Some Random Thoughts and rants

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

I agree with a line I saw yesterday: "Every asshole who ever chanted 'Drill baby drill' should have to report to the Gulf coast today for cleanup duty" .  Is this going to be what the next few years will be about?  Facing and cleaning up from headache's, disasters and failures that were allowed to develop due to an Administration dedicated to lax regulation and reducing governmental 'intrusion' in the marketplace? 

Just in the last couple of weeks you had the face of Wall Street anarchy, in the form of Goldman Sachs, have to face up to the reality of what they did. Prior to that there was the Coal Mine explosion, in an industry where the previous administrations policy towards enforcing regulation was as laissez-fiare as they could get away with.  And now we are witnessing the ultimate worst case scenario as far as poor oversight, corporate greed and cover ups, coupled with the insanity of the'Drill, baby, Drill' mind set.

And yet we will still be bombarded with images of fringe elements calling the Obama administration 'Socialist' or 'Fascist' just because they want to reign in these renegade corporate elements, and protect the people of this country.  Bottom line, I am far far more concerned with greedy corporations running out of control and destroying the environment, economy and ultimately human lives, than I am with a government that just wants to rein in those elements and do it's job of protecting citizens.

Return to Politics

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So Day 3 of the Senate Republicans refusing to allow debate on the Finance Reform bill.  Again, not even so much as a clean No vote on the bill.  This is just annoying "nyah nyah nyah we can't hear you" cover their ears pouting opposition.  This despite the fact that the big news yesterday was Senate hearings with Goldman Sachs basically saying they saw no ethical problem selling products to investors that they as a company were selling short.  This is at once a regulatory problem, and more importantly a cultural one.  The foxes have total control of the hen house, and the Republican farmers are just handing in more chickens.

And of course the Great State of Arizona, jealous of the attention that Virginia and Mississippi Governors were getting, decided to up the ante in the "who can be more biased and ignorant of minority rights" battle.  Now if my niece and nephew who live there were older I would have to worry about them getting pulled over and asked for the their papers.  A great line I read earlier in the week: 'Is there anything more Nazi like than demanding that someone show you their papers?'

It definitely feels like we the liberal progressives in this world are barely treading water in our battle to maintain a free country that cares about people who make less than 250,000$ a year or aren't W.A.S.P.s.  Sigh...

And of course posting this will lead to more battles with people whose views on these subjects are so different I have to wonder if we are even talking about the same thing, or live in the same world.  But I have to say something in order to keep sane, keep fighting the fight, even if it is a losing battle in my lkittle corner of the internet.

Weekend Recap

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Good weekend, lots of variety: high school play, lots of yardwork, soccer, running, watching old movies.  All that despite some unfriendly weather to start the weekend off. 

Projects

Did a lot of landscaping this weekend.  Basically dug out a planter area along the front fence for flowers.  Planted some old bulbs and flower seed, no idea if they will produce.  May end up getting some others if the summer progresses and nothing starts to come up.  Then replaced the wood we had lining the kids play yard with the same red edge stones that were used to build the wall in the bak yard.  Looks much nicer, and should be easier to maintain as far as keeping the gravel in the kids yard.  This plus finishing moving bricks to line the house side of the driveway.  We are making a lot of progress on house projects this spring.  Feel much better about how it all looks now.  We might take a weekend off from projects, or we might not, depends on the weather.  Also had another big dump of rain and again the gutters held strong in the front, so I think we might have finally turned the corner on the basement flooding (which means our thoughts might turn to working on projects in there...)

Health

Maintained and actually lost a smidgen over the weekend, despite taking Friday off entirely from exercise.  I really think my changed process will start to pay off.  Especially now that I have finished Week 1 of Couch to 5K.  If I can keep that up, along with my regular walking schedule I think I will see even more progress. 

Football

Well the draft is over, and I was happy with what both teams did.  I think the Rams handled it smartly, held to the idea of building blocks, no crazy trades or leaps of faith.  There was no room for that in the Rams situation, too much to build. 

The Broncos did make a giant leap of faith with Tebow, but I think it will pay dividends.  I just finished a long argument/discussion with some workmates about the draft, where I held to the 'company line' for the Broncos.  And to be honest, I think the Broncos had to make that jump, take some risks, they are on the fine line at this point as far as being an average team, they won't make the leap to good or great without taking a risk.  Of course, there is the chance (I think very slim) that the risks of this draft backfire, in which case McDaniels and company will be looking for work.  But I think it was ncessary to take that risk.  In the current NFL you cannot make that leap to contention without taking a risk (like the Saints and Brees) or getting lucky (Giants beating the Patriots). 

Sports

Figured I ought to mention the NBA playoffs, which I just say 'meh'.  Haven't really watched, paying some attention, but really don't much care any more.  All I see in the coverage is that it is a combination of Superstars and motivation that is spinning teams along.  And I just don't think any of the games are all that much to write home about.

It was a Dark and Stormy Friday Morning

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Household Project

But all is certainly well with me.  We were woken by the rain storm aroun 3-3:30.  The rain did not let up until nearly 7.  And yet the basement remains dry despite 2 nights of heavy rain.  It appears that the work we put in replacing the gutters has done exactly what it was supposed to, the water is no longer just pouring off the roof into the dirt by the house.  Assuming this holds up we might finally (after 11 years) be free from flooding every spring.

Health

Then I did my Friday morning weigh in.  Which was also the first test of my changed focus on increasing my exercise intensity and lessening my emphasis on eating the bare minimum.  And that change worked!  Saw a drop below what had been a small plateau.  So that means I just need to keep this up (might be a little hard to get that lunch time run in today in the snow and freezing rain).  But I am unthused for this next step in the process.

Football

Well the Rams as expected got their Franchise QB.  Which is just a part of their rebuilding effort, the rest of their draft is crucial as well, there are a lot of holes to fill.  But I think they are on the right track, and as anyone who follows the NFL can tell you, while a good Defense and running game will get you in the race to win games and maybe make the playoffs, you Have to have a top QB to have a shot at winning it all.

I for one was pleased with all of the wheeling and dealing by the Broncos, and the eventual results.  I think the Receiver will go a long way to filling the hole in the passing game that was left by trading Marshall, without nearly the level of hurrah and off field distractions.  And since he is coming from a running team there is little doubt that he is also a willing and able downfield blocker.  And of course they drafted Superman.  I know there are scouts and reports out there who disagree but I have no doubt that Tebow will become a good NFL quarterback, especially if he is given a year or 2 to learn and develop on the bench.  Which is a luxury he will have with the Broncos, a team with an established starter and veteran backup.  Tebow will not be expected to play, much less start, this year.  And there is the possibility that he could be used as a Wildcat QB in short yardage and goal line situations, where he will give defenses lots to worry about. 

Football Thoughts

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Today is a good day to set aside thoughts on politics, health, and family life and focus on what is really important: Football (Just kidding, sort of...).

1. NFL Draft

I love the draft, it is the pinnacle of the time each year when no matter how bad your team was last year, or how bad it might still be, you can hope and dream.  Dream that maybe the guys you draft will be the second coming of the great draft classes of all time for your team.  Hope that this new crop of players will provide the missing pieces to restore your team to greatness (or keep them there). 

Plus I love to watch how some of my favorite players and stories from college get drafted, in a perfect world my teams would draft them, but either way it's fun to watch their impact.  Here are some of my favorite players and stories to follow this year:

Dexter McCluster RB Ole Miss

I would be overjoyed for either the Rams or Broncos to get him.  Partially because he's a Rebel, but also because I love to see fast little guys like him come in and surprise people, like an underdog story.

Myron Rolle DB Florida State

What's not to like about an athlete who takes a year off from college to spend a year in Oxford as a Rhodes scholar?  Who has openly stated his plan to use his potential NFL money to pay for Medical school so he can become a Neurosurgeon. 

Tim Tebow QB Florida

Just a fascinating story, how this guy who is truly almost too good to be true, is dominating the draft talk.  And like a lot of people, I think that if he is given a year or 2 to learn and develop, could be a truly great quarterback in the NFL.  But I really don't care either way, because it is the story that makes him interesting.

Those are a couple of players I want to track.  And of course I hope that both of my teams (I am a confessed sports bigamist) draft well. 

The Rams need so much, but I think they cannot pass up yet another shot at a Franchise QB.  It is time to make that step up and a Fanchise QB is necessary.

The Broncos are an interesting study.  They were both so close and yet so far last year.  It could be a matter of just getting that 1 piece.  Or maybe the players from last year will roll into position and things will gell much faster than expected.  I do think that they don't have to draft any 1 position for need, they can simply take the best player available and can use them.  It's a combination of restocking a depleted lineup and redoing the roster in McDaniel's image rather than Shanahan's.

2. So my Rams are coming to Denver this season.  Which means it is already time to start setting aside money and time to go to the game.  Needing either 2 or 4 tickets (for sure Kim & I, maybe James & Daniel).

Fighting another plateau

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

I was doing well until last week, following my calorie count, and making real progress.  But I started feeling hungry last week.  And can't seem to fight past that hunger, unless I really pick up my activity, like Sunday when I basically worked in the yard virutally all day.  Last night for example I was still feeling hungry about mid evening.  So even though I didn't over eat, I did eat more than I usually was eating prior to last week. 

So I am going to do 2 things.  First, increase the size of the meals I do eat, still staying below my calorie count, but not trying to undercut my allowed amount by so much.  My plan allows me to eat about 1600 calories a day, and up until last week I was normally averaging a net of 1200.  Now I can eat slightly larger meals (400-500 calories) and a snack (200 cal) and still stay within my range.  Provided I perform the second part of my plan.

Part two, step up my exercise.  Since I have a little more time now for lunch sit I don't have to run home and let the dog out.  I can start up the Couch to 5K plan on my lunch breaks, and still comfortably have time for lunch.  That will increase my calorie burn 3 days a week.  And as I progress I will start to really see a difference from that. 

The thing is, while I am in a slight plateau (hovering at 194), the formerly tight jeans I bought are feeling looser.  So I think that what is happening is my metabolism is changing, and the muscle that is being built needs more calories, and the last thing I want to do is starve it while it builds, so I think that I can increase the intake a little so long as the burn increases as well.

What it boils down to is another tipping point.  I got here by eating less, and getting more exercise.  But if I want to lose even more I will need to step up the exercise.  Which has the advantage of transforming my system.  But that transformation makes my body burn calories more efficiently, so while I can start to exercise and work longer, I need more food to compensate. 

Of course this is my semi-informed take on all of this, I could be off, but I don't think so.  And I base this knowledge on what I have seen actually work so far.

Weekend Recap

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Had a good weekend, in spite of the inclement weather on Saturday.  Nice date night on Friday night with Kim.  Productive Saturday morning, followed by exciting soccer game then relaxing evening at home watching movies.  Sunday was project day, got 1 major project mostly completed, and also did another extra one.  So a very productive, nice weekend.

Friday

I decided on an impromptu Date night for us Friday night.  Connie willingly watched the kids, thanks to her.  So Kim & I had a nice, relaxing dinner.  Then saw the movie Death at a Funeral, very very funny movie.  We haven't laughed that much in the theater in quite a while. Before hand we had to choose between that and another movie, and while I probably would have enjoyed the other one I doubt we would have enjoyed it that much.

Saturday

I got started on the gutters in front of the house, then did a landscaping project that Kim had suggested.  And following that had an inspiration for another project.  Then it was off to soccer, in the cold and blowing rain.  Where James' team had a stirring come from behind victory, scoring 3 goals in the 4th period to win 3-2.  I think the weather just kept them from getting warmed up.  Then I spent the evening enjoying a new feature from Netflix.

Sunday

First, I completed the other project that I thought of Saturday.  Replacing the edging on the driveway with retaining wall bricks.  It looks much nicer, and will not have as many problems with loose rocks now.  Then Kim & I ripped down the front gutters.  Then went to Home Depot to pick up the extra supplies for the gutter work.  Then with Dad's willing and able assistance we were able to get the replacement gutters up, and then Kim sealed them.  So we should be ready for another rainy spring, and not have as many flood concerns.  

Netflix Streaming

So Netflix Instant is now available through the Wii.  And Saturday night I really took it for a test drive.  THis is a really cool service, and no extra charge.  We can get access to a lot of older movies, and TV series.  Which is really nice, Saturday night Daniel & I watched Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (which he actually really enjoyed).  And on Sunday Kim & I were able to start watching Leverage: The First Season which allows us to take it off our regular Q.  It is really nice to have that alternative to On Demand for movies that we just feel like watching on the spur of the moment.

Health

So I ended up taking Thursday & Friday off from my diet & exercise routines.  It wasn't completely on purpose, but I think I needed it, my motivation and ambition are much higher as a result, especially on Sunday.  Admittedly my legs are sore again after going up & down the ladders all day yesterday, but I think it will be easier for me to return and get back into the new routine of eating lunches at work again.  Since with the nice weather I can just put the dog in her pen in the morning and not have to worry about going home on my lunch hours.  So it's a change for me, but I just need to adjust.

A Recap of where we are today politically

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Since tomorrow is Tax Day I figured I would take the time to outline a few important Facts since all we will here tomorrow is mostly lies, propaganda and mistruths. 

1. The most used (and misused) common indicator of our economy is the Dow Jones Average.  A year ago it it closed at 7,920, yesterday it closed at 11,019.  Now I know there are so many different factors that tell us how strong our economy really is.  And yet the Dow is the most popular to at least give a general idea of the health of the major companies.  And the average has gone up over 3,000 points over the last year.  And to be very sarcastic, does anyone really think that we would have seen this kind of rise in one of the biggest symbols of Capitalism if our country was really in the grips of Tyrannical Socialism?

2. Almost half of Americans will not pay income taxes to the Federal government this year.  Now there is some argument as to whether is is fair etc.  But that doesn't change this fact.  When people are out protesting the Evil Federal Government tomorrow, and all of it's oppressive tax policies remember that there's a good chance that the people who are protesting didn't pay taxes.

3. 98% of Americans saw their taxes go down from last year, due to Obama's tax cuts.  And yet the prevailing commentary out there will be how the Current Administration is raising all of our taxes.  And that is just a point blank lie.  Don't let the media commentary and Republican and Tea Party propaganda fool you with their assertions in the next couple of days.  Unless you are in the top 2% income bracket your Federal Income taxes went down from last year.  I know we got a larger refund this year than last year (at least Federal, we owed more to the supposedly free low tax state of Colorado). 

4. When you hear people railing about the evils of the Federal government tomorrow ask them what exactly they think should be cut from the budget?  Should it be Defense? Social Security? Medicare?  One survey I read recently indicated that the thing most people want cut is Foreign Aid, which amounts to less than 3% of the budget, and is mostly programs that people don't actually want cut.  Or ask them exactly what part of the Federal government is so bad? The Military? Post Office?

Again this is about real facts, not Tea Party talking points, Republican media spin or other media creations. Don't let the spin confuse you.

Weekend Recap

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So this is what it feels like to have energy, what a great feeling!  And all that energy certainly makes for higher quality freetime, especially weekends.  While the weather was not quite as overwhelmingly warm as promised, it still made for some nice time, and allowed us to spend quite a good amount of time outside. 

Saturday

That morning I found the plans and cut the majority of the required lumber for the dog house.  Which was a fun little project.  It filled up the morning working on that.  Then it was off to James' first soccer game.  I have to admit I am getting a little spoiled by these games.  The team he is on, wioth mostly kids from BV, is really pretty dominant.  And James has really grown with the team, so he is one of the leaders and better players. 

A quick aside, as I was packing up the library books for drop off after the game I asked James to get one of the books from his bed.  I had been under the impression that he had read it for one night and moved on, which is his normal process.  Well lo & behold he brings it out, and shows me has only has about 10 pages left!  The kid has actually been reading it every night.  So I made sure to get him the next book in the series when I was at the library.  Just very cool to realize he had crossed that plateau to actually reading chapter books. 

Saturday afternoon and evening we ended up hosting a birthday party for Tammy.  Just family this time, not a huge event.  Although it did give us the chance to empty the cupboards of more of the snack foods we don't really want or need.  It was a good party, I managed to spend a deal of time playing basketball, not games, just shooting baskets in several inspired games of PIG.  Then several games of family Uno to wind things down.  It was a nice time.

Sunday

So if you had told me a year ago that I would have the energy to put together and finish a dog house, then an hour hike, and a trip to the zoo I would have thought that was a pretty good couple of days.  Instead that was 1 day!  And still felt pretty energetic and alive after we got home and had dinner.  If that is not an endorsement of losing wieght and improving your dietary habits I don't know what else would work. 

We timed it all quite well in fact, it was overcast and cool in the morning while I worked on the dog house.  And the sun broke through just as we started our walk/hike.  Which led to a nice time at the zoo as well.  The trip to the zoo was a spur of the moment thing, but the kids had a really good time.

Overall, the weekend was full of activities, projects, and fun.  Just like they are meant to be.  And more proof that we are on the right track as far as cleaning up our eating habits and exercising more. 

Weekend Plans

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

First:

Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law Tammy.


No super exciting plans for the weekend.  Tonight will be another family movie night, since my gaming is on hold for a month.  Tomorrow is James' first soccer game.  Then a birthday party for T tomorrow night.  Sunday I am hoping to get in either a family bike ride or a decent walk.  And sometime this weekend we need to build a dog house for Spotty.  Just your typical uneventful weekend in the Ruch household...

More Neo-Con, Tea Party, Republican idiocy

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Since the passage of Health Care Reform, and before the fight over Financial Reform gears up I have tried to not ruminate too much over the idiocy of the day in politics.  Still reading about it but not commenting on it as much.  But the latest action by the Republican governor of Virginia just demands a post.

Here is what this Jerk has done

I am very glad that when I commented on this yesterday on Twitter and Facebook that there wasn't much feedback supporting this.  It just astounds me that this seemingly intelligent man can issue this proclamation in this fashion and then act surprised over the tempest it caused.  And then try to downplay the role that slavery played in the Civil War. 

I would think at a time like this in our country; where the rhetoric is so overwrought, and people threatening members of Congress with assassination over their votes; that the last thing you would want to be celebrating is the time when our country fought an internal war to prevent it's disintegration.  Just crazy in my opinion. 

But then again we have a political climate where a television personality can make a comment to a crowd about people being 'wanna be Tim McVeigh's' and getting a huge cheer.  The Tea Party nut jobs and Patriot party folks are treading dangerously close to the line,  And the more extreme it gets the more I worry about another Oklahoma City bombing.  You can't just keep pouring gasoline on a fire without expecting it to eventually get out of control.

More randomness

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

1. I uploaded pictures from Daniel's birthday party, and picutres from Easter.  They can be found at the following:

Daniel 5th Birthday

Easter 2010

Kim has a few more that I might add this weekend.

2. I ended up watching the entire NCAA basketball championship gamer last night, and just feel spent and sad today.  Sad in part because Duke won, but more because it was such a great game that it feels like it won't be topped any time soon.  Which means that sports is entering a dry spell for me.  I can't even begin to get excited about baseball in April.  And I have very little interest in watching what passes for NBA basketball this year.  Which isn't bad in the long run since I am trying to continue my recovery from sports addiction, but still leaves a small empty spot in my life.

3. So next week is Tax Day, which means we get to be subjected to yet another round of ridiculous Tea Party 'protests'.  All I can say when I see these protesters is sadness and fear.  I just want to shout at them: "Remember McVeigh. Remember Oklahoma City!'

Weekend Recap

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

We had an excellent weekend.  All of the events went well, with no trauma or problems.  Kids all survived the various events, and had an enjoyable time.  We also had a good time as well.  Just a great weekend overall.

Daniel's party

The party went very well.  I had minimal amounts of work to do the day of, so I was able to focus on the smaller family items.  Once again the way we seemingly overdo the planning and preparation worked to our advantage.  Daniel had a great time, enjoying playing with his friends and family.  And he really enjoyed all of his presents, so thanks to everyone who came and thanks for the presents on his behalf. 

The post-party baebecue went very well, everyone ate well and enjoyed the nice weather and various outside and inside games.  I managed to control myself and limit my appetite to only what I could afford to eat.

And the Easter Egg Dyeing event well very well, all the kids had a good time, there were plenty of eggs to go around, and Kim & Megan managed that part very well so there was minimal trauma despite dealing with kids of various ages and also varying stages of tiredness. 

So Saturday went off without a hitch, holding more or less to my planned calendar. Thanks to everyone who came and contributed, even if it was just your presence and presents.

Bunny Day

The day of many egg hunts went very well as well.  Our fmaily egg hunt in the basement went very well.  The kids really got into it. And there was no trauma as the Bunny brought equal presents for all and plenty of candy despite the different tastes.

Easter Dinner at Dad's was quite nice.  Thanks to all who contributed dishes (sorry we could not do so as well).  It was nice visiting with family I rarely see. The kids again had a good time with another egg hunt.  And all actually ate pretty well.

Last Egg hunt was at Dennis & Megan's, which also went quite well.  We brought along Spotty. who had a great time playing, chasing and being chased by their dogs.  The kids enjoyed their third egg hunt of the day.  And enjoyed nibbling more good food, and playing various games on the trampoline and yard.  I even got on the trampoline for my exercise of the day. 

Home with some exhausted kids and dog.  Then some nice basketball watching with Dad.  And a quiet night to end the weekend. 

I hope to get the many pictures uploaded some time this week. There's a lot to get loaded up and organized.  I will jot a quick note when I do so.  Also please note that I uploaded James' sports schedule with his Spring Soccer schedule. 

Plans for the week

Hope to get a house for Spotty built so we can get her settled in her little yard on nice days, instead of inside in the kennel.  Plus maintain our eating and exercise schedules.  Maybe pull the bikes and bike trailer out of the shed for some maintenance, airing up of tires, replace tires etc.  If next weekend is as nice as it looks to be we will get out for either a bike ride or hike. 

Weekend Plans

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Super busy weekend on tap. 

Saturday

Morning and early afternoon will be spent cleaning and cooking for Daniel's Birthday Party.

3:00PM Daniel's 5th Birthday Party 
Cake & Ice Cream
Snacks & drinks provided

5:00-7:00 Barbecue dinner
Hamburgers & Hot dogs

7:00-9:00 Easter Egg dyeing

(Collapse into stupor)

Sunday

0 Dark 30 Kids wake up parents to go see what Easter bunny brought

Kids hunt for Easter eggs

Breakfast then shower and change

12:30 Dad's for Easter egg hunt, followed by dinner

3 or 4 head to Dennis & Megan's for more Easter festivities

7 head home & collapse into another stupor

So very full and busy weekend.  But should be fun despite all the work and running around.  This will be the first extended family weekend in 3 months.  We always go into these shells the first couple of months of the year due to lack of holidays and birthdays.  Which can be a nice respite after the abundance of family events in the Fall and Winter.  But still it is nice to get out and see people again. 

Thursday thoughts

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Politics:

I have got to get myself one of these shirts

It is cool to see that the Obama folks have a sense of humor when advertising their achievements.

Sports

So it is looking like I may be saving up some money for a Rams Bradford Jersey.  And I am getting behind the draft pick, if that is what happens.  After missing out on Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez I think the Rams need to pull the trigger on a Franchise Quarterback.  As great as Suh is, he is still only a Defensive tackle, and that position, while very important, doesn't win you games.  When you looked at the playoff teams the last couple of years the one thing that set the top teams apart was they had a Quarterback who gave them the chance to win any game.  And the Rams have not truly had that for several years now.

I have done such a good job of losing focus on sports that I have just realized that the NBA playoffs are about to start and that baseball is almost upon us.  Just strange to realize that.  But good to know that I am past those deep emotional ties that would normally have me chained to the TV this time of year.

Family

Just a thought to ponder.  A childs behavior is a reflection on their parents.  Not their achievements, just behavior.  This is a point that I think some parents fail to grasp.  And I would like to think that we (Kim & I) have done well in that regard.