When I was growing up, it seemed whenever we would go on a vacation of some kind we would run into someone we knew. Usually it was my dad that would run into a former student of his or someone he went to college with. One time at Disneyworld we were waiting in line for something and dad started talking to the couplein front of us. Dad kept saying that the husband looked familiar. Long story short, the husband was the child of a couple of people he had taught when he was doing his student teaching and somehow dad could see the family resemblence.
When my wife and I started dating we went to a baseball game. We had a little wager on who would run into people they knew first. She thought she would run into some of her students or other fellow teachers. The game hadn't even started and I had ran into like 4 or 5 people I knew including a security guard and one of the beer guys.
Last weekend we took a long weekend away. Saturday we were walking down the street in Gatlinburg and I look up and see a wife of a cousin. We talked for a while and my cousin came up while we were talking. Monday we were checking into a hotel in Cherokee, NC and we ran into a woman that just retired from where my wife teaches. It was too surreal.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006
It's your fault
The other night wifey and I went out to grab a bite to eat. The first place was closed (unfotunately they have weird hours). We ended up going to an Asian themed restuarant. It is an all you can eat buffett place with a twist.
You pick up a bowl at what looks like a salad bar. You decide on type of noodles or rice. Next you pick out your vegetables and sauces. They had probably 15 sauces to choose from and even tell you what they are made from in case you have allergies or dietary concerns. Next you grab a small bowl and pick out your meat (or tofu) and then what you want to season the meat. Finally you drop it off at the grill where the cooks stir fry it and then your waiter brings it to your table when it is done.
If you arent good at picking out what would taste good together then it is your fault that your meal isnt tasty. Then again, it is all you can eat so you can keep experimenting until you find what you like.
Of course there are ice cream places that are similar to this. You pick out a flavor and then select various toppings to be combined with your ice cream. Unfortunately the ice cream places that do this arent all you can eat so pick carefully...
You pick up a bowl at what looks like a salad bar. You decide on type of noodles or rice. Next you pick out your vegetables and sauces. They had probably 15 sauces to choose from and even tell you what they are made from in case you have allergies or dietary concerns. Next you grab a small bowl and pick out your meat (or tofu) and then what you want to season the meat. Finally you drop it off at the grill where the cooks stir fry it and then your waiter brings it to your table when it is done.
If you arent good at picking out what would taste good together then it is your fault that your meal isnt tasty. Then again, it is all you can eat so you can keep experimenting until you find what you like.
Of course there are ice cream places that are similar to this. You pick out a flavor and then select various toppings to be combined with your ice cream. Unfortunately the ice cream places that do this arent all you can eat so pick carefully...
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Long Blog
This blog may be a little longer than most of mine and it wont be just one train of thought.
Memorial Day weekend my sister and her family came down to my parents, and more importantly this gave me a chance to see my niece. She is almost 4 and a half. After we had eaten dinner, we were picking at her asking her about her boyfriends (she once told us that she would be married by the time she was 5 so we were checking to see if we needed to start planning...). She listed off several boys but then she declared that I was her mostest favorite boyfriend. I am a lucky man.
Memorial Day, wifey and I went to see some minor league hockey. A local team was in the championships of their league. While waiting in line to buy tickets, a friend spotted us. He had extra tickets to a suite that a client had given him. So we went into the suite and enjoyed the free refreshments. I enjoy minor league baseball and I used to enjoy the minor league hockey team that Atlanta had (the Knights) but this wasnt fun to watch. The skating and the passing was horrible and these were the top 2 teams in the league. The officiating was horrible, too. They had ads on the loud speakers it seemed almost every 30 seconds. The funniest thing was that the majority of the adds were for dentists...
Last night, I went with a friend and his wife to see 38 Special. It was at a small outdoor venue near my house. Edgar Winters was the opening act. I worked radio while in college. I remember Edgar but I couldnt place any songs and after last night I still dont remember any of his songs. 38 is made up of most of the original members; Donnie Van Zandt is still the lead singer but Don Barnes is still the guy that sings most of the songs. I know that is confusing but that is how it is. The show was great. After the show I got to meet Edgar Winters... During the show, my friend and I came up with a list of things you have to have if your last name is Van Zandt and you sing for a band:
1) Your last name has to end with "NNIE" as in Johnnie, Donnie, and Ronnie. Somewhere out there is probably a Bonnie, Connie or Lonnie Van Zandt...
2) You have to have long, stringy, dirty blonde hair
3) You have to have a beard. (This maybe difficult if there is a Connie or Bonnie...)
4) You have to wear a dark colored, long sleeve shirt untucked. The shirt also needs to be unbuttoned to the navel.
5) You have to wear a black cowboy hat.
6) If you dont have a guitar strapped around you, you have to pace the stage while holding the mic stand at all times.
You may not find the humor or truth in the above statements but if you have ever seen 38 Special or Lynard Skynard, you will understand.
Memorial Day weekend my sister and her family came down to my parents, and more importantly this gave me a chance to see my niece. She is almost 4 and a half. After we had eaten dinner, we were picking at her asking her about her boyfriends (she once told us that she would be married by the time she was 5 so we were checking to see if we needed to start planning...). She listed off several boys but then she declared that I was her mostest favorite boyfriend. I am a lucky man.
Memorial Day, wifey and I went to see some minor league hockey. A local team was in the championships of their league. While waiting in line to buy tickets, a friend spotted us. He had extra tickets to a suite that a client had given him. So we went into the suite and enjoyed the free refreshments. I enjoy minor league baseball and I used to enjoy the minor league hockey team that Atlanta had (the Knights) but this wasnt fun to watch. The skating and the passing was horrible and these were the top 2 teams in the league. The officiating was horrible, too. They had ads on the loud speakers it seemed almost every 30 seconds. The funniest thing was that the majority of the adds were for dentists...
Last night, I went with a friend and his wife to see 38 Special. It was at a small outdoor venue near my house. Edgar Winters was the opening act. I worked radio while in college. I remember Edgar but I couldnt place any songs and after last night I still dont remember any of his songs. 38 is made up of most of the original members; Donnie Van Zandt is still the lead singer but Don Barnes is still the guy that sings most of the songs. I know that is confusing but that is how it is. The show was great. After the show I got to meet Edgar Winters... During the show, my friend and I came up with a list of things you have to have if your last name is Van Zandt and you sing for a band:
1) Your last name has to end with "NNIE" as in Johnnie, Donnie, and Ronnie. Somewhere out there is probably a Bonnie, Connie or Lonnie Van Zandt...
2) You have to have long, stringy, dirty blonde hair
3) You have to have a beard. (This maybe difficult if there is a Connie or Bonnie...)
4) You have to wear a dark colored, long sleeve shirt untucked. The shirt also needs to be unbuttoned to the navel.
5) You have to wear a black cowboy hat.
6) If you dont have a guitar strapped around you, you have to pace the stage while holding the mic stand at all times.
You may not find the humor or truth in the above statements but if you have ever seen 38 Special or Lynard Skynard, you will understand.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Who thought that up?
I have participated in focus groups before. Last year while in Vegas, the wife and I participated in a focus group on tv shows. We had been walking around and were approached to come into the ac, drink some soft drinks, watch some tv and get paid. We watched several shows that were supposedly coming soon to tv (I have yet to see any of them since then).
I remember when I was a kid I got paid at a mall to look at movie posters for some upcoming movies and determine which was the best poster for each film.
Lots of companies (and even would be politicians) use focus groups to determine if an idea is a good one or not. I bring this up because of something I have seen that I find hard to believe that any real thought was put into it or the public's approval was even sought.
KFC is advertising a lot on the Stanley Cup playoffs. They have a new menu item that they are pushing. Whenever this ad is on, I have to turn the channel. They take mashed potatoes, add a layer of corn and then some chicken nuggets. That is topped with gravy and then a layer of cheese. Are they serious? WHO EATS THIS STUFF? It looks sooooo disgusting.
I remember when I was a kid I got paid at a mall to look at movie posters for some upcoming movies and determine which was the best poster for each film.
Lots of companies (and even would be politicians) use focus groups to determine if an idea is a good one or not. I bring this up because of something I have seen that I find hard to believe that any real thought was put into it or the public's approval was even sought.
KFC is advertising a lot on the Stanley Cup playoffs. They have a new menu item that they are pushing. Whenever this ad is on, I have to turn the channel. They take mashed potatoes, add a layer of corn and then some chicken nuggets. That is topped with gravy and then a layer of cheese. Are they serious? WHO EATS THIS STUFF? It looks sooooo disgusting.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Helping Out
I have found an easy way to help out charities and hope that you will help out, too. It is with GoodSearch. You use GoodSearch.com like any other search engine - the site is powered by Yahoo! - but each time you do, money is generated for charities. Here’s how it works:
1. Go to www.goodsearch.com
2. Type NKF GA into the “I support” box and click on “verify”
3. Search the Internet just like you would with any search engine
4. Since GoodSearch shares its advertising revenue with charities and schools, everytime you search the Internet at GoodSearch, you’ll be earning money for the National Kidney Foundation of Georgia.
GoodSearch also has a toolbar you can download from the homepage so that you can search right from the top of your browser, whether you use Internet Explorer or Firefox. This is how I do it as it makes it so much easier.
You can keep track of our estimated earnings by clicking on “amount raised” once you designate Kidney Foundation as your organization of choice. The more people who use the site, the more money the National Kidney Foundation will earn to find ways to prevent or maybe one day cure kidney failure, so please spread the word!!
Friday, May 12, 2006
Tea
I love tea. I was raised in the south so of course I love tea. It has to be sweet and over ice. When drinking regular or table tea, I like it with a lemon but prefer a lime.
Several years ago(about 12 or 13) I went to England for about 8 or 9 days with my sister. There was a mad cow scare going on at the time so we ate a lot of lamb. Now I like lamb but after eating it for 2 meals a day for a week, I got tired of it.
While in England I had a lot of tea. I really developed an appreciation for tea. I came home from that trip and bought all of the things needed to make a proper glass of tea. After a while, good tea was something I only made for special occasions because it took way too long to make it the correct way. I would enjoy it at Starbucks (since I dont drink coffee) on occasion.
Recently my wife and I were out shopping. We stopped in a tea store so I could buy a glass of good tea. They had a tea maker for sale that after seeing in action, I had to buy. It made making a proper glass of tea easy and quick. So I purchased one and some loose leaf tea. Last week I bought some more loose leaf tea to enjoy.
I am glad to rediscover the joys of a good glass of tea.
Several years ago(about 12 or 13) I went to England for about 8 or 9 days with my sister. There was a mad cow scare going on at the time so we ate a lot of lamb. Now I like lamb but after eating it for 2 meals a day for a week, I got tired of it.
While in England I had a lot of tea. I really developed an appreciation for tea. I came home from that trip and bought all of the things needed to make a proper glass of tea. After a while, good tea was something I only made for special occasions because it took way too long to make it the correct way. I would enjoy it at Starbucks (since I dont drink coffee) on occasion.
Recently my wife and I were out shopping. We stopped in a tea store so I could buy a glass of good tea. They had a tea maker for sale that after seeing in action, I had to buy. It made making a proper glass of tea easy and quick. So I purchased one and some loose leaf tea. Last week I bought some more loose leaf tea to enjoy.
I am glad to rediscover the joys of a good glass of tea.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Television
I have been watching the NHL Stanley cup playoffs for the last couple of weeks. I wish that my team had made the playoffs but I still like watching the games. I have Center Ice on our cable which allows me to watch the games that are not on NBC and OLN. These games are also broadcast by one of the teams playing so you get to watch tv and ads from other parts of the US and Canada. The commercials ran elsewhere are different than the ones ran here.
KFC doesnt use "Sweet Home Alabama" as the music in their ads they run in Canada. Which reminds me, why would they use that song here? Sweet Home Alabama doesnt mention chicken or Kentucky (the K in KFC).
Wendy's has a special Carolina Classic burger that they sell in North Carolina that they dont sell here or probably anywhere else. It has coleslaw and BBQ sauce on it. The picture they show on the ad does not look too appetizing either.
KFC doesnt use "Sweet Home Alabama" as the music in their ads they run in Canada. Which reminds me, why would they use that song here? Sweet Home Alabama doesnt mention chicken or Kentucky (the K in KFC).
Wendy's has a special Carolina Classic burger that they sell in North Carolina that they dont sell here or probably anywhere else. It has coleslaw and BBQ sauce on it. The picture they show on the ad does not look too appetizing either.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Give Life Month
April is organ donation awareness month sometimes reffered to as Give Life month. Last week I attended an event at the state capitol. They use this gathering to honor donors and families of donors here in Georgia. It was a very moving and emotional ceremony. The following poem was read at the event.
To Remember Me - I will live forever Robert N. Test The day will come when my body will lie upon a white sheet neatly tucked under four corners of a mattress located in a hospital; busily occupied with the living and the dying. At a certain moment a doctor will determine that my brain has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes, my life has stopped.
When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life into my body by the use of a machine. And don't call this my deathbed. Let it be called the bed of life, and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives.
- Give my sight to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby's face or love in the eyes of a woman.
Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain.
Give my blood to the teenager who was pulled from the wreckage of his car, so that he might live to see his grandchildren play.
Give my kidneys to the one who depends on a machine to exist from week to week.
Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk.
Explore every corner of my brain.
Take my cells, if necessary, and let them grow so that, someday a speechless boy will shout at the crack of a bat and a deaf girl will hear the sound of rain agianst her window.
Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow.
If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weakness and all prejudice against my fellow man.
Give my sins to the devil.
Give my soul to God.
Robert N. Test
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Q
I love good BBQ. I love the smokey flavor. I love tomato and mustard based sauces. Every now and then I even like the Carolina vinegar style. I have even had white BBQ sauce and found it ok.
A few years ago, I learned that there is another style of sauce. I have only found it near where we live and that is the Worstershire based sauce. I dont mean using just a little worstershire for flavor (not that I like that either) but I am talking where it is the dominant ingredient of the sauce. Easily over 50+% of the sauce. I dont understand this nor do I really like it.
There used to be a BBQ place near our house but it is not there anymore. I went a few times but wasnt a big fan of it (despite the raves of locals) because of their Worstershire sauce. After I realized that they had other sauces but you just had to specify what you wanted (otherwise you got the worst sauce.... literally), I decided that it was decent que and went several times until it closed.
Last week I made ribs. I made my own rub and my own sauce. It was tomato based. Initially it was sweet to the taste but after you swallowed you had a nice little bite of spice and heat, but not too much. It was one of my favorite sauces I have ever made. MMmmmm. I am getting hungry now.
A few years ago, I learned that there is another style of sauce. I have only found it near where we live and that is the Worstershire based sauce. I dont mean using just a little worstershire for flavor (not that I like that either) but I am talking where it is the dominant ingredient of the sauce. Easily over 50+% of the sauce. I dont understand this nor do I really like it.
There used to be a BBQ place near our house but it is not there anymore. I went a few times but wasnt a big fan of it (despite the raves of locals) because of their Worstershire sauce. After I realized that they had other sauces but you just had to specify what you wanted (otherwise you got the worst sauce.... literally), I decided that it was decent que and went several times until it closed.
Last week I made ribs. I made my own rub and my own sauce. It was tomato based. Initially it was sweet to the taste but after you swallowed you had a nice little bite of spice and heat, but not too much. It was one of my favorite sauces I have ever made. MMmmmm. I am getting hungry now.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Lifelong Dream
Charlie Brown said it best: "There are three things in life that people like to
stare at: a flowing stream, a crackling fire, and a Zamboni clearing the ice."
Last night I fullfilled a lifelong dream; I got to ride a Zamboni. You know,
the machine that resurfaces the ice at hockey games in between periods.
As a kid I would see Snoopy riding the Zamboni in the comics and I would
think "How coolwould that be?" Years later I was working at a record store
when one of the Mighty Ducks movies came out and I was given a
soundtrack to the movie. On that cassette was a song by the Gear Daddies
entitled, "I want to drive the Zamboni." I loved that song and still know
all of the words.
I learned a few things 1) no drink holders on the Zamboni 2) You have to
sign a 2 page release to ride 3)the front part of the Zamboni holds the ice
that has been scraped up. When the Zamboni has done its job, it goes to
the back and hydraulics lift the "hood" so that the ice falls out into a bin
where it melts 4) they dont think it is a good idea to have a snowball fight
with the shaved ice.
The fact that the Thrashers won last night putting the playoffs within reach
was just the icing on the cake.
Monday, April 10, 2006
The Kids, Traveling, and the Captain
Several weeks ago the wife was out of town. Our two dogs normally follow her around whenever she is here but after that weekend, her dog is now officially a daddy's girl. When we are watching tv she hops up into my lap. When we go to bed she snuggles up to me for the night. And whenever we have thunder, it is her daddy that is able to protect her. I like having a little girl.
Last week the wife and I took a little vacation. We flew to Miami and rented a car to drive to Key West. Other than booking a place to stay, we made no plans. It was great to unwind and relax with no real schedule. We ate a lot of seafood and some cuban food. I had some key lime pie (wifey doesnt care for key lime) that was incredible. We found a great little place that makes a lot of different crepes and it became our breakfast place for the trip. On the way home we stopped in Key Largo for lunch with an old friend of mine and her fiancee (whom I had never met). The restaurant we met them at had tables set up on a beautiful beach overlooking the ocean while a guy played some steel drums. It was easy to see why some people go to the keys every year, or as my friend did, go for a vacation and never leave.
One of the things we did while in Key West was to go meet Captain Tony. Who is he you might ask. He is the imbodiment of every Jimmy Buffett song you have ever heard. As a matter of fact, go look at the lyrics for Last Mango in Paris and you will see that this particular song is all about him. Captain Tony is pushing 90. He has 13 kids ranging in age from 11 to 54. He was Mayor of Key West at one time. He allegedly made a living as a smuggler for a while. He also owns a bar that was the original location for Sloppy Joes for most of the time that Ernest Hemingway was drinking there while in Key West. We were just walking by and saw him in his bar and stopped by to take photos with him. My picture is kinda plain. The one with wifey he has a big smile.
While we were gone, we left the dogs with their usual sitter. They must have played hard while they were there as they slept all day Sunday after we picked them up.
Last week the wife and I took a little vacation. We flew to Miami and rented a car to drive to Key West. Other than booking a place to stay, we made no plans. It was great to unwind and relax with no real schedule. We ate a lot of seafood and some cuban food. I had some key lime pie (wifey doesnt care for key lime) that was incredible. We found a great little place that makes a lot of different crepes and it became our breakfast place for the trip. On the way home we stopped in Key Largo for lunch with an old friend of mine and her fiancee (whom I had never met). The restaurant we met them at had tables set up on a beautiful beach overlooking the ocean while a guy played some steel drums. It was easy to see why some people go to the keys every year, or as my friend did, go for a vacation and never leave.
One of the things we did while in Key West was to go meet Captain Tony. Who is he you might ask. He is the imbodiment of every Jimmy Buffett song you have ever heard. As a matter of fact, go look at the lyrics for Last Mango in Paris and you will see that this particular song is all about him. Captain Tony is pushing 90. He has 13 kids ranging in age from 11 to 54. He was Mayor of Key West at one time. He allegedly made a living as a smuggler for a while. He also owns a bar that was the original location for Sloppy Joes for most of the time that Ernest Hemingway was drinking there while in Key West. We were just walking by and saw him in his bar and stopped by to take photos with him. My picture is kinda plain. The one with wifey he has a big smile.
While we were gone, we left the dogs with their usual sitter. They must have played hard while they were there as they slept all day Sunday after we picked them up.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Old Friend About to Move Across the Pond
Sunday I went to a goodbye party for a friend. I hadnt seen her in forever and it was good to see her and meet her husband before they move to England.
She hired me years ago and became like an older sister to me. She decided she wanted something new and packed up and moved to DC a couple of years after I had worked for her. She had no job lined up but it didnt take her long to find something. I always admired her for doing that. We have always stayed in touch and I used to see her when I was traveling to DC a lot.
I was always a little upset at my fellow males of the world since she was single for so long. Not that she needed a man to make her life complete or anything but you see a smart, beautiful, funny woman that isnt in a long term relationship and you wonder what is wrong with the men of this world. After meeting her husband, I know that he is the right man for her and was worth the wait.
He was born and raised in England. They met in Miami where they both were on business. He flew from London to DC to date her on weekends. Wow!!! He took a job transfer to Connencticut so that he could be a lot closer to her and see if it would work out and it did. Now they are moving to London for a few years. Bad news is I wont see her for a while but the good news is the wife and I have a reason to go to England and a place to stay. Maybe after I get a transplant we might go see them.
At her going away party, I also got to see someone else I had worked with. She is a stay at home mom with two beautiful daughters (5 and 2). Always great to catch up with old friends.
She hired me years ago and became like an older sister to me. She decided she wanted something new and packed up and moved to DC a couple of years after I had worked for her. She had no job lined up but it didnt take her long to find something. I always admired her for doing that. We have always stayed in touch and I used to see her when I was traveling to DC a lot.
I was always a little upset at my fellow males of the world since she was single for so long. Not that she needed a man to make her life complete or anything but you see a smart, beautiful, funny woman that isnt in a long term relationship and you wonder what is wrong with the men of this world. After meeting her husband, I know that he is the right man for her and was worth the wait.
He was born and raised in England. They met in Miami where they both were on business. He flew from London to DC to date her on weekends. Wow!!! He took a job transfer to Connencticut so that he could be a lot closer to her and see if it would work out and it did. Now they are moving to London for a few years. Bad news is I wont see her for a while but the good news is the wife and I have a reason to go to England and a place to stay. Maybe after I get a transplant we might go see them.
At her going away party, I also got to see someone else I had worked with. She is a stay at home mom with two beautiful daughters (5 and 2). Always great to catch up with old friends.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Dinner and Idol
Last night a friend was in town and we decided to get up a group and go eat dinner. A friend suggested a new place and we all met up. What our friend didnt share is that this new place (the restaurant has 2 other locations that have been around for awhile) was having a VIP grand opening last night. We get there and we are seated in a crowded dining room with local celebs and elected officials. I wont mention any specific names but it was quite a gathering. Our waitier had the distinct pleasure of telling us our meal was comped. WOW!!! A great time was had by all including some phone calls and ribbing to those that were too busy to make it out last night...
We get home and the end of American Idol was on. They were singing Stevie Wonder songs. I love Stevie. He is a musical genius you know. One of the rocker guys was singing "Higher Ground" and the judges went wild. "You took that and made it your own!" was the universal sentiment of the judges. Evidentially the judges have never heard the 1989 release of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers version of this song. In other words, he didnt really "make it his own"... I still enjoyed it, but was shocked that they seemed to not know what he was doing.
We get home and the end of American Idol was on. They were singing Stevie Wonder songs. I love Stevie. He is a musical genius you know. One of the rocker guys was singing "Higher Ground" and the judges went wild. "You took that and made it your own!" was the universal sentiment of the judges. Evidentially the judges have never heard the 1989 release of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers version of this song. In other words, he didnt really "make it his own"... I still enjoyed it, but was shocked that they seemed to not know what he was doing.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Tunes
Whenever I am down, stressed or just need a pick me up I like to buy some new cds. Tonight after dinner wifey and I went to pick up some new music, as well as a copy of Walk the Line. Boy were we in for a surprise.
Normally when you go to a record store (unless it is a small, independent store) the staff is not very knowledgable about music. You could ask where to find the most popular artist and they will stare blankly at you like they have never heard of the singer. God help you if you ask for something obscure. This was not the case tonight. We had a guy that knew his music. He knew when stuff was coming out. He could look at the variety of stuff I had selected and suggest some others that work out. We will definitely be going back to this store...
When I was a kid (and even now) I like to watch Austin City Limits on PBS. They have had a virtual who's who in music appear on their program over the years. Stevie Ray Vaughn, Ray Charles, Robert Randolph, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and lots of others. After years, they have finally gotten smart and started releasing some of the show's performances on DVD and CD. This is something I always thought they should do and now they are doing it. They have release 5 or 6 artists right now with plans to release another 15 or so in the near future.
I also picked up Matisyahu's live album tonight. I heard about him a few months ago but finally broke down and got his album tonight (he has a studio album coming out this Tuesday). WOW!!! Matisyah is reggae album with a hasidic jew spitting out the rhymes, chanting, rapping, or whatever you want to call it. The lyrics are very positive and spiritual. Man, this has got to be one of my favorite albums of the year. You have really got to check it out.
Editor's Note: The link above for Austin City Limits is the site for the show and music festival. This link will take you to the CDs and DVDs that are currently released. There are more released than the 5 or 6 I was told. They have a neat feature that allows you to watch some of the DVDs that have been released.
Normally when you go to a record store (unless it is a small, independent store) the staff is not very knowledgable about music. You could ask where to find the most popular artist and they will stare blankly at you like they have never heard of the singer. God help you if you ask for something obscure. This was not the case tonight. We had a guy that knew his music. He knew when stuff was coming out. He could look at the variety of stuff I had selected and suggest some others that work out. We will definitely be going back to this store...
When I was a kid (and even now) I like to watch Austin City Limits on PBS. They have had a virtual who's who in music appear on their program over the years. Stevie Ray Vaughn, Ray Charles, Robert Randolph, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and lots of others. After years, they have finally gotten smart and started releasing some of the show's performances on DVD and CD. This is something I always thought they should do and now they are doing it. They have release 5 or 6 artists right now with plans to release another 15 or so in the near future.
I also picked up Matisyahu's live album tonight. I heard about him a few months ago but finally broke down and got his album tonight (he has a studio album coming out this Tuesday). WOW!!! Matisyah is reggae album with a hasidic jew spitting out the rhymes, chanting, rapping, or whatever you want to call it. The lyrics are very positive and spiritual. Man, this has got to be one of my favorite albums of the year. You have really got to check it out.
Editor's Note: The link above for Austin City Limits is the site for the show and music festival. This link will take you to the CDs and DVDs that are currently released. There are more released than the 5 or 6 I was told. They have a neat feature that allows you to watch some of the DVDs that have been released.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Top Jimmy
I like to do unusual things. If I am buying a gift for somebody, I want it to be something unique.
A couple of years ago I was trying to think of something unique to do for my parents and ended up with a good idea. On a Father's day, my parents and I got up early and drove to Plains, Georgia. We went to Maranatha Baptist Church and sat in a sunday school class taught by former President Jimmy Carter.
It was truly a memorable event! What was weird is that there was several friends of mine that were there to without knowing that they were coming. After Sunday School and then the worship service, we waited in line with everybody else to have our picture made with President and Mrs. Carter.
I think it was Walter Cronkite that said it best, "Jimmy Carter is the only man to use the office of the Presidency to go on to greater things." It seems, sadly, that most former Presidents are more concerned with seeing how much money they can make than to continue with their public service.
The trip with my parents to Plains has been on my mind as I am currently reading Carter's new book, Our Endangered Values. It is taking me longer to read than it should as I have a lot of work related items to read right now but I am enjoying stealing a few minutes here and there to read Values. I highly recommend it.
A couple of years ago I was trying to think of something unique to do for my parents and ended up with a good idea. On a Father's day, my parents and I got up early and drove to Plains, Georgia. We went to Maranatha Baptist Church and sat in a sunday school class taught by former President Jimmy Carter.
It was truly a memorable event! What was weird is that there was several friends of mine that were there to without knowing that they were coming. After Sunday School and then the worship service, we waited in line with everybody else to have our picture made with President and Mrs. Carter.
I think it was Walter Cronkite that said it best, "Jimmy Carter is the only man to use the office of the Presidency to go on to greater things." It seems, sadly, that most former Presidents are more concerned with seeing how much money they can make than to continue with their public service.
The trip with my parents to Plains has been on my mind as I am currently reading Carter's new book, Our Endangered Values. It is taking me longer to read than it should as I have a lot of work related items to read right now but I am enjoying stealing a few minutes here and there to read Values. I highly recommend it.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Dinner Guest
There is a group of us that try to get together to eat and share stories at least once a year. Last night we got together with some special guests. Significant others were invited for the first time in a long time and wifey showed up after night class. We also had a celebrity join us with his wife; Ben Jones best known for his portrayel of Cooter on the Dukes of Hazzard in the late 70's and early 80's.
I have known Ben for several years. I met him first in 1994 when he was running for Congress against Newt Gingrich. He lost that year but he had been in Congress for 2 terms before that, which was the subject of a lot of his stories last night. Ben and his wife were in town for a car show, which I plan to be at tomorrow.
I cant remember all of the stories told last night but I do remember the laughter, the bonding, and finally the solving of some of the world's problems. The manager kept going by our table trying to figure out who was the person sitting in the middle. I dont know if he ever figured it out or not.
As we were leaving, we had to wait for the valet to bring our cars up. When he was bringing mine he asked what it was like to know Cooter. "The same as knowing anybody else I guess." Turns out this young black man is a big Cooter fan. He had recognized Ben when he got out of the car at the start of the dinner and had called his girlfriend to come bring a camera. As I was getting in the car to drive away, he was stammering through asking Ben if it was alright to have his picture made with him. Of course Ben was delighted.
I have known Ben for several years. I met him first in 1994 when he was running for Congress against Newt Gingrich. He lost that year but he had been in Congress for 2 terms before that, which was the subject of a lot of his stories last night. Ben and his wife were in town for a car show, which I plan to be at tomorrow.
I cant remember all of the stories told last night but I do remember the laughter, the bonding, and finally the solving of some of the world's problems. The manager kept going by our table trying to figure out who was the person sitting in the middle. I dont know if he ever figured it out or not.
As we were leaving, we had to wait for the valet to bring our cars up. When he was bringing mine he asked what it was like to know Cooter. "The same as knowing anybody else I guess." Turns out this young black man is a big Cooter fan. He had recognized Ben when he got out of the car at the start of the dinner and had called his girlfriend to come bring a camera. As I was getting in the car to drive away, he was stammering through asking Ben if it was alright to have his picture made with him. Of course Ben was delighted.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Olympic break
Yesterday we watched some of the women's hockey games. WOW!! After a Thrashers game several weeks ago there was a lady's hockey game that we stayed for. It was boring. Most of the girls couldnt skate. Most couldnt handle the puck. There was some that could play pretty well but the majority of the players looked like I probably would on the ice (lots of falling down). This was not the case with the Olympics women hockey. They were quick. They were handling the puck very well. Team USA won 6-0 yesterday. Team Canada 16-0 over Italy. I cant wait for the gold medal match between these two teams.
Olympic men's hockey doesnt start for another couple of days. We watched the Thrashers last night at a sports bar since the game was only on satellite and not on local tv. I am looking forward to watching Team Russia during the Olympics. They will have the NHL's top scorer and the NHL's top rookie which should make for a fun to watch team.
Also yesterday, we went to the Atlanta Art House. Around 20+ galleries in Atlanta overly decorated a new, huge mansion. Probably over 5000 sq ft. The house was pretty and set up well for entertaining. The art was for the most part incredible (I dont get "art" that is a stack of paint can lids painted and glued together). Good day spent doing nothing with the wife.
In 1996, Atlanta hosted the Olympics. I regret that I was unable to go to any of the events due to a chaotic work schedule at that time. I hope one day to be able to go to an Olympics. I dont care if it is Summer or Winter but I would want to go to events that are indoors. I dont do too well with extreme hot or extreme cold...
Olympic men's hockey doesnt start for another couple of days. We watched the Thrashers last night at a sports bar since the game was only on satellite and not on local tv. I am looking forward to watching Team Russia during the Olympics. They will have the NHL's top scorer and the NHL's top rookie which should make for a fun to watch team.
Also yesterday, we went to the Atlanta Art House. Around 20+ galleries in Atlanta overly decorated a new, huge mansion. Probably over 5000 sq ft. The house was pretty and set up well for entertaining. The art was for the most part incredible (I dont get "art" that is a stack of paint can lids painted and glued together). Good day spent doing nothing with the wife.
In 1996, Atlanta hosted the Olympics. I regret that I was unable to go to any of the events due to a chaotic work schedule at that time. I hope one day to be able to go to an Olympics. I dont care if it is Summer or Winter but I would want to go to events that are indoors. I dont do too well with extreme hot or extreme cold...
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Satellites
Tuesday I has to have my car serviced. I ended up with a loaner car that I returned Wednesday a.m. No satellite radio. I had to listen to commercial radio. I had forgotten how many commercials you have to listen to. 6 minutes of songs followed by 15 minutes of commercials. I was miserable and very glad to get my vehicle back.
Today XM radio announced that Oprah is going to have her own channel with some of her friends. That is huge... and yet some people say satellite radio wont last. HAHHAHAHAHA
Today XM radio announced that Oprah is going to have her own channel with some of her friends. That is huge... and yet some people say satellite radio wont last. HAHHAHAHAHA
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Lucky Me
So I may not be lucky with my health but the rest of my life seems to know lady luck pretty well.
Last night we went with some newly engaged friends to a hockey game. The Thrashers Foundation was selling signed pucks for charity. Every puck was signed by a Thrasher. If it was signed in gold, you got to meet that player and have your picture made with him after that night's game. I asked if there was any gold signed pucks left at the table I was at and was told that there was still one left. I bought two pucks and of course, the first one I chose was signed in gold. It was the team's enforcer, Eric Boulton. He had also been one of my dealers at Thrasher's casino night and has a wicked sense of humor.
Our friends show up for the game and we asked if they were doing anything after the game. We filled them in on what I had won and they were pretty excited. After the game (which we won) we went to a waiting area. About 8 players came up after they had showered and put on street clothes (all suits). We had our picture made and talked to Eric for a while (complimenting his fight from Tuesday, how the team has been doing lately, etc.). He was quick to praise a teammate that had gotten into a fight Friday night.
We hung out and our friends collected autographs from all of the players that showed up (I didnt get any autographs as I already have the whole team on a pennet and some of my favorites on a jersey or on some trading cards). What a great time!
Last night we went with some newly engaged friends to a hockey game. The Thrashers Foundation was selling signed pucks for charity. Every puck was signed by a Thrasher. If it was signed in gold, you got to meet that player and have your picture made with him after that night's game. I asked if there was any gold signed pucks left at the table I was at and was told that there was still one left. I bought two pucks and of course, the first one I chose was signed in gold. It was the team's enforcer, Eric Boulton. He had also been one of my dealers at Thrasher's casino night and has a wicked sense of humor.
Our friends show up for the game and we asked if they were doing anything after the game. We filled them in on what I had won and they were pretty excited. After the game (which we won) we went to a waiting area. About 8 players came up after they had showered and put on street clothes (all suits). We had our picture made and talked to Eric for a while (complimenting his fight from Tuesday, how the team has been doing lately, etc.). He was quick to praise a teammate that had gotten into a fight Friday night.
We hung out and our friends collected autographs from all of the players that showed up (I didnt get any autographs as I already have the whole team on a pennet and some of my favorites on a jersey or on some trading cards). What a great time!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Long Weekend
Yesterday was a holiday for a lot of people which made it a long weekend.
Friday was hockey with friends. Saturday was a charity casino night for the Atlanta Thrashers Foundation. Sunday was get up early and go to the aquarium with my niece. Yesterday was a day to run errands and do a little dreaming.
The hockey was fun as always but the Thrashers barely beat the worst team in the NHL. That doesnt make you feel to good, but hey, a win is a win, right? One step closer to the playoffs... At every game, the Thrashers have a raffle. A winner is drawn and they get half of the money raised. The other half is split between the Thrashers Foundation and another charity. The chairty Friday is a group that takes dogs to hospitals in the Atlanta area. They brought some of the dogs with them which meant lots of people petting dogs. It also meant my dogs were jealous when we got home as they could smell that we had pet another doggie.
Casino night was a blast. Wifey and I bought mystery bags when we first got there, choosing bag numbers to correspond with 2 of our favorite players. We won: Thrasher tickets, Hawks tickets, signed 8x10 pics of a couple hockey players, signed Illya Kovalchuk puck in a display case, restaurant gift certificates, weekend stay at an upscale hotel, a nice cd player, a wooden case with Thrasher logo poker cards, and some other stuff. We had pictures made with several of the players who were also dealers that night. You started off with 1500 play chips (but you could reload throughout the night). I ended the night with around 60k chips. You got a raffle ticket for every thousand chips you had at the end of the night. They raffled off a big screen tv and other prizes. A silent auction with tons of stuff and a live auction with several big items (including a trip to an away game with the team on their airplane). We didnt bid on any of those items. Food was good. And the new Thrasher ice cream (blue cream de menthe with white chocolate chips) was delish!
My niece is 4 and we gave her a trip to aquarium for Christmas. She has been excited about it for weeks. She had a good time
Yesterday, after running some errands we went and looked at new houses. No we are not planning to move anytime soon. We just like to go look at houses and get ieas from them. One we went in had a closet that is bigger than our current bedroom.
Friday was hockey with friends. Saturday was a charity casino night for the Atlanta Thrashers Foundation. Sunday was get up early and go to the aquarium with my niece. Yesterday was a day to run errands and do a little dreaming.
The hockey was fun as always but the Thrashers barely beat the worst team in the NHL. That doesnt make you feel to good, but hey, a win is a win, right? One step closer to the playoffs... At every game, the Thrashers have a raffle. A winner is drawn and they get half of the money raised. The other half is split between the Thrashers Foundation and another charity. The chairty Friday is a group that takes dogs to hospitals in the Atlanta area. They brought some of the dogs with them which meant lots of people petting dogs. It also meant my dogs were jealous when we got home as they could smell that we had pet another doggie.
Casino night was a blast. Wifey and I bought mystery bags when we first got there, choosing bag numbers to correspond with 2 of our favorite players. We won: Thrasher tickets, Hawks tickets, signed 8x10 pics of a couple hockey players, signed Illya Kovalchuk puck in a display case, restaurant gift certificates, weekend stay at an upscale hotel, a nice cd player, a wooden case with Thrasher logo poker cards, and some other stuff. We had pictures made with several of the players who were also dealers that night. You started off with 1500 play chips (but you could reload throughout the night). I ended the night with around 60k chips. You got a raffle ticket for every thousand chips you had at the end of the night. They raffled off a big screen tv and other prizes. A silent auction with tons of stuff and a live auction with several big items (including a trip to an away game with the team on their airplane). We didnt bid on any of those items. Food was good. And the new Thrasher ice cream (blue cream de menthe with white chocolate chips) was delish!
My niece is 4 and we gave her a trip to aquarium for Christmas. She has been excited about it for weeks. She had a good time
Yesterday, after running some errands we went and looked at new houses. No we are not planning to move anytime soon. We just like to go look at houses and get ieas from them. One we went in had a closet that is bigger than our current bedroom.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Hockey, a Road Trip, and Satellites
Friday night was Hockey night. We went to the game and the Thrashers won. The Penguins rallied in the third period but still came up short, especially after #17 Illya Kovalchuk became the leading scorer in the NHL with his hattrick.
Atlanta has gotten some attention in the hockey world recently. They are on a great win streak and playing incredible. Last Monday they destroyed the best team in the NHL, the Ottawa Senators 8-3. Ottawa's main scorer is a former Thrasher (Danny Heatley) and he was booed everytime he touched the puck. I wasnt at this game but I am not happy the way Heatley was treated.
Fridays game we gained attention for how Sid "the Kid" Crosby was supposedly treated. First, let me say the kid is a crybaby. Anytime he took a little check (which is legal) he would go cry to the officials. He couldnt handle the puck with out someone stealing it from him. He got checked by Kovalchuk and responded by using his stick as a weapon for which he got a penalty (called slashing). He slashed one of our Defensemen, breaking his stick in the process, and went into the penalty box again. 30 seconds later Kovalchuk scored and pointed at the penalty box where Crosby was sitting. Pittsburgh players and fans weren't too happy about that.
Saturday we went to Alabama. A coworker of wifey had a bad car wreck 10 days or so ago. He was in the passenger seat, the car hit a tree, he went through the seatbelt and out of the car. He is lucky to be alive and looks good but with 2 broken legs.
On the way to and from Alabama we listened to a couple of hockey games. I dont know why I am getting addicted to it, but I really love watching hockey but will tolerate listening to it. We got home and went to a sports bar to watch the Thrashers play the Penguins in Pittsburgh. Crybaby Crosby had 8 penalty minutes for slashing, tripping, diving, and an unsportsmanlike conduct. Pittsburgh fans booed Kovalchuk every time he touched the puck but two goals shut them up pretty quickly. Atlanta won again and are now 7th in the NHL East.
Atlanta has gotten some attention in the hockey world recently. They are on a great win streak and playing incredible. Last Monday they destroyed the best team in the NHL, the Ottawa Senators 8-3. Ottawa's main scorer is a former Thrasher (Danny Heatley) and he was booed everytime he touched the puck. I wasnt at this game but I am not happy the way Heatley was treated.
Fridays game we gained attention for how Sid "the Kid" Crosby was supposedly treated. First, let me say the kid is a crybaby. Anytime he took a little check (which is legal) he would go cry to the officials. He couldnt handle the puck with out someone stealing it from him. He got checked by Kovalchuk and responded by using his stick as a weapon for which he got a penalty (called slashing). He slashed one of our Defensemen, breaking his stick in the process, and went into the penalty box again. 30 seconds later Kovalchuk scored and pointed at the penalty box where Crosby was sitting. Pittsburgh players and fans weren't too happy about that.
Saturday we went to Alabama. A coworker of wifey had a bad car wreck 10 days or so ago. He was in the passenger seat, the car hit a tree, he went through the seatbelt and out of the car. He is lucky to be alive and looks good but with 2 broken legs.
On the way to and from Alabama we listened to a couple of hockey games. I dont know why I am getting addicted to it, but I really love watching hockey but will tolerate listening to it. We got home and went to a sports bar to watch the Thrashers play the Penguins in Pittsburgh. Crybaby Crosby had 8 penalty minutes for slashing, tripping, diving, and an unsportsmanlike conduct. Pittsburgh fans booed Kovalchuk every time he touched the puck but two goals shut them up pretty quickly. Atlanta won again and are now 7th in the NHL East.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Belated Christmas Posting
We did a stay at home Christmas this year. Christmas Eve we had some nice filets for dinner (they were on sale). Who knows, that might become a Christmas tradition. We got up Christmas Day, opened presents and then went to see The Producers (the movie, not the play). It was wonderful. When we got home we had a dinner of roasted chicken. It was wonderful.
While opening presents, we turned on the TV. One local channel was broadcasting christmas carols with the video of a roaring fire.... they called the program Yule Log. Kinda corny if you ask me.
Day after Christmas I had to run some errands. While at Wal-mart, a guy passed me that must have been wearing a whole bottle of cologne. A little tip, if you can smell the cologne more than a foot away from you, you are wearing too much cologne. If you can smell it 60 feet away, your nose must not work.
Tuesday we went up to my niece's 4th birthday party. Dora the Explorer cake was eaten, presents were opened, and then we drove home.
Wednesday we took some friends to a Thrashers hockey game. Come to find out, one of them lives next door to one of my favorite players. I hope she invites us over one night for a cook out or something when the team doesnt have a game.... Grandma was late getting to the game so I called her to make sure she was ok. I may have hockey tickets for this upcoming Monday, which is an afternoon game.
Work has been kinda slow this week and wifey has the week off so Thursday we went up to a Thrashers practice. Since school was out, the place was packed. I have a pennett that I now have signed by every player and the head coach. I have an old Thrashers jersey that is now signed by my 5 favorite players. Also had some photos made with some of the players. What nice guys. Really.
While opening presents, we turned on the TV. One local channel was broadcasting christmas carols with the video of a roaring fire.... they called the program Yule Log. Kinda corny if you ask me.
Day after Christmas I had to run some errands. While at Wal-mart, a guy passed me that must have been wearing a whole bottle of cologne. A little tip, if you can smell the cologne more than a foot away from you, you are wearing too much cologne. If you can smell it 60 feet away, your nose must not work.
Tuesday we went up to my niece's 4th birthday party. Dora the Explorer cake was eaten, presents were opened, and then we drove home.
Wednesday we took some friends to a Thrashers hockey game. Come to find out, one of them lives next door to one of my favorite players. I hope she invites us over one night for a cook out or something when the team doesnt have a game.... Grandma was late getting to the game so I called her to make sure she was ok. I may have hockey tickets for this upcoming Monday, which is an afternoon game.
Work has been kinda slow this week and wifey has the week off so Thursday we went up to a Thrashers practice. Since school was out, the place was packed. I have a pennett that I now have signed by every player and the head coach. I have an old Thrashers jersey that is now signed by my 5 favorite players. Also had some photos made with some of the players. What nice guys. Really.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Randomness
Last night I went to a friend's birthday party. He was my roommate in college. His 2 sisters also showed up. One looked like I remembered her. The other had grown up. I know I have seen her more recently but I remember our Freshman year of college we were late getting back to class one weekend because we had to watch his little sister get on the bus for her first day of school. Now she is in her early 20's, studying to be a nurse and has a 2 year old. I kept seeing the little girl in pig tails going to school.
My old roommate pulled out pictures from college. Wow, we looked so young. Lots of memories were relievedlast night.
One of his friends told us about heated mattress pads. He said they are better than electric blankets. I bought one today and will let you know if it is as good as they hype.
Mmmmm.... I love the smell of fresh cut Christmas trees. Usually I am the type that gets the tree up the day after Thanksgiving but just didnt have the time to do it that early this year. Will decorate the tree tonight. It is a pretty tree and it was HALF OFF! and hand been delivered only a day or two before I bought it (at least that is what the guy at Home Depot Landscaping said).
My old roommate pulled out pictures from college. Wow, we looked so young. Lots of memories were relievedlast night.
One of his friends told us about heated mattress pads. He said they are better than electric blankets. I bought one today and will let you know if it is as good as they hype.
Mmmmm.... I love the smell of fresh cut Christmas trees. Usually I am the type that gets the tree up the day after Thanksgiving but just didnt have the time to do it that early this year. Will decorate the tree tonight. It is a pretty tree and it was HALF OFF! and hand been delivered only a day or two before I bought it (at least that is what the guy at Home Depot Landscaping said).
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Christmas Lights
A lot of our neighbors have gotten into the holiday spirit and put christmas lights up. The last 2 years in our neighborhood, there was few yards with lights. There was the one we called "The Griswalds" after the Christmas Vacation movie. They have so many lights that I think the FAA has probably asked them to limit the hours they have them on so as not to interfere with the landing lights of a local airport.
This year there are soooo many more decorated yards. We have lots of deer. There are the inflatibles. One house down the street we said their lights around the bushes and tree looked like a dragon; the Christmas Dragon we called it. They have unfortunately redone the lights and the head of the Christmas Dragon has been removed. How sad.
This year there are soooo many more decorated yards. We have lots of deer. There are the inflatibles. One house down the street we said their lights around the bushes and tree looked like a dragon; the Christmas Dragon we called it. They have unfortunately redone the lights and the head of the Christmas Dragon has been removed. How sad.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Saying Goodbye
Friday was the Memorial Service and Wake for my other mother. We had the Memorial Service at the State Capitol and the Wake at one of her favorite taverns in town.
200+ people showed up at the Memorial Service. There was people I hadnt seen in years and there were also some people I didnt know existed... Very few of us knew that mama D had an estranged brother and sister. Probably 10 family members showed up.
A former Governor, a somewhat famous actor, a former congressman, an eminent scholar and a state legislator were among the speakers at the service. I was asked to emcee the event and share a few memories. I think the whole service went along smoothly. The Capitol was beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays, too.
After the Service we had a wake. There was probably around 100 at the wake including several who hadnt been able to make it to Service. We had tons of photos and written memories lying around. I think we did Mama D proud!
Mama D was a great lady. She meant a lot to me and to so many others and will live on in our thoughts and lives for quite some time to come.
200+ people showed up at the Memorial Service. There was people I hadnt seen in years and there were also some people I didnt know existed... Very few of us knew that mama D had an estranged brother and sister. Probably 10 family members showed up.
A former Governor, a somewhat famous actor, a former congressman, an eminent scholar and a state legislator were among the speakers at the service. I was asked to emcee the event and share a few memories. I think the whole service went along smoothly. The Capitol was beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays, too.
After the Service we had a wake. There was probably around 100 at the wake including several who hadnt been able to make it to Service. We had tons of photos and written memories lying around. I think we did Mama D proud!
Mama D was a great lady. She meant a lot to me and to so many others and will live on in our thoughts and lives for quite some time to come.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Things I have recently learned
I mentioned in my last post about going to the 20th annual Thanksgiving show of Drivin and Cryin. I have been DnC fan for years. A couple of days ago I found a guy that lives on the west coast that has taped lots of DnC and Kevn Kinney shows and if you ask nicely he will send you a DVD of one of the shows he has for free. No postage or shipping costs.
There are several bands/musicians that encourage their fans to tape their shows. The Grateful Dead is probably the first to do this. John Mayer, North Mississippi Allstars, David Ryan Harris, Dave Matthews Band and others are doing this today. Usually if you find somebody that has taped a band you want you have to give them a blank CD and cover the postage costs to get a copy. But like I said for this guy I found he isnt charging for videos of various DnC shows. Reminds you that there are nice people still in this world.
Some of you may wonder about the quality of the taping of shows. Most are just as good as a studio live recording. Digital recording is quite a marvel.
Speaking of nice people. What words would you use to describe people that have never met someone but are interested in possibly donating a kidney to them? Restores your faith in humanity if you have lost it.
There are several bands/musicians that encourage their fans to tape their shows. The Grateful Dead is probably the first to do this. John Mayer, North Mississippi Allstars, David Ryan Harris, Dave Matthews Band and others are doing this today. Usually if you find somebody that has taped a band you want you have to give them a blank CD and cover the postage costs to get a copy. But like I said for this guy I found he isnt charging for videos of various DnC shows. Reminds you that there are nice people still in this world.
Some of you may wonder about the quality of the taping of shows. Most are just as good as a studio live recording. Digital recording is quite a marvel.
Speaking of nice people. What words would you use to describe people that have never met someone but are interested in possibly donating a kidney to them? Restores your faith in humanity if you have lost it.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
The Power of Music
Have you ever listened to a song and be transported to a different time and a different place? You hear a song and remember an event when you were listening to the song or maybe the first time you heard the song.
Bluegrass does that for me. Not the newgrass but old Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs, etc. I hear that stuff and I am 10 again. I am at one of two barber shops. I can smell the shaving cream and that blue stuff they use to disenfect combs. One of the barber shops is where my dad took me for most of my haircuts when I was young. The other is one that he grew up going to. It is in the middle of a field in rural Alabama. Sometimes when I hear Bluegrass I can almost smell the freshly plowed dirt mixed with the shaving cream and blue stuff at that country barber shop.
Last night was another one of those events where music was transporting me. I needed a break away with dealing with all of the logistics of my other mother's death. Several friends and their wives met me and wifey out for dinner and then we caught Drivin and Cryin's annual Thanksgiving show. DnC was huge here in the Atlanta area in the late 80's early 90's. I was in High School and College then and DnC was a huge part of the soundtrack of that era. Last night was their 20th Thanksgiving show. The proceeds went to Toys for Tots. They played at least one song from each of their albums and several cover songs. I could think of most of the times I have seen them and all of the times I have met them. I had flashbacks of good friends and good times over the last 20 years particularly high school and college. My only regret last night was that I started feeling funky around midnight and had to take the pumpkin home.
Their was other people there reliving their past. People in their late 30's early 40's that heard DNC when they were in school. Some were dressed nice but drunk 40 year olds showing they cant dance or play air guitar are funny to watch. There was one girl that poured herself in acid wash jeans she has probably had for 15 years and were about 2 sizes too small. She worked her way to the front and tried to get the attention of one of the guitarists. "Tim!!!" she would scream in between songs. Occasionally it was folloowed by, "remember me?" Tim either a) didnt remember her b) didnt hear her or c) both of the above. She finally left in disgust after about 30 minutes of hoping Tim would see her and remember her.
Bluegrass does that for me. Not the newgrass but old Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs, etc. I hear that stuff and I am 10 again. I am at one of two barber shops. I can smell the shaving cream and that blue stuff they use to disenfect combs. One of the barber shops is where my dad took me for most of my haircuts when I was young. The other is one that he grew up going to. It is in the middle of a field in rural Alabama. Sometimes when I hear Bluegrass I can almost smell the freshly plowed dirt mixed with the shaving cream and blue stuff at that country barber shop.
Last night was another one of those events where music was transporting me. I needed a break away with dealing with all of the logistics of my other mother's death. Several friends and their wives met me and wifey out for dinner and then we caught Drivin and Cryin's annual Thanksgiving show. DnC was huge here in the Atlanta area in the late 80's early 90's. I was in High School and College then and DnC was a huge part of the soundtrack of that era. Last night was their 20th Thanksgiving show. The proceeds went to Toys for Tots. They played at least one song from each of their albums and several cover songs. I could think of most of the times I have seen them and all of the times I have met them. I had flashbacks of good friends and good times over the last 20 years particularly high school and college. My only regret last night was that I started feeling funky around midnight and had to take the pumpkin home.
Their was other people there reliving their past. People in their late 30's early 40's that heard DNC when they were in school. Some were dressed nice but drunk 40 year olds showing they cant dance or play air guitar are funny to watch. There was one girl that poured herself in acid wash jeans she has probably had for 15 years and were about 2 sizes too small. She worked her way to the front and tried to get the attention of one of the guitarists. "Tim!!!" she would scream in between songs. Occasionally it was folloowed by, "remember me?" Tim either a) didnt remember her b) didnt hear her or c) both of the above. She finally left in disgust after about 30 minutes of hoping Tim would see her and remember her.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
My Other Mother
About 12 years ago I met an amazing woman. She had been married earlier in her life but they had parted ways and never had any children. She had no family but claimed dozens of people as her own kids including me. She introduced me as her son so many times that there are several people that think we are related.
A little over a year ago she was diagnosed with the later stages of Lupus. This woman that was so full of life suddenly wasnt. She had good days and bad days. If she had bad days, she would sometimes have to go to the hospital and when she got home she would turn her phone off, not wanting to talk to anybody until she felt better.
Three weeks ago we went to lunch. She seemed to be doing very well and had been doing well for quite sometime. I thought that the worst had passed.
Yesterday, a coworker called me. Nobody had talked to her in about 10 days to 2 weeks. I went over to her condo. I knocked and knocked on the door to no avail. I could see through the peephole that the lights were out and I could see her cat sitting on the back of a chair. The cat looked well fed. I checked the parking lot and found her car in her assigned parking space. I came back up and couldnt find any neighbors at home nor could I find a maintenace man. I called her coworker and told her what I had found. The coworker had called the hospital that she went to and they said she wasnt there.
This morning, her office called the police and asked them to perform a welfare check. They forced their way into her condo and found her dead and lying in her bed.
Last year my grandmother died. I can tell you that losing my other mother has been harder on me than losing my grandmother. I'm gonna miss my mama D.
A little over a year ago she was diagnosed with the later stages of Lupus. This woman that was so full of life suddenly wasnt. She had good days and bad days. If she had bad days, she would sometimes have to go to the hospital and when she got home she would turn her phone off, not wanting to talk to anybody until she felt better.
Three weeks ago we went to lunch. She seemed to be doing very well and had been doing well for quite sometime. I thought that the worst had passed.
Yesterday, a coworker called me. Nobody had talked to her in about 10 days to 2 weeks. I went over to her condo. I knocked and knocked on the door to no avail. I could see through the peephole that the lights were out and I could see her cat sitting on the back of a chair. The cat looked well fed. I checked the parking lot and found her car in her assigned parking space. I came back up and couldnt find any neighbors at home nor could I find a maintenace man. I called her coworker and told her what I had found. The coworker had called the hospital that she went to and they said she wasnt there.
This morning, her office called the police and asked them to perform a welfare check. They forced their way into her condo and found her dead and lying in her bed.
Last year my grandmother died. I can tell you that losing my other mother has been harder on me than losing my grandmother. I'm gonna miss my mama D.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Johnny Cash
I have always been a Johnny Cash fan. Friday night we went to see the Cash movie, Walk the Line. It is a wonderful movie. Script, story line, and acting are all superb. Although it is mostly about the early life of Johnny it is also a love story. If you didnt know, Johnny Cash was always in love with June Carter. Even as a small boy he loved listening to her sing on the radio and looking at pictures of her in magazines. It was only natural that when he started playing music professionally that she would be touring with him. His first marriage ended and June forced him to get clean and sober before finally marrying him.
Whenever I see biographic movies I am always worried that they wont treat the person fairly. Johnny and June's son was a big part of this movie, making sure that the adaptation of Cash's autobiography was true to the original.
Long story short, go see this movie. You wont regret it.
Whenever I see biographic movies I am always worried that they wont treat the person fairly. Johnny and June's son was a big part of this movie, making sure that the adaptation of Cash's autobiography was true to the original.
Long story short, go see this movie. You wont regret it.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Grandma
So for the few Hockey Games that wifey and I have went to, there is always an older lady (mid to late 60's) there. She sits behind the home bench, talks to the players, yells at the officials, and looks like she is having the time of her life. She also wears a personalized jersey that has the number 1 and "Grandma" across her shoulders.
At last Friday's game, I told wifey that the next game we go to it is my goal to meet Grandma and have my picture made with her. Wifey laughed but knew I was serious so she encouraged me to go on over and introduce myself but I didnt because I didnt have my camera with me.
Saturday night was an away game and we watched it on the telly. Grandma had made the 5 hour drive and had alot of tv time. It was great to see her on television cheering on her Thrashers.
TodayI had some business to take care of on the NE side of town. I looked it up and found out that the Atlanta Thrashers' practice facility was nearby, there was a practice today and that it was open to the public (as all of their practices are). How could I resist?
I show up at the facility and find about a dozen people watching the team doing drills and stretching. I looked in the stands and saw Grandma so of course I had to sit next to her. She is an awesome lady. After the practice was over, the players would stop and sign things on the way to the locker room and the majority of them came over to say hello to Grandma. They all knew she had traveled to see them in Carolina and thanked her for her support.
I cant imagine being able to be that close to professional athletes as often as you can at Thrasher practices (like 3 or 4 a week). Or that they would know one specific fan and feel it neccessary to say hello to her.
I had the pleasure of shaking hands with and getting the autograph of Ilya Kovalchuk who was named the NHL offensive player of the week after scoring 4 goals last Friday and 2 on Saturday. Last season he was the leading scorer in the NHL and I (as well as the other fans that show up at practice) are able to watch him practice and then get his autograph. Not too many professional athletes can you say that about. Not too many professional sports have a "Grandma" either.
At last Friday's game, I told wifey that the next game we go to it is my goal to meet Grandma and have my picture made with her. Wifey laughed but knew I was serious so she encouraged me to go on over and introduce myself but I didnt because I didnt have my camera with me.
Saturday night was an away game and we watched it on the telly. Grandma had made the 5 hour drive and had alot of tv time. It was great to see her on television cheering on her Thrashers.
TodayI had some business to take care of on the NE side of town. I looked it up and found out that the Atlanta Thrashers' practice facility was nearby, there was a practice today and that it was open to the public (as all of their practices are). How could I resist?
I show up at the facility and find about a dozen people watching the team doing drills and stretching. I looked in the stands and saw Grandma so of course I had to sit next to her. She is an awesome lady. After the practice was over, the players would stop and sign things on the way to the locker room and the majority of them came over to say hello to Grandma. They all knew she had traveled to see them in Carolina and thanked her for her support.
I cant imagine being able to be that close to professional athletes as often as you can at Thrasher practices (like 3 or 4 a week). Or that they would know one specific fan and feel it neccessary to say hello to her.
I had the pleasure of shaking hands with and getting the autograph of Ilya Kovalchuk who was named the NHL offensive player of the week after scoring 4 goals last Friday and 2 on Saturday. Last season he was the leading scorer in the NHL and I (as well as the other fans that show up at practice) are able to watch him practice and then get his autograph. Not too many professional athletes can you say that about. Not too many professional sports have a "Grandma" either.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Nothing much
Went to a Hockey game last night. Refs didnt call many penalties unless it was very obvious. I liked that refs were making sure the game kept going and didnt nitpick penalties. Atlanta and Tampa (our opponent last night) are both big, quick skating teams. Atlanta player scored 4 goals. When he got the hat trick the ice was filled with hats that people were throwing. When he got his 4th goal the place went nuts. Tampa is the defending NHL champs so it was good for the hometown Thrashers to win.
Took a client last night. He was curious how someone born and raised in the South would like Hockey so much. I told him I just liked the speed and skill.
Took a client last night. He was curious how someone born and raised in the South would like Hockey so much. I told him I just liked the speed and skill.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
You Dont See That Every Day
We had a friend in from Seattle the last couple of days. She was in town for a work related conference starting Wednesday and then Friday through today she stayed with us. Yesterday we drove up to the mountains to get some apples and to look at the foliage. Very pretty day.
On the way home our friend asked "was that a parrot on that man's shoulder?" I immediately started looking for a pirate ship with men wearing patches and a peg leg. We slowed down and let a truck catch up with us and sure enough there was a parrot on his left arm while he (the man, not the bird) drove with his right arm. The man was talking to the bird as they rode on down the road. The parrot kept looking at the traffic and scenery they passed.
On the way home our friend asked "was that a parrot on that man's shoulder?" I immediately started looking for a pirate ship with men wearing patches and a peg leg. We slowed down and let a truck catch up with us and sure enough there was a parrot on his left arm while he (the man, not the bird) drove with his right arm. The man was talking to the bird as they rode on down the road. The parrot kept looking at the traffic and scenery they passed.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Trick or Treat
Last night was our first Halloween to be at home since we got married and bought this house. I was surprised at how many trick or treaters came to our house. Tons and tons of kids came by.
The first was probably the cutest. She was barely old enough to walk and was dressed as a candy striper, with a tiara. She was just precious and left with a ton of candy from me.
As the night wore on, we had kids that were not dressed up (mostly in their late teens) who wouldnt say trick or treat but instead demand "give us some candy" and then no thank you for giving them candy. Some of them I asked what they were dressed as but after a while I gave up on that. Of course the teenagers only got one pack of candy. If you were in costume you got multiple candy packs. A thank you got you more candy. I had also bought two different kinds of candy, one kind was for kids in costume and who said thank you, teens in jeans and t-shirts got the other.
The first was probably the cutest. She was barely old enough to walk and was dressed as a candy striper, with a tiara. She was just precious and left with a ton of candy from me.
As the night wore on, we had kids that were not dressed up (mostly in their late teens) who wouldnt say trick or treat but instead demand "give us some candy" and then no thank you for giving them candy. Some of them I asked what they were dressed as but after a while I gave up on that. Of course the teenagers only got one pack of candy. If you were in costume you got multiple candy packs. A thank you got you more candy. I had also bought two different kinds of candy, one kind was for kids in costume and who said thank you, teens in jeans and t-shirts got the other.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Six Degrees of Seperation
There are rumors that you are only seperated from anybody in the world by only 6 people. The most famous version of this little game is that you can connect Kevin Bacon through actors he has worked with to any other actor.
Anyway I have been doing my own version of this game lately. I am helping the Kidney Foundation raise some money. I have called some friends to help find items to use at a silent auction at an upcoming event. I dont wanna go into too much detail yet, but I have been surprised who some of my friends know. Names that I could drop that would definitely get your attention. After I get some items that are promised I will go into a few more details on some of these people.
Today I received a package in the mail. It was from an actor that you may not know the name but you would probably know the face. He is currently on the multi-Emmy winning TV show "The Shield" (which I am a huge fan of). He grew up near where I live and I was able to find a friend that knows him fairly well. The actor got a script of the show signed by the cast and that is what was in the package I received today. The funny part is that the return address is one of those stickers that you get in the mail with a letter asking you to donate to some organization but few people send in a donation. I just find it hillarious that 1) a big celebrity would get those stickers in the mail and 2) would use it on a package he mailed to someone he doesnt really know. I wonder if the Pope gets those stickers in the mail?
Anyway I have been doing my own version of this game lately. I am helping the Kidney Foundation raise some money. I have called some friends to help find items to use at a silent auction at an upcoming event. I dont wanna go into too much detail yet, but I have been surprised who some of my friends know. Names that I could drop that would definitely get your attention. After I get some items that are promised I will go into a few more details on some of these people.
Today I received a package in the mail. It was from an actor that you may not know the name but you would probably know the face. He is currently on the multi-Emmy winning TV show "The Shield" (which I am a huge fan of). He grew up near where I live and I was able to find a friend that knows him fairly well. The actor got a script of the show signed by the cast and that is what was in the package I received today. The funny part is that the return address is one of those stickers that you get in the mail with a letter asking you to donate to some organization but few people send in a donation. I just find it hillarious that 1) a big celebrity would get those stickers in the mail and 2) would use it on a package he mailed to someone he doesnt really know. I wonder if the Pope gets those stickers in the mail?
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
More Poker
So I watched part 5 of the WSOP last night. The guy I was discussing a couple of days ago that was playing with no hands is named William Rockwell. They had a feature story on him about 15 to 20 minutes into the show. Check your local listings and see the next time they are showing part 5 of 12 of the World Series of Poker from this year on ESPN or ESPN2. You can read more about him here (a photo of him playing and a press release of his sponsorship by GoldenPalace.com) and I have a link to the foundation he started here.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Dreams
Have you ever had a dream that will coincide with something happening in the real world while you are asleep? Like you are dreaming that a phone rings while in the real world your phone rings?
A couple of nights ago, I was dreaming that I had just had my transplant surgery. I was wheeled back to my room but was still under the anesthesia. I could see me lying on the bed and my family and friends around me. The doctor said he had a new safe way to wake me back up. I could feel something weird and I started to wake up. I woke up in the real world and found my wife's dog licking my fingers.
Another night I dreamed that a truck was bumping me while I was crossing the street. I kept feeling the bumping even after I had awakened. I looked down and found wifey's dog bumping me as she was trying to get comfortable and get back to sleep. Weird.
A couple of nights ago, I was dreaming that I had just had my transplant surgery. I was wheeled back to my room but was still under the anesthesia. I could see me lying on the bed and my family and friends around me. The doctor said he had a new safe way to wake me back up. I could feel something weird and I started to wake up. I woke up in the real world and found my wife's dog licking my fingers.
Another night I dreamed that a truck was bumping me while I was crossing the street. I kept feeling the bumping even after I had awakened. I looked down and found wifey's dog bumping me as she was trying to get comfortable and get back to sleep. Weird.
Monday, October 24, 2005
WSOP
Last night I watched part of the main event of this year's World Series of Poker. ESPN took the 7 days of action from back in July and edited it into 12 - 1 hour episodes that they are now showing. This year over 5600 people plopped down $10,000 a piece to have the chance to win $7.5 million. It was ultimately won by an Australian who if I remember correctly this was his first big tournament.
I watched episode 3 last night and got to do one of my favorite things to do with televised poker; watch Phil Hellmuth lose. Hellmuth is the world's greatest poker player in his own mind but hasnt really won any tournaments in a couple of years (NBC's heads up tourney this year doesnt count) but every year at the WSOP he says he is playing the best poker of his career and guarantees a win, only to lose.
Phil lost the majority of his chips against a guy that probably shouldnt have been involved in the hand but he was and ultimately won against Phil on the river. If you are unfamiliar with No Limit Hold-em look here for the rules. It was great! He gets up and walks away from the table ranting and raving the whole time, goes talks to his psychiatrist wife for a while, and then walks around before finally going back to the table only to lose the rest of his chips the next hand he plays.
The other neat thing they showed last night was a guy in the tourney that was playing with no hands! He had a ramp like device on the table that he would pull his cards up with his toes so that he could see what he had been dealt. It was amazing to watch but they only showed him for 2 quick segments, maybe 30 seconds a piece. He had a guy that would help him stack his chips when he won but otherwise he was on his on. I really wished they had done a feature on him and showed him playing more. I think it would have been very inspirational.
I watched episode 3 last night and got to do one of my favorite things to do with televised poker; watch Phil Hellmuth lose. Hellmuth is the world's greatest poker player in his own mind but hasnt really won any tournaments in a couple of years (NBC's heads up tourney this year doesnt count) but every year at the WSOP he says he is playing the best poker of his career and guarantees a win, only to lose.
Phil lost the majority of his chips against a guy that probably shouldnt have been involved in the hand but he was and ultimately won against Phil on the river. If you are unfamiliar with No Limit Hold-em look here for the rules. It was great! He gets up and walks away from the table ranting and raving the whole time, goes talks to his psychiatrist wife for a while, and then walks around before finally going back to the table only to lose the rest of his chips the next hand he plays.
The other neat thing they showed last night was a guy in the tourney that was playing with no hands! He had a ramp like device on the table that he would pull his cards up with his toes so that he could see what he had been dealt. It was amazing to watch but they only showed him for 2 quick segments, maybe 30 seconds a piece. He had a guy that would help him stack his chips when he won but otherwise he was on his on. I really wished they had done a feature on him and showed him playing more. I think it would have been very inspirational.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Al Green cant clap
Last night I stayed up to watch Rev Al Green perform on the Dave Letterman show. First of all, I love Al Green. I own at least 4 albums including his last 2. I have seen him live. I had an Al Green song played at our wedding reception. One day, I want to go to Memphis and go to Al's church. But last night, he started to clap... on the offbeat. He got the audience clapping along at the end of the song and then he couldnt clap along with them. It was weird but it was Al Green singing so it was still great.
A few weeks ago I went to see David Ryan Harris, one of my favorites, perform with a band (first time he has toured with a band in several years). His opening act, at least for the Atlanta show, also had rhythm problems. The drummer would lay down the beat and then the singer/guitarist and bass player would play a different groove and then the drummer would have to speed up or slow down so they would be playing together. Throughout each song and throughout the entire show the drummer would have to constantly adjust his tempo to that of the rest of his band.
And the bad part... as white and rhythmless as I am for me to notice these things you know it had to be bad.
A few weeks ago I went to see David Ryan Harris, one of my favorites, perform with a band (first time he has toured with a band in several years). His opening act, at least for the Atlanta show, also had rhythm problems. The drummer would lay down the beat and then the singer/guitarist and bass player would play a different groove and then the drummer would have to speed up or slow down so they would be playing together. Throughout each song and throughout the entire show the drummer would have to constantly adjust his tempo to that of the rest of his band.
And the bad part... as white and rhythmless as I am for me to notice these things you know it had to be bad.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Driving Down Memory Lane
Yesterday I decided to go see a football game at the college I graduated from. I had emailed a few friends that still live in the area and before you know it we had a decent group getting together including one classmate who flew in from NYC. My old roommate lives near me so we rode together and talked on the way to the game. We havent really had a good talking in quite some time.
Our first stop (well second if you count the stop for $2.65 gas while it is $2.90 next to my house) was to a little sports bar that opened up I think my Senior year. It was there that I had my first buffalo wings and they were as good yesterday as they were the first time. The rest of the crew had originally planned to grill and tailgate but most joined us for wings instead. We left the group and went driving around. My former roomie wanted a chocolate-bananna milkshake and then we were off to go see his fraternity little brother but he wasnt home. We called another friend who is a high school principal in the area but he and his family already had plans for the day (sorry for the last minute call Shaky). We drove around the campus and stopped to say hello to a couple of former teachers. One has a significant other near my house and he promised to stop by on his way to or from.
The campus has changed. When I was there, the buildings were a hodge podge mix of architectural styles but now they all look the same except for one of the girls' dorms (the one where the sororities reside). The dorm I stayed in my Freshman and Sophmore years has been demolished. That was kinda sad. I guess that is what I get for not coming back to visit that often (I think it is at least 7 years since I was there).
Next stop was the game. We decided to sit in the student section but there wasnt that many students. The band has been moved from the endzone to the 50 yard line so that it looks like people are at the game when the games are televised. Gone are the Fraternity and Sorority seating sections and as a result, gone also are most of their members at the games. And speaking of sororities, when I was in school there was one sorority that all of their members were stick thin blondes with long hair. They definitely are not that sterotype today. The other big change at the game is the pyrotechnics: sparklers and fireworks as the team takes the field and then more explosions when we score (I thought they were going to run out of fireworks yesterday as we kept scoring and scoring and scoring).
After the game, most of the group went to a new restaurant (there are a lot of new places that werent there when I was in college) but me and my former roomie wanted to head home... after a stop at our favorite BBQ place. We asked for a side of Brunswick Stew and the waitress said she didnt know what that was. Can you imagine a BBQ place that doesnt know what Brunswick Stew is? I was dumbfounded.
We ate quick and then drove back home while having lots more conversations. He plans to go back in a couple of weeks for homecoming but I have other plans for that weekend. Who knows, maybe I will change them.
Our first stop (well second if you count the stop for $2.65 gas while it is $2.90 next to my house) was to a little sports bar that opened up I think my Senior year. It was there that I had my first buffalo wings and they were as good yesterday as they were the first time. The rest of the crew had originally planned to grill and tailgate but most joined us for wings instead. We left the group and went driving around. My former roomie wanted a chocolate-bananna milkshake and then we were off to go see his fraternity little brother but he wasnt home. We called another friend who is a high school principal in the area but he and his family already had plans for the day (sorry for the last minute call Shaky). We drove around the campus and stopped to say hello to a couple of former teachers. One has a significant other near my house and he promised to stop by on his way to or from.
The campus has changed. When I was there, the buildings were a hodge podge mix of architectural styles but now they all look the same except for one of the girls' dorms (the one where the sororities reside). The dorm I stayed in my Freshman and Sophmore years has been demolished. That was kinda sad. I guess that is what I get for not coming back to visit that often (I think it is at least 7 years since I was there).
Next stop was the game. We decided to sit in the student section but there wasnt that many students. The band has been moved from the endzone to the 50 yard line so that it looks like people are at the game when the games are televised. Gone are the Fraternity and Sorority seating sections and as a result, gone also are most of their members at the games. And speaking of sororities, when I was in school there was one sorority that all of their members were stick thin blondes with long hair. They definitely are not that sterotype today. The other big change at the game is the pyrotechnics: sparklers and fireworks as the team takes the field and then more explosions when we score (I thought they were going to run out of fireworks yesterday as we kept scoring and scoring and scoring).
After the game, most of the group went to a new restaurant (there are a lot of new places that werent there when I was in college) but me and my former roomie wanted to head home... after a stop at our favorite BBQ place. We asked for a side of Brunswick Stew and the waitress said she didnt know what that was. Can you imagine a BBQ place that doesnt know what Brunswick Stew is? I was dumbfounded.
We ate quick and then drove back home while having lots more conversations. He plans to go back in a couple of weeks for homecoming but I have other plans for that weekend. Who knows, maybe I will change them.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Cojocaru Gets Second Kidney Transplant
Fashion Commentator Steven Cojocaru Receives Second Kidney Transplant, Donated by His Mother
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES Oct 12, 2005 — Steven Cojocaru received a second kidney transplant this one donated by his mother after the first one in January had to be removed due to infection.
Cojocaru, a correspondent for the syndicated TV shows "Entertainment Tonight" and "The Insider," had the transplant Tuesday and was resting comfortably, according to a joint statement released by the television shows.
"I'm immensely grateful for the precious gift my mother has given me," said the 40-something fashion commentator. "Thank you to all for your prayers and good wishes it gave me the strength to persevere and warmed my heart."
Cojocaru suffers from polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary disorder that causes the growth of cysts on the kidney. He received a kidney from a friend in January, but it was removed in June after it became infected with a virus that can afflict transplant recipients and lead to eventual loss of the organ."Both operations went smoothly and the doctors are very pleased with their progress," said Janet Annino, co-executive producer of "Entertainment Tonight" and "The Insider." "We are thankful they're both doing well and we look forward to seeing Cojo back on the red carpet soon."
Cojocaru also is the author of "Red Carpet Diaries: Confessions of a Glamour Boy."
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Strong Beliefs
Last night, wifey and I went to opening home game for Atlanta Thrashers. The owners of the team believe so strongly that they will have a good year that they are giving away a one year lease on a volvo for EVERY home game that they win! Of course I would assume that the Volvo dealer is paying for most of that but how many teams (or companies for that matter) would stand that strongly behind their product that they would risk giving away around 45 volvos this year?
Also last night they gave away a goodie bag to every fan (even those in the nosebleed seats) that had a tshirt, some "thunder sticks" and other stuff in it. On the way out every fan received a mini Stanley Cup. Usually when teams give away something it is usually to the first 5000 or so fans to show up but last night, all 18000+ (sold out game) received the goodies. I was amazed.
Also last night they gave away a goodie bag to every fan (even those in the nosebleed seats) that had a tshirt, some "thunder sticks" and other stuff in it. On the way out every fan received a mini Stanley Cup. Usually when teams give away something it is usually to the first 5000 or so fans to show up but last night, all 18000+ (sold out game) received the goodies. I was amazed.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Living Donor Registry Needed
From Reuters
Oct 5, 2005 — CHICAGO (Reuters) - A trading scheme among patients with access to live kidney donors is needed to more readily match recipients and organs because differing blood types are blocking transplants, said the authors of a study published on Tuesday.
A trial program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine that used a trading strategy among patients with access to live kidney donors resulted in successful transplants
in 21 out of 22 cases over a three-year period, the report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association said.
Existing transplant programs match deceased donors with patients on the waiting list for kidneys — which currently numbers more than 63,000 patients in the United States alone."A similar system now needs to be in place for living donors," lead author Dr. Robert Montgomery of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, said in a statement.
Between 2,000 and 3,500 U.S. patients suffering from renal failure have willing live donors, but more than one-third are blocked from receiving the organs by incompatible blood types or a condition where the recipient is especially sensitive to foreign tissue and must be matched carefully, he said.
Montgomery estimated a trading system could successfully pair off half the patients with access to live donors.
There are several good reasons for creating such a living donor kidney registry, but ethical dilemmas could arise, an accompanying editorial in the journal said.
"For example, what if one kidney fails early but the other functions well?" wrote Arthur Matas and David Sutherland of the
University of Minnesota.
"Kidney transplantation remains a success story, but its promise and future continue to be threatened by the ongoing lack of suitable organ donors. While new methods to overcome this problem are welcome, the transplant community must face up
to the new ethical issues that surround every advance," the editorial said.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Good Call
Friday wifey and I (along with a couple of friends) went to a hockey game. By the third period I was predicting (quite accurately) who was going to be involved in some fisticuffs. I was like Carnac (who knows if that is spelled correctly).
I like hockey. Growing up in the south I dont understand all of the rules but I still enjoy watching it. We bought tickets to several games so hopefully I can learn more of the details this season. I like the speed and the strategy involved with it.
Last night we went to see the Allman Brothers. Lynard Skynard was supposed to have co-headlined the show but canceled due to pollyps on the singer's vocal cords. The show was winding down and wifey asked what I thought would be the encore. "Well they havent done Sweet Melissa," I said. "But that is kinda slow for an encore. My money is on Whipping Post." Sure enough they came back and played Melissa and then Whipping Post. I wish I had this kind of luck picking lottery numbers...
One thing you see at a lot of shows nowdays is live CD's of the show you are at. Black Crowes had this option when we saw them early this summer and the Brothers had it last night. You pay $25 or so before the show and by the time you are walking out, they are handing you a cd (2 in the case of the Crowes, 3 for last night) to enjoy. How cool is that?
I like hockey. Growing up in the south I dont understand all of the rules but I still enjoy watching it. We bought tickets to several games so hopefully I can learn more of the details this season. I like the speed and the strategy involved with it.
Last night we went to see the Allman Brothers. Lynard Skynard was supposed to have co-headlined the show but canceled due to pollyps on the singer's vocal cords. The show was winding down and wifey asked what I thought would be the encore. "Well they havent done Sweet Melissa," I said. "But that is kinda slow for an encore. My money is on Whipping Post." Sure enough they came back and played Melissa and then Whipping Post. I wish I had this kind of luck picking lottery numbers...
One thing you see at a lot of shows nowdays is live CD's of the show you are at. Black Crowes had this option when we saw them early this summer and the Brothers had it last night. You pay $25 or so before the show and by the time you are walking out, they are handing you a cd (2 in the case of the Crowes, 3 for last night) to enjoy. How cool is that?
Blog-iversary
Yesterday marked the anniversary of my blog. I journals growing up, sometimes as a requirement for school and sometimes because I felt like it. Now here I am in the 1st century writing my thoughts down for all to see on the internet. It is a good form of release and interesting to say the least to go back and read my past thoughts from time to time. Thanks for being a part of this.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Disappointment
Last week I was supposed to go to Savannah on business but the trip was delayed indefinitely. Savannah is one of my favorite cities. Will have to definitely reschedule the trip.
I am a big fan of BBQ. I have eaten from several Q-joints considered among the best. I make my own sauce and rub. I used to have a smoker, too when I was single. This weekend is the Big Pig Jig down in Vienna, GA. One of the biggest BBQ cookoffs. I have never been and keep saying I am going to go but due to previous committments I am unable to go this weekend. Dang! There is always next year...
Tonight I had some Asian food for dinner. The fortune cookie was "Your mind is like a parachute. It only works when it is open." When did they quit putting fortunes in fortune cookies? I remember years ago I had chinese with a good friend. My fortune said "You will soon travel and come into some money." Two days later, I went to Biloxi for my first time and won some money.
I am a big fan of BBQ. I have eaten from several Q-joints considered among the best. I make my own sauce and rub. I used to have a smoker, too when I was single. This weekend is the Big Pig Jig down in Vienna, GA. One of the biggest BBQ cookoffs. I have never been and keep saying I am going to go but due to previous committments I am unable to go this weekend. Dang! There is always next year...
Tonight I had some Asian food for dinner. The fortune cookie was "Your mind is like a parachute. It only works when it is open." When did they quit putting fortunes in fortune cookies? I remember years ago I had chinese with a good friend. My fortune said "You will soon travel and come into some money." Two days later, I went to Biloxi for my first time and won some money.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Not all change is good
Sitting here watching some college football. Commercial came on for Burger King. Does anybody else find the new Burger King mascot scary?That large paper mache head. It cant blink. He doesnt talk. Just really creepy.
Somebody told me the other day that the Cookie Monster on Sesame Street no longer eats cookies. Trying to be more politically correct, I guess, Cookie Monster eats fruits and veggies. How can you be the Cookie Monster and not eat cookies? I just dont get it.
Somebody told me the other day that the Cookie Monster on Sesame Street no longer eats cookies. Trying to be more politically correct, I guess, Cookie Monster eats fruits and veggies. How can you be the Cookie Monster and not eat cookies? I just dont get it.
Monday, September 19, 2005
From Today's Atlanta Journal
Online campaigns raise funds for transplants
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/19/05
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/19/05
Chris Barr of Richmond Hill is an accountant who likes to play poker. He needs $100,000 for a new kidney. Jeffrey Evans, a Duluth chef who likes to hike, hopes to get $75,000 for a heart. Stanley Harris Jr., a 3-year-old from Decatur with large brown eyes and a shy smile, is looking for $55,000 for a kidney.
So it goes, as national charities turn to cyberspace to connect those needing transplants with people willing to help them pay for their surgery and care afterward.
 RENEÉ HANNANS HENRY/Staff | |||
| Nancy Larson, who received a kidney transplant this spring after raising money for it on the Web, lives in Decatur with her daughter Sasha, 7. | |||
|  |
MOST POPULAR STORIES
The money they seek is only what they need to get started. After-surgery care alone can sometimes cost more than $100,000 a year, and often, those expenses are not covered — or are only partially covered — by insurance.
It's common among the 247 transplant centers nationwide — including Emory University Hospital and Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta — to keep people off waiting lists for transplants until those people can devise a plan to pay for a lifetime supply of anti-rejection drugs.
The phenomenon sheds light on how medicine is outpacing insurance. Transplant patients are living longer, but it's expensive. Raising money online concerns one of the nation's leading bioethicists, who wonders whether the Web sites redirect resources from those who are sickest.
"Not everybody has a case to tell that's going to be publicly appealing," said Arthur Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania.
"If I don't have three children, haven't got pets, am I less deserving of a shot at a kidney or a piece of a liver?" Caplan asked.
Transplant hopefuls say the sites, which are run by national charities, are saving their lives.
Nancy Larson, an architectural sales representative from Decatur, used one of the Web sites, operated by the National Transplant Assistance Fund, to help raise $33,000 before she received a new kidney this spring at Emory University Hospital. She also received help from the Georgia Transplant Foundation, which raises money online, but does not post pictures of people needing help.
"I was very uncomfortable to think I had to solicit money," said Larson, who is recovering well. Still, "Who doesn't want to keep living?"
Larson said the donations helped her through a dark period of daily, nearly daylong dialysis.
"It's such an affirmation of the kindness of humanity that people will reach out and help," Larson said.
Providing Web pages for individuals is a relatively new function for three nonprofits, the Memphis-based National Foundation for Transplants, www.transplants.org; the Philadelphia-based National Transplant Assistance Fund, www.transplantfund.org; and the Bloomington, Ind.-based Children's Organ Transplant Association, www.cota.org.
The nonprofits post information only about people whose need is hospital-certified. They pay bills directly to hospitals, doctors and pharmacies. Donations are tax-exempt for donors and recipients.
The National Foundation for Transplants and the National Transplant Assistance Fund keep a fraction — 4 percent or 5 percent — of what each person receives in donations. Charity Navigator, which rates charities for effectiveness, gives them good grades.
Visitors to these Web sites can scroll by state, alphabetical order or type of transplant.
The text accompanying each picture can be matter-of-fact and brief. Sometimes there are personal comments, or links to personal Web pages, that provide heart-wrenching glimpses of a fight for life.
There's this, from Leslie Courtney, a radiology student from McDonough who needs $25,000 for a lung transplant at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital:
"I was her maid of honor, and because of this unexpected hospital trip I was unable to go to the wedding and be there by her side ... I was devastated."
Courtney's best friend and new husband left their wedding reception early to come to the hospital, where a chaplain performed the marriage ceremony again, with Leslie by their side, in her bridesmaid's gown.
Lisa Williams, a stay-at-home mom from Kennesaw, who needs $100,000 for a heart transplant, shared what happened just before she learned how sick she was:
"My attention was drawn away [by] the sudden chill that filled my body ... I had my first cardiac arrest and died. Ken [Williams' husband] vividly recalls how he walked in the room and found me lifeless. He started performing CPR ... turning between breaths to scream for help."
As moving as the stories are, the Web sites raise concerns for Caplan, the bioethicist.
He questions how closely the nonprofits check the biographical data posted and said a donor may be sending much-needed money to someone who has become too sick to survive a transplant.
Caplan saved his harshest criticism for the hospitals — including the one at his university — that start patients on this money marathon.
"The first test you [have to] pass is the 'wallet biopsy,'" Caplan said.
Dr. Tom Pearson, co-director of the kidney/pancreas transplant program at Emory, said patients must be realistic.
"There's no point in putting you through surgery and hospitalization," Pearson said, "if you don't have a plan for the meds."
Anti-rejection medicine can range from $10,000 to $25,000 a year. Adding doctor visits and lab work to those pharmacy bills means someone with a new kidney will pay, on average, $60,000 each year after surgery, said David Bakelman, executive director of the Georgia Transplant Foundation. Someone with a new heart will pay an average $120,000 a year, Bakelman said.
Pearson said no one has died because Emory wouldn't put him or her on an organ waiting list. The point, he said, is for a transplant hopeful to make a plan, not to actually raise cash.
John Monogue of Decatur said he and his wife, Jodi Monogue, a legal case manager, left a meeting with a hospital financial counselor with a different impression.
They were so convinced they needed to raise cash that it took them just one week to do so.
"We went nuts with a large e-mail campaign" that brought in pledges for $3,000 a month for postoperative medicine, John Monogue said. Jodi received a new liver this summer and is recovering at home.
Bakelman, of the Georgia Transplant Foundation, said Emory's policy reflects the hard fact that there aren't enough donated organs for everyone who needs one.
Caplan, the bioethicist, wasn't buying those arguments.
"I think that the [medical] centers want the money," he said, "and there are enough people who can pay that they can get away with policies that require up-front payment."
TO LEARN MORE
... about each charity, go to charitynavigator.org, an independent charity evaluator.
Charity Navigator gives the National Transplant Assistance Fund four stars, its highest rating. The National Foundation for Transplants gets three stars, the median rating for 260 health charities.
Charity Navigator hasn't rated Children's Organ Transplant Association because, until recently, it was too small.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Blog Updating
So I am not the best at keeping my blog up-to-date. I try to update it frequently but sometimes I am super busy and sometimes I have writers block. I can understand other people that dont keep their blogs up-to-date but it still saddens me when I go to one of the blogs I regularly read and see that it still has the same message from early August. No names mentioned, of course... But surely something has happened blogworthy in the last 6-7 weeks.
One blog I read gets updated several times a day. That is a little bit crazy if you ask me.
So with that said, here is my update for the day. We planted some vegetables in the spring. Tomato, squash and jalapenos. The tomato plants died back and were replaced. Ditto for the peppers. The squash started out strong, had some blooms and then died without producing the first baby squash. The tomatoes are doing well; too well. I dont like raw tomatoes so that makes it even more fun. I like to make and eat salsa and tomato sauce. We planted herbs but they are looking pitiful due to neglect. Soon we will have more peppers than we will know what to do with them. The plant has blooms and babies all over the place for the first time this year.
My parents raise a lot of fruits, berries, and vegetables. Dad grew up on a farm and likes to do that kind of thing. I like getting the fresh stuff when we go to visit or they stop by. You cant beat fresh fruits and vegetables.
Speaking of farms, I have a friend that has chickens. Not in a big chicken house or anything like that. His chickens are in the back yard of his urban house, clucking along and playing with his dogs. I find it hard to believe that his dogs and chickens get along but they do. He had talked about getting rid of the chicks. Maybe I should call him up and go see if they are still there.
One blog I read gets updated several times a day. That is a little bit crazy if you ask me.
So with that said, here is my update for the day. We planted some vegetables in the spring. Tomato, squash and jalapenos. The tomato plants died back and were replaced. Ditto for the peppers. The squash started out strong, had some blooms and then died without producing the first baby squash. The tomatoes are doing well; too well. I dont like raw tomatoes so that makes it even more fun. I like to make and eat salsa and tomato sauce. We planted herbs but they are looking pitiful due to neglect. Soon we will have more peppers than we will know what to do with them. The plant has blooms and babies all over the place for the first time this year.
My parents raise a lot of fruits, berries, and vegetables. Dad grew up on a farm and likes to do that kind of thing. I like getting the fresh stuff when we go to visit or they stop by. You cant beat fresh fruits and vegetables.
Speaking of farms, I have a friend that has chickens. Not in a big chicken house or anything like that. His chickens are in the back yard of his urban house, clucking along and playing with his dogs. I find it hard to believe that his dogs and chickens get along but they do. He had talked about getting rid of the chicks. Maybe I should call him up and go see if they are still there.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Traveling?
I love to travel. Next week I am planning a trip to Savannah for business. The only problem is that it is a pain to take all of my dialysis supplies with me even for one night (as this trip will be). It is worse when traveling for longer periods of time. If I am staying somewhere for a longer period of time, then the company that delivers my supplies delivers them to where ever I am staying. Then you worry about did it get there, did the people at the hotel sign for it, and a hundred other things that pop into your mind that could go wrong. My main regret is that the wife cant go with me next week.
Monday, September 12, 2005
More on the Movie Premiere
Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon. A friend of mine had a relative on Flight 93. You may remember that was the flight that was also hijacked but the passengers fought the terrorists and instead of the plane crashing through the Capitol in DC, it hit the ground in a field in Pennsylvania. Last week, the wife and I went to a premiere of a movie called "The Flight that Fought Back" with the friend with the relative on the plane. The movie was made for the Discovery channel and was aired there last night. At the premiere, it was only family and friends of the passengers and crew. I should have blogged about this earlier but have been kinda busy this week. I hope many of you were able to see the movie last night. I liked it a lot.
Idiot of the Day
Last week, the wife and I were coming home from a movie premiere. We were stopped at a light. When the light changed green an SUV heading in the opposite direction decided to swerve across two lanes, directly in front of a police car that had been stopped at the light, too. I guess the driver of the SUV wasnt paying attention but I am when those blue lights came on that got his attention.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Disappointed in Humanity
I have been upbeat about the human race when I see things like people donating organs to people they dont know but yesterday I witnessed something that really disgusts me.
It all began with a story in the local paper yesterday talking about damage done to the pipelines that bring gas into this area. The story, if you read it, said that if the pipelines were to be completely destroyed that we would still have enough gas for at least two weeks of normal use, but this wasnt the case and everything is fine. By the end of the day, people were emailing each other, in a modern adaptation of the old telephone game, that we were out of gas and rationing was coming and stations would be closing early.
So consumers flocked to gas stations and gas station owners greedily decided to stick it to their customers and started raising the prices. I personally saw gas over $4 a gallon. The national news showed stations in the area pushing $6. One station owner on the news said it was his station and he would charge whatever he felt like charging. The sad part to all of this is that it was perfectly legal for them to do this. Luckily the Governor FINALLY acted and made it illegal to do this.
Meanwhile, hotels in Texas where hurricane refugees have fled to are suddenly learning that their hotel rates have doubled and tripled. I thought as Americans that we are supposed to be better than this but I guess I am wrong.
The following story ran in today's Macon Telegraph.
By Liz Fabian TELEGRAPH STAFF WRITER
It all began with a story in the local paper yesterday talking about damage done to the pipelines that bring gas into this area. The story, if you read it, said that if the pipelines were to be completely destroyed that we would still have enough gas for at least two weeks of normal use, but this wasnt the case and everything is fine. By the end of the day, people were emailing each other, in a modern adaptation of the old telephone game, that we were out of gas and rationing was coming and stations would be closing early.
So consumers flocked to gas stations and gas station owners greedily decided to stick it to their customers and started raising the prices. I personally saw gas over $4 a gallon. The national news showed stations in the area pushing $6. One station owner on the news said it was his station and he would charge whatever he felt like charging. The sad part to all of this is that it was perfectly legal for them to do this. Luckily the Governor FINALLY acted and made it illegal to do this.
Meanwhile, hotels in Texas where hurricane refugees have fled to are suddenly learning that their hotel rates have doubled and tripled. I thought as Americans that we are supposed to be better than this but I guess I am wrong.
The following story ran in today's Macon Telegraph.
Gas price complaints investigated
By Liz Fabian TELEGRAPH STAFF WRITER
After paying more than $4 a gallon for gasoline Wednesday afternoon, irate customers returned to the Express Food Mart at 701 Eisenhower Parkway asking for some of their money back.
The lighted sign read $2.98 when one man demanded a partial refund with two receipts showing he paid $4.29 a gallon earlier in the day.
The customer, who declined to give his name, walked out with a refund of $44.54 and got into his Volvo station wagon that was loaded down with five new 5-gallon gas containers.
Macon police Lt. Marquette King said officers investigated reports the price was more than $4 a gallon, but the responding officer said that wasn't true when he arrived.
Even if officers had found the higher price, they could not have issued a citation because Georgia's price-gouging statute was not enacted until later in the day.
Kent, the co-owner of the convenience store, who would only give The Telegraph his first name, said his staff had a problem changing the computerized sign during the day.
"It was an accident and it won't happen again," he said.
But before the owner arrived, store worker Calvin Denmark blamed the high price on the Citgo gas company, which he said independently sets the price for the store.
"It's been as high as $4.69," Denmark said.
But the owner later said the price never rose above $4.29.
Customers told a different story.
Regina Montgomery of Thomaston said she was in line for gas when the price jumped from $3.59 to $4.99.
"I was like, 'Did you see that?' to the people in line and they said, 'How can they get away with it?' " Montgomery said.
It cost Montgomery more than $50 to fill up her Toyota Camry. A check of her receipt showed the price at $4.29, she said.
At the Eisenhower Parkway Dialysis Center next door, employees said they watched out the window as the price on the sign continued to rise.
Rosalind Hodges, who works at the center, said she saw the sign reach $4.99.
Jerome Villarreal, who said he was the gas station owner's nephew, said his uncle wasn't trying to cheat anyone.
"My uncle's a good, going-to-church man. He's not fixing to take anybody's money," Villarreal said. "It was an honest mistake and he's given people their money back."
Editors note... "Honest mistake"? You call ripping people off an honest mistake? Not "fixing to take anybody's money?" Isnt that exactly what he did? My advice is to remember which stations did this to people and dont go back there ever again.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Cellphones
I use my cellphone a lot. I mean really a lot. Working for myself, my phone is my office. There are a few things I will not do but I see people doing with their cells all of the time.
1) Bathroom talking. A few weeks ago I was at the mall and went in to the bathroom. I had just stepped up to the urinal when I here a voice say "Hey man, how you doing?" I look around and determine that the voice was coming from the stall. The guy kept talking but it was also very clear that he was doing some work in that stall if you know what I mean. Whoever he was talking had to know what he was doing while talking.
2) Taking calls in the middle of meetings. I have to have my phone on at all times in case the hospital calls with a kidney match. I have my phone set to vibrate and if it rings I pull it out, see who it is and send it to voice mail. If it were to be the Hospital, I would excuse myself from the meeting and go return the call.
Last week I was at a meeting. There was about a hundred people there to listen to 3 companies make presentations. One person in the audience kept receiving calls the entire time. Her phone was not on vibrate. She would answer the call and talk in a NORMAL voice to whomever was calling her. People around her had difficulties hearing the presentations when this would happen but yet she kept doing it. And the calls would be whole conversations not "hey I am being extremely rude to talk to you in such a public forum. Let me call you back at a more appropriate time..."
I hate when people talk on their phones during a movie, too.
3) Phone headsets. I have a bluetooth phone and am trying to use the headset when driving. I was at another meeting the other day and somebody was wearing an old headset throughout the entire meeting even though they werent using the phone. Think late 1980's Garth Brooks touring headset and you have an idea what she looked like. Like she was a cyborg or something. My point is that it is ok to use the headsets to talk on but do you really need to leave it on all day?
1) Bathroom talking. A few weeks ago I was at the mall and went in to the bathroom. I had just stepped up to the urinal when I here a voice say "Hey man, how you doing?" I look around and determine that the voice was coming from the stall. The guy kept talking but it was also very clear that he was doing some work in that stall if you know what I mean. Whoever he was talking had to know what he was doing while talking.
2) Taking calls in the middle of meetings. I have to have my phone on at all times in case the hospital calls with a kidney match. I have my phone set to vibrate and if it rings I pull it out, see who it is and send it to voice mail. If it were to be the Hospital, I would excuse myself from the meeting and go return the call.
Last week I was at a meeting. There was about a hundred people there to listen to 3 companies make presentations. One person in the audience kept receiving calls the entire time. Her phone was not on vibrate. She would answer the call and talk in a NORMAL voice to whomever was calling her. People around her had difficulties hearing the presentations when this would happen but yet she kept doing it. And the calls would be whole conversations not "hey I am being extremely rude to talk to you in such a public forum. Let me call you back at a more appropriate time..."
I hate when people talk on their phones during a movie, too.
3) Phone headsets. I have a bluetooth phone and am trying to use the headset when driving. I was at another meeting the other day and somebody was wearing an old headset throughout the entire meeting even though they werent using the phone. Think late 1980's Garth Brooks touring headset and you have an idea what she looked like. Like she was a cyborg or something. My point is that it is ok to use the headsets to talk on but do you really need to leave it on all day?
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
News Tonight
Was watching the local news tonight. They had a story I tried to find a link to the video but couldnt so I will just have to tell it.
A woman decided two years ago that she should give a kidney to someone but didnt know anybody that needed one (she didnt even know anyone that had EVER had kidney problems). She kept feeling strongly about this but didnt know what to do. Earlier this year, she interviewed a woman to work in her real estate company. She asked if the woman would be available on weekends (kinda important in the real estate industry) but the woman said no because she had to look after her sick husband. "What's wrong if you dont mind my asking?" She learned that the woman's husband had a heriditary kidney disease and needed a transplant. The woman met the man pretty soon and underwent the tests and found out she was a perfect match and 2 months ago the transplant occured. They both are doing well. The donor is even giving 10% of her commissions (I didnt hear for how long) to kidney disease research.
I am glad to know that there are people like this woman and people like my potential donors.
Editor's note... Just found the link here to the video of the story if you are interested
A woman decided two years ago that she should give a kidney to someone but didnt know anybody that needed one (she didnt even know anyone that had EVER had kidney problems). She kept feeling strongly about this but didnt know what to do. Earlier this year, she interviewed a woman to work in her real estate company. She asked if the woman would be available on weekends (kinda important in the real estate industry) but the woman said no because she had to look after her sick husband. "What's wrong if you dont mind my asking?" She learned that the woman's husband had a heriditary kidney disease and needed a transplant. The woman met the man pretty soon and underwent the tests and found out she was a perfect match and 2 months ago the transplant occured. They both are doing well. The donor is even giving 10% of her commissions (I didnt hear for how long) to kidney disease research.
I am glad to know that there are people like this woman and people like my potential donors.
Editor's note... Just found the link here to the video of the story if you are interested
Look what I found
Sunday I went to look at Southern Living's model home. It has a lot of new things to help make the house more environmentally friendly and supposedly cheaper to live in. It is a beautiful craftsman style house with a spectacular view of Atlanta. What they dont readily tell you is that the other houses in this subdivision or running $400-$500k but the super-eco house would cost $1.2 million to build.
But the best part of the day is that I found a gas station that was selling gas for $2.35 a gallon while most stations near us were $2.60 or more. WOW!!!
But the best part of the day is that I found a gas station that was selling gas for $2.35 a gallon while most stations near us were $2.60 or more. WOW!!!
Monday, August 15, 2005
All I needed to Learn...
One of the most inspirational people in my life was my fourth grade teacher. She was more of an adopted grandmother than a teacher. She taught us some arts and crafts as well as multiplication.
When I was around 12 or 13 she gave me my first job. It was cutting her yard. It was a pretty good size yard and took a couple of hours to do it. Usually she would make me a sandwich when I got through. Turkey with mayo. Sometimes she would make me two. I think about her just about every time I eat a turkey sandwich even to this day.
She is responsible for a couple of other things in my life, too. To go along with the turkey sandwich would be a Coke (usually from a small bottle because she said they were better) over shaved ice. She had this old contraption on her covered porch. "What's that?" I asked. "It's an ice crusher" and then she showed me how it works. You put ice in the top and then crank the handle to crush the ice. I always had to have crushed ice from that time on and even today, I prefer crushed ice to regular ice cubes.
Growing up my parents didnt use many spices. My adopted grandmother/former teacher turned me on to spicy foods via cheese straws. For her cheese straws, she added extra garlic and red pepper. I have never had any cheese straws that I like as much as I liked hers but I have looked. She would make me cheese straws at least once a year. She would give my family two batches, one for everybody else and one extra spicy for me. I wish I had gotten her recipe.
A few years ago she died. I was sorely disappointed with the funeral. The main pastor of her church decided he didnt do funerals so junior minister who had never met her lead the service. Instead of words of comfort and memories of her, we learned how the minister met his wife and what he did before becoming a minister. He spent almost an hour talking about himself like he was the one being honored.
Anyway, she had a great impact on my life and helped to mold me to whom I am. I think about her often.
When I was around 12 or 13 she gave me my first job. It was cutting her yard. It was a pretty good size yard and took a couple of hours to do it. Usually she would make me a sandwich when I got through. Turkey with mayo. Sometimes she would make me two. I think about her just about every time I eat a turkey sandwich even to this day.
She is responsible for a couple of other things in my life, too. To go along with the turkey sandwich would be a Coke (usually from a small bottle because she said they were better) over shaved ice. She had this old contraption on her covered porch. "What's that?" I asked. "It's an ice crusher" and then she showed me how it works. You put ice in the top and then crank the handle to crush the ice. I always had to have crushed ice from that time on and even today, I prefer crushed ice to regular ice cubes.
Growing up my parents didnt use many spices. My adopted grandmother/former teacher turned me on to spicy foods via cheese straws. For her cheese straws, she added extra garlic and red pepper. I have never had any cheese straws that I like as much as I liked hers but I have looked. She would make me cheese straws at least once a year. She would give my family two batches, one for everybody else and one extra spicy for me. I wish I had gotten her recipe.
A few years ago she died. I was sorely disappointed with the funeral. The main pastor of her church decided he didnt do funerals so junior minister who had never met her lead the service. Instead of words of comfort and memories of her, we learned how the minister met his wife and what he did before becoming a minister. He spent almost an hour talking about himself like he was the one being honored.
Anyway, she had a great impact on my life and helped to mold me to whom I am. I think about her often.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
What did he mean?
As I have posted before, the wife and I like poker. We like to watch it, read about it and play it. Several months ago while in Vegas I got my first autograph of a poker professional. Since then I have built up quite a collection including the living legend of Poker, Doyle Brunson. Yesterday I got an autograph in the mail of Atlanta poker pro (and winner of 2 World Series of Poker bracelets) Josh Arieh. It reads "since I moved away its your job to hold down the SWATS!!" I have spent yesterday and today trying to figure out what that means. 1) He hasnt moved away from where I live (we are probably 15 miles apart) and 2) What is a "SWAT"
Maybe I dont know enough poker lingo and it means Have a Nice Day. Or maybe he was doing multiple autographs and got mine confused somehow with someone else.
Speaking of puzzling writings.... When wifey and I got married 2 years ago, we had at our reception a couple of photo mats for people to sign. An old friend of wifey wrote my wife's name and DONALD and then crossed out Donald and wrote in my name. I keep kidding my wife about Donald. Anytime she says, "you remember the time we..." I always say, "No. That must have been Donald..."
Maybe I dont know enough poker lingo and it means Have a Nice Day. Or maybe he was doing multiple autographs and got mine confused somehow with someone else.
Speaking of puzzling writings.... When wifey and I got married 2 years ago, we had at our reception a couple of photo mats for people to sign. An old friend of wifey wrote my wife's name and DONALD and then crossed out Donald and wrote in my name. I keep kidding my wife about Donald. Anytime she says, "you remember the time we..." I always say, "No. That must have been Donald..."
Friday, August 12, 2005
Our dogs
Wifey and I have 2 dogs. Mine is a Australian Sheperd Mix with one blue eye and one brown. He is the most laid back, friendly dog.
Wifey has an Australian Cattle Dog/Terrier mixed. She is really high strung but still a sweety.
Both dogs are Herding Dogs. They are very protective of their herd (the wife and I) and are cautious about letting new people, especially men, into their territory. This is very true of the wife's dog.
A truck goes up the street and the dogs will go crazy. Doorbell gets rung and the go nuts. When door to door sales people ring the bell you should see them react when they hear the dogs barking and growling. The best story is a couple of months after we got wifey's dog, a door to door salesman was at the door. When I opened the door the little dog ran out and then peed on the salesman's shoes. It was way too funny.
The other day, wifey's dog discovered the fireant bed in our back yard. They attacked her nose, cheeks, and back legs. We had to take her to the emergency vet in the middle of the night (wifey actually took her since I was hooked up to the dialysis machine). They gave her a couple of shots and she is all better now.
Oh well, I think I will go play with the dogs for a little while.
Wifey has an Australian Cattle Dog/Terrier mixed. She is really high strung but still a sweety.
Both dogs are Herding Dogs. They are very protective of their herd (the wife and I) and are cautious about letting new people, especially men, into their territory. This is very true of the wife's dog.
A truck goes up the street and the dogs will go crazy. Doorbell gets rung and the go nuts. When door to door sales people ring the bell you should see them react when they hear the dogs barking and growling. The best story is a couple of months after we got wifey's dog, a door to door salesman was at the door. When I opened the door the little dog ran out and then peed on the salesman's shoes. It was way too funny.
The other day, wifey's dog discovered the fireant bed in our back yard. They attacked her nose, cheeks, and back legs. We had to take her to the emergency vet in the middle of the night (wifey actually took her since I was hooked up to the dialysis machine). They gave her a couple of shots and she is all better now.
Oh well, I think I will go play with the dogs for a little while.
Wildlife
We live in an area that is just 15 minutes from a major city but we are in a quiet, wooded subdivision. When we first moved in we had a deer go running through the woods behind out house. He was a big buck.
We have had geese come to visit us, too.
Last week we had a hawk sitting on our fence. He was soooooo beautiful.
We have had geese come to visit us, too.
Last week we had a hawk sitting on our fence. He was soooooo beautiful.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Big Update
I am getting closer to the transplant operation. About 5 weeks ago, 2 potential donors and I had blood drawn in the same day to have crossmatching tests ran. They both are matches (technically they both tested negative to antigens in the blood that would cause them to not be matches for me). I have talked with both but have never met either one of them. The next step will be for one of them to go throught the 2 day evaluation I did back in the first part of the year. More details as I know them and can share them.
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