Make sure those lases are tight

Jay, please tell me it wasn't you. A man in Cambridge tripped over his shoelaces in a museum and destroyed three vases. Click here for story.

Those Randy Canadians

On NPR a couple of days ago, they interviewed a woman who had created several maps of Canada which only have names of towns and places which fall into a certain catagory. For example, the Erotic Map of Canada. Click here for map. It's truly a stupid and juvenile exercise. Which is why I love it so.

A late Happy Robbie Burns Day

Your annual chance for haggis has come and gone.

Report Card Time

Nick got his second report card from kindergarten yesterday. And overall he's doing great. He aced the number and counting section, killed on the motor skills part, and only missed the letter "g" in pronounciation. He even showed improvement in self control and letting others talk.

He still needs to learn how to tie his shoes. But his shoes don't tie, they are basically kiddie loafers that look like sneakers.

It's all in the timing.

A heart attack is a horrible thing to have happen to you. But if you were ever going to have one, where do you think the best place would be. Well in a hotel ballroom filled with cardiologists is a pretty good location. Click here for story. It seems that an elderly man had a heart attack at the annual Santa Barbara County "Heart Ball" fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

Probably a good thing he didn't attend the Santa Barbara County Bar Association Barrister's Ball.

Happy Birthday Ben!

On January 17th, Ben Franklin turned 300 years old. But just because he's dead and in the ground doesn't mean that there shouldn't be a party. Despite his warnings in Poor Richard's Ben loved to over eat, over drink and over sleep. So to celebrate Ben's Birthday several brewpubs have made a special ale to toast this "First American". Click here for a location near you.

What would the anti-saloon league say?

Westerville Ohio has just repealed its long standing prohibition on the sale of alcohol. Click here for story. This little burg was the home to the Anti-Saloon League from 1893. Click here for their link. In fact the town had been dry since 1875.

At least you know this politician's a blood sucker

A self proclaimed vampire is running to be governor of Minnesota. Click here for story. This is what happens when you let pagans on the ballot.

What a weekend.

This weekend I eat glutten free crackers, venison sausage, sake and some type of alcoholic drink which had a snake in it.

The first two were from a party for our old vicar who is now at Walther Lutheran High School as the head of chapel. The last two were from a party for the homebrew shop. Ed took us all out to Mr. Makigy's in St. Charles.

I had a lot more beer at that party.

Best excuse to get out of jury duty.

Being two years old. Click here for story.

Beer in the New York Times

A neat article on Portland's brewpubs. Click here for story.

The brilliant minds at Chase Bank

Sarah and I are in the worst financial bind of our lives. I don't have a regular salary apart from the pitance I'm making in my practice and H & R Block. Sarah's best clients have lost their jobs and are thus not to anxious to pay her to watch their children.

Today, with out asking, Chase send us a letter increasing our credit limit on our Mastercard.

Nick, the five year old capitalist

Nick has started playing store at the house. He has even made his own open and closed sign to announce to us when he is ready to do business. His store consists of "candles" made from his magnet set and some of his books. When you go to his shop you must buy a candle first and then a book. He gets quite perturbed if you go for a book first.

Quick Survey

Who's more disappointing:

A. Chicago Blackhawks
B. Chicago Bulls
C. Chicago Cubs off season

Penguins and the Force

This Christmas was all about Star Wars and Penguins.

Nick Reads First Book

Well Nick read his first book last night. And I only had to help him with two of the words. And I know that he was actually reading, as we had not read this book before. The book is Fat Cat a Fun with Phonics book.