I think I'm going to like this new girl!

Son Noah is dating a new girl, Shana. Seems she is an industrious type and has 2 jobs, one a large car dealership, Carmax and one as a barista at a Starbucks. Apparently one of the work benefits at Starbucks is a free pound of coffee each week and Shana doesn't drink coffee! She asked me the other night what type of coffee I liked from Starbucks and would I like her weekly ration!

Well, yeah! I'll take a bag of Sumatran coffee a week, you bet!

New books on order for next term-

Two of them, for two classes. One is even a used book. Still $185 delivered by ground! Ouch!

Anyway, I've one paper to finish, a group presentation on Tuesday and a group final exam on Thursday evening. Then I get a week off before starting Logistics Management and Business Policy.

Next term will even be three nights per week instead of just two. This term I've had two classes on the same two nights, next term it will be one class on two nights and one class for 4 hours on Friday nights. That Friday night class will be a drag on my off-work Fridays, not to mention cutting into my regular movie evenings!

But next term I'll be doing the #6 & #7 last classes towards my Bachelors Degree, so I guess I can tough it out...

Look what I found tonight, a new Kel-Tec pistol!

Well, sitting here browsing the Carnival of Cordite tonight, I discovered that Kel-Tec has announce their newest pistol, the PF-9. Here's the official press release.

I already have two Kel-Tec pistols, the P3AT that I am waiting for Kel-Tec to return to me repaired and a P-11 that I really like, except that its just a little too thick for comfortable concealed carry. This new PF-9 will be thinner and lighter than the P-11, so it sounds just perfect for every day carry.

The press release says the guns will be available in May. I guess I better head down to Impact Guns and get mine on order!

What a movie! The World's Fastest Indian

I finally got to see The World's Fastest Indian last night. The front page of the movie's website says it is "based on one hell of a true story." I must agree! This is a terrific story of one determined man following his dream and seeing his dreams and goals come true.

You can read much more about Burt Monro and his motorcycle at this Indian Motorbikes page. There's a bunch of great pictures from the days of filming the movie here.

For those of you that visit this humble blog that aren't related to me, go see this movie. In Burt Munro, I saw my Dad, my Grandpa Harry McCord and my Greatgrandfather Walter Gunn. I know that I am a product of all those men, creators, inventors and tinkerers all, and I am certain that had we the opportunity, we all would have been great friends with Burt Monro. Burt found ways to get things done and that same trait has been a common thread in my life and my heritage. That's why I felt a connection with Burt through The World's Fastest Indian.

This movie gets added to my collection when it comes out on DVD!

Comments are still tweaked- mostly

I don't know why but for some reason, and for the past couple weeks, my Haloscan comments have been giving me fits. Most of the time they won't open when I click the link, then other times it opens just as it should.

If the comments link isn't working for you, my apologies. I can't explain it. Please keep trying.

You gotta see this!

Again, I'm sharing something I found from Dave Barry's blog. Remember the story about the acetelyne balloon in the backseat on the way to the Super Bowl party?

Finally, here's a picture of a different kind of car bomb.

Filling a balloon with explosive gas and carrying it across town must have seemed like such a good idea at the time...

Mark your calendars now!

March 15th is approaching!
Its almost time for Eat A Tasty Animal For PETA day!

I'm hungry already!

Time for a little fun!

I found this link over at Dave Barry's blog tonight and its just too much fun not to share. Send a Monk-e-mail to a friend. I sent one and can't wait to hear a response from one of my classmates.

UPDATE: CareerBuilder.com has removed the link from their homepage to the Monk-E-Mail portion of their website in just the past couple hours. I suspect they must have been bombarded with more traffic than their servers could tolerate. That would explain the link's failure to connect in the post above. Maybe it will come back in a day or two.

New DSM-IV entries

Last night in my Business Communication class, I outed myself as a "NeoConservative". That's not too big a surprise to any of you regular readers I suppose. At any rate, I 'fessed up to being a neocon during our class discussion. Beale, the instructor took the opportunity to say, "You know Nate, that the DSM-IV, [that's Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, ed]  is being revised and will soon be published as DSM-V. The new version lists NeoCon as a diagnosis, right before Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder."

My reply? "Will Bush Derangement Syndrome be included as a diagnosis too?"

I'm pretty certain only the two of us knew what I was talking about...

Best headline news since my birthday!

Men in Their 50s Have More Satisfying Sex Lives Than Men in Their 30s... Read all about it at Science Blog.

I was going to write a separate post about my recent conversion as a supporter of "performance enhancing" drugs, but this post is as good a time as any. I'm a believer. And I got chocolate chip cookies last night as a reward! That ought to tell you something...

I get the results tomorrow-

The results from all those blood tests for my physical that I mentioned last week, that is. The nurse called Friday afternoon to set up an appointment for the Doc to discuss the results with me. The fact that the Doc didn't just call me to say everything was ok or this thing or the other thing needed attention.

Instead, we need to have an appointment... Besides telling me I need to loose 40 pounds, I wonder what other scary news he has for me...

For now, its bedtime.

UPDATE:I saw the Doc this afternoon. Overall, I got a pretty clean bill of health. My blood sugar is fine and my cholesterol levels are better than might be expected. Loosing a few pounds would (will) get me right into the proper ranges. My testosterone levels are within normal ranges.

I do have low thyroid output and now I'm taking a pill a day to improve that circumstance. The doc says with proper hormone levels I'll have more energy, probably loose some weight and generally feel better.

I feel better already, just knowing that I'm overall healthier than I deserve to be. One pill a day shouldn't be too big an imposition.

Still really busy-

I'm trying to write a paper for my Business Communication class. The assignment is to write about a NGO, Non-Government Organization of our choice. It just so happened that while doing my research, I discovered Kind Hearts for Charitable Human Development over at Little Green Footballs. This paper has turned out to require quite a bit of research and trying to make it comprehensible and informative for my paper has been a challenge. The paper's not quite done but it is coming together pretty nicely.

For a little hint- the entire first page is written to make Kind Hearts sound like a wonderful charitable organization. Its not until the last paragraph on the page that I reveal that the US State Department has declared it to be a terrorist support group!

Yeah, I'm having a little fun... But its work too, to get the story told in an interesting way.

I got nuthin

Worked most of today then an early supper with the spouse at the Union Grill and then we went to see Firewall. Its a passable movie and I always like Harrison Ford. Its no Academy Award nominee material, but its a fun thriller.

Other than that, I got nothing. I'm tired. Tomorrow's a ski day and afterwards Noah wants to go purchase a tool box set for his work. He's finished week 3 at Midas so he's beginning to pile up some cash for the first time in his life.

So maybe I'll get some fun stories from tomorrow's trip to Powder Mountain to share. And then there's homework!

You want how much blood?

Yikes! Yesterday I took myself to the Doc for a 50,000 mile checkup and part of the expected procedure was the regular blood tests to see how well all my systems are performing. After doing the 12 hour fasting business, I dragged my hungry, non-caffeinated carcass to the lab this morning for the ritual poking. The Doc had done a lot of writing on that little lab slip and it took Debby the phlebotomist a number of minutes to gather all the tubes required for my draining. I think it took 4 tubes to get all the tests covered...

Now I'm no longer hungry and the caffeine flow has restarted but I'm still feeling lethargic. I wonder why...

BTW, initial answers from the Doc yesterday were that I was seemingly healthy with nothing but my excess weight and my cigar smoking as concerns. Nothing else he poked or prodded seemed out of the ordinary. Hopefully the blood tests will also support a diagnosis of generally healthy enough.

Dear Kershaw Knife Company

This past weekend I received my first Kershaw knife as a birthday gift, a dandy folder called a Chive. When opening the package, I took note of the warning label on the protective bag that my knife was wrapped in. I found the warning to be rather disturbing. It says: "WARNING! Kershaw knives are extremely sharp and dangerous. If not handled properly, serious injury could result. Read the operating instructions before using."

Knives are dangerous, just because they are sharp? Or is there some inherent flaw in Kershaw knives that make them dangerous? [/sarcasm] Perhaps the use of the word "dangerous" could be put in the same sentence as "if not handled properly", if that's what your lawyers really meant for you to warn us about.

Because, really, the knife is not dangerous unless it has a design or manufacturing defect. Wouldn't you agree?

And finally, thanks Tim, it's a great knife!

I'd Rather Hunt With Dick Cheney Than Ride With Ted Kennedy...

I might have to buy that bumper sticker!

No media bias reporting going on with that assclown Michelle shows...

Too tired for posting tonight-

Sorry 'bout that but its true. Tim left this morning for Arizona to see his kids and grandkids and run in a marathon on Sunday. We really had a great time. I've only got 21 months to prepare for his 50th birthday celebration in Florida.

Maybe I can bring in Brother Mark on that celebration too!

Anyway, more after Valentines Day tomorrow.

Yesterday skiing in the mountains-

today- shooting in the desert, of course! Yes, today Tim and I, along with son Noah and his friend Donovan headed out to the desert for more fresh air, gunpowder smoke and shooting fun. It was a beautiful day, about 34 degrees, no wind and bright subshine that made it feel warmer than the thermometer indicated.

Mostly we hiked through the sage brush and visited. On rare occasions we actually took some shots at the few jackrabbits we saw today. When we got tired of hiking, we just tossed out the plastic toys and enjoyed an extended plinking session with all the guns that went along for the trip.

And I took pictures! Here's Brother Tim,




Tim again, with my Ruger P345,




Here's Noah with the jackrabbit that he chased down, then shot!




And finally, a picture of Brother Tim and me.




Finally, what guns went along? My Ruger 10/22, a borrowed 10/22, my Taurus Model 63, the Remington 597, (which now works since I bought 2 new magazines), the SKS, (which Tim really liked), the previously mentioned P345, the Kel-Tek P11, the Beretta Neos pistol and my Smith & Wesson Model 19. Lots of guns to clean tomorrow!

Brother Tim Skis!

That's right, Tim arrived safely Thursday night and we are having a great weekend. Yesterday we went skiing at Powder Mountain Ski Resort, (hey, where else would I take him?) Tim's only been skiing 2 times before yesterday but he did a great job yesterday and we had a great time. We had a great time and there a pictures to prove he was doing it!




I told you he was having fun!




Tim's pig set a new personal best for elevation, (excluding airplane overhead storage bins) yesterday. And he seemed to enjoy the beer!

I am not worthy-

I don't remember if I mentioned this to everyone but a couple weeks ago I applied for my first Civil Service job. I needed to complete a government, online resume for the Business Communication class and I happened upon a Program Analyst position that was being offered, so I used that for my assignment material. And, I submitted the same package for consideration on the open job advertisement.

Yesterday I received the letter that rated me as ELIGIBLE with a 83 score for this job, meaning that its possible I could get called for an interview. Apparently somebody thinks I'm at least worthy of consideration.

The job is a GS-13 level position...

From an email from Dad tonight...

Liquids/keyboard/monitor interference alert!

One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replies: "I'm sorry, I cannot accept money from you; I'm doing community service this week" The florist is pleased and leaves the shop. Next morning when the barber goes to open there is a thank you card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies: "I'm sorry, I cannot accept money from you; I'm doing community service this week." The cop is happy and leaves the shop. Next morning when the barber goes to open up there's a thank you card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later a Republican comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies: "I'm sorry, I cannot accept money from you; I'm doing community service this week." The Republican is very happy and leaves the shop. Next morning when the barber goes to open, there is a thank you card and a dozen different books such as "How to Improve Your Business" and "Becoming More Successful."

Then a Democrat comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies: "I'm sorry, I cannot accept money from you; I'm doing community service this week." The Democrat is very happy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Democrats lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between left and right.

I'm cranky tonight!

That's more cranky than usual, for those of you that will accuse me of alwayd being a grouch. I'm not really a grouch but I do play one on television- most of the time. But I am crabby tonight and its all because I failed to complete my 'leaving for the day' mental checklist and got home without my memory stick.

Which means I can't finish a paper tonight that is due tomorow night! Dang!

I did take the BSU to the evil Wal-Mart tonight for some groceries and then we had a nice pork chop dinner. Afterwards, the dishes and kitchen got cleaned up and then I paid the bills. When I was finally ready to do the school work, there was no memory stick in my book bag.

So I guess I get to blog a little more tonight!

Eureka! I've solved the mystery!

Everyone that's ever opened a plastic carton of yogurt with the foil on the top knows about the problem- its impossible to pry up the foil to get to the tasty yogurt without the first bit of yogurt going 'spurt' onto your shirt. Or tie. Or slacks. Whatever.

I've been trying really hard to stay away from the sweets so I'm eating yogurt once or twice a day instead. And until yesterday it always went 'spurt' on me no matter how careful I was. The solution- if you didn't know this already, is a ball point pen. Just pop the sharp tip of the ball point through the foil first, thereby removing the built up pressure. Now peel the foil with no worries about getting splatted and enjoy the tasty treat inside.

Just be careful about the sharp hole when you lick the inside of the foil cover!

This has been a Public Service Message, brought to you by the Eat More Yogurt Because It Tastes Good Association...

Get all the SuperBowl commercials here.

Ifilm.com has all the commercials from yesterday's big show here.
I missed this one butsnagged it just to see what it looks like in the post.

One more thing from the weekend-

I bought a new pair of skis. They are 2nd hand actually, ski shop demos. They are Dynastar powder skis and I got a pretty good chance to test ride them on Saturday. You know I had to buy them, just for the name. The skis are called Little Big, Fat. They had my name all over them! Here's a review of my new skis.

About those cartoons-

By tomorrow night I hope to have a couple paragraphs written that express my thoughts about the circumstances causing people to burn down buildings because they are "offended." You probably already can guess how I feel about this bizarre business but I want to write it down anyway.

So, what did you do this weekend?

I've been to the movies with my spouse on Friday afternoon. We saw Annapolis. It looked like an updated Officer and a Gentleman, and it was similar in many ways but it also had been merged with Rocky. Turns out its a "boxing as a meaphor for life" movie. We weren't impressed. I was disappointed because my intent was to see The World's Fastest Indian but it wasn't being shown anywhere close enough to get to on Friday.

Saturday was a day of ticket checking at Powder Mountain and it was a busy day. Noah and I weren't working together as we have every other weekend and there was a full mountain of customers to visit with all day.

Today I added a small heater to my gun locker out in the shop. It was getting damp in there and I've just gotten too attached to my guns to let them suffer any corrosion. So now there's a gun safe heater keeping things toasty. I've also worked on the group paper for my Transportation class, writing my conclusion and improving the impact of the other 4 contributors to the paper. I've done some studying for my mid-term test on Tuesday, made breakfast for everyone and washed, dried and folded this week's laundry.

I think there was a football game on for a while this afternoon when I sat down to watch the Superbowl advertisement special program. I think my favorite was the Budweiser commercial with the Clydesdale colt pulling the trailer.

Lots to do this week before Little Brother Tim arrives on Thursday. I'm getting anxious to see him and I'm expecting we will have a great time.

The FedEx commercial was pretty funny too!

Its Ground Hog's Day!

So that can only mean one thing, today is Karen's birthday! Happy Birthday Karen! Make sure to click through to her blog, Karen's Life, over there on the right and wish her well. Karen's a sweetie and I sure enjoy her company when we get a chance to visit or just share a class.

My birthday yesterday was a very pleasant one. I received phone calls and emails from most of my sisters-in-law, a phone call and a gift from my Dad, the previously mentioned DVD and card from Melanie and a dandy Hickory Farm package filled with fun party favors. The sender of the smoked food box is still unknown, but I'm suspecting it might be a gift from Mom. Dinner was the Gilded Feedlot with the spouse and son and later  there was chocolate cake and ice cream and the Eagles Farewell I tour DVD set.

NOTE: no linkages to anything until later since I'm emailing this in. Sorry 'bout that.

55 Gallon Barrel of Blasting Caps

Found in an elderly gentleman's house! Does that happen in your neighborhood? This old retired miner had blasting caps, 12 boxes of dynamite and a barrel of ammonium nitrate, just sitting on shelves in his house and barn!

Fortunately, the smoking hole in the ground that could have been has been prevented and the bomb sqad folks have earned their pay today by destroying it.

I'm old...

Well, its official. I’m old. As of today, I’m now part of the AARP set and three of my sister-in-laws have been quick to invite me into the fold. I’m actually surprised that my mailbox hasn’t been swelling with glossy invites to join AARP.

That’s right, its my birthday and I’m 50 years old.

I’m old.

I’m over the hill.

I’m dang near a geezer.

Are Ban-Lon pants and white vinyl shoes in my future?

Do I trade in my scooter for a golf cart?

Gaah! How did I get this old? No offense to my family and friends that stop by that are also over this mid-century age mark, but I just don’t see myself as 50. Like every other landmark in my life, I suppose I’ll grow into it.

I’ve received a number of kind cards already and Sister Mel even sent me Beyond Gates of Splendor, a DVD of the documentary telling the story of the continuing efforts of the missionaries in Ecuador that I linked to a few days ago. Thanks Sis! I’m looking forward to watching the movie this weekend.

And thanks to all of you for the kind words.