Monday, May 26, 2008

Grey's Anatomy

So, the season is over. What are we to expect from next season?

Meredith goes into bankruptcy after spending $2000 on candles and glasses for their future house because she can't afford medical care after winds whip up the flames and give her third degree burns over 90% of her body.

Derek gets hurt in an accident on his way to tell Rose that he's going back to Meredith and is in a coma for four weeks. He and Mer are put in the same room. Yang and Rose become best friends as they spend most of their time caring for the two invalids.

The girl that lived through the trial will be pregnant and her parents will sue Seattle Grace, Derek & Meredith. Her child will be a boy and she'll name it after her dead boyfriend with Derek as his middle name.

Meredith (and Derek in absentia) will be suspended for doing the extra attempt even though it worked. The chief will also be suspended for it being at his hospital.

George will retake his intern test, but fail again by one point because he is so disturbed by the new romance between Callie & Hahn. He will then become a manny for Bailey's boy so that her husband can go back to work. Several weeks later, a scoring error will be revealed from the first test, but George decides to stay a manny, saying he has found peace and enlightenment.

Tune in this fall to see what predictions come true.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

CMAs

Me and the missus were watching the awards show tonight and two artists threw their guitars off-stage. Now, did they have to go hire a "hands team" to field the guitars, or is it someone from their crew they tour with whose responsibility is to catch the Fender? How much does that person get paid? If you drop one do you get fired? Or do you practice? If so, how many hours of practice do you go through? Do they have guitar crash-test dummies? Do you get your wages garnished if you drop one or break a string?

George Strait. Still going strong after all these years. To give some perspective on how many years that is, he was my big sister's heartthrob back in the day. Him and Joe Montana.

Why did Tony Romo dump Carrie Underwood for Jessica Simpson? That's like a new junior partner in a huge law firm being offered a Bentley as a signing bonus and saying "Do you have a used car I could lease?" Because everybody knows, if you got Jess, you get Joe too. *shudder*

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

And The Answer Is...

Yes, I can walk today. The only thing I feel is my right shoulder clicking a little bit.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Old Man Haiku

I know, I know. I'm not officially old yet. That'll happen in October.

Nevertheless, I submit the following poem:

Haven't played hoops in
ten years. Will I be able
to walk tomorrow?

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Points Proved

In case you missed them, I panned both Jason Castro and Paula Abdul in two recent posts.

Jason did nothing tonight to prove me wrong, and, in fact, made things worse for himself. The only way he gets through is if that web site asks all its readers to vote for him.

Was Paula drunk tonight? I'll give her the benefit of the doubt that she was thrown off by Seacrest's impromptu call for a quick assessment. (He had previously said the judges would give their takes after the second song. When she started talking about Jason's second song, the cameras quickly focused in on the confused host, contestants, judges and audience. And once more I plead with you, LOSE THE BANGS! I know the '80s are coming back, but at least with those bangs we could still see your eyes. Maybe she was trying to hide the dark circles from her hangover!

Friday, April 25, 2008

Simmons Cracks Me Up

For those of you that don't know, I'm a big fan of the Sports Guy on ESPN2. He's got a great sense of humor and regular gets me laughing.

Today at lunch I was reading his Awards column. Scroll to about two-thirds the way down and read the section entitled The Raymond Babbit Award, but especially the aside in parenthesis. I almost spewed the water in my mouth and I was literally crying.

Thanks SG. Keep it up.

Date Night

C and I went out on Wednesday night to the outlet mall.

You know how in most stores the clerks don't care if you go into the dressing room together? Well, we went to this one store called Papaya, where they had two signs posted outside the dressing room area that said "NO BOYS ALLOWED". I applaud them for having the mores to not allow guys in. While it may be a convenience for those married folks who want to put something flirty on just to see how it looks, I'd rather them have a moral compass.

After we were done shopping, we sat down in Starbucks to make some lists to help us be better organized. While we were there, I noticed a sign on a Sirena Espresso Machine that said:

"Everyday low price $399"

If that's the low price, I'd hate to pay the normal price. Sheesh.

American Idol Results Show

Last night on American Idol, Paula Abdul was voted off. A stunned Paula Abdul lashed out at the voting public "I just renewed my contract. You can't vote me off!" Ryan Seacrest asked fellow judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson what Paula could take away from her time on the show to help her in the future.

Randy said "You know, it was just a'ight for me. I wasn't really feeling it this season. I think she found her niche with all the complimenting. Maybe having actual thoughts isn't what she's best at. I think she should try motivational speaking."

Simon replied "I thought her judging this season has been rather cabaret. She had a strong show in week two of the finals when she actually gave a relevant opinion based on the singing. I think going forward she needs to stop focusing on the contestants' appearance and more on their vocals."

Producer Simon Fuller was seen backstage giving high-fives to everyone he saw. He gave an extended hug to a surprised key grip. Asked to explain his jubilation, Fuller gave the following press release, including a job posting:

Dear Idol fans,

Although we were given only six-and-a-half years of Paula's presence on Idol, it felt so much longer. She was a key third member of our judging panel and provided an uplifting spirit to help our contestants feel good about themselves even when they performed poorly. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to buy a Ford, a Coca-Cola product or donate to Idol Gives Back.

In the spirit of Idol Gives Back, we are sending Paula to Ethiopia for what would have been the remainder of her contract with Fox.

Consequently, we are in need of an analyst to join Simon and Randy. The successful candidate must have a mind of her own, be able to form a cogent analysis of the performances, and have a stylist with a sense of current fashion trends (Note: No bangs allowed). Experience feigning romantic tension a plus.

Sincerely,

Simon Fuller

(Sigh) If only that were true.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

American Idol

We have some neighbors who casually know Jason Castro.

He seems like a good kid.

But Top 10 good? I don't think so. If he didn't have those eyes of his, he would've been booted a long time ago. But he's garnering the coveted 12-30 female demographic because "He's so dreamy!".

He has yet to really show off his pipes, instead settling for ballads, which, in most Idol seasons, would be enough to get you gone early. But with the weak overall talent, especially from the ladies, he's been able to stay.

Let's just some it up with a question from my 3-year-old last night when we saw the recap:
"Mommy, what's her name?"

Aaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnd...

I'm out.

Allergies

If you live in Austin long enough, you'll develop allergies, even if you haven't had them your whole life. We complain about the pollen around here, and rightfully so. Our daughters get nailed with it several times a year. Just recently, M was diagnosed with allergy-induced asthma, which gives her this horrible cough for weeks at a time. It usually hits during the winter, so we'll be ready for it later this year. When it hits S, she's a big snotty mess. C and I usually keep at least one tissue tucked in our pockets so we'll be able to wipe her face before she can get to it. She doesn't quite look like Pizza the Hut, but it can get gruesome.

A Forbes study on worst city for allergies lists Austin as only #54, down from #24 a year ago. It doesn't seem that much better. Of course it doesn't help that we have a yoooge (as The Donald would say) oak tree in our front yard.

Maybe I should just buy stock in Puffs.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Camping

We had a good time, the sleeping battles notwithstanding. We're gonna need a bigger tent next time.

Two nights did prove nicer than just one since we didn't have to hurriedly pack our bags first thing in the morning.

We couldn't have asked for better weather, even though it was in the upper 30s both nights.

Saturday morning I did a terrible job trying to start a fire from the hot ashes. Not being a person that likes to make the same mistake again, I watched Alpha Pig and came back Sunday morning with a good fire going to warm us up.

You know you've been outside too much when you look at your feet and wonder if it's a flip-flop tan or you just got the first layer of dirt off. Thankfully it's the former.

And finally, whereas I usually space out my farmer tanning over several weeks, I just decided to get it done in two days. Nice golden neck and arms. Pale everywhere else.

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Links

In this article excerpt republished as the NFL draft approaches, The Hair talks about how Ryan Leaf could throw accurate darts on the run and how it "make[s] you hit the rewind button on the VCR." Bye-bye VCR, hello TiVo. What will it be in 5 years?

A story out of India that a couple's first child has a rare malformation called craniofacial duplication. Beware photos of the child, which may be unsettling for young children possibly sitting in your lap. The unfortunate part is that, in this deeply superstitious part of rural India, people believe Lali is a reincarnation of the goddess Durga and they're petitioning the government for funds to build a shrine to their deity of valor.

This article details the "21 on 21" drinking binge that apparently 30% of kids take part in on their 21st birthday. I remember my freshman year at school when my roommate pledged Acacia house. They took him out drinking on his birthday. He came home in the early-morning hours and woke up still drunk at three in the afternoon. I personally think allowing a child to have a limited amount of alcohol before the turn 21, and maybe sooner, would drive down the incidence of binge drinking and alcoholism in young "adults". I think it's the mystique of illegality that drives young people to dangerous habits, whether it be alcohol or drugs. Take away that mystique before they leave the nest and they're probably less likely to engage in such destructive behavior.

Finally, there's an article about a magazine creator who gives this purpose and drive for his lifestyle:
"I could not bear just being a publisher or a planter of trees or just being a mad hedonist. I'm immensely greedy and I want it all. I'm just trying to have a bloody good time filling in the gap between being born and dying."
That's why I'm scared for my daughters. That is the prevailing mindset for so many lost souls. That is the epitaph for millions of young people and will be for millions, even billions more, if they don't hear about Jesus the Christ. Not the Jesus that's castigated and viewed as just a prophet or a good teacher, but the true Son of God whose perfect life and resurrection from the dead alone gives us the hope of eternal life.

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Priceless

In this article on MSNBC.com, a Serbian farmer was ordered to give half of everything he owned to his ex-wife of 45 years.

Miffed at having to decide which farm tools to give up, he just cut them in half instead. Then he gave this quote:

"I still haven't decided how to split the cow," he told the newspaper. "She should just say what she wants — the part with the horns or the part with the tail."

Hope that brings a smile to your face. I know I needed it today.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Smarty-crats?

Growing up in the buckle of the Bible belt, I've heard the term "Dummycrats" more than my fair share. I was intrigued by this article in the online edition of Slate magazine.

The premise is rather fun. Before the general election, Obama and Clinton decide to split the term in some way. Whoever is the candidate for President will at some point cede power to the Veep. Then in '12, the Veep runs for President and flip-flops again. Repeat in '16 and '20. Those two would be able to run the country for 16 consecutive years, barring an injunction by the Supreme Court, which the author fails to mention. Could you imagine that? No matter the party, that would defeat the purpose of the 22nd Amendment. But I really like it. It's very clever, so it makes me a fan.

I don't see the Republicans being able to pull this one off since neither are vastly popular and especially since McCain is Bob Dole-ish in age during his run. I think also that the GOP needs a fresh new face, or at least a non-Bush pol, to have any shot in '12.

Personally, even though I tend to lean toward Republicans when voting, I'd like to see how the Dems do at 1600 Pennsylvania for a term or two, just to see how the press would handle them. Foxnews would most likely be the only large news agency willing to give them bad pub. After all the hemming and hawing during the George W. Bush Administration, it would be interesting to see if the Blue Base will get as annoyed and frustrated with the broken promises and bait-and-switches that will happen with their party prez.

God Bless America!

Done

The UT mens basketball season is over. We were thrashed by a very talented and motivated Memphis teams. When they were up 50-20 over a very good defensive Michigan State team on Friday, I knew that spelled doom for our Tourney run. But hey, Elite 8 with a cast comprised mostly of sophomores and juniors. I'll take it. Fifth- to eighth-best team in the country? I'll more than take it.

Now our boys no what they need to do next year to advance further. Thanks for the memories 'Horns. See you next year.

P.S. All four #1 seeds advanced for the first time in history. That wind from Illinois is the collective sigh and rejoicing of the Selection Committee for being the first to "get it right". Congrats.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

March Madness

I know it's been a while since I've last posted, but I didn't quite expect March 2. Things have been very busy at work and home since our 6th Anniversary.

Work hasn't really had any letup for these past three weeks, except maybe one day a week where I can come up for air. Things don't look like they're going to let up any time soon. I have to start a method validation on a certain raw material and it needs to be wrapped up before the end of April. Oh yeah, I have to do it on top of everything else that comes in. Caution: Rant Alert!! I am having the hardest time getting GCMS#2 to work right now. It won't pass a tune and I'm not sure what to do to get it to pass. I'm thinking about pulling on Office Space on it next week if it doesn't shape up. That or call our service contractor.

If you haven't heard, S got her cast off a week ago and the last few days she has been motoring. Everything clicked on Sunday night and she just started toddling around. It's so much fun to watch her amble around the house and hear the pitter-patter of those cute little feet.

M turns 3 on Good Friday. It doesn't seem like that long ago we brought her home from the hospital with her little conehead. While she's grown a lot, she's also gotten a little too big for her britches lately. She has developed an attitude that doesn't sit well with us. But she is still doing so well with a lot of things. I have to keep reminding myself that she is not an adult, even though she acts like one a lot of times.

C has been very busy lately. The girls' nap schedules have not overlapped much, so she hasn't been able to get much done around the house. And there's the new venture, a mission trip in June to Spain and Turkey to encourage some of Grace's missionaries, that we hope to raise support for. Since we both have full-time jobs, it's been hard to get everything done. She's done a fantastic job as much of the onus has fallen on her since she does have a little more downtime than I do.

So, there is this basketball tournament that starts tomorrow. Well, it technically started Tuesday night with a play-in game, but the real madness begins tomorrow. I think my bracket is already busted. I filled out 4 brackets on ESPN, including one I've dubbed my Formula Bracket. I am walking a very fine line between nerd and geek here lately with my spreadsheets to determine rankings. I want to see how it does compared to my gut instincts. I'll post the results later. I'll give you a couple of picks to get you started. The formula picks #15UMBC over #2Georgetown and #10Davidson over #7Gonzaga, which is the "sexy" upset pick. If everyone thinks it'll happen, is it really an upset? Whatever happens, I'm just happy they went back to the old East, West, South, Southwest for the region names. None of this pod business. At least the NCAA came to their senses.

Sunday, March 02, 2008

My Little Songbird

M's been singing up a storm lately and she added a new wrinkle this week.

Maybe it's the little bit of American Idol she's seen these past couple of weeks.


Part of Something Special



Dude, this is my church!

We drove past it last night after a wedding and it looked incredible. But this overhead shot gives a better picture of what our new building is going to look like.

If I were a snowboarder, I'd say "I'm stoked!"

But I'll just say "sweeeeeeeet".

Happy Anniversary!

Okay husbands of the world. I dare you to find a better anniversary gift than this...


A two-and-a-half hour nap!



Thanks Hon for the best gift you could give me today.

I love you.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

The Simple Things in Life

This was one of M's favorite past-times around our house.

S discovered the joy of the doorstop when we went to Keller for Christmas.




Always brings a smile to my face.

Hopefully you'll like it too.