My friend Jeff and I went out to the sporting clay range again

Nothing like blasting things with a shotgun to relax you.
I needed that.

The Girls ...

Joe and Kathy's party proved to be fun last night and my brother, being the good sport that he is. proved he could be one of the girls by dressing up as a girl super hero.
Totally hilarious and slightly disturbing all at once.

Go Blue: Michigan vs. Purdue

 

This morning I awoke to the insistent urging of the dog to go outside. I threw on my Jersey and some Jeans and ran out the door where the cold slapped me in the face my nostrils stung with the sudden influx of bitter air. I should have known it was coming but I just wasn't ready.

This is what happen to Michigan when they took the field last time in E Lansing against state two weeks ago. They were over-confident, they got slapped in the face by a superior playing State team that put them back on there heals and kept them there. They thought they knew what was coming but the just were not ready.

This week will be different.

Don't thing for a second that this bye week meant extra time to relax. Hoke was likely deeply disappointing to go down against Dantonio's team even if they played a little like thugs (I'm talking to you Gholston) and just to set the record straight we are not complaining about it,  it is what it is, a loss. We need to move on.

Purdue will come here with some momentum. 

Winning two of the last three games they are showing some grit and the back up quarter back seems to be starting to click. They also won last time here at the big house so they can probably taste the upset. Will it be enough to win? Not likely.

Michigan is favored to win for a reason.

The will likely have put the time they were given for the week off to tighten back up the defense and generally sharpen up the skills on offense as well. Michigan will have to shake of the loss and win with authority today to right the ship and put everything back on course. 

 

Friday morning and I was getting a rather frosty reception

Gwen did not like being left out in the cold last night... it took her a while to warm up to me again. I just feel like its going to be a LONG winter this year.

Cold blue sky.

Yep, its fall.

What's the most beautiful place in the USA?

  It's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan, according to a vote by viewers of Good Morning America.

check out USA Todays article *here*

and ABC's video *here*

I just talked to a friend/ client up there that said business is booming in the wake of the news.

EDC: Every Day Carry

EDC is a term I hear a lot from Police and Firemen that I ofter associate with the gun or knife they carry "Every Day"

But really we all have a small list of items that we carry that this site showcases just that: what people carry... every day.

In their own words:

Everyday Carry, or EDC, generally refers to small items or gadgets worn, carried, or made available in pockets, holsters, or bags on a daily basis to manage common tasks or for use in unexpected situations or emergencies. In a broader sense, it is a lifestyle, discipline, or philosophy of preparedness.

Its fun to see what others carry and its given me some ideas on how I might change what I carry... every day.

Enjoy  it *here* or cut/ paste this in to your browser of choice. 

OH and don't forget to check out the archive.

http://everyday-carry.com/ 

Ten things you may not know about dreams

Thanks to io9.com for this one.

Click this link to check out the 10 things:
http://m.io9.com/5852410/

Go Blue: Bye Week

Since its a bye week , we wish the Wolverines a good week off.
Instead I bring you:
NINJA ATTACK.    Enjoy

The path home...

Is covered with rust covered leaves.

In a sign of resistance against the rain and cold...

I have started to bring my outdoor projects inside. My table saw doubles as a aux bench for this storm window that needs attention.

Science is really cool and other reasons I justify my geekness.

You might not know what quantum trapping and super-conductors are but you should. Why? Because with that you can do stuff like this (see video) and if you cant see the video... then read more about them *here*.

Thanks to io9 for this one.

Sometimes I think I am just way too big of a geek...

Then the rest of the time I am sleeping.
Speaking of sleep I did not get enough last night and I am just a little out of whack today.
Time for a caffeine intervention.

Happy Birthday Mina...

Here is the quick photo of my niece Mina, who had her 6th birthday today. Think she was excitied about getting into her cake... really it was just a step toward her real goal: The pile of presents in the next room.

Farmers Market finds.

Fall colors are everywhere this morning at the farmers market. A great cool fall day. Perfect for a huge rivalry game.

Ducks in the river.

The night before the big game Tanner and I took a quick walk down by the River. Fall sure can be amazing.

Go Blue: Michigan Vs. MI State

This weekend, the Michigan Wolverines travel again this time to East Lansing to face arguably one of their biggest rivals the MI State Spartans. Adding fuel to the fire they both enter the contest ranked (11/23 MI/ MI State respectively).
To say this is an important game is an understatement from which all other understatements can only hope to be measured.

MI wants desperately to take the Paul Bunyan trophy back to Ann Arbor saving it from its shamefully long absence from its true home.The Spartans want nothing better then to stick it to Hoke's team knocking them down from their 6-0 start.
Although Michigan has lost the first game of the last two seasons to none other than MI State the feeling this year that the Wolverine program is on track and that winning is possible is pervasive all throughout Ann Arbor.

The Spartans will not just rollover though, and will likely prove to be a formidable opponent with senior QB cousins craving a win in likely the last time he will throw against the Maize and Blue. This is the one game that draws strongly defended lines and school pride comes out in everyone. With only an hours drive separating these two instate rivals everyone knows someone that went to school at one of these schools and the pride in both programs always shows.
Tomorow
At noon.
In Spartan Stadium.
One of these teams will be pushed ahead and the other left behind to lick the wounds that can only come from loosing to a huge rivalry school.
Good Luck boys.

GO BLUE!

Helllo Friday, thy name is Cray Cray

 I dont know why I plan to get anything done on Fridays when in the end I just have to learn to relax and ride the crazy wave back into the sanity shore.



Photo Cred to : Ignorance management  

OK Apple I give up: you had me at iOS 5....

I really really tried to want an Android tablet.
I tried. I really really really tried.
Here is the thing... Apple has somethings you dont.
Thats right I said it. App store bragging rights, iTunes U, a cult like following. So what if your interface seems almost prehistoric...damn it.
Plus we have an iPad at home that is still being supported with iOS updates... even if it is the Girls.
Really here is the bottom line: I  could not, no matter how I tried, justify spending the money on something that the iPad does and does pretty stupid well. 
I am the king of rationalization. You are talking to a man who once rationalized buying a ATV... and a Boat... oh yeah and once or twice an Airplane.
Yet still, I  could.
Not.
Do.
It.
I really really really tried.
So what DID I do?
I bought a new cover, and took the show on the road. Thats right, if you can not beat them join them. I am going all out power user. I am going to be that annoying SOB that has the iPad all the freeking time.
Whew.... kinda feels good to pick a side again.
Lets see how long this will last.

(posting from my Android Phone)

Dear Elders of the internet...

What have I ever done to you?

Sunset tonight was striking

This is the kind of sky that can wipe out the stress from a challenging day in one quick moment.

Bird Feeder Rescue

My mother has pension for bird feeders.
The Girls mother was tossing out this one out.

I guess I will have to re-hab this thing.

Who says I don't recycle enough.

PS- although it doesn't look it in this photo this thing is in pretty rough shape. What can I say I am a sucker for a lost cause.

Double Trouble

The "HDR" app on the phone takes multiple exposures sometimes leaving ghost images in the shot... like this one of Tanner literally running off into the sunset.

Go Blue: Michigan Vs. Northwestern

Well well well.... here were are going into week six with the Wolverines ranked 12 (in some polls) with a 5-0 record that must even secretly surprise coach Hoke.. just a little.
The big question on everyone mind: Is Michigan really that good or are they over hyped.

 

The Big House will be empty this weekend

This week the team travels for the first time to meet the Northwestern Wildcats for a Night Game in Evanston Ill. These two schools are both known for their academic excellence and although MI leads the all time record Northwestern has a better football program than most people think IMO. MI is a 7/12 point favorite in this game but the Wildcats have the home field and after last weeks disappointing loss in the last seconds to instate rivals the Illini placed a giant chip on the shoulders of the Wildcats. MI needs to ride the momentum and get a "W" in the first road game of the season to hush the naysayers and prove that they can live up to the ranking they have received. Northwestern hopes to keep MI out of the redzone where they have been particularly effective if they want to have a chance and throw into MI's secondary and get some points on the board early.

Tonight at 6 central (7 EDT) These two great schools will meet under the lights at Ryan Field in IL in a contest that arguably  has as much at stake for both schools as any game this season so far.

Good Luck Guys.

GO BLUE

Its Bugging Me and other funny things the Girl Texts

The Girl: This Bug is why I cant (touch up the) paint the side of the house. I think it wants to bite me... (1:58 pm)

Me: Ha Ha I think yr safe (2:01 pm)

Update big bug is still out there... now closer to the back door. (2:59pm)

OK Ill get it when I get home. (3:00 pm)

I did it sweetie I killed the little man eating dinosaur...I had to run it over with my car but I still did it... we will be safe tonight. (3:55pm)

OK good... wait what? (3:59pm)

On the Case

Last weekend the Girl brought this knife home from her parents VAST knife collection.
The were having trouble dating/ identifying the little guy for their inventory and I had a little fun playing detective. Seriously I got the magnifying glass out all Sherlock Holmesy like.  In the end with the help of my friend the interweb I was able to find out just enough info to identify the year of manufacture and some other info proving once and for all cyberspace is useful. Who knew?

New York pays tribute to Ann Arbor

Recently the New York Times posted an article (*see it here*) highlighting some of the cool things do do and places to go in Ann Arbor.
I have to say the hit most of the good spots.
Hmmm... and I thought all New Yorkers were rude. Its good to be wrong sometimes. Thanks Guys.

RIP Steve.

 

 I might have had my issues with Apple over the years but deep down there was always respect.

I cut my teeth on an Apple IIc for goodness sake.

That being said... you have to respect the man with the vision and drive that this man had.

Rest in peace Steve.

Some People

Apple Announcement: not that kind of Fanboy.

Shhhhh.... whats that sound?
Its the calm before the apple storm.
That's right its the night before the Apples announcement. That's not silence you hear, that low hum is the pent up excitement of the millions of fanboys that hope against hope that they next big apple product will be the one to make their lives complete.

Don't get me wrong. I will be watching... with interest.
Not because I am that kind of fanboy.
Its because no matter what Apple it does makes the market move and influences the trending tech.
I'll be watching. For sure.
For a while now there has not been anything that innovative, just re packaged for profit shinier versions of the product before.

Who knows, maybe they will surprise me.
Probably not.
Bonus Mini post: Overheard on the couch.

The Girl (LOS): "What is that?"
Me: "Its a Apple fanboy... get it?"
The Girl: "Looks.... kinda gay."
Me: "A little I suppose."
The Girl: " Why dont you but some balls on the bottom?"
Me: " Its a fanboy.... not a fanMAN"
The Girl: (eyes rolling walking away)

"Replaceing the garage trim will be easy" and other ways I punish myself.

Just because I did not have enough to do...

Really it was deteriorating at the bottom and it needed to be done. To prevent this from happening again or least to prolong the life I used cedar this time. I purchased it in wide planks that I cut down to the right size as all the widths seemed to be custom. The cedar I bought was rough on one side so I planed it down to just over 3/4 inch to mach the existing.
This did the trick and filled the shop with the amazing smell of fresh cut wood. Cedar smells so good. It did give me a sense of accomplishment and that almost made the time with all the custom cuts worth while.
Almost.
Still I have to say it was kind of fun. In a wood geek sorta way.

Well its Satuday and its gloomy...

 

 Check out this live shot of the Diag. from the library cam. 

The Bell Tower and the MI flag in the background.

You can see the LIVE FEED HERE.

Go Blue: Michigan Vs. Minnesota

Today the rain is supposed to break and a cool fall day should unfold in Ann Arbor as The Wolverines will pay host to the Golden Gophers at Noon in the Big House.

Today we face another long tradition the battle for the little brown jug  the Wolverines fight to retain the right to hold the sacred jug and  the season moves forward with MI off to a fast start and heavily favored in this game today.
If the Wolverines prevail it will only continue to lay a strong foundation for coach Hoke's almost cult like following. Don't get me wrong I might just be a card carrying member.
This game could be dangerous however for the home team as Michigan is expected to win and Minnesota has everything to prove. They have upset us before (2005 I believe) in an eerily similar season and as you know anything can happen.

The first day of October brought in fall like it was flipping a switch. Cool dank weather that makes you crave a hot drink and a warm jacket.
PERFECT
FOOTBALL
WEATHER
The cool weather mixes with the almost palatable excitement in Ann Arbor and  big house will be packed in just a few hours.

Keep it rolling boys... you have the begining of a good season going.

GO BLUE.