OLD BLOGWhen and Where Does this Real World Begin?

2004-11-27T01:30:00.000-06:00

[posted by Troy] Dude, I said that we moved. Stop reading this blog and go to our new blog.

2004-03-28T23:24:00.000-06:00

We've Moved! [posted by Troy] This will mark the last post to our blogspot site. We have stepped up to something a bit better:When and Where.... Stop by and check us out. Leave a comment with us!!!

2004-03-28T11:11:00.000-06:00

Category: Things that shouldn't have been created [posted by ZelderBar]

2004-03-27T09:26:00.000-06:00

Beer Du Jour: From Heather & Josh [posted by ZelderBar] Last evening, I enjoyed a supple brew, which was a birthday gift from my cousins Heather & Josh. It's called TommyKnocker Maple Nut Brown Ale from the Tommyknocker Brewery in Idaho Springs, Colorado. This lead me to wonder, what in the name of starbuck is a "Tommyknocker?" Naturally, I've heard of Stephen King's Tommyknockers, but that really doesn't tell me much. Using one of my library's reserach databases I came across an article from the Saturday Evening Post that says:

"The Tommyknockers came to California with the Cornishmen in the latter days of the Gold Rush, and there were those who swore they'd seen them then--wizened little men scarcely a foot high who knocked on tiny anvils with hammers the size of darning needles to warn the miners of impending disaster. "Knackers" they were called in Cornwall, kin of the elves and the sprites. It is said their origin goes back in a folk memory to some ancient, forgotten race forced by the first Celt invasions to hide in the moorlands and the cliffs; but when John Wesley rode his horse from one Cornish village to another, there were still many who believed they were those who crucified our Lord, destined to work out their doom forever deep in the dark earth." (Craven, Margaret. "The tale of the Tommyknockers." Saturday Evening Post. 266:4 (Jul/Aug 1994): 42-51.

There are still people out there who claim to have seen tommyknockers (see "Waking the Tommyknockers") out knockin' in local mines. I figure if you drink enough maple Nut Brown Ale, your chances of seeing a Tommyknocker increase.

2004-03-26T17:44:00.000-06:00

Burns and Erickson (Jason & Malone that is) [posted by Kim] Take a look at this photo of Jason with Malone at the park, taken by Katie or Chad when Jason was out visiting. I just finally checked my e-mail to find it waiting for me. What an adorable shot. =)

2004-03-26T09:28:00.000-06:00

Most Illinoisians Don't Realize Our "Anarchist" Past [posted by ZelderHistorian] People from around the world visit a concrete statue in a cemetery in Forest Park Illinois which was put up in honor five men sentenced to death by the state of Illinois. These men were convicted of starting a riot in Haymarket Square, despite the fact that several men were not present. They were labor organizers fighting McCormick Reaper to give their workers an 8 hour work day (reducing hours per day from around 10 or 12). In 1893 Govenor John P. Altgeld pardoned the 5 men convicted (which didn't do much good for the ones who were already put to death). Read the history of the Haymarket Tragedy from the Chicago Public Library. Lucy Parsons, one of the wives of the Haymarket protestors, went on to be a great leader for workers' rights and for women's rights in Illinois. Now, after a century has passed the Chicago police still do not want to allow the city to name a park after Lucy, because they claim she was an anarchist. It seems pretty ridiculous to me. But, none-the-less, there's your history lesson for the day.

2004-03-26T08:51:00.000-06:00

Message in a Bottle to Yourself in the Future [posted by Troy] Here's a metaphysical question for you, will you be the same person in 10 years? How will you view your past (present) self? Well, now you can send a message to yourself in the future. You can type out your message at FutureMe.org, set a day and year, enter your email address, and hit submit. Then at the day and year specified, you'll get a message from yourself. Use this a virtual string around your figer. Cast off messages to yourself into the abyss of the future. [Kim's note: as long as the company doesn't go out of business by then]

2004-03-25T10:34:00.000-06:00

50 Years Ago Today, God Created Color. [posted by ZelderTube] At first we could only see the world in black, white, grey and a sandy brown. Then we started experimenting. At first, we just had a little red at parties. Then it was some blue only after lunch. Then it was just some yellow in the morning with cofee. The next thing, we were heavy users. It was red, green, yellow all the time . We were hooked. We'd see red and out of nervousness, we'd see green without even knowing it. Then we moved away from the gateway colors to the hardcore colors. Orange, purple, skyblue, fuchsia, taupe, TAUPE?!?! For the love of God, where would this end? We'd be driving down the road and have an auquamarine flashback! Anyway, today marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the RCA Model CT-100, the first commercial color television, into the market. Well, it's all downhill from here. The televsion is our friend, entertainer, and life-long addiction. The Internet is the only thing that may surpass our need for a TV fix. Checkout these facts about color television.

2004-03-23T23:02:00.000-06:00

Troy's in the News [posted by Kim] The below photo was on the front page of the Neighborhood section of the Daily Southtown (south suburban newspaper), check it out. Monster Show, Daily Southtown

2004-03-23T22:31:00.000-06:00

The dog is in the House [posted by Kim] Just thought I'd share some of the pet pictures from the week. Purdy (the pug) has already introduced me to many other dog owners on my block (esp. pug owners) there seems to be a secret club of dog owners in the city. If you have a waggily tail on a leash you are automatically in. Robbie (the cat) however, does not want me to join this club!

2004-03-23T18:33:00.000-06:00

Pet Identity Problems [posted by ZelderBar] Well, my family never had cats growing up. It all started when Grandma Swanson (and other grandmas, if I remember the story) made my parents get rid of the cat when I was born. Thus, our house was cat free. We did however have a small dog (from Grandma Swanson, no less) that liked me and no one else. Thus, I have considered myself a dog person for my entire life. Now, Kim has a cat (see post "Cat in the Box..." on February 26th, 2004), and I've grown to like cats. Anyway, this week we are dog sitting Kim's parents' pug (the lower end of the dog spectrum, but everyone else thinks they are cute), and the dog reminds me of the good/bad/ugly of dog ownership. Am I a cat person or a dog person? Dog people can't understand why anyone would hangout with an animal that you can't take to the beach, camping, underwater, etc. Cat people wonder why anyone would befriend an animal that is so insecure to learn tricks just so that you give it attention. (This book review from Salon sums up the debate amazingly well.) Thus, it's the boring pet people (cat) against the insecure needy pet people (dog). I've decided that this debate is ridiculous. Actually, I am sorry that I've wasted this much blog space on it. I'll just say this, the people who are most passionate about this debate are the people who bring their pets to sit on Santa Clause's lap or put the pets on the holiday cards. Hey! Cray-Zee pet people. STOP! Don't put your misplaced parental instincts on some poor animal. Have/Adopt/Befriend a child. Children are trainable, insecure, and rewarding all at once. (So, I've been told.)

2004-03-22T22:05:00.000-06:00

St. Patrick's Day Photos [posted by Kim] I know you're all dying for me to post more photos, so here you go. We've shown you the Downtown St. Patrick's Day celebration and we've shown you the Southside St. Patrick's Day celebration but here are the long awaited St. Patrick's day Pub celebrations. That's right, this time it really was March 17th, the river was really green and Jason was out to party with us. This is my favorite photo from the night, ha ha. Enjoy.

2004-03-22T09:12:00.000-06:00

"Euskadi/Basque Country" [posted by T. Anton] In honor of my bother-in-law, I'm posting some sites about the Basque Country. I have to admit that I need to educate myself on this area of the world. Take a look at these helpful sites:

Euskadi/Basque Country:Historical, government, language, cultural, business, and tourism information about the Basque region of Spain in the Pyrenees. Also includes information about Basques living abroad and image galleries. Searchable. Available in several European languages.
Basque Homeland and Freedom: This site presents an overview of the history, structure, and terrorist activities of Spain's Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) group, which has a goal of "self-determination for the Basque country, Euskadi." Features a list of ETA attacks from 1998 through 2002, and updates about ETA activities. From the International Policy Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT). (from Lii.org)

2004-03-21T23:28:00.000-06:00

Here's the Deal: "Force Will Never Bring Peace" [posted by ZelderBar] There has been this cry that the Spanish people better wake up and get with the program. If Spain removes its troops from Iraq, then the terrorists have won. If you're not with us, then you're against us. Jonathan Schell's new book paints a more complex picture. ( Read a review here.) There is a cycle of violence and a cycle of hatred at work, and you really have to consider whether the US is truly working to break that cycle. "The days when humanity can hope to save itself from force with force are over. None of the structures of violence - not the balance of power, not the balance of terror, not empire - can any longer rescue the world from the use of violence, now grown apocalyptic. Force can only lead to more force, not peace." Jonathan Schell (as quoted by the Gardian) Most of the world was against our invasion of Iraq. Why? Because they liked Sadam?

2004-03-21T13:28:00.000-06:00

Food For Thought on Where You Live [posted by Troy] Here is an interesting post on the blog Veritas et Venustas about neighborhoods. I've had an ongoing discussion with several people about the benefits of living in a city, in the burbs, or in a small town. This post has helped me clarify my thoughts by emphasizing the benefits of having true neighborhoods. The underlying point is that neighborhoods require walkable areas. Let's face it, strip malls, shopping malls, Walmarts, Targets, etc all suck because they do not encourage humans to be humans. They encourage humans to be drivers. Read the post for yourself and get back to me.

2004-03-21T13:16:00.000-06:00

Want a Job working with the Entertainment Industry? ($136K) [posted by ZelderBar] Here is an opportunity for you. The Department of Homeland Security is advertising for an Entertainment Liaison, and I quote: "The Entertainment Liaison Office supports the Office of Public Affairs by influencing how the Department of Homeland Security is portrayed in mass entertainment media. It helps to ensure accurate portrayal of the department's mission, policies, and activities, while proactively working to help the American public better identify DHS functions." (from Boingboing.com)

2004-03-20T21:19:00.000-06:00

In Honor of Your 21st Birthday (whenever it was) [posted by ZelderBAR] Since I have several cousins who turn 21 this year (one of them today), I thought that our community of readers may like to induldge a bit in some drunkard humor. Here is the list of 40 things every drunkard should do before the end of his/her life. Let the record show that I have NOT completed all of these things, and as far as I know, neither has Kim. However, I am willing to bet that if all of us (readers included) worked together, we'd probably have someone out there who has hit all 40. Look Kim & I have completed 22 with just us, but we'll let you guess at the notches we have in our guns. (Should we be ashamed or proud? Also, happy birthday Drew and Grandpa E.)

2004-03-20T18:24:00.000-06:00

Quotes about librarians, from Iowa no less... [posted by Troy] What can I say? Well, I guess I don't have to say anything. Other people have said it for me.

2004-03-20T13:24:00.000-06:00

"Death Be Not Proud:" Where would they hold the wake for a librarian? [posted by ZedlerMoribund] Check out this Harper's article about theme funerals. They give some helpful tips on making the last rite of passage from this life something to remember. Naturally, the author left out any suggestions of how to hold a librarians' funeral, which leaves it to my imagination. Maybe, funeral pyre of books? Nah, that's way to anti-ready/Nazi-leftovers. How about something quiet and overly intellectual? Maybe readings from ancient texts with some smartass college students asking questions? Hmmm? Ok, ok, I know this isn't a very upbeat subject for a Saturday. I am going outside to play.

2004-03-19T15:18:00.000-06:00

Raise your seat and shift! For the Love of Pete, SHIFT! [posted by Troy] From my recent nation-wide study, I have officially proven that most Americans (78.6%) who claim to occasionally (less than 5 times a month but more than 1 time a month) ride their mountain bikes are out to destroy their knees. It's official. I have also documented that most people (61%) have no idea how to use the gears on their bikes. I've seen people come down the lake front path spinning at about 700 revoluations per minute. Their back gears are practically smoking. I first noticed this on the lake front bike path. These people's knees came up to their armpits and their rear-ends were practically dragging on the ground behind their bikes. It just looks SO painful! Here are a couple of tips for all of you who match the above discrptions: 1) Your legs should fully extend when pedaling. This allows your kneed to stay healthy and ensures your ability to walk when you get off of the bike. 2) Your gears, your gears, your gears. Shift into a gear that is not difficult to pedal but also has some forward motion. Remember, if you get spinning to fast and you are not moving forward, you could fall over.

2004-03-19T14:48:00.000-06:00

So, ya think I'm a beatnik? What about Bill Burroughs? [posted by ZelderHip] Oh, the goatee, yes, I've heard the comments over and over, "Ya look like Maynard G. Krebs." Great. Thanks. Anyway, I came across Creem magazine's interviews with William S. Burroughs out in blog land. Now, this guy was at the heart of the Beat movement, but does he look like a beatnik? Oh no. To us today, he looks like an investment banker...

2004-03-17T18:07:00.000-06:00

End of the 1960s? [posted by ZelderHistorian] It could be argued that, symbolically at least, the Rolling Stone's concert at Altamont (this article is about the re-released documentary) marked the end of the 1960s. It was to be the West Coast's Woodstock, but when the Hell's Angles, who were in charge of security, murdered a member of the crowd things went bad and got out of control. It's been called one big bad trip that marked the end of the good trips. It was fitting that the Stones (in contrast with the Beatles) headlined at Altamont. For those of us who weren't alive during that time, it also exemplifies the schizophrenic nature of the 60s which is the legacy under which we live. Take John Kerry, war hero turned protestor, who now uses his Vietnam experience to win votes. Woodstock/Altamont, Beatles/Rolling Stones, Martin Luther King, Jr/Stokely Carmichael, John Kerry/John Kerry, 1960s/1960s. "America when will you be Angelic?"--Allen Ginsberg

2004-03-17T10:36:00.000-06:00

Round 2: More Bullets [posted by ZelderBar] Here is list 2 from springbreak day 3:

Barack Obama wins (yes!!) and gets national attention.
Another St. Patrick's Day article about Chicago (may need password to view NY Times article).
Smart Guy (and Girl) Art from MIT. (Too smart for their own good.)
Bush is calling Kerry a liar? Takes one to know one? Check out this Congressional report about misleading statements used by the Administration.
Ron Santo Heel-Click: I remember it like yesterday.

ok, haven't we wasted enough time on the Web? I am going outside to enjoy the clouds, sleet, and freezing lake breezes. And for a last time, Happy St. Pat's!

2004-03-16T08:46:00.000-06:00

Guns don't kill people, Bullets do: Here's a bulleted list of fun [posted by ZelderBar] It's day2 of my springbreak, so before I vote, bike, or make coffee, I've been playing on the Web. Here are my results.

Virtual Bubble Wrap (Stolen from Dan)
Download sporting events into your Outlook Calendar at Calandar Updates
Weezer meets Jay Z (Jay-Zeezer): In 1993-94, I absolutely loved Weezer's Blue Album. Inspired by the Gray album, this is a mix of Weezer's classic Blue with Jay Z's Black.
From the Fleming files of just about over the line: The Trojan Games (This is funny. However it is somewhat adult in nature, but not porn. So you've been warned.)
This may verge on sacrilegious for Christians and for comic book fans, but that's ok: Superhero Last Supper.
Gay Bar (Oh, where do they come up with this stuff?)
Interview with Chuck Palahniuk author of Fight Club and several other books that are great. He is known for "anatomical detail, suburban melodrama, violence and humour" (very dark humour but good).

2004-03-15T20:21:00.000-06:00

Cray-Zee-Ness! A Candidate Actually Qualified from Illinois: Barack Obama [posted by ZelderBar] It's the strangest thing. I was sitting down trying to figure out for whom I'll vote tomorrow morning, and wowzers, Illinois actually has a candidate qualified to be in office. I know that qualifications are things that Illinois voters haven't bothered with in the past, but what if...what if, we actually elected someone with the background to do the job? Look, this is a no-brainer. Out of the 30 people running for Senate from Illinois, Obama is the only one with anything like the training to deserve such a job. Here are some highlights:

He graduated from Harvard Law School magna cum laude.(Pretty Smart)
He served as the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review.(Impressively Smart)
Teaches constitutional law at the University of Chicago.(Really freakin' smart)
He worked as a community organizer in Chicago's toughest neighborhoods working with churches to create job programs.
He has worked as a civil rights atourney in New York and Illinois.
He currently is a member of Illinois' General Assembly
Newspapers such as Peoria Journal-Star Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Suntime endorse him.
For you QCA people, Denny Jacobs and Lane Evans support him.(Yes, I know some of you may not like Lane, but you can't dislike Denny.)
Even Michael Jordan is supporting Obama. In the past, Jordan has been famously apolitical. He is known to have said, "Republicans wear shoes too." Yet, he is a Barack Obama supporter.
He is a published author and respected lecturer.
He is not a multi-millionaire entering the race as a hobby

2004-03-14T23:03:00.000-06:00

Happy 30th Birthday Jackie! Last night we got together to celebrate Jackie's Birthday and had a blast. Hope you had as much fun as we did Jackie and hope you had a great Birthday today. Here's the birthday girl.

2004-03-14T22:50:00.000-06:00

South Side Irish [posted by Patty O'Shamrock] Just wanted to add a little to McZelderBar's post from earlier. One of our highlights of the day was running into a couple of RAGRAIers who were hanging out in the back of the Cork & Kerry's beer garden. Which was also our mission of the day...get to Cork & Kerry, drink Guiness, eat a Brat; Mission Accomplished. Although we missed a portion of the parade getting there, it was well worth it. As you'll see through out photo album, we still saw plenty of bagpipers and Irish Step Dancers (my two favorites). We'll be looking out for these two on their bikes in Iowa this summer. Click to see the rest of our parade photos from today.

2004-03-14T15:30:00.000-06:00

Northside Swede meets Southside Irish [posted by McZelderBar] Stout beer, bag pipers, politicians, brats, dogs, green sox hats, cover charges, RABBRAIers, seconds of sunlight, more bagpipers, more guiness, more brats, crowds, kids with green hair, beer in the streets, Western Ave, this sums up our Southside St. Pat's Parade.

2004-03-14T09:43:00.000-06:00

Happy St. Patty's Day Weekend!!! [posted by Patty O'Shamrock] Celebrate with us, Chicago style. If you weren't aware, the majority of Chicago is Irish, probably about 90% of the Police force. =) Ok, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration. No matter what the percentages are however, the entire city is Irish, and green in the face, this one week of the year. Down on the south side there is a large Irish neighborhood that manages to enrich each new generation of Irish Americans with their culture. This is the weekend when you get to (blurrily) see them all out and about proudly displaying all those talents, many men in skirt squeezing large bags of air and little girls with curls that you couldn't iron out if you tried all wearing traditional dresses with Celtic symbols. Yesterday we got together with some Augie faces at Justin and Emily's place and headed down to the Parade together. We had a blast. Check out some of our photos here. We saw the backs of head most of the day, but that's part of the fun (some of the heads were intersting, as you'll see). Troy and I are getting ready to head down to the South Side Parade today. We'll share those photos also.

2004-03-13T09:24:00.000-06:00

A Green River Runs Through It [posted by Patty O'ZelderBar] Today's the day where we all wear green and drink beer in the tradition of the Irish that came to America. Today is the downtown parade in Chicago and tomorrow is the South Side Parade. It seems that in the American Melting Pot, we distill all holidays down to drinking beer (take Cinco de Mayo for instance). No one realizes that wearing green in Ireland is a political statement, but what the hell? We're the land of equal opportunity, so for today I'm Irish Catholic (sorry, Dad). In honor of St. Patrick I will drive out all of the snakes from Chicago!

2004-03-12T12:38:00.000-06:00

On this day in 1901, he gave the gift of libraries... [posted by Troy] Some may say that Andrew Carnegie was a no good tycoon, but on this day in 1901 he gave New York City 5.2 million dollars to construct sixty-five libraries. This marked the first of 2,500 libraries nationwide funded by Carnegie. In fact, you Midwesterners probably checked out your first book in a Carnegie library. By the time of his death, he gave away more than 350 million dollars (at a time before we measured national debt in the trillions). He did more to put books in the hands of the American people than anyone else (at a time when people couldn't afford books). After selling Carnegie Steel to J.P. Morgan, Carnegie decided to retire and start giving. I think we should hold our present cut-throat capitalists to the same standard. Thanks Andrew! -thanks to Tom Mikolyzk for this info

2004-03-11T21:45:00.000-06:00

Burns in da Hawuoose [posted by ZelderBurns] Well, Jason Burns is in my room as I write this. I can smell him all about. It is my understanding that he is going to visit Erickson, but I wonder. In any case, he is staying with us free of nightly rental charge.

2004-03-11T19:59:00.000-06:00

More On Nader from Our Loyal Readers [posted by ZeldeBar] Several of you do not agree with my recent posts about Nader. Perhaps, the most convincing argument follows: "Once again, Nader will campaign on the platform of 'no real difference between the two parties. This claim ignores the Bush record in its entirety and fails to acknowledge the true platform of the Democrats.'"

2004-03-11T13:11:00.000-06:00

If you are thinking of birthday presents to buy for me, here is one option. [posted by ZelderBar]

2004-03-10T13:07:00.000-06:00

Sneaky W. VNL 397 [posted by Troy] Today is the 28th birthday of one of America's greatest wordsmiths. He is well known for the following sayings:

You are a sneaky W.
I see a Koch on the screen
I am a Gunsu Warrior
2 bits

Happy birthday, Ecnal.

2004-03-10T09:27:00.000-06:00

Ok, Ok, An Amendment to My Last Post [posted by ZelderBar] I am not in any way telling anyone to vote for Nader. My point is simply that Nader should run. He should push issues. He should be a moral voice hanging over the Democratic Party. I mostly want Bush out, so vote for Kerry if you must. But do not sit around and complain that Nader is running, and if Bush wins, do not blame it on Nader. This is Kerry's race to lose.

2004-03-09T21:12:00.000-06:00

Troy's Reasons That Ralph Nader Should Run For President [posted by ZelderBar] Everyone is talking about how Nader cost Gore the last election (read this NY Times piece), here's some food for thought:

Nader is correct that the two political parties do everything in their power to prevent competition and ensure that incumbents win. Low turn out, creative district maps, and the raw cost of politics keep the select few in the game and leaves us out. This is an issue that will not come up in November between Kerry and Bush.
There are a list of other issues that won't come up in November including environmental policy, the effects of WalMart on labor rights (they are opening 200 new Walmarts a year in the U.S.), the disproportionate growth of the defense budget, to just name a few.
It seems that since Clinton, the Democrats have become Republicans and the Republicans have become Nazis. People like Nader and Dean remind our country (or at least the Democrats) that the left exists and cannot be ignored.
There were 250,000 Democrats who voted for Bush in Florida in 2000. Too bad Gore couldn't get 260 of them to vote Democratic. Nader is an easy scapegoat.
It is his right as a US citizen to run for President.

(Note that I have not once said that you should vote for him.)

2004-03-09T19:40:00.000-06:00

If only I would've thought of it first! [posted by ZelderBar] Sometimes you recognize your ideas, even when they are not actually your ideas. Well, whoever thought up sending "Dear Abby" a scenario based on a Simpsons episode is a person after my own brain. Congrats to you, mystery prankster!

2004-03-08T23:50:00.000-06:00

Color Yippie! [posted by Kim] I hope you all like our new color sceme. I was getting really sick of the drab orange and dark blue. I mean, come on, we live in the midwest, we could use a little cheerful color in our days. I tried updating it to be a little more fun and happy. Hopefully it will make you think of the spring weather we all believe will arrive someday soon.

2004-03-08T13:24:00.000-06:00

Geeks: Healthy or Not Here They Come [posted by ZelderBar] Check out Sandy Starr's interesting article about geeks. She says that sure, scifi/fantasy as a genre can be healthy and enlightening as an artform, but the extreme end of scifi/fantasy fans are "infantile and escapist people, and socially inept." But without these freakshow fans, who would write up an FAQ on the Klingon language? Who would be out there going to conventions playing heroclix?

2004-03-07T23:40:00.000-06:00

Do I see a future lifeguard? [posted by Kim] Beth sent us a few new cute pictures of Noelle tonight. Just thought I'd share a couple of them. I especially like the one of her sitting in the lifeguard chair, of course. Troy and I saw Josh, Beth and Noelle last weekend and I couldn't believe how much she was moving around on her own already. Today she's climbing up legs and tomorrow I'm sure will be mountains. right Josh?

2004-03-07T21:37:00.000-06:00

Same-Sex Marriage: Not A Radical Idea [posted by Troy] Look, there are people out there who would have you believe that same-sex marriage is being pushed by a radical minority ("activist judges" and local officials). This is far from the truth. Same-sex marriage has strong support in the mainstream. Of course, GW Bush has to pander to the religious right, so he wants to amend the constitution. But let's look at who is actually supporting gay marriage. You decide if these are just a few radicals:

Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle will sign an order to recognize the same-sex spouses of city employees. (Associated Press)
New Mexico's Sandoval County has granted Marriage Licenses to 67 gay couples. (Time March 8, 2004)
New Paltz, New York conducted 24 same-sex marriages.(Time March 8, 2004)
The Supreme Court of Massachusetts upheld same-sex marriage.
Republican Mayor Daniel Stewart of Plattsburgh, New York (who is gay) has publically supported gay marriage.(Time March 8, 2004)
Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago has gone on record as supporting same-sex marriages (and he is very far from radical).
Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City said that state law should be changed to support same sex marriage. (LA Times, registration required)
The City of San Francisco has performed 3400 same-sex marriages. Oh, but this isn't a suprise from radical San Fran. (Time March 8, 2004)
Multnomah County, Oregon will allow same-sex marriages.

Our country saw this before in in 1912 when there were efforts to amend the constitution to outlaw inter-racial marriage. Today, the reality is that even Republicans support civil unions (even GWB), which is something they wouldn't have done even a decade ago. Let's get over it, and let people have equal rights.

2004-03-07T13:56:00.000-06:00

A comet, not a cow, started the Great Chicago Fire? [posted by ZelderBar] Get this: Some scientist is making the argument that a comet fragment started the Great Chicago Fire. Those crazy scientists. They are always trying to use evidence, logic, and well-reasoned arguments to prove stuff. I don't know why they can't just use rumor, legend, and bias like the rest of us.

2004-03-07T13:38:00.000-06:00

Funky Buddha Lounge [posted by Troy] Club kids we are not, but none-the-less we hit the streets in search of funk. We found it...

2004-03-06T01:49:00.000-06:00

BeachWood [posted by ZelderBar] At the corner of Beach St. and Wood St. in the Wicker Park neighborhood, there is a little bar that is close to my heart. This bar, Beachwood no less, is one of the old haunts to which you return after several years and recall many nights of discusison, drinks, and people with bad hair. I returned to it tonight and I thought about Randy Skach and Chad Erickson and many others. It's too bad that they were not with me, since I can actually afford to buy them a drink.

2004-03-05T14:36:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bed [posted by ZelderBar] Now, you too can sleep like those of us in Chitown. We're cooler than you think!

2004-03-04T23:15:00.000-06:00

Cubbies in the West [posted by Kim] I just noticed that the whole front page to our blog is all Troy (or ZelderBar) posts. I'm so sorry to have done that to all of you. I think i just needed a little rest after the whole cubs saga. Well, you'll be happy to know it all worked out ok in the end. Despite not being able to get tickets to the Cubs/Sox series and loosing my debit card somewhere in the shuffle, we did alright.

SO, in honor of the Cactus league opener (I won't get into the fact that they lost) I thought I'd share a cute picture of Malone from L.A.. Troy and I are determined to make sure she knows where she came from, Good old chitown! Thanks for sharing this photo Chad and Katie, it made my day!

2004-03-04T22:40:00.000-06:00

Want a new bike? May try a recycled bike. [posted by Troy] Working Bikes on South Western Ave in Chicago takes bike donations, fixes them up, and then sells them for a reasonable price. I haven't been there yet, but a visit may come in the near future. (On an unrelated side note, Kim rediscovered the charger for the battery in her digital camera, so new pics may be on the way!)

2004-03-04T21:16:00.000-06:00

No Freakin' Way: Chicago Mile by Mile [posted by ZelderBar] This work by Neil Freeman overlays 214 4"x6" snap shots taken of chicago to their corresponding locations on a gridded map of the city. Wowzers. Want to see what a location within Chicago looked like in 2001? Here ya go. Here's a shot nearby our home. Don't know about you, but I'm impressed.

2004-03-04T15:46:00.000-06:00

Another curiosity wasting your time on the Web. [posted by ZelderBar] This was sent in from DeLeon Headquaters. It's a bunch of cats in a parking lot jamming.

2004-03-03T21:38:00.000-06:00

What if we just called supersize large? [posted by ZelderBar] Is this a victory for Jared & Subway? Maybe this is a win for the makers of the documentary Super Size Me? I really don't know, but I do know that McDonalds is getting rid of the supersized meal. (By the way, did you know that today's large is that same size as 1998's supersize? It's true.) My guess is that McDonalds cares less about our wastelines and more about the fact that people don't order supersized meals anymore. This begs the question: Can America live with only small, medium, and large? That is so 1983!

2004-03-03T21:34:00.000-06:00

Handy Aramaic Phrases You'll Need When Viewing "The Passion of The Christ" [posted by ZelderBar] Hey, you ain't cool if you don't know the language of the times. If Aramaic was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me.

2004-03-03T09:11:00.000-06:00

Dr. Seuss Turns 100 [posted by Troy] Theodor Geisel (known to us as Dr. Seuss) turned 100 yesterday. Did you know that Mr. Geisel published under 27 different names? In library school, he was the prime example used in our Organization of Knowledge Class (LIS 703) on how to relate pseudonyms to one another. Each work must be listed under the pseudonym and point back to the author's orginal name. There's a library fast fact for you...Happy birthday Dr. Seuss!

2004-03-02T13:15:00.000-06:00

Serial Killer or Computer Programmer: Can you tell the difference? [posted by ZelderBar] The computer geek often walks a fine line between the technoworld and the life of murder and mayhem.

2004-03-01T15:43:00.000-06:00

Reading While Driving: Unsafe at Any Speed [posted by ZelderBar] I think we all have to face the facts that reading a book while operating an automobile is not as safe as focusing on the road while driving. I have a friend, who will remain nameless, who enjoys reading while driving. Once, long ago, his car passed mine heading the opposite direction on Illinois Route 82 in between Cambridge and Geneseo and this friend had a book perched atop his steering wheel reading and driving. He claims it is safe, but please, come on, really, can this be safe? Me, being a lover of reading, would like nothing more than to be able to read a neglected novel while driving. Yes, I eat while driving, and yes, I even talk on the phone while driving. But I never, ever read while driving. Maybe I'll look at directions or something, but to sit and read page after page is freakin' nuts. It's suicidal. My advice to those of you who refrain from reading at the wheel: Drive defensively! My reading & driving friend is sharing your road.

2004-03-01T09:12:00.000-06:00

Casimir Pulaski: A True American Hero? [posted by ZelderBar] Now, I've been told that Chicago is the largest Polish-speaking city next to Warsaw. I figure that if you get that many people together talking the same language, you never know what they'll come up with. Case-in-point, Pulaski day. No, no, my college does not close for Pulaski Day and Kim still has to work today. However, services across the great State of Illinois do shut down today to honor this Polish patriot who successfully defended Charleston, S.C. from an attack by the British in May 1779 and who died at sea from wounds he recieved during a battle over Savannah, Ga. Did he defend Chicago from fire? Did he defend Chicago from Riots? Did he defend Chicago from the Detroit Pistons? Oh no, but he did speak the same langauge as a signifcant section of Chicago residents. Let's celebrate!

2004-02-29T17:34:00.000-06:00

Leap Year: A Four Year Correction [posted by ZelderBar] You see, human beings' large brains give them the ability to see patterns in their natural world. They have the yearning to make sense of and give meanings to these patterns. Unfortunately, many patterns do not have any connection whatsoever. When we draw these connections, we are forced to make up crazy rules, laws, meanings, and understandings. For instance, lunar rotations around the earth, earth rotations around the sun, and rotations of the earth on its axis have no logical connection to each other. None-the-less, humans have constructed our calendar based on these things (months, years, and days). Each year the days of the calendar are out of wack with the actual rotation around the sun by just over a quarter of a day (.242190 days are left over every year). So, every four years we throw in an extra day to keep things lined up. There is some sort of moral here about seeing nature, making corrections, and human nature, but I'll leave you to reflect on that...

2004-02-27T12:50:00.000-06:00

Oh the Humanity! The Cubs! The Cubs! [posted by ZelderBar] Today is the day that the Cubs sell single game tickets. They started with number 00602, and my wristband number (see 2/25/04 post) was number 01107. That's only 500 numbers away. That is awesome. Thus, Kim and I got up early and headed down to Wrigley at 7:30am. They were on number 900. Awesome! I could get in and get tickets and still make it to work by the 10 am class that I had teach. Life is good. SO, we waited around. 7:30 turned to 7:48. 7:48 turned to 8:07. 8:07 turned to 8:22. Finally, at 8:42, my number was called, and I headed up the box office. Kim was so exicted she was ready to explode! We were going to get tickets and there was just enough time that I could just make it to the burbs to teach by 10:00. Confidently, I followed the line up to the Stadium Club, where to my horror I found MORE LINES. I asked some random guy what was going on. He told me that he was number 923 and they'd been waiting for about 20-30 minutes. I was 1107! NO!!! This couldn't be happening. There was no way I could wait that long AND make it to Moraine Valley to teach by 10am. I took a deep breath, thought about the students who desperately needed to learn to research, and I walked out of Wrigley Field giving up the opportunity to buy any ticket for any game that I waited. Now, Kim, Kim's Parents, Kim's brother and I are trying to buy tickets only. Kim is number 5000 (and something), so she may be called this afternoon. OH THE HUMANITY!!! TICKETS SNATCHED AWAY FROM US AT THE LAST SECOND!!! CURSES!! WILL OUR SUMMER BE RUINED??

2004-02-26T16:36:00.000-06:00

The Big Ball Buster [posted by Kim] So tonight is the night where thousands of Cubs fans will put the agony of Game 6 of the 2003 National League Championship series to rest. Some think a curse will be broken, one poor Cub fan in particular will be relieved, but all will have their 2nd excuse to party and celebrate the begining of the 2004 Baseball season for their Cubbies. That's right, the foul ball that Alou was planning to catch in the 8th inning of that game will be destroyed. It will be gone forever, let's hope all the hoopla about that day dies with it. Said like a true Cubs fan, it's time to forget last season and get ready for this season! Harry Carey will be watching over with pride!

2004-02-26T10:03:00.000-06:00

Vacation in Libya? Pack Your Bags! [posted by ZelderBar] The New York Times is reporting (may need password to view article) that the White House is lifting the travel ban on Libya, since it has "has dismantled most of its nuclear infrastructure and reaffirmed its responsibility for the bombing of Pan Am 103 more than 15 years ago." The moral of the story--> stop killing us in our home countries and we'll send our citizens to you. (Ben and Michelle, despite the temptation, you may want to remove Libya from the Honeymoon list.)

2004-02-26T00:10:00.000-06:00

Cat in the Box, order yours today! [posted by Kim] Some of you out there who know the size of each of these will find this rather funny. And trust me, if you knew the size of this cat and the size of this box you would be wondering how the heck one fit into the other. I still am, and I took this photo.

2004-02-25T21:48:00.000-06:00

Cubs' Wristband System-->A Pinnacle of Human Civilization? [posted by Zelderbar] Marxists have charged that human civilization can be viewed as a story of the powerful controling the masses. Institutions such as drugs, religion, education, consumerism, marriage, are all designed to make us common folk get in line and do what we're told. I would say that urban life is the continual struggle for crowd control: the few controling the many.

If this is truly the case, then the Cubs' (Tribune Corp.) Wristband System represents a highpoint in bourgeois control over the proletariat. This is where thousands of people wait patiently in line to get a numbered wristband which may or may not give them the first shot at buying Cubs tickets. The primary reason for these wristbands is to protect crazy idiots from injury, frostbite, robbery or rape since they will camp in the streets outside Wrigley Field to get the first shot at tickets. Naturally, the Cubs have figured out every little rule that makes this process totally random and the act of waiting in the street over night entirely unnecessary. It also keeps brokers from buying up all the tickets. Actually, it's pretty freakin' smart.

This still doesn't take away from the herd mentality, the-Tribune-will-protect you feeling that I had as Kim and I waited in line for an hour tonight. I hope that I will be granted the opportunity to give my money to the Cubs so that later this summer I can buy beer, hotdogs, and nachos. Luckily, there was a Starbucks on Addison, so I could buy a mocha as I waited.

2004-02-25T13:41:00.000-06:00

21 Year-Olds: By the Numbers [posted by ZelderBar] This past weekend, as I was drinking my beer in St. Louis I had one of those moments where I realized I was no longer a 21 year-old college student. I have cousins who just turned 21 this month, and they've always been little kids! Good God, they're no longer little kids! And even worse, neither am I. Being the librarian that I am, I thought I'd do some research and educate myself on this new wave of drinkers with whom I have less and less in common.

4.1 million Number of Americans turning 21 in 2003.
41% Share of 21-year-olds who currently Live with mom and/or dad.
60% Share of college students who plan to move back home after graduation.
1-in-4 Odds that a 21-year-old was raised by a single parent.
70% Share of 21-year-olds who have a full- or part-time job.
3.1 Hours per day 21-year-olds spend surfing the Web, downloading music and e-mailing friends. MTV
47% Share of 21-year-olds who own a mobile phone.
23 million Number of ad impressions received
$2,241,141 Amount the average 21-year-old will spend between now and the end of his or her Life. Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX)
56 Years until the average 21-year-old dies. National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
$208,953 Amount the average 21-year-old will spend between now and the end of his or her life on cars. CEX
93% Share of 21-year-olds who have a credit card today
60% Share of 21-year-olds who had a credit card in 1999.
$3,000 Credit card debt of the average 21-year old.
$735,854 Amount the average 21-year-old will, spend on housing between now and the end of his or her Life. CEX

Source: Fetto, John. American Demographics; Sep2003, Vol. 25 Issue 7, p48, 1p, 1c

2004-02-24T15:54:00.000-06:00

I hate Quiznos [posted by ZelderBar] Ok, about three people have sent me this link today. Apparently, this is where Quiznos get their odd little singing ball of fur that looks like a dead mouse. It grosses me out a bit, to tell the truth. I've sworn to never set foot inside of a Quiznos, unless it was on fire and someone worth saving like Edmund was in the building. (If it was Garcia or Dunphey, I'd have to think twice.) Scott was one of the link senders, and I can't resist quoting his email: "Apparently this is the inspiration for those strange Quiznos ads with the so-called "spongemonkeys" singing about how tasty Quiznos subs are. Now, I actually like the ads; I think they are clever and they do a great job of grabbing attention, explaining the product attributes, and creating buzz, the whole point of spending money on TV commercials. It's the actual sandwiches I don't like-I don't think Quiznos actually toasts them long enough to be good. This site is filled with bizarre fascinating little cartoons sure to confuse, amaze and entertain."

I do realize that by posting this I am giving Quiznos free publicity.

2004-02-24T13:59:00.000-06:00

A Brewer Blog! People after our own hearts... [posted by Troy] Kim & I are highly honored to have inspired the brewers to post their own blog. You can read it here.

2004-02-24T10:03:00.000-06:00

How many times do we need to have a "Civil Rights Movement" in this country? [posted by Kim] It is totally beyond me why some people think they should be allotted basic rights and that those same rights should be restricted from others; others who were raised in the same country, same neighborhoods, same schools, pay the same taxes, vote, have families, raise children etc. etc. I almost think these people who believe they deserve more rights than others borderline mental illness. Some people you just feel sorry for because they think this way. However, I am completely besides myself that in this day and age we can allow a man such as this, in a democratic society, to run our Country. I have never disliked this man more than I do right now. Please, please help to get this Man out of office, vote for a Democrat! To do something about it, click here!

2004-02-22T09:38:00.000-06:00

Wearing a Cubs hat and drinking Miller beer at St. Louis' Mardi Gras. [posted by ZelderBar] As the day moved along yesterday and the crowds became increasingly intoxicated, my blue Cubbies hat drew more and more attention. The conversations were varied, as I evaluated the good naturedness of those approaching me. Most had some sort of ill feelings about our Northside champions, but an equal amount also said that the Wrigley faithful deserved a year in the spot light. I mean, we really can't argue about which team between the Cards and Cubs has had the best record over the past twenty years, so most of the St. Louis citizens were friendly in the same way that you'd be friendly when you accidently let your little brother/sister/cousin beat you in Trivial Pursuit. I did encounter several other enlightened Chicagoans who had the courage to wear their colors on their heads among the hordes of red-bird fans. We saluted each other across the crowds and basked in the glory of a season that won't be long forgotten in the ivy colored hearts of Chicago. Naturally, I was reminded over and over again, that the Cubs blew it. The Cardinal fans were quit to point out that only Cubs fans would blame another Cubs fan for their teams downfall, and not a shortstop who couldn't turn a double play. I told them that we blame everybody, and then I reminded how the Cubs kicked the crap out of the Card in August. Oh yes, it was a good time to be Soulard and on the landing in St. Louis, Mo.

2004-02-21T22:16:00.000-06:00

The Fear of Silence [posted by Kim] Do you ever accidentally find yourself sitting in silence? Silence to me is frightening. Am I alone here? It's bizarre that without noise filtering in through my ears bad thoughts build in my head. I don't even realize at first why I'm feeling agitated and then it hits me...why is it so freaking quiet? I've noticed it when I am in Cambridge (Troy's home town) It scares the crap out of me to step outside at night into total silence. Just now that same feeling came upon me while I was painting. Sitting listening to music and suddenly I stop focusing on the canvas and this eeirie feeling rolls over me. It feels almost as if someone is in my home spying on me (totally freaky). Then it hits me...the damn CD stopped and I hadn't noticed, Silence! Well anyway, time to create some noise in here and get back to work.

2004-02-21T02:36:00.000-06:00

Everything George Bush needs to know, he should've learned from Spiderman! [posted by ZelderBar (in St. Louis at the start of Mardi Gras weekend...)] Some truths are self-evident. They are handed down through our culture from the greatest works that our collective drawers, inkers, and speech bubble writers over the decades. If only GWB would've listened to the great words..."Mary Jane has great Knockers in the rain!"... Oh, wait, that's what Justin Burns learnded from watching the movie, Spiderman. What I meant to say was the great piece of knowledge, "with great power, comes great responsibility." Oh George, if only you would've learned. There is of course the second thing that Justin Burns learned, "Watching your father's failures turns you into a militaristic goblin!" Stay tuned.. there is more to come from Mardi Gras!

2004-02-20T17:37:00.000-06:00

The Sweet Smell of Home: Hog Capital of the World [posted by ZelderBar] Most of you out there know that Henry County is the Hog Capital of the World, but did you that when the resolution that made this declaration was read in the Illinois General Assembly, people acually laughed? This ticked off Representatvie Johnson who introduced the bill. Click here to read the record on what happened next...

2004-02-20T09:21:00.000-06:00

Scott sure makes one mean martini! [posted by ZelderBar] If any of you are out cruising around Chicago's Northwest side, it's totally worth a stop on Leavett in the area of Armitage. There, tucked away on the second floor, you will find Jen and Scott. These two cats sure know how to party. They are smart, good looking, and they actually laugh at my jokes. Oh yes, they go above and beyond. Give them a call and make your dinner reservations today.

2004-02-18T15:30:00.000-06:00

Auto Show photo [posted by Kim] My brother shared this photo with me today. I thought it was great. For those of you who know my Dad or brother you'll appreciate it. Like two kids in a Candy Store! =)

2004-02-18T13:40:00.000-06:00

From the Nathan Files of Personal Hygene: Is Five better than Three? [posted by ZelderBar] "Gillette is the best a man can get...You're taking the "safety" part of "safety razor" too literally, grandma. Cut the strings and soar. Let's hit it. Let's roll. This is our chance to make razor history. Let's dream big. All you have to do is say that five blades can happen, and it will happen. If you aren't on board, then **** you. And if you're on the board, then **** you and your father. Hey, if I'm the only one who'll take risks, I'm sure as hell happy to hog all the glory when the five-blade razor becomes the shaving tool for the U.S. of "this is how we shave now" A." Read this article. Thanks Brewer!

2004-02-18T09:39:00.000-06:00

The Noelle & The Josh Visit--A Quiet Tuesday Gone Wrong [posted by Troy] We had a couple of fun kids stop by the apartment last night. Two of our favorite Davenportians, Josh and the young Noelle. Naturally, there was enough time for Kim & I to beat the father/daughter team at a tough game of Scotland Yard. Noelle's outside-the-box thinking using the underground (red piece) to move to 93 proved to be their team's down fall. Here are some photos from the night. Makes you feel as if you were there...kind of.

2004-02-17T21:57:00.000-06:00

Guess who's comin' to town!!! [posted by Ronnie Woo Woo] Woo Hoo, Go Cubbies, we finally wore down Greg Maddux to return to good old Wrigley Field. Tonight is the first of (hopefully) many Cubs celebrations this baseball season. Keep an eye out for the Cubbies this season, with this Pitching staff, good things have gotta happen. Look for me on TV Opening Game at Wrigley. I'm looking forward to cashing in my winnings in Vegas, come the end of this season. Go Cubs Go! - Kim

2004-02-17T13:57:00.000-06:00

Wow, check these out [posted by Kim] My Dad sent me this link. It is to the Best Pictures of the year 2003. Not sure who voted them there but there are some cool shots in there. Just wanted to share 'em. Click Here and Enjoy!

2004-02-17T11:46:00.000-06:00

For the Chicagoans [posted by Zelderbar] In our continuing effort to meet your gastro-intestinal needs, here is a site that gives you delivery places across chicago (very cool). Checkout GrubHub. They describe themselves as: "Chicago food delivery is easy to find with Grubhub.com. It is a great way to see restaurants that deliver in your Chicago neighborhood."

2004-02-16T09:07:00.000-06:00

A start with Photos Kim has been playing around with her new scanner. She's posted some photos online. I've added a link to them at the right. There are many more to come. Enjoy.

2004-02-16T09:03:00.000-06:00

Read us on your Pocket PC or Palm [posted by ZelderBar] If you are an AvantGo user on your Pocket PC/Palm, you can take this blog with you in your pocket! Just create a custom channel on AvantGo and use the "XML Feed" (in the links at the right). Then every time you sync your PDA this site will be added to your AvantGo listings in a mobile-friendly version.

2004-02-15T14:32:00.000-06:00

Happy "18" Jason! [posted by ZelderBar] Well, ever since Jason returned to Iowa, it seems that he is reliving his free-spirited years all over again. Today, on his birthday, Jason is declaring that it is his "18th year of life" all over again. Hey, not very many of us get to be 18-years-old twice, and it appears that Jason is taking advantage of this opportunity. Good for you Jason. Thus, I post this little diddy in honor of Jason.

2004-02-14T11:29:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day Everybody![posted by Kim] Hi guys, just wanted to send everyone lots of Love today. Especially Noelle Carlson, Ella Brewer, Isabel Garcia, Allison Brodin and Mallone Erickson who are all celebrating their first or second Valentine's days. Having two valentine's (Mom and Dad) are better than having just one. (Although, Malone may have another special valentine by now, I bet all the little boys in her "school" are drooling over her.) So many little girls out there. Whoever among us is the first to have a little boy will have a VERY happy little boy with all these cute little girls to chase around. Of course, there will be years filled with LOTS of cooties for him first. So, make lots of love today and lets see some boys! Amy, Nancy, Tesa, Jen, Katie, Kendra, Beth, Heather...and all you other beautiful women out there, do something for yourself today that will make you Happy! Afterall, romance is for us anyway, right. Men only like romance if it results in them getting laid (which is a win-win for us anyway). Don't forget to take care of your heart either. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women, be aware!

2004-02-12T21:39:00.000-06:00

www.toostupidtobepresident.com [posted by ZelderBar] Hey, I didn't create it. I am just promoting it.

2004-02-12T21:32:00.000-06:00

Can't get enought reality? (one for Brewer and Stoner) [posted by ZelderBar] Are you in love with reality TV? I bet you are. Well, here's the blog for you: Reality Blurred: Reality TV Weblog.

2004-02-11T19:58:00.000-06:00

High Pointer Challenge: Josh: 57047 & Chad: 59802 We are currently 2.5 years into a 15 year bet between Chad and Josh. The bet is to see who can reach the most high points (per state, measured in feet above sea level) in the lower 48 states before the year 2016. Both of our friends are official members of the national organization known as the Highpointers Club (which held it's annual convention at the Illinois High point by the way). Needless-to-say the 2755 feet between the competitors makes this thing pretty much tied up. Here are the current standings:

Joshua R. Carlson: 57047 **Minnesota - Eagle Mountain - 2301** Wisconsin - Timms Hill - 1951** South Dakota - Harney Peak - 7242 ** Pennsylvania - Mt. Davis - 3213 ** Nebraska - Panorama Point - 5424 ** Missouri - Taum Sauk - 1772 ** Kansas - Mt. Sunflower - 4039 ** Indiana - Hoosier Hill - 1257 ** Idaho - Borah Peak - 12662 ** Colorado - Mt. Elbert - 14433 **Arkansas - Mount Magazine - 2753 **

Chad M. Erickson: 59802 ** Nebraska-Panorama Point-5424' ** Kansas-Mount Sunflower- 4039' ** Indiana-Hoosier High Point-1257' ** Maryland-Backbone Mountain-3360' ** Pennsylvania-Mount Davis-3213' ** New Jersey-High Point-1803' ** Missouri-Taum Sauk Mountain-1772' ** Nevada-Boundary Peak-13140' ** New Mexico-Wheeler Peak-13161' ** Arizona-Humphrey's Peak-12633'

The loser must take the winner and the winner's family to dinner and a movie in a state of the winner's choosing where the winner has reached the highest point.

2004-02-09T17:04:00.000-06:00

Jordan Stoner down under (gross) [posted by ZelderBar] Take a peak at Jordan's online photo album. Since we all can't go to New Zealand, we can live through Stoner.

2004-02-08T19:00:00.000-06:00

Over 9000 Days Old...Ben Ahring [posted by ZelderBar] Today marks the beginning of Ben's 28th year of life. He has completed 27 years in a row. Way to go Ben! To celebrate, Ben has been asked to be line judge for the NFL Probowl. In honor of Ben's birthday, I will be reading Alfred, Lord Tennyson's “Charge of the Light Brigade” while lighting a candle.

2004-02-07T04:24:00.000-06:00

Live from Las Vegas[Posted by Kim] Just pulled myself away from the $5 min. Blackjack tables... After two days of fun I'm only down $40. Pretty good considering I haven't spent a dime on anything else, not even food. I'm sitting in my hotel room with a view of the MGM and New York New York, (lights lights and more lights) very cool. Last night, we went to a show with some surprises and got a very special dinner at a great new restaurant. The world known chef and owner prepared it especially for us and then the vice president of marketing for the hotel (Hard Rock) comped it for us. We felt like rock stars to have all these high level people catering to us. Troy said I could keep Clover (the horse I rode earlier today) because Robbie needed a friend, but I just kicked him out of my room. I'm sad to say that Clover snored way too loudly and took up much more of the bed than Robbie the Cat. Sorry Robbie, we'll find you a friend someday. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the restaurant/bar we were hangin out in last night "Pink Taco". No Joke, that's really the name! Vegas is super fun! Anyway, my bed is calling me, more from Chicago, over and out.

2004-02-06T12:14:00.000-06:00

Chomsky-->Four more years of Bush dangerous! [posted by ZelderBar] The United Nations Society of Writers and Artists this week presented MIT professor of linguistics and author Noam Chomsky with the Award of Excellence. Listen to Chomsky responding to reporters' questions after the award ceremony.

2004-02-06T12:08:00.000-06:00

Janet Jackson Breast Cupcakes Appetizing? The next best thing to eating the real thing.

2004-02-05T11:59:00.000-06:00

When a Search Engine Isn't Enough, Call a Librarian[posted by ZelderBar] From Today's New York Times: "When Google doesn't work, most people don't have a plan B," said Joe Janes, an associate professor in the Information School at the University of Washington in Seattle, who is teaching a course on Google this quarter. "Librarians have lots of plan B's. We know when to go to a book, when to call someone, even when to go to Google."...For generations, reference librarians have been known as the source for answers to perplexing questions on almost any subject. In recent years libraries found other means for answering questions, offering reference services over the telephone, by e-mail, and more recently, through 24-hour Internet chat services. Read the entire article here... (you must sign in)

2004-02-05T09:16:00.000-06:00

In honor of Kim's trip to Las Vegas: [posted by ZelderBar] I offer up this inside view of the infamous one-armed bandit.

2004-02-04T23:14:00.000-06:00

He only liked the high part of "high culture." Here is something for you Quad City people.

2004-02-04T23:10:00.000-06:00

Leaving (for) Las Vegas Kim leaves on Thursday for Vegas. Keep an eye out and you might see her here.

2004-02-04T11:46:00.000-06:00

Freedom of Information Act Fun with Dubya [posted by ZelderBar] Want to have some fun with GWB? "Rumor" has it (and evidence confirms) that our patriotic president decided that he didn't need to show up for his national guard duties. Under FOIA, we can order info from the federal government. Our friends at thedailybrew.com have made it easy for us to get this info by providing a ready made request letter. Take 35 seconds to print it out and send it off. Why the hell not?

2004-02-04T10:17:00.000-06:00

We were worried about Clinton and Monica, so we don't even know Jody Williams. She's made our world a better place, and I wonder if you know Shirin Ebadi ?

2004-02-04T10:06:00.000-06:00

LIEBERMAN PULLS OUT! [posted by ZelderBar] There's a nasty image for those of you with dirty minds...

2004-02-04T00:20:00.000-06:00

From the "Old Argument File" [Posted by ZelderBar]: As many of you know, Troy can't let an argument die, so when he read Jared Diamond's pulitzer prize winning book Guns, Germs, and Steele he couldn't pass up the opportunity to send out some comments to Brooks and Josh. Troy commented, "Brooks, Josh, read this book and see what it was really like to be a hunter gatherer and then tell me when you'd rather live. Now, even with George Bush, is the best time to be alive...EVER!"

2004-02-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

When you are on the cover of Time Magazine it is no wonder that you (John Kerry) win 5 states. I am worried that Illinois' primary may actually matter, and I may have to actually make an informed vote! Damn representative democracy. If any of you are as confused about whom to vote for, you may want to try some of these sites: NPR's interviews with the candidates, non-partisan Politics1 (scroll down to find the photos of the Democratic candidates), or George Washington University's Democracy in action (by Eric Appleman).

2004-02-03T23:59:00.000-06:00

Have more kids? [posted by ZelderBar] It looks like we are going to need a superpower workforce for the next 300 years to get ourselves our of Bush's deficit." Everyone, take a personal day and get humpin'.

2004-02-03T21:51:00.000-06:00

What the...? [Posted by Robbie the Cat] Ok, I don't know where these people got that picture of me... YES! I like to play nintendo when Kim and Troy are gone. I thought it was harmless and no one would ever know. I have been putting in my hours sleeping and purring and batting at those stupid things they wave at me, can't I have a little down time to do something I want to do? I can't even believe they have cameras in here spying on me now when they're away. Guess it's back to sleeping all day again for me.