It's a very stressful week, my mom is in the hospital..... She had emergency surgery late Tuesday evening resulting in a colostomy. She's currently in ICU.... the good news is she survived the surgery, and is off the ventilator. The bad news is her kidney function is very poor. Along with her existing respiratory issues I really don't know what to think.
Have you ever been afraid to answer the phone? That's what the last few days have been like around here. I spent yesterday at the hospital, and for me, it never gets easier going through the doors. The sights, sounds and smells of hospitals.... it's never a good thing.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
1300 Post, Serial Killers and the Winter Classic
Good morning blogosphere, today marks my 1300 blog. I spent the weekend watching Showtime's free preview, specifically Dexter. It was a Dexter serial killer Marathon around here... lol I still have a few episodes from season four to watch, hopefully I can finish the season during the free preview.
Yesterday the Penguins beat Toronto 5 to 4 in a shootout at Mellon Arena. I really enjoyed watching the game, it's hard to believe the Penguins will be in a new arena next year. I have one more opportunity to watch a game there, stay tuned for that.
Channel 4 action new announced that the Winter classic on January 1, 2011 will most likely be at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh this year! As much as I love hockey I don't believe I will even try to get tickets. The weather would be just too bad for me to sit there. I think it's great that the Penguins will be playing in their second Winter classic.
Yesterday the Penguins beat Toronto 5 to 4 in a shootout at Mellon Arena. I really enjoyed watching the game, it's hard to believe the Penguins will be in a new arena next year. I have one more opportunity to watch a game there, stay tuned for that.
Channel 4 action new announced that the Winter classic on January 1, 2011 will most likely be at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh this year! As much as I love hockey I don't believe I will even try to get tickets. The weather would be just too bad for me to sit there. I think it's great that the Penguins will be playing in their second Winter classic.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Dark Tide
I just downloaded The Dark Tide by Andrew Gross over at the Kindle store for free. It looks like a very interesting read and is very similar to my last book. Gross has partnered with Patterson on a number of books in the past so hopefully this is as good as the Alex Cross series.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wicked Wednesday
I finished reading I Alex yesterday afternoon and was really surprised by the ending. I will not play spoiler just in case you are reading it, but it was a very good book in my opinion. I plan on reading additional James Patterson books this summer.
Today I have a doctors appointment, nothing major I just need to get a checkup and my prescriptions refilled. At least the weather is cooperating, it should be around 55° and sunny for my roll down to their office. It's really convenient having my general practitioner so close, only a few blocks away. My dentist is even closer...
The Healthcare Bill went through, but I don't believe the Republicans are through fighting yet. I'm not sure it was the perfect bill, but something obviously needed to be done. It's easy for those with healthcare to vote no.... I believe this bill will help so many people especially those with pre-existing conditions and college students until the age 26. Hopefully Americans start seeing the benefits of this bill quickly.
Prosecutors in Georgia are not requesting a DNA sample from Big Ben, I'm not sure what to make of that. He still has not been charged with the sexual assault alleged by the 20-year-old college student, from the nightclub incident. I wonder what charges if any will be filed?
Today I have a doctors appointment, nothing major I just need to get a checkup and my prescriptions refilled. At least the weather is cooperating, it should be around 55° and sunny for my roll down to their office. It's really convenient having my general practitioner so close, only a few blocks away. My dentist is even closer...
The Healthcare Bill went through, but I don't believe the Republicans are through fighting yet. I'm not sure it was the perfect bill, but something obviously needed to be done. It's easy for those with healthcare to vote no.... I believe this bill will help so many people especially those with pre-existing conditions and college students until the age 26. Hopefully Americans start seeing the benefits of this bill quickly.
Prosecutors in Georgia are not requesting a DNA sample from Big Ben, I'm not sure what to make of that. He still has not been charged with the sexual assault alleged by the 20-year-old college student, from the nightclub incident. I wonder what charges if any will be filed?
Sunday, March 21, 2010
I Alex Cross
This week I started reading I Alex Cross, by James Patterson. This is the first Patterson book for me and I am really enjoying it....
This is the 16th Alex Cross novel by Patterson, so I will have many more to read over the summer. A brilliant detective on the hunt for a serial killer named Zeus, definitely right up my alley.
What's on your summer reading list?
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Rehabilitation Counseling Event
Last night I attended the annual Rehabilitation Counseling Networking event at the University of Pittsburgh. It was held at the student union in Oakland and as always a very enjoyable evening. This year it was a little different because the American Counseling Association was holding an event in Pittsburgh as well. Their board attended and gave out several awards including their Rehabilitation Counselor of the Year award.
It's always nice to be in the presence of so many individuals involved with rehabilitation. I enjoyed getting my masters at Pitt very much and it's always good to go back and see the professors and current students who are about to graduate the program.
I spoke with two students who will be defending their masters scholarly papers next week. One will be on the quality of life after spinal cord injury, which I am very interested in reading. It's good to stay in touch with the program at the University, there are so many talented individuals who will be working in the community very soon.
It's always nice to be in the presence of so many individuals involved with rehabilitation. I enjoyed getting my masters at Pitt very much and it's always good to go back and see the professors and current students who are about to graduate the program.
I spoke with two students who will be defending their masters scholarly papers next week. One will be on the quality of life after spinal cord injury, which I am very interested in reading. It's good to stay in touch with the program at the University, there are so many talented individuals who will be working in the community very soon.
Friday, March 19, 2010
TGIF
Well Friday is finally here and it's a beautiful day in Pittsburgh mid-60s and sunny ! Did you happen to watch the Penguins against the Boston Bruins last night?
There was a lot of buildup prior to the game about the expected retaliation against Matt Cooke for his very questionable hit against Savard.... so on his first shift Cooke fought against the Boston enforcer Shawn Thorton. Cooke lost the fight to the bigger goon Thorton but the Penguins won the game 3 to 0 !
I was at the blog That's Church and laughed really hard over sex addiction and Big Ben. I think this picture sums it up best.
I hope you have a great weekend, I plan on watching the Penguins Saturday afternoon with some friends. Playoff hockey is just around the corner, it is the best time of year to be a Penguins fan.
There was a lot of buildup prior to the game about the expected retaliation against Matt Cooke for his very questionable hit against Savard.... so on his first shift Cooke fought against the Boston enforcer Shawn Thorton. Cooke lost the fight to the bigger goon Thorton but the Penguins won the game 3 to 0 !
I was at the blog That's Church and laughed really hard over sex addiction and Big Ben. I think this picture sums it up best.
I hope you have a great weekend, I plan on watching the Penguins Saturday afternoon with some friends. Playoff hockey is just around the corner, it is the best time of year to be a Penguins fan.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Thursday's Thoughts
First of all, Happy St. Patrick's Day a day late..... I had a few things going on yesterday and did not get a chance to blog. That doesn't mean I did not consume the mandatory one Guinness. What kind of Irishmen would I be without drinking a Guinness on St. Patrick's Day ?
Last night my friend Mark, came over to watch the Penguins play the New Jersey Devils. It's hard to believe, but the New Jersey Devils swept every game this year against the Penguins. My beloved Penguins lost their sixth in a row to New Jersey last night, 5 to 2. At least the company and wings were Good because the game sucked.
During the game, a beer commercial came on (I can't recall which) with girls dancing on stripper poles. It's an interesting way to sell beer I guess....lol. We had a pretty good laugh saying " if the girls wear ice skates and do those moves they are in the Olympics, add a stripper pole and it's a beer commercial ". Lol.... could you tell it was a bad hockey game ?
Last night my friend Mark, came over to watch the Penguins play the New Jersey Devils. It's hard to believe, but the New Jersey Devils swept every game this year against the Penguins. My beloved Penguins lost their sixth in a row to New Jersey last night, 5 to 2. At least the company and wings were Good because the game sucked.
During the game, a beer commercial came on (I can't recall which) with girls dancing on stripper poles. It's an interesting way to sell beer I guess....lol. We had a pretty good laugh saying " if the girls wear ice skates and do those moves they are in the Olympics, add a stripper pole and it's a beer commercial ". Lol.... could you tell it was a bad hockey game ?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
FOXNews.com - Pelosi Plan to Pass Health Care Without Traditional Vote Riles Critics
FOXNews.com - Pelosi Plan to Pass Health Care Without Traditional Vote Riles Critics I cannot believe the politicians we send to office. Are the politicians so afraid of not being reelected that they will not give an up or down vote?
I believe that everyone should have access to healthcare, and healthcare needs to be reformed at the most basic level. It frustrates me knowing the politicians do not have the courage to represent the people. It seems every topic is split between the party lines.
No politician is working for the good of the people, they are all worried about playing politics. It's actually disgusting. Come November I plan on a clean sweep.... my personal belief is, two terms and you're out. Enough of career politicians, enough of politics as usual, enough of this nonsense.
I believe that everyone should have access to healthcare, and healthcare needs to be reformed at the most basic level. It frustrates me knowing the politicians do not have the courage to represent the people. It seems every topic is split between the party lines.
No politician is working for the good of the people, they are all worried about playing politics. It's actually disgusting. Come November I plan on a clean sweep.... my personal belief is, two terms and you're out. Enough of career politicians, enough of politics as usual, enough of this nonsense.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Weekend Update
I had a really good weekend, visiting with friends on Friday and Saturday evening.
Friday night Susan came over and we looked at her virus protection on her laptop. Joining the crew was Dave and Sandy. Dave also brought his brand-new Dell laptop computer running Windows 7. We unpacked the laptop and got everything set up for him. This all over pizza, and in time to watch the Penguins play..... basically geek heaven.
Saturday night my old friend Mark and his family came over and we went to dinner at Damon's restaurant. It has probably been 12 or 13 years since I've eaten at a Damon's restaurant, it was really good and the service was good too.
Mark brought down three new Penguins game jerseys, a Jordan Staal and Sidney Crosby for me and a Sidney Crosby for my other friend Dave..... All in all a pretty full weekend and it's only Sunday morning. The Penguins play tonight at five and I'm already wearing my new white Jordan Staal jersey in anticipation..... lets go Pens
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
Good morning blogosphere......... if any of you have children and are thinking forward to their careers let me make a suggestion. Do not encourage them to be a doctor or lawyer, the real money is in auto repair........
I had my van at my local accessibility dealer to have the lift repaired this week. I needed two toggle switches replaced. the two switch's cost $15 however the labor was two hours at $90 per hour........ imagine my surprise.
Do not encourage your kids to go to graduate school or receive doctorates..... purchase them a socket set and a flashlight, put them on the road to financial security early........ $90 an hour damn.
I had my van at my local accessibility dealer to have the lift repaired this week. I needed two toggle switches replaced. the two switch's cost $15 however the labor was two hours at $90 per hour........ imagine my surprise.
Do not encourage your kids to go to graduate school or receive doctorates..... purchase them a socket set and a flashlight, put them on the road to financial security early........ $90 an hour damn.
'Theft' of Sidney Crosby's equipment solved
'Theft' of Sidney Crosby's equipment solved I am glad to hear that Sidney Crosby's gear was found and will be returned to him. Hopefully it makes it into the hockey Hall of Fame where it belongs.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Hibernation Is Over
It was 63° today and the snow has finally melted off most of the sidewalks. So I made it over to Starbucks and had tea this afternoon. It was so nice getting out of the house and enjoying the warmer weather. Maybe winter is finally over, after all it's almost St. Patrick's Day! I could sure go for a Guinness or two about now.
The mayor of Pittsburgh has declared a state of emergency in advance of flooding. Hopefully people are prepared, Especially those in flood prone areas. The weather forecast is expecting rain the next few days on top of melting snows in the higher elevations.....
The last few weeks I have been using my Netflix account to watch a ton of movies... plus the on-demand cable. Now that the weather is getting nicer I plan on being outside more as soon as the 1 foot of snow and ice melt off of my back deck....
The mayor of Pittsburgh has declared a state of emergency in advance of flooding. Hopefully people are prepared, Especially those in flood prone areas. The weather forecast is expecting rain the next few days on top of melting snows in the higher elevations.....
The last few weeks I have been using my Netflix account to watch a ton of movies... plus the on-demand cable. Now that the weather is getting nicer I plan on being outside more as soon as the 1 foot of snow and ice melt off of my back deck....
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Reebok Canada to pay for return of Crosby's equipment
Reebok Canada to pay for return of Crosby's equipment Reebok is offering a $10,000 reward for the no questions return of Sidney Crosby's Olympic gloves and hockey stick. After scoring the overtime goal to give team Canada the gold medal, Sidney dropped his gloves, hockey stick and mouthpiece in celebration. The only thing he got back was his mouthpiece........
Whoever has his equipment should just return it, do the right thing! It's a piece of Canadian history and I'm sure Crosby would like to have it back.
Whoever has his equipment should just return it, do the right thing! It's a piece of Canadian history and I'm sure Crosby would like to have it back.
BBC News - YouTube adds video captions for deaf
BBC News - YouTube adds video captions for deaf Here is a great example of using technology to include individuals with disabilities. Using automatic speech recognition to provide close captioning for YouTube videos makes perfect sense. The technology may not be perfect, but at least it's a start!
It would be great if all companies concentrated on inclusion and universal design, hopefully more companies follow Google's example.
It would be great if all companies concentrated on inclusion and universal design, hopefully more companies follow Google's example.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Big Ben Is In the News Again
While watching last night's news I was surprised to see Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger under investigation again for sexual assault.....
It's only been nine months since the last accusation of sexual assault in Nevada. I thought he would be much more cautious in his extra curricular activities. It seems Ben and a bunch of buddies hit several bars and nightclubs in Georgia, near his summer home.
I think it's time Big Ben gets a steady girlfriend and forgets about clubbing and drinking with 20 year old girls.... Repeat after me Ben, I will not have sex with strange women in nightclub bathrooms.... your thoughts?
It's only been nine months since the last accusation of sexual assault in Nevada. I thought he would be much more cautious in his extra curricular activities. It seems Ben and a bunch of buddies hit several bars and nightclubs in Georgia, near his summer home.
I think it's time Big Ben gets a steady girlfriend and forgets about clubbing and drinking with 20 year old girls.... Repeat after me Ben, I will not have sex with strange women in nightclub bathrooms.... your thoughts?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Starbucks Dragged Into Gun-Control Crossfire - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Starbucks Dragged Into Gun-Control Crossfire - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com I don't know how you feel about second amendment rights, but I believe in the right to Bear Arms as opposed to arming bears....
Growing up in Pennsylvania I started hunting at the age of 12 and have been around firearms all my life. I have to applaud Starbucks for following state laws and allowing individuals who choose to wear a side arm into their stores...
The legal carry age for obtaining a concealed weapons permit in Pennsylvania is 21, and I have to say shortly after I turned 21, I received my concealed weapons permit and often carried a handgun. I thought it was a personal choice and still do. What are your thoughts on carrying a concealed weapon or in this case wearing a handgun openly displayed?
Growing up in Pennsylvania I started hunting at the age of 12 and have been around firearms all my life. I have to applaud Starbucks for following state laws and allowing individuals who choose to wear a side arm into their stores...
The legal carry age for obtaining a concealed weapons permit in Pennsylvania is 21, and I have to say shortly after I turned 21, I received my concealed weapons permit and often carried a handgun. I thought it was a personal choice and still do. What are your thoughts on carrying a concealed weapon or in this case wearing a handgun openly displayed?
Monday, March 1, 2010
Team USA Wins Silver In Men's Hockey
Yesterday was one of the best hockey games I can remember seeing. Team USA battled back from a two to nothing deficit, to tie the game with only 24 seconds remaining ! This sent the gold medal game into sudden death overtime against the Canadians.
Sidney Crosby, who was relatively quiet the whole game was like a shark around the net. I actually said out loud "Crosby is so dangerous", seconds before he scored the game-winning goal against Miller, who was exceptional goaltending the entire tournament.
Sidney is only 22 years old, has played in the Stanley Cup finals twice, winning the Stanley Cup last year, and now adds an Olympic gold medal to his resume among other awards.
When the game is on the line, I don't believe there's a better hockey player in the world to have on your team than Sidney Crosby. If the United States had to lose the gold medal, it makes it a little easier to know Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal for team Canada. Sportswriters, Hollywood producers and the entire Canadian population could not write a better script for the gold-medal game.
Both the United States Men's and Women's Hockey Team won the silver medal and should be proud of this accomplishment ! It was a fantastic Winter Olympics for the United States of America, Go USA !
Sidney Crosby, who was relatively quiet the whole game was like a shark around the net. I actually said out loud "Crosby is so dangerous", seconds before he scored the game-winning goal against Miller, who was exceptional goaltending the entire tournament.
Sidney is only 22 years old, has played in the Stanley Cup finals twice, winning the Stanley Cup last year, and now adds an Olympic gold medal to his resume among other awards.
When the game is on the line, I don't believe there's a better hockey player in the world to have on your team than Sidney Crosby. If the United States had to lose the gold medal, it makes it a little easier to know Sidney Crosby scored the winning goal for team Canada. Sportswriters, Hollywood producers and the entire Canadian population could not write a better script for the gold-medal game.
Both the United States Men's and Women's Hockey Team won the silver medal and should be proud of this accomplishment ! It was a fantastic Winter Olympics for the United States of America, Go USA !
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