Man, I would love to support an African-American candidate for President. In fact, I even took a little test on "implicit / automatic" biases recently on a Harvard web site, link here, and found I have a slight automatic bias towards black people versus white people. This project is also mentioned in Malcolm Gladwell's fascinating book, "Blink", which deals with decisions humans make at a subconscious level.
But while I'd like to support a black man or woman for President, that candidate first and foremost must be someone that will uphold the Constitution and freedom, which is the main concept I feel has made America great. I don't feel Obama does this. Here is an article on National Review that captures my feelings almost exactly. A couple of paragraphs I like:
Freedom accepts that we are different. The endless variety of life assures that. I had every opportunity to become just as good a basketball player as Michael Jordan, but he has natural gifts and worked harder. If we played a hundred times, he would whip me a hundred times by about 500 points. No Change, no matter how rapturously framed, could alter that result without chaining him to the bench and rendering the game no longer recognizable as basketball. That would be perversion, not justice.
Yet, this is just what Obama’s “economic justice” envisions: that the government can hamstring Michael Jordan and give me enough freebies that, despite his talent and industry, he can only play me to a tie, destroying his incentive to excel while the Bulls go out of business, no longer able to afford even my mediocrity. Naturally, such an absurd system requires change. Redistribution smothers the freedom our Constitution is designed to foster. It is therefore antithetical to our law.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Phillies win 3-1/2 inning game to claim World Series
Last night I watched the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays to end the World Series 4 games to 1 and win their second overall championship (first was in 1980). Game 5 had started Monday night, but had to be postponed after 6-1/2 innings of play due to very heavy rain / cold (a "Nor-easter"? -- aw, hell, I'm from Texas, I don't know anything about Yankee weather patterns...). Link here for game recap / highlights. My analysis? Tampa would have had a much better chance of winning had they not allowed leadoff doubles to Philly in the bottom of the 6th and 7th innings.
So last night they finished game 5, on Fox TV. It was unusual to go through a pre-game show then start the game in the middle of the 6th inning. But actually, it turned out to be about the perfect length of time for me to watch a baseball game -- about an hour (with some DVR-ing of commercials). My favorite moment was just after closer Brad Lidge got the strikeout with a wicked slider to end the game and dropped to his knees in celebration, then 1st baseman Ryan Howard (who, to quote the movie Fargo, is "kind of a big fella") tackled Lidge from the side to start the traditional baseball championship dogpile. Nice hit!
Anyway, this short game got me thinking about doing this with other sports. NBA games should begin in the 4th quarter, or maybe even the final two minutes. NHL games could start in the 3rd period (or perhaps should skip straight to the penalty shoot-out phase). Soccer should definitely just skip to the shootout. Football is cool -- we'll keep full-length games for that.
So last night they finished game 5, on Fox TV. It was unusual to go through a pre-game show then start the game in the middle of the 6th inning. But actually, it turned out to be about the perfect length of time for me to watch a baseball game -- about an hour (with some DVR-ing of commercials). My favorite moment was just after closer Brad Lidge got the strikeout with a wicked slider to end the game and dropped to his knees in celebration, then 1st baseman Ryan Howard (who, to quote the movie Fargo, is "kind of a big fella") tackled Lidge from the side to start the traditional baseball championship dogpile. Nice hit!
Anyway, this short game got me thinking about doing this with other sports. NBA games should begin in the 4th quarter, or maybe even the final two minutes. NHL games could start in the 3rd period (or perhaps should skip straight to the penalty shoot-out phase). Soccer should definitely just skip to the shootout. Football is cool -- we'll keep full-length games for that.
ESPN Gameday covers Texas again
ESPN's premier college pre-game show, College Gameday, is going to Lubbock covering the Texas / Texas Tech game (on ABC this Saturday night at 7pm central). Link here for their web site. This will be the 3rd time this season that Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit (on right in photo below), and Lee Corso (wearing Bevo head to indicate he's picking Texas to win the game) have come to a Texas game this season. This is a pretty enjoyable year for a Texas fan -- being #1 does not suck.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
My kid could paint that
I'd kind of like to see this movie, link sent to me by my friend Corey. So if I tried to sell Lauren's work for thousands of dollars, I would not be the first!
KXAN / Time Warner, Ben White / I-35
Two stories I saw of definite interest to me in the local online paper (Austin American Statesman) this morning:
1) KXAN (our local NBC affiliate) seems to be back on Time Warner cable. Thing is, I already have an order placed for DirecTV next week. I think I'll probably go ahead and switch, because DirecTV gets the NFL network (who shows some Thursday night NFL games), while Time Warner does not. Link here for story.
2) Under the category of news "About Freaking Time!", there's some sort of vote going on tomorrow to get approved the funding to start the the I-35 / Ben White overpasses completed, link here.
1) KXAN (our local NBC affiliate) seems to be back on Time Warner cable. Thing is, I already have an order placed for DirecTV next week. I think I'll probably go ahead and switch, because DirecTV gets the NFL network (who shows some Thursday night NFL games), while Time Warner does not. Link here for story.
2) Under the category of news "About Freaking Time!", there's some sort of vote going on tomorrow to get approved the funding to start the the I-35 / Ben White overpasses completed, link here.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Umm, how 'bout them Cowboys?
I watched most of the Dallas / Tampa Bay game (and I use the word "game" loosely) Sunday, and had to take some anti-nausea medication near the end. Not because the game was close / nerve-wracking, but because the low-quality offensive play was offensive to my stomach. Dallas definitely won that game (13-9) merely by sucking less than Tampa Bay. See here for game recap.
Brad Johnson missed some pretty easy throws at times, and rumors are saying 3rd string QB Brooks Bollinger may start against the defending champ Giants next weekend. Good news is that the Dallas defense played very strong and saved the game. But the Boys will have to figure out a way to play much better against NY or they'll lose by 27. At least they'll have a bye week and Tony Romo will be back the following week.
Brad Johnson missed some pretty easy throws at times, and rumors are saying 3rd string QB Brooks Bollinger may start against the defending champ Giants next weekend. Good news is that the Dallas defense played very strong and saved the game. But the Boys will have to figure out a way to play much better against NY or they'll lose by 27. At least they'll have a bye week and Tony Romo will be back the following week.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Art genius or vandal?
My daughter Lauren went on a recent decorating spree in our house with a pencil. She definitely got in trouble, but now I'm wondering ... do we have a potential art genius on our hands? This particular "work" looks pretty cool -- wonder if I could sell it for about $50,000? I could title it "It Looks Like A Three-Year-Old Could Have Drawn It".
Horns roll on to face Pirate Tortilla-Chuckers
Texas played a very close game at home against a really good Oklahoma State team, winning 28-24, recap and highlights here.
After watching the game on TV and noticing the nice weather we had this weekend, I commented to Natasha about how it would have been a really cool game to see in person. I didn't know that Darren, David, and Bill (our church's pastor) had actually been there. I was quite jealous!
Had that game been in Stillwater instead of Austin, I think UT might have lost. I think Texas was also fortunate that OSU went away from a running game that had been working pretty well. That's a good team.
In other news, #3 and undefeated Penn State played well to beat Ohio State in Columbus to ensure their spot, umm, on their knees begging to God for #2 Alabama or #1 Texas to lose! Alabama's biggest test will be against likely Florida in the SEC Championship game, and Texas' biggest test is next week. Penn State may face yet another year of having a perfect season but being shut out of the national title game, which has actually happened several times to them.
Now, for Texas, it's on to Lubbock to face undefeated Pirate Mike Leach and Texas Tech. I think if Texas can win under the Tortilla Rain that they'll be in the BCS title game. I wonder if Tech will bring out the flour discs for #1 Texas:
My prediction? Texas wins a "defensive struggle" 63-60.
After watching the game on TV and noticing the nice weather we had this weekend, I commented to Natasha about how it would have been a really cool game to see in person. I didn't know that Darren, David, and Bill (our church's pastor) had actually been there. I was quite jealous!
Had that game been in Stillwater instead of Austin, I think UT might have lost. I think Texas was also fortunate that OSU went away from a running game that had been working pretty well. That's a good team.
In other news, #3 and undefeated Penn State played well to beat Ohio State in Columbus to ensure their spot, umm, on their knees begging to God for #2 Alabama or #1 Texas to lose! Alabama's biggest test will be against likely Florida in the SEC Championship game, and Texas' biggest test is next week. Penn State may face yet another year of having a perfect season but being shut out of the national title game, which has actually happened several times to them.
Now, for Texas, it's on to Lubbock to face undefeated Pirate Mike Leach and Texas Tech. I think if Texas can win under the Tortilla Rain that they'll be in the BCS title game. I wonder if Tech will bring out the flour discs for #1 Texas:
My prediction? Texas wins a "defensive struggle" 63-60.
Pricing in Change
Monday, October 20, 2008
My children, er, I mean ... kids!
Whenever we put our kids to bed, they like to get together in Daniel's bed for bedtime prayers. Before I pray for them, I kind of lay down on top of them and hug / squeeze / kiss them and say, "My Children!!", to which they laugh and respond "We're not children! We're KIDS!". I don't think they mean young goats...
Other times they say, "We're not children, we're DOGS!" referring to themselves as Pongo and Birdie, the dad and mom Dalmations from the animated classic "101 Dalmations".
Other times they say, "We're not children, we're DOGS!" referring to themselves as Pongo and Birdie, the dad and mom Dalmations from the animated classic "101 Dalmations".
These Texas Longhorns do not suck!
Wow, #1 Texas just absolutely put a hurtin' on #11 Les Mizzourables (who dropped to #16 AP / #15 BCS) this weekend, leading at one point 35-0 in the first half before putting it on cruise control and winning 56-31. Link here for story / highlights.
While Texas got about 2/3 of the AP first place votes last weekend (Alabama getting the rest), all of the remaining AP voters switched their votes to Texas after 'bama had a close win against Ole Miss.
This Texas team looks scary good right now, perhaps even better than Vince Young's 2005 championship team. With McCoy / Shipley / Q. Cosby / Ogbonnaya moving the offense and that freak Brian Orakpo--my wife thought the announcers were calling him Brian "A Rat Hole"--leading the defense, is it possible that the Longhorns are the best football team in the state of Texas? After watching the Cowboys get crushed by the Rams and Houston struggling to beat winless Detroit, they may be!
The KLBJ 590 AM morning radio show crew were joking about Obama approaching Texas' defensive coordinator Will Muschamp (pictured below, on left, with head coach Mack Brown) for a job as Secretary of Defense if Obama wins.
While Texas got about 2/3 of the AP first place votes last weekend (Alabama getting the rest), all of the remaining AP voters switched their votes to Texas after 'bama had a close win against Ole Miss.
This Texas team looks scary good right now, perhaps even better than Vince Young's 2005 championship team. With McCoy / Shipley / Q. Cosby / Ogbonnaya moving the offense and that freak Brian Orakpo--my wife thought the announcers were calling him Brian "A Rat Hole"--leading the defense, is it possible that the Longhorns are the best football team in the state of Texas? After watching the Cowboys get crushed by the Rams and Houston struggling to beat winless Detroit, they may be!
The KLBJ 590 AM morning radio show crew were joking about Obama approaching Texas' defensive coordinator Will Muschamp (pictured below, on left, with head coach Mack Brown) for a job as Secretary of Defense if Obama wins.
My wife is really "stepping up" her artwork
My wife Natasha has been doing some painting lately. I posted (2 posts ago) about the mural she did for her dad's new pot, er, pottery shop. Now she's working on some cute little steps / step stools for kids. Here's a couple of recently completed works:
Link to her web site is here.
Link to Natasha's doula services web site here.
Link to her web site is here.
Link to Natasha's doula services web site here.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Warren Buffett says "Buy, Baby, Buy!"
Outstanding article (forward from my friend Wes) in the Op Ed section of the New York Times by Warren Buffett, titled "Buy American. I Am." Link here. A few key paragraphs:
A little history here: During the Depression, the Dow hit its low, 41, on July 8, 1932. Economic conditions, though, kept deteriorating until Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in March 1933. By that time, the market had already advanced 30 percent. Or think back to the early days of World War II, when things were going badly for the United States in Europe and the Pacific. The market hit bottom in April 1942, well before Allied fortunes turned. Again, in the early 1980s, the time to buy stocks was when inflation raged and the economy was in the tank. In short, bad news is an investor’s best friend. It lets you buy a slice of America’s future at a marked-down price.
Over the long term, the stock market news will be good. In the 20th century, the United States endured two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Depression; a dozen or so recessions and financial panics; oil shocks; a flu epidemic; and the resignation of a disgraced president. Yet the Dow rose from 66 to 11,497.
You might think it would have been impossible for an investor to lose money during a century marked by such an extraordinary gain. But some investors did. The hapless ones bought stocks only when they felt comfort in doing so and then proceeded to sell when the headlines made them queasy.
A little history here: During the Depression, the Dow hit its low, 41, on July 8, 1932. Economic conditions, though, kept deteriorating until Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in March 1933. By that time, the market had already advanced 30 percent. Or think back to the early days of World War II, when things were going badly for the United States in Europe and the Pacific. The market hit bottom in April 1942, well before Allied fortunes turned. Again, in the early 1980s, the time to buy stocks was when inflation raged and the economy was in the tank. In short, bad news is an investor’s best friend. It lets you buy a slice of America’s future at a marked-down price.
Over the long term, the stock market news will be good. In the 20th century, the United States endured two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Depression; a dozen or so recessions and financial panics; oil shocks; a flu epidemic; and the resignation of a disgraced president. Yet the Dow rose from 66 to 11,497.
You might think it would have been impossible for an investor to lose money during a century marked by such an extraordinary gain. But some investors did. The hapless ones bought stocks only when they felt comfort in doing so and then proceeded to sell when the headlines made them queasy.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
My wife's dad opens new Pottery shop in Dallas area!
My wife Natasha's dad and step-mom, Winston and Becky Wigand, have opened a new pottery shop in Mesquite, TX, in the Dallas area. It's called Treasured Vessels, link to web site here. Photo of Winston and Becky here:
This is the new store / shop for which Natasha did a large mural-style painting (see below).
Very cool that Winston is doing this ... I really have a lot of admiration for small-business owners and entrepreneurs like this!
My recommendation for a slogan for Winston's new store?
GET YOUR POT HERE!
This is the new store / shop for which Natasha did a large mural-style painting (see below).
Very cool that Winston is doing this ... I really have a lot of admiration for small-business owners and entrepreneurs like this!
My recommendation for a slogan for Winston's new store?
GET YOUR POT HERE!
Re-arranging church stage, haven't seen kids
These are two separate topics in the title of this post ... me missing my kids is not related to our band re-arraging the church stage! Natasha went out of town Tuesday and Wednesday of this week with the kids to transport to Dallas and hang / mount a large painting she did for her dad's new pottery shop he's opening. Monday night was the last time I've seen the kids. Was very strangely quiet in the house Tuesday night with no one but me there.
Darren, Wes, David Hart, and Dale met last night at the church to move all of the instruments around. For the last year or so, we'd had our instruments arranged on stage in a way where I couldn't communicate with Darren, our leader. This might be less important if we planned our songs ahead of time and practiced before services a lot. But since we sort of wing everything, it's helpful to be able to communicate! Photo of Darren here:
So we took down the banister and moved all of the instruments off the stage, see interim photo here:
Then we put them back up in better positions and put the banister back in. See photo of the way it is now:
The new setup allows me to communicate during services much better with Darren without having to revert to semaphore.
Darren, Wes, David Hart, and Dale met last night at the church to move all of the instruments around. For the last year or so, we'd had our instruments arranged on stage in a way where I couldn't communicate with Darren, our leader. This might be less important if we planned our songs ahead of time and practiced before services a lot. But since we sort of wing everything, it's helpful to be able to communicate! Photo of Darren here:
So we took down the banister and moved all of the instruments off the stage, see interim photo here:
Then we put them back up in better positions and put the banister back in. See photo of the way it is now:
The new setup allows me to communicate during services much better with Darren without having to revert to semaphore.
Paulsen makes offer banks can't refuse
No word if any CEOs of the US's 9 largest banks woke up with any horse heads in their beds. My good friend Wes forwarded me this article (link here) about how US Treasury Secretary Hank Paulsen (photo below) seemed to pressure US bank CEOs into signing an agreement for the Treasury to buy shares, and the 1-page agreement included limits on what the CEOs could earn.
I tend to see this as pretty socialistic and hope this is temporary.
I tend to see this as pretty socialistic and hope this is temporary.
Monday, October 13, 2008
From a 094k back up to a 101k
S&P 500 was up over 100 points, or 11.6% today, one of the biggest percentage gains in a single day I can recall (I trying to find some info online to see what the actual record single-day percentage gain is...).
Of course, it's still 500 pts below where it was this time last year...
Of course, it's still 500 pts below where it was this time last year...
My kids do not support my economic plan
A few years ago, we got a little bit of extra money from Freescale getting bought out and taken private -- this "change of control" caused all of our stock options that were going to be given to us over time to vest immediately. I suppose it wasn't "extra" money, rather we simply received it sooner.
I tried to save some of it, but we made some improvements on the house and spent it on a few other things that we either needed (unexpected car repairs, work clothes) or wanted (Patron, Gran Centenario Plata, golf, cool trip to see relatives Peter and Lisa in Seattle, dinner at one of my favorite Austin sushi restaurants Uchi, etc.).
Anyway, the rather down economy and higher gas prices are making us cut back in a few areas. One of the biggest "levers" we had to pull was cutting back on eating out, which we did quite a bit of on weekends and used for entertainment as well as meals. Often the kids would look forward to going to Trudy's or Chuy's after our really long Sunday services (Lauren would say, "I want beans!").
So yesterday after church when both kids were pleading, "I want to go to restaurant!", and then crying when we told them that we were just going home, it was a little tough. Lauren apparently is not quite ready to have a conversation about "living within your means."
I tried to save some of it, but we made some improvements on the house and spent it on a few other things that we either needed (unexpected car repairs, work clothes) or wanted (Patron, Gran Centenario Plata, golf, cool trip to see relatives Peter and Lisa in Seattle, dinner at one of my favorite Austin sushi restaurants Uchi, etc.).
Anyway, the rather down economy and higher gas prices are making us cut back in a few areas. One of the biggest "levers" we had to pull was cutting back on eating out, which we did quite a bit of on weekends and used for entertainment as well as meals. Often the kids would look forward to going to Trudy's or Chuy's after our really long Sunday services (Lauren would say, "I want beans!").
So yesterday after church when both kids were pleading, "I want to go to restaurant!", and then crying when we told them that we were just going home, it was a little tough. Lauren apparently is not quite ready to have a conversation about "living within your means."
Good workout -- finally
Events of this weekend had me pumped to go in the gym and take on Isaac Newton, specifically F=(G*m1*m2)/r^2 (where F is the gravitational force between m1, mass of the Earth, and m2, the mass of the dumbbells I happened to be trying to move away from the Earth ... typically in 2-3 sets of 8-10 reps).
Due to a really tiring conference a few weeks ago, illness going around the family, and a very stressful job the last month, my workouts have not had any intensity lately. Been just trying to make it through the whole workout. Today was much better, and was one of the first days I've been able to "push it", and I broke or tied two personal bests (in pushups and dumbbell shoulder press). Almost threw up a few times pushing it so hard, but managed to keep it together. May be a bit sore tomorrow.
Due to a really tiring conference a few weeks ago, illness going around the family, and a very stressful job the last month, my workouts have not had any intensity lately. Been just trying to make it through the whole workout. Today was much better, and was one of the first days I've been able to "push it", and I broke or tied two personal bests (in pushups and dumbbell shoulder press). Almost threw up a few times pushing it so hard, but managed to keep it together. May be a bit sore tomorrow.
WE'RE NUMBER ONE! No, really...
Wow, AP puts Texas up to #1 from #5 in this week's poll. See ESPN story here. Says ESPN:
Texas' jump from No. 5 to No. 1 is the largest since Miami went from No. 6 to No. 1 on Aug. 29, 1988, after beating preseason top-ranked Florida State 31-0 to start the season.
Let's see -- when was the last time we were #1? Ah, yes, after beating USC in the Rose Bowl:
Though I'm not complaining, I'm a little surprised by voters putting Texas ahead of Alabama. Two weekends ago, Alabama went on the road and throttled then-#3 Georgia (at one point leading 31-0 in the first half), a very impressive win. Maybe voters put Texas ahead because of 'bama's close 17-14 win against unranked Kentucky last weekend (they were idle this weekend).
Well, whatever ... #1 or 2 is fine. Texas wasn't #1 in their entire 2005 season until after the last game against #1 USC. If Texas can get through a very tough upcoming stretch of Missouri (#11), Oklahoma State (#8), and Texas Tech (#7) and keep winning, maybe we'll get a chance to decide it against Alabama (or, if 'bama loses, maybe Penn State, Florida, USC, or even Oklahoma again) on the field for the national title.
Wow, there's an interesting thought ... if Penn State and Alabama lose and Texas wins the rest of their regular season games, it is possible that Texas would play Missouri twice (once in reg season and maybe again in Big 12 championship game), then play OU again for the national title if Texas wins their Big 12 championship game. Wow, Texas vs OU for the crystal football? I might have to try to go see THAT one in person!
Anyway, that's a long way from now, and Texas will be doing fantasic just to win the next 3 games.
Texas' jump from No. 5 to No. 1 is the largest since Miami went from No. 6 to No. 1 on Aug. 29, 1988, after beating preseason top-ranked Florida State 31-0 to start the season.
Let's see -- when was the last time we were #1? Ah, yes, after beating USC in the Rose Bowl:
Though I'm not complaining, I'm a little surprised by voters putting Texas ahead of Alabama. Two weekends ago, Alabama went on the road and throttled then-#3 Georgia (at one point leading 31-0 in the first half), a very impressive win. Maybe voters put Texas ahead because of 'bama's close 17-14 win against unranked Kentucky last weekend (they were idle this weekend).
Well, whatever ... #1 or 2 is fine. Texas wasn't #1 in their entire 2005 season until after the last game against #1 USC. If Texas can get through a very tough upcoming stretch of Missouri (#11), Oklahoma State (#8), and Texas Tech (#7) and keep winning, maybe we'll get a chance to decide it against Alabama (or, if 'bama loses, maybe Penn State, Florida, USC, or even Oklahoma again) on the field for the national title.
Wow, there's an interesting thought ... if Penn State and Alabama lose and Texas wins the rest of their regular season games, it is possible that Texas would play Missouri twice (once in reg season and maybe again in Big 12 championship game), then play OU again for the national title if Texas wins their Big 12 championship game. Wow, Texas vs OU for the crystal football? I might have to try to go see THAT one in person!
Anyway, that's a long way from now, and Texas will be doing fantasic just to win the next 3 games.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Fried chicken, wine, and 5-woods
This past Friday I took off from work to relax (and also to request deferred adjudication from the Kyle JP on my 2nd speeding ticket in 2 months). I watched the kids in the morning while my wife got a haircut, then went to pay the fine and then to relax.
I picked up a box of Gill's friend chicken and headed out CR150 to the Mandola winery (link here) in Driftwood, where I got a glass of a tasty Montepulciano and ate my chicken and drank my wine at a picnic table in the shade. The weather was nice, and the beautiful grounds made for a much nicer lunch than the typical work day (where I eat a sandwich in my cubicle).
Inflation has hit their winery. Back in June, I bought a really good Sangiovese for $16, but all of their wines are up to $26 / bottle now. I was going to bring home a bottle for dinner, but passed at the higher prices.
I then went to the Grey Rock (used to be Circle C) golf course to hit balls at the driving range. Was hitting it pretty well and smoked a few drives about 300 yards, but got hot and tired after only about 120 balls. My pastor at my church says that Vijay Singh hits over 600-700 balls a day. That's nuts...
I picked up a box of Gill's friend chicken and headed out CR150 to the Mandola winery (link here) in Driftwood, where I got a glass of a tasty Montepulciano and ate my chicken and drank my wine at a picnic table in the shade. The weather was nice, and the beautiful grounds made for a much nicer lunch than the typical work day (where I eat a sandwich in my cubicle).
Inflation has hit their winery. Back in June, I bought a really good Sangiovese for $16, but all of their wines are up to $26 / bottle now. I was going to bring home a bottle for dinner, but passed at the higher prices.
I then went to the Grey Rock (used to be Circle C) golf course to hit balls at the driving range. Was hitting it pretty well and smoked a few drives about 300 yards, but got hot and tired after only about 120 balls. My pastor at my church says that Vijay Singh hits over 600-700 balls a day. That's nuts...
Texas / ou Recap ... one of Texas' best wins ever.
Wow, that was Bee-U.T.-ful. what a tremendous and enjoyable victory for my Horns. Very well played on both sides of the ball, and one of the best regular season college football games I've ever seen. This was as cool of a win for me as 2005 Texas and Vince Young beating Ohio State in Columbus, and almost as cool as the Jan 2006 national championship win. Drinking a margarita with Don Julio Reposado and Cointreau while watching this win did not suck, either.
While OU was able to move the ball very well at times, Texas executed just enough on my two keys of pressuring Bradford and running the ball to be able to win 45-35.
Pressure on Bradford from Sergio Kindle was key to the overthrown ball that was intercepted on a spectacular diving catch by Earl Thomas. And good blocking and great running by Chris Ogbonnaya helped ice the game in the final minutes with Ogbonnaya's 62-yard run late in the 4th quarter. Another awesome moment was Quan Cosby's block while Jordan Shipley was running on a long pass play, see link here or view below:
Special teams, sparked by Jordan Shipley, also saved the game for Texas. After OU scored to lead 14-3, Texas came right back with Shipley's 96-yard TD return of the kickoff to take some momentum right back.
Only real controversial call was on a 3rd down ball McCoy should not have thrown that looked to be intercepted by an OU defender in the end zone. Natasha thought it should have been an interception. It was very close. But refs rules it was incomplete, allowing Texas to take the lead on a field goal. Strange that Stoops didn't challenge that call. See here:
Maybe the refs were making up for their earlier sketchy call when the OU punter executed a perfect soccer-style flop, dive, roll, and grab-the-knee-in-agony acting job that lead to a Texas roughing the kicker penalty and kept an OU drive going where they eventually scored.
See other game highlights here:
This tremendous win gives Texas the inside track to the national championship game, and sets up another big matchup next week against Missouri, ranked #3. But Mizzou is currently trailing 21-17 against Oklahoma State, who has the ball and is driving with about 11:30 left in the 4th quarter ... OK, now OSU just scored on a nice scramble and TD pass on 3rd-and-12 with about 6 minutes left to make it 28-17. So it's likely Les Mizzou-rables will be out of the top 10 ranking next week.
Man, what is it about OkSt? They seem to play well against highly-ranked opponents -- they've beaten a higher ranked Oklahoma team a few times in the past few years, and gave Texas fits in their 2005 championship season (Vince Young had to do "The Ball Fake" to help come from behind in that win).
While OU was able to move the ball very well at times, Texas executed just enough on my two keys of pressuring Bradford and running the ball to be able to win 45-35.
Pressure on Bradford from Sergio Kindle was key to the overthrown ball that was intercepted on a spectacular diving catch by Earl Thomas. And good blocking and great running by Chris Ogbonnaya helped ice the game in the final minutes with Ogbonnaya's 62-yard run late in the 4th quarter. Another awesome moment was Quan Cosby's block while Jordan Shipley was running on a long pass play, see link here or view below:
Special teams, sparked by Jordan Shipley, also saved the game for Texas. After OU scored to lead 14-3, Texas came right back with Shipley's 96-yard TD return of the kickoff to take some momentum right back.
Only real controversial call was on a 3rd down ball McCoy should not have thrown that looked to be intercepted by an OU defender in the end zone. Natasha thought it should have been an interception. It was very close. But refs rules it was incomplete, allowing Texas to take the lead on a field goal. Strange that Stoops didn't challenge that call. See here:
Maybe the refs were making up for their earlier sketchy call when the OU punter executed a perfect soccer-style flop, dive, roll, and grab-the-knee-in-agony acting job that lead to a Texas roughing the kicker penalty and kept an OU drive going where they eventually scored.
See other game highlights here:
This tremendous win gives Texas the inside track to the national championship game, and sets up another big matchup next week against Missouri, ranked #3. But Mizzou is currently trailing 21-17 against Oklahoma State, who has the ball and is driving with about 11:30 left in the 4th quarter ... OK, now OSU just scored on a nice scramble and TD pass on 3rd-and-12 with about 6 minutes left to make it 28-17. So it's likely Les Mizzou-rables will be out of the top 10 ranking next week.
Man, what is it about OkSt? They seem to play well against highly-ranked opponents -- they've beaten a higher ranked Oklahoma team a few times in the past few years, and gave Texas fits in their 2005 championship season (Vince Young had to do "The Ball Fake" to help come from behind in that win).
It happens to a lot of guys
Another story from this morning's soccer game for Daniel, related to me by Natasha (who took Daniel to soccer this morning while I stayed home with Lauren, who'd slept in until almost 10am--we don't wake her before she's ready unless the house is on fire).
While Daniel was on a break from playing the game, waiting to sub in later, Natasha noticed Daniel standing up with his hands stuck down the front of his pants. Wanting to discourage this behavior, she told him, "Daniel, get your hands out of your pants."
Daniel had an explanation, though. He said, "Mom, my penis is up!", loud enough for several nearby parents to hear. One of the nearby fathers helpfully offered, "Yeah, that happens sometimes..."
I suppose we should consult a physician immediately if this lasts for longer than 4 hours.
While Daniel was on a break from playing the game, waiting to sub in later, Natasha noticed Daniel standing up with his hands stuck down the front of his pants. Wanting to discourage this behavior, she told him, "Daniel, get your hands out of your pants."
Daniel had an explanation, though. He said, "Mom, my penis is up!", loud enough for several nearby parents to hear. One of the nearby fathers helpfully offered, "Yeah, that happens sometimes..."
I suppose we should consult a physician immediately if this lasts for longer than 4 hours.
Take it easy, my son
After soccer today, my son Daniel (age 5) and my wife Natasha (age withheld) had the following exchange (not sure if I got every word right -- I'm relating this story from memory of Natasha telling me):
Daniel: I just like to walk -- I'm a good walker.
Natasha: You don't like to run?
Daniel: No, it's too hard.
Natasha: But I think you're a good runner, and if you practice you'll get better.
Daniel: No, running is too hard. I just like to take it easy.
So he's obviously got that work ethic down pat.
Daniel: I just like to walk -- I'm a good walker.
Natasha: You don't like to run?
Daniel: No, it's too hard.
Natasha: But I think you're a good runner, and if you practice you'll get better.
Daniel: No, running is too hard. I just like to take it easy.
So he's obviously got that work ethic down pat.
Texas player agrees with my TX/OU analysis!
Just a couple of hours now until Texas / OU kickoff -- I'm getting pumped up. I may actually DVR it this time while I mow the lawn and watch it in 1 hr instead of usual live.
I just read an article from Kirk Bohls in the Statesman quoting Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo: "It'll be a clash between titans ... disrupting the quarterback is the key."
Couldn't have said it better myself. But then, my "expert" analysis saying that getting pressure on an opponent's QB is important to winning a football game is not exactly a news flash. Also not shocking that our best defensive lineman thinks pressure on QB is important. How's that saying go?... "When you're a hammer, everything looks like an OU quarterback".
I just read an article from Kirk Bohls in the Statesman quoting Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo: "It'll be a clash between titans ... disrupting the quarterback is the key."
Couldn't have said it better myself. But then, my "expert" analysis saying that getting pressure on an opponent's QB is important to winning a football game is not exactly a news flash. Also not shocking that our best defensive lineman thinks pressure on QB is important. How's that saying go?... "When you're a hammer, everything looks like an OU quarterback".
Freescale on correct side of Texas / OU battle!
I just saw this photo on the front page of the Austin American Statesman online:
Caption reads: Oklahoma fans Matt Wilson, left, and Morgan Fitzgerald get into an argument with Texas fans Jennifer Gentry and John Pitts at the West End in Dallas on Friday.
John and Jennifer are Freescale employees that work not too far from me in my office at the Freescale Oak Hill site. Good to see Freescale folks out in the community doing the right things! Like Obama suggested -- we need to get in their faces!! (don't think he was referring to Sooners, but whatever).
Caption reads: Oklahoma fans Matt Wilson, left, and Morgan Fitzgerald get into an argument with Texas fans Jennifer Gentry and John Pitts at the West End in Dallas on Friday.John and Jennifer are Freescale employees that work not too far from me in my office at the Freescale Oak Hill site. Good to see Freescale folks out in the community doing the right things! Like Obama suggested -- we need to get in their faces!! (don't think he was referring to Sooners, but whatever).
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Zesty Margarita
I made a really nice margarita tonight. Though it's a Thursday night, I'm taking tomorrow off from work. So it's Friday night for me!
Tonight I made Natasha and myself my standard martini-style margarita with 4 oz tequila (Gran Centenario silver/Plata in this case), 2 oz Cointreau, juice of about 1 lime and about 1 Tbs simple syrup. This recipe size makes 2 stiff drinks (combine ingredients into shaker with lots of ice...shake and strain into large chilled martini glasses). I say "stiff" because at 3 oz of 80-proof liquor in each drink, that's the equivalent alchohol content to two 12-oz Shiner Bocks (sounds like about the right size after a rough work week!).
To spice up the standard recipe, tonight I used a zester/grater and added a little bit of the zest/skin of the lime to the shaker also. Not the entire lime -- it's easy to go overboard with too much zest. This adds a bit more of a bright citrus note on top, kind of like when you add some fresh basil on top of some pasta right before serving (or, if you prefer, some fresh cilantro on some shrimp tacos).
This margarita also reminded me how good that Gran Centenario Plata is -- outstanding! Right up there with the Patron silver and Tezon silver as my favorite tequilas for margaritas.
Tonight I made Natasha and myself my standard martini-style margarita with 4 oz tequila (Gran Centenario silver/Plata in this case), 2 oz Cointreau, juice of about 1 lime and about 1 Tbs simple syrup. This recipe size makes 2 stiff drinks (combine ingredients into shaker with lots of ice...shake and strain into large chilled martini glasses). I say "stiff" because at 3 oz of 80-proof liquor in each drink, that's the equivalent alchohol content to two 12-oz Shiner Bocks (sounds like about the right size after a rough work week!).
To spice up the standard recipe, tonight I used a zester/grater and added a little bit of the zest/skin of the lime to the shaker also. Not the entire lime -- it's easy to go overboard with too much zest. This adds a bit more of a bright citrus note on top, kind of like when you add some fresh basil on top of some pasta right before serving (or, if you prefer, some fresh cilantro on some shrimp tacos).
This margarita also reminded me how good that Gran Centenario Plata is -- outstanding! Right up there with the Patron silver and Tezon silver as my favorite tequilas for margaritas.
Truck works MUUUCH better, work stuff
Wow, my truck performs much better with a functioning one of those alternator thingies! Of course, it still gets only about 13-14 MPG. At least oil is headed south of $90 / barrel.
Have to lead one of those big meetings with my bigwig, er, 4th line manager / VP today. That's why I'm wearing pants (verses typical jeans -- no, I don't typically wear underwear only to work!).
We had a communication meeting yesterday with our 2nd and 3rd line manager, with some interesting Q and A about the recent news that Freescale is selling off part of its business. It seems like some org changes are coming in near future, and a few layoffs may go with it. I'm not too worried, though ... I support a business group that is not being sold off, and we're definitely plenty busy and under-staffed around here.
Just talked to my mom, who works at a local company that sells organic juices / nutritional products here in Austin area -- they sell both direct to consumers and also in local organic stores like Central Market and Whole Foods. They're a bit concerned with the economy situation, because people tend to cut back on vitamins, etc. when economy turns down -- most people in tight times have to pay mortgage, groceries, electric bill, and gas for the car before somewhat more discretionary purchases like vitamins, nutritional supplements, etc.
Have to lead one of those big meetings with my bigwig, er, 4th line manager / VP today. That's why I'm wearing pants (verses typical jeans -- no, I don't typically wear underwear only to work!).
We had a communication meeting yesterday with our 2nd and 3rd line manager, with some interesting Q and A about the recent news that Freescale is selling off part of its business. It seems like some org changes are coming in near future, and a few layoffs may go with it. I'm not too worried, though ... I support a business group that is not being sold off, and we're definitely plenty busy and under-staffed around here.
Just talked to my mom, who works at a local company that sells organic juices / nutritional products here in Austin area -- they sell both direct to consumers and also in local organic stores like Central Market and Whole Foods. They're a bit concerned with the economy situation, because people tend to cut back on vitamins, etc. when economy turns down -- most people in tight times have to pay mortgage, groceries, electric bill, and gas for the car before somewhat more discretionary purchases like vitamins, nutritional supplements, etc.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
My pick from the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog
I just read a Forbes column talking about a few of the coolest items from the Neiman-Marcus Christmas 2008 catalog. Here's my favorite (link to story on Forbes.com here):
Authentic Guinness Home Pub
$250,000
It's the ultimate gift for beer lovers. In celebration of Guinness' 250th Anniversary, Neiman Marcus is offering a fully functional traditional Irish pub custom-built for your home. The pub will be handcrafted with Guinness artifacts and Irish architectural elements. The bar also comes with a keg dispensing unit and a one-year supply of Guinness draught. Included in the gift package is a VIP trip for two to Dublin with first-class airfare, luxury accommodations and insider access to the St. James' Gate brewery.
Authentic Guinness Home Pub
$250,000
It's the ultimate gift for beer lovers. In celebration of Guinness' 250th Anniversary, Neiman Marcus is offering a fully functional traditional Irish pub custom-built for your home. The pub will be handcrafted with Guinness artifacts and Irish architectural elements. The bar also comes with a keg dispensing unit and a one-year supply of Guinness draught. Included in the gift package is a VIP trip for two to Dublin with first-class airfare, luxury accommodations and insider access to the St. James' Gate brewery.
Energy Issues ... on my truck
Weird stuff going on with my Ford F-150 pickup last few days. The last few afternoons when I would go to start my truck and drive home from work, it would crank and start fine, but would immediately die at idle. Interesting side note: it is quite challenging to try to drive home on an interstate in rush-hour / stop-and-go traffic without ever letting your engine RPMs drop to a full idle! Coming to a stop required a combo of braking with slight foot on gas to keep engine from dying.
I thought maybe my battery was going bad, but took it in to an Auto Zone last night and they said it was OK.
I also had noticed that the charging system indicator light came on. So I took it to my local garage (Southwest Automotive) this morning, and they explained that that light explicitly means that the battery is fine, but most likely a bad alternator. In fact, they just called me and said the alternator is indeed the problem and needs to be replaced ("only" $450 -- sigh). So of course, what does that warning light that means you have a bad alternator and NOT a bad battery look like?
Like this:
I thought maybe my battery was going bad, but took it in to an Auto Zone last night and they said it was OK.
I also had noticed that the charging system indicator light came on. So I took it to my local garage (Southwest Automotive) this morning, and they explained that that light explicitly means that the battery is fine, but most likely a bad alternator. In fact, they just called me and said the alternator is indeed the problem and needs to be replaced ("only" $450 -- sigh). So of course, what does that warning light that means you have a bad alternator and NOT a bad battery look like?
Like this:
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Feeling the Pain
Oh, man, am I glad retirement is a long ways away. I really hope some of these mutual fund managers I have money in in my 401k (I guess yesterday's joke about a 101k is now down to about a 094k) are getting finding REALLY good deals.
Unfortunate company name
I was driving home on I-35 after work last night and passed a work truck with the following company name: Moore Erection, L.P. Link here.
If you hire this company and you experience a job that lasts longer than 4 hours, you should contact your physician immediately.
If you hire this company and you experience a job that lasts longer than 4 hours, you should contact your physician immediately.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Vote early and often
OK, in Hays county, TX, I can vote early (link here for info). As for "often", I have not yet found a link with info on how to do that...
Texas / OU
So I hear that there's some college football game coming up this weekend? In Dallas?
Seriously, I really want to beat OU this weekend. Somehow this game has always felt like a slight road game for Texas lately. It seems like OU is more ready to get their fans more fired up, seem to be hitting harder, etc. Hell, this game is in OUR state, and our fans need to act like it.
Here are Eric's Keys to Beating OU:
1) Can Texas get pressure on and sack Bradford?
In last few losses to OU (and A&M for that matter), Texas has not been the aggressor physically. We need to come out HITTING and lay the lumber to the Okies. Bradford needs needs to begin to fear Orakpo's footsteps comin'! Make the sooners realize early that they're in for a tough one.
2) Can Texas establish the run?
Texas O-line will need to prove they can move the ball, push Oklahoma back, and keep OU defense "honest". Texas offense can't be one-dimensional. If we just try to throw and OU d-line can just pin ears back and go for sacks of McCoy, UT is probably screwed. Hopefully McCoy can channel Peter Gardere or Major Applewhite instead of Chris Simms...
Statesman says that the key to the game is neither of the two things above. See here.
Man, how cool would it be if Texas came out and laid a 63-14 type whippin' on them like OU did to Texas a few years ago? Well, a guy can dream...
It's 3:07pm, and OU STILL SUCKS!
Seriously, I really want to beat OU this weekend. Somehow this game has always felt like a slight road game for Texas lately. It seems like OU is more ready to get their fans more fired up, seem to be hitting harder, etc. Hell, this game is in OUR state, and our fans need to act like it.
Here are Eric's Keys to Beating OU:
1) Can Texas get pressure on and sack Bradford?
In last few losses to OU (and A&M for that matter), Texas has not been the aggressor physically. We need to come out HITTING and lay the lumber to the Okies. Bradford needs needs to begin to fear Orakpo's footsteps comin'! Make the sooners realize early that they're in for a tough one.
2) Can Texas establish the run?
Texas O-line will need to prove they can move the ball, push Oklahoma back, and keep OU defense "honest". Texas offense can't be one-dimensional. If we just try to throw and OU d-line can just pin ears back and go for sacks of McCoy, UT is probably screwed. Hopefully McCoy can channel Peter Gardere or Major Applewhite instead of Chris Simms...
Statesman says that the key to the game is neither of the two things above. See here.
Man, how cool would it be if Texas came out and laid a 63-14 type whippin' on them like OU did to Texas a few years ago? Well, a guy can dream...
It's 3:07pm, and OU STILL SUCKS!
Dinner with good friends, Hendrick's gin, plugging their blogs
As kind of a bright spot in a rather rough last few weeks, Natasha and I had good friends Wes and Corey over for dinner / drinks Saturday night. Because of economic issues, I didn't make a bunch of 100% agave margaritas and steaks, but kept it to gin-and-tonics (my recipe here), Izze-politans (see here), and pizza, and we also had the wine they brought.
We had a really nice visit, especially after our kids went to bed (our kids were kind of loud and hyper having company over and made it tough to relax and visit earlier). We'd all been so busy lately that we had not visited much the last 4-5 weeks, and we'd missed it. I also used the occasion to get rid of the last of my Hendrick's gin -- it's good quality stuff, it just has some unusual flavors that I don't quite like in my gin taste. In fact, the label on the back of the bottle even says that it has some unusual flavors compared to more traditional gin and that "IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE" (it's in all-caps on the bottle). I find this statement to be true. Link here for more info. So I made gin-and-tonics for Wes (who'd recommended the Hendrick's) and Corey, and all were happy.
Wes said they had tried making a tequila-and-tonic on a lark and really liked it -- I'm not sure that I'm willing to try that yet with my good tequila ... maybe I'll try it with some Hornitos someday.
See here for Wes' blog, and here for Corey's.
We had a really nice visit, especially after our kids went to bed (our kids were kind of loud and hyper having company over and made it tough to relax and visit earlier). We'd all been so busy lately that we had not visited much the last 4-5 weeks, and we'd missed it. I also used the occasion to get rid of the last of my Hendrick's gin -- it's good quality stuff, it just has some unusual flavors that I don't quite like in my gin taste. In fact, the label on the back of the bottle even says that it has some unusual flavors compared to more traditional gin and that "IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE" (it's in all-caps on the bottle). I find this statement to be true. Link here for more info. So I made gin-and-tonics for Wes (who'd recommended the Hendrick's) and Corey, and all were happy.
Wes said they had tried making a tequila-and-tonic on a lark and really liked it -- I'm not sure that I'm willing to try that yet with my good tequila ... maybe I'll try it with some Hornitos someday.
See here for Wes' blog, and here for Corey's.
My 401k is now a 101k
Joke in the title courtesy of my colleague David Clegg. OK, so now this market feels EVEN MORE like a bottom from earlier in the day (as of this posting S&P 500 is down 8.0% just today). The run of difficult challenges in my life the last few weeks is getting a little comical. To wit:
-- Got put on to a crisis project that has me presenting in front of corporate officer level people (although this may work out to be really GOOD news if this visibility resulting from this helps my career or keeps me from a layoff...). But still stressful.
-- Recent church conference during work week was fun, but very hard work and taking long time to "recover" from. Had nice visit Sat night with good friends Wes and Corey, and they felt the same way after that conference.
-- Drummer leaves the band for indefinite leave.
-- Everyone in our family deals with a horrible stomach virus.
-- I get serious migraine that takes me out for 2-3 days.
-- Worst stock market in 20 years.
-- Obama up in polls, McCain not doing anything about it (he seems to forget that this election is a competition against an actual opponent who wants to beat him).
-- Freescale selling off or curtailing about 20% of its business (cell phone chips). See link to story here. Possible risk of layoffs?
-- Have to stop eating out (money issues).
This last one is a recent realization on my part. This is kind of tough, because eating out is one of our big stress outlets and entertainment options right now, and one that our two small kids enjoy. But I don't want to put car or house repairs on a credit card, so something's gotta give.
But, hey, at least I still am likely to have a job (the cuts at Freescale are not in the business group I support) and we're all healthy at home now. So I'm optimistic that the above bullets are just the darkness before the dawn!
-- Got put on to a crisis project that has me presenting in front of corporate officer level people (although this may work out to be really GOOD news if this visibility resulting from this helps my career or keeps me from a layoff...). But still stressful.
-- Recent church conference during work week was fun, but very hard work and taking long time to "recover" from. Had nice visit Sat night with good friends Wes and Corey, and they felt the same way after that conference.
-- Drummer leaves the band for indefinite leave.
-- Everyone in our family deals with a horrible stomach virus.
-- I get serious migraine that takes me out for 2-3 days.
-- Worst stock market in 20 years.
-- Obama up in polls, McCain not doing anything about it (he seems to forget that this election is a competition against an actual opponent who wants to beat him).
-- Freescale selling off or curtailing about 20% of its business (cell phone chips). See link to story here. Possible risk of layoffs?
-- Have to stop eating out (money issues).
This last one is a recent realization on my part. This is kind of tough, because eating out is one of our big stress outlets and entertainment options right now, and one that our two small kids enjoy. But I don't want to put car or house repairs on a credit card, so something's gotta give.
But, hey, at least I still am likely to have a job (the cuts at Freescale are not in the business group I support) and we're all healthy at home now. So I'm optimistic that the above bullets are just the darkness before the dawn!
Buy Low, KXAN / Time Warner
Man, I really wish that I had a huge lump of free cash to invest in the stock market right now! Congress just passed the legislation that should help free up the credit markets (although with an extra $150B of pork fat thrown in -- unlike actual pork fat, this pork fat does NOT "rule"), and fear seems to be quite rampant. But this looks to me like something near a bottom, and a great time to be buying.
Pretty good weekend for sports, with both the Cowboys and Longhorns winning, although both were pretty heavily favored. Texas' big test comes next weekend against #1 Oklahoma. If we could beat the sooners next weekend, that would be one of the greatest wins I've ever seen, right up there with beating Ohio State in Columbus in 2005.
We're into full day #3 of no NBC / KXAN on our cable, Time Warner. KXAN pulled their signal off the air just on Time Warner because TW wouldn't pay KXAN a fee. I really hope this gets resolved soon, or I'm going to probably have to start looking at satellite or other options. So far, I've really only missed "Sunday Night Football", but by later this week when I miss episodes of "The Office", things will get more serious!
Pretty good weekend for sports, with both the Cowboys and Longhorns winning, although both were pretty heavily favored. Texas' big test comes next weekend against #1 Oklahoma. If we could beat the sooners next weekend, that would be one of the greatest wins I've ever seen, right up there with beating Ohio State in Columbus in 2005.
We're into full day #3 of no NBC / KXAN on our cable, Time Warner. KXAN pulled their signal off the air just on Time Warner because TW wouldn't pay KXAN a fee. I really hope this gets resolved soon, or I'm going to probably have to start looking at satellite or other options. So far, I've really only missed "Sunday Night Football", but by later this week when I miss episodes of "The Office", things will get more serious!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Lauren achieves higher plane
My daughter Lauren was laying in my bed two nights ago (in my spot, see previous blog entry here and pictures here). We had prayed with her and she was ready to go to sleep, and my wife and I were laying down next to her. She then says in kind of a sing-song, I-know-I'm-cute-kind-of-way, "I'm perfect."
My wife and I just shook our heads and kissed her goodnight (and I headed to Lauren's bed to tuck myself into the pink blanket). I guess we don't need to work on her self-esteem...
My wife and I just shook our heads and kissed her goodnight (and I headed to Lauren's bed to tuck myself into the pink blanket). I guess we don't need to work on her self-esteem...
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Special diet
You might ask, "OK, Eric, if you're working out this much, what's with the little mini-gut you're sporting?" Well, that's because of my "special diet." Like Mater from the movie Cars says, "I'm on one of them there 'special diets' ... I'm a precision instrument of speed and aromatics." Key components of said diet include:
- Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream (Half Baked and Dublin Mudslide are my favorites)
- Bacon (Emeril is correct that pork fat rules...)
- Steak
- Margaritas / Gin-and-tonics / etc.
- Belgian Ale (Duvel Golden Ale, Chimay Trippel / White, and Orval are faves)
- Pillsbury ready-to-bake chocolate chip cookies
This is a bit of an exaggeration (I eat pretty healthy lunches and eat some good fruits and veggies along with the above), but I do really like good food and don't really do anything special to control much of what I eat. I figure that's what the exercise is for!
Torn on bailout
I have to admit, I'm not sure what to make of the recent bailout / financial crisis. There are many folks whose opinions I have read and respected in the past that are disagreeing on this. On one side are traditional conservatives like Rush Limbaugh (link here) and local Libertarian radio talk show host Jeff Ward that feel that this government intervention is socialistic and should be avoided, and they praise House Republicans and Democrats who did not support the measure.
On the other side, there are folks like Adam Bold, who I rely on for advice with mutual fund selections in my 401k. I've learned quite a bit from his radio show, and he typically does a good job of explaining difficult financial concepts with good analogies. Link here for a segment from his radio show talking about the issue. His take is that we're at risk of a major financial shutdown in credit (which many businesses need to operate daily) that will hurt all Americans, not just companies who made too many risky / bad bets on subprime mortgages / CDOs / etc.
On the other side, there are folks like Adam Bold, who I rely on for advice with mutual fund selections in my 401k. I've learned quite a bit from his radio show, and he typically does a good job of explaining difficult financial concepts with good analogies. Link here for a segment from his radio show talking about the issue. His take is that we're at risk of a major financial shutdown in credit (which many businesses need to operate daily) that will hurt all Americans, not just companies who made too many risky / bad bets on subprime mortgages / CDOs / etc.
Even the biggest of birds!
I was looking at the Drudge Report a little earlier today, and his page linked to a new Levi's ad campaign that may be considered somewhat controversial / edgy (link here: http://www.unbuttonyourbeast.com/ ).
However, this ad campaign is not as original as it seems. Similar to how current US TV show hits American Idol and The Office were originally British shows on BBC, this ad campaign seems similar to ads I saw while on an overseas business trip to Taiwan last year.
I could not believe it the first time I saw one of these ads ... see link to example here. See example below from another blogspot user (taiwandreamin.blogspot.com). Caption on photo reads "even the biggest of birds can fit in our pants"!
2000 workouts in 10 years
That's kind of a rough long-term goal I have for fitness / working out. Because we have this nice little gym on site at my job, it makes it much easier to fit in a workout than if I had to go to a 24-hr Fitness or some other commercial gym before or after work. We do a little log in each time we go in, so I'm able to keep track of how many times a year I go in. I've been able to go 200 times or more every year since 2002 (I re-started regular exercising in summer of 2001), and have about 33 more workouts to reach that for 2008 (7 years running). I think it sounds really cool to be able to do that for 10 straight years -- a nice, round number.
I cycle between 3 standard workouts that I just cycle through (1-2-3-1-2-3, etc.). I probably should add more variety in to this, but this is working for now and seems to provide a good balance between weights/strength and cardio. I don't feel like I have time to do cardio and weights on the same day.
I cycle between 3 standard workouts that I just cycle through (1-2-3-1-2-3, etc.). I probably should add more variety in to this, but this is working for now and seems to provide a good balance between weights/strength and cardio. I don't feel like I have time to do cardio and weights on the same day.
- Workout 1: 4-5 mile run with hills (my standard run right now is 4.8-4.9 miles outdoors with vertical uphill gain of about 200 ft).
- Workout 2: Weights / strength: chest / back / shoulders
- Workout 3: Weights / strength: stomach / core, legs, arms
Feeling a little better, but 401k is not
Well, I still have a little bit of the migraine left, but should be good to go by the time I go for a lunchtime run later today. Yesterday afternoon I tried to do my normal workout but had to stop about 2/3 of the way through when my head started hurting more and more with each rep ... didn't seem to matter which exercise I did.
After the last few months in the stock market, I'm just glad I don't need to retire anytime soon. I think my 401k at work is probably down about 25%-30% since the highs of last year (link here for chart of S&P 500 last 2 years). But since retirement is likely 25+ years away, I just consider this a good time to be "buying low". Really low.
After the last few months in the stock market, I'm just glad I don't need to retire anytime soon. I think my 401k at work is probably down about 25%-30% since the highs of last year (link here for chart of S&P 500 last 2 years). But since retirement is likely 25+ years away, I just consider this a good time to be "buying low". Really low.
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