Big 'Whiskey' Nick

MN Twins Talk!!!

2011-12-16T00:10:00.000-06:00

With so many fair-weather reports coming from MN fans, I can't help but weigh-in on the team's recent moves. However, let me shorten things up by only writing summaries and giving a few bullet points:
*Management
*Kubel / Cuddyer
*Health
*The Real Problem

MANAGEMENT - Terry Ryan steps in. Not a bad decision. However, Bill Smith did a good job. 2010 is nothing more than a bad luck season where Murphy's Law was the rule and not the exception. I can't name a previous GM who was able to talk the Pohlad family into some of the moves which were made... Finally, Ron Gardenhire is the best MGR the Twins have ever had. Too many fans lose perspective of how small of a market MN is and expect NYC players, budget, results... now they want to give an NYC reaction. Why would you want to get rid of a coach who has turned AAA-level players into pros for the last decade? Maybe the Vikings could take a few cues from the Twins organization.

KUBEL / CUDDYER - Regardless of who stays or goes, this is getting old. Cuddyer and Kubel both have plenty of talent to offer the Twins or any team they play with next year. Cuddyer is great for the MN community and was the most healthy player last year. He fought through a lot of ailments others would have gone on the DL for. Something must be calling him elsewhere. Don't kid yourself, he knows the budget situation and although a team should reward a loyal, community-known player, he hasn't been a consistent All-Star talent. Cuddyer is above average, but at his age not enough to warrant this much attention. He is a team leader, but in the unfortunate circumstance of his absence another player would step-up.

Kubel is a tough one for me. I like him, but I don't. He's been mostly consistent, but until last year he hasn't made a strong case that he needs to be an everyday starter. I equate it to Nick Punto leaving (if it has to happen). You want the guy to stick around, but you know there is room for a prospect to show his talent.

HEALTH - This was a big one last year. Most of the team was hit by the flu within the first month of the season last year. This year no Twins player should be allowed on public transit, out of the country or in a daycare for 40 days before the season starts. It is good to know Mauer is working out now. After last year's weak explanation of his injury (basically, his legs were out of shape) it'll be great to see the talent the Twins have locked so much budget into. Speaking of big budget, when are we going to see a full season of return for Morneau? This is a tough subject because I am a HUGE Morneau fan. However, on opening day it will have been 20 months since the concussion incident which has held him back from peak performance. I'm not Morneau. I don't have first-hand knowledge of the lingering effects of the injury. However, if Morneau can't play this year due to the old concussion, he needs to retire and stop playing tease with the fans.

THE REAL PROBLEM - Regardless of the offensive injuries last year, the injuries and inefficiencies with the pitching staff proved to be the downfall. If the Twins would have won most of the 1-run games which they lost last year (mostly due to giving up leads), they would have been in Central Division playoff contention. There are too many fans saying we need the big power pitcher. I disagree. We've done quite well riding hot streaks from consistent pitchers like Carl Pavano and Scott Baker. When you add in a hot streak from Liriano and the various 4 & 5 slot guys from the past few years, the Twins usually make wins happen.

In conclusion I wish a majority of the Twins "fans" would shut up. Baseball, like most things, is a game/business of happenstance...whatever happens on a day-to-day / game-to-game basis determines your team stance. Also, the Twins are in the AL Central. The Twins don't need to put up a team 'capable of stomping the Yankees' each year. What the Twins need to do is put together a team which can consistently win a majority of the games within the AL Central division in order to make the playoffs. Apparently consistent success isn't good enough for some fans...

Book Review: Joel C. Rosenberg - The 12th Imam

2011-11-07T06:32:00.001-06:00

The Twelfth Imam by Joel C. Rosenberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! This book reads like tomorrow's headlines. I have become a fan, Mr. Rosenberg. Tehran Initiative (the follow-up to this book) was just released...off to the bookstore!

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Book Review: James Patterson - Roses Are Red

2011-11-07T06:22:00.000-06:00

Roses Are Red by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another solid Patterson book. After reading 5-6 books the pace and some of the story elements are a little predictable...but that's about all that Patterson allows to be predictable. Without giving any spoilers, there were a lot of unexpected parts to this story. Now I have to start the next book.

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Book Review: Dan Brown - The Da Vinci Code

2011-10-14T04:07:00.000-05:00

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Only fiction. It is an interesting look at many well-known places, art pieces and ideals with a creative line drawn between them. The story moved very well. Dan Brown paces his books perfectly. With that said, the main focus is that this is only a story and should not be taken literally. The opening says that the "descriptions" of the elements in the book are real which makes one look closer at those elements. However, the history proposed in this book is disproved and no more than a 'creative' part of the story.

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Book Review: CS Lewis - The Magician's Nephew

2011-10-06T22:58:00.000-05:00

The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It wasn't a riveting thriller, but by the final page it sets up all of the other books in the series. There are great parallels to religious history and this was a good book to read with my 6 year old (he read too).

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Book Review: Vince Flynn - Extreme Measures

2011-10-06T22:46:00.000-05:00

Extreme Measures by Vince Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Vince Flynn books, but this one seemed to have a lot of set-up in the first half of the book. Flynn seemed to be introducing future recurring characters. This should pay off in future books. As a side note, Mr. Flynn is currently in a battle with cancer and has an update at his website: http://www.vinceflynn.com

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What Type Of Dad Do You Want To Be...?

2011-10-01T04:54:00.004-05:00

Some guys will see this and make fun of it, which is fine. Other guys will agree and not follow through. I truly want to be a father who sets up not just an 'okay' example for my kids, but I want to set up a legacy of family who lives right. I want to (not out of ego) set up the following generations of my family for success and give them the tools to not only succeed, but to prosper. Even though my father did a good job, I realize it starts again with me. It is my responsibility to continue and improve on the legacy.

Watch the trailer and think of how even the attitude change of fathers across the nation could effect our society...

I understand why "tough guys" have a hard time watching this movie.

Book Review: "Pinheads And Patriots..." By Bill O'Reilly

2011-09-30T22:59:00.000-05:00

Pinheads and Patriots by Bill O'Reilly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book (via the cover) appears to be an all-out Obama bash, but I am surprised that I have more respect for Mr. Obama than before reading the book. This doesn't mean it was a 'feel good' book. Mr. O'Reilly wrote a book (even though very one-sided) which step-by-step showed his logical process as to why people deserve the title "pinhead" or "patriot." Sometimes there were surprising "patriots," (based on fact, not opinion) which ended up shedding some light on a few things I didn't know or hadn't thought of.
If you are among those who can't stand O'Reilly, you should probably avoid this book. As you read each page, you can pretty much envision the book as a script for a very long episode of "The O'Reilly Factor."
Overall, this book is worth the read whether you like O'Reilly or are "on the fence" about him and his opinions.

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2011 Vikings...

2011-09-30T03:12:00.000-05:00

What an amazingly crappy start to what could have been a great season. This year the Vikings were a team capable of a 3-0 start yet they found themselves 'asleep at the wheel' for the final 30 minutes of each game.

Sure, it's only been 3 weeks, but this team is a massive disappointment. The first 3-4 weeks looked like the easy part of this year's schedule.

To top off the losses, this team was in TOTAL CONTROL of the first halves of each game! Adrian Peterson must feel like a sucker for having signed another long-term contract. Also, was Frazier on the phone with Brad Childress in the Detroit game? Why 'go for it' on 4th down!?!?! The MATH didn't even make sense (with a field goal, a DET TD would have only put the Vikes down by 1 - making a field goal instead of a TD necessary to win). AP thought they could get the 1 yard? The last time I checked, he is paid to run the ball not make key decisions.

Enough disparaging the Vikings. I want to send them all of the positive thoughts I can right now because they are playing one of the other four 0-3 teams in the NFL this weekend and that team (KC Chiefs) is also having a less-than-capable season also.

There are 13 games left in this season and I hope the Vikings go 13-0. They have a long road ahead, but at least they have 'limited success' going for them. Despite my ranting, I am a hardcore fan...I even have the bumper sticker (okay, that was some weak reasoning - but I am a fan).

SKOL Vikings! ...just please don't continue to "SKOL-lapse!"

Book Review - Hell's Guest by Col Glenn Frazier

2011-09-24T01:58:00.000-05:00

Hell's Guest by Glenn D. Frazier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was fortunate enough to meet Col Frazier in Mobile, AL at the site of the USS Alabama. Therefore, I am a little biased in my rating of this book. However, this book is an easy yet thrilling read. The book is filled with funny stories and other stories which tell the shameful acts of war. Very honest from cover to cover and a great read for helping one appreciate liberty and freedom.
Col. Frazier's inscription to me reads, "This book will give you a first hand insight about "Bataan," also how to over come and challenge..."
Thank you, Sir.

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Book Review: The Wizard Of Oz

2011-09-14T11:15:00.001-05:00

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great book - as expected. The story telling was creative and humorous. Highly recommended reading for many different ages.

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Book Review: James Patterson - Pop Goes The Weasel

2011-09-10T20:56:00.002-05:00

Pop Goes the Weasel (Alex Cross, #5) by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another quick Patterson read. At the end of the previous 'Cross' book, he gives a touch of this story. However, it takes until the middle of this book in order to get back to that position. On the downside, some of the events in the book didn't seem to fit (as explained) and were a little akwardly connected. The ending was pretty good yet slightly far-fetched.

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2011 - A Year To Learn From For The Twins

2011-09-04T07:24:00.004-05:00

2011 is a year to forget for the MN Twins - except for a few lessons.
1 - You always need a bullpen!
In my opinion, the Twins would have been able to stay on top of the division had they won only half of the 1-run games they lost (40+). Additionally, they wouldn't have been 'spanked' nearly as many times if the BP could protect leads and keep the games close.

2 - Don't rely on 4-5 players to make your season.
4 of the big 5 didn't factor into the season. Mauer, Morneau, Pavano and Kubel were almost non-existent this year. The M-and-M boys (a stolen nickname) should be renamed the "I-and-I" boys - Illness and Injury. On the plus side, the team had to throw some inexperienced players into tight spots...lots of errors, but some valuable experience you can't get in the minors.

3 - Errors kill a good pitching performance.
I don't remember the last time the Twins had this many errors. What happened?

There are many other things I could pick and poke at (highest budget in Twins history - wasted, the Nishioka experiment, the Capps trade, etc) but most would fall under the category of "hindsight is 20/20."

There were a few things which went well:
Minor League-ers got some experience. We know there are some valuable players (or trading pieces) coming out of the farm system. We know who to drop for next year.

Waiting for next year...

Book Review: Lee Child - Echo Burning

2011-09-01T22:24:00.000-05:00

Echo Burning by Lee Child

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a long yet good read. Lee Child did a great job of setting seemingly random plots in motion and having them all collide later in the book. Great pace and story telling!

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Jurassic Park

2011-08-31T14:08:00.001-05:00

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is my first Crichton read, so please tell me if he has better books. One of the smaller themes in the plot seemed to sum up the book for me: only children and paleontologists really care about dinosaur facts. In my opinion, this book could have been 50-100 pages shorter in order to keep my interest. My bias was sealed when I realized that I was happy to see illustrations eating up pages.

As a positive, the book has a better, more credible ending than the movie.

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Home Grown On iTunes

2011-02-12T12:49:00.005-06:00

All episodes of Home Grown are now available for free download on iTunes.

Home Grown is aired Sundays at 10pm on 95-7 The Blaze - online at www.957theblaze.com
To submit your band's music, send an mp3 by email to

homegrown@957theblaze.com

Visit the Home Grown page at www.957theblaze.com.

Hulk Hogan VS Kim Jong-il - Epic Rap Battles of History 5

2011-02-06T11:37:00.000-06:00

Nice Peter is at it again! Epic Rap Battle #5

SPY DIVISION - Gravity

2010-12-12T08:44:00.000-06:00

G6 Parody - Like It's Quidditch (Nice Peter)

2010-11-23T21:32:00.004-06:00

MWM Free Compilation!

2010-11-23T10:40:00.002-06:00

midwestmovement: MWM10 Compilation Now Available: http://t.co/GbaDO3l

Hunting in GA vs MN

2010-11-11T12:20:00.002-06:00

MN Deer

GA Deer

Even the picture is bigger. Deer in GA aren't corn fed and tend to be a little small. As someone told me, "nice racks, no bodies." I totally agree. The big advantages in GA are a longer season (mid Oct - Jan) and the bag limit (12 total, 2 bucks).

We are renting a beautiful piece of land in Eastern GA, of which we're able to use 5 acres. The first 2 times out hunting were great. Less than 100 yards from the house I encountered a large buck (for GA) but wasn't able to get a safe shot (in between me and the house). Since then, I haven't seen ANYTHING. Lot's of squirrels, raccoons, a bunny (which I almost stepped on) and a big red fox. Maybe it has something to do with the moon phase, but hopefully I will see something soon - we're moving in a month.

New Taproot Video

2010-10-20T10:05:00.002-05:00

Courtesy of a MidwestMovement Tweet, here is the info on the latest Taproot video for "Release Me" - it's a little darker than Taproot usually puts out.
midwestmovement: Taproot Video Premier At RevolverMag.com: http://wp.me/p5KWp-hF

Odd Hobbies

2010-08-21T13:42:00.002-05:00

What do you think would be a regular hobby for a fella' like me. It might surprise you to find out the truth. When our 1st was born I really got into plants - growing and propagating, etc. Then, when he was 1.5, I really got into crochet. I made some pretty cool (not quite square) blankets. Recently I've been working on a lot of puzzles. I've finished about 6 puzzles (1000 pcs and up) in the last 3-4 weeks. Other than puzzles, my wife is really on a farm/sustainable living kick. So, I slopped (wouldn't call it 'building') a "Chicken Tractor" (portable chicken coop). Check out the video I took ideas from - http://artisandesignsdtb.blogspot.com/

Who knows what will be next...whittling?

Weird Dream

2010-04-13T08:09:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure how some of the characters of my dream came about, but it was weird and I remembered it.
----

The first thing I remember is some male celebrity (who I didn't recognize) on TV asking for 'dimes' for a charity (the ONLY money they would accept was dimes). Somehow this turned into me going to a basketball game.

After the game, there was some private event in a small convention room. I was one of about 50 people among whom were Donald Rumsfeld, Rudy Giuliani, Bud Selig and a bunch of people I didn't know. I was joking around with Rumsfeld and in walks Flavor-Flav and Andrea Bocelli!

Bocelli steps up front, sings a song in Farsi and then announces the beginning of the event. The beginning of the event ended up being 5-10 cows entering the room to be sold by auction. Then, my Grandmother, an Uncle, Aunt and some cousins walk in and sit by me. They are looking for a good breeding cow for the family farm.

One of the friends of my relatives then wins about $500 in a gift certificate drawing - at this point I decide to stick around to see if I can win something. All of a sudden I'm back at home and I am regretting not calling home to say I'd be late.

----
Stephen King has dreams he can write books and make money from. I have dreams which relate politics, music, sports and agriculture - if I can come up with a way to capitalize off of that, it'll be a good year.

"Show Me The Money" Countdown...

2010-04-10T16:10:00.002-05:00

It's been almost 2 years that I've been waiting on and working towards this bonus. The final countdown is on - The "Show Me The Money" countdown. 3 big tests and it's all mine!
Countdown is: 11 days!

Half Day!

2010-03-24T20:34:00.003-05:00

I had a half day today! Ate some Kabob for lunch (still full 7 hours later), got home and had time to watch a show and play some games with Anders... but more importantly, gave Shannon a chance to leave the house for an hour or two! Trimmed the plants, boxed some things up for the move (hopefully) and a few other things. By the way, does anyone ave any tips for storing plants for a week out of the pot?

So Happy Summer is Almost Here...

2010-03-15T21:11:00.002-05:00

Next few months are going to be full of a lot of changes, but it's going to be easier to face them now that the weather is a lot nicer. I love being out of Winter weather, but when it's rain for about 75 days and 50 degrees it gets a little tough to handle. 65 yesterday and 70 today...nothing but sun. Only problem is, now all of the changes seem way to soon! Also, same old situation...this Norwegian has 3 shades: Creamy, Pink and Hot Pink!

Eye Doctor

2010-02-25T17:35:00.003-06:00

It's been about a year and a half since I was last at the Eye Doctor. The last time I went, the doc said I wouldn't need glasses. However, after all the reading I've done over the last year (for school and for pleasure) my eyes are getting weaker again. Should have some nice (seriously) military specs in a week. I was hoping for those Birth Control Glasses they give out in boot camp, but it wasn't an option (just kidding!).

PS, speaking of reading - if you read, befriend me on Goodreads.com!

What's New?

2010-02-25T17:32:00.002-06:00

You probably think that with the time between updates I've been out blowing all the tax money...not quite. We did pay off a few lingering and high-interest bills which will drop our payments each month, but I've been so busy studying lately I'm starting to go a little nuts. I didn't study like this in HS or College, but now there aren't any options. Test is in about 6 weeks...a little nervous, but I know this stuff!

New Phone...

2010-02-13T11:25:00.003-06:00

Yesterday the $$ came in. Whoo-hoo! Bought all of my uniform components for work, running shoes and paid off a few major bills. Now, it's time to look for a new phone (which responds when I press buttons). However, the pricing is getting ridiculous! Here's the math: *The mytouch3g I'd like is $400 without 24 months of web plan contract.
*Discounted upgrade price - $170 (24 month web and phone contract required)
*24 months web plan for 1 phone line (w/ 15% discount) = $530
Total cost for phone - $400 w/out contract / $700 w/ contract
= I think it's easier to keep mashing the buttons on the one I have to make it work.

Need Running Shoes!

2010-02-12T11:41:00.002-06:00

Follow the link above to help find the right shoes for you. My running shoes are over a year old and have too many miles on them. I actually enjoy running now and never thought that was possible or that I would be saying that! I'm a flat-footed, under-pronate, cusion needing runner.

The Tax Man Cometh (...and leaveth a few bucks!)

2010-02-12T11:27:00.002-06:00

Yeah! Tax payout day came! Shannon didn't work this last year so we were able to save loads of cash on daycare and she was able to be with the kids everyday. Add that to kid benefits and Military benefits and I can pay off a few bills for good!

PS - the child tax benefit is more like a, "here. we understand how much kids eat, poop and break stuff...so we're going to give you a small portion of that back."

Super Bowl 2010

2010-02-08T10:00:00.001-06:00

I'm a bit disappointed as a Vikings and Colts fan. Now I can add the Saints to a list of teams I have a severe level of dislike for. Here's the list:
PACKERS, Patriots, Steelers, Falcons, Cardinals, Bears and Saints.
*the Lions would be on the list, but I feel more sorry for them than dislike.

Twins Season 2009

2009-10-17T17:24:00.002-05:00

Another Twins baseball season is over and once again to the stinkin' Yankees. I have to admit I didn't think they'd make it to the playoffs with where they sat at midway through the season. Their pitching stunk, their bats stunk...they couldn't produce or protect leads.
However...they once again made it interesting! One of the best things about being a Twins fan in the last 20 years - they have rarely been in the cellar of the division!

Jones'n To Be Back In Radio

2009-09-21T17:00:00.000-05:00

Today (or maybe yesterday) would have marked 10 years in radio. I know that what I'm doing now is more important, but the payoff is quite different.
However, I don't regret making the change to the Navy and it doesn't mean I can't get involved with radio again sometime. To those about to rock the mic, I salute you.

Before October Comes...

2008-09-26T19:24:00.003-05:00

Before October comes I better give an update on why the heck there haven't been any updates. At the end of August I joined the Navy. Not Old Navy, the real, kick-ass, been around since the start of the nation, had historical heavy-hitters like Nathan Hale NAVY. I'm not doing it because I 'have to' I'm doing it because I WANT to. It works out for the family (Shannon, Anders and Lilly) and we have tremendous family support from parents/grandparents/etc.

I'm going in to be a CTI - I'll be learning a foreign language and using that knowledge to translate for the good of the country. Hopefully we'll get to take the family around the world and see things we never thought we would.

Any questions about the Navy or the family - send me an email - badjeffro@gmail.com

Pimp My...Cart?

2008-08-16T23:18:00.000-05:00

(language warning)

Hindsight Is Always 20-20

2008-07-03T23:19:00.002-05:00

(Non-funny post warning)...There, you've been warned. If you read on you probably won't laugh. You may have a "what is this sentimental crap" response, but as I said you have been warned. A good rule for myself from here on is to appreciate what you have at the moment...before you regret what you no longer have.
That's it - no long speech or anything. If you got teary eyed or had a verbal sigh after the last few sentences, you may want to go to a doctor and get that checked. Ha - even the warning about 'sappy content' was longer than the sappy content itself! Now back to some funny stuff.

Food For Thought

2008-06-23T19:13:00.002-05:00

I don't know where I first saw this, but I was cleaning up some old papers and thought it was worth throwing out here (especially after Mankato held "National Brewfest" this past weekend).

A herd of buffalo can move only as fast as the slowest buffalo. When the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest buffalo at the back which are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells.

Excessive intake of alcohol, we all know kills brain cells, but naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of alcohol eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster, more effective machine. That's why you always feel smarter after you've had a few.

Kermit Does Nine Inch Nails

2008-06-20T09:13:00.001-05:00

Pork and Beans

2008-05-23T18:43:00.001-05:00

The new video by Weezer is pretty much a "best of youtube".

St. Paul Saints To Give Bobble-Foot

2008-05-22T21:08:00.004-05:00

Apparently the Bobble Foot Stalls are in tribute to "National Tap Dance Day." It's a pretty funny promotion from the St. Paul Saints:

ST. PAUL, MN (May 21, 2008) – Some of the most famous dance halls in the country include Radio City Music Hall in New York, the Fox Theater in Detroit and now the list includes a restroom at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport. With so much fanfare around dancing, the St. Paul Saints will honor “tappers” during National Tap Dance Day.

During the Sunday, May 25 game the first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a bobblefoot. The design is a bathroom stall, with a foot that peaks out of the bottom and “taps” up and down. The day coincides with National Tap Dance Day.

While many people tap their foot because they are impatient, others may do it because they are nervous. It doesn’t matter if your tapping style is done with a “wide stance” or is used as some sort of code, the Saints are asking all fans to tap to their heart’s content on May 25...

Fox News Anchor Or Porn Star?

2008-05-20T16:16:00.002-05:00

I thought I'd take this quiz and do well since I see a bit of Fox News. I didn't do too well. Take the quiz and see how well you do. May not be suitable for work or for kids due to adult language.

Judas Priest Shreds!

2008-05-19T16:40:00.004-05:00

Judas Priest Footage!

Bold Or Biased?

2008-05-14T17:18:00.002-05:00

I received this email and even though it says some things which many people are thinking, parts of the speech may go against the idea of 'freedom'. Your thoughts?02
Prime Minister John Howard - Australia

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques.

Quote:

'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'

'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'

'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society ... Learn the language!'

'Most Australians bel ieve in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'

'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'

'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.."

Mail Order Husbands

2008-05-09T18:16:00.002-05:00

Real Winners!

$$Gov't Rebate Checks$$

2008-04-30T16:33:00.004-05:00

Gov't rebate checks hit the bank accounts this week. What are you going to do with yours?

There has been a lot of speculation as to what effect the 'stimulus checks' will have on the economy. Some say it will have little effect, others say it will have a negative effect. I say, "show me the money!" I could use an extra $x,xxx to help knock out some of my stupid debts from the past.

My estimate for what will be done with the checks:
*the next few weekends will be busy at bars and strip clubs
*drug dealers will make enough to buy more 'bling'
*gambling debts will be both paid-up and increased
*the line at WalMart is going to be huge
*robberies and other crimes are going to increase for a short time

My biggest prediction - we'll see stories of complaints and lawsuits from people who are complaining about not getting their 'fair share' or 'enough'.

Here is a link if you need more info on the rebate checks:
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/incometaxandtheirs/a/rebates2008.htm

Texas Trip

2008-04-03T20:45:00.002-05:00

The fam. and I recently returned from our trip to Houston, TX. First off, thank you to Becca and J for putting us up (and putting up with us). What an awesome trip! While all our friends were suffering in 35 degree MN.
We took a day and visited San Antonio. While there we went to Sea World, The Riverwalk and did a drive-by of the Alamo. Sea World was a great experience - much like a top-notch version of the MN Zoo mixed with Valley Fair. Shamu is F'n huge! The Alamo was exactly as I remembered it 11 years ago...disappointing. It's in the middle of downtown S.A. and you can barely visual that the little shack in front of you is a great piece of American and Mexican history. The River Walk was cool again, but there's not much for kids to do so maybe the adults will have to go back and get a hotel room overlooking the River Walk and party it up.

On Saturday it was supposed to rain, but we took our chances and went to the beach. It ended up being a beautiful day! We had beers in Kemah at the boardwalk and went to Galveston and put our feet in the ocean. Later we went to a cool restaurant called Ichibon's - go if you ever get the chance. I'm not big on fish, but they had plenty of options.

It's a great place to visit and I've always wanted to live there...who knows...?

Cookie Monster

2008-04-03T20:43:00.001-05:00

Cookie Monster introducing kids to a band called Cannibal Corpse

March Madness

2008-03-20T18:00:00.003-05:00

Once again I'm filling out the brackets. Once again I know nothing about 99% of the teams in the tournament. For some, this is the reason they won't participate in the brackets. For me, it's most of the fun. March madness is about the only basketball I'll watch...too much dribble, pass, shoot and repeat for me. A little like Nascar - go fast and keep turning left while trying to pass...and then either get into a redneck fistfight or tear up the grass by whipping cookies after the race.
How the hell did a basketball post turn into a Nascar rant?

March Madness - do you participate? Do you mostly pick favorites? I recently heard a story of a NCAA Basketball novice like myself WINNING their bracket competition by selecting the winner based on the mascot.

Technoviking

2008-03-19T00:03:00.002-05:00

You may want to forward the video 30-60 seconds for Technoviking to arrive. This guy looks like a relative.

ALL HAIL TECHNOVIKING! - Watch more free videos

KNOCKERS!!!

2008-03-18T21:25:00.002-05:00

1st Post

2008-03-18T21:19:00.003-05:00

Every blog needs a post at the beginning of it all called "1st post". I've tried blogging many times before but something always got in the way. Here it is. As if I don't talk enough on the radio, now I expect someone to read when I babble via keyboard. Cheers to you for reading this far...hopefully your IQ hasn't dropped too far.