A Friendly Wager -- Year Two

As most of you already know, last year my good friend Daniel and I put a wager on the outcome of Superbowl XLII. We left the wager up to the blog readers here and Brooke came up with the bet that the loser would have to put on their wife's dress and post pictures on the winner's blog. As I KNEW that the NY Giants were going to put a hurtin' on the cheating Patriots I gladly accepted the wager and the terms.

This year we are going to reprise our bet as I am equally convinced that the Arizona Cardinals are going to put the hammer down on the Pittsburgh Steelers (sorry Elbro). Big Ben is going to be chopped down to size and Larry Fitgerald is going to make a mockery of what the Steelers call "defense." So get your "terrible towel" out to wipe up your tears, Daniel. And start picking out a nice dress from your wife's closet. Maybe matching shoes and a beaded necklace this year to really complete your ensemble. Everyone else -- stay tuned. One request. Could someone please put ex-lax in Troy Polamalu's breakfast tomorrow?

Michael Steele -- New Head of RNC

"For so long, we've allowed the Democrats to define us, we've allowed the media to define us, and so it's important for us to begin to establish with clarity who we are, what we believe as we begin to go out and take, I think, a brand new message to the American people."

188 Thank You's

Thank you House Republicans for standing as ONE and ALL voting against throwing $819,000,000,000 more into the foul smelling winds of change. It's too bad that the money will be spent anyhow. Another huge debt burden for the shoulders of our children to carry. We are trading their future to continue on the path of irresponsibility in the here and now.

The Capitol Building

Last Tuesday my girls were at school and just like elementary children all around our country they were watching the inauguration. This was not because of who was being inaugurated but rather because our country was inaugurating a new President. In the course of the inauguration their teacher was talking about the different buildings and areas that they were showing. She talked about the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, The Washington Monument, and the Capitol Building. Afterwards she asked if there were any questions. My Arianwyn raised her hand and in perfect kindergarten fashion asked:

"WHERE'S THE LOWER CASE BUILDING?"

Always keep in mind that life is all about perspective.

Forget Mt. Rushmore Now There's Mt. Obama

The Prime Minister of the Caribbean nation of Antigua announced yesterday that the country’s tallest peak would be renamed Mount Obama in honor of the new American President.
The mountain is a popular hiking spot for locals and tourists alike.
Many islands of the Caribbean have been suffering from a dramatic recession-induced drop in visitors. Tourism is the number one industry throughout the region, and to spur demand, many resorts and hotels have been offering deep discounts.
Of the decision to rename the 1,300-foot high mountain, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer simply said that he wanted to celebrate Obama’s inauguration with a gesture that would resonate with “people of color all over the world, and indeed all people,” and “ignite hope and action in people of many countries who might still be passive in the face of inadequacies and injustice.”
Spencer originally wrote to Obama after the election in November telling him of his intentions.
However, not all Antiguans were equally thrilled at the prospect. Some reportedly questioned the Prime Minister’s motives, while others were unsure of Obama’s relevance to their country.

The Gun Show Loophole

I attended a gun show this morning. It was held at an Elk's lodge in the county where I live. Many people who view this blog have probably never been to a gun show. Most gun shows are full of good people many (if not most) of whom are veterans that served our country. The individuals that sell from their private collections seem to be much more interested in changing their collection rather than making money. These people often just sell enough to buy something else that they have been wanting. All gun shows that I have attended have been EXTREMELY crowded and yet everyone still seems to be kind and friendly. I couldn't count how many times I was bumped into today. Many liberals seem to scream and cry about the so-called "Gun Show Loophole." The actual goings on is no different than someone selling their own possessions at a garage sale. Here is the description from wikipedia:

The "Gun show loophole" is a term coined to describe the legal sale of firearms between private individuals at gun shows in states where this is legal. When these sales take place at a gun show, some perceive a "loophole" in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), although these laws have never applied to individual-to-individual sales of personal firearms. United States federal law requires persons engaged in interstate firearm commerce, or who are in the business of selling firearms, to hold a Federal Firearms License and to perform checks prior to transferring a firearm, but there is an exemption for private sales by individuals who are "not engaged in the business" of selling firearms, or who only make "occasional" sales. Unlicensed private sellers are permitted by law to sell privately-owned guns at gun shows, or at private locations, in 24 states (as of 1998).[9]
Although gun shows remain a point of concern, a 1997 Department of Justice survey of 3,959 inmates found that only 2% stated that they had bought a gun used in a crime from a gun show.[10] The remaining 98% were obtained from other sources, in which the criminal had no direct connection with a gun show. The most common sources (35%) were family or friends.[11]
Licensed gun dealers that sell at gun shows must, by federal law, strictly adhere to background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Additionally, some states and parts of states have laws requiring that a purchaser observe a waiting period before taking possession of a firearm from even private sellers, unless a CCW license is held by the buyer. These waiting periods typically range from 3 to 10 days depending on the state where the firearm is purchased.[12]
These waiting periods may not apply to firearms that fall under the "curio & relic" classification when they are sold to holders of a federal firearms license pertaining to curios and relics. Curios and relic firearms are treated like all firearms including waiting periods for unlicensed individuals.[13]
Tom Mangan, of the ATF, has stated, "There is no limit to the amount of guns that a private collector can have. Some have 10; some have 1,000, if I go to a gun show and state that this is my private collection, I am not required by law to ask you for identification, ask you to fill out any paperwork or conduct a background check."[14]
The ATF has reported that between 50% and 75% of the vendors at these venues possess a Federal Firearms License.[3] Remaining vendors may sell a variety of firearm and non-firearm items. Individuals who are not in the business of selling firearms, and who thus are not required to possess Federal Firearms Licenses, may make legal private firearm sales to residents of their own states, subject to state law. Federal law does not require a background check on such sales.
Private sales between attendees or between attendees and non-dealer vendors are not uncommon at gun shows, though they make up a small fraction of the guns sold.[15]
Some question the usefulness of laws that would make private sales at gun shows illegal, while the same private sales would be legal in the parking lot.[16]

Don't Let the Door Hit Ya Where the Good Lord Split Ya!!!

The Kansas City Chiefs today announced that head coach Herm Edwards has been relieved of his duties effective immediately.

“On behalf of my family, I want to thank Herm for his service to the Chiefs,” Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt said. “After careful deliberation over the last week, Scott and I decided that it was in the best interests of the Chiefs to move forward in a different direction.

“This was not an easy decision. Herm is an outstanding football coach and a man of integrity. We appreciate his leadership over the past three seasons, and we wish him all the best in the future.”

General Manager Scott Pioli reiterated Hunt’s sentiments.

“Since my arrival last week, Herm and I have had several conversations as part of my overall evaluation of the football operation. After careful consideration, Clark and I felt that it was best to make a change. What I conveyed last week in the press conference I still believe to be true – Herm is a great man and a tremendous football coach. He respects the game and the league, and he is passionate about his players and his craft.

“Over the course of this last week, I have also spent time meeting and visiting with most of the assistant coaches, and I will continue to do so over the next several days. All of the coaches from last year’s staff, with the exception of one, are under contract through the 2009 season.”

Hunt said the search for the 11th head coach in Chiefs history is underway.

Let The Gun Grab Begin

This is from WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV the official website of the Obama/Biden presidency. Here's their intentions:

"Address Gun Violence in Cities: Obama and Biden would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment, which restricts the ability of local law enforcement to access important gun trace information, and give police officers across the nation the tools they need to solve gun crimes and fight the illegal arms trade. Obama and Biden also favor commonsense measures that respect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, while keeping guns away from children and from criminals. They support closing the gun show loophole and making guns in this country childproof. They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent."

How exactly do you make a gun "childproof"? Why do liberals always attempt to make stuff people-proof instead of realizing that the real problem is the people? Gun violence is not about guns near as much as it is about violence. Guns are tools. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Chief's Loss is the Lion's Gain

It wasn't long ago that Gunther Cunningham was considered one of the league's best defensive coordinators. He was responsible for those dominating Chiefs defenses of the late 1990s, but, unsurprisingly, had less success in recent seasons in Kansas City. In fact, according to Football Outsiders, the '08 Chiefs ranked 28th in total defense and were equally as inept against the rush as the pass (coincidentally, 28th in both categories).

New Lions head coach Jim Schwartz was unmoved by Cunningham's struggles of late, and has named him Detroit's new defensive coordinator. The two worked together in Tennessee for three seasons, and, according to Schwartz, "instantly bonded, literally in about the first hour of conversation."

Cunningham is known for his intensity, which is something the Lions defense had been lacking under Rod Marinelli.


Goodbye Gunther and thank you for your intensity and passion. Gunther was an awesome defensive coordinator but had his hands tied by Herm Edwards and stuck playing a cover 2 defense that he never chose or wanted. I have no doubt that he will again succeed and build a fierce defense in Detroit.

A Level Playing Field?

***Headlines On This Date 4 Years Ago:***

"Republicans spending $42 million on inauguration while troops Die in unarmored Humvees"

"Bush extravagance exceeds any reason during tough economic times"

"Fat cats get their $42 million inauguration party, Ordinary Americans get the shaft"


***Headlines Today:***

"Historic Obama Inauguration will cost only $120 million"

"Obama Spends $120 million on inauguration; America Needs A Big Party"

"Everyman Obama shows America how to celebrate"

"Citibank executives contribute $8 million to Obama Inauguration"

A Historical Day

DOW -332.13 -4.01%
7,949.09

With the inauguration of a man who has declared his desire and intention to redistribute wealth we have a historic event. The DOW suffered the largest percentage drop on Wall Street on an inauguration day ever. EVER!!! The only other inauguration day that was even close was 1963 when Lyndon B. Johnson (D) was inaugurated there was a 2.89% drop. These are truly historic times.

Rest In Peace Mr. King

A Celebration For America?

Beyonce, U2, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Usher, Shakira, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban and James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Renee Fleming, Garth Brooks, Mary J. Blige, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend and Jennifer Nettles. Historical passages will be read by Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington, with other celebrities expected to join them.

This is the list of artists who sang and performed for Obama and the people gathered in DC today. This brings me to ponder a series of questions and thoughts. First of all, if John McCain had won how many of these artists would have performed? I think we all know the answer to that question. Are we then to believe that these artists want to celebrate the country that you and I love or are they there for something else? Is their love for America or is there love for a man? If John McCain had won would our America and her people be any less great and any less of a reason to celebrate? Have we taken our eyes off of our country and placed our eyes on a person? I am not writing this to condemn Obama but rather as a call for people to realize what it is that makes America great and worthy of the celebration that took place today. This was the right celebration but for the wrong reason. If we place our faith in a man, ANY MAN, and trust in that person then they will ALWAYS fail us in time. America is not as great as any one of us but rather America is as great as her people. All of us.

Inauguration Theme Song (sorry Mac)

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble
When you're perfect in every way
I can't wait to look in the mirror
’Cos I get better lookin each day
To know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man
Oh Lord it's hard to be humble
But I'm doin' the best that I can

I used to have a girlfriend
But I guess she just couldn't compete
With all these love starved women
Who keep clamoring at my feet
Well I probably could find me another
But I guess they're all in awe of me
Who cares I never get lonesome
’Cos I treasure my own company

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble
When you're perfect in every way
I can't wait to look in the mirror
’Cos I get better lookin each day
To know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man
Oh Lord it's hard to be humble
But I'm doin the best that I can

I guess you could say I am a loner
A cowboy all locked up and proud
Well I could have lots of friends if I wanted
But then I wouldn't stand out in a crowd
Some folks say that I'm egotistical
Hell I don't even know what that means
I guess it has something to do with the way
That I fill out my skin tight blue jeans

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble
When you're perfect in every way
I can't wait to look in the mirror
’Cos I get better lookin each day
To know me is to love me
I must be a hell of a man
Oh Lord it's hard to be humble
But I'm doin the best that I can

Ruger LCR -- .38 special + P

Following on from the success of the Ruger LCP, Ruger has unveiled the Ruger LCR (Light Weight Compact Revolver). The Ruger LCR will be available 1st March 2009

The revolver features:

* Double Action
* Polymer fire-control housing
* Aluminum frame with black “synergistic” hard coating
* Fluted stainless steel cylinder, lightweight and compact.
* 5 Rounds in the cylinder
* Replaceable front sight.U-notch rear sight.
* The fire control system has been designed with a friction reducing cam that allows a very smooth trigger pull.
* The internal lock has been designed so it will not interfere with the fire control components.

The Specs:

Caliber: .38 SPL+P
Capacity: 5 Rounds
Finish: Matte Black/Target Grey
Grip: Hogue Tamer w/ Sorborthane Insert
Barrel Length: 1.875″
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:16″ RH
Overall Length: 6.50″
Weight: 13.5 oz.
Front Sight(s): Replaceable, Pinned Ramp Front
Rear Sight(s): Integral U-Notch

The standard model has a recommended retail price of $525.

Scott Pioli -- The Chiefs New General Manager

Scott Pioli, who helped build a dynasty at New England, is the new general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs announced the hire in a statement from team chairman Clark Hunt late Monday. As GM, Pioli will have complete control over all football operations and report directly to Hunt.

"We are very excited to welcome Scott to the Chiefs," Hunt said. "With his proven track record of success, Scott is the finest player personnel executive in the NFL, and we look forward to his leadership in building a championship organization."

The Chiefs will officially introduce Pioli at a news conference at 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

The fate of coach Herm Edwards and his staff was not immediately known.

Pioli, who spent nine years working with head coach Bill Belichick and became vice president of player personnel for the Patriots in 2002, also interviewed for the general manager vacancy this month in Cleveland. The Patriots won three Super Bowls, four conference championships and six division titles during Pioli's nine seasons in New England.

"To sum up in words everything Scott Pioli has meant to this organization and to me personally would be difficult, if not impossible," Belichick said in a statement. "From the day I met him, he has demonstrated a passion for football and respect for the game that is second to none.

"It has been extremely gratifying for me to follow Scott's career ascension from the bottom of the totem pole in Cleveland to his place as a pillar of championship teams in New England. Now with the opportunity to steer his own ship and a vision of building a winner, there is no more capable, hardworking, loyal, team-oriented person than Scott Pioli."

The Chiefs have been conducting a search for the position since Carl Peterson resigned after 20 years as president, general manager and CEO. Pioli inherits a young team coming off a 2-14 season in 2008, but is stepping into a situation that seems ripe for a quick turnaround.

The fan base is loyal, though restive, and the team will be playing next year in a virtually new stadium. Arrowhead, which opened in 1972 and is notorious for being loud and rough on visiting teams, is undergoing a $325 million renovation, which includes new luxury boxes, wider concourses and enhanced amenities in addition to new practice facilities, an enlarged indoor field and a brand new state-of-the-art headquarters building.

In addition, the Chiefs are about $32 million under the salary cap, extra money that will come in handy because KC owns the overall No. 3 pick in the draft.

My Wonderful Sister

Although I don't often mention my sister here on the blog I would like to introduce her to you guys. She is my older sister by almost 9 years and so she was not only my sister growing up but did a lot of taking care of me as well. I can honestly say that she has been very good to me my entire life. She has been married to a wonderful man who has loved and cared for her in a wonderful way for 17 years now. Their anniversary was while we were at Disney World. We had a blast getting to spend our holiday with them in the most magical place on Earth. They have a great son that is a little younger than the girls. The girls just LOVE their cousin and are nuts about their Aunt and Uncle. My sister watched the girls since the time they were born until when they started kindergarten while Kim and I were at work. That was the greatest blessing for us as she is SOOO good with the girls and gave them such a head start on learning. Not to mention how well she protected them as she offered the greatest protection there is -- love. I want everyone to know that I love my wonderful sister and her family.

The Ten Cannots -- Advice For Obama

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

-- Rev. William John Henry Boetcker, 1873

Comic Kool-aid

Synopsis:

The comic starts with Spider-Man's alter-ego Peter Parker taking photographs at the inauguration, before spotting two identical Obamas.

Parker decides "the future president's gonna need Spider-Man," and springs into action, using basketball to determine the real Obama and punching out the impostor.

Obama thanks him with a fist-bump.

I hate to tell you but this is not a cleverly made up post or a joke. This is for real people. We won't be able to tell the difference between Marvel Comics and Chris Matthews before the end of the month. Kool-aid around and check your brains at the door. The statues of our new leader will be going up soon. What? When Obama said that building up our infrastructure would be the job stimulus program did you think it would be roads and bridges? Sell your shares of Apple and buy stock in cement!!!

Keep It Up Israel!!!

Israel is finally exercising it's right as a sovereign nation to protect itself with what force it deems necessary. The heartless and hateful that make up hamas must be utterly destroyed if there is ever to be a true and lasting peace in that area of the world. I, for one, stand with Israel and pray for her protection and prosperity. May her brave troops be wise and diligent and not be harmed.

Any Foodies Out There?

While we were at the Magic Kingdom on New Years day I ran into a fellow foodie. This is a foodie of the bizarre sort. I ran into Andrew Zimmern from the show on the Travel Channel entitled "Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern." He was in a playground area called Pooh's Playful Spot. I was in the middle of taking some pictures of our girls when I looked over and saw someone else doing the same thing who looked familiar. Low and behold it was Andrew Zimmern taking photos of his own kids. I walked over and told him that I enjoyed his show and he said thank you and shook my hand. He was very polite and I left him alone to be with his family as nobody else around seemed to either know or notice who he was. Call me a geek if you will but some of my heroes are not big and tough or strong and brave but are simply quirky people who love to cook. What can I say? I'm a Foodie.

For My Friend Cube

While we were at Disney World we stayed on sight at the Pop Century resort. This resort has 5 different wings. Each of them are detailed for a decade from the 1950's to the 1990's. We stayed in the 1980's wing. This photo here is what was on the end of our building. To let you know the size of this Rubik's cube served the purpose of containing the stairwell for the building which was three stories tall. At night each square was lit up with the appropriate color. Pretty cool!!! Here's some of the other larger than life architecture there:

Like Father, Like Daughters

Vacation Memories

Arianwyn with her favorite "Princess." Arianwyn often corrects people when they call her Ari and says "No! I'm Princess Ariel." She was so thrilled to meet Ariel and it really made her whole day.



Jessica's favorite Princess is Princess Aurora. She is not overly fond of watching Sleeping Beauty and is not near as wrapped up in the person of Princess Aurora as Arianwyn is in Ariel. Her love is more tied to the color pink. Princess Aurora wears the pink dress and so in Jessie's eyes she is certainly the most beautiful. As you can see in this photo she was completely comfortable meeting the Princess and the two of them spoke as equals.



Kimberly wanted a photo with Mary Poppins. I love this picture as for me it holds the character with the most beautiful voice I have ever heard and the person with the most beautiful voice that I have ever heard.



I'm a bit of a foodie and so I love different eating experiences. We had the Disney dining plan and so we were able to try many restaurants that we would never have otherwise gone to due to cost. This is us at Teppan Edo in the Japan complex in the World Showcase at EPCOT. The teppanyaki style of cooking and eating is a great experience. It's fun to interact with the person cooking your food and to watch the work that goes into preparing it. It's also good to see how fresh the ingredients that you are about to consume are.



One of the girls favorite rides was the Carousel. And what's not to love about a carousel?

My New Favorite Photo