was blog worthy, but I forgot what it was. Last night I had a dream that I was on the 9/11 plane that crashed in the corn field. The only difference was that we were able to over throw the terrorists and seize control of the plane. But once we got control of the plane we didn't have anyone who knew how to fly a plane. Everyone nominated me to fly the plane because I am an engineer. (I don't recall any classes on flying an airplane in the UWM Engineering curriculum.) But I took one for the team and jumped into the pilot's seat. I got settled into the cockpit and put on the headset and started talking to air traffic control. I told them that I had never flown before and they would have to talk me through it. Then I insisted that they call me "Striker" from the movie airplane. That is all that I remember. This has me thinking that maybe I will go back to something that I did in college. I used to set my alarm for 3 in the morning in hopes that I would wake up in the middle of a dream and then I would write it down. I will give it a go and see what I come up with.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Worst Blogger of All Time
Yes, I have been slacking. This past weekend, I didn't do much other than sleep in, work out, watch basketball and take Justus' money playing sheepshead. There you go, my weekend in review. I had something that I thought of at work today that 
was blog worthy, but I forgot what it was. Last night I had a dream that I was on the 9/11 plane that crashed in the corn field. The only difference was that we were able to over throw the terrorists and seize control of the plane. But once we got control of the plane we didn't have anyone who knew how to fly a plane. Everyone nominated me to fly the plane because I am an engineer. (I don't recall any classes on flying an airplane in the UWM Engineering curriculum.) But I took one for the team and jumped into the pilot's seat. I got settled into the cockpit and put on the headset and started talking to air traffic control. I told them that I had never flown before and they would have to talk me through it. Then I insisted that they call me "Striker" from the movie airplane. That is all that I remember. This has me thinking that maybe I will go back to something that I did in college. I used to set my alarm for 3 in the morning in hopes that I would wake up in the middle of a dream and then I would write it down. I will give it a go and see what I come up with.
was blog worthy, but I forgot what it was. Last night I had a dream that I was on the 9/11 plane that crashed in the corn field. The only difference was that we were able to over throw the terrorists and seize control of the plane. But once we got control of the plane we didn't have anyone who knew how to fly a plane. Everyone nominated me to fly the plane because I am an engineer. (I don't recall any classes on flying an airplane in the UWM Engineering curriculum.) But I took one for the team and jumped into the pilot's seat. I got settled into the cockpit and put on the headset and started talking to air traffic control. I told them that I had never flown before and they would have to talk me through it. Then I insisted that they call me "Striker" from the movie airplane. That is all that I remember. This has me thinking that maybe I will go back to something that I did in college. I used to set my alarm for 3 in the morning in hopes that I would wake up in the middle of a dream and then I would write it down. I will give it a go and see what I come up with.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Juggling
Lately I have been saying that I haven't been up to much. I guess that would depend upon your definition of "much". I am probably putting myself out on a limb for some criticism but I can handle it. As you may recall from back in December I renewed all of my past resolutions. One of which was to become a better juggler. I think it was a year ago that I thought I was getting pretty good and ordered some juggling clubs online. The day they came I just started throwing them up in the air and I thought I would be a natural. Well I was wrong, I actually sucked at it. Sucked pretty bad. Well I have been doing some practicing and I am getting better.
To get back to my original point, I really haven't been doing nothing, I have been practicing juggling quite a bit. Probably, and sadly, close to an hour every night. Here is my most complex ball trick.
I have only been messing around with the clubs for about two or three weeks, so I don't have anything down other than the basic toss.
To get back to my original point, I really haven't been doing nothing, I have been practicing juggling quite a bit. Probably, and sadly, close to an hour every night. Here is my most complex ball trick.
I have only been messing around with the clubs for about two or three weeks, so I don't have anything down other than the basic toss.
Impressed? I didn't think so. My goal is to have a couple tricks down with the clubs by my Freeman party. I also plan to purchase some juggling torches prior to the party. I am hoping to enlighten (no pun intended) and entertain my guests with some flaming torch juggling at the party. However, between now and then, don't be surprised to read a posting about me going to the emergency room with 2nd degree burns on my hands.
Well Done CBS, Well Done
I got in a lot of college basketball this past weekend. I would say it would be a safe bet to say that I watched at least 20 hours of basketball between Thursday and Sunday. But realistically it is probably closer to 30. I took half days at work on both Thursday and Friday. Probably one of the better ideas I have had in a while. For the first time, all games could be seen start to finish. CBS had games on their network along with TNT, TBS and TruTV. And there were four games going on most of Thursday and Friday. 
You got to be the producer. It was great just skipping around between games. And here was the big bonus of the entire production. As I was watching games Friday night, I had tuned into one game and it was near the end of the game, so there were a bunch of timeouts. During the commercials, I would flip over to another game. As I was watching this second game, I was keeping my eye on the scoreboard on the top of the screen to see when the game clock started up again. I sat their thinking it would be nice if they had something to let you know when they came back from commercial. Then I realized that the network would have the logo of the channel that the game was on, flash when they came back from commercial so that you wouldn't miss any action. They were one step ahead of me. Who ever was the genius who thought of that deserves a raise. I also thought it was a great idea to have the channel logo up on the scoreboard so that you didn't have to remember who was playing on what channel, you just had to memorize the four channels, that would be 1005, 1202, 1203 and 1220 on you Time Warner Cable provider. I am already looking forward to next years opening round to paddle in and channel surf for a weekend.
You got to be the producer. It was great just skipping around between games. And here was the big bonus of the entire production. As I was watching games Friday night, I had tuned into one game and it was near the end of the game, so there were a bunch of timeouts. During the commercials, I would flip over to another game. As I was watching this second game, I was keeping my eye on the scoreboard on the top of the screen to see when the game clock started up again. I sat their thinking it would be nice if they had something to let you know when they came back from commercial. Then I realized that the network would have the logo of the channel that the game was on, flash when they came back from commercial so that you wouldn't miss any action. They were one step ahead of me. Who ever was the genius who thought of that deserves a raise. I also thought it was a great idea to have the channel logo up on the scoreboard so that you didn't have to remember who was playing on what channel, you just had to memorize the four channels, that would be 1005, 1202, 1203 and 1220 on you Time Warner Cable provider. I am already looking forward to next years opening round to paddle in and channel surf for a weekend.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Triathlon Anyone?
I am throwing down the gauntlet. Mark it on your calendars, Sunday, July 10th, 8:00 a.m. The Pewaukee Triathlon. I just signed up last week. Last year, Preston said he was going to run it with me, and then backed out because the Sunday of the triathlon was the only Sunday of the summer that his son could be baptized. However, Tree ran it with me and kicked my butt. So my goal is to beat, 1 hour, 39 minutes and 57 seconds. "Murdock, I am coming for you." (Rambo) Anyone interested in running it with me? I will even sweeten the deal. If you beat me, I will buy you breakfast after the race. I think that was the deal that Tree and I had last year, but I don't think either of us really felt like eating after the race. So Tree next time you are in town I guess I owe you breakfast. I am sure you are wondering how to sign up for the race. Settle down. Here is the link. It takes less than 5 minutes. I already know I have a lot of training to do, since my 5K time last week was 30:44. That needs to get cut down to about 25 minutes.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Ultimate Last Place Trophy
I have never been one to shy away from patting myself on my back. With that being said, I present to you the ultimate last place trophy for mine or any other fantasy football league. 
If anyone has a better one, I would love to see it.
If anyone has a better one, I would love to see it.
Chucker, if you are still working in Racine or Kenosha, maybe you can stop by on your way home one night. Otherwise I will bring it out the next time I head out to the country. I understand that Zack is going to put this in his room. Just make sure you keep all of the pieces when he breaks it. Also you will be financially responsible for any damage that befalls this trophy. (That goes for you too, Sherman.)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sherman
This is fantasy football news, so most could careless about this post. I finally got the regular season trophy back. Here is my uncle Dave with his trophy.
And Borky you will be happy to know that you made the trophy. Check it out.
Chucker, I am working on your last place trophy. I should have it done by the end of the week.
And Borky you will be happy to know that you made the trophy. Check it out.
Chucker, I am working on your last place trophy. I should have it done by the end of the week.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Pole Dancing
Well watch this video now, because I think Rebecca might ask me to take it down.
Everytime I go out with this group, we say we are going to take it easy. The evening always starts off innocent enough with just a drink or two at Chris and Rebecca's house. And then the next think you know.
But we were back home by 11:00 p.m. And I think I was asleep by 11:30 p.m. And surprisingly I woke up feeling just fine.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Million Dollar Idea
Here is a million dollar idea from someone. And I am giving it to you for free. Well almost. If you take this idea and run with it, you have to hook me up for free. I just paid my cable bill. $128 for cable, DVR and internet!!! What a joke. So here is the idea. Become a full service installer of all things not Time Warner Cable. Meaning that someone like me calls you and tells you that they are sick of paying these ridiculous prices, but is too stupid and lazy to circumvent the problem. You come to people's houses and set up their TV to run off the internet and make it user friendly.
I know that you can get just about any show that is on cable from the internet. I have heard Hulu is a good site for that. Not to mention any cable network, ESPN, NBC, FX, AMC, etc all have their shows available on their sites.
A co-worker of mine recently got rid of his cable and does everything through his computer. He even watched the Super Bowl on line. Although he had switch websites once or twice.
As soon as my Time Warner Cable contract is up, I am out. Washing my hands of them, well almost. I am going to get a good laptop, an HD antenna and cutting my now $128 bill down to like $30.
I know that you can get just about any show that is on cable from the internet. I have heard Hulu is a good site for that. Not to mention any cable network, ESPN, NBC, FX, AMC, etc all have their shows available on their sites.
A co-worker of mine recently got rid of his cable and does everything through his computer. He even watched the Super Bowl on line. Although he had switch websites once or twice.
As soon as my Time Warner Cable contract is up, I am out. Washing my hands of them, well almost. I am going to get a good laptop, an HD antenna and cutting my now $128 bill down to like $30.
Weekend Recap
Friday, there wasn't too much to my Friday. I played soccer at 9:00. When I got home I watched the Badger basketball game that I recorded. 33 points, some excellent work. I hope they were just resting up for the tournament.
Saturday late morning, I ran the Blarney 5K Run in Wauwatosa. My sister in law, Jody, and her sister, Jill, had registered for the run. I had not decided until the morning of the run to do it. And rather than pay for the registration, I just took an old bib number that I had from a past race. The run started at 11:30 a.m., no big surprise that I showed up only minutes before the race began and I couldn't find Jody or Jill before the run. But the run doubles back on itself and I found them near the turn. They had been ahead of me. I kicked it into gear and caught up with them. I thought I was going to puke when I did. Up until the race, the only training I had done for it was 5 minutes on the treadmill Thursday night. I finished with a pathetic time of 30 minutes 44 seconds. I really need to step it up for this summer's triathlon season.
Saturday night I headed out to the Palmyra-Eagle area to meet up with Chris, Rebecca, Adam, Angela, Al and Vanessa. Chris and Rebecca have just finished remodeling their house. They went with a retro theme and I think it looks great. This is their changing room.
I don't even know what the name of the place was that we went to. But it was a bar upstairs and on the lower level is another bar and 4 lane bowling alley. This might make some readers happy, I brought my streak of sobriety to an end. Apparently I am more fun when I am under the influence of alcohol. Before Saturday night, the last drink I had was 3 beers with Jay while helping him at his house around New Years. Here I am with Vanessa and Al doing a shot. 
I got Al to play the pick a number shot game with me. It is a great game when someone proposes a shot but can decide what to do. You just pick a number and have the bartender count over than many bottles and whatever bottle it is, that is what you do a shot of. Al picked 6 and that turned out to be Tangeray Gin.
Here are Rebecca and Angela.
Chris and Rebecca.
The entire group at the downstairs bar taking in some appetizers before rolling a couple frames.
Excluding the people working, we were the only people downstairs in the bowling alley, so we had the whole place to ourselves. Here is some dancing going on before we started bowling. Check that synchronized dancing.
I also got in my standard juke box play at the bowling alley, The End, by The Doors. They are lucky I only played it once. 
I really liked this place for bowling. And it is old school, no monitors or computers keeping score, just a pencil and sheet of paper. Rodge, how many pins did you get?
Saturday late morning, I ran the Blarney 5K Run in Wauwatosa. My sister in law, Jody, and her sister, Jill, had registered for the run. I had not decided until the morning of the run to do it. And rather than pay for the registration, I just took an old bib number that I had from a past race. The run started at 11:30 a.m., no big surprise that I showed up only minutes before the race began and I couldn't find Jody or Jill before the run. But the run doubles back on itself and I found them near the turn. They had been ahead of me. I kicked it into gear and caught up with them. I thought I was going to puke when I did. Up until the race, the only training I had done for it was 5 minutes on the treadmill Thursday night. I finished with a pathetic time of 30 minutes 44 seconds. I really need to step it up for this summer's triathlon season.
Saturday night I headed out to the Palmyra-Eagle area to meet up with Chris, Rebecca, Adam, Angela, Al and Vanessa. Chris and Rebecca have just finished remodeling their house. They went with a retro theme and I think it looks great. This is their changing room.
I don't even know what the name of the place was that we went to. But it was a bar upstairs and on the lower level is another bar and 4 lane bowling alley. This might make some readers happy, I brought my streak of sobriety to an end. Apparently I am more fun when I am under the influence of alcohol. Before Saturday night, the last drink I had was 3 beers with Jay while helping him at his house around New Years. Here I am with Vanessa and Al doing a shot. I got Al to play the pick a number shot game with me. It is a great game when someone proposes a shot but can decide what to do. You just pick a number and have the bartender count over than many bottles and whatever bottle it is, that is what you do a shot of. Al picked 6 and that turned out to be Tangeray Gin.Here are Rebecca and Angela.
Chris and Rebecca.The entire group at the downstairs bar taking in some appetizers before rolling a couple frames.Excluding the people working, we were the only people downstairs in the bowling alley, so we had the whole place to ourselves. Here is some dancing going on before we started bowling. Check that synchronized dancing.I also got in my standard juke box play at the bowling alley, The End, by The Doors. They are lucky I only played it once. I really liked this place for bowling. And it is old school, no monitors or computers keeping score, just a pencil and sheet of paper. Rodge, how many pins did you get?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Taking Care of Some Loose Ends
It is mid-week so I thought I would address some questions and comments that have been posted on my blog as of late. But before I get to those, let me just point out that since my sister delivered the girl scout cookies I bought from my niece, I have eaten a box a day. That is pretty good right? I am a big fan of the "Thanks A Lots" and "Lemonades".
The book in question for which that passage was from is "Cuba" by Stephen Coonts. It is a book that is along the same lines as a Tom Clancy, "Patriot Games", "Clear and Present Danger", etc.
Julie, I appreciate you checking in to see how disappointing my blog is while you are on vacation in the Dominican Republic, but how disappointing is your vacation if you are checking in on my blog?
Bubs, Yes it is true that you have won my pool before. I have you as a winner in 2002 and 2005. But that was a while ago, I wouldn't be bragging. Wait a minute...yes I would because I have never won. Dan and Tree are also two time winners. I also have Roman and Liz as past winners and Tim is the returning champion.
Borky, I am sorry to disappoint you but that picture was not photoshopped. That said, it is still not 100% real. To get the picture, I stood on a chair, then hung from the rim with one hand. My dad pulled the chair out of the way, ran to the corner (I don't think my dad can run anymore), then I swung back and forth two or three times and threw the ball through the rim as I yelled at my dad to take the picture. If I am not mistaken, the picture was taken with a disposable camera.
A quick side note, I don't know how many readers out there are aware of this, but my dad was in the hospital today for a surgery. About a year ago he had a cochlear implant put into his head. But he was very unhappy with the results. Today he went in to have a new device put into his head. I would have said something earlier, but I didn't learn that he was having the surgery until my sister left me a voicemail this afternoon after the surgery was over with. I guess you could say that I am out of the loop. My sister said that everything went as planned and my dad is doing fine. Now if they could just come up with a surgery that will improve his sheepshead play. Hey Ohhh.
One last topic, I have no idea how many people knew about this or not. Back in December I got together with Justus and Kaker while Kaker was in town, over a couple of drinks. Justus had mentioned at that time that his wedding would be March 13th. For those of you racking your brains thinking of the perfect gift, fear not, according to a text I got from Justus today, the wedding has been pushed off until the end of May. I will go on record as saying that it doesn't happen this year.
I will try to get into some trouble this weekend to entertain all of you loyal readers.
The book in question for which that passage was from is "Cuba" by Stephen Coonts. It is a book that is along the same lines as a Tom Clancy, "Patriot Games", "Clear and Present Danger", etc.
Julie, I appreciate you checking in to see how disappointing my blog is while you are on vacation in the Dominican Republic, but how disappointing is your vacation if you are checking in on my blog?
Bubs, Yes it is true that you have won my pool before. I have you as a winner in 2002 and 2005. But that was a while ago, I wouldn't be bragging. Wait a minute...yes I would because I have never won. Dan and Tree are also two time winners. I also have Roman and Liz as past winners and Tim is the returning champion.
Borky, I am sorry to disappoint you but that picture was not photoshopped. That said, it is still not 100% real. To get the picture, I stood on a chair, then hung from the rim with one hand. My dad pulled the chair out of the way, ran to the corner (I don't think my dad can run anymore), then I swung back and forth two or three times and threw the ball through the rim as I yelled at my dad to take the picture. If I am not mistaken, the picture was taken with a disposable camera.
A quick side note, I don't know how many readers out there are aware of this, but my dad was in the hospital today for a surgery. About a year ago he had a cochlear implant put into his head. But he was very unhappy with the results. Today he went in to have a new device put into his head. I would have said something earlier, but I didn't learn that he was having the surgery until my sister left me a voicemail this afternoon after the surgery was over with. I guess you could say that I am out of the loop. My sister said that everything went as planned and my dad is doing fine. Now if they could just come up with a surgery that will improve his sheepshead play. Hey Ohhh.
One last topic, I have no idea how many people knew about this or not. Back in December I got together with Justus and Kaker while Kaker was in town, over a couple of drinks. Justus had mentioned at that time that his wedding would be March 13th. For those of you racking your brains thinking of the perfect gift, fear not, according to a text I got from Justus today, the wedding has been pushed off until the end of May. I will go on record as saying that it doesn't happen this year.
I will try to get into some trouble this weekend to entertain all of you loyal readers.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
March Madness
Top 7 Great Things About March Madness
7. Playing Hookie from work on the first Thursday and Friday of the tournament
6. Filling out NCAA Pool sheets
5. Two words: Buzzer Beaters
4. 3 team parlays with the No. 1 seeds covering
3. Posting my favorite picture on my blog (see below)
2. One Shining Moment video after the Championship Game
1. Everyone pulls for the underdog
7. Playing Hookie from work on the first Thursday and Friday of the tournament
6. Filling out NCAA Pool sheets
5. Two words: Buzzer Beaters
4. 3 team parlays with the No. 1 seeds covering
3. Posting my favorite picture on my blog (see below)
2. One Shining Moment video after the Championship Game1. Everyone pulls for the underdog
Monday, March 07, 2011
I Know You Are Out There, I Can Hear You Breathing
Friday I took part in an all day company workshop. Over the last 6 months my job and place in my company's organization chart has changed fairly dramatically. I am now part of the Project Controls Group. And on Friday we went with the Project Controls Group from the North half of the state. On Wednesday around noon, I learned that I needed to do a 15 minute presentation. I decided to talk about what my position is and what projects I am working on. But to fill time I wanted to open with explaining on how it is that I ended up working in this Project Controls Group. So it was my turn to present, I walked to the front of the room and had my Power Point Presentation loaded on to the laptop, and once I had everyone in the rooms attention I started out with: "This is the story about a boy. A boy who had a dream. That dream.....to one day become an Engineer." I was surprised, it actually went over pretty well.
We didn't have a remote clicker for the laptop, so I took my pen with me to the front of the room, and told my boss, who was working the laptop, that every time I click my pen to go ahead to the next slide. This also got some pretty good laughs especially when I accidentally click my pen as I was talking about one slide, and my boss went ahead to the next slide.
I also had a slide in the middle of the presentation in that said "How am I doing on time?" I was throwing every bit of filler that I could into the presentation to fill the 15 minutes. I later learned that with questions, my presentation lasted 30 minutes.
I was pleasantly surprised that the whole thing went over better than I thought, and I think it is safe to say that mine wasn't the worst presentation, and the most entertaining.
You can see me performing at the Laugh Factory next weekend, two shows. Please tip your server.
We didn't have a remote clicker for the laptop, so I took my pen with me to the front of the room, and told my boss, who was working the laptop, that every time I click my pen to go ahead to the next slide. This also got some pretty good laughs especially when I accidentally click my pen as I was talking about one slide, and my boss went ahead to the next slide.
I also had a slide in the middle of the presentation in that said "How am I doing on time?" I was throwing every bit of filler that I could into the presentation to fill the 15 minutes. I later learned that with questions, my presentation lasted 30 minutes.
I was pleasantly surprised that the whole thing went over better than I thought, and I think it is safe to say that mine wasn't the worst presentation, and the most entertaining.
You can see me performing at the Laugh Factory next weekend, two shows. Please tip your server.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
One Man's Perception
Here is a passage from a book that I am reading that I thought I would share with you.
"Life pounds you, knocks the pride and piss out of youth. Live long enough and you begin to see the big picture, see yourself as God must see you, as a flawed mortal speck of protoplasm whose fate is of little concern to anyone but you . You work, eat, sleep, defecate, reproduce and die, precisely like all the others, not different really, and the planet turns and the star burns on, both quite indifferent to your fate."
"Life pounds you, knocks the pride and piss out of youth. Live long enough and you begin to see the big picture, see yourself as God must see you, as a flawed mortal speck of protoplasm whose fate is of little concern to anyone but you . You work, eat, sleep, defecate, reproduce and die, precisely like all the others, not different really, and the planet turns and the star burns on, both quite indifferent to your fate."
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
A Look Back at the Weekend
Friday night, I was invited by Eric and Anna to go to the Admirals game. I am not going to say that we had the best seats in the house. As you can tell from this photo, we were 5 rows from the top.
But I do like hockey. Normally it is much easier to get better seats and actually many times I believe that they actually close the upper deck for Admirals games.
But after the concert, Dropkick Murphys were playing. As you can tell we moved down to the lower level for the concert. It was just OK. I am not a very big Dropkick Murphys fan. And I think the sound inside the Bradley Center isn't very good. They just sounded loud and muffled.
Saturday was my friend, Phil's, 40th birthday party. This has me a little worried. I can remember a couple years ago when my sister turned 40. I showed up laughing. But now as I go to more and more 40th birthday parties, I worry about the speed at which my 40th birthday is coming. And I don't feel too good about it. Some say "It is just a number." Until that day, I am going to continue to fight the hands of time. Incidently anyone interested, I am still planning on celebrating my 40th birthday in Amsterdam, who is coming with me.
But I do like hockey. Normally it is much easier to get better seats and actually many times I believe that they actually close the upper deck for Admirals games.But after the concert, Dropkick Murphys were playing. As you can tell we moved down to the lower level for the concert. It was just OK. I am not a very big Dropkick Murphys fan. And I think the sound inside the Bradley Center isn't very good. They just sounded loud and muffled.
Saturday was my friend, Phil's, 40th birthday party. This has me a little worried. I can remember a couple years ago when my sister turned 40. I showed up laughing. But now as I go to more and more 40th birthday parties, I worry about the speed at which my 40th birthday is coming. And I don't feel too good about it. Some say "It is just a number." Until that day, I am going to continue to fight the hands of time. Incidently anyone interested, I am still planning on celebrating my 40th birthday in Amsterdam, who is coming with me.
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