I walked four blocks to Walgreens around noon. The streets were packed and people appeared to be picking up a lot of essentials. That's what happens when the weather finally breaks north of the tolerable level. Still, I have no plans for tonight.
The first leg of the Key West Classic Regatta starts on Saturday. About a dozen tall ships from around the world will compete and spectators can tour the classic sailboats afterwards.
I saw an old interview from 1991 with Hillary Clinton today. She actually had quite a bit of a southern twang back then. Not so much anymore.
Congrats to Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls for making his second all star team. He's my favorite Bull because he plays the game right.
Happy birthday to Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks. He is my favorite Chicago Cub of all time and I have a fond memory of spending a couple hours with him at an auto dealer in my youth with a bunch of fans. He signed autographs with a big smile the entire time and answered all our questions. A true ambassador for baseball.
Lake Mead in Nevada has had a declining water level for fourteen straight years. Imagine that, water problems in a desert climate. As a frequent visitor to Vegas, I was always impressed by the resourcefulness of the Nevada people. Besides additional water drilling, they reuse over 90% of their water. The local governments even give tax breaks to homeowners who forgo traditional grass lawns. They will manage a way to keep up with demand.
Eastern Airlines appears to be rising from the dead. It began flights in 1926 but disappeared off the radar so to speak in 1991. A group bought it out of bankruptcy several years ago and is waiting for Department of Transportation approval. Once approved it will be based out of Miami. Airline stocks have surged the past year so perhaps the timing is right. They will be taking delivery of an Airbus A320 this fall and will hopefully start flights in December. I always love a vintage comeback.
George Zimmerman is taking part in a celebrity boxing match on March 1st. No word yet if he gets to shoot his opponent after he gets his ass kicked again!
Later
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Cobwebs In D.C.
President Obama will be in Wisconsin today touring a GE plant in Waukesha. Governor Walker will be greeting him at Mitchell Airport and asking him for emergency relief for the major propane gas shortage. Less government is always convenient unless you need something.
The big birthday bash for Cole went well last yesterday and he had a great time with all his school friends. A total of 19 kids for 5 hours and all of them were great. For some reason I 'm just looking for some quiet time today.
A 300 year old Stradivarius violin was stolen from a Milwaukee symphony concertmaster. It appears to be a well planned heist as the concertmaster was tasered in the parking lot and the case with an implanted GPS chip was located several miles away. It has been reported that the extravagant fiddle is worth around $6 million so I doubt we'll be seeing it listed on Craigslist.
The stock market recovered well today. The Federal Reserve Bank stuck with their plan to roll back bond purchases and the GDP grew 3.2% according to the Commerce Department.
Hall of Fame baseball announcer Bob Uecker announced that he will be cutting back on the amount of road game telecasts. A former MLB catcher, Uecker started doing broadcasts for the Brew Crew in 1971. Johnny Carson gave him the nickname "Mr. Baseball." He's a legendary and beloved figure in Wisconsin.
I grew up thinking that being in the U.S. Congress was an honorable full time job. That members worked for the people and tried to make lives better. As I get older, it's apparent that they work for corporations and special interests with maybe a cursory thought about the people they represent. That is, if they ever came to work anymore.
Congress was out on recess last week after they had barely been back from a Christmas vacation that nobody else has. They worked 3 days this week and the GOP faction left today for a so called "retreat" which I think is code for fine wine and cigars. No wonder nothing is getting done in Washington. It's become the world's best part time job and D.C. has become a ghost town lately.
Later
The big birthday bash for Cole went well last yesterday and he had a great time with all his school friends. A total of 19 kids for 5 hours and all of them were great. For some reason I 'm just looking for some quiet time today.
A 300 year old Stradivarius violin was stolen from a Milwaukee symphony concertmaster. It appears to be a well planned heist as the concertmaster was tasered in the parking lot and the case with an implanted GPS chip was located several miles away. It has been reported that the extravagant fiddle is worth around $6 million so I doubt we'll be seeing it listed on Craigslist.
The stock market recovered well today. The Federal Reserve Bank stuck with their plan to roll back bond purchases and the GDP grew 3.2% according to the Commerce Department.
Hall of Fame baseball announcer Bob Uecker announced that he will be cutting back on the amount of road game telecasts. A former MLB catcher, Uecker started doing broadcasts for the Brew Crew in 1971. Johnny Carson gave him the nickname "Mr. Baseball." He's a legendary and beloved figure in Wisconsin.
I grew up thinking that being in the U.S. Congress was an honorable full time job. That members worked for the people and tried to make lives better. As I get older, it's apparent that they work for corporations and special interests with maybe a cursory thought about the people they represent. That is, if they ever came to work anymore.
Congress was out on recess last week after they had barely been back from a Christmas vacation that nobody else has. They worked 3 days this week and the GOP faction left today for a so called "retreat" which I think is code for fine wine and cigars. No wonder nothing is getting done in Washington. It's become the world's best part time job and D.C. has become a ghost town lately.
Later
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Cole Turns 10
Happy Birthday to my son Cole! His party starts at 2 today and he invited a lot of friends. No man could ever ask for a finer son and I truly consider myself blessed.
The Atlanta snowstorm had over 1200 accidents last night. That seems like an awful lot when you consider cars were at a standstill. Seven hour commutes, children spending the night at schools have made Georgia a very unhappy state. I can't blame them. They seldom see snow and have no removal equipment. What's a weather report for if employers and schools choose to ignore common sense.
Summerfest has announced that Motley Crue will be the main stage performer on July 4th. This will be part of their final tour as all 4 band members have signed an agreement to permanently dissolve the group. The tour runs thru 2015 and Alice Cooper will be a part it.
I've seen Alice Cooper several times in concert and it's a great stage show. I even have his autograph as he was sitting behind me at an indoor track meet watching a friend of his run the indoor mile. A really down to earth guy. Sadly no photograph as this was before camera phones.
Yahoo (YHOO) is taking a pounding today after last nights earnings report and it appears the honeymoon might be over for CEO Marissa Mayer who is a Wausau, Wisconsin native graduating from Wausau West. The turn around is going to take longer than people expected. If it does at all.
I watched the State of the Union address last night and thought it was okay. Some folks liked it better than myself. The GOP response with Cathy McMorris Rodgers was very good. The bar had been set so low with pathetic performances by Bachmann, Jindal and Rubio that Rodgers looked like a rockstar in comparison.
I missed the Tea Party response by Senator Lee and the Libertarian response by Senator Paul. I don't understand why the need for 3 responses. If those factions don't want to be a part of the GOP, they are free to leave. A party divided amongst itself certainly can't win a national election.
Later
The Atlanta snowstorm had over 1200 accidents last night. That seems like an awful lot when you consider cars were at a standstill. Seven hour commutes, children spending the night at schools have made Georgia a very unhappy state. I can't blame them. They seldom see snow and have no removal equipment. What's a weather report for if employers and schools choose to ignore common sense.
Summerfest has announced that Motley Crue will be the main stage performer on July 4th. This will be part of their final tour as all 4 band members have signed an agreement to permanently dissolve the group. The tour runs thru 2015 and Alice Cooper will be a part it.
I've seen Alice Cooper several times in concert and it's a great stage show. I even have his autograph as he was sitting behind me at an indoor track meet watching a friend of his run the indoor mile. A really down to earth guy. Sadly no photograph as this was before camera phones.
Yahoo (YHOO) is taking a pounding today after last nights earnings report and it appears the honeymoon might be over for CEO Marissa Mayer who is a Wausau, Wisconsin native graduating from Wausau West. The turn around is going to take longer than people expected. If it does at all.
I watched the State of the Union address last night and thought it was okay. Some folks liked it better than myself. The GOP response with Cathy McMorris Rodgers was very good. The bar had been set so low with pathetic performances by Bachmann, Jindal and Rubio that Rodgers looked like a rockstar in comparison.
I missed the Tea Party response by Senator Lee and the Libertarian response by Senator Paul. I don't understand why the need for 3 responses. If those factions don't want to be a part of the GOP, they are free to leave. A party divided amongst itself certainly can't win a national election.
Later
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Bad Day For An Apple
The CEO of Bitcoin exchange Bit Instant was arrested by authorities at Kennedy International Airport and charged with money laundering. I seem to recall some blogger writing about this on sunday. Just saying!
Apple Computers (AAPL) stock is down about 8% today. They sold fewer I Phones than expected. This is probably a good entry point as the company is sitting on large cache of cash and has the ability to buy almost any profitable company. Worst case scenario is that they have a large stock buy back.
Northwestern University football players are trying to start a union which would be the first one in collegiate sports. It would be called the College Athletics Players Association if it becomes certified. The goal isn't to pay athletes salaries. They would like full cost scholarships, better medical attention and a trust fund for graduate education. Considering how much the NCAA makes off collegiate sports, this movement could get some wheels behind it.
RIP to legendary folk singer Pete Singer. You were a lifelong friend to the Hudson River cleanup and could play a little too. You will be missed by many.
The State of the Union address is tonight. I've been watching it religiously for years. I always got a kick out of seeing my old high school teacher sitting just over the President's left shoulder after he became Speaker of the House.
Be sure to check your credit card statements. If there's a $9.84 charge on your statement it's most likely fraudulent. Some fraudster believes that a majority of people won't catch such a small charge on their statement and they're most likely correct. Especially on those first statements after holiday time.
I heard some talking heads on CNBC talking about the best ways to fix the economy. Their big ideas were broad tax reform and lowering the minimum wage to $4 an hour to spur massive hiring. Tax reform would be positive but the do nothing congress will continue to do nothing in an election year. Lowering the minimum wage won't happen neither as I recall Lincoln outlawing slavery in 1865.
Later
Apple Computers (AAPL) stock is down about 8% today. They sold fewer I Phones than expected. This is probably a good entry point as the company is sitting on large cache of cash and has the ability to buy almost any profitable company. Worst case scenario is that they have a large stock buy back.
Northwestern University football players are trying to start a union which would be the first one in collegiate sports. It would be called the College Athletics Players Association if it becomes certified. The goal isn't to pay athletes salaries. They would like full cost scholarships, better medical attention and a trust fund for graduate education. Considering how much the NCAA makes off collegiate sports, this movement could get some wheels behind it.
RIP to legendary folk singer Pete Singer. You were a lifelong friend to the Hudson River cleanup and could play a little too. You will be missed by many.
The State of the Union address is tonight. I've been watching it religiously for years. I always got a kick out of seeing my old high school teacher sitting just over the President's left shoulder after he became Speaker of the House.
Be sure to check your credit card statements. If there's a $9.84 charge on your statement it's most likely fraudulent. Some fraudster believes that a majority of people won't catch such a small charge on their statement and they're most likely correct. Especially on those first statements after holiday time.
I heard some talking heads on CNBC talking about the best ways to fix the economy. Their big ideas were broad tax reform and lowering the minimum wage to $4 an hour to spur massive hiring. Tax reform would be positive but the do nothing congress will continue to do nothing in an election year. Lowering the minimum wage won't happen neither as I recall Lincoln outlawing slavery in 1865.
Later
Monday, January 27, 2014
My Courtney Love Encounter
Milwaukee schools are closed today and Tuesday. The thermometer is struggling to reach 0 and I'm refusing to even check the wind chill. So far Coco has had breakfast twice and an early lunch. It's fun having him around on a weekday but I'm hoping I have enough food in the house!
Super Bowl ticket prices in the secondary market are dropping like a rock in water. Nobody should really be surprised. The ticket prices are outrageous and the weather forecast isn't pleasant. Most local NFL fans will be content to watch the game at a local watering hole or party like the rest of the world.
Former Cub Matt Garza signed a 4 year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. If he stays healthy for once he will have a solid season.
The Arizona Republican Party censured Senator John McCain for basically being too critical of conservatives. Understandably, fellow Arizona lawmakers rose to his defense. A censure for disastrous decision making in 2008, would have been far more appropriate!
Courtney Love was found not guilty in a Twitter libel case. It's been called a landmark case because it's the first of its kind. I've actually met Courtney before. Well, more like I touched her 3 times!
It was at the Joint, which is part of the Hard Rock Hotel complex in Las Vegas. It was Memorial Day weekend 1998, my friend and I wanted to go see a concert. The only tickets available were for her band Hole. I wasn't a fan at the time, but it was a fabulous show.
The Joint was a standing room only music venue with a rail about halfway up the floor. I was standing next to the rail just a few feet down from Penn Gillette the illusionist. Courtney came on stage wearing butterfly wings dressed like a Vegas Showgirl.
After about 6 songs she just plunged into the audience where she ended up about two feet away from me singing "Heaven Tonight." So, I decided to reach out and touch her shoulder. Security never came so I did it again. Still no security, so I touched her neck and shoulder this time and said "hi Courtney." I had become a little star struck I admit. She just smiled back and with a wink went back onstage. The guy next to me thought she stopped there because I looked a bit like Kurt Cobain at the time. Whatever the reason, it was a bizarre moment.
A Russian man in Pennsylvania was charged over the weekend with possession of weapons of mass destruction. No word yet it if he purchased them on Craiglist Iraq!
Later
Super Bowl ticket prices in the secondary market are dropping like a rock in water. Nobody should really be surprised. The ticket prices are outrageous and the weather forecast isn't pleasant. Most local NFL fans will be content to watch the game at a local watering hole or party like the rest of the world.
Former Cub Matt Garza signed a 4 year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. If he stays healthy for once he will have a solid season.
The Arizona Republican Party censured Senator John McCain for basically being too critical of conservatives. Understandably, fellow Arizona lawmakers rose to his defense. A censure for disastrous decision making in 2008, would have been far more appropriate!
Courtney Love was found not guilty in a Twitter libel case. It's been called a landmark case because it's the first of its kind. I've actually met Courtney before. Well, more like I touched her 3 times!
It was at the Joint, which is part of the Hard Rock Hotel complex in Las Vegas. It was Memorial Day weekend 1998, my friend and I wanted to go see a concert. The only tickets available were for her band Hole. I wasn't a fan at the time, but it was a fabulous show.
The Joint was a standing room only music venue with a rail about halfway up the floor. I was standing next to the rail just a few feet down from Penn Gillette the illusionist. Courtney came on stage wearing butterfly wings dressed like a Vegas Showgirl.
After about 6 songs she just plunged into the audience where she ended up about two feet away from me singing "Heaven Tonight." So, I decided to reach out and touch her shoulder. Security never came so I did it again. Still no security, so I touched her neck and shoulder this time and said "hi Courtney." I had become a little star struck I admit. She just smiled back and with a wink went back onstage. The guy next to me thought she stopped there because I looked a bit like Kurt Cobain at the time. Whatever the reason, it was a bizarre moment.
A Russian man in Pennsylvania was charged over the weekend with possession of weapons of mass destruction. No word yet it if he purchased them on Craiglist Iraq!
Later
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Bitcoin Will Be A Fad
The Key West Botanical Garden has a new Cuban raft exhibit. It has eleven very unique rafts that were used by freedom seekers crossing the Straits of Florida. Some Cubans made it and some did not. By the looks of the rafts, their courage can never be questioned.
As a connoisseur of fine candy, I'm of the firm opinion that PEZ is the best candy ever. It's an Austrian company that started making this legendary candy in 1927. Cole and I loaded up his limited edition KISS band box set dispensers this morning. I've often wondered why they don't also sell the candy in large bags like M&M's? It is fun collecting some dispensers but the candy should be the emphasis.
Congrats to the Tosa Thunder winning Saturday's game to extend their record to 3-1. It's a strong team offensively and defensively.
Everybody seems to be asking questions about Bitcoin lately so I thought I would provide my two cents. It's a digital currency and a payment system. It uses sophisticated encryption and has basically no regulations at this point. The transaction fee is very small and the transaction itself is almost impossible to trace.
It's estimated by various experts that approximately twenty percent of its transactions are used for black market activities such as drugs, sex trafficking and money laundering. Some legitimate retailers have been accepting bitcoins as of late. Rumors persist of a major auto dealership accepting bitcoins for a high end purchase. In truth, the dealership provided transportation for the customer to exchange bitcoins for U.S. dollars.
There's four major reasons Bitcoin will eventually fade into obscurity like the transistor radio. One, it's not backed by any governments. It's value solely depends on the willingness of others to accept it's stated worth. It's inflation just waiting to happen. Secondly, the federal governments will eventually target them as a probe of black markets and possibly Bitcoin customers themselves. Think NSA.
Thirdly, the major banks have already been outspoken against Bitcoin and will not become associated with them. Banks like U.S. dollars and will not accept anything with cheaper fees that cut into bank margins. Bitcoin totally violates the golden rule. Those that have the gold make the rules.
In conclusion, Bitcoin will eventually face some competition as there's no barrier to entry. Remember Beta and VHS tapes? The very last Bitcoin customers will get stuck with a nice shiny worthless coin collection to show off next to their worthless Beta tape collection!
Later
As a connoisseur of fine candy, I'm of the firm opinion that PEZ is the best candy ever. It's an Austrian company that started making this legendary candy in 1927. Cole and I loaded up his limited edition KISS band box set dispensers this morning. I've often wondered why they don't also sell the candy in large bags like M&M's? It is fun collecting some dispensers but the candy should be the emphasis.
Congrats to the Tosa Thunder winning Saturday's game to extend their record to 3-1. It's a strong team offensively and defensively.
Everybody seems to be asking questions about Bitcoin lately so I thought I would provide my two cents. It's a digital currency and a payment system. It uses sophisticated encryption and has basically no regulations at this point. The transaction fee is very small and the transaction itself is almost impossible to trace.
It's estimated by various experts that approximately twenty percent of its transactions are used for black market activities such as drugs, sex trafficking and money laundering. Some legitimate retailers have been accepting bitcoins as of late. Rumors persist of a major auto dealership accepting bitcoins for a high end purchase. In truth, the dealership provided transportation for the customer to exchange bitcoins for U.S. dollars.
There's four major reasons Bitcoin will eventually fade into obscurity like the transistor radio. One, it's not backed by any governments. It's value solely depends on the willingness of others to accept it's stated worth. It's inflation just waiting to happen. Secondly, the federal governments will eventually target them as a probe of black markets and possibly Bitcoin customers themselves. Think NSA.
Thirdly, the major banks have already been outspoken against Bitcoin and will not become associated with them. Banks like U.S. dollars and will not accept anything with cheaper fees that cut into bank margins. Bitcoin totally violates the golden rule. Those that have the gold make the rules.
In conclusion, Bitcoin will eventually face some competition as there's no barrier to entry. Remember Beta and VHS tapes? The very last Bitcoin customers will get stuck with a nice shiny worthless coin collection to show off next to their worthless Beta tape collection!
Later
Saturday, January 25, 2014
My Onion Chopper
It's officially the coldest Wisconsin winter since 1979. There's a shortage of propane gas throughout the midwest and customers are getting just enough allotment for a couple weeks. Fortunately, I have natural gas. Unfortunately, natural gas prices have gone thru the roof. Not a mere coincidence I'm sure and my next energy bill will be outrageous.
The St. Marcus Mustangs 4th grade basketball team ended their campaign with a win to remain undefeated. A perfect 12-0 record with two tournament wins. Congrats to a first class group of competitors.
When I got home after the game last night it was snowing once again and bitter cold had set in. So, we uncorked a bottle of cabernet and decided to stay in and watch television. Krissy decided to multi task and work on this huge Key West puzzle of the entire island that we bought on our last trip.
Our first program was on BBC. A history of Ian Fleming and 007. I should mention that I'm a huge James Bond fan but I'll spare you with my collectibles for another day. It was a fascinating piece of work with in depth interviews of Fleming and co-producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman. Naturally, every Bond actor recollected their experiences as 007 and I was mesmerized for the entire two hours.
Next up was Anthony Bourdain on CNN. It's a totally different food show with more of a travel aspect than anything. This time he was in Burma and Malaysia. He has the heart of a true adventurer and a very unique appreciation and approach to the world. He spoke in Milwaukee a couple years ago and I missed it. I won't make that mistake again if afforded another opportunity.
We woke up this morning and watched the Godfather. A 1972 classic which Krissy had never seen before so I added a bit of narration for her benefit. She had heard of the horse head scene before. Who hasn't?
Later lunch at the Trocadero. The beer line burgers are fabulous!
I'm off to a soccer game now for Cole. Krissy decided to start dinner. The photo below is how she chops onions and I'll just leave it at that!
Later
The St. Marcus Mustangs 4th grade basketball team ended their campaign with a win to remain undefeated. A perfect 12-0 record with two tournament wins. Congrats to a first class group of competitors.
When I got home after the game last night it was snowing once again and bitter cold had set in. So, we uncorked a bottle of cabernet and decided to stay in and watch television. Krissy decided to multi task and work on this huge Key West puzzle of the entire island that we bought on our last trip.
Our first program was on BBC. A history of Ian Fleming and 007. I should mention that I'm a huge James Bond fan but I'll spare you with my collectibles for another day. It was a fascinating piece of work with in depth interviews of Fleming and co-producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman. Naturally, every Bond actor recollected their experiences as 007 and I was mesmerized for the entire two hours.
Next up was Anthony Bourdain on CNN. It's a totally different food show with more of a travel aspect than anything. This time he was in Burma and Malaysia. He has the heart of a true adventurer and a very unique appreciation and approach to the world. He spoke in Milwaukee a couple years ago and I missed it. I won't make that mistake again if afforded another opportunity.
We woke up this morning and watched the Godfather. A 1972 classic which Krissy had never seen before so I added a bit of narration for her benefit. She had heard of the horse head scene before. Who hasn't?
Later lunch at the Trocadero. The beer line burgers are fabulous!
I'm off to a soccer game now for Cole. Krissy decided to start dinner. The photo below is how she chops onions and I'll just leave it at that!
Later
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