I got a note from a friend telling people to send a "Merry Christmas" e-mail to the ACLU ... just to drive them crazy.
Got another one complaining about Bush and the holidays.
It's amazing how people are all sides can turn the holidays into a political statement.
I would like to call for a politics-free holiday season.
I don't care about your stand on the war, on the hurricane, on Saddam's trial, on Hillary, on George, on steroids, on Pete Rose (well, I care about that, but not right now), on anything except family and the holidays.
So, given that, have a great one ...
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Friday, December 16, 2005
Closer
OK, so I've been writig the family Christmas card. I've been writing my column for the newspapers. I've been writing a lot of e-mails, reports and other assorted crud at work.
I'm still not doing the writing for my book. The ideas keep circulating around in my skull. I think I know where I'm going with it. Just not doing it yet.
I'm hoping that the holiday break will allow me some time to get back into it. I want to get to a regular writing schedule. Not as hectic as NaNo. Something manageable. Like a diet -- I need one I can live with (although anyone whose seen me lately knows I'm not having success finding the diet any more than I am a writing schedule).
Oh, well, I will stick with it. It's not going away.
I'm still not doing the writing for my book. The ideas keep circulating around in my skull. I think I know where I'm going with it. Just not doing it yet.
I'm hoping that the holiday break will allow me some time to get back into it. I want to get to a regular writing schedule. Not as hectic as NaNo. Something manageable. Like a diet -- I need one I can live with (although anyone whose seen me lately knows I'm not having success finding the diet any more than I am a writing schedule).
Oh, well, I will stick with it. It's not going away.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
NOT
OK, I'm not writing.
My alarm goes off in the morning. I lay there. I'm tired. I contemplate getting up to write. I lay there. I think about just getting the ball rolling again and how easy (relatively) it was to get the first 50K. It's a fun story. It's going well. JUST WRITE, Darn it! And I just lay there.
And then I look at the clock and it's time to get up to get dressed for work.
I'm hoping I'm surrfering from a short-term NaNo hangover.
I will get back to it.
It's finally starting to snow here! I love sitting inside a warm house, sipping on some spiked hot apple cider and writing. Now, all I have to do is do it!
My alarm goes off in the morning. I lay there. I'm tired. I contemplate getting up to write. I lay there. I think about just getting the ball rolling again and how easy (relatively) it was to get the first 50K. It's a fun story. It's going well. JUST WRITE, Darn it! And I just lay there.
And then I look at the clock and it's time to get up to get dressed for work.
I'm hoping I'm surrfering from a short-term NaNo hangover.
I will get back to it.
It's finally starting to snow here! I love sitting inside a warm house, sipping on some spiked hot apple cider and writing. Now, all I have to do is do it!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Small world
So, last night we had our last meeting of the Greeley contingent of NaNoWriMo.
As I sat and listened to their stories of how their month went and the strange details of their lives and their novels, I realized that without the internet and the NaNo site, there is probably no way in the world any of us would have met up. We all come from completely different worlds with the lone binding link being that we all love to write.
Anyway, I'll get off the NaNo kick now...
My plans for the coming weeks...
As I sat and listened to their stories of how their month went and the strange details of their lives and their novels, I realized that without the internet and the NaNo site, there is probably no way in the world any of us would have met up. We all come from completely different worlds with the lone binding link being that we all love to write.
Anyway, I'll get off the NaNo kick now...
My plans for the coming weeks...
- Continue writing my book
- Help with Alex's basketball team
- Help Tracy as she coaches Alex's Odyssey of the Mind team
- Finally freakin' see the new Harry Potter movie (it's killing me!)
- Get some Christmas shopping out of the way
- Continue with racquetball so I don't triple my current weight with holiday food
- Try to give a little more attention to Andy who seems to be incredibly sensitive about just about everything these days.
- Work on Andy's birthday cake!
- Maybe get some work done at the office (ha!)
- Shampoo our carpets
Sounds like fun, huh?
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Clips
So, about a week ago this guy from the Denver Post wrote me an e-mail about NaNo. I answered his questions and he wrote this article.
And then I showed it to some friends at the Greeley Trib and they did a story also.
Kind of strange how these things work...
Anyway, woke up this morning ... and without needing to (since I finished the NaNo month), I actually wrote... another 2,000 words. I will eventually get this book finished... then I'll sent out pitch letters to agents for my last book, "Wrath"... then I'll finish making the final edits to Wrath and start editing "Black Sheep." All of that should take me until next November when I actually write again!
And then I showed it to some friends at the Greeley Trib and they did a story also.
Kind of strange how these things work...
Anyway, woke up this morning ... and without needing to (since I finished the NaNo month), I actually wrote... another 2,000 words. I will eventually get this book finished... then I'll sent out pitch letters to agents for my last book, "Wrath"... then I'll finish making the final edits to Wrath and start editing "Black Sheep." All of that should take me until next November when I actually write again!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Done!
When I planned to stop writing this morning, I was 200 words shy of 50K.
Couldn't let that happen. So I finished it off! Now I'm a winner.
Of course, the novel isn't done. Probably take another month or so to do that (not quite on the same hectic pace). But I'll do it.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Home stretch
Despite a near triptaphan (sp?) overdose (coupled with an excessively high pumpkin pie count), I was able to keep up on my writing over the holidays. I'm now at 46,021. That's just a smidge under the pace, but should be no problem to do especially since there's nothing good on TV this week until Wednesday (LOST!!!).
The novel is going really well. I like my protagonist family. I think the bad guy is pretty real, but still pretty spooky. The tense scenes make me tense. The scary scenes scare me. This is really the first time that's happened. It's really fun.
Because I'm nearing the end of this grand adventure, I want to document all the other things I was able to accomplish this month on top of writing a 50K-plus word novel:
The novel is going really well. I like my protagonist family. I think the bad guy is pretty real, but still pretty spooky. The tense scenes make me tense. The scary scenes scare me. This is really the first time that's happened. It's really fun.
Because I'm nearing the end of this grand adventure, I want to document all the other things I was able to accomplish this month on top of writing a 50K-plus word novel:
- Put up all the inside and outside decorations for the holidays (and removed the ones from Halloween!)
- Attended every one of Alex's basketball practices and games.
- Unloaded the dishwasher almost every day
- Did the lion's share of the laundry
- Visited with friends and relatives over Thanksgiving break
- Saw a few movies
- Watched most of the TV shows I normally watch (on tape!)
- Helped get my kids up-to-date on all the past Star Wars movies
- Played racquetball every week (twice a week most of the time with an extra session with Dan!)
- Had two poker nights (really, really late nights!)
- Did a Guy's Write Nite with Alex
- Met a couple times with my fellow NaNo folks in Greeley
- Got to play with Alex and Andy a lot!
- Helped get the house cleaned up and presentable (not as easy as it sounds, trust me!)
- And worked a full-time job
Next year when I think I'm too busy to do NaNo, I just want to be able to read this again.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
The Wall
Runners call it The Wall. I think. I have no real idea. I try to avoid running whenever possible.
But my understanding is that The Wall is that thing you hit when your body tells you to just shut down. Real runners break through The Wall and keep going.
Why all this background in running? Well, I think I hit the writer's version of The Wall this morning. I only got 1,000 words and each one was a struggle. My body was none too pleased about waking up another morning at 4:30 a.m. (almost as much as Tracy who keeps getting the brunt of my alarm clock).
So, I'm now slightly below pace at 34,514 words after a disappointing weekend for writing (but pretty good other than that). And I have hit The Wall.
But like those strange runners in the world, I need to break through it. Seems to me this happens every year for NaNo. It does suck, though. But I just have to force myself to keep writing. Even if it's just 1,000 words at a time. Eventually I'll break out. Better happen soon, though. The end of November is looming!
But my understanding is that The Wall is that thing you hit when your body tells you to just shut down. Real runners break through The Wall and keep going.
Why all this background in running? Well, I think I hit the writer's version of The Wall this morning. I only got 1,000 words and each one was a struggle. My body was none too pleased about waking up another morning at 4:30 a.m. (almost as much as Tracy who keeps getting the brunt of my alarm clock).
So, I'm now slightly below pace at 34,514 words after a disappointing weekend for writing (but pretty good other than that). And I have hit The Wall.
But like those strange runners in the world, I need to break through it. Seems to me this happens every year for NaNo. It does suck, though. But I just have to force myself to keep writing. Even if it's just 1,000 words at a time. Eventually I'll break out. Better happen soon, though. The end of November is looming!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Twilight zone
So, I was writing a scene for NaNo this morning (I'm at 28,003 for anyone who might care) and it involved the dad of my family fixing himself a sandwich in the kitchen. He turns on the radio and "Living on a Prayer" comes on by Bon Jovi and it is later followed by CCR's "Fortunate Son."
I don't know why I picked those two songs. They just came to me.
Later, I was driving into work and I turned on the radio just in time to hear the DJ say, "That was Bon Jovi's 'Living on a Prayer' and before that was 'Fortunate Son' by Creedance Clearwater Revival."
Freaky, huh?
In a related matter, I'm headed to the store later to buy lottery tickets.
I don't know why I picked those two songs. They just came to me.
Later, I was driving into work and I turned on the radio just in time to hear the DJ say, "That was Bon Jovi's 'Living on a Prayer' and before that was 'Fortunate Son' by Creedance Clearwater Revival."
Freaky, huh?
In a related matter, I'm headed to the store later to buy lottery tickets.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
50 percent
Well, I passed the halfway mark this morning. I'm at 26, 048.
The good news is that my novel isn't halfway done. That's actually a first. In the past I've had to milk my story for extra words as I neared the end. Last year, the final version was about 65,000 which is still a little short for a "real" marketable novel.
I have a feeling this one will be in the 75,000 to 100,000 word total at the end. But it's really good. This morning I actually scared myself with something I came up with. It's kinda fun writing in a quiet basement all by yourself. Nice and creepy.
Also, last night, I had a dream that this book was No. 2 on the bestseller list (I'm sure it was the DaVinci Code in front of mine!). We had lots of money and I was doing talk shows. It almost sucked to wake up, except that I woke up to go write.
The good news is that my novel isn't halfway done. That's actually a first. In the past I've had to milk my story for extra words as I neared the end. Last year, the final version was about 65,000 which is still a little short for a "real" marketable novel.
I have a feeling this one will be in the 75,000 to 100,000 word total at the end. But it's really good. This morning I actually scared myself with something I came up with. It's kinda fun writing in a quiet basement all by yourself. Nice and creepy.
Also, last night, I had a dream that this book was No. 2 on the bestseller list (I'm sure it was the DaVinci Code in front of mine!). We had lots of money and I was doing talk shows. It almost sucked to wake up, except that I woke up to go write.
Monday, November 14, 2005
The Force is with me
After amassing a word count of absolutely ZERO on Saturday, I kicked hiney on Sunday and this morning. Now I'm back slightly ahead of the pace at 24,104.
The surprising part for me was that I did all of my writing after a marathon movie session with my kids.
Here's how it started:
I took the boys to Burger King after Alex's basketball game Saturday. They each got a Star Wars toy featuring the Stormtoopers. That made them ask me what a Stormtrooper was.
So, I said we would watch the original Star Wars on Sunday. We did that Sunday morning and they were hooked. That led to the next two movies (don't worry we did get outside to play, also!). But when your kids ask you about Star Wars, it's worth putting other stuff off to show them, right?
That's what I thought. And I was rewarded with a hugely productive writing session that pushed my word count into orbit (OK, so it wasn't to the 25K I wanted, but it was still good).
May the Force Be With You.
The surprising part for me was that I did all of my writing after a marathon movie session with my kids.
Here's how it started:
I took the boys to Burger King after Alex's basketball game Saturday. They each got a Star Wars toy featuring the Stormtoopers. That made them ask me what a Stormtrooper was.
So, I said we would watch the original Star Wars on Sunday. We did that Sunday morning and they were hooked. That led to the next two movies (don't worry we did get outside to play, also!). But when your kids ask you about Star Wars, it's worth putting other stuff off to show them, right?
That's what I thought. And I was rewarded with a hugely productive writing session that pushed my word count into orbit (OK, so it wasn't to the 25K I wanted, but it was still good).
May the Force Be With You.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Keeping it in the family
My word count sucks today... I'm at 18,135.
But I have a pretty good excuse. Last night Alex's school had a really interesting program called Guys Write Nite where all the boys in the class brought their dads into the class from 6-8 p.m. and all we did was write together. Alex's teacher is doing some sort of thesis or something on boys and dads and writing. But it was really fun. Alex was so into it. He knew I've been doing a bunch of writing (especially lately) and he liked being a part of that.
We wrote some fun stories about our road trip to California a year ago and then we made up a story about a boy named Chicken-Butt (Alex's favorite word). In the end, we had about 1,400 words -- that don't count toward NaNo.
Of course, that was only two hours, right? So, what's my REAL excuse?
Well, I did have to write my regular bi-weekly column for the newspapers. That was 650 words -- all of which had to be good enough to be publishable (not quite the standard I hold for my NaNo novel, where I spent about 300 words talking about how my family had bought a new hot water heater (and, no, it has nothing to do with the story ... I think).)
Still that wasn't all my time. How about ER live, Survivor on tape last night and then The Apprentice on tape this morning. How sad and pathetic is that, huh? Well, at least I got 1K-plus done this morning. But now I'm behind the pace again.
This weekend will be the time. In fact, I'll lay down the gauntlet right here... I will have 25K by Monday!
You read it here first!
But I have a pretty good excuse. Last night Alex's school had a really interesting program called Guys Write Nite where all the boys in the class brought their dads into the class from 6-8 p.m. and all we did was write together. Alex's teacher is doing some sort of thesis or something on boys and dads and writing. But it was really fun. Alex was so into it. He knew I've been doing a bunch of writing (especially lately) and he liked being a part of that.
We wrote some fun stories about our road trip to California a year ago and then we made up a story about a boy named Chicken-Butt (Alex's favorite word). In the end, we had about 1,400 words -- that don't count toward NaNo.
Of course, that was only two hours, right? So, what's my REAL excuse?
Well, I did have to write my regular bi-weekly column for the newspapers. That was 650 words -- all of which had to be good enough to be publishable (not quite the standard I hold for my NaNo novel, where I spent about 300 words talking about how my family had bought a new hot water heater (and, no, it has nothing to do with the story ... I think).)
Still that wasn't all my time. How about ER live, Survivor on tape last night and then The Apprentice on tape this morning. How sad and pathetic is that, huh? Well, at least I got 1K-plus done this morning. But now I'm behind the pace again.
This weekend will be the time. In fact, I'll lay down the gauntlet right here... I will have 25K by Monday!
You read it here first!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Pluggin away
My little progress meter isn't working right now. The guy who hosts it got overwhelmed with bandwidth and couldn't keep it going.
So, my count now is 14,310. I'm only slightly under the pace I need. I need one great evening writing session to put me back in the black.
The story is actually progressing well. It is really fun to see how the characters progress. I am also limiting myself with the number of characters. I have my family of four and my one bad guy. That's it. It's really fun to develop them a lot more than trying to do too much with too many others.
So, my count now is 14,310. I'm only slightly under the pace I need. I need one great evening writing session to put me back in the black.
The story is actually progressing well. It is really fun to see how the characters progress. I am also limiting myself with the number of characters. I have my family of four and my one bad guy. That's it. It's really fun to develop them a lot more than trying to do too much with too many others.
Monday, November 07, 2005
10K
I'm still behind the pace, but I passed the first milestone this morning as I hit 10,000 words. The story is going really well. Probably too well. My internal editor is not letting me write the crap that normally propels me. It keeps saying, "You're just going to have to fix it later, so make it good now." Pro is at least it's slightly better than crap. Con is that I'm dragging. I'm thinking of blindfolding my internal editor and beheading him on live TV just for fun!
I'm pretty tickled about hitting 10K actually. I haven't really given up on other stuff to do it. Had a late-night poker game Friday, watched Alex's first basketball game Saturday, went to two movies with Tracy and some friends Saturday night and I actually made my first pie (gluten-free!!!) on Sunday.
With all of that, 10K sounds pretty good.
I'm pretty tickled about hitting 10K actually. I haven't really given up on other stuff to do it. Had a late-night poker game Friday, watched Alex's first basketball game Saturday, went to two movies with Tracy and some friends Saturday night and I actually made my first pie (gluten-free!!!) on Sunday.
With all of that, 10K sounds pretty good.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Slow cruise
I realize I have probably bored anyone who may be reading this with all my references to NaNo lately, but this thing practically consumes me in November, so that's what I'm thinking about.
I'm at 4,384 words on Day 3. It's not bad. I'm slightly below the pace I need to finish and I'm more than a little concerned about the weekends (4:30 a.m. is fine on a weekday, but not sure about Saturday ... especially this Saturday because I have friends coming over for poker on Friday!).
Anyway, the story is going well. I've abandoned my original plan of making this a sequel to my last book with the same detective. I really enjoyed the thought of someone living in someone's house without them knowing about it. So, I decided to scrap the police and have it be a bad guy vs. good guy thing in the house.
The creepy part is that the family in my book lives in a house that's laid out like my real house (so much for imagination, huh?!?). So, now I keep looking in all these hidden crevices and it's kinda freakin' me out a little.
Guess that's good, right? If I scare myself, it's gotta get other people, right?
I'm at 4,384 words on Day 3. It's not bad. I'm slightly below the pace I need to finish and I'm more than a little concerned about the weekends (4:30 a.m. is fine on a weekday, but not sure about Saturday ... especially this Saturday because I have friends coming over for poker on Friday!).
Anyway, the story is going well. I've abandoned my original plan of making this a sequel to my last book with the same detective. I really enjoyed the thought of someone living in someone's house without them knowing about it. So, I decided to scrap the police and have it be a bad guy vs. good guy thing in the house.
The creepy part is that the family in my book lives in a house that's laid out like my real house (so much for imagination, huh?!?). So, now I keep looking in all these hidden crevices and it's kinda freakin' me out a little.
Guess that's good, right? If I scare myself, it's gotta get other people, right?
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Started
So, last night we hosted 18 family and friends for our annual Halloween party. Our house (formerly clean, I swear) is a disaster. We cleaned up enough last night so we could still walk around. Tonight I have racquetball. Wednesday is basketball practice for Alex. Thursday is racquetball with Dan and Friday we're hosting a poker party for my friends so the house has to be back in some semblance of order.
On top of all of that (oh, yeah, and work!) I started my quest this morning at 4:30 a.m. to write 50,000 words in one month. I got 1,400 words. It's a slow start (mainly because it took me awhile to come up with my bad guy's name ... Anthony Speck!) but I knew the first little bit would be tough because I had to set up the main scene. Now I get to have some fun!
Hard to believe I actually can't wait for my alarm to go off at 4:30 a.m.!?!?!
On top of all of that (oh, yeah, and work!) I started my quest this morning at 4:30 a.m. to write 50,000 words in one month. I got 1,400 words. It's a slow start (mainly because it took me awhile to come up with my bad guy's name ... Anthony Speck!) but I knew the first little bit would be tough because I had to set up the main scene. Now I get to have some fun!
Hard to believe I actually can't wait for my alarm to go off at 4:30 a.m.!?!?!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Vrooooooom
Check out my NaNo guage to the left. Anyone who cares will see how far I've gotten on my novel there!
Starting
Last night the first official Greeley National Novel Writing Month group met. There were about 11 or 12 folks who all pledged to write at least a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. It's very cool to connect with folks who are into writing for writing sake. And as we went around and discussed our various planned projects, I soon realized that my sick and twisted tale of a psycho-killer who lives with his unsuspecting victims before he offs them may have been one of the more "normal" storylines from our group.
Knowing I'm not nearly as strange as I (and often my wife) thinks was well worth the cost of the hot chocolate. Now I just have to write the darn thing.
Knowing I'm not nearly as strange as I (and often my wife) thinks was well worth the cost of the hot chocolate. Now I just have to write the darn thing.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Tid-bits
Haven't had much to say lately... a few things, though:
Family ... My mom, sister and nephew are coming for the weekend. The boys are thrilled. Tracy and I have been going nuts trying to get the house clean. Should be a great time!
Poker ... Now that the house is back in order, it's time for poker nights again!!! My friend, Dan, will be very happy.
Baseball ... This time of year is hard for me. I love the World Series, but I realize it's going to be a long off-season.
Soccer ... Ditto
NaNoWriMo ... Seems like there's a lot more interest in Greeley-ville these days about this. We even have our own forum site. I love chatting with others who are planning the same thing, but I can't wait to get started for November. I think I have some really good ideas.
Beer ... I had my first one in more than a year this last weekend (thanks to my Celiac Disease thing). It was wonderful! I never thought I actually liked beer that much. According to the Celiac sites, I can have a beer "occassionally." The last time I did, I got a stomach ache the next day. This time: Nothing. What does this mean? I'm drinking Fat Tire "occassionally!"
Family ... My mom, sister and nephew are coming for the weekend. The boys are thrilled. Tracy and I have been going nuts trying to get the house clean. Should be a great time!
Poker ... Now that the house is back in order, it's time for poker nights again!!! My friend, Dan, will be very happy.
Baseball ... This time of year is hard for me. I love the World Series, but I realize it's going to be a long off-season.
Soccer ... Ditto
NaNoWriMo ... Seems like there's a lot more interest in Greeley-ville these days about this. We even have our own forum site. I love chatting with others who are planning the same thing, but I can't wait to get started for November. I think I have some really good ideas.
Beer ... I had my first one in more than a year this last weekend (thanks to my Celiac Disease thing). It was wonderful! I never thought I actually liked beer that much. According to the Celiac sites, I can have a beer "occassionally." The last time I did, I got a stomach ache the next day. This time: Nothing. What does this mean? I'm drinking Fat Tire "occassionally!"
Monday, October 10, 2005
NaNoWriMo
Well it's getting close to National Novel Writing Month again.
This will be my fourth year (hopefully my third completion) of writing a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. I go into the month expecting to write absolute garbage and I have always been pleasantly surprised how non-crappy it turns out.
Anyway, we have a group from Greeley who are going to meet later this month to kick off our little adventure. I've been doing this with my friend Eric Anderson for all four years, but last year we brought in a couple other Greeley folks and sounds like this year will be even bigger.
Normally I don't like writing groups because I think it takes time away from actually writing, but this group, so far, has emphasized encouragement so we all know we're not doing this alone.
Anyway, I can't wait to get started!
This will be my fourth year (hopefully my third completion) of writing a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. I go into the month expecting to write absolute garbage and I have always been pleasantly surprised how non-crappy it turns out.
Anyway, we have a group from Greeley who are going to meet later this month to kick off our little adventure. I've been doing this with my friend Eric Anderson for all four years, but last year we brought in a couple other Greeley folks and sounds like this year will be even bigger.
Normally I don't like writing groups because I think it takes time away from actually writing, but this group, so far, has emphasized encouragement so we all know we're not doing this alone.
Anyway, I can't wait to get started!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
I sent this note to a bunch of my friends who are into music ... For some reason, this drives me nuts...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
First, here’s who’s nominated:
J.Geils Band
John Mellencamp
the Patti Smith Group
Chic
Joe Tex
Miles Davis
Cat Stevens
Blondie
the Paul Butterfield Band
the Dave Clark Five
the Sir Douglas Quintet will all have a chance to make it into the hall of fame, located in Cleveland.
Black Sabbath (eighth time on the ballot)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (seventh time)
Sex Pistols (sixth time)
Stooges (fifth time)
And here who’s missing from the list:
KISS
Rush
Van Halen
Yes
Genesis
ELO
Joan Jett
Def Leppard
Alice Cooper
Heart
Deep Purple
Pat Benatar
Duran Duran
Nominees are picked by a 70-member committee of rock 'n' roll historians, journalists and label execs, with ballots then mailed to an international voting body of 700 music industry types for the final decision. The five to seven nominees that receive the most votes will be inducted into the Rock Hall next year.
So, I ask you, were these 70 people completely high?!?!
Of those who are nominated, you could make a good case for Mellencamp (although I personally think he should go in as Cougar!), Blondie, Lynyrd Skynyrd (how you overlook them six times and vote in a band like the O’Jays (last year) who had one hit song, is just wrong) and probably the Sex Pistols. Miles Davis was freakin’ awesome, but not a rock and roller! I’d accept the Dave Clark Five (“Do You Love Me” is classic and certainly they were huge part of British Invasion) and Cat Stevens (not sure why) although I like Black Sabbath and J. Geils more.
But how do you skip over Heart (three decades!) and Yes (c’mon). I avoided the hard rockers KISS and Rush and Van Halen and Deep Purple because you all know I’m biased, but you could make a good argument that each one of them revolutionized rock in some way (truly original and influencial, power trio, popularizing hard rock and the all-star band).
Anyway, I’d be interested in knowing your thoughts…
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
First, here’s who’s nominated:
J.Geils Band
John Mellencamp
the Patti Smith Group
Chic
Joe Tex
Miles Davis
Cat Stevens
Blondie
the Paul Butterfield Band
the Dave Clark Five
the Sir Douglas Quintet will all have a chance to make it into the hall of fame, located in Cleveland.
Black Sabbath (eighth time on the ballot)
Lynyrd Skynyrd (seventh time)
Sex Pistols (sixth time)
Stooges (fifth time)
And here who’s missing from the list:
KISS
Rush
Van Halen
Yes
Genesis
ELO
Joan Jett
Def Leppard
Alice Cooper
Heart
Deep Purple
Pat Benatar
Duran Duran
Nominees are picked by a 70-member committee of rock 'n' roll historians, journalists and label execs, with ballots then mailed to an international voting body of 700 music industry types for the final decision. The five to seven nominees that receive the most votes will be inducted into the Rock Hall next year.
So, I ask you, were these 70 people completely high?!?!
Of those who are nominated, you could make a good case for Mellencamp (although I personally think he should go in as Cougar!), Blondie, Lynyrd Skynyrd (how you overlook them six times and vote in a band like the O’Jays (last year) who had one hit song, is just wrong) and probably the Sex Pistols. Miles Davis was freakin’ awesome, but not a rock and roller! I’d accept the Dave Clark Five (“Do You Love Me” is classic and certainly they were huge part of British Invasion) and Cat Stevens (not sure why) although I like Black Sabbath and J. Geils more.
But how do you skip over Heart (three decades!) and Yes (c’mon). I avoided the hard rockers KISS and Rush and Van Halen and Deep Purple because you all know I’m biased, but you could make a good argument that each one of them revolutionized rock in some way (truly original and influencial, power trio, popularizing hard rock and the all-star band).
Anyway, I’d be interested in knowing your thoughts…
Friday, September 16, 2005
Trumped
So, the last two days I got to see Donald Trump and Rudy Guiliani live at a biz conference here.
Pretty cool, actually.
Trump made a lot of people mad. He used a number of dirty words (oooh, the F-bomb!) and was pretty crass about his dealings with people. I actually enjoyed it. It really showed him as a person. Yes, he's a jerk, but at least now I know he's a human jerk.
I'm not sure why swearing has the exact opposite reaction on me than other people. The second someone curses around me, I feel more relaxed. I remember the first time I met Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell when I was in Fort Morgan. Like always, he rode into town on his motorcycle. He walked into the conference room with me and my editor and said, "It's hotter than s*** out there."
I was so impressed. I mean here is a guy who is representing Colorado in the U.S. Senate and he feels comfortable enough around us to swear! How cool.
Anyway, like I said, it wasn't Trump's swearing that turned me off (I liked it). But, rather, he was mean-spirited and didn't really have anything to say beyond "be sure to watch The Apprentice" and "Don't I have a hot wife?" I mean, one of his points about good business is "Be sure to get a pre-nup." Obviously, Trump thinks of marriage like a business transaction, but the rest of us don't.
Guiliani was pretty impressive. He's obviously planning a run for president. Hard to think who could beat him. I actually got to ask him a question about media handling. Pretty fun.
Pretty cool, actually.
Trump made a lot of people mad. He used a number of dirty words (oooh, the F-bomb!) and was pretty crass about his dealings with people. I actually enjoyed it. It really showed him as a person. Yes, he's a jerk, but at least now I know he's a human jerk.
I'm not sure why swearing has the exact opposite reaction on me than other people. The second someone curses around me, I feel more relaxed. I remember the first time I met Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell when I was in Fort Morgan. Like always, he rode into town on his motorcycle. He walked into the conference room with me and my editor and said, "It's hotter than s*** out there."
I was so impressed. I mean here is a guy who is representing Colorado in the U.S. Senate and he feels comfortable enough around us to swear! How cool.
Anyway, like I said, it wasn't Trump's swearing that turned me off (I liked it). But, rather, he was mean-spirited and didn't really have anything to say beyond "be sure to watch The Apprentice" and "Don't I have a hot wife?" I mean, one of his points about good business is "Be sure to get a pre-nup." Obviously, Trump thinks of marriage like a business transaction, but the rest of us don't.
Guiliani was pretty impressive. He's obviously planning a run for president. Hard to think who could beat him. I actually got to ask him a question about media handling. Pretty fun.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Dogbert brain
Today, I attended an internal workshop called, "Maintain Your Brain." I thought it was going to be about fixing my brain which apparently has lost the ability to hold any piece of information (except baseball scores) for more than 2.3 seconds.
The session was well attended with my fellow colleagues, all of who obviously thought there was something wrong with our minds.
For some reason this got me thinking about the Evil Dogbert and how he could take advantage of something like this... He would throw one of these sessions. People would attend in droves (because, let's face it, everybody's memory stinks these days) and then he would "remind" everyone that there is a $25 fee. If anyone said they didn't remember anything about a required fee, he'd just say, "You really need this class, huh?"
When your brain is screwed up and you get no sleep and lunch consists of Liquorice-flavored Altoids, this is what happens... I'm sorry for sharing...
The session was well attended with my fellow colleagues, all of who obviously thought there was something wrong with our minds.
For some reason this got me thinking about the Evil Dogbert and how he could take advantage of something like this... He would throw one of these sessions. People would attend in droves (because, let's face it, everybody's memory stinks these days) and then he would "remind" everyone that there is a $25 fee. If anyone said they didn't remember anything about a required fee, he'd just say, "You really need this class, huh?"
When your brain is screwed up and you get no sleep and lunch consists of Liquorice-flavored Altoids, this is what happens... I'm sorry for sharing...
Monday, August 22, 2005
Caffeine
About six months ago, I switched. I went from Diet Pepsi to Pepsi One. This was not an easy switch for me because I am a die-hard. However, Pepsi One was just WAY better.
This weekend, we were up in the mountains and I couldn't find a Pepsi One anywhere. Had to settle for Diet Pepsi.
I forgot how wussy Diet Pepsi was. I thought it was just the flavor, but then I saw this site. And I realized it was the caffeine. Apparently Mountain Dew has as much caffeine as Pepsi One! Holy cow! (By the way, if you go to the tab that says "Death by caffeine" you can determine exactly how many of your favorite drink it would take to kill you. (Good to know before your next all-nighter).
Anyway, drink up!
This weekend, we were up in the mountains and I couldn't find a Pepsi One anywhere. Had to settle for Diet Pepsi.
I forgot how wussy Diet Pepsi was. I thought it was just the flavor, but then I saw this site. And I realized it was the caffeine. Apparently Mountain Dew has as much caffeine as Pepsi One! Holy cow! (By the way, if you go to the tab that says "Death by caffeine" you can determine exactly how many of your favorite drink it would take to kill you. (Good to know before your next all-nighter).
Anyway, drink up!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
The first day ... again
Yesterday was the second first day of kindergarten for our house.
Andy started his academic career with little trepidation. He got a little overwhelmed (and shy) with all the people (every kid had at least two parents in tow). He had been pretty excited about the big day, but was getting more nervous as the morning continued.
The parents were asked to stick around for the first 30 minutes to go through some activities with the kids. Andy was getting more and more freaked out.
But then, one of the activities involved taken a specific number of food items and putting them in a snack bag ... five pretzels, two cookies, etc.
Andy saw the items and at the end of the row -- right next to each other -- were M&Ms and marshmallows. Andy's fav. His face filled with a huge smile and I realized he was going to be just fine.
Andy started his academic career with little trepidation. He got a little overwhelmed (and shy) with all the people (every kid had at least two parents in tow). He had been pretty excited about the big day, but was getting more nervous as the morning continued.
The parents were asked to stick around for the first 30 minutes to go through some activities with the kids. Andy was getting more and more freaked out.
But then, one of the activities involved taken a specific number of food items and putting them in a snack bag ... five pretzels, two cookies, etc.
Andy saw the items and at the end of the row -- right next to each other -- were M&Ms and marshmallows. Andy's fav. His face filled with a huge smile and I realized he was going to be just fine.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Flip-flop
Andy has been on a tear recently... typical 5-year-old stuff.
The really funny part is to watch Alex (he's 7). As bad as Andy acts, Alex goes to the exact opposite end of the spectrum.
Yesterday, when Andy threw a patented tantrum, Alex (who loves money) turned to Tracy and I and said, "Mom and Dad, I want to give you all my money because I love you."
I seem to remember doing this exact thing with my sister when we were growing up. One time when she was acting really awful, I actually cleaned up the entire house for my parents. Not sure why. I just did.
Guess this is an evolutionary behavior to ensure parents don't go insane. Whatever it is, it's pretty cool.
The really funny part is to watch Alex (he's 7). As bad as Andy acts, Alex goes to the exact opposite end of the spectrum.
Yesterday, when Andy threw a patented tantrum, Alex (who loves money) turned to Tracy and I and said, "Mom and Dad, I want to give you all my money because I love you."
I seem to remember doing this exact thing with my sister when we were growing up. One time when she was acting really awful, I actually cleaned up the entire house for my parents. Not sure why. I just did.
Guess this is an evolutionary behavior to ensure parents don't go insane. Whatever it is, it's pretty cool.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Long time ... no speak
Wow! Been a crazy bunch of weeks.
We survived California. Had a great time.
Here's the report on everyone:
Me: Got to watch a RiverCats game and two fireworks shows, bombed boats with water balloons, got to read in a hammock!, tan?, played the first 18 holes of (non-miniature) golf in 11 years (not too bad - shot a 49 on the front 9 and a 60 on the back). Got to meet up with my friends George, Ross and Juli which was really fun.
Tracy: Took a bunch of pictures, burned the heck out of her shoulders, actually liked "Batman Begins," was enamored with Alia and Aiden (as was everyone, of course), made cabbage pockets for my parents' anniversary, trying to survive a completely trashed house as we move into new rooms now that the remodeling is done. Met up with her friend Shar and her kids at the water park.
Alex: Loves the skeleton he got from Grandma, actually hit pretty well on the driving range with his new clubs, enjoyed getting hugs from Alia, won Uncle Mark's first annual fishing derby, loves the movie "The Incredible Mr. Limpett" (which was one of my favs growing up and now I can't remember why).
Andy: Learned to row the kayak for the first time, swam amazingly well, was a bit of a grump because of his altered scheduled (stayed up until 2 a.m. one night watching movies!?!?!), loved the big bag of candy Grandpa bought him, quite a good dancer who also really likes my bad heavy metal tunes.
Jannae and Mark: They, too, are trying to survive remodeling (the only difference is Mark has at least some talent to be able to assist), Mark caught his biggest bass ever but forgot a scale so he has no idea just how much it beat his previous record, Jannae still is happy and doesn't seem nearly as tired as I would be with three kids, including two babies.
Austin: The kid is a weed. He just keeps growing. He's five months younger than Alex, but could easily pass for at least three years older than him. Austin is gaining confidence in himself and this year mastered the kayak that was his nemesis last year.
Aiden: I have never seen so much energy in one body. He never stops. He runs from one situation to the next and doesn't pause in between. He has curly hair which just feels really cool when he gives you a big hug. He is starting to talk really well. He loves being thrown in the air and comes up to me and says, "Ump" which means "Jump" because he wants me to throw him.
Alia: This was our first look at the only girl in the family and she is such a cutie. She has big smiles for everyone and, like the boys, is off-the-charts huge. She is feature prominantly in at least half the pictures Tracy took of the whole vacation.
Mom and Dad: They are both looking and doing great. They're a bit exhausted because our trip was the end of more than a month of guests at their house. But we certainly appreciate their generosity. Next year will be a little different as they celebrate their 40th anniversary in Hawaii. (And, no, we already asked. They don't want anyone else there!).
We survived California. Had a great time.
Here's the report on everyone:
Me: Got to watch a RiverCats game and two fireworks shows, bombed boats with water balloons, got to read in a hammock!, tan?, played the first 18 holes of (non-miniature) golf in 11 years (not too bad - shot a 49 on the front 9 and a 60 on the back). Got to meet up with my friends George, Ross and Juli which was really fun.
Tracy: Took a bunch of pictures, burned the heck out of her shoulders, actually liked "Batman Begins," was enamored with Alia and Aiden (as was everyone, of course), made cabbage pockets for my parents' anniversary, trying to survive a completely trashed house as we move into new rooms now that the remodeling is done. Met up with her friend Shar and her kids at the water park.
Alex: Loves the skeleton he got from Grandma, actually hit pretty well on the driving range with his new clubs, enjoyed getting hugs from Alia, won Uncle Mark's first annual fishing derby, loves the movie "The Incredible Mr. Limpett" (which was one of my favs growing up and now I can't remember why).
Andy: Learned to row the kayak for the first time, swam amazingly well, was a bit of a grump because of his altered scheduled (stayed up until 2 a.m. one night watching movies!?!?!), loved the big bag of candy Grandpa bought him, quite a good dancer who also really likes my bad heavy metal tunes.
Jannae and Mark: They, too, are trying to survive remodeling (the only difference is Mark has at least some talent to be able to assist), Mark caught his biggest bass ever but forgot a scale so he has no idea just how much it beat his previous record, Jannae still is happy and doesn't seem nearly as tired as I would be with three kids, including two babies.
Austin: The kid is a weed. He just keeps growing. He's five months younger than Alex, but could easily pass for at least three years older than him. Austin is gaining confidence in himself and this year mastered the kayak that was his nemesis last year.
Aiden: I have never seen so much energy in one body. He never stops. He runs from one situation to the next and doesn't pause in between. He has curly hair which just feels really cool when he gives you a big hug. He is starting to talk really well. He loves being thrown in the air and comes up to me and says, "Ump" which means "Jump" because he wants me to throw him.
Alia: This was our first look at the only girl in the family and she is such a cutie. She has big smiles for everyone and, like the boys, is off-the-charts huge. She is feature prominantly in at least half the pictures Tracy took of the whole vacation.
Mom and Dad: They are both looking and doing great. They're a bit exhausted because our trip was the end of more than a month of guests at their house. But we certainly appreciate their generosity. Next year will be a little different as they celebrate their 40th anniversary in Hawaii. (And, no, we already asked. They don't want anyone else there!).
Monday, June 27, 2005
Returning to the scene of the crime
My friend Dan is now a daddy. His lovely wife, Kate, gave birth to Jayden on Saturday morning.
Tracy and I took the boys to the hospital to see the happy family. The boys were really into it because I kept telling them they were born in the same hospital. I pointed out the rooms they were born in. And they were actually interested.
Alex kept telling me to tell people the story of how he had to return to the hospital because of his jaundice (which happened during a major snow storm). Nobody else cared, but Alex really dug it. I think next time we go to a baseball game and I want them to pay attention, I'll tell them they were actually born on the infield.
Might work?!?!
Tracy and I took the boys to the hospital to see the happy family. The boys were really into it because I kept telling them they were born in the same hospital. I pointed out the rooms they were born in. And they were actually interested.
Alex kept telling me to tell people the story of how he had to return to the hospital because of his jaundice (which happened during a major snow storm). Nobody else cared, but Alex really dug it. I think next time we go to a baseball game and I want them to pay attention, I'll tell them they were actually born on the infield.
Might work?!?!
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Nuts
Things are going a little more crazy than normal right now in the Flume household.
First, I'm still getting used to a new job at Aims Community College which is hectic right now because I'm getting the Fall enrollment campaign going before ...
Second, we leave for California to visit my mom and dad (and sister's family including our first and only niece, Alia!!). I love going there, but I hate getting ready to go there! Tracy has developed a pre-leaving plan that is more complicated (and better carried out) than the invasion of Iraq.
Third, we are getting ready for our second garage sale in the last three weeks. We never thought our house could belch out so much excess crap, but it certainly does. And we need it, because...
Fourth, we are prepping for a remodel on the house (thanks to Tracy's mom!). We're finishing the downstairs area (yeah, a bathroom!!!) and adding a little closet space upstairs. All that means is that we have two major areas of the house that have to be cleared away and it is just insane.
Fifth, the boys have been busy with summer fun classes and overnights with their friends.
Sixth, we just got over the promotion of the book for Father's Day. It is always a little crazy, but it was also cool because of the book award.
Seventh, now that the rain has stopped (to be replaced with scorching sun), we have been invaded with mosquitoes the size of small birds. No one is safe.
Eighth, we just adopted our newest pets... two toads we found in the window well of the basement as part of the remodeling effort. The boys are enamored of them. One is about the size of my fist and the other is much smaller (the size of Andy's fist). Alex said, "I won't watch TV at all as long as we have these frogs."
Ninth, this blog, my column (due this week ... AGAIN!), my fantasy baseball team (currently in second place!!!), my softball team (currently sucking, but my hitting is good!), and I guess that's it. End of my whining.
First, I'm still getting used to a new job at Aims Community College which is hectic right now because I'm getting the Fall enrollment campaign going before ...
Second, we leave for California to visit my mom and dad (and sister's family including our first and only niece, Alia!!). I love going there, but I hate getting ready to go there! Tracy has developed a pre-leaving plan that is more complicated (and better carried out) than the invasion of Iraq.
Third, we are getting ready for our second garage sale in the last three weeks. We never thought our house could belch out so much excess crap, but it certainly does. And we need it, because...
Fourth, we are prepping for a remodel on the house (thanks to Tracy's mom!). We're finishing the downstairs area (yeah, a bathroom!!!) and adding a little closet space upstairs. All that means is that we have two major areas of the house that have to be cleared away and it is just insane.
Fifth, the boys have been busy with summer fun classes and overnights with their friends.
Sixth, we just got over the promotion of the book for Father's Day. It is always a little crazy, but it was also cool because of the book award.
Seventh, now that the rain has stopped (to be replaced with scorching sun), we have been invaded with mosquitoes the size of small birds. No one is safe.
Eighth, we just adopted our newest pets... two toads we found in the window well of the basement as part of the remodeling effort. The boys are enamored of them. One is about the size of my fist and the other is much smaller (the size of Andy's fist). Alex said, "I won't watch TV at all as long as we have these frogs."
Ninth, this blog, my column (due this week ... AGAIN!), my fantasy baseball team (currently in second place!!!), my softball team (currently sucking, but my hitting is good!), and I guess that's it. End of my whining.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Wet Relay
One of my favorite activities of the year is always the Weld County Relay For Life which raises money for the American Cancer Society through an 18-hour team relay walk. I love the sense of community as Greeley's event has grown to be one of the biggest in the country. My life (like everybody's) has been touched by cancer and every year during Relay I think about the loved ones I've lost and the folks I know who have survived this horrible disease.
This year's Relay was a little different for me. I had a wonderful team of folks from my new job at Aims Community College. We also teamed up with local radio station, SUNNY 97.9. We had all the makings for a great event.
But then Mother Nature decided to have some fun with us.
We were setting up our camp around 3:45 p.m. and we were on the air for about 15 minutes when the rain started. Hard. We tried to keep everything dry, but we weren't really successful. I went to the opening ceremony at 6 p.m. in a downpour. From there, the event moved inside to a large exhibition building.
We hastily grabbed all of our stuff and even had the radio station back on the air in a matter of minutes. In the end, the event was a little smaller with many of the people opting to stay home where it was dry. However, about 2,000 people stuck it out and walked all night. It was amazing to see the dedication of these hearty folks. And in the end we raised a record total of $520,000. Pretty amazing.
This year's Relay was a little different for me. I had a wonderful team of folks from my new job at Aims Community College. We also teamed up with local radio station, SUNNY 97.9. We had all the makings for a great event.
But then Mother Nature decided to have some fun with us.
We were setting up our camp around 3:45 p.m. and we were on the air for about 15 minutes when the rain started. Hard. We tried to keep everything dry, but we weren't really successful. I went to the opening ceremony at 6 p.m. in a downpour. From there, the event moved inside to a large exhibition building.
We hastily grabbed all of our stuff and even had the radio station back on the air in a matter of minutes. In the end, the event was a little smaller with many of the people opting to stay home where it was dry. However, about 2,000 people stuck it out and walked all night. It was amazing to see the dedication of these hearty folks. And in the end we raised a record total of $520,000. Pretty amazing.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
My job
Long time, no post...
The other day Alex was showing drawings other kids in his class did of what their father's do for a living (don't ask how he got the pictures ... let's just say he's a pack-rat).
"See, Dad, her dad is dentist. And his is a mechanic."
So, I asked him which picture was mine.
My day-job is marketing and PR -- not something easily shown in first-grade drawings.
"That's the one, Dad."
"What is that?"
"That's you working on mummies."
"That's not what I do?"
"But it's more fun," he said.
Hard to argue with that, huh?
The other day Alex was showing drawings other kids in his class did of what their father's do for a living (don't ask how he got the pictures ... let's just say he's a pack-rat).
"See, Dad, her dad is dentist. And his is a mechanic."
So, I asked him which picture was mine.
My day-job is marketing and PR -- not something easily shown in first-grade drawings.
"That's the one, Dad."
"What is that?"
"That's you working on mummies."
"That's not what I do?"
"But it's more fun," he said.
Hard to argue with that, huh?
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
36 and counting ... why?
Monday was my birthday. Woo-hoo!
I vowed to stop counting birthdays after age 25. Then I realized that if I was ever to become president of the U.S., I needed to be 35. So, I kept counting. I'm not really sure why I'm still doing it now.
But I had a great day. Dinner with my wonderful family. A little festivity at my new job. Got gift certificates for some new clothes (for said job) and for some new books (for non-said brain!).
Guess I better keep counting to 65. I gotta retire sometime, right?
But, then, there's always the lottery!
I vowed to stop counting birthdays after age 25. Then I realized that if I was ever to become president of the U.S., I needed to be 35. So, I kept counting. I'm not really sure why I'm still doing it now.
But I had a great day. Dinner with my wonderful family. A little festivity at my new job. Got gift certificates for some new clothes (for said job) and for some new books (for non-said brain!).
Guess I better keep counting to 65. I gotta retire sometime, right?
But, then, there's always the lottery!
Monday, May 02, 2005
What's goin' on?
OK, I am now getting over ANOTHER FEAKIN' COLD!?!?!?
This is getting stupid. Kids got this one, too.
In between bouts of sneezing and coughing, I was wondering why we're getting hit so hard this year (my wife has barely had a sniffle).
Possible reasons:
Red Meat -- Tracy only eats the untasty variety.
Men -- Chicks have to have babies; men get colds?
Whiners -- Men whine?
But I don't think it's any of that. My bet is on aliens. Damn them!
This is getting stupid. Kids got this one, too.
In between bouts of sneezing and coughing, I was wondering why we're getting hit so hard this year (my wife has barely had a sniffle).
Possible reasons:
Red Meat -- Tracy only eats the untasty variety.
Men -- Chicks have to have babies; men get colds?
Whiners -- Men whine?
But I don't think it's any of that. My bet is on aliens. Damn them!
Monday, April 25, 2005
New leaf(s)
So, first things first... I have a new job! Yup, beginning May 9, I'll be the Marketing and Public Information Director at Aims Community College. This is a job I have wanted for a long time and I am really excited about getting started.
Second ... I went to the Pike Peak Writers Conference over the weekend with my friend, Eric. Had a great time. Heard from some good folks. Pitched my novel to an agent who wants to see 50 pages! Got to hear from the guy who wrote The Pina Colada song (bizarre). And also saw the Sky Sox for the first time. Great weekend. Now, I just have to put all the novel stuff to use so I can get it the novel published.
Third... Now that we're at the end of April and the job situation is good, the novel is directed the right way ... well, now it's time to start marketing the holy heck out of Fumbling Thru Fatherhood for Father's Day. Woo-hoo!
Second ... I went to the Pike Peak Writers Conference over the weekend with my friend, Eric. Had a great time. Heard from some good folks. Pitched my novel to an agent who wants to see 50 pages! Got to hear from the guy who wrote The Pina Colada song (bizarre). And also saw the Sky Sox for the first time. Great weekend. Now, I just have to put all the novel stuff to use so I can get it the novel published.
Third... Now that we're at the end of April and the job situation is good, the novel is directed the right way ... well, now it's time to start marketing the holy heck out of Fumbling Thru Fatherhood for Father's Day. Woo-hoo!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Crossing fingers
My buddy, Eric Anderson, and I are headed to the Pikes Peak Writers Conference this weekend.
I am scheduled to do a read and critique session Friday and then meet with an agent on Saturday, on top of all the other events going on.
I don't have high hopes for selling my book, Wrath (although I wouldn't mind coming home with a six-figure advance!). My main goal is to get all the tools to refine my pitch letter and other materials in order to do a mass mailing to agents in the near future. So, basically this weekend is a kick-off of sorts for the book.
Plus, Eric and I are going to a Sky Sox game on Sunday, so no matter what, life is good when you have baseball.
I am scheduled to do a read and critique session Friday and then meet with an agent on Saturday, on top of all the other events going on.
I don't have high hopes for selling my book, Wrath (although I wouldn't mind coming home with a six-figure advance!). My main goal is to get all the tools to refine my pitch letter and other materials in order to do a mass mailing to agents in the near future. So, basically this weekend is a kick-off of sorts for the book.
Plus, Eric and I are going to a Sky Sox game on Sunday, so no matter what, life is good when you have baseball.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Andy figured it out!
We were driving in the car the other day and talking about going to Grand Lake.
I told the boys that Grand Lake was where I asked Tracy to marry me. Andy said, "You got married in Grand Lake?"
"No, we got married in Fort Morgan."
"So, that's why you and mom fight sometimes! You should've been married in the same place."
"But, Andy, most people don't get married in the same place they ask them."
"That's why most people fight."
Hard to argue with that logic.
I told the boys that Grand Lake was where I asked Tracy to marry me. Andy said, "You got married in Grand Lake?"
"No, we got married in Fort Morgan."
"So, that's why you and mom fight sometimes! You should've been married in the same place."
"But, Andy, most people don't get married in the same place they ask them."
"That's why most people fight."
Hard to argue with that logic.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Timing
California Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit. Of course, that meant one thing: the boys were going to get sick. Not sure why, but just about every time they come here, the boys get sick. Andy had strep and Alex did his Exorcist impression all night Saturday (minus the spinning head but with a lot more pea soup!).
It's still been great having them here.
My dad joined me with a bunch of my friends Friday for a "friendly" poker game. Lots of swearing. Probably a bit too much drinking. In other words, a great night.
Dad had the best line of the night, said to Donovan, "Well, you folded, you f***" after Donovan griped about how he would have won a hand if he had stayed in.
It was that kind of night...
It's still been great having them here.
My dad joined me with a bunch of my friends Friday for a "friendly" poker game. Lots of swearing. Probably a bit too much drinking. In other words, a great night.
Dad had the best line of the night, said to Donovan, "Well, you folded, you f***" after Donovan griped about how he would have won a hand if he had stayed in.
It was that kind of night...
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Opening Day
Haven't had a chance to update because I've been pretty busy, but -- most importantly -- I went to the Rockies Opening Day on Monday. This is the seventh or eighth year in a row I've gone to the home opener with my friend, Donovan. The group continues to grow. This year we had eight of us.
I'm still pushing for the legislation to make Opening Day a National Holiday. I'd appreciate your support.
This year, things were crazy as always downtown. We had a cocktail and then went inside early to watch batting practice. The weather was gorgeous. We sat in the left field bleachers, basking in the sun as we watched just about everyone else around us catch a ball. It was great.
To top it off, the Rookie Rockies (they're calling it "Gen R" now) came back from two runs down in the ninth to score four runs with two outs off Trevor Hoffman. Absolutely sweet finish!
On top of that ... my fantasy team is in third place!!! (Life is good!)
I'm still pushing for the legislation to make Opening Day a National Holiday. I'd appreciate your support.
This year, things were crazy as always downtown. We had a cocktail and then went inside early to watch batting practice. The weather was gorgeous. We sat in the left field bleachers, basking in the sun as we watched just about everyone else around us catch a ball. It was great.
To top it off, the Rookie Rockies (they're calling it "Gen R" now) came back from two runs down in the ninth to score four runs with two outs off Trevor Hoffman. Absolutely sweet finish!
On top of that ... my fantasy team is in third place!!! (Life is good!)
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
For later...
This morning, I was sitting on the couch with my legs cross. Andy woke up and crawled on top of my and laid down on top of me with his head supported by my leg. His legs were curled up on my chest. We just looked at each other and talked until everyone else woke up...
I don't really have a point to this. I just want to remember moments like that when he's too old to do it.
I don't really have a point to this. I just want to remember moments like that when he's too old to do it.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Wascally Wabbit
So, Sunday is Easter.
My mom and dad always made a big deal about Easter. And I was probably 10 or older before I (** Bunny SPOILER alert **) knew the truth about the Easter Bunny.
In talking with friends, many of them never thought the Easter Bunny was real. They got presents from their parents and somebody would hide the eggs for them to find.
At this point, my boys are still believers. (Although Alex occassionally has issues with Santa Claus ... after Tracy talked about where a certain gift was purchased ... and this was MONTHS after Christmas ... that Alex remembered had come from St. Nick. I threw him a line of B.S. that he appeared to buy, but he is definitely a skeptic.
I'm wondering from other parents how and when they told the truth. Or if they ever lied from the beginning.
Anything?
My mom and dad always made a big deal about Easter. And I was probably 10 or older before I (** Bunny SPOILER alert **) knew the truth about the Easter Bunny.
In talking with friends, many of them never thought the Easter Bunny was real. They got presents from their parents and somebody would hide the eggs for them to find.
At this point, my boys are still believers. (Although Alex occassionally has issues with Santa Claus ... after Tracy talked about where a certain gift was purchased ... and this was MONTHS after Christmas ... that Alex remembered had come from St. Nick. I threw him a line of B.S. that he appeared to buy, but he is definitely a skeptic.
I'm wondering from other parents how and when they told the truth. Or if they ever lied from the beginning.
Anything?
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Acting
So, we're filling up the car the other day...
Alex: "Dad, do you see how much money you are paying for gas?" (An early consumer advocate?!?!?)
Me: "Yup, it's pretty expensive. Guess we won't be able to buy any birthday presents this year..."
Andy emits a sound of shock and dismay...
Alex: "Don't worry, Andy, Daddy's just kidding..."
Andy (who immediately brightens up and -- at last check -- is still just 5 years old): "I know ... I was just playing my part."
Tracy and I just started cracking up, but I have to tell you there's a part of me that's really worried about us. I think we're in for some trouble from that one...
Alex: "Dad, do you see how much money you are paying for gas?" (An early consumer advocate?!?!?)
Me: "Yup, it's pretty expensive. Guess we won't be able to buy any birthday presents this year..."
Andy emits a sound of shock and dismay...
Alex: "Don't worry, Andy, Daddy's just kidding..."
Andy (who immediately brightens up and -- at last check -- is still just 5 years old): "I know ... I was just playing my part."
Tracy and I just started cracking up, but I have to tell you there's a part of me that's really worried about us. I think we're in for some trouble from that one...
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Wrestling and/or darts
Some nights when I come home from work, my boys don't even know I'm there. They are so busy doing their "projects" or playing with each other or whatever, that I just don't exist.
And then there are days like last night. I walked in the door and I was attacked by two boys. They first demanded hugs and kisses. And then they wanted to play. Andy wanted to wrestle. Alex wanted to play darts.
The good thing about have two kids is that they are used to compromise and sharing. So, their idea is that we do both ... at the same time...
Not a good idea, I said.
So, instead we wrestled for awhile. This involves them jumping on me. Me flipping them around and throwing them on the ground and then it usually evolves into a big pillow fight.
When we were done (this is usually determined by the first crying fit or the first broken piece of furniture), we played darts. Now, Alex has to stand on a stool to be able to throw (and another stool to get the plastic darts out of the board), but I tell you the kid has aim. We tied 3-3 in our last matches. And I wasn't letting him win.
Guess he didn't get his dad's hand-eye coordination. Good for him.
I hope they never get tired of nights like that. And I hope there are more nights they welcome me home than there are those when they don't know me.
That's what we dads are all about ... hope...
And then there are days like last night. I walked in the door and I was attacked by two boys. They first demanded hugs and kisses. And then they wanted to play. Andy wanted to wrestle. Alex wanted to play darts.
The good thing about have two kids is that they are used to compromise and sharing. So, their idea is that we do both ... at the same time...
Not a good idea, I said.
So, instead we wrestled for awhile. This involves them jumping on me. Me flipping them around and throwing them on the ground and then it usually evolves into a big pillow fight.
When we were done (this is usually determined by the first crying fit or the first broken piece of furniture), we played darts. Now, Alex has to stand on a stool to be able to throw (and another stool to get the plastic darts out of the board), but I tell you the kid has aim. We tied 3-3 in our last matches. And I wasn't letting him win.
Guess he didn't get his dad's hand-eye coordination. Good for him.
I hope they never get tired of nights like that. And I hope there are more nights they welcome me home than there are those when they don't know me.
That's what we dads are all about ... hope...
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
I'm not dead
Haven't had a lot of time to post... Here's a quick summary...
- Stomach flu... (trust me, you don't want to know details!)
- SNOW! ... (All of it melted except for the two snowmen the boys and I made!)
- Bad uncle ... (missed a call to my nephew for his birthday... I'm going to hell, I know!)
- Writing ... (Tracy and I are headed to a 3-day publishing seminar and meeting with agents and big-wigs but we have nothing prepared ... ought to be fun!)
- Frogs ... The last two frogs croaked (I love saying that), so Tracy's aunt got us ANOTHER ONE!
- Butterflies ... Alex ordered two worms that will allegedly become butterflies that we are supposed to then let go... and we're paying $14 EACH for them.
- Mealworms ... another worm that turns into a beetle (who knew?). Not sure where Alex got it, but he loves the darn thing.
- Soccer ... our first practice was snowed out but I'm psyched to start coaching Andy's team with all his friends.
- Alex's teacher conference ... he's just brilliant (must get it from Tracy)
- Award ... whooo-hooooo I took third place in humorous column writing at the Colorado Press Association awards ("I'd like to thank the ... ** music playing **)
- Oscars ... We almost won the Trib contest (Damn that song from Motorcycle Diaries!)
- Mess ... that's our house right now
- Visitors ... my mom and dad are coming soon ... better clean up house!
Guess that's it... I'll try to be better!
Monday, February 28, 2005
Renewed faith
I have received some good response on my Pop Culture 101 column, but the best is this one I got from a high school student (my response to her is below)...
Hello! My name is Brittany and I am currently a Senior at Brush High School in Brush, Colorado. I am writing to inquire on your article about Pop Culture 101. My music teacher Mrs. Darline Miner has had your article clipped out and lying on the table in her office. It caught my attention and wanted to let you know that she teaches a History of Rock class every semester and thought that your article was very informative.
I think that there should be more media classes like your Pop Culture 101 and our History of Rock because I'm only 17 and to read that a 21-year old never heard of Paul McCartney is like a sin. LOL. As a matter of fact, I am writing to you from her office and I'm...sort-of the Teachers Aid, and we are listening to anywhere from The Doors to Ray Charles, just in todays lesson!
The class starts off at the beginning of the semester listening to the roots of Rock, like Blues and Country. Then we slowly transition our way into Elvis, Buddy Holly, Bill Haley and his Comets, and The Beach Boys. Then come the 60's and 70's, Woodstock, Beatles, The Who, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Kiss, Fleetwood Mac, The Byrds, The Animals, and Cream (plus alot more, this is just off the top of my head). And by the near end of the semester we get into the 80's and 90's....like 80's rap and hip hop, theres alot but just to name a couple, Nirvana, and Bruce Springsteen.
We watch many movies too. She has a set of History of Rock dvd's that range anywhere from Chuck Berry and Elvis to Britain invades to Punk like the Sex Pistols and The Ramones. We also watch the rock opera Tommy by The Who (one of my personal favorites), Blues Brothers, School of Rock, The Wedding Singer, Wizard of Oz with Dark Side of The Moon by Pink Floyd, and probably a few more.
I hope this gives you some ideas and hopefully some interest in our class here at Brush High School. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to e-mail me back! Thank you for your time!
Brittany Colerick
-----------------------------------------
Brittany,
Wow! You have single-handedly renewed my faith in the younger generation! Mrs. Miner is obviously doing a great job out there in Brush (I used to live and work in Brush when I worked for the Fort Morgan Times and the Beetdiggers will always have a place in my heart!).
I am very glad that your school has taken this bold move (I don't think this class was there when I covered Brush). Just to hear a 17-year-old talk about Bill Haley, The Doors, The Ramones and Jimi Hendrix makes me so happy. My sons are pretty much forced to listen to this stuff (Actually, the first song they knew all the words to was "Rock and Roll All Nite" by Kiss! ... of course there's only about 12 words in the whole song... but it was still cool).
Anyway, I'm very impressed with your class and your curriculum... (although I think you meant that you watched Pink Floyd's "The Wall" and not "Dark Side of the Moon," right? Speaking of Dark Side, though, I talked to everyone here in my office. Only one other person knew the name of the album from the cover and had ever heard of the album ... I work in a warped world, huh?).
So, please pass along my sincere appreciate to Mrs. Miner and the rest of your class and I am very glad there will be some young folks out there who know who the Walrus is, what the "pompitous of love" is, what "the day the music died" is, as well as any pre-black album Metallica! Outstanding!
Now if you can get your history teachers to make sure they cover everything that is mentioned in Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire" song, then you pretty much have all the basics!
Thanks for writing,
Jared
Hello! My name is Brittany and I am currently a Senior at Brush High School in Brush, Colorado. I am writing to inquire on your article about Pop Culture 101. My music teacher Mrs. Darline Miner has had your article clipped out and lying on the table in her office. It caught my attention and wanted to let you know that she teaches a History of Rock class every semester and thought that your article was very informative.
I think that there should be more media classes like your Pop Culture 101 and our History of Rock because I'm only 17 and to read that a 21-year old never heard of Paul McCartney is like a sin. LOL. As a matter of fact, I am writing to you from her office and I'm...sort-of the Teachers Aid, and we are listening to anywhere from The Doors to Ray Charles, just in todays lesson!
The class starts off at the beginning of the semester listening to the roots of Rock, like Blues and Country. Then we slowly transition our way into Elvis, Buddy Holly, Bill Haley and his Comets, and The Beach Boys. Then come the 60's and 70's, Woodstock, Beatles, The Who, Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Kiss, Fleetwood Mac, The Byrds, The Animals, and Cream (plus alot more, this is just off the top of my head). And by the near end of the semester we get into the 80's and 90's....like 80's rap and hip hop, theres alot but just to name a couple, Nirvana, and Bruce Springsteen.
We watch many movies too. She has a set of History of Rock dvd's that range anywhere from Chuck Berry and Elvis to Britain invades to Punk like the Sex Pistols and The Ramones. We also watch the rock opera Tommy by The Who (one of my personal favorites), Blues Brothers, School of Rock, The Wedding Singer, Wizard of Oz with Dark Side of The Moon by Pink Floyd, and probably a few more.
I hope this gives you some ideas and hopefully some interest in our class here at Brush High School. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to e-mail me back! Thank you for your time!
Brittany Colerick
-----------------------------------------
Brittany,
Wow! You have single-handedly renewed my faith in the younger generation! Mrs. Miner is obviously doing a great job out there in Brush (I used to live and work in Brush when I worked for the Fort Morgan Times and the Beetdiggers will always have a place in my heart!).
I am very glad that your school has taken this bold move (I don't think this class was there when I covered Brush). Just to hear a 17-year-old talk about Bill Haley, The Doors, The Ramones and Jimi Hendrix makes me so happy. My sons are pretty much forced to listen to this stuff (Actually, the first song they knew all the words to was "Rock and Roll All Nite" by Kiss! ... of course there's only about 12 words in the whole song... but it was still cool).
Anyway, I'm very impressed with your class and your curriculum... (although I think you meant that you watched Pink Floyd's "The Wall" and not "Dark Side of the Moon," right? Speaking of Dark Side, though, I talked to everyone here in my office. Only one other person knew the name of the album from the cover and had ever heard of the album ... I work in a warped world, huh?).
So, please pass along my sincere appreciate to Mrs. Miner and the rest of your class and I am very glad there will be some young folks out there who know who the Walrus is, what the "pompitous of love" is, what "the day the music died" is, as well as any pre-black album Metallica! Outstanding!
Now if you can get your history teachers to make sure they cover everything that is mentioned in Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire" song, then you pretty much have all the basics!
Thanks for writing,
Jared
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Near brush with greatness
So, first, I'll set the scene.
My Aunt Sandy comes to town to see her daughter, Darcy, in Denver. She drops me a note that she'd like to see the kids, Tracy and I (probably in that order!). So, I figured it would be fun to take them to Casa Bonita (I didn't find out until later they had been there before).
Anyway, we were there and I took the boys through the arcade while Tracy, Sandy and Darcy talked.
And then I saw him... at least I thought it was him.
Standing with his kid and his wife in the arcade was a guy who I swear was Rob Reiner. (Side note: Reiner is one of my favorite people in the world, having directed the greatest movie of all time "This is Spinal Tap" and another in the top 10 with "Princess Bride" plus I loved him as Meathead on All in the Family).
But I wasn't sure. Didn't want to feel like a moron. So, I ran back to the table and tell the women about it. I wanted Tracy to see if I'm right (she's an avid People Mag reader so I figured she's be good). She says she has no idea what Rob Reiner looks like. So, Aunt Sandy volunteers. "I know Rob Reiner," she says with confidence.
I took her back to the arcade and pointed to the guy wearing the blue hat across the room.
"No way," she says. "That's not him. His hair is more gray than that." She said it with such conviction I felt stupid for even thinking he could have been him.
You know where this is going. Click here.
Of course, it was him. He was here for the NBA All-Star Game (Casa Bonita is just a few miles away from Pepsi Center). The kid in the picture next to him was the same one from the restaurant... The picture is from the Denver Post website.
I still love you, Aunt Sandy ... I'm just not sure I trust you anymore... at least when it comes to celebrity sightings!
My Aunt Sandy comes to town to see her daughter, Darcy, in Denver. She drops me a note that she'd like to see the kids, Tracy and I (probably in that order!). So, I figured it would be fun to take them to Casa Bonita (I didn't find out until later they had been there before).
Anyway, we were there and I took the boys through the arcade while Tracy, Sandy and Darcy talked.
And then I saw him... at least I thought it was him.
Standing with his kid and his wife in the arcade was a guy who I swear was Rob Reiner. (Side note: Reiner is one of my favorite people in the world, having directed the greatest movie of all time "This is Spinal Tap" and another in the top 10 with "Princess Bride" plus I loved him as Meathead on All in the Family).
But I wasn't sure. Didn't want to feel like a moron. So, I ran back to the table and tell the women about it. I wanted Tracy to see if I'm right (she's an avid People Mag reader so I figured she's be good). She says she has no idea what Rob Reiner looks like. So, Aunt Sandy volunteers. "I know Rob Reiner," she says with confidence.
I took her back to the arcade and pointed to the guy wearing the blue hat across the room.
"No way," she says. "That's not him. His hair is more gray than that." She said it with such conviction I felt stupid for even thinking he could have been him.
You know where this is going. Click here.
Of course, it was him. He was here for the NBA All-Star Game (Casa Bonita is just a few miles away from Pepsi Center). The kid in the picture next to him was the same one from the restaurant... The picture is from the Denver Post website.
I still love you, Aunt Sandy ... I'm just not sure I trust you anymore... at least when it comes to celebrity sightings!
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Pop culture 101
OK, I'm working on my column and I need help...
The idea started when the 21-year-old receptionist in our office said, "Who was that guy performing at halftime at the Super Bowl?"
"You don't know who Paul McCartney is?"
"Nope."
This is just sad, so I'm going to do a column on how our schools (or at least parents) need to be teaching Pop Culture 101 so we can all speak from the same platform of knowledge...
So, what things do you think should be taught in this new curriculum? Here are some of my ideas but I need a bunch more for a column... please help!!!
* The Breakfast Club -- mandatory viewing with a short description of what "The Brat Pack" was.
* The Twinkie defense -- I realize this may have a Bay Area slant to it, but the whole Harvey Milk thing was so strange, it's a term I still hear all the time (by those over 30)
* Willy Wonka (the original) -- just for the Oompa Loompas (because I'll bet the Johnny Depp flick won't have orange-faced little people singing "... doopity-doo.")
I have a bunch more, but I could use more... Anything? ... Bueller? ... Bueller? (see, there's one!)
The idea started when the 21-year-old receptionist in our office said, "Who was that guy performing at halftime at the Super Bowl?"
"You don't know who Paul McCartney is?"
"Nope."
This is just sad, so I'm going to do a column on how our schools (or at least parents) need to be teaching Pop Culture 101 so we can all speak from the same platform of knowledge...
So, what things do you think should be taught in this new curriculum? Here are some of my ideas but I need a bunch more for a column... please help!!!
* The Breakfast Club -- mandatory viewing with a short description of what "The Brat Pack" was.
* The Twinkie defense -- I realize this may have a Bay Area slant to it, but the whole Harvey Milk thing was so strange, it's a term I still hear all the time (by those over 30)
* Willy Wonka (the original) -- just for the Oompa Loompas (because I'll bet the Johnny Depp flick won't have orange-faced little people singing "... doopity-doo.")
I have a bunch more, but I could use more... Anything? ... Bueller? ... Bueller? (see, there's one!)
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Back on track
OK... I swear, I'm back... too much other work stuff, travelling, stupid stuff...
This morning I got up early to work on the novel (using the OUTSTANDING edits by my good friend Mr. Anderson). Editing is not nearly as much fun as actual writing. In fact, it's downright painful. But I will get through it. I swear ... I'm back and this sucker will be ready for agents to fight to the death over ... by April!!!
I swear ...
This morning I got up early to work on the novel (using the OUTSTANDING edits by my good friend Mr. Anderson). Editing is not nearly as much fun as actual writing. In fact, it's downright painful. But I will get through it. I swear ... I'm back and this sucker will be ready for agents to fight to the death over ... by April!!!
I swear ...
Monday, February 07, 2005
Empty praise
Parents today are told we are supposed to support our children with praise. This builds their tiny egos (anyone who has a five-year-old knows their egos are anything but small!).
Anyway, this morning, Alex and Andy were working on their house. Their house is a huge refrigerator box Tracy brought home for them to decorate. I didn't know what they were working on, but I enjoyed listening to their discussions.
A problem arose when they wanted to draw something in white on the inside of the box.
"Why don't we use chalk?" Andy suggested ... very proud of his idea.
"We can't do that. It'll smear all over." Alex slammed the idea fast.
Seeing an opportunity to maintain his "fragile" ego, I said, "Well, Andy, he's probably right that it would smear, but that was a really good idea."
Andy basically ignored me and he thought for a little longer... "I know, we can cut out some white paper and draw on that!"
Alex loved the idea and told him what a good plan it was.
Andy was thrilled.
He's only 5 but he understands clearly sees empty praise when he hears it. And I guess he knows a 7-year-old would never give it!
Anyway, this morning, Alex and Andy were working on their house. Their house is a huge refrigerator box Tracy brought home for them to decorate. I didn't know what they were working on, but I enjoyed listening to their discussions.
A problem arose when they wanted to draw something in white on the inside of the box.
"Why don't we use chalk?" Andy suggested ... very proud of his idea.
"We can't do that. It'll smear all over." Alex slammed the idea fast.
Seeing an opportunity to maintain his "fragile" ego, I said, "Well, Andy, he's probably right that it would smear, but that was a really good idea."
Andy basically ignored me and he thought for a little longer... "I know, we can cut out some white paper and draw on that!"
Alex loved the idea and told him what a good plan it was.
Andy was thrilled.
He's only 5 but he understands clearly sees empty praise when he hears it. And I guess he knows a 7-year-old would never give it!
Friday, February 04, 2005
Dogs
I recently received a copy of a book called "Life is Good: Lessons in Joyful Living." The interesting part is it's written by a dog. My favorite author, Dean Koontz, "edited" the book written by his adorable Golden Retriever, Trixie.
I gotta admit that my first thought was that this was pretty strange ... maybe Dean is getting a little too obsessed with his dog (he didn't have one for years and he finally got Trixie, a retiree from Canine Companions -- which gets the proceeds from the book).
But I was wrong. When I was a kid, my family always had a dog. First it was Scruffy and then Chablis (my parents have had two dogs since I moved out, including Sidney, the blue-eyed psycho dog!). Having a dog around the house is just one of the best things. If you've had a crappy day, there's nothing better than rubbing a dog's tummy (now that my kids are a little older, they won't let me do this to them anymore!). The world just doesn't suck when you are petting a dog.
Anyway, because of my darn allergies, I can't even be around dogs anymore ... unless I don't feel like breathing. So, we don't have a dog anymore.
But this Dean/Trixie book actually captures the joy and fun of a dog ... without the need for antihistamines. Forget Plato. Forget Homer. I think Trixie may be the best philosopher of our time. Here are just a few samples:
To live joyfully, learn to love sleep. (She goes on to encourage frequent dog-naps.)
Laugh til your face hurts.
Life is good if you go to movies (I couldn't agree more)
Joyful life means thinking of yourself as a movie star ... but don't act like one.
Be proud but not arrogant. Be beautiful but not vain. Be strong but gentle. Be loving, be humble, be as much like a dog as you can... and be happy.
Yes, it's simple but I gotta admit, it worked on me.
I gotta admit that my first thought was that this was pretty strange ... maybe Dean is getting a little too obsessed with his dog (he didn't have one for years and he finally got Trixie, a retiree from Canine Companions -- which gets the proceeds from the book).
But I was wrong. When I was a kid, my family always had a dog. First it was Scruffy and then Chablis (my parents have had two dogs since I moved out, including Sidney, the blue-eyed psycho dog!). Having a dog around the house is just one of the best things. If you've had a crappy day, there's nothing better than rubbing a dog's tummy (now that my kids are a little older, they won't let me do this to them anymore!). The world just doesn't suck when you are petting a dog.
Anyway, because of my darn allergies, I can't even be around dogs anymore ... unless I don't feel like breathing. So, we don't have a dog anymore.
But this Dean/Trixie book actually captures the joy and fun of a dog ... without the need for antihistamines. Forget Plato. Forget Homer. I think Trixie may be the best philosopher of our time. Here are just a few samples:
To live joyfully, learn to love sleep. (She goes on to encourage frequent dog-naps.)
Laugh til your face hurts.
Life is good if you go to movies (I couldn't agree more)
Joyful life means thinking of yourself as a movie star ... but don't act like one.
Be proud but not arrogant. Be beautiful but not vain. Be strong but gentle. Be loving, be humble, be as much like a dog as you can... and be happy.
Yes, it's simple but I gotta admit, it worked on me.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
The Birds
OK, Mr. Anderson thinks I should write my column about the birds. But I know the Trib is working on a story on the birds, so I'll just write about it here...
It started on Tuesday as I was driving west to pick up Andy from school. The sun was starting to set and I saw this funky black floaty thing in the sky. I'm not sure how I didn't wreck. Anyway, when I pulled into the school, several other people were looking into the sky. That's when I figured out the black shape was actually thousands of small black birds (I later found out they are starlings). The birds didn't just stay in one shape. Nope, they flew in large clusters and then morphed together to make amazing geometric designs. My friend, Andy Segal, was there picking up his son and we watched the birds for about 20 minutes. "It looks like a screen saver," he said. That's the best description I have heard yet.
The birds apparently go out every night about 5 p.m. and do this amazing aerial dance. It is just amazing to see all these birds flying together. And then, all of the sudden, they turn and all you can see is their white under-bellies and it's almost like they disappeared.
Want proof it's amazing? Well, some guy was driving in the area and was so blown away by the birds that he wanted to take a picture with his camera-phone. Unfortunately, he didn't pull over to do this and he ended up rear-ending this poor woman in a rather brutal crash. See! The birds are rebelling! They are trying to take us out one-by-one.
Oh, well, it is really cool.
See... not much for a column, huh?
It started on Tuesday as I was driving west to pick up Andy from school. The sun was starting to set and I saw this funky black floaty thing in the sky. I'm not sure how I didn't wreck. Anyway, when I pulled into the school, several other people were looking into the sky. That's when I figured out the black shape was actually thousands of small black birds (I later found out they are starlings). The birds didn't just stay in one shape. Nope, they flew in large clusters and then morphed together to make amazing geometric designs. My friend, Andy Segal, was there picking up his son and we watched the birds for about 20 minutes. "It looks like a screen saver," he said. That's the best description I have heard yet.
The birds apparently go out every night about 5 p.m. and do this amazing aerial dance. It is just amazing to see all these birds flying together. And then, all of the sudden, they turn and all you can see is their white under-bellies and it's almost like they disappeared.
Want proof it's amazing? Well, some guy was driving in the area and was so blown away by the birds that he wanted to take a picture with his camera-phone. Unfortunately, he didn't pull over to do this and he ended up rear-ending this poor woman in a rather brutal crash. See! The birds are rebelling! They are trying to take us out one-by-one.
Oh, well, it is really cool.
See... not much for a column, huh?
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Monster mash
So, last night I FINALLY got to see Metallica's "Some Kind of Monster." If you haven't heard of it, it's an amazing documentary about Metallica making their latest record (although it's on CD, they still call it that... strange) "St. Anger."
It's a great look at one of my favorite bands of all time. When I was going to high school in California, Metallica reigned supreme in the Bay Area. I saw them six times in concert in various venues and they were always incredible.
But watching this movie was a real eye-opener as well. What I remember about Metallica is that the members were all about my age. That was probably part of their appeal to me. So, now, most of the guys in the band are married and have kids, too. So, they are in the studio, recording some of the hardest, loudest music they have ever made, and their kids are crawling all over the control room.
It was probably not one of the intended themes, but I was just blown away at how these guys were able to be regular dads (going to ballet class!) and still be able to do their music better than ever. Every dad who thinks a kid is going to ruin his life's goals needs to see this. Sure, these guys aren't the perfect fathers (one misses a son's first birthday to go to Russia to kill a bear!), but they are very loving and realize that family comes first. With a family's loving support, anything is possible.
It's a great look at one of my favorite bands of all time. When I was going to high school in California, Metallica reigned supreme in the Bay Area. I saw them six times in concert in various venues and they were always incredible.
But watching this movie was a real eye-opener as well. What I remember about Metallica is that the members were all about my age. That was probably part of their appeal to me. So, now, most of the guys in the band are married and have kids, too. So, they are in the studio, recording some of the hardest, loudest music they have ever made, and their kids are crawling all over the control room.
It was probably not one of the intended themes, but I was just blown away at how these guys were able to be regular dads (going to ballet class!) and still be able to do their music better than ever. Every dad who thinks a kid is going to ruin his life's goals needs to see this. Sure, these guys aren't the perfect fathers (one misses a son's first birthday to go to Russia to kill a bear!), but they are very loving and realize that family comes first. With a family's loving support, anything is possible.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
That time again
Every other week, I start looking at my kids and thinking, "OK, do something funny so I can write about it in the paper!"
You'd be surprised how often it works!
Anyway, I think I'm going to do my column on silliness -- the need to be stupid and silly and just enjoy my kids even with all the hectic things going on in our lives... Not sure if it'll work as a column, but I'll try. Wish me luck!
You'd be surprised how often it works!
Anyway, I think I'm going to do my column on silliness -- the need to be stupid and silly and just enjoy my kids even with all the hectic things going on in our lives... Not sure if it'll work as a column, but I'll try. Wish me luck!
Monday, January 31, 2005
A friend indeed
Happiness may be a warm puppy (although that means I'm allergic to happiness!), but I have figured out friendship is a 240-page manuscript.
Technically, it's editing a 240-page manuscript.
My good friend Eric Anderson recently took on this task to help me meld my novel from the mess it was to something I might be able to publish someday. Eric took the task seriously and offered outstanding comments on everything from character continuity to timeline.
Coming from newspapers, I understand the need to have others look at your work to help edit it. My wife faithfully edits my regular columns (although I probably too often ignore her suggestions!).
Eric saved me from a number of embarrassing mistakes and rightfully questioned some of the motivations of characters and plot points. His input to this has been unforgettable. Hell, he was the one who got me into Nano in the first place.
Eric keeps saying that editing my book will help him edit his own. I truly hope this is true. Eric has always had keen insight into issues and a great flair for the English language and I can't wait to see the results of his months of labor.
Thanks, EA!
Technically, it's editing a 240-page manuscript.
My good friend Eric Anderson recently took on this task to help me meld my novel from the mess it was to something I might be able to publish someday. Eric took the task seriously and offered outstanding comments on everything from character continuity to timeline.
Coming from newspapers, I understand the need to have others look at your work to help edit it. My wife faithfully edits my regular columns (although I probably too often ignore her suggestions!).
Eric saved me from a number of embarrassing mistakes and rightfully questioned some of the motivations of characters and plot points. His input to this has been unforgettable. Hell, he was the one who got me into Nano in the first place.
Eric keeps saying that editing my book will help him edit his own. I truly hope this is true. Eric has always had keen insight into issues and a great flair for the English language and I can't wait to see the results of his months of labor.
Thanks, EA!
Thursday, January 27, 2005
A wee-bit early
Just saw this story... kinda freaks me out since I'll be coaching Mighty Mites this year...
SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- At this rate, sonograms will become a soccer recruiting tool pretty soon.
Jean Carlos Chera, a 9-year-old who is 4-foot-6, is attracting interest from Manchester United and other top European teams. Chera, who weighs 77 pounds, currently plays for the youth teams of Associacao Desportiva Atletica, a small club in the southern Brazilian state of Parana.
"Seven or eight European clubs have already contacted us to know more about Jean," team president Adilson Batista Prado said in a telephone interview Thursday. "They want to know what he is all about, and I tell them he's a phenomenon, probably the best player to come out of Brazil."
Prado and team officials would not identify all the clubs interested in Jean, but confirmed that representatives of Manchester United have asked for videotapes of his matches.
Prado said teams from Portugal, France and Germany have made contact, and local media identified FC Porto as one of the teams.
The club said the European clubs haven't made official offers yet, but some have asked for permission to send representatives, and others have invited the midfielder and his family to go to Europe.
"He still needs to be a kid," said Prado, who does not allow Jean to talk to reporters.
Jean began to attract attention after the club put videos with highlights of Jean's matches on its Web site. In the videos, Jean is seen scoring goals from midfield, dribbling past several defenders and playing among 13- and 14-year-olds.
After the videos were posted, the site's page views nearly tripled and some of them had to be removed to keep the site from crashing, the club said.
Two years ago, Manchester and Inter Milan were among top clubs that expressed interest in then 14-year-old Freddy Adu, who signed Major League Soccer instead. European clubs generally are not allowed to use players from outside the European Union on their first teams until they turn 18.
SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- At this rate, sonograms will become a soccer recruiting tool pretty soon.
Jean Carlos Chera, a 9-year-old who is 4-foot-6, is attracting interest from Manchester United and other top European teams. Chera, who weighs 77 pounds, currently plays for the youth teams of Associacao Desportiva Atletica, a small club in the southern Brazilian state of Parana.
"Seven or eight European clubs have already contacted us to know more about Jean," team president Adilson Batista Prado said in a telephone interview Thursday. "They want to know what he is all about, and I tell them he's a phenomenon, probably the best player to come out of Brazil."
Prado and team officials would not identify all the clubs interested in Jean, but confirmed that representatives of Manchester United have asked for videotapes of his matches.
Prado said teams from Portugal, France and Germany have made contact, and local media identified FC Porto as one of the teams.
The club said the European clubs haven't made official offers yet, but some have asked for permission to send representatives, and others have invited the midfielder and his family to go to Europe.
"He still needs to be a kid," said Prado, who does not allow Jean to talk to reporters.
Jean began to attract attention after the club put videos with highlights of Jean's matches on its Web site. In the videos, Jean is seen scoring goals from midfield, dribbling past several defenders and playing among 13- and 14-year-olds.
After the videos were posted, the site's page views nearly tripled and some of them had to be removed to keep the site from crashing, the club said.
Two years ago, Manchester and Inter Milan were among top clubs that expressed interest in then 14-year-old Freddy Adu, who signed Major League Soccer instead. European clubs generally are not allowed to use players from outside the European Union on their first teams until they turn 18.
Here's Johnny
I was flying back home from California on Sunday when I heard Johnny Carson died.
Usually when I hear about celebrity deaths, I get this "ahhh" feeling. But for Carson it was different. He was practically a member of my family.
I remember when I was a kid and I would go out to visit my grandparents in Oklahoma. They would let me stay up late and watch Carson with them in their big bed. I was allowed to watch through the third commercial break which meant I usually got to see his monologue, any opening sketch and his first guest.
Through college, I always watched Carson (and then stayed tuned for Letterman).
When I was in high school, my family went to Southern Cal to see Phantom of the Opera (before it was a movie, it was a play!). We visited Disneyland and we had one day to try to get in the audience of some show. We all agreed it had to be Carson.
We stood in line for hours, but it paid off because we got in. The guests that night were Tony Danza and Chris Isaac. I was blown away by how small the theater was for the show. It looked so much bigger on TV. There was Doc. And Ed.
During the commercial breaks, Johnny usually talked with his producer while he smoked a cigarette. But during one break, he came out to tell the audience a joke. I don't remember what the joke was, but I do remember it involved something like an elephant in a bar and it was very dirty.
I was shocked to see Carson swear, but it was a very funny joke.
After the commercial break, Carson came out as Carnac the Magnificent. After a couple jokes, he held the envelope to his head and said, "An elephant in a bar..."
The audience just screamed laughter. We couldn't believe he would tell the dirty joke on the air and it was just hysterical. Of course, he didn't do the dirty joke. It was some silly thing. But the audience was cracking up. I loved the fact he shared that with us as an inside thing. It was wonderful.
He will be missed.
Usually when I hear about celebrity deaths, I get this "ahhh" feeling. But for Carson it was different. He was practically a member of my family.
I remember when I was a kid and I would go out to visit my grandparents in Oklahoma. They would let me stay up late and watch Carson with them in their big bed. I was allowed to watch through the third commercial break which meant I usually got to see his monologue, any opening sketch and his first guest.
Through college, I always watched Carson (and then stayed tuned for Letterman).
When I was in high school, my family went to Southern Cal to see Phantom of the Opera (before it was a movie, it was a play!). We visited Disneyland and we had one day to try to get in the audience of some show. We all agreed it had to be Carson.
We stood in line for hours, but it paid off because we got in. The guests that night were Tony Danza and Chris Isaac. I was blown away by how small the theater was for the show. It looked so much bigger on TV. There was Doc. And Ed.
During the commercial breaks, Johnny usually talked with his producer while he smoked a cigarette. But during one break, he came out to tell the audience a joke. I don't remember what the joke was, but I do remember it involved something like an elephant in a bar and it was very dirty.
I was shocked to see Carson swear, but it was a very funny joke.
After the commercial break, Carson came out as Carnac the Magnificent. After a couple jokes, he held the envelope to his head and said, "An elephant in a bar..."
The audience just screamed laughter. We couldn't believe he would tell the dirty joke on the air and it was just hysterical. Of course, he didn't do the dirty joke. It was some silly thing. But the audience was cracking up. I loved the fact he shared that with us as an inside thing. It was wonderful.
He will be missed.
Cranky
It's pretty easy to tell when the boys don't get enough sleep or something's bothering them. They usually get really cranky and start crying for no real reason. The other night Alex was inconsolable over losing a cheap, magnetic dart for this free toy he got from the barbershop. Andy was freaking out full-bore when he spilled too much glue on an art project he was doing.
I know this isn't really a revelation, but what I thought was interesting is that adults are very similar. Folks around the office or some of my friends or me... we're all the same. Cranky.
So much for growing up, huh?
I know this isn't really a revelation, but what I thought was interesting is that adults are very similar. Folks around the office or some of my friends or me... we're all the same. Cranky.
So much for growing up, huh?
Friday, January 21, 2005
Stupidity
Sometimes I am just overwhelmed at how dumb some people are.
There's a couple Christian groups who are now mad at Spongebob (and a couple other cartoon characters). Now, the fact that a group is mad at a cartoon is dumb enough. But these people are upset because these characters were in a video together promoting people working out their differences and loving each other. Here's the story.
If people stopped worrying what other people were doing, think about how much time and energy we'd save. (I know it's not an original thought, but things like this really make me sick!)
I say Spongebob for President ... and Tinky-Winky as a non-speaking vice-president!
There's a couple Christian groups who are now mad at Spongebob (and a couple other cartoon characters). Now, the fact that a group is mad at a cartoon is dumb enough. But these people are upset because these characters were in a video together promoting people working out their differences and loving each other. Here's the story.
If people stopped worrying what other people were doing, think about how much time and energy we'd save. (I know it's not an original thought, but things like this really make me sick!)
I say Spongebob for President ... and Tinky-Winky as a non-speaking vice-president!
Mirrors
There are moments when I look at my kids and I see Tracy or my mom or my dad -- even my grandparents. But when I glance at them and see myself, I have to admit it's a little disconcerting. Andy says, "Dude" all the time. Alex has a biting sarcastic sense of humor. It's simply amazing what little sponges they are, but they are sponges that retain their own unique shape which is what makes them so incredible.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
PR/Marketing in action
The other night I saw an example of some of the best PR/Marketing I've ever seen.
On the news, the No. 2 story for the night was about the increasing number of injuries from the rodeo during the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. They said the stock show officials announced this and explained the reason for the increase is because of the outstanding bulls and broncs for this year's rodeo... like it's a bad thing.
Of course, to anyone who enjoys rodeo (not me) this is just awesome. It's like practically guaranteeing that if you go, you will see someone get injured. It's like NASCAR promising a brutal wreck.
So, inspired by this brilliant marketing move by the rodeo, I have decided to send out a few press releases to help with my book sales...
"Fathers who laugh more likely to do the dishes, study says..."
"Men who read 'Fumbling Thru Fatherhood' 83 percent better in bed..."
"Author Jared Fiel promises personal injury to himself if book sales jump..."
Any other thoughts?
On the news, the No. 2 story for the night was about the increasing number of injuries from the rodeo during the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. They said the stock show officials announced this and explained the reason for the increase is because of the outstanding bulls and broncs for this year's rodeo... like it's a bad thing.
Of course, to anyone who enjoys rodeo (not me) this is just awesome. It's like practically guaranteeing that if you go, you will see someone get injured. It's like NASCAR promising a brutal wreck.
So, inspired by this brilliant marketing move by the rodeo, I have decided to send out a few press releases to help with my book sales...
"Fathers who laugh more likely to do the dishes, study says..."
"Men who read 'Fumbling Thru Fatherhood' 83 percent better in bed..."
"Author Jared Fiel promises personal injury to himself if book sales jump..."
Any other thoughts?
Exercise
Because of my current post-holiday eating frenzy size, I am presently in danger of being declared my own country. So, I know I need to exercise more (eating less is an obvious, but not palatable choice).
About a year ago, I got an exercise DVD and I used it quite a bit and actually started losing weight.
But, that faded quickly.
Now I am going to start playing racquetball twice a week (once in my Aims class and once with my friend Dan) and this morning I dusted off the ol' DVD so I could work out.
What I realized was that after watching a guy in a leotard telling me to stretch, I wasn't really that hungry for breakfast anyhow. Funny how that works.
About a year ago, I got an exercise DVD and I used it quite a bit and actually started losing weight.
But, that faded quickly.
Now I am going to start playing racquetball twice a week (once in my Aims class and once with my friend Dan) and this morning I dusted off the ol' DVD so I could work out.
What I realized was that after watching a guy in a leotard telling me to stretch, I wasn't really that hungry for breakfast anyhow. Funny how that works.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Make Love, Not War
According to CNN, the Army gave up on plans in 1994 to develop an aphrodisiac bomb that apparently would have been so powerful, it would have made the enemy so lusty that they would have thrown down their guns and started having homosexual sex on the battlefield. "OK, Frank, we have got to take that hill ... but, you know, you're looking pretty cute in those fatigues..."
As any guy who had dreams of Spanish Fly and other magazine remedies solving their issues with not getting women knows, no such aphrodisiac exists.
This whole thing just makes me laugh, but I guess I have to salute the Army trying to find ways to beat the enemy (no pun intended ... OK, yes, it was) without killing. But who thinks of this stuff, anyway? Cool gig, if you can get it!
As any guy who had dreams of Spanish Fly and other magazine remedies solving their issues with not getting women knows, no such aphrodisiac exists.
This whole thing just makes me laugh, but I guess I have to salute the Army trying to find ways to beat the enemy (no pun intended ... OK, yes, it was) without killing. But who thinks of this stuff, anyway? Cool gig, if you can get it!
Playing games
The boys are at a really fun age right now.
Alex has developed a love for games. And we're not talking Candyland anymore (thank God!).
Nope, first he got into dominoes which is one of our family favs. He wanted to play every night. He taught Andy as well and Andy is really fun when he wins because he does a little victory dance, shaking his butt while standing on his chair.
And then Grandma Ruth (a.k.a. Babysitting Grandma) taught them Monopoly. Yes, they are only 7 and 5 but they really love Monopoly. We now have to have regular Monopoly games (we still haven't actually ended one, but Alex thinks the winner is the one with the most hotels ... guess I'm raising a Trump Jr.).
On Friday, I had some friends over for a poker game and we left the table and stuff out. So, the boys were interested. My buddy Donovan taught them how to play and now that's the game-du-jour.
Of course, my sons are naturally very enthusiastic about games -- which doesn't really mix with poker ... "Oooooh, that was AWESOME!" Alex said as he looked at his cards.
So much for that game.
Alex has developed a love for games. And we're not talking Candyland anymore (thank God!).
Nope, first he got into dominoes which is one of our family favs. He wanted to play every night. He taught Andy as well and Andy is really fun when he wins because he does a little victory dance, shaking his butt while standing on his chair.
And then Grandma Ruth (a.k.a. Babysitting Grandma) taught them Monopoly. Yes, they are only 7 and 5 but they really love Monopoly. We now have to have regular Monopoly games (we still haven't actually ended one, but Alex thinks the winner is the one with the most hotels ... guess I'm raising a Trump Jr.).
On Friday, I had some friends over for a poker game and we left the table and stuff out. So, the boys were interested. My buddy Donovan taught them how to play and now that's the game-du-jour.
Of course, my sons are naturally very enthusiastic about games -- which doesn't really mix with poker ... "Oooooh, that was AWESOME!" Alex said as he looked at his cards.
So much for that game.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Doodles with meaning
One of the few things I miss about the newspaper biz (other than the low pay, long hours) is getting to see all the cool editorial cartoons. When I was the Opinion Page editor at the Trib, I loved looking at current events through the eyes of some of the most talented toonists in the world. I just found a site that lets you see the best of every day's toons!
Banished words
Any writers out there need to note which words need to be banned this year...
Of course, "blog" is one of them, so this is no longer a blog, it's an online journal -- or a "urinal."
Of course, "blog" is one of them, so this is no longer a blog, it's an online journal -- or a "urinal."
Buried by newspapers
We subscribe to both the Greeley Tribune and the Denver Post.
Why? Well, both my wife and I enjoy the local news in the Trib. It's a great local paper that has just enough world news for my taste (the rest I get online through CNN and others). My wife is the reason we get the Post, too.
However, with kids, jobs and all the other craziness in our lives, all that happens is that the Posts stack up in a pile on the dining room table until the end of the week when she finally decided to toss them in the recycle bin.
I read this column... which reminded me of our situation. Not sure what this means for the future of newspapers, but it's interesting.
Why? Well, both my wife and I enjoy the local news in the Trib. It's a great local paper that has just enough world news for my taste (the rest I get online through CNN and others). My wife is the reason we get the Post, too.
However, with kids, jobs and all the other craziness in our lives, all that happens is that the Posts stack up in a pile on the dining room table until the end of the week when she finally decided to toss them in the recycle bin.
I read this column... which reminded me of our situation. Not sure what this means for the future of newspapers, but it's interesting.
34 days!
Pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training Feb. 17.
Rockies hopes of a winning season: Over by Feb. 22.
Rockies hopes of a winning season: Over by Feb. 22.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Reading to keep you from sleeping
First, a confession. I am a complete Dean Koontz freak.
It all began many years ago when my parents told me I should read "Watchers." I was completely blown away at the way Koontz wove humanity, science, thrills, humor and a moving theme into one novel. It remains to this day as my favorite book. Since then, I have read everything Koontz ever wrote and I even wrote him a gushing fan letter (for which I received a very nice hand-written reply that I have framed and a signed copy of a book for helping him with an inaccuracy in an Olivia Goldsmith book).
So, now I'm reading his latest book called "Life Expectancy." Dean's most recent books have included even more humor and more spiritual elements. The spiritual side would be a turnoff if it were done by a lesser writer, but Dean is simply brilliant. From his amazingly textured descriptions to his thrilling plots, I never fail to be amazed at his talent. Dean inspired me to write and his quality of writing continues to be a goal I can only hope to achieve. I am now about 50 pages from finishing "Expectancy" and it is another outstanding piece. Funny. Wonderful and original plot. Great characters. I can only hope that one day I can write half this well.
I just received notice (from Dean's dog, Trixie, who apparently has developed canine e-mail abilities) that Dean is releasing a four-part paperback series called, "Dean Koontz's Frankenstein" where he reimagines the classic tale with the monster granted not only life but immortality by the lightning storm. He picks up in modern day New Orleans. I have to admit I was a little worried about this selection for a series of books, but I can't think of any writer who I would trust to continue the Mary Shelley's original story.
I can't wait.
It all began many years ago when my parents told me I should read "Watchers." I was completely blown away at the way Koontz wove humanity, science, thrills, humor and a moving theme into one novel. It remains to this day as my favorite book. Since then, I have read everything Koontz ever wrote and I even wrote him a gushing fan letter (for which I received a very nice hand-written reply that I have framed and a signed copy of a book for helping him with an inaccuracy in an Olivia Goldsmith book).
So, now I'm reading his latest book called "Life Expectancy." Dean's most recent books have included even more humor and more spiritual elements. The spiritual side would be a turnoff if it were done by a lesser writer, but Dean is simply brilliant. From his amazingly textured descriptions to his thrilling plots, I never fail to be amazed at his talent. Dean inspired me to write and his quality of writing continues to be a goal I can only hope to achieve. I am now about 50 pages from finishing "Expectancy" and it is another outstanding piece. Funny. Wonderful and original plot. Great characters. I can only hope that one day I can write half this well.
I just received notice (from Dean's dog, Trixie, who apparently has developed canine e-mail abilities) that Dean is releasing a four-part paperback series called, "Dean Koontz's Frankenstein" where he reimagines the classic tale with the monster granted not only life but immortality by the lightning storm. He picks up in modern day New Orleans. I have to admit I was a little worried about this selection for a series of books, but I can't think of any writer who I would trust to continue the Mary Shelley's original story.
I can't wait.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Location, Location, Location
We went to Denver Sunday... Too much traffic and too many people. The whole drive home, all I kept thinking was, "I can't wait to get home to Greeley."
Greeley is the perfect size community for me. We have our Rush 10-minutes instead of an Hour. We aren't elbow to elbow in the stores. But we are still big enough to get first-run movies and some good restaurants.
But one thing drives me crazy about my home town.
Here's a good example of the problem: Our local paper recently announced it would start publishing a Spanish-language weekly paper called LaTribuna. You would have thought they planned to print naked pictures of Mother Theresa. All these anonymous whiners started yapping about how this was terrible.
I can't figure out why people freak out so much about things that have no effect on them (I mean how can gay marriage really hurt hetero marriages?!?).
I am not a liberal nor a conservative (staunchly independent, thank you!). But I can't believe the people who are spouting this insanity can wear any label other than racist or bigot.
Sorry for the soapbox, but it makes me really sad to love a community and at the same time think many of the residents are just looped. Guess I'm starting to see what my buddy Eric Anderson is always talking about.
Greeley is the perfect size community for me. We have our Rush 10-minutes instead of an Hour. We aren't elbow to elbow in the stores. But we are still big enough to get first-run movies and some good restaurants.
But one thing drives me crazy about my home town.
Here's a good example of the problem: Our local paper recently announced it would start publishing a Spanish-language weekly paper called LaTribuna. You would have thought they planned to print naked pictures of Mother Theresa. All these anonymous whiners started yapping about how this was terrible.
I can't figure out why people freak out so much about things that have no effect on them (I mean how can gay marriage really hurt hetero marriages?!?).
I am not a liberal nor a conservative (staunchly independent, thank you!). But I can't believe the people who are spouting this insanity can wear any label other than racist or bigot.
Sorry for the soapbox, but it makes me really sad to love a community and at the same time think many of the residents are just looped. Guess I'm starting to see what my buddy Eric Anderson is always talking about.
Are frogs stock?
When I worked at the Greeley Trib, I used to have to cover the National Western Stock Show. This is a terrible thing because I suffer from horrible allergies from all the animal dander in the air -- which makes me sneeze, cough and wheeze with my asthma.
But every few years I forget how bad my reaction will be and I think, "Oh, the kids will love it" and so we go.
Well, this year I was given free tickets to the Mexican Rodeo at the Stock Show. And we went on Sunday.
What happened?
Lots of people, cows, pigs, sheep, cowboy hats, sombreros, beer I couldn't drink, free crap vendors handed out, screaming kids, animal dander, sneezing, coughing, not breathing...
And my kids were bored during the rodeo, thought the cows and pigs were smelly and had no interest in the free crap from the vendors... But then they saw the frogs. Yup. Frogs. Some vendor was selling African dwarf frogs that actually swim in regular aquariums (they can't live out of the water -- so much for that whole amphibean evolution thing, huh?).
So, the kids decided to spend their money on getting frogs for their aquariums. We now how two gigantic fish (Henry and Andy 1) and two small, really scared frogs (Herman and Andy 2).
I asked the kids, "What was your favorite things about the Stock Show?"
"The frogs."
"Other than the frogs, what did you like?"
"The frogs."
"If the frogs weren't there, what would you have liked?"
"Wishing there were frogs."
I am posting this as a reminder to not go back!
But every few years I forget how bad my reaction will be and I think, "Oh, the kids will love it" and so we go.
Well, this year I was given free tickets to the Mexican Rodeo at the Stock Show. And we went on Sunday.
What happened?
Lots of people, cows, pigs, sheep, cowboy hats, sombreros, beer I couldn't drink, free crap vendors handed out, screaming kids, animal dander, sneezing, coughing, not breathing...
And my kids were bored during the rodeo, thought the cows and pigs were smelly and had no interest in the free crap from the vendors... But then they saw the frogs. Yup. Frogs. Some vendor was selling African dwarf frogs that actually swim in regular aquariums (they can't live out of the water -- so much for that whole amphibean evolution thing, huh?).
So, the kids decided to spend their money on getting frogs for their aquariums. We now how two gigantic fish (Henry and Andy 1) and two small, really scared frogs (Herman and Andy 2).
I asked the kids, "What was your favorite things about the Stock Show?"
"The frogs."
"Other than the frogs, what did you like?"
"The frogs."
"If the frogs weren't there, what would you have liked?"
"Wishing there were frogs."
I am posting this as a reminder to not go back!
Alex's story
Alex wanted to write a story and I had work to do so I set him up on another computer at the office and let him go to town... here's his story...
Ouns apon a time there was a mowse.He was a invintr.He invintid a musheen that flid.It was a hit.And othr Things like rocitpowerskats.But wen he dide he gav the invinchins to a frend.
And wen the frend dide he gav the invinchins to a frend .AND….so on .and…. so on .and…. so on.
(He printed it out and illustrated it with a picture of a dead mouse).
I'm so proud.
Ouns apon a time there was a mowse.He was a invintr.He invintid a musheen that flid.It was a hit.And othr Things like rocitpowerskats.But wen he dide he gav the invinchins to a frend.
And wen the frend dide he gav the invinchins to a frend .AND….so on .and…. so on .and…. so on.
(He printed it out and illustrated it with a picture of a dead mouse).
I'm so proud.
Friday, January 07, 2005
The answer to the ice
Figured out my kids plans for freezing their toys in ice!!!
Last night, with at least six different toys frozen in various forms, my kids brought the ice chunks into their bath and watched them melt (as the water temperature dropped significantly). They had so much fun. They squealed and laughed as each toy emerged from its frozen encasement.
Not sure why we parents spend a lot of money on fancy electronic gadgets.
Maybe we should talk to Mattel about marketing some sort of frozen toy game. We could make some big bucks.
Last night, with at least six different toys frozen in various forms, my kids brought the ice chunks into their bath and watched them melt (as the water temperature dropped significantly). They had so much fun. They squealed and laughed as each toy emerged from its frozen encasement.
Not sure why we parents spend a lot of money on fancy electronic gadgets.
Maybe we should talk to Mattel about marketing some sort of frozen toy game. We could make some big bucks.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Winter antics
Here in Greality we have been hit with a pretty good snow storm. Actually Greeley -- as always -- missed the brunt of the storm (not sure why). We got a few inches of snow, but it is bone-chilling cold.
Literally.
When it snows, most kids think about sledding or snowmen. Not my kids.
Instead, they decided to fill one of their old plastic pails with water, stick their rubber skeleton from Halloween in the water and put it on the front porch to see it freeze.
I have strange children.
I love them.
... Oh, and in case you were wondering, this morning the skele-sicle is encased in his frozen tomb covered with two inches of snow. I have no idea what the boys are going to do now.
I have strange chidlren.
Literally.
When it snows, most kids think about sledding or snowmen. Not my kids.
Instead, they decided to fill one of their old plastic pails with water, stick their rubber skeleton from Halloween in the water and put it on the front porch to see it freeze.
I have strange children.
I love them.
... Oh, and in case you were wondering, this morning the skele-sicle is encased in his frozen tomb covered with two inches of snow. I have no idea what the boys are going to do now.
I have strange chidlren.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Resolutions
It's now the fourth day of 2005. Given this strange format of public/private banter, I think this would be the ideal area to proclaim my goals for this year ... but in an attempt to be positive, I am going to make my resolutions in the form of predictions...
By the end of 2005 ...
* My novel, Wrath, is in the hands of an agent who champion it to the NY publishing houses. Contract?
* My novel, Deadlines, that I have been "working" on for the last 12 years, is finished (ironic, given the title, huh?). This was my National Novel Writing Month novel.
* All the copies of my book, "Fumbling Thru Fatherhood," are finally out of my basement (special note: I didn't say how they will be gone).
* I am happy with my job.
And now the important things...
* Alex is a happy second-grader. He still loves to give his mom and dad hugs. He reads voraciously (actually that's going on already). He loves his little brother.
* Andy is a happy kidnergartener. He still loves to give his mom and dad hugs. He wrestles with his dad often. He loves his older brother.
* Tracy is happy (this is a toughie!). She is doing something that she finds satisfying. We have enough money to keep the house and feed the kids.
* Enjoy and support a small cadre of friends.
Anything else I do this year that does not work toward those goals will take a back burner...
Other things that are allowed (but not allowed to take over)...
Relay For Life volunteer work
Softball
Racquetball
GreNoFiMo(Yr?)
Baseball (Rockies opening day is a requirement)
Poker nights
Movies with Tracy
Guy movies without Tracy
Vacation
Baking bread and learning to cook new foods
Fantasy baseball
Soccer (coaching?)
By the end of 2005 ...
* My novel, Wrath, is in the hands of an agent who champion it to the NY publishing houses. Contract?
* My novel, Deadlines, that I have been "working" on for the last 12 years, is finished (ironic, given the title, huh?). This was my National Novel Writing Month novel.
* All the copies of my book, "Fumbling Thru Fatherhood," are finally out of my basement (special note: I didn't say how they will be gone).
* I am happy with my job.
And now the important things...
* Alex is a happy second-grader. He still loves to give his mom and dad hugs. He reads voraciously (actually that's going on already). He loves his little brother.
* Andy is a happy kidnergartener. He still loves to give his mom and dad hugs. He wrestles with his dad often. He loves his older brother.
* Tracy is happy (this is a toughie!). She is doing something that she finds satisfying. We have enough money to keep the house and feed the kids.
* Enjoy and support a small cadre of friends.
Anything else I do this year that does not work toward those goals will take a back burner...
Other things that are allowed (but not allowed to take over)...
Relay For Life volunteer work
Softball
Racquetball
GreNoFiMo(Yr?)
Baseball (Rockies opening day is a requirement)
Poker nights
Movies with Tracy
Guy movies without Tracy
Vacation
Baking bread and learning to cook new foods
Fantasy baseball
Soccer (coaching?)
Monday, January 03, 2005
Best and worst movies of 2004
First, I must give credit where it's due. I'm stealing this idea (not the movies) from my buddy Eric Anderson.
Second, I will also admit I'm a movie freak. I have several people to thank for this... my wife who is as much of a freak as me, my mother-in-law who offers free and frequent babysitting and my sister-in-law who offers her movie passes (she won the local Oscar contest).
So, here are my thoughts for the best flicks of the year (I admit to the ones I still have to see below)
BEST OF 2004 (to date)
#1 Finding Neverland (Saw it over the weekend and it is simply outstanding. Best movie, by far. Until I see The Aviator, it's my vote for Best Picture)
#2 Ray (Brilliant performance by Jaime Foxx. My vote for Best Actor)
#3 Dawn of the Dead (rent it and then you can laugh)
#4 Manchurian Candidate (may not be as great as the first one, but still fantastic)
#5 Shrek 2
#6 Kill Bill No. 2 (WAY better than the first)
#7 Harry Potter (WAY better than the first two)
#8 The Incredibles
#9 Collateral
#10 Shawn of the Dead (simply the funniest movie of the year
#11 Spongebob (any movie with references to both David Hasselhoff and Twisted Sister is just awesome... plus it answers that question we have all had "What would Patrick look like in fish-net stockings?")
Honorable mention
Spidey 2
The Terminal
Home on the Range (There were some really funny parts in this, plus the music was pretty good!)
Eternal Sunshine of Spotless Mind
Saw (Creepy movie with horrible acting)
The Village (OK, so it wasn't even close to his best, but there were some brilliant shots in it and it still would have made a great Twilight Zone episode)
Worst of 2004 (in no particular order)
Envy (What a complete waste of talent)
Closer (ditto -- except the English guy is pretty good)
Day After Tomorrow (I wasn't smart enough to leave like my friend Eric Olsen, but when the world is about to end, do you really think you have to throw in WILD WOLVES!?!?!)
King Arthur (I just don't understand the appeal of the main dude -- but he was the only thing decent in Closer)
Christmas with the Kranks (you know when you are sitting with your kids at home and you think, "hmm, let's go see a movie. We have passes so it'll be free and at least it will entertain the kids."? Well, I was wrong.
Ladykillers (this wouldn't be on the worst list if it had not been done by The Coens. I guess I have higher expectations).
Jersey Girl (this wouldn't be on the worst list if it had not been done by Kevin Smith. I guess I have higher expectations).
Hellboy
Movies I still need to see...
Sideways
The Aviator
Team America
Flight of the Phoenix
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (I know it's not out yet, but I just can't wait for this!!!!)
Meet the Fokkers (I hate Babs so I might just wait for NetFlix)
Life Aquatic
Spanglish
Metallica -- Some Kind of Monster
Second, I will also admit I'm a movie freak. I have several people to thank for this... my wife who is as much of a freak as me, my mother-in-law who offers free and frequent babysitting and my sister-in-law who offers her movie passes (she won the local Oscar contest).
So, here are my thoughts for the best flicks of the year (I admit to the ones I still have to see below)
BEST OF 2004 (to date)
#1 Finding Neverland (Saw it over the weekend and it is simply outstanding. Best movie, by far. Until I see The Aviator, it's my vote for Best Picture)
#2 Ray (Brilliant performance by Jaime Foxx. My vote for Best Actor)
#3 Dawn of the Dead (rent it and then you can laugh)
#4 Manchurian Candidate (may not be as great as the first one, but still fantastic)
#5 Shrek 2
#6 Kill Bill No. 2 (WAY better than the first)
#7 Harry Potter (WAY better than the first two)
#8 The Incredibles
#9 Collateral
#10 Shawn of the Dead (simply the funniest movie of the year
#11 Spongebob (any movie with references to both David Hasselhoff and Twisted Sister is just awesome... plus it answers that question we have all had "What would Patrick look like in fish-net stockings?")
Honorable mention
Spidey 2
The Terminal
Home on the Range (There were some really funny parts in this, plus the music was pretty good!)
Eternal Sunshine of Spotless Mind
Saw (Creepy movie with horrible acting)
The Village (OK, so it wasn't even close to his best, but there were some brilliant shots in it and it still would have made a great Twilight Zone episode)
Worst of 2004 (in no particular order)
Envy (What a complete waste of talent)
Closer (ditto -- except the English guy is pretty good)
Day After Tomorrow (I wasn't smart enough to leave like my friend Eric Olsen, but when the world is about to end, do you really think you have to throw in WILD WOLVES!?!?!)
King Arthur (I just don't understand the appeal of the main dude -- but he was the only thing decent in Closer)
Christmas with the Kranks (you know when you are sitting with your kids at home and you think, "hmm, let's go see a movie. We have passes so it'll be free and at least it will entertain the kids."? Well, I was wrong.
Ladykillers (this wouldn't be on the worst list if it had not been done by The Coens. I guess I have higher expectations).
Jersey Girl (this wouldn't be on the worst list if it had not been done by Kevin Smith. I guess I have higher expectations).
Hellboy
Movies I still need to see...
Sideways
The Aviator
Team America
Flight of the Phoenix
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (I know it's not out yet, but I just can't wait for this!!!!)
Meet the Fokkers (I hate Babs so I might just wait for NetFlix)
Life Aquatic
Spanglish
Metallica -- Some Kind of Monster
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