From The Daily Mail
An alleged terrorist plot to carry out an Iraqi-style kidnapping of a British Muslim soldier was thwarted today in a major operation by anti-terror police.
Eight people were held in a series of raids on addresses in Birmingham. One police source said the suspects were involved in a terrorist plot "the nature of which we have not seen before".
Security sources said the alleged plot was to carry out a "close quarters" style abduction of a Muslim soldier, which could have mirrored the kidnappings of the British hostages Ken Bigley and Margaret Hassan by Iraqi insurgents.
The victim would have been filmed, made to plead for his life and ultimately executed, sources alleged.
This is significant as it is a departure from the grand scale of previous attacks. As I have stated on here before that if they want to put fear into the heart and soul of their enemy they target everyone, anyone. As it is at the moment we know that if we are at or near a high profile target albeit a plane, a highrise, etc etc that there is an elevated risk of ending up in the cross hairs of some fanatic who desparately wants to take his place in heaven amongst all those virgins.
Now in order to carry out those grand schemes you need grand and eleaborate plans with many steps and procedures. The more grand the scheme the more likelyhood of detection.
Now it seems the terrorists are turning their attention to the average person. Ok, in this instance an ordinary muslim serviceman. It is not quite the public en masse but it still is one target, one person.
I guess the best way to make my point is to look at any one of several high profile serial killers here in the US.
Kenneth Bianchi & Angelo Buono- The Hillside Stranglers strangled 12 women in LA, CA between October 1977 and February 1978.
Paul Bernardo & Karla Homolka -- A pair of killers accused of 43 sex attacks and a string of killings, including Karla's own sister.
David Berkowitz -- For 13 months, July, 1976 - August, 1977, NYC was terrorized by a "Son of Sam." He shot to death 6 people and he wounded 7. He shot young couples in lovers' lanes with a .44-cal. revolver, which earned him the title "44-caliber killer."
Richard Trenton Chase -- In 1978, Richard Chase killed 6 people. His victims included a pregnant woman and young child. He confessed to drinking the blood of his victims.
Jeffrey Dahmer-- Had an obsession with death and cannibalism that started in childhood.
Albert DeSalvo -- The Boston Strangler - Between 1962 & 1964, in Boston, DeSalvo killed 12 women. All were sexually assaulted and strangled.
Now take a moment to think what fear ripped through these communities at the height of these crimes.
Now factor in Al Quieda and what multiple of these killings could be brought. Now multiply that by numerous cities and towns across the country whether that be here in the US, the UK, France or Chechen separatists striking in Russia.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
New Music
As a faithful XM radio listener and lately to channel 48 SQUIZZ lately I come across new music....some good and some I rather not hear again. The "rather not hear again" would be something like "White Unicorn" by Wolfmother.
But on occasion I come across something that just jumps out of the radio and grabs you....next thing you know you are bobbing your head just a wee bit. This group is one of them. The group is called Lynam. They are out of Birmingham, Alabama. First I brought them up on the REAL music store and previewed their songs. Then I went to the group's website http://www.myspace.com/lynam and listened to four full songs. This is one of them, called White Trash Superstar.
You can download the cd on REAL for $9.99
But on occasion I come across something that just jumps out of the radio and grabs you....next thing you know you are bobbing your head just a wee bit. This group is one of them. The group is called Lynam. They are out of Birmingham, Alabama. First I brought them up on the REAL music store and previewed their songs. Then I went to the group's website http://www.myspace.com/lynam and listened to four full songs. This is one of them, called White Trash Superstar.
You can download the cd on REAL for $9.99
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
A Must See
Since they outlawed Lawn Jarts years ago some enterprising young adults came up with this new backyard "must have"
More Dieting News
Another week goes by on this dieting excursion I'm on. This past week I lost another 3 pounds for a total of 9 for the last four weeks. Not doing as well in the % body fat dept though. That could be that since I almost starved to death while I was back north getting some work done on the house I splurged and got (2) 20 oz. white mocha coffees with a shot of raspberry when I went through Watertown. I also stopped to Wendy's for a spicey chicken sandwich and biggie fry. mmm mmm
Then there was dinner last night so....all that said and done only down .5% in body fat since the start but I am sure that will come down.
I have taken a liking to the Kashi brand of cereals. The Go-Lean is naturally a little sweet so that is my snack food lol. Tomorrow I can start back on the bike every day and I am sure that will help.
Then there was dinner last night so....all that said and done only down .5% in body fat since the start but I am sure that will come down.
I have taken a liking to the Kashi brand of cereals. The Go-Lean is naturally a little sweet so that is my snack food lol. Tomorrow I can start back on the bike every day and I am sure that will help.
House For Sale
17 W Barney St in Gouverneur NY. 1765 sq ft Victorian Home with 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, .50+ acre with swimming pool and deck, paved drive with two stall two story garage.
The living room is roughly 22 x 12. The photos I took yesturday did not come out well enough to be posted so hopegully my realtor will take a couple to add to the listing when she posts it.
Here are some of the updates that have been done :
2006
Front porch was replaced, north side of roof was re shingled. New 27' above ground pool installed in side yard with 16' x 16' deck. New electric service was run from basement to garage and to pool. The pool has two circuits, one for the pump and the other is not used.
Utility/Laundry room was completed off the upstairs bathroom with ceramic tile floor. Dining room was remodeled with wainscoting, base cabinets and Pergo flooring. Dining room also has custom ceiling molding work. Berber carpet installed on stairs and upper Hallway.
2005
New Carrier Infinity (up to 96.6% efficient) gas furnace with Infinity Central Air (17 SEER) as well as a Carrier air cleaner and Carrier humidifier was installed. Front porch deck was replaced. Rear porch (wrap around) removed and new deck and porch roof installed. Ceramic tile installed in lower hallway/foyer area. Raised flower bed at front porch was installed and perennials planted.
2002
All new high efficiency windows ("triple low E" or triple paned) were installed. Driveway was excavated to make wider to accommodate two cars side by side and paved. Overhead arbor was built and some landscaping done. Upstairs bathroom was enlarged and a Pearl Ballade whirlpool tub with back massage. There is also a separate spa shower with a seat. The room is done in ceramic floor and wall tile. An 10 x 10 overhead arbor was constructed on the south side of the driveway. Bittersweet was planted on one side and climbing hydrangeas were planted on the other. Both have flourished but there have yet to be any flowers on the hydrangeas. A vent free natural gas stove with remote control was installed in the living room. There is extra gas line to this so that the stove can be relocated within the room or easily removed.
2000
Natural gas was brought to the house and the inefficient oil fired boiler and propane water heater was replaced by a gas fired boiler and 30 gallon indirect hot water heater
There is still some minor work that needs to be done. There is about 25 pieces of baseboard and crown moulding to be put up and there is a little trim painting left to be done. The owners live out of the area (PA) and expect to be back in February to finish up the work.
If you would like to view the property you will have to contact the realtor, Laura Hunter at Century 21 Millenium Realty (315) 287-7158 or (888) 821-7159. I have some before and after photos of most of the work that was done so if you would like to see those please contact me at scott@scottwbarker.com
Asking Price $99,900
Squizz Radio Promos
I moved the player to its own post. I thought it might be a little annoying when it plays upon loading the blog's main page. When I have more to share I will post more audio.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Streaming Audio
If you have your sound on then by now you have noticed that the blog now has streaming audio. It's not anything special just promos from XM Radio Channel 48 "Squizz" that I recorded and wanted to share. That will be the only thing that goes on here, no songs from bands etc.... just those humorous promos from the guys on Squizz and maybe The Boneyard.
Until they delete the files on the host server
enjoy
Until they delete the files on the host server
enjoy
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
The Good And The Bad
Today is a full three weeks of dieting. The bad news is that I am still at 237.0 and still down a total of 6 pounds since I started on Jan 2nd but the very good news is that I was able to maintain while having lunch at Olive Garden on Saturday and also doing pizza and wings for the football games on Sunday.
I found a nice line of cereal this past weekend which is doing alot towards all the protein, fiber etc that we're suppose to eat. The line is called Kashi. They have a Golean cereal that is like a granola in texture and slightly sweet.
This weekend will be hard as I will be back home in NY doing some painting as the house goes to the realtor next monday.
I found a nice line of cereal this past weekend which is doing alot towards all the protein, fiber etc that we're suppose to eat. The line is called Kashi. They have a Golean cereal that is like a granola in texture and slightly sweet.
This weekend will be hard as I will be back home in NY doing some painting as the house goes to the realtor next monday.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Borat's World
ALMATY (Reuters) - A Kazakh court gave a pro-opposition blogger a two-year suspended jail sentence on Monday for libeling President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Kazis Toguzbayev, 58, was found guilty of insulting the long-serving Kazakh leader in two articles published on the Web log www.kub.kz by alleging that Nazarbayev bore responsibility for the murder of an opposition politician in February 2006.
"Toguzbayev publicly insulted the president's honor and dignity," Natalia Rusakova, an Almaty regional court judge, told the courtroom as she read out the sentence.
The prosecutor had asked for three years of labor in a penal colony, but the judge softened the sentence because of Toguzbayev's age and the fact that he had no criminal record.
The killing of moderate opposition leader Altynbek Sarsenbaiuly a year ago led the opposition to accuse Nazarbayev's government of staging a cover-up.
Ten people, including state security officers, were jailed last year, but the opposition criticized their trial as a sham designed to conceal Sarsenbaiuly's real killers.
Toguzbayev alleged that Nazarbayev's allies were behind the murder. In one article, he wrote that "in a certain sense Nazarbayev is the killer."
Nazarbayev, in power since 1989, has backed the official version of Sarsenbaiuly's killing which stated that he was murdered in a personal dispute with a top civil servant.
Most Kazakh media are under state control and any criticism of Nazarbayev is taboo. Opposition reporters operate on the Internet or work for small-circulation newspapers.
Internet use is not widespread in Kazakhstan, a vast, thinly populated Central Asian nation to the west of China, and most Web users are concentrated in the commercial capital Almaty.
And they wonder why people in the west do not take them seriously. If those who insulted our imperious leader...um, I mean President Bush... We would run out of room in Guantanamo Bay.
Kazis Toguzbayev, 58, was found guilty of insulting the long-serving Kazakh leader in two articles published on the Web log www.kub.kz by alleging that Nazarbayev bore responsibility for the murder of an opposition politician in February 2006.
"Toguzbayev publicly insulted the president's honor and dignity," Natalia Rusakova, an Almaty regional court judge, told the courtroom as she read out the sentence.
The prosecutor had asked for three years of labor in a penal colony, but the judge softened the sentence because of Toguzbayev's age and the fact that he had no criminal record.
The killing of moderate opposition leader Altynbek Sarsenbaiuly a year ago led the opposition to accuse Nazarbayev's government of staging a cover-up.
Ten people, including state security officers, were jailed last year, but the opposition criticized their trial as a sham designed to conceal Sarsenbaiuly's real killers.
Toguzbayev alleged that Nazarbayev's allies were behind the murder. In one article, he wrote that "in a certain sense Nazarbayev is the killer."
Nazarbayev, in power since 1989, has backed the official version of Sarsenbaiuly's killing which stated that he was murdered in a personal dispute with a top civil servant.
Most Kazakh media are under state control and any criticism of Nazarbayev is taboo. Opposition reporters operate on the Internet or work for small-circulation newspapers.
Internet use is not widespread in Kazakhstan, a vast, thinly populated Central Asian nation to the west of China, and most Web users are concentrated in the commercial capital Almaty.
And they wonder why people in the west do not take them seriously. If those who insulted our imperious leader...um, I mean President Bush... We would run out of room in Guantanamo Bay.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Indy vs. Chicago
Well, I hope Peyton has his way with the Bears, because if he loses to the likes of Rex Grossman, it may signal the coming of the apocolypse. The Bears beat up an 11-6 team that was seeded second in the NFC, the weaker of the two conferences by far.
I have to admit I was hoping New England would find their way back to the Super Bowl, mostly because dynasties don't come very often and seeing Brady and co. at work is like watching stuff of future folklore unravel before one's eyes.
It is, however, unfortunate that Indy's winning drive was aided by a roughing the passer penalty (the refs seem to like giving Indy a REAL home advantage, if you recall the absurd call against the Steelers' interception being overturned last year).
In what was generally a physical fourth quarter where the officials let the teams play -- two potential pass-interference calls against Indy in two separate drives never materialized -- calling that penalty at that particular time was pretty weak. I understand their desire to protect the QB, but I'm sure Manning has suffered worse hang-nails.
So, it will be interesting to see how the spread opens on this one, though I wouldn't be surprised to see Indy start as a 3-4 pt favorite. Any why not? As good a defense Chicago has, the name of the game is score more points than the opponent, and I can't see the Bears doing that unless Indy's run defense misses the flight.
I have to admit I was hoping New England would find their way back to the Super Bowl, mostly because dynasties don't come very often and seeing Brady and co. at work is like watching stuff of future folklore unravel before one's eyes.
It is, however, unfortunate that Indy's winning drive was aided by a roughing the passer penalty (the refs seem to like giving Indy a REAL home advantage, if you recall the absurd call against the Steelers' interception being overturned last year).
In what was generally a physical fourth quarter where the officials let the teams play -- two potential pass-interference calls against Indy in two separate drives never materialized -- calling that penalty at that particular time was pretty weak. I understand their desire to protect the QB, but I'm sure Manning has suffered worse hang-nails.
So, it will be interesting to see how the spread opens on this one, though I wouldn't be surprised to see Indy start as a 3-4 pt favorite. Any why not? As good a defense Chicago has, the name of the game is score more points than the opponent, and I can't see the Bears doing that unless Indy's run defense misses the flight.
Friday, January 19, 2007
The World At Large
So I woke up this morning to yet another day of no snow and revelations that the Chinese launched a missle to destroy a satellite.
Ok...so what's next?
My first thoughts are "oh shit" but that was my knee jerk reaction. On further study I see reports that China has doubled its military spending since the 1990's and is second only to the US in terms of its % GDP. It's estimated that the Chinese will be spending $125 Billion per year by 2025.
What is the difference between the perceived and the actual in terms of military capabilty? What I mean is when your intelligence or gut feeling for that matter tells you that your neighbor, adversary or whomever has a certain capability why does the world go to hell in a handbasket when the truth is revealed??
We knew and you knew we knew but why did you have to let everyone know??
Somehow fear is more rampant when an Israeli official states publicly that they have a nuclear capability. It's like....damn, that was suppose to be OUR secret. Or like the recent Chinese missle taking out their own satellite. We knew they they were researching, testing and developing such capabilities. What is the difference between yesturday when we knew, or thought we knew (wink wink) and today when they show off their ability to all?
The major difference I can see is the media attention to it.
Still no there is no solution in Darfur.
And on a brighter note and even more suprising is what such niceties Pyongyang (that would be N. Korea for those recent high school graduates) had to say about us.
From Reuters
In a statement, Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry said: "The talks took place from January 16 to 18 in a positive and sincere atmosphere and a certain agreement was reached there."
Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Seriously though, in a world that seems to be unrepairable at times it is a positive sign.
Baby Steps
Ok...so what's next?
My first thoughts are "oh shit" but that was my knee jerk reaction. On further study I see reports that China has doubled its military spending since the 1990's and is second only to the US in terms of its % GDP. It's estimated that the Chinese will be spending $125 Billion per year by 2025.
What is the difference between the perceived and the actual in terms of military capabilty? What I mean is when your intelligence or gut feeling for that matter tells you that your neighbor, adversary or whomever has a certain capability why does the world go to hell in a handbasket when the truth is revealed??
We knew and you knew we knew but why did you have to let everyone know??
Somehow fear is more rampant when an Israeli official states publicly that they have a nuclear capability. It's like....damn, that was suppose to be OUR secret. Or like the recent Chinese missle taking out their own satellite. We knew they they were researching, testing and developing such capabilities. What is the difference between yesturday when we knew, or thought we knew (wink wink) and today when they show off their ability to all?
The major difference I can see is the media attention to it.
Still no there is no solution in Darfur.
And on a brighter note and even more suprising is what such niceties Pyongyang (that would be N. Korea for those recent high school graduates) had to say about us.
From Reuters
In a statement, Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry said: "The talks took place from January 16 to 18 in a positive and sincere atmosphere and a certain agreement was reached there."
Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Seriously though, in a world that seems to be unrepairable at times it is a positive sign.
Baby Steps
Thursday, January 18, 2007
About Me
Primarily I am a disabled veteran. I served in the US Army from 1982-1986 and while in Germany I tore up my knee. Here I am today after 10 surgeries and this is kind of what my knee looks like.
I retired from the USPS in 2002 after 14+ years.
I also have another medical problem which sounds and looks nastier than what it actually is although from time to time symptoms seem to pop up.
The photo is part of an MRI scan of my neck. In between the two white lines that run up and down the photos is the spinal cord. You can see (although it was hard to scan) that the middle of the neck is a bit different. You can see what looks to be indentation marks....those indentations are from the vertibre in which there are three that to some degree are buldging. There is one specifically that is buldging to such and extent that it is compressing the spinal cord. That should be in the area where the white disappears.
The symptoms from this is mainly PN or peripheral neuropathy which is tingling, numbness, burning, hypersensativity in one or more of the hands, arms legs or feet all depending on the severity and the location within the spine of the problem. Since my problem is in my C Spine or neck then my problems are in my arms and hands.
Since I have moved down here I have established myself with a new ortho group. It's wonderful not needing to travel an hour for specialized healthcare. It took me 10 minutes to get to the new Dr's office. For my knee I saw the wrong DR as they have one who specializes in more severe knee problems (why they didn't set me up with him to begin with I don't know) but I will probably have to travel outside the area if and when I need this last knee procedure revised since it is very highly specialized.
I was very happy with the Dr I saw for my neck. He reviewed the MRI's that I took and he pointed out that I have a "blister" on my spinal cord. He kind of compared it to putting a size 12 foot into a size 10 shoe and that over time and with some amount of use you would develope a blister. When and if I have surgery will depend on how long I can live with the symptoms. Right now I think the most troublesome is the loss of strength in my right hand and my thumb and forefinger specifically. I would say the sensations of touch are 60% of normal. Makes picking up a fine object or holding a utensil a little challenging.
So yesturday I was not able to ride my bike like I had wanted. I think it may have been too cold and maybe cause I gave it a nice workout the day before. It's not like me though to go slow and easy lol No, dive right into things.
I retired from the USPS in 2002 after 14+ years.
I also have another medical problem which sounds and looks nastier than what it actually is although from time to time symptoms seem to pop up.
The photo is part of an MRI scan of my neck. In between the two white lines that run up and down the photos is the spinal cord. You can see (although it was hard to scan) that the middle of the neck is a bit different. You can see what looks to be indentation marks....those indentations are from the vertibre in which there are three that to some degree are buldging. There is one specifically that is buldging to such and extent that it is compressing the spinal cord. That should be in the area where the white disappears.
The symptoms from this is mainly PN or peripheral neuropathy which is tingling, numbness, burning, hypersensativity in one or more of the hands, arms legs or feet all depending on the severity and the location within the spine of the problem. Since my problem is in my C Spine or neck then my problems are in my arms and hands.
Since I have moved down here I have established myself with a new ortho group. It's wonderful not needing to travel an hour for specialized healthcare. It took me 10 minutes to get to the new Dr's office. For my knee I saw the wrong DR as they have one who specializes in more severe knee problems (why they didn't set me up with him to begin with I don't know) but I will probably have to travel outside the area if and when I need this last knee procedure revised since it is very highly specialized.
I was very happy with the Dr I saw for my neck. He reviewed the MRI's that I took and he pointed out that I have a "blister" on my spinal cord. He kind of compared it to putting a size 12 foot into a size 10 shoe and that over time and with some amount of use you would develope a blister. When and if I have surgery will depend on how long I can live with the symptoms. Right now I think the most troublesome is the loss of strength in my right hand and my thumb and forefinger specifically. I would say the sensations of touch are 60% of normal. Makes picking up a fine object or holding a utensil a little challenging.
So yesturday I was not able to ride my bike like I had wanted. I think it may have been too cold and maybe cause I gave it a nice workout the day before. It's not like me though to go slow and easy lol No, dive right into things.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Draft Or No Draft
Our new Defense Secretary says he would consider more troops for Afghanistan. Add to that they additional 20 or so thousand more troops that is wanted for the Iraq buildup and one question definately comes to mind.
Is it time to bring back the draft?
Do we really want to rely on the Reserve and National Guard to bolster our forces? True we want to cut down on the stresses we are putting on our active forces with tour after tour after tour in Iraq and sometimes for longer than 12 months at a time but are we stretching ourself too thin militarily?
Is it time to bring back the draft?
Do we really want to rely on the Reserve and National Guard to bolster our forces? True we want to cut down on the stresses we are putting on our active forces with tour after tour after tour in Iraq and sometimes for longer than 12 months at a time but are we stretching ourself too thin militarily?
BRrrrrr
As I sit here at the computer in the mornings I can see the sun rise as the rear of the house faces mostly south. I am on a hill but not quite high enough to look over the Susquehanna River valley. One of these days I will be out with my camera and take some photos of the area when there's not a dense fog hanging over the valley.
Anyway...today is the coldest moring since we've been down here so far. It was 15 degrees at 7 am but quite a bit warmer than the temps back home or 300 miles to the north where it is between -10 and -15.
Anyway...today is the coldest moring since we've been down here so far. It was 15 degrees at 7 am but quite a bit warmer than the temps back home or 300 miles to the north where it is between -10 and -15.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Jan 16, 2007
Finally got on that exercise bike (formally known as a coat rack) this morning and went for 30 min at level 5 and managed to get 8.10 miles. Not too bad I guess. It's really not like me to start off slow at all. lol Hell no!! I got to set my sights a little high and push myself.
So this morning, two weeks into this diet and low and behold there is good news. I am down three pounds from last week and since the start of this project I am down 5.5.
How long does it take to get used flavors without the fat?? lol
Last night's dinner was spaghetti and meat balls which consisted of:
multi grain angel hair pasta
Healthy Choice sauce
turkey pepperoni
hot suasage (made from chicken)
and salad
meat balls were from the freezer and pre dates this weight loss experiment so I kept it to two small ones about an inch in diameter.
Tonight is center cut pork chops done on the grill and two veggies and salad.
So this morning, two weeks into this diet and low and behold there is good news. I am down three pounds from last week and since the start of this project I am down 5.5.
How long does it take to get used flavors without the fat?? lol
Last night's dinner was spaghetti and meat balls which consisted of:
multi grain angel hair pasta
Healthy Choice sauce
turkey pepperoni
hot suasage (made from chicken)
and salad
meat balls were from the freezer and pre dates this weight loss experiment so I kept it to two small ones about an inch in diameter.
Tonight is center cut pork chops done on the grill and two veggies and salad.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Life's Little Struggles and Other Things
Doesn't seem to be much going on here lately although in reflection I can't say that is entirely true.
It was a rather busy holiday season this year with company and lots of traveling etc. I was planning on going back up to Gouverneur this past weekend but the couple who were interested in the house (they loved the neighborhood) their plans got cut short as one was in the military at Ft Drum and their plans changed when Bush announced the buildup last week. Oh well, I wanted to catch the playoffs anyway. I will be up there in a couple weeks for a big push to get as much done as I can cause I have an appt with the realtor to take over the house and put it on the market by the first of the month.
Shelly is doing very well at her new job. She now works for ConAgra at the original Chef Boy R Dee plant in Milton, PA. If you look them up you will find that they make quite alot that you find in your grocery store. The plant not only makes Chef Boy R Dee but Crunch N Munch and La Choy products and probably a few others that I have forgotten about. The plant employs close to 900 people. She has already been given additional duties....she coordinates the hiring process and screens the applicants and handles the discipline for the plant. They already have had her traveling lol. She has been to a plant in Philly and at the end of the month she is off to the company headquarters in Omaha for a couple days. Omaha???? in Jan??? Can you say BRRRRRRR. :) At least it isn't during the middle of tornado season.
Zack is doing well in school. It is very rare that he doesn't bring some sort of home work home with him. He has spelling tests weekly with new words handed out on Friday. We do alot of practicing.
Today of course there was no school cause of MLK day so we went to Reptile Land which is just up the road from us. We got to see a presentation and then saw a baby alligator and a boa....both of which we got to pet lol. Zack said he would if I did it first.
Ok....so now with the struggle lol I have started a diet. Ok, there... I said it and put it out there for everyone to gawk at lol. Ideally I would like to lose about 20 and we'll see where it goes. I started after we got back from our traveling and am doing weight watchers online. Yeah....the "points". So far as one can imagine the hard part is the discipline and learning new habits as the old ones are hard to get rid of. I can't say that this is a new concept for me as anyone who has known be for 10, 20 years or more can tell you that I have a long history abusing alcohol. Today and for a number of years you may find a six pack in the fridge or a case somewhere but they seemingly last forever.
As anal as I am (yes, I admit that) it's about knowledge and control.
Kind of like I know who is reading this blog and where they are.
and by the way...who is this person who uses verizon (must be dsl) and uses "fun web products"???
So I started Jan 2nd at 243.0 and as of Jan 9th I had lost 2.5 lbs.
If anyone is interested I can make regular updates to keep you informed of my progress, or lack of for that matter.
We brought in the bike yesturday and today it has fresh batteries to tomorrow there is no excuse not to start using it.
It was a rather busy holiday season this year with company and lots of traveling etc. I was planning on going back up to Gouverneur this past weekend but the couple who were interested in the house (they loved the neighborhood) their plans got cut short as one was in the military at Ft Drum and their plans changed when Bush announced the buildup last week. Oh well, I wanted to catch the playoffs anyway. I will be up there in a couple weeks for a big push to get as much done as I can cause I have an appt with the realtor to take over the house and put it on the market by the first of the month.
Shelly is doing very well at her new job. She now works for ConAgra at the original Chef Boy R Dee plant in Milton, PA. If you look them up you will find that they make quite alot that you find in your grocery store. The plant not only makes Chef Boy R Dee but Crunch N Munch and La Choy products and probably a few others that I have forgotten about. The plant employs close to 900 people. She has already been given additional duties....she coordinates the hiring process and screens the applicants and handles the discipline for the plant. They already have had her traveling lol. She has been to a plant in Philly and at the end of the month she is off to the company headquarters in Omaha for a couple days. Omaha???? in Jan??? Can you say BRRRRRRR. :) At least it isn't during the middle of tornado season.
Zack is doing well in school. It is very rare that he doesn't bring some sort of home work home with him. He has spelling tests weekly with new words handed out on Friday. We do alot of practicing.
Today of course there was no school cause of MLK day so we went to Reptile Land which is just up the road from us. We got to see a presentation and then saw a baby alligator and a boa....both of which we got to pet lol. Zack said he would if I did it first.
Ok....so now with the struggle lol I have started a diet. Ok, there... I said it and put it out there for everyone to gawk at lol. Ideally I would like to lose about 20 and we'll see where it goes. I started after we got back from our traveling and am doing weight watchers online. Yeah....the "points". So far as one can imagine the hard part is the discipline and learning new habits as the old ones are hard to get rid of. I can't say that this is a new concept for me as anyone who has known be for 10, 20 years or more can tell you that I have a long history abusing alcohol. Today and for a number of years you may find a six pack in the fridge or a case somewhere but they seemingly last forever.
As anal as I am (yes, I admit that) it's about knowledge and control.
Kind of like I know who is reading this blog and where they are.
and by the way...who is this person who uses verizon (must be dsl) and uses "fun web products"???
So I started Jan 2nd at 243.0 and as of Jan 9th I had lost 2.5 lbs.
If anyone is interested I can make regular updates to keep you informed of my progress, or lack of for that matter.
We brought in the bike yesturday and today it has fresh batteries to tomorrow there is no excuse not to start using it.
Wildlife Web Cams
Some of you may remember the live web cam last year of the bald eagles and eagletts. The same group that started that now has affiliated wildlife web cams in Africa.
Africams have a handfull of cams but I believe at this point only 1 is a live stream with live audio. Look for the NKHORHO Stream in the left hand column at the top. This morning there was a gazelle eating near the watering hole.
Africams have a handfull of cams but I believe at this point only 1 is a live stream with live audio. Look for the NKHORHO Stream in the left hand column at the top. This morning there was a gazelle eating near the watering hole.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Virgin Mary Seen In Motel Linen
From Rueters
John and Mary Simpson travel rather frequently. His employment as a regional buyer for a retailer and her as a pharmaceutical representative. Together they enjoy an occasional weekend trip out of town.
Both understand the caveats about hotel cleanliness and both frequently travel in the company of a black light.
"It just takes out all the guess work when it comes to sleeping in clean sheets." John said as he sopke on the phone from his Super 8 motel room. "You would not believe how many times I have needed to request new linen or remake the bed myself by moving the foot end of the bedding to the head, etc"
This last outting though proved to be a different story. John turned off the lights to the room and Mary broke out the black light looking for those tell take signs that the mutual trading of body fluids had taken place when suddenly there it was.
"It was the Virgin Mary looking up at me!!! and from the sheets!" exclaimed Mary" John humored that "it was nothing more than just another "out of body experience".
Needless to say the Motel 8 has been booked solid since this sighting and you have to travel to the next county to find a black light.
John and Mary Simpson travel rather frequently. His employment as a regional buyer for a retailer and her as a pharmaceutical representative. Together they enjoy an occasional weekend trip out of town.
Both understand the caveats about hotel cleanliness and both frequently travel in the company of a black light.
"It just takes out all the guess work when it comes to sleeping in clean sheets." John said as he sopke on the phone from his Super 8 motel room. "You would not believe how many times I have needed to request new linen or remake the bed myself by moving the foot end of the bedding to the head, etc"
This last outting though proved to be a different story. John turned off the lights to the room and Mary broke out the black light looking for those tell take signs that the mutual trading of body fluids had taken place when suddenly there it was.
"It was the Virgin Mary looking up at me!!! and from the sheets!" exclaimed Mary" John humored that "it was nothing more than just another "out of body experience".
Needless to say the Motel 8 has been booked solid since this sighting and you have to travel to the next county to find a black light.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Rosie Cartoon
From The NY Post
Ok so does anyone think this tv celeb fighting has gone on long enough?? I certainly do not count myself as a viewer of "The View". However, it is very difficult to escape the barrage of insults that is being lobbed like grenades to and fro.
What I am disappointed about though is Barbra Walters. I have always thought of her as a journalist ie: ABC's 20/20. So when she is high fiving Rosie like she just slammed a basket, um...well that kind of lowered her stature as someone who should be taken seriously. At least that is my point of view.
Collectively the members of "The View" state that they want this fighting to end or hope that it will end soon but it is their loose cannon in Rosie who keeps stoking the fire. Like an argument with my 7 year old, both parties want to have the last word.
So, as this juggernaut of insults goes back and forth I can only hope it escalates into a celebraty death match.
Ok so does anyone think this tv celeb fighting has gone on long enough?? I certainly do not count myself as a viewer of "The View". However, it is very difficult to escape the barrage of insults that is being lobbed like grenades to and fro.
What I am disappointed about though is Barbra Walters. I have always thought of her as a journalist ie: ABC's 20/20. So when she is high fiving Rosie like she just slammed a basket, um...well that kind of lowered her stature as someone who should be taken seriously. At least that is my point of view.
Collectively the members of "The View" state that they want this fighting to end or hope that it will end soon but it is their loose cannon in Rosie who keeps stoking the fire. Like an argument with my 7 year old, both parties want to have the last word.
So, as this juggernaut of insults goes back and forth I can only hope it escalates into a celebraty death match.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
The Stupidity Report - Backyard Wrestling
I don't know about you but I am on the edge of my seat for the sequel....SURGERY!!!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Don't F@%k With Me - Bitch!!
You ever have an older sibling that always picked on you when you were a kid??
Well, Payback is a bitch.
Imagine the hissy fit she's throwing now.
Well, Payback is a bitch.
Imagine the hissy fit she's throwing now.
Monday, January 08, 2007
$600+ Video Game System
Question is would you pay $600 or more for a video game system?
Let's recall my experience with video game systems and I am only 42.
I remember a pong like system that maybe had three different versions of the game on it. We're talking pre 1980 here. The big scare back then was that although you could connect it to your tv (well duh) you couldn't play it for long or it would ruin the tv. That sort of reminds me of the caveat of sitting too close to the tv or better yet how about "Duck And Cover". aahhhh the good old days when you really could survive a nuclear blast.
Next for me was in Germany....a Mattel system "Intellivision" then NES "Nintendo Entertainment System" then Super NES.
Somewhere in there I bought a 3DO system. If I remember correctly 3DO was the first 32 bit gaming system and compared side by side with the other systems it was a winner but at a price($700).
Then came playstation. I am not a huge fan of Sony and I think that mainly comes from technology they develop that no one else seems to take hold of. The mini disc player is a good example and yes I owned one. I dove head first into playstation though. Then Playstation II.
Now there is Playstation
3 at $400 for the 20GB version or $600 for the 60 GB version. There are
other features you get when buying the 60GB model than you do with the
20GB such as built inWiFi . As I recall reading about this product as
it was being developed the sheer amount of computing power and pixel
rendering it would be producing was astonishing.
It seems that for all of us gadget guys and gals the world seems to be coming
together for us. HDTV is here and even when you view HDTV through a set
at 1080i the difference in resolution is very dramatic. Imagine seeing
the same through a set with a native resolution of 1080p?? Of course
you need to utilize the optimum (HDMI) connections.
Gone are the days where connecting a video game system to a tv for long periods of time will damage your tv. No, today's systems demand to be played on your tv. Of course Sony's Playstation will play their Blu
Ray disc which has a resolution of 1080p. The difference between 1080p
and 1080i is that although the screen is refreshing faster than your
eye can notice with 1080p you are getting the entire picture at once
rather than half then half.
So if you have a tv capable of receiving HDTV you will be able to appreciate what the Playstation 3 has to offer. I think that will determine the fait
of this gaming system. If you still live in the days of the 25" or 32"
console then I doubt that you will be paying this kind of $$ for a
system. On the other hand, if you have spent the money to watch HDTV in
your home whether that be a small screen, projection, LCD or whatever,
then you will be the one that will most appreciate this game system and
more likely to buy it.
Let's recall my experience with video game systems and I am only 42.
I remember a pong like system that maybe had three different versions of the game on it. We're talking pre 1980 here. The big scare back then was that although you could connect it to your tv (well duh) you couldn't play it for long or it would ruin the tv. That sort of reminds me of the caveat of sitting too close to the tv or better yet how about "Duck And Cover". aahhhh the good old days when you really could survive a nuclear blast.
Next for me was in Germany....a Mattel system "Intellivision" then NES "Nintendo Entertainment System" then Super NES.
Somewhere in there I bought a 3DO system. If I remember correctly 3DO was the first 32 bit gaming system and compared side by side with the other systems it was a winner but at a price($700).
Then came playstation. I am not a huge fan of Sony and I think that mainly comes from technology they develop that no one else seems to take hold of. The mini disc player is a good example and yes I owned one. I dove head first into playstation though. Then Playstation II.
Now there is Playstation
3 at $400 for the 20GB version or $600 for the 60 GB version. There are
other features you get when buying the 60GB model than you do with the
20GB such as built inWiFi . As I recall reading about this product as
it was being developed the sheer amount of computing power and pixel
rendering it would be producing was astonishing.
It seems that for all of us gadget guys and gals the world seems to be coming
together for us. HDTV is here and even when you view HDTV through a set
at 1080i the difference in resolution is very dramatic. Imagine seeing
the same through a set with a native resolution of 1080p?? Of course
you need to utilize the optimum (HDMI) connections.
Gone are the days where connecting a video game system to a tv for long periods of time will damage your tv. No, today's systems demand to be played on your tv. Of course Sony's Playstation will play their Blu
Ray disc which has a resolution of 1080p. The difference between 1080p
and 1080i is that although the screen is refreshing faster than your
eye can notice with 1080p you are getting the entire picture at once
rather than half then half.
So if you have a tv capable of receiving HDTV you will be able to appreciate what the Playstation 3 has to offer. I think that will determine the fait
of this gaming system. If you still live in the days of the 25" or 32"
console then I doubt that you will be paying this kind of $$ for a
system. On the other hand, if you have spent the money to watch HDTV in
your home whether that be a small screen, projection, LCD or whatever,
then you will be the one that will most appreciate this game system and
more likely to buy it.
Ever Wonder Why - Eli Manning
I will be contributing to this blog on a more frequent basis.
Perhaps you have a question in the back of your mind or one that you are afraid to ask. Check back as you may just find it here entited "Ever Wonder Why"
Ever wonder why Eli Manning of the New York football Giants does not live up to the same expectations of his father Archie and his big brother Peyton?
Simply put
He's adopted!!
Scientists have long understood that simply wanting to "Be like Mike" alone or perhaps being in the company of greatness does not insure that the subject in question absorbes the seemingly natural abilities and skill sets of the host family.
Certainly by just being in the company of greatness has the ability to make you better but is no substitution to the inherited natural talent that is passed along a family line.
Hope the burden is lifted Eli.
Perhaps you have a question in the back of your mind or one that you are afraid to ask. Check back as you may just find it here entited "Ever Wonder Why"
Ever wonder why Eli Manning of the New York football Giants does not live up to the same expectations of his father Archie and his big brother Peyton?
Simply put
He's adopted!!
Scientists have long understood that simply wanting to "Be like Mike" alone or perhaps being in the company of greatness does not insure that the subject in question absorbes the seemingly natural abilities and skill sets of the host family.
Certainly by just being in the company of greatness has the ability to make you better but is no substitution to the inherited natural talent that is passed along a family line.
Hope the burden is lifted Eli.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
The Doom And Gloom Report - You Should Be Concerned
I was stationed in Germany in the early 80's and my job was to guard nuclear weapons. We had quite a few of them in Germany....mainly low yeild tacticle nuclear warheads that commanders could use on the battlefield. When compared to the size of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima these are a fraction of the size and can be fired from little more than a "bazooka type" launcher.
Now some 60+ years after the first bomb was dropped in a military action there is a report from Reuters that Israel has plans to use these same weapons against Iran.
LONDON (Reuters) - Israel has drawn up secret plans to destroy Iran's uranium enrichment facilities with tactical nuclear weapons, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper said.
Citing what it said were several Israeli military sources, the paper said two Israeli air force squadrons had been training to blow up an enrichment plant in Natanz using low-yield nuclear "bunker busters."
Two other sites, a heavy water plant at Arak and a uranium conversion plant at Isfahan, would be targeted with conventional bombs, the Sunday Times said.
The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously last month to slap sanctions on Iran to try to stop uranium enrichment that Western powers fear could lead to making bombs. Tehran insists its plans are peaceful and says it will continue enrichment
I for one have felt that if the UN as a whole or some coalition of western powers or whomever was not able to find an answer to the issue of Iran and its nuclear ambitions that Israel would certainly take the action on its own as it has a long history of doing so.
What I hadn't considered was the use of nuclear weapons to do so. I guess considering that the targets are hardened under 40+ feet of rock and concrete that a nuclear strike would be neccessary. If used this would be the first time since WWII that nuclear weapons would be used militarily.
Certainly every country has the right to develope nuclear energy. Energy yes, weapons or research that goes well beyond the use for peaceful purposes when it has vowed to wipe another country off the map....ummm, no. Would we have the same opinions if say Ecuador developed a nuclear research program??? I would say no.
If an attack comes to Iran then we may expect to pay $5/gal gas at the pump almost overnight.
If an attack comes to Iran in which nuclear weapons are used??? The result is anyone's guess at that point.
Now some 60+ years after the first bomb was dropped in a military action there is a report from Reuters that Israel has plans to use these same weapons against Iran.
LONDON (Reuters) - Israel has drawn up secret plans to destroy Iran's uranium enrichment facilities with tactical nuclear weapons, Britain's Sunday Times newspaper said.
Citing what it said were several Israeli military sources, the paper said two Israeli air force squadrons had been training to blow up an enrichment plant in Natanz using low-yield nuclear "bunker busters."
Two other sites, a heavy water plant at Arak and a uranium conversion plant at Isfahan, would be targeted with conventional bombs, the Sunday Times said.
The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously last month to slap sanctions on Iran to try to stop uranium enrichment that Western powers fear could lead to making bombs. Tehran insists its plans are peaceful and says it will continue enrichment
I for one have felt that if the UN as a whole or some coalition of western powers or whomever was not able to find an answer to the issue of Iran and its nuclear ambitions that Israel would certainly take the action on its own as it has a long history of doing so.
What I hadn't considered was the use of nuclear weapons to do so. I guess considering that the targets are hardened under 40+ feet of rock and concrete that a nuclear strike would be neccessary. If used this would be the first time since WWII that nuclear weapons would be used militarily.
Certainly every country has the right to develope nuclear energy. Energy yes, weapons or research that goes well beyond the use for peaceful purposes when it has vowed to wipe another country off the map....ummm, no. Would we have the same opinions if say Ecuador developed a nuclear research program??? I would say no.
If an attack comes to Iran then we may expect to pay $5/gal gas at the pump almost overnight.
If an attack comes to Iran in which nuclear weapons are used??? The result is anyone's guess at that point.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Uncle Smithers' Top Music Picks of 2006
2006 certainly brought an eclectic mix of music to the radio/satellite waves, some good, some bad, others... well, went unlistened (I'm speaking to all you Justin Timberlake fans.) In the rock world, there was no Chinese Democracy, but hey, North Korea is a superpower (at least in Kim Jong's own bobble-sized head). So, without further adieu, here are some of Uncle Smithers' top picks for the year (in no particular order):
Audioslave -- Revelations.
With its rythm-based song structures, Audioslave proclaimed Revelations to be a 70's funk-influenced album, and what a revelation it is to hear these groove-laden songs. I will have to admit, the album as a whole took some time to grow on me, but after hearing a number of the songs several times over on my ipod while randomly shuffling, I would find myself asking "what song was THAT".
Slave to the System - Slave to the System
I mentioned some months back, during the Rockstar SuperNova fiasco, that Slave to the System was a true supergroup, comprised of members of Brother Cane and Queensryche. Little did I know at the time that the album was released two years ago in Australia, and just found its way here in the states. Hopefully this means these guys are working on a follow-up. Damon Johnson, the lead vocalist for Brother Cane and Slave to the System, has been rather busy as the guitarist for Alice Cooper Band and penning songs for the likes of Santana. Here's an unofficial video I found of their first single "Stigmata", done to Metal Gear (which actually turned out pretty decent).
Buckcherry - 15
What an influence to other musicians these guys should be. This self-produced, independent album was first released overseas before being released here in the States. The first single, Crazy Bitch, became a HUGE, grammy-nominated, single and proprelled the album to gold status and the band being signed to Atlantic records. I've even recently seen Crazy Bitch used in NFL hi-lights, believe it or not. While the song is a throw-back to AC/DC, the album as a whole is very good, which shouldn't be that suprising considering these guys have put out a couple of excellent albums in the past. Here's a video that shows just how much the song managed to penetrate deep into the American culture:
AFI - Decemberunderground
These guys have managed to put out a number of excellent albums in a row now, though their songs have definatley become more and more mainstream (isn't that always the case?) Sort of like Nine Inch Nails meets The Cure, it's hard not to give them credit for coming up with some truly catchy songs. Here's a clip for "Love Like Winter"
My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade
Surely album of the year candidate, The Black Parade picks up where Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge left off. Helena was the single off of the last album that did it for me, but when Black Parade made its first debut, "Welcome to the Black Parade", I was hooked. The album is a concept album, following a cancer-ridden patient through a number of excellent tunes with all sorts of influence, from Queen, to Mott the Hoople. Nonetheless, it's 100% My Chemical Romance, and if you're going to have one thing to be addicted to this new year, you might as well make it this.
Stone Sour - Come What(ever) May
I first picked up Stone Sour's self-titled debut earlier this year, and was surprised to see Slipnot members Corey Taylor and Jim Root planning a new album. For those who don't know, Stone Sour was a more, melodic, precursor to Slipknot. The album is full of excellent songs, Through Glass being the one getting a lot of radio time at the moment (Zzyzx Rd. is another good one, which always makes me think of the drive to LA in the 15 as you pass the namesake). Here's the grammy-nominated song, 30/30-150:
The Veronicas - The Secret Life of the Veronicas
Ok, guilty pleasure time. I don't know how I stumbled across these 21 year old twin-sisters from Brisbaine, but I'm glad I did. In a time of manufactured pop, these two have managed to write the majority of their own songs and put together an entire album's worth of confectionary sugar (not to mention they're pretty cute). Just listen to the harmonies on Everything I'm Not, and tell me I'm wrong:
Ok, ok. Some of you are probably thinking Uncle Smithers has lost his marbles with that last pick, and I would say in return that I didn't have any to begin with. So for those thinking I need to redeem myself, here's my final pick...
Killswitch Engage - As Daylight Dies
Certainly not for everybody's taste, this metal act has found the right balance of screaming and singing, turning their fourth album into a classic. I'm not going to pretend I know much about them, because I don't and just recently picked the album up, so why not give "My Curse" a spin and post your own impressions?
Audioslave -- Revelations.
With its rythm-based song structures, Audioslave proclaimed Revelations to be a 70's funk-influenced album, and what a revelation it is to hear these groove-laden songs. I will have to admit, the album as a whole took some time to grow on me, but after hearing a number of the songs several times over on my ipod while randomly shuffling, I would find myself asking "what song was THAT".
Slave to the System - Slave to the System
I mentioned some months back, during the Rockstar SuperNova fiasco, that Slave to the System was a true supergroup, comprised of members of Brother Cane and Queensryche. Little did I know at the time that the album was released two years ago in Australia, and just found its way here in the states. Hopefully this means these guys are working on a follow-up. Damon Johnson, the lead vocalist for Brother Cane and Slave to the System, has been rather busy as the guitarist for Alice Cooper Band and penning songs for the likes of Santana. Here's an unofficial video I found of their first single "Stigmata", done to Metal Gear (which actually turned out pretty decent).
Buckcherry - 15
What an influence to other musicians these guys should be. This self-produced, independent album was first released overseas before being released here in the States. The first single, Crazy Bitch, became a HUGE, grammy-nominated, single and proprelled the album to gold status and the band being signed to Atlantic records. I've even recently seen Crazy Bitch used in NFL hi-lights, believe it or not. While the song is a throw-back to AC/DC, the album as a whole is very good, which shouldn't be that suprising considering these guys have put out a couple of excellent albums in the past. Here's a video that shows just how much the song managed to penetrate deep into the American culture:
AFI - Decemberunderground
These guys have managed to put out a number of excellent albums in a row now, though their songs have definatley become more and more mainstream (isn't that always the case?) Sort of like Nine Inch Nails meets The Cure, it's hard not to give them credit for coming up with some truly catchy songs. Here's a clip for "Love Like Winter"
My Chemical Romance - The Black Parade
Surely album of the year candidate, The Black Parade picks up where Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge left off. Helena was the single off of the last album that did it for me, but when Black Parade made its first debut, "Welcome to the Black Parade", I was hooked. The album is a concept album, following a cancer-ridden patient through a number of excellent tunes with all sorts of influence, from Queen, to Mott the Hoople. Nonetheless, it's 100% My Chemical Romance, and if you're going to have one thing to be addicted to this new year, you might as well make it this.
Stone Sour - Come What(ever) May
I first picked up Stone Sour's self-titled debut earlier this year, and was surprised to see Slipnot members Corey Taylor and Jim Root planning a new album. For those who don't know, Stone Sour was a more, melodic, precursor to Slipknot. The album is full of excellent songs, Through Glass being the one getting a lot of radio time at the moment (Zzyzx Rd. is another good one, which always makes me think of the drive to LA in the 15 as you pass the namesake). Here's the grammy-nominated song, 30/30-150:
The Veronicas - The Secret Life of the Veronicas
Ok, guilty pleasure time. I don't know how I stumbled across these 21 year old twin-sisters from Brisbaine, but I'm glad I did. In a time of manufactured pop, these two have managed to write the majority of their own songs and put together an entire album's worth of confectionary sugar (not to mention they're pretty cute). Just listen to the harmonies on Everything I'm Not, and tell me I'm wrong:
Ok, ok. Some of you are probably thinking Uncle Smithers has lost his marbles with that last pick, and I would say in return that I didn't have any to begin with. So for those thinking I need to redeem myself, here's my final pick...
Killswitch Engage - As Daylight Dies
Certainly not for everybody's taste, this metal act has found the right balance of screaming and singing, turning their fourth album into a classic. I'm not going to pretend I know much about them, because I don't and just recently picked the album up, so why not give "My Curse" a spin and post your own impressions?
Friday, January 05, 2007
Just Maybe
We are big fans of newzjunky since is the only real way to get up to date news from home. I will have to admit that I check it throughout the day.
The folks at newjunky have introduced our area to craigslist as it is a free nationwide classified ad service. They do charge fees for some metropolitan areas. The had recently started a site for Watertown, NY.
The housing situation in that area is absolutely horrid. With the expansion of Ft Drum and the existing housing in short supply the prices have skyrocketed. All you need to do is check newzjunky and see the recent property transactions for Watertown and see for yourself. I made note of this in a prior post "flip this house".
A month ago I decided to place a couple of ads on craigslist. I had a sectional that I didn't want to bring down with me to PA and a piece of exercise equipment. I also listed the house in Gouverneur for sale.... I did that kind of on a whim and didn't put too much thought into it.
I had quite alot of interest in the sectional even though I had no photos (price $250) and it did sell :).
So yesturday while scrolling through newzjunky they have a highlight about the people looking for housing (Ft Drum related). So, I thought I would re word my house ad. Logging into my account on craigslist I saw that the ad had expired so I started on a new one.
I didn't place any photos but went through the last several years on all the work that has been done to the house and to the property ie: porches, pool, deck, heating, a/c etc. and within hours I had someone contact me.
To make a long story short....after many email exchanges sharing photos and info the interested couple took at look at the house yesturday. I had them walk around the house, go onto the porches and have a look inside. I now have an appt to show this couple the house when I am up there again next week.
I did list the price lower than what the last realtor gave me a market comparison for so will it sell for that???
Stay tuned....
Just maybe
The folks at newjunky have introduced our area to craigslist as it is a free nationwide classified ad service. They do charge fees for some metropolitan areas. The had recently started a site for Watertown, NY.
The housing situation in that area is absolutely horrid. With the expansion of Ft Drum and the existing housing in short supply the prices have skyrocketed. All you need to do is check newzjunky and see the recent property transactions for Watertown and see for yourself. I made note of this in a prior post "flip this house".
A month ago I decided to place a couple of ads on craigslist. I had a sectional that I didn't want to bring down with me to PA and a piece of exercise equipment. I also listed the house in Gouverneur for sale.... I did that kind of on a whim and didn't put too much thought into it.
I had quite alot of interest in the sectional even though I had no photos (price $250) and it did sell :).
So yesturday while scrolling through newzjunky they have a highlight about the people looking for housing (Ft Drum related). So, I thought I would re word my house ad. Logging into my account on craigslist I saw that the ad had expired so I started on a new one.
I didn't place any photos but went through the last several years on all the work that has been done to the house and to the property ie: porches, pool, deck, heating, a/c etc. and within hours I had someone contact me.
To make a long story short....after many email exchanges sharing photos and info the interested couple took at look at the house yesturday. I had them walk around the house, go onto the porches and have a look inside. I now have an appt to show this couple the house when I am up there again next week.
I did list the price lower than what the last realtor gave me a market comparison for so will it sell for that???
Stay tuned....
Just maybe
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Troubles In Paradise??
It's been a pretty steady statistic for years now. The divorce rate in
America is running at 50%. Statistically speaking there are many
potential causes. Generally speaking the younger the person is when
they get married the more likely the divorce becomes. Once beyond the
first marriage, the second and third are even more likely to collapse.
Like I have said, there are many reasons for marriage failure. One can even
point their finger at the medium I am typing on at the moment....theinternet.
With an abundance of relationship seeking sites out there filled en masse
with those looking for anything from serious long term relationship to
marriage/family, to a fun night out with the guys....or girls
culminating in a late night session of sport fucking. Theinternet
brings anonymity...the ability of letting the person on the other end
of knowing all you want him or her to know or perhaps letting him or
her know only what he or she wants to hear.
Nevermind the
endless pulls of people who want your money from Eastern Africa or
you've hit the UK or Canadian lottery. If you care to throw your money
down the crapper you can do it nice and easy from the comfort of your
own living room. Online gambling abounds. If you are feeling
particularly in the mood and not wanting to toss off all alone while
the wife is sleeping in the next room there is someone oh so willing to
take your money to help you out.
Ahhhh but now there seems to be a new plague on the horizon and certainly one that will add to the devastation like locusts feasting on plains of wheat. Like a predator
eyeing your son or daughter from afar you should be afraid, be very
afraid as this will certainly add to the strain of any relationship.
http://www.endless.com/
America is running at 50%. Statistically speaking there are many
potential causes. Generally speaking the younger the person is when
they get married the more likely the divorce becomes. Once beyond the
first marriage, the second and third are even more likely to collapse.
Like I have said, there are many reasons for marriage failure. One can even
point their finger at the medium I am typing on at the moment....theinternet.
With an abundance of relationship seeking sites out there filled en masse
with those looking for anything from serious long term relationship to
marriage/family, to a fun night out with the guys....or girls
culminating in a late night session of sport fucking. Theinternet
brings anonymity...the ability of letting the person on the other end
of knowing all you want him or her to know or perhaps letting him or
her know only what he or she wants to hear.
Nevermind the
endless pulls of people who want your money from Eastern Africa or
you've hit the UK or Canadian lottery. If you care to throw your money
down the crapper you can do it nice and easy from the comfort of your
own living room. Online gambling abounds. If you are feeling
particularly in the mood and not wanting to toss off all alone while
the wife is sleeping in the next room there is someone oh so willing to
take your money to help you out.
Ahhhh but now there seems to be a new plague on the horizon and certainly one that will add to the devastation like locusts feasting on plains of wheat. Like a predator
eyeing your son or daughter from afar you should be afraid, be very
afraid as this will certainly add to the strain of any relationship.
http://www.endless.com/
More MIld Weather Ahead
It seems that every time I check the forcast I am pleasantly suprised by warmer and warmer weather. I see that today should be in the 50's and in the 60's on Saturday. We're talking in Central PA too. Hell that's grilling weather and it's NFL playoff time.
I have to head back up north to get a house on the market and it looks like there is a possibility of running into snow while I am there.
So far this season the snow has been dumping on Colorado area. Better them than us as we have been through it ourselves...the 10+ foot snow drifts, the ice storms, the days without power all in the dead of winter.
One good thing to mention about this weather. I get to drive the Jaguar more and not use the Pacifica.
I have to head back up north to get a house on the market and it looks like there is a possibility of running into snow while I am there.
So far this season the snow has been dumping on Colorado area. Better them than us as we have been through it ourselves...the 10+ foot snow drifts, the ice storms, the days without power all in the dead of winter.
One good thing to mention about this weather. I get to drive the Jaguar more and not use the Pacifica.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The Stupidity Report for Jan 3, 2007
This was one opportunity the elected government of Iraq to raise its head above the clouded dark ages from which they crawled from and show to the world they are in fact civilized.
They blew it
This was nothing more than a bunch of street thugs pulling a man off the street and lynching him....this certainly wasn't the act of a government sponsered execution. Saddam was tried and convicted in a court by their laws and as one voice in the video begged it was an execution and should be done with dignity.
Did he deserve to die? Yes, even those who are against capital punishment are for it in these circumstances.... we're talking crimes against humanity here.
Is the world a better place?? Yes again. We can rank him right up there with Hitler, Agusto Pinochet, Stalin and whoever is running the scene in Darfur.
There was an opportunity to heal the divisiveness within the country that Saddam brought. Ok, that's wishful thinking but at least it would have been the right thing to do and at the very least, an attempt.
That is why the official govt video did not have any sound.
Now that this new video is now in the public it has a very good potential to turn Saddam into a martyr.
Just what we need.
One more reason for the young of the country to willingly do a meet and greet with virgins in heaven.
They blew it
This was nothing more than a bunch of street thugs pulling a man off the street and lynching him....this certainly wasn't the act of a government sponsered execution. Saddam was tried and convicted in a court by their laws and as one voice in the video begged it was an execution and should be done with dignity.
Did he deserve to die? Yes, even those who are against capital punishment are for it in these circumstances.... we're talking crimes against humanity here.
Is the world a better place?? Yes again. We can rank him right up there with Hitler, Agusto Pinochet, Stalin and whoever is running the scene in Darfur.
There was an opportunity to heal the divisiveness within the country that Saddam brought. Ok, that's wishful thinking but at least it would have been the right thing to do and at the very least, an attempt.
That is why the official govt video did not have any sound.
Now that this new video is now in the public it has a very good potential to turn Saddam into a martyr.
Just what we need.
One more reason for the young of the country to willingly do a meet and greet with virgins in heaven.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
New Years Eve
We celebrated New Years with a late dinner at The Tobacco Co Restaurant. Reservations were for 9:30pm. The restaurant is a converted tobacco warehouse (hence the name). The menu is limited to steak and seafood and the wine list is very lengthy and certainly you will find something to go with your meal and your palate. The had live music New Years Eve and according to their website live music is pretty regular.
If you're ever in the Richmond area I highly suggest you stop in.
If you're ever in the Richmond area I highly suggest you stop in.
Richmond VA Tacky Christmas Lights
There was a program on TLC a few months back about Richmond VA's Tacky Christmas Lights. These people go all out every year. The one house that wins year after year (I don't know the criteria for winning) spends an average of $800 extra per month on the electricity alone!!!!
wow
These people start getting ready somewhere around October.
You can find more Tacky Christmas Lights HERE
Jamestown Virginia Settlement
Can imagine 180 or so people croweded onto this ship?
This gives a good example of the different layers of a thatched house. The outside is dried mud and is actually pretty hard. The insides are normally "plastered" and white washed.
To see more photos of Jamestown click HERE
This year is the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown. Since we were spending a few days in Richmond I thought this would be a nice day trip...maybe get a few photos and throw in some history as well.
Zack loved it!!!
Isn't She A Cutie
Here's my new niece Ava. We had the pleasure of babysitting while Todd was on duty and Summer was out at an appt. I let Shelly handle the two boys and I played with three month old Ava. It's been a few years since I have fed and burped an infant. lol no, I passed on the diapers but I do remember how to change them. I even managed to put her into her crib without waking her up....something I was never able to do with Amanda.
I was able to coax a nice photo out of her.
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