I used to list Linkin Park as one band I couldn't stand, in the same vein that I can't stand "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks and any material from the loafish Meat Loaf. I still think the "Shut up! Shut up! when I'm talking to you!" lyrics in their debut single are cliche and I think that song, as a whole, sounds like two separate songs joined together by the "Shut up!" lyrics.
That said, I heard this song in my truck today as I was returning to Mr. Movies with a DVD *inside* the case instead of in my DVD player. I like it.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
WAH...and an Apology Foretold
I'm working @ home because Megan has 7th grade orientation. I hope her 7th grade year is a lot like mine. Socially, I remember bouncing from group to group and making a lot of friends. It was the year I was asked to couple skate @ Super Skate and she knew how to skate backwards so that was a huge moment for me. She also turned out to be in 9th grade so even *that* was cool. Megan won't have that opportunity, though, because the school she will be at is only 7th & 8th graders. Later that year, I had a girlfriend and that was ultimately very cool.
But this isn't about that.
Last night, as I drove Megan to a classmate's house to work on their project, I apologized to her. I told her about my co-worker whose car engine is "falling apart." She said that her first instinct was to call her father because he likes cars and has done work on cars and understands them.
I am not like that. I believed in blinker fluid as a freshman in college.
I apologized to her because I know, someday, she will have car trouble. Some light will come on or turn off or some thing will sound funny under the hood. She will call me and say, "Hey Dad, the car is [fill in the blanks]. What do you think it is?"
Maybe between now and that phone call, I will know more than I do now. If she asked that question today, I would reply, "I don't know."
I would then go on to suggest taking it to a mechanic.
But this isn't about that.
Last night, as I drove Megan to a classmate's house to work on their project, I apologized to her. I told her about my co-worker whose car engine is "falling apart." She said that her first instinct was to call her father because he likes cars and has done work on cars and understands them.
I am not like that. I believed in blinker fluid as a freshman in college.
I apologized to her because I know, someday, she will have car trouble. Some light will come on or turn off or some thing will sound funny under the hood. She will call me and say, "Hey Dad, the car is [fill in the blanks]. What do you think it is?"
Maybe between now and that phone call, I will know more than I do now. If she asked that question today, I would reply, "I don't know."
I would then go on to suggest taking it to a mechanic.
More Season Finales
The season finale of "24" was on tonight. I still have Friday's "Prison Break" and Sunday's "Desparate Housewives" to watch. Maybe another show too.
But not tonight.
Good night...
But not tonight.
Good night...
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday Night
We drove up to Zhwingle, Iowa, on Saturday morning to get our camper. It was an uneventful drive. After the camper was hooked up, Karen drove through Dubuque to get to Balltown.
After lunch, I mowed my in-law's yard with the riding mower. It was the first time I'd ever driven a riding lawn mower and it was okay. The bouncy ride made my Pepsi flat but other than that, I did okay. I didn't remember how to put the damn thing into reverse so I was always looking forward. After the majority of the yard was done, I used a push mower - a non-self-propelling - to finish. That was more work than I thought it should be.
After that was done, I took a nap on their couch. Then, we ate supper - meat loaf, baked potato, corn, and French Silk pie for dessert - and played Euchre. Louie and I beat the women 3-0. Then we all went to bed.
That's what I wanted to write about.
I slept like a log. It was 10:30 when I got into bed and I slept so soundly. I woke up once, at 5 AM, and then, after that, I didn't wake up until 8:30-ish. It was wonderful.
Today, we went to 10 AM Mass in Balltown, followed by breakfast - French Toast & Holy Cross sausage - and then played Euchre. The men lost.
Then I drove the camper home. After we got home, I decided to mow. Alex thinks mowing the yard is fun (?!?!) so he ended up doing 85% of it. I think he will be doing all of it in the near future.
Tonight was a huge TV night. The season finale of "Deparate Housewives", the season finale of "Survivor", the WWE PPV "Judgment Day", a new "Breaking Bad", and to top it all off, the episode from MASH called "Adam's Ribs" (one of my favorites!). I taped DH, I caught some of Survivor, the results of the PPV are here
After lunch, I mowed my in-law's yard with the riding mower. It was the first time I'd ever driven a riding lawn mower and it was okay. The bouncy ride made my Pepsi flat but other than that, I did okay. I didn't remember how to put the damn thing into reverse so I was always looking forward. After the majority of the yard was done, I used a push mower - a non-self-propelling - to finish. That was more work than I thought it should be.
After that was done, I took a nap on their couch. Then, we ate supper - meat loaf, baked potato, corn, and French Silk pie for dessert - and played Euchre. Louie and I beat the women 3-0. Then we all went to bed.
That's what I wanted to write about.
I slept like a log. It was 10:30 when I got into bed and I slept so soundly. I woke up once, at 5 AM, and then, after that, I didn't wake up until 8:30-ish. It was wonderful.
Today, we went to 10 AM Mass in Balltown, followed by breakfast - French Toast & Holy Cross sausage - and then played Euchre. The men lost.
Then I drove the camper home. After we got home, I decided to mow. Alex thinks mowing the yard is fun (?!?!) so he ended up doing 85% of it. I think he will be doing all of it in the near future.
Tonight was a huge TV night. The season finale of "Deparate Housewives", the season finale of "Survivor", the WWE PPV "Judgment Day", a new "Breaking Bad", and to top it all off, the episode from MASH called "Adam's Ribs" (one of my favorites!). I taped DH, I caught some of Survivor, the results of the PPV are here
The week ahead is crazy busy (after work)
Monday - Alex has a game
Tuesday - Megan has a tour @ her new junior high. I am leaving work @ noon, racing to Regina by 12:30, racing her to the jr high by 1, then working @ home until 2:30, when I'll pick her up again and bring her home.
Wednesday - Alex has a game
Thursday - Nothing. I think the plan is to get the kids' floor cleaned up and/or the basement put back together.
Friday - Up in the air. We have talked about loading the camper and going to Riverside with Mark & Susie for Karen's (free) meal @ the buffet for her birthday. Susie's birthday is also in May so her meal would be free as well.
Saturday - Up in the air. We have talked about going to the CR Kernels game @ 4 for a concert called "The Music of the Eagles," followed by a 6:35 game, followed by fireworks. We may also be playing @ 5:15 Mass for the next to last time until the new church is built. I need to bring my drums home.
Sunday - Up in the air. We have talked about hosting a barbeque, but it is also the weekend of the Blues-n-Barbeque event in the North Liberty park, which I think would be fun to go to.
Monday - Nothing. Probably take a long nap from 12:30-3.
At work, it is going to be an insane 9 days. I have 5 days (5/18-5/22) to get as many and as much documentation for the next update completed. It means trying to 'will' my way through more work than can be reasonably completed in a 40 hour week. After Friday (and Memorial Day), I will begin developing UI changes for at least 39 changes to our software and that number is likely to go up. I need to be done with all of these changes by 4 on Wednesday so I can give the paperwork to my co-worker so she can test them on Thursday and return any changes she has on Friday so I can make those changes and wrap up the entire process.
My goal is to be done with all of that work by Friday, 5 PM. If I am, I plan to take a full two weeks of vacation, starting 6/1 and not returning to work until 6/15. What a glorious break that would be! If I am not done with my work by Friday, I will work a 1/2 day on Monday 6/1 and a full day on Tuesday 6/2. I *really* want to be done with my work on Friday so I can give myself a full two weeks off. That is my goal.
So that's what I have to look forward to this week.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
5159
5150 is the code for mentally unstable, if I remember the press releases that surrounded the Van Halen release of the same name. It was the first release with Sammy Hagar replacing David Lee Roth. No one thought it would work, but it did. For several years, in fact, as the "Van Hagar" band rocked the world, releasing a lot of singles, a lot of albums, and a lot of songs that showcased Eddie and Alex Van Halen.
I feel a little off tonight. I watched the season finale of "Lost" and ... just when I thought I understood everything, the season finale asks more questions. Okay, I get that Jacob wanted everyone to return to the island and he was the one that got Hurley to agree. I also get that he visited everyone, at some point, and interacted with them in an innocent way. He gave Jack the candy bar that was stuck in the machine. What the episode doesn't explain, though, is who the hell is John Locke? How is he in Jacob's house, instructing Ben to kill Jacob and yet, John Locke's body was in the casket. A character said, "If that's John Locke, who's in there with Ben?"
I DON'T HAVE A CLUE!!! Let's see what the Internet says... maybe Juliet is alive. Basically.... wait and see what happens in 2010. I did read that the eye that is in the 13 second teaser is Jack's. People are equating the eye at the end of season 5 with the eye that opens up episode 1 in season 1. Read this:
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00024255.html
I feel a little off tonight. I watched the season finale of "Lost" and ... just when I thought I understood everything, the season finale asks more questions. Okay, I get that Jacob wanted everyone to return to the island and he was the one that got Hurley to agree. I also get that he visited everyone, at some point, and interacted with them in an innocent way. He gave Jack the candy bar that was stuck in the machine. What the episode doesn't explain, though, is who the hell is John Locke? How is he in Jacob's house, instructing Ben to kill Jacob and yet, John Locke's body was in the casket. A character said, "If that's John Locke, who's in there with Ben?"
I DON'T HAVE A CLUE!!! Let's see what the Internet says... maybe Juliet is alive. Basically.... wait and see what happens in 2010. I did read that the eye that is in the 13 second teaser is Jack's. People are equating the eye at the end of season 5 with the eye that opens up episode 1 in season 1. Read this:
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00024255.html
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Rain Rain Rain & How to Spend $100 quickly...
We went to the North Liberty fields for Alex's game ... and waited until the games were called off because of lightening. On the way home, we stopped at the Rec Center and signed up the kids for swim lessons. They are both taking two sessions x $25 each = $100.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The best concert I'm not going to attend...
Bands Announced so far:
Rock Gone Wild in Algona, Iowa from 8/21-8/24 ... two 4-day General Admission Passes + one 20X20 tent site for only $175.00 ( plus shipping and taxes )
Puddle of Mudd
Saxon
Warrant
April Wine
Skid Row
Lita Ford
Dokken
Great White
Kix
Candlebox
Saving Abel
Eve 6
Tantric
Saigon Kick
Jackyl
Cherie Currie (lead singer of the Runaways)
LA guns (featuring Phil Lewis)
Honeymoon Suite
Tyketto
powerman 5000
Hardcore Superstar
Primal Fear
Helix
Armored Saint
Lizzy borden
Rhino Bucket
Black n' Blue
Dirty looks
Lillian Axe
Gypsy Pistoleros
Texas Hippie Coalition
Tigertailz
Crazy Lixx
Sick of Sarah
Ernie and the Automatics
Stuck on Stupid
Savior
Ashamed
Frainkenstein 3000
Mighty Swine
Downtread
... and more
Rock Gone Wild in Algona, Iowa from 8/21-8/24 ... two 4-day General Admission Passes + one 20X20 tent site for only $175.00 ( plus shipping and taxes )
Puddle of Mudd
Saxon
Warrant
April Wine
Skid Row
Lita Ford
Dokken
Great White
Kix
Candlebox
Saving Abel
Eve 6
Tantric
Saigon Kick
Jackyl
Cherie Currie (lead singer of the Runaways)
LA guns (featuring Phil Lewis)
Honeymoon Suite
Tyketto
powerman 5000
Hardcore Superstar
Primal Fear
Helix
Armored Saint
Lizzy borden
Rhino Bucket
Black n' Blue
Dirty looks
Lillian Axe
Gypsy Pistoleros
Texas Hippie Coalition
Tigertailz
Crazy Lixx
Sick of Sarah
Ernie and the Automatics
Stuck on Stupid
Savior
Ashamed
Frainkenstein 3000
Mighty Swine
Downtread
... and more
Guardrail
The tune "Guardrail" by Bayside is my new favorite song. I have been listening to it a lot in the truck on the way to work. I like the part about the caught up, / In the day-to-day / Drama of being you / To notice me / And what's become of my eyes phrase the most. I know people like this, that are so self-involved that they don't notice other people or how their actions influence people that, if asked, they would consider their friend. So here are the lyrics to "Guardrail." It is from the Sirens and Condolences album.
You can sleep with a gun but when u going to wake up and fight for yourself?
There are a lot of cool Metallica youtube videos from their recent hall of fame induction but this is the video that I wanted to include. It is not from 2009. I like the choppiness of how the guitar riff is played. I also like when the camera goes to Ozzy and you can see him singing along... and Hetfield's laughter towards the end of the guitar solo...
And... flame me if you want - I don't care - I still contend that "St. Anger" is not the crap-ridden release that others make it out to be. I think SA is a great record. It can still receive a few spins in a row in my CD player & the title track is never skipped:
You wanted to know just what makes me tick,
I guess I could say that,
You and your bullshit,
Are pushing me towards an explosion.
I guess you're what drives me.
I wish I could ride you,
Drive you too fast into a sharp curve,
Break your neck like you broke my will,
The guardrail will take you home.
I guess you get caught up,
In the day-to-day,
Drama of being you.
To notice me,
And what's become of my eyes,
The vessels are an angry red,
Just like the blood from my
lips, as I chew on them.
I wish I could ride you,
Drive you too fast into a sharp curve,
Break your neck like you broke my will,
The guardrail will take you home.
I keep your picture as a reminder,
of what I wish I wasn't.
It's like a fun house mirror
version of myself, through
those f'ed up eyes of yours.
I wish I could ride you,
Drive you too fast into a sharp curve,
Break your neck like you broke my will,
The guardrail,
The guardrail,
The guardrail,
will take you home.
You can sleep with a gun but when u going to wake up and fight for yourself?
There are a lot of cool Metallica youtube videos from their recent hall of fame induction but this is the video that I wanted to include. It is not from 2009. I like the choppiness of how the guitar riff is played. I also like when the camera goes to Ozzy and you can see him singing along... and Hetfield's laughter towards the end of the guitar solo...
And... flame me if you want - I don't care - I still contend that "St. Anger" is not the crap-ridden release that others make it out to be. I think SA is a great record. It can still receive a few spins in a row in my CD player & the title track is never skipped:
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
It's MY JOB to READ!
And I didn't read the directions. Alex had a project due today and he and I worked on it last night from ~7:45-9:15. It was on Robert Feller, a baseball pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. He was supposed to make a poster with pictures. I suggested printing pictures from the Internet, instead of drawing them, and gluing them on.
He is getting docked points for not reading the instructions that said, "Remember, not all of us are artist's (sp) so do your BEST Fourth Grade work in all of the drawing you do."
That means, no printing pictures from the Internet.
And this was an exercise in creativity how?
Also, he is getting docked points because it is not a colorful poster. Uh, the majority of the pictures printed were in COLOR INK! Hello?
Life goes on but I feel robbed...
He is getting docked points for not reading the instructions that said, "Remember, not all of us are artist's (sp) so do your BEST Fourth Grade work in all of the drawing you do."
That means, no printing pictures from the Internet.
And this was an exercise in creativity how?
Also, he is getting docked points because it is not a colorful poster. Uh, the majority of the pictures printed were in COLOR INK! Hello?
Life goes on but I feel robbed...
Buzzing along...
Lauren, on Techwr-L, posted this today:
I guess it would be best to avoid (or use, in some cases) everything generated
http://www.1728.com/buzzword.htm
http://www.robietherobot.com/buzzword.htm,
but this one is exceptionally lovely
http://www.elfqrin.com/buzzwgen.html.
More fun
http://www.westegg.com/cliche/random.cgi.
Enjoy!
I guess it would be best to avoid (or use, in some cases) everything generated
http://www.1728.com/buzzword.htm
http://www.robietherobot.com/buzzword.htm,
but this one is exceptionally lovely
http://www.elfqrin.com/buzzwgen.html.
More fun
http://www.westegg.com/cliche/random.cgi.
Enjoy!
RIP
Captain Chaos is dead. He was 75 when he breathed his last. I remember always thinking Captain Chaos was a funny comedian. I remember being taken to see "The Cannonball Run," the movie in which he starred and liking it enough that I purchased the movie on DVD.
My kids don't think CC is very funny, but maybe, someday, they will.
My kids don't think CC is very funny, but maybe, someday, they will.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Low Tide this Month
Someone said to me, "I can't believe it's almost May."
I replied, "Good riddance!"
While, yes, there were high points in my life in April 2009, such as seeing Bayside and what I was able to accomplish at work on my list of projects and being able to throw my wife a surprise party, it is also the month where the routine became a bit stressful at times. I'm not speaking of Karen's foot - I'm speaking of the daily routine that all families have to go through. Day in, day out, there's all these demands on time. This needs to be done. That is due then. You need to fulfill this or that obligation. What about what you said two weeks ago, are we still doing that? There's all these things and, frankly, April will be remembered as the month of doing a lot but not accomplishing much. I still don't have my Excel file of CDs, tapes, and other media updated. I didn't write even half of the reviews I expected myself to write - not to mention what publicists must have expected me to do. The time just went by too damn fast. And it's not going to slow down anytime soon with First Communion in Chicagoland this weekend, a trip to Adventureland with Megan on their band trip the following, going up to get the camper the weekend after that and then it's Memorial Day weekend and Local H is playing in Waterloo on that Friday night. The following weekend is right before we leave for vacation. Then we get back from vacation and start camping season in Elkader from 6/11-7/11, which means none of those five Saturdays will be spent in front of the PC. I guess I'm taking a vacation from writing around that time...
On to other things. I'd really like to write about the .JS file that I am using in my online Help topics to automatically create a "Quick Links" section. It is soooo cooollll!
I don't have time to dwell on it now, though.
I replied, "Good riddance!"
While, yes, there were high points in my life in April 2009, such as seeing Bayside and what I was able to accomplish at work on my list of projects and being able to throw my wife a surprise party, it is also the month where the routine became a bit stressful at times. I'm not speaking of Karen's foot - I'm speaking of the daily routine that all families have to go through. Day in, day out, there's all these demands on time. This needs to be done. That is due then. You need to fulfill this or that obligation. What about what you said two weeks ago, are we still doing that? There's all these things and, frankly, April will be remembered as the month of doing a lot but not accomplishing much. I still don't have my Excel file of CDs, tapes, and other media updated. I didn't write even half of the reviews I expected myself to write - not to mention what publicists must have expected me to do. The time just went by too damn fast. And it's not going to slow down anytime soon with First Communion in Chicagoland this weekend, a trip to Adventureland with Megan on their band trip the following, going up to get the camper the weekend after that and then it's Memorial Day weekend and Local H is playing in Waterloo on that Friday night. The following weekend is right before we leave for vacation. Then we get back from vacation and start camping season in Elkader from 6/11-7/11, which means none of those five Saturdays will be spent in front of the PC. I guess I'm taking a vacation from writing around that time...
On to other things. I'd really like to write about the .JS file that I am using in my online Help topics to automatically create a "Quick Links" section. It is soooo cooollll!
I don't have time to dwell on it now, though.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
New Era
It's a new era in my life. I haven't had any major revelation this week as far as work or my life outside of work. I do have a better sense of who I am and what I am trying to accomplish in my life. I think I have finally become serious about my health.
With the help of my Wellness Coach, I am eating less when I eat out or at home, remain focused on taking two 15 minute walks each day, and reducing the number of Pepsi's I have. I have worked myself into 3 a day - two in the AM, one at lunch. Yesterday, I broke with that because I helped Fred move his couch and while I could have had the beer Fred offered me, I took a Mountain Dew instead as my "reward."
In my last meeting with my Wellness Coach, I talked about how I need to remain focused on what I want to do. I want to look good without a shirt on. I want to be able to mow without a shirt and not be embarassed. I want to go to the pool or to be sitting around the campfire and not have a gut. Period. I had a goal of losing 30 pounds and, well, that is proving to be unrealistic.
I have dropped a few pounds but I still hover where I was a couple of months ago when this all started. So, baby steps. It is crunch time and if I am going to accomplish my goal - to look good without a shirt - I need to really focus. The weekends are going to be hard as we are out of town this weekend and the following 2 weekends are probable that we will not be home. That opens the door for unhealthy eating - read: snacking - and unhealthy choices as far as beverages. I drink too many Pepsis on the weekend, I think, so I need to curb that. If I was a die-hard, I wouldn't drink any. A Pepsi in the AM, though, is like a cup of coffee for others. It helps me focus. Thus, I am not really interested in giving it up. I do not drink a Pepsi on the way to work. I have been eating more breakfast in the AM than I used to. Someone said you should eat the most in the AM, less @ noon, and even less @ night if you want to lose weight.
Anyways, I haven't written about work lately. It's been pretty good. I chopped my way through a few big projects on my list and am working on things that I should not be really working on until next week, per my "grand plan." I have a big deadline coming on Friday, 5/15, so I have just about 2 weeks to slam through as many projects and changes to the doc that I can.
After 5/15, there is going to be another 2 weeks where I will probably be making UI changes. There are a lot of exciting and extensive changes that are on their way to our clients. I am still overwhelmed with work - still have 40 or more weeks of work on my desk, though it seems like I'm not getting new projects added to it. There is just so much going on that it seems really crazy, yet somewhat calming to know that, as long as clients continue to fund the projects they want us to complete, we will be fine. That's why it is important to work effectively and to not spend a lot of time gossiping or in any other way unfocused on what I am being paid to do. That is why I am there - to do work. It is not to waste time talking about bird crap - remember that post from a while back?
So... I'm listening to Bayside now. That was just a tremendously great show. It is hard to believe it was a week ago already. I submitted my review to DV so that should, hopefully, be posted fairly soon. One tidbit I did not include in my review is that there was a little girl - like 4 or 5 - at that show with earplugs - not in her ear lobes, but in her ear to block the noise. While I can kind of see it, I also think that that little girl probably got nothing out of the show. It was kind of sad and seemed like a selfish gesture by the mom, who was holding the girl's hand.Not what I would choose, but that's what makes the world go round.
In Manchester, IA, there was a 36 year-old who cut the pacemaker out of his dad's chest. Good gravy! That's just crazy.
Meanwhile, there are protests by the Jews for calling the "swine flu" the "swine flu" because they don't eat pork and it's offensive. They want to call it the Mexican flu. Yeah, like that's not going to offend someone. "Offend whoever you want as long as it's not my group!" seems to be the mentality.
Tomorrow is practice for both kids but the forecast is for rain so I wonder if that will cancel practice.
Finally, Phil talked about some great pizza in Chicagoland. I looked at this website and, without getting too detailed, there is at least one location near the city I will be sleeping in this weekend: http://www.loumalnatis.com/ so maybe, possibly, I will be able to experience some tasty Chicago pizza!
With the help of my Wellness Coach, I am eating less when I eat out or at home, remain focused on taking two 15 minute walks each day, and reducing the number of Pepsi's I have. I have worked myself into 3 a day - two in the AM, one at lunch. Yesterday, I broke with that because I helped Fred move his couch and while I could have had the beer Fred offered me, I took a Mountain Dew instead as my "reward."
In my last meeting with my Wellness Coach, I talked about how I need to remain focused on what I want to do. I want to look good without a shirt on. I want to be able to mow without a shirt and not be embarassed. I want to go to the pool or to be sitting around the campfire and not have a gut. Period. I had a goal of losing 30 pounds and, well, that is proving to be unrealistic.
I have dropped a few pounds but I still hover where I was a couple of months ago when this all started. So, baby steps. It is crunch time and if I am going to accomplish my goal - to look good without a shirt - I need to really focus. The weekends are going to be hard as we are out of town this weekend and the following 2 weekends are probable that we will not be home. That opens the door for unhealthy eating - read: snacking - and unhealthy choices as far as beverages. I drink too many Pepsis on the weekend, I think, so I need to curb that. If I was a die-hard, I wouldn't drink any. A Pepsi in the AM, though, is like a cup of coffee for others. It helps me focus. Thus, I am not really interested in giving it up. I do not drink a Pepsi on the way to work. I have been eating more breakfast in the AM than I used to. Someone said you should eat the most in the AM, less @ noon, and even less @ night if you want to lose weight.
Anyways, I haven't written about work lately. It's been pretty good. I chopped my way through a few big projects on my list and am working on things that I should not be really working on until next week, per my "grand plan." I have a big deadline coming on Friday, 5/15, so I have just about 2 weeks to slam through as many projects and changes to the doc that I can.
After 5/15, there is going to be another 2 weeks where I will probably be making UI changes. There are a lot of exciting and extensive changes that are on their way to our clients. I am still overwhelmed with work - still have 40 or more weeks of work on my desk, though it seems like I'm not getting new projects added to it. There is just so much going on that it seems really crazy, yet somewhat calming to know that, as long as clients continue to fund the projects they want us to complete, we will be fine. That's why it is important to work effectively and to not spend a lot of time gossiping or in any other way unfocused on what I am being paid to do. That is why I am there - to do work. It is not to waste time talking about bird crap - remember that post from a while back?
So... I'm listening to Bayside now. That was just a tremendously great show. It is hard to believe it was a week ago already. I submitted my review to DV so that should, hopefully, be posted fairly soon. One tidbit I did not include in my review is that there was a little girl - like 4 or 5 - at that show with earplugs - not in her ear lobes, but in her ear to block the noise. While I can kind of see it, I also think that that little girl probably got nothing out of the show. It was kind of sad and seemed like a selfish gesture by the mom, who was holding the girl's hand.
In Manchester, IA, there was a 36 year-old who cut the pacemaker out of his dad's chest. Good gravy! That's just crazy.
Meanwhile, there are protests by the Jews for calling the "swine flu" the "swine flu" because they don't eat pork and it's offensive. They want to call it the Mexican flu. Yeah, like that's not going to offend someone. "Offend whoever you want as long as it's not my group!" seems to be the mentality.
Tomorrow is practice for both kids but the forecast is for rain so I wonder if that will cancel practice.
Finally, Phil talked about some great pizza in Chicagoland. I looked at this website and, without getting too detailed, there is at least one location near the city I will be sleeping in this weekend: http://www.loumalnatis.com/ so maybe, possibly, I will be able to experience some tasty Chicago pizza!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Why do windows always display in my documentation?
According to several Technical Writers (TWers) on various e-mail lists, "display" is a transitive verb that requires an object. Not having an object is technically ungrammatical.
Well, this is one TWer that does not shy away from breaking a rule.
The following format is used in the documentation I write and maintain:
"Click Add. The [whatever]displays."
Grammatically, the above should be "Thedisplays on your screen."
However, I object. There are two issues with this wording. First of all, in the context of documentation that describes PC-based software, "on your screen" is implied. Where else is it going to display? I think it invites the user to say "Where else is it going to display you moron." Secondly, I personally object to the word "screen." This is a tidbit I gleaned from my first Technical Writing "gig." My mentor at the time told me that your "screen" is a piece of hardware. What you see on your screen is a window. Therefore, in that light, I'd have to say "The "name of window" displays on your window" which is stupid. I admit I was very impressionable when I started Technical Writing and now consider myself very stubborn in the idiosyncrasies I've adopted.
I could take the easy way out and write "The XYZ window *appears*. That's as equally gross as using "on your screen." Using the word "appears" betrays the spirit of software, which is not magic. While I have no programming training, I have been a TWer since 2/10/95. I have learned "events" happen because the user inputs information or performs some action, which causes another action. In my macro coding, it is known as an "If-Then" macro. If the user press F9=Add, then the program will toggle to Add mode." It's very cause/effect. The word "appears"has a connotation of magic as in "I will make a rabbit appear in this hat. "Software is the anti-magician vocation. There is no magic. Nothing happens automagically.
Other ways to say this include "The ABC system displays the XYZ window." That one is so gross, I won't touch it.
So yes, while"display" is a transitive verb and yes, it does require an object, I don't see it as being an evil. Rather, it's a necessary evil.
When documenting PC-based software, I view "the "name of window" displays" as acceptable.
Well, this is one TWer that does not shy away from breaking a rule.
The following format is used in the documentation I write and maintain:
"Click Add. The [whatever]
Grammatically, the above should be "The
However, I object. There are two issues with this wording. First of all, in the context of documentation that describes PC-based software, "on your screen" is implied. Where else is it going to display? I think it invites the user to say "Where else is it going to display you moron." Secondly, I personally object to the word "screen." This is a tidbit I gleaned from my first Technical Writing "gig." My mentor at the time told me that your "screen" is a piece of hardware. What you see on your screen is a window. Therefore, in that light, I'd have to say "The "name of window" displays on your window" which is stupid. I admit I was very impressionable when I started Technical Writing and now consider myself very stubborn in the idiosyncrasies I've adopted.
I could take the easy way out and write "The XYZ window *appears*. That's as equally gross as using "on your screen." Using the word "appears" betrays the spirit of software, which is not magic. While I have no programming training, I have been a TWer since 2/10/95. I have learned "events" happen because the user inputs information or performs some action, which causes another action. In my macro coding, it is known as an "If-Then" macro. If the user press F9=Add, then the program will toggle to Add mode." It's very cause/effect. The word "appears"has a connotation of magic as in "I will make a rabbit appear in this hat. "Software is the anti-magician vocation. There is no magic. Nothing happens automagically.
Other ways to say this include "The ABC system displays the XYZ window." That one is so gross, I won't touch it.
So yes, while"display" is a transitive verb and yes, it does require an object, I don't see it as being an evil. Rather, it's a necessary evil.
When documenting PC-based software, I view "the "name of window" displays" as acceptable.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
What a week... and it only gets funner...
My brain is fried. The last 7 days were long, tiring, rewarding, and, now, over.
This coming week is going to be very busy.
Mon: Megan has softball practice. Karen has a doctor appointment for her foot to see how much longer she will be in her cast. It's been 8 weeks.
Tue: Alex has baseball practice
Wed: Pack for the weekend
Thur: Both kids have practice
Fri: It is Grandparent's Day @ Regina. I am leaving @ noon to go to it as is Karen. Both sets of Grandparents have commitments. At night, Mark and Susie and Jonathan and Tyler are staying at our house because...
Sat: We need to leave for Chicagoland no later than 7 for Danny's first communion Mass that is @ 12:30. Then we are staying overnight in Chicagoland.
Sun: Drive home
Mon: the grind starts all over again ....
- On Tuesday, Alex had baseball practice.
- On Wednesday, I drove to and from Des Moines (by myself) for the Bayside show. That was phenomenal. I met up with Travis and Dave and had a good time. I got on the road around 11 and was in bed by 1.
- On Thursday, I got up at 6 - so it was a short short night - worked, came home, went to Alex's baseball practice and Megan's softball practice, came home, loaded the truck for spring cleanup day, and went to bed.
- On Friday, I got up and helped Karen get ready for work - her foot is still in a cast 8 weeks later. After she left, I put two cases of beer and two cases of miscellaneous soft drinks into our garage fridge. I took our two card tables and chairs from the furnace room and had them ready. I did a quick clean up throughout the house. Then I got the kids up and helped them make their beds. Then I went to work. I donated blood. I asked if I could drink alcohol and she told me to make sure to drink a lot of water before I do.
This is where it gets good.
While I was at work, Dave came over on his Harley and gave the kids rides. Then he told Karen that they had had a good time last week and we should go out for happy hour. So, when I got home, we went to pick up Dave and Cindy. We went to Gus' and had good conversation. We went home and were getting ready to play cards when all of a sudden, there was a long line of cars honking their horns coming down our street.
That was how we started Karen's surprise 40th birthday party. Bill had the keg in his vehicle so we got that set up. I backed out the van and truck. Keith and Len grabbed the card tables and chairs from the basement. My mother-in-law, her sister (Aunt Pat), my sister-in-law Chris, Debbie, and others went into the house and got the food set up. Mike and Steve went across the street to Mark and Jenny's and got Dave's tables and chairs. Paul from WI and I got the kids' toys moved from the back service door because the keg was to be set up on the cement block out that door.
And within about 10 minutes, there were card tables and chairs set up in our garage, the keg was tapped, Aunt Pat had a rum and Pepsi in her hand, Karen had a beer, and the party was on! There were about 70 people, not counting kids, that came to her party. We did not run out of beverages or food, which is good.
By 1:30 or so, everyone was gone and the kids were in bed. My son had 6 pops "because it was a party!" Megan was a bit distraught because I had not told her what I was planning. I think she thinks I should have trusted her to not tell Karen. By 2, I was in bed. - On Saturday, I woke up @ 6:30 and, finally, @ 7, armed with a list for the grocery store, I got up and went to Spring Clean Up day. There was a huge line. Because I didn't have batteries or yard waste, I didn't have to go through the huge line and got to go to a garbage truck that was by the entrance to the landfill. I made it to Fareway by 7:40. They don't open until 8. I saw another customer go in so I went in. I was checked out by 8.
I had a haircut @ 1:30 and was home by 2:15, which is when we left for Jonathan's 1st Communion in Cedar Falls. We had to turn around because there was a fear we had left a candle burning. It was out and put us behind schedule about 15 minutes.
It didn't really matter. We were still there early.
During Mass, it felt like it was 90 degrees. Karen says I slept during the homily and, I admit, when I woke up, I felt better. We went to Mark and Susie's for supper and left around 9:45.
We got home and I started watching "Rudy" to unwind. The next thing I know, it's 1 AM and I'm still on the couch.
This coming week is going to be very busy.
Mon: Megan has softball practice. Karen has a doctor appointment for her foot to see how much longer she will be in her cast. It's been 8 weeks.
Tue: Alex has baseball practice
Wed: Pack for the weekend
Thur: Both kids have practice
Fri: It is Grandparent's Day @ Regina. I am leaving @ noon to go to it as is Karen. Both sets of Grandparents have commitments. At night, Mark and Susie and Jonathan and Tyler are staying at our house because...
Sat: We need to leave for Chicagoland no later than 7 for Danny's first communion Mass that is @ 12:30. Then we are staying overnight in Chicagoland.
Sun: Drive home
Mon: the grind starts all over again ....
Monday, April 20, 2009
Green - Not in Iowa - Day
Green Day's upcoming North American tour dates are as follows:
July
10th Fargo, ND - WHO the hell schedules ND over Iowa?!?
11th Minneapolis, MN
[HELLO?!? Drive south on I-35 through Iowa, and stop on 7/12 in either Des Moines or Iowa City?!?]
13th Chicago, IL
14th Detroit, MI
August
11th St. Louis, MO
12th Kansas City, MO
13th Omaha, NE
15th Denver, CO
July
11th Minneapolis, MN
[HELLO?!? Drive south on I-35 through Iowa, and stop on 7/12 in either Des Moines or Iowa City?!?]
13th Chicago, IL
14th Detroit, MI
August
12th Kansas City, MO
13th Omaha, NE
15th Denver, CO
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Shaft
Shafted again by the band "Hopewell" who skip Iowa on their upcoming tour:
Let Me Run is a band I have in my stack of CDs to review. I like this song:
This is pretty cool. Good music.
- May 26 2009 The Lager House Detroit, Michigan
- May 27 2009 Schuba's Chicago, Illinois
- May 28 2009 The Highdive Champaign, Illinois
- May 29 2009 Turf Club St. Paul, Minnesota
- May 30 2009 Replay Lounge Lawrence, Kansas
- Jun 2 2009 Larimer Lounge Denver, Colorado
Let Me Run is a band I have in my stack of CDs to review. I like this song:
This is pretty cool. Good music.
Bayside
Bayside is now only a few days away! I have two press passes secured! And... I called Travis, who lives in Des Moines, and asked if he wanted to go. I also asked Dave D if he wanted to go because he said, last night, he was going to be in Des Moines on Wednesday night. This is going to rock!
Good to be Me...
Have you ever felt awesome about the work you accomplished? I did on Thursday. With help from a support rep, I created a batch file that compiles all of my UI projects in 3 minutes. I used to allow a 1/2 hour for this! Now, 3 minutes is all I need. Read this:
-----Original Message-----
From: [My Manager]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:25 AM
To: [Me]
Cc: [CEO]
Subject: RE: 93716
[Me]
This is wonderful! As we talked, this is exactly the type of thing we all need to question and explore to make our jobs more efficient. It is also reassuring to know we are receiving valued support through our [support] maintenance in providing us with additional tools that we need. Thank you again for your efforts to streamline the process.
[My Manager]
-----Original Message-----
From: [Me]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:02 AM
To: '[Product Manager]'
Cc: '[support_rep_that_helped_me]'; [My Manager]
Subject: 93716
[Product Manager],
I wanted you to know that [support_rep_that_helped_me] assisted me with incident 93716, which I just closed. I wanted to have a batch file that would compile each of my 18 collections. Previously, I had to open each collection, set the version field, compile, exit the collection, and continue. As a rule of thumb, I allowed a 1/2 hour for me to manually complete this process.
I am writing to you today to tell you that, under [support_rep_that_helped_me]'s patient guidance, I now have a batch file that compiles all of my collections in 3 minutes. Built in to the batch file is the ability to modify version,for example, when we go from [version 1] to [version 2], so there is no reason I cannot double-click my file and go for a walk while the files compile.
[support_rep_that_helped_me]'s excellent customer support was key in making this incident successfully resolved. I know that if I have an issue, your support staff will be able to solve it.
So now, our CEO knows I just saved 27 minutes! That is good for me.
I need to shower and leave for Waterloo so that's all. Maybe I'll write more tomorrow AM before the cymbal sale.
-----Original Message-----
From: [My Manager]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:25 AM
To: [Me]
Cc: [CEO]
Subject: RE: 93716
[Me]
This is wonderful! As we talked, this is exactly the type of thing we all need to question and explore to make our jobs more efficient. It is also reassuring to know we are receiving valued support through our [support] maintenance in providing us with additional tools that we need. Thank you again for your efforts to streamline the process.
[My Manager]
-----Original Message-----
From: [Me]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 9:02 AM
To: '[Product Manager]'
Cc: '[support_rep_that_helped_me]'; [My Manager]
Subject: 93716
[Product Manager],
I wanted you to know that [support_rep_that_helped_me] assisted me with incident 93716, which I just closed. I wanted to have a batch file that would compile each of my 18 collections. Previously, I had to open each collection, set the version field, compile, exit the collection, and continue. As a rule of thumb, I allowed a 1/2 hour for me to manually complete this process.
I am writing to you today to tell you that, under [support_rep_that_helped_me]'s patient guidance, I now have a batch file that compiles all of my collections in 3 minutes. Built in to the batch file is the ability to modify version,for example, when we go from [version 1] to [version 2], so there is no reason I cannot double-click my file and go for a walk while the files compile.
[support_rep_that_helped_me]'s excellent customer support was key in making this incident successfully resolved. I know that if I have an issue, your support staff will be able to solve it.
So now, our CEO knows I just saved 27 minutes! That is good for me.
I need to shower and leave for Waterloo so that's all. Maybe I'll write more tomorrow AM before the cymbal sale.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Odd
I had an odd day @ work. For one thing, I left @ 2 and did not take a lunch. I left early because my wife, who has a broken foot in two places, went to the doctor. As she was getting out of our truck last night, she landed wrong on her broken foot and the pain went searing through her foot and her body. There were a lot of emotions flowing through the air. On Mondays, typically, she picks the kids up from school and takes them to Alex's tutor. His tutor starts @ 3:15 and she picks them up ~2:45. So, being ~45 minutes away from the kids' school, I left @ 2 to go get the kids and take them to Alex's tutor. While @ tutor, I thought about all the work I have to do. I started to really internalize that you (meaning me) have a lot on your plate. That point hit home Friday night. There was some sappy Hallmark movie with the word "love" in the title that I didn't have a lot of interest in watching. It was too early to go to bed so I sat @ my in-laws' table in their sun room and figured out what I was going to work on this week. Yes, Good Friday night was spent on work!
Back to today. The second odd thing that happened today is that when I got home, I cooked supper. The doctor told my wife today that if she does not do "only what must be done," she will have to wear her cast longer. Already, the last seven weeks are too long, in her eyes, so I think, finally, she is going to get serious about doing less around the house and allowing the kids and I to pick up more. I hope. I don't really want her to have to go through this cast on her foot any longer than she has to in order to heal her foot.
Finally, the third odd thing is I made contact with a publicist who has the power to put me on a guest list for the Bayside show in Des Moines, IA, so, for a change, I have something planned more than a week in advance.
This week is the first of several crazy weeks in a row.
Monday - We thought Megan had softball practice but no one was @ the field.
Tuesday - Alex has baseball practice
Wednesday - the kids have piano lessons from 5-6
Thursday - Survivor and we think Megan has softball
Friday - Here's something I'm going to talk about a lot - a 2 hour Prison Break episode!
Saturday - I have a CEW meeting in Waterloo and need to leave my house by 7:00-ish. The meeting is to be done by noon and I have a haircut @ 3. We are playing 5:15 Mass.
Sunday - there is a cymbal warehouse sale less than 5 miles from my house. I'd like to pick up a cheap cymbal or two for Alex. Maybe a cymbal stand.
Then it starts back up again on Monday.
Back to today. The second odd thing that happened today is that when I got home, I cooked supper. The doctor told my wife today that if she does not do "only what must be done," she will have to wear her cast longer. Already, the last seven weeks are too long, in her eyes, so I think, finally, she is going to get serious about doing less around the house and allowing the kids and I to pick up more. I hope. I don't really want her to have to go through this cast on her foot any longer than she has to in order to heal her foot.
Finally, the third odd thing is I made contact with a publicist who has the power to put me on a guest list for the Bayside show in Des Moines, IA, so, for a change, I have something planned more than a week in advance.
This week is the first of several crazy weeks in a row.
Monday - We thought Megan had softball practice but no one was @ the field.
Tuesday - Alex has baseball practice
Wednesday - the kids have piano lessons from 5-6
Thursday - Survivor
Friday - Here's something I'm going to talk about a lot - a 2 hour Prison Break episode!
Saturday - I have a CEW meeting in Waterloo and need to leave my house by 7:00-ish. The meeting is to be done by noon and I have a haircut @ 3. We are playing 5:15 Mass.
Sunday - there is a cymbal warehouse sale less than 5 miles from my house. I'd like to pick up a cheap cymbal or two for Alex. Maybe a cymbal stand.
Then it starts back up again on Monday.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Fine. Schedule a concert in Iowa on a date I am unavailable
If Sunday, 05/31/09, were not two days prior to leaving on a family vacation, I would be @ this show.
Saliva
Korn
Buckcherry
Saving Abel
Rev Theory
Duff McKagan's Loaded
Actually, I would be content to stay until Buckcherry finished their set, then leave. Neither Korn nor Saliva really trip my musical trigger.
I have no idea what Duff McKagan's Loaded sounds like but if it's anything remotely close to Velvet Revolver or G-n-R, I would probably tolerate it for an opening gig. Neither of those two bands are in my top 10 or even top 20 of favorite bands but they're okay.
I liked Rev Theory's Truth is Currency release but I haven't heard any of their follow-up material.
I liked Saving Abel when they were on the bill with Buck Cherry & Shine Down.
I liked Buckcherry more than I thought I would.
So really, if Buckcherry finished @ 9, I'd be home by 11 and in bed by 12. I guess it depends upon what time the show starts.
So, I expand the search of concerts in the Des Moines area and who do I find? Every Avenue! They are a band I reviewed - you can read the review here - and I will miss both of their gigs:
Sat 04/25/09 Ames, IA Iowa State University
Appearing at "The Bamboozle Festival" <== this is the day of my nephew's first communion in Cedar Falls.
==> Fri 05/15/09 Des Moines, IA People's <== We are probably getting our camper out of storage
Which led me to ask, "What is the Bamboozle Festival?" That led me to http://www.thebamboozle.com/ where I learned it is a multi-day concert - $116 gets you in the door for each of the days - on May 2nd and May 3rd in New Jersey. Not happening.
More goodies @ work to keep me busy. Some UI work found its way to my desk and quickly took on a life of its own as I discovered two fields on the screen that have never been in our documentation. So I worked on adding them in, which led me to task A, which led to B, to C, and before I knew it, I was leaving for the day.
One big piece of good news is that when I went to the dentist this AM, I had no cavities. Considering the amount of Pepsi & Mountain Dew I consume on a daily basis, I am happy.
It is 11 PM. I am getting up @ 4 to help Karen get ready for work. We are leaving for Balltown tomorrow after work and will be there until Sunday. My in-laws have dial-up and it is an exercise in frustration to use their PC. So I won't. I'll be back on Sunday or Monday, depending upon if I have anything to say on Easter Sunday.
Saliva
Korn
Buckcherry
Saving Abel
Rev Theory
Duff McKagan's Loaded
Actually, I would be content to stay until Buckcherry finished their set, then leave. Neither Korn nor Saliva really trip my musical trigger.
I have no idea what Duff McKagan's Loaded sounds like but if it's anything remotely close to Velvet Revolver or G-n-R, I would probably tolerate it for an opening gig. Neither of those two bands are in my top 10 or even top 20 of favorite bands but they're okay.
I liked Rev Theory's Truth is Currency release but I haven't heard any of their follow-up material.
I liked Saving Abel when they were on the bill with Buck Cherry & Shine Down.
I liked Buckcherry more than I thought I would.
So really, if Buckcherry finished @ 9, I'd be home by 11 and in bed by 12. I guess it depends upon what time the show starts.
So, I expand the search of concerts in the Des Moines area and who do I find? Every Avenue! They are a band I reviewed - you can read the review here - and I will miss both of their gigs:
Sat 04/25/09 Ames, IA Iowa State University
Appearing at "The Bamboozle Festival" <== this is the day of my nephew's first communion in Cedar Falls.
==> Fri 05/15/09 Des Moines, IA People's <== We are probably getting our camper out of storage
Which led me to ask, "What is the Bamboozle Festival?" That led me to http://www.thebamboozle.com/ where I learned it is a multi-day concert - $116 gets you in the door for each of the days - on May 2nd and May 3rd in New Jersey. Not happening.
More goodies @ work to keep me busy. Some UI work found its way to my desk and quickly took on a life of its own as I discovered two fields on the screen that have never been in our documentation. So I worked on adding them in, which led me to task A, which led to B, to C, and before I knew it, I was leaving for the day.
One big piece of good news is that when I went to the dentist this AM, I had no cavities. Considering the amount of Pepsi & Mountain Dew I consume on a daily basis, I am happy.
It is 11 PM. I am getting up @ 4 to help Karen get ready for work. We are leaving for Balltown tomorrow after work and will be there until Sunday. My in-laws have dial-up and it is an exercise in frustration to use their PC. So I won't. I'll be back on Sunday or Monday, depending upon if I have anything to say on Easter Sunday.
Now Spinning
I've fallen into a bit of a rut lately. I've been spinning a lot of Five Finger Death Punch, a lot of Lamb of God, and even more Death Magnetic. If I were to make a life CD, these would be my current favorite songs.
1. Demons - Bayside
2. No One Understands - Bayside
3. Your New Twin Sized Bed - Death Cab for Cutie
4. You Can Do Better Than Me - Death Cab for Cutie
5. All Summer Long - Kid Rock
6. So Hott - Kid Rock
7. Indestructible - Disturbed
8. Inside the Fire - Disturbed
9. The Bleeding - Five Finger Death Punch
10. It's Never Enough - Five Finger Death Punch
11. Stranger than Fiction - Five Finger Death Punch
12. The Bleeding (acoustic) - Five Finger Death Punch
13. Wasted Years - Iron Maiden
14. Run to the Hills - Iron Maiden
15. The Judas Kiss - Metallica
16. My Apocalypse - Metallica
17. Grace - Lamb of God
18. Set to Fail - Lamb of God
1. Demons - Bayside
2. No One Understands - Bayside
3. Your New Twin Sized Bed - Death Cab for Cutie
4. You Can Do Better Than Me - Death Cab for Cutie
5. All Summer Long - Kid Rock
6. So Hott - Kid Rock
7. Indestructible - Disturbed
8. Inside the Fire - Disturbed
9. The Bleeding - Five Finger Death Punch
10. It's Never Enough - Five Finger Death Punch
11. Stranger than Fiction - Five Finger Death Punch
12. The Bleeding (acoustic) - Five Finger Death Punch
13. Wasted Years - Iron Maiden
14. Run to the Hills - Iron Maiden
15. The Judas Kiss - Metallica
16. My Apocalypse - Metallica
17. Grace - Lamb of God
18. Set to Fail - Lamb of God
Monday, April 6, 2009
MSU STINKS!
In early 2009, the men's MSU basketball team played Iowa @ Carver Hawkeye Arena. I took Alex to see that game. The game started and, in the blink of an eye, MSU was ahead something crazy like 22-8. It was a disgraceful display by my beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. MSU played possessed basketball. They nailed 3s, they drove the lane, they passed, they took care of the ball and, frankly, outplayed, outhustled, and outgunned Iowa.
Tonight, then, in the national championship game, I couldn't help but smile a bit. No, I certainly did not wish them to lose by 17 points on the national stage. But... I also wanted them to be humbled a bit. Coach Tom Izzo irked me the other day when he talked about how the Big Ten conference was a strong conference. Specifically, he mentioned Michigan, Ohio State, Illinois, and Penn State as being tough teams to play in the Big Ten Conference.
Coach Izzo, you forgot Iowa. Maybe they might as well have laid down for you and taken it on the chin to start the game because they ultimately took a few in the gut, but really... I was put off by his comments. I think he needs to remember that Iowa's Jake Kelly lit up the last few games of the year.
If only he were not transferring to Indiana State. I guess I didn't write about that when that news broke. Iowa's bright spots for next year were going to be the return of Matt Gatens and Jake Kelly. Jeff Peterson would be another bright spot and Jermaine Davis. Jarryd Cole may actually have a good season as well as he fights back from his knee injury. But then Kelly announced he was leaving. Davis is leaving as well and *I think* Peterson is going too. That's all sad. I wish they were all staying.
Back to tonight's game. The closest MSU could get tonight was 13 in the second half. They couldn't hit wide open 3s and they committed way too many turnovers. I honestly think that the national title game should be decided by 2 or 3 points. A 17 point margin is a blowout. The two teams in the national championship should be able to play close to each other.
My hat is off to North Carolina tonight. Tremendous job. I knew when they beat Duke that they were going to win the national championship.
Really.
Seriously.
Okay, fine. I had no idea NC was that good but they proved it tonight.
Tonight, then, in the national championship game, I couldn't help but smile a bit. No, I certainly did not wish them to lose by 17 points on the national stage. But... I also wanted them to be humbled a bit. Coach Tom Izzo irked me the other day when he talked about how the Big Ten conference was a strong conference. Specifically, he mentioned Michigan, Ohio State, Illinois, and Penn State as being tough teams to play in the Big Ten Conference.
Coach Izzo, you forgot Iowa. Maybe they might as well have laid down for you and taken it on the chin to start the game because they ultimately took a few in the gut, but really... I was put off by his comments. I think he needs to remember that Iowa's Jake Kelly lit up the last few games of the year.
If only he were not transferring to Indiana State. I guess I didn't write about that when that news broke. Iowa's bright spots for next year were going to be the return of Matt Gatens and Jake Kelly. Jeff Peterson would be another bright spot and Jermaine Davis. Jarryd Cole may actually have a good season as well as he fights back from his knee injury. But then Kelly announced he was leaving. Davis is leaving as well and *I think* Peterson is going too. That's all sad. I wish they were all staying.
Back to tonight's game. The closest MSU could get tonight was 13 in the second half. They couldn't hit wide open 3s and they committed way too many turnovers. I honestly think that the national title game should be decided by 2 or 3 points. A 17 point margin is a blowout. The two teams in the national championship should be able to play close to each other.
My hat is off to North Carolina tonight. Tremendous job. I knew when they beat Duke that they were going to win the national championship.
Really.
Seriously.
Okay, fine. I had no idea NC was that good but they proved it tonight.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
In a Different Lifetime
In a different lifetime, this would be my ideal world...
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. develops and produces the last of the great variety shows on television, combining all the elements of entertainment: sitcom, talk show, soap opera, action-adventure, and drama. With 52 weeks of original programming, without an off-season or re-runs, it is quite a creative challenge to keep characters and story lines interesting and compelling. That's where you come in!
Requirements
Qualified candidates should possess:
•BA/BS in Film, TV, Drama, Media Studies, Communications or equivalent
•Minimum of three to five years writing and production experience in network television
•Professional TV staff experience in drama and comedy a plus
•Experience in all aspects of live TV production a plus
•Highly creative (a prolific idea generator)
•Plugged into pop culture and trends
•Able to work closely and effectively with talent, writers, and producers throughout the creative process
•Strong understanding of WWE's audience (demographic and psychographic) a plus
•Must live in Stamford, CT area or be willing to relocate there
•Knowledge of WWE shows, talent, and storylines
•Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment
•Flexible travel schedule (extensive travel required)
Office Location WWE Corporate Office - Stamford
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. develops and produces the last of the great variety shows on television, combining all the elements of entertainment: sitcom, talk show, soap opera, action-adventure, and drama. With 52 weeks of original programming, without an off-season or re-runs, it is quite a creative challenge to keep characters and story lines interesting and compelling. That's where you come in!
Requirements
Qualified candidates should possess:
•BA/BS in Film, TV, Drama, Media Studies, Communications or equivalent
•Minimum of three to five years writing and production experience in network television
•Professional TV staff experience in drama and comedy a plus
•Experience in all aspects of live TV production a plus
•Highly creative (a prolific idea generator)
•Plugged into pop culture and trends
•Able to work closely and effectively with talent, writers, and producers throughout the creative process
•Strong understanding of WWE's audience (demographic and psychographic) a plus
•Must live in Stamford, CT area or be willing to relocate there
•Knowledge of WWE shows, talent, and storylines
•Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment
•Flexible travel schedule (extensive travel required)
Office Location WWE Corporate Office - Stamford
In a Different Lifetime
In a different lifetime, this would be my ideal world...
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. develops and produces the last of the great variety shows on television, combining all the elements of entertainment: sitcom, talk show, soap opera, action-adventure, and drama. With 52 weeks of original programming, without an off-season or re-runs, it is quite a creative challenge to keep characters and story lines interesting and compelling. That's where you come in!
Requirements
Qualified candidates should possess:
•BA/BS in Film, TV, Drama, Media Studies, Communications or equivalent
•Minimum of three to five years writing and production experience in network television
•Professional TV staff experience in drama and comedy a plus
•Experience in all aspects of live TV production a plus
•Highly creative (a prolific idea generator)
•Plugged into pop culture and trends
•Able to work closely and effectively with talent, writers, and producers throughout the creative process
•Strong understanding of WWE's audience (demographic and psychographic) a plus
•Must live in Stamford, CT area or be willing to relocate there
•Knowledge of WWE shows, talent, and storylines
•Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment
•Flexible travel schedule (extensive travel required)
Office Location WWE Corporate Office - Stamford
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. develops and produces the last of the great variety shows on television, combining all the elements of entertainment: sitcom, talk show, soap opera, action-adventure, and drama. With 52 weeks of original programming, without an off-season or re-runs, it is quite a creative challenge to keep characters and story lines interesting and compelling. That's where you come in!
Requirements
Qualified candidates should possess:
•BA/BS in Film, TV, Drama, Media Studies, Communications or equivalent
•Minimum of three to five years writing and production experience in network television
•Professional TV staff experience in drama and comedy a plus
•Experience in all aspects of live TV production a plus
•Highly creative (a prolific idea generator)
•Plugged into pop culture and trends
•Able to work closely and effectively with talent, writers, and producers throughout the creative process
•Strong understanding of WWE's audience (demographic and psychographic) a plus
•Must live in Stamford, CT area or be willing to relocate there
•Knowledge of WWE shows, talent, and storylines
•Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment
•Flexible travel schedule (extensive travel required)
Office Location WWE Corporate Office - Stamford
Guilty - WM XXV
These are Wrestlemania XXV results...
•Dark Match – Tag Team Unification Lumberjack Match: WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito & Primo Colon beat World Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison
•Money in the Bank Ladder Match: CM Punk beat Christian, Kofi Kingston, Kane, Mark Henry, Finlay, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP
•Santina Marella won the 25-Diva Battle Royal
•3-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match: Chris Jericho beat Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka, and Ricky Steamboat
•Extreme Rules: Matt Hardy beat Jeff Hardy
•Intercontinental Championship: Rey Mysterio beat JBL to win the title
•Undertaker beat Shawn Michaels
•World Heavyweight Championship: John Cena beat Champion Edge and The Big Show to win the title
•WWE Championship Match: Champion Triple H beat Randy Orton
•Dark Match – Tag Team Unification Lumberjack Match: WWE Tag Team Champions Carlito & Primo Colon beat World Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison
•Money in the Bank Ladder Match: CM Punk beat Christian, Kofi Kingston, Kane, Mark Henry, Finlay, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP
•Santina Marella won the 25-Diva Battle Royal
•3-on-1 Handicap Elimination Match: Chris Jericho beat Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka, and Ricky Steamboat
•Extreme Rules: Matt Hardy beat Jeff Hardy
•Intercontinental Championship: Rey Mysterio beat JBL to win the title
•Undertaker beat Shawn Michaels
•World Heavyweight Championship: John Cena beat Champion Edge and The Big Show to win the title
•WWE Championship Match: Champion Triple H beat Randy Orton
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