Vapor Life

OH life...

2012-02-03T00:16:00.001-05:00

Just never stop surprising me... OK.

Just when I think I I am at a all time creative low...

2012-02-02T01:15:00.000-05:00

...The ideas come flooding in. This must be what it feels like to be bi-polar.

Bobby McFerrin hacks your brain with music

2012-01-31T22:38:00.002-05:00

Bobby McFerrin hacks your brain with music:

and other reasons I love TED:

Sure I have talked about TED before but sometimes you just have to see it to believe it. Please check it out here .

I had to clean out the hanger today...

2012-01-28T23:46:00.000-05:00

I had to clean out the hanger today...and in all the mess and junk therewere bits and pieces of awesomeness.
Just more junk for most people, like this discarded placard showing rpm forgive horsepower at different altitudes pretty much useless now.
The wear, the screw clips, all emblazoned with the ribbon Piper emblemmade me feel all nostaligy.

Sometimes inspiration

2012-01-28T00:06:00.001-05:00

Sometimes inspiration comes in the form of tiny little bubbles. (with chop sticks and tuna)

Today we say goodbye to the Girls mother...

2012-01-26T00:12:00.000-05:00

We took this picture at Christmas, and today one short month later we saidout final goodbyes to a woman who was both strong and loving. Just not as strong as the cancer that took herfrom us.
We can only remember her through the lives she touched and the love she gaveas we send her off to a better resting place.
Here on Christmas morning she placed the baby in the manger a task she usually left to the childrenof the family. I would like to think that maybe she knew this would be her lastchance before she met the real deal. I may never know. I do know that the endcame swift and relatively peaceful for her and for that I, and the rest of herfamily, are grateful.
Two weeks ago she told me she wanted to teach me how to make her chicken cacciatore…when I had more time. I have been busy lately and did not realize that a fewshort weeks later I would be writing this instead of learning how to makedelicious chicken.

Turns out I was wrong.

Godspeed on your last journey Ann.

You will be missed.

Leaving the farm early...

2012-01-25T02:08:00.001-05:00

Leaving the farm early to take care of some serious family business.

Rough week

2012-01-23T00:48:00.001-05:00

63

2012-01-20T10:42:00.002-05:00

Done.

I dont remember being this relived since... well ever.

Now on the the next challenge.

Photo credit to :

“aLthaLus the redemption of”

Why I love Ann Arbor : (hint its not for the proposed Vehicle idling ordinance)

2012-01-18T00:07:00.000-05:00

There is so much to love about Ann Arbor. The beautiful parks, the diverse people, theculture, the general tolerance of everyone... it really is a wonderful place tolive and work.

There is, however, a dark side to our beautiful city. It is an overlegislated attitude that is becoming more and more pervasive and is driving alegal wedge between the people in power and the people whom they aresupposed to serve.

It would be comical if it was not so crazy, and before I condemn any one personor entity let me just say this: it has not passed yet. Still the fact that itis being proposed, in its current form, is just mind blowingly stupid.

No, really, if you read the proposal it could not be more ludicrous, idiotic,and a waste of the cities time and efforts. Counsel please I implore you.Listen to the poles, look at what is going on around you and think about whatyou are doing.

Have we leaned nothing from the crosswalklaw debacle?
Still think it might not be such a bad idea? Before you decide, checkout this story about it *here*and *here*but my understanding is as it reads in its current recommendation:

The proposed ordinance would make a $100ticket the minimum punishment for a driver who leaves a vehicle running whileunoccupied for any amount of time or running for five minuteswhile occupied. For commercial vehicles, that minimum fine increases to $500.

I don't care what other cities have done, and know that the city leanstoward the tree hugging side of the scale and that is not in itself a bad thingbut seriously who in there right mind could possibly think that this is a goodidea.

What happens when the person that starts their car and takes off in lessthan five minutes can not see out of the frost laden windshield and kills apedestrian at one of your newly anointed cross walks? Its not good enough toscrape the window when its 20 below, your breath alone will kill your visibilityuntil your car warms up an that is going to take more than 5 stupid minutes inthose temperatures. What about warming a car for your infant child, or theelderly or...wait why do I even have to explain to anyone why that is a terribleidea? If a bad idea itself could have a worse idea the crap that it came upwith would still be a better idea than this.

Here is a partial list of things that are WAY MORE IMPORTANT to deal withthen the emissions from idling vehicles:

Funding for essential services (PS funding them from this insanity is notthe answer)
The growing homeless problem
Parking, the lack thereof and issues surrounding it.
Keeping downtown a safe, thriving business friendly zone
Just about ANYTHING ELSE you can think of honestly

All I can say it the people of the city are really at the limit of dumb lawsthat make no sense, create more confusion then good, and in the end cause moreharm.

As I said there is so much to love about this great city. This ordinance andothers like it are not why.

Once again I am reminded

2012-01-16T23:52:00.004-05:00

Just how fragile life really is.
Some lessons have to be learned over and over again I guess, the important ones anyway.

Photo credit: Gurry Gudfinns

Tanner and I did get some work done

2012-01-15T18:16:00.001-05:00

Here she helped me plow the drive.

The real reason Kids dont want to get there drivers license at 16....

2012-01-15T01:43:00.002-05:00

It is the start of the Detroit InternationalAuto Show this week , so I thought I would write a little post about somethingI have noticed for a while... young adult not wanting to get there driverslicense.

Its really weird. Picture this: your 18 and you don’t have a license yet?Really? When I was in school the only reason you did not have your drivers licenseat 18 was due to a court order of some kind. Seriously.
But over and over I see kids waiting… 18,19,20… older. Waiting. Worse yetnot even caring.

So I guess Iam not the only once to notice, but I am really tired of people saying its becauseof social media giving kids digitalfreedom, a shrinking world, the lack of a need. In fact its not ONE of thosethings. Its all of those reason and more.

Yes you can tweet all your friends, and let them know that your checking inat your living room in a press of a button on your phone. Really though, I think most are just a littlelazy.

Lets face it, like most things every year its harder to get your license aswell. Make it hard and young adults start to question the value of it. Why trywhen I can just get mom to drive me? It is really a little over regulated. I amnot a huge fan of the graduated process most states have adopted. I say teachyou kid to drive, and let them get there license. Its gong be hard, just do itfor gods sake.

Parents make it worse, coddling there kids. If you were my kid, you wouldwant to drive. If for nothing else just to get away from me. Not to mentionthat if you are 18 I am not going to be driving your ass around.

I also believe that it helped that we had motorcycles, go carts, and allsorts of dangerous fun when we were kids. Now this stuff is way to dangerousfor the general populace now days. Hell you have to wear a helmet to walkoutside these days. When did everyone become such wussies?

Of course you are talking to a guy that was not happy with his drivers licenseand went on to get his pilots license. So maybe I just don’t understand themind set. Maybe I never will. One thing for sure, I do see the trend. For whatit worth I don’t see it stopping anytime soon.

SIX

2012-01-14T17:11:00.001-05:00

It may seem like an accomplishment, but this test drained me.
In the end I guess I should just be glad I passed.
OK on to other things now, nothing else to see here.

Sure it was Friday the 13th today

2012-01-14T00:29:00.000-05:00

And yes things happened. The girl locked the keys in the car. It was snowy and cold. I had a ton of work to do. I have a huge test tomorow. Still... Today was a good day.

Disclosure: not the Girl in the photo. Not the car. Just trying to give you an idea here.

Things I have been missing lately...

2012-01-12T23:44:00.001-05:00

I have been a little busy lately, so busy that I have been missing some things lately.

Things like: free time, good sleep, conversations with the Girl, time with the Girl in general,time to blog, flying, time with the dog.

Also time to read what I want, instead of what I have to. Time to watch a movie (like the one that I STILL have from Erin... sorry). Shop time, yes shop time.

Sadly I don't really see it getting better for the the next 6 months or so... and then that's when the real work starts.
That is what I get for biting of more than a can chew.

Cool Gear: Invisible Fans

2012-01-11T00:23:00.004-05:00

Leave it to the guys (and girls) and Yanko Design to make a retractable bathroom fan that disappears in the wall like a bathroom tile.
Its simple
Its effective
Its awesome.

Check it out *here* and be sure to check out some other cool things on the site.

Top Five Reasons Telecommuting...

2012-01-08T22:10:00.000-05:00

Is Awesome:

1) You can set your own hours.
2) The commute from the bed is easy.
3) The animals are eager to help.
4) Email/IM makes you assessable all the time.
5) You can work any time 24/7

The Animals are eager to help.

Sucks:

1) You have to set your own hours.
2) The commute from the bed is too easy.
3) The animals are eager to help.
4) Email/IM makes you assessable all the time.
5) You can work 24/7

Sure this is just a real short term deal but to say its an adjustment is an understatement.

Sometimes walking Tanner.

2012-01-06T23:21:00.000-05:00

I was tired, my head was throbbing and I was not in a goodmood and I still had to run the dog.

Tanner had her own agenda, running through the woods.frolicking in the mud and chasing the ball like she was a dog half her age.

While trying to keep up I took a second to look up, and the moonshining through the trees was bright enough to cast shadows and remind me justhow small my troubles really are.

What do you know? I learned a lot today, but the lesson thedog taught me was the most important.

Someday I will really miss these walks.

Apparently I need two or more computers to work/study

2012-01-05T00:15:00.000-05:00

and to be completely honest I really was missing a third monitor.
Apparently I am tech spoiled. When the hell did that happen exactly?

Now when I really need to focus

2012-01-04T13:09:00.001-05:00

Everything is a

Go Blue: Bowl Edition

2012-01-03T20:37:00.002-05:00

Well look at what we have here, MI in the post season with a choice bowl selection... The Sugar Bowl.

Despite its dubious sponsorship, and the to the chagrin of others a BCS bowl.

Its about to start... no matter what happens it is a honor for us to be here after what can only be called a tremendous turn around after the last few years.

MI needs to represent the BIG TEN with a win tonight and the Hokies want to show everyone that MI is early in the programs comeback... and wants to show there dominance with a W.

Here is looking forward to a good contest.

GO BLUE

*UPDATE*:

WHAT A HALF!

*UPDATE2*:

WHAT A 2ND HALF! OVERTIME.
I swear my heart is going to explode.

*UPDATE3*

WOW! JUST WOW.

GO BLUE!

Big day tomorow

2012-01-03T01:12:00.001-05:00

GO BLUE

The Holidays are over.

2012-01-02T10:12:00.001-05:00

I guess its time to face the facts... the Holidays are over.
It really does not even seem like a new year.

Overheard Tonight On The Couch: New Year Edition

2012-01-01T00:34:00.002-05:00

(While watching the Blackberry Bold commercial)

Me: "Blackberry Bold..."

The Girl: *blink*

Me: "He might as well be riding around on a dinosaur and taking notes on stone tablets."

The Girl: "Wow sweetie..."

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

May it be an interesting one!

YPSILANTI: Theo's Bar and Grille closes doors after 37 years; will reopen as The Wurst Bar in January

2011-12-31T23:13:00.000-05:00

Eastern is loosing an institution.

*sigh*

You can read about it *here*.

source: http://heritage.com

Happy New Years Adam everyone

2011-12-30T21:01:00.000-05:00

Get it?
Because Adam before Eve?

Thanks to Andrew for the whole Adam/ Eve thing...
Honestly I had not really ever thought about it but it is better than New Years Eve, Eve.
No?

Study

2011-12-29T22:03:00.000-05:00

Recently I was reminded just how much I dislike studying.

-sigh-

Worst post ever.

2011-12-28T01:08:00.003-05:00

There was lots of bad news today and endless amounts of work to do.

I needed a laugh so I turned to my friend youtube for a while and that seemed to work.
After listing to Elmo order at the Taco Bell drive up window (seriously the link for it is *here* I almost pissed myself) the cat walked across my keyboard and and here was the result.

11111112'[[[[[[]

Yep, that was the cats contribution.

Then I realized it was better than anything I had written. Yes the cat had accidentally put down the best thing I had written all day.

Then I was depressed again.

Stupid Cat.

Portal Christmas

2011-12-25T08:37:00.001-05:00

Ha!

Merry Christmas everyone

2011-12-24T23:40:00.001-05:00

The Girls family might go a little overboard with the presents... but they do enjoy the season.
Merry Christmas.

Kitty checks in .

2011-12-23T21:19:00.001-05:00

The night before the night before, Kitty lies between the presents and the tree finding a warm place to hide away from the chaos.

Pretty little trays all in row.

2011-12-23T21:18:00.001-05:00

Just in time for Christmas.

Im back

2011-12-21T00:42:00.001-05:00

And feeling a little overwhelmed.

Chillin in Il...

2011-12-18T18:03:00.001-05:00

Heading to The Farm tomorow.

Red

2011-12-17T23:58:00.000-05:00

Who says winter in the woods is bleak?

Downtown Ann Arbor

2011-12-16T22:19:00.000-05:00

Out with the Girl tonight in Ann Arbor.
It was a little chilly for her, but it was just nice with all the lights.

Why I like the new oven:

2011-12-16T10:58:00.001-05:00

The new broiler works like a fricken awesome toaster oven.

Yum

Quote of the day: Office edition.

2011-12-15T11:30:00.001-05:00

I am beginning to think the wirelessmouse was invented just so there was one less thing to hang yourself with atwork.

Thanks to www.happyplace.com for the quote.

Top FIVE reasons why numbered lists are stupid.

2011-12-15T10:52:00.003-05:00

Top FIVE reasons why numbered lists are stupid.

1) Lettermanhas this thing played out.

B) Countingin a linear way is so last years math.

3) Long lists often loose reader …. Waitwhat were we talking about?

4) People don’t like standing in line, much lessputting your brain in line.

5) finally the biggest reason numbered lists are stupid… omg… that’s way tomany characters to re-tweet!

Quote of the day: Tuesday the 13th edition

2011-12-14T00:03:00.002-05:00

AKA: things I think but other people say:

“sorry, i got out the wrong side of bed thismorning, and mood is not being helped by people receiving a liberal sprinklingof retardation dust from the incompetence fairy”

overheard: London, UK

(thanks to http://www.quotesfromthestreet.com/ for reading my mind)

Woodshop: last minute projects.

2011-12-13T22:35:00.001-05:00

Oh yeah that thing I was forgetting... that was the holidays.
Now its all a mad rush to get things done before the 25th so I might actually enjoy some of it.
That means last minute projects in the shop have to be done as well. Here we see some solid walnut pieces that will hopefully be something soon.
Very soon.

Things are moving fast this week.

2011-12-13T11:50:00.000-05:00

Wow. Trying to keep up.
Need more coffee.
Warp speed Scotty.

In the woods

2011-12-11T20:25:00.001-05:00

In the woods this afternoon and the weather was pretty amazing. Click the image to enlarge.

This mornging I woke to a mind divided.

2011-12-10T09:36:00.001-05:00

I could not have been more divided if my brain had split in two and went their separate ways.
One one hand I was glad to be done with a financial anchor that had been weighing us down.
On the other hand this was the first morning in (many) years I woke up without owning an airplane.
I can not really convey in words yet how much that last sentence shocks me, I am not sure it all has really sunk in yet.
Maybe it never will.

I feel like...

2011-12-10T00:24:00.000-05:00

I feel like there is something I am forgetting about. Something important, some date or important event that will be happening soon... something I should be getting ready for.
Something that is right around the corner that should be taking my focus. Something that will require my attention.

Oh well I am sure when things slow down it will come to me.

I. Love. Bacon.

2011-12-08T13:15:00.000-05:00

Ted.com

2011-12-07T09:24:00.001-05:00

If you are not familiar with Ted.com you should be.
What is TED?
In its esseance and according to the site:
TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design.

What TED really is: Riveting, Inspirational, awesome and for me: captivating.
Sure this is from the guy that thinks its fun to sit in on online physics lectures for kicks, but still there is something here for everyone. FREE ideas, from great minds from all corners of the globe.
How can you loose.
Do yourself a favor and take a look, I am willing to bet you wont be sorry.

www.ted.com

It snowed tonight

2011-12-06T00:04:00.001-05:00

Sticking to everything and converting all it touched into a magical winter wonderland. This lilac looked amazing under the street lights. Click on the photo to enlarge.
Just a reminder something really small can totally change your perspective.
I guess today was not so bad after all, at least snow wise.

Do not try and bend the spoon. That's impossible

2011-12-05T23:35:00.001-05:00

Then you'll see, that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself.

Re Dic?

2011-12-05T17:30:00.000-05:00

Re Dic:

When a day is so stupid that only hipster style abbreviations can convey your mood. Thats what its used for OK?

Robot

2011-12-03T15:33:00.001-05:00

Robot

Proof the robot invasion has started. also that it can be thwarted with a paper clip.

What great day it was today Downtown Ann Arbor

2011-12-02T17:55:00.001-05:00

And a great day to have lunch with an old Friend.

How sad is it...

2011-12-01T21:49:00.001-05:00

That my understanding of woman peaked at about age 8.

Winters first Kiss

2011-11-30T09:18:00.000-05:00

We did not get all the snow we were supposed to last night but we did get just enough to coat everything and make people drive crazy.
Welcome to winter.

Sometimes a fork in the road is so subtle…

2011-11-30T00:18:00.001-05:00

Sometimes a fork in the road is so subtle…

That you don’t even notice it until you look back andreflect on what you have done. This can spawn a thousand “what ifs” and “couldhave been”s.

This is not one of those times.

Shop Time: More small projects.

2011-11-27T23:19:00.001-05:00

My mother wanted a replacement for what she was calling a house for her "outdoor" cat for the winter. So I knocked one out for her in the shop this weekend. Before she was really using just a collection of cardboard and old blankets... now we have upgraded to a fully enclosed wood frame box with rigid foam insulation a hidden access for the heating blanket cord (yeah I know) and a hinged top for human access.

This particular habitat does not have to repel rain as it resides under the roof of her back porch (thus the flat roof) but only a slight modification would allow for an adequately slanted roof.

It is just primer for now, still has to be painted to match her house, but really its almost wrapped up. Still it fun to do a quick project like this with no plan just winging it with left over materials I just have hanging around.

Sunday morning shopping with the Girl

2011-11-27T22:26:00.001-05:00

Why do they have to make so many salad dressings?

bonus overhead on the couch....

The Girl: "Why did you take that photo?"

Me: "I just thought the perspective looked cool."

The Girl: "Yeah, it does. I noticed you taking it,I thought: there he goes again."

Me: "What are you saying?"

The Girl: "Only you would see that... like the shiny lights that hang from the ceiling"

Me: " OK now you are just f'n with me."

The Girl: "Now?"

Go Blue: Michigan Vs. Ohio State

2011-11-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

Well well well... here we are. Its the last game of the regular season.

Michigan and Ohio State this Saturday noon at the Big House here in Ann Arbor.

Yes this is the game that we wait all year for. This is the game that both programs wait all year for. This is the game who's importance can not be overstated.

A game that brings mind to the likes of "Yost", "Woody", "Bo", "Tressel" and "Moller" and "Carr."

This is the game that will cement Hoke's legendary status as the coach who in his first year once again brought the Maize and Blue back to prominence or will take us deeper down the rabbit hole.
The Buckeyes are on the ropes and the Wolverines are hungry for revenge for the last seven losses. The winds of change are in the air for the first time in years. Usually an underdog has a certain appeal but Tressels transgressions have cast a shadow so long that even the most ardent of Buckeye fans can not look you in the eye much less pull together to form a threat. This is the brass ring and it is Michigan's for the taking.

Michigan has the talent, the drive, the home field advantage yet this is a rivalry game, and as such it is a game you can throw all of that out of the window. ANYTHING can happen. As such this game can not be taken for granted by the Michigan faithful. In short, this is THE game and we have to bring it all to the table.

Suddenly Hoke and the program stand at the door of new era of Michigan dominance, we just need to punch it through.

This will be the 108th meeting since the rivalry began in 1935 between Michigan and "that team from Ohio" and while every game has been important I would argue that NONE were more important than the contest that will take place tomorrow.

Tomorrow under partly cloudy shies, it is supposed to be a perfect 55 deg. at kickoff. The rain has been pushed of until Sunday as if mother nature herself knows just how important this game is.

This is the game we have been waiting for... all season.
This is the game we have been waiting for all decade.

GO BLUE.

Black Friday....

2011-11-25T13:24:00.000-05:00

Years of fighting for equal rights and legitimacy were suddenly dashed when Black Friday's cousin Hispanic Saturday showed up for the holidays and caused a scene in front of Asian Sunday and the rest of the extended family.

(here at vaporlife we honor and respect all manner of race, religion, creed and are equal opportunity offenders)

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:12:00.001-05:00

So much to be thankful for this year. Happy thanksgiving everone.

Whew...

2011-11-22T19:28:00.001-05:00

Its been a good day.... I feel like a great weight has been lifted.
Like I said...It was a good day, stressful, but good.

I need a vacation.

2011-11-20T22:05:00.001-05:00

Range on the home

2011-11-20T21:57:00.001-05:00

The Girls range was delivered today.

Its so shiny.

The old one finally died for for the final time and after much deliberation and quite a bit of comparison shopping she settled on the super deluxe shiny model.

I have been so busy lately. Things have been ramping up at work and the end of the year push is not helping things.

This weekend has been 100% work, I am looking forward to an shorter holiday week.

Go Blue: Michigan vs Nebraska

2011-11-18T22:10:00.001-05:00

Ahhhh... November with your crisp air and whispers of turkeyand fixings. You might just be the coyestof months lulling us in with you serene facade then with out warning spiking ourpunch with surprisingly emotionally charged football games.

Michigan faces Nebraska in Ann Arbor injust such a game tomorrow The first time the two teams will step onto a fieldtogether since the 2005 Alamo bowl. That was aclose game that MI almost won in the last play of the game. In the end the Wolverineslost, but as it is with any such close games it could have easily gone the other way.

That brings us back to tomorrow.

Both teams have had ups and down this year, and both teamshave similar 8-2 records. That is not where the similarities end.

Both have dynamic quarterbacks

Both of them have trouble completing passes.

Michiganis favored, but its close.

Both need this win to validate there post season bids.

The Wolverines needs to let Denard be Denard and let himmake the miracle plays when then need them. Take advantage of the house, deconstructthe week Corn huskers defense. Don’t take the eye off the prize. OSU is a weekaway.

Nebraskaneeds to stop the run game, and bite scratch and claw their way into earlypoints to quiet the house. Show the MI defense something they are not used to.Get MI off balance and they have a good shot to chicken wing themselves to theW.

With all that is going on right now, this game will prove tobe an excellent diversion tomorrow at 12 here in Ann Arbor.

Go Blue.

Tanner

2011-11-17T13:51:00.001-05:00

Tanner likes to keep her toys close. Even while she sleeps.

Stress: its not just not just for breakfast anymore

2011-11-16T21:27:00.001-05:00

Apparently its served all day long, but still comes with a side of coffee.

Deer Season Opens today (firearm)

2011-11-15T10:07:00.000-05:00

I am not a big deer hunter, my taste runs for more toward pheasant.

It does remind me, however, of times past hunting with my father and my cousin... both of whom are now lost to me. Those woods in Osceola county will always always hold ghosts of the past. Both good and bad.

I do miss them.

And just like that...

2011-11-13T23:55:00.001-05:00

And just like that the holiday lights are out.

Went to vist my good friend in the hospital today

2011-11-13T19:04:00.000-05:00

Spinal surgery is nothing to be trifled with.... luckily he is doing really good.
Glad I went to see him today, he is getting released for good behavior tomorow!

Go Blue: Michigan Vs Illinois

2011-11-12T09:52:00.001-05:00

Another Saturday and another road game for the Wolverines traveling to Il to meet the fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium in Campaign.

After last weeks disappointing loss, MI is likely to come out shooting and you better believe moving up to an 8-2 record for the year is on Brady Hokes game plan today. Illinois will likely have something to say about that with the bitter taste of last years game still in the mouth when MI won in triple overtime in an 67-65 thriller that was arguably one of the most exciting games for MI last season.

Don't expect to see that kind of score today, as the Michigan defense has been holding their own this year and for some reason Denard has NOT been the scrambling play-maker he was last year. He can still move but he has almost been pushed into a roll of a pass first pocket QB and it sometimes seems like the only thing they are doing is taking the wind out of his sails. That being said they still have the ability to score fast and often but away from the big house is always a challenge.

The fighting Illini has some playmakers here too and QB Nathan Scheelhaase can make good decisions, but he needs to keep from getting sacked and excecute quickly to move the ball for IL.

This afternoon Michigan will be hosted by Illinois for an exciting game. All we can say for sure is that the the team the plays the best will walk away the winner.

GO BLUE

111111

2011-11-11T10:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Veterans Day Everyone!

11-11-11

(photo credit to K-squared)

Overheard on the couch: Its 4g time

2011-11-07T22:08:00.003-05:00

(Watching the T–Mobilecommercial)

The Girl: “Did she say its Orgy time?”

Me: “Ummmm…. I think they said it’s time for 4G.”

Girl: “Oh- that changes the entire commercial”

Me: “Yes, Yes it does.”

Kitty checks in

2011-11-06T20:58:00.001-05:00

Finding a perfect place to rest is key to a good weekend.

Go Blue: Michigan vs. Iowa

2011-11-05T10:01:00.000-05:00

Today the Wolverines travel to Iowa City IA to meet the Hawkeyes under another perfect fall day.

This will be the 57th meeting between Michigan and Iowa. The Wolverines hold a 40-12-4 lead in the all-time series and have a 16-5-1 mark at Iowa, including a 15-5-1 record at Kinnick Stadium. Michigan has won six of the last 10 games in the series, despite dropping the last two games.

In a sport where momentum means so much, Michigan has it coming from a win over Purdue and a respectable 7-1 record this year. Iowa on the other had is coming off a loss falling to a not so impressive Minnesota last week.

Michigan is favored by 4 and are rated 13^th trying to hang in with the Spartans and Nebraska for the Legends division lead.

This game is not and should not be treated as an automatic win for any Wolverine fan. Michigan has proven they can win on the road but a win away from home is always more difficult. Denard will have to be on his game today but MI does have enough weapons to put on a formidable show today in IA today.

Iowa on the other hands need so shake off last weeks loss and pull themselves up and get some points on the board. The Hawkeyes have a few weapons of their own including WR Marvin McNut that MI should be looking out for. Score early and often will be the path for them to an upset win over the Wolverines. Will they we able to do it against the formidable Wolverine defense? Not likely.

Good luck boys.

GO BLUE.

The holdout

2011-11-04T18:30:00.001-05:00

This tree stands firm as all others around fall. Soon even he will succumb till then... he looks good.

How my mind works...

2011-11-03T23:21:00.000-05:00

Freind: Do you remember how we re-wired the pump at the cabin?

Me: Kind of ... something like this right? (whipping out the drawing skills)

Friend: Huh...OK that's what what I thought too...just one question.

Me: Whats that?

Freind: Why did you draw the outhouse?

Me: Its a process.

Under the lights

2011-11-02T22:02:00.001-05:00

They must know how important Tanner is as they left all the lights on at the park tonight obviously just for her. Seems about right.

And that is when my brain exploded.

2011-11-02T14:08:00.001-05:00

I hate cleaning up others peoples messes.

My newest obsession: Zombieland 2 iPad

2011-11-01T15:36:00.001-05:00

Speaking of blasting things for fun my newest fun obsession is Zombieland 2 for iPad. This simple shooter takes my need to blast things with a shotgun (or flamethrower and many points in between) to a virtual world of surprising complexity.

Here the uprising has happened and its up to you and your motley cast of characters to put a small dent in the madness by shooting first and asking questions later.
Repetitive? A little.
Juvenile? Most certainly.
Time annihilating? Without a doubt.
This game is just shiny enough to hold my attention long enough for me to blast my way through my bed time. No pun intended.
At .99 cents its hard to pass up entertainment like that.

Check out the trailer *here* or you can find it in the app store if you like.

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

2011-10-30T20:50:00.000-05:00

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

The Girls ...

2011-10-30T19:47:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-29T09:28:00.001-05:00

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

2011-10-28T08:11:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-10-27T23:36:00.001-05:00

Yep, its fall.

What's the most beautiful place in the USA?

2011-10-25T09:15:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-25T01:49:00.001-05:00

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

2011-10-22T14:01:00.000-05:00

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

The path home...

2011-10-20T23:35:00.001-05:00

Is covered with rust covered leaves.

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

2011-10-20T23:23:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-10-18T21:02:00.000-05:00

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...

2011-10-17T20:53:00.002-05:00

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...

2011-10-16T20:15:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-10-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

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.

2011-10-15T00:32:00.001-05:00

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

2011-10-14T23:37:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-14T10:44:00.000-05:00

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....

2011-10-12T21:06:00.000-05:00

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)

Vapor Life

OH life...

Just when I think I I am at a all time creative low...

Bobby McFerrin hacks your brain with music

Bobby McFerrin hacks your brain with music:

and other reasons I love TED:

Sure I have talked about TED before but sometimes you just have to see it to believe it. Please check it out *here* .

I had to clean out the hanger today...

Sometimes inspiration

Today we say goodbye to the Girls mother...

Leaving the farm early...

Rough week

63

Why I love Ann Arbor : (hint its not for the proposed Vehicle idling ordinance)

Once again I am reminded

Tanner and I did get some work done

The real reason Kids dont want to get there drivers license at 16....

SIX

Sure it was Friday the 13th today

Things I have been missing lately...

Cool Gear: Invisible Fans

Top Five Reasons Telecommuting...

Sometimes walking Tanner.

Apparently I need two or more computers to work/study

Now when I really need to focus

Go Blue: Bowl Edition

Big day tomorow

The Holidays are over.

Overheard Tonight On The Couch: New Year Edition

Happy New Year

YPSILANTI: Theo's Bar and Grille closes doors after 37 years; will reopen as The Wurst Bar in January

Happy New Years Adam everyone

Study

Worst post ever.

Portal Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone

Kitty checks in .

Pretty little trays all in row.

Im back

Chillin in Il...

Red

Downtown Ann Arbor

Why I like the new oven:

Quote of the day: Office edition.

Top FIVE reasons why numbered lists are stupid.

Quote of the day: Tuesday the 13th edition

“sorry, i got out the wrong side of bed thismorning, and mood is not being helped by people receiving a liberal sprinklingof retardation dust from the incompetence fairy”

Woodshop: last minute projects.

Things are moving fast this week.

In the woods

This mornging I woke to a mind divided.

I feel like...

I. Love. Bacon.

Ted.com

It snowed tonight

Do not try and bend the spoon. That's impossible

Re Dic?

Robot

What great day it was today Downtown Ann Arbor

How sad is it...

Winters first Kiss

Sometimes a fork in the road is so subtle…

Shop Time: More small projects.

Sunday morning shopping with the Girl

Go Blue: Michigan Vs. Ohio State

Black Friday....

Happy Thanksgiving

Whew...

I need a vacation.

Range on the home

Go Blue: Michigan vs Nebraska

Tanner

Stress: its not just not just for breakfast anymore

Deer Season Opens today (firearm)

And just like that...

Went to vist my good friend in the hospital today

Go Blue: Michigan Vs Illinois

111111

Overheard on the couch: Its 4g time

Kitty checks in

Sure I have talked about TED before but sometimes you just have to see it to believe it. Please check it out here .