Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
I just Cried.
I just wept happy man tears.
I am a happy gamer.
Epic has confirmed that the Xbox 360 mega-hit Gears of War as well as the highly anticipated Unreal Tournament 3 are both coming to the Mac.
I am a happy gamer.
A Monday List
Some things of note for this happy(ha!) monday morning.
1. Harry Potter is getting boring. Latest movie was a snore.
2. Transformers is even awesomer(new word i created) the second time.
3. Transformers: The Game is not great art. However, like the movie, the fun lies in seeing robots kick ass and see great CG. The game is beautiful, robot fights are kind of mindless, but a totally open, fully destructable environment lends itself to some fun times.
4. Time to slowly pull myself off the hydracodone.
5. Having a nightmare that you are getting stabbed in the back and waking up to a cat pressing into your back with her paws is kind of odd.
6. Breach is an ok movie.
7. The Good Shepherd is not an ok movie.
8. Watching the original Die Hard at 745am on a saturday is funny as hell.
9. If harry knowles can get married, why am i single?
10. On second thought, save the hydracodone for work.
11. It figures that when i dont go to the USG sponosored race that i turned tickets down for, my favorite driver, Tony Stewart, wins his first race at the USG Sheetrock 400.
12. Im addicted to jolly ranchers. Peach, Blue Raspberry and Green Apple.
13. Both of my hands still hurt like hell where i had my IV's when in the hospital.
14. My old video iPod hasnt been used once since i got my iPhone.
15. Is it nerdy to want to put a die cast Optimus Prime on my desk at work?
That will do it for today. Have a good monday and rest of the week.
1. Harry Potter is getting boring. Latest movie was a snore.
2. Transformers is even awesomer(new word i created) the second time.
3. Transformers: The Game is not great art. However, like the movie, the fun lies in seeing robots kick ass and see great CG. The game is beautiful, robot fights are kind of mindless, but a totally open, fully destructable environment lends itself to some fun times.
4. Time to slowly pull myself off the hydracodone.
5. Having a nightmare that you are getting stabbed in the back and waking up to a cat pressing into your back with her paws is kind of odd.
6. Breach is an ok movie.
7. The Good Shepherd is not an ok movie.
8. Watching the original Die Hard at 745am on a saturday is funny as hell.
9. If harry knowles can get married, why am i single?
10. On second thought, save the hydracodone for work.
11. It figures that when i dont go to the USG sponosored race that i turned tickets down for, my favorite driver, Tony Stewart, wins his first race at the USG Sheetrock 400.
12. Im addicted to jolly ranchers. Peach, Blue Raspberry and Green Apple.
13. Both of my hands still hurt like hell where i had my IV's when in the hospital.
14. My old video iPod hasnt been used once since i got my iPhone.
15. Is it nerdy to want to put a die cast Optimus Prime on my desk at work?
That will do it for today. Have a good monday and rest of the week.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Voicemail
I just got a voice mail from Matt Kenseth. For you non-nascar fans out there, he is the driver that my company sponsors.
Pretty cool. Too bad it was a broadcast message to everyone in the whole company telling them to watch the races we are sponsoring this weekend. I wont be able to attend this year like i did last year since i was out on medical leave when they were giving out the passes...plus, it will be better for me to finish recovering this weekend at home rather than sit in the hot sun for 2 days straight.
Still...a nice thing to come into this morning.
Pretty cool. Too bad it was a broadcast message to everyone in the whole company telling them to watch the races we are sponsoring this weekend. I wont be able to attend this year like i did last year since i was out on medical leave when they were giving out the passes...plus, it will be better for me to finish recovering this weekend at home rather than sit in the hot sun for 2 days straight.
Still...a nice thing to come into this morning.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Narcotics
This is me at work now.
Not the sharp wit, incredible intellect or ability to save lives.
Just the foggyheaded ability to take narcotics at work.
These pain meds for my back make work kind of interesting. Cant wait till im off them. I was on 2 different kinds, now im just on 1. Hopefully i can get off this last kind soon...
Not the sharp wit, incredible intellect or ability to save lives.
Just the foggyheaded ability to take narcotics at work.
These pain meds for my back make work kind of interesting. Cant wait till im off them. I was on 2 different kinds, now im just on 1. Hopefully i can get off this last kind soon...
Hmm....
So...Dan Patrick is leaving ESPN. He announced it on his radio show yesterday.
Part of me is surprised, part of me isn't. Dan has been an ESPN icon as long as ive watched(not near as long as alot of people i know) but at the same time, he has always kind of done his own thing. Not afraid to ruffle feathers, wont hold back in interviews, almost to the point of being an ass at times. He never was my favorite sports personality, but i enjoyed most of what he did(kind of like Jim Rome).
It will be interesting to see what ESPN 1000(our local ESPN radio station in chicago) will do once he goes off the air next month. Will it be some lame local show replacement like they did when they decided not to air Jim Rome's show? Maybe they can bring Rome back to chicago radio. Who knows. Will be a BIG gap, and an interesting opportunity for ESPN radio to make a new star...or at least give someone the opportunity to be a big star.
Part of me is surprised, part of me isn't. Dan has been an ESPN icon as long as ive watched(not near as long as alot of people i know) but at the same time, he has always kind of done his own thing. Not afraid to ruffle feathers, wont hold back in interviews, almost to the point of being an ass at times. He never was my favorite sports personality, but i enjoyed most of what he did(kind of like Jim Rome).
It will be interesting to see what ESPN 1000(our local ESPN radio station in chicago) will do once he goes off the air next month. Will it be some lame local show replacement like they did when they decided not to air Jim Rome's show? Maybe they can bring Rome back to chicago radio. Who knows. Will be a BIG gap, and an interesting opportunity for ESPN radio to make a new star...or at least give someone the opportunity to be a big star.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
Sickness, Optimus and iPhone
Well, its been a while since i posted, aka...most of the week. Ive been off work most of the week because of all my health junk. I went into work yesterday only to be told to go home and take friday off. My boss is pretty cool, he could tell i didnt feel well. I wanted to go in cause i had stuff in the office i needed to pick up...but the cocktail of close to 10 different meds im taking wears me out something fierce. The antibiotics alone make me sweat like ive just ran a marathon, and that isnt too attractive. So here i am. Sitting at home on a friday, kind of stoned from my pain meds...posting away.
The morning of the 4th of july, my folks and i went to see Transformers. What a frigging fun movie. Im used to movies that get so hyped up that they dont meet the hype, or they dont meet my expectations. This movie, at least in my opinion, delivered on all accounts. I havent been in a movie where i actually clapped and cheered for characters DURING the film before. This was a geek ecstasy movie if i ever saw one. The robots were great, jokes were funny, battles were awesome, f-22s were incredible and the story was fun as hell. Id even contemplate going to see it again. Whichever HD format this dvd comes out...im pretty sure that will be the deciding factor for me on which format to get(HD or Blu Ray). It was a great ride.
iPhone. Im kind of suprised i havent posted much about this since i got it. Well, i shouldnt say that. Ive been so busy playing with it that i havent had much time to write about it. Also going in the category of things that totally live up to the hype, this phone is the cats ass. It is an incredible little piece of hardware. I was kind of hesitant in getting too excited seeing as how all the press and information seemed like it was going to be wayy too good to be true....but Apple seriously delivered with this thing. The ipod features are awesome, the sms messaging is great, email is easy as hell and using it as a phone is the easiest phone ive ever had. Web surfing on it is incredible. Full web pages, using multitouch to zoom in and out of pages to find what you want, it really is incredible. The only serious complaint i have is the edge network. While i havent used it THAT much since ive spent most of the past week in my home, when i have gone out, the critics have been right...its pretty slow. I realize Apple did what they normally do in partnerships like this and went with the biggest name in the industry, but it sure would have been nice if they used sprint's broadband network. Would have been much faster and have much more room to grow. Oh well. Not a huge crisis. Id really like to be able to change ringtones to something that i can hear when my radio is on in my car...most of the ringtones are pretty quiet and subtle. I like my blackberry because it rings like a loud annoying phone, so i can hear it rooms away. I also wish it had a bigger hard drive. 8gb isnt much when this thing is such an awesome video player. Im hoping down the line, someone will have some kind of upgrade service for it like iResq did with ipods before. Id totally put a 40 or 60gb drive in this thing. If i could totally get away from using my ipod because of space reasons...id be a happy camper. 1 less device to carry around.
Ill post some more thoughts on it once ive used it for more than a week...but right now, this thing is one of the coolest gadgets ive ever gotten.
Also....anyone like playing Company of Heroes multiplayer? Im trying to get some people together to play some regular vs or co-op matches vs the computer. Its fun as hell. Hit me up @ bjwaggoner@mac.com or on AIM at Waggoner98.
The morning of the 4th of july, my folks and i went to see Transformers. What a frigging fun movie. Im used to movies that get so hyped up that they dont meet the hype, or they dont meet my expectations. This movie, at least in my opinion, delivered on all accounts. I havent been in a movie where i actually clapped and cheered for characters DURING the film before. This was a geek ecstasy movie if i ever saw one. The robots were great, jokes were funny, battles were awesome, f-22s were incredible and the story was fun as hell. Id even contemplate going to see it again. Whichever HD format this dvd comes out...im pretty sure that will be the deciding factor for me on which format to get(HD or Blu Ray). It was a great ride.
iPhone. Im kind of suprised i havent posted much about this since i got it. Well, i shouldnt say that. Ive been so busy playing with it that i havent had much time to write about it. Also going in the category of things that totally live up to the hype, this phone is the cats ass. It is an incredible little piece of hardware. I was kind of hesitant in getting too excited seeing as how all the press and information seemed like it was going to be wayy too good to be true....but Apple seriously delivered with this thing. The ipod features are awesome, the sms messaging is great, email is easy as hell and using it as a phone is the easiest phone ive ever had. Web surfing on it is incredible. Full web pages, using multitouch to zoom in and out of pages to find what you want, it really is incredible. The only serious complaint i have is the edge network. While i havent used it THAT much since ive spent most of the past week in my home, when i have gone out, the critics have been right...its pretty slow. I realize Apple did what they normally do in partnerships like this and went with the biggest name in the industry, but it sure would have been nice if they used sprint's broadband network. Would have been much faster and have much more room to grow. Oh well. Not a huge crisis. Id really like to be able to change ringtones to something that i can hear when my radio is on in my car...most of the ringtones are pretty quiet and subtle. I like my blackberry because it rings like a loud annoying phone, so i can hear it rooms away. I also wish it had a bigger hard drive. 8gb isnt much when this thing is such an awesome video player. Im hoping down the line, someone will have some kind of upgrade service for it like iResq did with ipods before. Id totally put a 40 or 60gb drive in this thing. If i could totally get away from using my ipod because of space reasons...id be a happy camper. 1 less device to carry around.
Ill post some more thoughts on it once ive used it for more than a week...but right now, this thing is one of the coolest gadgets ive ever gotten.
Also....anyone like playing Company of Heroes multiplayer? Im trying to get some people together to play some regular vs or co-op matches vs the computer. Its fun as hell. Hit me up @ bjwaggoner@mac.com or on AIM at Waggoner98.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Ugh.
So, i didnt post all last week, which some of you may or may not have noticed. Normally when i dont post for long periods of time, its because im in one or a few of the few things.
1. Depressive funk
2. Vacation
3. Nothing Pithy to Say
4. Busy with Family
Or some other things i cant think of. Now, note that not a single one of those things said "in the hospital for a week on my back dealing with Kidney stones, organ infection, pneumonia and a 104 Fever". That was my past week.
Sunday morning around 5am, i woke up with a sharp pain in my left mid back. The day before i spent playing with my 2 nieces, so i figured i just pulled something carrying those 2 sack of potatoes around. Took 2 aleve and tried going back to bed. Pain got worse and worse so that by 545, i couldnt take it anymore. I called my dad, who was surprised to hear my voice at that time of day, and told him to come get me, cause we were going to the hospital. We whisked off to Hinsdale hospital(ironically the same route he and i took when i drove him there for kidney stones about 10 years ago) By the time i was taken into the Emergency room, i could barely function. The pain from kidney stones is so terrible...i cant even put it into words.
From there it should have been simple. Get a feel for where the stone was(ultrasound and xray) and see if it was big enough to warrant going in and getting via surgery or letting me pass it on my own. Well...thats all well and good, but the stone started getting bored. Bouncing around inside my kidney, moving around, causing lots of issues. Somehow, it caused an internal infection...and my body temp started to skyrocket. all the way to consistent 104's. Doctors did everything they could to try to keep it down and keep the pain from making me see little pink dinosaurs. The pain medication got stronger and stronger and doses heavier and heavier. Thats when the real kicker set in.
At this point, it was pretty certain id be there overnight. I was put in a room for observation in-between tests. Overnight, the pain meds they gave me apparently messed up my breathing enough that fluid started to form in my lungs. The next day i could barely breathe, was coughing like there was no tomorrow and there was no end in sight.
Off to the ICU.
Now it is wednesday. Spent time in the ER. Spent time in general observation. Had CT scans, Xrays, ultrasounds, dye tests, etc all taken. Now im in the ER, having more tests done, having a dedicated nurse, more monitoring done...and it seems to be getting worse. Enough headway was made with the fever and infection(aka pummeling my system with super high levels of antibiotics) I was able to get into surgery(where they finally took the stone out) and scope to make sure that everything else was ok. Getting that out was a big big thing. The rest of wed and thurs, and then friday around 1am or so i was moved into general observation again. Fever started going down, pneumonia started subsiding and after more tests, treatments and whatnot on friday and saturday, i was able to leave around saturday night at 5.
Now im home, recouping. Id probably say im at 40%. I have about 900 different medications to take right now Going to take the next 2 days off from work, then have the 4th, and will try to go back to work on the 5th. Let me just say that this is one of the worst things i have ever experienced in my life. Has been a HUGE shock to me, and while lifestyle had little impact on it, i know that i need to change a ton of lifestyle aspects. Now to get back healthy so i can do that. I dont ever want to deal with stuff like this again.
1. Depressive funk
2. Vacation
3. Nothing Pithy to Say
4. Busy with Family
Or some other things i cant think of. Now, note that not a single one of those things said "in the hospital for a week on my back dealing with Kidney stones, organ infection, pneumonia and a 104 Fever". That was my past week.
Sunday morning around 5am, i woke up with a sharp pain in my left mid back. The day before i spent playing with my 2 nieces, so i figured i just pulled something carrying those 2 sack of potatoes around. Took 2 aleve and tried going back to bed. Pain got worse and worse so that by 545, i couldnt take it anymore. I called my dad, who was surprised to hear my voice at that time of day, and told him to come get me, cause we were going to the hospital. We whisked off to Hinsdale hospital(ironically the same route he and i took when i drove him there for kidney stones about 10 years ago) By the time i was taken into the Emergency room, i could barely function. The pain from kidney stones is so terrible...i cant even put it into words.
From there it should have been simple. Get a feel for where the stone was(ultrasound and xray) and see if it was big enough to warrant going in and getting via surgery or letting me pass it on my own. Well...thats all well and good, but the stone started getting bored. Bouncing around inside my kidney, moving around, causing lots of issues. Somehow, it caused an internal infection...and my body temp started to skyrocket. all the way to consistent 104's. Doctors did everything they could to try to keep it down and keep the pain from making me see little pink dinosaurs. The pain medication got stronger and stronger and doses heavier and heavier. Thats when the real kicker set in.
At this point, it was pretty certain id be there overnight. I was put in a room for observation in-between tests. Overnight, the pain meds they gave me apparently messed up my breathing enough that fluid started to form in my lungs. The next day i could barely breathe, was coughing like there was no tomorrow and there was no end in sight.
Off to the ICU.
Now it is wednesday. Spent time in the ER. Spent time in general observation. Had CT scans, Xrays, ultrasounds, dye tests, etc all taken. Now im in the ER, having more tests done, having a dedicated nurse, more monitoring done...and it seems to be getting worse. Enough headway was made with the fever and infection(aka pummeling my system with super high levels of antibiotics) I was able to get into surgery(where they finally took the stone out) and scope to make sure that everything else was ok. Getting that out was a big big thing. The rest of wed and thurs, and then friday around 1am or so i was moved into general observation again. Fever started going down, pneumonia started subsiding and after more tests, treatments and whatnot on friday and saturday, i was able to leave around saturday night at 5.
Now im home, recouping. Id probably say im at 40%. I have about 900 different medications to take right now Going to take the next 2 days off from work, then have the 4th, and will try to go back to work on the 5th. Let me just say that this is one of the worst things i have ever experienced in my life. Has been a HUGE shock to me, and while lifestyle had little impact on it, i know that i need to change a ton of lifestyle aspects. Now to get back healthy so i can do that. I dont ever want to deal with stuff like this again.
Friday, June 22, 2007
So...yeah. I kinda lied.
Took a few weeks off of WoW. Going to play kind of off and on. My stress level since i stopped raiding like it was a job is INCREDIBLY less. Its nice.
Although, big milestone. My first character i ever made hit level 60. Heres the shot of him.
On to 70....but not stressin out anymore. If im still havin fun playing by the time my account expires on the 5th of july, i might grab another month or 2. Well see how it goes.
Although, big milestone. My first character i ever made hit level 60. Heres the shot of him.
On to 70....but not stressin out anymore. If im still havin fun playing by the time my account expires on the 5th of july, i might grab another month or 2. Well see how it goes.
Well Written iPhone Article
Apple's New Calling: The iPhone | TIME: "Apple's new iPhone could do to the cell phone market what the iPod did to the portable music player market: crush it pitilessly beneath the weight of its own superiority. This is unfortunate for anybody else who makes cell phones, but it's good news for those of us who use them."
Check it out. Good writeup.
Check it out. Good writeup.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Newsflash!
Life is full of disappointments! Apparently im just coming to this realization.
But you know me, I'm in too deep
And I'm waiting for another me
One that can change the pain of yesterday
Carry me through another day
And I'm waiting for another me
One in between the burn
And the lessons learned
'Cause being me ain't no way to be...
Sunday, June 17, 2007
So beat...
Back from Sloka's wedding...was an INCREDIBLE weekend.
1054 miles roundtrip, but worth every one. More info later, im going to go pass out.
1054 miles roundtrip, but worth every one. More info later, im going to go pass out.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
A Lesson In Publicity.
Nerds everywhere explode.
Ironic, isnt it? Her latest movie comes out tomorrow? Smells like free press to me :P
Either way, millions of geeks suddenly think they have a shot.
Ironic, isnt it? Her latest movie comes out tomorrow? Smells like free press to me :P
Either way, millions of geeks suddenly think they have a shot.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Followup
Forgot...well, didnt forget to post after WWDC keynote. I just didnt get to it till now.
Overall, keynote was kind of underwhelming. Steve showed 10/300 of Leopard changes, where more than half were things we already knew about. New desktop and new finder is pretty nice. Back to my Mac sounds pretty awesome, a good reason to pay for .mac again. Once i eventually get the macbook pro im lusting after, being able to access my home system over the internet = win.
Other than that, i wasnt really wowed. Safari for windows is ok...kind of a ram hog, but nothing i didnt already experience on my mac. Seeing the demos with WoW was kind of funny.
Other than that, im patiently waiting to get my iPhone on june 29th. I really hope its not a letdown. My dad, the goof he is, left me a paper cut out iPhone at my apartment this week. I did a double take when i saw it, then realized it was paper. How sad.
People are asking me to come back to WoW. Hmm.
Cicadas need to GTFO. I hate these damn bugs.
Thats it for now. Heading to slokas wedding tomorrow. Will hopefully have pictures to bring back.
Overall, keynote was kind of underwhelming. Steve showed 10/300 of Leopard changes, where more than half were things we already knew about. New desktop and new finder is pretty nice. Back to my Mac sounds pretty awesome, a good reason to pay for .mac again. Once i eventually get the macbook pro im lusting after, being able to access my home system over the internet = win.
Other than that, i wasnt really wowed. Safari for windows is ok...kind of a ram hog, but nothing i didnt already experience on my mac. Seeing the demos with WoW was kind of funny.
Other than that, im patiently waiting to get my iPhone on june 29th. I really hope its not a letdown. My dad, the goof he is, left me a paper cut out iPhone at my apartment this week. I did a double take when i saw it, then realized it was paper. How sad.
People are asking me to come back to WoW. Hmm.
Cicadas need to GTFO. I hate these damn bugs.
Thats it for now. Heading to slokas wedding tomorrow. Will hopefully have pictures to bring back.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
RIP Mr Wizard
:(
Poor guy.
Mr. Wizard, the man who taught science to millions of geeks when we were kids, died today of cancer.
Poor guy.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Apple Keynote Day
Apple Worldwide Developer Conference today. Keynote in 55 min. Expected to have OS X info, some more iPhone info and other rumored announcements.
Stock Status
AAPL 124.33 (-0.16) Mon 11:44am
Will post thoughts after the 10am PST keynote.
Stock Status
AAPL 124.33 (-0.16) Mon 11:44am
Will post thoughts after the 10am PST keynote.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Friday, June 08, 2007
The things you never did...
"To change the world,
Start with one step.
However small,
The first step is hardest of all.
Once you get your gate,
You will walk in tall.
You said you never did,
Cause you might die trying."
6/8/81 to today. Its time for a change.
Start with one step.
However small,
The first step is hardest of all.
Once you get your gate,
You will walk in tall.
You said you never did,
Cause you might die trying."
6/8/81 to today. Its time for a change.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
My Experience with the Judicial System
Well, i had a somewhat interesting wednesday.
A few weeks ago, i went over to my parents house for dinner, and was given a jury summons that came to the house. My permanent residence is still listed as my folks house since i dont really want to change it until i actually buy a place that i will be at for long term. At any rate...i got this jury summons. Date was set for june 6th, and at first i wasnt too excited. Was going to have to let my boss know, tell him i need time off, it was around the time of sloka's wedding and my birthday where i had taken days off to do stuff, so i didnt know if id have to alter plans, etc etc etc.
Then i thought about it.
Seeing as how, if i could do my life over, i would have followed my gut instinct my senior year in college and go to school for political science/Law so i could work in government, the reality of this sunk in. This was my chance to see how things work in my local judicial system. So i thought about it, and figured, either way, it would be ok.
More time went by and i started getting excited of the prospect of doing it. I know my sister did it and said it was pretty boring, but im kind of nerdy about this...so i was looking forward to just seeing the process. Ive seen tv shows like law and order, and i guess thats my only real basis...but i was still excited.
Fast forward to yesterday.
I get to the JUDICIAL CENTER(!!!) and go through security. Sign in at the jury lounge...and wait.
And wait.
And wait more.
We find out that there are a total of 3 trials in need of juries. So i figure there is a good chance ill get called. Well, the first batch of jurors got called, and i wasnt on that list. SO i waited.
Now its noon. Lunch time. The jury pool manager said he would have more info after lunch. I ate lunch. Watched more reruns of the Adams Family on TV Land, and around 115, was told that another case was added with need for a jury, to bring it to a total of 4 cases. Now i KNEW i would get picked.
10 minutes later, the 2nd jury pool was pulled....and i wasnt on the list. Now i was starting to get bored, so i took a nap. Dozed off on the couch i was sitting on and woke up here and there, watched some more TV, then around 245, we were told that the last 2 trials decided that they didnt need us. 1 went with a bench trial, the other got spooked and postponed their trial date. So...i was told to head on out.
Boring? A bit. But at least i dont have to spend my birthday in a courtroom, when my boss gave me the day off.
I hope i get called again and can actually serve. Id like to see how it works. Otherwise, oh well. Such is life.
BTW, its birthday eve. Tomorrow is the big day.
A few weeks ago, i went over to my parents house for dinner, and was given a jury summons that came to the house. My permanent residence is still listed as my folks house since i dont really want to change it until i actually buy a place that i will be at for long term. At any rate...i got this jury summons. Date was set for june 6th, and at first i wasnt too excited. Was going to have to let my boss know, tell him i need time off, it was around the time of sloka's wedding and my birthday where i had taken days off to do stuff, so i didnt know if id have to alter plans, etc etc etc.
Then i thought about it.
Seeing as how, if i could do my life over, i would have followed my gut instinct my senior year in college and go to school for political science/Law so i could work in government, the reality of this sunk in. This was my chance to see how things work in my local judicial system. So i thought about it, and figured, either way, it would be ok.
More time went by and i started getting excited of the prospect of doing it. I know my sister did it and said it was pretty boring, but im kind of nerdy about this...so i was looking forward to just seeing the process. Ive seen tv shows like law and order, and i guess thats my only real basis...but i was still excited.
Fast forward to yesterday.
I get to the JUDICIAL CENTER(!!!) and go through security. Sign in at the jury lounge...and wait.
And wait.
And wait more.
We find out that there are a total of 3 trials in need of juries. So i figure there is a good chance ill get called. Well, the first batch of jurors got called, and i wasnt on that list. SO i waited.
Now its noon. Lunch time. The jury pool manager said he would have more info after lunch. I ate lunch. Watched more reruns of the Adams Family on TV Land, and around 115, was told that another case was added with need for a jury, to bring it to a total of 4 cases. Now i KNEW i would get picked.
10 minutes later, the 2nd jury pool was pulled....and i wasnt on the list. Now i was starting to get bored, so i took a nap. Dozed off on the couch i was sitting on and woke up here and there, watched some more TV, then around 245, we were told that the last 2 trials decided that they didnt need us. 1 went with a bench trial, the other got spooked and postponed their trial date. So...i was told to head on out.
Boring? A bit. But at least i dont have to spend my birthday in a courtroom, when my boss gave me the day off.
I hope i get called again and can actually serve. Id like to see how it works. Otherwise, oh well. Such is life.
BTW, its birthday eve. Tomorrow is the big day.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Dorky
Since i have decided this week to turn my birthday into a weeklong celebration, my mother and i over lunch discussed what would be the distribution of birthdays across the days of the year. I figured that because of certain dates(valentines day)/old wives tales(blackouts) that some days would have higher numbers of conception, therefore peaking birthdays. Well, after much discussion over what sample size(10% of 6.6 billion would be a sample size of about 660 million people worldwide), how to obtain the data and other finer points, i found one of the most interesting papers ive ever read. Someone did research on the topic, however, the data is specific to college students, not a worldwide sample.
Strangely enough, the most popular birthday in america is oct 5th, exactly 9 mos after new years eve. The least popular is may 22nd.
Check out the paper here. Its pretty interesting.
Data Sample
Btw, only my mother and i would have a conversation over lunch about sample sizes, data manipulation and other forms of number dorkery.
Strangely enough, the most popular birthday in america is oct 5th, exactly 9 mos after new years eve. The least popular is may 22nd.
Check out the paper here. Its pretty interesting.
Data Sample
Btw, only my mother and i would have a conversation over lunch about sample sizes, data manipulation and other forms of number dorkery.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Hmmm
Anyone having issues with bloglines/other RSS reader not pulling in updates from people's public live journal pages? I was subscribed to about 3 journals and 3 groups...now they show issues in the feed and wont pull in updates. Tried resubscribing, but no dice.
Any of you other RSS nerds see this too?
Any of you other RSS nerds see this too?
Friday, June 01, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Vista + Boot Camp = Nightmare
Having serious issues with vista/boot camp on my mac pro.
If anyone who reads this has had experience with either, heres a link to my post on the apple discussion forums looking for help.
If anyone who reads this has had experience with either, heres a link to my post on the apple discussion forums looking for help.
Dear Sweet Lord - I Hope So
This would be a godsend. Im not happy with any repub or dem candidate right now...this would be something we REALLY could get behind.
Fred Thompson running for president - Politico.com
Fred Thompson running for president - Politico.com
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Short Day = Win
In recognition of USG's Memorial Day Holiday, employees at the Corporate Office location may leave at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 25, 2007. This applies to those employees who are not otherwise required to stay later to satisfy business or customer needs.
Win.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
DMB Seat Locations
8th row VIP seats for DMB in chicago. Tour Opener with sloka and the new Mrs Sloka. Think i might die a little bit here.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Meh...
So, 2 shows I was something of a fan of arent getting renewed for next year.
Jericho, the CBS drama about a post-nuclear USA that took the perspective of a small, out of the way farm town. Wasnt the best drama, had some sketchy acting and blah subplots, but the political intrigue was interesting. Plus...major dad was in it.
Studio 60, the Aaron Sorkin drama with Bradley Whitford and Matthew Perry...i <3 both sorkin and whitford, but the show just didnt have an interesting premise, and im guessing from all the star power, was too expensive.
Depressing...but i guess its less TV for me to watch next year.
Jericho, the CBS drama about a post-nuclear USA that took the perspective of a small, out of the way farm town. Wasnt the best drama, had some sketchy acting and blah subplots, but the political intrigue was interesting. Plus...major dad was in it.
Studio 60, the Aaron Sorkin drama with Bradley Whitford and Matthew Perry...i <3 both sorkin and whitford, but the show just didnt have an interesting premise, and im guessing from all the star power, was too expensive.
Depressing...but i guess its less TV for me to watch next year.
Monday, May 14, 2007
GO See It.
Best movie ive seen so far this year. Go see it. Its even better than 28 days later.
No. Sandra Bullock isnt in it.
Food for Thought - Nom nom nom
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.
Baz Luhrmann
Friday, May 11, 2007
Shareholders mee.....i almost fell asleep just writing that
Shareholder meetings are normally boring...but this weeks Apple meeting had steve cutting out some witty and cool info. Here are my 2 favorite Steve Jobs tidbits.
Cant wait.
On Leopard's delay: "Leopard will be worth the wait. I wish developing great products was as easy as writing a check. If so, then Microsoft would have great products." (Snap!)
On the iPhone: "A few of us have been using the iPhone a lot and if you wanted it back, you would have to pry it from our dead hands."
Cant wait.
Mixed Feelings
Edward James Olmos, Admiral Adama on Battlestar Galactica says the following in an interview...
I wasnt happy with last season as much as the first 2...but not sure how ill feel when its off the air.
“We’re heading into the final season,” “Battlestar Galactica” star Edward James Olmos told If Magazine at Thursday night's Saturn Awards. “This is the final season as we speak. All of us are very saddened by that, but we always knew there was going to be a conclusion and we would find Earth, so we will be finding Earth this season.”
I wasnt happy with last season as much as the first 2...but not sure how ill feel when its off the air.
Friday
Its Friday. I feel good. Better than i have felt all week.
Looking forward to some rest this weekend after all the stress. Possibly going to see 28 weeks later(alone, like a dork) on saturday.
Other than that, much WoWing and mothers day festivities this weekend. I need to get fitted for my tux too...else sloka will spear me.
Looking forward to some rest this weekend after all the stress. Possibly going to see 28 weeks later(alone, like a dork) on saturday.
Other than that, much WoWing and mothers day festivities this weekend. I need to get fitted for my tux too...else sloka will spear me.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Why?
Im preoccupied with "why". Lately im stuck on why things are happening. Why things happened. Why they are going on.
Id wonder why....but thats part of the problem.
Id wonder why....but thats part of the problem.
Summer Hours
Ah. I love summer.
What a great company to work for.
The Summer Hours program requires a modest extension of the work, Monday through Thursday, with the benefit of alternating Friday afternoons off. Under the program, you must work at least 38.75 hours each week with a minimum of four hours worked on Friday.
What a great company to work for.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Meh.
Back to you
It always comes around
Back to you
I tried to forget you
I tried to stay away
But it's too late
Over you
I'm never over
Over you
Something about you
It's just the way you move
The way you move me
It always comes around
Back to you
I tried to forget you
I tried to stay away
But it's too late
Over you
I'm never over
Over you
Something about you
It's just the way you move
The way you move me
Monday, May 07, 2007
New Changes
Its been almost 2 years...so i figure its time for a revamp of the ole blog.
Should be up and running 100% soon!
(btw, blogger template tools own face now. Damn)
Should be up and running 100% soon!
(btw, blogger template tools own face now. Damn)
Hmmm
So, Im in a wedding in june(yay for sloka getting hitched)...but the invitation says Brian and guest.
So i need a date. For a wedding in pittsburgh.
Should i look up an escort service?
So i need a date. For a wedding in pittsburgh.
Should i look up an escort service?
Friday, May 04, 2007
I've Come To Take You Home.
Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night
He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing stretching every nerve
Had to listen had no choice
I did not believe the information
(I) just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom boom
"Son," he said "Grab your things,
I've come to take you home."
To keep in silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut
So I went from day to day
Tho' my life was in a rut
"Till I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut
I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" he said "Grab your things
I've come to take you home."
(Back home.)
When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" I said "You can keep my things,
they've come to take me home."
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night
He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing stretching every nerve
Had to listen had no choice
I did not believe the information
(I) just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom boom
"Son," he said "Grab your things,
I've come to take you home."
To keep in silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut
So I went from day to day
Tho' my life was in a rut
"Till I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut
I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" he said "Grab your things
I've come to take you home."
(Back home.)
When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" I said "You can keep my things,
they've come to take me home."
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Get a sandwich. This is a l ong one.
I havent written anything immensely personal in a good amount of time on here. Mostly its been linking to news stories, or pictures or movies or whatever. When i first started this blog, it was a recap of what i had been doing and what went through my mind and life. Lately, its really been neither. Not really sure why. I have the time, yet i guess just not the desire to do so. Well, for anyone who still reads this thing, youll get your fill here, i guess.
Time to use the way back machine. I led an extremely naive life for the most part. Some would say sheltered, some would say introverted. I guess i could agree with both. I never was the most popular, never the most attractive, never the most fun. Im not wallowing in that. Just accepting it. Through grade school/junior high/high school, i had completely loyal friends who would do anything for me, and i would them. Good people, for the most part. Never had to worry about them talking shit about me or doing something that would impact me negatively. I was quiet, for the most part. I took what i was able to get, worked hard, was very helpful and approachable. My parents said they admired my work ethic and my ability to respectfully deal with adults over anything else. Most kids my age in our area were snotty and felt everyone owed them something. I was raised to be as humble as possible, and it never occurred to me to try to try to do something i shouldnt or get away with something. Deceit wasnt something i was even really aware of. I can still remember the first time in my life that someone deceived me. In retrospect, its a stupid story, but in the end, it really woke me up to human nature.
I remember going to a birthday sleepover for a friend of mine, Bob, when i was in grade school...4th grade, i believe. At that time, i was pretty big into Star Trek: The Next Generation, and as a young male, loved action figures. I made it my duty to collect them all, even the more rare ones, thanks to an equally nerdy father. Bob was also into the same things as i and at this party we were discussing the action figures we had. It seemed he was a big jealous at the fact i had been able to get a full set(i know this story sounds retarded, but hang in there) and decided to tell me that he had one i hadnt ever heard of. He told me it was somewhere in the toy room and that i could go look as much as i would like to try to find it. Needless to say, i looked for a good amount of time and of course, did not find it. He swore as much as a 4th grader would that he did have it and he must have misplaced it. We left it at that. The next day, i casually mentioned it to my dad, who brought up an interesting point to me...one i had never considered in my life.
He lied to me.
Now, for a 4th grader, that can be a pretty spectacular realization. Someone lied to me? All sorts of questions run through your head about it. Why? What would he have to gain? What were his motives? In the end, its an insignificant lie, but something that affected me so much as a child, i remember it plain as day. It affected me so much, that i remember the first time i ever lied to my parents...and it happened soon after that occurrence. For me, i was raised on being honest and trustworthy. Sunday school, boy scouts, general moral teachings from my parents...i never thought to do anything else. However that incident at the birthday opened my eyes to the fact that there are many people who lie for one reason or another. People who were not like me, who wouldnt do the right thing. I remember the feeling when my parents found out i had lied. I remember how i promised myself to never let that happen again...as much as a 4th grader could promise that.
Fast forward to high school, a far cry from 4th grade. Lying and deceit is an everyday occurrence in high school. For me? I guess i might have changed. White lies about where my homework was, why i was late to class, why i was spaced out and couldnt answer the question...all those things happen. Im talking BIG lies. Big LIFE CHANGING lies. Where i was last night. Who was i with. I wanted my parents to trust me. I wanted my friends to trust me. I wanted my teachers to trust me. When a friend of mine who was always teased and jabbed (by...well, id say the popular crowd, but it was really everyone) committed suicide after consistently telling me it didnt bother him, i guess i started to realize that even the smallest lies have big consequences. The lasting effect of that was something that cant be measured.
Ah college...where i learned more about how "real" people function than any skill set that would be helpful in my career. Being introduced to a whole new area of the country..meeting more rich snobby kids like i was used to in HS to the simple farm kids and all types in between. Met women who were only in college to find a husband, some who were looking for a career and some who were just looking for their next drug hookup. Some used sex as a weapon, some who used it as a tool. Was a big shock my freshman year. I grew up ALOT that year. 2 of my closest family members, my great grandparents, died within a few months of each other. I learned how people can use someone else with no feelings of remorse, and i learned how people can get consumed by their feelings. was a pretty eye opening first year.
Sophomore year, i learned more about pain and deceit than i ever have in my life. Most of my close friends know what im talking about. I always had heard about cheating and infidelity in a relationship, but nothing ever prepares you for it when it happens to you. Not only the pain of your significant other betraying you, but add on top that it happened with friends of yours...gets pretty wild. I guess ive never really recovered from that issue or the entire relationship. Trust me, its not for lack of work or effort. Ive talked to people, both professionally and non and still, it affects me to this very day. I dont trust like i used to, i dont open up to people like i used to. However, since then, i have talked endless hours with her and have come to terms with what happened. Doesnt change the effect of that, but at least there was closure(as lame and cliche as that sounds)
Took me some time and alot of self discovery to get back into dating after that debacle. Finally, my senior year i got in a great relationship, probably the best relationship(based solely on our feelings for each other) i have ever had. I would do anything for her. She would do anything for me. We eventually got engaged after being together almost a year. We got engaged on Valentines day(oh no! How cliche!) and despite issues with her family, her deciding what she wanted to do with the rest of her life and my insane travel schedule...we managed to stick together for another 8 months. I loved her more than i loved anything else, even to this day...which made the next part that much harder. I basically had a breakdown in late October/November of that year. Wasnt pretty. Decided i needed to get my shit together before i could ever be a good boyfriend/husband for her. She didnt understand it at that time. Later on(at least a year later) she did understand after dealing with some things on her own...but it was too late. When i was ready...she didnt want me back. Thus ends that chapter. Was totally devastating to me. Ive dated some in the almost 3 years since that happened...but nothing worth writing home about. Im totally incapable of opening up, im totally uninterested in being close with someone since it seems like im destined to failure in one way or another. Have i ever gotten over this issue with her? I guess i thought i did. Well...maybe im wrong.
So why the big open heart emo post about shit ive talked about before?
Well, i cant sleep this week. I guess thats a misstatement. I sleep for about 20 min at a time. When i do sleep, i have crazy vivid dreams. Some of the past, some of potential future, but both are centered around that last relationship. My mom has always told me that dreams are a way of your subconscious working things out. Thats understandable, but right now, it aint working jack shit out. Its just playing this stuff over and over now for a week. Its affecting how i function at work, how i function personally and im tired as hell. Not only that, its brought back immense feelings of heartbreak from all my past relationships, but most notably this one. Reliving probably the biggest mistake i ever made over and over and over is pretty much the worst thing i could wish on someone. But for some reason, here i am.
I know im not who i once was. Im not as strong as i used to be. Professionally, im more successful. I have a great job at a great company making great money for someone my age. Personally, im a mess. Borderline bipolar, uncontrollable anger out of nowhere, deep bouts of depression. Why? What the hell is going on that brings this on? Ive tried doing some soul searching over the past 6-8 months and have literally gotten nowhere. It seems like the longer i go on...the more i dig into a hole. I dont know what to do....however, now my dreams are focusing on this one event in my life.
I dont know why im posting this here. I guess I dont have anyone close enough to talk to about this anymore. Maybe i need to vent? Im seriously at a loss for what to do right now in my life on a personal level.
Blah.
Time to use the way back machine. I led an extremely naive life for the most part. Some would say sheltered, some would say introverted. I guess i could agree with both. I never was the most popular, never the most attractive, never the most fun. Im not wallowing in that. Just accepting it. Through grade school/junior high/high school, i had completely loyal friends who would do anything for me, and i would them. Good people, for the most part. Never had to worry about them talking shit about me or doing something that would impact me negatively. I was quiet, for the most part. I took what i was able to get, worked hard, was very helpful and approachable. My parents said they admired my work ethic and my ability to respectfully deal with adults over anything else. Most kids my age in our area were snotty and felt everyone owed them something. I was raised to be as humble as possible, and it never occurred to me to try to try to do something i shouldnt or get away with something. Deceit wasnt something i was even really aware of. I can still remember the first time in my life that someone deceived me. In retrospect, its a stupid story, but in the end, it really woke me up to human nature.
I remember going to a birthday sleepover for a friend of mine, Bob, when i was in grade school...4th grade, i believe. At that time, i was pretty big into Star Trek: The Next Generation, and as a young male, loved action figures. I made it my duty to collect them all, even the more rare ones, thanks to an equally nerdy father. Bob was also into the same things as i and at this party we were discussing the action figures we had. It seemed he was a big jealous at the fact i had been able to get a full set(i know this story sounds retarded, but hang in there) and decided to tell me that he had one i hadnt ever heard of. He told me it was somewhere in the toy room and that i could go look as much as i would like to try to find it. Needless to say, i looked for a good amount of time and of course, did not find it. He swore as much as a 4th grader would that he did have it and he must have misplaced it. We left it at that. The next day, i casually mentioned it to my dad, who brought up an interesting point to me...one i had never considered in my life.
He lied to me.
Now, for a 4th grader, that can be a pretty spectacular realization. Someone lied to me? All sorts of questions run through your head about it. Why? What would he have to gain? What were his motives? In the end, its an insignificant lie, but something that affected me so much as a child, i remember it plain as day. It affected me so much, that i remember the first time i ever lied to my parents...and it happened soon after that occurrence. For me, i was raised on being honest and trustworthy. Sunday school, boy scouts, general moral teachings from my parents...i never thought to do anything else. However that incident at the birthday opened my eyes to the fact that there are many people who lie for one reason or another. People who were not like me, who wouldnt do the right thing. I remember the feeling when my parents found out i had lied. I remember how i promised myself to never let that happen again...as much as a 4th grader could promise that.
Fast forward to high school, a far cry from 4th grade. Lying and deceit is an everyday occurrence in high school. For me? I guess i might have changed. White lies about where my homework was, why i was late to class, why i was spaced out and couldnt answer the question...all those things happen. Im talking BIG lies. Big LIFE CHANGING lies. Where i was last night. Who was i with. I wanted my parents to trust me. I wanted my friends to trust me. I wanted my teachers to trust me. When a friend of mine who was always teased and jabbed (by...well, id say the popular crowd, but it was really everyone) committed suicide after consistently telling me it didnt bother him, i guess i started to realize that even the smallest lies have big consequences. The lasting effect of that was something that cant be measured.
Ah college...where i learned more about how "real" people function than any skill set that would be helpful in my career. Being introduced to a whole new area of the country..meeting more rich snobby kids like i was used to in HS to the simple farm kids and all types in between. Met women who were only in college to find a husband, some who were looking for a career and some who were just looking for their next drug hookup. Some used sex as a weapon, some who used it as a tool. Was a big shock my freshman year. I grew up ALOT that year. 2 of my closest family members, my great grandparents, died within a few months of each other. I learned how people can use someone else with no feelings of remorse, and i learned how people can get consumed by their feelings. was a pretty eye opening first year.
Sophomore year, i learned more about pain and deceit than i ever have in my life. Most of my close friends know what im talking about. I always had heard about cheating and infidelity in a relationship, but nothing ever prepares you for it when it happens to you. Not only the pain of your significant other betraying you, but add on top that it happened with friends of yours...gets pretty wild. I guess ive never really recovered from that issue or the entire relationship. Trust me, its not for lack of work or effort. Ive talked to people, both professionally and non and still, it affects me to this very day. I dont trust like i used to, i dont open up to people like i used to. However, since then, i have talked endless hours with her and have come to terms with what happened. Doesnt change the effect of that, but at least there was closure(as lame and cliche as that sounds)
Took me some time and alot of self discovery to get back into dating after that debacle. Finally, my senior year i got in a great relationship, probably the best relationship(based solely on our feelings for each other) i have ever had. I would do anything for her. She would do anything for me. We eventually got engaged after being together almost a year. We got engaged on Valentines day(oh no! How cliche!) and despite issues with her family, her deciding what she wanted to do with the rest of her life and my insane travel schedule...we managed to stick together for another 8 months. I loved her more than i loved anything else, even to this day...which made the next part that much harder. I basically had a breakdown in late October/November of that year. Wasnt pretty. Decided i needed to get my shit together before i could ever be a good boyfriend/husband for her. She didnt understand it at that time. Later on(at least a year later) she did understand after dealing with some things on her own...but it was too late. When i was ready...she didnt want me back. Thus ends that chapter. Was totally devastating to me. Ive dated some in the almost 3 years since that happened...but nothing worth writing home about. Im totally incapable of opening up, im totally uninterested in being close with someone since it seems like im destined to failure in one way or another. Have i ever gotten over this issue with her? I guess i thought i did. Well...maybe im wrong.
So why the big open heart emo post about shit ive talked about before?
Well, i cant sleep this week. I guess thats a misstatement. I sleep for about 20 min at a time. When i do sleep, i have crazy vivid dreams. Some of the past, some of potential future, but both are centered around that last relationship. My mom has always told me that dreams are a way of your subconscious working things out. Thats understandable, but right now, it aint working jack shit out. Its just playing this stuff over and over now for a week. Its affecting how i function at work, how i function personally and im tired as hell. Not only that, its brought back immense feelings of heartbreak from all my past relationships, but most notably this one. Reliving probably the biggest mistake i ever made over and over and over is pretty much the worst thing i could wish on someone. But for some reason, here i am.
I know im not who i once was. Im not as strong as i used to be. Professionally, im more successful. I have a great job at a great company making great money for someone my age. Personally, im a mess. Borderline bipolar, uncontrollable anger out of nowhere, deep bouts of depression. Why? What the hell is going on that brings this on? Ive tried doing some soul searching over the past 6-8 months and have literally gotten nowhere. It seems like the longer i go on...the more i dig into a hole. I dont know what to do....however, now my dreams are focusing on this one event in my life.
I dont know why im posting this here. I guess I dont have anyone close enough to talk to about this anymore. Maybe i need to vent? Im seriously at a loss for what to do right now in my life on a personal level.
Blah.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Guild Kill of Attumen.
Spartans_Attunmen.avi
We are through prince in my WoW guild, but our GM recorded this last night. Was a pretty flawless kill.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Summer Movie List
April 27
- Next
May 4
- Spider-Man 3
May 11
- 28 Weeks Later(Will i really see this in the theatre?)
May 18
- Shrek the Third
May 25
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
June 8
- Ocean's 13
June 15
- Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
June 27
- Live Free or Die Hard
July 4
- Transformers
July 13
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
July 27
- The Simpsons Movie
August 3
- The Bourne Ultimatum
- Next
May 4
- Spider-Man 3
May 11
- 28 Weeks Later(Will i really see this in the theatre?)
May 18
- Shrek the Third
May 25
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
June 8
- Ocean's 13
June 15
- Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
June 27
- Live Free or Die Hard
July 4
- Transformers
July 13
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
July 27
- The Simpsons Movie
August 3
- The Bourne Ultimatum
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Bad Day.
If she's out there somewhere-somewhere
I would give everything to know.
Just to hold and to finally have her,
Take me to sunrise from indigo
If it's to be
That there's just no one for me
I'll try not to cry much
So no one will see
But if it's to be
That there is anyone for me
Our hearts will shine
So everyone will see
I've got some time,
So maybe if you're free
I could use a friend
Just to talk to me
I would give everything to know.
Just to hold and to finally have her,
Take me to sunrise from indigo
If it's to be
That there's just no one for me
I'll try not to cry much
So no one will see
But if it's to be
That there is anyone for me
Our hearts will shine
So everyone will see
I've got some time,
So maybe if you're free
I could use a friend
Just to talk to me
Meh
Been sick. Still sick. Bronchitis/Pneumonia. Not a good time.
Been out of work all week...came in today to catch up on stuff. Verdict on tomorrow is still out.
Been out of work all week...came in today to catch up on stuff. Verdict on tomorrow is still out.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
What the hell?
Can someone tell me what this means? This is my fortune from my fortune cookie at lunch.
Uh...mint circles?
"Now is the time to make circles with mints. Do not haste any longer."
Uh...mint circles?
Monday, April 09, 2007
New York Minute
Lying here in the darkness
I hear the sirens wail
Somebody going to emergency
Somebody’s going to jail
If you find somebody to love in this world
You better hand on tooth and nail
The wolf is always at the door...
- Don Henley
I hear the sirens wail
Somebody going to emergency
Somebody’s going to jail
If you find somebody to love in this world
You better hand on tooth and nail
The wolf is always at the door...
- Don Henley
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
I Love This Town
Only In Chicago. I love this town. I used to frequent that establishment before we moved buildings too.
Best part is...the thing just walked in and hopped in the cooler. Oh man.
ABC7Chicago.com: Coyote caught at downtown Quiznos
Best part is...the thing just walked in and hopped in the cooler. Oh man.
ABC7Chicago.com: Coyote caught at downtown Quiznos
Monday, April 02, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Quote of the Day
[13:29] SnoopyFink: sorry if i'm lagging on my responses, you caught me in the middl eof frying up some bacon.
Oh marph. How i miss thee.
Oh marph. How i miss thee.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Wow...
I could totally handle this!
The Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears are considering a trade that would send the sixth overall pick to Chicago for Bears linebacker Lance Briggs and the 31st overall selection.
Get rid of that leech of a player. That would be an incredible trade.
The Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears are considering a trade that would send the sixth overall pick to Chicago for Bears linebacker Lance Briggs and the 31st overall selection.
Get rid of that leech of a player. That would be an incredible trade.
THANK GOD!
Joe Theismann will no longer be part of the network's Monday Night Football booth and will be replaced by Ron Jaworski, the former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback.
THANK YOU ESPN. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Now if we could just get rid of the other 2 jokers and just let boomer call the games...
Friday, March 23, 2007
Blahsauce.
Why is it that whenever i meet someone incredible...it can never work out? There is always one little bullshit thing standing in the way.
Swear to god, this girl is the first person i have met in close to 5 years that lit that spark that you feel when you get your first crush.
Shit like this is just a reminder as much as bad relationships that dating is a joke. Society is too different than when our parents were our age to find the kind of relationships they have. Well...at least my parents relationship.
Meh. Today sucks.
Swear to god, this girl is the first person i have met in close to 5 years that lit that spark that you feel when you get your first crush.
Shit like this is just a reminder as much as bad relationships that dating is a joke. Society is too different than when our parents were our age to find the kind of relationships they have. Well...at least my parents relationship.
Meh. Today sucks.
*vomit*
I really need to eat better.
But perhaps the most alarming ingredient in a Chicken McNugget is tertiary butylhydroquinone, or TBHQ, an antioxidant derived from petroleum that is either sprayed directly on the nugget or the inside of the box it comes in to "help preserve freshness." According to A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives, TBHQ is a form of butane (i.e. lighter fluid) the FDA allows processors to use sparingly in our food: It can comprise no more than 0.02 percent of the oil in a nugget. Which is probably just as well, considering that ingesting a single gram of TBHQ can cause "nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, delirium, a sense of suffocation, and collapse." Ingesting five grams of TBHQ can kill.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
i <3 coyotres.
From A Digg Comment:
Its true.
Man, anyone who thinks Slashdot is bad has never spent any time reading the World of Warcraft forums.
If internet forums are where empathy and humanity go to die, the WoW forums are the shallow grave where they're buried and eventually eaten by coyotes.
Its true.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Lengthy Update
Alot has happened recently...but I haven't been feeling very verbose or outgoing lately. Spending a lot of time thinking. Made some pretty big decisions...i guess not BIG in the real world sense, but big to me.
1. Im nowhere close to ready to date again. Dated a sweetheart of a girl for a few weeks...and im just too closed off after whats happened in the past. Since i cant even talk about it IRL, i don't feel that comfortable talking about it here. Its odd...i used to be a very open person, talk about anything...now over the past year i can tell im just shutting down in more aspects than i should. Maybe its just a phase...maybe its not. At any rate...either its me or i just haven't found the right person yet, but i know im just a liability in a relationship.
2. The Aretaics is no mo. I just didn't have the time/energy in me to run a guild, and the stress of keeping an active, effective raiding roster has taken a toll on my mood, my patience and my sanity. No officers wanted to take over as GM, so we decided to disband it rather than just hand it over to someone. It was formed on some pretty lofty ideals and goals and for the most part, we achieved them. Building a community is tough work and keeping a community is A LOT of work. I spent a lot of time...probably too much time...over the past year or so building and running the guild. People loved it and were very loyal. We had our share of asshats, but all guilds do. Lots of good memories. Lots of good friends. I just need to get back to basics with WoW. I need to play to have fun instead of trying to be a dad/sheep herder like i have been for the past 2 years. Was pretty nice to do a full MC run as our last hurrah...downed ragnaros with a good 60 seconds before the sons spawned and was able to help my buddy Marrow/Ghostridor get his Thunderfury made. Ill miss my friends on Ysera, but i know they will all be ok. Ive joined a guild that is the top horde progression guild on their server with my warlock. A good friend of mine from The Aretaics transferred with me. Haven't decided what to do with my hunter(who is stuck at 61) or my up and coming paladin. Well see, i guess.
Sister and new baby are doing well. Spent some of Saturday out there with them. Emily is getting along with Elyse well from how it seems. I got to spend 2 hours as a bed for little Elyse. Was the most relaxing 2 hours ive had in a LONG time.
My old jank gaming machine is now gone. My old g5 is now gone. Replaced both of them with a 2 x Dual Core 2.66 GHZ Mac Pro. Got the ATI x1900 upgrade as well. Thing SCREAMS. Having a 4 core machine is insane. I saw the true power in this machine when ripping DVDs. What took my G5 5+ hours to do, this thing does in under an hour. It has 1gb of ram in it, and im going to get another gig in a week or so. That should boost the performance up a bit too. I get a little jerkiness in it when im running wow in windowed mode, watching a video, chatting on IM, checking email, chatting on ventrilo and surfing the web all at the same time. :P By jerky i mean i see a tiny bit of load lag in Lagrath...er i mean Shattrath.
Battlestar Galactica has now taken the last spot in my show priority list. It had been CSI miami...but with them killing off starbuck and the huge drop in quality over the past season...i dont dig the show like i used to. Im going to see what they do the next 2 weeks with the "cliffhanger"...but unless something major happens, i may not come back to watch it in the fall.
Eh...who am i kidding. Its not like i have anything better to do.
TTFN.
1. Im nowhere close to ready to date again. Dated a sweetheart of a girl for a few weeks...and im just too closed off after whats happened in the past. Since i cant even talk about it IRL, i don't feel that comfortable talking about it here. Its odd...i used to be a very open person, talk about anything...now over the past year i can tell im just shutting down in more aspects than i should. Maybe its just a phase...maybe its not. At any rate...either its me or i just haven't found the right person yet, but i know im just a liability in a relationship.
2. The Aretaics is no mo. I just didn't have the time/energy in me to run a guild, and the stress of keeping an active, effective raiding roster has taken a toll on my mood, my patience and my sanity. No officers wanted to take over as GM, so we decided to disband it rather than just hand it over to someone. It was formed on some pretty lofty ideals and goals and for the most part, we achieved them. Building a community is tough work and keeping a community is A LOT of work. I spent a lot of time...probably too much time...over the past year or so building and running the guild. People loved it and were very loyal. We had our share of asshats, but all guilds do. Lots of good memories. Lots of good friends. I just need to get back to basics with WoW. I need to play to have fun instead of trying to be a dad/sheep herder like i have been for the past 2 years. Was pretty nice to do a full MC run as our last hurrah...downed ragnaros with a good 60 seconds before the sons spawned and was able to help my buddy Marrow/Ghostridor get his Thunderfury made. Ill miss my friends on Ysera, but i know they will all be ok. Ive joined a guild that is the top horde progression guild on their server with my warlock. A good friend of mine from The Aretaics transferred with me. Haven't decided what to do with my hunter(who is stuck at 61) or my up and coming paladin. Well see, i guess.
Sister and new baby are doing well. Spent some of Saturday out there with them. Emily is getting along with Elyse well from how it seems. I got to spend 2 hours as a bed for little Elyse. Was the most relaxing 2 hours ive had in a LONG time.
My old jank gaming machine is now gone. My old g5 is now gone. Replaced both of them with a 2 x Dual Core 2.66 GHZ Mac Pro. Got the ATI x1900 upgrade as well. Thing SCREAMS. Having a 4 core machine is insane. I saw the true power in this machine when ripping DVDs. What took my G5 5+ hours to do, this thing does in under an hour. It has 1gb of ram in it, and im going to get another gig in a week or so. That should boost the performance up a bit too. I get a little jerkiness in it when im running wow in windowed mode, watching a video, chatting on IM, checking email, chatting on ventrilo and surfing the web all at the same time. :P By jerky i mean i see a tiny bit of load lag in Lagrath...er i mean Shattrath.
Battlestar Galactica has now taken the last spot in my show priority list. It had been CSI miami...but with them killing off starbuck and the huge drop in quality over the past season...i dont dig the show like i used to. Im going to see what they do the next 2 weeks with the "cliffhanger"...but unless something major happens, i may not come back to watch it in the fall.
Eh...who am i kidding. Its not like i have anything better to do.
TTFN.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Wow...were dorks
[10:27] waggoner98: sweeeeeeeeet carooooolinnnnne
[10:27] waggoner98: DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
[10:33] Marrow: GOOD TIMES NEVER SEEMED SO GOOD
[10:34] Marrow: SO GOOD SO GOOD SO GOOD!
A more informative blog entry coming soon...been busy...no bloggy.
Will update asap!
[10:27] waggoner98: DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
[10:33] Marrow: GOOD TIMES NEVER SEEMED SO GOOD
[10:34] Marrow: SO GOOD SO GOOD SO GOOD!
A more informative blog entry coming soon...been busy...no bloggy.
Will update asap!
Monday, February 26, 2007
I. Cant. Wait.
The cast they got to do the live action/voiceover work for Command and Conquer 3 is just plain RETARDED.
Michael ironside? Josh Holloway(sawyer on lost)? BILLY DEE WILLIAMS?!
Michael ironside? Josh Holloway(sawyer on lost)? BILLY DEE WILLIAMS?!
Friday, February 23, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Comedy Gold
[16:02] Marrow: i went to the bathroom and ripped a fart so loud that I think it ruptured the space time continuum and sunk the titanic before the iceberg could get to it
[16:02] waggoner98: oh man
[16:02] waggoner98: i lold
[16:03] Marrow: you thought that was strange? dude, after i finished, i saw doc brown walk by with marty and the newspaper changed from "lawl all clear" to "radiological alarm!"
Good times.
[16:02] waggoner98: oh man
[16:02] waggoner98: i lold
[16:03] Marrow: you thought that was strange? dude, after i finished, i saw doc brown walk by with marty and the newspaper changed from "lawl all clear" to "radiological alarm!"
Good times.
Monday, February 12, 2007
It Was Bound To Happen Sometime...
This weekend was kind of interesting in WoW. Was doing shadow labs to get a guildie going on their karazhan key when the following conversation happened over vent/in game. Now, remember...i dropped the name Asros when i transferred and switched to Mavrixx...named after a guy i played SWG with who later died.
Anywho, here is the story.
Friend 1 was in my old TC fan guild with me, knows my history in podcasting.
Friend 2 is a random recruit that applied to our guild out of nowhere.
Friend 1: Wow...there is a guy named (some guy we used to know on whisperwind) but spelled a bit differently. Bwahaha...name of the guild is Warcast!
Me: Hah...talk about ironic!
Friend 2: Hmm...I wonder if they know that Warcast is the name of a WoW podcast. Not many people around here do.
Me: *cough*
Friend 2: What? You listen to them?
Friend 1: Rawful!
Me: Yeah...i know about them
Friend 2: Wait a minute...you sound familiar...
Me: You are messing with me...
Friend 2: Holy crap! You are that asros guy, arent you! I had a feeling you were, but didnt want to ask and sound like an idiot. Whatever happened to you, btw?
Knew it would be only a matter of time before i was discovered :P
Anywho, here is the story.
Friend 1 was in my old TC fan guild with me, knows my history in podcasting.
Friend 2 is a random recruit that applied to our guild out of nowhere.
Friend 1: Wow...there is a guy named (some guy we used to know on whisperwind) but spelled a bit differently. Bwahaha...name of the guild is Warcast!
Me: Hah...talk about ironic!
Friend 2: Hmm...I wonder if they know that Warcast is the name of a WoW podcast. Not many people around here do.
Me: *cough*
Friend 2: What? You listen to them?
Friend 1: Rawful!
Me: Yeah...i know about them
Friend 2: Wait a minute...you sound familiar...
Me: You are messing with me...
Friend 2: Holy crap! You are that asros guy, arent you! I had a feeling you were, but didnt want to ask and sound like an idiot. Whatever happened to you, btw?
Knew it would be only a matter of time before i was discovered :P
New Niece
Elyse Margaret Schlesinger(i think i spelled it right, I havent seen the official announcement)
Delivered around 6am CST this morning, was 9lbs and doing fine.
Grats to my sister and brother in law on a new kiddo!
Delivered around 6am CST this morning, was 9lbs and doing fine.
Grats to my sister and brother in law on a new kiddo!
A dear friend passes...
Just an update -
I talked to Mike Hachtel, and he said that Tim was suffering from pancreatitis, but that it was not keeping him down or from working, so he appeared OK to everyone. Last night though, he had a severe attack and became violently ill, so he went to the hospital. They transferred him to ICU, and then this morning, they loaded him onto a helicopter to fly to St. Vincent's, but he passed away enroute.
Thanks for everything you did for me, Tim. You were an inspiration and a great mentor to me through my college years.
Tim King...one of the most selfless men i have ever known. He will be missed.
http://www.dunnfuneralhome.com/show.pl?id=386
Monday, February 05, 2007
Super Suck
Im too mad to talk about the super bowl right now. Ill talk about it once i cool down, which should be easy since its frigging -5 F outside.
Although, in the office pool, i wont 200$ on the super bowl with the square showing the bears to have a score containing a 4 and the colts with a 6. 2 quarters won by yours truly. At least i got that.
Although, in the office pool, i wont 200$ on the super bowl with the square showing the bears to have a score containing a 4 and the colts with a 6. 2 quarters won by yours truly. At least i got that.
Friday, February 02, 2007
BIll Gates - Space Cadet
Quote of the month -
Care to share some proof to back that up, jackass? What about all those zero day vista exploits that came out?
Die in a fire, bill gates.
Nowadays, security guys break the Mac every single day. Every single day, they come out with a total exploit, your machine can be taken over totally. I dare anybody to do that once a month on the Windows machine.
Care to share some proof to back that up, jackass? What about all those zero day vista exploits that came out?
Die in a fire, bill gates.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Its Official
Within the next 4-6 months, ill be switching over all my computers/electronics to apple devices.
1. Mac Pro to replace my PC Gaming machine/Powermac G5. The fact that the only PC game i play with any regularity is World of Warcraft leaves this as pretty much a no brainer. Plus, with boot camp, i will be able to install windows and play any games i feel like. My powermac g5 is a nice machine, and i use it for all my home use(email, web surfing, chatting, itunes, photos, etc) but its getting slow. By switching that machine to be my single storage server instead of the 2 that i have now, i can consolidate some space and energy usage. Ill pop spare drives in all 4 bays and let it be a media storage machine.
2. Airport express. Im getting a bit tired of my linksys wireless router. Port forwarding and security on it has been a bit iffy as of late. The new airport express is not only 802.11n compliant, but has alot of new features including a built in print server. Cant beat that.
3. Apple TV. With my purchase of my 42" Plasma around christmas time...time to stream all my shows i have imported into itunes and up on the TV. Ive been buying season passes of shows i love like 24 and The Office...cant wait to use this thing :D
4. iPhone. No frigging contest. Coolest looking phone and coolest DOING phone on the face of the planet. I have no problem getting rid of my blackberry for this fantastic device. I CANNOT wait to get my hands on one.
So yeah, im not rich. Just been saving my pennies for this stuff :P
1. Mac Pro to replace my PC Gaming machine/Powermac G5. The fact that the only PC game i play with any regularity is World of Warcraft leaves this as pretty much a no brainer. Plus, with boot camp, i will be able to install windows and play any games i feel like. My powermac g5 is a nice machine, and i use it for all my home use(email, web surfing, chatting, itunes, photos, etc) but its getting slow. By switching that machine to be my single storage server instead of the 2 that i have now, i can consolidate some space and energy usage. Ill pop spare drives in all 4 bays and let it be a media storage machine.
2. Airport express. Im getting a bit tired of my linksys wireless router. Port forwarding and security on it has been a bit iffy as of late. The new airport express is not only 802.11n compliant, but has alot of new features including a built in print server. Cant beat that.
3. Apple TV. With my purchase of my 42" Plasma around christmas time...time to stream all my shows i have imported into itunes and up on the TV. Ive been buying season passes of shows i love like 24 and The Office...cant wait to use this thing :D
4. iPhone. No frigging contest. Coolest looking phone and coolest DOING phone on the face of the planet. I have no problem getting rid of my blackberry for this fantastic device. I CANNOT wait to get my hands on one.
So yeah, im not rich. Just been saving my pennies for this stuff :P
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Random Thoughts
List of random thoughts...
1. Colts officially stands for : Count on Losing The Superbowl
2. Ex-American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry put out his first album with his new band...creatively named..."Daughtry". Its pretty good.
3. World of Warcraft players who still use thottbot...thats so old and busted. Wowhead.com is the new hotness.
4. Public opinion polls matter about as much as the poop i took this morning in the grand scheme of national politics. Who cares if the public doesnt support the iraq war? The "public" also doesnt know who the secretary of state is and votes more for american idol than they do for political elections. The fact that the democrats are using this as a carte blanche to determine the foreign policy for the bush administration for the next 2 years is just ridiculous. The republicans took their majority control with 0 humility or attempt to work with the opposition. They took it as a "neener neener we rule the world" attitude, and thats why, imo, they are not in control anymore. They got too cocky and arrogant thinking they could do what they want. Is there no humility or sense of service in the government anymore? Im getting too disappointed in both parties. Unless the republicans come out with a knockout candidate for the 08 election...im not sure what ill do. Rudy and John McCain aint gonna cut it. Wolf in sheeps clothing.
5. The mastermind behind last seasons 24 that went unnamed and unknown through the whole season ends up being....Jack Bauer's brother?!?! What the crap! Thats bigger than curtis taking a slug in the chest(shit move, manny codo, really shitty) or the nuke going off(valencia is a hole anyways).
1. Colts officially stands for : Count on Losing The Superbowl
2. Ex-American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry put out his first album with his new band...creatively named..."Daughtry". Its pretty good.
3. World of Warcraft players who still use thottbot...thats so old and busted. Wowhead.com is the new hotness.
4. Public opinion polls matter about as much as the poop i took this morning in the grand scheme of national politics. Who cares if the public doesnt support the iraq war? The "public" also doesnt know who the secretary of state is and votes more for american idol than they do for political elections. The fact that the democrats are using this as a carte blanche to determine the foreign policy for the bush administration for the next 2 years is just ridiculous. The republicans took their majority control with 0 humility or attempt to work with the opposition. They took it as a "neener neener we rule the world" attitude, and thats why, imo, they are not in control anymore. They got too cocky and arrogant thinking they could do what they want. Is there no humility or sense of service in the government anymore? Im getting too disappointed in both parties. Unless the republicans come out with a knockout candidate for the 08 election...im not sure what ill do. Rudy and John McCain aint gonna cut it. Wolf in sheeps clothing.
5. The mastermind behind last seasons 24 that went unnamed and unknown through the whole season ends up being....Jack Bauer's brother?!?! What the crap! Thats bigger than curtis taking a slug in the chest(shit move, manny codo, really shitty) or the nuke going off(valencia is a hole anyways).
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Sweet Jeezuz
23 January, 2007 - PARIS, France -- Blizzard Entertainment® today announced that World of Warcraft®: The Burning Crusade™ has broken the day-one sales record to become the fastest-selling PC game ever in North America and Europe, with a worldwide total of nearly 2.4 million copies sold in the first 24 hours of availability. The Burning Crusade, the first expansion set for World of Warcraft, was simultaneously released in North America, Europe, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia on 16 January, and on 17 January in Australia and New Zealand.
1. Create Massively Popular online game
2. Hook everyone
3. Create and awesome followup
4. ?????
5. Profit!
Monday, January 22, 2007
In Rex I Trust
I never wavered.
I never doubted.
I sometimes worried.
But i always knew.
Thank you Rex. Bless you for dealing with the bullshit media this year. You and the team have brought something to Chicago that ive waited since becoming a bears fan.
A chance at the big trophy.
You sir....are the man.
Lovie smith. 3 years and you take the bears to the super bowl. You sir...are also the man.
You stuck with rex, you didnt waver and knew what was best for the team. Thats what a head coach does. Congrats on being the first black coach to head to the big dance.
Even when they get water dumped on em in 25 degree weather.
You 2 guys are each "the man".
Meaning, the 2 of you...are the men.
2 weeks. Its on like donkey kong.
I never doubted.
I sometimes worried.
But i always knew.
Thank you Rex. Bless you for dealing with the bullshit media this year. You and the team have brought something to Chicago that ive waited since becoming a bears fan.
A chance at the big trophy.
You sir....are the man.
Lovie smith. 3 years and you take the bears to the super bowl. You sir...are also the man.
You stuck with rex, you didnt waver and knew what was best for the team. Thats what a head coach does. Congrats on being the first black coach to head to the big dance.
Even when they get water dumped on em in 25 degree weather.
You 2 guys are each "the man".
Meaning, the 2 of you...are the men.
2 weeks. Its on like donkey kong.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Burning Crusade - Breaking More Records?
A leaked Walmart sales playbook reports a whopping 90% of current WoW players will be buying the expansion, and that 75% said they would pick it up within the first 10 days of release. Considering Blizzard's figure of 7.5 million players, that's just over 5 million copies of the expansion pack sold in just the first ten days. As a comparison, the best-selling expansion pack of all time so far, Sims: Livin' Large, sold 700,000 copies in its first year.
Incredible.
Incredible.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
A Thank You Note
From my dad.
"I was genuinely touched and humbled by the outpouring of support of parents, students, and alumni at the board of education meeting on January 9. I've worked hard for the last 22 years at Hinsdale Central trying to teach our kids to the best of my ability, and knowing you value that work is wonderful. I have been, and continue to be, blessed to work with some of the finest people I've ever known during my years at Hinsdale Central - both students and parents. Thank you so very much for your support of my work over the years."
From Me
Thanks everyone for going and helping. We still need to get more people involved to let the board and newspapers know what is going on is a total mistake. Some of you said you would write letters....if you can still do that, let me know. Would appreciate any additional help we can get. The 22nd is the next board meeting. More info to come, but would like to get a bunch of letters to be read there.
Thanks everyone...hopefully we can keep this going!
"I was genuinely touched and humbled by the outpouring of support of parents, students, and alumni at the board of education meeting on January 9. I've worked hard for the last 22 years at Hinsdale Central trying to teach our kids to the best of my ability, and knowing you value that work is wonderful. I have been, and continue to be, blessed to work with some of the finest people I've ever known during my years at Hinsdale Central - both students and parents. Thank you so very much for your support of my work over the years."
From Me
Thanks everyone for going and helping. We still need to get more people involved to let the board and newspapers know what is going on is a total mistake. Some of you said you would write letters....if you can still do that, let me know. Would appreciate any additional help we can get. The 22nd is the next board meeting. More info to come, but would like to get a bunch of letters to be read there.
Thanks everyone...hopefully we can keep this going!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Recap
So, i had it all in my head to have som long pithy post to write since its been a while. Alas, im at a loss for words.
- Christmas was good. Santa was kind...esp since he came the weekend after thanksgiving with a shiny 42" plasma teevee. Pix to come. Callie was happy, she got a heated bed. Now i just need to figure out where to put it.
- After Christmas, mom, dad and i went to florida for 8 days. With all the petty bullshit going on...we needed some time away. Spent time at the timeshare, 2 days @ seaworld(well, 1.5 thanks to rain) and 1.5 at disney(thanks to rain again). Epcot and MGM....good times. Rode mission:space again..almost blacked out during the launch part(so awesome).
- Met some interesting people lately. Could turn out to be a very...very cool thing.
- Warcraft expansion comes out a week from tomorrow. I cant frigging wait. Seems guilds everywhere are having woes from the lack of drive to do much before the xpack release. Ours has had its share of drama and people leaving to form their own guilds, and thats to be expected. Those of us sticking around are closer for it. Some new blood lately and some old faces coming back to play. Its been nice :)
- 24 starts up in a week. Nuff said.
- Bears play the seahawks next sunday. Cmon rex. Time to play like I know you can.
- Back to work after 2 weeks off. Feels like an eternity. Also feels like i should take more time off :P
- Happy 5th birthday, Callie! Youve now lived with me longer than youve lived without me :D
That should do it for now.
- Christmas was good. Santa was kind...esp since he came the weekend after thanksgiving with a shiny 42" plasma teevee. Pix to come. Callie was happy, she got a heated bed. Now i just need to figure out where to put it.
- After Christmas, mom, dad and i went to florida for 8 days. With all the petty bullshit going on...we needed some time away. Spent time at the timeshare, 2 days @ seaworld(well, 1.5 thanks to rain) and 1.5 at disney(thanks to rain again). Epcot and MGM....good times. Rode mission:space again..almost blacked out during the launch part(so awesome).
- Met some interesting people lately. Could turn out to be a very...very cool thing.
- Warcraft expansion comes out a week from tomorrow. I cant frigging wait. Seems guilds everywhere are having woes from the lack of drive to do much before the xpack release. Ours has had its share of drama and people leaving to form their own guilds, and thats to be expected. Those of us sticking around are closer for it. Some new blood lately and some old faces coming back to play. Its been nice :)
- 24 starts up in a week. Nuff said.
- Bears play the seahawks next sunday. Cmon rex. Time to play like I know you can.
- Back to work after 2 weeks off. Feels like an eternity. Also feels like i should take more time off :P
- Happy 5th birthday, Callie! Youve now lived with me longer than youve lived without me :D
That should do it for now.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Monday, January 8th, 2007
The school board meeting will be...
Monday, January 8th, 2007 - 7:30
Conference Room - Administration Center
55th and Grant Streets
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Depending on turnout and how things go, we may plan to go to the next one which is
January 22, 2007 - 7:30 PM
Black and Gold Room - Hinsdale South High School
7401 S. Clarendon Hills Road
Darien, IL 60561
According to the October 16th Meeting Minutes
Noone was ever able to speak on the behalf of My dad or the program. We need everyone who can attend to speak out to do so, or if you cant attend, please write a letter and I will make sure that it will be read at the meeting as well as sent to local newspapers if you would like.
Monday, January 8th, 2007 - 7:30
Conference Room - Administration Center
55th and Grant Streets
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Depending on turnout and how things go, we may plan to go to the next one which is
January 22, 2007 - 7:30 PM
Black and Gold Room - Hinsdale South High School
7401 S. Clarendon Hills Road
Darien, IL 60561
According to the October 16th Meeting Minutes
Audience Communications. Anna Sanders, parent of a Hinsdale Central student, reported her concerns regarding the Music Program at Central. She affirmed the changes in the Program of Studies, but was concerned about the overall negative environment within the Music Program and the effect that has on program participants and recruitment from Middle Schools. Next, Kyle Niemer, a senior at Hinsdale Central and drum major of two years, stated his support and concern for the Music Program. He stated that he felt that student participation in the Band Program is low compared to other schools and attributed that, in part, to the negative environment within the Music Program.
Noone was ever able to speak on the behalf of My dad or the program. We need everyone who can attend to speak out to do so, or if you cant attend, please write a letter and I will make sure that it will be read at the meeting as well as sent to local newspapers if you would like.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
IF YOU WENT TO HINSDALE CENTRAL, I NEED YOUR HELP
Last Friday my dad was informed he would be "reassigned" next year. He will continue to teach the jazz ensembles, and two more classes that haven't been identified - and a new person will be hired, full-time, to take over concert band and marching band and to be department chair. He was told that the district administration and board of education would like "a new direction for those groups" and felt a new person was needed.
There was a group of middle school parents who spoke for two hours at the June board meeting that were also involved in the "band advisory committee" when it was formed by the superintendent in July. Some representatives from the music parents' association were also invited to serve on that committee, along with the middle school band directors and the elementary band director from District 181. Two meetings with a facilitator hired by the superintendent were held in August. No clear consensus was reached, but a list of concerns and suggestions was compiled by Kevin Pobst, the assistant superintendent. My dad was present at both meetings but wasnt able to contribute much due to the nature of the meetings. He felt the meeting was set to air their concerns and it seemed to him that his views were well-known. It seems this may have been incorrect.
In September, at the direction of the superintendent, my dad met with the principal and formulated a revision to the band curriculum for next year in an attempt to satisfy the concerns of the group of middle school parents. From what I was told, it required all incoming band freshmen to be in concert band, and then moved jazz ensemble I to the early bird time slot so students in concert band would be able to take that class as well. They felt it kept it in the curriculum while making it possible to satisfy the requirement of making all band members be in concert band. They also intended to wait until they saw how that worked out in 2007-2008 before they planned any changes in jazz II or III. That is why only the students in the jazz bands in 06-07 will be eligible to participate in jazz II and III in 07-08.
Again, my dad met with the principal and Dr. Wahl in October once more before the revisions went to the board. They were described to the board by Kevin Pobst, for informational purposes - since no new classes were proposed - no board approval was needed.
On October 16 Anna Sanders and her son, Kyle Niemer, drum major of the marching band, spoke at length at the board meeting. From what has been communicated to me , they felt he was not enthusiastic about what they believed would be positive changes in the marching band program. According to several people in attendance at the meeting, this was not a discussion of the program or how it could be improved, but mostly a personal attack on my dad, and on my sister (who has been teaching color guard) and my brother-in-law, who assisted at some marching band rehearsals and football games. Apparently the board was quite attentive.
In early December my dad sent a letter to the members of the band advisory committee, the music parents board, the administration, and the board members. It spelled out that he was behind the changes in the program and felt they would be positive changes for kids. He also outlined things he hoped would be accomplished in support of the changes, such as improved communication and participation in recruiting by the middle school directors.
From what my dad has told me, at no time has the board requested his attendance at any meetings nor asked him any questions. He said it was made clear to him that he was to work through the principal, to the superintendent, and not attempt to break this chain of communication. He have not spoken to Dr. Wahl since October, and Dr. Ferguson never indicated a problem before last Friday.
He thinks the problem might have started with Mrs. Sanders - at the September music parents board meeting he expressed some misgivings about how the process took place. Other than that, he did what was asked of him by the principal and superintendent. He was told specifically not to do anything that might get the band parents upset - that it could be dangerous to do so. Apparently not getting them upset had the same effect. In fact, at the October music parents meeting he delivered his report, and then left the meeting.
At the moment, the jazz program is still a going concern, and he will still be teaching those classes. he does not know if the new concert band director/department chair will be charged with eliminating the jazz program or not. He is a tenured teacher with five more years to go before he can retire - and it doesn't make sense to eliminate the program, but the events of last Friday don't make sense either.
Here is what hits me the hardest. It is true that the parents with students in the program, especially in the jazz program, had limited representation at the August meetings. My dad presented a list of names to the superintendent. He was never told who was invited from that list to attend. Beyond that, I have no doubt some community members have spoken repeatedly to certain board members, but have no evidence.
PLEASE...if you are able to help, send me a message(bjwaggoner@mac.com) or call me at 630-768-0444. Board meetings are January 8th and 22nd. We need to get as many people to go to those meetings and speak for him and how he has touched our lives instead of letting the board demote one of the schools most devoted teachers for over 20 years.
The worst thing about this is that he is a 5 years from retirement and with this demotion comes a pretty big pay cut. His retirement package is based on his last 4 years of employment, not his overall average. So with this has not only come a pay cut now, but essentially a huge part of his retirement as well.
Now is the time we need to step up and help him. He helped us all to develop into who we are as people.
The school board members are listed here.
The address for letters is
55th and Grant Streets
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: (630) 655-6100
Fax: (630) 325-9153
email: d86@hinsdale86.org
Please. He need everyone's help.
There was a group of middle school parents who spoke for two hours at the June board meeting that were also involved in the "band advisory committee" when it was formed by the superintendent in July. Some representatives from the music parents' association were also invited to serve on that committee, along with the middle school band directors and the elementary band director from District 181. Two meetings with a facilitator hired by the superintendent were held in August. No clear consensus was reached, but a list of concerns and suggestions was compiled by Kevin Pobst, the assistant superintendent. My dad was present at both meetings but wasnt able to contribute much due to the nature of the meetings. He felt the meeting was set to air their concerns and it seemed to him that his views were well-known. It seems this may have been incorrect.
In September, at the direction of the superintendent, my dad met with the principal and formulated a revision to the band curriculum for next year in an attempt to satisfy the concerns of the group of middle school parents. From what I was told, it required all incoming band freshmen to be in concert band, and then moved jazz ensemble I to the early bird time slot so students in concert band would be able to take that class as well. They felt it kept it in the curriculum while making it possible to satisfy the requirement of making all band members be in concert band. They also intended to wait until they saw how that worked out in 2007-2008 before they planned any changes in jazz II or III. That is why only the students in the jazz bands in 06-07 will be eligible to participate in jazz II and III in 07-08.
Again, my dad met with the principal and Dr. Wahl in October once more before the revisions went to the board. They were described to the board by Kevin Pobst, for informational purposes - since no new classes were proposed - no board approval was needed.
On October 16 Anna Sanders and her son, Kyle Niemer, drum major of the marching band, spoke at length at the board meeting. From what has been communicated to me , they felt he was not enthusiastic about what they believed would be positive changes in the marching band program. According to several people in attendance at the meeting, this was not a discussion of the program or how it could be improved, but mostly a personal attack on my dad, and on my sister (who has been teaching color guard) and my brother-in-law, who assisted at some marching band rehearsals and football games. Apparently the board was quite attentive.
In early December my dad sent a letter to the members of the band advisory committee, the music parents board, the administration, and the board members. It spelled out that he was behind the changes in the program and felt they would be positive changes for kids. He also outlined things he hoped would be accomplished in support of the changes, such as improved communication and participation in recruiting by the middle school directors.
From what my dad has told me, at no time has the board requested his attendance at any meetings nor asked him any questions. He said it was made clear to him that he was to work through the principal, to the superintendent, and not attempt to break this chain of communication. He have not spoken to Dr. Wahl since October, and Dr. Ferguson never indicated a problem before last Friday.
He thinks the problem might have started with Mrs. Sanders - at the September music parents board meeting he expressed some misgivings about how the process took place. Other than that, he did what was asked of him by the principal and superintendent. He was told specifically not to do anything that might get the band parents upset - that it could be dangerous to do so. Apparently not getting them upset had the same effect. In fact, at the October music parents meeting he delivered his report, and then left the meeting.
At the moment, the jazz program is still a going concern, and he will still be teaching those classes. he does not know if the new concert band director/department chair will be charged with eliminating the jazz program or not. He is a tenured teacher with five more years to go before he can retire - and it doesn't make sense to eliminate the program, but the events of last Friday don't make sense either.
Here is what hits me the hardest. It is true that the parents with students in the program, especially in the jazz program, had limited representation at the August meetings. My dad presented a list of names to the superintendent. He was never told who was invited from that list to attend. Beyond that, I have no doubt some community members have spoken repeatedly to certain board members, but have no evidence.
PLEASE...if you are able to help, send me a message(bjwaggoner@mac.com) or call me at 630-768-0444. Board meetings are January 8th and 22nd. We need to get as many people to go to those meetings and speak for him and how he has touched our lives instead of letting the board demote one of the schools most devoted teachers for over 20 years.
The worst thing about this is that he is a 5 years from retirement and with this demotion comes a pretty big pay cut. His retirement package is based on his last 4 years of employment, not his overall average. So with this has not only come a pay cut now, but essentially a huge part of his retirement as well.
Now is the time we need to step up and help him. He helped us all to develop into who we are as people.
The school board members are listed here.
The address for letters is
55th and Grant Streets
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: (630) 655-6100
Fax: (630) 325-9153
email: d86@hinsdale86.org
Please. He need everyone's help.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Havent posted in a while
Havent posted in a while due to overwhelming anger at the Hinsdale District 86 School board.
Wont go into it here, but good god im pissed off. If any Hinsdale Central alumni or current students read this...shoot me an email. Its EXTREMELY important.
Gotta love shit news @ christmas time. Time to rally the troops to help a good man...my father.
bjwaggoner@mac.com - please, im not kidding around.
Wont go into it here, but good god im pissed off. If any Hinsdale Central alumni or current students read this...shoot me an email. Its EXTREMELY important.
Gotta love shit news @ christmas time. Time to rally the troops to help a good man...my father.
bjwaggoner@mac.com - please, im not kidding around.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
BWAAAHAHAHAHAH!!!!
BWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAH
AHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!
Ohio Rep. Kucinich to run for president - Yahoo! News
*breathe*
BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
AHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAH
AHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
AHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!
Ohio Rep. Kucinich to run for president - Yahoo! News
*breathe*
BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
AHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAH
AHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
AHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Uh....
Could be the most disturbing story ive ready in a LONG time.
ABC News: 'Lone Wolf' Charged with Plotting Attack During Christmas Rush
ABC News: 'Lone Wolf' Charged with Plotting Attack During Christmas Rush
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Monday, December 04, 2006
Friday, December 01, 2006
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