The good news is that the cast was changed. The bad news is that the new cast is at least as big, and more unwieldy, than the original one. Hunt-n-peck is now my middle name.
USA Today carried a Page 6D review today of a historical novel about architect Frank Lloyd Wright that was written by a gal named Nancy Horan. The reviewer was pretty kind.
Congrats are in order for a new arrival in KC. Mother, child, grandparents, et. al. are doing fine.
3 is working on the 24th floor of an office building on Wacker Drive in C-town. Another lifetime ago, I worked for nearly four years on the 24th floor of different building elsewhere in The Loop. Worlds collide.
Sorry not so eloquent today. Have a great evening.
BCOT
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Monday, August 06, 2007
Monday
Glad to hear from 1 on the road.
4 headed over to IC today to get a few hours in on the job this week. After a Summer of out-flow, she needs spending money.
Somewhat to 4's displeasure, I made her stop by the office on her way out of town so that I could go with her to the auto parts store to get the brake light replaced on her car. I had tried to get 3 to make the repair before the trip to Europe, to obviously no avail. And had suggested to 4 after the wedding that her friends ought to be able to get the switch made. Let's see. How many college kids does it take to swap out a brake light?
It was a 10 minute repair for us that had an out-of-pocket cash expense of $5.35. And five of the ten minutes was a do-over on one of the plastic butterfly nuts that wouldn't quite catch the screws. Even 4 recognized that we weren't doing brain surgery. And to top it off, one of the sales guys came by and asked if we wanted him to finish it up.
So the question becomes, did I fail again as a parent? A fairly simple request was made of my kids for what was a definite safety issue on the car. (Don't the cops still give out citations for defective lights on a car?) But it was low drama, with no "come hell or high water" theater. So I was essentially ignored. In the end, I fixed the problem, and no disadvantage accrued to the child. Not that I had a huge disadvantage, other than the $5.35 and a slightly sweaty shirt after spending those 10 minutes in the heat and humidity.
Actually, you could spin this another way and recognize that young adult children tend to consult with their aging parents on perhaps equinox regularity, so an event like this might be a child's subconscious concession to family bonding. Dare I say, left-handed FFF?
Lots in the news today about Tom Glavine winning his 300th game last night in C-town. He's a class act. Maybe a guy I'd walk across the street to greet, but probably just one I would wave at from afar. He was on an Atlanta pitching staff in the 90's that could one day have three guys in the Hall of Fame: Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz. Glavine and Maddux are locks. Smoltz probably needs a couple more good years.
3 had her first real day on the job in C-town today. You go girl!
Enough for today. I am anxious for the smaller cast.
BCOT
4 headed over to IC today to get a few hours in on the job this week. After a Summer of out-flow, she needs spending money.
Somewhat to 4's displeasure, I made her stop by the office on her way out of town so that I could go with her to the auto parts store to get the brake light replaced on her car. I had tried to get 3 to make the repair before the trip to Europe, to obviously no avail. And had suggested to 4 after the wedding that her friends ought to be able to get the switch made. Let's see. How many college kids does it take to swap out a brake light?
It was a 10 minute repair for us that had an out-of-pocket cash expense of $5.35. And five of the ten minutes was a do-over on one of the plastic butterfly nuts that wouldn't quite catch the screws. Even 4 recognized that we weren't doing brain surgery. And to top it off, one of the sales guys came by and asked if we wanted him to finish it up.
So the question becomes, did I fail again as a parent? A fairly simple request was made of my kids for what was a definite safety issue on the car. (Don't the cops still give out citations for defective lights on a car?) But it was low drama, with no "come hell or high water" theater. So I was essentially ignored. In the end, I fixed the problem, and no disadvantage accrued to the child. Not that I had a huge disadvantage, other than the $5.35 and a slightly sweaty shirt after spending those 10 minutes in the heat and humidity.
Actually, you could spin this another way and recognize that young adult children tend to consult with their aging parents on perhaps equinox regularity, so an event like this might be a child's subconscious concession to family bonding. Dare I say, left-handed FFF?
Lots in the news today about Tom Glavine winning his 300th game last night in C-town. He's a class act. Maybe a guy I'd walk across the street to greet, but probably just one I would wave at from afar. He was on an Atlanta pitching staff in the 90's that could one day have three guys in the Hall of Fame: Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz. Glavine and Maddux are locks. Smoltz probably needs a couple more good years.
3 had her first real day on the job in C-town today. You go girl!
Enough for today. I am anxious for the smaller cast.
BCOT
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Sunday
Very low key weekend. The cast is really bothersome.
1 and 1.1 were at the game in San Diego last night when Bonds hit his dinger. She had text-ed me earlier to let me know that Erin Andrews was at the game as well. Which told me that the game was on one of the ESPN channels, and it was. I actually saw the HR too.
2 helped me yesterday with my grocery shopping. Young people do that for the aged and the disabled.
Here's another example of network TV's lack of flexibility; the PGA tournament in Akron had the 4th round tee off early today in anticipation of bad weather later this afternoon. Rather than give the live feed to one of their cable networks, they will be showing it on tape delay during the regular scheduled time. They needed to get those infomercials on the air this morning. What BS.
I am getting tired of having to explain the cast to everyone. For my meetings in KC this week, I'm going to come up with a much more exciting story.
This is probably going to be a future Craig Wilson column. Late yesterday afternoon as I was lounging very hard on my couch watching golf on the tube, I noticed an older woman walking a little erratically passed my house. I stood to get a better view, and, as was my primary theory, I saw that she was walking a small dog. Near the end of my yard, the dog wandered to the parking, where it appeared to do it's Number 1 business. Then it came back across the sidewalk, and right under my front tree, it did a healthy dose of Number 2. The woman had been standing, watching somewhat bored. With the business done, they turned and went from which they had come.
The entire matter of pet littering is a long-standing irritant for me. I think that allowing a pet to dump on another's property, and leaving it there, is one of the most inconsiderate things that otherwise civil people commonly do. In this case, I thought about yelling at the woman, maybe even racing out with a plastic bag, cleaning the mess and handing it to her with an appropriate comment. In the end, I rationalized that doing anything to express my disgust would probably just scare the woman, who most likely lived by herself with the dog.
So I'm venting here.
On a broader scheme of things, I think that pet owners, generally, intuit that everyone shares their same love of the animal kingdom. A little dung on your yard is just some fertilizer that helps keep the planet green. A few hairs on your shirt? Some pooch jumping your leg, slobbering at your crotch? Minor inconveniences for the enjoyment of a faithful friend. Right.
My official position is that animals are great. Outside. On the farm. And that they stay there, particularly as I head by on my bike.
I saw my first editorial cartoon this AM about the Federal government being at fault for the Minnesota bridge collapse. It's just too easy of a target.
So I'm headed to the couch. Dog walkers beware.
BCOT
1 and 1.1 were at the game in San Diego last night when Bonds hit his dinger. She had text-ed me earlier to let me know that Erin Andrews was at the game as well. Which told me that the game was on one of the ESPN channels, and it was. I actually saw the HR too.
2 helped me yesterday with my grocery shopping. Young people do that for the aged and the disabled.
Here's another example of network TV's lack of flexibility; the PGA tournament in Akron had the 4th round tee off early today in anticipation of bad weather later this afternoon. Rather than give the live feed to one of their cable networks, they will be showing it on tape delay during the regular scheduled time. They needed to get those infomercials on the air this morning. What BS.
I am getting tired of having to explain the cast to everyone. For my meetings in KC this week, I'm going to come up with a much more exciting story.
This is probably going to be a future Craig Wilson column. Late yesterday afternoon as I was lounging very hard on my couch watching golf on the tube, I noticed an older woman walking a little erratically passed my house. I stood to get a better view, and, as was my primary theory, I saw that she was walking a small dog. Near the end of my yard, the dog wandered to the parking, where it appeared to do it's Number 1 business. Then it came back across the sidewalk, and right under my front tree, it did a healthy dose of Number 2. The woman had been standing, watching somewhat bored. With the business done, they turned and went from which they had come.
The entire matter of pet littering is a long-standing irritant for me. I think that allowing a pet to dump on another's property, and leaving it there, is one of the most inconsiderate things that otherwise civil people commonly do. In this case, I thought about yelling at the woman, maybe even racing out with a plastic bag, cleaning the mess and handing it to her with an appropriate comment. In the end, I rationalized that doing anything to express my disgust would probably just scare the woman, who most likely lived by herself with the dog.
So I'm venting here.
On a broader scheme of things, I think that pet owners, generally, intuit that everyone shares their same love of the animal kingdom. A little dung on your yard is just some fertilizer that helps keep the planet green. A few hairs on your shirt? Some pooch jumping your leg, slobbering at your crotch? Minor inconveniences for the enjoyment of a faithful friend. Right.
My official position is that animals are great. Outside. On the farm. And that they stay there, particularly as I head by on my bike.
I saw my first editorial cartoon this AM about the Federal government being at fault for the Minnesota bridge collapse. It's just too easy of a target.
So I'm headed to the couch. Dog walkers beware.
BCOT
Friday, August 03, 2007
Friday
Nice to hear from 3 as she was burning the midnight oil.
This cast is getting a little old. But I did drive my car for the first time today. But it remains impossible for me to write anything, including my signature. Showering is work.
My pal Roy heads to Scotland tomorrow for 10 days of golf. Life's a beach.
This first week of August was the time of Summer when we would do whatever vacation that we would do when the girls were young. All the Summer's organized activities were over, business was usually slow, and there was a bit of a lull before school stuff started. I always said that in August it was hard to find many clients at their offices. They were taking their vacations too! I think that the facts remain much the same today.
I missed Anderson Cooper last night. I'm pretty sure that he was able to conclude that the TC bridge collapse was a problem traceable to Washington DC. Maybe it is. Interstate bridges are mostly paid for with Federal money. Whom ever voted against bridge appropriation bills in the last twenty years will be placed in the media's spotlight.
There is a reason why people in areas of responsibility (public officials, professionals or business owners, for example) often joke about wanting to be a greeter at Walmart.
The new Bourne movie is out today. It's received positive reviews. I'll be glad when it hits video.
Have a great Friday evening.
BCOT
This cast is getting a little old. But I did drive my car for the first time today. But it remains impossible for me to write anything, including my signature. Showering is work.
My pal Roy heads to Scotland tomorrow for 10 days of golf. Life's a beach.
This first week of August was the time of Summer when we would do whatever vacation that we would do when the girls were young. All the Summer's organized activities were over, business was usually slow, and there was a bit of a lull before school stuff started. I always said that in August it was hard to find many clients at their offices. They were taking their vacations too! I think that the facts remain much the same today.
I missed Anderson Cooper last night. I'm pretty sure that he was able to conclude that the TC bridge collapse was a problem traceable to Washington DC. Maybe it is. Interstate bridges are mostly paid for with Federal money. Whom ever voted against bridge appropriation bills in the last twenty years will be placed in the media's spotlight.
There is a reason why people in areas of responsibility (public officials, professionals or business owners, for example) often joke about wanting to be a greeter at Walmart.
The new Bourne movie is out today. It's received positive reviews. I'll be glad when it hits video.
Have a great Friday evening.
BCOT
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Thursday
Short again today. I am reduced to hunt-n-peck with my right hand.
The outing yesterday with my pal Roy was a fun deal. I was the designated ball-mark repair caddie and the flag holder as others putted. Tough duty. Bloody Mary's helped.
Tragedy in Minneapolis. We all were on that bridge two weeks ago. How many other bridges are in the same condition? How many law suits are out there?
Here's a dose of PGA golf reality in today's world. In most TV leaderboard presentations, the standings are presented with low score first, with any ties shown alphabetically at each stroke count. EXCEPT, when he's not the outright leader (and shown first anyway), Tiger Woods is always the first golfer listed at his score level even if there are 10 guys with the same score and all of the others' last names occur in the alphabet before "w". It's known as the "Tiger position" on the scoring chart. Interestingly, on the Internet and in the print media, the alphabetic rule is followed.
Aunt Martha is in Breckenridge, Colorado for a few days. Interesting how the ski places have developed Summer programs as well. The mountains in the Summer are beautiful. Maybe a bike trip in Colorado would be worth a look. It couldn't beat Tahoe, but it is drivable.
So enough. It takes too much concentration to key the letters.
BCOT
The outing yesterday with my pal Roy was a fun deal. I was the designated ball-mark repair caddie and the flag holder as others putted. Tough duty. Bloody Mary's helped.
Tragedy in Minneapolis. We all were on that bridge two weeks ago. How many other bridges are in the same condition? How many law suits are out there?
Here's a dose of PGA golf reality in today's world. In most TV leaderboard presentations, the standings are presented with low score first, with any ties shown alphabetically at each stroke count. EXCEPT, when he's not the outright leader (and shown first anyway), Tiger Woods is always the first golfer listed at his score level even if there are 10 guys with the same score and all of the others' last names occur in the alphabet before "w". It's known as the "Tiger position" on the scoring chart. Interestingly, on the Internet and in the print media, the alphabetic rule is followed.
Aunt Martha is in Breckenridge, Colorado for a few days. Interesting how the ski places have developed Summer programs as well. The mountains in the Summer are beautiful. Maybe a bike trip in Colorado would be worth a look. It couldn't beat Tahoe, but it is drivable.
So enough. It takes too much concentration to key the letters.
BCOT
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Tuesday
2 pretty well got it right.
I have a good-sized cast on my right arm from my thumb to about mid-way up my forearm. Not a lot of pain, but a dull ache. I'm taking ibuprofen, forsaking the vicodin. My dexterity on the computer is not so good. Entries for the next couple of days will be short.
The procedure was completed according to plan. No complications. I go back to see the doc next week, and I expect to be fitted for a 4-5 week cast at that time. Ugh.
One of my thoughts while on my bike the last few days was the uniqueness of the adjectival phrase, "largely ceremonial", which is the two-word-term used to describe the last stage of the TdF. Basically, the race for the General Classification championship is completed at the end of Stage 19, and the peloton comes to Paris with only prizes for the sprinters at stake. This year, for instance, in the GC, the leader had only 23 seconds on the second place guy, who had only 8 seconds on the third place guy. But in Stage 20 on Sunday, these three guys (and their teams) really didn't race. Tradition said that they shouldn't. So they didn't.
But how many events, places (or other nouns for that matter) have their own unique adjective? Some things have a sub-title, like The Fall Classic, or The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. But I'm talking adjective here.
Think about it.
BCOT
I have a good-sized cast on my right arm from my thumb to about mid-way up my forearm. Not a lot of pain, but a dull ache. I'm taking ibuprofen, forsaking the vicodin. My dexterity on the computer is not so good. Entries for the next couple of days will be short.
The procedure was completed according to plan. No complications. I go back to see the doc next week, and I expect to be fitted for a 4-5 week cast at that time. Ugh.
One of my thoughts while on my bike the last few days was the uniqueness of the adjectival phrase, "largely ceremonial", which is the two-word-term used to describe the last stage of the TdF. Basically, the race for the General Classification championship is completed at the end of Stage 19, and the peloton comes to Paris with only prizes for the sprinters at stake. This year, for instance, in the GC, the leader had only 23 seconds on the second place guy, who had only 8 seconds on the third place guy. But in Stage 20 on Sunday, these three guys (and their teams) really didn't race. Tradition said that they shouldn't. So they didn't.
But how many events, places (or other nouns for that matter) have their own unique adjective? Some things have a sub-title, like The Fall Classic, or The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. But I'm talking adjective here.
Think about it.
BCOT
Monday, July 30, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Saturday PM
2 did a nice job at Bix. She averaged a little over 10 minute miles. Not bad for not having trained. I saw her going and coming from my viewing spot which is no small feat with 15,000 people streaming by. Actually, she saw me which is the way it usually happens in that kind of situation. I just placed myself in a bit of an elevated spot and stayed clear of other spectators.
The running conditions weren't bad. Warm, but not hot. Humid, but not oppressive.
4, Mom and I met at The Maidrite for breakfast after the race. We sat at the counter like the old days after church.
I did 27 right after lunch. 1 called and said that she had run 15 this AM and 1.1 had done 13. That was a bit of an incentive for me to hit the road.
RAGBRAI ended in Bellevue today. LA had bailed earlier and was in France for today's stage of the Tour (which Levi won and Alberto kept yellow). The Saturday of RAGBRAI is always a bit of a letdown: it's a shorter ride, the riders are all anxious to get home, and the host community is just saying, "Hello" and "See ya" in the same breath.
1 and 1.1 head to LV tomorrow AM. Their watching the Northwest Air cancellations to see if there's any pattern.
The SB's location in downtown Davenport may be the nicest of the SB's stores in town. I stopped in for the first time yesterday at lunch time when I went downtown to check out the food vendors for the Bix street fest. The manager is a nice gal. It sounds like they don't have much trade after 5PM, and that they do get some unwanted attention from some homeless people. I suspect that a downtown Chicago loop location for SB's can survive with just the business day traffic. I'm not so sure about that scenario in Davenport.
Biagii's last night for Sonoma red. Liberty School 2005 cabernet. Try it. The staff in the bar area has experienced quite the turnover this Spring/Summer. And not for a net improvement. At least three of the better cocktail gals have moved on, and my favorite bartender is selling cars. 2 knows the drill with the turnover in the local food and beverage industry.
One of the farms that I ride past on a regular basis has a small flock(?) of wild turkeys that wander around the barnyard near the road. Gobbling a constant gobble. The first time I went past, I couldn't figure out what the noise was! Denise may want to check M. gallopavo off her list (by my proxy).
All for today. Have a great evening.
Be careful out there.
The running conditions weren't bad. Warm, but not hot. Humid, but not oppressive.
4, Mom and I met at The Maidrite for breakfast after the race. We sat at the counter like the old days after church.
I did 27 right after lunch. 1 called and said that she had run 15 this AM and 1.1 had done 13. That was a bit of an incentive for me to hit the road.
RAGBRAI ended in Bellevue today. LA had bailed earlier and was in France for today's stage of the Tour (which Levi won and Alberto kept yellow). The Saturday of RAGBRAI is always a bit of a letdown: it's a shorter ride, the riders are all anxious to get home, and the host community is just saying, "Hello" and "See ya" in the same breath.
1 and 1.1 head to LV tomorrow AM. Their watching the Northwest Air cancellations to see if there's any pattern.
The SB's location in downtown Davenport may be the nicest of the SB's stores in town. I stopped in for the first time yesterday at lunch time when I went downtown to check out the food vendors for the Bix street fest. The manager is a nice gal. It sounds like they don't have much trade after 5PM, and that they do get some unwanted attention from some homeless people. I suspect that a downtown Chicago loop location for SB's can survive with just the business day traffic. I'm not so sure about that scenario in Davenport.
Biagii's last night for Sonoma red. Liberty School 2005 cabernet. Try it. The staff in the bar area has experienced quite the turnover this Spring/Summer. And not for a net improvement. At least three of the better cocktail gals have moved on, and my favorite bartender is selling cars. 2 knows the drill with the turnover in the local food and beverage industry.
One of the farms that I ride past on a regular basis has a small flock(?) of wild turkeys that wander around the barnyard near the road. Gobbling a constant gobble. The first time I went past, I couldn't figure out what the noise was! Denise may want to check M. gallopavo off her list (by my proxy).
All for today. Have a great evening.
Be careful out there.
Saturday AM
Sorry to have missed yesterday. Not that I would have added much, since it was a Friday, and I typically leave a little early on Friday's anyway.
4's wisdom teeth event went pretty much as anticipated. She's resting.
2's doing Bix this AM and I'm going to try to see her.
So I'll check in later.
BCOT
4's wisdom teeth event went pretty much as anticipated. She's resting.
2's doing Bix this AM and I'm going to try to see her.
So I'll check in later.
BCOT
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Thursday
Now they've tossed the Dane Rasmussen who was leading the Tour. It isn't pretty. Whoever wins this year will have to have an asterisk after his name.
I think I'll keep a running tally on the cost of my biking accident. So far, we have $330 for bike repairs and $20 co-pay on my first doctor's visit. I pre-registered for the surgery today and the first thing that they give you is a statement on the financial aspects of the procedure. Basically, it's, "You're going to get lots of bills from lots of people. Good luck paying them." If I get done for less than $2500 it will be a miracle. There goes January in Cabo.
My laziness in not propping-up my tomato plants is coming to fruition (or lack thereof). At least half of the crop has been lost to ground rot or rabbits. The ones that I have kept are just fair. Luckily, my neighbor has had a bumper crop. But my pride has taken a hit. I've got to do some serious Fall tillage to have the plot ready for next year.
Bix is this weekend in Davenport. 2 says she will be run/walking the race on Saturday morning. 4 will be on the DL as she's having her wisdom teeth pulled tomorrow AM. While we have heat and humidity today, the forecast for Saturday is for cooler temps.
I'm not sure if the race or the blues music fest now drives the weekend. I know that each year they get bands from all over the country to come play on the levee stage along the Mississippi. And blues affectionatos from throughout the Midwest come in as well. The street fest must make money for somebody. Personally, I don't get it. It reminds me of a county fair. Hot and dirty. And no cows.
My pal Roy turned up here yesterday with a new golf club for me. I've been using the same 2 metal-wood driver off the tee for at least 10 years. When he and I last played, I had asked him if he had a newer-technology club in his inventory that might fit my needs. (The guy must have at least 1000 clubs, seriously.) I never heard from him again about it. My guess is that he woke up one night recently, remembered the conversation, and jumped on-line. So I now have a new driver. That I can't swing because of my thumb.
A friend of mine who knows that I like baseball recently asked me whom I would call my favorite player. Now. Before. Whenever. And I was stumped. I grew up listening to the Cardinals, and I guess their '64 and '67 teams would be on my short list of all-time favorite teams. I liked Ken Boyer, their third baseman more than maybe the other players, but I don't recall a big thing for him.
I liked Charlie Finley's Oakland A's teams of Catfish Hunter, Joe Rudi and Vida Blue. And I liked Dave Kingman when he played for the Cubs in the late '70's when he was their only decent player. Cal, Maddux, George Brett, the Bench/Morgan Cincinnati teams. In summary, Old School teams/players. But probably not just one. I never thought about it before.
Let's see. We have violence and dog-fighting in the NFL. Crooked refs in the NBA. Roids in baseball. Doping in cycling. Makes you proud that NASCAR's biggest problem is a little fudging on the down-force parameters!
Have a great evening.
Be careful out there.
I think I'll keep a running tally on the cost of my biking accident. So far, we have $330 for bike repairs and $20 co-pay on my first doctor's visit. I pre-registered for the surgery today and the first thing that they give you is a statement on the financial aspects of the procedure. Basically, it's, "You're going to get lots of bills from lots of people. Good luck paying them." If I get done for less than $2500 it will be a miracle. There goes January in Cabo.
My laziness in not propping-up my tomato plants is coming to fruition (or lack thereof). At least half of the crop has been lost to ground rot or rabbits. The ones that I have kept are just fair. Luckily, my neighbor has had a bumper crop. But my pride has taken a hit. I've got to do some serious Fall tillage to have the plot ready for next year.
Bix is this weekend in Davenport. 2 says she will be run/walking the race on Saturday morning. 4 will be on the DL as she's having her wisdom teeth pulled tomorrow AM. While we have heat and humidity today, the forecast for Saturday is for cooler temps.
I'm not sure if the race or the blues music fest now drives the weekend. I know that each year they get bands from all over the country to come play on the levee stage along the Mississippi. And blues affectionatos from throughout the Midwest come in as well. The street fest must make money for somebody. Personally, I don't get it. It reminds me of a county fair. Hot and dirty. And no cows.
My pal Roy turned up here yesterday with a new golf club for me. I've been using the same 2 metal-wood driver off the tee for at least 10 years. When he and I last played, I had asked him if he had a newer-technology club in his inventory that might fit my needs. (The guy must have at least 1000 clubs, seriously.) I never heard from him again about it. My guess is that he woke up one night recently, remembered the conversation, and jumped on-line. So I now have a new driver. That I can't swing because of my thumb.
A friend of mine who knows that I like baseball recently asked me whom I would call my favorite player. Now. Before. Whenever. And I was stumped. I grew up listening to the Cardinals, and I guess their '64 and '67 teams would be on my short list of all-time favorite teams. I liked Ken Boyer, their third baseman more than maybe the other players, but I don't recall a big thing for him.
I liked Charlie Finley's Oakland A's teams of Catfish Hunter, Joe Rudi and Vida Blue. And I liked Dave Kingman when he played for the Cubs in the late '70's when he was their only decent player. Cal, Maddux, George Brett, the Bench/Morgan Cincinnati teams. In summary, Old School teams/players. But probably not just one. I never thought about it before.
Let's see. We have violence and dog-fighting in the NFL. Crooked refs in the NBA. Roids in baseball. Doping in cycling. Makes you proud that NASCAR's biggest problem is a little fudging on the down-force parameters!
Have a great evening.
Be careful out there.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Wednesday
The diagnosis on the thumb is torn ulnar ligament. Surgery Monday. Cast for 5-6 weeks. I knew that it was a problem when I couldn't turn the ignition to start the car.
More bad news at the TdF. Another rider tested positive, and another team pulled out. The leader remains a Dane who is being dogged by suspicion because of his below-radar activities before the Tour. The Disco boys tried to shake him today on the final mountain stage, and he beat them down and solidified his lead.
Lance is in Iowa for RAGBRAI this week, but he has floated the rumor that he may leave in the next couple of days and go to France for the end of the Tour. He certainly has generated a lot of pub for RAGBRAI. Lots of personal cancer stories in the DM Register each day. And the politicians are out in full force trying to grab their piece of the news. Pretty Boy Edwards rode some with LA yesterday.
Craig Wilson drug out a variation of the bottled water nonsense today. I could say that that was my material, but the topic has been lampooned by so many wags that it would be hard to claim that ownership.
In another case of, "It's a Small World", I learned this AM that one of the assistant managers at the Duck Creek SB's is the daughter of one of my Riley first cousins. She and I have been good "first name" friends for several months, and somehow she overheard my last name in a conversation with my pal Roy today.
Grandpa used to find those linkages with amazing regularity. He could go into a strange cafe in a little town anywhere in the US, start a conversation with a waitress, and find out that he knew her distant uncle. Maybe he passed that gene on to me.
So I'm off to the bike. Have a great evening.
Be careful out there.
More bad news at the TdF. Another rider tested positive, and another team pulled out. The leader remains a Dane who is being dogged by suspicion because of his below-radar activities before the Tour. The Disco boys tried to shake him today on the final mountain stage, and he beat them down and solidified his lead.
Lance is in Iowa for RAGBRAI this week, but he has floated the rumor that he may leave in the next couple of days and go to France for the end of the Tour. He certainly has generated a lot of pub for RAGBRAI. Lots of personal cancer stories in the DM Register each day. And the politicians are out in full force trying to grab their piece of the news. Pretty Boy Edwards rode some with LA yesterday.
Craig Wilson drug out a variation of the bottled water nonsense today. I could say that that was my material, but the topic has been lampooned by so many wags that it would be hard to claim that ownership.
In another case of, "It's a Small World", I learned this AM that one of the assistant managers at the Duck Creek SB's is the daughter of one of my Riley first cousins. She and I have been good "first name" friends for several months, and somehow she overheard my last name in a conversation with my pal Roy today.
Grandpa used to find those linkages with amazing regularity. He could go into a strange cafe in a little town anywhere in the US, start a conversation with a waitress, and find out that he knew her distant uncle. Maybe he passed that gene on to me.
So I'm off to the bike. Have a great evening.
Be careful out there.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tuesday
My guess is that 4 has been unable to find the motivation to entertain us now that Europe and the wedding have become history. We need her spin on things.
It's been an awful day for the TdF and it was a rest day at that. The pre-race favorite, Alexander Vinokourov from Kazachstan and the Astana team, who has won a couple of stages but who has dropped far behind in the overall classification, tested positive for doping. He and his team have been sent home. It makes you sick.
I think that the new son-in-law will be called 1.1 in keeping with a technology theme. That logic enables us to easily name possibly future additions to that family as in 1.2, 1.3, etc. Then again, based on some one's comment last weekend on 1's thoughts about kids, we won't have to worry about the etc.
Most of my conversations these last couple of days, in person or on the phone, have had at least short discussions about the wedding weekend. In response to my comments about how well everything went all weekend long, one attorney said something about the stars being lined up correctly. She was right. The moon and the stars were exactly where they needed to be for all of us.
I have an appointment in the morning to see an orthopod about my thumb injury. My guess is that there will need to be some surgery to pin a ligament to get everything in the right place.
There was a death in minor league baseball recently. A 35 year old coach of the Tulsa Drillers, a AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, was struck by a foul ball while coaching first base in a game Sunday night in Arkansas. I had never heard of the guy, but in reading a few of the accounts of the incident, he was apparently a good guy with young children, and still loved the game. I haven't seen any film of the incident, but the result makes you ask, "Where was he looking?"
A first base coach is helping runners with pick-off moves, and he can be pretty close to a hitter, especially a left-handed one. You hear of pitchers getting hit with batted balls, and there have been deaths in the past. Now we know why "Heads-up" is a good practice.
There's a story of personal experience here. I remember a high school game of mine in Pella, Iowa when the coach put me at first base as our regular first baseman was not with the team that day, and he figured that an experienced player like me could handle a few innings at first. Well, at some point in the game, the other team got a runner on first, and I set up on the home side of first to hold the guy on. Like you're supposed to, I extended my gloved left hand toward the pitcher to give him a target in case he elected to try a pick-off move.
My recollection of the rest of the story is from others. I must have glanced toward home to watch the hitter. The next thing I knew, I was on the ground and asking, "What happened?" The pitcher had indeed thrown to first. A bullet, I was told. Right over my glove, and right on my forehead. Down I went. But lucky. No blood. No damage. No hospital. And no more first base.
So bad things can happen, and you can get away unscathed. Or you can become a headline. The Tulsa guy's number came up snake eyes.
Illinois just passed a state-wide ban on smoking in public places beginning in 2008. My guess is that there will be a line of law suits to over-turn the law, delay it, or make it otherwise unenforceable. Personally, I avoid smokey bars and the casinos, the two types of places that have the most smokers, so it doesn't have a down side for me. The clientele of those establishment are big-time smokers. There's lots of money involved. The lawyers will make millions.
A friend of mine who I met at SB's yesterday for some catching-up has a son who has had Ewing's sarcoma, and my friend has become very knowledgeable on cancer statistics. He says that about 40% of us will get some kind of cancer at some point. The damning thing is that 30% of that 40% can be attributed to smoking.
I'm headed home to my Russian cleaning lady cleaned house. Life is good.
Be careful out there.
It's been an awful day for the TdF and it was a rest day at that. The pre-race favorite, Alexander Vinokourov from Kazachstan and the Astana team, who has won a couple of stages but who has dropped far behind in the overall classification, tested positive for doping. He and his team have been sent home. It makes you sick.
I think that the new son-in-law will be called 1.1 in keeping with a technology theme. That logic enables us to easily name possibly future additions to that family as in 1.2, 1.3, etc. Then again, based on some one's comment last weekend on 1's thoughts about kids, we won't have to worry about the etc.
Most of my conversations these last couple of days, in person or on the phone, have had at least short discussions about the wedding weekend. In response to my comments about how well everything went all weekend long, one attorney said something about the stars being lined up correctly. She was right. The moon and the stars were exactly where they needed to be for all of us.
I have an appointment in the morning to see an orthopod about my thumb injury. My guess is that there will need to be some surgery to pin a ligament to get everything in the right place.
There was a death in minor league baseball recently. A 35 year old coach of the Tulsa Drillers, a AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, was struck by a foul ball while coaching first base in a game Sunday night in Arkansas. I had never heard of the guy, but in reading a few of the accounts of the incident, he was apparently a good guy with young children, and still loved the game. I haven't seen any film of the incident, but the result makes you ask, "Where was he looking?"
A first base coach is helping runners with pick-off moves, and he can be pretty close to a hitter, especially a left-handed one. You hear of pitchers getting hit with batted balls, and there have been deaths in the past. Now we know why "Heads-up" is a good practice.
There's a story of personal experience here. I remember a high school game of mine in Pella, Iowa when the coach put me at first base as our regular first baseman was not with the team that day, and he figured that an experienced player like me could handle a few innings at first. Well, at some point in the game, the other team got a runner on first, and I set up on the home side of first to hold the guy on. Like you're supposed to, I extended my gloved left hand toward the pitcher to give him a target in case he elected to try a pick-off move.
My recollection of the rest of the story is from others. I must have glanced toward home to watch the hitter. The next thing I knew, I was on the ground and asking, "What happened?" The pitcher had indeed thrown to first. A bullet, I was told. Right over my glove, and right on my forehead. Down I went. But lucky. No blood. No damage. No hospital. And no more first base.
So bad things can happen, and you can get away unscathed. Or you can become a headline. The Tulsa guy's number came up snake eyes.
Illinois just passed a state-wide ban on smoking in public places beginning in 2008. My guess is that there will be a line of law suits to over-turn the law, delay it, or make it otherwise unenforceable. Personally, I avoid smokey bars and the casinos, the two types of places that have the most smokers, so it doesn't have a down side for me. The clientele of those establishment are big-time smokers. There's lots of money involved. The lawyers will make millions.
A friend of mine who I met at SB's yesterday for some catching-up has a son who has had Ewing's sarcoma, and my friend has become very knowledgeable on cancer statistics. He says that about 40% of us will get some kind of cancer at some point. The damning thing is that 30% of that 40% can be attributed to smoking.
I'm headed home to my Russian cleaning lady cleaned house. Life is good.
Be careful out there.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Monday - Part II
The first day back has been ok, just not overly productive. It's almost a post-wedding let-down thing where there's no longer that big event out there in the near future that is all-consuming.
The Gathering of the Clan again confirmed that we have an interesting collection of boughs in the extended family tree. Phil and Margaret would be proud.
We were all impressed with St. Paul. The great paths for running, walking and biking are testimony to a municipality committed to fitness. I have always enjoyed the area. Of course, perfect weather adds to any occasion.
I'm off to catch up at home.
BCOT
The Gathering of the Clan again confirmed that we have an interesting collection of boughs in the extended family tree. Phil and Margaret would be proud.
We were all impressed with St. Paul. The great paths for running, walking and biking are testimony to a municipality committed to fitness. I have always enjoyed the area. Of course, perfect weather adds to any occasion.
I'm off to catch up at home.
BCOT
Monday
I think that this has been my longest time between posts. Lots of water under the bridge since my last entry.
Many thanks to all who took their time to come to Minneapolis/St. Paul. It was a great weekend for our family.
I'll be adding more to this later. Just wanted everyone to know that the blog is back up.
BCOT
Many thanks to all who took their time to come to Minneapolis/St. Paul. It was a great weekend for our family.
I'll be adding more to this later. Just wanted everyone to know that the blog is back up.
BCOT
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Tuesday
1's Big Day is rushing toward us. There won't be much time to add to the blog over the next few days. I need to pack and finish up around the house tonight, attend to a few business details tomorrow morning, and then head North after lunch.
4 arrived in the TC late last night after a late arrival in Newark from Rome, a missed connection on her scheduled flight to the TC, and a delayed departure on the re-scheduled flight. Sans luggage. Her experience of travel this Summer will likely make her a bit of a skeptic when it comes to future trips. But at least all the girls are safe and where they need to be.
I'm a little distracted at this point.
BCOT
4 arrived in the TC late last night after a late arrival in Newark from Rome, a missed connection on her scheduled flight to the TC, and a delayed departure on the re-scheduled flight. Sans luggage. Her experience of travel this Summer will likely make her a bit of a skeptic when it comes to future trips. But at least all the girls are safe and where they need to be.
I'm a little distracted at this point.
BCOT
Monday, July 16, 2007
Monday
Still in a bit of recovery mode from the Rule One problem yesterday.
2 and 4 both made it back to US soil, but 4's plane was late and she missed her connection with 2 out of Newark. They have her on a later plane. Hopefully, she'll get to the Twin Cities yet this evening. I'm sure details will follow on her blog over the next few days.
For 3, this is The First Day of the Rest of Her Life. (Her first day at her first real, post-college job.) Give 'em heck, girl!
It's a rest day on the TdF. The stage in the Alps yesterday was won by a noted climber who does not normally do well in the time trials which come later in the race. Most of the favorites are in arrears by three or four minutes, which can be easily recaptured in the two time trials. It's still any one's game.
Good luck to all this week. Lots of iron's in the fire.
BCOT
2 and 4 both made it back to US soil, but 4's plane was late and she missed her connection with 2 out of Newark. They have her on a later plane. Hopefully, she'll get to the Twin Cities yet this evening. I'm sure details will follow on her blog over the next few days.
For 3, this is The First Day of the Rest of Her Life. (Her first day at her first real, post-college job.) Give 'em heck, girl!
It's a rest day on the TdF. The stage in the Alps yesterday was won by a noted climber who does not normally do well in the time trials which come later in the race. Most of the favorites are in arrears by three or four minutes, which can be easily recaptured in the two time trials. It's still any one's game.
Good luck to all this week. Lots of iron's in the fire.
BCOT
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Sunday
Rule One applies again.
DeWitt this AM, but I put the bike on the deck right in the middle of town as I tried to carry the paper from the grocery store to the cafe. I was switching the paper between hands and lost my balance, and it wasn't pretty. I dislocated my right thumb, a few scrapes on other body parts, and buggered-up my front wheel. The thumb I self-doctored, putting it back in place. The wheel is trash. We called Pete's son for a ride home. I'm an idiot.
Perfect weather here.
The Cubs have put on a little run and they are only three games back on the loss side. The National League Central is a weak division, but StL took it to the house last year. It could happen for Chicago this year if they continue to get good pitching.
A-Rod is opting out of a $25 million a year contract, in the likelihood that he will get $30+ per year from NY or somebody next year. He's got all the leverage right now as his numbers year-to-date are career seasons for some players. Poor A-Rod. Then again, the guys running the successful hedge funds make A-Rod's dollars look like pocket change.
I've started making my lists for Minnesota. My departure is noon-ish on Wednesday. Is the bride down to counting hours to Fiday night?
They buried Lady Bird Johnson this weekend. She is a direct connection to JFK. I think we all remember the pictures of Lyndon Johnson taking the reins of power following JFK's assassination in Dallas in 1963. The Johnson Presidency will be forever remembered for Viet Nam. I hope that the memory of Iraq will not approach Viet Nam status 40 years from now.
The lead story in the local fish wrap today was the trending-upward price of milk. The producer is getting close to $20 per hundred-weight, which is nearly double that of a year ago. But as with most things economic, his costs have increased as well. The price of corn has been a big element, with ethanol use the big driver. I'm not convinced that the push to ethanol is anything but a political shell game in the long run. The environmentalists and "green" folks are big on the reusable feature of corn, but everything from the price of a steak to the price of Kellogg's cornflakes will be impacted by this new demand.
I'm off to salve my wounds and watch the Chicago race.
Good luck to the American-Italians as they make their way back.
Be careful out there.
DeWitt this AM, but I put the bike on the deck right in the middle of town as I tried to carry the paper from the grocery store to the cafe. I was switching the paper between hands and lost my balance, and it wasn't pretty. I dislocated my right thumb, a few scrapes on other body parts, and buggered-up my front wheel. The thumb I self-doctored, putting it back in place. The wheel is trash. We called Pete's son for a ride home. I'm an idiot.
Perfect weather here.
The Cubs have put on a little run and they are only three games back on the loss side. The National League Central is a weak division, but StL took it to the house last year. It could happen for Chicago this year if they continue to get good pitching.
A-Rod is opting out of a $25 million a year contract, in the likelihood that he will get $30+ per year from NY or somebody next year. He's got all the leverage right now as his numbers year-to-date are career seasons for some players. Poor A-Rod. Then again, the guys running the successful hedge funds make A-Rod's dollars look like pocket change.
I've started making my lists for Minnesota. My departure is noon-ish on Wednesday. Is the bride down to counting hours to Fiday night?
They buried Lady Bird Johnson this weekend. She is a direct connection to JFK. I think we all remember the pictures of Lyndon Johnson taking the reins of power following JFK's assassination in Dallas in 1963. The Johnson Presidency will be forever remembered for Viet Nam. I hope that the memory of Iraq will not approach Viet Nam status 40 years from now.
The lead story in the local fish wrap today was the trending-upward price of milk. The producer is getting close to $20 per hundred-weight, which is nearly double that of a year ago. But as with most things economic, his costs have increased as well. The price of corn has been a big element, with ethanol use the big driver. I'm not convinced that the push to ethanol is anything but a political shell game in the long run. The environmentalists and "green" folks are big on the reusable feature of corn, but everything from the price of a steak to the price of Kellogg's cornflakes will be impacted by this new demand.
I'm off to salve my wounds and watch the Chicago race.
Good luck to the American-Italians as they make their way back.
Be careful out there.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Saturday
Just a few lines today.
Glad that the girls in Rome enjoyed their day with the Pontiff.
I went over to the John Deere Classic late in the afternoon yesterday. The event has had ab fab weather all week. My pal Pete and I crashed the Wells Fargo corporate tent for treats. Once the golfing was over, those looking for Friday evening fun had the event's outdoor beer garden to visit. The party tent had a LOUD live band and there were lots of people, many of whom I knew. But I was an early departee. Just not my scene.
The TdF had it's first day in the Alps today and the sprinter who wore yellow all week finished twenty minutes behind today's winner. The heavy hitters all were in a pack (including four from Discovery) 3:38 off the winner's time, but that guy will probably be a one-day-wonder. Tomorrow will truly separate the men from the boys.
NASCAR is in Chicago this weekend. The word is officially out that Budweiser will not follow Junior next year. One of the theories is that the brewer really needs to find another "young gun" that fits their demographics better than the "older" guy Junior has become. So all those red-necks with Bud and 8 tattoo's will have to go through double-laser correction.
The Celebrity Golf Tour is at Lake Tahoe this week. The back drops for all the TV camera shots are spectacular. I keep looking for Uncle Phil on one of the patrol boats out there spotting those unruly yachtsmen.
In local news, tonight is the Eldridge Moonlight Chase four mile run. Good weather for the runners. Not even tempted.
33 out on the McCausland route this afternoon. It was a due West cross wind that I have determined is about the best wind to deal with on my normal routes, if you have to have wind. Maybe DeWitt for breakfast tomorrow. I have been trying to figure out my training schedule for the coming week. The bike will definitely be with me in Minnesota.
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend.
Be careful out there.
Glad that the girls in Rome enjoyed their day with the Pontiff.
I went over to the John Deere Classic late in the afternoon yesterday. The event has had ab fab weather all week. My pal Pete and I crashed the Wells Fargo corporate tent for treats. Once the golfing was over, those looking for Friday evening fun had the event's outdoor beer garden to visit. The party tent had a LOUD live band and there were lots of people, many of whom I knew. But I was an early departee. Just not my scene.
The TdF had it's first day in the Alps today and the sprinter who wore yellow all week finished twenty minutes behind today's winner. The heavy hitters all were in a pack (including four from Discovery) 3:38 off the winner's time, but that guy will probably be a one-day-wonder. Tomorrow will truly separate the men from the boys.
NASCAR is in Chicago this weekend. The word is officially out that Budweiser will not follow Junior next year. One of the theories is that the brewer really needs to find another "young gun" that fits their demographics better than the "older" guy Junior has become. So all those red-necks with Bud and 8 tattoo's will have to go through double-laser correction.
The Celebrity Golf Tour is at Lake Tahoe this week. The back drops for all the TV camera shots are spectacular. I keep looking for Uncle Phil on one of the patrol boats out there spotting those unruly yachtsmen.
In local news, tonight is the Eldridge Moonlight Chase four mile run. Good weather for the runners. Not even tempted.
33 out on the McCausland route this afternoon. It was a due West cross wind that I have determined is about the best wind to deal with on my normal routes, if you have to have wind. Maybe DeWitt for breakfast tomorrow. I have been trying to figure out my training schedule for the coming week. The bike will definitely be with me in Minnesota.
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend.
Be careful out there.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Friday
3 is back in C-town. We talked to her before noon today. Details to follow, we hope.
2 and 4 remain in Rome for another day. 4 has another entry on her blog.
I did a ride this AM, maybe the best conditions of the year. No wind. Little traffic. Just the 16 miler around DCC. It was so good that I may go for a replay on Saturday AM.
I had forgotten to mention that business about the Pope stating that non-Catholics had salvation problems, as 4 stated. You wonder what these guys are thinking.
Margret is out today.
We're heading out early today. More here tomorrow.
BCOT
2 and 4 remain in Rome for another day. 4 has another entry on her blog.
I did a ride this AM, maybe the best conditions of the year. No wind. Little traffic. Just the 16 miler around DCC. It was so good that I may go for a replay on Saturday AM.
I had forgotten to mention that business about the Pope stating that non-Catholics had salvation problems, as 4 stated. You wonder what these guys are thinking.
Margret is out today.
We're heading out early today. More here tomorrow.
BCOT
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