Friday, October 27, 2006

Back in the saddle

Well, maybe not that kinda back in the saddle. However, I did fix all the photo glitches in the blog that came about when I switched to a different Web host back in August.

I am still having a hard time deciding what to write about on the blog that would be interesting and perhaps informative. As it stands right now, this blog is kinda suckie and doesn't really do much for anyone other than give me practice with publishing online.

Friday, May 05, 2006

I miss vacation

We recently got back from vacation. It was one of those where you plan to take the time off but don't spend a lot of time plotting your every move. You're probably thinking that less organization leads to more chaos on a vacation, but not this time. We've both agreed this is one of the most restful vacations we've ever had.



This photo was taken atop the cupola of Bernadine's Stillman Inn in Galena, our first major stop on this year's vacation. It's a very old but very nice bed and breakfast. The owners, Dave and Bernadine were such good hosts it felt like we were family. In a town that thrives on its tourism and B&B trade, Stillman leads the pack.

Anyway, I'm trying to post photos from our trip if anyone's interested. Check back soon for that update.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

A true sucker punch

I can't believe this video. Watch it.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Woopeee! It's FREEE!

A friend of mine turned me on to free directory assistance. (800) FREE411. Sometimes you must listen to a 12-second ad for something or other and for the time being they are not offering call completion, but hey, it's free.

I think we should all program this number into our cell phone and house phones. No more $1.50 411 calls.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

"Cazzata Melenga!"

BANG!...

wow.

'Sopranos' Star Feels Heat For Pulling Trigger On Tony


NEW YORK -- The actor who plays Uncle Junior on "The Sopranos" isn't feeling the love from fans since his character shot Tony.

Dominic Chianese told "Live With Regis and Kelly" that one man came up to him in an airport and said, "I hate you!"

Chianese filmed the scene last May and kept it a secret even from his wife.
James Galdolfini was the only other actor who knew.

Chianese said only the cinematographer and director were on the set for the scene.

Associated Press
March 22, 2006

Monday, March 20, 2006

A real ghost caught on film

Finally, the pictures have been developed and so we now have photographic proof that Bachelor's Grove Cemetery in Suburban Cook County is indeed haunted. For years, ghost hunters -- amateur and professional alike -- have been reporting abnormal levels of paranormal activity at this ramshackle wooded burial ground 30 miles outside Chicago.

A practicing skeptic at the time, I grabbed my trusty Instamatic as some friends of ours set off with us on a daring exploration to this purported purgatory just a few short months ago. Be advised, the content of these photos is very dramatic but evidence of authentic haunting is overwhelming. Roll over the picture below with your mouse to see what scared us so that fateful day we dared to venture into Bachelor's Grove Cemetery.

Make your own playlist:

I cribbed most of the ideas for the following personal music playlist from another Blog. In my defense, the songs chosen are my own picks. If you'd like to play the home game, post your playlist here in the comments section when you're done. I should warn you, it took me two hours to get this list just right.

1. A favorite political track.
"Ohio" Crosby Stills Nash and Young.
2. One of those tracks that will make you tap your feet no matter what.
"All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down" The Mavericks.
3. The song you'd use to tell someone you love them.
"By Your Side" Sade.
4. A likeable song from a Broadway musical or a film soundtrack.
"Shake a Tail Feather" the Blues Brothers.
5. A song with lyrics that forced you to sit down and think.
"The Lucky One" Alison Krauss.
6. A song you like that a 5-year-old would like too.
"Bannanaphone" Raffi.
7. A song that makes you drive too fast.
"Respect Yourself" Staple Singers.
8. A great song covered by someone else.
"Landslide" Dixie Chicks.
9. A song that both you and your grandparents would like.
"For Sentimental Reasons" Nat Cole.
10. A song you really liked when you were 14-16 that you don't hate now.
"Under the Bridge" Red Hot Chili Peppers.
11. A break-up song.
"Best I Ever Had" Vertical Horizon.
12. The song playing under the credits of your life's movie soundtrack.
"Say Hello Wave Goodbye" David Gray.
13. An awesome live track.
"Do You Feel Like We Do" Peter Frampton.
14. An a cappella song.
"Ave Maria" traditional.
15. A good song that no one could guess that you liked.
"Prayer of Saint Francis" Sarah McLachlan.
16. A song you wish you could play, on the instrument of your choice.
"Irish Rover" traditional Irish folk song.
17. A favorite artist duo collaboration.
"If You Love Me" Van Morrison and BB King.
18. A song you'll listen to but is too cheesy to be a classic.
"Signs" Five Man Electrical Band.
19. A song you love that a friend introduced you to.
"Winona" Matthew Sweet.
20. A song you wouldn't play in front of your Mom
"Let's Talk About Sex" Salt-N-Pepa.
21. Song that you like but would play loud to annoy the neighbors.
"Fat Bottom Girls" Queen.
22. A favorite song that's in a foreign language.
"Zoot Suit Riot (Spanish)" Cherry Poppin' Daddies.
23. A favorite track from an outfit considered a "super-group."
"Handle With Care" Traveling Wilburys.
24. A song that makes you want to drink more beer.
"Wild Rover" traditional Irish folk song.
25. Your favorite song at this moment in time.
"Ripple" Grateful Dead.

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Exactly how many in twelve legions?

"Or do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, who would promptly send more than twelve legions of angels to my defense?" - Matthew 26:53.

This quote of Jesus was mentioned in chapel this morning at work. Twelve legions? That's a lot I bet. I wonder, more exactly, how many angels would make up twelve legions?

It seems to be anywhere between sixty-thousand and ninety-six thousand angels.



According to the free online encyclopedia Wikipedia, traditional Roman legions -- the most widely-accepted and popular "legions" in Christ's time -- contained five, six or eight thousand infantry soldiers.

That would mean God the Father, at the behest of his only begotten Son, would send just fewer than half of the number of angel/soldiers needed to fight an angel-to-man battle with the Roman Army's twenty-eight legions of fighting regulars.

Obviously there would be some handicapping involved here because angels undoubtedly possess some kind of super powers even though the Romans were a tough-as-nails fighting machine. I wonder of Christian historians have ever sat down with Roman Army experts to figure out how such a battle might have played out.

Define: Rejoinder

n. a quick reply to a question or remark, especially a witty or critical one.