I either woke up this morning to -7 degrees or -1 degree, not that it really matters at that point. Either my eyes are getting old or the television graphics are getting smaller. Although I never seem to have problems when the graphics say 80.
California is expecting 8 inches of rain. They are in a terrible drought but this isn't good news. This will bring flash floods and hill slides as it would be too much at one time. They can't win even when they get their wish.
My emissions mission turned into a bit of a nightmare. It never fails when it should be something routine. As I pulled up to the automotive shop and walked into the office it was nothing but a brush off. I politely explained that an emissions test should only take ten minutes but the two workers who didn't appear busy insisted that I needed an appointment and couldn't be done until Monday. Apparently texting on their phones is the main priority an hour before closing time.
That was never necessary when the State of Wisconsin provided this service. They have since outsourced it to minions like many other services through out the state. Although at this point, I would give anything for a minion to patch a pothole in this state. I guess this is what happens when you get a Governor more interested in running for president than caring for the people of his state.
So I went home and called around and finally found O'Reilly Automotive on Cherry Street which doesn't require an appointment. Thank you kind lady on the telephone, you made my day.
A 78 year old man woke up kicking in a body bag in the back room of a funeral parlor. Apparently, the Lexington, Mississippi coroner couldn't find a pulse or heartbeat so zipped the man off for embalming. I'm not really a person always calling for resignations like John McCain, but if you can't tell if somebody is dead maybe you shouldn't really be a coroner.
Later
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Tesla Gigafactory
Another cold day but I have to venture outside to get an emissions test. I didn't know that the state closed their emission facilities and outsourced the entire process. That is good news. If the vehicle fails I can now grease a few palms for a pass!
Congrats to Roberto Garza of the Chicago Bears. He signed a one year contract and will be returning for his 13th NFL season. He's been the starting center for the last 3 years.
The banking industry posted record profits for the 4th quarter of 2013. Yet, most of the major banks have announced significant layoff plans for 2014. The bank CEO's whine about too much regulations and that nobody likes them. I've yet to see anybody shed a single tear for these greedy turds.
Tesla Motors (TSLA) is going to build a Gigafactory. Eventually this factory could produce more lithium-ion batteries than the rest of the world combined and at a much lower cost. These batteries are basically the power of the Tesla automobile. Naturally the stock price has soared this week. Critics scoffed and now call Tesla a battery company.
Tesla's business model is to eliminate most of the middle men and do all of the work themselves. This creates a higher profit margin. They actually own all of their own dealerships so you just deal with Tesla instead of some crooked dealership.
This Gigafactory will employ approximately 6500 people and increase vehicle production to 500,000 by 2020. Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and Nevada are vying for this factory location. I would be very surprised if Texas makes the final cut and gets chosen. Under the wisdom of Governor Rick Perry, Texas enacted legislation to make it illegal for Tesla to have direct dealerships in Texas. People in Texas actually have to go to another state to purchase a Tesla. I hope those campaign donations from the dealership owners were worth 6500 great jobs for the good people of Texas!
Later
Congrats to Roberto Garza of the Chicago Bears. He signed a one year contract and will be returning for his 13th NFL season. He's been the starting center for the last 3 years.
The banking industry posted record profits for the 4th quarter of 2013. Yet, most of the major banks have announced significant layoff plans for 2014. The bank CEO's whine about too much regulations and that nobody likes them. I've yet to see anybody shed a single tear for these greedy turds.
Tesla Motors (TSLA) is going to build a Gigafactory. Eventually this factory could produce more lithium-ion batteries than the rest of the world combined and at a much lower cost. These batteries are basically the power of the Tesla automobile. Naturally the stock price has soared this week. Critics scoffed and now call Tesla a battery company.
Tesla's business model is to eliminate most of the middle men and do all of the work themselves. This creates a higher profit margin. They actually own all of their own dealerships so you just deal with Tesla instead of some crooked dealership.
This Gigafactory will employ approximately 6500 people and increase vehicle production to 500,000 by 2020. Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and Nevada are vying for this factory location. I would be very surprised if Texas makes the final cut and gets chosen. Under the wisdom of Governor Rick Perry, Texas enacted legislation to make it illegal for Tesla to have direct dealerships in Texas. People in Texas actually have to go to another state to purchase a Tesla. I hope those campaign donations from the dealership owners were worth 6500 great jobs for the good people of Texas!
Later
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
No Hamsters Or Pigs
The roads in Milwaukee are terrible from winter potholes like the rest of the towns throughout the great Midwest. $303 billion dollars has been budgeted for new roads and repairs. Critics are reaching and calling it a failed stimulus just waiting to happen. I just call it getting our roads fixed. Last time I looked, none of my neighbors rushed out and fixed them for me.
I watched the movie "Coneheads" with Coco yesterday. It didn't seem any funnier to me 20 years later, definitely not one of Dan Aykroyd's finest films.
We also watched an intense NBA game with the Chicago Bulls hustling themselves to a road victory in Atlanta. Watch Joakim Noah sometime to see how basketball should be played. He plays with the same intensity as his father Yannick Noah displayed playing professional tennis back in the 80's.
Summerfest announced another headliner. Hip Hop duo Outkast will be the June 29th feature act. There's still 2 main stage acts to be announced before we start hearing about the numerous side stage acts. Stay tuned.
The hunt for the man eating tiger continues in India. No new attacks have occurred although they don't have a missing person's bureau in the rugged India outback. A professional trapper has been brought in and believes he has been close a few times to the carnivorous tiger.
Coco asked for a hamster yesterday. No, we will not have any hamsters or anything resembling a rodent in the house. I offered him a dog instead and he'll think about it. When I was a kid I asked for a horse and settled for a dog. Now, I would take a pot bellied pig in a New York minute. Krissy says no to anything that we could actually eat. Apparently, I can't make anyone happy in the pet department.
Later
I watched the movie "Coneheads" with Coco yesterday. It didn't seem any funnier to me 20 years later, definitely not one of Dan Aykroyd's finest films.
We also watched an intense NBA game with the Chicago Bulls hustling themselves to a road victory in Atlanta. Watch Joakim Noah sometime to see how basketball should be played. He plays with the same intensity as his father Yannick Noah displayed playing professional tennis back in the 80's.
Summerfest announced another headliner. Hip Hop duo Outkast will be the June 29th feature act. There's still 2 main stage acts to be announced before we start hearing about the numerous side stage acts. Stay tuned.
The hunt for the man eating tiger continues in India. No new attacks have occurred although they don't have a missing person's bureau in the rugged India outback. A professional trapper has been brought in and believes he has been close a few times to the carnivorous tiger.
Coco asked for a hamster yesterday. No, we will not have any hamsters or anything resembling a rodent in the house. I offered him a dog instead and he'll think about it. When I was a kid I asked for a horse and settled for a dog. Now, I would take a pot bellied pig in a New York minute. Krissy says no to anything that we could actually eat. Apparently, I can't make anyone happy in the pet department.
Later
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Nikki Haley Whines
Coco is off school this week for winter break so he's hanging out with the old man. Glad to have him here this week just wishing it was a bit warmer so we could do something outside.
Last night we watched a documentary about North Central College's cross country team. It is my alma mater. It sure brought back a lot of memories and I'll always be proud that I had the opportunity to run for Al Carius. A great coach but an even greater man. Success breeds success.
Bad news for anybody holding bitcoins from the Mt. Gox trading platform which used to be the biggest bitcoin exchange. Your bitcoin is now actually worth less than a Chuck E Cheese token. In fact, the internet site is totally offline and it's estimated that over $350 million has been lost. Other bitcoin exchanges are reassuring customers that everything in the bitcoin world is just fine. It begs the question besides the obvious Chuck E Cheese token comparison. Is bitcoin a relatively good and safe investment? Answer yourself that question by asking yourself this. Would you accept a bitcoin paycheck from your employer instead of U.S. dollars?
The NFL Combine has been going on for the past week. College seniors and early draft declarations come to Indianapolis every year looking to cash in on a dream of getting drafted by an NFL team. Each year, thru a series of drills, sprints, weightlifting and wonderlic tests, players position themselves for a higher draft position and more money. A lot of them are just great workout warriors but mediocre football players. Still, a paycheck cashed is a paycheck cashed. It will continue to be that way until someone designs an invention to measure heart and desire.
I guess cutting national spending and deficit reduction is good for everyone, unless of course it takes money out of the pocket of South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. It seems likely that her husband will loose his National Guard position with the defense budget cuts. I can see her point though. When you're governor of a state with the 10th highest poverty rate and the 9th lowest median income, dual incomes do matter!
Later
Last night we watched a documentary about North Central College's cross country team. It is my alma mater. It sure brought back a lot of memories and I'll always be proud that I had the opportunity to run for Al Carius. A great coach but an even greater man. Success breeds success.
Bad news for anybody holding bitcoins from the Mt. Gox trading platform which used to be the biggest bitcoin exchange. Your bitcoin is now actually worth less than a Chuck E Cheese token. In fact, the internet site is totally offline and it's estimated that over $350 million has been lost. Other bitcoin exchanges are reassuring customers that everything in the bitcoin world is just fine. It begs the question besides the obvious Chuck E Cheese token comparison. Is bitcoin a relatively good and safe investment? Answer yourself that question by asking yourself this. Would you accept a bitcoin paycheck from your employer instead of U.S. dollars?
The NFL Combine has been going on for the past week. College seniors and early draft declarations come to Indianapolis every year looking to cash in on a dream of getting drafted by an NFL team. Each year, thru a series of drills, sprints, weightlifting and wonderlic tests, players position themselves for a higher draft position and more money. A lot of them are just great workout warriors but mediocre football players. Still, a paycheck cashed is a paycheck cashed. It will continue to be that way until someone designs an invention to measure heart and desire.
I guess cutting national spending and deficit reduction is good for everyone, unless of course it takes money out of the pocket of South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. It seems likely that her husband will loose his National Guard position with the defense budget cuts. I can see her point though. When you're governor of a state with the 10th highest poverty rate and the 9th lowest median income, dual incomes do matter!
Later
Monday, February 24, 2014
The Monuments Men
George Clooney sure directed a beauty in "The Monuments Men." A winning cast with a superb true story seldom fails. Clooney and Matt Damon are the lead characters and were brilliant as always. Even if you're not a big war buff, this movie tells the true story of how a specially appointed army unit recovers some of the world's most famous European art pieces that Hitler had stolen during World War 2. Although some art was destroyed, this unit appointed by President Roosevelt managed to save a huge part of Europe's culture.
Bill Murray and John Goodman were especially terrific. The true sign of a great funnyman is how they can also touch you with a serious role. Both of these actors did it well and Murray's shower scene was especially poignant. I'll stop there so I don't give too much away but I highly recommend it.
After watching the movie at the Oriental Theatre we stopped next door at Replay sports bar and watched the second half of the Chicago Bulls game. Unfortunately, the Bulls fell apart in the 4th quarter and the Miami Heat won without LeBron James. His nose didn't look broke to me but it must be bad if it sidelined him.
After Replay, we headed over to Wolski's Tavern to finish off my birthday weekend in the proper fashion. Thanks again Krissy for the wonderful birthday celebration and to everyone for your well wishes.
Congrats to Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his second Daytona 500 victory. The rain delays and a huge pileup made it a long race day.
Summerfest just announced that Fall Out Boy will be the headliner on July 5th. There's still a few main stage openings so stay tuned.
Legendary comedy writer, director, and actor Harold Ramis passed away today from vasculitis. Ramis was a member of the famous Second City comedy troupe. Some of his most famous scripts were "Groundhog Day," "Animal House, " "Ghostbusters," and "Stripes." His performance with his real life great friend, the aforementioned Bill Murray, made "Stripes" a blockbuster at the box office. Thanks for all the laughs, you were legendary!
Later
Bill Murray and John Goodman were especially terrific. The true sign of a great funnyman is how they can also touch you with a serious role. Both of these actors did it well and Murray's shower scene was especially poignant. I'll stop there so I don't give too much away but I highly recommend it.
After watching the movie at the Oriental Theatre we stopped next door at Replay sports bar and watched the second half of the Chicago Bulls game. Unfortunately, the Bulls fell apart in the 4th quarter and the Miami Heat won without LeBron James. His nose didn't look broke to me but it must be bad if it sidelined him.
After Replay, we headed over to Wolski's Tavern to finish off my birthday weekend in the proper fashion. Thanks again Krissy for the wonderful birthday celebration and to everyone for your well wishes.
Congrats to Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his second Daytona 500 victory. The rain delays and a huge pileup made it a long race day.
Summerfest just announced that Fall Out Boy will be the headliner on July 5th. There's still a few main stage openings so stay tuned.
Legendary comedy writer, director, and actor Harold Ramis passed away today from vasculitis. Ramis was a member of the famous Second City comedy troupe. Some of his most famous scripts were "Groundhog Day," "Animal House, " "Ghostbusters," and "Stripes." His performance with his real life great friend, the aforementioned Bill Murray, made "Stripes" a blockbuster at the box office. Thanks for all the laughs, you were legendary!
Later
Sunday, February 23, 2014
5 O' Clock Club
Dinner last night at the 5 O'clock Club was phenomenal. Naturally, I went with the bone in rib-eye which is for the true steak connoisseur as the menu states. Everybody had wonderful food and the company was great. Thanks to Krissy, Angela and John for a wonderful night. Special kudos to Justin for acting as our personal chauffeur. Some photos are at the end of the blog.
After a leisurely morning we are heading down to the Oriental Theater to catch "The Monuments Men." I'll give a quick review in tomorrow's blog.
The Chicago Bulls go up against the Miami Heat this afternoon. No official word yet if LeBron James will play with his recently acquired broken nose but I'm betting he gives it a shot. Regardless, it should be a great game and I'm hoping to catch the second half.
Canada won the gold medal in men's Olympic hockey. Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews scored the first goal of the game for Canada. Congrats to Toews as he is a first class act and certainly legendary.
NASA has reported that 88% of the Great Lakes is completely frozen over. About 50% is the usual normal. It won't be thawing this week as temperatures are dipping back into single digits. The Coast Guard has extra ice breaking boats clearing commercial ship lanes so barges can keep delivering goods. The march warm up can't get here soon enough.
Later
After a leisurely morning we are heading down to the Oriental Theater to catch "The Monuments Men." I'll give a quick review in tomorrow's blog.
The Chicago Bulls go up against the Miami Heat this afternoon. No official word yet if LeBron James will play with his recently acquired broken nose but I'm betting he gives it a shot. Regardless, it should be a great game and I'm hoping to catch the second half.
Canada won the gold medal in men's Olympic hockey. Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews scored the first goal of the game for Canada. Congrats to Toews as he is a first class act and certainly legendary.
NASA has reported that 88% of the Great Lakes is completely frozen over. About 50% is the usual normal. It won't be thawing this week as temperatures are dipping back into single digits. The Coast Guard has extra ice breaking boats clearing commercial ship lanes so barges can keep delivering goods. The march warm up can't get here soon enough.
Later
Great food enjoyed with great friends.
Dinner and breakfast!
Me enjoying my "B-day cake"
Grasshopper time!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
My Hulk Hogan Encounter
Good news, the third and last missing Cuban windsurfer was found yesterday off the Marquesa Keys which is about 20 minutes from Key West. I broke out in a smile when I heard he was ok. He was at sea for a total of 4 days trying to seek freedom and I've been following their story closely.
The Tosa Thunder ended up with a 7-7 tie today to end the first half of their indoor season. It was a well played game and their opponents tied it up on a last second shot with 3 seconds left.
My DMV experience to get my driver's license renewal went better than expected yesterday. I was completely done in about 40 minutes as it wasn't too crowded on a Friday afternoon. It certainly helped printing out the paperwork at home and filling it out before I went. All good for another 6 years.
Happy hour was fun at the Old German Beer Hall last night. We stretched it out to about 11pm as Krissy's work crowd is a fun bunch. At 6pm the bartenders actually give out free beer until an entire keg is drained. The person who gets the last free glass out of the keg actually gets to drink free for the rest of the night. The keg was gone in about 15 minutes and nobody in our group drew the last glass. We were even privy to the National Anthem singer from Miller Park singing an impromptu song, what a great voice. It was good to see everyone again and some photos are at the end of the blog.
Hulk Hogan is returning to WWE action but this time as a host after a 7 year absence. I ran into the Hulkster in Clearwater Beach, Florida back in 1991. I was on a parasailing raft getting strapped in when this mammoth man drove by in an expensive race boat. It parked in about 4 feet of water and Hulk Hogan and 3 other wrestlers waded ashore for lunch.
After parasailing I ended up in the same restaurant and saw Mr. Hogan sitting at a table. He's just enormous in person and definitely the tannest human I've ever seen. Even more so than Krissy who is always tough to beat.
Well, I'm off to take a nap now. We're going to dinner at Coerpers's Five O'clock Club tonight for my birthday dinner. I can't wait.
Later
Old German Beer Hall
The Tosa Thunder ended up with a 7-7 tie today to end the first half of their indoor season. It was a well played game and their opponents tied it up on a last second shot with 3 seconds left.
My DMV experience to get my driver's license renewal went better than expected yesterday. I was completely done in about 40 minutes as it wasn't too crowded on a Friday afternoon. It certainly helped printing out the paperwork at home and filling it out before I went. All good for another 6 years.
Happy hour was fun at the Old German Beer Hall last night. We stretched it out to about 11pm as Krissy's work crowd is a fun bunch. At 6pm the bartenders actually give out free beer until an entire keg is drained. The person who gets the last free glass out of the keg actually gets to drink free for the rest of the night. The keg was gone in about 15 minutes and nobody in our group drew the last glass. We were even privy to the National Anthem singer from Miller Park singing an impromptu song, what a great voice. It was good to see everyone again and some photos are at the end of the blog.
Hulk Hogan is returning to WWE action but this time as a host after a 7 year absence. I ran into the Hulkster in Clearwater Beach, Florida back in 1991. I was on a parasailing raft getting strapped in when this mammoth man drove by in an expensive race boat. It parked in about 4 feet of water and Hulk Hogan and 3 other wrestlers waded ashore for lunch.
After parasailing I ended up in the same restaurant and saw Mr. Hogan sitting at a table. He's just enormous in person and definitely the tannest human I've ever seen. Even more so than Krissy who is always tough to beat.
Well, I'm off to take a nap now. We're going to dinner at Coerpers's Five O'clock Club tonight for my birthday dinner. I can't wait.
Later
 |
Old German Beer Hall
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)