, head up, read the number on the jersey.
Fence repairs...done.
Mulch in the flower beds...tomorrow am.
Pick out carpet for living room...tomorrow am.
Kinda nervous about the young Raider not wanting to go to sleep. I miGHT LOOSE IT...serenity now.
Would like to go to Shreveport again. That was a fun albeit short trip. Awesome that there was a Starbucks in the lobby.
No baseball this fall. Very weird me thinks.
Don't let me forget to wash the truck tomorrow.
We have several boxes laying around right now, hope we get to use them. Is that bad? (Frank the Tank) LOL.
I enjoy spending outdoor time with Mrs. CrappieRaider. We might not talk a lot but I know she likes it and that makes me happy. Happy to be there too.
A couple of months ago on the way to see transformers, I told the boys we were going to see a movie called Where the Heart Is. Never heard of it but I guess it hit theaters near you almost 10 years ago. Thing is, might be a couple of hots in there. Wonder if I really knew that but didn't. Hmm.
Double fake kitty arrest.

You Won't Believe Your Ears

2009-08-05T21:14:00.001-05:00

Place Title Here

2009-08-05T20:54:00.002-05:00

Wanna buy a house? Please consider ours.
Welcome to the Facebooks Fubar. Enjoy the time wastingers.
Tickets are now on sale for Tech v. Baylor. Hmm.
Dreyer's Drumstick ice cream is the bomb. I could eat the entire half gallon or whatever size it is now.
Anyone tire of work yet?
I fear change. Bills only please.
I like Mrs. CrappieRaider's hair. Compared to the early 90's, well there's no comparison.
I fear heights. I don't know what happened but I can't get close to the glass on the 9th floor, makes my calves feel weird. I used to love flying and jumping out of the hey loft into the snow. I'm sure I could still do that but not so sure about flying.
I remember taking an elevator on the outside of a skyscraper in Atlanta to what seemed like the heaventh floor. I watched the outside pool shrink until it was a little blue dot. That was cool but kinda frightening at the same time.
And then there was the dog that reported a murder. Seems someone shot his paw.

Weekend Thoughts

2009-08-02T13:31:00.002-05:00

The weekday starts tomorrow and I'm not really looking forward to it. Anybody with me?
Does it make me weird that I enjoy cleaning the house? It's not really the act of cleaning as much as the sense of accomplishment. You should see the light coming through the windows after washing them. It's day time.
Great movie: A Beautiful Mind. Maybe a little too long especially when there are commercials. Speaking of which, newest favorite commercial is getting SportCenter props. Guess who just leveled the playing field. Here are most of them, pure genius.
Oldest boy said realtors and lawyers were the same, one just had more degrees. What?
The best part of waking up is knowing you're still alive. KMA Folger's.
Mrs. CrappieRaider is meeting with a realtor tomorrow to see what is available out there and what we could expect for/from our house. Hmm. Very interesting. Not saying we're moving, just testing the water so to speak.
Hmmm triggers spell check but when you leave the last "m" off it doesn't. So when reading this, limit your "m" sounds as it's not correct.

Date night

2009-07-31T16:17:00.003-05:00

I'm kinda psyched as the lovely Mrs. CrappieRaider and I are going to a movie tonight. The last time we went out as a couple was a few months ago and if I recall, we had fried pickles, me for the first time. I'm not a fan at all. They should soak them in beer batter instead, now there's a good idea.

Edit: No pickles thank goodness.

We're going to go see the newest Adam Sandler movie Funny People. We already have tickets purchased so there's no backing out now. Not sure if the wife is gonna rock the fried pickles again but you can bet I'm gonna need refills on popcorn. Gotta love the movie theatre popcorn. What's better with popcorn though, beer or Coke? Review might be posted later (both popcorn and movie). Someone look after the flowers on my farm please.

Edit: Funny movie, slow in the beginning. It could probably have been edited down about 20-30 minutes but then again we got our money's worth. B+

I got the 1/2 bucket of popcorn, no refills. I wish everyone would fill it half way, put butter on, fill it the rest of the way and add more butter. For that small snafu, I'll give it a B-. Lastly, I finally broke down and got the tanker. No refills though.

What would you do?

2009-07-30T21:33:00.003-05:00

If someone got your password, changed your blog and got you in trouble with your boss or spouse?
If Sonic charged you full price for a drink at 3:00? What about 3:59?
If the neighbor walking the dog always left the dog's number 2 in your yard?
If your spouse woke up in the middle of the night and screamed, "Sandbagger"?
If your bicycle had a flat a mile from home? Yes, you are riding it.
If you suddenly realized you had two left hands?

Answers coming soon.

Weekend Approaching...

2009-07-24T15:39:00.002-05:00

and I'm not sure I really care. Anybody with me?

We had Apple server training yesterday and today and it was pretty lame. Yes we learned some things but overall, poor. There was no structure and when I asked a question I was told "I'll get to that later, anything else you want to know right now?" Thing is, he would follow up with, "what else do you want to see or learn?" Um, yeah, I just told you what I wanted to see. This went on for a while before I finally said the heck with it, just act interested and ask an occasional question. Throw him a bone.

We imaged 8 computers at a time and it only took 20-25 minutes, pretty cool. We'll pick up again on Monday and hopefully have all 200 done by the end of the day. Keep your fingers crossed. Or not.

Anyone up for the Greenbelt in the morning? Bright and early? C'mon people get off your lazy arses and let's get it done. Currahee!!! Six miles up, six miles down. Maybe 9.5 up and 9.5 down. Got motivation?

What was that?

2009-07-23T20:38:00.002-05:00

So I was riding bike on Tuesday and was right at 10.5 miles, finishing up. I decided to go around the block one time to cool down a little bit. As I turned I noticed a van backing out of their driveway. This is not out of the ordinary, vans back up all the time. So I slow down and pull in behind them. We are going about 10 MPH and the fumes weren't bad. I also noticed a parked truck on the left hand side about 20 yards ahead.

I'm now about 15 yards behind the van and something smacks me right in the mouth. I mean, scared the crap out of me. TWACK!! I jerked back but kept my hands on the handlebars, barely keeping myself from veering into the parked truck. My elbows popped as did my neck. Holy Crap that hurt (still does). I assumed something flew up from the van, maybe a piece of rubber. Thing it, it was stuck to my lips. HOLY CRAP. I used my left hand to grab this thing and felt it still moving. HOLY CRAP. Yes, a friendly little grasshopper decided it would take a free ride on my mouth to the end of the block. I understand, it was pretty warm at the time.

I threw the wicked beast onto the pavement and wanted to turn around and run it over. I did not so all you PETA people chill out (I like ducks). As far as I know it is still alive as I didn't hear or feel any cracking or popping when I grabbed or threw it.

So there's my little story for the day. Hope you get a laugh out of my near death experience.

Wondering if...

2009-07-21T18:41:00.002-05:00

People think Seinfeld is still funny. Me? Golden!
Humidity helps or hurts plants.
LCD TVs will have staying power with the LED TVs now released. Very cool but very pricey.
David gets bored in the pool. I mean really.
DirecTv misses us. I can't quite get used to the verizon menu but I hope I do soon. It's driving me crazy but the picture is good. There are more HBO channels which is always good.
Televisions still work now that we're all digital.
The lesbian neighbors realize their kid is a tool.

Food Review

2009-07-20T15:56:00.003-05:00

From vacation, in order:

Thursday

breakfast: homemade burritos on the road. A, would you expect anything else?

lunch: Whataburger, official restaurant of CC. C+, generic grilled chicken.

dinner: Pier 99 fried shrimp. B, the flavor was there, somewhere, buried in the Crisco. I think the shrimp was cooked too long in grease that was too old.

Friday

breakfast: cereal that we brought. C, same Kashi cereal, different place.

lunch: Chili's Chicken Baja Tacos. B+, plenty of lettuce (g00d) but not quite enough chicken. The baja sauce is really good and I don't need to mention the chips and salsa always rock.

dinner: Pizza Hut pepperoni and meat lover's. A, two large pies delivered to the hotel after hanging at the beach. Can't go wrong with the Hut after burning off some energy.

Saturday

breakfast: Whataburger taquitos. B, nothing special just good eggs n stuff.

lunch: Combo fajitas at Rita's on the Riverwalk. C again. Too much pepper on the meat and I think this meal is what gave me an upset stomach. Margaritas were too sour and did I mention the cost? Salsa had too much tomato taste.

dinner: I skipped this meal, still full from the mediocre fajitas.

Sunday

breakfast: cereal in the hotel. C, please see above.

lunch: Sonic popcorn chicken. C-, too crunchy and the honey lemon sauce wasn't that good.

dinner: chips and queso at home. B, was jonesing for it but didn't quite live up to expectations.

There you have it, official triple-fake meal review of unofficial origin. Huh?

Musings from Vaca

2009-07-20T15:17:00.002-05:00

I can't remember the last time I averaged 80mph on a trip. That's greatness. I bought a GPS before we left and yes, that's greatness. I'm sure there are a few features that pulled us off course once or twice but overall I can't see why anybody that travels doesn't have one. At the same time, I can't believe I waited this long to pull the trigger.

I wanted to stop by the capital and take a tour but I'm glad we didn't. I was very happy to get home and I don't think the family wanted to do any more walking. That could be a two day getaway at some point.

The Riverwalk is waaayyyy overpriced. We dropped $90 on lunch Saturday which was by far the most expensive meal on the trip. All together we spent about $400 on food for the 4 days. That's crazy.

It would have cost about $90 for the aquarium in CC but I thought that was too much. We hung out at the beach instead...good call. The morning jog on Saturday was greatness. I left the ipod at the hotel, took a few sunrise pictures (one below), and didn't fall down once.

I'm ready for another trip. Somewhere a little cooler this time. It wasn't too bad at the beach but if there wasn't a breeze, it was pretty warm. There were only a couple of times that I was miserable though.

Not My Usual Post...But

2009-07-15T21:16:00.002-05:00

Too good not to share.

Clint Smith, Director of Thunder Ranch, is part drill Instructor, and part stand up comic. Here are a few of his observations on tactics, firearms, self defense and life as we know it in the Civilized world.

"The handgun would not be my choice of weapon if I knew I was going to a fight....I'd choose a rifle, a shotgun, an RPG or an atomic bomb instead."

"The two most important rules in a gunfight are: always cheat and always win."

"Every time I teach a class, I discover I don't know something."

"Don't forget, incoming fire has the right of way."

"Make your attacker advance through a wall of bullets. I may get Killed with my own gun, but he's gonna have to beat me to death with it, Cause it's going to be empty."

"If you're not shootin', you should be loadin'. If you're not Loadin, you should be movin', if you're not movin', someone's gonna cut Your head off and put it on a stick."

"When you reload in low light encounters, don't put your Flashlight in your back pocket.. If you light yourself up, you'll look Like an angel or the tooth fairy...and you're gonna be one of 'em pretty soon."

"Do something. It may be wrong, but do something."

"Nothing adds a little class to a sniper course like a babe in a Ghilliesuit."

"Shoot what's available, as long as it's available, until Something else becomes available."

"If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. That's Ridiculous.. If I have a gun, what in the hell do I have to be paranoid for."

"Don't shoot fast, shoot good."

"You can say 'stop' or 'alto' or use any other word you think Will work but I've found that a large bore muzzle pointed at someone's Head is pretty much the universal language."

"You have the rest of your life to solve your problems. How long You live depends on how well you do it."

"You cannot save the planet. You may be able to save yourself And your family."

"Thunder Ranch will be here as long as you'll have us or until Someone makes us go away and either way it will be exciting."

More Excellent Gun Wisdom....... The purpose of fighting is to Win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more Important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. The Final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental.

1. Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.

2. If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.

3. I carry a gun cause a cop is too heavy.

4. When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away.

5. A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and Asked him 'Why do you carry a 45?' The Ranger responded, 'Because they don't make a 46.'

6. An armed man will kill an unarmed man with monotonous Regularity.

7. The old sheriff was attending an awards dinner when a lady Commented on his wearing his sidearm. 'Sheriff, I see you have your Pistol. Are you expecting trouble?' 'No ma'am. If I were expecting Trouble, I would have brought my rifle.'

8. Beware the man who only has one gun. He probably knows how to Use it!

If you believe in the 2nd Amendment, please forward. 'The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' -G. K. Chesterton

A people that values its privileges above its principles will Soon lose both. DDE

'Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who Do not.'

~ Thomas Jefferson

Hey Dave!! Let's Do This!!

2009-07-15T17:03:00.000-05:00

Hurry up and Wait

2009-07-15T14:28:00.002-05:00

Sitting in the network closet waiting for this install to finish. OMG. I guess if the database weren't ninety-seven-hundred-dozen megagigwatts it might go faster. So here are my latest thoughts:

Servers are incredible when you think it all comes down to zeroes and ones. For that matter, the Internet is even more incredible. I mean think of all the zeroes and ones that are flying through your computer as you read this. Now quaddoublefunction that number. What if there were only letters? Would IBM has chosen A's and B's or would they have gone outside the box and chosen L's and P's? I'd stick with X's and O's. Then we could say Vince Lombardi invented computers and Bud Grant invented the Internet.

Ducks are cool.

I will probably miss not having the Sunday paper but what the heck. Just saved $80 a year. Let's party!

Ever wonder why people imitate Andy Rooney? I mean really. If it weren't for that guy some people wouldn't have a career. And did you ever notice he has big eye brows? I mean really. Imitate somebody that means something to somebody. How about Barry? today's pick me up, two chicks in bikini's. On second thought that might be too easy.

Check out the poll I posted. Please triple fake vote even if you haven't seen any of them.

Skattershooting While Jogging

2009-07-11T13:43:00.002-05:00

I've been biking and running for about 6 or 7 months now and have kept a log, sorta. I know I missed logging a few days in June but May should be pretty accurate. Here are the numbers:

May Biking: 93 miles

May Running: 18 miles

June Biking: 75.5 miles

June Running: 16.5 miles

So far this month I've got about 25 biking and about 9 running. Just need to keep it up as I'm shooting for 100 biking and 25 running. We're headed to CC for a few days and I hope I have the time and energy to go running on the beach. Sounds like fun.

So what runs through your head as you run through the neighborhood? I've got some doozies. Ever seen a sunrise that looks like the center of a Longhorn logo? Well it's pretty ugly. The moon was out this morning too and it appeared as though the sun was going to catch up to it.

By the time I reach the 1/2 mile mark I'm wondering if I'm going to make a mile. Then at the mile marker I'm feeling pretty good and thinking I'll go further today than last time. About a half mile from the house I'm thinking, "Please don't let me collapse in the neighbors yard. No way I'm going further than last time."

This morning I kept going as the last two jogs I've logged 5K or more. Since I get cooled down by all the sprinklers I figure I can go another 1/4 mile. I try to think of other things to divert my pain but I just can't. If I do, it's something negative and I push it out of my head as soon as possible. Well, after all that I completed another 3.2 miles this morning. I followed it up with edging and weed-eating in the front yard which completely drenched my shirt...again.

Please tell me your workout thoughts that keep you going. I'm counting on you to help me meet my monthly goals.

Once a Month

2009-07-10T13:48:00.002-05:00

Yes, I have decided to blog once a month only and since it's July, here you go.

I spent three hours rewiring network closets today. About 2 in the MDF and 1 in the IDF. It is a task that needs to be done every summer. I spent about an hour last week reorganizing an MDF at an elementary school. Drives me crazy. I think I'll write some people up next time they're jacked like this.

Went to see Princess Bride at the theatre last night and was disappointed. It was played on a DVD player and data projector. I can do that at school and have good air conditioning. They could have saved the night if it were Blue ray but it weren't was not ain't.

You know it's hot when you can't get motivated to go fishing at 6 am. It was 80 degrees on the way to work today and it's only going to get worse.

Delkus teased the weather with "rain in the forcast?" but returned to tell us it will be in the 100's for the next 7 days. Talk about cheap "stay tuned" tactics.

I hope Delkus reads this.

I hope somebody reads this.

Fubar is a great nickname, wish I would have gotten it first. I think the first decent nickname I got was ELZI but it sucked because it was the same as my brother's. Other than that, I was known as F'n Leon in the fraternity. Not really a nickname you want to stick. Oh, and then the Army basic training nickname that I distanced from as soon as I could: Frogger. That's a story for another blog.

Happy rain delay is over on the Cubs game day!

Good Things

2009-06-17T16:52:00.002-05:00

Forrest Gump
Naps
Baby Animals
VACATIONS
Bura
People who aren't mean
Haircuts
New shoes
Steak
Quitting time

Very random list, eh? What better way to waste time? Oops, almost forgot one, Sportcenter (DP and KO).

Where's Waldo?

2009-06-14T17:50:00.003-05:00

Don't know why I've stopped blogging, but let's get this fired back up.

It was friggin' hot yesterday...and Friday.
Started watching year one of The Shield and they went full throttle at episode one. Pretty good stuff so far.
Vacation plans include more house updates. Again.
I'd like to go to a move this week. A real good movie. Any suggestions?
Not sure why teaching never really made me nervous but speaking in front of the board, other administrators or teachers does. Sometimes I can't sleep the night before.
FIOS is looking more and more appealing every day. The "sun spots" are kicking in today.
Spent almost 2 hours in the yard today and was exhausted. Funny because it wasn't nearly as hot as I thought it was going to be.
The only kind of gum that should be allowed in stores is bubble gum.
How about Denzel's new movie? Trailers look good and Cogill liked it.
Not another Twilight movie. Ugh.
Can we stop with the digital TV help lines? Please. People won't get reception in their caves anyway.
Paving stones for the yard.

This Again?

2009-05-31T11:40:00.003-05:00

This makes me tense.
I can do this. Not!
How many times do you think they've done this?
This is a large candy bar.
If you like rolls of skin, puppies and butt shots, click on this. Gets really good about half way through.

Farmer John

2009-05-28T21:50:00.003-05:00

So I've been busy lately with my farm. Virtual that is. Joey told me about the FB application and I blew him off the first couple of times. Now I could be hooked. Calculating how much I can earn and how quickly, gotta get those field full and harvested. I'm waiting on tomato plants now. I like potatoes, I guess it goes back to the blue ribbons we won at the county fair. Oh the memories. It's a very ugly farm right now as I'm planting as much as I can and working towards the barn and a house. Feel free to send me a give, I like cows...and ducks.

I miss being a kid. Sometimes I miss being an adult too. Check this out for both.

Only 2 more baseball games for the spring. We still have end of year tournaments that are double elimination and finished in a couple of days. Go Rangers, Go Mariners. That last part was painful.

One of my sisters dropped by for about 5 minutes tonight. Very weird since Chandler left the door open to take out the recycles and she just walked in. At first I was like...Can I help you? Then I realized who it was. Double fake double take. Not sure what that means. That was kinda cool. I'd like to live near my siblings where we could just drop in on each other..but then again...

Evening Thoughts

2009-05-26T19:54:00.003-05:00

When purchasing a product, how much emphasis do you put on what others say? Does it depend on the source? Do you trust friends more than the internets or magazines? I'm getting the attitude that you ignore all and just take a chance. BTW, anybody got a used Yugo?
I knew it was pretty warm during my run but when Dingus on Ch. 8 said the high was 96 degrees I about fell off the sofa. He didn't mention the wind speed but I'll wager it was less than 3 mph. Brutal at times.
I biked the Greenbelt yesterday and there were several areas under water. Most tracks went around the puddles but upon further investigation it was less risky to got straight through. I had the mud strip on the back of my shorts which can be funny...and gross.
I wish people were nice to each other. Present company included.
Why don't dinosaurs talk? Because they're all DEAD.
Breakfast: pea soup Lunch: pea soup Dinner: pea soup. What did I do the rest of the night?
These storms came out of nowhere...um..I mean Boyd.
Brought to mind the old saying that if you don't like the weather, wait X minutes. Man I hate that saying.
Ever been Care flighted? Seems scary but cool at the same time. If you have a heart problem wouldn't that elevate your blood pressure and heart rate? What if the paramedic were Danica Patrick? Double fake by-pass.
The above cartoon was from www.cartoonstock.com. Very cool as you can search for historical cartoons by artist, topic, keyword, etc. Don't search for Abe Lincoln.

Sunday Cats

2009-05-24T15:15:00.003-05:00

So we checked the jug lines and I'll be darned if the first one doesn't jump off the hook and right back into the water. There was another one on the third hook that was about the same size. Between the two of them they moved the cinder block about 20 yards. I thought we had a big one when we were approaching.

The second jug line only had one cat on it and all other hooks were bare. Two more to fry up!

The water was nice and the weather even better especially since there was a small breeze. The best part of the trip was that Ben had fun and he smiled the entire time. He's a very sweet boy and I hope to take him on a few more trips. Complete different child when not around his brothers. I can see me, the wife and Ben making more trips like today. I just need to find the fish so he stays interested and entertained. Here's the two from today.

Fish for a Day

2009-05-24T10:04:00.001-05:00

Fished yesterday for about 6 hours and caught a few. I set one jug line Friday evening and got two catfish off of it the next morning. I will head out later and check the two we baited yesterday afternoon. We're about stocked up for the fish fry now to just find a day and time...and guests.

This will mark the third day in a row that I've been on the water. That's a good. Third different fishing buddy, that's a good too. Today's victim? Wife and Ben.

Pictures? You're gonna have to wait. Above from yesterday. Those crappie were all 1 pound or bigger with the exception of 2. The larger catfish was at least 5, probably more. Great looking fillet.

Keep the fire burning, it's a bitch getting it restarted.

Yeah Us!

2009-05-14T21:55:00.002-05:00

We won tonight, 8-7. Scored one in the bottom of the fifth. I don't think we had any RBI's tonight, all walks, stolen based, passed balls, bad throws, etc. I'm not a big fan of that kind of ball but we'll definitely take it.

We've seen every team now and there's not way we should be 2-5-1. These other teams better watch out for us in the end of year tournament. If we don't start sculling baaas we're gonna be alright.

I like working from home, even late, but when nobody is around to help it really sucks. Nobody can access the gradebook or parent portal from home and I think it's a DNS issue. Well my provider works 8-5 and I can't do anything to verify my theory. That is not a good. Now that we've gotten bigger it's more of an issue and we need that support. I think it's time to start shopping around.

Bark like a dog for me.

Kids with long hair drive me crazy. It almost always looks greasy and when they sweat it smells bad.

We had a retirement ceremony at work today and one of them just didn't look good. He hasn't been at work for a while although I know he's been sick, I didn't think it was that bad. He's been with the district for 23 years and seen a lot of people come and go. I hate to see anybody in that shape. I mean anybody. News stories on kids with cancer hurt every time.

Musin' on Monday

2009-05-11T17:20:00.002-05:00

My blood pressure was up a little bit this afternoon, 137/87. I've averaged things out over the last month and I should be around 125/74. Still a little high but nothing like the reading I had at the Back institute. 160/120.
I've reached a plateau on weight loss and am looking for direction. Should I run/bike further or decrease my time with current distances? Eating less chocolate is not an option.
Ray Roberts is finally at the correct level. Only took 14 inches of rain in 10 days. I can't imagine the tree stumps I was barely missing two weeks ago being 4 foot under now.
The front and back yards still look like hell. Not that I've been there (hell) but I've been close...Newark.
Too much attention spent on the ref's blown call in the Maverick game? How about that wild ass shot Dirk took with less than a minute to play. How about the 4 missed free throws in the last 2 minutes? How about...oops almost looks like I care. I don't really.
Speaking of Dirk, Boogie Nights overrated?
Planning a vacation can be a beating.
Live in the Now!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T11:43:00.001-05:00

IN PASSING

Sometimes Mom in passing
Would pat you on the back
And sometimes in passing
She'd show you the right track.

Sometimes Mom in passing
Would say, "You sure look nice!"
And sometimes in passing
She could, make you, think twice.

Sometimes Mom in passing
Would lightly touch your hair
And sometimes in passing
She'd show you what was fair.

Sometimes Mom in passing
Would ask, "What do you mean?"
And sometimes in passing
She would get in between.

Sometimes Mom in passing
Would give you, "that look"
And sometimes in passing
Would give you what it took.

But this time, Mom is passing
From this world to the best
And this time in passing
She'll pass the final test.

And when Mom has passed
And the pain is so unkind
Just look and you'll find her
There in your heart and mind.

Submitted By: Del "Abe" Jones