What The Head Knob Thinks About...

Friends II

2010-02-03T23:40:00.003-05:00

I haven't figured them out. Probably won't.

I haven't seen much of mine lately. I've been busy and so have they I guess. One thing I won't do is have people over for food and beer anytime soon. All the times I opened the house and threw impromptu parties I never asked for anything in return. Or offered to help my friends with anything, or never said no when help was asked of me.

Normally I wouldn't think about these things, but since I lost my job and haven't been working steady (these last two weeks are an exception) I figured I would get a call from someone wondering if there was something I needed or how I was doing. I know we're not the type of friends that would show up at somebody's house with a casserole, or anything. But come on, maybe an invite to come over for dinner or something. Even a half hearted phone call to ask how I was doing would be nice.

Ah well, I guess the only person I can really count on is myself.

Friends

2009-12-13T10:30:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wonder who they really are.

Chrome

2009-04-01T11:43:00.001-04:00

I've been using Google's browser, Chrome, for the last couple days and so far I like it. There haven't been any pages that don't load, and I haven't had any Java issues.

I think I like, and will keep using it.

Energy

2009-03-31T11:12:00.002-04:00

There have been many times I've thought about the price of oil and how its driven up by the false demand generated by speculative trading. I've talked with many friends about ethanol, corn versus saw grass versus cane, and the absurdity of the US not mass producing it. It becomes even more absured when you consider that many Latin American countries have been consuming it at a greater pace then gasoline for almost a decade. A simple search of The Christian Science Monitor pulls articles dating back to 1981 talking about the pros and cons of ethanol. And never mind the lack of coverage in the main stream media.

There is no doubt corn ethanol is cost prohibitive, but could it be argued that the money going into farm subsidies could be shifted to bring the cost down? Remember the rise in corn prices recently affecting nearly everything including milk? Partly, in my opinion, due to the lack of corn being grown because of the subsidies.

Anyway, I saw this article on MSNBC.com about energy from algea and it floored. I remember the NBC Nightly News clip it referenced and thinking at the time I saw it that it was amazing.

I can only imagine what is keeping this technology from advancing; Lobbyists for big oil, coal, and natural gas.

Lunch

2009-02-16T13:49:00.002-05:00

I think I made the wrong decision...

I think I've had a lot of cars

2009-02-12T22:43:00.005-05:00

1978 Blue Datsun 210
1979 Red Datsun 310 - "The Shit Bucket"
1980 Green Buick Century
1978 Black Mustang II Fastback
1983 Grey Chevy Cavalier - "Bob" which Ryan and I shared
1986 Hunter Green Olds 98
1978 White Mustang II Fastback
1984 Blue Buick LeSabre
1986 Champagne Olds Cutlass Supreme
1984 Black Toyota Celica - "Hector"
1984 Silver and Wood grain Buick LeSabre Electra Station Wagon - "Roger the Party Wagon"
1991 White Dodge Dynasty
1988 Green Chevy Caprice
1984 Grey Ford Crown Victoria
1991 Silver Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
1991 Black GMC Sonoma S15
1979 Red Mustang
1984 Beige Crown Victoria
1988 Blue Crown Victoria
2003 Silver Ford Focus - Company Car
1992 Black Mazda MX6
1990 Silver Crown Victoria
1995 Champagne Lincoln Town Car
1981 Light Blue Chevy 3/4 Pick Up
2000 Sun Green Saab 93
1986 Blue K10 Chevy Blazer
2009 Green Mercury Milan - Company Car

I added another one...

1990 Red Ford F150

Work

2009-02-05T09:01:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I bid a project at the University of Akron that was restoring some Terra Cotta and brick, replacing sealants and flashing, and cleaning and waterproofing some walls. Pretty straight forward stuff, but considering the building is large, there is a lot of work. Enough to warrant, so the architect thought, a budget of $695,000.00.

I looked at the plans, read the specs, got material and equipment pricing, and put all the information together. When my bid was $412,000 I thought I missed something, so I re-checked all my numbers and called some friends who were bidding it also. They were below the budget too, so I was comfortable with my number. After sitting down with the boss to review the bid, we ended up at $389,000 trying to be as competitive as we could to get the job.

When I was in the room for the bid opening and the results were being read, I almost fell out of my chair. There is a line between being competitive and being stupid, and I think the low number was stupid. Stupid enough that it should be carefully considered and reviewed by the owner and possibly rejected. The results are below, my bid is fourth.

1 – $257,700
2 – $303,000
3 – $325,500
4 – $389,000 My Bid
5 – $394,000
6 – $413,433
7 – $443,992
8 – $490,390
9 – $567,006

Radio

2009-02-02T10:39:00.002-05:00

I can not for the life of me understand why Carla listens to the radio when the station is mostly tuned. I think the fuzziness with the voices is about the most annoying thing i've ever heard.

Sunrise

2009-01-19T19:34:00.002-05:00

I shot this along Rt 422 near Delightful OH, it was -7 degrees F. I don't know if the temperature had anything to do with how the light came through the clouds, but it sure was pretty.

An Atheist on Jesus?

2009-01-15T10:41:00.004-05:00

I don't have terribly deep religous convictions, nor to I prosthelitze to my friends. But this struck me as odd. Camille Paglia claiming to hear a "very distinct speaking voice in the saying attributed to Jesus."

Having spent a couple years worshiping at a First Assembly of God church, one thing I learned was there are almost to many translations of the Bible to count. We typically read out of the New International Version, but sometimes Pastor would pull out a King James or the New American Standard. Each has their own cadence and grammar structure. Often the same passage will read differently and use different words but the meaning is generally the same.

If a speaking voice is grounded in subtly and nuance, which I believe it is, has Ms. Paglia literally critiqued them all?

See The Daily Dish Article here with the link to the original article.

Bushisms

2009-01-15T09:52:00.003-05:00

I think these are funny!

"The important question is, how many hands have I shaked?"

"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."—Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2004

"I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family."—Greater Nashua, N.H., Chamber of Commerce, Jan. 27, 2000

"Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?"—Florence, S.C., Jan. 11, 2000

"Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB/GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across the country."—Poplar Bluff, Mo., Sept. 6, 2004

"Neither in French nor in English nor in Mexican."—declining to answer reporters' questions at the Summit of the Americas, Quebec City, Canada, April 21, 2001

"You teach a child to read, and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test.''—Townsend, Tenn., Feb. 21, 2001

"I'm the decider, and I decide what is best. And what's best is for Don Rumsfeld to remain as the secretary of defense."—Washington, D.C., April 18, 2006

"See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda."—Greece, N.Y., May 24, 2005

"I've heard he's been called Bush's poodle. He's bigger than that."—discussing former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, as quoted by the Sun newspaper, June 27, 2007

"And so, General, I want to thank you for your service. And I appreciate the fact that you really snatched defeat out of the jaws of those who are trying to defeat us in Iraq."—meeting with Army Gen. Ray Odierno, Washington, D.C., March 3, 2008

"We ought to make the pie higher."—South Carolina Republican debate, Feb. 15, 2000

"There's an old saying in Tennessee—I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once, shame on—shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again."—Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 17, 2002

"And there is distrust in Washington. I am surprised, frankly, at the amount of distrust that exists in this town. And I'm sorry it's the case, and I'll work hard to try to elevate it."—speaking on National Public Radio, Jan. 29, 2007

"We'll let our friends be the peacekeepers and the great country called America will be the pacemakers."—Houston, Sept. 6, 2000

"It's important for us to explain to our nation that life is important. It's not only life of babies, but it's life of children living in, you know, the dark dungeons of the Internet."—Arlington Heights, Ill., Oct. 24, 2000

"One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some fantastic pictures."—U.S. News & World Report, Jan. 3, 2000

"People say, 'How can I help on this war against terror? How can I fight evil?' You can do so by mentoring a child; by going into a shut-in's house and say I love you."—Washington, D.C., Sept. 19, 2002

"Well, I think if you say you're going to do something and don't do it, that's trustworthiness."—CNN online chat, Aug. 30, 2000

"I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep on the soil of a friend."—on the prospect of visiting Denmark, Washington, D.C., June 29, 2005

"I think it's really important for this great state of baseball to reach out to people of all walks of life to make sure that the sport is inclusive. The best way to do it is to convince little kids how to—the beauty of playing baseball."—Washington, D.C., Feb. 13, 2006

"Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream."—LaCrosse, Wis., Oct. 18, 2000

"You know, when I campaigned here in 2000, I said, I want to be a war president. No president wants to be a war president, but I am one."—Des Moines, Iowa, Oct. 26, 2006

"There's a huge trust. I see it all the time when people come up to me and say, 'I don't want you to let me down again.' "—Boston, Oct. 3, 2000

"They misunderestimated me."—Bentonville, Ark., Nov. 6, 2000

"I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office."—Washington, D.C., May 12, 2008

See the full article here on Slate.

Stress

2009-01-14T10:00:00.003-05:00

I think people's stress levels are relative to their normal level of activity.

The stay at home parent probably gets stressed scheduling play dates for five little munchkins. The event planner gets stressed two weeks out from a gala with a 1,000 person guest list.

I think name generators are great!

2009-01-07T20:52:00.002-05:00

My Secret Agent name is Agent Hardass.
Take Secret Agent Name Generator today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.

UNClean Coal

2009-01-07T11:36:00.002-05:00

Again, I really think there is no such thing as clean coal. See?

The Price of Oil

2009-01-06T10:00:00.003-05:00

I'm trying to think about reasons why the Israeli incursion into Gaza and Russia's GazProm fiddling with natural gas supplies is pushing up the price of oil.

Anyone?

I Miss Liquid Television

2009-01-06T09:41:00.000-05:00

The Hindenburg
Stick Figure Theatre - Hindenburg

Pseudoephedrine

2009-01-05T11:00:00.002-05:00

I think it's silly I can't get pseudoephedrine products unless the pharmacy is open.

Has that control really affected drug production? Are there stats to back it up?

The Photographic Dictionary

2009-01-04T13:21:00.002-05:00

I think you'll like this.

Enjoy

Hat tip to Andrew Sullivan.

the Fratellis

2008-12-27T22:33:00.004-05:00

I think these guys are about the best new group I've listened to.

Check them out, please.

And now, 209

2008-12-27T08:33:00.001-05:00

Think I can get to 190 by the 15th?

Weight III

2008-12-26T09:58:00.001-05:00

Morning of the 26th after movement;

Weight - 210 lbs.

Impressive.

Weight II

2008-12-25T22:55:00.001-05:00

Christmas Night weight - 214 lbs.

I thought it would be more!

Clean Coal?

2008-12-25T09:36:00.001-05:00

There is no such thing as clean coal technology. Nothing.

See?

Weight

2008-12-25T09:33:00.000-05:00

Christmas Morning weight - 213 lbs.

Definately Worth Reading

2008-12-23T10:04:00.002-05:00

A piece from Melissa Etheridge on the Huffington Post.

I knew it!

2008-12-22T15:54:00.001-05:00

I got a fortune in a cookie today that reads "You are a man of righteousness and integrity."

Some Place I'd Rather Be

2008-12-20T11:49:00.003-05:00

Photo courtesy of Jessica Francis

Ode

2008-12-10T21:23:00.003-05:00

To my dear friend Tim. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know how much Mugsy meant to you. 12 years of joy he brought you and he leaves you with a lifetime of memories.

Sherrod Brown's Response

2008-12-08T19:16:00.001-05:00

Dear Mr. Helms:

Thank you for expressing your views on providing financial assistance to the automobile industry.

The economic downturn and the crisis in our financial markets have hurt the domestic automobile industry and its workforce. Failing to help automakers at this time of great economic uncertainty would have disastrous consequences for our state, which has more than 250,000 jobs related to the auto industry.

I have spoken with both Treasury Secretary Paulson and Commerce Secretary Gutierrez to urge the administration to use funds approved as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (EESA) to provide $25 billion in loans to the auto industry. Congress authorized this funding in September to shore up our financial system. The auto industry is woven into the fabric of our economy every bit as much as the banks that have received funds under the EESA.

Several of my colleagues and I have introduced bipartisan legislation to support the auto industry. This proposal would create a new program administered by the Secretary of Commerce that would provide bridge loans to the auto industry, with strict oversight from all relevant agencies. Before receiving an emergency loan, auto companies would have to prove that the funds will ensure their financial viability. In addition, the companies must agree to strong taxpayer protections, including limits on executive compensation, bonuses, and golden parachutes.

Along the same lines, Senate Majority Leader Reid and Speaker of the House Pelosi have asked the auto companies to submit a credible restructuring plan to Congress. Depending on the adequacy of their proposals, hearings and legislative action may follow this month.

Thank you again for contacting me. I will certainly keep your views in mind as the Senate continues to consider how we can best ensure our country’s economic future.

Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown

Winter at Night

2008-12-08T17:08:00.003-05:00

Brookfield Park, Cleveland, OH

Detroit

2008-12-08T11:15:00.002-05:00

Below is a message I just sent Sherrod Brown. It sums up what I think and I hope he reads it.

Dear Honorable Senator Brown,

During all the coverage about the Big Three Bailout I am struck by a couple of points and have observations I would like to share with you. Granted, I am not educated in the business of automobile making, but I still would like to share these thoughts with you.

Regarding battery technology for plug in hybrids, specifically the Chevy Volt; from what I understand, GM's contention is that current battery technology does not support the design goals of the vehicle, and they do not have the ability to currently achieve it. This is in contrast to Tesla Motors, a company that has developed an electric vehicle capable of traveling over 200 miles per charge. The company admits that the lithium ion battery accounts for about one third of the vehicle’s cost, approximately $33,000. Would it not stand to reason that with a fraction of the $34B Detroit is requesting be used to subsidize the cost of the batteries? $1B would buy over 30 million batteries, enough to put a battery in every car made in America for the next two years, domestic and foreign. Granted, that is a ridiculous sum, but the fact of the comparison remains. Or perhaps build the manufacturing facilities required to make enough batteries to essentially flood the market and drive the cost down? Combine that with that with the technology and hardware to allow consumers to charge the vehicles, whether it is in their garage, next to their house, or on the street at a parking meter. I believe that if the supply was created, demand would follow.

My second point and observation is in regard to the CAFE standards. It's my opinion that the standards have been to lax for to long. Granted, I'm 33 years old and haven't been driving long, but I seem to recall the 1984 Chevy Cavalier that my mother bought for my brother and I to share getting about the same mileage as the 2009 Mercury Milan I currently drive. I think it is insulting and offensive to hear Detroit complain about technology not being available for higher standards when in fact it is Congress, influenced by lobbies for big oil and Detroit that has enabled this behavior to perpetuate. It is arguable, and convincingly, I believe, to state that had the standards been higher, the technology would have been developed. Necessity is after all, the mother of invention. The Honorable Senator Levin's comments last week about the new standards that won’t be implemented for at least two years was grasping at straws and an thinly veiled attempt to deflect criticism.

Another point is in regards to the unions. I work for a union construction company in a management position; I am not a member of any union. This affords a unique perspective, one that allows me to see the impact of a non-incentivized workforce on the profitability of projects. Individuals stuck in a "group think" mentality that see their coworkers earning the same wage and benefits regardless of how hard they work, and with little recourse to address situations, are less likely to contribute at a level that makes out. Basically "If I can make 10 widgets, but Joe only makes 7 and gets paid the same, why should I bother?" I understand in the early 1900's unions were very important and served a great purpose protecting workers rights, but now I question their effectiveness. Certainly the foreign auto makers aren't running their factories in deplorable conditions and abusing their workers. If they were, I'm sure they would have unionized, or been exposed. I think it is time to drastically change how the unions affect the business and force the Big 3 to adopt models similar to the foreign manufacturers.

I’ve heard the pundits who claim that with the $34B Congress could buy all three companies and that market forces should be left to work as they do. I partially agree with the market forces point. I believe GM is model heavy. Perhaps a consolidation further than they proposed is necessary; reduce the lines to Chevrolet, Buick (or Pontiac) and Cadillac. Create tit for tat competition with Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury and Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler.

With that, I will close. Thank you for your time, and please continue the work you do for the great State of Ohio.

Chad Helms

Meet the Press

2008-12-07T12:28:00.004-05:00

I've been watching MTP for a few years now. I appreciated Tim Russert's way of questioning and loved the single break format of the show.

I cried when he died.

I received Tom Brokaw luke warmly. I didn't think he had Tim's directness and didn't like how there were more breaks in the show and sometimes five panel guests.

He announced this morning that David Gregory will be the new moderator. I'm excited. I think his age will bring a different perspective to the issue at hand, and I think he'll be able to communicate with the new administration in a way that the Old newsmen won't.

Congratualtions David, and good luck.

Alex Wong / Getty Images for Meet the Press

Sorry

2008-12-04T22:01:00.005-05:00

I wish there was a meter or gauge or chart somewhere that told me what I needed to do to let someone know that I was sorry. Like how big the letters on the sign needed to be, or how many banner pulling planes I should charter.

I'd do it. All of it. Ten times over.

It hurts to know that people are happier not seeing you or talking to you. But the hurt is small consolation in knowing they are happy.

Even though I've hurt, I wish all the happiness now that I'm gone.

If me being gone takes even an ounce of the hurt away, then I'll go to the other side of the world to help make you happy, and be there for years if not ever.

What I think of the LDS Church

2008-11-16T10:06:00.004-05:00

"It is disturbing that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being singled out for speaking up as part of its democratic right in a free election.

Members of the Church in California and millions of others from every faith, ethnicity and political affiliation who voted for Proposition 8 exercised the most sacrosanct and individual rights in the United States — that of free expression and voting.

While those who disagree with our position on Proposition 8 have the right to make their feelings known, it is wrong to target the Church and its sacred places of worship for being part of the democratic process.

Once again, we call on those involved in the debate over same-sex marriage to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other. No one on either side of the question should be vilified, harassed or subject to erroneous information."

Above is the statement that the Church issued on Nov. 7. See it here.

What raises my ire the most is that this church has the gall to ask people to "act in a spirit of mutual respect" in their response to Prop 8 passing. Where is the respect for people that want to live their lives without the government legislating what two people who love each other can and can not have.

Also, what of these claims that the vote was an expression of the democratic process. Are not the protests a protected expression as well?

This from a religion that is younger than our country and founded by a man who claimed to have divinely interpreted inscriptions on plates he "found" in the ground by placing them in a hat and sticking his face in it. Not to mention the fact he was afraid of getting run out of Pennsylvania for defrauding farmers by claiming to know where buried treasure was on their land. This is a religion that was started out of greed and self preservation.

The First Presidency of this sham religion better be thankful of the first amendment to our Constitution which allows the teaching of a, what I believe to be nothing more than a thinly veiled type of racism and fear of homosexuals, supposed belief that the government should define relationships.

I think this is a great picture

2008-11-08T11:18:00.002-05:00

I took it at Saltfork State Park. The one of Bella isn't bad either.

Home

2008-11-06T20:29:00.002-05:00

Home with the Browns game on in the background.

Thinking about lots of things, regret creeps into my thoughts more than I'd like.

I've always said that people only change if they want to, not if other people want them too. I've had some things happen recently that made me want to change. The kind of change that somebody wanted a while ago but I didn't, for no good reason.

When you've lost chances to show somebody how you've changed, what do you do to make yourself feel better about changing and not being able to share it with who you want?

Leaves, politics

2008-10-20T19:41:00.002-04:00

I used the blower to clean my yard of leaves tonight. It took about an hour, I thought it would take more.

I have two words, ta cos. I think I'll head to the Merry Arts to have me some.

I was incredibly impressed with Colin Powell endorsing Obama yesterday on MTP.

I think McCain's response of "I wasn't surprised" is a thinly veiled racist remark, and Rush Limbaugh should be strung up from the cord attached to his golden microphone for his claim today that Powell's endorsement was solely race based.

What was I thinking?

2008-10-09T11:32:00.002-04:00

I was home last night, all night. After having dinner (prepared sushi from the new Giant Eagle, some aged gouda, and a bottle of Toasted Head viognier wine) my judgment must have been off.

I filled my Zippo and bought a pack of Marlboros.

I had one standing in my driveway, got light headed with a cold sweat and nauseous, and went inside. This morning I lit one when I pulled away from the house, and another while sitting on the inner belt and tossed both after two drags. When I got to the shop I threw the remaining 17 into the dumpster.

I have no idea what I was thinking. None.

Selling and Truth

2008-08-05T10:46:00.005-04:00

There are some crutch phrases that people use in their everyday lexicon. Usually people use phrases so casually they don't realize how often they utter them.

We all have heard "you know" and "I was like" or "they were like" or just "like". There is also the classic "like, you know" and the proverbial "umm". I'm not going to talk about these partly because I'm guilty of using them from time to time in spite of being as conscious as I can about not.

The phrases I wanted to mention here today are "let me be honest with you", "to tell you the truth", and the basic "honestly" or "truthfully".

The reason I mention selling in the title of this post is because that's pretty much what I do. I know I have a different title, but selling is my deal and has been for some time. One of my previous employers was big on training and self improvement. He had me read different books and listen to various "Selling Gurus" on tape.

A basic principal I picked up was that everybody sells everyday. The spouse who would prefer a different restaurant than you will sell you on their choice's attributes to get you to change your mind. A child will sell a parent on why they should have the toy or the sugar infused cereal. An employee will sell a boss on why they need that vacation or raise. We will sell ourselves on why we should buy new clothes. Just in general conversation people will try and sell their point of view to another.

That's where these catch phrases some in. People use them to try and validate or emphasize a point they're making. As if the words they are saying just after "let me be honest with you" carry more weight or are more important than what they said previously. Most people do this in innocuous settings and it goes unnoticed.

But try and think of it this way (I do); when you preface a statement with "let me be honest with you" do you thin that what the person said just a moment ago was a slight fabrication, or exaggeration, misrepresentation, or even a flat out lie? It really bothers me when I hear a salesman use these phrases. People in sales have a bad enough rap, we don't need to go around reinforcing it by flat out telling somebody we're not honest all the time, just when we say so.

I like to think that when I tell somebody something, they'll believe me regardless of whether I tell them it's the truth. It should be the truth.

People like to be taken at their word, for some, it's all they have.

To the gremlinin my head

2008-08-02T12:04:00.002-04:00

I think you should leave. I don't like having you here and don't recall inviting you. I know you came in with the copious amounts of vodka I drank last night, but man, you gotta go.

The Nibble

2008-07-30T13:30:00.003-04:00

I think there are things out there that are insied jokes which some of us will never understand.

This is one of them.

Judy, wherever you are, I hope this makes sense to you.

No Title

2008-07-21T08:36:00.002-04:00

I'm not sure about the direction of things.

I've got a plan that I'm working on with my best friend to hopefully be fully independent in the next few years. That makes me question my short term efforts at work.

Should I continue on the same path, or alter it? I could work as a laborer with less stress and more time to pursue my goal. Or I could keep on this same path keeping up a facade about my real intentions.

There is more thought required about this, and possibly some advice seeking from good friends and relatives.

Tomato - Tomahto

2008-06-24T09:21:00.002-04:00

Why all the fuss in the media about Obama opting out of the "public" finance system for his campaign?

Really it's semantics at this point. Shouldn't people be saying he's opted out of the federally funded campaign system? The $84 million or so he would receive comes from the government by way of taxpayers elective deferral of $3 on their tax returns.

In my opinion, he's truly using the "public" financing system by directly receiving money from the public and not using money that has filtered from treasury to the FEC.

I think it should be spun it so it sounds like McCain is using taxes to fund his campaign.

Grilled Meat Extravaganza

2008-06-08T10:43:00.005-04:00

AKA - Welcome Home Ryan

On June 28, there'll be a shin dig at mi casa to welcome home my brother. He's been floating about the Pacific aying his git-tar these past several months making merriment for people aboard a Carnival Cruise ship. He's back and I wanted to have a picnic. So I am. All our friends are welcome, and I hope to see you. It will kick off around 3, and go till way past dark.

Can't you see the resemblance?

NY NY

2008-06-01T11:38:00.002-04:00

I miss that town.

Sunday Morning

2008-06-01T11:32:00.002-04:00

We had coffee this morning sitting outside. It's a really nice morning with the sun out and the birds singing. She mentioned she wished she had a place to sit outside at her house (upstairs condo).

I mentioned I would be the responsible homeowner today and mow and whatnot. She mentioned she felt like cooking dinner and that I was welcome to join her rather than eat cold pizza or something.

I don't know why, but sometimes she says things like that, I immediately think of them as an underhanded way of her saying she is better than me. It probably isn't, but I think it is.

Creditors

2008-05-17T09:21:00.003-04:00

I've been out of town the last few days. When I got home Thursday there were three messages from a collection agency on my machine (machine, that's funny. It's digital with no moving parts except the play button...).

I called the number the recorded voice spouted off only to get another recorded voice telling me the offices were closed and that I should leave a message. I then get another recorded voice telling me the mailbox is full. Nerts.

This morning I'm enjoying my coffee and web surfing when the phone rings again. It's the same recorded voice I've heard on my non-moving parts answering machine with the same message to call back, but this time I get the agency's name. Asset Care Inc. I Google the name and the first five sites are all about how bad and mean Asset Care is.

I steel myself for the call, hit the redial, and get a person in less than 30 seconds, which impressed me. I give the lady the reference number left on my machine ( I still think thats funny), and she asks for my phone number. I give her a little unnecessary attitude (sorry lady!) and my number. She then explains that she is looking for a David Cole. I explain I am not David Cole, that I have never been David Cole nor do I plan to be David Cole, and that I have had this number for nearly 2 years. She apologizes and promises to take my phone number out of the "system". I thank her and we hang up.

This is about the third time I've had debt collectors call my house for people who don't live here, and I don't really like it. Frankly I find it annoying.

Morning Photos

2008-03-06T09:01:00.002-05:00

I took these this morning while on an estimate call in Lakewood.

Voting Today

2008-03-04T14:43:00.003-05:00

I thought I'd weigh in as well.

I arrived at my polling place around 7:10 this morning. After determining which precinct I live in I was off to sign in and get my ballot. I took my bank statement with me to test not having a photo ID, but I thought better of making waves when it wasn't necessary.

I checked the "Democratic" box, collected the ballot, and was off to the open booth seemingly waiting for me.

After filling in the circles and reminiscing about standard testing, I pulled off the perf tab to drop it in the enveloped taped to the box for my ballot.

In all the process was seamless and the people pleasant. I was happily surprised to see a couple of women younger than myself working at the polling place.

Other than slipping a little in the parking lot, I thought it went very well. I hope all in this county and state have it as easy as I did. I sure hope Ohio makes national news not for polling place problems, but for the swiftness of the returns and the candidates that were elected.

good days work

2007-12-26T20:17:00.000-05:00

I just installed four new doors and bunch of trim in my house. I like how they look and am pleased with the accomplishment.

Now if only I had a cleaning person.

The Holidays

2007-12-21T08:52:00.000-05:00

I usually get into the spirit of things after some shopping. Most of my gifts are out of the way and I'm in full Christmas cheer.

I wish everybody all the best and warmest this year. No matter who you are or where you are, you deserve nothing less.

I'm looking forward to the new year. I had set some goals for myself last new years, fie year goals, and have done nothing toward them. Procrastination is a problem for me. They are, in no order, 1 - get a degree, even if it's an associates in general studies, I just want a degree; 2 - learn to speak Spanish, it's on more and more signs and I think it's just the way of things that this country will become bilingual; 3 - learn to play piano, even if it's chopsticks. I love the sound of the instrument and the emotion that a piano can evoke.

My goal next year will be to work on this years goals!

This Congress...

2007-12-19T09:53:00.000-05:00

... is a let down.

Last night I was bombarded about the news of the new fuel economy standards. 35 mpg by 2012 or something. What a joke, my 2000 Saab with 93,000 miles gets 28 - 30 mpg on the highway and I average 25 mpg per tank. If Congress had some stones the minimum would be up to 50 or better.

I know, I know, it's a minimum, and some progress is better than no progress. But you bet your bippy that Detroit will get to 35 clawing and scratching and whining the whole way there. The cost of cars will go up, jobs will be lost, it's bad for the consumer. Losing coastline and crops is bad for the consumer. Oh, and if you watched Charles Gibson on ABC like I did, you heard the comment at the end of the segment about the $13 BILLION in tax cuts the bill had for big oil. Come on.

The standards for light bulbs too is pretty weak. Compact fluorescents are great, but there is mercury in every fluorescent lamp made. What about the ecological impact when those start hitting landfills? Office building renovations require ABATEMENT of fluorescent lamps because of current regulations. Is the thought that since they last so long, we don't have to worry about it right away?

Oh, and I just looked at TPM this morning, and the Congress that was elected to change the course of the country is most likely going to pass another war funding bill for $70 BILLION today. Really?

I think its all disgusting.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T09:08:00.001-05:00

Today I'm thinking about the things I have to be thankful for.

I have a family that loves and cares about me, a wonderful woman that smiles at me when I see her, a home that is mine, a car that gets me where I need to go, a job to support myself, and many other things.

Some things I have could be considered excesses or frivolous to some, and others have more than I do. Many things are relative and subjective. The short of it is I'm thankful for what I have and hope you all are too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Firewood

2007-11-20T11:22:00.000-05:00

Why I'm thinking of firewood, I have no idea, I don't have a fireplace (although my next house will surely have one).

A former co-worker heats part of his house in the winter with wood and we were talking about how big a cord of wood is. I tried to tell him that it was 4' wide, 4' high, and 8' feet long. He disagreed; He told me "all the people I buy wood from call it one log wide (16" ish) by 4' high by 4' long" or some similar dimension. I was in no mood to press the issue so I let it go.

I also remember talking to Audient about this last year when he blogged about buying wood. Then I also said a cord is 4' x 4' x 8'. I think he told me the people he was buying from were calling a cord something smaller.

Well today, I was looking at CL for no good reason. I saw an ad for firewodd (I know its misspelled, look at the ad here), and the fella selling the stuff wrote "I sell by the rick so there is no complaining about 2 or 3 rows per cord" and that got me to thinking about what a cord really is. Incidentally I e-mailed the guy to ask what he considered a cord, I'll let you know what his response is.

I decided to turn to the internet for some guidance. I googled "cord of wood" and found all sorts of stuff. Wiki, woodheat.org, and all manner of sites explaining what a cord is. Most were in agreement that it is a stack of wood which equals 128 cubic feet, typically measured at 4' wide, 4' high, and 8' long. That is all well and good I thought, but there has to be something official. A little more poking around and I found this, the Ohio Administrative Code, which clearly explains what a cord of wood is, 128 cubic feet. Interestingly it also prohibits terms like “face cord,” “rack,” “pile,” “rick,” and “truckload.” There are a few other things that the code outlines, but the part about firewood starts in paragraph C.

I also found some info on the Lake County Auditors website, a page explaining the definitions of measurement, and a cord of wood is referenced in the volumetric section.

So to my old co-worker and Audient, I hope you get shorted on your wood buying no more. I imagine this law isn't enforced very much, but if you've really been burned (pun intended) it might be worth a call to your County Auditor to report somebody.

Stay warm this winter!

fred thompson

2007-11-04T12:37:00.000-05:00

i watched him this morning on meet the press and frankly it worried me. the man had a hard time putting sentences together, would get a little grin in the corners of his mouth at the end of some thoughts, and spent too much time saying things like "i wasn't quoted right" or "what I meant was..." listening to him try and talk about iran was painful; he all as much said we have to be careful about whether we attack iran because oil is expensive right now and will only get more expensive.

i was intrigued by his stance on gay marriage and abortion though, leaving it to the states is not mainstream republican.

our current president does these things and frankly he looks like a buffoon a lot. the last thing I think we need in 08 is more of the same.

i'm with Audient, Joe Biden is back on my list.

scotch

2007-10-25T22:07:00.001-04:00

i like glenfiddich. i like it on the rocks. i think the velvet tango room charges to much for it

GO TRIBE!

2007-10-12T07:42:00.000-04:00

I think that about says it all.

New Things

2007-09-15T21:07:00.000-04:00

My brother gave me a new mac keyboard and I think it is absolutely great!

Birthday

2007-09-15T08:47:00.000-04:00

Monday is my birthday. I really don't mind getting older, I'll be 32.

My 30th birthday came and went without much fanfare. I had a party with friends and had a great time. I remember waking up the day after and feeling the same. I'll probably wake up Tuesday and feel the same as I did Monday.

I really don't understand some people's anxiety with aging, but I don't walk in their shoes.

Today the family will stop by and we'll cook on the grill and have a good time. I'm a little nervous about my uncle coming over. I think it's because I'm worried he'll be critical of my house. If he is, oh well. He doesn't have to live here, I do, and I like my house just fine.

Some more cleaning is in order to finish tidying up, then a trip to the grocery store.

Happy birthday to me!

cheddar cheese

2007-09-04T19:13:00.000-04:00

i think plane old cheddar cheese is good. i'm gonna have some more

i think i should be asleep

2007-08-29T23:56:00.001-04:00

it's midnight, (nearly) and i'm awake. i don't like it

It's about time

2007-08-26T09:35:00.000-04:00

There are some pictures to be hung, some things to be straightened, some other things to be put away. Time to put the house to better order.

I think I'll get started.

I think I need a vaction

2007-08-22T15:27:00.001-04:00

How about Chicago in November?

Busy Day

2007-07-11T16:16:00.000-04:00

I think I was to busy today. I ran around, started in Vermilion, went downtown, the office, to Oberlin, back to the office. Eating lunch in the car gets old.

It's Hot

2007-07-08T18:22:00.000-04:00

I think its to damn hot.

I don't want to go to work tomorrow.

Its to hot to play in a golf outing tomorrow.

Prepostrerous.

2007-07-07T11:06:00.000-04:00

Preposterous, that's what I think of the current administration.

I agree completely with Keith Olberman. His Special Comment is spot on.

I wish Kucinich's impeachment articles would get a lot more attention.

I think its hot

2007-06-27T16:23:00.000-04:00

But I'm happy my AC at home works.

I'm also happy that George Voinovich expressed his feelings about the Iraq war. Even though he's a Republican and I'm not, I applaud his stance.

gout

2007-06-24T17:14:00.000-04:00

I really think I don't like gout.

I think it's crappy that the big tv crapped out.

I'm thinking about having a maid clean the house 2x a month.

I think I should ask for the raise I want to ask for.

I was nuts

2007-06-09T11:07:00.000-04:00

I took little Sam back to the lady I got her from. I just wasn't home enough.

i really think i'm nuts

2007-06-04T18:12:00.000-04:00

yeah, I am.

Her name is Samantha Quinteesha Barkersfield

I think I might have to take her back to the lady I got her from.

I don't think I'll be home often enough. My usual day is 10 hours away from home. What with her thimble sized bladder, she needs to be out every 6 to 8 hours.

We'll see.

I think I'm nuts

2007-06-01T09:39:00.000-04:00

I'm getting a dog today. Specifically a 7 or 8 month old Chihuahua mix. Girl, named Tee-uh (it might be Tia, but if it's my dog, I'll spell it how I want).

pix later

voinovich

2007-05-31T17:21:00.000-04:00

I think its odd that I e-mailed my representatives before the november election and I heard from none of them unitl now.

I got a letter today, May 31, 2007 from Voinovich's office. The letter is dated May 1, 2007.

It was five months until the letter was written, then took 29 days to get to me.

Hmm.

relaxing

2007-05-29T21:10:00.000-04:00

i think driving the speed limit is relaxing and saves gas.

more people should do it.

5 yrs. n a week

2007-05-28T00:10:00.000-04:00

I think I'm done.

There are just some things that happen that let you know.

And after tonight, I know.

I know I'm done.

cool

2007-05-23T00:10:00.000-04:00

i think its cool that Ive had this blog up and i've got no comments

busy

2007-05-20T13:58:00.000-04:00

I think this is a funny picture.

I think that I have been to busy latley. I haven't been to the grocery store in about 4 weeks, and I've been working 12 hour days sometimes and playing catch up on the weekends.

I think I need to stop that, and relax a little bit more.

Thinking about Mom

2007-05-13T08:55:00.000-04:00

Today is Mother's Day, so everybody should be thinking about their Mom's.

Don't forget to tell your mom you love her today.

Saturday Morning Thoughts

2007-05-05T08:46:00.000-04:00

I think my weekends should be spent how I want them to be.

I think the price of gas is to damn high.

I think I hate my lawn.

I think I've had some wierd dreams lately.

I think I need to figure out what I'm doing with women.

A few things I think about

2007-05-03T20:25:00.000-04:00

I think about my parents mortality. Not in a "hope they die soon" kind of way, but a "I hope I'm strong enough to handle it" kind of way.

I think I miss some old friends and should call them.

I think I might end up in my house for 25 years instead of the three I originally planned.

I think I might change careers or start my own business.

I think I like routines

2007-04-29T09:34:00.000-04:00

You see, Sunday mornings, like I just did right now, I read Post Secret. Sometimes I cry at what see, or laugh, or say a little prayer for someone brave enough to post a particular secret. I do it every Sunday.

It's like my own little bit of therapy.

I don't think I'll stop any time soon.

Friends

2007-04-28T09:47:00.000-04:00

I think people who are your friends shouldn't look at you and say things like "nobody fucking cares about your opinion on..." Then refuse to hear what you had to say.

I think whats most troubling is the friend whose lips the words came from is never afraid to tell you what they think about something, regardless of whether you want to hear it or not.

I don't think people need friends like that.

I Think I Like My New Truck

2007-04-22T19:41:00.000-04:00

I picked her up yesterday.

1986 Chevy Blazer.

She'll be good to me, I know it.

I think, um...

2007-04-20T12:48:00.000-04:00

I think the term "ya know" is used to widely in conversation. I've heard our presidential candidates use it, and it saddens me that the phrase has become so common.

I think people that preface statements with "let me be honest with you..." or "in all honesty..." give the impression that everything else they say is a a lie or at least misleading.

I don't think I like this weather

2007-04-15T18:52:00.000-04:00

I'm pretty sure of it actually. I think I'll be driving to Buffalo tomorrow and it might not be any fun.

I also think I need to do laundry and run to the grocery store.

Thank You

I think I'm in the mood for a coffee.

2007-04-09T14:35:00.000-04:00

Therefore, coffee I will get.