Lights...

Thus begins the holiday season...

I have sipped my first creamy glass of egg nog topped with nutmeg and cinnamon.

I have turned my radio dial to stations that play Nat, Frank, Burl, and Bing.

I have unearthed the huge containers that house the ornaments, knick knacks, and village pieces.

And, this weekend, I engaged in the ritual of hanging lights.

That ritual immediately brings to mind National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. The huge untangleable balls of little lights. Some that twinkle. Others that blink. Broken ones. And bad strands. Plugging, unplugging, plugging again. Ah, the joyous monotony.

We hang all white lights. Icicle white lights, to be exact. Along the entire front of the house. I'll be sure to take pictures for all of you to see. Well, I discovered that we had 4 strands of twinkle lights, 3 strands of blinking lights, and 2 strands of plain old stay-on-all-the-time lights.

Next is the part about which Joseph isn't altogether keen. Time to get up on the roof. I traipse across the shingles considering the fact that we're not far away from needing a new roof. But I don't linger on that thought - too depressing - and make for the edge of the southeast corner of the house. I begin my slow ascent to the peak of the house, securing and untangling lights as I go. All working up to the peak.

We decide to hang a star we have hung two years ago. And so, at the peak, I hammer a nail into the wood and hang the star. A nice little addition.

I descend, continuing to secure the lights. Joseph brings me more strands. I continue stringing them along. Onto the gutter. They need cleaning, I notice. But no, I have to keep my eye on the prize; I need to get the lights up. I continue. I reach the end after sustaining scrapes to my hands and uncomfortable positions for my back, legs, and butt.

I go down the ladder. We turn on the lights. And, wouldn't you know it, a section of lights has died. Great, I say. Up the ladder I go. Wiggling each of the lights in the section, I come to one that, when wiggled, causes all the lights to go on. Success.

It's getting dark by now. The fog is rolling in on such an unseasonably warm day. I'm happy to be done.

Except Joseph wants to string some lights along the inner facade of the roof that covers the path leading to our front door. With the staple gun and a lot of balance, I climb the ladder and make it so.

The light nearly gone, I emerge from the small path and looke to the house's peak. Another section out. You've got to be kidding me.

Joseph tells me I should just wait. I think about it and tell him that I want to get it done. And so, I ascend the ladder and make my way to the lights. One by one I check them. Until I come to the the 3oth or so bulb in the section. Success again.

But it's only a matter of time before another bulb blows. And another. And another.

And I have to buy gifts. And set up the tree. And the village. And the party. And all the other parties.

And the roof. And the gutters.

There's no place like home for the holidays...

TD's Official NFL Picks - Week 13

Five weeks remain. In the past few, we've seen the resurgence of the likes of Indy and Dallas. Not to mention Cassel's back to back 400+ games. We see that Arizona may play spoiler, if any role in the playoffs, since they can't seem to win against good teams. The NFC Norse division keeps battling - well, all except for the Lie Downs. Is there any question that the NFC East is the best division in football? The only people that might question are those in the AFC East. Every team in both eastern divisions is now above .500.

Now, for the picks...

San Francisco @ Buffalo
Apart from the Cardinals, I don't think I can pick another NFC West team to win again. Unless they're playing each other. And even then, who knows? Buffalo beat the hell out of a bad KC team. And I think Trent can lead them to beat the hell out of a bad 49ers team. That's why I picked him up this week for my fantasy team. TD chooses: Buffalo Bills

Baltimore @ Cincinnati
I've heard many people say over the past few years that Cincy best beware the karma to be repaid. Methinks that karma has settled sqarely over these Bagels. The Ravens, however, are fighting for something. They're playoff hopes are alive and well. TD chooses: Baltimore Ravens

Indianapolis @ Cleveland
As stated in the preface, Indy's coming about. And that's not a team anyone wants to face on fire. Cleveland needs to play for pride at this point. And perhaps to save their coach's job. If they want to do so. TD chooses: Indianapolis Colts

Carolina @ Green Bay
Green Bay in its last outing was blown to proverbial smithereens by the pass happy Saints. But Carolina's certainly not the Saints. They are a more balanced team with less of the aerial attack. Does this mean Green Bay can keep up? Better than last week. And the Pack has just as good a shot at winning the Norse as the Vikings or Bears. Still, I think the Panthers are up for the challenge. TD chooses: Carolina Panthers

Miami @ St. Louis
I was rooting for the Dolphins against New England. I and everyone else who isn't a Pats fan. I was hopeful as they traded point leads. But Miami just wasn't strong enough to overcome Cassel's arm. Miami's a good team. They're just not there yet. As for St. Louis, see the 49ers @ Buffalo pick above. TD chooses: Miami Dolphins

New Orleans @ Tampa Bay
The Saints come off a drubbing of the Packers. Tampa has won three in a row. New Orleans has a scary passing attack, but their defense is terrible. Tampa has a satisfactory defensive attack and a shut down D. New Orleans won earlier this year 24-20. It really is a toss up. And in a difficult NFC both are fighting for the playoffs. TD chooses: New Orleans Saints

New York Football Giants @ Washington
First game of the year, Giants win 16-7. Not a convincing win, to be sure. But a win nonetheless. Washington has grown since then. An effective Jason Campbell. Portis healthy. Taylor who hasn't seemed to have lost a step at DE. But the Jints have grown too. They've proven that they can win without Jacobs. Without Plax. They're a deep and dangerous team. I think it'll be another dogfight, but TD chooses: New York Football Giants

Atlanta @ San Diego
If the football happened to bounce in a different direction, San Diego could easily be 8-4 right now and in control of the AFC West. As it is, they still have the ability to win the West at 4-7, which doesn't say much for the West. But they keep losing to scrappy teams that can put it together at the last minute. Atlanta's just as capable as Carolina, Indy, and Pittsburgh. Not to mention the fact that Turner makes a big return to the field where he backed up LT. This should be a good game. TD chooses: San Diego Chargers

Denver @ New York Jets
When people start talking about a dream Super Bowl - at least this year - they think the Manning Bowl or Jints-Jets. I've never seen the dream Super Bowl happen, to be honest. So, eh. As for this game, Denver is holding on for dear life to that first position in the AFC West. But they lost to Oakland. Oakland? Really? The Jets, meanwhile, have put together a five game winning streak that looks like it could become six. As long as they show up to play. TD chooses: New York Jets

Kansas City @ Oakland
Ugh. I mean, I know the teams have to play the games. The draft's at stake. And there's pride too. But these two? Ugh. Don't get me wrong. They're showing signs of life. Thigpen looks pretty good, but he's young. And Oakland beat Denver last week rather handily. It's better to see that than the mess that is Detroit. In this toss up TD chooses: Oakland Raiders

Chicago @ Minnesota
This could be the game of the week, except it isn't. Both teams at 6-5. Only one team from the Norse division will be going to the playoffs this year. Which of these will it be? Or could it be the Pack? Right, the game. The Bears and Vikes played a homerun derby tennis match earlier in the year. Back and forth, they kept scoring. 48-41. Not a typical score for these two teams that supposedly have strong defenses. This time around, I think there will be a lower score, and we'll see more from Peterson and Forte. Who wins the matchup between these two RBs? Tough call. TD chooses: Chicago Bears

Jacksonville @ Houston
Another klunker on Monday Night. Both 4-7. Both dead in the water in a division that includes Indy and Tennessee. And since they're rather evenly matched, I must make this one personal. Every time I've chosen Jacksonville this year - because I thought them better than their record - I've lost. Well, maybe not every time. I've picked Jacksonville seven times. They've lost four. Against the likes of the Ohio teams. Really? TD chooses: Houston Texans

PICK OF THE WEEK
New England @ Pittsburgh
Both are fighting for their playoff lives. New England can't afford to fall back much further in the wild card race. And Pittsburgh can't afford to leave this weekend behind tied for first in the AFC North. And yet, one team will fall - no I'm not accounting for a tie. All signs point to the Pats being the faller. Cassel hasn't faced the likes of the Pittsburgh D; I don't think he'll be having another 400+ yard day. And Pittsburgh just has a more balanced team. TD chooses: Pittsburgh Steelers

Thanksgiving: An Editorial

For what do you give thanks? And, more importantly, why?

I give thanks for my health. For my family. For my friends. For my pups and kitties. For a roof over my head. For my job and thus the ability to sustain myself comfortably. For the ability to think and reason. For books filled with good stories. For my weaknesses that knock me down a few rungs every so often. For Him who created all that is, including life itself.

Which segues into the why. I am thankful because I value life. All life. Whether unborn or dying. Whether determined to be evil or good. I do believe we have a purpose. All of us. And that each of us has the potential to move forward to enable others to actualize that purpose.

Although the United States government sets aside a day for the purpose of Thanksgiving, it is our responsibility to sustain that thankfulness for the other 364 days. What an odd juxtaposition, therefore, to see this article about Black Friday.

Black Friday. The term 'Black' has two separate connotations as descriptor. For retailers, it is the day on which they make significant profits. But the earlier - and original - use of the word comes from Philadelphia in the mid-1960s. Cops and transportation workers called it 'Black' because of the chaos that came from so many shoppers flooding stores.

Well, this year, the 'Black' has reverted to that original meaning. Arguably blacker than that original meaning. A 34-year old man has died from capitalistic trampling. Egregious. In Wal-Mart of all places, a bastion of questionable competition in the 'free' world. I wonder how many of those trampling shoppers had joined in family feasts preceded by thoughtful prayers. I wonder how many considered that for which they were thankful. And I wonder how many made the commitment to sustain that thankfulness - not just into the new year - but into the next day.

Shame on those trampling shoppers. Shame on retailers for creating the climate. Shame on any of us who speak hollow words regarding thankfulness.

TD's Official Thanksgiving Picks - Week 13

I shan't bore you with more than that which is due on the morrow, namely three games of which two involve the usual Thanksgiving subjects.

Tennessee @ Detroit
I'd like to think the Lie Downs have a chance against the visiting Titans. But after a convincing loss to the J-E-T-S I don't think Mr. Fisher will allow said Titans to play listlessly. TD therefore chooses: Tennessee Titans

Seattle @ Dallas
As all of you know, I have two favorite teams. The Jints and whoever plays the Cowcrooks. That means Seattle is my second favorite team this week. And, God I hope my pick is wrong. TD chooses: Dallas Cowboys

Arizona @ Philadelphia
A team coming off a tough loss against a team coming off a tough loss. But Philly is a more reeling team than the team they will meet at the Vet. Okay, so not the Vet. What the hell's up with Donovan anyway? Anyway, can the Cards beat a second NFC East team this season? In the city of brotherly love? I think so. But it'll be close. TD chooses: Arizona Cardinals

A Teacher's Story

Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. No characters are based on real people, whether living or dead. Any resemblance to a real person is pure coincidence.

I have recently had relayed to me a story - or at least the beginnings of one - by someone I know. A high school teacher by trade, she has survived six long years at the same school, a school I will not mention here. For the sake of speaking succinctly about said institution, let us call it Benjamin Franklin High School.

This teacher friend of mine - I will call her Beth - is a math teacher. A smart woman, but humble, she is well liked by teachers and students alike. Still a tad green, which she recognizes, Beth has little interest in any kind of administrative job; she likes teaching too much. Geometry to the sophomores and Pre-Calc to the advanced juniors. She picks up a general math every now and then, but that material just hasn't excited her as much.

Beth works in a mid-sized department in a mid-sized school. About 20 math teachers for a school of just over 1200. And their school is just above average in math and English skills. A quiet suburban school for the most part. Mostly white though there have recently been larger populations of Hispanic, Asian, and African-America students.

The year for teachers begins in mid-August. And it seemed a promising year by all accounts. The English department lead - Randy - was promoted to Principal; he is a man with whom most in the school are pleased. Everyone knew of Randy's desire to make Franklin a leader in academics as well as sports, so they waited to see what he would do. Randy didn't disappoint. He brought in with him books upon books about how to make the school better. It was all about team teaching. Allowing teachers to teach what they know best but allowing students to have multiple points of view in a single class. A great idea, in theory. Beth immersed herself in learning about it.

Beth came to school on the last day of teacher workshops before the students started. When she stepped through the door, she could sense a change in mood, a sadness. It certainly didn't have the feel of a new school year. And when she reached the math wing, a colleague told her why. The math department lead - Don - had passed away suddenly. It seems Don had had a history of heart problems that he didn't openly share with many people other than his family.

Amidst the melancholy, the principal and vice principal had a meeting with the math department. At that meeting, they discussed their intention of putting a newly hired teacher - Eleanor - into the math department lead position. Most of the math teachers were a bit taken aback by the rushed decision, but decided to give Eleanor a chance based on her credentials of having been a math and education professor at the local university.

The year began. Eleanor came off as a world beater. Get down and dirty with team teaching. Damn the torpedoes. To hell with the whites of their eyes, just fire. And fire the department did. They started their team teaching and put their hearts and souls into it. But they weren't altogether sure how to do the team teaching in the first place. Who creates the lesson plans? Which books are they supposed to use? For that matter, what curriculum were they supposed to teach? The same as in years past? Should they just work from the book? And how would both teachers get equal time in class?

A lot of confusion, to say the least. But Eleanor and Randy knew how to handle the problem. First Eleanor would team teach with each of the teachers at least once. To give each teacher an understanding of what team teaching was all about. Second, the teachers would have to go to classes at the university where Eleanor happened to have taught. They could attend a Saturday class each weekend for a month to learn the fundamentals of team teaching.

Thus was the plan determined.

Beth looked forward to the team teaching exercise with Eleanor. On the day they were scheduled to teach together, Eleanor walked into a sophomore geometry class - a little late - and spoke to Beth for a few minutes explaining what she was going to do. From what Beth understood, there wouldn't be much team teaching; rather, Beth would be watching Eleanor teach. And that's exactly what happened. For 50 minutes, Beth watched as Eleanor incorrectly defined an isosceles triangle as a triangle with two acute angles and one obtuse.

Furious that Eleanor would do such a thing, Beth visited with a few other teachers to find out what was happening with them. Some of the teachers thought Eleanor the greatest thing since sliced bread seemingly because Eleanor just took all the pressure off of them to teach appropriately. Others just didn't care too much; they teach for the paycheck. And there were some who agreed with Beth.

At the first teacher workshop during the school year - the beginning of October - Randy addressed all the teachers in the school. He finally explained that team teaching was not necessarily of his choosing - it was from the Superintendent who was mandating team teaching across all schools in the district - but that he was willing to work through the transitional chaos to actualize team teaching at Franklin High.

The teachers were inspired by such talk and decided that team teaching wasn't such a bad idea, on the whole. It just hadn't been implemented altogether well. But, they rationalized, that happens when there are so many changes at so many levels.

Beth went back to work, trying to teach her kids. And she went to training. For all four Saturdays. It ruined her weekend, but she learned from the class. She had high hopes of bringing her newfound knowledge into the classroom.

By this time - the beginning of November - Beth was showing some promise as a team teacher. Then again, Beth had always shown promise as a lone teacher. At the same time, Eleanor was becoming more unpredictable with each passing day. She moved one of the Algebra 1 teachers to full time teaching of Remedial Math, telling everyone in the department - except that teacher - that he couldn't handle the team teaching in Algebra 1. Eleanor then took that same Algebra 1 class and obviously had no intention of team teaching the class. In addition, Eleanor gave no direction. Instead of encouraging the teachers in the math department to use the team teaching knowledge, she just spouted education-speak with words like pedagogy, pragmatism, and positivism while throwing out names like Dewey, Montessori, and Piaget.

Beth, by this time, had had enough and went to both the principal and vice principal to express her concerns. She was told that they would take her thoughts into account, but that changes like this require patience and flexibility. Patience, she told them, out of which everyone in the school was running.

Beth has since heard that a colleague of hers - Mike - is to be taken from teaching Calculus to teaching the Algebra 1 class Eleanor's teaching so that Eleanor can teach Calculus. And show the math department what excelling really means. Beth has also seen others in the department reprimanded because they are not living up to the expectations that were set for them in August.

Not to mention the fact that the kids all see this too. And students who need help from the teachers aren't getting it because the teachers are flailing in their attempts to team teach.

I feel for Beth. But I don't quite know what advice to offer. Isn't it supposed to be about the kids, I ask her. She looks back at me and can only nod with her sad eyes.

In any case, I'll relay more as I know more.

Monday Night

For the first time in a long time, I went to Madison Pub for a football game. My friends Matt and Drew coaxed me. And it was a night on which Green Bay was playing, so I knew Tony would be there too.

And, overall, a very good night, though I can't claim to have seen much of the game. What I did see was that this weekend had the most points scored overall in NFL history. A fascinating record in and of itself...

But now, my dear readers, I must exit stage left to the Jack in the Box Burger and Chicken Sandwiches that await me. Those and a bit of Friends will hold me over until tomorrow when I must face another 10 hour day.

On the bright side, I went 11-5 while JB went 5-11. I'll calculate that tomorrow...

Until then...

Another Saturday Night: A Trip to Key Arena

Can you guess the first professional sport I went to see? Football and baseball seem the likely choices. But neither is correct.

In fact, I didn't attend my first professional football game until a preseason game between the Patriots and the Browns. That was sometime during the late 80s or early 90s so far as I remember. Then the first real game I attended was Houston (Oilers) at New England during the mid-90s. So that wasn't it.

Baseball? Closer. I remember a Yankees game in the mid-80s. There was a Beach Boys concert after the game. And I might have attended one other game earlier than that; I most likely have the ticket somewhere. But still not the first professional sport.

The first professional sporting event I remember seeing was at the New Haven Coliseum. Semi-professional to be exact. The New Haven Nighthawks. Not only was it the first professional sport that I saw, but to this day, it's the only sport I've ever been to see with my maternal grandfather. A football and hockey guy, grandpa had me memorizing the numbers and stats of the New Haven Nighthawks hockey players at age 5.

Well, last evening, I relived a little bit of my childhood in Seattle. Joseph and I attended a Western Hockey League matchup between the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Portland Winter Hawks with out friends Sam and Mark.

We watched from two rows behind the benches at center ice as the T-birds attacked with fiery abandon. Before Portland knew what hit them, they were down by three and pulled their 16-year old goalie. Unfortunately for the Winter Hawks, they never quite recovered; instead they allowed their frustration to surface. And surface it did. I remember seeing a fight like that in person only once or twice before when I was a kid. Portland stuck first and Seattle battled back. Overall, three players were ousted with game misconducts. All of them bloodied.

An exciting first game on the whole. Especially for Joseph who hadn't seen a hockey game before.

There was only one thing missing about the night. I wish my grandfather could have been there hollering at the young kids. That would have made it perfect.

TD's Official NFL Picks - Week 12

Another long week. With the work I do tomorrow, it'll be about 60 hours. So, another abbreviated set of picks.

Week 12. Coming down to the wire. Something has to happen in the NFC Norse Division to break that 3-way tie. Tennessee has another test. So do the Jets. Miami could put the Pats in third place for the first time this late in a season in a long time. We have a good Sunday night game. And even a good Monday night game for a change...

Buffalo @ Kansas City
Buffalo reeling, KC building confidence. Arrowhead in late November. Against another cold weather team. Can Edwards hold onto the ball? Can Thigpen continue his improvement? TD chooses: Kansas City Chiefs

Chicago @ St. Louis
Chicago doesn't inspire me, but some of their players do. St. Louis? They're 2-8 in the NFC West. TD chooses: Chicago Bears

San Francisco @ Dallas
Once upon a time, this was quite the rivalry. Now, it's just another game. I'll root for the 49ers, but in vain. TD chooses: Dallas Cowboys

Houston @ Cleveland
Not much here of interest. Both teams have quarterback issues. Both teams have been disappointing. And neither team is striving for a playoff berth. TD chooses: Cleveland Browns

Minnesota @Jacksonville
I had faith in the Jaguars. I thought they'd be a much better team than they've showed. But they're undisciplined. And Jack hasn't impressed with his decisions. Being in the NFC South, they're all but eliminated from the playoffs. Minnesota has also disappointed. Tarvaris couldn't put it together, and the offense just hasn't taken off. But I still think they're better than they play, whatever that means. What is for certain is that they have much more for which to play. TD chooses: Minnesota Vikings

New England @ Miami
Miami has the ability to put the Pats in third in the AFC East. Those fans who enjoy parity hope for this. Then again, with a win, New England could move into a tie for first. Which way will it go? TD chooses: New England Patriots

Philadelphia @ Baltimore
Birds, birds. The Iggles come off one of the most disappointing games of their season. A tie that can be deemed a loss to the incompetent Bagels. Baltimore's D, meanwhile, continues to dominate. Okay, so not against the Jints, but still. TD chooses: Baltimore Ravens

Tampa Bay @ Detroit
Could be a trap for Tampa. Or it could be that Detroit is that bad. I think the latter. TD chooses: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Washington @ Seattle
I thought Seattle would be able to keep up with the Cards. Got that one wrong. And by their play, I can't honestly say they can keep up with anyone in the middle or high tier of the league. Bring on the Lions. TD chooses: Washington Redskins

Oakland @ Denver
Speaking of bad teams, there's the Raiders. Tear ih bull. Denver's not great, but I just can't choose this silver and black backtrack. TD chooses: Denver Broncos

New York Football Giants @ Arizona
Almost the pick of the week. Still a very good game given Arizona's suddenly impressive play. Warner playing like it's 1999. And a passing attack no one can stop. No, not even the Jints IF Warner can get the ball in the air. Question is, can the Jints D rough Warner up a bit? And can the Jints O score? I think yes, on both counts. TD chooses: New York Football Giants

Carolina @ Atlanta
Fascinating game. Carolina hasn't been playing great lately - though they've won four in a row. And Atlanta seems to play well every week, sometime winning and sometimes losing. Atlanta has a few big play makers. But Carolina has the depth. TD chooses: Carolina Panthers

Indianapolis @ San Diego
Colts v. Bolts. Both teams should be better than they are. Indy has revived their dim playoff hopes a bit by winning four in a row. The Bolts, meanwhile, linger at 4-6 in a bad division. It's primetime; it's San Diego. But it's Indy's game to lose. TD chooses: Indianapolis Colts

Green Bay @ New Orleans
No idea. A shoot out, I think. Then again, the Pack have some shut down DBs. Question is, are they ready to cover all of the people to whom Brees can potentially throw? I don't know that. GB's Grant is running well. At least during these last five games or so. Tough choice. TD chooses: New Orleans Saints

PICK OF THE WEEK
New York Jets @ Tennessee
The New York Jets took the lead in the AFC East with a hard fought win against the Patriots. Thank you Brett the Jet. Now, they have a more formidable foe in the Titans. Something tells me they're not yet up to the challenge. TD chooses: Tennessee Titans

Favorite Foodz: Ice Cream

my weakness.

genetically predisposed methinks. i recall many a day when i'd awake, descend the stairs, and spy enviously the gallon carton of ice cream in the old man's hands. his breakfast. but not mine.

the love affair began early. how early i can't tell. but i'd imagine the old man had me tasting my first spoonful prior to my earliest memory. vanilla. chocolate. chocolate chip. mint chocolate chip. coffee. the list goes on indefinitely.

ice cream memories.

dairy queen after little league baseball.
claude's in cheshire.
the visit to ben and jerry's in vermont.
watching a movie downstairs in my parents' house.
holidays. slices of apple and pumpkin and blueberry pie beneath three delectable scoops, whipped cream, and hershey's syrup.
watching jeopardy in my grandparents' den.

ice cream as dinner or dessert.

ice cream smothered in chocolate syrup or caramel or honey. i love adding honey to ice cream.

ice cream topped with true whipped cream. not the aerosol can, but the tub of cool whip. mmm, cool whip.

oh, but there's one ice cream taboo for me. i just don't do it. never have liked it. fruity ice cream. strawberry and mango and cherry and such. no. just no. i'll do fruitarific sorbet or sherbert but not ice cream.

there's one. one flavor that tops the rest. i don't find it often. not every brand makes it. or markets it. it's not exotic. rather plain, to be honest. but i can't resist it.

fudge ripple. the perfect balance of vanilla and chocolate.

last time i had ice cream? two scoops two hours ago. mint chocolate chip with a splash of half and half and smothered in honey. mmm...

TD's Much Abbreviated Thursday Night NFL Pick - Steelers / Bagels

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh
Ocho Psycho benched. Probably good for the team. Enough to help give them an edge? Maybe if you take the Vegas handicap. Maybe. But doubtful even then. The Bagels only stand a chance because any team can win on any given day given the right conditions. Those conditions ain't favorable for the Bugles. TD chooses: Pittsburgh Steelers

Video of the Week: Star Trek Reboot

If you've seen Quantum of Solace legally, i.e. in a movie theater, you've seen this. I do not consider myself a Trekkie, Trekker, or Trekkist. I do, however, enjoy the movies. And this latest - whether you deem it XI or 0.5 - looks like a good one...

Macavity the Mystery Cat Threatens Suicide

We have cats. Two of them. Hemingway and Macavity. Good cats, overall. Generally quiet. Somewhat destructive, but not overly so. At least nowhere as destructive as the dogs. Laid back. Friendly. Nice cats.

So why haven't you shown their pictures, written about them, acknowledged that they exist, I hear Keren yelling at me. And all I can do is hang my head. I know, I say. But I look at her, and with full honesty admit that Joseph and I are dog people. Not fair to the cats, she rebounds. I know. But at 8 years of age, she realizes, there's no giving them away. They're set in their ways and content enough.

How we came to have the cats. What their situation is now. I'm not discussing either in this post. Instead, I'd like to discuss the first time Joseph and I became pet owners.

September 2002 as I recall. We lived in a small apartment at the corner of 8th and Stewart. Across from the Greyhound bus station. On a higher floor, though the exact number escapes me now. Pretty close to the top. The apartment consisted of a living room / dining room area, a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a bedroom. Nothing flashy. About 900 square feet.

It was evening. After work. We had eaten. I was sitting in the bedroom reading; Joseph was watching television.

Oh, before I get into it, we weren't supposed to have pets. None. No birds, hamsters, dogs, gerbils, guinea pigs, or cats. Why did we? Joseph saw a cute face on the internet. But that's for another post...

So, there I was sitting and reading. I was waiting for Macavity to come up on the bed and sit with me. That's the only time he'd come near us. A bit skittish, as it were. But he didn't come. I really didn't pay much attention, because I was into the book.

Suddenly... oh, right. I'm not prefacing too well this evening. We only had a few windows. Most of them only opened a crack to ensure the cats didn't try anything stupid. The only one that opened significantly was near the kitchen in the 'dining room' area. And it was hot that day. And hotter because we were enclosed in the city.

So, suddenly, I catch something out of the corner of my eye. I mean, it had to be a cat. I knew that. I figured it was one of the cats on the inside window ledge. They liked to walk behind the curtains, and then sit to monitor the goings on outside. I looked over and saw the reality of the situation... The cat was outside.

So, I said the first thing that came to mind. JOSEPH! I'm not really a yeller. And I'm not particularly dramatic. When I said his name as forcefully as I did, he jumped to and ran to the bedroom wondering what had happened. I said, more calmly than I felt, the cat's outside. And there he was on the ledge. Meowing away.

Our immediate thoughts? How do we get him back in? He's going to jump. Someone's going to find out we have cats.

What did we do next? We called him. A scared cat. We were begging him to come back in. He walked further down the ledge. Remember, he's skittish around people. And he won't come to them unless they're acting as if they're taking no notice of him. How the hell could we take no notice of him?

Next? Food. We grabbed a few treats and laid them on the ledge thinking Macavity would hop to. But cats are not dogs. They don't always want food. And they don't eat carpet, thank God.

Rapidly running out of ideas. Make that, rapidly ran out of ideas. He was too far down the ledge for us to reach him. He wasn't coming for the food. Neither of us could walk out on the ledge.

We therefore did the only other thing we could. The absolute last thing we wanted to do. And the most paradoxically perfect thing we could have done. We walked away. Joseph started watching television again, and I sat on the bed acting like I was reading. Both of us kept an eye on the window.

Soon, I saw a sneaky little figure walk back the way he had come. I moved to the bedroom window, alarming him enough to move closer to the living room window. We had him caught in the middle now. But Joseph still couldn't reach him.

We quickly switched positions; Macavity was closer to the living room window than to the bedroom window, and I had - and still have - longer arms. I opened the window further and leaned out until my entire torso was hanging off the building. I reached. To no avail.

Macavity had hunkered down on the ledge and wasn't moving. I had an idea.

It involved an umbrella.

I retrieved it from the room while Joseph stood guard at the bedroom window. Again, I leaned out the window with Joseph begging me to be careful. I extended the end of the umbrella with its hook around the cat's backside and proceeded to pull.

He could have jumped. Or hurried back along the ledge. I could have fallen. Or dropped the umbrella. Instead, I pulled him within arm's reach and snatched him from the ledge.

We closed all the windows that night and probably sweated like pigs. But we still had two cats.

November 17, 2008 - Stream of Consciousness

In my attempts to find a voice, a niche, a unique way of saying, hey look over here at the words that are coming out of my fingertips, I will be embarking on different expressions through language. Until now, my posts have been of the calm, cool, and collected variety. And you'll still see that. Perhaps even most of the time. But on some days, it just doesn't suffice. So, without further ado - or adieu to those who oppose ado - I give to you a stream into which you cannot step twice...

half and half. asleep awake. i have to pee. pee then. but too comfortable. but the peeing takes precedence. five ante meridian. back under the warm covers in the cold house. radio comes on five oh five ante meridian. oy. hit the button. back to sleep. dreams upon rooftops in old diners... the radio again. damn the double alarm system. oh the weather outside is frightful. isn't it november somethingteenth i ask my half and half self. yes yes but this station has begun it's all christmas all the time programming. unfreakingbelievable...

dogs cleo first who elbows her way past without elbows. buddy who speeds past and begins the leaping extravaganza. retrieve the bowls. buddy leaping. fill the bowls. buddy leaping. place the bowls on the ground. buddy leaping. he's all friggin ten lords a leaping. sit. the drool has somehow been flung from his lips to the middle of his back. how the hell... come in i say and they rush to the bowls. sitting. waiting. cleo stares at the food daring it to leave her bowl. buddy stares at me daring me not to say take it. TAKE IT, i utter. they go to town.

out to potty. in again.

cut the cheese... bagel. then mine too. pull the pasta that joseph'll eat. and some dried fruit and nuts. i am what i need. a fruit and nuts.

shower. fantasy football in which i've been decimated by a girl. mouthwash and socks on. pack the bag. pet the dog. floss and brush. shirt and jeans. no not those jeans. and belt and undershirt. not in that order and not simultaneously. but it all happened.

the car. the bus. sleepiness pervades. all those others. not me. too wound up about work. too many things that grab my attention. hitler setting up his war with the poles. just read about august thirty-one nineteen thirty-nine. same day my great aunt and uncle got married. both polish. but not in poland. thank goodness for mid-sized fruit snacks.

work. and it begins. pete summons. bminis. what are you working on he asks and i smirk and say nothing on the bmini list. none of it's important. so no resources he says. and i say i need no people.

on to what i call pm work. p is for project m is for murder. that's not right. management that's it. same difference. all that bureaucratic overhead that keeps people honest. all the stuff you'd forget about if there weren't this annoying voice saying did you do this and that and some other damn thing.

work on hca and ads ebn. acronyms run amok. hospital corporation of america and alliance data systems electronic bankruptcy noticing. yeah, a mouthful. and separate. clients. hca is one. ads is another. we're offering a service called ebn. no i won't explain it all here. no it doesn't make us any money. yes i know that's dumb. well, not dumb dumb since there's no real speaking involved but stupid dumb. suffice it to say i spent thirty some odd minutes doing stuff for these projects.

into the ads meeting. called scott in austin a developer. asked if we were ready to go to production monday. received some head nodding and a few flicks of the fingernails. inspiring future leaders is what it's all about for me. hello anyone home. lights were on at least. got most of my questions answered and moved on.

into the weekly deliverable review. a meeting we used to call a status meeting once upon a time when we all had a clue what was important and what wasn't. now it's a free for all come as you are spout about stuff don't expect anyone to listen jolly good time. i sit and listen for as long as i can or until i have another meeting which happened to be just thirty minutes later thanks for small favors.

to the ceo's office to talk about the lake mary venture. i run it. task list. action items. contacts. long term tasks. open questions. broken promises. silent auctions. all that happy stuff. successful meeting, methinks.

more pm work which in the middle of the day means i'm just trying to figure out if i'm still in seattle or if i've been transported to some odd planet like hoth kronos or mississippi.

at noon a meeting to determine our strategic direction. we call it strateejery. and boy were we stratejeric. or something. we talked about things at length. none of which i can disclose because it involves national security. wmds to be precise.

six sigma training debrief followed. we all debriefed. didn't think i worked for a bunch of nudists interested in process improvement huh.

had more meetings. won't bore you with the details. something having to do with attempting to choose balances for accounts because the owner of the accounts a really big BANK in the united states OF AMERICA doesn't know the balance themselves. inspiring huh. and there was another meeting about something that then lead to the star wars clone wars cartoon that i haven't watched. and then something about password protecting a spreadsheet that has a password that i can't mention that was the winner of the nineteen sixty-nine world series. and other stuff too.

i left because i did. and caught the bus. and read about hitler again. and got off the bus. and walked home. and let out the dogs. and sat down. and wrote in my attempts to find a voice a niche a unique way of saying hey look over here at the words that are coming out of my fingertips i will be embarking on different expressions through language. until now my posts have been of the calm cool and collected variety. and you'll still see that. perhaps even most of the time. but on some days it just doesn't suffice. so without further ado or adieu to those who oppose ado i give to you a stream into which you cannot step twice...

A Happy Wedding

We rolled out of bed at 10 a.m. A bit groggy from the night before. We considered our options. We could decide not to attend the wedding ceremony of our friends Marcus and Amy. Or we could get our tired selves together, buck up, and drive out to Snoqualmie. Thankfully, we chose the latter. One small problem: the wedding was at 11 a.m. and we were 45 minutes away.

Before I tell you about our trip east, let me tell you a bit about the now newlyweds. Joseph and I met Marcus three years ago on the softball field. Fall Ball 2005. We, the green team, took it to the other three teams that autumn. Marcus played first. His brother, Chris, played short. Joseph and I played the outfield. It was on the green team (money, money, money, mo... ney) that Joseph gave Marcus his nickname - MoTown - and Marcus gave me mine - D-Train.

When the regular season came around, Marcus, Joseph, and I joined the Dragons. We weren't good - we won only one game that year - but we had a lot of fun. And we grew close to Marcus and his brother Chris. Very cool people. Good people.

Marcus - for various reasons - did not return that second year to the Dragons. And to be honest, Joseph and I should have declined as well. We fell out of touch with Marcus, himself, keeping up to date with his comings and goings through his brother. But, that changed mid-softball season (2007) when MoTown appeared one Sunday looking to play for another team. Slimmed down and single - he had been dating one girl seriously the year before - MoTown approached Joseph and me with the intention of renewing our friendship. We didn't have to think twice.

Since then, we met his then girlfriend Amy as well as his parents and many of his friends. A good man who surrounds himself with good people.

Back to today...

We rushed to ready ourselves for the wedding. Dressy clothes, of course. I wiped the dust from my nice shoes and dug out the nice pants. I don't wear that stuff any more, at least not since we went to a casual workplace.

We jumped into the car and made our way to I-5. Made it all the way to Safeco and Qwest where we got caught in traffic. Multi car crash - not bad - smack dab in the middle of the freeway. Great. It was 10:45 by that time. Late.

I hate being late.

We still had a quick stop to make. Joseph had forgotten his wallet at a friend's house the night before. He never takes his full wallet for whatever reason. Just his ID and debit card. Except that he didn't take his debit card. Blah blah. In any case, we had a pit stop to make on Cap Hill. And then on to I-90. 11 on the dot. Sheesh.

We traveled into the east. Joseph commented to me, 'I forget how nice Washington is, at times.' Stuck in Seattle proper, we do forget. We pledged to step outside the city every so often. It was a beautiful trip. All 45 minutes of it. Tack on another 10 minutes because Google's directions were wrong and we arrived at noon.

Just in time to hear the pastor declare them husband and wife. We watched them kiss. And felt bad. Little did we know that we didn't need to feel bad. We were hardly the last to arrive.

Pictures, conversation, and the banquet itself followed. All wonderful. Always wonderful to see people celebrating the love they share for one another. And Joseph and I felt especially honored that we were invited, given that 90% of the attendees were Amy's family. They all lived in Washington. MoTown and his family were from Las Vegas by way of Detroit (thus MoTown). And many of his friends and family couldn't make it.

We ate good food.

I texted back and forth with my friend Sam who kept me updated regarding the Giants' win. And the Bears' loss. Sam's a Bears fan...

I ventured out to Chris's car for a quick Cape Codder. The banquet hall had only champagne.

We listened as the Maid of Honor and Best Man toasted - and roasted - the bride and groom.

We ate cake with rich fondant.

And finally, we watched as Marcus and Amy had their first dance. A sight to see, I might add. They began dancing to a Luther Vandross song. I forget which. In the middle of the song, it sounded like the CD was skipping. But no, it was planned. Brick House started playing; Marcus and Amy proceeded to treat us to a choreographed duet on the dance floor. There was another pause when they finished, and the Luther song started playing again. But that wasn't the end. The CD began skipping yet again, much to Amy's surprise. Marcus's brother Chris - a dancer - and three other guys approached the dance floor and did a Janet Jackson-esque dance routine. They then pulled Marcus onto the dance floor, who joined in. All of it obviously planned. And all of it just perfect.

We said our goodbyes after that first dance. Both exhausted and with chores to do - Costco and car cleaning followed - Joseph and I took our leave and wondered if we should consider such an occasion for ourselves...

TD's Official NFL Picks - Week 11

The very brief version based on the fact I've worked almost 60 hours this week and I need to get these in before tomorrow's 10 a.m. kickoffs...

Bears @ Packers - A Norse division battle in Lambeau Field. Doesn't get much better than this. TD chooses: Packers

Texans @ Colts - Peyton picks 'em apart. TD chooses: Colts

Saints @ Chiefs - Arrowhead's getting cold. Thigpen may be the answer. TD chooses: Chiefs

Ravens @ Giants - I don't like the Ravens. For so many reasons. I still dislike the Cow-dingbats more. TD chooses: Giants

Broncos @ Falcons - Falcons keep to their winning ways. Broncos don't. TD chooses: Falcons

Lions @ Panthers - Poor Lions. TD chooses: Panthers

Vikings @ Bucs - The QB situation in Tampa's just getting interesting. TD chooses: Vikings

Raiders @ Dolphins - Al Davis must go. TD chooses: Dolphins

Iggles @ Bagels - Bagels suck. Well, no, not the bagels you eat. I like connamon raisin, myself. The other Bagels in Oiho. TD chooses: Iggles

Cardinals @ Seachickens - Hasselback returns. TD chooses: Seachickens

Rams @ 49ers - Yuck! TD chooses: Rams

Chargers @ Steelers - TD chooses: Steelers

Cowboys @ Redskins - Romo returns. Close but no cigar. TD chooses: Redskins

Browns @ Bills - Another winning Monday night matchup. TD chooses: Bills

Pick of the Week
Titans @ Jaguars - Bad blood here. Conference matchup. Can the Jags challenge? Yes. Will they? No. TD chooses: Titans

Mere Minutes: Instant Messaging

There I was at work. Desperately trying to juggle about 17 different things simultaneously in my supersized cubicle. When, all of a sudden, a blue box pops up with a name I recognize. Ttarasiewicz. The father of one of my best friends from high school. He had added me to IM a couple years back - to my surprise - and we had had a few conversations over the years. I'd get the latest news about Mike and where he was being deployed as well as tidbits about the rest of the family. Refreshingly nostalgic moments...

Today, I received the message 'wut up'. Obviously not a sixty-something year old man. 'Howdy' I answered. At first, I thought it was one of Mike's two brothers. Not people I knew - or know -well, but people with whom I'd spoken from time to time. But then he started talking about grampy and nana. Well, that definitely didn't fit since I know that this young man was talking about Mike's father and mother.

I delved a bit deeper. Asked him what he was doing. Playing Grand Theft Auto 4. Although not necessarily an indicator, I guessed him to be in high school. He asked what game system I have. I answered that I'm a computer guy. World of Warcraft is my game of choice. He told me that one of his high school teachers plays that, and that it's a geek's game. I responded that many thought me a geek. I asked him which high school. He replied, Sheehan. I'm sorry, I said. I am, after all a Lyman Hall grad. And Lyman Hall hates Sheehan. I asked him how he could be going to Sheehan when living so close to LH. He said he was living with Grampy and Nana temporarily.

We moved on. He told me Mikey was being deployed to Afghanistan. After two deployments to Iraq, he was going back again. Wow, I thought. And then he told me that Nana was having her knee replaced. And finally that Grampy, Nana, and Steve (one of Mike's brothers) said hello.

I told him that it was nice to hear about Wallingford. And that I said hello. I then began to wax poetic about how it's been more than six years since I'd seen any of them.

There came a pause.

Then, he said, 'But didn't we see you July 4th?' I replied, 'I'm not the one you saw July 4th.'

He said, 'David?' And I said, 'David... from Seattle.'

At which point he butchered my last name based on what I imagine to be a response from someone else in the room. Mike's father then took over and asked me who I was. To which I replied with my full name. And he told me that couldn't be right since the e-mail address belonged to his nephew, David. To which I replied that I had had the address since 1995.

Another pause. 'Do you mean that I've been talking to you for two years thinking that you're my nephew? What a dumb Pollak I am.'

I responded, 'Yes, but I'm Polish too. I've been talking to you for two years thinking that you knew who I was.'

We laughed a bit at the misunderstanding and wished each other well.

The oddities behind anonymity...

TD's Much Abbreviated Thursday Night NFL Pick

New York Jets @ New England
The biggest Jets game since that win against San Diego in the playoffs. Can they pull it off with Brett the Jet against an injured Patsies team? Steve, the eminent Jets guru, says it's now or never. Maybe not, but close. TD chooses: New York Jets

Revenge of the Disposal

Three days ago, I cheerily boasted of a successful home improvement project. Joseph and I had successfully installed a garbage disposal...

Tonight, the disposal had its revenge. Karma blitzkrieged me.

Joseph cooked. He always cooks, much to his bipolar delight and chagrin. And I couldn't even call it cooking this evening. He put a few pieces of frozen chicken and tater tots into the oven. He subsequently delivered said victuals to our dinner trays in the living room and commenced watching America's Next Top Model. No, I'm not a fan. Yes, Joseph is. The girls were strutting in Amsterdam this week; that's all I know.

After we each finished our respective meals, I seized the plates and placed them on the kitchen counter. It was at that moment that I had remembered it; the dishes in the dishwasher were clean. I opened the dishwasher and began extracting plates and bowls and utensils and tupperware and such. All soaked. Well, not soaked, soaked. But certainly wetter than usual. I looked down at the door and noticed the Jet Dry indicator was empty. That must be the reason, I thought to myself.

I thus continued with the extraction and then began the rinsing and insertion of the dirty dishes. Only a few. When I had finished, I inadvertently glanced at the bottom of the dishwasher and saw that there lingered stagnant, soapy water. My nose immediately noticed the oddly pungent odor emanating: cleanly refuse is the best way to describe it.

Do you know what the problem was? Well, I certainly didn't.

I rather dramatically announced to Joseph that something was wrong with the dishwasher. Joseph initially stated that it was the garbage disposal. I didn't disagree, but I couldn't see the connection. Still, it made sense.

We started talking about the warranty and a plumber and all that jazz. Still, I needed to consult with my trusty, dusty office tool. The Internet.

The google entry was simple. 'Dishwasher won't drain'. I believe in the KISS principle. First item returned: "Got a Dishwasher that Won't Drain? Here's How to Troubleshoot the Problem". Click. And there, on the second paragraph from the bottom on the first page, was my explanation.

I sighed heavily and moved to my file cabinet. I yanked the drawer open and rummaged through the hanging folders. I came to the set of user manuals. For the fan that we threw out a year ago. For the vacuum that died two years ago. For the TV that's still working in the living room. For the iron. For the Xbox. For the Insinkerator Badger 5 Garbage Disposal.

I stalked to the kitchen and unfolded the map-like instructions on the kitchen counter. Joseph pointed to it. The box with the big octagon-stop sign shaped illustration where it says: 'Stop and Read'. I hadn't. Until then. And it said, if you need to attach a dishwasher turn the disposer on its side and insert screwdriver into dishwasher inlet. What it doesn't say - but what it shows - is that you have to hammer the screwdriver into that inlet until the tiny plastic piece called the knockout plug gets - well - knocked out.

We did that. And I ran the dishwasher. And it drained. And I cursed all home improvement projects with their tiny blasted pieces of dark green plastic blocking water across the globe...

Video of the Week: A Chicken's Expired Coupon

There's never really a good reason to offer this clip. Then, again, there's never a bad reason either. If you feel like wasting two minutes of your life just staring a screen - hell, most of us do that for much more than two minutes a day - watch this and chuckle...

A Look Back: The Reason I Don't Fish

It was 20 years ago; I was all of 11.

I'd been fishing a few times up to age 11. The old man had taught my brother and me how to search for the nightcrawlers; then we'd venture to Black Rock Lake at the crack of dumb in the morning and fish. I caught loads of Sunnies. But not much else. I enjoyed the time spent with the old man and the silence offered by the calm lake, but waiting for fish to ensnare themselves on my hook was tedious. Still, I wasn't opposed to fishing; I was indifferent.

Soon after my parents divorced, my mother met her first boyfriend. A guy by the name of Mike. Nice enough. Liked beer. One of those guys who's somewhat awkward around kids, but who wants to impress them with his skills. It didn't help that I was awkward around everyone at that point, including him.

Mike announced to my mother one day that we should go fishing. All of us. My mother whom I've never seen - before or since - lift a fishing pole, my brother, Mike, and I. And we weren't going to go at the crack of dumb like my father had taught but during the middle of the day when there were no fish whatsoever. Although I didn't want to go, I appeased my mother and packed myself into his car. Off we went.

I don't particularly remember where we went. But I know we were alone. Standing on a large rock - a boulder, if you will - overlooking the body of water. All of us cast. And I remember catching nothing. All the fish had buried themselves deep beneath the sun's rays.

Then it happened. Mike pulled from the placid lake a good-sized fish. I stepped onto the rock to take a look at our only catch of the day. I looked down to get my footing and then back up. What did I see staring me in the face but a whiskered fish face wriggling. It gave me such a start that I lost my footing and plummeted a whole three feet into the water. Mike, my mother, and my brother froze, wondering if I was hurt. But when I stood - it was very shallow - I heard the first sputter burst from my brother's mouth. Followed by the flowing laughter of Mike and my mother.

Alas, I wasn't a particularly good sport back then. I stalked off to be alone, feeling utter humiliated, not to mention soaking wet. Fishing for me had been stymied.

I won't say I haven't been fishing since - although I can't imagine I've fished more than a couple times since then - but I lost any inkling I might have had.

A New Garbage Disposal

It's been two to three months. That's all. I noticed that the bottom of the cabinet under the sink was damp. It had even warped the wood a bit. I immediately retrieved a crappy towel from the linen closet and put it under the leak. My idea of home improvement...

It's not altogether terrible, though also not something about which I am proud. It started as a very slow leak. Drip..... Drip. I changed out the towel every couple weeks when it became too damp and 'fragrant' with the microscopic bits of ground food items.

As with anything that has a leak, the garbage disposal only had a finite amount of time. The Drip..... Drip became a Drip.. Drip and then a concerted Drip, Drip. I had to change out the towel a couple times a week to stop from warping the wood anymore. And then the time came. The Drip, Drip became a trickle each time I used the disposal. No amount of towelling would suffice.

Now, before I continue, let me wax unpoetically about my utter lack of ability with home improvement projects. Take, for instance, the kitchen. When we first bought the house, we knew that the kitchen needed an overhaul. The dark wood. The orange formica countertops. And all the innards of the cabinets felt sticky. It was a kitchen right out of 1981 especially since it looked as though the kitchen had not been changed since the house was built, i.e. 1981. So, Joseph and I got to work. With the help of our friend John, we tore down some drywall and tore out some cabinets. We followed up with the installation of some of the new cabinets, but we came to a screeching halt when we were faced with plumbing, electricity, and the remaining cabinets. The tension built within the household. Washing dishes in the bathtub and storing dinnerware in boxes got old rather quickly. Not to mention the constant pall of gray and brown dust that lingered in the house. We wallowed in our half finished kitchen for about 6 months until we called someone for help. Yes, that was worse.

Then there was the master bathroom. Just after we had the house re-sided and re-windowed, there came a leak in the master bathroom. It was the hose that connected to the toilet. But this hose was no ordinary hose that you could just replace. It was connected directly to the shutoff valve; in other words, we couldn't replace the hose unless we also replaced the shutoff valve. My solution? Electrical tape and a towel. Well, that didn't go far. It wasn't long before I just shut off the valve and we used the hall bathroom for all our needs. That 'temporary' fix lasted about nine months. Yes, nine months. Then we had someone come in and redo the entire bathroom. Especially since we had been told at the initial inspection that there was a significant leak coming from that master bathroom in the first place.

We thus return to the trickling garbage disposal. I put it on the list of things to do this weekend. Joseph and I would venture to Home Depot and buy a disposal of the same make and model. An In Sinkerator Badger 5. We purchased the unit and made our way back home.

The going was rough at the beginning. We staged our normal home improvement arguments. But we settled and moved forward. The hard wiring. The correct attachment of the disposal to the sink. When the time came, we turned on the circuit. And then the water valves. We tested the unit and saw no leak. The bottom of the cabinet was somewhat warped, but dry.

Joseph and I looked at each other and claimed a small victory. We had finally had the patience and wherewithal to achieve our first home improvement victory.

These are the times when I could use the old man, I'll tell ya. A jack of all trades, he.

NFL Picks Revisited

We have come to the 10th week and that means checking in on the choices my uncle and I made before the first week. How well did we fare? What would I change? Who's really going to make the Super Bowl?

If the playoffs were determined today, who would be the teams? Who did we choose? And who would I say will be the actual winners?

AFC East:

Uncle Mark Initial: New England

TD Initial: New England

Playoffs Started Today: New England

By Season's End: New England

AFC North:

Uncle Mark Initial: Cleveland

TD Initial: Cleveland
Playoffs Started Today: Pittsburgh
By Season's End: Pittsburgh

AFC South:

Uncle Mark Initial: Jacksonville
TD Initial: Jacksonville

Playoffs Started Today: Tennessee

By Season's End: Tennessee

AFC West:

Uncle Mark Initial: San Diego
TD Initial: San Diego

Playoffs Started Today: Denver

By Season's End: Denver

AFC Wildcards:

Uncle Mark Initial: Pittsburgh and Indianapolis
TD Initial: Pittsburgh and Indianapolis

Playoffs Started Today: Baltimore and New York

By Season's End: Buffalo and San Diego

NFC East:

Uncle Mark Initial: Dallas
TD Initial: Dallas

Playoffs Started Today: New York

By Season's End: New York

NFC North:

Uncle Mark Initial: Green Bay
TD Initial: Minnesota

Playoffs Started Today: Chicago

By Season's End: Minnesota

NFC South:

Uncle Mark Initial: Tampa Bay
TD Initial: Carolina

Playoffs Started Today: Carolina

By Season's End: Carolina

NFC West:

Uncle Mark Initial: Seattle
TD Initial: Seattle

Playoffs Started Today: Arizona

By Season's End: Arizona

NFC Wildcards:

Uncle Mark Initial: Minnesota and Philadelphia
TD Initial: New York and New Orleans

Playoffs Started Today: Tampa Bay and Washington

By Season's End: Tampa Bay and Washington

Super Bowl:

Uncle Mark Initial: San Diego V. Dallas
TD Initial: San Diego V. Dallas

By Season's End: Pittsburgh V. New York

TD's Official NFL Picks - Week 10

Welcome to Week 10, the last weekend for the Byes. Fantasy Footballers - well some - are pleased. And we have some idea who could go all the way - real life and fantasy. Thursday night football has begun, and I must therefore catch the game at a bar or on the internet.

In football news, Stephen Jackson won't be playing against the Jets. And Willie Parker's out against Indy. The Iggles come up against a familiar NFC East foe. The Broncos lose another tailback. Rex gets to play just in time for the only remaining undefeated team to come to his town. And so much more news. But we'll get to that...

Thursday
See Denver @ Cleveland

Sunday
Baltimore @ Houston
Did you know it's both Baltimore's and Houston's bye week? Well, that it was scheduled to be, anyway... They can thank Ike for the fact that they're playing tomorrow. Perhaps a good thing for the Ravens. Perhaps not so good for the Texans. Baltimore has put together a 3-game winning streak behind Joe Flacco. Houston has lost Schaub yet again, making way for the Sage. Sure, Flacco will make mistakes, but I don't think Rosenfels will come up roses. TD chooses: Baltimore Ravens

Green Bay @ Minnesota
Week 1. Green Bay massacred the Vikes. They won't do that again. GB, for one, has had some issues finding a rhythm. Yes, they almost beat the Titans. But, almost with its horseshoes, hand grenades, and global thermo-nuclear war still means Tennessee is undefeated. And more importantly, the Pack only scored 16 points. Meanwhile, the Vikings have rejuvenated under the unexpected leadership of Gus. Who'd o' thought? Well, one thing's for certain; one of these teams will be that much closer to - if not tied with - Chicago after this weekend. Which one? TD chooses: Minnesota Vikings

Tennessee @ Chicago
Almost the pick of the week. An intriguing matchup. Tennessee has some weak links, but they win all the same. Chicago has the ultimate weak link starting this week in King Rex. Can the Chicago D stuff the Titan running game and make Collins try to beat them by air? If so, it'll be a close game. If not, Tennessee walks to another win. Oh, and there's Rex too. Chicago would be smart to have him manage the game like Collins does - if he can. TD chooses: Tennessee Titans

Buffalo @ New England
I've just read that New England has beaten Buffalo 14 out of 16 times since Belichick took over the team. That's as close to complete domination as I've seen. But this year's a little different; both teams sit at 5-3. Both lead the AFC East - with the Jets up there too. And there's no Tom Brady. that certainly evens the matchup. Unfortunately, the Bills haven't done so well against the other AFC East teams. Losses to Miami and New York in their last 2 games is disappointing, to say the least. And yet, the Patsies just lost to conference rival Indy. This game will be about emotion, I think. Who wants it more... TD chooses: Buffalo Bills

Jacksonville @ Detroit
OK, I'm sorry, but I have to harp on the past. Cincinnati? Really? This was supposed to be the easy part of their schedule. That which made up for the earlier part of their season and made the Jags contenders for the playoffs. Now? Eh. They better win this game. Everyone should win against Detroit. But people better realize that no game is a complete cake walk. I don't think the Jags will make the mistake again. TD chooses: Jacksonville Jaguars

New Orleans @ Atlanta
An interesting game even if not necessarily two of the top contenders in the NFC. New Orleans can't seem to get all of their offensive weapons on the field at the same time. And they can't seem to get the D to play much either. Atlanta has done significantly better than expected. The name Vick has more to do with abused pitbulls than it does with flying falcons. But, we must also note that three of those wins came against KC, Detroit, and Oakland. I personally despise calling any game in which New Orleans is involved because they're so inconsistent. Nonetheless, it must be done. TD chooses: New Orleans Saints

Seattle @ Miami
No Hasselbeck. Injured receivers - though Branch might play this weekend. Struggling Seneca. A stronger than expected Dolphins team. Finally, the most important stat. Seattle makes their longest possible trip to visit another team in Miami. Did I mention they rarely win when they go east? TD chooses: Miami Dolphins

St. Louis @ New York Jets
If this were the Rams of Linehan, I'd choose the Jets hands down. But these Rams are a newer, more competitive team that no team can take for granted. Then you have the Jets. Tied atop the AFC East partly thanks to Brett the Jet, they have a certain Favrian aura surrounding them. Even when they do poorly, they can still pull it together and win. There's one wildcard in this game. His name is Darby. The starting running back for the Rams in place of the injured Stephen Jackson. I think this might be the difference in the game. TD chooses: New York Jets

Carolina @ Oakland
Oakland's terrible. There's no other way to say it. As long as Al Davis has any decision making power and no one who can communicate with him, this team is doomed. The only way Carolina loses is if they just don't show up to play. TD chooses: Carolina Panthers

Kansas City @ San Diego
I would like to take a moment to convey the following useless stat. The western divisions in both conferences are a combined 22-43. They have lost almost twice as many games as they have won. Only 2 of the teams have a winning record. One of those teams is the Arizona Cardinals. What is wrong with the west? Case in point, there's this game. KC? Dysfunctional and injured. Let's see how they do in 2010. Even more surprising is San Diego. Why are they 3-5? (Because they only won 3 of their 8 games.) Still... I chose them to be in the Super Bowl. Oh well. TD chooses: San Diego Chargers

Indianapolis @ Pittsburgh
Once a heavyweight matchup, this game has dwindled a bit. Similar to last week's Indy-New England game. Still, both teams are in the thick of the playoff hunt thus making this game important. Does Indy have what it takes to go into Pittsburgh and take them down? Umm... Does Pittsburgh have what it takes to knock Indy's block off even without Willie? Maybe... Maybe's stronger than umm. TD chooses: Pittsburgh Steelers

Monday
San Francisco @ Arizona
What a horrendous Monday night game. Who thought this would be a good game? I mean, there was no indication of it last year. There's absolutely no reason for this game to be a primetime game. Fine, I'll stop the rant. San Fran sucks. And they have little to no direction. Arizona has direction and a pretty potent offense. Did I say that this game really sucks as a primetime game? TD chooses: Arizona Cardinals

Pick of the Week
New York Football Giants @ Philadelphia
For those of you who read these weekly picks, you'll notice that I've chose the Giants game three weeks running as the pick of the week. And you might think it's because I'm a homer. I mean, I could have chosen the New England V. Buffalo game. Or the Tennessee V. Chicago matchup. Even Indy V. Pittsburgh has its air of significance. But for all of you who are football fans, is there really a better potential game than this? The Giants - who have played a relatively easy schedule to this point - can prove that they're on track to reach far into the playoffs yet again. The Iggles - who have been surging in the past couple weeks - can prove that they're ready to play with all the big boys. I'd pick the Jints hands down except it's in Philly on primetime. McNabb plays rather well in primetime. And Westbrook's a Jints killer. Something tells me to choose Philly. But I won't... TD chooses: New York Football Giants

Video of the Week: The Concession

I reclined on the bed in my hotel room in Florida unable to sleep. I decided to turn on the television and saw John McCain take the stage in Arizona. He began his concession speech to multiple boos. But he raised his arms and quieted them. He continued with his words and gave what is one of his most eloquent speeches. I commend him for his civility and nobility. On this day, I suggest you listen to his words:

The First Thursday NFL Game of 2008 - TD's Pick

JB just informed me that this is the first week for NFL games on Thursday. It had completely slipped my mind. Although I have not yet tallied last week's results and although I have not the time for the entire list of picks, I will take a brief 5 minutes to call tonight's game.

Denver @ Cleveland
Brady Quinn makes his first start. That's the story of this game. A spark or a sputter. Can he make something happen tonight, or is this just a wave of the future for the Brownies. Meanwhile, the Broncos bring their struggling team into the Dawg Pound to keep their lead in the disappointing AFC West. I think Quinn will come to play, but he'll make a rookie mistake or two that allows the Broncos to capitalize. TD chooses: Denver Broncos

That's all for now. The rest of the picks will be coming in the next couple days.

Florida to Seattle

Rather dark. Outside, that is. Very different from Florida at this moment. We haven't even reached 5 p.m. yet. But this is Seattle, after all, and that's the way of things...

I suppose I could say that I started today unable to sleep. I intended on going to bed early to wake up early. But that wasn't happening. So I stayed up and watched the election results. I watched McCain's very gracious speech. And Obama's rather eloquent speech. By the time I turned off the television, it was 12:45 a.m. ET. And I had to be down in the lobby by 6:15 a.m.

The next thing I know my cell phone is vibrating on the small dresser next to me. I look at the clock. 6:15 a.m. Ah @#$%! Hello? You ready, I hear from one of the bigwigs. Umm, yeah, be right down. Thank God I packed last night, I think to myself. Like a whirlwind, I throw on clothes and fly out the door just 10 minutes after the call. The three bigwigs are waiting by the car grinning at my tardiness. Tired and late and feeling rather doltish, I stepped inside the mini-van.

We got to the airport on time, ate, and boarded. I had a row to myself. With a screaming, kicking two-year old behind me. Didn't matter much as I have never been able to sleep on planes. Just a few meditative eye-closings was all. And a lot of The Lord of the Rings for the umpteenth time.

I reflected a bit on my visit. Experience in the corporate world. Seeing my mother. An anti-climactic visit to Disney World. Eating bison. Watching the Obama landslide. Waking up late. Quite a visit, if I may say so.

We returned at noon and drove back to the office. I was greeted with the usual suspects asking multivariate questions multitudinously. I smiled and nodded at most. Organized my e-mail. Not terrible, but lots of action items for me. I spammed God knows how many people with meeting requests for the next 3 months. I updated SharePoint pages. I answered instant messages. And now, I'm just about out of steam. Greasy and tired and approaching brain-dead.

No complaints though. Altogether worth the experience, methinks. What's next, I wonder...

Florida Day Three

Here I sit watching the talking heads talk. Wolf Blitzer. Anderon Cooper. William Bennett. James Carville. Obama now has more than 200 electoral votes. Democrats have drubbed the Republicans again in both houses. And I'm tired. Because today was all about work.

Woke up at 6:15 ET. That's 3:15 PT for all you who are just getting to work. Worked out. Made it down to the lobby at 7:45. Checked the restaurant. No one there. Waited in the lobby. My party eventually made it down. Three high level officers from my company. Two from Lone Star. We ate breakfast. An interesting conversation at which to be a fly on the wall. And yet there I was. Didn't understand about a quarter of it. And then just listened to the rest.

Left at 8:45 and arrived at the office at 9. Accredited Home Lenders, the name of the company. Originally, an originator of sub-prime mortgage loans. Suffice it to say, they aren't originating anymore. We walked through the front two doors and proceeded to our left, passing cubicles of people. We veered right into the conference room. Nice chairs. Overall, a nice office.

The very knowledgeable site manager walked us through the office. At first, we saw a group of men and women working busily. We passed the front doors and saw a slew of open cubicles. No, it wasn't a slew, it was a ridiculous empty space. In all, this office, which can seat 250 people, houses only about 50. That leaves 80% of the office left empty. Demoralizing.

We made our way back to the office and proceeded to have meeting after meeting. Some with people on the phone. Other with people in the office. How to integrate our initiative into this empty office. How to make it profitable. Money, money, money, money...

I spent the day writing. It is said that scribes were historically not as important as their leaders. Well, I spent the day as 'not as important'. No problem. Unlike in history, scribes can now work themselves into positions where they are the leaders.

But that's what I did. I wrote.

The day ended. I cannot yet say whether it was a success. That will depend entirely on the outcome. Today was just the beginning.

We departed in good spirits and proceeded to have a good dinner at a restaurant called Fish Bones. I had a Bison Ribeye Steak. Tasty, though too much fat.

And up here into the hotel. My last night. I have packed. I can't say I'm particularly looking forward to returning to work. I am, however, looking forward to seeing Joseph, the pups, and the kitties. It's time to go home...

But, for now, I will watch as history is made and Obama - seemingly - will take the presidency.

Florida Day Two

I sit in a chair in my hotel room wondering how to write this entry. I could choose to be less than honest and tell you that today went swimmingly. Instead, I'll compose some of what these two eyes witnessed.

I awoke with a headache at 7 a.m. Just 5 hours after I had finally fallen asleep. I marched to the curtains and pulled them shut, putting an end to the light that shone through. I slept a bit longer and arose at 9. A crick in the neck from the puffy pillows. Nevertheless it was time.

I received a call at approximately 9:15. My mother. They would arrive at about 11:30. Enough time for me to work out a bit and have some breakfast.

When 11:30 rolled around, I descended through the bowels of the hotel and walked into the lobby. There sat Dave and Mom. Dave had the look of Uncle Dennis, at first glance, with a row of pristine teeth. Mom looked altogether too pale and out of sorts. An odd look for a woman who had - as recently as two years prior when I saw her last - been a more energized woman.

We walked over to an Asian restaurant and ate lunch together. Dave asked me a bunch of questions. Getting to know me. Mom, meanwhile, sat in virtual silence seemingly staring into the ether. Dave sipped his gina and tonic. I swallowed my iced tea - unsweetened - in gulps.

I watched mom. Wondering what to say or how to say it. Feeling an odd sensation in my gut. How could this happen in a matter of two years?

After the meal, they decided to treat me to a day at one of the Disney parks. I chose Hollywood - formerly known as MGM. Rides are better, Dave said.

We drove down I-4. Dave made the comment that I and my mother didn't have much to say to each other. And, I suppose we didn't. But our conversation has never been a forced sort of thing. It just happens when it happens.

I asked her if she was baking cakes or playing the guitar. No to both. Just very tired. All the time.

We arrived at the park and we started through. Mom couldn't keep up. As she said, she was walking half speed. Pale as ever. Unsteady.

Doesn't the doctor have any clue, I asked her multiple times? No, not really, came her response. What is it then? What could this be?

I continued to watch and wonder. Having little to say. Wondering if there was something I could do. As she was dragged around the park from ride to ride.

The rides? Good as far as they went. The House of Horror, belly bottomed out. The Star Wars ride. Silly. The Aerosmith Roller Coaster. Closed my eyes through most of it. Almost lost my lunch within the first 20 seconds. The newest ride - some Toy Story themed activity - broke down as we were approaching - after an hour. Wouldn't be Disney without something breaking.

We left the park, and I felt awkward. Strange. Not right. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing my mother for the first time in a couple years. But, at the same time, I just wonder where my mother has gone. And if she can come back.

We drove home listening to All Things Considered on NPR. About how a third of the cruise ships can't actually dock in the new terminal set up for them in Shanghai. About the Tao te Ching. About the election over and over and over and over. I am in Florida after all.

When finally we arrived back at the hotel, I gave Dave a firm handshake and my mother a hug. I didn't turn back as I walked through the sliding doors.

I readied for dinner with some of my company's top level executives. Ironically, went to the same restaurant my mother, Dave and I had visited earlier. I listened as they spoke about the business. Names flew like rabid vultures. I sat and listened.

Now I'm back in the room. Watching Monday Night Football this late for the first time in a long time. Typing this blog entry on the eve of the election.

Time for bed.

Say a prayer for my mother. And for this country.

Florida Day One

Good Evening to those on the left coast and good morning to those on the least...

I've had a challenging task in attempting to connect to the Internet. I have succeeded, but at the cost of 1:30 a.m. ET.

That said, I shall disclose my tiny adventure:

Woke up 6:30 a.m. PT. Rummaged around. Not looking forward to leaving Joseph and the pups. I leave, though, because that's what whomever happens to need at the moment.

Arrive at the airport. Through security and on down to the terminal. Some round man attempting to feel important by getting us on a plane. I smile and walk to the left where all the non-important people are supposed to board.

Sitting on the plane in seat A. A windown seat. There is an Aryan in the row at seat C. He doesn't speak overly much.

I watch as the land passes by. Then read the Lord of the Rings. Then do some Fill-Ins. Listen to the iPod mini. Repeat the cycle. For 5 hours.

We arrive. I call Joseph. We talk for a while. Then I go to catch a cab.

Honestly, I have no idea how far this airport is from the hotel. A bald, black taxi driver approaches. Some vociferous white men tell him where to take me. We begin the journey. I watch the proce rise. I won't pay more than 40, I say to myself. It reaches 50 and I see if I can keep it under 75. He passes another exit at 80. I sigh. Give up, really. I watch as the meter rises. We finally stop close to 100. Plus tolls. Oy!

I walk into the hotel. A guy at the front desk sees me decked out in Giants garb. They're killin' 'em he says. I cheer quietly. Make my way up to the room. Watch the end of the game. Think it's 8 pm.

Make my way down to the bar. I get a few cracks about the Giants. I smile and nod. Yeah, they kicked Dallas' ass. Say whatever you want.

A guy shows up after a while. Nice guy. From Brooklyn. Has a wife and a kid in Miami. An accountant. Bought me a shot. We talked a bunch.

When going out to smoke, he discovered that there was a retreat of some kind here at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary. Of the Avatars. No clue. Haven't looked it up yet. From what he told me, they're seeking out their consciousness. Dunno...

We tired and came upstairs. I to my room to call Joseph and then to do some crunches. I work on the computer, and finally get a connection. Here it is...

And who knows when it will dissipate. Thus, I present to you... my first day in FLA.

Anticlimactic, huh?

TD's Official NFL Picks - Week 9

I've had little to no time to look at football this past week. Alas, I've caught but random snippets of the news about the matchups that I will miss when I'm venturing to Florida upon an airplane.

And so, I can't wax poetic with an extended preface this week. Instead, I'll cut the verbosity and move to the picks:

Arizona @ St. Louis
Kurt Warner returns to St. Louis for the third time since being cut by the team for which he won a Super Bowl. He's won twice before. And all indications are that he will win this one too. Standing in his way is an improving St. Louis team that could conceivably prove to be the Cardinals' best chance at an obstacle to becoming the NFC West Champs. After tough losses last week for both teams, I think this is going to be a hard fought affair; I just think one team has more going for it. TD chooses: Arizona Cardinals

Detroit @ Chicago
The LieDowns aren't quite ready to lie down yet. Don't look now, but I think Mr. Daunte Culpepper is soon to become their starting quarterback. But that's next week. This week, they have to play Chicago in Chicago. Yes, Chicago's secondary is questionable. But apart from that weak link, is there any other way for Detroit to pull it out? They have to play a perfect and inspired game. I don't see it this weekend. TD chooses: Chicago Bears

Green Bay @ Tennessee
If Tennessee is expecting a game, then I think they take it. If they underestimate the likes of Rodgers and Jennings, they could see their first loss. Green Bay comes off a bye as the co-leader in the NFC North. Tennessee comes off a strong showing - including a come back - against the Colts. What's the difference in this game? Green Bay hasn't done a good job running this year. I think it'll be close; TD chooses: Tennessee Titans

Houston @ Minnesota
The Textists have a 3-game winning streak for the first time in their history. Meanwhile, in the land o' lakes Leif and the D-boys are masking their alleged steroid use with some questionable steroid masking weight-loss diuretics. Minnesota, the team that was supposed to make the playoffs as the run-away winner of the NFC North. Not looking good. I believe that Vikes have the potential to be a good team, but again, like so many other teams, it falters because of chaos. TD chooses: Houston Texans

Tampa Bay @ Kansas City
A long time ago in a galaxy far away, Arrowhead was a solid home field advantage. Some of that has to do with its situation. But some of that has to do with a good team too. That, Kansas City does not have. Larry Johnson continues to suck the team into a vortex of crap. And no one else seems to be able to extract them. Then there's Tampa. An impressive season. Last year wasn't a fluke. A strong D. A better than average offense. This isn't much of a contest. TD chooses: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baltimore @ Cleveland
This is one of the most interesting matchups this weekend. Two teams that have no love for each other. Baltimore has a good D, a good running game, and an inconsistently better than average QB. Cleveland, I think, is doing better but still trying to find itself. You never know what kind of game the Brownies are going to give an opponent. And they have won 3 of 4 of their home games against the Ravens in the past 4 years. TD flips a coin and chooses: Cleveland Browns

Jacksonville @ Cincinnati
Yuck. Cincinnati's terrible. How many times have I said that? Relying on the aptly placed Cedric Benson, who gives them their best chance of running the ball. But otherwise, just yuck. Jacksonville, a good team that seems like it could be so much better. I just don't think they'll have too many problems against this Bagel team. TD chooses: Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Jets @ Buffalo
Buffalo loses a big game to Miami. New York wins a squeaker against KC. If I saw just those two sentences, I'd choose Buffalo to win this game. But the Bills have a few key injuries. And I think they're having a mid-season psychological crisis. The Jets have the illustrious and sloppy Brett the Jet plus a team that is actually believing in itself. Can they go into Buffalo and win? I say... TD chooses: New York Jets

Atlanta @ Oakland
Oakland. Got spanked by Baltimore. Offense is a mess. Defense is a mess. Janikowski on his way to the Raiders scoring title. When in doubt, there's kicking. Atlanta. Michael Turner is no Brian Westbrook... yet. Atlanta has a spark. No longer the dirty birds of old, this team comes out each and every week with winning on the mind. I feel myself favoring them in games. Not to mention the fact that Matt Ryan is my next attempt at having any kind of point-scoring fantasy QB on my team. TD chooses: Atlanta Falcons

Philadelphia @ Seattle
Seattle plays better at home. That's their only saving grace against a Philly team that - by all indications - will run them over. I can't think of a particularly good thing to say about the Seachickens; well, they did win last week - one good thing. As for Philly, Westbrook's a stud. No contest. TD chooses: Philadelphia Eagles

Miami @ Denver
Denver better watch it. Just like every other team in the league. Miami's scrappy. They're on the hunt for continued respect. Denver should win this game, really. They're playing at home. They have a good offense. They have a good enough D. But, every time I choose against Miami, I seem to regret it. For that reason, TD goes out on a limb and chooses: Miami Dolphins

New England @ Indianapolis
The story's all over the country. This game has lost its lustre. Yes, it has. No Brady. Hurt Manning. The teams a combined 8-6. Neither the sole possessor of first place in their respective divisions. What's the same about years past? Same coaches. Many of the same players. What does this mean? The coaches are winners, and they'll coach like this is a Super Bowl. The players are winners and they'll play like 'em. I think it'll still be a game to watch. Who will win? TD chooses: New England Patriots

Pittsburgh @ Washington
Another Steelers - NFC East matchup. The Jints barely took the injured Steelers last week. But a win's a win. This week, the Redskins will have to deal with the return of Willie Parker. But this isn't in PA. This is in the heart of DC. I don't think Tomlin lets this one slip by. TD chooses: Pittsburgh Steelers

PICK OF THE WEEK
Dallas @ New York Football Giants
I thought twice about choosing this as the pick of the week given the fact that I'd look like a homer picking the Giants game as pick of the week two weeks running. But when I spoke to friends, acquaintances, and random people on the street, they agreed that this game will be a telling game for the Jints. They showed they could play with a good team last week, certainly. First test passed. Now, the Jints face their first NFC East rival since week 1. And it's the Cowbums, the team they beat to get to the NFC Championship game last year. Differences in this game? It's in NY, a place where a win isn't as solid - strangely for the Jints. And it's lacking the likes of Romo, a plus for the G-Men. Without further ado, TD chooses: New York Football Giants

A Brief Word: The Vote

Joseph and I prepare to run errands, so I must make this short.

For those wondering where my weekly picks have gone, they'll be comin' round the mountain this evening...

As some of you know, I'm going to Florida tomorrow and I'm returning Wednesday. That means, of course, that I won't be here for the election. It also means I wouldn't have been here to vote. Since I do not vote by absentee ballot - as many in Washington do - I must vote in person.

I therefore left work early yesterday and headed down to Renton where sits the seat of elections in King County. As expected, the place was packed. I filled out the paperwork to vote electronically and began my stay in line. I brought a book, of course, but I must admit that I was rather too fascinated with the likes of the people. The complainers. The texters. The mothers with their six children. The barely-able-to-walk. The students. The little old women handing out candy. The mask-wearers (it was Halloween after all).

After a 45 minute wait, a plump woman came down the hall and called out for those who chose to vote electronically. I and six others - out of the 50 standing in the hallway - walked with her. In the early voting room, we found that there were, in fact, two ways to vote.

1. Vote electronically and have your ballot cast before your very eyes.

2. Vote by paper. This means sitting down at a desk with a nice young man and reviewing exactly what you need to do in order to fill out the paper ballot and put it in a box designated for voting.

I will never understand why people are so afraid of automation. Can the vote be lost in the electronic machine? Sure. But can't someone just choose not to acknowledge a written vote too?

In any case, while others waited 2-3 hours to vote, I was able to vote in just under an hour. And that suited me just fine.

Washington is talking about going to all absentee ballot. I'm not personally in favor because I think the vote is a communal activity. It's not a waste of our time to stand in line for a period of time and involve ourselves in government.

In any case, I can now disregard the political ads - thank God - and move on to Election Day when we'll discover who our next president will be. Among other elected officials.

Oh, and of course I voted for...

Did you think I'd actually tell?