How to leave the perfect voicemail. (0) #

In hopes of further reducing the current US political environment to playground taunts, the media keys on Bush saying “I’m the decision maker,” instead of bringing into context the whole speech. (0) #

Great article in the NYT about how maybe income inequality shouldn’t be as big a deal as some are making it out to be. (0) #

Put ‘em on notice! (0) #

US Presidential Speeches Tag Cloud; interesting stuff. (0) #

To Do

Posted by joe at 23:47 on 21 Jan 2007 to General

In the interest of trying to write more on here, I thought it would be good to write down some ideas, interests, and goals for the upcoming months:

  • Get myself a Nikon D200, along with a Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
  • Learn how to effectively use said purchases, maybe take a class or something
  • Not buy anymore books, and read the ones that I do have (which are numerous)
  • Post more frequently on here
  • Play more racquetball, including tournaments and a trip to Houston for National Singles
  • Continue reading The Wall Street Journal and The Economist
  • Figure out my living situation for after July 2007
  • Start investing more outside of my 401k
  • Take a couple trips to random spots for a weekend to visit with friends

I’m sure there are things I’m forgetting that are supposed to be there, and other items that will pop up. Plenty of my time will still be used to hang out with friends, lounge around the house, and do other things that aren’t on the list. But, it’s important to make lists once in a while…writing things down helps make them happen.

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A Note to ESPN

Posted by joe at 16:56 on 14 Jan 2007 to General

I’m all for making sure criminals are brought to justice. Sometimes the media helps with this, sometimes it doesn’t. And sometimes, the media turns out quotables that are just too classic:

In that same interview, the accuser also said she was no longer certain she had been penetrated vaginally by a penis, a necessary element of rape charges in North Carolina.

Courtesy of the fine folks at ESPN.com in this article.

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Vacation!

Posted by joe at 23:32 on 11 Jan 2007 to General

Since I didn’t update pretty much at all over my vacation, here we go….

Week of 12/18/2006

On Sunday, 12/17, I left from Detroit Metro on a charter flight to Aruba! My friend Pat and his new wife Lori got married there on the beach, and I was lucky enough to be in the wedding party. We stayed at the Tamarijn, which is in the low-rise hotel area of the island. We had an all-inclusive deal; food, drinks, hotel, and airfare were all part of our package. Quick itinerary/run-down of major events:

  • Tuesday: Wedding for Pat and Lori
  • Wednesday: Jolly Pirate ship, snorkeling and rope-swinging
  • Friday: Off-roading with Jeeps, went to the California Lighthouse, Natural Bridge, Gold Smelter ruin, fallen Natural Bridge, and the Natural Pool

When those events weren’t occuring, time was pretty much spent with a drink in my hand. I was joined by Shaun, Jess, and Kris for the late-night partying that happened…well….every night. I wasn’t alone on taking pictures for this trip; you can see all sorts of pictures from the trip in this gallery.

Overall, one of the best vacations I have ever been on. I would definately consider going to Aruba again…but not for a few years. It’s a great spot if all you want to do is lay on the beach, since Aruba doesn’t really have much else going on.

Week of 12/25/2006

I went to my parents house for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (pictures). My brother made it up from St. Louis, but only till Tuesday. So, it became my responsibility to drive him back to Detroit Metro for his 11:00 AM flight. Not a big deal, since I was about ready to head back home. I think that’s about it.

On Sunday (New Year’s Eve), Pat and Lori had a wedding reception in Kalamazoo (pictures). Some might question the wisdom of a wedding on NYE, but I really thought it was a good idea. It seemed like everyone had a good time….this could be because I was happy drunk that night :-)

Week of 01/01/2007

Recovering from the New Year’s Eve celebration involved drinking more beer at lunch in Bennigan’s in Kalamazoo. Jess had gone to work there earlier in the day, so Kris had the bright idea that we should go there to hang out and get some food. Kris and Shaun didn’t want to drink beer with me (not rock stars), and since Shaun drove, he really wanted to go home to Royal Oak. I didn’t. So, I convinced Jess that she should drive me to Lansing. This worked out well.

The rest of the week was spent recovering and relaxing. I think I had Thai food twice, had some drinks with friends, and got things organized around the house and my room.

All in all, it was a great vacation….

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For the ladies: How to Exit a Car Without Flashing Everyone. (0) #

Real Life “Bambi & Thumper” (0) #