Happy Holidays

For My Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere . Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

By accepting these greetings, you are accepting the aforementioned terms as stated. This greeting is not subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself/himself/others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wish.

For My Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Reagan Quotes

Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose."

The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant: It's just that they know so much that isn't so.

Of the four wars in my lifetime none came about because the U.S. was too strong.

I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandment's would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.

The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.

Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.

The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program"

I've laid down the law, though, to everyone from now on about anything that happens: no matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting.

It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.

Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.

No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.

If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.

The Vikings continue to disappoint

What started as a promising first half start has most people turning the channel and finding other past times at Sunday noon. Even though Miami tried everything in their power to self destruct with Harrington the Vikes failed to take advantage of any of the opportunities presented to them.

Not too many games ago, before they entered the cream puff portion of their schedule, it was said that Brad Johnson may not be lighting the offense on fire but he is not hurting them. Well clearly that has changed with key turn overs in the end zone killing 2 weeks of late 4th quarter drives. It is not all Johnson's fault. Williamson is much like the Stone Hands character in Necessary Roughness. He shows just enough brilliance at moments to tease us with what is possible with a great catch and effort, then this first round pick shows us what he is really about: long on speed with no ability to catch a football. Is it time for a look at Jackson? If the season becomes an even bigger horror show, then let's give the younger guys a chance. When the Twins did it this summer, they stepped up to win the Central. Look for Tavarius in 2 weeks.

Dumpster Lessons

A commercial size dumpster is about 20 yards. I have no idea what a yard represents since the last time I heard the term it was a beer reference so I was surprised to see how big one of these suckers really is. I bought this house as a single guy 15 years ago. Since then it has been filled with the worldly possessions of 4 people and an 8 pound cat with very little leaving in the form of landfill. Critical mass of "stuff" was finally reached and we were close to being accused of being hoarders. Something had to give before the snow was to fly and it was in the form of a gigantic green dumpster.

What a difference and relief 20 yards makes.

Lauren is a Blogger too!

Staying with family tradition, Lauren now has her own blog site. If you would like to visit her go to http://www.leharlow.blogspot.com/

There are some great updates on her many activities. One of her school projects was the creation of a blog site for out of town family and friends to view. It is a great way to keep people updated without relying on email.

Gardy runner up as manager of the year

After several magazines in April / May were calling Gardy the worst manager in baseball, this voting shows how fast things can change. I am always amazed how quickly perceptions change with a few wins since his coaching style remained relatively consistent. He was chosen as manager of the year as a runner of to Jim Leyland.

Gray, the ebay shopper

I guess they start the Ebay early these days. Gray spyed a gamecube game called Need for Speed / Hot pursuit 2 and placed a 1 cent bid on the item. We won and are now waiting to find out the shipping will be in excess of $50.00! (Just kidding).

The "New Pet" Discussion

Every parent would like to offer their kid the opportunity to experience a pet. Parents are also keenly aware that the new pet usually becomes their responsibility of the parent. This usually happens after the pet poops / pukes all over their favorite pants thus becoming a projectile dying of sudden deceleration against something like a wall.

After a carefully orchestrated PowerPoint presentation, the pet finalist included: Bunny, kitten, bearded dragon, and guinea pig. I was pushing for fish but for some reason it failed the "cuddly" test. (Maybe that is why my fish died?) Since the priorities were a moving target it was interesting watching the pet pitch turn into a self fulfilling prophecy. More on this later after the next visit to the pet shop.