Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Had to wait until I finally got a chance to watch Mad Men so I could write up this column. I will hit on some general thoughts on a couple of shows, then share my tweets from Heroes and Mad Men.
CSI
Yuck, since when did this show become a soap opera about the characters and lose the focus on the cases? The cases is what drove the show, and the fact that the main characters had personal lives was only ancillary to the main plot each episode. That has slowly eroded until you get this new season where the show is almost solely focused on the characters, and only lightly brushes the actual case of the week. Which means my interest in the show will fade rapidly if this trend continues.
Mentalist
Just a fun show, fun to see Jane mess with people. And I like the way they are trying to get him away from the Red John case, and his obvious response. And it's fun that the only one who fully goes along with Jane in his odd way of pursuing the case is Cho, the one guy you least expect to operate outside the lines. This show still keeps it's freshness which is what makes it fun to watch.
NCIS & NCIS: LA
I liked the way NCIS opened the season and how it handled the Zeeva situation. I thought it was all still in character and pretty cool. NCIS LA was mildly entertaining, but I don't know if it can keep up with the original.
Heroes
Yuck, not happy with the show in general, they are trying very hard to make this show unwatchable. They really need to stop killing the interesting characters and maybe let these boring, uninteresting characters go away, like Parkman, which I capture in more detail via Twitter:
New #Heroes tonght, any improvements?
Kids in bed, ready for more #Heroes. Of all the characters for Sylar to torture: Parkman? These writers suck.
Okay what's with the chick? Does she have super hearing? Already way tired of Parkman/Sylar on #Heroes
OK damn #Comcast digital tiling sure as hell doesn't make #Heroes better...
I just don't think I am ready for this season of #Heroes, if familiarity breeds contempt I am way too familiar with this show...
I think the last one says it all, I am just flat tired of these chracters, who all happen to be the worst characters on the show IMHO. And this makes the show very hard to cope with.
House M.D.
Loved this show, love the way we ended up with House coming back to Plainsboro. Some interesting twists along the way, like demonstrating that House is just a unique genius, who could be pretty much anything he wants (a really fun departure would have been for them to just trash the whole Doctor thing and focus on House as he applies his unique personality to other things, imagine Hells Kitchen with House as the Chef for example...). I am not yet done with these characters, they stay fresh and interesting.
Mad Men
Loved it, I really loved it, just a cool episode. Worth the wait to see. This show just does such a wonderful job of keeping the characters fresh and interesting, and yet they don't change so much that we don't care about them any more. I could have almost predicted the events in the episode this week, just very cool:
Settling down to finally watch #MadMen
Well this little meeting for Betty could be interesting, love to see someone make Don defensive on #MadMen
Nobody backs Don into a corner and ties him down with a contract, nobody! Harry knows what he's doing, but does Betty? #MadMen
Wow, Don sure gets snappy when he gets called. Sorry that Peggy took the brunt for his anger on #MadMen
Reds and whiskey, recipe for fun or disaster... Peggy and Don are getting lessons in the generation gap on #MadMen
Don can be tied down after all, when Bert Cooper puts him over a barrel... 16 tons indeed, not exactly what do at #MadMen...
I recall an interview with Jon Hamm where he said this season would be about change, well damn if he didn't hit it right on the nose. There's a lot of change going on, and it's fun to see Don forced to cope with it, get put on the defensive, remind us that for all his cool, he's not superman. And I will be interested to see how Peggy handles her fling with the older man.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Weekend Recap
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Interesting weekend, good times with the family as it was the first time in a while that we had no major events. Had a nice date night on Friday with Kim (first time we had that in a while). Saturday's games went well, James got shut out, but some other kids scored for a change. Then we took a ride in the mountains to see the changing tree foliage. Sunday we had some family time, including a trip to the library for a science exhibit and a chance to see some Stormtroopers. I was able to keep the football to a minimum which was an accomplishment for me.
Family
Friday night Kim and I took advantage of an opportunity to have dinner out and go see a movie (Harry Potter) without any kids, thanks Connie. It was a nice and welcome change, and good for us to do, since we just don't get out together very much. We might do it more if Tammy would ever get out of Connie's a house and act like a responsible parent, but I despair on that front.
Saturday's games were good, despite the chaos that is Picture Day. Daniel played as much as he normally does, just running up and down the field on the edge of the bunch. He just shy's away from contact, which is fine and understandable given his size. James' team just thumped their opponent again, with some new kids getting in on the scoring for once, James was a little tired from the late night with his cousins on Friday. James has a bye this upcoming week, giving me a little bit of a break.
Saturday we drove up to Cripple Creek, so we could see the changing foliage and actually get the kids to take some extra naps. It was fun, although at little boring for me once we got there and I watched the kids at the park while Kim visited with Connie. But we all got home and to bed at a decent hour which was a nice makeup for Friday night.
Sunday was a relaxing family day, just hung out at the house, finally updated pictures to the web from recent events. Eventually we took a trip to the library for a science exhibit, and for the kids to see the Star Wars characters who were there as well. Which is always fun, got lots of pictures, although they are still on my phone, hopefully I will get a chance to update those this week.
Exercise
Sunday I finally got out for my first run in a week, which I was barely able to complete. Lesson as always: taking breaks at this stage can be pretty major as far as falling back. I was hurting pretty bad, but I finished, and will have to make a more concerted effort to make sure I get in my runs (schedule allowing). I am still dedicated, just need to be more cognizant of scheduling, perhaps have to start utilizing the Y and machines or indoor track to keep things moving.
Interesting weekend, good times with the family as it was the first time in a while that we had no major events. Had a nice date night on Friday with Kim (first time we had that in a while). Saturday's games went well, James got shut out, but some other kids scored for a change. Then we took a ride in the mountains to see the changing tree foliage. Sunday we had some family time, including a trip to the library for a science exhibit and a chance to see some Stormtroopers. I was able to keep the football to a minimum which was an accomplishment for me.
Family
Friday night Kim and I took advantage of an opportunity to have dinner out and go see a movie (Harry Potter) without any kids, thanks Connie. It was a nice and welcome change, and good for us to do, since we just don't get out together very much. We might do it more if Tammy would ever get out of Connie's a house and act like a responsible parent, but I despair on that front.
Saturday's games were good, despite the chaos that is Picture Day. Daniel played as much as he normally does, just running up and down the field on the edge of the bunch. He just shy's away from contact, which is fine and understandable given his size. James' team just thumped their opponent again, with some new kids getting in on the scoring for once, James was a little tired from the late night with his cousins on Friday. James has a bye this upcoming week, giving me a little bit of a break.
Saturday we drove up to Cripple Creek, so we could see the changing foliage and actually get the kids to take some extra naps. It was fun, although at little boring for me once we got there and I watched the kids at the park while Kim visited with Connie. But we all got home and to bed at a decent hour which was a nice makeup for Friday night.
Sunday was a relaxing family day, just hung out at the house, finally updated pictures to the web from recent events. Eventually we took a trip to the library for a science exhibit, and for the kids to see the Star Wars characters who were there as well. Which is always fun, got lots of pictures, although they are still on my phone, hopefully I will get a chance to update those this week.
Exercise
Sunday I finally got out for my first run in a week, which I was barely able to complete. Lesson as always: taking breaks at this stage can be pretty major as far as falling back. I was hurting pretty bad, but I finished, and will have to make a more concerted effort to make sure I get in my runs (schedule allowing). I am still dedicated, just need to be more cognizant of scheduling, perhaps have to start utilizing the Y and machines or indoor track to keep things moving.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Football Friday + Other thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Football
Colorado Buffaloes
This article: ESPN Outside the lines on Sal Aunese tugs at the strings for me. Remembering those years from the fan's/student standpoint made the room a little dusty. But the other thing it does is irritate me as a CU alumni.
Here's the thing, if CU really wants a tradition, if they want to be up there with the Oklahoma's and Nebraska's and Texas etc. they need to find a way to get kids like the one in this story into the program, not lose them to other schools. There is another player, Darian Hagan Jr. playing for Cal because CU couldn't recruit him. Once again the child of one of the stars from our best team is not playing for CU. This is not something you will see happen at one of the powerhouse schools loaded with tradition. And I think that until CU starts repairing that they can never hope to be one of those power house football programs.
Bye Week for the Buffs so no thoughts for this weeks game.
Ole Miss Rebels
Well last night was a disappointment, although that the game was as close as it was was a testament to talent and mental strength. Honestly the defense could have given up, said this wasn't our game, but they didn't and kept the team in the game. But here is what I saw: bad coaching, poor execution, and bad breaks/ref calls.
I was surprised most by the coaching, usually if there was one thing that Arkansas was not under Nutt it was outcoached. They may not have had the talent, but they were usually well coached and prepared. That team last night was neither. THere were bad coaching decisions (how did McCluster disappear for huge chunks of the game on offense?) and the team was not prepared for the gimmick defenses being thrown at them.
THere were some horrible non-calls: one missed pass interference and of course the facemask that wasn't. But you can't let the refs beat you if you are a honest Top 10 team. You just fight through it, make your breaks. Which the defense did for the most part, it was the offense that was totally incompetent. I still think they have the talent to contend for at least the SEC West, but only if they prepare better for future games.
St. Louis Rams
Well I was more hopeful of a better season, but I am not terribly surprised. The talent level is just not there for this team. I still think they might make more noise as the season goes along, but not this week. This game might be closer than people think because the Packers offensive line is damaged and prone to letting in sackers so we might see the ghost of Leonard Little appear for an encore. But that's more of a hope than a prediction. My prediction is that they will continue to pistion themselves for the Tebow/McCoy/Bradford sweepstakes.
Denver Broncos
Big week, Raiders week. A chance to see where we really are in run defense. Because this Oakland team is a classic example of a team that makes you play ugly. I like to think we can win this one, if only because our defense should keep the game close, and I think we can make the needed plays on offense, but you never know against the Raiders. The Raider game last year was an example of the Jay Cutler roller coaster, and also why Shanahan had lost his touch, as we really should have won, but just played horribly.
Prediction: Broncos win 16-13
Facebook Politics
I am done with political discussions in 200 characters or less. You cannot present a coherent agument in a status message or comment so I have decided to stay away from such things. Which is a shame, I normally enjoy these things, but recent little battles have mforced me to decide that it is a waste of time, and that most people who post these things (myself included) are really only looking for a fight, and have zero interest in hearing other peoples arguments or admitting if they are wrong.
Football
Colorado Buffaloes
This article: ESPN Outside the lines on Sal Aunese tugs at the strings for me. Remembering those years from the fan's/student standpoint made the room a little dusty
Here's the thing, if CU really wants a tradition, if they want to be up there with the Oklahoma's and Nebraska's and Texas etc. they need to find a way to get kids like the one in this story into the program, not lose them to other schools. There is another player, Darian Hagan Jr. playing for Cal because CU couldn't recruit him. Once again the child of one of the stars from our best team is not playing for CU. This is not something you will see happen at one of the powerhouse schools loaded with tradition. And I think that until CU starts repairing that they can never hope to be one of those power house football programs.
Bye Week for the Buffs so no thoughts for this weeks game.
Ole Miss Rebels
Well last night was a disappointment, although that the game was as close as it was was a testament to talent and mental strength. Honestly the defense could have given up, said this wasn't our game, but they didn't and kept the team in the game. But here is what I saw: bad coaching, poor execution, and bad breaks/ref calls.
I was surprised most by the coaching, usually if there was one thing that Arkansas was not under Nutt it was outcoached. They may not have had the talent, but they were usually well coached and prepared. That team last night was neither. THere were bad coaching decisions (how did McCluster disappear for huge chunks of the game on offense?) and the team was not prepared for the gimmick defenses being thrown at them.
THere were some horrible non-calls: one missed pass interference and of course the facemask that wasn't. But you can't let the refs beat you if you are a honest Top 10 team. You just fight through it, make your breaks. Which the defense did for the most part, it was the offense that was totally incompetent. I still think they have the talent to contend for at least the SEC West, but only if they prepare better for future games.
St. Louis Rams
Well I was more hopeful of a better season, but I am not terribly surprised. The talent level is just not there for this team. I still think they might make more noise as the season goes along, but not this week. This game might be closer than people think because the Packers offensive line is damaged and prone to letting in sackers so we might see the ghost of Leonard Little appear for an encore. But that's more of a hope than a prediction. My prediction is that they will continue to pistion themselves for the Tebow/McCoy/Bradford sweepstakes.
Denver Broncos
Big week, Raiders week. A chance to see where we really are in run defense. Because this Oakland team is a classic example of a team that makes you play ugly. I like to think we can win this one, if only because our defense should keep the game close, and I think we can make the needed plays on offense, but you never know against the Raiders. The Raider game last year was an example of the Jay Cutler roller coaster, and also why Shanahan had lost his touch, as we really should have won, but just played horribly.
Prediction: Broncos win 16-13
Facebook Politics
I am done with political discussions in 200 characters or less. You cannot present a coherent agument in a status message or comment so I have decided to stay away from such things. Which is a shame, I normally enjoy these things, but recent little battles have mforced me to decide that it is a waste of time, and that most people who post these things (myself included) are really only looking for a fight, and have zero interest in hearing other peoples arguments or admitting if they are wrong.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
TV Thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Last night we watched the season premieres of House M.D. and Heroes. House was good, and definitely has me interested in the season to come. However Heroes was definitely frustrating and did not exactly encourage me to keep my focus on the show this year.
Heroes Thoughts in Twitter form:
#Heroes Carnies? Could be interesting...
What a surprise, Sylar's fix didn't stick, oh and there's a lot of PTSD running around in #Heroes
OK so is Tracy more or less invincible now? Oh glad to see Denko gone, and watch out for the #Heroes Carnies...
WTF is up with Sylar/Nathan? Oh and if the Haitian is around why not use him on S/N?
I don't know what's creepier: Sylar messing with Matt or Claire's creepy 'friend'? #Heroes
Okay, my assessment of #Heroes? Boring and incoherent, episodes better improve...
Yeah, definitely underwhelmed, maybe we have a real villain this time, other than just recycling Sylar, but I kind of doubt it. I think they will definitely bring Sylar back in all his awesome nastiness. I just don't think their solution was truly a viable one. My biggest problem with the show at this point? It lacks any freshness, they have painted themselves into a corner by making Sylar effectively god-like, with no chance for actual redemption as a good guy. And once you do that everything else becomes moot. I think they would be better off letting the oft-hinted at Apocalypse occur, then focus on the remaining characters actually getting to be open about their powers and try to fight, that is where I hoped last season was going, then it fizzled.
Tonight we are looking forward to the return of NCIS, and it's new clone. One thing I have noticed, I am seriously spoiled by the quality of Mad Men, Saving Grace, The Closer and Burn Notice, and Leverage to some extent. The regular network shows are beginning to pale in comparison. And of course I have to wait until January for Friday Night Lights. We'll see if any new show grabs our focus like Mentalist did last year.
Last night we watched the season premieres of House M.D. and Heroes. House was good, and definitely has me interested in the season to come. However Heroes was definitely frustrating and did not exactly encourage me to keep my focus on the show this year.
Heroes Thoughts in Twitter form:
#Heroes Carnies? Could be interesting...
What a surprise, Sylar's fix didn't stick, oh and there's a lot of PTSD running around in #Heroes
OK so is Tracy more or less invincible now? Oh glad to see Denko gone, and watch out for the #Heroes Carnies...
WTF is up with Sylar/Nathan? Oh and if the Haitian is around why not use him on S/N?
I don't know what's creepier: Sylar messing with Matt or Claire's creepy 'friend'? #Heroes
Okay, my assessment of #Heroes? Boring and incoherent, episodes better improve...
Yeah, definitely underwhelmed, maybe we have a real villain this time, other than just recycling Sylar, but I kind of doubt it. I think they will definitely bring Sylar back in all his awesome nastiness. I just don't think their solution was truly a viable one. My biggest problem with the show at this point? It lacks any freshness, they have painted themselves into a corner by making Sylar effectively god-like, with no chance for actual redemption as a good guy. And once you do that everything else becomes moot. I think they would be better off letting the oft-hinted at Apocalypse occur, then focus on the remaining characters actually getting to be open about their powers and try to fight, that is where I hoped last season was going, then it fizzled.
Tonight we are looking forward to the return of NCIS, and it's new clone. One thing I have noticed, I am seriously spoiled by the quality of Mad Men, Saving Grace, The Closer and Burn Notice, and Leverage to some extent. The regular network shows are beginning to pale in comparison. And of course I have to wait until January for Friday Night Lights. We'll see if any new show grabs our focus like Mentalist did last year.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Weekend Recap
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Really a good weekend, busy, but good. 2 family birthday parties, kids soccer, football, it had it all. Jam packed, but really never felt overwhelmingly busy or nerve wracking. Even had time to basically finish out the second week of Couch to 5K, although Kim has fallen behind on that.
Saturday morning was kids soccer. Both games went well, Daniel continues to enjoy himself, played a little goalie and had one decent save. James' game went well, his team won, although it wasn't as dominant a victory as the first week. He did score a goal and get an assist however, so he continues to play very well. The weather was excellent which made it easier to deal with Emily, which was lucky on my part.
Saturday afternoon and evening we hosted a birthday party for Connie. Which went very well overall. No drama (despite my thinking that might happen). And we actually got in some family basketball (teenagers vs. adults, dominated by adults) and some family football (again kids versus adults, dominated by those darn quick little kids). Then some family board games, and some football and baseball watching. I think Connie enjoyed herself though, and there weren't any breakdowns along the lines of "this is the first X without him". I am sure she had that at some point over the weekend, just not during the party.
Sunday morning we all sat down and tried to sort the Legos into some sort of order. Between the two of them (mostly James) they just have a ton of Lego, and they are pretty much impossible to keep track of, and really hard for James to start really building some original constructions because he couldn't find bricks of a certain type. Our overall goal is to organize them, then put in a cabinet in the play area where they can be stored, along with a table so he has a place to build.
Sunday afternoon we went to Dad's for Marcella's birthday party. Got to spend some time with my niece's and there kids. But no family sports as that generation is not quite old enough and it was really just Dad and I for the older generation. So I had to get in my run that afternoon before settling down to watch some football and Mad Men.
Football
I was pleased with the overall football weekend, 3 out of 4 teams won, and all of the wins were pretty convincing. I didn't watch that much, certainly no beginning to end games. I caught some of the more interesting moments. I had determined to not let myself watch as much as the first weekend, and managed to hold to that plan.
Mad Men
Hadn't written about last week, but here are my thoughts from last night's memorable episode in Twitter Speak:
Time for a new week of #MadMen, what's in store?
OMG Joan went there with that prostitute remark... #MadMen
Such drama! What will happen in the morning? #MadMen
Ouch, sucks to be Lane, but not as much as Roger. And always fun to see Pete get chopped. #MadMen
(That was an unintended pun in light of what happened later...)
Oh poor Joan. Conrad Hilton?! Wonder what will happen there? I worry about that Barbie #MadMen
(I loved what they did with the Barbie...)
Well you sure didn't expect that, although it's no surprise something happened with that mower... #MadMen
Well that's it then, too bad he lost foot, guess he's useless now... Gotta love that sentiment #MadMen
Just a really memorable episode, amazingly well handled with the jumps in direction.
Really a good weekend, busy, but good. 2 family birthday parties, kids soccer, football, it had it all. Jam packed, but really never felt overwhelmingly busy or nerve wracking. Even had time to basically finish out the second week of Couch to 5K, although Kim has fallen behind on that.
Saturday morning was kids soccer. Both games went well, Daniel continues to enjoy himself, played a little goalie and had one decent save. James' game went well, his team won, although it wasn't as dominant a victory as the first week. He did score a goal and get an assist however, so he continues to play very well. The weather was excellent which made it easier to deal with Emily, which was lucky on my part.
Saturday afternoon and evening we hosted a birthday party for Connie. Which went very well overall. No drama (despite my thinking that might happen). And we actually got in some family basketball (teenagers vs. adults, dominated by adults) and some family football (again kids versus adults, dominated by those darn quick little kids). Then some family board games, and some football and baseball watching. I think Connie enjoyed herself though, and there weren't any breakdowns along the lines of "this is the first X without him". I am sure she had that at some point over the weekend, just not during the party.
Sunday morning we all sat down and tried to sort the Legos into some sort of order. Between the two of them (mostly James) they just have a ton of Lego, and they are pretty much impossible to keep track of, and really hard for James to start really building some original constructions because he couldn't find bricks of a certain type. Our overall goal is to organize them, then put in a cabinet in the play area where they can be stored, along with a table so he has a place to build.
Sunday afternoon we went to Dad's for Marcella's birthday party. Got to spend some time with my niece's and there kids. But no family sports as that generation is not quite old enough and it was really just Dad and I for the older generation. So I had to get in my run that afternoon before settling down to watch some football and Mad Men.
Football
I was pleased with the overall football weekend, 3 out of 4 teams won, and all of the wins were pretty convincing. I didn't watch that much, certainly no beginning to end games. I caught some of the more interesting moments. I had determined to not let myself watch as much as the first weekend, and managed to hold to that plan.
Mad Men
Hadn't written about last week, but here are my thoughts from last night's memorable episode in Twitter Speak:
Time for a new week of #MadMen, what's in store?
OMG Joan went there with that prostitute remark... #MadMen
Such drama! What will happen in the morning? #MadMen
Ouch, sucks to be Lane, but not as much as Roger. And always fun to see Pete get chopped. #MadMen
(That was an unintended pun in light of what happened later...)
Oh poor Joan. Conrad Hilton?! Wonder what will happen there? I worry about that Barbie #MadMen
(I loved what they did with the Barbie...)
Well you sure didn't expect that, although it's no surprise something happened with that mower... #MadMen
Well that's it then, too bad he lost foot, guess he's useless now... Gotta love that sentiment #MadMen
Just a really memorable episode, amazingly well handled with the jumps in direction.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Football Friday
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Here at last: the weekend when all 4 of my teams play for real. And only one of them seems to be a sure winner, dang, oh well.
Colorado Buffaloes:
Here's the thing, the bottom line as it were. In the last 30 years or so there is a tried and true point for Colorado football: they cannot win without the thugs. None of the coaches (with the possible exception of Rick 'quitter' Neuheisel) have really shown themselves to be exceptional coaching geniuses. The most successful were actually just good recruiters who were capable of demonstrating some control over the thugs they recruited. Colorado does not have the resources to compete for the Tim Tebow's, Matt Barkley's etc. the choirboys who also happened to be the great athletes. So we have been forced to accept players of lesser moral character in order to get great talent. And so long as we had a coach who control them things worked out well. But our last coach could not control the talented thugs, resulting in a major P.R. disaster. So we were forced to turn to a coach who will not recruit the questionable characters. Which would be OK if he was a genius a la Rick Leach. But Coach Hawkins is not a coaching genius. So we have a bunch of nice respectable players and an average coach, which makes the administration, faculty and some students happy, but not the alumni. And I fear that we the alumni will continue to not be happy after we possibly lose again this weekend.
Ole Miss Rebels
When I talked above about the genius coaches another example would be Houston Nutt. He always scared people at Arkansas, with above average recruits. So when Ole Miss jumped on hiring him I was pleased because he can do the same thing there. Get average recruits and coach them up. Which is why I and so many other have great hopes for Ole Miss this year. Hopes that will continue to be raised by their thumping of SE Louisiana this weekend.
Denver Broncos
A lot of people look at last weeks miraculous win and dismiss it as a fluke. But I prefer to look at it as a great win, and a win we wouldn't have had if we had not played well enough to be in position for that miracle play. Luck is important in football. But the bottom line is that we had a 6-0 lead with 59 minutes played, which is a lot better than a lot of people expected. And I think that execution will continue this weekend, and we won't need a miracle to go 2-0.
St. Louis Rams
Alas, it will take more than a miracle and great coaching to overcome the astounding lack of talent that gets you 5 wins in 2 years. And that is the dilemma facing the Rams. You could assemble a coaching staff of Bill Walsh, Vince Lombardi and Chuck Noll, and they still probably wouldn't win with this Rams team. They should get more competitive as the year goes on, but I am not expecting too much. Particularly this week, I expect an 0-2 week after playing host to a Redskin team desperate for a win.
Here at last: the weekend when all 4 of my teams play for real. And only one of them seems to be a sure winner, dang, oh well.
Colorado Buffaloes:
Here's the thing, the bottom line as it were. In the last 30 years or so there is a tried and true point for Colorado football: they cannot win without the thugs. None of the coaches (with the possible exception of Rick 'quitter' Neuheisel) have really shown themselves to be exceptional coaching geniuses. The most successful were actually just good recruiters who were capable of demonstrating some control over the thugs they recruited. Colorado does not have the resources to compete for the Tim Tebow's, Matt Barkley's etc. the choirboys who also happened to be the great athletes. So we have been forced to accept players of lesser moral character in order to get great talent. And so long as we had a coach who control them things worked out well. But our last coach could not control the talented thugs, resulting in a major P.R. disaster. So we were forced to turn to a coach who will not recruit the questionable characters. Which would be OK if he was a genius a la Rick Leach. But Coach Hawkins is not a coaching genius. So we have a bunch of nice respectable players and an average coach, which makes the administration, faculty and some students happy, but not the alumni. And I fear that we the alumni will continue to not be happy after we possibly lose again this weekend.
Ole Miss Rebels
When I talked above about the genius coaches another example would be Houston Nutt. He always scared people at Arkansas, with above average recruits. So when Ole Miss jumped on hiring him I was pleased because he can do the same thing there. Get average recruits and coach them up. Which is why I and so many other have great hopes for Ole Miss this year. Hopes that will continue to be raised by their thumping of SE Louisiana this weekend.
Denver Broncos
A lot of people look at last weeks miraculous win and dismiss it as a fluke. But I prefer to look at it as a great win, and a win we wouldn't have had if we had not played well enough to be in position for that miracle play. Luck is important in football. But the bottom line is that we had a 6-0 lead with 59 minutes played, which is a lot better than a lot of people expected. And I think that execution will continue this weekend, and we won't need a miracle to go 2-0.
St. Louis Rams
Alas, it will take more than a miracle and great coaching to overcome the astounding lack of talent that gets you 5 wins in 2 years. And that is the dilemma facing the Rams. You could assemble a coaching staff of Bill Walsh, Vince Lombardi and Chuck Noll, and they still probably wouldn't win with this Rams team. They should get more competitive as the year goes on, but I am not expecting too much. Particularly this week, I expect an 0-2 week after playing host to a Redskin team desperate for a win.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thursday Thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Exercise
So last night, after I got home from my run Kim asked me what my plan was, what my goal weight was. My reply was I don't have one. I have been approaching this whole thing, since getting my appetite under control (more or less), has been about just an overall improvement in my quality of life. I am doing the Couch to 5K plan as a way to introduce that as an exercise option, and as a plan for consistent exercise. But it is not so I can run a 5K and then stop my exercise plan, or reach a goal weight and then settle down. If I have learned any one thing about fitness from having an incredibly fit father it is that it is something that more or less has to be on all of the time. If I want to be able to play soccer, football, tennis, basketball etc. with my kids I need to improve my fitness. That is my goal: to live a healthier life, which is a fluid thing, not some concrete goal weight or distance.
The upside of this is it does take some pressure off my weigh-ins. If I didn't lose weight one week it's not a bad thing, just means I mean to retain my focus. If I have a day where I don't eat well it doesn't mean my whole schedule is off. It's like my approach to my yard, life is not something you can change overnight. You can build a house or a car according to a set schedule. But you cannot improve your quality of life overnight, there are too many components to life to expect that to happen. But if you make good decisions, and do the right things then your life will improve, it just takes time.
Birthday season
Well Fall birthday season is upon us. 2 parties this weekend: Connie and Marcella. Then just a couple of weeks later we have me, then James, then Emily, then Kim. James is a lucky dog who gets 2 parties. First one he is sharing with me and is for family and family friends. Second one will be just for his friends. We decided that he has reached the age where that is the easier way to handle it. When you consider how many people and kids there were at James' party last year, it was pretty overwhelming and I think his friends might have felt squeezed out by family members and their presents. Which is also why I asked him if we could share the family party, otherwise we would have had to deal with 2 different family party's which is just too much. And being the youngest child I still refuse to not have a birthday party!
Exercise
So last night, after I got home from my run Kim asked me what my plan was, what my goal weight was. My reply was I don't have one. I have been approaching this whole thing, since getting my appetite under control (more or less), has been about just an overall improvement in my quality of life. I am doing the Couch to 5K plan as a way to introduce that as an exercise option, and as a plan for consistent exercise. But it is not so I can run a 5K and then stop my exercise plan, or reach a goal weight and then settle down. If I have learned any one thing about fitness from having an incredibly fit father it is that it is something that more or less has to be on all of the time. If I want to be able to play soccer, football, tennis, basketball etc. with my kids I need to improve my fitness. That is my goal: to live a healthier life, which is a fluid thing, not some concrete goal weight or distance.
The upside of this is it does take some pressure off my weigh-ins. If I didn't lose weight one week it's not a bad thing, just means I mean to retain my focus. If I have a day where I don't eat well it doesn't mean my whole schedule is off. It's like my approach to my yard, life is not something you can change overnight. You can build a house or a car according to a set schedule. But you cannot improve your quality of life overnight, there are too many components to life to expect that to happen. But if you make good decisions, and do the right things then your life will improve, it just takes time.
Birthday season
Well Fall birthday season is upon us. 2 parties this weekend: Connie and Marcella. Then just a couple of weeks later we have me, then James, then Emily, then Kim. James is a lucky dog who gets 2 parties. First one he is sharing with me and is for family and family friends. Second one will be just for his friends. We decided that he has reached the age where that is the easier way to handle it. When you consider how many people and kids there were at James' party last year, it was pretty overwhelming and I think his friends might have felt squeezed out by family members and their presents. Which is also why I asked him if we could share the family party, otherwise we would have had to deal with 2 different family party's which is just too much. And being the youngest child I still refuse to not have a birthday party!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Weekend Recap
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
What a crazy last week and weekend that was! All 3 kids out of school/day care for at least 1 day, coupled with Labor Day meant I ended up coming to work only 1 day. Then the weekend was full with working on Connie's house, although we didn't get as far as we might have wanted to. And the boys had their first games of the season, which both went well actually.
So here it is Tuesday and I am just now getting myself back into the rhythm of things with work, and kids in school/day care. Pretty crazy last week, first Daniel, then James, then Emily then Kim all went down with the creeping crud virus. Being the good Dad (with good benefits and paid time off) I stayed home with the kids when they were sick, taking them to the Dr. etc. So I ended up with a 1 day work week, which wasn't as much fun as it sounds because there was always 1 sick kid.
Saturday Morning we were able to do soccer for both boys though. I have added picture Albums for both boys: James and Daniel. Both games went well. Daniel played, running around, which is all I can expect of him right now, he just doesn't have any where near the same fearlessness and aggression that James has so he tends to only kick the ball if it right in front of him and no one is in his way. But he appeared to have fun. And Brandon did well, playing on Daniel's team. James was probably the best player on the field in his game, from both teams. He scored 1 goal, and might have had more if his team learned to pass the ball accurately. He still has work to do on ball handling, but he is having fun, and is a fun teammate and competitor.
As a kind of birthday present Kim & Dennis had decided to rent a roll off dumpster for Connie and devote a weekend to getting her yard and house cleaned up. So after soccer on Saturday that is where I went. And spent several hours getting her garage cleaned out while Kim and Megan got the yard and parts of the house picked up. And then Kim & I went over again on Sunday afternoon and did the same thing for the back porch. The truly annoying and frustrating part of this was that Tammy was there the whole time, along with her kids. And aside from changing Emily's diaper a couple of times and getting her to lay down for a nap contributed pretty much nothing to the entire effort. By the time we left Sunday afternoon Kim was so upset and tired that I wondered if she was just going to haul off and start beating on Tammy (and I wasn't sure how long I would let her continue until stepping in). I know that we were doing a good thing, and that Connie appreciated it, but I feel deep down in my heart that it is the effort of Sysiphus as long as Tammy and her kids continue to live there and destroy practically everything they touch, without showing any care or remorse.
What a crazy last week and weekend that was! All 3 kids out of school/day care for at least 1 day, coupled with Labor Day meant I ended up coming to work only 1 day. Then the weekend was full with working on Connie's house, although we didn't get as far as we might have wanted to. And the boys had their first games of the season, which both went well actually.
So here it is Tuesday and I am just now getting myself back into the rhythm of things with work, and kids in school/day care. Pretty crazy last week, first Daniel, then James, then Emily then Kim all went down with the creeping crud virus. Being the good Dad (with good benefits and paid time off) I stayed home with the kids when they were sick, taking them to the Dr. etc. So I ended up with a 1 day work week, which wasn't as much fun as it sounds because there was always 1 sick kid.
Saturday Morning we were able to do soccer for both boys though. I have added picture Albums for both boys: James and Daniel. Both games went well. Daniel played, running around, which is all I can expect of him right now, he just doesn't have any where near the same fearlessness and aggression that James has so he tends to only kick the ball if it right in front of him and no one is in his way. But he appeared to have fun. And Brandon did well, playing on Daniel's team. James was probably the best player on the field in his game, from both teams. He scored 1 goal, and might have had more if his team learned to pass the ball accurately. He still has work to do on ball handling, but he is having fun, and is a fun teammate and competitor.
As a kind of birthday present Kim & Dennis had decided to rent a roll off dumpster for Connie and devote a weekend to getting her yard and house cleaned up. So after soccer on Saturday that is where I went. And spent several hours getting her garage cleaned out while Kim and Megan got the yard and parts of the house picked up. And then Kim & I went over again on Sunday afternoon and did the same thing for the back porch. The truly annoying and frustrating part of this was that Tammy was there the whole time, along with her kids. And aside from changing Emily's diaper a couple of times and getting her to lay down for a nap contributed pretty much nothing to the entire effort. By the time we left Sunday afternoon Kim was so upset and tired that I wondered if she was just going to haul off and start beating on Tammy (and I wasn't sure how long I would let her continue until stepping in). I know that we were doing a good thing, and that Connie appreciated it, but I feel deep down in my heart that it is the effort of Sysiphus as long as Tammy and her kids continue to live there and destroy practically everything they touch, without showing any care or remorse.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Weekend Football Thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
I discovered that my football addiction is definitely alive and well, watching way too much over the weekend. But part of that was circumstance: Buffs played on a night that Kim was out, then Kim succumbed to illness and exhaustion the other evenings, allowing me to overindulge. I just love watching football regardless of who is playing. I did discover that being able to capture my thoughts on Twitter and Facebook while the games were in progress was a useful diversion, particularly during the horrendous Buff performance. So I will share my Twitter thoughts here:
Colorado Buffaloes
First the CU-Toledo Game (or slaughter, debacle, stomping, beatdown whatever similar phrasing you want to use).
Geez I expected a tad more from the D, come on #Buffs it's Toledo for Gods sake...
7:27 PM
Coach Hawk just looks disgusted, and he should, this #Buffs team just plays poorly right now
7:36 PM
If you can't defend a spread offense from Toledo how can the #Buffs expect to handle the Big 12?
7:39 PM
Phew, we scored, now we just need the #Buff D to step up...
7:52 PM
Way to go #Buff D, held them to just a field goal!
8:03 PM
Come on, that's three missed passes/drops can the #Buffs hurt themselves more?
8:13 PM
Pa..thet...ic! How can we have any hope of even winning 1 game playing defense like this? #Buffs
8:31 PM
Wow there is a receiver other than Mcknight, too bad he can't play defense for the #Buffs
9:15 PM
Why go to all that work to get that TD, when our absolute seive of a worthless #Buff defense rolls over again?
9:24 PM
Could the #Buffs be in for a miracle comeback? I'm not holding my breath as I watch a 62 yard QB draw, shit the D sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9:48 PM
(Clearly here is where I pretty much gave up all hope.)
I wish Toledo would just hurry up and use up some time and put the #Buffs out of their misery
10:06 PM
What astounds me is how this announcing crew is being so nice about the worst excuse for a #Buffs defense I have ever seen
10:16 PM
Well that's it then, take Hawkins out, let Scott come back in and run out the clock for the #Buffs
10:27 PM
Well there you have it: My periodic thoughts during the game, unedited. Clearly I was pretty frustrated, and held onto hope for quite some time, only to have it crushed soundly. There were a lot of sources to blame for the game: not enough talent, poor coaching, scouting, bad tackling. And I think we can lay pretty much all of them at the feet of the coaching staff at this point. By now we are into Hawkins third recruiting class, so we can no longer blame Barnett for the lack of talent. I don't think Hawkins should be fired, but I do think he needs to take long look at the whole program and figure out some quick fixes ASAP.
Denver Broncos
Not much of an intro for this one, we'll just let the tweats do the talking:
The mirror image of last year's #Broncos: steady D, no Offense. Who'd a thunk it?
12:07 PM
Well it's not pretty, but if you told me we would have less than 100 yards on the road I would be happy with a #Bronco lead
12:26 PM
Who are these guys in the #Broncos defensive jerseys? Two sacks in a row! Wow! Now if only Orton could heat up...
12:50 PM
I think I have gone back in time, to an age of quality #Broncos defense.
1:12 PM
All right it comes down to this: can the #Broncos defense keep the Bengals stuck in their end?
1:36 PM
OK where the hell did those 18 seconds go? That's 2 plays. And the announcers still haven't noticed.
1:55 PM
Holy Cow!!!!! Can you believe that??? Incredible, awesome! I cannot believe the luck for the #Broncos!!!!! Do you believe in miracles?!
2:05 PM
Do I think this might be a script for the season? Not the miracle ending, but close games with a tough defense and just enough Offense? Well it's not what anyone could have predicted. But to be honest, prior to 2007 that was pretty much the Patriots script and that is where McDaniels got his coaching chops. So it certainly wouldn't surprise me. And I thought all along that Orton would be a success for that script: he doesn't make mistakes or beat himself. And it is a tried and true formula that offenses are rarely as successful in the beginning of the year as it is harder to get the rhythm and chemistry needed for a complex football offense in a training camp and what amounts to 1 full pre-season game. We shall see if this holds when we face some more talented and successful teams than the Bengals who certainly did not help their cause with a lot of dropped passes.
Ole Miss didn't play this weekend so no comment on them. And the Rams might as well not have played either. I think the Rams have a much longer road to respectability than the Broncos.
I discovered that my football addiction is definitely alive and well, watching way too much over the weekend. But part of that was circumstance: Buffs played on a night that Kim was out, then Kim succumbed to illness and exhaustion the other evenings, allowing me to overindulge. I just love watching football regardless of who is playing. I did discover that being able to capture my thoughts on Twitter and Facebook while the games were in progress was a useful diversion, particularly during the horrendous Buff performance. So I will share my Twitter thoughts here:
Colorado Buffaloes
First the CU-Toledo Game (or slaughter, debacle, stomping, beatdown whatever similar phrasing you want to use).
Geez I expected a tad more from the D, come on #Buffs it's Toledo for Gods sake...
7:27 PM
Coach Hawk just looks disgusted, and he should, this #Buffs team just plays poorly right now
7:36 PM
If you can't defend a spread offense from Toledo how can the #Buffs expect to handle the Big 12?
7:39 PM
Phew,
7:52 PM
Way to go #Buff D, held them to just a field goal!
8:03 PM
Come on, that's three missed passes/drops can the #Buffs hurt themselves more?
8:13 PM
Pa..thet...ic! How can we have any hope of even winning 1 game playing defense like this? #Buffs
8:31 PM
Wow there is a receiver other than Mcknight, too bad he can't play defense for the #Buffs
9:15 PM
Why go to all that work to get that TD, when our absolute seive of a worthless #Buff defense rolls over again?
9:24 PM
Could the #Buffs be in for a miracle comeback? I'm not holding my breath as I watch a 62 yard QB draw, shit the D sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9:48 PM
(Clearly here is where I pretty much gave up all hope.)
I wish Toledo would just hurry up and use up some time and put the #Buffs out of their misery
10:06 PM
What astounds me is how this announcing crew is being so nice about the worst excuse for a #Buffs defense I have ever seen
10:16 PM
Well that's it then, take Hawkins out, let Scott come back in and run out the clock for the #Buffs
10:27 PM
Well there you have it: My periodic thoughts during the game, unedited. Clearly I was pretty frustrated, and held onto hope for quite some time, only to have it crushed soundly. There were a lot of sources to blame for the game: not enough talent, poor coaching, scouting, bad tackling. And I think we can lay pretty much all of them at the feet of the coaching staff at this point. By now we are into Hawkins third recruiting class, so we can no longer blame Barnett for the lack of talent. I don't think Hawkins should be fired, but I do think he needs to take long look at the whole program and figure out some quick fixes ASAP.
Denver Broncos
Not much of an intro for this one, we'll just let the tweats do the talking:
The mirror image of last year's #Broncos: steady D, no Offense. Who'd a thunk it?
12:07 PM
Well it's not pretty, but if you told me we would have less than 100 yards on the road I would be happy with a #Bronco lead
12:26 PM
Who are these guys in the #Broncos defensive jerseys? Two sacks in a row! Wow! Now if only Orton could heat up...
12:50 PM
I think I have gone back in time, to an age of quality #Broncos defense.
1:12 PM
All right it comes down to this: can the #Broncos defense keep the Bengals stuck in their end?
1:36 PM
OK where the hell did those 18 seconds go? That's 2 plays. And the announcers still haven't noticed.
1:55 PM
Holy Cow!!!!! Can you believe that??? Incredible, awesome! I cannot believe the luck for the #Broncos!!!!! Do you believe in miracles?!
2:05 PM
Do I think this might be a script for the season? Not the miracle ending, but close games with a tough defense and just enough Offense? Well it's not what anyone could have predicted. But to be honest, prior to 2007 that was pretty much the Patriots script and that is where McDaniels got his coaching chops. So it certainly wouldn't surprise me. And I thought all along that Orton would be a success for that script: he doesn't make mistakes or beat himself. And it is a tried and true formula that offenses are rarely as successful in the beginning of the year as it is harder to get the rhythm and chemistry needed for a complex football offense in a training camp and what amounts to 1 full pre-season game. We shall see if this holds when we face some more talented and successful teams than the Bengals who certainly did not help their cause with a lot of dropped passes.
Ole Miss didn't play this weekend so no comment on them. And the Rams might as well not have played either. I think the Rams have a much longer road to respectability than the Broncos.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Family Update
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
It's been a crazy couple of days. We had Labor day weekend, which was nice but we didn't much because a cold caught up to the family. It hit Emily first on Saturday, with her fever spiking to 102 before we got her doped up. Which led to a quiet night. So Sunday, instead of our traditionaluy Sunday walk we took a long drive in the mountains, eventually ending up in Denver. So Emily got a good long rest during the drive. On Monday Kim got knocked out by some stomach problem, possibly a blockage. And then Daniel got sick. So just as Emily was better, and able to return to Day Care, Daniel got sick and had to stay home on Tuesday from school. Which meant I had to stay home, and I couldn't do much because the only way to get Daniel to really rest was for me to stay with him and read while he watched TV.
James started complaining about a sore throat on Monday night but was okay for school yesterday. But when he got home he was pretty listless, didn't put up a fight when I told him Jon Del couldn't play. And so this morning when he woke up with a cough and runny nose it was his turn to stay home. Because with him, because he is so susceptible to strep we have to get him to the Dr. when this happens so we can keep it from getting bad.
All of this means that my 3 day weekend has turned into 5 days. Which would be okay if it wasn't because kids were sick, and I was limited to what I could do. Hopefully all children will be recovered tomorrow and I can resume my routine and get back to work.
It's been a crazy couple of days. We had Labor day weekend, which was nice but we didn't much because a cold caught up to the family. It hit Emily first on Saturday, with her fever spiking to 102 before we got her doped up. Which led to a quiet night. So Sunday, instead of our traditionaluy Sunday walk we took a long drive in the mountains, eventually ending up in Denver. So Emily got a good long rest during the drive. On Monday Kim got knocked out by some stomach problem, possibly a blockage. And then Daniel got sick. So just as Emily was better, and able to return to Day Care, Daniel got sick and had to stay home on Tuesday from school. Which meant I had to stay home, and I couldn't do much because the only way to get Daniel to really rest was for me to stay with him and read while he watched TV.
James started complaining about a sore throat on Monday night but was okay for school yesterday. But when he got home he was pretty listless, didn't put up a fight when I told him Jon Del couldn't play. And so this morning when he woke up with a cough and runny nose it was his turn to stay home. Because with him, because he is so susceptible to strep we have to get him to the Dr. when this happens so we can keep it from getting bad.
All of this means that my 3 day weekend has turned into 5 days. Which would be okay if it wasn't because kids were sick, and I was limited to what I could do. Hopefully all children will be recovered tomorrow and I can resume my routine and get back to work.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
President's speech
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Breaking from my traditional habit of not posting on the weekends because this is just too important to keep quiet on, and waiting until Tuesday will be too late. Last night when I got home and read through my kid's Friday folder I found a letter from the school Principal. I had heard a little about this issue as it slowly grew in the media over the week, but reading the note brought it home.
So here's the deal, the President of the United States plans to address the nation's school kids on Tuesday at 12:00 Noon ET. Here's the most informational link: Frequently Asked Questions site on the Department of Education web site. A few points on this:
And here is the Pre-K to 6th grade lesson plan.
And here is what some commentators had to say about all of this:
First of all I don't get it, I have a hard time seeing all of this indoctrination and agenda in a 15-20 minute speech in which someone encourage kids to stay in school, work hard and set personal goals. I really don't see the connection. I can see some shred of thinking and logic behind most of the right wing theories and attacks (even the birthers, although it is very far fetched). But I just don't get this one, I really don't.
So when I read that my kids school principal has decided to make listening to the speech an 'extra-curricular' activity, and not even touch the lesson plans I was pretty upset. I was upset for 2 reasons: the above connection makes no sense so why won't the school include this in their normal activities. and that 150 to 200 noisy people are guiding decisions that affect 28,000 students.
And I guess the second point is the one that irritates me the most because it is starting to control all of our political discussions at this point. Instead of reasonable discussion about any issue there is a segment of people and commentators who are approaching the discussion with an approach similar to a little kid who instead of listening to someone they don't like covers their ears and yells "I can't hear you." That isn't discussion, that is one way, it's my way or the high way point making.
Bottom line is I will make sure my kids see this video on Tuesday afternoon. But I think it's a sad state of affairs when the people I trust to educate my children apparently can't be trusted to make an informed decision about their classroom content.
Breaking from my traditional habit of not posting on the weekends because this is just too important to keep quiet on, and waiting until Tuesday will be too late. Last night when I got home and read through my kid's Friday folder I found a letter from the school Principal. I had heard a little about this issue as it slowly grew in the media over the week, but reading the note brought it home.
So here's the deal, the President of the United States plans to address the nation's school kids on Tuesday at 12:00 Noon ET. Here's the most informational link: Frequently Asked Questions site on the Department of Education web site. A few points on this:
Q: What is the speech about?
A: The goal of the speech and classroom activities is to challenge students to set goals, work hard and stay in school. This isn't a policy speech.
Q: Has any other President done something like this?
A: In 1991 President Bush addressed the nation's students on live television from an American history classroom at Deal Junior High, in Washington, D.C.
And here is the Pre-K to 6th grade lesson plan.
And here is what some commentators had to say about all of this:
…parents have every right to worry about their children being used as Political Guinea Pigs for Change. (Michelle Malkin)
schoolchildren across our nation will be forced to watch the president justify his plans for government-run health care, banks, and automobile companies, increasing taxes on those who create jobs, and racking up more debt than any other president. (statement from the Florida Republican party)
“Most parents probably do not know of this agenda being pushed into our schools and affecting our students. Isn’t this what happened in Germany, starting in 1929 and continued until almost an entire race was eradicated?” (from a concerned parent right here in Colorado Springs)
First of all I don't get it, I have a hard time seeing all of this indoctrination and agenda in a 15-20 minute speech in which someone encourage kids to stay in school, work hard and set personal goals. I really don't see the connection. I can see some shred of thinking and logic behind most of the right wing theories and attacks (even the birthers, although it is very far fetched). But I just don't get this one, I really don't.
So when I read that my kids school principal has decided to make listening to the speech an 'extra-curricular' activity, and not even touch the lesson plans I was pretty upset. I was upset for 2 reasons: the above connection makes no sense so why won't the school include this in their normal activities. and that 150 to 200 noisy people are guiding decisions that affect 28,000 students.
And I guess the second point is the one that irritates me the most because it is starting to control all of our political discussions at this point. Instead of reasonable discussion about any issue there is a segment of people and commentators who are approaching the discussion with an approach similar to a little kid who instead of listening to someone they don't like covers their ears and yells "I can't hear you." That isn't discussion, that is one way, it's my way or the high way point making.
Bottom line is I will make sure my kids see this video on Tuesday afternoon. But I think it's a sad state of affairs when the people I trust to educate my children apparently can't be trusted to make an informed decision about their classroom content.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Football Friday
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Trying to focus on Football today despite some really obnoxious political things that I have encountered today.
First some Twitter & Facebook comments from watching football last night (I also watched some College football):
http://twitpic.com/gdqhe watching #Broncos, actually looking good tonite, all around game so far...
One quarter in the books: 10-0, plus a takeaway for the D! Good start so far..
What's different this week? Are the #Broncos that good or do the Cardinals just suck?
http://twitpic.com/ge32l I want to take a moment to thank my big bro for the TV I am enjoying tonight...
16-0 at the half, I'll take it. Change the channel to college football, HD has a whole different impact watching Boisie State at home, very blue...
With the NFL Preseason now over I have a few comments: my 2 teams ended up with opposite records (1-3 and 3-1). And I think that leaves me feeling more secure about the Rams potential than the Broncos. Although since is the preseason I don't think we can read too much from the tea leaves. Both teams have a ways to go to return to the heady days of the turn of the century. I am definitely ready for some full time starter level Pro football, end the speculation.
Of course turning the channel to watch the Oregon-Boisie State game (just the first half) seriously whet my appetite for live action, full contact for 4 quarters leave nothing on the field play. I am ready to watch people get serious, Saturday and Sunday night cannot get here soon enough. Although I might miss the Ole Miss game due to social obligations.
Obviously I will have to be careful to avoid over saturation and not neglect the rest of my life for the next 4 months. This will be the first real test of my post-NBA playoffs dedication to not letting sports overcome my life. It's easy to maintain that dedication in the summer (read baseball) months. Can I maintain a level of sanity during the football season? The jury is still out on that question.
Trying to focus on Football today despite some really obnoxious political things that I have encountered today.
First some Twitter & Facebook comments from watching football last night (I also watched some College football):
http://twitpic.com/gdqhe watching #Broncos, actually looking good tonite, all around game so far...
One quarter in the books: 10-0, plus a takeaway for the D! Good start so far..
What's different this week? Are the #Broncos that good or do the Cardinals just suck?
http://twitpic.com/ge32l I want to take a moment to thank my big bro for the TV I am enjoying tonight...
16-0 at the half, I'll take it. Change the channel to college football, HD has a whole different impact watching Boisie State at home, very blue...
With the NFL Preseason now over I have a few comments: my 2 teams ended up with opposite records (1-3 and 3-1). And I think that leaves me feeling more secure about the Rams potential than the Broncos. Although since is the preseason I don't think we can read too much from the tea leaves. Both teams have a ways to go to return to the heady days of the turn of the century. I am definitely ready for some full time starter level Pro football, end the speculation.
Of course turning the channel to watch the Oregon-Boisie State game (just the first half) seriously whet my appetite for live action, full contact for 4 quarters leave nothing on the field play. I am ready to watch people get serious, Saturday and Sunday night cannot get here soon enough. Although I might miss the Ole Miss game due to social obligations.
Obviously I will have to be careful to avoid over saturation and not neglect the rest of my life for the next 4 months. This will be the first real test of my post-NBA playoffs dedication to not letting sports overcome my life. It's easy to maintain that dedication in the summer (read baseball) months. Can I maintain a level of sanity during the football season? The jury is still out on that question.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Wednesday Links
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Three links that symbolize the importance of learning and understanding basic math, economics and statistics. Failure to understand these things leads to fear, ignorance and poor decisions on vital issues.
I love it when someone presents the same ideas I have in a more coherent fashion.
I have been trying to present this same case for the last couple of weeks. That the reason Obama and the Democrats are losing this debate is because they have not had the guts to really present the argument correctly. This really is an issue where they are trying to do something that will help the great majority of people in this country, and save the governments (City, County, State, Federal) money in the long term, and they are somehow losing that message. It is just astounding to me that they could blow this.
Although I think the underlying reason is the same as the whole tax battle. The anti-tax folks have won this battle with an implied argument that somehow increasing the taxes on the top 1% will somehow affect people in the lower 25%. And I don't have any idea how to take back the ground in this battle either, I just know it needs to be taken back.
More Outrage of the week from FreeRange Kids
What was funny is that this article appeared the same day I was thinking about how I was walking to school alone when I was a year older than James, and yet I see parent walking kids even older to school and waiting until they enter the school. It's ungrounded fear. We have been taught that the statistics that put the possibility of abduction at 1.5 million to 1 are either false or they don't mean anything.
Doug Bruce continuing to do his level best to destroy my hometown.
I love it when even the very conservative Republican Mayor is disgusted with this guys antics. It just irritates and sickens me that this carpetbagging Californian has done so much to make my hometown, the city where I was born, a near wasteland. Here we are looking at a year where our public safety will be at risk, vital city services are cut to the bone, and there are no community pools and he wants to cut even more. I think it is time to say no more. Vote against his crazy petitions, repudiate everything he stands for, vote down Tabor when we get the chance. And when the city actually gets the staff prosecute him for all the code violations on his slum like rentals, and chase him out.
Again there is a basic failure here: people do not understand the basic math that is involved in keeping a city afloat. The message that Bruce and his followers present is that there is some secret fund in the city budget that can always be cut. When that just isn't true. And that we are somehow taxing the people of the city to death when we live in the least taxed city and county in the entire state. Economics cycles cannot wait for elections to resolve our budget issues.
Three links that symbolize the importance of learning and understanding basic math, economics and statistics. Failure to understand these things leads to fear, ignorance and poor decisions on vital issues.
I love it when someone presents the same ideas I have in a more coherent fashion.
I have been trying to present this same case for the last couple of weeks. That the reason Obama and the Democrats are losing this debate is because they have not had the guts to really present the argument correctly. This really is an issue where they are trying to do something that will help the great majority of people in this country, and save the governments (City, County, State, Federal) money in the long term, and they are somehow losing that message. It is just astounding to me that they could blow this.
Although I think the underlying reason is the same as the whole tax battle. The anti-tax folks have won this battle with an implied argument that somehow increasing the taxes on the top 1% will somehow affect people in the lower 25%. And I don't have any idea how to take back the ground in this battle either, I just know it needs to be taken back.
More Outrage of the week from FreeRange Kids
What was funny is that this article appeared the same day I was thinking about how I was walking to school alone when I was a year older than James, and yet I see parent walking kids even older to school and waiting until they enter the school. It's ungrounded fear. We have been taught that the statistics that put the possibility of abduction at 1.5 million to 1 are either false or they don't mean anything.
Doug Bruce continuing to do his level best to destroy my hometown.
I love it when even the very conservative Republican Mayor is disgusted with this guys antics. It just irritates and sickens me that this carpetbagging Californian has done so much to make my hometown, the city where I was born, a near wasteland. Here we are looking at a year where our public safety will be at risk, vital city services are cut to the bone, and there are no community pools and he wants to cut even more. I think it is time to say no more. Vote against his crazy petitions, repudiate everything he stands for, vote down Tabor when we get the chance. And when the city actually gets the staff prosecute him for all the code violations on his slum like rentals, and chase him out.
Again there is a basic failure here: people do not understand the basic math that is involved in keeping a city afloat. The message that Bruce and his followers present is that there is some secret fund in the city budget that can always be cut. When that just isn't true. And that we are somehow taxing the people of the city to death when we live in the least taxed city and county in the entire state. Economics cycles cannot wait for elections to resolve our budget issues.
Life goes on (and on) + Mad Men thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Family adjustments
Week 2 of Emily in Day Care began yesterday. It didn't exactly start well as she was not pleased with my leaving her behind with Mommy, and then even more upset when Mommy took her to Day Care. But she is adjusting, today I was able to pass her off without any tears or crying. I don't expect to just walk in for a while yet, but if we can do it without tears I will be happy. On the same development note Daniel is done with his ear specialist appointments. He had the last appointment yesterday, had his tube removed and his hearing checked. So, with Fall soccer practice starting yesterday for Daniel, it is definitely a time of change, and adjusting to new schedules.
Here it is September 1 and we are into a regular schedule of my dropping off kids to day care & school. Boys soccer practices Monday and Thursday, games start on Saturdays next week. I am excited to be into a regular, consistent schedule full time again. And now maybe, just maybe, Connie & Tammy can work out a living arrangement that will allow them to co-exist.
Mad Men
First some quicker twitter thoughts recorded while watching this week's episode:
Don't mess with Joan, just don't. Smoking pot in the office could be interesting. Love Peggy's new 'girl'...
Yeah it's the early 60's: smoking pot at work while the boss sings in blackface at a major party #MadMen
"I am so high" this could be interesting. So Don is more of Everyman than it seems. #MadMen
Say what you want about Pete, but the little weasel can dance. Peggy never stops thinking and working. #MadMen
Why do I think Joan is going to pay for upstaging her man again? And Don is once again the man, calls out his boss with class. #MadMen
I remember an interview with Jon Hamm when he mentioned that this season was going to be about change, and this episode definitely brought that to the forefront. You have the 'creatives' turning away from the tried and true mood modifiers to new alternatives. You have the younger generation being embarrassed by the actions of the older generation. And an older generation trying to remind the young that there are consequences to these changes.
I alternately cheer for Joan and fear for her. I cheer as she exerts her power, but I fear that her possibly failing husband isn't who she thought he was. And when that comes to a head I fear that he will take it out on her in a way she has already shown a willingness to do.
Don is an excellent symbol of what that change will do. He worked hard to make himself over in one image, but I think he realizes that image is not what he wants to be, and it also isn't what he needs to be to succeed. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts, because if there is one thing we have learned about Don it is that he is not afraid of change (except changing into a completely loyal husband, there are limits).
And Peggy is the other symbol of a total willingness to embrace and accept change. Be it simple things like learning to confront her sexist colleagues to something as dramatic as smoking pot. But none of that really thwarts her mind and ambition. She will be a success because she is not afraid of any of the trappings of that success.
Family adjustments
Week 2 of Emily in Day Care began yesterday. It didn't exactly start well as she was not pleased with my leaving her behind with Mommy, and then even more upset when Mommy took her to Day Care. But she is adjusting, today I was able to pass her off without any tears or crying. I don't expect to just walk in for a while yet, but if we can do it without tears I will be happy. On the same development note Daniel is done with his ear specialist appointments. He had the last appointment yesterday, had his tube removed and his hearing checked. So, with Fall soccer practice starting yesterday for Daniel, it is definitely a time of change, and adjusting to new schedules.
Here it is September 1 and we are into a regular schedule of my dropping off kids to day care & school. Boys soccer practices Monday and Thursday, games start on Saturdays next week. I am excited to be into a regular, consistent schedule full time again. And now maybe, just maybe, Connie & Tammy can work out a living arrangement that will allow them to co-exist.
Mad Men
First some quicker twitter thoughts recorded while watching this week's episode:
Don't mess with Joan, just don't. Smoking pot in the office could be interesting. Love Peggy's new 'girl'...
Yeah it's the early 60's: smoking pot at work while the boss sings in blackface at a major party #MadMen
"I am so high" this could be interesting. So Don is more of Everyman than it seems. #MadMen
Say what you want about Pete, but the little weasel can dance. Peggy never stops thinking and working. #MadMen
Why do I think Joan is going to pay for upstaging her man again? And Don is once again the man, calls out his boss with class. #MadMen
I remember an interview with Jon Hamm when he mentioned that this season was going to be about change, and this episode definitely brought that to the forefront. You have the 'creatives' turning away from the tried and true mood modifiers to new alternatives. You have the younger generation being embarrassed by the actions of the older generation. And an older generation trying to remind the young that there are consequences to these changes.
I alternately cheer for Joan and fear for her. I cheer as she exerts her power, but I fear that her possibly failing husband isn't who she thought he was. And when that comes to a head I fear that he will take it out on her in a way she has already shown a willingness to do.
Don is an excellent symbol of what that change will do. He worked hard to make himself over in one image, but I think he realizes that image is not what he wants to be, and it also isn't what he needs to be to succeed. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts, because if there is one thing we have learned about Don it is that he is not afraid of change (except changing into a completely loyal husband, there are limits).
And Peggy is the other symbol of a total willingness to embrace and accept change. Be it simple things like learning to confront her sexist colleagues to something as dramatic as smoking pot. But none of that really thwarts her mind and ambition. She will be a success because she is not afraid of any of the trappings of that success.
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