I received a phone call last night from a very good friend of mine telling me his sister had just passed away. That's the third death to someone close to me in the past 40 days....
All three death's including my mothers were after lengthy illnesses but it does not make it any easier. It's difficult when a young woman passes away, what do you say?
It's hard to find the meaning on why things happen... As humans we do not get to pick or choose. Even with modern medicine our bodies are fragile, it's our mind and spirit that needs to be strong.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
I am still fighting the respiratory infection but fortunately called my doctor on Monday and received some antibiotics. So far I am coughing less and feeling much better except for the side effects of the antibiotic.....
Today starts the annual Anthrocon convention in Pittsburgh. For those of you who are unaware of Anthrocon, it is a group of individuals who like to dress up in animal costumes..... just imagine a few hundred sports team mascots descending on your city. I'm pretty open minded so whatever floats your boat, they're not hurting anyone and it brings money into the city.
In sports, Sidney Crosby won the Mark Messier Leadership Award but was screwed out of the Hart trophy.... If it was up to me most awards would be won by the Penguins.
The always predictable Pittsburgh Pirates lost to the Texas Rangers 13 to 3....... I love AA ball lol
Gen. Stanley McChrystal had to resign his command in Afghanistan after the story broke in Rolling Stone magazine.... as the son of a general and a lifetime spent in the military I would like to ask the General what were you thinking?
Rule number one never talk to the press, never allow the press to be embedded with you during war. Rule number two, chain of command.... Gen.'s report to Presidents.
Never make your boss look like an ass in the press. If I was Pres. Obama I would have fired the General too.... what's your opinion?
Today starts the annual Anthrocon convention in Pittsburgh. For those of you who are unaware of Anthrocon, it is a group of individuals who like to dress up in animal costumes..... just imagine a few hundred sports team mascots descending on your city. I'm pretty open minded so whatever floats your boat, they're not hurting anyone and it brings money into the city.
In sports, Sidney Crosby won the Mark Messier Leadership Award but was screwed out of the Hart trophy.... If it was up to me most awards would be won by the Penguins.
The always predictable Pittsburgh Pirates lost to the Texas Rangers 13 to 3....... I love AA ball lol
Gen. Stanley McChrystal had to resign his command in Afghanistan after the story broke in Rolling Stone magazine.... as the son of a general and a lifetime spent in the military I would like to ask the General what were you thinking?
Rule number one never talk to the press, never allow the press to be embedded with you during war. Rule number two, chain of command.... Gen.'s report to Presidents.
Never make your boss look like an ass in the press. If I was Pres. Obama I would have fired the General too.... what's your opinion?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Penguins first game in new arena against rival Flyers
Penguins first game in new arena against rival Flyers Oh I hope to get tickets to this game
Respiratory infection
The first-day of summer naturally brought a summer cold. I am coughing with a running nose which is never good. Taking a few days off, back when Dragon NaturallySpeaking can understand my voice again.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Fairmont stakes its claim to Father's Day
Fairmont stakes its claim to Father's Day Thanks WV for both Mothers day and Fathers day !
Saturday, June 19, 2010
How For-Profit Colleges Are Like Subprime Mortgages - ABC News
How For-Profit Colleges Are Like Subprime Mortgages - ABC News Call now you too can earn a degree... These places pray on students charging thousands of dollars. Do these classes transfer to any colleges? It's a giant scam
Friday, June 18, 2010
For Father's Day: 9 Tech Gifts for Your Favorite Gadget Guy - ABC News
For Father's Day: 9 Tech Gifts for Your Favorite Gadget Guy - ABC News If you are looking for gadget gifts for Dad ABC news is offering some pretty good advice. As a self-proclaimed gadget geek I already own two of the nine....
The American Red Cross FR 360 emergency radio is really very cool. I purchased it after the power outages this winter. It works as promised and has many features.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking, well I've been using that since 1999. Dragon makes a very reliable product and the recognition has become outstanding. If dad is willing to train the product and correct mistakes he will love Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
The American Red Cross FR 360 emergency radio is really very cool. I purchased it after the power outages this winter. It works as promised and has many features.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking, well I've been using that since 1999. Dragon makes a very reliable product and the recognition has become outstanding. If dad is willing to train the product and correct mistakes he will love Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Hillary Clinton Says White House Will Sue Over Arizona Immigration Law - Political Hotsheet - CBS News
Hillary Clinton Says White House Will Sue Over Arizona Immigration Law - Political Hotsheet - CBS News I wish the Fed. Govt. would do something about our immigration law.......start with securing the boarders!
I don't blame AZ one bit......... get the boarder fixed first, then worry about the new law Mr. President
I don't blame AZ one bit......... get the boarder fixed first, then worry about the new law Mr. President
Blues Brothers Quiz
The Blues Brothers is one of my favorite classic movies, I know I'm not that deep.... I scored 90% on this Quiz if you are a blues Brothers fan, stop over and give it a try. Post your score in the comments section.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
New Ramp
I ordered a new ramp from Discount Ramps yesterday afternoon. It's a portable threshold ramp, 24" x 32". This should allow me to get into my friends houses who have a threshold step up to 6 inches. I have used this company in the past and have been impressed with their products and customer service. It's already shipped and should be here very soon.
Caught on Tape: Cop Punches Teen Girl - ABC News
Caught on Tape: Cop Punches Teen Girl - ABC News Okay, here's my opinion about this situation...
This officer is alone and dealing with multiple people. The first female was not complying and escalating the situation. The second female had no right to place her hands on the officer.
When dealing with multiple opponents you need to strike quick and be effective. He obviously felt threatened and felt the need to react. I've been there and have experience. It's not pretty and may not be what some people want to see, but thats how it is.
Here are two questions to think about. Did the officer use the least amount of force necessary? Could this situation have been handled differently? I don't have the answers. But I do know if these two females would have shown the officer some respect things would've gone much differently. Whatever happened to listening to law enforcement? Whatever happened to respecting the badge?
This officer is alone and dealing with multiple people. The first female was not complying and escalating the situation. The second female had no right to place her hands on the officer.
When dealing with multiple opponents you need to strike quick and be effective. He obviously felt threatened and felt the need to react. I've been there and have experience. It's not pretty and may not be what some people want to see, but thats how it is.
Here are two questions to think about. Did the officer use the least amount of force necessary? Could this situation have been handled differently? I don't have the answers. But I do know if these two females would have shown the officer some respect things would've gone much differently. Whatever happened to listening to law enforcement? Whatever happened to respecting the badge?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Starbucks: Free Wi-Fi at 6,700 US Sites - ABC News
Starbucks: Free Wi-Fi at 6,700 US Sites - ABC News I think this is a very smart business move by Starbucks. I enjoy going to the local shop and having iced tea occasionally.
In the past I had to make sure I used my Starbucks card within the past 30 days to be eligible to use their wi-fi connection. This was not the case at other establishments (Big Fellas Pizza , McDonald's, Panerra bread).
Providing additional free content like access to the Wall Street Journal will make Starbucks WiFi even better. It looks like July 1, I will be having iced tea sometime that day.
In the past I had to make sure I used my Starbucks card within the past 30 days to be eligible to use their wi-fi connection. This was not the case at other establishments (Big Fellas Pizza , McDonald's, Panerra bread).
Providing additional free content like access to the Wall Street Journal will make Starbucks WiFi even better. It looks like July 1, I will be having iced tea sometime that day.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Army Specialist Makes Boy's Fishing Dream Come True - Pittsburgh News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh
Army Specialist Makes Boy's Fishing Dream Come True - Pittsburgh News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh What a great guy to take his time to help this young child go fishing and camping ! Check out Jamies Dream Team
Why did I fire my secretary? Well……
Last week was my birthday and I didn't feel very well waking up on that
morning. I went downstairs for breakfast, hoping my wife would be pleasant and say Happy Birthday!, and possibly have a small present for me. As it turned out, she barely said good morning, let alone 'Happy Birthday.'
I thought, well, that's marriage for you, but the kids will remember. My kids came bounding down stairs to breakfast and didn't say a word..
When I left for the office, I felt pretty low and somewhat despondent.
As I walked into my office, my secretary Jane said, 'Good Morning Boss,
and by the way Happy Birthday!' It felt a little better that at least
someone had remembered.
I worked until one o'clock, when Jane knocked on my door and said, 'You
know, it's such a beautiful day outside, and it is your Birthday, what do you say we go out to lunch, just you and me.'
I said, 'Thanks, Jane, that's the greatest thing I've heard all day. Let's
go! We went to lunch, but we didn't go where we normally would go.
Instead, she chose a quiet bistro with a private table. We had two martinis each and I enjoyed the meal tremendously.
On the way back to the office, Jane said, 'You know, it's such a beautifulday...we don't need to go straight back to the office, do we ?
I responded, I guess not. What do you have in mind?' She said, Let's drop by my apartment, it's just around the corner.
After arriving at her apartment, Jane turned to me and said, Boss, if you don't mind, I'm going to step into the bedroom for just a moment. I'll be right back. Ok.' I nervously replied.
She went into the bedroom and, after a couple of minutes, she came out carrying a huge birthday cake, followed by my wife, my kids, and dozens of my friends and co-workers, all singing 'Happy Birthday'.
And I just sat there. On the couch. Naked.
morning. I went downstairs for breakfast, hoping my wife would be pleasant and say Happy Birthday!, and possibly have a small present for me. As it turned out, she barely said good morning, let alone 'Happy Birthday.'
I thought, well, that's marriage for you, but the kids will remember. My kids came bounding down stairs to breakfast and didn't say a word..
When I left for the office, I felt pretty low and somewhat despondent.
As I walked into my office, my secretary Jane said, 'Good Morning Boss,
and by the way Happy Birthday!' It felt a little better that at least
someone had remembered.
I worked until one o'clock, when Jane knocked on my door and said, 'You
know, it's such a beautiful day outside, and it is your Birthday, what do you say we go out to lunch, just you and me.'
I said, 'Thanks, Jane, that's the greatest thing I've heard all day. Let's
go! We went to lunch, but we didn't go where we normally would go.
Instead, she chose a quiet bistro with a private table. We had two martinis each and I enjoyed the meal tremendously.
On the way back to the office, Jane said, 'You know, it's such a beautifulday...we don't need to go straight back to the office, do we ?
I responded, I guess not. What do you have in mind?' She said, Let's drop by my apartment, it's just around the corner.
After arriving at her apartment, Jane turned to me and said, Boss, if you don't mind, I'm going to step into the bedroom for just a moment. I'll be right back. Ok.' I nervously replied.
She went into the bedroom and, after a couple of minutes, she came out carrying a huge birthday cake, followed by my wife, my kids, and dozens of my friends and co-workers, all singing 'Happy Birthday'.
And I just sat there. On the couch. Naked.
Blackhawks at Flyers - 06/09/2010 - NHL.com - Recap
Blackhawks at Flyers - 06/09/2010 - NHL.com - Recap I have to say I am so glad the Philadelphia Flyers lost last night to Chicago. The only thing that would have been worse than the Penguins losing this year would have been Philadelphia winning the Stanley Cup....
After three times playing in the finals Hossa finally was able to lift the Stanley Cup in victory. For the Chicago Blackhawks it's the first time since 1961. Congratulations to all the Blackhawk fans enjoy it while you can, remember the Penguins are coming after it next year.
After three times playing in the finals Hossa finally was able to lift the Stanley Cup in victory. For the Chicago Blackhawks it's the first time since 1961. Congratulations to all the Blackhawk fans enjoy it while you can, remember the Penguins are coming after it next year.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
White House Launches Celebration Of 20th Anniversary Of Americans With Disabilities Act | The White House
White House Launches Celebration Of 20th Anniversary Of Americans With Disabilities Act | The White House I'm all for celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Americans with Disabilities Act but I still feel there is so much left to do to include people with disabilities fully into society.
Transportation still stinks traveling in a wheelchair, accessibility of most businesses is very poor at best, unemployment numbers and under employment are staggering for individuals with disabilities, lack of access to healthcare, attendant care and assistive technology continues to be the norm.... So I am not ready to breakout the balloons and champagne just yet.
Transportation still stinks traveling in a wheelchair, accessibility of most businesses is very poor at best, unemployment numbers and under employment are staggering for individuals with disabilities, lack of access to healthcare, attendant care and assistive technology continues to be the norm.... So I am not ready to breakout the balloons and champagne just yet.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Fire
Beside my house is an apartment complex with approximately 20 apartments. Last night around 11:30 PM I heard some screaming which is not all that unusual (usually a domestic of some type)....
As it turned out, one of the apartments had a kitchen fire ! A resident was cooking french fries and walked away from the stove. His daughter 17 and granddaughter 7 months were upstairs at the time.
Fortunately everyone was able to get out of the apartment. The local news is reporting $10-$15,000 in damages. The important thing is no one was injured. I can't imagine putting oil on the stove and walking away from it. I understand that accidents happen, but this could've been a real tragedy. Fortunately it is only property damage this time.
As it turned out, one of the apartments had a kitchen fire ! A resident was cooking french fries and walked away from the stove. His daughter 17 and granddaughter 7 months were upstairs at the time.
Fortunately everyone was able to get out of the apartment. The local news is reporting $10-$15,000 in damages. The important thing is no one was injured. I can't imagine putting oil on the stove and walking away from it. I understand that accidents happen, but this could've been a real tragedy. Fortunately it is only property damage this time.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Save Money with Groupon
Have you seen this site Groupon where they offer daily deals in your city? Save up to 90% with a new deal each day. I like it, thanks Linda
Helping out a Physical Therapist
A local physical therapist Dave, is in a contest to win a free wedding in Hilton Head South Carolina. How about helping out by voting for him Here thanks so much for helping out, hopefully he wins!
Uncle Kracker performs "It's Good To Be Me" in the PST Live Lounge
I love cheap sunglasses..... although I'm more of a Ford Mustang guy then a cutlass supreme man. I like Uncle Kracker and this song gets me in the mood for summer and relaxing with an adult beverage and a really long straw.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thursday Thoughts
I have not been watching the Stanley Cup finals but the news just said the Philadelphia Flyers won in overtime last night against the Chicago Blackhawks. I'm glad that Chicago is leading the series 2 games to 1.... it would be terrible if Philadelphia won the Stanley Cup.
Last night's storms around Pittsburgh caused a lot of flooding and water damage. Hopefully the individuals affected are able to get things cleaned up quickly and have insurance coverage for the damage.
This weekend I plan on getting some plants into my herb garden. I know I am running behind but things have been a little crazy around here.... Things I need to get in: basil, hot peppers, tomatoes. Plants that need trimming: lavender and sage.
My blackberries and red raspberries are developing nicely. I can't wait until they ripen and I can have tarts for breakfast.
Last night's storms around Pittsburgh caused a lot of flooding and water damage. Hopefully the individuals affected are able to get things cleaned up quickly and have insurance coverage for the damage.
This weekend I plan on getting some plants into my herb garden. I know I am running behind but things have been a little crazy around here.... Things I need to get in: basil, hot peppers, tomatoes. Plants that need trimming: lavender and sage.
My blackberries and red raspberries are developing nicely. I can't wait until they ripen and I can have tarts for breakfast.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Penguins call on students to test toilets at Consol Energy Center
Penguins call on students to test toilets at Consol Energy Center One more reason to love Penguin Hockey !
National Bow Hunter Education Foundation
I just successfully took the National Bow Hunter's Education Foundation Test on line, I guess 20 years of hunting experience paid off. I'm looking forward to completing a field day training sometime soon and will post pictures.
I have been in contact with the instructor and he is more than willing to accommodate my power wheelchair. I'm really excited about the upcoming fall season, that has not happened since 1999. Hopefully I can attend a disability hunt in Allegheny County this year !
Unschooling: Homeschooling Without Books, Tests or Rules - ABC News
Unschooling: Homeschooling Without Books, Tests or Rules - ABC News
This would be the most ridiculous idea, almost laughable if it was not doing so much damage to these children at least in my opinion.
While it's true that I do not need algebra in my daily life, I believe education is one of the most valuable products we can provide. Access to education should not be denied to anyone...
I always find it difficult to believe that homeschooling provides the same access. I find it hard to believe that one person can teach a child everything they need to know. I'm not saying it's impossible, but unless you are extremely intelligent as well as dedicated I find it to be a very daunting task.
I guess this is the next level, just let the kid do whatever he or she wants... no rules! Sounds like lazy parenting and chaos to me.
This would be the most ridiculous idea, almost laughable if it was not doing so much damage to these children at least in my opinion.
While it's true that I do not need algebra in my daily life, I believe education is one of the most valuable products we can provide. Access to education should not be denied to anyone...
I always find it difficult to believe that homeschooling provides the same access. I find it hard to believe that one person can teach a child everything they need to know. I'm not saying it's impossible, but unless you are extremely intelligent as well as dedicated I find it to be a very daunting task.
I guess this is the next level, just let the kid do whatever he or she wants... no rules! Sounds like lazy parenting and chaos to me.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Dog Days of Summer
I was helping puppy sit this bundle of joy today . A Great Pyrenees who loved being on the deck and in the baby pool... Nala was not to happy about him using her pool.
Notice the ice pack on my neck ? The heat was a quad killer today
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