Decided to delay the full blog on the trip until I can add art...maybe Monday after I wake up! :-)
Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Headlines From Home: NJ
Things learned so far on the trip. Jersey smells like urine.
We also just ran into one of our opponents at the train station. They almost couldn't make it. UPitt.
Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.
We also just ran into one of our opponents at the train station. They almost couldn't make it. UPitt.
Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.
Headlines From Home: World Cup!
I can't remember what this headline is supposed to be....Headlines, Happenings...I slept 3 hours last night and am not really worried it. :-) A quick breakfast of nasty eggs (but free ones) at the hotel and it's off to NYC.
Should be an amazing day!!
Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.
Should be an amazing day!!
Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Happenings From Home: In NJ
We're outside the hotel. :-) Waiting for them to get the rooms set. Ready for a nice, partial night of sleep.
Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.
Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.
Happenings from Home: Couldn't Sleep
This is partially a test post, partially a way to introduce a new feature on the blog.
We already have my comments on various news stories (Thoughts from Third) and my rants and ramblings on different topics (Sermons from Second). Now the third-Happenings from Home. This will just be updates of things going on in life or with whatever I’m doing. It could be a simple picture, or it could be a full out story.
I’m introducing this now for one simple reason…I’m going to NYC for the Quidditch World Cup this weekend! As I get chances I’ll post a quick blog on what’s happening at the cup. The website is down until this evening (http://www.internationalquidditch.org/), I’m sure because of increased traffic.
I woke up at 6:30 this morning, thought it was 7:30, and couldn’t get back to sleep. So…long day ahead. However, I’ll try to keep people updated on here (even with some bad pics from my phone) as we embark on this awesome trip! Also, I know have a new feature to occasionally update on life.
I’ve been thinking of writing a few reviews…but haven’t basically because I haven’t thought of an alliterated name for them. Run-Scoring Reviews? It can’t be anything to do with first base…I’m a single short of a cycle. Repeat-Double Reviews? Not sure. I just know it has to have alliteration. The At-Bat Analysis? Who knows. Suggestions??
Monday, November 8, 2010
Thoughts from Third Base: November 8, 2010
It's over 80 degrees in my office. Uggggh.
Possibly the first teaser for Star Trek 2. I'm excited for it.
Tons of Superman news. First, Who will play play Superman? If it is Rock or John Cena (second link), again I say Ugggh. I think Routh was a good Superman, and Welling would be as well. Why not continue along the lines of the Smallville mythos? Then you have your Superman, Lois, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, and others as well.
Thank you Warner Brothers for not letting Steven Speilberg ruin Harry Potter. The movies aren't perfect...I would give Order of the Phoenix a D (for Dreadful). However, it is better than a CG Potter franchise shrunken down even more. Was what happened to A Series of Unfortunate Events. It wasn't bad...but it wasn't good either.
One of my favorite 80's TV cartoons is finally coming back. Long overdue, if you ask me.
Another Silent Hill Movie? Yes please. Although we can add that to the list of movies that makes WV look bad!
This is just funny. BTW...I got the vid from a different site...I don't frequent the site it's from. Blech.
In addition to Green Lantern, Batman, and Superman Warner Bros. is said to be working on Wonder Woman and Flash, as well as possible other DC properties. Shazam! is not included. I really would love a Firestorm movie, which could be stellar.
Jane Lynch is all over the TV this holiday season. That last one could be awesome!
Vanessa is blogging about her time getting a new dog, which will commence soon. She's going to be sharing the process for those curious.
Jason Segal is making the new Muppet Movie...which means awesome because Segal rocks quite a bit.
The big controversy last week was that Hulk Hogan flashed the camera in front of his daughter Brooke in the commercial for a game. However, funny story...he really didn't. Something with a wrestler NOT being real/what it seems? Who woulda thunk it? :-)
As the Reds post season recognitions keep coming, Walt Jocketty was named Executive of the Year. Other deserving Reds (we'll see how it pays out over the next couple weeks) are Brandon Phillips (Silver Slugger, Gold Glove), Jay Bruce and Scott Rolen (Golden Glove), Dusty Baker (Manager of the Year), and Joey Votto (Silver Slugger, Golden Glove, MVP, and pretty much anything else they give awards for). I supposed Coco will be in talks for the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.
The Reds, Tigers, and all of Major League Baseball have lost a legend this week. Each of those is a different link that says things better than I could, so why try?
Jay Bruce is just one of many Reds getting paid this year. And by paid, I mean the big bucks.
Taxes in baseball. There is a luxury tax in baseball. I agree there should also be a salary floor. A team should be required to spend so much...to actually attempt to win. Pirates, Marlins, I'm looking at you.
A Redsfest wishlist. In addition to Mark Lewis (on the list) I would add Bip Roberts. I think the Reds should try to bring back any and every person they can.
Rock Band 3 gets Bon Jovi content. I'm fully in favor and it's worth getting RB3 for.
More Captain America pictures. Let's see what Dawgie thinks of the shield...but I think the second picture I show may get Elissa to watch it.
The new Scream 4 poster makes me excited for the new movie.
Another Discworld movie, even animated, is good with me.
Interesting stories coming for Gotham City. Could be good.
I am VERY good with the idea of Eliza Dushku as Wonder Woman, either on small or big screen.
The first part of the Dark Tower saga gets a release date. Could be amazing!
The Third Narnia film is looking to go back to the awesome fantasy roots, as opposed to the borefest of Prince Caspian.
They keep teasing us with information on Batman: Arkham City. I cannot wait for this game.
Aroldis Chapman may stay a reliever for now. With Arroyo, Volquez, Cueto, Bailey, Wood, Leake, Maloney, and Lecure, that may be the best bet. It also protects him.
Aunt Petunia (Harry Potter) is going to be in True Blood. Seeing as all I hear about True Blood is that they are constantly naked...this really scares me.
That's good for now. Have an awesome week!
Possibly the first teaser for Star Trek 2. I'm excited for it.
Tons of Superman news. First, Who will play play Superman? If it is Rock or John Cena (second link), again I say Ugggh. I think Routh was a good Superman, and Welling would be as well. Why not continue along the lines of the Smallville mythos? Then you have your Superman, Lois, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, and others as well.
Thank you Warner Brothers for not letting Steven Speilberg ruin Harry Potter. The movies aren't perfect...I would give Order of the Phoenix a D (for Dreadful). However, it is better than a CG Potter franchise shrunken down even more. Was what happened to A Series of Unfortunate Events. It wasn't bad...but it wasn't good either.
One of my favorite 80's TV cartoons is finally coming back. Long overdue, if you ask me.
Another Silent Hill Movie? Yes please. Although we can add that to the list of movies that makes WV look bad!
This is just funny. BTW...I got the vid from a different site...I don't frequent the site it's from. Blech.
In addition to Green Lantern, Batman, and Superman Warner Bros. is said to be working on Wonder Woman and Flash, as well as possible other DC properties. Shazam! is not included. I really would love a Firestorm movie, which could be stellar.
Jane Lynch is all over the TV this holiday season. That last one could be awesome!
Vanessa is blogging about her time getting a new dog, which will commence soon. She's going to be sharing the process for those curious.
Jason Segal is making the new Muppet Movie...which means awesome because Segal rocks quite a bit.
The big controversy last week was that Hulk Hogan flashed the camera in front of his daughter Brooke in the commercial for a game. However, funny story...he really didn't. Something with a wrestler NOT being real/what it seems? Who woulda thunk it? :-)
As the Reds post season recognitions keep coming, Walt Jocketty was named Executive of the Year. Other deserving Reds (we'll see how it pays out over the next couple weeks) are Brandon Phillips (Silver Slugger, Gold Glove), Jay Bruce and Scott Rolen (Golden Glove), Dusty Baker (Manager of the Year), and Joey Votto (Silver Slugger, Golden Glove, MVP, and pretty much anything else they give awards for). I supposed Coco will be in talks for the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.
The Reds, Tigers, and all of Major League Baseball have lost a legend this week. Each of those is a different link that says things better than I could, so why try?
Jay Bruce is just one of many Reds getting paid this year. And by paid, I mean the big bucks.
Taxes in baseball. There is a luxury tax in baseball. I agree there should also be a salary floor. A team should be required to spend so much...to actually attempt to win. Pirates, Marlins, I'm looking at you.
A Redsfest wishlist. In addition to Mark Lewis (on the list) I would add Bip Roberts. I think the Reds should try to bring back any and every person they can.
Rock Band 3 gets Bon Jovi content. I'm fully in favor and it's worth getting RB3 for.
More Captain America pictures. Let's see what Dawgie thinks of the shield...but I think the second picture I show may get Elissa to watch it.
The new Scream 4 poster makes me excited for the new movie.
Another Discworld movie, even animated, is good with me.
Interesting stories coming for Gotham City. Could be good.
I am VERY good with the idea of Eliza Dushku as Wonder Woman, either on small or big screen.
The first part of the Dark Tower saga gets a release date. Could be amazing!
The Third Narnia film is looking to go back to the awesome fantasy roots, as opposed to the borefest of Prince Caspian.
They keep teasing us with information on Batman: Arkham City. I cannot wait for this game.
Aroldis Chapman may stay a reliever for now. With Arroyo, Volquez, Cueto, Bailey, Wood, Leake, Maloney, and Lecure, that may be the best bet. It also protects him.
Aunt Petunia (Harry Potter) is going to be in True Blood. Seeing as all I hear about True Blood is that they are constantly naked...this really scares me.
That's good for now. Have an awesome week!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Sermons from Second: "Why are people so stupid?"
Time for a new feature here for my ones of fans! :-)
Obviously my Thoughts from Third deal with thoughts on various news items I get from my RSS Feeds.
Sermons from Second will be my rants or thoughts (really...I'm a squiggle...that means I go on tangents...) on different issues. However, this one starts with an RSS feed also.
I sent a friend and the wife a fully image from The Art of Trolling. For reference:
Now, I'll start by saying I don't know if that was a troll posting or a real person. You never know.
The wife's response: why are people so stupid??
So I was about to respond to her. Then I decided I would respond...but instead of to her, to everyone. (And by that, of course, I mean the...4 people who read this???)
Anyway...
I live in Ohio. Talawanda High School has a building that is amazingly out of date. Yet every election until the 2008 for what, if I remember right, was at least 10 years a levy to build a new school was shot down. In this election, I believe maybe ONE school levy passed and every other one was shot down. (I know I could check that...but let's be realistic...I get my news from RSS feeds. I'm too lazy to go look.)
Why are people so stupid? Our education system is failing miserably because of a combination of apathy, political maneuvering, finances, religion (the old favorite...), etc.
Let's just take the example given above. We're going to, for the point of this argument, go with it NOT being a troll. How could someone NOT know? I would place that one of religion and politics...which too often are in bed together in the land of "separation of church and state." The prevailing feeling is that we can't teach kids about sex, much less SAFE sex. We have to protect the kids from the EVILS of sex...it is just for procreation, and SURELY they will learn when they are married. However, violence....by all means teach it, make it better, show it anyway on TV, and glorify it. Organized religion glorifies violence (after all how many ways/acts of violence have religion as their basis) and vilifies sex.
If I ever have children, I would seriously consider home schooling them. The ONLY reason not to is the socialization component. I could teach English and the History family. Jennifer has math more than covered. As far as science...we both have a base in science. Also, our university Lecture Series is PROVING we don't have science teachers anyway. See...we are bringing Bill Nye (The Science Guy) for our Lecture Series in January. I think it is going to be amazing, and upon talking to the box office we have eight to eighty scrambling to get the tickets in January. The reason for most of them is the same. That is where they learned science...and often where they learned science in classes. The teacher would have Bill Nye teach their students. Simple. Easy. More time to....do whatever they did at their desk. I could do that. Anyone could.
I want to finish by saying I know some AMAZING teachers. I wanted to be a teacher in high school, and now teach a course at a college. I'm NOT (despite how it may sound) laying the blame on them. I will say in my life I have had some terrific teachers and some rather dreadful teachers. A lot of the dreadful ones I've seen that they once had it...and the system knocked them down. I LOVE watching movies about teachers who find a way to fight the system and educate their students. Lean on Me. Stand and Deliver. Dangerous Minds. Mr. Holland's Opus. Dead Poet's Society. Renaissance Man. Freedom Writers. The Ron Clark Story. Just to name a few. I love them. I believe in teachers. I have a lot of students who I think can be these types of teachers, and when I see some of the education majors, I think we have a bright future.
However, what does pretty much every one of those movies have in common? First, most are true stories, which I LOVE. Second, however, is that they have to fight a failing educational system to reach the students. They often have to take resources out of their own (and their families) pockets to teach. The school system isn't out there helping. It actually hinders...whether it is against teaching philosophies, policies, material taught, or (most often) funding, our educational system doesn't help. Why SHOULD teachers have to provide these things out of pocket? Our resources in this country go to the wrong place. In 2008 we gave a multi-BILLION dollar bailout to many businesses. We have spent TRILLIONS of dollars on war, not just in my life time but in the past DECADE. If we put HALF of that money to a unilateral improvement of our education system, America would not be in the state of decline it is. If we prepared people better...if we taught English, math, social studies, science, the arts, phys ed, INTEGRITY, etc. in our schools in a more quality way, the problems we see wouldn't be how they are.
Why are people so stupid? Because the American education system is failing them.
Now...to end on a high note, as I said...there ARE amazing teachers. This is not only one of those teachers, it is also ABOUT those teachers and improves my day.
Obviously my Thoughts from Third deal with thoughts on various news items I get from my RSS Feeds.
Sermons from Second will be my rants or thoughts (really...I'm a squiggle...that means I go on tangents...) on different issues. However, this one starts with an RSS feed also.
I sent a friend and the wife a fully image from The Art of Trolling. For reference:
Now, I'll start by saying I don't know if that was a troll posting or a real person. You never know.
The wife's response: why are people so stupid??
So I was about to respond to her. Then I decided I would respond...but instead of to her, to everyone. (And by that, of course, I mean the...4 people who read this???)
Anyway...
I live in Ohio. Talawanda High School has a building that is amazingly out of date. Yet every election until the 2008 for what, if I remember right, was at least 10 years a levy to build a new school was shot down. In this election, I believe maybe ONE school levy passed and every other one was shot down. (I know I could check that...but let's be realistic...I get my news from RSS feeds. I'm too lazy to go look.)
Why are people so stupid? Our education system is failing miserably because of a combination of apathy, political maneuvering, finances, religion (the old favorite...), etc.
Let's just take the example given above. We're going to, for the point of this argument, go with it NOT being a troll. How could someone NOT know? I would place that one of religion and politics...which too often are in bed together in the land of "separation of church and state." The prevailing feeling is that we can't teach kids about sex, much less SAFE sex. We have to protect the kids from the EVILS of sex...it is just for procreation, and SURELY they will learn when they are married. However, violence....by all means teach it, make it better, show it anyway on TV, and glorify it. Organized religion glorifies violence (after all how many ways/acts of violence have religion as their basis) and vilifies sex.
If I ever have children, I would seriously consider home schooling them. The ONLY reason not to is the socialization component. I could teach English and the History family. Jennifer has math more than covered. As far as science...we both have a base in science. Also, our university Lecture Series is PROVING we don't have science teachers anyway. See...we are bringing Bill Nye (The Science Guy) for our Lecture Series in January. I think it is going to be amazing, and upon talking to the box office we have eight to eighty scrambling to get the tickets in January. The reason for most of them is the same. That is where they learned science...and often where they learned science in classes. The teacher would have Bill Nye teach their students. Simple. Easy. More time to....do whatever they did at their desk. I could do that. Anyone could.
I want to finish by saying I know some AMAZING teachers. I wanted to be a teacher in high school, and now teach a course at a college. I'm NOT (despite how it may sound) laying the blame on them. I will say in my life I have had some terrific teachers and some rather dreadful teachers. A lot of the dreadful ones I've seen that they once had it...and the system knocked them down. I LOVE watching movies about teachers who find a way to fight the system and educate their students. Lean on Me. Stand and Deliver. Dangerous Minds. Mr. Holland's Opus. Dead Poet's Society. Renaissance Man. Freedom Writers. The Ron Clark Story. Just to name a few. I love them. I believe in teachers. I have a lot of students who I think can be these types of teachers, and when I see some of the education majors, I think we have a bright future.
However, what does pretty much every one of those movies have in common? First, most are true stories, which I LOVE. Second, however, is that they have to fight a failing educational system to reach the students. They often have to take resources out of their own (and their families) pockets to teach. The school system isn't out there helping. It actually hinders...whether it is against teaching philosophies, policies, material taught, or (most often) funding, our educational system doesn't help. Why SHOULD teachers have to provide these things out of pocket? Our resources in this country go to the wrong place. In 2008 we gave a multi-BILLION dollar bailout to many businesses. We have spent TRILLIONS of dollars on war, not just in my life time but in the past DECADE. If we put HALF of that money to a unilateral improvement of our education system, America would not be in the state of decline it is. If we prepared people better...if we taught English, math, social studies, science, the arts, phys ed, INTEGRITY, etc. in our schools in a more quality way, the problems we see wouldn't be how they are.
Why are people so stupid? Because the American education system is failing them.
Now...to end on a high note, as I said...there ARE amazing teachers. This is not only one of those teachers, it is also ABOUT those teachers and improves my day.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Thoughts from Third Base: November 2, 2010
I do have plans for this other than these news recaps. Look for more in the future...just not there yet.
Adam Richman is on campus today, which makes everything crazy.
With Election Day this week, however, I'll start with something election related. Former WWE head Linda McMahon is running for Senate. So the Secretary of State for Connecticut ruled that WWE clothes would be banned from the polls, because fans are sheep, I suppose, and that was promoting her. I know I would not vote for her if I lived there, because I care more about politics. I'm not sure I would vote for her primary opposition either, however...as his campaign shows clips from WWE and claims things like "Linda McMahon supports beating the mentally handicapped" or something similar. Either way, WWE sued, and the ban is lifted. I often hate politics. Even someone with the best intentions (President Obama, for example) gets so bogged down by people with special interests that they have to water everything down to get what they want done.
Speaking of which...no link here...but why are people hating on the President? He said he had certain goals. Pull our troops from Iraq, fix the financial crisis, health care, etc. He has moved everything he said he wanted forward. People complain about everything.
Kevin Smith has a new movie. It has a poster. The poster is here, and more intriguing than I expected.
Another book-turned-movie coming out that could be...intriguing. If my reading time wasn't devoted primarily to the King project, I would consider this book.
Goonies: The Musical. Ok. Time for The Princess Bride musical.
For Halloween: (Jennifer...don't go.)
EW has the first image of Chris Evans as Captain America. I'm good with it, and more importantly Big Dawg is as well, and he is the huge Cap fan. That's 3 straight TfT in which I've mentioned him...
The Fine Bros. Have their newest spolers, which are always awesome! Love watching these! This time: 100 Horror Move Spolers in 5 minutes. They also had 50 Nintendo, 100 Reality, Move Spoilers, Movie Spoilers: Oscar Edition, and more. You should check them out.
Just in time for the new BSG prequel, as detailed in the last TfT, the first one, Caprica, is cancelled.
Joey Votto was named the NL Hank Aaron Award.
Congrats to the Giants for winning the World Series. Now is the time when it's Hot Stove Season instead of baseball season. I already miss home. (GABP, which the wife calls my first home.)
Could this be good? Sure. Will I watch it. Probably. Is it a rip-off of Fables? Yes.
I'll reserve judgement on this until I see it. A third Ghostbusters isn't the sure thing most think...could be great. Could be horrid.
I agree with her. I've never been one to get star-struck. For the most part I would say...75% of the celebrities in the world are doing what they love and should not have every aspect of their life broadcast every where. If I ran into Will Smith somewhere (possibly my longest bit of fandom...) I would thank him for the joy he has brought to my life for the past... (quick math) 23 years or so. (Yes...I used a calculator...). I wouldn't be all googly-eyed and shocked and everything...nor would I bother him if he was out doing his thing.
Really...that's good for today. Go vote. Wait. I know at least half of my readers have...so....
Adam Richman is on campus today, which makes everything crazy.
With Election Day this week, however, I'll start with something election related. Former WWE head Linda McMahon is running for Senate. So the Secretary of State for Connecticut ruled that WWE clothes would be banned from the polls, because fans are sheep, I suppose, and that was promoting her. I know I would not vote for her if I lived there, because I care more about politics. I'm not sure I would vote for her primary opposition either, however...as his campaign shows clips from WWE and claims things like "Linda McMahon supports beating the mentally handicapped" or something similar. Either way, WWE sued, and the ban is lifted. I often hate politics. Even someone with the best intentions (President Obama, for example) gets so bogged down by people with special interests that they have to water everything down to get what they want done.
Speaking of which...no link here...but why are people hating on the President? He said he had certain goals. Pull our troops from Iraq, fix the financial crisis, health care, etc. He has moved everything he said he wanted forward. People complain about everything.
Kevin Smith has a new movie. It has a poster. The poster is here, and more intriguing than I expected.
Another book-turned-movie coming out that could be...intriguing. If my reading time wasn't devoted primarily to the King project, I would consider this book.
Goonies: The Musical. Ok. Time for The Princess Bride musical.
For Halloween: (Jennifer...don't go.)
EW has the first image of Chris Evans as Captain America. I'm good with it, and more importantly Big Dawg is as well, and he is the huge Cap fan. That's 3 straight TfT in which I've mentioned him...
The Fine Bros. Have their newest spolers, which are always awesome! Love watching these! This time: 100 Horror Move Spolers in 5 minutes. They also had 50 Nintendo, 100 Reality, Move Spoilers, Movie Spoilers: Oscar Edition, and more. You should check them out.
Just in time for the new BSG prequel, as detailed in the last TfT, the first one, Caprica, is cancelled.
Joey Votto was named the NL Hank Aaron Award.
Congrats to the Giants for winning the World Series. Now is the time when it's Hot Stove Season instead of baseball season. I already miss home. (GABP, which the wife calls my first home.)
Could this be good? Sure. Will I watch it. Probably. Is it a rip-off of Fables? Yes.
I'll reserve judgement on this until I see it. A third Ghostbusters isn't the sure thing most think...could be great. Could be horrid.
I agree with her. I've never been one to get star-struck. For the most part I would say...75% of the celebrities in the world are doing what they love and should not have every aspect of their life broadcast every where. If I ran into Will Smith somewhere (possibly my longest bit of fandom...) I would thank him for the joy he has brought to my life for the past... (quick math) 23 years or so. (Yes...I used a calculator...). I wouldn't be all googly-eyed and shocked and everything...nor would I bother him if he was out doing his thing.
Really...that's good for today. Go vote. Wait. I know at least half of my readers have...so....
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