Camp Isanogel 2009

I'm working at camp this summer. . .

Go ahead, some of you and laugh, others clap and still more booo. But, despite what anyone thinks it is the most enlightening and rewarding experience of my life.

We are through 2 weeks, of hosting campers, 3 weeks if you count training. This session is a 2-week experience, with a mix of campers staying for one week or the entire session. I have taken note over the last few weeks and added up experiece after experience, hoping to begin this blog anew for those of you interested in the lives of those spending their summers assisting campers with disabilities, the situations we find ourselves in and the campers, themselves.

So, as I'm exhausted, being on duty for more than 80 hours a week, and dealing with things I never thought I would have to, I'll leave the story telling off to tomorrow and hopefully you'll join me for a ride that I hope can last every camper day, for the next few weeks.

Inspiration for the day

I have some inspiration for any of you looking for a material item to boost confidence and babe-appeal.

Introducing the three wolf moon shirt:

Check out these reviews from Amazon on this t-shirt. . .

Here's a sample of one:

This item has wolves on it which makes it intrinsically sweet and worth 5 stars by itself, but once I tried it on, that's when the magic happened. After checking to ensure that the shirt would properly cover my girth, I walked from my trailer to Wal-mart with the shirt on and was immediately approached by women. The women knew from the wolves on my shirt that I, like a wolf, am a mysterious loner who knows how to 'howl at the moon' from time to time (if you catch my drift!).


WOW! I'm getting one!

What I'm Reading 5.13; Jungle Jim's, Pieces of Rome and DEALS!

Yesterday, Andi and I took a trip to Jungle Jim's International Market in Fairfield, Ohio and bought a bunch of stuff we needed and even more stuff we didn't.

It's a neat place with almost any food item you could ever ask for. Six acres of food under one roof, is a lot and I still see things I've never seen before, every time I go.

This weekend we are going to Mauk, Georgia, again, for Andi's cousin's graduation. I recently got a Garmin and have attempted to put their address in it, and it doesn't recognize where they live - could be the dirt roads.

In other news. . . a women bogged down with grief and regret has returned a piece of Rome after taking it during a vacation to Italy.

A snake is to blame for the Missouri capitol building going dark - and he died.

The pope is trying to make friends.

Another reason for me not to root for Notre Dame and Catholics. GO ILLUMINATI!

A drug dealer, who lead police on a chase in Fort Wayne was stopped - at Taco Bell?!

The Reds continue to play well and are now 19-14, believe it or not.

Restaurant.com is offering 70 percent off their already reduced coupons so $10 gift cards are now $3; with the keyword TASTY, when you check out to get the reduced rate.

Shop World Kitchen has a lot of Pyrex baking and mixing dishes for $1.99.

Sam's Club is offering a 1-day pass for non-members.

Jungle Jim's Run!

We're heading to Jungle Jim's now! So if you want anything call. . .

Chipotle; Richmond: Borat Like Very Much!

I'm big on Mexican food and the spicier the better, for me. But, you already knew that. Chipotle is not spicy, but is good.

Yesterday was not the first time I've been to Chipotle, per say, but it WAS the first time I've been to the Chipotle in Richmond. (I'm going to get tired of typing that awkward word soon.)

Whether you know, or not, the place is built for speed with a Subway-esque ordering system, except with steam tables and hot food in front of you; and good hot food at that.

You have only a few options; which is also good. Options are: Burrito, Fajita Burrito, Burrito bowl, and crispy and soft tacos. You then get options that include Chipotle's famous Cilantro-Lime Rice, the most important ingredient, IMO. Several types of beans, salsa's and meats can be added in different ways, to culminate a delicious and BIG burrito, taco or whatever.

Chipotle also offers beer, something most fast-food restaurants don't.

Now, my rating is high on Chipotle despite the fact that it's a bit pricey for lunch, everyday. But, as I was leaving yesterday I thought about the speed at which the employees are expected to get the food done. And every Chipotle I've been to has gotten my order processed, put together and paid for in under 5 minutes. The price of speed, is what tips it over to something more than fast-food, if the food quality doesn't already do it. It is much better food than Taco Bell.

I graciously urge you to at least try the place and don't be afraid to ask questions whilst there, the food is worth it.

What I'm Reading 5.8; Mill, Dog's and jelly bean robbery!

In honor of the fundamental philosopher John Stuart Mill, who died this day in 1873; this post will be directed at the 'greatest good for the greatest number.'

Whether you know or not - assuming you don't and if you did, your lessons from Philosophy 100 are probably gone - Mill was a philosopher, an economist and a political theorist, born in London in 1806. Although devoloped by Jeremy Bentham, 'utilitarianism' was largely expedited to academia as a theory by Mill.

Mill's works include On Liberty; an argument for the importance of individual freedom, established in a place and time of little freedom from the state. Mill also supported the de-establishment of slavery, the fight for women's rights and free market economics; all things foreign to the establishment of the time.

As an exponent for Utilitarianism - the greatest good for the greatest number - Mill became known as one of the foremost progressives of the time in philosophy, economics and government.

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History lesson over, now on to the important stuff:

I plan on going to the dog park again, today.

My cousin Stacey's wedding is this weekend and I'm the photographer. It should be fun.

Here's a good poem for you, from a good book: Good Poems, by Garrison Keeler (a selection of poems read on the writer's almanac, on NPR)

Animals by Frank O'Hara

Have you forgotten what we were like then

when we were still first rate

and the day came fat with an apple in its mouth

it's no use worrying about Time

but we did have a few tricks up our sleeves

and turned some sharp corners

the whole pasture looked like our meal

we didn't need speedometers

we could manage cocktails out of ice and water

I wouldn't want to be faster

or greener than now if you were with me O you

were the best of all my days

Weird News:

A burglar in Pennsylvania took jellybeans and, well that was it.

A cow escaped the slaughterhouse, wandered through Queens, NY (there's one of these stories a year, methinks) and may get a new lease on life.

Now, I love popcorn and eat as much as possible, when I go to the movies; which is never, but I don't think i could eat this much.

Closed for a while, the statue of liberty's crown is set to be open for July 4.

Australian officials are set to shoot 6,000 kangaroo's, because of over population. One of my wishes in life is for kangaroo's to wander Indiana. Isn't there some way we can spare some of the kangaroo's with the bailout money and ship some to Indiana? Heck, I'll put some money up for them. Forget the banks, I NEED KANGAROOS!

Manny Ramirez, yes that Manny, tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. Another one bites the dust.

I rented Last Chance Harvey. It's pretty good and one of the better-more-recent Dustin Hoffman movies.

And, last but not least: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is launching a new intimidating frangrance line. Thank to the Onion, for that one.

Reds Game 5.7

Tonight I will be heading down US 27, then IN 101, then I-74 to the Reds game to watch the much hated Brew Crew in action against the good guys. The only good thing about the Brewers is the sausage race, and that's only in Milwaukee! SO you know what that means. . .

I will do my best to update this tonight as I know it will be a fun night full of Skyline, baseball and (fingers-crossed) no rain.

Follow here for the action, baseball and antics!

Bark in the Park

Assuming people out there know I have a dog - a most gracious dog - and assuming you all know that I've been by her side from week 8 of her life, I want to share with you a 'new' discovery, if you don't know about it already.

I had heard about the 'dog park' at Middlefork Reservoir, but had not been out there to see it for myself. Assuming where the park was supposed to be I had reservations, because i knew little about its construction and establishment. Thanks Pal-Item.

So my reservations led me away from the reservoir, nicknamed the 'dead sea', by my father. What's funny is that(now in my second publishing after safari crashed) that I haven't gone to the reservoir much in my life and it reminds me of the people in Italy I talked to that had never been to the coliseum, never ridden a gondola and never eater canoli's. . .it's kind of like that with me in my own hometown, in regards to the Indiana football hall of fame, as well as other things that escape me right now.

ANYhow, the dog park is sponsored by Hill's pet food and one could miss it, if not paying attention to the west of the reservoir. It is merely a fenced off area with a few barrels, a ladder and fire hydrants, aptly placed for the dogs to place on and over.

The most interesting part of the entire setting is the water fountain near the northern perimeter of the larger section of fencing. Here, you will find a water fountain for owner and ownee, and by pressing a large circular-protruding button, a water dish fills for the dogs to drink; a most handy invention for the summer days ahead, in our beautiful part of the country.

What I'm Reading 5.7

So this adsense thing does work and after spending part of my day reading about how to make money, I think i have it figured out. And I've made $0.04 today!

So the important things include getting you're own domain name, be active and find a niche that will attract traffic from search engines.

Here, here, here and here are some attractive and interesting perspective pages about making money with adsense.

Some people have made more than $4500 per month! And $15 per click!

So far I've: transitioned to the new domain, added my url to google and yahoo. . .and, well, I'll talke about it later. . .

What I'm Reading 5.6

So, whether you know or not, I did not get into the program in Illinois and therefore, the job hunt begins anew.

However - don't be sad for me, as I'm sure something will turn up that will fit my interests - and hopefully my wallet - soon.

Today i'm looking at a number of trends and wondering about many more things that are going on in the world and in other worlds.

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Before I forget, anyone notice something different? Well, if not, take a look at the url bar and notice that I have forwarded you to my own domain! mwaa haha! You are at my mercy now! Not really but I did buy a domain and have now fowarded my blogger page to www.nathansheetsnow.com.

And I'm sure you're wondering why now? and. . . why now? Now, because nathansheets.com was taken and I didn't want to mess with the other .net's, .eau's and others of the world.

And NOW, more specifically because a much more crafty individual, than myself, has earned new $100 already with his new domain. . . .so it goes.

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The first successful face transplant victim, err patient has emerged and looking better than ever. (see top pic)

My fave cartoon episode:



Watch ATHF-Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary in Comedy | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com


Today is national nurses day. SO, go hug one.

I finished Dan Brown's Angels and Demons the other day and it was intense. I'm sure the book will be just like the movie, coming out in a theatre near you 15 May.

A smuggler was caught in LAX trying to bring in songbirds from Vietnam. Apparently the birds bring close to $400 a piece in the U.S. of A.

Sony Dong, 46 can be seen here with the birds attached to his legs.

Another virgin mary sighting - and I can't make this up - two Mexican wrestlers, in full regalia, saw the holy mother on a griddle at Las Palmas restaurant in Calexico, Calif. Again a picture warrants the story.

I can't do anything else today after those two.

Cha Cha, for now

Anyone heard of chacha.com?

It's a neat site, check it out if you ever have a trivial question about anything.

More later. . .

What I'm Reading 4.23: Nature and Police Sketches

"If a man walks in the woods for love of them half of each day, he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer. But if he spends his days as a speculator, shearing off those woods and making the earth bald before her time, he is deemed an industrious and enterprising citizen." - Henry David Thoreau

Despite the feelings of those around me, and society in general, this quote, from my favorite of all essayists/writers, describes my feeling on how to spend days - and how I spent much of yesterday.

I haven't been blessed, or cursed, to have a regular job yet, but I've 'seized' the opportunity to venture in my sabbatical, of sorts. Yesterday, was the capstone to what I've tried to do all semester, in my venture of unwinding prior to the life-long of winding, which i estimate will begin soon.

I had a busy day of picking up trash for Earth day, and walking in the woods, and isn't it funny as I found it to be a busy day, everyone else said I was being 'loafing'.

But, despite their lack of understanding to the world around them, I had a very 'constructive' day, as I picked up not one but 2 heaping garbage bags of trash along Waterfall Rd., walked with the dog - capturing images of spring's splendor along the way, and walked through the woods to see 'things unseen, which are eternal' (Keller).

And now for my thought of the day, which you can love or leave, depending on your outlook on all things regarded and unregarded.

Think, please, that a man's vices may be his virtue, prior dismissing the way he spends his days as fault. Remember that what's important to you, in most cases is not important to him, and even life, that which we all share, takes on a different meaning for him, than you.

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The news takes on a terrifying turn everyday because we can never predict what's next. (a bit rhetorical but it's the truth)

Like take this: South Carolina wildfires, near Myrtle Beach have destroyed several homes and made many people evacuate. No injuries have been attributed to the fires, as of yet.

It seems as common as nightfall, but two suicide bombers in Iraq this morning have killed at least 45.

NPR has a song of the day, every weekday and they're all usually pretty good. Check it out.

Apparently a pregnant women in Fayetteville, N.C., about to rob a bank, was stopped not by cops, but by answering her cell phone. And, another robbery, this time at a dry cleaner, was foiled. The culprit this time: a ninja.

More evidence has been discovered in the Craigslist murder. Apparently Phillips Markoff, kept panties of the victim(s).

Officials in Webster, Mass. have agreed to a common spelling of a lake with a 45-letter name. Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, more commnly called Lake Webster, by locals, has had several variations in spelling. One amusing paragraph from the story from MSNBC:

But after researching historical spelling combinations, the Telegram & Gazette of Worcester said local Chamber of Commerce officials agreed that some signs were wrong. There was an "o" at letter 20 where a "u" should have been, and an "h" at letter 38 where an "n" should go.

And lastly in 'weird news' a Hamilton, Ohio teacher has resigned after she accompanied female students to a male strip club.

More importantly my Strat-O-Matic team has moved over .500!

Some deals:
- Sears has some Dearfoam slippers for $3.50 per pair.
-The Nike Store has a 20 percent off coupon code: TRAINHARD, for clearance items and NIKESNEAKER, for orders more than $100.
- Amazon has some Birki's and Birkenstock sandals starting at $20.

And last but not least, looking into story ideas for all you potential journalists out there (we all are). Look into the effectiveness of police sketches in your local area. The Times-Picayune in New Orleans looked into it; you should too!

Morning Stroll 4.22

More Morel Mischief

Upon waking I began thinking about what 'we' could do with the mushrooms.

One idea is selling them on ebay, where auctions are set for 24 hours with overnight shipping. Here are some completed sales.

Another option is French cuisine. Anyone up for thyme-roasted chicken-breast with morel-madeira or forest fettucine with morels and a breast of pheasent?

Here is a discussion board about morels being found in Indiana. The Web site, Morels.com has some interesting insight into finding the little things. Everyone on the site seems to be set on looking in orchards; just an idea. . .

What I'm Reading: Morel Mushroom Madness edition

When I think back about Versailles, I think more of Kings of France than Mid-western fungus.

But, despite what I associate with Versailles, Versailles State Park yielded some beautiful spongy miracles for friends and family, today.

Awaking at 5:30 a.m., the thought of getting up was overshadowed by the potential trophies that beckoned from a mere 2 hours away. Jim and Marthalea Hill, my parents and I made their annual trip to southern Indiana to find the Morels that are a staple of early springtime, for us.

Versailles has been a destination for the Hill's for years and with my parents, the group has made the trip annually. I have gone a few times, but usually had school or work.

The day was lousy, for all climatic reasons, and the rain turned to sleet part of the time and finished in a downpour. But, that didn't stop us from having one of the best yields in recent memory.

We began the day deep in the state park. I soon found the first one a black sponge, resembling the one here. And I was off.

The rest of the day I found mushroom after mushroom. With only a few intermissions of no suceess, We all consistently were finding them.

Prior to lunch, I was about to give in for a lack of success (my actions can be described by anyone who has ever fished with me). But, my dad began finding small snake-heads, pepper-tops, or whatever you call them. I soon began finding them lining a log and as two became five, five became 10 and 10 grew to more than 50 in one patch. My white Save-A-Lot bag was more full than I'd ever seen it. And after we finally gave in, in 'the patch' I totalled 106 between my dad and I, in about 20 minutes.

After lunch we didn't have quite the success, but capped off the afternoon with a few black sponges and some sleet.

After leaving a banana peel on the trail, in comic hilarity (to myself), we ran for the car, dodging the flying ice, and made our way to the Osgood Grub Co. prior to heading home to showcase our little wonders.

Mom's 50th Slideshow

What I'm Reading: 420 edition (ridiculous)

(Before reading I have to state I don't condone the use or distribution of material involving or showing marijuana, I am merely finding humour in the day)

April 20, or 4-20 has come to fame or rather, infamy in the past few years as the day that pot-smokers celebrate their avocation. The true story about the day can be read here.

Method Man said he forgot to pay taxes because he was busy smoking.

No legal ganja anytime soon though.

Some famous friends of Mary-Jane:

What I'm Reading 4.19

It seems that eventually spring has to, well, spring. And yet, in light of yesterday's beautiful weather, we end up with what we have today. And it's going to like 'this', until wednesday, at least.

Other than 'what' people talk about when there is nothing else to talk about, there is a lot going on.

Pictures of the new O'maley addition can be seen here at my photostream on flickr. And for future reference, any choice photos i take will be posted at http://flickr.com/photos/nathansheets.

The Onion has a 'first 100 days' post that updates everyday with happenings in the Obama administration. Today's post:

DAY 88: White House senior adviser David Axelrod has to rush home to Chicago when he suddenly realizes he left his car in a two-hour parking zone in January.

And for you other onion readers; the link to our dumb world news.

If you didn't know newsvine and msnbc have teamed up to produce 'The Elkhart Project' focusing on the declinging economy through the eyes of Elkhart, Ind. Elkhart was once a community with large RV production, which has gone by the wayside since the downturn.

An interesting look at America's most endangered rivers.

And more downer news, as malls are reporting a 10-year high in store vacancy.

Did you see, and if you saw, like what you saw, in regards to the iconic Obama painting? You know this one:

Well you can now make a print of yourself just like it, here.

And if you haven't, you know you want to join Twitter. Come on, everybody is doin' it.

A sweet deal on a sweet deal site.

Looking for something good to make tonight? How about Pad Thai. MMMmmm.

Some really choice photos through the MSNBC photoblog.

What I'm Reading; New Baby Edition

I don't have access to upload the photo's I've taken yet, but by the time I get home, or, if I find a USB cord, I'll have them up.

Getting back to the lead; we spent more than 18 hours at St. Vincent's women's hospital. However, the good news is both Amiee and the new baby; Cameryn Paige are fine and doing well.

Throughout the day we spent most of the time sitting, reading, talking and getting updates via text by Chris O. At 10:45 Susie O'maley, Chris's mother got a picture-message with a short message: 'we have a baby!'

And, nearly 45 minutes later a glowing Chris came out of the labor-triage area to dispel rumors of a baby boy; confirming of my intelligence that the baby was indeed, a girl.

Today we are heading back to the hospital to check out the baby and see how things are progressing. I will send more updates when they come to me.

And in other baby news; this guy didn't know his wife was pregnant, but now he has a new baby!

In other news has anyone seen Susan Boyle? Or how about song that has made her a sensation on Britain's Got Talent?

Or how about this?:



In other weird news: this driving instructor was drunk during an instruction. In Peorian, Ill. a 13-year-old boy is the key suspect in a bank robbery. And, last but not least, a women in L.A. staged fake funerals for money.

What I'm Reading 4.16

Did you tuck someone in, telling them to 'not let the bedbugs bite?" This guy does.

The Obama's made $2.7 million last year, most from Mr. Obama's book sales.

And by the way, here is the Springfield Journal-Register, the newspaper I may be working for come Jan. (fingers crossed. . .)

Tens of thousands turned out for tea party's across the country to oppose taxation. If people only thought about what they are doing, now and then, ridiculous events like this wouldn't take place. I'm sure they all took the day off.

Speaking of dummy's, a man in Gilliam, La. was stabbed by his brother. Doesn't sound interesting? How about I add this twist: it was over a can of pork 'n beans! As I was writing this I had to refer to this online U.S. state abbreviation guide.

And here, smugglers are targeting the world's rarest tortoise. WOW!

This year the Reds have three or four bobblehead nights, i can't remember, but for the final one the fans get to vote for who they want. Send your vote here for David Weathers, just cause.

The Washington Post came to Cincinnati to check out its most famous staple.

The Cleveland Indias are giving away a special bobblehead this year. I guess none of their 'real' players were interesting enough. I guess you can only do Grady Sizemore once-a-year.

And if you are interested here is a list of the best and worst stadium give-a-ways this summer.

And lastly, for now, as I will have plenty of time for more today (Andi's sister is in the hospital to have her first child, fingers crossed), here is a way to save as a frequent flyer, or 10-ways to.

Reds!

I haven't said much about the Reds lately but they are playing the much-hated Brew-crew tonight.

I think they might be OK this year. If the pitching holds up they could have one of the best rotations in baseball. 

And you know what the cut-man says about pitching. . .

Reach

I draw my inspiration from many mediums; music, books, religion(s), etc. But i have a hard time where others get the will to try and/or to be. I find that too often those of my generation are apathetic to most everything. I don't think I was born under a special sign, or have anymore knowledge than those that wish to gain information, the same way I do. I merely feel that people, and more specifically those of my generation, don't care about what is around them.

I see examples of apathy all the time, and despite my reservations, I feel it must be said that our society has evolved into a populous that is materialistic, as well as apathetic. We have been brought up through capitalist ideals to have anything we desire, or need. There is not an inkling of conscience in the minds of some and for that, I say shame on society.

We go about with what is in front of us; under our noses, while not paying attention to our peripherals which are slowly, but surely, sneaking up on us.

All of a sudden we were in a financial downturn. All at once a middle-eastern predator was attacking us from within. Within a blink, innocents are shot and killed, again and again and again.

The need to have everything now and have it without the thought of consequence is what has brought us down. In one way or another we can look at how our society is calibrated to find the answers to all the questions we now ask.

You want less violence; less gun-related crime - better regulate the production of guns. You want a world void of American distrust - go into the world and show how we can be leaders not through brute force but by educated and responsible example. Responsibility and well-educated decision making could have saved billions of dollars and millions of lives.

So, whether I have been clear or not, take the time to evaluate how you do things. Think about how each decision in your day, affects all other decisions in your day and the decisions and lives of others. Think, think, think. It could be as small as choosing to use 2 bags instead of 3, at the grocery - decreasing the use of toxic plastics that are filling up our landfills and will someday contribute to our steady declining standard of living.

Reach out a helping hand - make someone's day. Drive less, listen more and observe better.

What I'm Doing

Sometimes I write. And more than that, I don't. But oftentimes, I start writing with no intention of what I'm going to say.

Right now, as I sit on the couch with the TV entertaining itself, Bella snoozing at my feet and the rain attempting to stop; I have nothing to say, but that gives me perfect reason to say something.

So, I'm among the finalists for the internship/M.A. program I want to get into through the Univ. of Illinois at Springfield. I have an interview April 25 with the director of the program in Springfield. So be thinking of me on that day because I really want to get in.

I'm ready for the sun to shine consistently and for warm weather to be the norm rather than the exception. Speaking of norm, did you know 'Norm' is my nickname from my internship at the Star Press?

Did you also know that my first generation Ipod nano has been recalled?

Lately I've been spending a lot of time thinking and not doing much on what I've been thinking about, which come to think of it, I don't know what I've thought.

Bella is quite possessive over her food and rawhides. Anyone have any tips?

Easter was nice but, lately I haven't been into the holidays; and it's not because I'm a grinch or whatever the negative characterization of someone disliking the current holiday, is. I've just been kind of well, blaaa, and I can't wait to do something. How people do nothing everyday, draw medicaid and welfare, when they are perfectly able, and are OK with it, astounds me.

I can't imagine living another week without working, let alone my whole bloody life! I'm ready to break free, that's it on the Queen references.

Has anyone been watching anyhing good lately on TV? I haven't.

I'm working at Isanogel Camp this summer again: did you know that? I can't imagine something more enlightening, grounding and 'real' than working at that camp. I don't think everyone would be perfect for it, but I think that if everyone had to take part in the lives of the handicapped more, the world would be a much better place.

After working there I looked at everything in a different light. I urge you all to take time out of your 'busy' lives and visit someone you don't know. Go to a nursing home or a hospital; it does something for you. I can't tell you what that will be, but I know that the feeling of being appreciated is something to behold.

And even better, is the feeling of knowing you have touched someone's life.

What I'm Reading 4.10

As greener pastures await and the grass outside follows suit, the news seems to come more plentiful.

The pirate saga continues and the Reds finally won just as the 'other' pirates head down the Ohio to Cincinnati.

First for the ridiculous news of the day: a man and his nephew got into a sword fight in Indianapolis and in the middle of the scuffle the grandma of the boy was fatally wounded. Both 'boys' were sent to the hospital with wounds. I didn't know the Indianapolis Renaissance Festival was this week.

A Navy SEAL helped police nab the suspects who shot and killed the war hero's dog.

Apple sized hail and a tornado were too much for this house and for parts of Arkansas.

A man was stabbed in a hotel room by a friend for flatulence while eating.

Here is an incredible slideshow of pictures of the funerals and remembrances of the Italian earthquake victims.

LA Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart died in a hit-and-run wreck, hours after pitching. It is a very sad story about an up-and-coming star for the Angels.

Why NOT to convert to Judaism.

The U.S. and the pirates are sending more ships to the standoff.

And, Not Tiger but Chad Campbell? The leader of the Master's is Mr. Campbell.

What I'm Reading 4.9

The baseball season is off and running and what's nearly too predictable is the placement of the Reds in the standings; last. But, it's early and they have been playing perhaps the best team in the NL.

In other news a girl gets grounded for more than 10,000 texts in ONE month, athletes are being facebook stalked - not by fans but by NFL scouts. And much, much more.

Filipino fisherman caught one of the most rare fish in the ocean - and then they ate it.

A high school girl from Wyoming cost her parents close to $5,000 on a cell phone bill for sending more than 10,000 texts in one month.

Pro scouts in preparation for the NFL draft are using 'ghost' profiles, posing as attractive women, to search for inequities in personalities of NFL scouts.

The pirates are back and after capturing one of our own, it seems they (the pirates) have run out of water, pardon the pun.

Here are some highlights from the NY auto show.

Two-hundred-seventy-five are dead as of today from the Italy earthquakes.

The Master's starts today and this is an interesting post in regards to Tiger and, well, it's worth it for the pictures at least.

Brown fat? What's that? Well it might be important in the difference between obese and non-obese bodies.

How much does that ostrich eat a day?

It's funny you should ask because the topic was brought up at the breakfast table this morning.

I began searching for how much animals eat of their respective food(s) EACH DAY. And here is the list of the estimated amounts:

= 720 lbs








= 300 to 600 lbs.







= 8 lbs. per day








= 1 to 1.5 lbs food per day (have to have 6,600 calories per day)

And here's an excellent column about the recent gun violence.

Fantasy Relapse

Sacha Z. Scoblic, writer for the NY Times - a more modern take on a journalist - writes on alcohol and American life. In his most recent post he talks about 'relapse' and more specifically, the only noteworthy celebrity worthy of relapsing with.

Hunter S. Thompson, the journalist who cultivated drug use within his articles for Rolling Stone and other short stories, is still the envy of all drug users, wishing to explicate their experience on LSD, PCP, Ether or whatever. And yet, for many journalist he is the envy, drugs or no drugs.

Some may be familiar with 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas', the psychadelic-acid trip of a movie with Johnny Depp, based on some of the writings of Hunter S. Thompson. But the movie doesn't speak to the writings of Mr. Thompson.

Scoblic's column is very good in capturing the essence of Thompson's writings while remaining different. It's worth a read!

Opening Day

Lineups for today's game: NY Mets v. Cincinnati Reds, April 6, 2009

Mets
Jose Reyes ss
Daniel Murphy lf
David Wright 3b
Carlos Delgado 1b
Carlos Beltran cf
Ryan Church rf
Brian Schneider c
Luis Castillo 2b
Johan Santana p

Reds
Jerry Hairston Jr. cf
Darnell McDonald lf
Joey Votto 1b
Brandon Phillips 2b
Jay Bruce rf
Edwin Encarnacion 3b
Ramon Hernandez c
Alex Gonzalez ss
Aaron Harang p

Well despite everything, the fact I've not been around for a while, and the most coveted day of the year, I'm back.

Today is opening day and I'm going to devote this post to mostly baseball.

Did you hear Carlos Zambrano thinks the Cubs should build a new stadium? Another reason for me to hate Zambrano. And today he is recanting what he said. (sigh) Take away Wrigley and that would leave nothing desirable about the Cubs, and I'd root for everyone against them, including the North Korean Baseball team. . . if they had one.

The Findlay Market Opening Day parade in Cincinnati is about to commense and it is strange, I've still never been. And here is a Mets blog fantansized by the event and covering it live.

On Redleg Nation, the comment section on Opening Day.

The Reds have a new 139 by 38 LCD HD scoreboard. Price tag: $10 million. How's that for stimulating the local economy.

Here is a nice story by Jerry Krasnick at ESPN.com about the Reds' young nucleus. It is a very good read.

Stud.

New Orleans and Back

Where was I, oh at the hostel with the pictures attached to the walls and a 'lost combat-boot' on thr run.

Anywho, we made our way back down to Bourbon Street just in time to look for a place for dinner and boy did we find a place. We ate at the famous Pat O'Brien's - famous for their drinks but should be for their food. I had a Cajun sampler; jambalaya, gumbo and crawfish Étouffée - to die for.

After dinner we had drinks by the flaming fountain - 2 Hurricane's and an Abita Amber beer. We then made our way down to the river and Frenchman Street to seearch and find the d.b.a. bar. After one pint and surveying the scene, I concluded that the same crowd occupies the heorot, on any given night.

Post d.b.a we headed back up river toward Bourbon Street and to the madness that could ensue. However, it did not (ensue) and we continued the night bar hopping and searching out every last type of Abita beer that was available.

We wandered, peeking into shops and finally resting at the Cat's Meow; a karaoke bar with a balcony which i like more than the entertainment on stage.

If you know nothing about New Orleans, you should still know it is famous for the balconies that sit on nearly every house and building in the French Quarter or Vieux Carre.

We headed back to the hostel after that and then went to bed, anticipating another long day of sight seeing and for me - driving.

Ho Hum, I'm In New Orleans

When I said I was taking spring break this year, most people questioned: when is that? And, from what are you taking a break?

To them, I, well, don't know what to say. However, I'm in New Orleans and having a blast trying all the food and spirits I can, without going into a gumbo coma.

Andi, Rebecca and I finally made it to the big easy last evening, prior to a trip to Bourbon Street and to Coop's Place. More on both later.

We arrived and checked into our hostel, India House Backpacker's Hostel, and promptly were checked in by the desk attendant.

Soon after we took the Canal Street Car to Bourbon street and took the desk attendant's suggestion on what gastric pleasures to induce ourselves with.

He suggested Coop's Place and we took the bate. After finally finding the place we sat down, or rather, sat with complete strangers - three girls from Minnesota who had been to New Orleans several times, well, it seemed they had been everywhere, several times.

I ordered the red beans and rice with two piece Cajun fried chicken, mmmmmm. Let's just say the breading on the chicken was the best I've had anywhere, in a long time.

After dinner we headed back to the hostel and had a restful night, for the first time in 2 days.

This morning we awoke early and made our way to the street car and to the French Quarter.

We toured around the historic parts, seeing neat buildings, the river, graveyards and whatever else New Orleans had to offer us.

As we sit it is 84 degrees, sunny and nice.

Tonight we are heading back to the historic district, bar hopping and seeing whatever else there is to see.

More on this later. . . .

New Orleans, here we come

Whether you may or may not know, sorry for the bad punctuation, I am leaving with Andi and our friend Rebecca tonight for New Orleans.

I will be micro-blogging via twitter, but also giving picture updates on here, as I can.

Let's just call the trip 'Boss Hog's Hurrah'

See You Soon!

Slumdog's Night

There are no slight transitions in life - we are thrust either willingly or unwillingly into the next segment of what we are doing, all the time.

I received another 'thrust' this weekend, when the hospital informed me, they were cutting all hours from part-time employees, guaranteeing me no hours on the next schedule.

Now, I haven't depended on this job, like some, but it has been a job that has kept me close to home because of the good pay and people I have befriended in close to 5 years at Reid.

I am not mad or upset, but rather now more inclined to step forward into the next step of my ascension to the head of a multi-million dollar enterprise. (We'll see)

Anyhow, I'm ready to move on, none the less, and enter the next chapter, the problem is, I haven't decided what THAT is.

What I'm Reading 2.23

The Academy Awards were last night and Slumdog Millionaire took home top honors for Picture and Director, as well as 5 more Oscars, Sunday night. I enjoyed many of the movies this year and saw all of the best picture nominees, I feel Slumdog was the best.

There are some really incredible stories about the actors/actresses surrounding the rags to riches story, for some of the kids in the movie, they were flown to Hollywood to partake in the awards and then it will be back to the slums in the next couple days.

Atlantis may have been discovered, by Google.

More on Slumdog, it seems the entire country of India is celebrating 'Slumdog's' success.

Speaking of movies, here are some early predictions for the 2010 Oscars, which will be here before you know it. If nothing else, if gives you some movies to keep an eye on this year.

The Rugby 6 nations tournament is in full swing again, and Wales have started off to the tune of a 2 - 0 start.

Marvin Harrison, Colts WR, may ask for a release.

Spring Training is in full swing, and the first ST game is Wednesday. Summer is just around the corner.

And last, but certainly, not least Girl Scout cookie sales are down this year, officials are blaming the economic downturn.

A distinguished feeling

I've heard that at some point, in every young artist's life, there is a turning point. A point of time, an event or a result that confirms entry into their next segment of life.

I hate to call myself an artist, but merely a student of the world, caught up in the happenings of the everyday life, asking why on the subject of, well, everything.

I do feel however, whether I'm an artist, writer, or skeptic, I had a moment that changed my trajectory of life this past weekend.

Heading home from Indianapolis, Sunday, I was held up in traffic for more than 3 hours. After several anxious minutes that dragged on to create hours, a text message revealed to me that two people were killed mere yards ahead of me in a head-on collision.

Other than feeling for the families, partially understanding the shock a family deals with after a tragic and quick loss, I was lost with my mind, misunderstanding my connection to the event until the next day.

While scraping dishes and pulling carts down the elevators from the patient floors on Monday, I replayed the previous day in my head - the hours of waiting and the tragic realization of the events that took place.

I think all of the time, as I have said, about "things that drift away, like our endless numbered days" and what my role is, in the world. (thanks to Iron & Wine for that) I really do.

Getting back, I thought about my entire process of departure of the day prior - what if, I had talked a little less, not brushed my teeth, or NOT taken the dog out one last time?

A person cannot project his/her life but we do make decisions leading to the final outcome of how our life will either end or continue, mostly always without the ability to know the result - the ultimate unknown in our lives.

I also don't assume to say that had I left Chris and Amiee's earlier the same events would have happened, I'm merely stressing that I changed my outlook this weekend, again, and in-so-doing, I met myself, where I hope to stand for many years to come.

What a tragic time those families are going through - but - how blessed are we for every moment we have with the people we love - even in our darkest days.

Don't let insignificance get you down every day. Realise those who remain beside you, whom you work for, is what matters in this world - all that matters.

I often wonder if the next moment will be my last, but I don't obsess. I wonder too, when people meet their ends in such a quick space of time - what about the day leading up to that professed to them that that day would be their last? If anything.

My lesson is, and has continued to be, live your life as if it could end in the next moment. Don't bother with needless worries, mind yourself and those around you with care. Not only will you end your life, with a reminder you did everything you could to make the best of this life, you will end each day with gladness and fulfillment in your heart.

Retribution and Valentine's Day

Police in South Carolina are attempting to build a case against the once great swimmer, Michael Phelps.

Despite my feelings on the entire thing (i think he should be grilled), I think this type of hopeful-celebrity-investigation nonsense is stupid. And whilst the police continue on this goose chase to get 'evidence' he smoke pot, everyone else stops and thinks, it was ONLY marijuana.

Ridiculous.

Anyway, girl scout cookies are in and I know those thin mints are waiting on me, as I've waited on them.

The Daytona 500 is this weekend, and with it, comes my realization that my apathy for the sport is so strong, i can't believe this sentence has gone on this long.

The Lone Grove, Oklahoma area was shocked to realize they can still get tornado's - nine have now perished as a result of the storm.

And for you Twister fans, the storm was an EF-4.

Speaking of movies, the Oscar's are a little more than a week away and I'm feeling Slumdog, will bark again.

If I haven't mentioned it before, Slickdeals.net, is a crafty little site to get a deal on about anything from used DVD's to computers, to lingerie and dinner coupons.

Speaking of slickdeals and dinner coupons, here is a wonderful deal for a meal for two at Texas Roadhouse. Not my fave but a really good deal, none the less. And another, buy one entree get one free at TGIFriday's.

Just check out Slickdeals.

On the subject of Valentine's day, or St. Valentine's day, I think it apporopriate that you understand who St. Valentine was. He was merely a priest who suffered martyrdom in 269 AD. His relics are on display at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin and at the Church of St. Praxed in Rome.

He apparently went against the emperor and performed marriages for soldiers. The emperor (Claudius) believed that married men did not make god soldiers and therefore banned soldiers from being wed. Valentine proceeded with the marriages in secrecy, until Claudius discovered his actions and had Valentine thrown into jail. While in jail, Valentine, according to The Golden Legend, wrote the first 'valentine' to a young lady he supposedly was infatuated with. According to the legend, the note read: 'From your Valentine."

Speaking of old stuff, which makes me think of hairless-ness, odor and toothless-ness, Bella, yes the dog, is suffering some of the last-named.

Cricket

A rather good explanation of Cricket.

Giant Snowball on Hampstead Heath

London and the UK continues to be blanketed by snow, the most snow in more than 18 years.

Some people seem to have left work all together and joined in Hampstead Heath.

What I'm' Reading 2.2

After that disgusting display of a super Bowl last night, once again I emphasize a small 's', I made it to bed, but not before reading a few things that should enlighten and enhance your view of the world.

Although, probably odd to those of you here, London and the UK received snow yesterday and last night and the precipitation is very rare for the Britons, therefore causing plenty of travel problems.

And if you are having trouble (chuckling) there are plenty of contacts to help you in the event of a dreadful event, such as snow.

The super bowl commercials were just OK, in my opinion but you can vote for your favorite here.

One of the commercials about the two nobodies, near the beginning of the game, was actually made by two brothers from Batesville, Ind.

My personal favorite was the 'Tips - Career Builder' commercial.



Moving on, egg and sperm donations are up, many expect it is due to the bad economy.

I nearly forgot, the groundhog saw his shadow.

Up In Smoke

After that disaster of a super Bowl - notice I emphasize a small 's', due to a lack of super-ness - I wrapped up my weekend reading a story that really disappoints and unnerves me.

I didn't hear about it prior until I looked at my BBC Headline drop-down from my toolbar, but Michael Phelps was apparently caught on camera smoking marijuana at a party in South Carolina. Phelps has since apologized to his fans.

He better be apologizing hard to his sponsors as well, but then again, in many ways I'm not surprised.

The post-Olympic buzz, no pun intended, has bitten Phelps more than once now, as he was arrested in 2004 for a DUI, when he was 19.

I could care less, now, how disappointed he is, I am appalled and disappointed at what he has done for his young fans.

But, the fact remains that he has clearly broken the law at least twice, and most definitely many more times.

To me it seems Phelps, like so many other athletes, believe they can continue on their paths of UN-righteousness and never be bothered, or, get caught.

Well, this makes twice for Phelps and if he has one more, he will lose sponsorship and will probably have to answer to someone with more clout than his mother.

I think this young man - 6 months older than me - is a disgrace, at this point and an embarrassment to U.S.A. Swimming and to the country itself.

The golden boy continues to show tarnish and it is really sad he can't leave the nonsense behind when he HAS TO know so many young kids, like the ones I coach, look up to him. It is agravating to anyone who struggles to succeed in anything, when they see a story about the most successful Olympian of all time smoking marijuana and getting arrested for DUI.

I hope he feels bad and I hope someone unseats him in the coming competitions, because it is a disgrace that this athlete continues to display his disinterest in professionalism when he could be so much more, especially to the 7 to 11 year olds I see every night at Hibberd Pool.

"I want to be like Michael Phelps," I've heard many of them say, since his success in Beijing.

I hope for their sake, at this point, they soon don't hold onto that wish.

200th Post

For my 200th post on this blog I thought I'd do something along the lines of 200's.

So here it goes:

In honor of Black History month, just around the corner, here is a link to 200 notable African Americans that have been fundamental to U.S. and world history.

A description of the world in the year 200 AD.

CC is the roman numeral for 200 and the no. 200 apears in the Padovan Sequence - thank you geometry class.

There is a 200 Euro note, as well as a 200 note in Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and China, among others.

For Nascar fanatics, 200 is the number of races Richard Petty won in his career, according to Wikipedia, of course.

In Monopoly, and while speaking of money, 200 is the traditional amount a player gets for passing go. But you knew that.

A cholesterol level of 200 or below is thought to be a healthy sign.

The Rover 200, made by The Rover Group and MG Rover, is a popular car in Europe.

And for the fun of it, here are 200 impressions by someone I don't know. They are really good.



(And, oh, the picture at the top is what came up when I did a Google search for '200')

What's About 1.27

The transition from attending school every semester for 4 consecutive years can spoil. I mean, I work, NOT every day but, now that i'm out (and still searching for jobs), I'm at Reid Hospital many days, utilizing my degree to the furthest: washing dishes.

Don't get the feeling I dislike the hospital, on the contrary, I love the place and am thankful for what it has given me for more than 4 years. The place just wears on you, especially with the corrupt bureaucracy that creeps its head into even the most un-impeccable conditions. The thing is, I don't think some people even know who I am and the judgment in their look and direction is enough to belittle those around them. I hate it.

NOT that i'm anyone but, I could take their job if I applied for it. I wish them to know that.

Anyway, aside from the hospital I'm taking on the responsibility of a full-time dad. No, no, I haven't reached that moment in life. Bella, my dog, keeps me busy and as you can see she finds time to drag me from this machine quite often, only to climb under grandma's bed.

She is getting better and it seems she's got the idea that some things are not right, ala pooing on the floor, tearing up curtains and even eating tissues.

She is growing at an alarming rate and after the vet appt. two weeks ago, I would venture to guess she has put on at least 5 lbs. Seriously, I bet she weighs between 21 and 25 lbs. She has another appt. Feb. 3 and we'll see how she is doing but, I think she's doing better than I ever expected.

We sit 24 days from the day pitchers and catchers report for spring training and once again, I couldn't be more ready; as my faded Reds hat sits on my head more and more everyday

Things to check out:

Take a look at the NEW whitehouse.gov. The new site was launched soon after the new president was sworn in and will include a lot of new features. After reading this about the White House, change HAD to come to the White House, in terms of technology. It is quite bizarre to think that all the computers in our house were more powerful than the ones at the White House. Unbelievable. Running a country while not informing yourself to the best of your abilities. Unbelievable.

Anyway, the president will do weekly briefings with the nation through Youtube videos, on decisions made that week and/or situations the presidency and nation are facing.

The 'briefing room' is a nice tab featuring the weekly addresses, a blog as well as other information about what is going on.

- A lady in California has given birth to ocuplets. Yes, that is eight babies. And she did it in record time.

- So, why were they eating these again, anyway?

- Stewards of the Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz are appealing for money to fund its preservation.

- For those of you in doubt of 'liberal media' here is a site to peruse. Stinkyjournalism is an online media ethics site pointing fingers at wrongdoing in journalism.

- Some small cities are bailing out struggling car dealers because the revenue they create through sales tax income pays for more than half of the cities income.

- Some zoo's and aquariums are cutting back, just like everyone else. How are they doing that? Find out here.

You may or may not know that I love movies. I don't like television and I prefer staring at the wall to those programs you call 'reality t.v.' I feel that staring at the wall my mind won't become quite as numb and I'll actually learn more from the wall than those dreadful programs.

I love movies though and I've seen all of the candidates for Best Picture, at the Oscars, except The Reader. I adored Slumdog Millionaire and Benjamin Button was good too.

Anyway aside from all of those movies, I watched Green Street Hooligans for the first time and loved it. If you haven't seen it and have any interest in British culture, football (soccer), or just plain violence give it a tune. I also watched Into the Wild again, once again very good movie, thought provoking and life-enhancing.

What I'm Reading 1.14

I have been gone for a while but not without taking notes on everything taking place in our interesting world.

- The Christmas season came and went, while I regret I didn't give feedback on the joyous celebrations of the birth of Santa Clause.

- The dog, Bella, has continued to grow - as it stands, after a brief veterinarian appointment last week - she weighs in at more than 17 lbs. But the report did not come without a prophecy from the dog master, who felt she was large for her age and we could be looking at a 80 lb. beast roaming the hardwood floors of the Sheets estate in a short time. Oh and she is pretty well potty trained.

- I think I've drank more tea than Queen Elizabeth in the past month - my thirst for the stuff is fueled by my idea that the more I drink the closer I'll be back in London, oh London, more on that later.

- I've applied for jobs in different areas but have had no good news, as of today at 9:11 a.m. EST, including one data analyst job at the hospital.

- Ball State's football season went into the garbage can after two bad games in a row, and two dreadful performances by QB Nate Davis. And how does Davis celebrate his mediocrity, why he declares for the NFL draft. Seems a bit wrong, despite losing one's coach to warmer conditions and more lucrative deals.

- I finished Twilight - - pretty good series but no where near Harry Potter.

- 29 days until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training!


It has been more than a year since I departed the clutching grip of the U.S. and traveled abroad for the first time.

January 8, came and went and despite my best intentions to skip over the date without feeling at least a tiny bit of regret that I am still have trouble finding what is better here than there, I didn't forget and I found myself dumping trash behind Reid Hospital at 10 a.m.

I have been thinking about the good things and the bad that made my trip so memorable, with the good far outweighing the bad to a degree my vision is clouded about anything bad that happened at all.

The other day I thought about little things, things I can only remember that were insignificant yet are so appealing now. For example, the double-locked front door to our flat and the sound of it slamming; the smell on the street after emerging from the flat: an aroma of exhaust and greek cuisine (there was a Greek restaurant just down the street); the walk to City of Westminster college: through Paddington, around the corner on Porchester Terrance and the smell of the Indian restaurant, seemingly on every corner; the trips to the theatre on Monday and Tuesday nights; No. 15 bus rides; the smell of the Tube. . .

Yes, I miss London and can seriously see myself living there. As I tell everyone who hasn't gotten tired of me talking about it: London is a great city for city lovers and non-city lovers. There is the big city atmosphere but it is more about the differences within neighborhoods which don't act as big-city at all.

I just can't wait to get back and perhaps, with enough luck, have the ability to stay for longer periods of time.

Bella Rose

A lot has happened since I last wrote but I've been busy. I'll attempt to catch you up on what you don't know and what you may know but haven't heard.

First off, Ball State lost and yesterday lost more - their coach Brady Hoke, who is taking the head coaching position at San Diego State University. Can't blame him for the San Diego vs. Muncie or the 4 year $3.5 million contract.

It is finals week and for me the FINAL week of my undergraduate studies, can't believe it. I graduate Saturday, never would have thought it four years ago.

Andi and I made a long trip to Shipshewana, Ind. to pick up our new addition: a rambunctious 8-week-old Doberman puppy. It is a joint Christmas gift and she is really the cutest thing I could have imagined. We made the trip Monday, leaving at 4:40 a.m. and arriving at 8 a.m.

I'll get more into her and her 'breeders' later.

On the way home we stopped by Petsmart in Muncie and got her a collar, leesh, a Nylabone, and a bag of food.

Right now she is sitting on my lap, dreaming with paws outstretched - charging up for another 20 minute burst of energy.

Only 8 days till Christmas, do you have your shopping done? I don't.