Well, here's my one chance to delve into the world of sports prognostication. Ask Wacky Neighbor about how good I am at this. He's made about $100 off me over the past few years with my annual exercise in doomed hope, aka The Washington Redskins.
So, Superbowl XLI. Colts vs Bears. On one hand you have a monster experienced QB in Peyton Manning. But he hasn't been to the Superbowl and he's got pressure to succeed. He has an excellent RB and WR set. And the Colts Defense is much improved.
Against this you have Da Bears. Rough and tumble defense, fair offense. QB with a spotty record, who also hasn't ever played in a Superbowl. But they're Da Bears.
My heart says Chicago, but my head says Indy by 17.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
It's Bawlmer Hon...
Went to Cafe Hon in Bawlmer last night for dinner. It was to celebrate my little bro's birthday AND see his new place.
Both were neat. I highly recommend the crabcakes at Cafe Hon.
Both were neat. I highly recommend the crabcakes at Cafe Hon.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Finally....
Someone is working on a practical ray gun.
Now I need to get me one of those and a mute Korean butler/cheuffer/henchman who kills people using his bowler hat.
Now I need to get me one of those and a mute Korean butler/cheuffer/henchman who kills people using his bowler hat.
Snicker...
pfffft...HAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Oh man, wow, that's so stupid it's funny. Talk about someone needing to pick their battles...whew.
Oh man, wow, that's so stupid it's funny. Talk about someone needing to pick their battles...whew.
Brat on a plane...
Boo-Hoo...the media seems to be picking up the banner of this family who couldn't control their kid on a plane. After 15 minutes of what I'm sure was a LOVELY show that the 3 year old was putting on for the passengers, AirTran kicked them off the plane.
I have to say, I support AirTran on this one. I've seen this crap, and yes, this is crap, all too often at restaurants, airports, train stations, malls, libraries and museums. Kids out of control and the parents not taking care of the situation. She's three years old she's crying, this is what you do so you don't get kicked off the plane:
1.) Pick up child. (Yes, you can do this. 3 year olds, unless they are marine mammals or horses are very portable.)
2.) Place child in seat. (Again, this can be done, seats have flat open surfaces that can accept the posterior of an individual.)
3.) Strap in child to seat.
4.) Fly home. Vow never to take child on plane again if she EVER pulls a stunt like that. Ground child. Perhaps even speak...in a loud voice...to make sure the point is made. (This can also be done, it's called discipline for bad behavior.)
112 other people paid for their seats to fly to Boston here. Because two parents could not control their child the plane was delaying its departure. After 15 minutes the crew did the right thing. They thought of the rest of the people on the plane rather than the family that can't sit quietly.
So, kudos to Air Tran and a big EFF-U to the media for taking the side of the family. Those of us who do not have children and have no intention of being inconvenienced by the poor parenting skills of others, salute you AirTran and will consider you for our next flight in hopes of it being brat-free.
(Yes, I totally know this makes me sound like a heartless curmudgeon. But you know what, when I was little I only had to do something like that once to learn the hard way that acting like that was unacceptable. I see kids who have not learned how to behave in public too often these days and when I'm on the Metro on a weekday evening, I don't want a temper tantrum. I want to go the hell home in peace and quiet. I'm tired, I've worked at my job for 9 hours. I don't want to hear anything. Just the rumble of the train as it whisks me to my car. The same goes for people who yak on their cell phone so loudly that the entire car can hear them. Those people should be shot on sight and their corpses hung from cell towers as a lesson to all who may transgress the bounds of cell-phone etiquette.)
I have to say, I support AirTran on this one. I've seen this crap, and yes, this is crap, all too often at restaurants, airports, train stations, malls, libraries and museums. Kids out of control and the parents not taking care of the situation. She's three years old she's crying, this is what you do so you don't get kicked off the plane:
1.) Pick up child. (Yes, you can do this. 3 year olds, unless they are marine mammals or horses are very portable.)
2.) Place child in seat. (Again, this can be done, seats have flat open surfaces that can accept the posterior of an individual.)
3.) Strap in child to seat.
4.) Fly home. Vow never to take child on plane again if she EVER pulls a stunt like that. Ground child. Perhaps even speak...in a loud voice...to make sure the point is made. (This can also be done, it's called discipline for bad behavior.)
112 other people paid for their seats to fly to Boston here. Because two parents could not control their child the plane was delaying its departure. After 15 minutes the crew did the right thing. They thought of the rest of the people on the plane rather than the family that can't sit quietly.
So, kudos to Air Tran and a big EFF-U to the media for taking the side of the family. Those of us who do not have children and have no intention of being inconvenienced by the poor parenting skills of others, salute you AirTran and will consider you for our next flight in hopes of it being brat-free.
(Yes, I totally know this makes me sound like a heartless curmudgeon. But you know what, when I was little I only had to do something like that once to learn the hard way that acting like that was unacceptable. I see kids who have not learned how to behave in public too often these days and when I'm on the Metro on a weekday evening, I don't want a temper tantrum. I want to go the hell home in peace and quiet. I'm tired, I've worked at my job for 9 hours. I don't want to hear anything. Just the rumble of the train as it whisks me to my car. The same goes for people who yak on their cell phone so loudly that the entire car can hear them. Those people should be shot on sight and their corpses hung from cell towers as a lesson to all who may transgress the bounds of cell-phone etiquette.)
Monday, January 22, 2007
Trains and Snow and Work...
This is what I got to see at work today. We had some snow this Sunday in the area. I took my camera to work to catch a shot of snow blowing out from under a thundering intermodal train. Instead I got ice covered snow that didn't blow. But still, a neat shot.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
My Hobo Name...
Microfiche Roy the Side Scroller
Steal your own Hobo Name Here.
For if given a chance they would steal your name without hesitation and then try to sell it back to you.
Thanks to AP for turning me on to this book.
Steal your own Hobo Name Here.
For if given a chance they would steal your name without hesitation and then try to sell it back to you.
Thanks to AP for turning me on to this book.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
So this is what the Dodos felt like...
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2002266852_redhair09.html
Apparently, redheads may be extinct in 100 years.
Apparently, redheads may be extinct in 100 years.
Colts 15 - Ravens 6
I'm really disappointed in the Ravens. They didn't let Peyton Manning score a touchdown the entire game and they still lost.
Major failures:
Ravens O-Line was getting mauled by the Colts. They just couldn't push them back.
Steve McNair making several questionable throws. Two of which ended up in interceptions
Ravens not running Lewis 30 times. Even if he doesn't get yardage, it keeps the Colts thinking.
The defense did it's job. No touchdowns and two takeaways. I don't think they should feel bad about their part in this game. They fought like hell. But Steve McNair or someone from the offense needed to get angry and fire up the team. I just saw him sitting on the bench calmly watching the game. Steve, dude...WTF?
Well, today it's DAAA BEARS vs the Seattle Seahawks at Chicago. Then the Patriots at San Diego.
My prediction, Bears 200, Seattle -4. Patriots beat San Diego by 3 in a low scoring affair.
Major failures:
Ravens O-Line was getting mauled by the Colts. They just couldn't push them back.
Steve McNair making several questionable throws. Two of which ended up in interceptions
Ravens not running Lewis 30 times. Even if he doesn't get yardage, it keeps the Colts thinking.
The defense did it's job. No touchdowns and two takeaways. I don't think they should feel bad about their part in this game. They fought like hell. But Steve McNair or someone from the offense needed to get angry and fire up the team. I just saw him sitting on the bench calmly watching the game. Steve, dude...WTF?
Well, today it's DAAA BEARS vs the Seattle Seahawks at Chicago. Then the Patriots at San Diego.
My prediction, Bears 200, Seattle -4. Patriots beat San Diego by 3 in a low scoring affair.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Colts at Ravens...with Nachos
The Colts are coming back to Baltimore to play the Ravens in a playoff match. I've invited the UMBC Gang over and plan to serve various nacho dishes.
So far:
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Nachos con Carne
Nachos and Salsa
How many people say "hell yeah!" and plan to come by will determine how much I should make.
So far:
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Nachos con Carne
Nachos and Salsa
How many people say "hell yeah!" and plan to come by will determine how much I should make.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Ding! New Book into the Line
I finished "The Men Who Loved Trains" on the ride home tonight. EXCELLENT READ!!!
It's a train book that's not written for train geeks. Wacky Neighbor would love the business and policy stuff in it.
Now batting: "Plenty of Blame To Go Around: JEB Stuart's Controversial Ride to Gettysburg" by Eric Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi
It's a train book that's not written for train geeks. Wacky Neighbor would love the business and policy stuff in it.
Now batting: "Plenty of Blame To Go Around: JEB Stuart's Controversial Ride to Gettysburg" by Eric Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
What I'm reading...
Yes, it's not what I'm watching or what I'm listening to, but what I'm reading.
Johnny U: The Life and Times of John Unitas by Tom Callahan
I got this for Christmas, I've gotten veklempt for the old days of the NFL twice. This has been an excellent read.
The Men Who Loved Trains: The Story of Men Who Battled Greed to Save an Ailing Industry by Rush Loving, Jr.
I got this for me, it was on my Christmas list but nobody bought it. This is the story of the death and rebirth of the American Railroad Industry. So far, pretty good. It's a book about business and economics and the personalities involved. I'm enjoying it...especially since it's about the death my railroad's (The B&O Railroad) arch-rival, The Pennsylvania Railroad. HA-HA! Take that Simon Cameron!
Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley and Ron Powers
I got this as a Christmas present from my girlfriend. We went to see this movie as our first date. (Yeah, real romantic, storming Iwo Jima and the aftermath of being used for selling bonds.) You have to understand we're two history majors. She has an ancestor who fought there and I specialized some in military history. So far this has been an excellent book. I haven't gotten to the real rough spots, like what really happened to Iggy Ignatowski, but I've gotten a bit veklempt reading through this too.
Johnny U: The Life and Times of John Unitas by Tom Callahan
I got this for Christmas, I've gotten veklempt for the old days of the NFL twice. This has been an excellent read.
The Men Who Loved Trains: The Story of Men Who Battled Greed to Save an Ailing Industry by Rush Loving, Jr.
I got this for me, it was on my Christmas list but nobody bought it. This is the story of the death and rebirth of the American Railroad Industry. So far, pretty good. It's a book about business and economics and the personalities involved. I'm enjoying it...especially since it's about the death my railroad's (The B&O Railroad) arch-rival, The Pennsylvania Railroad. HA-HA! Take that Simon Cameron!
Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley and Ron Powers
I got this as a Christmas present from my girlfriend. We went to see this movie as our first date. (Yeah, real romantic, storming Iwo Jima and the aftermath of being used for selling bonds.) You have to understand we're two history majors. She has an ancestor who fought there and I specialized some in military history. So far this has been an excellent book. I haven't gotten to the real rough spots, like what really happened to Iggy Ignatowski, but I've gotten a bit veklempt reading through this too.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Goodbye Aunt Dale...
Today was my Aunt Dale's (Dad's brother's wife) funeral. She had fought stage 4 stomach cancer long enough to see her children graduate high school, one to get through college, and get engaged. Her second child is well on his way to being a fine adult once he finishes his last year at college.
This has been rough for us. Aunt Dale was a triathlete and the healthiest of us all. How she of all people could have gotten stomach cancer surprised us greatly. I think many of us are struggling with the "Why her?" question.
Her 6 year old great nephew had a great response. He was talking to his grandfather (Dale's sister's husband) about why Aunt Dale is sick and said, "God must have a job for her."
And now as I've been mulling over that sentence and Aunt Dale's life, I think the kid is right.
Still, we all miss you Aunt Dale.
This has been rough for us. Aunt Dale was a triathlete and the healthiest of us all. How she of all people could have gotten stomach cancer surprised us greatly. I think many of us are struggling with the "Why her?" question.
Her 6 year old great nephew had a great response. He was talking to his grandfather (Dale's sister's husband) about why Aunt Dale is sick and said, "God must have a job for her."
And now as I've been mulling over that sentence and Aunt Dale's life, I think the kid is right.
Still, we all miss you Aunt Dale.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Soooo Full.....
Well another Christmas has come and gone. This was one of the merrier one's I've had personally in the past two years, mainly because I got to spend part of it with someone great. I also got to correct one of the great cultural oversights in her life, not having seen Star Wars.
It's ok everyone, BREATHE! We've got the situation under control. She now owns the original trilogy. I haven't gotten her the new ones. It's ok.
As for me, I got pretty much everything I asked for. And what I didn't get, I've just ordered on Amazon.com.
Also, I highly recommend this past weekend's "This American Life." Especially the last story about the immaculate conception as told from a very confused and stressed out Joseph.
It's ok everyone, BREATHE! We've got the situation under control. She now owns the original trilogy. I haven't gotten her the new ones. It's ok.
As for me, I got pretty much everything I asked for. And what I didn't get, I've just ordered on Amazon.com.
Also, I highly recommend this past weekend's "This American Life." Especially the last story about the immaculate conception as told from a very confused and stressed out Joseph.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Spin up the Jets...
Santa will be entering NORAD monitored airspace.
This is one of the coolest things NORAD has done, outside of that whole defending our airspace thing.
This is one of the coolest things NORAD has done, outside of that whole defending our airspace thing.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
I find tinsel distracting...
Happy Festivus Everyone!
You're all a tremendous disappointment, now who thinks they can pin me?
Oh, get your Festivus Pole for next year at this handy site.
You're all a tremendous disappointment, now who thinks they can pin me?
Oh, get your Festivus Pole for next year at this handy site.
Monday, December 18, 2006
The Best Christmas Movie Ever...
Miracle on 34th Street (1947):
Some choice lines:
Fred Gailey: "All my life I've wondered something, and now's my chance to find out. I'm going to find the answer to a question that's puzzled the world for centuries. Does Santa Claus sleep with his whiskers outside or in?"
Kris Kringle: "Always sleep with them out. Cold air makes them grow."
Fred Gailey: "Your Honor, every one of these letters is addressed to Santa Claus. The Post Office has delivered them. Therefore the Post Office Department, a branch of the Federal Government, recognizes this man, Kris Kringle, to be the one and only Santa Claus."
Judge Harper: "Since the United States Government declares this man to be Santa Claus, this court will not dispute it. Case Dismissed."
Some choice lines:
Fred Gailey: "All my life I've wondered something, and now's my chance to find out. I'm going to find the answer to a question that's puzzled the world for centuries. Does Santa Claus sleep with his whiskers outside or in?"
Kris Kringle: "Always sleep with them out. Cold air makes them grow."
Fred Gailey: "Your Honor, every one of these letters is addressed to Santa Claus. The Post Office has delivered them. Therefore the Post Office Department, a branch of the Federal Government, recognizes this man, Kris Kringle, to be the one and only Santa Claus."
Judge Harper: "Since the United States Government declares this man to be Santa Claus, this court will not dispute it. Case Dismissed."
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Turducken Wars Episode 6: Return of the Turducken
Well, I've enjoyed turducken leftovers. We've completed A Very Nickish Christmas VI: Celebrating Our Monkey Ancestors.
A good time was had by all. But boy am I tired. So far no calls of food poisoning, so looks like we cooked it properly!
Huzzah!
A good time was had by all. But boy am I tired. So far no calls of food poisoning, so looks like we cooked it properly!
Huzzah!
Turducken Wars Episode 5: The Turducken Strikes Back
In the form of leftovers. I have a ton of turducken now and have to figure out some other way to use it. I'm thinking of sending it to various points in the galaxy to locate the Rebel Alliance's new base now that their old one on the fourth moon of the gas giant planet named Yavin is securely in the posession of the Galactic Empire.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Turducken Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Turduckens
10 hours and 45 minutes remain until we begin cooking.
No CD's were made tonight. I was busy helping get the trains set up.
Tomorrow...
No CD's were made tonight. I was busy helping get the trains set up.
Tomorrow...
Friday, December 15, 2006
Turducken Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Turducken
Well, approximately 18 and a half hours remain until I need to cook the Turducken. I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous. Currently the birds are defrosting in the fridge, as they have been since their removal from the shipping cooler Wednesday evening.
I've never cooked a large bird before, let alone three birds stuffed into each other. Not only is this a first, but this is a big event for me, it's the Christmas party. If undercooked it could be a disaster for the UMBC Gang.
Also I need to burn the CD's. That's a big priority for tonight.
I've never cooked a large bird before, let alone three birds stuffed into each other. Not only is this a first, but this is a big event for me, it's the Christmas party. If undercooked it could be a disaster for the UMBC Gang.
Also I need to burn the CD's. That's a big priority for tonight.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Ladies and gentlemen...
I give you the great experiment.
"She's supposed to have trans-warp drive."
"Aye, and if me grandmother had wheels she'd be a wagon."
"Come come Mr. Scott, young minds, new ideas."
Actually no, it's really this.
This will be my first attempt at cooking poultry in the oven. 44 servings of food. I am going to have a TON of leftovers.
"She's supposed to have trans-warp drive."
"Aye, and if me grandmother had wheels she'd be a wagon."
"Come come Mr. Scott, young minds, new ideas."
Actually no, it's really this.
This will be my first attempt at cooking poultry in the oven. 44 servings of food. I am going to have a TON of leftovers.
This week...
Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote "The Charge of the Light Brigade" (YAY!)
I got sick with a sinus infection. (Boo!)
I've got plenty of time to read and write because I've been home sick (YAY!)
I'm out of sick leave. (Boo!)
I found a new blog I like. (YAY!)
Okay, that's all I got. (Boo!)
I got sick with a sinus infection. (Boo!)
I've got plenty of time to read and write because I've been home sick (YAY!)
I'm out of sick leave. (Boo!)
I found a new blog I like. (YAY!)
Okay, that's all I got. (Boo!)
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
No way...
Way!
I bought Christmas cards. And I actually filled them out and mailed them this morning...well the first batch. UMBC Gang Members consider yourselves warned.
Mwah-ha-ha-ha!
I bought Christmas cards. And I actually filled them out and mailed them this morning...well the first batch. UMBC Gang Members consider yourselves warned.
Mwah-ha-ha-ha!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Post-Rant Post...
Boy, I really had a lot of vitrol that needed to be expunged.
Well, enough about aircraft carrier names. Now we are coming to the topic that will strike fear into the hearts of men...christmas shopping.
(Insert dramatic music here.)
Yep, it's time to shop for christmas. My list of people to buy for isn't very long. Family, Book Exchange victim, er recipient, and a few others. No girlfriend to shop for so that's a lot of planning that I don't have to worry about.
So my plan is to complete this task tomorrow after a doctor's appointment. Also I'm actually going to send out Christmas cards this year. Seriously, I've bought them and everything. So tomorrow I'll need to get stamps.
Well, enough about aircraft carrier names. Now we are coming to the topic that will strike fear into the hearts of men...christmas shopping.
(Insert dramatic music here.)
Yep, it's time to shop for christmas. My list of people to buy for isn't very long. Family, Book Exchange victim, er recipient, and a few others. No girlfriend to shop for so that's a lot of planning that I don't have to worry about.
So my plan is to complete this task tomorrow after a doctor's appointment. Also I'm actually going to send out Christmas cards this year. Seriously, I've bought them and everything. So tomorrow I'll need to get stamps.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The sorry state of CVN 78...
I guess it's about time for me to rant about something. Now my first choice is how CVN-78, the ship that will replace the LEGENDARY USS Enterprise CVN-65 is going to be named after...Gerald R. Ford. Sigh. I'm currently having a rave-out over this BRILLIANT decision by John Warner (Senior Republican Senator from Virginia and now in my opinion, a schmuck) with a friend via email. He and I both feel that if there isn't a USS Enterprise as a Carrier in this nation's navy well, then this whole country is off track. And apparently, this whole country is off track if we're naming a ship after GERALD FRIGGIN FORD!!! (OK, I'm gonna rant about this now I guess. My blood is up.)
Seriously, the guy never WON A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION! NEVER! EVER! He was in for two years and all he did was pardon Nixon, fall down steps several times on camera and got shot at by Lynette Squeaky Fromme. He's a nice guy and all, but he DOES NOT DESERVE A CARRIER NAMED AFTER HIM! Certainly not the carrier that will replace the USS ENTERPRISE. For God's sake! It's the Enterprise! You cannot have a US NAVY without a USS Enterprise, it's like getting rid of Santa and still wanting to put presents under the tree. It's not right!
The name Enterprise has been associated with the US Navy since the early republic. She fought the Barbary Pirates, the Confederacy, and the Empire of Japan. (Talk about the big 3 foes in US Navy History, I'd put in France as a significant foe but...well...it's France, they're not significant.) Heck, the WW2 incarnation of Big E made it through the entire war from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay. And SHE was scrapped! That was a travesty! Now they're going to name the replacement ship after Gerald Ford? Seriously we deserve to lose a war if we name a ship like that. Damn.
Ok, I've vented now. Back to our regularly scheduled blogging.
Seriously, the guy never WON A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION! NEVER! EVER! He was in for two years and all he did was pardon Nixon, fall down steps several times on camera and got shot at by Lynette Squeaky Fromme. He's a nice guy and all, but he DOES NOT DESERVE A CARRIER NAMED AFTER HIM! Certainly not the carrier that will replace the USS ENTERPRISE. For God's sake! It's the Enterprise! You cannot have a US NAVY without a USS Enterprise, it's like getting rid of Santa and still wanting to put presents under the tree. It's not right!
The name Enterprise has been associated with the US Navy since the early republic. She fought the Barbary Pirates, the Confederacy, and the Empire of Japan. (Talk about the big 3 foes in US Navy History, I'd put in France as a significant foe but...well...it's France, they're not significant.) Heck, the WW2 incarnation of Big E made it through the entire war from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay. And SHE was scrapped! That was a travesty! Now they're going to name the replacement ship after Gerald Ford? Seriously we deserve to lose a war if we name a ship like that. Damn.
Ok, I've vented now. Back to our regularly scheduled blogging.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
An Archivist's work is never done...
Saturday was a blissfully great day. Much sleeping in was done. And it was great! Oh man was I tired. The Terps lost to Wake Forest so no Orange Bowl for them. Ah well.
Today I'm doing laundry, cleaning my room and sorting through papers. Also I've got the master copy of a CD-Rom that will be released by the historical society containing scans of drawings from our archives. I've got to mail that out tomorrow morning.
Well back to work!
Today I'm doing laundry, cleaning my room and sorting through papers. Also I've got the master copy of a CD-Rom that will be released by the historical society containing scans of drawings from our archives. I've got to mail that out tomorrow morning.
Well back to work!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Stranger Than Fiction...
Just saw "Stranger Than Fiction" starring Will Farrell. It was very clever. I was happy to see Will Ferrell acting serious for a change and a movie that had a genuinely new idea. Not a run out and see it now movie, but go see it if Casino Royale is sold out. It's a good date movie.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
I've been looking for this...
I am a huge fan of The West Wing. Not the schmucks running it now, but the Josiah Bartlett Administration. One episode back in 2002 called "Holy Night" had Toby meeting his dad again and the Yale Whiffenpoofs' cover of "O Holy Night" figured prominently in it. I REALLY liked that cover of "O Holy Night." (FYI any version of "O Holy Night" or "Silent Night" that makes me get a little teary at the flood of memories of the great Christmases past that the song brings up is a keeper.) And lo and behold what do I find on-line this morning than....A Very Whiffenpoof Christmas. And it has that version of "O Holy Night" on it.
Now...will it arrive in time?
Now...will it arrive in time?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
My road, kid, and I don't give lessons and I don't take partners...
I shall listen to "King of the Road" and watch "Emperor of the North" in his honor.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Casino Royale...
ROCKS!!!
GOOD FRIGGIN JOB! Excellent movie, great Bond, great villain, hot babes and another Astin Martin bites the dust. GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
GOOD FRIGGIN JOB! Excellent movie, great Bond, great villain, hot babes and another Astin Martin bites the dust. GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
My lords and members of the House of Commons...
Yes, I'm an Anglo-phile. Okay. I admit it. Happy now?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6150274.stm
I spent my drive in to work today listening to this on C-Span Radio.
(Yes, there really is a C-Span Radio.)
(And yes, I am a nerd.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/6150274.stm
I spent my drive in to work today listening to this on C-Span Radio.
(Yes, there really is a C-Span Radio.)
(And yes, I am a nerd.)
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Film...
I forgot to mention, I saw "Flags of Our Fathers" this weekend. Excellent movie. Clint Eastwood did a VERY good job directing and Adam Beach who plays Ira Hayes is GREAT!
Next on the list: "Casino Royale"
Next on the list: "Casino Royale"
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Damn...
Just a little too late for me...
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524903/
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/11/11/eveningnews/main2174452.shtml
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524903/
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/11/11/eveningnews/main2174452.shtml
Friday, November 10, 2006
Veterans Day...
November 11, 1918-The day the war ended.
Keep the Home Fires Burning
Verse
They were sum-moned from the hill-side,
They were called in from the glen,
And the Coun-try found them read-y
At the stir-ring call for men.
Let no tears add to their hard-ship;
As the Sol-diers pass a-long
And al-though your heart is break-ing,
Make it sing this cheer-y song.
Chorus
Keep the Home-fires burn-ing,
While your hearts are yearn-ing,
Though your lads are far a-way
They dream of Home;
There's a sil-ver lin-ing
Through the dark cloud shin-ing,
Turn the dark cloud in-side out,
Till the boys come Home.
Verse
O-ver seas there came a plead-ing
"Help a Na-tion in dis-tress,"
And we gave our glo-rious lad-dies;
Hon-or made us do no less.
For no gal-lant Son of Free-dom
To a ty-rant's yoke should bend,
And a no-ble heart must an-swer
To the sa - cred call of "Friend".
Chorus
Keep the Home-fires burn-ing,
While your hearts are yearn-ing,
Though your lads are far a-way
They dream of Home;
There's a sil-ver lin-ing
Through the dark cloud shin-ing,
Turn the dark cloud in-side out,
Till the boys come Home.
Keep the Home Fires Burning
Verse
They were sum-moned from the hill-side,
They were called in from the glen,
And the Coun-try found them read-y
At the stir-ring call for men.
Let no tears add to their hard-ship;
As the Sol-diers pass a-long
And al-though your heart is break-ing,
Make it sing this cheer-y song.
Chorus
Keep the Home-fires burn-ing,
While your hearts are yearn-ing,
Though your lads are far a-way
They dream of Home;
There's a sil-ver lin-ing
Through the dark cloud shin-ing,
Turn the dark cloud in-side out,
Till the boys come Home.
Verse
O-ver seas there came a plead-ing
"Help a Na-tion in dis-tress,"
And we gave our glo-rious lad-dies;
Hon-or made us do no less.
For no gal-lant Son of Free-dom
To a ty-rant's yoke should bend,
And a no-ble heart must an-swer
To the sa - cred call of "Friend".
Chorus
Keep the Home-fires burn-ing,
While your hearts are yearn-ing,
Though your lads are far a-way
They dream of Home;
There's a sil-ver lin-ing
Through the dark cloud shin-ing,
Turn the dark cloud in-side out,
Till the boys come Home.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Oh wow...
They pulled it off! The Democrats got the House and the Senate! Jim Webb has been declared the winner of the Virginia Senate Race by 7 networks.
I had a feeling they would do well, but...dang!
I had a feeling they would do well, but...dang!
Aftermath...
"This race is tight like a too-small bathing suit on a too-long ride home from the beach."
"This race is as tight as the rusted lug nuts on a '55 Ford."
"It's the American way: if you don't vote, you don't get to whine."
-Dan Rather
UPDATE-11/08/06 1pm Eastern
Montana's Senate Race has gone to the Dems according to MSNBC.com.
The Associated Press is reporting that Defense Secretary Rumsfeld is stepping down.
-------
Well, it's over...almost. Montana and Virginia's Senate Races are too close to call but the democrats have a thin lead in both. Expect recounts and court challenges. If the Dem's hold on to both leads then they have the Senate.
They already have the House, sweeping through it like Germans through France.
Maryland's races have been called, but things could get squirrelly with the absentee ballots that need to be counted. Right now Ehrlich is out and O'Malley is in. This was not what I expected as Ehrlich did exactly what I thought he needed to do, not screw up too bad over four years, to win. And for the most part he did. However, the college tuition increase, the PSC flap, the slots fiasco and the close ties to Bush were used effectively by O'Malley to win.
(Personally I was going to vote for Ehrlich until I got a spam email from his campaign. It's bad enough I had to see it on TV and hear it on the radio. That was the last straw. I resolved to vote for O'Malley at that point.)
Cardin has enough of a lead over Steele right now that Mike can probably deliver the concession speech and start working on his resume.
Bartlett won MD6 as expected.
And of course Fenty won DC. Shocker.
So, that's the political landscape as of 11am November 8th. Two big unknowns that need to be filled in but right now have a nice blue tint to them. Should be interesting.
"This race is as tight as the rusted lug nuts on a '55 Ford."
"It's the American way: if you don't vote, you don't get to whine."
-Dan Rather
UPDATE-11/08/06 1pm Eastern
Montana's Senate Race has gone to the Dems according to MSNBC.com.
The Associated Press is reporting that Defense Secretary Rumsfeld is stepping down.
-------
Well, it's over...almost. Montana and Virginia's Senate Races are too close to call but the democrats have a thin lead in both. Expect recounts and court challenges. If the Dem's hold on to both leads then they have the Senate.
They already have the House, sweeping through it like Germans through France.
Maryland's races have been called, but things could get squirrelly with the absentee ballots that need to be counted. Right now Ehrlich is out and O'Malley is in. This was not what I expected as Ehrlich did exactly what I thought he needed to do, not screw up too bad over four years, to win. And for the most part he did. However, the college tuition increase, the PSC flap, the slots fiasco and the close ties to Bush were used effectively by O'Malley to win.
(Personally I was going to vote for Ehrlich until I got a spam email from his campaign. It's bad enough I had to see it on TV and hear it on the radio. That was the last straw. I resolved to vote for O'Malley at that point.)
Cardin has enough of a lead over Steele right now that Mike can probably deliver the concession speech and start working on his resume.
Bartlett won MD6 as expected.
And of course Fenty won DC. Shocker.
So, that's the political landscape as of 11am November 8th. Two big unknowns that need to be filled in but right now have a nice blue tint to them. Should be interesting.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Election Day...
It's Election Day. Huzzah!!!
Well most of the pundits are giving the Dems the House and a gain in the Senate but not enough to take control. We'll see how that pans out. Locally here are my picks:
Ben Cardin beats Michael Steele.
Bob Ehrlich just barely hangs on.
Jim Webb and George Allen's senate race is too close to call. But I'll give the edge to Webb because of early reports of high turn-out in Northern VA...that and I think Allen is a schmuck.
Stone-Cold Lock (Insert CLUNK sound effect here): Adrian Fenty wins the Mayoral Race in Washington, DC.
Rep. Roscoe Bartlett keeps the MD 6th firmly in his grasp.
Nationally...I have this feeling the Dems will take both Houses of Congress. The key senate races that will tip the scales are awfully close. This could be a long night. (Somebody get their Dan Ratherisms ready.)
Well most of the pundits are giving the Dems the House and a gain in the Senate but not enough to take control. We'll see how that pans out. Locally here are my picks:
Ben Cardin beats Michael Steele.
Bob Ehrlich just barely hangs on.
Jim Webb and George Allen's senate race is too close to call. But I'll give the edge to Webb because of early reports of high turn-out in Northern VA...that and I think Allen is a schmuck.
Stone-Cold Lock (Insert CLUNK sound effect here): Adrian Fenty wins the Mayoral Race in Washington, DC.
Rep. Roscoe Bartlett keeps the MD 6th firmly in his grasp.
Nationally...I have this feeling the Dems will take both Houses of Congress. The key senate races that will tip the scales are awfully close. This could be a long night. (Somebody get their Dan Ratherisms ready.)
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Train Day...
It is finished. I am tired, I am sore. But the Historical Society is richer for the experience.
Huzzah!
Props to DASRT for coming down today! Thanks!!!
Huzzah!
Props to DASRT for coming down today! Thanks!!!
Friday, November 03, 2006
No Mister Bond...
I expect you to die!
"Casino Royale" is coming out soon and I'm psyched about it. It's a spy movie not an explosion movie. To celebrate it's pending release, here are my top 20 things in the James Bond series.
20. Jump-suited goons. The best entries in the series seem to have armies of nameless jump suited goons who run around with submachine guns waiting to get killed or run away in the last 20 minutes of the movie.
19. Felix Leiter. Gotta love the guy who gets to bail out Jimmy when things get tough. It helps when he brings the Marines/Navy/Army/Seals/etc.
18. Tuxedos. If I ever wear a tuxedo, you know what I'm going to say within the first ten minutes of putting it on.
17. Jaws. Yes, some people aren't Jaws fans, but he's just so damn menacing...until he turns to the good side in Moonraker.
16. The faceless Blofeld. Before "You Only Live Twice" Blofeld's face was never seen. He was much more...sinister that way.
15. General Alexis Gogol. Played by Walter Gotell, Bond's sometimes nemesis and later more consistent ally as the films became more homages to Detente rather than "let's stop the commies!"
14. Valentin Zhukovsky played by Robbie Coltrane. Bond's later ally in the post-Soviet Bond films. Dies heroically in "The World is Not Enough."
13. SPECTRE. Dangerous and without any convictions save their own code of conduct. Truly a threat to the world.
12. Kerim Bey. The last role for Pedro Armendiariz before he committed suicide (after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer) was of Head of Station T. Kerim was the most resourceful and well-equipped of the local Station Cheifs Bond ever has worked with in the series. He dies on the Orient Express in "From Russia with Love."
11. Oddjob. See "Goldfinger", you'll know.
10. "Tiger" Tanaka head of the Japanese SIS in "You Only Live Twice" who just happens to have a company of Ninjas handy when Jimmy needs to raid an extinct volcano-turned SPECTRE base. I wish I had a company of Nijas handy. He puts Felix to shame with that. (Yes the marines are great, but DAMN! Nijas? Dude, they'll kill you before you even know it!)
09. And based on that...The Company of Ninjas from "You Only Live Twice." If ever I get put in a position where I'm an evil genius and the hero has brought a company of nijas, I'm just gonna give it up right there.
08. Two words "Pussy Galore" Thanks. Nuff said.
07. The James Bond Astin Martin...various models.
06. Donald Pleasance as Blofeld. "KILL BOND! NOW!!!" Perfect.
05. Moneypenny (either Lois Maxwell or Samantha Bond) I think we all need a Moneypenny sometimes in our lives.
04. Dame Judith Dench as M. Best successor to Bernard Lee yet.
03. Bernard Lee as M. The epitome of what I expect the head of a group of secret agents to be. Flinty, irascable, smart and outwardly dispassionate...but he cares a lot for his people. Sometimes that side shows itself at important points in the series. (see "On Her Majesty's Secret Service")
02. Q. How can you not put Q in the top 5? I miss him. (RIP Desmond.)
01. Everything in the movie Goldfinger. It is the standard by which I measure the other films.
"Casino Royale" is coming out soon and I'm psyched about it. It's a spy movie not an explosion movie. To celebrate it's pending release, here are my top 20 things in the James Bond series.
20. Jump-suited goons. The best entries in the series seem to have armies of nameless jump suited goons who run around with submachine guns waiting to get killed or run away in the last 20 minutes of the movie.
19. Felix Leiter. Gotta love the guy who gets to bail out Jimmy when things get tough. It helps when he brings the Marines/Navy/Army/Seals/etc.
18. Tuxedos. If I ever wear a tuxedo, you know what I'm going to say within the first ten minutes of putting it on.
17. Jaws. Yes, some people aren't Jaws fans, but he's just so damn menacing...until he turns to the good side in Moonraker.
16. The faceless Blofeld. Before "You Only Live Twice" Blofeld's face was never seen. He was much more...sinister that way.
15. General Alexis Gogol. Played by Walter Gotell, Bond's sometimes nemesis and later more consistent ally as the films became more homages to Detente rather than "let's stop the commies!"
14. Valentin Zhukovsky played by Robbie Coltrane. Bond's later ally in the post-Soviet Bond films. Dies heroically in "The World is Not Enough."
13. SPECTRE. Dangerous and without any convictions save their own code of conduct. Truly a threat to the world.
12. Kerim Bey. The last role for Pedro Armendiariz before he committed suicide (after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer) was of Head of Station T. Kerim was the most resourceful and well-equipped of the local Station Cheifs Bond ever has worked with in the series. He dies on the Orient Express in "From Russia with Love."
11. Oddjob. See "Goldfinger", you'll know.
10. "Tiger" Tanaka head of the Japanese SIS in "You Only Live Twice" who just happens to have a company of Ninjas handy when Jimmy needs to raid an extinct volcano-turned SPECTRE base. I wish I had a company of Nijas handy. He puts Felix to shame with that. (Yes the marines are great, but DAMN! Nijas? Dude, they'll kill you before you even know it!)
09. And based on that...The Company of Ninjas from "You Only Live Twice." If ever I get put in a position where I'm an evil genius and the hero has brought a company of nijas, I'm just gonna give it up right there.
08. Two words "Pussy Galore" Thanks. Nuff said.
07. The James Bond Astin Martin...various models.
06. Donald Pleasance as Blofeld. "KILL BOND! NOW!!!" Perfect.
05. Moneypenny (either Lois Maxwell or Samantha Bond) I think we all need a Moneypenny sometimes in our lives.
04. Dame Judith Dench as M. Best successor to Bernard Lee yet.
03. Bernard Lee as M. The epitome of what I expect the head of a group of secret agents to be. Flinty, irascable, smart and outwardly dispassionate...but he cares a lot for his people. Sometimes that side shows itself at important points in the series. (see "On Her Majesty's Secret Service")
02. Q. How can you not put Q in the top 5? I miss him. (RIP Desmond.)
01. Everything in the movie Goldfinger. It is the standard by which I measure the other films.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
The Marine Corps Marathon...
Tomorrow I'm going to DC on purpose to watch the Marine Corps Marathon. The last time I saw this live the UMBC Quiz Bowl Team was going to Georgetown for a tournament. We walked right into it and weren't expecting it.
This time I'm going as a legitimate fan to cheer for Kim and WoWN.
Ladies, you're gonna do great!
But now I have a conundrum...what hat to wear?
Should I go for the classic B&O ballcap I have or...as it is the Marine Corps Marathon...go for my USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Cap, the closest to a Marine cap I have.
I think Kearsarge is going to get the sortie order for tomorrow.
This time I'm going as a legitimate fan to cheer for Kim and WoWN.
Ladies, you're gonna do great!
But now I have a conundrum...what hat to wear?
Should I go for the classic B&O ballcap I have or...as it is the Marine Corps Marathon...go for my USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Cap, the closest to a Marine cap I have.
I think Kearsarge is going to get the sortie order for tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Sorry 'bout that Chief...
I have neglected my blog, but I had a good excuse...
I am friggin exhausted.
You all know about the adventures in Parkersburg then the Train Show then last week was B&ORRHS Archives-O-Rama. A sorting session where volunteers put our collecting in order. A good time for all. But another 7 day week for me.
Then Monday my cold got the best of me and I slept in.
So that's where I am. This weekend is the MCM in VA and DC. WOWN and DASRT are running. So looks like another busy-ish weekend. Then there's TRAIN DAY! the week afterwards.
Am I crazy or what?
I am friggin exhausted.
You all know about the adventures in Parkersburg then the Train Show then last week was B&ORRHS Archives-O-Rama. A sorting session where volunteers put our collecting in order. A good time for all. But another 7 day week for me.
Then Monday my cold got the best of me and I slept in.
So that's where I am. This weekend is the MCM in VA and DC. WOWN and DASRT are running. So looks like another busy-ish weekend. Then there's TRAIN DAY! the week afterwards.
Am I crazy or what?
Monday, October 16, 2006
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Stealing a Quiz...
50 Things
From Kim’s page who appropriated it from someone else…
1. How tall are you barefoot?
5'10”
2. Have you ever smoked heroin?
Nope
3. Do you own a gun?
Nope
What happened to number 4?
It’s right where you left it between 3 and 5. Geez..schmuck.
5. Do you get nervous before "meeting the parents"?
Yes
6. What do you think of hot dogs?
Best at a ball park if not there then best grilled.
7. What's your favorite Christmas song?
“Silent Night” either in German, sung by the muppets, by a church choir or played instrumental on a guitar.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Orange Juice and Coffee
9. Can you do push ups?
Yes
WHERE IS NUMBER TEN!
Look, yelling at me isn’t going to help find it.
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
I don’t wear jewelery
12. Do you like painkillers?
You bet your bippy.
13. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?
Comedy
14. Do you own a knife?
Yes
15. Do you have A.D.D.?
huh? I was looking at something else. Oooh! Floor-pie!
16. Middle Name?
Brandon
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
I’m tired
Should I go get something for lunch now?
I need to get my classwork done.
18. Name the last 3 things you have bought:
Dinner at Subway in Oakland, MD, Gas at the Exxon in Oakland, MD, Gas at Kroger in Parkersburg, WV
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink:
Diet Coke, Coke, Orange Juice
20. What time did you wake up today?
5:25am
22. Current worry?
The Presentation I was just assigned.
23. Current hate?
Mornings
24. Favorite place to be?
A good bookstore/library
25. Least favorite place to be?
Traffic back-up
26. Where would you like to go?
London and Scotland and CHICAGO!
27. Do you own slippers?
Yes.
28. What shirt are you wearing?
Black t-shirt and my arrow green dress shirt
30. Favorite color(s)?
green
31. Would you be a pirate?
No.
32. Last time you had an alcoholic drink?
Someone’s wedding…Jess’?
33. What songs do you sing in the shower?
I have no set mental playlist
34. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?
I dunno
35. What's in your pockets right now?
Wallet, keys, comb, change, ID, metro pass and glasses wipe
36. Last thing that made you laugh?
NewsRadio re-run yesterday about “The Shaft”
37. Best bed sheets you had as a child?
Empire Strikes Back
38. Worst injury?
Rheumatoid Arthritis
40. How many TVs do you have in your house?
3
41. Who is your loudest friend?
Mary
42. Who is your most silent friend?
Dustin/Jess
43. Does someone have a crush on you?
I hope so.
44. Do you wish on shooting stars?
Yes.
45. What is your favorite book?
The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy
46. What is your favorite candy?
Toblerone
47. What song do/did you want played at your wedding?
“A Kiss to Build a Dream On” as performed by Louis Armstrong
48. What song do you want played at your funeral?
“Smile” performed by Nat King Cole
49. What were you doing 12 AM last night?
Reading my email.
50. What was the First thing you thought when you woke up this morning??
15 more minutes
From Kim’s page who appropriated it from someone else…
1. How tall are you barefoot?
5'10”
2. Have you ever smoked heroin?
Nope
3. Do you own a gun?
Nope
What happened to number 4?
It’s right where you left it between 3 and 5. Geez..schmuck.
5. Do you get nervous before "meeting the parents"?
Yes
6. What do you think of hot dogs?
Best at a ball park if not there then best grilled.
7. What's your favorite Christmas song?
“Silent Night” either in German, sung by the muppets, by a church choir or played instrumental on a guitar.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Orange Juice and Coffee
9. Can you do push ups?
Yes
WHERE IS NUMBER TEN!
Look, yelling at me isn’t going to help find it.
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
I don’t wear jewelery
12. Do you like painkillers?
You bet your bippy.
13. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?
Comedy
14. Do you own a knife?
Yes
15. Do you have A.D.D.?
huh? I was looking at something else. Oooh! Floor-pie!
16. Middle Name?
Brandon
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
I’m tired
Should I go get something for lunch now?
I need to get my classwork done.
18. Name the last 3 things you have bought:
Dinner at Subway in Oakland, MD, Gas at the Exxon in Oakland, MD, Gas at Kroger in Parkersburg, WV
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink:
Diet Coke, Coke, Orange Juice
20. What time did you wake up today?
5:25am
22. Current worry?
The Presentation I was just assigned.
23. Current hate?
Mornings
24. Favorite place to be?
A good bookstore/library
25. Least favorite place to be?
Traffic back-up
26. Where would you like to go?
London and Scotland and CHICAGO!
27. Do you own slippers?
Yes.
28. What shirt are you wearing?
Black t-shirt and my arrow green dress shirt
30. Favorite color(s)?
green
31. Would you be a pirate?
No.
32. Last time you had an alcoholic drink?
Someone’s wedding…Jess’?
33. What songs do you sing in the shower?
I have no set mental playlist
34. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?
I dunno
35. What's in your pockets right now?
Wallet, keys, comb, change, ID, metro pass and glasses wipe
36. Last thing that made you laugh?
NewsRadio re-run yesterday about “The Shaft”
37. Best bed sheets you had as a child?
Empire Strikes Back
38. Worst injury?
Rheumatoid Arthritis
40. How many TVs do you have in your house?
3
41. Who is your loudest friend?
Mary
42. Who is your most silent friend?
Dustin/Jess
43. Does someone have a crush on you?
I hope so.
44. Do you wish on shooting stars?
Yes.
45. What is your favorite book?
The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy
46. What is your favorite candy?
Toblerone
47. What song do/did you want played at your wedding?
“A Kiss to Build a Dream On” as performed by Louis Armstrong
48. What song do you want played at your funeral?
“Smile” performed by Nat King Cole
49. What were you doing 12 AM last night?
Reading my email.
50. What was the First thing you thought when you woke up this morning??
15 more minutes
Monday, October 09, 2006
Ah....Trains
Well, I'm back after 5 days of trainy goodness. First I went to Charleston for a meeting with the widow of a noted railroad photographer and the archivist of West Virginia at the cultural center in Charleston. I was traveling with a fellow Historical Society member and a noted expert on diesel locomotives. We met at my place and were on the road at 5:30am for our first stop: Cumberland, MD. Some thoughtful soul put a Roy Rogers right next to the B&O Main Line there and we had a nice breakfast as dawn broke over the Queen City of the Alleghenies. However, I did spill my coffee all over my pants to start things off. Fortunately I was standing up, so no vital equipment was burned and lo and behold, I had a change of pants in my suitcase!
Then we did a short jaunt to Mexico, MD to look at trains. Then back in the car, a fill of the tank at Sheetz and we were on our way to Charleston.
We took I-68 to Morgantown and then broke off south on I-79. The trip too longer than planned due to our jaunt to Cumberland with it's trainy goodness and "The Coffee Incident." Our ability to make up time was not enhanced by SIX MILE LONG work zones on I-79. Oy vey!
We made it to Burnsville, WV, got gas at the Exxon there and again enjoyed more trains as a CSX coal drag was waiting to go north to Grafton, WV with a load of hopper cars. There were also some leased locomotives belonging to the short line that services the coal mines in the area visible from the road. However, time was a factor here and we had to hustle south.
We arrived in Charleston and spent the next six hours adding caption information to railroad photos that had been donated to the state archives. Then we had a nice dinner with our hostess and hit the hotel. My traveling companion and myself had a total of 4 hours of sleep between us before we left (he was keyed up about the trip, I was doing a class assignment due the Sunday I was to come back) and we were out like lights by 9:30pm. The only thing we noticed was a hellacious thunderstorm that hit Charleston at 2am Thursday and was loud enough to wake us both up.
Thursday we were back on the road at 8:30am after a fine breakfast at the hotel. We arrived early in Parkersburg, WV at our convention hotel. This was fortunate as there were some logistical problems that needed to be addressed and my traveling companion went to work and I vegged out until the Board of Director's meeting.
Following the 5 hours of "fun" that is a BOD meeting, our convention began in earnest. I only caught some of the presentations as I was running around doing errands and...checking my email...yes, it was there and I had to get my fix.
Friday was Tour #1 in the rain, it was a good time and the day did clear up so that the afternoon was magnificent. Had a grand time. Again, got the short end of the presentations but still circulated enough to meet some new people.
Saturday was glorious and a great day to be running around, WV and Ohio. We toured a Carbon Black Plant and had some nice historical vignettes on the B&O Railroad in the Ohio River Valley. I was surprised by how important that area was and is to our industrial base even today. During the trip I did have one interesting adventure on my own. My digital camera gave me the "batteries are dying dude" light and I went in search of new batteries in Marietta, OH. Walking through town during the lunch break I found a hotel where I was informed that a CVS was "2 blocks down the street." Now, this is 2 Ohio blocks not DC or Baltimore blocks as I walked about a mile and a half to get to the CVS. Still, I got my batteries, got my lunch and made it back onto the bus for the trip back to the hotel and a chance to clean up for the formal banquet.
The banquet was really nice, had a great speaker and I made it a point to sit with some society members who I didn't know. I try to do that each convention and I think it's a good way for me to meet people and for people to meet their society archivist. One never knows who one may meet or how one can help them out.
Afterwards I helped pack up our society retail store set-up and went to bed. I awoke Sunday for breakfast and a general business meeting where I presented on the state of the society archives. Then back in the car with my cohort and we were on our way home...the long way.
We took US 50 East to Grafton, WV. This is a holy grail of B&O railfans, lots of locomotives and still rather busy. On our arrival we just happened to meet a noted railfan and RR Historian who advised us that he was about to go chase a train that was leaving the yard going eastbound and inquired if we wanted to go. We looked at each other and said, "Let's roll." and off we went at some unsafe speeds on narrow country roads chasing a freight train. I have to say, it's hard on the driver to do this, especially if the driver has no bloody idea where he is and is only following the jeep in front of him for dear life lest he be lost DEEP in the wilds of WV. I was able to keep up, boy I was tired afterwards. Got some nice pictures though.
Then we split up from our guide and went to Rowlesburg and M&K Junction, WV. Another B&O railfan hot spot. We met a kindly tower operator who allowed us to take photos within the bounds of safety of the locomotives and the tower there. She was also kind enough to tell us that a westbound train of empty hoppers would be at Terra Alta, WV around 3 or so. Again, into the car and off we went. We made it to Terra Alta with 15 minutes to spare, got our pictures and then went to Oakland for dinner and pictures of the 1884 Baldwin Station there. Then straight home. I got back in after 6pm. A long day, but a good day.
Then we did a short jaunt to Mexico, MD to look at trains. Then back in the car, a fill of the tank at Sheetz and we were on our way to Charleston.
We took I-68 to Morgantown and then broke off south on I-79. The trip too longer than planned due to our jaunt to Cumberland with it's trainy goodness and "The Coffee Incident." Our ability to make up time was not enhanced by SIX MILE LONG work zones on I-79. Oy vey!
We made it to Burnsville, WV, got gas at the Exxon there and again enjoyed more trains as a CSX coal drag was waiting to go north to Grafton, WV with a load of hopper cars. There were also some leased locomotives belonging to the short line that services the coal mines in the area visible from the road. However, time was a factor here and we had to hustle south.
We arrived in Charleston and spent the next six hours adding caption information to railroad photos that had been donated to the state archives. Then we had a nice dinner with our hostess and hit the hotel. My traveling companion and myself had a total of 4 hours of sleep between us before we left (he was keyed up about the trip, I was doing a class assignment due the Sunday I was to come back) and we were out like lights by 9:30pm. The only thing we noticed was a hellacious thunderstorm that hit Charleston at 2am Thursday and was loud enough to wake us both up.
Thursday we were back on the road at 8:30am after a fine breakfast at the hotel. We arrived early in Parkersburg, WV at our convention hotel. This was fortunate as there were some logistical problems that needed to be addressed and my traveling companion went to work and I vegged out until the Board of Director's meeting.
Following the 5 hours of "fun" that is a BOD meeting, our convention began in earnest. I only caught some of the presentations as I was running around doing errands and...checking my email...yes, it was there and I had to get my fix.
Friday was Tour #1 in the rain, it was a good time and the day did clear up so that the afternoon was magnificent. Had a grand time. Again, got the short end of the presentations but still circulated enough to meet some new people.
Saturday was glorious and a great day to be running around, WV and Ohio. We toured a Carbon Black Plant and had some nice historical vignettes on the B&O Railroad in the Ohio River Valley. I was surprised by how important that area was and is to our industrial base even today. During the trip I did have one interesting adventure on my own. My digital camera gave me the "batteries are dying dude" light and I went in search of new batteries in Marietta, OH. Walking through town during the lunch break I found a hotel where I was informed that a CVS was "2 blocks down the street." Now, this is 2 Ohio blocks not DC or Baltimore blocks as I walked about a mile and a half to get to the CVS. Still, I got my batteries, got my lunch and made it back onto the bus for the trip back to the hotel and a chance to clean up for the formal banquet.
The banquet was really nice, had a great speaker and I made it a point to sit with some society members who I didn't know. I try to do that each convention and I think it's a good way for me to meet people and for people to meet their society archivist. One never knows who one may meet or how one can help them out.
Afterwards I helped pack up our society retail store set-up and went to bed. I awoke Sunday for breakfast and a general business meeting where I presented on the state of the society archives. Then back in the car with my cohort and we were on our way home...the long way.
We took US 50 East to Grafton, WV. This is a holy grail of B&O railfans, lots of locomotives and still rather busy. On our arrival we just happened to meet a noted railfan and RR Historian who advised us that he was about to go chase a train that was leaving the yard going eastbound and inquired if we wanted to go. We looked at each other and said, "Let's roll." and off we went at some unsafe speeds on narrow country roads chasing a freight train. I have to say, it's hard on the driver to do this, especially if the driver has no bloody idea where he is and is only following the jeep in front of him for dear life lest he be lost DEEP in the wilds of WV. I was able to keep up, boy I was tired afterwards. Got some nice pictures though.
Then we split up from our guide and went to Rowlesburg and M&K Junction, WV. Another B&O railfan hot spot. We met a kindly tower operator who allowed us to take photos within the bounds of safety of the locomotives and the tower there. She was also kind enough to tell us that a westbound train of empty hoppers would be at Terra Alta, WV around 3 or so. Again, into the car and off we went. We made it to Terra Alta with 15 minutes to spare, got our pictures and then went to Oakland for dinner and pictures of the 1884 Baldwin Station there. Then straight home. I got back in after 6pm. A long day, but a good day.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Off the Grid is Off the Hoof!
My last day until the 8th connected to the internets.
I know I'm going to go through WWW withdrawl. I'll need some way to check my mail, check the blogs, etc. I'm giving it up for the next 5 days.
So, just a heads up, you can ignore the blog until the 8th when I'll be over-trained and full of digital photos.
On that note here are some random thoughts, I call it "My Moment of Larry King."
The Chicago Bears are going all the way this year.
There's nothing better than a good Italian restaurant.
Cary Grant and Gregory Peck are two actors who really deserve an Oscar.
What's Mike Ditka up to these days?
Dusty Baker will be the next manager of the Washington Nationals, you can bet money on it.
Joe Gibbs smiled and laughed like the old days at his Monday press conference, the only thing missing was Jack Kent Cooke beside him.
Bush Administration officials need to get parking spots reserved at Capitol Hill now since they will be testifying before Congressional Inquiries for the next two years.
If the Wizards can figure out Miami, they're gonna make it to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
I haven't had a good pecan turtle in a while.
See you all Sunday! Go Redskins!
I know I'm going to go through WWW withdrawl. I'll need some way to check my mail, check the blogs, etc. I'm giving it up for the next 5 days.
So, just a heads up, you can ignore the blog until the 8th when I'll be over-trained and full of digital photos.
On that note here are some random thoughts, I call it "My Moment of Larry King."
The Chicago Bears are going all the way this year.
There's nothing better than a good Italian restaurant.
Cary Grant and Gregory Peck are two actors who really deserve an Oscar.
What's Mike Ditka up to these days?
Dusty Baker will be the next manager of the Washington Nationals, you can bet money on it.
Joe Gibbs smiled and laughed like the old days at his Monday press conference, the only thing missing was Jack Kent Cooke beside him.
Bush Administration officials need to get parking spots reserved at Capitol Hill now since they will be testifying before Congressional Inquiries for the next two years.
If the Wizards can figure out Miami, they're gonna make it to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
I haven't had a good pecan turtle in a while.
See you all Sunday! Go Redskins!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Vacation is coming...
Yes, my annual vacation time is coming. I finally started taking vacations in 2004 and in 2005 I merged it with the B&O RR Historical Society Convention. As I am now on the BOD I kinda HAVE to go. So once again this year I'm off for 5 days of wholesome train-ness. I'm going completely off the grid, no laptop, nothing. I have no intention of being bothered by work or anything, it's just gonna be railroad history.
Before you ask;
Yes this is my idea of a good time.
No, I'm not crazy.
Yes, I know this probably is not a good place to meet women.
Yes, this REALLY is my idea of a good time.
Before you ask;
Yes this is my idea of a good time.
No, I'm not crazy.
Yes, I know this probably is not a good place to meet women.
Yes, this REALLY is my idea of a good time.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Huzzah!
I had forgotten this, with my attendence at grad school, I get access to various databases and article indexes.
Sorry, but for a history nerd getting unfettered access to journals is a good thing.
Sorry, but for a history nerd getting unfettered access to journals is a good thing.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
James A. Garfield...
I just finished Dark Horse: The Surprise Election and Political Murder of James A. Garfield by Kenneth Ackerman. It is quite possibly one of the most interesting and well written history books I've come across in years. The narrative is crisp, well written and doesn't dwell on irrelevant details. The story of the political machinations and factional fighting between the Half-Breeds and the Stalwarts during the election of 1880 and subsequent first months of James Garfield's term is fascinating. Add to that Charles Guiteau's time vainly trying to get the Paris Counsulship and his slippage into the role of deranged Presidential Assassin and you have a hell of a story. I literally could not put the book down. Go get it, you'll love it!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
One more day of summer...
Yes, the last day of the Summer of '06 (pronounced ought-six) is tomorrow. Be sure to give it a fond fare well.
So now we enter the fall. One of my favorite seasons. It means three months until winter and Christmas. It also means early nights, which actually, I kinda like. I like being able to walk out of my office into the night or dusk. It feels moodier, makes me want to read and study and write and such. I feel more intellectually productive and stimulated. I guess that's conditioned since fall is traditionally when school and college semesters begin to get interesting. You've gotten through the intros, now you're into the meat of your courses. Ah, to be in college or graduate school at a time like this...
Wait a second! I am in graduate school in a time like this! SWEET!
Ah, all I need now is a chill in the evening air, a wood paneled library/study, a fireplace, a mug of hot tea and some Glenn Miller Band music on. (someone will call me old in 5, 4, 3, 2...)
So now we enter the fall. One of my favorite seasons. It means three months until winter and Christmas. It also means early nights, which actually, I kinda like. I like being able to walk out of my office into the night or dusk. It feels moodier, makes me want to read and study and write and such. I feel more intellectually productive and stimulated. I guess that's conditioned since fall is traditionally when school and college semesters begin to get interesting. You've gotten through the intros, now you're into the meat of your courses. Ah, to be in college or graduate school at a time like this...
Wait a second! I am in graduate school in a time like this! SWEET!
Ah, all I need now is a chill in the evening air, a wood paneled library/study, a fireplace, a mug of hot tea and some Glenn Miller Band music on. (someone will call me old in 5, 4, 3, 2...)
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
T-Minus...
Seven Days until Library School Starts.
Yep, I couldn't stay away. Which is probably good. I was starting to get bored out of my mind without some kind of learning to do.
Expect more updates as my education continues...
Yep, I couldn't stay away. Which is probably good. I was starting to get bored out of my mind without some kind of learning to do.
Expect more updates as my education continues...
Say it's not so Joe...
My beloved Redskins are 0-2. We can't beat the Vikings and we can't beat Dallas. I'm getting that oogy feeling now about the season.
But 14 games left, let's give them one more chance to gel before I start wailing about the collapse of the Redskins first half of the season.
I can tell you what the problem was last night: Penalties.
The Skins were going back and forth with unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. It was awful. They were out of control and it showed. My dad summed it up as he watched the game and saw Washington get it's 4th unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in 20 minutes and said, "This is NOT Joe Gibbs football."
All I could say was, "Yep."
This could be a VERY long year. I may get my $20 ready to pay off my Redskins bets now.
But 14 games left, let's give them one more chance to gel before I start wailing about the collapse of the Redskins first half of the season.
I can tell you what the problem was last night: Penalties.
The Skins were going back and forth with unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. It was awful. They were out of control and it showed. My dad summed it up as he watched the game and saw Washington get it's 4th unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in 20 minutes and said, "This is NOT Joe Gibbs football."
All I could say was, "Yep."
This could be a VERY long year. I may get my $20 ready to pay off my Redskins bets now.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Damn I'm tired...
It's nearly 23:00 tonight and I am TIRED. I had my normal 45 hour work week, then Saturday was Archiving, then my 10 year High School Reunion Saturday night, then more Archiving.
And now of course, there's a Redskins game on, and not just any old game, Redskins vs Cowboys. The big game no matter how bad the season is. So, I'll be awake tonight listening to this game. (Right now Dallas is leading by 14 and looks like we're gonna be 0-2. :-(
Still archiving went well, we got a lot of stuff done and I think my volunteers had a rewarding weekend for their own research projects.
The reunion went well too, not as many people I hung around with showed up. That was a bit disappointing, but overall I think the class of 96 came out ok so far.
And now of course, there's a Redskins game on, and not just any old game, Redskins vs Cowboys. The big game no matter how bad the season is. So, I'll be awake tonight listening to this game. (Right now Dallas is leading by 14 and looks like we're gonna be 0-2. :-(
Still archiving went well, we got a lot of stuff done and I think my volunteers had a rewarding weekend for their own research projects.
The reunion went well too, not as many people I hung around with showed up. That was a bit disappointing, but overall I think the class of 96 came out ok so far.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Through early morning fog I see. Visions of the things to be. The pains that are withheld for me...
Ok, I volunteer for a Railroad Historical Society as their Archivist and an at-large member of the Board of Directors.
We've had a pile of bad news health-wise lately:
A director had surgery to remove cancer
A director's wife passed away
A volunteer had to go to the hospital for low blood pressure
A volunteer had a heart attack AND got pneumonia
This has been one hit after another, I feel like I'm on M*A*S*H.
I think part of this is the fact that most of our members are on the north side of 50. We need new blood. So, gentle readers I'm soliciting your opinions for what can be done to get younger people in a Railroad Historical Society?
We've had a pile of bad news health-wise lately:
A director had surgery to remove cancer
A director's wife passed away
A volunteer had to go to the hospital for low blood pressure
A volunteer had a heart attack AND got pneumonia
This has been one hit after another, I feel like I'm on M*A*S*H.
I think part of this is the fact that most of our members are on the north side of 50. We need new blood. So, gentle readers I'm soliciting your opinions for what can be done to get younger people in a Railroad Historical Society?
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Primary Colors...
As you may know from the profile, I live in MD. Today is the day of our primary election. In general these are yawn fests but there are a handful of races I'm checking on:
Comptroller:
Billy Don Shafer vs Janet "Mo Hubbard" Owens.
THFH's pick: Owens by a nice margin. Billy D went "Katherine Harris Crazy" on us. Makes this choice pretty easy.
US Senate:
Bespecticaled Ben Cardin vs Kwaeisi "Big K" Mfume
Ben Cardin will easily win on name recognition due to his extensive TV ads throughout the state.
And just because it's close by:
DC Mayor:
Linda Cropp vs Adrian Fenty
Fenty's had the lead by a wide margin for a couple of weeks. I don't expect this to change.
Well, those are the only ones I care to pick. We shall see how things turn out.
Comptroller:
Billy Don Shafer vs Janet "Mo Hubbard" Owens.
THFH's pick: Owens by a nice margin. Billy D went "Katherine Harris Crazy" on us. Makes this choice pretty easy.
US Senate:
Bespecticaled Ben Cardin vs Kwaeisi "Big K" Mfume
Ben Cardin will easily win on name recognition due to his extensive TV ads throughout the state.
And just because it's close by:
DC Mayor:
Linda Cropp vs Adrian Fenty
Fenty's had the lead by a wide margin for a couple of weeks. I don't expect this to change.
Well, those are the only ones I care to pick. We shall see how things turn out.
9/11...
Well, another 9/11 has come and gone and thankfully nothing new happened yesterday. (However this morning some jerks went after the US Embassy in Damascus, Syria.)
I've noticed something about 9/11's since the memorable one in 2001, we're not angry as a nation anymore.
If you look at the national mood on 09/11/01 you'll see three main threads; shock, sadness and a righteous anger. It's as close to the same kind of anger felt by the US when Pearl Harbor was attacked by surprise. Both events offended our sense of "fair play" in relation to war and took our pride down a few pegs.
After Pearl Harbor we declared war on Japan and Germany declared war on us (to which we said, "GREAT! We were hoping we'd get a chance to give you jack-booted thugs a whuppin!") Then we got into a coalition of nations with a common interest and proceeded to liberate Europe and systematically destroy the Japanese Empire. By December 1, 1945 we were holding war crimes trials on the home soil of Germany and Japan. (Boy if that doesn't broadcast who won to a population, I don't know what does. "HI! We've kicked your ass and we're going to try and probably execute your military leaders who commited crimes against humanity on your soil, you all get to watch.")
Bang zoom, done. Fascism wiped out as a significant threat to the world.
After 9/11/01 we declared war on terror. (Ok, no political entity to really declare war on, but the terrorist is the enemy of the world, shouldn't be a problem to get people in on this right?)
We got the boys together, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, even China and said, "OK, we know Bin Laden did it. Let's get Al Qaeda." And we did. We went into Afghanistan and took out the Taliban who had been sheltering Osama and started either killing or capturing AQ agents. Ok, great, things are working out ok.
Then we did "Homeland Security."
Then we did the Patriot Act.
Then we did Iraq.
Then we found out Iraq had no Weapons of Mass Destruction. (NB: "Where are the Weapons of Mass Destruction?" is a question my dad likes to blurt out whenever he sees the president talk about Iraq. Whomever the Democrats are going to have running for president should just keep asking this whenever they are with Bush or Cheney on camera. I think if the Democrats did that in 2004 we'd be looking at President Kerry right now.)
Then we RE-ELECTED Bush after the last three things showed us that:
1.) Homeland Security is a joke. It's an inefficient department, FEMA, the nation's disaster management agency was left in the hands of a Horse Association president and Katrina showed what a great idea that was. The aircraft screeners were the same people who were screening airports before 9/11 but now they're government employees. The Homeland Security funds have now become more pork for congress to dole out to rural fire departments so they can buy haz mat trucks and command centers for the next big barn fire.
2.) The Republicans don't want smaller government anymore, and they apparently don't give a damn about the whole original concept of America, "People should be skeptical of their government." Now it's "you should be careful about what you say in times like this. blah blah blah." Look, the people who thought up the idea about the Patriot Act should have watched a movie called "The Manchurian Candidate." Angela Landsbury has a great speech towards the end where she talks about what kind of laws she'll get passed in the wake of the assassination of a political candidate. Watch that movie now, look at the Patriot Act and just start crying. Then vote the bums out of office in Novemeber. (The entire House is up for re-election, it could be done.)
3.) Iraq has shown us that smart people aren't in government anymore. The historian David Halberstam wrote a book called "The Best and the Brightest" about the influx of young policy wonks into government during the Kennedy Administration. I have to assume they're gone now. Purged by Nixon, or Reagan or either Bush. Or they just said "Screw this" on their own and took corporate jobs or teaching. Nobody seems to have thought things through with Iraq and fighting terror and civil rights and in case nobody has noticed, WE STILL DON'T HAVE A FRIGGIN EXIT STRATEGY FOR IRAQ! Before we invaded Europe we had an exit strategy. We were working on rebuilding as we were bombing them back to the stone age. We knew we'd have to help them rebuild from scratch so we planned for it. Hello! George! Did you all forget to do something before you sent the lads out of Kuwait? Can we say, "planning for the peace?"
Here's the exit strategy that I've got:
1.) Divide Iraq along ethnic lines. (The original borders were arbitrarily drawn by the Brits anyway.)
2.) Form a multinational corporation from those three to four new countries to control the Iraqi Oil industry. Each entity gets an equal number of seats on the board and the presidency rotates between them on an annual basis.
3.) Create a multinational police and judicial force along the same lines with a single mandate borrowed from the RCMP, "ONE LAW."
4.) Tell them point blank, "If you all can't get along like this, we will nuke you all." Park a ballistic missile sub in the gulf and have it surface once a day just to let them know we're not screwing around. Make sure the Iranians see it too.
5.) Pack up most of the boys and get the hell home. Leave enough troops behind to keep Al Qaeda busy but that's it.
Probably not the best, but it's better than what we've heard from the White House.
So back to the original thread. I think a lot of us are embarrassed to be Americans right now. We disagree with the government, we feel used when we look at the war, and we don't want to be angry about it because we don't want to disrespect the soldiers who are doing their jobs, putting their asses on the line every day.
I think that's where we are right now. We've got a national grimace on our faces.
Unfortunately, I don't know if there is an easy or cheap way to fix it. I fear that there isn't...but I hope there is.
I've noticed something about 9/11's since the memorable one in 2001, we're not angry as a nation anymore.
If you look at the national mood on 09/11/01 you'll see three main threads; shock, sadness and a righteous anger. It's as close to the same kind of anger felt by the US when Pearl Harbor was attacked by surprise. Both events offended our sense of "fair play" in relation to war and took our pride down a few pegs.
After Pearl Harbor we declared war on Japan and Germany declared war on us (to which we said, "GREAT! We were hoping we'd get a chance to give you jack-booted thugs a whuppin!") Then we got into a coalition of nations with a common interest and proceeded to liberate Europe and systematically destroy the Japanese Empire. By December 1, 1945 we were holding war crimes trials on the home soil of Germany and Japan. (Boy if that doesn't broadcast who won to a population, I don't know what does. "HI! We've kicked your ass and we're going to try and probably execute your military leaders who commited crimes against humanity on your soil, you all get to watch.")
Bang zoom, done. Fascism wiped out as a significant threat to the world.
After 9/11/01 we declared war on terror. (Ok, no political entity to really declare war on, but the terrorist is the enemy of the world, shouldn't be a problem to get people in on this right?)
We got the boys together, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, even China and said, "OK, we know Bin Laden did it. Let's get Al Qaeda." And we did. We went into Afghanistan and took out the Taliban who had been sheltering Osama and started either killing or capturing AQ agents. Ok, great, things are working out ok.
Then we did "Homeland Security."
Then we did the Patriot Act.
Then we did Iraq.
Then we found out Iraq had no Weapons of Mass Destruction. (NB: "Where are the Weapons of Mass Destruction?" is a question my dad likes to blurt out whenever he sees the president talk about Iraq. Whomever the Democrats are going to have running for president should just keep asking this whenever they are with Bush or Cheney on camera. I think if the Democrats did that in 2004 we'd be looking at President Kerry right now.)
Then we RE-ELECTED Bush after the last three things showed us that:
1.) Homeland Security is a joke. It's an inefficient department, FEMA, the nation's disaster management agency was left in the hands of a Horse Association president and Katrina showed what a great idea that was. The aircraft screeners were the same people who were screening airports before 9/11 but now they're government employees. The Homeland Security funds have now become more pork for congress to dole out to rural fire departments so they can buy haz mat trucks and command centers for the next big barn fire.
2.) The Republicans don't want smaller government anymore, and they apparently don't give a damn about the whole original concept of America, "People should be skeptical of their government." Now it's "you should be careful about what you say in times like this. blah blah blah." Look, the people who thought up the idea about the Patriot Act should have watched a movie called "The Manchurian Candidate." Angela Landsbury has a great speech towards the end where she talks about what kind of laws she'll get passed in the wake of the assassination of a political candidate. Watch that movie now, look at the Patriot Act and just start crying. Then vote the bums out of office in Novemeber. (The entire House is up for re-election, it could be done.)
3.) Iraq has shown us that smart people aren't in government anymore. The historian David Halberstam wrote a book called "The Best and the Brightest" about the influx of young policy wonks into government during the Kennedy Administration. I have to assume they're gone now. Purged by Nixon, or Reagan or either Bush. Or they just said "Screw this" on their own and took corporate jobs or teaching. Nobody seems to have thought things through with Iraq and fighting terror and civil rights and in case nobody has noticed, WE STILL DON'T HAVE A FRIGGIN EXIT STRATEGY FOR IRAQ! Before we invaded Europe we had an exit strategy. We were working on rebuilding as we were bombing them back to the stone age. We knew we'd have to help them rebuild from scratch so we planned for it. Hello! George! Did you all forget to do something before you sent the lads out of Kuwait? Can we say, "planning for the peace?"
Here's the exit strategy that I've got:
1.) Divide Iraq along ethnic lines. (The original borders were arbitrarily drawn by the Brits anyway.)
2.) Form a multinational corporation from those three to four new countries to control the Iraqi Oil industry. Each entity gets an equal number of seats on the board and the presidency rotates between them on an annual basis.
3.) Create a multinational police and judicial force along the same lines with a single mandate borrowed from the RCMP, "ONE LAW."
4.) Tell them point blank, "If you all can't get along like this, we will nuke you all." Park a ballistic missile sub in the gulf and have it surface once a day just to let them know we're not screwing around. Make sure the Iranians see it too.
5.) Pack up most of the boys and get the hell home. Leave enough troops behind to keep Al Qaeda busy but that's it.
Probably not the best, but it's better than what we've heard from the White House.
So back to the original thread. I think a lot of us are embarrassed to be Americans right now. We disagree with the government, we feel used when we look at the war, and we don't want to be angry about it because we don't want to disrespect the soldiers who are doing their jobs, putting their asses on the line every day.
I think that's where we are right now. We've got a national grimace on our faces.
Unfortunately, I don't know if there is an easy or cheap way to fix it. I fear that there isn't...but I hope there is.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Tomorrow...
The first full day of Football Season is tomorrow. Woo-hoo!
Redskins play Monday!!!
Double-Header Monday Night Games!!!
Will I be able to survive?
Yeah, probably.
Also, if you're looking for a good book, check out "The Great Escape" by Paul Brickhill.
Yes, yes, it's the book that was made into the movie of the same name with Steve McQueen. (Known as "The dig 'em out movie" by some.) Brickhill was involved in the actual escape attempt. Darn good book. Fast read and exciting.
Redskins play Monday!!!
Double-Header Monday Night Games!!!
Will I be able to survive?
Yeah, probably.
Also, if you're looking for a good book, check out "The Great Escape" by Paul Brickhill.
Yes, yes, it's the book that was made into the movie of the same name with Steve McQueen. (Known as "The dig 'em out movie" by some.) Brickhill was involved in the actual escape attempt. Darn good book. Fast read and exciting.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
FINALLY...
The Chrysanthemum Throne has a male heir.
Bush admitted, "Yeah, we do have secret prisons. So what?"
And I got an iPod.
Ok, so folks, what's the guilty pleasure song on your iPod?
Mine: "Theme from Shaft" performed by Issac Hayes.
Bush admitted, "Yeah, we do have secret prisons. So what?"
And I got an iPod.
Ok, so folks, what's the guilty pleasure song on your iPod?
Mine: "Theme from Shaft" performed by Issac Hayes.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Pics garnered at the Family Reunion...
These are from a photo-album my Great Grandmother kept and were scanned after the Family Reunion today.
This is TFH's paternal grandparents on their wedding day.
Shortly afterwards TFH's paternal grandfather received a letter from the President of the United States that began with "Greetings..." And he was off to Korea with the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Of course, it wasn't all seriousness.
And just for giggles, can you guess who this handsome young man is?
This is TFH's paternal grandparents on their wedding day.
Shortly afterwards TFH's paternal grandfather received a letter from the President of the United States that began with "Greetings..." And he was off to Korea with the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Of course, it wasn't all seriousness.
And just for giggles, can you guess who this handsome young man is?
Saturday, September 02, 2006
I know what you're thinking...
You're thinking, "Man for a historian, this guy doesn't talk much about history on his blog."
Ok, maybe you're not. You're probably thinking about your day, or what's my point, or what's my day's point or something.
Well, I have to say I noticed that I don't talk much about history with this blog. Probably because 1; I don't "work" in history for "money" and 2; not a whole lot of my "friends" "work" in history for "money."
Since it's not something that frustrates me every day then I guess I don't need to vent about it.
Well, I have an honest to goodness historical link for you today. This was done by one of my archives volunteers. He's getting his PhD. Neat site, good writing. Check it out.
There, for the one of you who may have been actually wondering "why doesn't he post more on history" there ya go. Happy now?
Ok, maybe you're not. You're probably thinking about your day, or what's my point, or what's my day's point or something.
Well, I have to say I noticed that I don't talk much about history with this blog. Probably because 1; I don't "work" in history for "money" and 2; not a whole lot of my "friends" "work" in history for "money."
Since it's not something that frustrates me every day then I guess I don't need to vent about it.
Well, I have an honest to goodness historical link for you today. This was done by one of my archives volunteers. He's getting his PhD. Neat site, good writing. Check it out.
There, for the one of you who may have been actually wondering "why doesn't he post more on history" there ya go. Happy now?
Thursday, August 31, 2006
He'll always be the definitive Pa Kent
Well, Glenn Ford has passed away. For those of you who are really into classic films, he's probably best known for his role in "Gilda." A film best remembered for the scene where Rita Hayworth did that signature hair flip that became an iconographic moment for her, in fact so iconographic it's used in "The Shawshank Redemption."
I personally remember him for two films, "Superman" where he played Pa Kent. (If you look in on the mantle of the scenes in the Kent house in "Superman Returns" you can see a picture of Glenn Ford as Pa Kent there.) I also know him from "Midway" where he played Admiral Spruance, commander of the US Task Force that whipped the Japanese Fleet.
I've seen some of his older stuff, but I will always identify him with the first two roles I ever saw him play. He was a good solid actor, not flashy. I really can't think of anyone today would would be able to take his place as an understated lead, Maybe Tom Hanks now, or David Straitharn (sp?) (The guy who played Edward R. Murrow in "Good Night and Good Luck.")
I personally remember him for two films, "Superman" where he played Pa Kent. (If you look in on the mantle of the scenes in the Kent house in "Superman Returns" you can see a picture of Glenn Ford as Pa Kent there.) I also know him from "Midway" where he played Admiral Spruance, commander of the US Task Force that whipped the Japanese Fleet.
I've seen some of his older stuff, but I will always identify him with the first two roles I ever saw him play. He was a good solid actor, not flashy. I really can't think of anyone today would would be able to take his place as an understated lead, Maybe Tom Hanks now, or David Straitharn (sp?) (The guy who played Edward R. Murrow in "Good Night and Good Luck.")
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Yes, it's scary, but I love the headline.
Ok, "Otter Attacks Pregnant Woman" caught my attention, but make it "Deranged Otter Attacks Pregnant Woman" and BOOM! Now you got me locked in!
Monday, August 28, 2006
Festivus for Allofus
Well, it's over. The 10 year reunion of the formation of the UMBC Gang. Whew. Everyone seems to have had a good time and it was great to see EVERYONE back together. It's been too long since something like that happened.
Here's a pic:
That's everyone. Thanks Dave for posting this.
During the festivities a discussion started about going to Cooperstown, NY next July for Cal Ripken's HOF Induction. That should be either a blast or the end of friendships...
Here's a pic:
That's everyone. Thanks Dave for posting this.
During the festivities a discussion started about going to Cooperstown, NY next July for Cal Ripken's HOF Induction. That should be either a blast or the end of friendships...
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Well...
I've neglected the blog a bit. I've been playing Civ III. It's always fun to be invaded by someone with muskets...at least when you have mechanized infantry, F-15s and modern armor. Heh.
I had a good time at the movie. My dad, uncle and cousin went. We had an hour to kill so we walked around the museum, I must go back. It was great!
This week has been meh. I'm just looking forward to the weekend when the whole UMBC Gang will re-unite for a picnic. There are more of us now than when we graduated so it should be a great group picture.
I had a good time at the movie. My dad, uncle and cousin went. We had an hour to kill so we walked around the museum, I must go back. It was great!
This week has been meh. I'm just looking forward to the weekend when the whole UMBC Gang will re-unite for a picnic. There are more of us now than when we graduated so it should be a great group picture.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Looks like they heard about the 918th
Tomorrow I'm going to see one of my favorite movies of all time on the big screen.
12 O'Clock High is going to be shown at the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center. I'm looking forward to it eagerly. I don't get to see many old movies as they were meant to be shown. This one is going to be in their Imax theater. Perhaps they can play with the lenses and make it show large enought to encompass the screen.
It's a good story with good writing, great acting and well put together. For some reason I just like to watch it. I guess it's because of the major theme, leadership.
The 918th Bomb Group is getting its ass handed to them in the skies over Europe. They're among the first groups of B-17's to deploy to fight the Nazis and are just being pummelled. A combination of bad luck and mistakes generate more casualties for them than any of the other groups. The group CO overidentifies with his men, they love him for it, but it's burning him out. So he gets replaced by Gregory Peck's General Frank Savage.
The movie gets real good from that point on.
12 O'Clock High is going to be shown at the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center. I'm looking forward to it eagerly. I don't get to see many old movies as they were meant to be shown. This one is going to be in their Imax theater. Perhaps they can play with the lenses and make it show large enought to encompass the screen.
It's a good story with good writing, great acting and well put together. For some reason I just like to watch it. I guess it's because of the major theme, leadership.
The 918th Bomb Group is getting its ass handed to them in the skies over Europe. They're among the first groups of B-17's to deploy to fight the Nazis and are just being pummelled. A combination of bad luck and mistakes generate more casualties for them than any of the other groups. The group CO overidentifies with his men, they love him for it, but it's burning him out. So he gets replaced by Gregory Peck's General Frank Savage.
The movie gets real good from that point on.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
I'm a patient man Focker...
"Wacky Neighbor said...
I will take you down, I will take you down to Chinatown.
10:18 AM"
Ok, WN's talkin smack. It's definitely football season.
For those of you who don't know, WN and THFH were college roommates, Quiz Bowl teammmates, and co-authors of a historical research paper on Memorial Stadium.
We also briefly managed the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and ran a small airline in the Andes.
WN is also a huge fan of The Baltimore Ravens (aka-The Baltimore-Washington Metropolitian Area's Team of Diminishing Expectations.) THFH is a die-hard fan of The Washington Redskins (aka-future Super Bowl XLI Champs)
For many years I have made a small "sporting wager" with WN stating that the Redskins will either make it to or win the Superbowl.
This year I expect to win.
So bring it on WN. Let's see what happens to Baltimore when your precious McNair blows out a knee or tears an ACL or MCL again. Where's your Billick now, see?
I await your response.
I will take you down, I will take you down to Chinatown.
10:18 AM"
Ok, WN's talkin smack. It's definitely football season.
For those of you who don't know, WN and THFH were college roommates, Quiz Bowl teammmates, and co-authors of a historical research paper on Memorial Stadium.
We also briefly managed the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and ran a small airline in the Andes.
WN is also a huge fan of The Baltimore Ravens (aka-The Baltimore-Washington Metropolitian Area's Team of Diminishing Expectations.) THFH is a die-hard fan of The Washington Redskins (aka-future Super Bowl XLI Champs)
For many years I have made a small "sporting wager" with WN stating that the Redskins will either make it to or win the Superbowl.
This year I expect to win.
So bring it on WN. Let's see what happens to Baltimore when your precious McNair blows out a knee or tears an ACL or MCL again. Where's your Billick now, see?
I await your response.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Shout-out!
On this post "International Left-Handers Day" Monday I want to give a shout-out to all my homies who use the south paw!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Good news
Ok, my friend may be working stuff out and it may not be something that I did. I hope things improve for this person. I'm not going to press the issue though, it would probably make things worse.
The B&O Society event in Brunswick went well. Still have some things to fix, but overall it was great! Huzzah!!!
and...
why I love the Midwest
The B&O Society event in Brunswick went well. Still have some things to fix, but overall it was great! Huzzah!!!
and...
why I love the Midwest
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Bad Things...
Alas, I think Mythbusters has jumped the shark...Kari is in FHM.
That and the myths this week were lame-ish. Not really myths, a postage stamp can destabilize a helicoper and the mentos and coke thing.
Pity, there go my Wednesdays on the Discovery Channel.
Even more serious, a friend has unexplicably cut off all email communication with me, I'm hesitant to call. I suppose I'm out of the "Circle of Trust." I'm not sure what I did to merit this exile, but I'm just too tired to fight it. And if I don't deserve an explination email at the very least, well...fine. Despite this acceptance I'm incredibly bummed. I hate to lose touch with friends and I'm exceedingly happy that the gang from college has stuck together for these 10 years since our first meetings.
Still, I'm in a funk now. Probably won't get out of it until the BORHS Brunswick Mini-Con starts Saturday morning. I'm running that event so there will be plenty of things to distract me from this.
That and the myths this week were lame-ish. Not really myths, a postage stamp can destabilize a helicoper and the mentos and coke thing.
Pity, there go my Wednesdays on the Discovery Channel.
Even more serious, a friend has unexplicably cut off all email communication with me, I'm hesitant to call. I suppose I'm out of the "Circle of Trust." I'm not sure what I did to merit this exile, but I'm just too tired to fight it. And if I don't deserve an explination email at the very least, well...fine. Despite this acceptance I'm incredibly bummed. I hate to lose touch with friends and I'm exceedingly happy that the gang from college has stuck together for these 10 years since our first meetings.
Still, I'm in a funk now. Probably won't get out of it until the BORHS Brunswick Mini-Con starts Saturday morning. I'm running that event so there will be plenty of things to distract me from this.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Yay
I have a new box! 3.0 Ghz! Huzzah!!!
Also football is on Thursday and Friday in prime time!
Huzzah!!!
Also football is on Thursday and Friday in prime time!
Huzzah!!!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Can you hear that?
It's someone's knees getting blown out.
Yeah baby!
PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL STARTS THIS WEEKEND!!!
Scrimmage with the Skins and Ravens AND the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.
Oh this brings joy to my heart. Football, fall, cooler weather and the inevitable monday night football games that run past midnight. All just weeks away. Weeks I tell you! I just love this time of the year. College ball, pro ball, playoffs...high school games that empty the streets and fill the stands of small towns across america. Yes, the nearest town is home to a damn fine high school football team and Friday nights will be under the lights.
I love it. A DAY! A DAY of pro sports on TV. Real sports not Indy Racing or Tennis or Golf or Soccer. (Yeah, that's right, Soccer sucks! I can't get into it, I don't have the patience for it and god dammit I hate ties.) No siree...American Football 12 plus hours of good times in front of the TV or a good three at a game.
Truly this is a golden age.
Yeah baby!
PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL STARTS THIS WEEKEND!!!
Scrimmage with the Skins and Ravens AND the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.
Oh this brings joy to my heart. Football, fall, cooler weather and the inevitable monday night football games that run past midnight. All just weeks away. Weeks I tell you! I just love this time of the year. College ball, pro ball, playoffs...high school games that empty the streets and fill the stands of small towns across america. Yes, the nearest town is home to a damn fine high school football team and Friday nights will be under the lights.
I love it. A DAY! A DAY of pro sports on TV. Real sports not Indy Racing or Tennis or Golf or Soccer. (Yeah, that's right, Soccer sucks! I can't get into it, I don't have the patience for it and god dammit I hate ties.) No siree...American Football 12 plus hours of good times in front of the TV or a good three at a game.
Truly this is a golden age.
YEARGH!
Work has been absofreakinlotely CRAZY!
1.2 hours of OT AND I go in tomorrow.
This is a government job and I'm not working with hardware!
WTF?
WTF People?
Whew...
Glad that's over.
Now for a non-venting entry, please see above.
1.2 hours of OT AND I go in tomorrow.
This is a government job and I'm not working with hardware!
WTF?
WTF People?
Whew...
Glad that's over.
Now for a non-venting entry, please see above.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
A ball of gas
Yes, the sun. The great ball of plasma that warms this little rock we call home. This week it will be on full. (Someone's been dicking with the thermostat again!)
Not a big fan of the hot hot day. In fact I'm not that big a fan of Buster Poindexter's hit "Hot Hot Hot."
This week is one of those weeks that remind me why I like the other 9 months of the year better.
Not a big fan of the hot hot day. In fact I'm not that big a fan of Buster Poindexter's hit "Hot Hot Hot."
This week is one of those weeks that remind me why I like the other 9 months of the year better.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Ici Chacal
Yes, it's that time of the year. The latter part of July.
Why is it "that time of the year" you may ask?
It is the time of the year when I read one of my favorite suspense novels;
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth. I read the book during the time of the year it happens. I do the same reading schedule with The Hunt For Red October since it is divided up by days.
Read it, you'll like it. It was turned into a movie by Fred Zinneman in 1973 and done quite well.
Let's see what else is going on...
The BORHS 2007 Calendar done in tribute to West Virginia RR photographer JJ Young is selling well. I'm very pleased about that. I compiled it with the assistance of a myriad of people. I'm glad the society's investment is paying off.
I started with my new company in earnest this week. 9 hour day. That's not so great. New co-worker. That's a good thing. We'll see how things go from here.
The UMBC Gang Anniversary event is coming along well. We appear to be on track for nearly 100% attendance. I hope we can make the full 100. Usually someone has to get married for that to happen. Honestly, it would take me too much effort at the moment to arrange that.
I also have this urge to fish. I don't know why. But whiling away a day at my favorite spot at Turtle Branch Hiker Biker Overnighter on the C&O Canal seems very appealing to me. It's a nice spot. There's a group of rocks that go out into the river about 8 feet. So you're a bit away from the shore. You're also on the outside of a bend in the river. It's very pretty at sunset.
Why is it "that time of the year" you may ask?
It is the time of the year when I read one of my favorite suspense novels;
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth. I read the book during the time of the year it happens. I do the same reading schedule with The Hunt For Red October since it is divided up by days.
Read it, you'll like it. It was turned into a movie by Fred Zinneman in 1973 and done quite well.
Let's see what else is going on...
The BORHS 2007 Calendar done in tribute to West Virginia RR photographer JJ Young is selling well. I'm very pleased about that. I compiled it with the assistance of a myriad of people. I'm glad the society's investment is paying off.
I started with my new company in earnest this week. 9 hour day. That's not so great. New co-worker. That's a good thing. We'll see how things go from here.
The UMBC Gang Anniversary event is coming along well. We appear to be on track for nearly 100% attendance. I hope we can make the full 100. Usually someone has to get married for that to happen. Honestly, it would take me too much effort at the moment to arrange that.
I also have this urge to fish. I don't know why. But whiling away a day at my favorite spot at Turtle Branch Hiker Biker Overnighter on the C&O Canal seems very appealing to me. It's a nice spot. There's a group of rocks that go out into the river about 8 feet. So you're a bit away from the shore. You're also on the outside of a bend in the river. It's very pretty at sunset.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Late to the party
Sorry about my tardiness, but I just found the website:
http://www.rockbottomremainders.com/
The band has been around for some time and has been well publicized, but I like the whole concept so much I wanted to mention it.
http://www.rockbottomremainders.com/
The band has been around for some time and has been well publicized, but I like the whole concept so much I wanted to mention it.
Fill this please.
Well, had my pre-employment drug screening this morning. This was actually easier than I expected. I was at the Cubs-Nats game Friday night and sweated to the ball game. I was concered I had perspired so much I wasn't going to be able to fill the cup to the line. Fortunately, a large amount of water to rehydrate myself the hour after I got home from the game.
Real orientation is Monday at 9am. Huzzah!
Hmmm, let's see...Wacky Neighbor passed his actuarial exam. (Those of us who knew him expected this. The man is BRILLIANT! Smartest person I know. Seriously.)
That's all I got.
Real orientation is Monday at 9am. Huzzah!
Hmmm, let's see...Wacky Neighbor passed his actuarial exam. (Those of us who knew him expected this. The man is BRILLIANT! Smartest person I know. Seriously.)
That's all I got.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Bittersweet
Today is the last day at DPRA and tomorrow is the first with the new uber contractor. I've just wrapped up my exit interview and am waiting for a conference call to start. It's thrilling.
Still, I'm sad to leave DPRA. It's a nice little company. I would have like to have hung out here for two years to get my MLS and then go on to bigger and better things. Oh, speaking of my MLS I found out how much it's going to cost for 2006-2007. This will be 6 credits a quarter for four quarters. It's all on-line via Drexel University. Any guesses? You can guess per credit hour and cumulative cost for the year. When someone gets within $500 per year I'll close the contest.
Still, I'm sad to leave DPRA. It's a nice little company. I would have like to have hung out here for two years to get my MLS and then go on to bigger and better things. Oh, speaking of my MLS I found out how much it's going to cost for 2006-2007. This will be 6 credits a quarter for four quarters. It's all on-line via Drexel University. Any guesses? You can guess per credit hour and cumulative cost for the year. When someone gets within $500 per year I'll close the contest.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
J-O-B
Well, I have a job that will last beyond next week now.
End with the old company on the 19th and start with the new one on the 20th.
To celebrate I went to Cold Stone and got a Strawberry Milk Shake to enjoy on the walk to the metro station.
Huzzah!
Also, the calendar project I've been working on for the B&O Railroad Historical Society is done. The calendars have been delivered to the society. I got my sample and they look mahvelous.
Tomorrow is payday and then a weekend of archiving at the BORHS! Yeah! WOOOOOOOOO!
End with the old company on the 19th and start with the new one on the 20th.
To celebrate I went to Cold Stone and got a Strawberry Milk Shake to enjoy on the walk to the metro station.
Huzzah!
Also, the calendar project I've been working on for the B&O Railroad Historical Society is done. The calendars have been delivered to the society. I got my sample and they look mahvelous.
Tomorrow is payday and then a weekend of archiving at the BORHS! Yeah! WOOOOOOOOO!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Wow, talk about a slow bureaucracy
Only 299 years to get this little issue resolved. Way to go Virginia!
Saturday, July 08, 2006
And then there were three.
Today was another wedding for a member of the UMBC Gang. And it was a good time at the reception.
That leaves three of us who are still single. Myself and two others.
I've been kicking around that in my head on the way home. And I'm ok with my status.
Right now I'm just not ready in terms of emotion or living situation to deal with anything like a meaningful relationship. I mean I'd like to be dating, but I'd like to be in my own place now too, have my MLS all finished and know weather or not I'll have a job after the 17th. (As a side note, events came to a head at work. My company runs out of money for me on this contract sometime between the 17th and the 21st. I have a meeting with Lockheed Monday at 3pm to help get things going on a new position with them doing the same job. But as my current supervisor says, I'm probably going to get "a couple of days off" whether I want them or not.)
So, I'm a bit relieved I don't have rent due, but this helps prove the adage that your savings should be able to cover three months of expenses.
So that's where I am right now. Things are at a bit of a low ebb at the moment. I don't know how they will turn out.
God I hate uncertainty like this.
That leaves three of us who are still single. Myself and two others.
I've been kicking around that in my head on the way home. And I'm ok with my status.
Right now I'm just not ready in terms of emotion or living situation to deal with anything like a meaningful relationship. I mean I'd like to be dating, but I'd like to be in my own place now too, have my MLS all finished and know weather or not I'll have a job after the 17th. (As a side note, events came to a head at work. My company runs out of money for me on this contract sometime between the 17th and the 21st. I have a meeting with Lockheed Monday at 3pm to help get things going on a new position with them doing the same job. But as my current supervisor says, I'm probably going to get "a couple of days off" whether I want them or not.)
So, I'm a bit relieved I don't have rent due, but this helps prove the adage that your savings should be able to cover three months of expenses.
So that's where I am right now. Things are at a bit of a low ebb at the moment. I don't know how they will turn out.
God I hate uncertainty like this.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
"You're not going to have to answer to me...
You're gonna have to answer to the Coca-Cola Company."
Cracks in the armor surrounding the most important secret in the US...the formula for Coke.
Cracks in the armor surrounding the most important secret in the US...the formula for Coke.
The bluest skies I've ever seen are in Seattle.
Cause they sure aren't here. Yet ANOTHER day of rain/thunderstorms. Anybody around here starting to build an ark? Seriously, if you live in DC Metro area and you are building an Ark, please let me know.
Add to this:
Frustration at work with incompetence from other contractors. Employer change may be accelerated. And just the general drudgery of having to work after a national holiday for three more days and well...I'm maybe at Defcon 4 for a Philadelphia Meltdown.
For those of you who are not acquaintances and/or do not know of the infamous Philadelphia Meltdown here is the brief story. Quiz Bowl tournament in Philly. Things were going very poorly for the two UMBC teams. One team wanted to leave early and take transportation for 5 people with them. 4 of us wanted to stick it out. The back and forth got too much for me and I yelled a sentence accented with the F--- word. The Wacky Neighbor still thinks it was great. It vocalized everyone's frustration with that tournament. However I'm now a bit embarrassed by it. However after a really horrible day or a bad drive, I will stay in my car and just yell that word out once to get all of the hostility out of my system. It's actually rather spiritually cleansing.
Add to this:
Frustration at work with incompetence from other contractors. Employer change may be accelerated. And just the general drudgery of having to work after a national holiday for three more days and well...I'm maybe at Defcon 4 for a Philadelphia Meltdown.
For those of you who are not acquaintances and/or do not know of the infamous Philadelphia Meltdown here is the brief story. Quiz Bowl tournament in Philly. Things were going very poorly for the two UMBC teams. One team wanted to leave early and take transportation for 5 people with them. 4 of us wanted to stick it out. The back and forth got too much for me and I yelled a sentence accented with the F--- word. The Wacky Neighbor still thinks it was great. It vocalized everyone's frustration with that tournament. However I'm now a bit embarrassed by it. However after a really horrible day or a bad drive, I will stay in my car and just yell that word out once to get all of the hostility out of my system. It's actually rather spiritually cleansing.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Superman Returned
And it's about damn time!
I saw SR today with some of the UMBC Mafia. A good time was had by all. Clocking in at 2 hrs and 45 minutes one might think it would be hard to sit through.
I had no problem. I could go see it again right now and enjoy it immensely.
The good:
Brandon Routh-so much like Christopher Reeve it's scary
Kate Bosworth-a good Lois Lane
Kevin Spacey-EXCELLENT Lex Luthor
The writing-well done.
The directing-pretty slick
The Special Effects-up to one's expectations
The Train Layout! Very nice!!! Too bad it gets trashed.
The needs a bit of tweaking:
Frank Langella as Perry White. Fair, I had to wait through most of the movie for him to say, "GREAT CEASAR'S GHOST!" He could have been a bit more over the top like someone from a Howard Hawks movie or James Cagney in One, Two, Three. Give me some rapid fire orders. I expect to hear that staccato dialogue from a newspaper editor.
The guy who played Kumar from Harold and Kumar go to White Castle. Give him a line!!! Please!
Editing. While the film did pass by quickly, I did think they dwelled a bit on some parts and could have trimmed the fat and increased the pace.
The Train Layout! You MANIACS! YOU BLEW IT UP! DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!
Still, go see it. It's worth the price of admission and it's definitely going to be joining the DVD collection when it comes out.
I saw SR today with some of the UMBC Mafia. A good time was had by all. Clocking in at 2 hrs and 45 minutes one might think it would be hard to sit through.
I had no problem. I could go see it again right now and enjoy it immensely.
The good:
Brandon Routh-so much like Christopher Reeve it's scary
Kate Bosworth-a good Lois Lane
Kevin Spacey-EXCELLENT Lex Luthor
The writing-well done.
The directing-pretty slick
The Special Effects-up to one's expectations
The Train Layout! Very nice!!! Too bad it gets trashed.
The needs a bit of tweaking:
Frank Langella as Perry White. Fair, I had to wait through most of the movie for him to say, "GREAT CEASAR'S GHOST!" He could have been a bit more over the top like someone from a Howard Hawks movie or James Cagney in One, Two, Three. Give me some rapid fire orders. I expect to hear that staccato dialogue from a newspaper editor.
The guy who played Kumar from Harold and Kumar go to White Castle. Give him a line!!! Please!
Editing. While the film did pass by quickly, I did think they dwelled a bit on some parts and could have trimmed the fat and increased the pace.
The Train Layout! You MANIACS! YOU BLEW IT UP! DAMN YOU! DAMN YOU ALL TO HELL!
Still, go see it. It's worth the price of admission and it's definitely going to be joining the DVD collection when it comes out.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
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