Or is more like "unicorn," a real word for a mythological creature?
I ask only because there may be some movement from the left and the right toward the center on the Social Security issue.
It makes me think of Newton's Cradle, those silver balls that hang in a line: If you drop one on the left, as soon as it meets the middle, one on the right takes off. If you drop a ball from each end at the same time, everything is fine until they meet in the middle and shoot off in opposite directions.
Wow. Politics is like junior high science.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Sunday, February 27, 2005
The game was decent
Portage Central beat the Blades 4-0, and the worst part of the game was a Blades player going into the boards hard and head-first.
He was taken off on a stretcher, but I've heard he is O.K. A concussion and a shoulder injury, but he'll be fine.
The player that hit him got a major and a game disqualification. His coach and his dad were both adamant he didn't deserve the penalty, claiming a video of the hit clearly demonstrated it was not a check from behind.
Well, gentlemen, it was. That's what the call was, and both referees had it. We don't get the privilege of watching a video tape in slow motion to make our calls. We have a second or two to decide, and we did.
Anyway, that's about it for the weekend. Church was great this morning, as usual. I love Pastor Phil. The rest of the day should be relatively relaxing.
Here's to hoping.
He was taken off on a stretcher, but I've heard he is O.K. A concussion and a shoulder injury, but he'll be fine.
The player that hit him got a major and a game disqualification. His coach and his dad were both adamant he didn't deserve the penalty, claiming a video of the hit clearly demonstrated it was not a check from behind.
Well, gentlemen, it was. That's what the call was, and both referees had it. We don't get the privilege of watching a video tape in slow motion to make our calls. We have a second or two to decide, and we did.
Anyway, that's about it for the weekend. Church was great this morning, as usual. I love Pastor Phil. The rest of the day should be relatively relaxing.
Here's to hoping.
Friday, February 25, 2005
The sun rose and Friday was
Today certainly has been better than yesterday, thanks mostly to a friend.
Thanks, Spruce.
Tomorrow will be even better. Not only am I getting my taxes done, I get to ref the Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League championship game between the Portage Central Mustangs and the Kalamazoo Blades. I am stoked!
So, all in all, not a bad day to be me.
In other news...
Somehow, I'm just not surprised.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 -All week, Doug Wead has said the reason he secretly recorded some of his phone calls with President Bush was for history's sake.
But Wednesday, after a blast of criticism, Mr. Wead abruptly decided he had spoken too soon. "History can wait," he said, promising to turn over the tapes to Mr. Bush.
The disclosure that he had such tapes, recordings that spanned two years before the 2000 presidential election when he was an evangelical adviser to Mr. Bush, was published in The New York Times on Sunday.
Since then, Mr. Wead has appeared on several television news and talk shows to defend his actions, insisting several times that he had never sought to profit from the tapes and had decided to release some of them only after the president's re-election.
Is the seat next to Condi Rice vacant?
Thanks, Spruce.
Tomorrow will be even better. Not only am I getting my taxes done, I get to ref the Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League championship game between the Portage Central Mustangs and the Kalamazoo Blades. I am stoked!
So, all in all, not a bad day to be me.
In other news...
Somehow, I'm just not surprised.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 -All week, Doug Wead has said the reason he secretly recorded some of his phone calls with President Bush was for history's sake.
But Wednesday, after a blast of criticism, Mr. Wead abruptly decided he had spoken too soon. "History can wait," he said, promising to turn over the tapes to Mr. Bush.
The disclosure that he had such tapes, recordings that spanned two years before the 2000 presidential election when he was an evangelical adviser to Mr. Bush, was published in The New York Times on Sunday.
Since then, Mr. Wead has appeared on several television news and talk shows to defend his actions, insisting several times that he had never sought to profit from the tapes and had decided to release some of them only after the president's re-election.
Is the seat next to Condi Rice vacant?
Thursday, February 24, 2005
What a day
For no apparent reason, today sucked. Tomorrow will be better, I guess.
Here are some fun little stories that make me feel a little better about my life:
Doctor Claims Former Lover Stole His Sperm
Who needs (or wants) 32 cats?
Marshall is a messed-up little town. It pretty indicative of how people feel about their mayor and some of the city council members when they refer to them as "the four horsemen of the apocalypse. "
My boys are my saving grace, my touchstone, my sanity. Although having two little boys can make anybody insane, I prefer the insanity of parenthood over the insanity of ignorance.
How can these two not make you smile?
Here are some fun little stories that make me feel a little better about my life:
Doctor Claims Former Lover Stole His Sperm
Who needs (or wants) 32 cats?
Marshall is a messed-up little town. It pretty indicative of how people feel about their mayor and some of the city council members when they refer to them as "the four horsemen of the apocalypse. "
My boys are my saving grace, my touchstone, my sanity. Although having two little boys can make anybody insane, I prefer the insanity of parenthood over the insanity of ignorance.
How can these two not make you smile?
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Have you ever wanted to be someone else for a day?
Eric had an awesome day yesterday.
Check these out:
Governor pitches tech bonds
Granholm gets back on schedule, affixes lapel mic
"We've Got Issues" — Gov. Jennifer Granholm
I am so jealous.
Check these out:
Governor pitches tech bonds
Granholm gets back on schedule, affixes lapel mic
"We've Got Issues" — Gov. Jennifer Granholm
I am so jealous.
Sound off, America
Are you in favor of privatized retirement?
It appears Republicans are, and of course, there will be no kickbacks from Wall Street for the conservative capitalists pushing for Social Security reforms.
While the GOP is focusing its sales pitch and the issue can be confusing in its entirety, be sure to get the whole story before making your decision.
It appears Republicans are, and of course, there will be no kickbacks from Wall Street for the conservative capitalists pushing for Social Security reforms.
While the GOP is focusing its sales pitch and the issue can be confusing in its entirety, be sure to get the whole story before making your decision.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Cheerio, Gov'ner!
At this moment, I am only feet away from Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm.
She is even more impressive in person than she is on television.
And I passed her security guy, too, complete with the dark suit and the Secret Service-style communication thing in his ear.
I wonder if his watch is a microphone?
She is even more impressive in person than she is on television.
And I passed her security guy, too, complete with the dark suit and the Secret Service-style communication thing in his ear.
I wonder if his watch is a microphone?
Monday, February 21, 2005
This blog thing can be tricky
Please take note of the sweet Alliance logo and list of links in the sidebar of "The Script."
I set out one night to add a few fun features to my blog and learned a lot in the THREE HOURS it took to accomplish what you see there.
Now, Iwan is trying some of the same stuff. I don't think she's as hooked on the blog thing as I am, so give her about two days, then check it out.
She's got this kitschy little blog -- Iwan Again -- about her family and daily ensembles.
I think you'll like it. I know I do.
I set out one night to add a few fun features to my blog and learned a lot in the THREE HOURS it took to accomplish what you see there.
Now, Iwan is trying some of the same stuff. I don't think she's as hooked on the blog thing as I am, so give her about two days, then check it out.
She's got this kitschy little blog -- Iwan Again -- about her family and daily ensembles.
I think you'll like it. I know I do.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Was Nostradamus a politician?
Pres. Bush said he earned some political capital in the last election and he intends to spend it.
Perhaps voters should be asking, when did he say it for the first time?
The New York Times reported yesterday that Doug Wead recorded converations with the President, and the tapes reveal some of W's thinking as early as 1998.
He found Christ? He won't bash gays? He admitted to smoking weed?
Wow. Profound. And I mean "profound" in that "the light goes off when you shut the refrigerator door" kind of way.
Is there anyting on those tapes about Iraq, Doug?
Oh, and by the way, do you think Bush's push for global democracy could lead to fighting in Russia?
I hear they have weapons of mass destruction.
Perhaps voters should be asking, when did he say it for the first time?
The New York Times reported yesterday that Doug Wead recorded converations with the President, and the tapes reveal some of W's thinking as early as 1998.
He found Christ? He won't bash gays? He admitted to smoking weed?
Wow. Profound. And I mean "profound" in that "the light goes off when you shut the refrigerator door" kind of way.
Is there anyting on those tapes about Iraq, Doug?
Oh, and by the way, do you think Bush's push for global democracy could lead to fighting in Russia?
I hear they have weapons of mass destruction.
Why can't we all just get along?
Any hope of hockey happiness has been dashed against the jagged rocks of capitalism and greed.
Crap.
Although I don't completely understand how race plays into social security, I also am concerned about Pres. Bush's Social Security plan.
According to Bush's plan, the year I am supposed to retire, benefits will be cut 25%. Does that mean I get to pay 25% percent less in taxes if the plan is approved?
Of course not. People will pay the same -- if not more -- taxes and the government will still cut benefits.
Perhaps the Social Security fund wouldn't be in such dire straits if the government would stop taking money from it.
What? Revenue equals expenses? Not for our national government, thank you, sir.
Crap.
Although I don't completely understand how race plays into social security, I also am concerned about Pres. Bush's Social Security plan.
According to Bush's plan, the year I am supposed to retire, benefits will be cut 25%. Does that mean I get to pay 25% percent less in taxes if the plan is approved?
Of course not. People will pay the same -- if not more -- taxes and the government will still cut benefits.
Perhaps the Social Security fund wouldn't be in such dire straits if the government would stop taking money from it.
What? Revenue equals expenses? Not for our national government, thank you, sir.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Top-notch H.R. department
Do you think there was a better way for someone to handle letting this guy go?
I'm thinking maybe the company should change it's "carrying guns at work" policy.
Just another reason for liberals to hate guns.
As an aside, the two poor souls who got in this guys way: Who do you think they were? Bosses? Co-workers?
I'm thinking maybe the company should change it's "carrying guns at work" policy.
Just another reason for liberals to hate guns.
As an aside, the two poor souls who got in this guys way: Who do you think they were? Bosses? Co-workers?
Friday, February 18, 2005
Syria under fire
Pres. Bush seems to be directing a lot of the same war rhetoric toward Syria as he did toward Iraq leading up to the war.
Since the bombing death of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Bush demanded Syria pull its troops from Lebanon.
Here's a great Bush quote:
A lot of stepping and moving, but I'm already confused.
What's going on, man?
Since the bombing death of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Bush demanded Syria pull its troops from Lebanon.
Here's a great Bush quote:
"We've recalled our ambassador, which indicates that the relationship is not moving forward, that Syria is out of step with the progress being made in the greater Middle East, that democracy is on the move, and this is a country that isn't moving with the democratic movement."
A lot of stepping and moving, but I'm already confused.
What's going on, man?
Thursday, February 17, 2005
I am famous
Well, somewhat.
I can't believe my picture made into the Hillsdale Daily News.
I can't believe the Hillsdale Daily News is online.
I can't believe my picture made into the Hillsdale Daily News.
I can't believe the Hillsdale Daily News is online.
I am crushed.
Boo hoo.
I know men aren't supposed to cry, but hockey players aren't supposed to strike.
A year without the NHL is like summer without the sun... and the beach... and bikinis...
Oddly, I feel a little better now.
I know men aren't supposed to cry, but hockey players aren't supposed to strike.
A year without the NHL is like summer without the sun... and the beach... and bikinis...
Oddly, I feel a little better now.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
More free fun
If you have even a passing interest in politics and dilusions of ruling the world, check out this Web site.
It's free, it's fun and it's educational. Your mother would approve.
It's free, it's fun and it's educational. Your mother would approve.
Ever had one of those days?
I have been working on the same story for last two days. I will be relieved when it's off my desk, but I am still nervous about readers' reactions to it. Sometimes I hate my job.
On a lighter note, I am lining a high school hockey game tonight, so that has me stoked. I love what I do.
Man, talk about a walking contradiction.
Anyway, check out the Battle Creek Enquirer tomorrow for the big story about the referendum election on the Health Care and Human Services zoning district in Marshall.
I'm beat.
I want a nap.
On a lighter note, I am lining a high school hockey game tonight, so that has me stoked. I love what I do.
Man, talk about a walking contradiction.
Anyway, check out the Battle Creek Enquirer tomorrow for the big story about the referendum election on the Health Care and Human Services zoning district in Marshall.
I'm beat.
I want a nap.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Back to the grind
After a long weekend, I'm back at my desk. The hardest part of coming back to work is catching up on phone messages and e-mails. Technology is awesome... sometimes.
It's nice to be back in the pod, and Eric is bitter about not being mentioned as one of the jumpers this weekend. There's your gratuitous mention in my blog, Eric.
Are you happy, Eric?
Reality television has never been my bag, but this is still sad news.
Great game last night as #25 Texas Tech upset #2 Kansas. Huge upset.
It's nice to be back in the pod, and Eric is bitter about not being mentioned as one of the jumpers this weekend. There's your gratuitous mention in my blog, Eric.
Are you happy, Eric?
Reality television has never been my bag, but this is still sad news.
Great game last night as #25 Texas Tech upset #2 Kansas. Huge upset.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
People will never learn
I am a hockey ref. I'd like to consider myself decent; not the best but better than average. I love the game and the kids. They are the reason I do what I do.
However, I worked two games in Kalamazoo today and the visiting teams were from Toledo and Sylvania. Both games were blowouts with the Kalamazoo teams winning by large margins.
During and after both games, the visiting parents and coaches were absolutely obnoxious and didn't hesitate to blame my partner and I for their poor performances.
Why don't people try to officiate a few games? If it's so easy and everyone thinks they have to be better than me, why are they in the stands?
And it wasn't even a matter of the officiating being a factor in the outcome of the games. They were just out-played. Why aren't the players and coaches expected to take responsibility for their behavior and choices? I'm not the one who missed the net with almost every shot, punched the guy in the head or hit an opponent in the face with his stick. Why is it my fault?
And what do these adults think they are teaching their kids? Who will they blame when the kids come home with a bad report card, don't get that job they wanted or get in their first car accident? It seems to me these kids are not learning to take responsibility for themselves and will forever blame others for the consequences of their own decisions.
I just don't get it.
However, I worked two games in Kalamazoo today and the visiting teams were from Toledo and Sylvania. Both games were blowouts with the Kalamazoo teams winning by large margins.
During and after both games, the visiting parents and coaches were absolutely obnoxious and didn't hesitate to blame my partner and I for their poor performances.
Why don't people try to officiate a few games? If it's so easy and everyone thinks they have to be better than me, why are they in the stands?
And it wasn't even a matter of the officiating being a factor in the outcome of the games. They were just out-played. Why aren't the players and coaches expected to take responsibility for their behavior and choices? I'm not the one who missed the net with almost every shot, punched the guy in the head or hit an opponent in the face with his stick. Why is it my fault?
And what do these adults think they are teaching their kids? Who will they blame when the kids come home with a bad report card, don't get that job they wanted or get in their first car accident? It seems to me these kids are not learning to take responsibility for themselves and will forever blame others for the consequences of their own decisions.
I just don't get it.
One of the jump buddies
Iwan, a co-worker who jumped with me yesterday, blogged about her jump.
Check it out.
Check it out.
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!
We're take back New York, and we're gonna take back Washington, D.C., and we're gonna take back the Democratic National Committee!
Welcome back, Howard Dean.
Welcome back, Howard Dean.
Polar Bear Splash 2005
It's hard not to get excited about plunging into freezing water in mid February.
I can't tell you why it's so fun, but for others who have done it, I don't have to tell you. It's just fun.
My Splash buddy this year was Shane Freeman. I met him last year when I jumped for the first time, and we agreed to jump together again this year and throw in some grass skirts and seashell bras for character. Needless to say, it was a blast to see Shane again.
Enjoy the pics, and if you have the chance to make the leap, I highly recommend it.
I can't tell you why it's so fun, but for others who have done it, I don't have to tell you. It's just fun.
My Splash buddy this year was Shane Freeman. I met him last year when I jumped for the first time, and we agreed to jump together again this year and throw in some grass skirts and seashell bras for character. Needless to say, it was a blast to see Shane again.
Enjoy the pics, and if you have the chance to make the leap, I highly recommend it.
Friday, February 11, 2005
The war on terror?
Do any of us really have any rights as human beings anymore?
Soon, we will have to make the "W" sign with our fingers, much like Germans gave the "sieg heil" salute to Hitler and his Nazi regime.
Land of the free and home of the brave? What did our grandfathers fight for 60 years ago?
Soon, we will have to make the "W" sign with our fingers, much like Germans gave the "sieg heil" salute to Hitler and his Nazi regime.
Land of the free and home of the brave? What did our grandfathers fight for 60 years ago?
You have to be strong to jump into freezing water
I'm preparing myself for a Polar Bear Jump tomorrow. Through a hole cut in the ice, I am going to throw my body into freezing water. I've done it before -- twice to be exact -- but I still get a little nervous. It's an exhilarating experience, and I think every person who can swim should try it once.
The other guy is Dave. Dave is strong.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
What is happening?
The greatest sport on earth, and they're squabbling about money.
When will the horror end? It doesn't look like it will be anytime soon.
I think I agree with Brett Hull, though.
And when did he leave the Red Wings for the Coyotes? Was he traded? How did I miss this?
When will the horror end? It doesn't look like it will be anytime soon.
I think I agree with Brett Hull, though.
And when did he leave the Red Wings for the Coyotes? Was he traded? How did I miss this?
It's a sad week
My grandpa died yesterday. He was 89, but for some reason I could never remember that. I have always been two years short.
Anyway, he has been "rescued." That's how my 4-year-old son thinks of it. A child's mind is a thing of wonder.
Tomorrow night is the funeral service; closed-casket because he didn't like the thought of people looking at him after he died.
I have a lot of great memories of my grandpa. Every time my brother and I would go to his house, we'd knock on the door and he would say the same thing:
"Nobody here but us chickens, Boss."
He could make anything with his hands, and he used to turn down his hearing aids so he couldn't hear Grandma chirping at him.
I love him.
I am worried the most, though, about my mom. She has lost her parents and her husband, all in the last five years.
She's strong, intelligent, independent, classy and a simple kind of beautiful only God could create.
I still worry about her.
Anyway, he has been "rescued." That's how my 4-year-old son thinks of it. A child's mind is a thing of wonder.
Tomorrow night is the funeral service; closed-casket because he didn't like the thought of people looking at him after he died.
I have a lot of great memories of my grandpa. Every time my brother and I would go to his house, we'd knock on the door and he would say the same thing:
"Nobody here but us chickens, Boss."
He could make anything with his hands, and he used to turn down his hearing aids so he couldn't hear Grandma chirping at him.
I love him.
I am worried the most, though, about my mom. She has lost her parents and her husband, all in the last five years.
She's strong, intelligent, independent, classy and a simple kind of beautiful only God could create.
I still worry about her.
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