Budget Mess? How Hard Is It To Fix? Really???
So, for some time now the government has been spending money that it doesn't actually have. This is what creates this 'deficit' that has now reached epidemic proportions, effectively ruining the credit rating for the actual country itself, as crazy as that sounds. What I really don't get is how it is so difficult for the government to realize that you CANNOT SPEND MONEY YOU DO NOT HAVE IN YOUR ACCOUNT!
When regular Joe Blow does things like that, he goes to jail, unless he is fortunate enough to realize he is spending too much money and actually sits down and budgets his finances vs income to even things out. This isn't exactly a STRANGE concept, there, Washington, get your ass in gear and get it done. Here's how you do it:
Let's say, for ease of mathematical equations, that the deficit is 100 billion (yah it is much higher than that, but bear with me here). Now let's say there are 10 government programs/entities that are spending that money. Again, yes, there are thousands more, but this is for demonstration purposes, and the percentages are completely made up, stick with me here.
1) Welfare 20%
2) Military 15%
3) Medicare 15%
4) Student Loans 10%
5) Food Stamps 10%
6) HUD Public Housing 10%
7) NASA 5%
8) EPA 5%
9) USDA 5%
10) IRS 5%
So, you take 200 million out of welfare, 150 million away from the military and medicare, 100 million each from student loans, food stamps, and public housing, 50 million from NASA, the EPA, USDA, and the IRS.
BOOM, problem solved. Oh, it isn't meant to be easy, and it would be political suicide for whoever did it because everyone is going to be angry and feel they got 'screwed', but the plain fact remains that this is the easiest and most responsible way to actually fix this problem.
Unfortunately the current administration is going to be too busy with this 'national health care' crap, and will likely go after guns in his second term, instead of doing what he actually needs to do, which I have listed above.
Listen Here You Dog Faced Pony Soldiers!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Rules Of Sleep
It is said that the average adult needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep to function at their maximum potential. Children need more than this, starting as newborns of course, a LOT more, most of the day really, then down to 10 hours or so by about 10 years old, and gradually less on through their teen years. It is also said that as you get older, especially past 50 or so, you need less and less sleep. I am not to that point yet, so it would be hard to say.
I probably average about 6 hours of sleep a night. I should get a couple hours more, but I have always had difficulty just laying in bed forcing myself to sleep, so I tend to wait till I'm dead tired, so that my head hits the pillow and I pass out. Not the best way to get a good night's rest, but it works for me. As for D, she is smarter about it, goes to bed at a reasonable hour and reads a book for awhile, then shuts out the lights, and goes to sleep. I should likely trying to get more sleep, but it is hard to change your sleep habits. I do notice something rather interesting though: when you sleep more than 8 hours, you seem to be more tired throughout the following day, as though you only slept 4 or 5 hours the night before.
The reason for this, quite frankly, is scientific. Through vast and expensive research, I have discovered that there is a secret place in the brain that stores negative sleep. Negative sleep is when you don't get enough sleep at night. Say you sleep for only 5 hours, you would need 3 more hours of sleep to get to a full night's rest. Well the body stores that 3 hours in a special cache, and then whenever you go over 8 hours, the body taps into that cache of negative sleep, and you end up feeling more groggy and tired the than if you had slept only the required 7 to 8 hours.
By this point in my life I would probably need to sleep a full 2 years to completely clear my negative sleep cache. While in Iraq for a year, I don't think there was ever a time when I slept for a full uninterrupted 8 hours. Usually it was 4 to 5 hours, if I was lucky, then catch up with an hour or 2 later in the day, during down time between missions. This made a lot of days in Iraq seem very surreal, especially when you consider the bleak terrain, and the contrast in temperature and light, as you go from a 78 degree living area with the lights out, into a 125 degree blinding sun blast with light reflecting off the light colored sandy rocky ground. After I got back CONUS (stateside), it was more than 6 months before I got back into a regular sleep cycle again. Iraq was probably the greatest single contributor to my negative sleep cache.
So, why am I writing about this today? I don't know, I am using up leave, so it allows me to sleep a little extra, and I was thinking about negative sleep again, so what the hell, thought I'd write about it. I would say that I could be dreaming right now, but apparently the kids (the second biggest contributor to negative sleep) are tearing up the house, so I know I'm not dreaming. In my dreams, they are being perfect angels, they would never dirty up the house.
It is said that the average adult needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep to function at their maximum potential. Children need more than this, starting as newborns of course, a LOT more, most of the day really, then down to 10 hours or so by about 10 years old, and gradually less on through their teen years. It is also said that as you get older, especially past 50 or so, you need less and less sleep. I am not to that point yet, so it would be hard to say.
I probably average about 6 hours of sleep a night. I should get a couple hours more, but I have always had difficulty just laying in bed forcing myself to sleep, so I tend to wait till I'm dead tired, so that my head hits the pillow and I pass out. Not the best way to get a good night's rest, but it works for me. As for D, she is smarter about it, goes to bed at a reasonable hour and reads a book for awhile, then shuts out the lights, and goes to sleep. I should likely trying to get more sleep, but it is hard to change your sleep habits. I do notice something rather interesting though: when you sleep more than 8 hours, you seem to be more tired throughout the following day, as though you only slept 4 or 5 hours the night before.
The reason for this, quite frankly, is scientific. Through vast and expensive research, I have discovered that there is a secret place in the brain that stores negative sleep. Negative sleep is when you don't get enough sleep at night. Say you sleep for only 5 hours, you would need 3 more hours of sleep to get to a full night's rest. Well the body stores that 3 hours in a special cache, and then whenever you go over 8 hours, the body taps into that cache of negative sleep, and you end up feeling more groggy and tired the than if you had slept only the required 7 to 8 hours.
By this point in my life I would probably need to sleep a full 2 years to completely clear my negative sleep cache. While in Iraq for a year, I don't think there was ever a time when I slept for a full uninterrupted 8 hours. Usually it was 4 to 5 hours, if I was lucky, then catch up with an hour or 2 later in the day, during down time between missions. This made a lot of days in Iraq seem very surreal, especially when you consider the bleak terrain, and the contrast in temperature and light, as you go from a 78 degree living area with the lights out, into a 125 degree blinding sun blast with light reflecting off the light colored sandy rocky ground. After I got back CONUS (stateside), it was more than 6 months before I got back into a regular sleep cycle again. Iraq was probably the greatest single contributor to my negative sleep cache.
So, why am I writing about this today? I don't know, I am using up leave, so it allows me to sleep a little extra, and I was thinking about negative sleep again, so what the hell, thought I'd write about it. I would say that I could be dreaming right now, but apparently the kids (the second biggest contributor to negative sleep) are tearing up the house, so I know I'm not dreaming. In my dreams, they are being perfect angels, they would never dirty up the house.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Bye Bye Beret, So Long Velcro, HELL YAH HOOAH!!!
The Army Times reported yesterday that the beret will no longer be the authorized headgear with the combat uniform, as it will be replaced by the patrol cap as the default headgear. And as though the news couldn't get even better? VELCRO IS NOW OPTIONAL!!!
ACU Changes Make Velcro Optional, Patrol Cap Default Headgear
Army Chief of Staff Martin E. Dempsey and Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III are currently my two favorite people in the Army! THANK YOU for doing something the last chief of staff utterly refused to do: LISTEN TO US, talk to the guys in the field, and acknowledge that certain aspects of the combat uniform are a huge mistake.
Now if only we could get an actual combat uniform pattern that actually works instead of making you stand out in any foliage like a sore thumb? I'll take my good news in 3's please haha.
The Army Times reported yesterday that the beret will no longer be the authorized headgear with the combat uniform, as it will be replaced by the patrol cap as the default headgear. And as though the news couldn't get even better? VELCRO IS NOW OPTIONAL!!!
ACU Changes Make Velcro Optional, Patrol Cap Default Headgear
Army Chief of Staff Martin E. Dempsey and Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III are currently my two favorite people in the Army! THANK YOU for doing something the last chief of staff utterly refused to do: LISTEN TO US, talk to the guys in the field, and acknowledge that certain aspects of the combat uniform are a huge mistake.
Now if only we could get an actual combat uniform pattern that actually works instead of making you stand out in any foliage like a sore thumb? I'll take my good news in 3's please haha.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Finally Got The Bicycle Out
I ran 5.5 miles a couple nights ago, and yesterday was still feeling pretty sore (probably a little to do with the PT test a day before that) so I decided to take a day off. Then I got to thinking about the fact that I had not yet even been out on my bicycle yet this year.
My mom had borrowed our silver Dodge Neon for a few days because she had hit a deer, so her vehicle was in the shop getting repaired. Then my sister let her borrow her blue Dodge Neon, which is a bit of a nicer Neon than ours. So rather than have my mom drive the silver Neon back up to our house from the farm, I decided I'd ride the 20 miles or so down to the farm on my bicycle, load up the bike into the Neon, and drive the Neon back up here.
Thankfully there was a pretty decent tailwind coming out of the north to help push me along as I headed south towards the farm. The first 12 miles or so I was able to hold about a 25 mph pace, which is a bit ridiculous (normally I run 14 to 18 mph average on my longer rides). The highway I was riding on has very nice long rolling hills, nothing too incredibly steep and long sections of straight level road too.
But, then I turned east for the last 10 miles, and I was getting hit pretty hard by that north crosswind, and the hills on that particular highway are a lot steeper and more difficult. The next 10 miles or so dropped my overall speed back down to a more normal 18.4 mph. I turned onto the gravel road for the last mile, and WTF the county had put down a bunch of crushed white rock instead of gravel... well, needless to say my bike with its skinny tires didn't last long, as 105 psi blew out of my back tire after about a half mile of travel up the road.
Not even 30 seconds later, my mother drives by in the blue Neon, I wave, she waves and honks and keeps going, despite my waving frantically to stop her. I pulled my phone out and called her, asking why she didn't stop??? "Oh, I never even saw you" she said. Uhm, okay, but you honked and waved? I sure hope my mom isn't getting Alzheimer's disease or something haha.
All in all a decent ride, and I do have 2 spare tubes here at the house. I generally just use new tubes, they are about 5 bucks a piece and I don't have to deal with the bullshit of repairing tubes and having it only work about half the time. My overall results from today's ride?
Distance: 22.3 miles
Time: 1:12:26
Average Speed: 18.4 mph
Max Speed: 37.5 mph
Temperature: 83 degrees
Wind: 10 mph (gusting to 15) from the North/Northeast
I ran 5.5 miles a couple nights ago, and yesterday was still feeling pretty sore (probably a little to do with the PT test a day before that) so I decided to take a day off. Then I got to thinking about the fact that I had not yet even been out on my bicycle yet this year.
My mom had borrowed our silver Dodge Neon for a few days because she had hit a deer, so her vehicle was in the shop getting repaired. Then my sister let her borrow her blue Dodge Neon, which is a bit of a nicer Neon than ours. So rather than have my mom drive the silver Neon back up to our house from the farm, I decided I'd ride the 20 miles or so down to the farm on my bicycle, load up the bike into the Neon, and drive the Neon back up here.
Thankfully there was a pretty decent tailwind coming out of the north to help push me along as I headed south towards the farm. The first 12 miles or so I was able to hold about a 25 mph pace, which is a bit ridiculous (normally I run 14 to 18 mph average on my longer rides). The highway I was riding on has very nice long rolling hills, nothing too incredibly steep and long sections of straight level road too.
But, then I turned east for the last 10 miles, and I was getting hit pretty hard by that north crosswind, and the hills on that particular highway are a lot steeper and more difficult. The next 10 miles or so dropped my overall speed back down to a more normal 18.4 mph. I turned onto the gravel road for the last mile, and WTF the county had put down a bunch of crushed white rock instead of gravel... well, needless to say my bike with its skinny tires didn't last long, as 105 psi blew out of my back tire after about a half mile of travel up the road.
Not even 30 seconds later, my mother drives by in the blue Neon, I wave, she waves and honks and keeps going, despite my waving frantically to stop her. I pulled my phone out and called her, asking why she didn't stop??? "Oh, I never even saw you" she said. Uhm, okay, but you honked and waved? I sure hope my mom isn't getting Alzheimer's disease or something haha.
All in all a decent ride, and I do have 2 spare tubes here at the house. I generally just use new tubes, they are about 5 bucks a piece and I don't have to deal with the bullshit of repairing tubes and having it only work about half the time. My overall results from today's ride?
Distance: 22.3 miles
Time: 1:12:26
Average Speed: 18.4 mph
Max Speed: 37.5 mph
Temperature: 83 degrees
Wind: 10 mph (gusting to 15) from the North/Northeast
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Best Uniform Option = Marine's Pattern?
It is widely acknowledged within the Army, perhaps more so on an informal scale, that the ACU uniform with its digital pattern is a failure. The current deployment uniform, the multicam, is not meant to be an actual long term solution to the problem. So what exactly is the solution? I tend to agree with this opinion piece:
Marine Corpse Has Obligation To Share Pattern
Once again, the Army is shopping for the best possible camouflage pattern for combat soldiers to replace the Universal Camouflage Pattern adopted in 2004.
For more than a year, soldiers in Afghanistan have been wearing MultiCam. But officials say that’s not a long-term solution, which is why they plan to field-test a number of options with the goal of choosing three: one for woodland, one for desert and one for transitional environments.
Among the best options is the uniform worn by Marines, known as MARPAT. Through a series of tests, both scientific and anecdotal, it has stood out for not standing out.
Trouble is, the Marines don’t want to share it.
The Corps has already fought off advances by the Air Force and Navy to adopt MARPAT look-alike patterns. Navy SEALs have a MARPAT-like uniform, but other sailors aren’t allowed to use it, either. This is madness.
I've felt this was the best uniform since my wife wore it during her stint in the Marines. The uniform has no freaking velcro either, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Army is ignorant enough to continue to use velcro in some capacity, despite how poorly the crap performs in the field.
It is widely acknowledged within the Army, perhaps more so on an informal scale, that the ACU uniform with its digital pattern is a failure. The current deployment uniform, the multicam, is not meant to be an actual long term solution to the problem. So what exactly is the solution? I tend to agree with this opinion piece:
Marine Corpse Has Obligation To Share Pattern
Once again, the Army is shopping for the best possible camouflage pattern for combat soldiers to replace the Universal Camouflage Pattern adopted in 2004.
For more than a year, soldiers in Afghanistan have been wearing MultiCam. But officials say that’s not a long-term solution, which is why they plan to field-test a number of options with the goal of choosing three: one for woodland, one for desert and one for transitional environments.
Among the best options is the uniform worn by Marines, known as MARPAT. Through a series of tests, both scientific and anecdotal, it has stood out for not standing out.
Trouble is, the Marines don’t want to share it.
The Corps has already fought off advances by the Air Force and Navy to adopt MARPAT look-alike patterns. Navy SEALs have a MARPAT-like uniform, but other sailors aren’t allowed to use it, either. This is madness.
I've felt this was the best uniform since my wife wore it during her stint in the Marines. The uniform has no freaking velcro either, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Army is ignorant enough to continue to use velcro in some capacity, despite how poorly the crap performs in the field.
Missed It By THAT Much!!!
PT Test completed.
Goals:
80 pushups
90 situps
12:30 2-mile
Outcome?
72 pushups
80 situps
12:25 2-mile
Missed the pushups by ONE... freaking muscle failure as time ran out.
Not overly disappointed, I was so damn tired, well, fatigued for some odd reason, and the humidity during the run was utterly oppressive, the temperature wasn't too bad, but it was hard to breathe that air.
Would still love to do 100 pushups, 100 situps, and a sub 11 two-mile, at some time, but the older I get, as I pointed out in an earlier post, the more unlikely it is that it will happen.
PT Test completed.
Goals:
80 pushups
90 situps
12:30 2-mile
Outcome?
72 pushups
80 situps
12:25 2-mile
Missed the pushups by ONE... freaking muscle failure as time ran out.
Not overly disappointed, I was so damn tired, well, fatigued for some odd reason, and the humidity during the run was utterly oppressive, the temperature wasn't too bad, but it was hard to breathe that air.
Would still love to do 100 pushups, 100 situps, and a sub 11 two-mile, at some time, but the older I get, as I pointed out in an earlier post, the more unlikely it is that it will happen.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Range Fire!!
So, tomorrow begins a 3 day range fire exercise for our unit. Should be fun. I actually mean that, I really look forward to firing the rifle. Not so much the pistol, sorry to say I am sort of bad with a pistol, although I have gotten better. With the rifle though, I grew up shooting birds with a Crosman AIR-17, a bb/pellet gun that looks like an M-16.
My first time firing a real M-16 at Ft. Benning, the drill sergeant chewed my ass. "Your fundamentals are all fucked up, just fuckin' ate the fuck up". Then he saw me shoot, and I was damn good, after that it was "Well, your shit it still be fucked up, but you keep firing like that and it don't matter none!". I was one of three people out of 51 in our platoon that shot expert (36 or higher out of 40) on the range on qualification day.
Since then I have earned the Expert In Competition badge in state competition. You can wear the EIC badge in lieu of the actual marksmanship badge, which is pretty unique, only a few people each year earn them.
Belly and I fired 100 rounds of .223 (5.56 civilian style) at the indoor range for familiarization tonite. That should help out some this next few days. Well, time to pack up. Wish me luck!
So, tomorrow begins a 3 day range fire exercise for our unit. Should be fun. I actually mean that, I really look forward to firing the rifle. Not so much the pistol, sorry to say I am sort of bad with a pistol, although I have gotten better. With the rifle though, I grew up shooting birds with a Crosman AIR-17, a bb/pellet gun that looks like an M-16.
My first time firing a real M-16 at Ft. Benning, the drill sergeant chewed my ass. "Your fundamentals are all fucked up, just fuckin' ate the fuck up". Then he saw me shoot, and I was damn good, after that it was "Well, your shit it still be fucked up, but you keep firing like that and it don't matter none!". I was one of three people out of 51 in our platoon that shot expert (36 or higher out of 40) on the range on qualification day.
Since then I have earned the Expert In Competition badge in state competition. You can wear the EIC badge in lieu of the actual marksmanship badge, which is pretty unique, only a few people each year earn them.
Belly and I fired 100 rounds of .223 (5.56 civilian style) at the indoor range for familiarization tonite. That should help out some this next few days. Well, time to pack up. Wish me luck!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Blast From The Past: Gravel Flop
On my 7th birthday I was given one of the best gifts a boy could ever have gotten: a chrome frame Mongoose BMX style bicycle, with mag wheels, and two "Suzuki" button up pads, one on the handlebars, one on the crotch bar. My cousin Carl, who is about 10 years older than me, gave it to me, through my father, who had to weld the frame in an area that had broken.
What made this sort of birthday present even more spectacular was that, growing up on a farm, I had endless possibilities when it came to BMX activities, from riding the bike down to the creek to go swimming with friends, to ramping the bike off of all sorts of different items to see how much air I could get.
It was the latter that got me into trouble one day. I was probably 9 or 10 years old at the time. It was a hot summer day, the kind that would find me riding around on my bike at the farm, wearing only cut off jean shorts, and shoes/socks. For the days event, I had set up an old car tire and some boards leading out of the shed, and I would ride to the back of the shed, then get up a head of steam, and ramp off the boards.
This was working quite well, so I added another car tire to try and get even more air. I rode again to the back of the shed, peddled with all my might, ramped up the boards, lifted on the handlebars, and UP UP in the air I went... much higher than previously.
The next thing I knew, I was hitting the ground in a very painful belly-flop, knocking the wind out of me quite literally. With no shirt on, the gravel tore into my skin, so the secondary screaming pain after getting over the initial shock was the horrific burning where the tiny rocks had embedded into my skin. I can remember looking up through a tear stained gaze and seeing my front wheel bouncing along further down the driveway, and it was then that I realized what had happened: the front wheel had come off in mid jump. And unlike what most people figure would happen, the bike did NOT embed itself into the ground forks first. With the front wheel gone, the bike lost stability, and went sideways, throwing me off.
I ran up the driveway to the house sobbing uncontrollably, and my grandmother, always the caretaker, immediately started tending to my chest and stomach, using cotton balls and... RUBBING ALCOHOL! Third horrific painful shock of the day. Not sure if you've ever had someone put rubbing alcohol on a fresh cut, but it is not in any way pleasant. I would recommend hydrogen peroxide next time. I sat in the house for a couple of hours, watched cartoons, nursed my wounds, a big portion of which was my pride. About 2 hours later I went out to get my bike, thankfully it wasn't damaged, but it took me nearly 20 minutes to find my tire, which had rolled all the way down the interior driveway and across one feedlot into the bushes.
Within a few days the gravel had worked its way out of my skin, and there were no real lasting ill effects of my nasty spill. One of the more interesting notes about all of this was that when my uncle Nick was about my age, he had ridden a 10 speed for the first time down the really steep gravel road south of the farm, didn't know how to stop, and had taken a far worse spill than I did. He believes he still has gravel embedded in his skin to this day. Youch... glad I wasn't going that fast.
On my 7th birthday I was given one of the best gifts a boy could ever have gotten: a chrome frame Mongoose BMX style bicycle, with mag wheels, and two "Suzuki" button up pads, one on the handlebars, one on the crotch bar. My cousin Carl, who is about 10 years older than me, gave it to me, through my father, who had to weld the frame in an area that had broken.
What made this sort of birthday present even more spectacular was that, growing up on a farm, I had endless possibilities when it came to BMX activities, from riding the bike down to the creek to go swimming with friends, to ramping the bike off of all sorts of different items to see how much air I could get.
It was the latter that got me into trouble one day. I was probably 9 or 10 years old at the time. It was a hot summer day, the kind that would find me riding around on my bike at the farm, wearing only cut off jean shorts, and shoes/socks. For the days event, I had set up an old car tire and some boards leading out of the shed, and I would ride to the back of the shed, then get up a head of steam, and ramp off the boards.
This was working quite well, so I added another car tire to try and get even more air. I rode again to the back of the shed, peddled with all my might, ramped up the boards, lifted on the handlebars, and UP UP in the air I went... much higher than previously.
The next thing I knew, I was hitting the ground in a very painful belly-flop, knocking the wind out of me quite literally. With no shirt on, the gravel tore into my skin, so the secondary screaming pain after getting over the initial shock was the horrific burning where the tiny rocks had embedded into my skin. I can remember looking up through a tear stained gaze and seeing my front wheel bouncing along further down the driveway, and it was then that I realized what had happened: the front wheel had come off in mid jump. And unlike what most people figure would happen, the bike did NOT embed itself into the ground forks first. With the front wheel gone, the bike lost stability, and went sideways, throwing me off.
I ran up the driveway to the house sobbing uncontrollably, and my grandmother, always the caretaker, immediately started tending to my chest and stomach, using cotton balls and... RUBBING ALCOHOL! Third horrific painful shock of the day. Not sure if you've ever had someone put rubbing alcohol on a fresh cut, but it is not in any way pleasant. I would recommend hydrogen peroxide next time. I sat in the house for a couple of hours, watched cartoons, nursed my wounds, a big portion of which was my pride. About 2 hours later I went out to get my bike, thankfully it wasn't damaged, but it took me nearly 20 minutes to find my tire, which had rolled all the way down the interior driveway and across one feedlot into the bushes.
Within a few days the gravel had worked its way out of my skin, and there were no real lasting ill effects of my nasty spill. One of the more interesting notes about all of this was that when my uncle Nick was about my age, he had ridden a 10 speed for the first time down the really steep gravel road south of the farm, didn't know how to stop, and had taken a far worse spill than I did. He believes he still has gravel embedded in his skin to this day. Youch... glad I wasn't going that fast.
Ever Wonder What 20,000 Paratroopers Look Like?
This photo was taken at the annual four-mile Division Run May 16, 2011, at Fort Bragg, N.C. All of the divisional brigades were home for the first time in a long time, which allowed more than 20,000 soldiers to participate in the run. Reminds me of years ago while in basic training at Ft. Benning, when all of the soldiers participated in a 5 mile run. While it looked pretty awesome, these types of runs are like hell on earth if you are near the back of the formation, when the "accordion" effect kicks in, with people stepping on your heels. Still, impressive sight.
This photo was taken at the annual four-mile Division Run May 16, 2011, at Fort Bragg, N.C. All of the divisional brigades were home for the first time in a long time, which allowed more than 20,000 soldiers to participate in the run. Reminds me of years ago while in basic training at Ft. Benning, when all of the soldiers participated in a 5 mile run. While it looked pretty awesome, these types of runs are like hell on earth if you are near the back of the formation, when the "accordion" effect kicks in, with people stepping on your heels. Still, impressive sight.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
TV Worth Watching?
As most people with children know... as parents, you are stuck watching a variety of programs that range from mildly entertaining to overwhelmingly irritating. As I compiled a list of shows that my two little monsters watch on a regular basis, it occurred to me that they have pretty much ultimate control over our television set, except for maybe 2 hours each day, where bell draws the line and takes over (which still irritates lil N' who, by her body gestures, thinks of this as the end of the world).
Anyways, I figured I'd come up with a rating scheme, only as scientific as what my own brain can concoct (so not all that scientific). Overall Kids Appeal is how much my two little ones seem to like the show, Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults is how well grown ups can handle the shows plot and characters, and Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults is how well grown-ups can handle listening to the music without being completely annoyed, especially by the really crappy catchy jingles that get stuck in your head. Higher scores are better, on a scale of 1 to 10.
Nick Jr
Olivia
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - Lil N' LOVES this show, I'd say it is one of her top 3 right now. Lil maN doesn't pay much attention to it unless (you'll see a theme here) there is singing or dancing or both going on.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - Now, mind you, this isn't comparing this show to something like Myth Busters or Saturday Night Live or NCIS, this is a comparison strictly between kids shows listed here. Olivia actually does have a generally interesting plot as kids shows go.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - The theme song is easy to listen to, and they don't have much in terms of repetitive music within the show.
Fresh Beat Band
Overall Kids Appeal: 10 - both little ones LOVE this show, as evident by the breakdancing they get into during certain parts of the show when the actors are singing and dancing.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 7 - I would have given this a far worse rating early on, when all Nick could do was overload us with commercials about this show, but watching it isn't nearly as bad as the commercials indicated.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 4 - The songs are pretty dorky, and some can turn into a juke box of the mind, that gets irritating.
Dora The Explorer
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - Both seem to enjoy it.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 6 - while some of the stories are just plain ignorant, such as, lets save the magic babies, who, by the way, can fly, but we have to transport them through dangerous areas on the ground in a stroller, they aren't horrible by any means to watch.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 6 - somewhat catchy but not as irritating as most.
Go Diego Go
Overall Kids Appeal: See Dora
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: See Dora
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: See Dora
Dino Dan
Overall Kids Appeal: 7 - Lil N' enjoys it, Lil maN doesn't really pay attention.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 4 - I don't know why but this show annoys me, I can't really sit through it unless I'm doing something else.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - not much musical content other than the theme song.
Little Bill
Overall Kids Appeal: 3 - neither seem to get into this show.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 2 - To say a kid's show is boring is probably a general consensus on most of these shows, but Little Bill goes beyond boring to just plain dreadfully bland. It is hard to believe Bill Cosby has anything to do with this show, the writing input is just awful.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 4 - Mostly a collection of urban elevator music.
Max And Ruby
Overall Kids Appeal: 5 - Lil N' seemed to like it in the past, but lately I haven't seen them watch it much.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 4 - It never changes much: Ruby is trying to do something to get a badge as a bunny scout, and Max appears to be screwing that up, but no, wait, in the end he was actually helping. This is the general theme of almost every show.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 5 - not heinous, not appealing, just sort of there.
Wow Wow Wubbzy
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - both seem to like the show
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - catchy fun show, with inventions and funny adventures.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - even with the end of show songs that are on, they are light hearted and fun.
The Backyardigans
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - made up adventures in the back yard for a group of goofy characters, both kids like that.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - ever changing stories, enough new episodes to keep things fresh.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - each show has new songs and dances, the theme song isn't all that appalling.
Yo Gabba Gabba
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - I don't know what it is about this show that gets both kids excited.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 7 - So there is a giant studded red dildo as one of the characters, something that would likely have baggage checkers wondering what DJ Lance is up to at the airport, even so, the stories are kind of funny in a "WTF?" sort of manner.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - "There's a party in my tummy, so yummy, so yummy!!" The "WTF?" is in effect again, in a good way.
Ni Hao Kai-lan
Overall Kids Appeal: 7 - Lil N' likes this show more than Lil maN.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 5 - "Uh oh, so and so is mad. Let's find out why". This doesn't seem to change much. There are also problems with the overall presentation of "Chinese" to Americans, considering that the language isn't labeled correctly.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 6 - Songs within the show aren't all that long, so it is just the theme song you have to endure.
Wonder Pets
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - This was a 10 at one time for lil N', now they both watch it but not with the intensity that she used to.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 7 - Aside from wondering WTF the parents of these animals are up to, and how social services doesn't take their kids away, the different stories about baby animals in trouble aren't all that bad.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - "What's gonna work? TEAMWORK!" Catchy little jingles that are funny to repeat.
Team Umizoomi
Overall Kids Appeal: 6 - It may be just a little too advanced for them.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 5 - I don't know what a dress that creates patterns is all that useful for.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 5 - two four six eight lets do the Ubi Shake? Dumb.
Miss Spider Sunny Patch Friends
Overall Kids Appeal: 4 - Not sure why, they just don't really care for this one.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 5 - plenty of characters, centered around silly catch words like "everybuggy" and so forth.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - Not a lot of singing during the show, just the theme song to deal with.
The Upside Down Show
Overall Kids Appeal: 10 - lil N' LOVES this show, but it is on so late she doesn't get much of a chance to ever see it.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - bell would probably disagree, but I find this show to be stupidly funny.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - Even the theme song doesn't contain a lot of music.
Blues Clues
Overall Kids Appeal: Story of two shows... 10 for Steve, 6 for Joe, even for the kids it is that way.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 for Steve, 2 for Joe. Something about Joe is just... insincere, he comes off as totally fake.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - "We just got a letter, we just got a letter" It was fun to watch lil N' sing this song for probably a year.
Oswald
Overall Kids Appeal: 4 - too bland for even the kids.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 3 - the show is... sort of depressing.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 5 - I never even see the show anymore, not sure if it is on or not.
PBS
Sesame Street
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - lil maN LOVES it, for some reason lil N' isn't into it all that much anymore.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - while my attention span isn't as short as the kids' is, the 1 to 3 minute short scripts aren't bad.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - enough differentiation to help make it through for just about anyone.
Super Why
Overall Kids Appeal: 7 - here recently lil N' has been getting into this, may be an age thing.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 4 - I can't find much to even remember about the show, this is one that sort of disappears into the background for me.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - Again, can't remember how the music goes.
WordWorld
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - lil N' likes to announce what it is she is looking at.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 5 - I understand the theme but it gets old pretty quick.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 6 - theme song is a bit irritating but not overly offensive to my ear sensibilities.
Martha Speaks
Overall Kids Appeal: 5 - kind of boring
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 3 - see above, if it is boring for them, it is really boring to me.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 5 - can't even place the theme song right now.
Curious George
Overall Kids Appeal: 5 - aside from lil N' getting a kick out of the monkey doing something, not much to go with here.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 5 - stories are diversified enough to keep from getting a lower score.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - songs aren't all that catchy.
Sid The Science Kid
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - singing and dancing gets both of them involved.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 7 - classroom activities are diversified, along with home settings.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 6 - theme song gets a bit long.
Clifford The Big Red Dog
Overall Kids Appeal: 4 - neither seem too much into this.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 2 - boring
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - can't even place it
Barney And Friends
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - *sigh* they love it
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 1 - sorry barney, there is very little I can find about your show that is intellectually stimulating.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 1 - VERY annoying, just plain dumb.
Caillou
Overall Kids Appeal: 2 - again, neither seem into it.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 1 - whiny kid needs a spanking if you ask me
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 4 - annoying
Bob The Builder
Overall Kids Appeal: 7 - construction equipment and building stuff, what more can be said?
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 6 - hell Robot Chicken did a spin on it, that has to count for something.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 6 "WE CAN BUILD IT"
Dinosaur Train
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - both love it.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - decent storylines, and a paleontologist at the end to talk about the dinosaurs in the show? not bad
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - catchy and fun
Disney
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Overall Kids Appeal: 10 - can this be an 11? It is both their favorites. Thank GOD for the DVDs on long trips.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - plenty of "goofy" characters.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - theme song may be catchy but it is fun.
Handy Manny
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - Tools that talk, building stuff, they like that.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 6 - a bit boring but enough characters to keep it from getting overly so.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - theme song is all there basically is for music.
Imagination Movers
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - was a 10 to lil N' at one time, thank GOD not so much anymore.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 3 - I find the stars to be really annoying, especially the boring uncle character.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 1 - HATE the theme song, and the music is really really annoying.
Special Agent Oso
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - lil N' loves it.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 3 - stuffed bear that is apparently dense as a brick but somehow is a super hero?
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 1 - they get stuck in your head like a nail pounded into your skull, did someone just stab my earhole with a musical knife?
So, yah, our kids see quite a few of these 'educational' shows each week. Doesn't seem to hurt them at all, lil N', by all accounts, is apparently the smartest person in her class at daycare.
As most people with children know... as parents, you are stuck watching a variety of programs that range from mildly entertaining to overwhelmingly irritating. As I compiled a list of shows that my two little monsters watch on a regular basis, it occurred to me that they have pretty much ultimate control over our television set, except for maybe 2 hours each day, where bell draws the line and takes over (which still irritates lil N' who, by her body gestures, thinks of this as the end of the world).
Anyways, I figured I'd come up with a rating scheme, only as scientific as what my own brain can concoct (so not all that scientific). Overall Kids Appeal is how much my two little ones seem to like the show, Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults is how well grown ups can handle the shows plot and characters, and Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults is how well grown-ups can handle listening to the music without being completely annoyed, especially by the really crappy catchy jingles that get stuck in your head. Higher scores are better, on a scale of 1 to 10.
Nick Jr
Olivia
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - Lil N' LOVES this show, I'd say it is one of her top 3 right now. Lil maN doesn't pay much attention to it unless (you'll see a theme here) there is singing or dancing or both going on.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - Now, mind you, this isn't comparing this show to something like Myth Busters or Saturday Night Live or NCIS, this is a comparison strictly between kids shows listed here. Olivia actually does have a generally interesting plot as kids shows go.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - The theme song is easy to listen to, and they don't have much in terms of repetitive music within the show.
Fresh Beat Band
Overall Kids Appeal: 10 - both little ones LOVE this show, as evident by the breakdancing they get into during certain parts of the show when the actors are singing and dancing.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 7 - I would have given this a far worse rating early on, when all Nick could do was overload us with commercials about this show, but watching it isn't nearly as bad as the commercials indicated.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 4 - The songs are pretty dorky, and some can turn into a juke box of the mind, that gets irritating.
Dora The Explorer
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - Both seem to enjoy it.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 6 - while some of the stories are just plain ignorant, such as, lets save the magic babies, who, by the way, can fly, but we have to transport them through dangerous areas on the ground in a stroller, they aren't horrible by any means to watch.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 6 - somewhat catchy but not as irritating as most.
Go Diego Go
Overall Kids Appeal: See Dora
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: See Dora
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: See Dora
Dino Dan
Overall Kids Appeal: 7 - Lil N' enjoys it, Lil maN doesn't really pay attention.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 4 - I don't know why but this show annoys me, I can't really sit through it unless I'm doing something else.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - not much musical content other than the theme song.
Little Bill
Overall Kids Appeal: 3 - neither seem to get into this show.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 2 - To say a kid's show is boring is probably a general consensus on most of these shows, but Little Bill goes beyond boring to just plain dreadfully bland. It is hard to believe Bill Cosby has anything to do with this show, the writing input is just awful.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 4 - Mostly a collection of urban elevator music.
Max And Ruby
Overall Kids Appeal: 5 - Lil N' seemed to like it in the past, but lately I haven't seen them watch it much.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 4 - It never changes much: Ruby is trying to do something to get a badge as a bunny scout, and Max appears to be screwing that up, but no, wait, in the end he was actually helping. This is the general theme of almost every show.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 5 - not heinous, not appealing, just sort of there.
Wow Wow Wubbzy
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - both seem to like the show
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - catchy fun show, with inventions and funny adventures.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - even with the end of show songs that are on, they are light hearted and fun.
The Backyardigans
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - made up adventures in the back yard for a group of goofy characters, both kids like that.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - ever changing stories, enough new episodes to keep things fresh.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - each show has new songs and dances, the theme song isn't all that appalling.
Yo Gabba Gabba
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - I don't know what it is about this show that gets both kids excited.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 7 - So there is a giant studded red dildo as one of the characters, something that would likely have baggage checkers wondering what DJ Lance is up to at the airport, even so, the stories are kind of funny in a "WTF?" sort of manner.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - "There's a party in my tummy, so yummy, so yummy!!" The "WTF?" is in effect again, in a good way.
Ni Hao Kai-lan
Overall Kids Appeal: 7 - Lil N' likes this show more than Lil maN.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 5 - "Uh oh, so and so is mad. Let's find out why". This doesn't seem to change much. There are also problems with the overall presentation of "Chinese" to Americans, considering that the language isn't labeled correctly.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 6 - Songs within the show aren't all that long, so it is just the theme song you have to endure.
Wonder Pets
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - This was a 10 at one time for lil N', now they both watch it but not with the intensity that she used to.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 7 - Aside from wondering WTF the parents of these animals are up to, and how social services doesn't take their kids away, the different stories about baby animals in trouble aren't all that bad.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - "What's gonna work? TEAMWORK!" Catchy little jingles that are funny to repeat.
Team Umizoomi
Overall Kids Appeal: 6 - It may be just a little too advanced for them.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 5 - I don't know what a dress that creates patterns is all that useful for.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 5 - two four six eight lets do the Ubi Shake? Dumb.
Miss Spider Sunny Patch Friends
Overall Kids Appeal: 4 - Not sure why, they just don't really care for this one.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 5 - plenty of characters, centered around silly catch words like "everybuggy" and so forth.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - Not a lot of singing during the show, just the theme song to deal with.
The Upside Down Show
Overall Kids Appeal: 10 - lil N' LOVES this show, but it is on so late she doesn't get much of a chance to ever see it.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - bell would probably disagree, but I find this show to be stupidly funny.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - Even the theme song doesn't contain a lot of music.
Blues Clues
Overall Kids Appeal: Story of two shows... 10 for Steve, 6 for Joe, even for the kids it is that way.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 for Steve, 2 for Joe. Something about Joe is just... insincere, he comes off as totally fake.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - "We just got a letter, we just got a letter" It was fun to watch lil N' sing this song for probably a year.
Oswald
Overall Kids Appeal: 4 - too bland for even the kids.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 3 - the show is... sort of depressing.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 5 - I never even see the show anymore, not sure if it is on or not.
PBS
Sesame Street
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - lil maN LOVES it, for some reason lil N' isn't into it all that much anymore.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - while my attention span isn't as short as the kids' is, the 1 to 3 minute short scripts aren't bad.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - enough differentiation to help make it through for just about anyone.
Super Why
Overall Kids Appeal: 7 - here recently lil N' has been getting into this, may be an age thing.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 4 - I can't find much to even remember about the show, this is one that sort of disappears into the background for me.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - Again, can't remember how the music goes.
WordWorld
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - lil N' likes to announce what it is she is looking at.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 5 - I understand the theme but it gets old pretty quick.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 6 - theme song is a bit irritating but not overly offensive to my ear sensibilities.
Martha Speaks
Overall Kids Appeal: 5 - kind of boring
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 3 - see above, if it is boring for them, it is really boring to me.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 5 - can't even place the theme song right now.
Curious George
Overall Kids Appeal: 5 - aside from lil N' getting a kick out of the monkey doing something, not much to go with here.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 5 - stories are diversified enough to keep from getting a lower score.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - songs aren't all that catchy.
Sid The Science Kid
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - singing and dancing gets both of them involved.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 7 - classroom activities are diversified, along with home settings.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 6 - theme song gets a bit long.
Clifford The Big Red Dog
Overall Kids Appeal: 4 - neither seem too much into this.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 2 - boring
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - can't even place it
Barney And Friends
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - *sigh* they love it
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 1 - sorry barney, there is very little I can find about your show that is intellectually stimulating.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 1 - VERY annoying, just plain dumb.
Caillou
Overall Kids Appeal: 2 - again, neither seem into it.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 1 - whiny kid needs a spanking if you ask me
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 4 - annoying
Bob The Builder
Overall Kids Appeal: 7 - construction equipment and building stuff, what more can be said?
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 6 - hell Robot Chicken did a spin on it, that has to count for something.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 6 "WE CAN BUILD IT"
Dinosaur Train
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - both love it.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - decent storylines, and a paleontologist at the end to talk about the dinosaurs in the show? not bad
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - catchy and fun
Disney
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Overall Kids Appeal: 10 - can this be an 11? It is both their favorites. Thank GOD for the DVDs on long trips.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 8 - plenty of "goofy" characters.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 8 - theme song may be catchy but it is fun.
Handy Manny
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - Tools that talk, building stuff, they like that.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 6 - a bit boring but enough characters to keep it from getting overly so.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 7 - theme song is all there basically is for music.
Imagination Movers
Overall Kids Appeal: 8 - was a 10 to lil N' at one time, thank GOD not so much anymore.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 3 - I find the stars to be really annoying, especially the boring uncle character.
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 1 - HATE the theme song, and the music is really really annoying.
Special Agent Oso
Overall Kids Appeal: 9 - lil N' loves it.
Overall Storyline Appeal To Adults: 3 - stuffed bear that is apparently dense as a brick but somehow is a super hero?
Overall Ability To Endure Music For Adults: 1 - they get stuck in your head like a nail pounded into your skull, did someone just stab my earhole with a musical knife?
So, yah, our kids see quite a few of these 'educational' shows each week. Doesn't seem to hurt them at all, lil N', by all accounts, is apparently the smartest person in her class at daycare.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Dropping The Lbs
At the beginning of April, I was at 216 lbs... again. That has been my highest weight, and it has happened 3 times in the last couple of years. Each time has generally served as a wake up call to get my ass in gear and start eating right and working out. The other two times I did so so, once down to 200 lbs, the other time down to 195 (was back at 210 within like 30 days each time).
Well, today I'm at 190. This was after my 5.5 mile run around the Chalco Hills trail. I would like to continue to get my weight down to about 180 lbs, I feel a lot healthier at that weight. I certainly feel a lot healthier now than I did at 216 lbs. Kind of weird being able to pull about 2 inches of belt through.
Oh and my Corcoran tan jump boots are kick ass!
At the beginning of April, I was at 216 lbs... again. That has been my highest weight, and it has happened 3 times in the last couple of years. Each time has generally served as a wake up call to get my ass in gear and start eating right and working out. The other two times I did so so, once down to 200 lbs, the other time down to 195 (was back at 210 within like 30 days each time).
Well, today I'm at 190. This was after my 5.5 mile run around the Chalco Hills trail. I would like to continue to get my weight down to about 180 lbs, I feel a lot healthier at that weight. I certainly feel a lot healthier now than I did at 216 lbs. Kind of weird being able to pull about 2 inches of belt through.
Oh and my Corcoran tan jump boots are kick ass!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Freakin' Birds!!!
I went outside to cook something on the grill about 2 weeks ago, and opened the lid to find a huge mess of a bird's nest inside. Then upon going to the underside of the deck, I find another birds nest there. Tore everything out, 24 hours later, the bastards had began building nests again in both places. So the grill got cleaned out again and is now in the garage.
Despite pulling the nest down from under the deck probably 15 times now, they continued to try and build it over and over again. So, someone suggested that I try something new, something so completely idiotic that I just had to attempt it, if for no other reason than to have a good laugh, or at the very least confuse my neighbors:
Well, I'll be damned, because believe it or not, this tactic appears to have worked. Who'd of thought that drawing a huge set of eyeballs (along with the added nose and toothy grin that I thought completed the ensemble) would scare the hell out of birds and keep them from building a nest under the deck? I sure didn't think it would work. I suppose this is better than Plan B, which was to get the pellet gun out and start blasting the SOB's!!!
I went outside to cook something on the grill about 2 weeks ago, and opened the lid to find a huge mess of a bird's nest inside. Then upon going to the underside of the deck, I find another birds nest there. Tore everything out, 24 hours later, the bastards had began building nests again in both places. So the grill got cleaned out again and is now in the garage.
Despite pulling the nest down from under the deck probably 15 times now, they continued to try and build it over and over again. So, someone suggested that I try something new, something so completely idiotic that I just had to attempt it, if for no other reason than to have a good laugh, or at the very least confuse my neighbors:
Well, I'll be damned, because believe it or not, this tactic appears to have worked. Who'd of thought that drawing a huge set of eyeballs (along with the added nose and toothy grin that I thought completed the ensemble) would scare the hell out of birds and keep them from building a nest under the deck? I sure didn't think it would work. I suppose this is better than Plan B, which was to get the pellet gun out and start blasting the SOB's!!!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Age VS Maximum Score
I guess it is only natural that I follow up my last post about PT with a related piece. In this particular occasion, I am talking about "maxing" the PT test, something I have done every year for a long time, and twice a year since I have been active duty. As I have gotten older, however, I am now finding myself questioning my current fitness regimen, because as we grow older, the chance of injury becomes significantly higher, and I sometimes wonder if the heightened possibility of getting hurt, or developing a chronic injury, is worth the risk, considering that scoring a 250 with a lot less work would be acceptable and keep me just as gainfully employed.
My main chance for injury is of course running, I push myself hard to maintain my abilities, and the other consideration is that, if I were to quit running as much as I do, I would have to alter my diet in order to avoid gaining weight. I already eat quite a bit less than I did when I was younger, but that is strictly to maintain my current weight. I find that losing weight is a hell of a lot harder than it ever used to be, and without running the weight off, I fear I'd gain a chunk of fat. I just love food too much. Of course, proper stretching goes a long way, as does a proper diet. I suppose the 250 score would be a piece of cake, but dammit I want to continue aiming for that 300.
I guess it is only natural that I follow up my last post about PT with a related piece. In this particular occasion, I am talking about "maxing" the PT test, something I have done every year for a long time, and twice a year since I have been active duty. As I have gotten older, however, I am now finding myself questioning my current fitness regimen, because as we grow older, the chance of injury becomes significantly higher, and I sometimes wonder if the heightened possibility of getting hurt, or developing a chronic injury, is worth the risk, considering that scoring a 250 with a lot less work would be acceptable and keep me just as gainfully employed.
My main chance for injury is of course running, I push myself hard to maintain my abilities, and the other consideration is that, if I were to quit running as much as I do, I would have to alter my diet in order to avoid gaining weight. I already eat quite a bit less than I did when I was younger, but that is strictly to maintain my current weight. I find that losing weight is a hell of a lot harder than it ever used to be, and without running the weight off, I fear I'd gain a chunk of fat. I just love food too much. Of course, proper stretching goes a long way, as does a proper diet. I suppose the 250 score would be a piece of cake, but dammit I want to continue aiming for that 300.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
New PT Standards?
The current Army PT (physical training) test has remained unchanged since 1992, and relatively the same since 1980.
2 minutes of push-ups
2 minutes of sit-ups
2 mile run
While the current test may seem a bit old, it is still a very good indication of overall physical ability. That being said, there are changes now being made to the PT test, and they make little sense. “There are no warrior tasks and battle drills that require us to run for considerable distances,” said Frank Palkoska, director of the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School. “We look at the ability to start, stop, change direction, get up, get down — those tasks that soldiers have to perform in full spectrum operations are exactly what we are training them to do.”
Problem? Well, since when is fitness required to mimic what a soldier is going to do on the battlefield? Physical fitness and combat readiness may be related to one another, but as far as preparatory tasks, they are distinctly different. Let's take a look at the annual "combat readiness test" that they are looking to institute:
A new annual "combat readiness" test includes running 400 meters — about a quarter of a mile — with a rifle, moving through an obstacle course in full combat gear, and crawling and vaulting over obstacles while aiming a rifle. Soldiers also will have to run on a balance beam while carrying 30-pound ammo boxes and do an agility sprint around a course field of cones. Soldiers also will have to drag sleds weighted with sandbags to test their ability to pull a fallen comrade from the battlefield. The combat test might be given before deployments as well as annually, but that has not been decided.
Now, I have no problem with them doing such a test, provided this particular test is not the overall graded test that measures physical fitness. Another issue? Just how the hell are individual units around the United States supposed to standardize the results for a test like this? It appears that this test will not be the standard for PT. The proposed replacement for the actual PT test, something called the "APRT", or Army Physical Readiness Program, consists of:
60-yard shuttle run measures lower body muscular strength and anaerobic power, assessing speed, agility and coordination
One-minute rower (variation of a sit-up) measures total body muscular endurance and assesses total body coordination
Standing long jump measures lower body muscular strength and assesses lower body power
One-minute push-up measures upper body muscular endurance and assesses trunk stability
1.5-mile run measures lower body muscular endurance and aerobic capacity and assesses speed stability
The article went on to state that the military is concerned about "...injuries resulting from distance running over long term periods." Uh, hello??? Did any of these people making these changes actually run organized track at any time in their lives? Distance running does not nearly have the injuries that you get from doing events such as... oh, let's see here, the standing long jump, and sprints, such as, oh yah, a 60 yard shuttle run. Shin splints are not nearly as debilitating as pulled groins, ACL tears, sprained ankles, and other injuries commonly associated with sprinting and leaping.
Then there is the opinion that the current PT test "does not work" because such a high percentage of soldiers are failing under the current standards. BULLSHIT! The problem is that leadership does not stick to training programs that force soldiers to maintain physical fitness, so regardless of what particular idiotic new PT standards you want to institute, as long as you continue to have lethargic leadership when it comes to fitness, soldiers will continue to fail the PT test. Unless of course, as happens in many cases, the leadership simply "pencil-whips" the PT score cards to make it look as though they have a much higher rate of soldiers actually maintaining the standard.
I have no doubt I can learn the new APRT test if they do indeed decide to implement it as the new standard for PT, it just annoys me that the Army believes that fitness MUST duplicate what the unit will do in combat, because there is little to no ability to maintain any sort of standard for such a thing, considering that there are so many different jobs that soldiers do in combat.
The current Army PT (physical training) test has remained unchanged since 1992, and relatively the same since 1980.
2 minutes of push-ups
2 minutes of sit-ups
2 mile run
While the current test may seem a bit old, it is still a very good indication of overall physical ability. That being said, there are changes now being made to the PT test, and they make little sense. “There are no warrior tasks and battle drills that require us to run for considerable distances,” said Frank Palkoska, director of the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School. “We look at the ability to start, stop, change direction, get up, get down — those tasks that soldiers have to perform in full spectrum operations are exactly what we are training them to do.”
Problem? Well, since when is fitness required to mimic what a soldier is going to do on the battlefield? Physical fitness and combat readiness may be related to one another, but as far as preparatory tasks, they are distinctly different. Let's take a look at the annual "combat readiness test" that they are looking to institute:
A new annual "combat readiness" test includes running 400 meters — about a quarter of a mile — with a rifle, moving through an obstacle course in full combat gear, and crawling and vaulting over obstacles while aiming a rifle. Soldiers also will have to run on a balance beam while carrying 30-pound ammo boxes and do an agility sprint around a course field of cones. Soldiers also will have to drag sleds weighted with sandbags to test their ability to pull a fallen comrade from the battlefield. The combat test might be given before deployments as well as annually, but that has not been decided.
Now, I have no problem with them doing such a test, provided this particular test is not the overall graded test that measures physical fitness. Another issue? Just how the hell are individual units around the United States supposed to standardize the results for a test like this? It appears that this test will not be the standard for PT. The proposed replacement for the actual PT test, something called the "APRT", or Army Physical Readiness Program, consists of:
60-yard shuttle run measures lower body muscular strength and anaerobic power, assessing speed, agility and coordination
One-minute rower (variation of a sit-up) measures total body muscular endurance and assesses total body coordination
Standing long jump measures lower body muscular strength and assesses lower body power
One-minute push-up measures upper body muscular endurance and assesses trunk stability
1.5-mile run measures lower body muscular endurance and aerobic capacity and assesses speed stability
The article went on to state that the military is concerned about "...injuries resulting from distance running over long term periods." Uh, hello??? Did any of these people making these changes actually run organized track at any time in their lives? Distance running does not nearly have the injuries that you get from doing events such as... oh, let's see here, the standing long jump, and sprints, such as, oh yah, a 60 yard shuttle run. Shin splints are not nearly as debilitating as pulled groins, ACL tears, sprained ankles, and other injuries commonly associated with sprinting and leaping.
Then there is the opinion that the current PT test "does not work" because such a high percentage of soldiers are failing under the current standards. BULLSHIT! The problem is that leadership does not stick to training programs that force soldiers to maintain physical fitness, so regardless of what particular idiotic new PT standards you want to institute, as long as you continue to have lethargic leadership when it comes to fitness, soldiers will continue to fail the PT test. Unless of course, as happens in many cases, the leadership simply "pencil-whips" the PT score cards to make it look as though they have a much higher rate of soldiers actually maintaining the standard.
I have no doubt I can learn the new APRT test if they do indeed decide to implement it as the new standard for PT, it just annoys me that the Army believes that fitness MUST duplicate what the unit will do in combat, because there is little to no ability to maintain any sort of standard for such a thing, considering that there are so many different jobs that soldiers do in combat.
Friday, May 20, 2011
On Comments And Worms
I'm working on updating this blog into having more military look, and as I was going through doing a little updating here and there, I noticed a few comments I had never read. Sometimes as I read the comments, I click on the names to see what that person has as a blog. More often than not it is a dead blog or link. Well, what I didn't realize is that the comments aren't set up in such a way to weed out malicious websites, as in, worms, viruses, trojans, the general crap that someone with nothing better to do with their time than create something that attempts to destroy your computer. So, as I clicked on one name... suddenly a strange website popped up, and the all familiar computer-lockup, and that tell-tale 4 color fake Microsoft shield in the lower right hand corner... CRAP!!!
Immediately shut down the computer and restarted but it was too late, the damage had been done. As the programs loaded I got an actual warning message that the Windows firewall was disabled, there was no way to turn it on, and MOST of my anti-virus software (I run 4 active at all times) had shut down.
When I went to click on CC-Cleaner, one of my programs for fixing problems... I received this:
This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this act
This was at about 8 a.m. this morning. I worked it for about a half hour, couldn't get much done because I had an appointment coming up at 0900, then I noticed that, oddly enough, Ad-Aware remained running, and that basically saved me. I ran Ad-Aware on a complete sweep while I went to my appointment, when I came back, it had found the W32.Sircam.Worm virus and quarantined it.
The problem? It had deleted out the portion of the Windows registry associated with running most .exe files. So I shut down the internet, borrowed belly's mini-laptop (keep forgetting what they call these, palmtops?) and used that to look up issues while I attempted to up a fix, as I opened my own laptop in safe mode, then in safe mode with prompt, then regular mode after I found (by some miracle) an actual windows registry fix after both belly and I worked on this for probably 3 more hours.
Anyways, I have deleted to offensive comment, and as part of my updating I plan on putting in some better defenses against that sort of shit. My apologies if anyone else got hit by this.
I'm working on updating this blog into having more military look, and as I was going through doing a little updating here and there, I noticed a few comments I had never read. Sometimes as I read the comments, I click on the names to see what that person has as a blog. More often than not it is a dead blog or link. Well, what I didn't realize is that the comments aren't set up in such a way to weed out malicious websites, as in, worms, viruses, trojans, the general crap that someone with nothing better to do with their time than create something that attempts to destroy your computer. So, as I clicked on one name... suddenly a strange website popped up, and the all familiar computer-lockup, and that tell-tale 4 color fake Microsoft shield in the lower right hand corner... CRAP!!!
Immediately shut down the computer and restarted but it was too late, the damage had been done. As the programs loaded I got an actual warning message that the Windows firewall was disabled, there was no way to turn it on, and MOST of my anti-virus software (I run 4 active at all times) had shut down.
When I went to click on CC-Cleaner, one of my programs for fixing problems... I received this:
This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this act
This was at about 8 a.m. this morning. I worked it for about a half hour, couldn't get much done because I had an appointment coming up at 0900, then I noticed that, oddly enough, Ad-Aware remained running, and that basically saved me. I ran Ad-Aware on a complete sweep while I went to my appointment, when I came back, it had found the W32.Sircam.Worm virus and quarantined it.
The problem? It had deleted out the portion of the Windows registry associated with running most .exe files. So I shut down the internet, borrowed belly's mini-laptop (keep forgetting what they call these, palmtops?) and used that to look up issues while I attempted to up a fix, as I opened my own laptop in safe mode, then in safe mode with prompt, then regular mode after I found (by some miracle) an actual windows registry fix after both belly and I worked on this for probably 3 more hours.
Anyways, I have deleted to offensive comment, and as part of my updating I plan on putting in some better defenses against that sort of shit. My apologies if anyone else got hit by this.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
DITCH THE FREAKING BERET ALREADY!!!
So, last year, June 2010, the Army Times ran an article about the beret, and how then Army Chief of Staff General George Casey stated “I can count on one hand the number of guys and gals that have stood up and said, ‘I hate this thing.’” I remember thinking to myself "Well Sir, with all due respect, you need to get your ass out of the Pentagon and actually TALK to some soldiers who actually do shit in the field if you honestly believe that idiotic assessment of that piece of crap headgear!!!". On cold days, when doing my job, it wasn't unusual that I had to have 4 total pieces of headgear to meet all the expectations of different places I might be. The kevlar helmet for training in tactical vehicles, the fleece cap for cold weather outdoor training, the patrol cap for in garrison training, and that stupid beret for formations and formal events.
Apparently, as General Casey has now retired, it has taken the new leadership a lot less time to begin some actual intelligent thought about the problems with the current uniform and how to make REAL soldiers happier with what they are wearing day to day. Hell 90% of soldiers can't even wear that stupid beret correctly.
Controversial Beret Could Be On The Way Out
New Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler is making one of his first actions an overall assessment of the uniform, including removing velcro, which was another completely IDIOTIC idea to begin with. "Ahoy mate, see me sneaking up on this enemy soldier, wait a moment, as I reach into my pocket and RIPPPPPPPPPP the velcro open... CRIKEY, he's spotted me!!!". The velcro doesn't hold up for shit, and the name tape and branch of service tapes end up grabbing at the shoulder velcro in an irritating repetitive action whenever you are doing work that causes your arms to cross your body, or basically just about any type of work you might do.
As far as the ACU pattern, which has never worked (unless you were perhaps trying to hide in a field of white rock), the Army is looking to field 3 variants of camouflage: woodland, desert, and a transitional pattern for everything in between (whatever the hell that means?). I don't get why they don't admit "Okay, we f'ed up, hey Marines, can we just use your uniforms, minus the eagle, globe, and anchor???".
But, one thing at a time, and right now there are very few things as annoying as the beret. I don't mind it for the class A uniform (the new dress blues are hideous though, I must say) but for day to day use with your combat uniform, the beret is freaking useless, an irritating two handed device designed to impress only the most idiotic of officers.
So, last year, June 2010, the Army Times ran an article about the beret, and how then Army Chief of Staff General George Casey stated “I can count on one hand the number of guys and gals that have stood up and said, ‘I hate this thing.’” I remember thinking to myself "Well Sir, with all due respect, you need to get your ass out of the Pentagon and actually TALK to some soldiers who actually do shit in the field if you honestly believe that idiotic assessment of that piece of crap headgear!!!". On cold days, when doing my job, it wasn't unusual that I had to have 4 total pieces of headgear to meet all the expectations of different places I might be. The kevlar helmet for training in tactical vehicles, the fleece cap for cold weather outdoor training, the patrol cap for in garrison training, and that stupid beret for formations and formal events.
Apparently, as General Casey has now retired, it has taken the new leadership a lot less time to begin some actual intelligent thought about the problems with the current uniform and how to make REAL soldiers happier with what they are wearing day to day. Hell 90% of soldiers can't even wear that stupid beret correctly.
Controversial Beret Could Be On The Way Out
New Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler is making one of his first actions an overall assessment of the uniform, including removing velcro, which was another completely IDIOTIC idea to begin with. "Ahoy mate, see me sneaking up on this enemy soldier, wait a moment, as I reach into my pocket and RIPPPPPPPPPP the velcro open... CRIKEY, he's spotted me!!!". The velcro doesn't hold up for shit, and the name tape and branch of service tapes end up grabbing at the shoulder velcro in an irritating repetitive action whenever you are doing work that causes your arms to cross your body, or basically just about any type of work you might do.
As far as the ACU pattern, which has never worked (unless you were perhaps trying to hide in a field of white rock), the Army is looking to field 3 variants of camouflage: woodland, desert, and a transitional pattern for everything in between (whatever the hell that means?). I don't get why they don't admit "Okay, we f'ed up, hey Marines, can we just use your uniforms, minus the eagle, globe, and anchor???".
But, one thing at a time, and right now there are very few things as annoying as the beret. I don't mind it for the class A uniform (the new dress blues are hideous though, I must say) but for day to day use with your combat uniform, the beret is freaking useless, an irritating two handed device designed to impress only the most idiotic of officers.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
My Marathon Partner, RIP
Many of you remember that I ran a marathon in May of 2006, right about 5 years ago. It was the second year that, on the same day the Boston Marathon is ran, they ran the Boston Marathon in Iraq at Ali Air Base (Camp Adder). I was looking to run the relay version of the marathon, where we get 4 people to run a little over 6 miles each, adding up to 26.2 miles total. Well, 2 of the people who were going to run with us ended up going out on a mission a day before the marathon and were unable to come back.
So, being the eternal optimists we are, Bob and I decided, hey, what the hell, we will attempt the entire 26.2 miles and see just how far we get. Both of us figured that we'd make it maybe 17 to 19 miles before we'd end up quitting. I ran one 12 mile practice run to get ready, and I don't think Bob even did anything close to that, he basically ran it without any long distance training. We both ran quite a bit on a regular basis, but nothing more than 3 to 4 miles every other day or so.
The first 14 miles or so we ran together. The duct tape that I had over one of my nipples shortly thereafter fell off. I began to feel the inevitable chafing across that portion of my chest. After 14 miles Bob fell back slowly and I continued on. At 22 miles I actually fell down, cramped up horribly. The Italians soldiers were running the medical portion in that area of the race, and attempted to make me stop, but hell no I wasn't going to stop with only a few short miles to go. I got up, and with a determined grit of my teeth, began jogging again.
Somewhere between 21 and 23 miles, Bob passed me up. I did not notice him, likely due to the delirium of fatigue that I was going through. At 25.5 miles, or a mere half mile or so from the end, I nearly fell down again, caught myself, and forced myself to continue. I swore to God that I would NEVER ever try such a thing again, that "Please God just let me finish this one, and I promise you, I will not be so foolish as to attempt another". My friend Yvonne met me shortly thereafter, and jogged along with me to the finish line.
It was there that I saw Bob, and knew that he had defeated me. I was not bothered, despite the pain and exhaustion I had to laugh at the fact that I had never even seen him pass me up. We both entered the clamshell tent nearby, designated for race finishers, and I remember saying "Holy hell why is it so cold in here???" and Bob and I laughing when we realized that, it wasn't cold in the tent, it was actually above 100 degrees outside. We hadn't noticed the temperature being so high because of the gradual acclimation that occurs when you run, from 67 degrees when we started the race at 6 that morning to the crispy high midday southern Iraq temps that are common that time of year.
Over the rest of the deployment I shared that special bond with Bob, a smile in passing, it wasn't that I was a best friend of his, but that we had both attempted something utterly foolish in all respects, considering the difficulty of running a marathon even WITH training. After the deployment I saw him a few times, always reminiscing about that day, even if a word was not spoken, a knowing nod and a smile in passing, maybe half a dozen times.
It was with utter disbelief and a profound sadness that I received word of his passing away, at a mere 26 years old, while home on leave from his fourth deployment. He had lost some 30 lbs mysteriously in the last few months, and was home on leave to see the birth of his first child, a daughter named Blair. Tests at an Omaha hospital proved inconclusive, and he was set to go to Ft. Bragg for another battery of testing. He never made it. It was by his 1 month old daughter side that Bob took his last breath.
Guardsman Dies On Leave
At times like these I look at my own life, and reflect on where I have been, and develop a new appreciation for those I love and cherish, and for my friends, even co-workers. Life can be harsh and unpredictable at times, but it can also be short, too short. I've run another marathon since then, and will likely try more, but nothing will endure like the memory of that first 26.2 miles, the uncertainty of trying such a thing, and the sheer foolish audacity of two young men attempting such a feat without training. I never knew you as well as I likely should have, Bob, but I will always cherish that 4+ hours of self induced hell that we spent together that day in Iraq, where we both discovered inner strength we never knew we had. Godspeed to you, my friend, you went too soon :(
Many of you remember that I ran a marathon in May of 2006, right about 5 years ago. It was the second year that, on the same day the Boston Marathon is ran, they ran the Boston Marathon in Iraq at Ali Air Base (Camp Adder). I was looking to run the relay version of the marathon, where we get 4 people to run a little over 6 miles each, adding up to 26.2 miles total. Well, 2 of the people who were going to run with us ended up going out on a mission a day before the marathon and were unable to come back.
So, being the eternal optimists we are, Bob and I decided, hey, what the hell, we will attempt the entire 26.2 miles and see just how far we get. Both of us figured that we'd make it maybe 17 to 19 miles before we'd end up quitting. I ran one 12 mile practice run to get ready, and I don't think Bob even did anything close to that, he basically ran it without any long distance training. We both ran quite a bit on a regular basis, but nothing more than 3 to 4 miles every other day or so.
The first 14 miles or so we ran together. The duct tape that I had over one of my nipples shortly thereafter fell off. I began to feel the inevitable chafing across that portion of my chest. After 14 miles Bob fell back slowly and I continued on. At 22 miles I actually fell down, cramped up horribly. The Italians soldiers were running the medical portion in that area of the race, and attempted to make me stop, but hell no I wasn't going to stop with only a few short miles to go. I got up, and with a determined grit of my teeth, began jogging again.
Somewhere between 21 and 23 miles, Bob passed me up. I did not notice him, likely due to the delirium of fatigue that I was going through. At 25.5 miles, or a mere half mile or so from the end, I nearly fell down again, caught myself, and forced myself to continue. I swore to God that I would NEVER ever try such a thing again, that "Please God just let me finish this one, and I promise you, I will not be so foolish as to attempt another". My friend Yvonne met me shortly thereafter, and jogged along with me to the finish line.
It was there that I saw Bob, and knew that he had defeated me. I was not bothered, despite the pain and exhaustion I had to laugh at the fact that I had never even seen him pass me up. We both entered the clamshell tent nearby, designated for race finishers, and I remember saying "Holy hell why is it so cold in here???" and Bob and I laughing when we realized that, it wasn't cold in the tent, it was actually above 100 degrees outside. We hadn't noticed the temperature being so high because of the gradual acclimation that occurs when you run, from 67 degrees when we started the race at 6 that morning to the crispy high midday southern Iraq temps that are common that time of year.
Over the rest of the deployment I shared that special bond with Bob, a smile in passing, it wasn't that I was a best friend of his, but that we had both attempted something utterly foolish in all respects, considering the difficulty of running a marathon even WITH training. After the deployment I saw him a few times, always reminiscing about that day, even if a word was not spoken, a knowing nod and a smile in passing, maybe half a dozen times.
It was with utter disbelief and a profound sadness that I received word of his passing away, at a mere 26 years old, while home on leave from his fourth deployment. He had lost some 30 lbs mysteriously in the last few months, and was home on leave to see the birth of his first child, a daughter named Blair. Tests at an Omaha hospital proved inconclusive, and he was set to go to Ft. Bragg for another battery of testing. He never made it. It was by his 1 month old daughter side that Bob took his last breath.
Guardsman Dies On Leave
At times like these I look at my own life, and reflect on where I have been, and develop a new appreciation for those I love and cherish, and for my friends, even co-workers. Life can be harsh and unpredictable at times, but it can also be short, too short. I've run another marathon since then, and will likely try more, but nothing will endure like the memory of that first 26.2 miles, the uncertainty of trying such a thing, and the sheer foolish audacity of two young men attempting such a feat without training. I never knew you as well as I likely should have, Bob, but I will always cherish that 4+ hours of self induced hell that we spent together that day in Iraq, where we both discovered inner strength we never knew we had. Godspeed to you, my friend, you went too soon :(
Irresponsible Rude Obnoxious Loud People
I'm sure everyone has been to a movie theater, a quiet restaurant, even libraries, and dealt with this before: the asinine self centered prick (or female prick I guess) who talks loudly on the cellphone without regard for anyone around him/her and then acts insulted and offended when someone actually "calls" them on it (sorry, couldn't resist the pun).
Well, Amtrak users dealt with this for 16 hours on a trip that left San Fransisco on its way to Oregon, before someone finally said something, to which the offensive cell phone user became belligerent, and the train ended up stopping just so police could remove her. Now, mind you she had been talking on a designated quiet car the ENTIRE 16 hours of the trip before someone finally said ENOUGH and confronted her:
Loud Cell Phone Talker Removed From Train
Quiet cars on Amtrak trains are designated as CELL PHONE FREE areas by obvious written signs, I'm not sure I would have been able to deal with it for 16 minutes, much less 16 freaking hours. I, like many others, are cheering on her removal from the train, because so often these people label themselves as "victims" despite their complete and total disregard for anything remotely resembling respect in dealing with their fellow man.
I think she should have sat in jail for 16 hours myself.
I'm sure everyone has been to a movie theater, a quiet restaurant, even libraries, and dealt with this before: the asinine self centered prick (or female prick I guess) who talks loudly on the cellphone without regard for anyone around him/her and then acts insulted and offended when someone actually "calls" them on it (sorry, couldn't resist the pun).
Well, Amtrak users dealt with this for 16 hours on a trip that left San Fransisco on its way to Oregon, before someone finally said something, to which the offensive cell phone user became belligerent, and the train ended up stopping just so police could remove her. Now, mind you she had been talking on a designated quiet car the ENTIRE 16 hours of the trip before someone finally said ENOUGH and confronted her:
Loud Cell Phone Talker Removed From Train
Quiet cars on Amtrak trains are designated as CELL PHONE FREE areas by obvious written signs, I'm not sure I would have been able to deal with it for 16 minutes, much less 16 freaking hours. I, like many others, are cheering on her removal from the train, because so often these people label themselves as "victims" despite their complete and total disregard for anything remotely resembling respect in dealing with their fellow man.
I think she should have sat in jail for 16 hours myself.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
New Era
Nebraska Football.
I have followed it for my entire life. I can remember my father jumping up and down and yelling at the TV as Jarvis Redwine ran down the sideline, when I was like 6 years old, and how my father crashed to the floor when Redwine was called for a penalty for taunting the defensive player as he went into the end zone. I remember all the heartache of watching Oklahoma somehow come from behind to defeat Nebraska so many times. (happened last year, blah! haha)
The last few years it has been Texas that has been so difficult to play, as they have had Nebraska's number an astounding 6 times in a row and 9 of the last 10. The Big 12 Conference's apparent love affair with Texas created a lot of rift between Nebraska and the conference members, and last year of course, Nebraska and Colorado both bolted from the Big 12 to greener pastures, with the Huskers ending up in the Big 10 and the Buffs going to the Pac 10.
I was all for this, screw the Big 12, their commissioner Don Beebe, whiney Missouri fans, stuck up Texas fans, jealous Iowa State fans... but as we come closer to the fall 2011 season, I am somewhat saddened by the thought that my beloved Huskers will no longer be playing in Lawrence, we will no longer have the Jayhawks coming to Lincoln, or the NU vs OU showdowns that, despite a lot of blowouts in the last 20 years, have had some of the most incredible games ever played (see last year's Big 12 Championship).
But that is the past, there isn't much anyone can do about that. For Nebraska it was a no brainer, and not just the athletics. We can basically look past that for a moment... for Nebraska this is a major move academically, the Big 10's research prowess is legendary, and Nebraska can only get better with the addition into the fold.
Volleyball is going to be incredible, with arguably the top 4 programs in the nation being in one conference. It will bring an array of teams that you don't normally see in Lincoln, and Nebraska will be traveling to places annually and making new traditions and rivalries.
But there will always be part of me that longs for those old Big 8 days, listening to the radio in the dairy barn with my father and grandmother as the Husker football teams of old marched methodically along to another showdown with Oklahoma, and yet another chance at a national title. Ah the memories.
Nebraska Football.
I have followed it for my entire life. I can remember my father jumping up and down and yelling at the TV as Jarvis Redwine ran down the sideline, when I was like 6 years old, and how my father crashed to the floor when Redwine was called for a penalty for taunting the defensive player as he went into the end zone. I remember all the heartache of watching Oklahoma somehow come from behind to defeat Nebraska so many times. (happened last year, blah! haha)
The last few years it has been Texas that has been so difficult to play, as they have had Nebraska's number an astounding 6 times in a row and 9 of the last 10. The Big 12 Conference's apparent love affair with Texas created a lot of rift between Nebraska and the conference members, and last year of course, Nebraska and Colorado both bolted from the Big 12 to greener pastures, with the Huskers ending up in the Big 10 and the Buffs going to the Pac 10.
I was all for this, screw the Big 12, their commissioner Don Beebe, whiney Missouri fans, stuck up Texas fans, jealous Iowa State fans... but as we come closer to the fall 2011 season, I am somewhat saddened by the thought that my beloved Huskers will no longer be playing in Lawrence, we will no longer have the Jayhawks coming to Lincoln, or the NU vs OU showdowns that, despite a lot of blowouts in the last 20 years, have had some of the most incredible games ever played (see last year's Big 12 Championship).
But that is the past, there isn't much anyone can do about that. For Nebraska it was a no brainer, and not just the athletics. We can basically look past that for a moment... for Nebraska this is a major move academically, the Big 10's research prowess is legendary, and Nebraska can only get better with the addition into the fold.
Volleyball is going to be incredible, with arguably the top 4 programs in the nation being in one conference. It will bring an array of teams that you don't normally see in Lincoln, and Nebraska will be traveling to places annually and making new traditions and rivalries.
But there will always be part of me that longs for those old Big 8 days, listening to the radio in the dairy barn with my father and grandmother as the Husker football teams of old marched methodically along to another showdown with Oklahoma, and yet another chance at a national title. Ah the memories.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
How The Heck???
I do not understand how single parents do this... I've been up to my neck in laundry, cooking, bedtime, etc, for two nights, and that is WITH D's help here and there (she is busy with her 'at home work' job) and still I'm behind... I would say I CANT WAIT FOR THE WEEKEND but my weekends aren't off haha. Sunday and Monday, most likely will be my next days off, one can only hope?
Geeeesh!!!
I do not understand how single parents do this... I've been up to my neck in laundry, cooking, bedtime, etc, for two nights, and that is WITH D's help here and there (she is busy with her 'at home work' job) and still I'm behind... I would say I CANT WAIT FOR THE WEEKEND but my weekends aren't off haha. Sunday and Monday, most likely will be my next days off, one can only hope?
Geeeesh!!!
Monday, May 2, 2011
I'm Not A Kid Anymore
I sure do love my little ones, and of course my better half. Sometimes it is surprising how long the years have blown past. Here we are now, and I'm so blessed with where we are at, good job, D is working now also, getting set to put the other little one into daycare. Things are really good. I think sometimes I have dwelled a little too much on the negative, I think as we get older we should become more content with where we are and I'm learning to count my blessings. I have done a lot in my life, been around the world, all over the USA, and lucky enough to have the most patient and amazing young woman by my side through the most hectic times, always giving me a smile or a word of support. For that I am thankful. That and my family.
Sometimes though I really miss being young and carefree... the world seems safe, simple, and less complicated... and for that reason I know I have to be the best father that I can, because that is the memory I want my children to have.
I sure do love my little ones, and of course my better half. Sometimes it is surprising how long the years have blown past. Here we are now, and I'm so blessed with where we are at, good job, D is working now also, getting set to put the other little one into daycare. Things are really good. I think sometimes I have dwelled a little too much on the negative, I think as we get older we should become more content with where we are and I'm learning to count my blessings. I have done a lot in my life, been around the world, all over the USA, and lucky enough to have the most patient and amazing young woman by my side through the most hectic times, always giving me a smile or a word of support. For that I am thankful. That and my family.
Sometimes though I really miss being young and carefree... the world seems safe, simple, and less complicated... and for that reason I know I have to be the best father that I can, because that is the memory I want my children to have.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Kick Ass!!!
Not sure if the news is true, but if that bastard is gone, freaking AWESOME!!!
Would have been better to get him alive, but Bin Ladin dead is better than him alive on the loose.
And... my assumption from years ago was wrong, I thought the guy was actually dead years ago.
Hopefully this is authentic! Kick ass job, whoever got him!
Not sure if the news is true, but if that bastard is gone, freaking AWESOME!!!
Would have been better to get him alive, but Bin Ladin dead is better than him alive on the loose.
And... my assumption from years ago was wrong, I thought the guy was actually dead years ago.
Hopefully this is authentic! Kick ass job, whoever got him!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
A short one for now.
Let's just say I have to wonder how it is that some people have completely lost their minds, like, seriously, this is crack cocaine with meth, baby jesus will cry for a month at least:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2353538790.html
You don't say? Perhaps because if you are even in the slightest bit timid, you are going into severe depression from the extreme amount of severe ridicule when anyone sees your car.
Let's just say I have to wonder how it is that some people have completely lost their minds, like, seriously, this is crack cocaine with meth, baby jesus will cry for a month at least:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/2353538790.html
"This is a serious speed machine,not for the timid."
You don't say? Perhaps because if you are even in the slightest bit timid, you are going into severe depression from the extreme amount of severe ridicule when anyone sees your car.
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