Monday

It's time to get back to earning that money and stop enjoying the fruits of your labors for a few days.

It has not been a very good sports weekend for me, both the Steelers and Mountaineers went from dominating early to losing the game late in the game to pulling the off the loss from the jaws of victory. Oh well, line up next week and do it again.

On top of the two losses, yours truly now may have what Michelle had last week. I think I am on the verge of bronchitis, it started Saturday Night with a very sore throat and then got into my sinuses. Same thing happened to Michelle last week, so I am pounding the Vitamin C and hoping for the best. Hopefully I can avoid the severity like she had late last week.

Calvin's Birthday Party

Yesterday Pam and George hosted Calvin's 14th Birthday party at their place. The family assembled and Calvin had a few friends over to help him celebrate his special day of the year.

He was as rambunctious as only Calvin can be soaking in all that is his birthday. I don't think he stopped for very long as he was entertaining some of his friends.

We have another Birthday to celebrate this coming weekend as Kaiden turns the ripe old age of one. They will be celebrating his first birthday party at the church where they were married a few weeks ago. Rental for the facility, it's tables and chairs is something is not free, if everyone could pitch in a couple extra dollars this should not be too much of a financial burden on Amy and Ralph.

Tough Loss

Last night was a tough one to watch as a Mountaineer fan. We went down to Auburn Alabama and in a heavyweight match up came out swinging hard and taking control of the game. We dominated in the statistics and controlled the game all except for a couple KEY statistics. Six turnover lead to 24 Auburn points and WVU's demise in the 30-41 score in the revenge game from last season.


Late in the game Jarrett Brown injured his arm, forcing us to blow a redshirt year from Geno Smith, a true Freshman, late in the game. The only report I have seen on Jarrett's status so far is that he injured his shoulder and should be fine for the next game.

I do have to say that stupid mistakes was our problem. We ran the shuffle pass four times, two times with a little success, the next two times it lead to interceptions by defensive linemen, one to put the icing on the cake as we were trying to win the game.

Recent Computer Infection and Repair.

I was doing a little hacking a few years ago and managed to get a very bad piece of malware. Not knowing how to stop my computer from acting strange I had no idea what to do so I searched the internet for possible help. I found it in the Tom Coyote Forums and we got my system back up and running.

Fast forward to now, and my computer had slowed down significantly and started acting strange, especially in google searches. If I would do a search, and select the search result about 50% of the time it would redirect me to some site that honestly had nothing to do with the search results. My browser (Firefox) had slowed to a crawl to a point where I installed a lite version Google Chrome Browser just to be able to surf.

I had considered setting my computer to an earlier time, but there were no restore points, something was preventing them. Time to lookup TomCoyote again.

However the site no longer exists but migrated into WhattheTech. I quickly re-registered and started the process of repairing my computer. I followed their directions and started my own thread and did what they asked me to do. After a couple rounds my computer is back to normal, no longer infected and running quickly.

I think it all started on facebook when I clicked a "Cartoonize Yourself" link. I think that is where it all started and the computer went downhill since then. Almost to a point where I was going to reformat and wipe my system out.

I'm back up and running, Thank you Whatthetech.com

Happy Birthday Calvin McClain

I would like to take this opportunity out to wish my youngest Nephew a very Happy Birthday. Today is Calvin Michael McClain's birthday, but Pam is planning on having a little bit of a party for him tomorrow afternoon at their place.

The family will all be getting together to join Pam and George in helping to celebrate Calvin's birthday.

Happy Birthday Calvin. I hope you get everything that you want and that you have the Happiest of Birthdays.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday.

It would not be a fall weekend without a little bit of football talk. It's High School Football Night and the Morgantown Mohigans will attempt to break their two game losing streak tonight when they host East Fairmont. They are inducting this years class into the Morgantown High Sports Hall of fame, my old Wrestling coach Bob DeAntonis is one of the inductees. Way to go Big Wood. The University High Hawks try to extend their undefeated season as they travel to Elkins to play the Tigers (is that still their nickname?) Clay Battelle travels to Hundred to play the Hornets and try to extend their undefeated season.

Looking for College, WVU travels to Auburn Saturday Night to have a showdown with the Tigers. We beat them last year here in Morgantown, but I am sure this SEC Powerhouse will be looking for a little revenge. This may be the best team we play all season. The game is Saturday Night and I would imagine a game between these two powerhouses will be televised.

Looking for the Big Boys? The Pittsburgh Steeler's continue the defense of their Super Bowl Championship by traveling to the Chicago bears for a 4:15 game Sunday.

Looking for something to do this weekend? The Mason Dixon Festival will be held this weekend at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater and if you are looking for a little bit of Wine and some nice Jazz, the West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival is also this weekend st the 4H Camp, Camp Muffly.

Have a Great Weekend!!!

Michelle still under the weather

Michelle and I went to see Arron's game last night at University High School. She has been a little under the weather lately but I think last night tipped it over the edge and her sinus infection seems to have dropped into her chest and she appears to have developed bronchitis from sitting out there last night.

I prevent from getting punched by Trish, I won't reveal who won and by what score. There is no way I would tell anyone the Mohigans won 34-0 last night, just won't do that.

I think Michelle is going to stay home today, she had a rough night last night, she is one of those go to work even if you are half dead types and she wants to stay home today. I hate seeing her like this, it takes a lot to knock her down and she is down.

Getting Closer

Workweeks are traditionally long and drawn out, I do have to say that since I was out of town Monday and Michelle was sick Tuesday (she is feeling a little better) and we went to Aaron's game last night at University High School, that this week has pretty much flown by for me. Come on Friday and come on weekend.

Other than that it is a pretty uneventful day to write a blog. I can always start to gear up for a weekend of football if someone twists my arm.

Anyone wanting any kittens? We have a pregnant cat who hasn't delivered yet, but not to early to stake your claim for your choice little fuzzy and adorable kitten. The line is forming, make sure you have your place to take of of these future lovable, fuzzy and furry kittens to play with.

Michelle Sick

My sweetie had to leave work early yesterday and take a trip to the doctors. She has a very bad sinus infection and they gave her a prescription to try to help alleviate it. I actually left work a little early yesterday to take of a few things on the home front.

She went straight to bed, I let her sleep a while and she still felt horrible so she laid back down and went back to sleep.

No worries, I took care of everything yesterday evening and allowed her a chance to rest and relax for the evening. Hopefully this morning she will be feeling better and will be up and at em, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Tuesdays Tidbits

* I have survived my long day yesterday, long meetings and two 1 1/2 hour trips can make for a long day. I'm back and ready to head back to my office tomorrow.

* Well fantasy football week one is officially over for me and I lost my first game. I'll rebound and recover this week and make the playoffs this season.

* Calvins's Birthday party will be this Saturday at 2:00 at Pam and George's place.

* Kaiden's first birthday party will be the following weekend.

* Terri started a new job this past Saturday. More details to come as I find them out.

* Kanye West in case everyone missed it, is a complete moron for taking the microphone away from 19 year old Taylor Swift when she won her first eve Video Music Award. IF I have ever bought any of his music, I would boycott him now but I've never given the man a nickel of my money.

* It looks like the weather is going to break a little and become nicer, I could use it as I have been a little bit under the weather myself.

* As I am writing this blog (actually Monday night) we are actually watching the Movie October Sky. If you have never seen it or are looking for a good movie to watch, this is it.

* Have a Great Day

To the Burgh I go

It's going to be a long day for me today, when I usually report to the office I will be traveling an hour and a half through the back roads to get to the Pittsburgh Facility for a 5 hour meeting tomorrow morning at 8:00. I need to be there by about 7:30 to help prep for the five hour meeting.

This means I'll probably have to be out the door by 6:00 AM tomorrow. It's also a tie wearing kind of day as I have a presentation for the project I worked on most of the year, a new project to codify that project and a kickoff meeting for another project. Needless to say I will be a busy individual all day tomorrow.

I should be back early in the afternoon, I brought a Govt Vehicle home so I can get an early start tomorrow and don't have to go into my office (no one would be there anyways) and get the vehicle, I can leave straight from here.

Oh well, it's early and I gotta get to the Burgh.

The Mountaineers extracted a little bit of revenge for last years beating they took at the hands of the East Carolina Pirates. There were no surprises this year as the Mountaineers were ready and beat the Pirates 35-20 even with a couple of mishandled punts that lead to 10 Pirate Points.

Senior QB Jarrett Brown was nearly flawless as he commanded his offense down field with an aerial barrage that the Pirates had no answer for. Brown passed for 334 yards and 4 touchdowns and added another 73 yards on the ground with his feet as East Carolina's Defense just could not stop him.

The Mountaineers now 2-0 on the season travel to SEC Powerhouse Auburn, who will be trying to get revenge for the 34-17 loss that they were handed in Morgantown last season.

I was feeling a little under the weather for the game yesterday so Michelle and Hayley went and enjoyed the game.

Game today

West Virginia will be taking on the East Carolina Pirates today and trying to extract some revenge for last years beating that were handed. Last year the Mountaineers were two games removed from handily beating last years Heisman Trophy winner and a team that played for a share of the National Championship. Expectations were high last year, but we were handily beaten by the ECU Pirates 3-24.

The keys to winning today are going to be what we failed to do last year and are pretty simple. Offensively we just need to move the chains. Simply work for 10 yards and a fresh set of downs and keeping possession of the ball. Big plays are nice and we do have playmakers, but holding possession of the ball gives your play makers more chances to make those plays. If your offense goes out and runs three plays and has to punt, it's going to be a long day.

Defensively we need to be able to stop them on 3rd down. Last year Patrick Pinkney was a player who managed to keep making the plays for ECU, especially on third downs. We could have him set up in 4rd and longs and he was still making the plays somehow.

Keep the ball and keep your opponent off the field are the basics of the game, I think with all our big name play makers over the past few years we might have lost sight of that.

Let's Go Mountaineers

Eight Years Ago

It was eight years ago that at about this time that the blog is actually posting that this country changed forever. It was September 11, 2001 and I was watching Jerry Springer as I did not have to work that Tuesday morning and I had but one class that evening. The day was mine and a little after 9:00 they interrupted Jerry Springer to bring a Special Report.

My eyes were peeled to the television for the rest of that fateful day. America had came under attack, a terrorist group lead by Osama Bin Laden had decided to send two airplanes into the World Trade Centers, One into the Pentagon and planned to put one into the Capital Building, but brave souls aboard US Air Flight 93 would not allow this to happen.

It's been eight years, one President failed to get Bin Laden and to the current President I beg you, get this man.

Remember those who died on 9-11 and all of those who have died protecting us since then.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday.

How about the Pittsburgh Steelers last night. I stayed up and watched it all, from Hine's fumble to the overtime win. Great way to start a season from the defending Super Bowl Champions.

Hey High School Football fans, the Morgantown High School Mohigans will be traveling to Fairmont's East West Stadium tonight to take on the Fairmont Senior High School. The Mohigans are coming off of a win last week and will be looking to give the 2-0 Polar Bears their first loss of the season. Buchanan Upshur visits University High tonight as the Hawks look to extend their undefeated season against the winless Bucks. Undefeated Clay Battelle travels to Paden City knock them around and winless Trinity is idle this week.

Mountaineer Game tomorrow and both Michelle and I will be there. Her boss came around and handed her a couple tickets to Saturday's game. It's a good thing for me, because this game will not be broadcast on television but feat not Comcast subscribers the game will be broadcast on the internet on ESPN360. So if you have High Speed Internet, you can watch the game.

Steelers start the season tonight

Be wary NFL, the defending and six time Lombardi Trophy Winning Pittsburgh Steelers start tonight to defend their Championship. First up on the agenda, the Tennessee (Midgets) Titans who will be visiting Heinz Field this evening to accept the butt kicking that they so deserve.

Oh, and Lendale first of all thank you for the inspiration you gave the Steeler nation last season. When you stomped on the Towell last season I said then you just handed us the Super Bowl. I was right. We'll be waiting for you.

Midweek Tidbits

* I think it is time for a tidbits, I'm a little overdue for one and I need something to write about so here it goes.

* Kaiden Dalton will be celebrating his first birthday in a couple of weeks. Amy is going to have a birthday party for him at the church they were married in on September 26 starting at 1:00. Celebrate with her and Ralphie as Kaiden enjoys his first birthday.

* Anyone wanting any kittens? One of the cats went out whoring around and got knocked up a couple of months ago and is about ready to pop out some kittens. I'm sure they will go fast so if you are interested let me know early.

* Kaiden is suffering from his first ear infection and he is teething, poor Amy.

* Dinner was absolutely awesome last night, Michelle baked some Cod and it turned out very well. We've been adding a lot of fish to our diets as of late.

* Do you believe that it is already hump day? I guess these short work weeks tend to make the week go faster.

* Moke called me a couple of times over the weekend, both times I either had the ringer accidentally turned off or was napping. He'll be coming in for a two week leave in February.

* Anyone planning on buying satellite TV any time in the near future. Nick is representing Dish Network , so if you are considering Dish Network, give the man a chance to earn a little commission.

* Anyone considering taking a Zumba Class? A coworker's wife is going to be doing Zumba Classes at Mountain Valley Apartments in the very bear future. Classes will be $5.00 each or you can buy a punch card good for 10 visits for $40.00 if anyone is interested.

* Today is 9-9-09

* It's Midweek and this was my tidbits.

Back At It

I love long extended weekends, especially ones during the summer months but the last one of summer 2009 is now officially over and it's time to put the nose back to the dreaded grindstone and get to work refreshed from an extended weekend.

I don't appear to have too busy of a schedule this week at first glance, but you know that can easily change on nothing but a whim and a phone call. I will have to be in Pittsburgh NEXT Monday very early for a coding project we are doing. I'm taking a government car up so I will probably go and pick it up Sunday evening as I have to be in Pittsburgh at about the same time as I come into my Morgantown Office.

Due to the not too satisfactory weather yesterday, Michelle and I stayed home and rented the Will Smith movie Hancock. It delivered a little more than I expected, but then again it is Will Smith.

Oh well, Hi Ho Hi Ho......

Labor Day

For all of you hard working people out there, today is labor day, take the day off. For those of you who may have to work today, I'll be thinking about you as I am enjoying my time away from the grindstone.

It's the day that ceremonially marks the end of summer, although it will officially be the summer season for another two weeks, actually September 22 when the autumnal Equinox occurs and we officially end summer. However I looked at Michelle last night at about 8:00 and noticed that it was actually starting to get dark out.

I guess my days of summer for 2009 are slowly going by the wayside. Gone for the summer of 2009 are the days of Softball games and meeting with the guys, gone is the Summer of Phil and days filled with shorts and sandals. Gone are the times of movies under the stars and trips to the zoo.

Welcome football season and the changing of the leaves. A time when hunters start to practice and Friday nights are filled with the sounds of football pads smacking together and loud harmonious chants and jeers come from the throng of people supporting their team.

Enjoy one last day of summer, have a BBQ, spend it with family, make a memory with some special people that will last you a lifetime. You don't have to work today, the kids are off from school, how many Mondays will you have this opportunity again with in 2009?

A couple of surprises

Up an at em early this morning I was looking for some material to write for my Sunday Morning BLOG. I could have written about the game yesterday, but that's old news and I think everyone reading this BLOG probably knows WVU won yesterday.

I turned around this morning and what did I see on the other side of my patio door this morning? The half of my BLOG story this morning. Standing there eating was a doe close to the door. Michelle and I paid close attention to her for a awhile then we lost interest.
A little while later Michelle got really quite and said "Ed, We have a Buck" in our back yard. Sure enough under the cherry tree was a buck still with fuzz on his antlers (of course that is probably normal for this time of the year.

I once again grabbed the camera and attempted to grab a picture or two of him out in the yard. He was a little cautious of me as I slowly walked outside not knowing what to think of the overblown Mr. Clean walking out of the house.

Sometimes blog material is hard to come by, sometimes the story just presents itself right to you as if to say "hey here I am, you can write about me in exchange for me grazing a little in your back yard."

And thus, this morning's blog had life.

It's Gameday

\

Oh yes it is now officially football season here in Morgantown. For a few hours today the city will house the states largest population as 60,000 fans make their way to Mylan Puskar Stadium at Mountaineer Field to watch the West Virginia Mountaineers do battle with Liberty University.

The game will be on TV here locally starting at noon on channels 14 and 22 on Comcast. So if you are not going to the game for any reason, take the chance to watch it on Television in the comfort of your own home. Maybe it would be a nice day for a cookout =)

Looking ahead at our schedule, I don't see any game that we can't win, not saying that we will win them all, but this should be a very good year for the Mountaineers under head coach Bill Stewart.

Let's Go Mountaineers.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of a three day Labor Day weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday.

it's football season and the High schools are in action this evening. My beloved Morgantown High Mohigans travel to Elkins as both teams seek their first win of the 2009 season after they both suffered setbacks last weekend. The University High Hawks will look to make it two in a row as East Fairmont visits Mylan Pharmaceuticals Stadium this evening. Both teams won last week, so something has to give this week in the battle of the unbeatens. Bishop Donahue visits Clay Battelle and Trinity High School has its first ever home game, even thought the game will be played at Duvall-Rosier Field on the Fairmont State University campus.

Let us not forget the big game in Morgantown, West Virginia University will be going against Liberty University here in Morgantown with kickoff scheduled for noon. The game will be on TV locally on I think channel 4.

It's a holiday three day weekend, enjoy yourselves.

Getting Closer

Can you smell it in the air? We are just two days away now from the season opener for the 2009 WVU Football Team.

Gone is Patrick White, college football's all time leading rushing Quarterback. In his place in a player who could have started for a multitude of college football teams over the past three seasons, but awaited his turn behind Patrick.

Returning are names like Noel Devine, the little scat back that no one can catch. Don't be surprised to see a true Freshman push him for playing time and being a real big play maker. Tavon Austin is the one of one true incoming freshman that I would tell you to remember, but something tells me it won't be hard to remember his name.

The Mountaineers are not ranked in a pre-season poll this year, the first time that has happened in a few years. However I would not wager that will be the case come seasons end.

I was hacked

My website came under a vicious malware attack yesterday. Somehow they added a simple line of code to my index file a simple line of code that sent people from my site to some computer set up in Russia on a home computer and was picked up by Google. Google actually flagged my site as to having spyware and it was hard to go there unless you completely removed your internet security.

No fears though, me, Godaddy.com and a couple hours on the phone pinpointed the problem and completely wiped and restored my website out removing any other infected files. I saw the code, but was worried it may have infected other pages so I just wiped it out and put a safe archive version of it back up. It should be OK by the time anyone is reading this.

This has caused me a headache, now Google thinks my site is an infected site. They'll check it again, I submitted the site for review again and everything should be back to normal by the time this blog posts.

That was my evening yesterday, hope everyone else had a better one.

Erica Jean's First day of School.

I missed my opportunity on this BLOG, it was a couple of weeks ago and I completely missed mentioning this. September 1st was Erica Jean's first ever day of school.

Education is a very important and monumental and important thing. It has a lot to do with who we are and what we will become in life.

Erica has just started her education, hopefully this is just the start and she will be a graduate of West Virginia Universities class of 2027 and she will do it with honors.

Poor Rich Rod

Oh the humanity of anyone accusing Rich "The Product" Rodriguez of any wrong doing. We here in West Virginia know what an honorable and honest man that he is, you should be able to trust his word as absolute truth that he would never ever lie (Unless you are talking about him getting caught shop lifting at Krogers when he was in college).

Forget that he was misinterpreted when he said he was going to be at West Virginia the rest of his career, he only meant until he blew the Pitt game.

Now at Michigan, a storied program that has a reputation of running very clean, has a potential NCAA investigation that it may face because of the Product's antics.

Yesterday the teary eyed Product had a press conference and put on his tears for the media and made it look like they did absolutely nothing wrong, even though current and former players are saying they are breaking the NCAA rules.

Dear Michigan.....ROFLMFAO. Sucks to be you!!!!!!!




EDIT:

And the hits just keep on coming.



When you take out $26 Million in Loans

Someone might want the money back

Ha Ha ha ha

Just Another Monday

Is the weekend already over with? Is it really time to put our noses back to the grindstone and get back to work for the week? Don't we usually have a holiday about now? Oh, that's next weekend that we have a three day weekend..ah maaaaan.

Got home a little late last night, had an evening with the guys drafting fantasy football teams (we have a record number 12 teams in the league this year) for the 2009 season. Should be a lot of fun and a little more challenging with so many teams in the league, it thins the talent pool out significantly and really making you think about who you are going to play for the week.

I'm almost glad the weekend is over though, both Michelle and I were a little bit under the weather at times all weekend, I know I napped all day yesterday until it was time to draft. Then it was about four hours of sports trivia against a few very knowledgeable players.

Hi Ho Hi Ho....

Fantasy Football Draft Today

It's that time of the year and I have not done a single thing to prepare for it yet this season. We are having our fantasy football draft this afternoon at HiHALEY'S for the 2009 season.

We are abandoning out Yahoo.com format and going to ESPN this year, mainly because there is a different person running the league this season. I was the commissioner last season and we still have not collected 20% of the prize money from the participants from last year, including my 3rd place finish money so I am letting someone else handle the headaches this season.

A Day Off

What to do with a day off around this city, it's Saturday and both Michelle and I are off.

We could always Geocache, one of my favorite hobbies, it's like cocaine for geography geeks. There are quite a few new caches around Morgantown to seek. Now that Morgantown has 3G Technology, my iPhone becomes another very good GPS unit to compliment the hand held Garmin that we use.

Uniontown is having an Italian Heritage Festival this weekend, today's festivities however do not start until this afternoon at 3:00 and run till 11:00 tonight and then recommences tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM.

The Pittsburgh Steelers play tonight at 7:30 PM for all of us Steeler fans. The Buffalo Bills will visit Heinz Field (Home of the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers) this evening for the third exhibition of the season. They will have one more exhibition game next week before starting the season off on September 10th against the Tennessee Titans.

Hopefully the weather holds up today so we can get out and enjoy the little bit of summer that we have left.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of yet another weekend and a Big Ole Hairy Friday.

Well kids are back in school and that means just one thing, the dawn of football season. While the Steelers are a few weeks away and the Mountaineers are eight days away, tonight the spotlight turns to the High School aged kids as they kick off their official seasons tonight. My beloved Mohigans are at home against Wheeling Park and the cross town rival University High Hawks travel to Rachael to play the North Marion Huskies. Here's to hoping both teams have a great season, and we can have a couple victories tonight for Mon County.

Michelle was feeling very under the weather yesterday, hopefully when I bring her her coffee this morning she will be feeling much more chipper than she did yesterday morning. She seemed to be OK last night, but we'll have to wait till I take her her coffee to know for sure.

Have a great Friday and a better weekend. Get out and support your local HS football teams.

Wow talk about traffic last night

I never thought I would see complete gridlock the backside of Collins Ferry Road barring an ice storm or some kind of inclimate weather. Last night coming home from work, the same time that the Department of Energy and Mylan Pharmaceuticals were letting out a company doing construction on the road had one side of the road completely blocked. They had a flag man letting people through but up the road about 150-200 yards on the other side of the street a dump truck working that was supposed to be doing some hauling for this company lost a wheel on the other side of the road.

What do you get when you have this, a couple of flagmen that have no idea what is going on and no one paying attention? You get complete and total gridlock, no one was moving in either direction either way. A Tow truck had showed up to tow the truck that lost its wheel, but because of the gridlock people were pulling up behind the tow truck with no where to go in the middle of this gridlock and blocking any chance of anyone one help ease the situation.

It's bad enough the city has the students back, it's bad enough at the time when two large employers were letting out with only on access road in, it's bad enough when they are working on the road at this time and with these conditions and then all of these factors together a complete headache.

Now the real kicker, we thought the car ran out of gas. It actually even stalled on us, but when traffic finally did start to move we did make it out and to the closest gas station.

Hopefully today will be much better.

Out with the old and in with the new

About a week and a half ago Michelle was playing Wii Bowling at our house and accidentally let the wii controller slip out of her hand into the screen of our HDTV cracking the screen and rendering basically 1/4 of it useless.

We started looking around and found a Sony Bravia that we really liked, this is a 1080P as opposed to our 720P that we had on the previous TV. It has a much higher resolution and a few easily accessible ports. I had done some research on the Bravia and realized it would be quite simple hooking her laptop to the new TV.
Needless to say our new TV was delivered yesterday and it had a nice handy little VGA slot on the side of it. I went to office Depot and connected Michelle's Laptop to the TV and walla, Michelle is playing her beloved Facebook Farmtown on the TV after I set her laptop up for dual monitors, one of which being the option of the TV.

I think she likes the set up, Farmtown on the HDTV. We also tried watching a few movies through her laptop on the TV and that worked quite well also.

So, the old is now in the spare bedroom with the Wii hooked up to it, and the new one is safely in the living room away from any flying remotes.

College Day Two

Alright you used to be rookies, now you are well on your way to being seasoned college Students. I did hear from quite a few people yesterday who were attending their first day of college. There was my niece Brittany, Smitty's step daughter Brittany started and an old friend from a long time ago who is also a facebooker John Campbell had his nephew start at WVU yesterday too.

Kayla Brown said she was a little nervous, but I know she will do fine and I am even trying to talk her into playing a little bit of tennis in college since she played for a couple state championships.

I hope all you freshmen had a good time and attended fall fest last night, for today is another day and you have more professors to meet. Get comfortable, get serious and don't get caught up in too many distractions and thee will be some of the best years of your life.

First Day of Classes at WVU

Today is the first day of classes for yet another set of future alumni at West Virginia University, this class however features my Niece Brittany as one of those very nervous freshmen today that will be attending their first day of college.

Yesterday Kim, Michelle and I walked Brittany around campus, I showed her where all of her classes are and how to commute to them. We were able to walk around campus which allowed me to bestow some of my wisdom on how to succeed as a college student to Brittany.

I gave her my three pieces of advice that will help her accomplish her goals.

1. Go to class. Not just a class, go to every class that the class offers. Too many times students will show up on the first day of classes to get their syllabus and you only see them a few more times during the year and those will be examination days. Some can do this and do it well, they are usually upper level classmates taking a lower level class to meet a core curriculum. The ones who do it successfully are either seasoned students or ones just barely getting by.
2. Sit up front. In large classes it is easy to get around people who really don't care about being there, they are there more to socialize than anything else. remember these faces, they will not be around in four years for commencement. Sitting up front allows your professor to see you, allows you to hear them and clearly be able to hear them without the distraction of what bar specials are going on tonight from people who won't be there next year.
   
3. When you have time in between classes, find out your professors office hours and stop by occasionally and visit them. If they know your face and you show them an effort, when grades are released this may work to your advantage. On top of that, I made friends with quite a few of my professors, remember that many of them are graduate students teaching intro classes trying to earn a post graduate degree.
   

That's it, you can do that as well as learn to manage your free time (studying in between classes or dead periods) and learning how to study for exams (multiple times worked best for me) rather than reviewing your notes for the first time as your getting ready to take the exam are they keys to success that worked for me.

I've passed my wisdom on to Brittany, told her what to stop by and see and interesting places to go like the West Virginia Collection at Wise Library. I also informed her that her Great Grandfather's music is housed in this library. Maybe someday she'll decide to go and find out just how talented of a fiddle player Ellis Hall was (pssst, collection 541).

Enjoy your next few years, they will be memories of a lifetime if you do it right.

Happy Birthday George Ellis "Moke" McClain

Today I would like to make a very special Happy Birthday wish to my Nephew George Ellis "Moke" McClain who currently making all of us safe and proud by serving in the military and serving a tour of duty in Iraq.

This is a very special birthday for him, not only is he serving our country on a foreign land, it is also his 21st birthday.

We are all very proud of you Moke, and Happy 21st Birthday.

16th Annual Chicken Wing Cookoff.

Alright Morgantown Chicken wing lovers, there is one nice thing about all of the students coming back to town, it's is the 16th annual Chicken Wing cook off at the Mountaineer Mall today from 11:00 to 5:00.

There will be music provided by George Shingleton and Full Effect. So come on out for some wings and some good music.

We are planning on attending this year as Jean will be bringing Erica with her for her first time in attending the Chicken Wing Cookoff. I think this is the third or fourth year in a row that jean and I have went to this event together.

I know in years past there has been a lot of side events to keep everyone entertained like the antique car show, and the childrens's zoo that was with the event last year.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we all look foreword to, when we can take time to cease the labors for the week and take a little bit of needed time out to enjoy the fruits of those labors. It is once again the dawn of yet another weekend and a Bog Ole Hairy Friday.

If you are looking for a little bit of free entertainment, tonight is the last in the summer series of Movies on the Mon. So, bring a place to sit your hind end, your favorite beverage and some snacks and enjoy tonight's summer final High School Musical 3.

Has anyone noticed that the cities population has grown significantly in the past few days? Seems like all the WVU students decided to return to school and the cities population has grown (as well as the amount of traffic) in the past few days. Get used to it, they are here until Thanksgiving break at least, maybe even Christmas break. Yikes.

Michelle is having minor surgery this morning, she is having her big toe nail removed. It is cracked and has been causing her same pain, especially when people step on it, and will have it removed this morning.

We won't have our new TV yet, I guess Dell cut one heck of a deal on the one we are buying (0% financing for 12 months) that it has pushed our delivery time from yesterday to this Wed. It's worth the wait though.

Have a good Friday and a great weekend.

Happy Birthday Gloria Jean Hall

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the person that we all call AnMal a very Happy Birthday today. If you didn't know today was Jean's birthday, make sure you remember to wish her a very Happy Birthday today.

A very special person who I am sure has touched each and every one of our lives in some way, I know she has both mine and Michelle's and that is just the absolute tip of the giant Iceberg.

Happy Birthday Jean, both Michelle and I hope you have the happiest of days.

Hump Day Tidbits

* I do have to say that this week is going by pretty quickly for me, it's already hump day and the weekend is on site.

* Anyone hear the latest, Brett Favre ununununununununretired and signed a $10-12 Million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. My first question is why does he keep doing this and my second question is why would anyone want to play for a team that wears purple?

* Some people are considering getting together either the 29th or 30th of this month and going out and playing paintball. I haven't played yet this year and Scott from work is itching to play so I sent Sean an e-mail to see if there are any deals.

* Michelle had a great idea for dinner last night, we had breakfast food for dinner. I LOVE breakfast and there are leftovers for me this morning. Yuuuum.

* The Chicken Wing cook off is this weekend if anyone would like to go.

* Michelle has gotten me addicted to Farmtown. Jane got her addicted, and Kim got Jane addicted. Now I'm addicted to another game on Facebook.

* For the first time this decade, enrollment at West Virginia University is down from the previous year. Enrollment last fall was 28,840.

* I was waiting until my new one arrived before I told this story, however I just received confirmation that it won't be here tomorrow and will be here next Wed. You see, a HDTV, a Sony Wii without a rubber shell and no safety strap is a recipe for disaster. This past weekend, we had a Wii remote accidentally thrown into the TV and cracking crystal behind it. We just bought this TV this March, now we are buying another one and it will be delivered on Wednesday next week. We are going from a Visio 720 P to a Sony Bravio 1080P TV. The old TV is still usable, but the left 1/4 of it is cracked and puts out no image. We'll be ready come football season.

Braindead Tuesday

Every once in a while you have that writers block, when coming up with some content is not exactly what is flowing through the noodle. To this blogger, today is one of those days when I am reaching for some kind of content.

I have a story in mind, but I'm going to wait for it to develop so I can present the whole story at once. I have a couple of birthdays coming up this week and of course my Big Ole hairy blog, but on a Tuesday Morning (or Monday night tee hee) I have nothing of any value to offer anyone.

Since I have writers block, I offer you a little humor.




A few minutes before the church services started, the congregation was sitting in their pews and talking. Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church.

Everyone started screaming and running for the back entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate. Soon the church was empty except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew without moving, seemingly oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy was in his presence.

So Satan walked up to the man and said, 'Do you know who I am?'

The man replied, 'Yep, sure do.'

Aren't you afraid of me?' Satan asked.

'Nope, sure ain't.' said the man.

Don't you realize I can kill you with one word?' asked Satan.

Don't doubt it for a minute, ' returned the old man, in an even tone.

'Did you know that I can cause you profound, horrifying agony for all eternity?' persisted Satan.

Yep,' was the calm reply.

'And you're still not afraid?' asked Satan.

'Nope,' said the old man.

More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, ' Why aren't you afraid of me?'

The man calmly replied, 'Been married to your sister for 48 years.'

Back at it again

Yeah the ceasing of our labors starts to cease as we get back to our weekly grindstone of work. Gone are the days at the pool like Saturday and replaced with a day in the office.

We had some visitors this weekend, friends of Michelle stayed for a few nights with us. This is her and her kids with Michelle and a picture of the hind end of the other house guest, but things are now back to normal and everyone has returned home for another fun week at work.

Michelle has had a nice extended three day weekend, but all good things come to an end and she'll be back in her office today too.

I know I'm just full of good news this morning, sorry I didn't make it Monday.

They're coming back

We were driving around Morgantown yesterday and noticed something, students are starting to move back into town. AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH. I have enjoyed the peace and quiet that has been the past couple of months, now the invasion is starting.

Anyways, Lynn and the kids will be heading back to New York this morning, Michelle's Mom will stop buy and pick up her dog and the Hall-Collins household will return to normal this evening.

Saturday

I love Saturdays, it's the one day of the week when we get to play if you are lucky. I know that in just a few short weeks Saturdays will be filled with College Football and the smells of Tailgates and BBQ grills will eminate through the air in a very few weeks.

However summer is starting to wind down, kids are buying school clothes and school supplies for the upcoming semester and year, this will be the last peaceful weekend you will see in Morgantown until probably Thanksgiving week.

Next week the towns population will double in size as WVU Students will return and a new Freshman Class will be joining them. So if you are anything like me and like the peace and quiet, you had better enjoy today because this is the last weekend we will have to enjoy it in quite a while.

Enjoy your day and live it to the fullest.

Happy Birthday Bobby

If you see Bobby Nicholson today, make sure you wish him a very Happy Birthday. A usually quiet and reserved man, still needs the appreciation of being wished a Happy Birthday.


Happy Birthday Bobby.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is once again that time of the week that we look forward to, when you cease your labors for the week and take a little earned time out to enjoy the fruits of your labors. It is once again the dawn of yet another great weekend, it is a Big Ole Hairy Friday and a time to celebrate.

If you are looking for a little bit of cheap or free entertainment this evening, the Hazel Ruby McQuain amphitheater is having yet another free movie tonight when they are playing Pink Panther 2. The sequel to the Steve Martin comedy, so bring your favorite butt cushion, your favorite beverage and a few snacks and enjoy yet another free movie out under the stars. This will be the next to last movie of the season and it will all be culminating next Friday night with High School Musical 3. If you have not made it to a movie this year yet, you only have this and next week and that will be it for 2009.

Not sure what else the weekend has in store for us, Michelle is off today spending a little bit of quality time with an old friend who is visiting us this weekend with her kids. It may be a Tanger Outlet weekend for us as we need to take Hayley school clothes shopping.

Anyways, have a great day and a better weekend.

House Guests will be arriving today

Some of Michelle's long time friends from New York will be coming in for the weekend to stay with us starting this evening. It's been a couple of years since she has seen them and is looking forward to seeing them this afternoon.

She'll be starting her weekend a day early to spend with her friends Lynn, Trent, Becca and Corbin. I'll be working Friday to allow her to spend some quality time with them Friday, and because it's hurricane season.

I was feeling a little bit under the weather last night when I got home from work, I ate a quick dinner, took a hot shower and laid down for a few hours before finally heading off to bed. A little bit of wisdom to share with everyone, 1,000 mgs of Vitamin C may look like you can bite into it and chew it, however I highly advise to not use this strategy and slow them whole. I swear if I farted last night it would have came out smelling like Oranges.

Have a good Thursday.

Hump Day

OK, last week seemed to drag along for me, this week seems to have made up for that as we are already at Hump Day. I guess time being a day ahead of when you think it is is better than being a day behind where you wish it was.

Speaking of work, I heard something yesterday that totally amazed me. Typhoon Morakot nailed China and Taiwan over the weekend, the amount of rainfall was simply amazing, over 60" over a two day period. That simply amazes me to hear that. I live in West Virgina, I think the deepest level of snowfall (not rain) that I have ever seen has been 42" of snow. Quite a significant number with snow, now remember that it takes more rain to make up an inch of rain compared to an inch of snow. Now consider that they had twice as much rain as I have ever seen snow. It was just simply amazing for me to hear of numbers like that in that short of a period of time.

OK, now that I have talked a little shop talk, how about we liven up everyone elses Hump day at the office. I have an idea for a little bit of fun, do this at your own risk.

If you need help in livening up the day I have a suggestion. Pick an office mate you would like to prank and leave them a message that a Mr. Bare, a Mr Lyons or be a little daring and have it from L.E. Funt and say they called, it is urgent and they need the victim to return their call at their earliest convenience. Write down the number of the local zoo. Will it work? I would like to hear if anyone falls for it.

Have a great hump day, take a few minutes out and have a little fun to break up what could be a monotonous day.

Tuesdays Tidbits

* Maybe it is time for me to do a tidbits, nothing major to say but not really into Twitting.

* WVU Football practice is in full swing and has been since this past Saturday. The season whether we want it or not is right around the corner.

* Hayley is going to have a much deserved day off, she worked all weekend long and it was the early morning shift for three days preceded by a late afternoon shift when she had to turn around and go back in the next morning.

* Good news at work, I finally have new new computer. It arrived to the office yesterday afternoon, we just need to configure it to the network and today should be the "Install all the Software" day. I don't mid though, I kind of like doing that. Truth be told the last thing I did on that computer was write this blog entry.

* We may be heading North to the Tanger Outlets this weekend, school is right around the corner and Hayley is wanting to do some school clothes shopping.

* One of West Virginia's favorite daughters has returned to the Mountain State, Mary Lou Retton the 1984 Women's All Around Olympic Gold Medalist has returned to Fairmont to live after living in Houston the last 30 years. Her Husband just took over a position at Fairmont State and they have already bought a home here.

* Where has the summer went to, it seems like just yesterday we were starting softball practice and WVU was letting out for the summer. We are less than two weeks from when the students will be returning to Morgantown.

Another Dreary Monday

Yeah Yeah we all know, time for all the fun to stop and time get get our rear ends back to the grindstone for the start of yet another week of work. I was off by noon Friday so this weekend was even an extended one for me and it still went by way too fast.

Wasn't it just last week that I was a day behind, can't we just tack the time I felt last week and apply it to being a longer weekend? Don;t get me wrong, I like my job, but the weather yesterday deserves to be extended for another day so we can enjoy it a little more.

Later this week Michelle is having some of her friends from New York come through and stay with us for a few days. I know she is quite excited about seeing her friend, it's been a couple years since she has seen them and I have never met them.

Hi Ho Hi Ho, you know the routine.....

Wedding Reception

Yesterday was the culmination of the Amy and Ralphie wedding, it was the celebration a day after the event. When both friends and family all joined together where Ralph, Amy and Kaiden Dalton all call home and celebrate their marriage together.

I managed to get all of the pics from both the wedding and the reception up on my site so that they can be hosted. HERE are all of my pictures from the last two days minus the functions not associated with the wedding (softball get together).

It was nice to see a few of the favorite patrons from Nick and Terri's Tavern coming to pay homage to the newly weds. I think Joe Kisner has always been a pleasure to talk to as I once again had the opportunity to talk to him again yesterday.

I think both Ralph and Amy are now breathing a sigh of relief that this thing is all over with, with the exception of telling anyone left over this morning that the roads are getting bad. LOL

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Ralph Dalton.

Wedding and Softball Party

Michelle and I had a rather busy day yesterday. Our evening started off with Amy and Ralphies wedding. Amy is now officially a Dalton and no longer a Hamrick.

It was a short and quick wedding, so quick that I honestly missed it because I was fidgeting with Val's camera trying to get it to work. The next thing I know I look up and they are walking out of the church. I must be deaf too because I turned to Michelle and asked what they were doing.

Either way it was nice to see everyone together, the reception's this evening, and I'll put all the pictures up after that.

After that we were off to the Final MiHALEY'S team softball gathering of the 2009 season. It's sad to know that football practice has started and that the time of the year that I look forward to is now once again a memory.

We all got together on the upstairs deck at MiHALEY'S for the good time. Most of the teams life gets very busy at 4:00 this afternoon as the first Mountaineer Football practice take place.

It's been an exciting summer, but the summer of Phil (Caskey.. Front left) has come to an end. He has been all over this rock over the past few months and his is one whose reality comes back today.

Team

Front Row (L to R):

Phil Caskey, Chris Ostien, Paul Gunter

Middle Row: Dan Barnes, Chris Evans, Casey Quinlan, Kevin Johnson, Ryne Barrall


Back Row:

Dan Barnes, me, Sean Arthurs, Steve (Chewy) Stavar, Steve Reckart, Skip Hickey

Happy Birthday Randy Lee Hamrick

OK, I admit that I am a little bit late on this BLOG, but it is better late than never considering I even say him on his birthday. A very Special and belated Happy Birthday to Randy Lee Hamrick.

At least I managed to get a picture of him on his Birthday.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes it is that time of the week that we all look forwards to, when we cease the labors of the week and take a little bit of time out to sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labors. Once again it is the dawn of yet another weekend (FINALLY) and another Bog Ole Hairy Friday!!!!!

Down on the river, Hotel for Dogs is playing. So if you want a little bit of free entertainment, grab your favorite beverage and some snacks and enjoy a movie night under the stars.

For the cool people, Amy and Ralph Dalton will be getting hitched tonight at 7:00. They are just having the wedding today and the reception is tomorrow. I also have a softball team end of the year (Damn we didn't make the playoffs) get together before everyone's lives gets hectic with Football season.

This has been a week that never seemed to want to end for me, I've been a day behind since Monday, I wonder if the weekend will speed up to make up for it? Probably,.

Have a Great A Day!

Big Ole Hair.......not yet

Man can the weekend get here any sooner? I went into work on Tuesday and thought that it was Wednesday and have never seemed to be able to comprehend it is a day earlier than I think it is.

I guess the way that this week has started out should have been a very good indication as to what this week was going to be like. Long, drawn out, never seeming to want to end and just full of those kind of problems and I think that is the general consensus going around with everyone, it's just been a horrible week.

Tomorrow will be a better day and a very busy one at that. There are places we have got to go, people we have got to see and the time window is very small. I do have faith though that everything will work out for the better.


When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.

HUMP DAY!

Man was the picture I used for yesterdays BLOG significant. I go into work, adjust my calender for Wed and come to find out it is only Tuesday and I was really a day ahead of myself. I don't know what's worse, that or brushing your teeth with Preparation H? I did however make it through the day and made it home for the day however.

Anyone want any kittens? I think one of our cats is pregnant and I'm getting an early start in getting rid of them. I swear we talked to her and raised her right and the damn cat still managed to find a Tom cat and get pregnant. I think Micheal's cat is actually the father, but I'm not sure. I wonder if he wants another cat.

You have to hand it to Bill Clinton whether you like the man or not. He himself went to North Korea and arranged for the Pardon and the release of two American Journalists that were being held captive. This is a pretty bold move by a former President in dealing with the little nutball from North Korea.

A Very Busy Monday to say the Least

Monday is over with and we have moved on to Tuesday. I can't say that yesterday was not an eventful day, Chi Chi passing away and the scare with Ralph.

I do have an update on Ralph, he and Amy are at home relaxing and he is feeling much better. All of his test results came back and came back OK. He's way too young and way too healthy to have health problems.

Hopefully he will be fine by the time his wedding roles around on Friday evening. Maybe it could be his nerves in anticipation for a big day for him and Amy.

On a side note if you are attending thew reception, please bring your own lawn chair to sit your butt down in. Some tables and chairs that they had planned on using are now unavailable for them.

Hi Ho Hi Ho

Talk about a way to start a week.

As if it being Monday a back to work day and Chi Chi passing away, this day is just full of surprises. Ralphie, who is marrying my neice Amy on Friday evening was just admitted to Ruby Memorial Hospital and has an MRI scheduled.

I'm not sure what is going on, I have both responded to Amy and tried calling her both to no avail. If I find anything out, or as soon as I find anything out I will inform everyone as to what is going on with the situation.

EDIT: I have finally spoken with Amy. I guess Saturday evening Ralphie had fallen down and passed out and hit his head while trying to put the car windows up. Sunday he just wasn't feeling right and they took him to Mon General. After a CAT scan they believe he had a seizure and sent him to Ruby for an MRI. She said Ralph is admitted and feeling good, they are just awaiting test results.

Back to It

Time to cease the enjoyment that we know as the weekend and get our rear ends back to the grindstone for the week. Time to go and make that money so we can have our fun on the weekends.

My week should have no big surprises, barring that a Hurricane does not decide to show up in the Gulf of Mexico. We are in Hurricane season and have just recently received our statement of work, so we know what the Secretary of Energy wants in the form of a deliverable if a Hurricane would happen to hit.

I'm starting to close one Carbon Sequestration Modeling project down and Friday we have two more projects coming up. One for Carbon Sequestration (this is going to be a VERY large Cash Cow over the next 20 years and one to develop some modeling in Google Earth. Both projects are welcomed with great anticipation. Last fall I wrote a KMZ that actually played in the White House on Election Day 2008, I eagerly await the opportunity to develop projects in the Google Earth Environment.

Softball is over with for the year, so no games this week but we will be having an end of the year party at MiHALEY'S Friday evening. Amy is also getting married that evening, but fortunately for me the reception will be the next night and I should be able to make both events.

Have a good week.

Farewell to ChiChi

I woke up this morning to find some very sad news. My Brother's Tea Cup Chihuahua that he has had since I can;t even remember when has passed away throughout the night.

I can't remember how long he has had her, Val mentioned at least 15 years, but I remember when he first got her. He would walk around with her in his shirt pocket.

In my Dad's last few months she was a constant companion for him. she was always under the blanket with him and the man would actually cook for the dog. I mean he would cook a steak and cut it up just for the dog, and if you knew my dad the steak was probably US Grade A choice too. There were times he would stop by McDonald's buy this small Tea Cup Chihuahua a Big Mac. Anyone ever see a vegetarian dog? She would eat the lettuce and not the meat (if that is what it is) patty.

Through good times, bad times and quite a few girlfriends for my brother, Chi Chi has always been his constant best friend.

For family pet longevity, Chi Chi rivals Terri's old dog Tucker as the families oldest pets.

My heart goes out to my brother for the loss of his best friend.

RIP Chi Chi, you will be missed. I'm sure my dad has a steak ready for her.

Wedding Yesterday

No it wasn't me and Michelle, that got married (yet), it was a couple friends of ours who tied the knot yesterday. I posted a picture of me and Michelle because when it gets down to it, how many of my readers know the Bride and Groom.

It was a beautiful wedding at St. Mary's in Star City followed by a nice reception at the Knights of Columbus across the street. I have to say that it was a very beautiful wedding for the Knapps.

Myself and Michelle were joined by softball team mates and spouses Chewy Stavar and Courtney, Jenny Ostien (Chris was at another wedding) and Murph. Sean Arthurs another team mate was the Emcee and really did a very good job.

It was a beautiful dinner, Michelle had the Prime Rib and I could not pass up on the delectable Orange Roughy for dinner mixed with a nice medley of vegetables.

One down, now one more to go next week.

First of Two Weddings

Michelle and I have two weddings to attend to over the next couple of weeks. Today Justin and Samantha are going to tie the knot. Justin has been a softball team mate of mine the past two seasons and Michelle and Samantha have hit it off. We are both honored to be able to share this day with them.

Next Friday my niece Amy and her long time boyfriend Ralph will by tying the knot. The weeding will be Friday evening and the reception on Saturday evening.