The Deuce Is Loose

Watch Out Boise Co-op, Here Comes Whole Foods

2011-01-17T20:07:00.000-08:00

If I had some graphic design software (and skills), I'd create an illustration of Whole Foods crushing the Boise Co-op like a bulldozer, because that's what is about to happen. It's not too far away, about a year and half I believe, and Whole Foods will FINALLY be in Boise and give the Co-op a little competition. Currently, the Co-op is one of the only places to buy organic, natural foods, cleaners, etc. Other grocery stores have some organic and/or natural items but the Co-op definitely has the selection.

Shopping exclusively at the Co-op for these types of products wouldn't be a problem but ...

1) Customer service isn't a priority at the Co-op and this is evident on a consistent basis by those who work at the Co-op. The Co-op has some of the crankiest, snobbiest workers on the planet. I used to say it was just part of being a hippy but that's not true. There are lots of hippies that are nice people, and that have expressed displeasure in shopping at the Co-op I might add.

2) The Co-op is expensive. That's generally the case with organic versus commercially grown products but the Co-ops prices are ridiculous. Once a month they send a 10% coupon to their members which is generally when I'll go and buy everything I'd need from the Co-op for that month to help save some dollars. This helps a little bit but it doesn't make up for the price difference between the C0-op and a store like Whole Foods.

3) Parking is weak. It's a good thing the clientele is laid back because I would imagine other lots like the Co-op's have a lot more fights. It's small and always packed. There's generally a line going out to the streets of cars, starting your shopping trip off right. The lot in which Whole Foods will be located is huge. I imagine it to include a nicely sized parking lot, perfect for vehicles larger than a Vespa.

Yes it sucks because the Co-op is local, and it's nice to support local business, but after years of being mistreated by the Co-op, I can't wait for Whole Foods to arrive to Boise. I think many in Boise feel the same way. Boise is a great city with many local businesses that do well. The people in this city like to support local business but it appears the Co-op's hour glass is running out of sand!

Until next time, keep your head up and your stick on the ice!

Singamajigs, Doll Houses and Hockey Sticks

2010-12-31T23:11:00.001-08:00

When I was a kid, Christmas was a blast. Getting together with all my cousins, playing, having fun, eating too much junk food; life was good! As I got older it took on a different meaning. I grew out of the whole commercialization of Christmas deal and replaced the excitement of getting gifts with the excitement of being around family and friends. After I got married, my wife introduced me to an even cooler idea - giving gifts to those less privileged. We would pick out gifts for needy children and families in Boise and it'd feel so good to give back to those less fortunate.

Now as a parent, Christmas has taken on a completely different meaning. I'm basically living through my children during Christmas. Their big eyes and excitement is an amazing thing to witness. B was a little sick on Christmas Eve which affected his excitement a bit, but both kiddos are having a blast post-Christmas. Highlighted toys include H's new dollhouse, B's new singing bus, H's singamajig (still wondering what the person who invented this one was smoking - neat toy though), and the kids' hockey sticks - a personal favorite of daddy's too! :) Outside of gifts my new little family had a blast doing some other things as well. Just being together as a fearsome foursome was a treat, but we also took part in visiting the Botanical Gardens to check out the amazing Christmas lights they put up every year. H and I also made it out for a "special, special trip" where we went out to look for new dolls to put in her dollhouse. Awesome festivities to say the least. Anyways, here's a great video from Andrea's blog that you may enjoy. Keep your head up and stick on the ice!

So Long Holiday Beard

2010-12-29T15:35:00.001-08:00

Not to be confused with the playoff beard, the holiday beard is generally grown out of pure laziness. Some might blame the lack of client meetings and face time with the boss or giving your skin a rest from the irritation that comes with shaving, but for me it was just a matter of taking the time to do shave. I didn't want to take that time, which is probably the mere definition of laziness. In preparation for my return to work today, and for the first time in 5 days, I shaved. So this blog is to bid thee holiday beard fair well and to salute all the men of the holidays that grew their beards out this season. I feel like I should put up some photos to remember the moment, but sadly, none can be found. So instead I've put up some photos of other dudes that can rock a beard. Please note that my beard was not as elaborate or full.

I'm Back, The Holidays and My Gut

2010-12-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hey there blog; it's been awhile. Almost two years to be exact. I guess things have been a little busy lately. No, take that back ... A lot busy. Since my last post, I've been busy raising two awesome kids. They truly are amazing kids and have brought so much joy to my family's life. Andrea and I have worked out our schedules so the kids only have daycare two days out of the week. That way they're home with us more often, but it leads to not having any days together as a family. Andrea is home with the kids by herself three days during the week while I'm home on the weekends alone with the kids. It makes things even more hectic.

On the plus side, when we get time off together (like this past Holiday week) it makes it all the more special. My holiday work schedule is truly awesome! From noon on the 23rd through Monday the office was closed. This week, we each only have to work two days and New Years Eve we're closed all day. It's great and thanks to DaviesMoore for that awesome perk!

So ... spending family time together during the Holidays has been a blast. With all our family back home, and the expense to travel too much for our budget, we hung out at home, opened gifts and played like it was going out of style. We did an impromptu stay-cation last Thursday, and went to the Hampton Inn downtown. We had a certificate for a free night's stay (actually a few of those certificates) and went swimming with the kids and enjoyed cable TV the morning we woke up. We also made sure to hit up one of the local sushi restaurants with the kids. The kids absolutely love sushi. They downed a veggie role (well maybe close to two veggie roles) and shared a PB+J Roll - a local favorite for kids! Hadley also started on Andrea's tempura shrimp roll while I enjoyed my #$@* Amazing Roll which is #$@* amazing by the way.

Since I was a little hungover from my Christmas party the night before that was my first meal of the day. Please note that if you're only going to only eat one meal a day, and you've recently puked, sushi probably isn't your best choice. I had almost two rolls, two bolls of miso and a noodle salad (side dish - not really all that big) and I could not get enough to eat for like the next two days. I was eating Gardettos in bed at the hotel the rest of the night. (more on the Christmas Party later this week)

The Holidays made me realize that I've gained weight. I did an awesome job this past year running consistently, not drinking soda and eating healthy, but ... This past month or so has kicked my butt. I haven't gone for a run in 2 months and since Thanksgiving I've been eating like crap. So I worked out with Andrea and the kids yesterday at Stoller Strides - a local group of mom's that push their kids in strollers while working out and singing. It was tough to say the least. Wall sits, lunges tons of situps and all while singing ... Uff dah! I need to get back in shape. This winter I think I'm going to do the Gold's Gym Body Success Challenge. Not because of the challenge, but because of the gym membership. Last winter I ran outside at night after the kids went to bed. I can't find the motivation to run in the dark and cold this year so I need something else. What can it hurt right???

Almost forgot, my wife, Andrea, has started a blog all about family, great deals, fun things to do and just the positive things in life if you're ever interested in checking it out - www.dwellingonthepositive.com. She's been a lot more consistent with her posts than I have, and has better content. :)

I'm A Reality Show Slut!!!

2009-04-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? Where does it end really? The difference between real life and television. I've always believed that some of the things we see on TV, even for reality shows, is purely drama made for television but it's really entertaining to watch. I have to admit, I'm watching it pretty consistently (although maybe to a lesser extent with the no TV while the baby is awake rule) :).

It's funny when you really get into these shows how much you start picking sides. Take Jon & Kate Plus 8 for example. I don't watch the show anymore because everytime I do, I want to slap Kate. No, not really slap her, but she totally pisses me off the way she yells at Jon all the time and is totally above everyone else she comes in contact with on the show.

I just got done watching the Real World Reunion, and that transgender chick still drives me crazy. Yeah, some may claim it's because she's transgender, but that's not the case. I'm all for people making their own choices and totally support the gay, lesbian, transgender folks. The reason I don't like her comes from the way in which she conducts herself. She uses big words to make herself sound smarter around her housemates and better then everyone else in the house.

It goes totally the other way too ... Fabio on Top Chef was awesome this season and always made us laugh into the late evening. The Roloffs are a fun family to watch with Matt always coming up with crazy adventures and Amy just being the perfect mom. I think I'm going to do a top 10 reality show blog or a top 10 reality show personality blog sometime soon. I haven't done a top 10 in awhile and I think this falls perfectly in line. Watch out ;)

What's Up World???

2009-02-18T21:44:00.000-08:00

Wow! How long has it been since my last post? It seems like forever and in many ways it has. So much has changed and that's probably the main reason why I haven't written anything in so long. Baby is here and healthy although we had a little scare a couple of weeks ago. It's amazing how much of my world is now tied into my little one and I think it's true what they say about guys becoming dads once the child is actually born. It seemed the day we got pregnant my wife was already a mom but I didn't feel any different until the baby was actually here. That moment was something I'll never forget. It was the most incredible ride and was just so cool.

Thankfully, since the last time I wrote our country has a new President. I was very interested in this election and followed it more than any other in my lifetime. It was a game changer as they say and hopefully our country can prosper again sometime soon. With everything going on it's a really scary time. It's my generations great depression. Although it's not quite at that level yet, the times aren't good. Growing up my generation was told to go to college, graduate and you will prosper but for many that's not the case and it's ashame.

ARod's positive steroid test was leaked to the public and he has come out and admitted it taking heat from reporters across the country. Everyone slams the guy but he's the only one that has thus far admitted to everything right away and come out with details and why, what, etc. Give the guy a little break and move on. There were 103 other players that weren't named and ARod was unfortunate to be the one that was in a test that was supposed to be confidential.

Anyways, enough of the ranting and stating the obvious stuff that happened between my last blogs. Hopefully there'll be plenty of new blogs in the following weeks with inappropriate content and an update on how my fantasy football finished this season. C ya soon

Top Nerds In TV History!!!

2008-05-14T22:39:00.001-07:00

Where would we be without them? They fix our computers (they also invent our computers & other technological gizmos), wear big glasses and/or goofy clothes, make us laugh at their crazy antics and make all us other guys look that much better. Let's take a moment to salute the funniest nerds on TV starting with some honorable mentions.

Honorable Mention:
If these guys didn’t make the “Top 10” list it goes to show how dorky the “Top 10” list truly is. Gilligan & Doogie get the nod because I don’t think I’ve ever seen their shows.

Beaker (The Muppets)
Gilligan (Gilligan’s Island)
Doogie Howser (Doogie Howser, M.D.)
Booger (Revenge of the Nerds)

10. Mark Foster (Step By Step)
This poor guy played a dork in everything I’ve seen him in. Seems to fit the part well at least.

9. Velma (Scooby Doo)
Jinkies …

8. Paul Pfeiffer (Wonder Years)
Paul reminds me of a real-life Millhouse character. The rumor back in my Junior High days was that Paul Pfeiffer grew up to be Marilyn Manson but that rumor sadly got bunked.

7. Barney Fife (Andy Griffith Show)
Don Knotts is a hilarious and underrated actor. His characters are pretty much the same but they’re all good i.e. Ghost & Mr. Chicken & Barney Fife. Barney thought he was a tough, cool guy but really was quite the opposite.

6. Dwight Schrute (The Office)
Dwight is such a perfect character because everyone knows a guy like this (I know a few). He thinks he’s cool but just so far from that. It’s hilarious.

5. Louis Skolnick (Revenge of the Nerds)
What list would be complete without the King of the Nerds!? With the exception of Nerds In Love, the Revenge of the Nerds series is about as classic as they come and Louis Skolnick is about as nerdy as they come.

4. Minkus (Boy Meets World)
The dorky kid from Boy Meets World … Classic dorky look & classic dorky personality. Remember when before Topanga hit puberty and she was the dorky girl character on the show. Man did things change after that.

3. Millhouse (The Simpsons)
This blue haired, yellow skinned character provides some great laughs.

2. Samuel “Screech” Powers (Saved By The Bell)
Screech was a good guy at heart and hung out with the two most popular guys at Bayside High, which made him look even dorkier. When Screech grew up he became that much more awkward and weird on the show. If you don't know what I'm talking about check out Saved By The Bell The New Class.

1. Steve Urkel (Family Matters)
When I was a kid the link below was one of the funniest things I had seen at that time. It was also one of my favorite episodes although I didn't quite understand the underlying drinking theme involved. Check out Steve Urkel doing the "Urkel Dance" ... This gives Steve the nod over Screech and the other Super Nerds.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ncw70Hw1ffs

The Tip Jar

2008-05-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

A recent restaurant fad that drives me crazy is the tip jar. I used to love the verbiage on the tip jar at the Red Pepper that said, "Tips - Never expected but always appreciated", but these days it seems that every shop has a tip jar and the cashier gets upset when you don't leave a little something extra in the tip jar.

It's really nothing against you cashier, but when I go to Subway or Blimpie or McDonald's I really don't feel like tipping you. You're getting minimum wage and for some reason I feel like it's your job to get my food back there.

For those in sit-down restaurants I feel like it's a little different. They don't get minimum wage, and if I sat down at a restaurant while you serve me for an hour bringing me refills and salad, you probably earned a few bucks. For me to tip someone that should already be getting paid a decent wage for what they're doing seems a little ridiculous.

A Barbara Walters Special

2008-04-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

I know this is a little delayed but it's fun to make fun of Barbara Walters.

Did anyone see any of the Barbara Walters interviews before the Oscars? It is absolutely ridiculous how clueless this old timer is. Someone should've given her a little more background on the past / present of the actresses she was interviewing.

Here's the background: Before the Oscars, Barbara Walters interviewed Miley Cyrus aka Hannah Montana & Ellen Paige. She asked several questions but the best was when she asked both stars about the Spears girls and how crazy they are. She pretty much called both Spears girls as out of control and asked the actresses their thoughts.

Miley said that she was friends with Jamie Lynn and pretty much pushed it off. I'm not sure if Ellen knew exactly what she wanted to say but I find this funny because neither Ellen or Miley are exactly "good girls". Miley has been showing up on the Internet for a few months with some scandalous photos, and Ellen was in a few movies before Juno where she was anything but innocent if you know what I mean.

Anyways, this post provides us with two valuable lessons ...
1) Do your research when you're doing an interview.
2) Don't get caught with your pants down ... See inserted photo.

Who's In Your Five???

2008-03-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

Remember that episode of Friends when Ross and Rachel made out their special list of 5 celebrities that they could hook up with and have no consequences in return? Good episode and funny thought. I've heard my boss's list and I've spoken with a few people about who would you really put on your list if this worked out? Then I thought, who would I put on my list. Well ... being as bored as I currently am I've made out my list and although I haven't laminated it like Ross, I'm feeling pretty good about it. Here goes

Padma Lakshmi
-Top Chef got pretty hot when Padma starting hosting. Have you noticed her scar on her arm? It's cute.
Jessica Alba
-America's hottie. Not too many guys would have this kind of list without including Jessica Alba.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
-I used to have a thing for "older" ladies so I had to include one on my list. Catherine Zeta is a pretty damn good choice I think you'd agree. ;)
Britanny Snow
-My crush. Brittany Snow is a cutie.
Vanessa Minillo
-One thing you can say about Nick Lachey, he knows how to pull nice looking women (see J. Simpson, V. Minillo).

On the Bubble
Brooke Burke - Heidi Klum
Katherine Heigl - Rashida Jones
Jessica Simpson - Scarlett Johansson

America's Sport Returns

2008-03-02T15:30:00.001-08:00

Spring is around the corner which means the 2008 baseball season is among us. Feelings of optimism surround each big league club & fan thinking this may be the year. For me, I guess I've picked on my team all offseason for moves they did or didn't make. The thing fans like me have to realize is that not every year is our year and there will be seasons in which our team surprises us (like when the Twins came from 10 games back @ the All Star break to win the AL Central over Detroit & Chicago - that was amazing) and times when our team let's us down.

With a 162 game schedule anything can happen during the season. One big injury or a player or two playing out of their mind for a solid stretch can mean swings either way but I'm making some predictions saying all things being equal for the season. Here they are:

AL East
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Toronto Blue Jays
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Baltimore Orioles

-The Red Sox are an amazing club and this is a tough division, one of the best in baseball. The Yankees have had tough starts for the past few years and are an older club with questions in their pitching rotation. I pick the BoSox to take the division and yield the best record in the AL.

AL Central
Detroit Tigers
Cleveland Indians
Chicago White Sox
Minnesota Twins
Kansas City Royals

-The Tigers are stacked & should compete heavily for the best record in baseball. Cleveland is an up & coming team & I pick them to take the AL Wild Card. Minnesota & Kansas City will challenge the White Sox for 3rd in the division which will be one of the better in baseball again this season.

AL West
LA Angels
Seattle Mariners
Oakland Athletics
Texas Rangers

-With an improved rotation, the Seattle Mariners will make a strong run @ a Wild Card spot as well as the AL West title but I pick the Angels to take the West because of their already strong lineup which only improved this offseason.

NL East
NY Mets
Atlanta Braves
Philadelphia Phillies
Florida Marlins
Washington Nationals

-Newly acquired Johan Santana will help boost the Mets' roster after their collapse last season. The Mets have a decent rotation behind Santana & have a good lineup that will yield quite a few runs.

NL Central
Chicago Cubs
Houston Astros
Cincinnati Reds
St. Louis Cardinals
Milwaukee Brewers
Pittsburgh Pirates

-The Cubs will be strong this season. They have a great lineup and a decent rotation. Look for them & the strong-hitting Astros to make a mark in the NL Central. I pick the Cubs to be the best team in the NL this season.

NL West
LA Dodgers
Colorado Rockies
Arizona Diamondbacks
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants

-I think this will be the better division of the NL and will yield the Wild Card winner in Colorado who should have strong competition coming from the back. Joe Torre will have a strong team in LA which should be one of the league's best.

NL Playoffs
Chicago Cubs over Colorado Rockies
NY Mets over LA Dodgers
NY Mets over Chicago Cubs

AL Playoffs
Cleveland Indians over Boston Red Sox
Detroit Tigers over LA Angels
Detroit Tigers over Cleveland Indians

World Series
Detroit Tigers over NY Mets

We Now Return To Our Regularly Scheduled Programming

2008-02-24T20:01:00.001-08:00

Hello blog & blogging buddies. It's been awhile. A lot has been going on recently and I haven't had a chance to really write too much. Here's my update:

Time to Thaw Out
Last week Andrea and I returned to North Dakota / Minnesota for a week. We spent a couple of days in Grand Forks catching up with family and a few friends that were around. We were able to view my cousins playing in their regional hockey tournament both of whom played great. After GF, we traveled to Bemidji to hang out with other family and were able to spend time at a friend's wedding.

It was very, very cold in both cities but we both had a lovely to be home and we were asked many times when we'll return again. The answer - most likely August for my cousin's wedding.

New Blogging Buddy
So you may have noticed I have a new link on the side of my blog. If you have time check it out. It's hilarious. I haven't had a lot of time myself to read up but the guy seems to have a lot of fun observations to make on a daily basis. If you're more of a copy & paste person here's the URL - http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/

Tony Bennett To Boise
We went public with this last night and media starts running on Monday. It's very exciting to be working on a project that has a person so well known around the world. I've taken the role of AE to the Children's Home who is putting on the event. Our company will be doing all the marketing & public relations related to everything Tony Bennett & Children's Home. It's been very busy thus far getting everything firmed up but it's also been a lot of fun. Check out the website if you wish - www.childrenshomesociety.com/centennial

Hockey In Idaho???
I was amazed when I moved here to find out there was indeed hockey in Idaho. I officiated for only 2 months last year in Idaho before getting burnt out. After 10 years I questioned whether or not I really wanted to continue doing games at all. This season I took another crack at it only doing games on weekends. I was recently selected to do the Idaho State Hockey Tournament which was this past weekend. It was a lot of fun but I think I'm getting older as I'm having a tough time moving around.

Mr Hockey
Not really anything I've been up to, but a shout out to my cousin who won this award last night. I'm really happy for you hopper and so proud of your accomplishments. Good luck moving on to Juniors this season in Fargo and next season in Lincoln.

Also, Jake & Ryan, it sounds like you guys had a great weekend. I feel bad how your season ended but I'm glad you guys played well and wish you luck next season.

So I just wanted to use this blog as an update to my life I guess. So keep on truckin!

We're Gonna Rock Out With Our Caucus Out

2008-02-05T22:08:00.000-08:00

How exciting has this caucus been? I can't say I've paid attention to every state caucus from the start but on the verge of the end of Super Tuesday, I think it is truly amazing to see what Obama & Clinton have been able to accomplish thus far. What an exciting time for our country.

We are in this great recession, we've been at war for nearly 7 years, foreclosures were up 75% over the last year and we're optimistic that change is on the way. Our country needs that change & that change comes in the form of Obama or Clinton. It's amazing to see that our country has finally accepted that a minority or a women could lead our nation.

I can't say I'd want to be in their shoes as there's a lot of work to do right off the bat. I heard that Hilary is saying that it took a Clinton to take care of the mistakes of the last Bush presidency and it's going to take a Clinton to do it again. I thought that was a great little line for her campaign. Anyways, should be fun to see what happens.

Cheers to the two Democratic delegates!!!

#@*! You Twins

2008-01-30T23:05:00.000-08:00

Seriously, the Mets? Did you really have to give him up for 4 guys that are said to be starters (if that) at best? No Phillip Hughes, no Jon Lester, no Jacobi Ellsbury, no No. 1 starter in the rotation and amazing prospect. They're stuck with 4 guys that could very well be average players at best. I read recently that Carl Pohlad is the richest owner in baseball and we're giving away guys like Torri Hunter & Johan Santana.

Give the Twins credit in getting a long-term deal done for Morneau but am I really supposed to get all excited about this deal if I know the next 3 seasons are going to be crap? Can you imagine how amazing the Red Sox would've been if they were the ones getting Santana giving the Twins a player like Ellsbury in return? Forget about it, they would've had the best team in major league history. Santana would've been the No. 2 starter in the rotation and they would've kicked the shit out of everyone which would've been so fun to watch.

Enough of my ranting and raving ... I'm three states to the left and booing my team the Twins.

Hottest Cartoon Characters

2008-01-14T22:18:00.001-08:00

Who are the hottest cartoon characters of all time? A fun topic to think about as I'm sure there have been many. Here's a list I've compiled:

Honorable Mention:

Smurfette (Smurfs)- The only female living in Smurfville. You have to give her the nod just for putting up with all the stupid male smurf characters.

Betty Rubble (Flinstones) - Basically the brown haired version of Wilma Flinstone. She looked good as a vitamin and she looked good on TV.

10. April O'Neill (Teanage Mutant Ninja Turtles) - The reason for getting up early on Saturday morning's.

9. LuAnn Platter (King of the Hill) - She's a big time redneck and not very smart but looks have gotten through her life thus far.

8. Lois Griffin (Family Guy) - If there was a most annoying voice list Lois would win but fortunately for her this is the hottest cartoon character list and Lois is a pretty good lookin' chica.

7. Princess Jasmine (Aladdin) - My favorite cartoon movie. Jasmine has the beauty Disney has installed in their princesses for years. I was a little disappointed when I met the real Princess Jasmine in Disney World and that's why she's all the way back at no. 7.

6. Quinn (Daria) - Daria's little sister was the complete opposite of her. She was gorgeous, popular and funny. She gets the nod here at no. 6.

5. Brittany Taylor (Daria) - The underrated cartoon gets its second nominee in a row with Brittany Taylor, the dumb cheerleader from Daria.

4. Jessica Rabbit (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) - She had to be a little messed up to marry Roger Rabbit but she was still hot.

3. Belle (Beauty & the Beast) - What's to say about Belle? Beautiful voice and face.

2. Judy Jetson (The Jetsons) - This historic cartoon character presented classic beauty in a futuristic period. Hannah-Barbera gave her some similar qualities as previously mentioned Betty Rubble.

1. Ariel (Little Mermaid) - Not only was it a great cartoon to sing and dance along to but the Little Mermaid is also a very pretty character and she wins the award as Deuce's no.1 hottest cartoon character.

The Game No One Will See

2008-01-14T22:08:00.000-08:00

Sadly the NFL had a huge upset last weekend and no one will see the game everyone has been waiting to see since week 9. That game proved to be very popular with fans as ratings were through the roof.

Now, San Diego travels to New England to take on the Pats with a limited offense. Both Philip Rivers & LT are listed as questionable and fans are thinking of what could've been. Even though Indy is banged up, can you imagine the interest in a game like that? Damn, that'd be so sweet to watch. I'm just hoping that Green Bay gets by the Giants and we're able to see the Pack take on the Pats and even though I'm a big fan of what New England is doing this season, I'd love to see Favre get another in their magical season. Go Pack!!!

Hadley's the Name

2008-01-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

Our unborned baby girl has a name and it's Hadley. We've been pretty much set on this name for a long time now and once we found out the sex we instantly started calling her by name. Middle name is still up in the air but several options are in play including Grace, Jane and Joyce which is 3 of 4 grandma's names (we would probably call her Jo if this is the middle).

Best of Continued

2008-01-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

Here are my 10 favorite shows of 2007.

10. Shot at Love - Tila Tequila
I didn't really get into this one until late in the season, but once I did it was hard not to watch. Was Tila going to pick a boy or a girl or a girl that looks like a boy it was all too much for me not to watch. In the end Tila's love for Bobby was all that mattered and she found love.

9. John & Kate Plus 8
You want to see a hectic lifestyle, watch this show. John & Kate had twin girls who were 4 when they decided to have one more. Little did they know there were about to have 6, at once! Now the family lives happily with 6 three year olds and 2 seven year olds. Watching their crazy life makes you appreciate the quiet.

8. Little People, Big World
Matt Roloff continues to be one of the more famous little people in America. This show has been great for the last 3 seasons and this past season Matt decided to take the family to Yellowstone in an RV that's bigger then his house. Watching his crazy adventures and talking about his Hispanic gardener Camerino (who is constantly bailing him out of trouble) can't help but make you laugh.

7. Big Love
Mormon polygamist Bill Paxton has 3 wives in a little town in Utah. This HBO show follows their lives while they try and keep their lifestyle a secret. This past season the cat was out of the bag and the family had to deal with the ramifications from the community.

6. The Hills
So what if LC admitted that parts of the show are set up. So what if Spencer & Heidi are probably the most boring couple on TV (not to mention the worst actors). I'm still loving the show. We've followed LC for 5 seasons starting when she was a Senior at Laguna High and following her through her relationships with Jason, Brody and Stephen. The past season left us with a cliffhanger only to tell us later that the season isn't quite over. Can't wait to see what they bring to us from Paris.

5. Curb Your Enthusiasm
It was sad to see Cheryl turn to the darkside but the season was nothing less then hilarious. The final episode was probably one of the best episodes when Larry found new love with his former houseguest. Their Christmas Card was probably one of the funniest parts of the entire season.

4. Top Chef
Love reality TV and love Top Chef. I think this season had probably the worst amount of talent of any of the seasons, but nonetheless was still entertaining. Makes me want to be a chef.

3. Flight of the Conchords
The newest show on this list and also the funniest show on this list. The season was short-lived in that it only had like 8 or so episodes but it's all about quality. Two "musical artists" come to New York from New Zealand and try to adjust to the customs of American lifestyle. Their comments are funny and their manager is a riot. If you don't have HBO check some of their clips out on Youtube.

2. The Office
The Office continues to be one of my favorite shows on TV. The new season has been short-lived because of the f'in writer's strike so it's hard to say that it was the funniest show on TV this year. Best episode of the year was when Andy had his special ringtone and ended up punching a hole in the wall.

1. Entourage
You may have thought it was going to be Kidnation, but I just couldn't do that. Entourage is a show that I just got into this for the first time in the last couple of months but it is by far the best show on TV. The show shoots in exotic locations, has hot parties and has a cool dynamic between the main characters. This show is so good it makes time just fly by. Far and away the best.

Best of '07

2008-01-03T19:25:00.001-08:00

I can't believe 2008 is here. Where did this past year go? Really it seems like yesterday we were just saying that 2007 was finally here. Well to continue the theme that every popular site out there is doing, here is my lists of Best of 07. Basically my favorites from this past year.

Movies
10. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Starting out the top 10 is the 3rd movie from the Pirates trilogy. All 3 of the movies seem fairly similar but crazy old Johnny Depp continues to make the movies interesting and adds a comedic appeal as well.

9. Spider Man 3
There was so much hype to this movie that it seemed like it couldn't fail. The movie didn't really live up to all the hype but it was still good enough to make my list. At one point late in this movie I really didn't think Spider Man was going to make it but as the case with so many other great superheros the good guy saved the day.

8. Ocean's 13
I still like Ocean's 11 the best but this movie was awesome. The way these guys pull off the shit they do is beyond me. They're probably the most creative robbers the world has ever seen. What happened to Julia Roberts???

7. Ratatouille
The only animated movie on the list (although Surfs Up was pretty damn close). Is there anything that makes you more hungry then watching a rat mix oregano with cheese and basil? Pixar is truly amazing; this movie looked so real at times that I thought the people were real.

6. Enchanted
For anyone that knows me, they know I enjoy an occassional "chick flick". This movie doesn't totally fit into that category but some may question my judgement by putting it on my list. My response to those people, check this movie out. Not only is Amy Adams easy to look at for 2 hours but she can also make you laugh. I went so far as to post one of the videos from this movie on my Myspace page.

5. Hairspray
I knew I was going to like this movie which combined my appeal for musicals with my love of Brittany Snow & Christopher Walken. This movie is hilarious and I got up a couple of times to dance and sing my ass off. John Travolta played one of the funniest women in movie history.

4. Juno
Just checked this out last week and had a great time. Juno is full of sarcastic humor from a knocked up teenager. The movie is entertaining and full of appeal.

3. Superbad
Jonah Hill has been making me laugh since 40 Year Old Virgin. He's played similar roles in pretty much every movie he's been in and always leaves me wanting a little more of the fat funny kid. McLovin is probably one of the funniest and dorkiest characters of the year.

2. Into the Wild
I think this was probably the best movie of the year. Ignore the fact that Emile Hirsch floats by on the big screen buck naked, this movie was incredible. It was a very sad story and it's hard to imagine everything the kid went through. Great job!

1. Knocked Up
Katherine Heigl recently ripped her role in this movie but it was the funniest and my favorite movie of the year. Heigl looked good the whole movie and Seth Rogen is once again hilarious. Having a pregnant wife the movie hits close to home when I say that my wife probably gets mad because the baby is always stealing her food but since they're family they have to share. Cheers!!

Bikes in Boise

2008-01-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

Bikes in Boise is something that has been bothering me since I moved out here over 2 & a half years ago. Bicyclists in this city feel they are obligated to ride their bike in the middle of a lane going between 10 & 15 mph. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for great exercise and reducing our impact on global warming, but having to drive your car 10 mph because some asshole feels they need to ride their bike in the middle of a busy street drives me crazy.

Bicyclists have so many other options in this area. There's the greenbelt which goes throughout the entire city. If the greenbelt isn't on one's way to work, there's also bike lanes rather then driving down the middle of the road. If all of the above doesn't work, get on the f'in sidewalk.

The worst thing about these bicyclists is that there have been numerous occasions when I'm driving at night in the pitch black evening and there will be a bicyclists driving in the road wearing no reflectors or having no way of oncoming traffic being able to see them. What's up with that? You're just asking for me to hit you and if that doesn't happen it sucks for everyone involved. It sucks for you cause you're hurt or dead, it sucks for your family for obvious reasons, and it sucks for me because I'm being cited, going to jail and also have to deal with the fact that I just ran someone over with my car. So realize that you're not as fast as a car and get out of the way

It's A Girl!!

2007-12-30T11:13:00.000-08:00

Big news coming from last week - the ultrasound tech felt 99.7% sure that we're having a girl. Names are starting to be narrowed down (although we're pretty set on 1name) and the baby's room is being decorated with a little bit of pink.

This leaves Jim with an opportunity to still win the baby pool with his guess of a girl who measures in at 6'3", 240lbs named Gary Gaetti LaDouceur (although we're probably not naming our little girl Gary Gaetti).

2007-12-30T10:52:00.000-08:00

The writer's strike has pissed me off for two full months now and there's no signs that things will start looking up anytime soon. I heard last night that new Entourage episodes were supposed to start filming in February but because of the writer's strike, there's a good chance that it won't happen. The best show on TV and we have no idea when we'll watch a new episode. We also have no idea of what is going to happen with Jim & Pam on The Office or if JD & Elliot Reid hook up again on Scrubs. I'm surprised The Hills is able to go on because you know everything has to be set up with LC, Spencer & Heidi.

This is the problem with unions. You have a few people in high ranking positions that are negotiating compensation for everyone else within the union. A few people feel they're getting ripped off and all of a sudden there's no more TV. My message to the writers - bring back TV.

Let Him Go

2007-12-17T21:17:00.001-08:00

A lot's been made of Johan Santana this offseason and my response to what my favorite baseball team should do is to let Johan go. The team basically gave up on efforts this offseason by not even putting a new offer on the table to Torii Hunter and their recent signings of Mike Lamb and Adam Everett still put them in the middle of the pack of the AL. The Twins could've offered Hunter a couple of more years on his contract and perhaps he would've been kind enough to give them a hometown discount, but Hunter did the right thing and moved on.

There's no way the team is going to compete with Detroit & Cleveland (and perhaps the ChiSox) in the AL Central next season with the type of moves they made this offseason. They're not going to be able to resign Johan unless Carl Pohlad opens up his checkbook a little. Let's face it, that's not going to happen. So why not leverage Santana and get a Jacobi Ellsbury or a Phillip Hughes along with any pitching prospect or centerfielder the Red Sox or Yankees will throw at them.

It will be interesting to see the fans' reaction after they trade away Santana. Minnesota fans were told that if they gave the Twins a new stadium, they'd be able to keep their key players. Thus far, the Twins have failed to live up to their promise. Hell, the Twins still have to worry about losing Justin Morneau after this season because they pissed him off by not offering Joe Mauer money after last season. Either way, I say good luck Twins and have fun being mediocre again next season.

Start the Baby Pool

2007-12-17T20:59:00.001-08:00

It's time to go swimming because the baby pool has officially started. As we approach Week 17 the excitement and anticipation gets harder and harder to contain. In a couple of weeks we find out the big question in every pregnancy - what's the baby's sex? My guess right now is girl, but Las Vegas is giving us odds of 1:2 that it could be a boy as well.

Our due date is May 29th so start predictions now i.e. baby's sex, delivery date, height, weight, whatever. We can even start a poll of whether the baby comes out with my nose or not (let's hope for the baby's sake that it doesn't ... haha). Check back after the big ultrasound for a picture of a hotdog or a hamburger.

No. 1

2007-12-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

Hurray, my first blog!!! Where to begin, what to say? So much is going on, it's hard to confine everything to 1 blog. I should first off say welcome to anyone viewing my blog and thank you for checking out what's going on in my life. I guess my whole inspiration for this blogging came from my buddy Jimbo-dinni Hammen who's blog "A Little Slice of Hammen" provides humor, fun memories and random thoughts on life.

Since I don't have too much to say off the top of my head, I'm going to dedicate the remainder of this blog to remember what happened in my life this past year. I know there are probably a whole lot of other things I'm going to miss but these are some fun ones.

1. I found out I'm going to be a daddy! It's true ... We're due May 29th. The excitement & anticipation is so amazing. It's hard to believe how fast it is coming

2. Eloise (our dog) learns how to shake - She didn't really get that you only have to shake once, not multiple times

3. I switched marketing firms (the commute was short as my new office is across the street from the old one) ... Special side note - the new firm is definitely more to my liking then the previous one
4. Weisser's Wedding Extravaganza - Probably the event of the year. No doubt everyone had a good time. Jim & Paul got on the mic and sang "Whoomp There It Is" and I sang "Fishin In The Dark" only to have the microphone taken away. It was a blast.

5. Golf game goes up ... Then down again. If I could just keep it in the fairway things would've been so much easier

6. Fun travels - New York, San Diego, Oregon Coast & Grand Forks, ND ... What do they all have in common? They all were quality trips in 2007 but I have to say New York was by far the best

7. Entourage / Flight of the Conchords - New HBO subscription adds whole new realm of TV