I remember reading too much news and working myself into a frenzy about the state of American affairs. I remember speaking my mind a little too freely.
The Progressive's experience from 2002 through 2008 dwarfs what these folks are claiming has happened to their country in the time it takes to make a baby. Complaining about the healthcare you need and the taxes you aren't rich enough to pay.
If we don't fix healthcare, we are done. After that, it's got to be energy/environment.
There's no time for this bullshit.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Unfortunate Scene
Conservatively, I've played in 70 football games beginning when I was 10 years old. I think before I ever suited up for my first one, I knew not to do what Byron Hout did last night.
Oh...you don't know who Byron Hout is.
Byron Hout is the Boise State player who got sucker punched last night by Oregon's LaGarrette Blount. It's no doubt a nasty scene and especially unfortunate given the great scene of sportsmanship the game began with.
After games, there normally is a little handshaking and socializing that goes on. As a player, I was always taught to keep my helmet on and be aware during this time.
Hout did a few things wrong...ultimately Blount is in the wrong, but his actions are completely understandable if you've ever played in a football game. Hout surprised Blount by running over to Blount after he'd just fumbled to end the game and a disappointing night. Hout added injury to insult when he very obviously had something to say to Blount and slapped his shoulder pad. As soon as his person was touched, Blount had every right to be concerned. He did take things a little too far by dropping Hout.
I was always taught that you never know what a player's going to do (especially after a loss) and you want to be respectful and keep your helmet on. You want your helmet on because 1) if someone does do something to you, you're protected and 2) you're not holding your helmet and you can defend yourself with both hands.
I've seen a collection of comments hinted with racism calling Blount a hoodlum and thug. Some comments tried to link our ever changing country (read Obama and people who've drunk the Communism Kool-Aid) to Blount.
Wow.
Oh...you don't know who Byron Hout is.
Byron Hout is the Boise State player who got sucker punched last night by Oregon's LaGarrette Blount. It's no doubt a nasty scene and especially unfortunate given the great scene of sportsmanship the game began with.
After games, there normally is a little handshaking and socializing that goes on. As a player, I was always taught to keep my helmet on and be aware during this time.
Hout did a few things wrong...ultimately Blount is in the wrong, but his actions are completely understandable if you've ever played in a football game. Hout surprised Blount by running over to Blount after he'd just fumbled to end the game and a disappointing night. Hout added injury to insult when he very obviously had something to say to Blount and slapped his shoulder pad. As soon as his person was touched, Blount had every right to be concerned. He did take things a little too far by dropping Hout.
I was always taught that you never know what a player's going to do (especially after a loss) and you want to be respectful and keep your helmet on. You want your helmet on because 1) if someone does do something to you, you're protected and 2) you're not holding your helmet and you can defend yourself with both hands.
I've seen a collection of comments hinted with racism calling Blount a hoodlum and thug. Some comments tried to link our ever changing country (read Obama and people who've drunk the Communism Kool-Aid) to Blount.
Wow.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Modern American Sports Scandal
You've probably been forced to feel one way or the other about Brett Favre. I think most sports fans will be able to separate the great moments Favre gave us, from ESPN’s tabloid feeding fevre. Ha!
There's definitely been deception from the Vikings and Favre for the last 5 months. They’d been making eyes at each other for nearly 20 months, and we all saw it. Why they insisted on lying I will never know. We buy them like Bradgelina on the cover of US Weekly. No matter what you feel about Favre and the Vikings, you’ll have an eye on their games this year.
Being a Bronco fan I have interest in Jay Cutler and the Bears...probably rooted in jealousy. The Denver Donkeyshow has been painful to watch and I’ve become numb to it all. You’ve got Dan Conner abusing DJ…and somehow I actually think it helps the Raiders. I am enthralled with Hard Knocks and the Cincinnati Bengals…I think they might be competitive. There are a surprisingly high number of teams that will/could be competitive. It should be a great season.
The NFL Headlines that pull through to the mainstream are of the Mike Vick and CheddarBob Burress variety. They’re both unfortunate situations of talented young men who’ve put themselves in position to lose more than many people will ever gain. PacMan n’dem are to the NFL what Performance Enhancing Drugs are to Baseball. They are the nagging suspicion Tim Donaghy has provided to the validity of NBA games in the first half of the decade. They are a blemish on sport.
I’m one who finds more wrong with what Donte’ Stallworth and Leonard Little have done, than what Michael Vick has done…they drove drunk and were involved in car accidents that killed people. I’m definitely disgusted and confused by Vick’s operation. I find it hard to believe he couldn’t get his hands on some rational form of euthanasia…that’s just my first thought. I can’t believe Vick got off by doing harm to dogs…I think he got off on raising the baddest dog. He too was usually the baddest dog. The guerilla enterprise operated by Vick is horrifying but he did not directly harm humans.
I’ve got three words for you…George W. Bush. Oh…and one more. Katrina.
Even as a dog lover and owner, I find it difficult to muster the hatred many have for Vick. And any ill I’ve ever felt for Vick has become encouragement towards his redemption. A positive outcome for Mike Vick is a positive outcome for America.
Some have called Donte’ Stallworth’s punishment light. He’ll never legally drive a car again and he’s reached a settlement with the victim’s family. He got less than 30 days in jail and 3 years on house arrest. Most damaging, he’ll live everyday knowing that his actions directly led do the death of another person.
Plaxico Burress’ self-shooting incident is a very sad joke. No private citizen should be carrying a gun on their person in Any Major American Metropolis. Keep it in your car or on the hip of a trained and licensed professional, if you must. But you shouldn’t be in a position where you have to.
2 years in a prison is too heavy for being stupid…especially when correctional facilities and their costs are maxed around the country.
As a Bronco fan I remember my shock hearing of Darrent Williams’ death, hung over on New Year’s Day 2007. Sean Taylor’s death later that year was incredibly tragic. Noah Herron's home defense on an intruder with a bedpost was awesome. Plaxico’s teammate, Steve Smith getting robbed at gunpoint in the weeks before Burress’ incident may have given him all he needed to think about after the above mentioned incidents. Steve McNair got it in his sleep from his girlfriend. Tank Johnson stockpiled enough ammo to take on Bin Laden…for one reason or another some of these guys have reason to fear for their lives.
The sport scandal that will undoubtedly receive less scrutiny is John Calipari and the University of Memphis. If Derrick Rose comes clean in a statement, accepting full responsibility and clears Memphis Basketball of any knowledge re: his SAT stand-in, then this is a non-story. Given John Calipari’s history, the above is unlikely. Coach Calipari has been playing Blue Chips for the last 15 years. And somehow he managed to slide away from the scandal into a promotion (and take recruits) at one of the premier jobs in college sport.
I can understand Derrick Rose’s urgency in qualifying academically for college. The NBA’s rule forces players to be one year out of high school before they can enter the draft. After his year at Memphis he was the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and he’s now one of the best young players in the NBA. You can understand Coach Calipari’s urgency in getting his hands on such a talent.
If the leaders of college athletics are serious about their programs operating above board (which is essential to their success), they will have to take a serious stance with Calipari if there is further wrongdoing found. This is not his first incident. They will have to follow through with any offenders in the future. Whiting out the record book does not change what happened in the arena. What was bought and sold. Taking away monies won is a slap on the wrist.
I guess my point is that I can find forgiveness for being human. For being indecisive, for a moment’s lack of judgment that leads to an unfortunate event and for not being able to say no to something that had always been an accepted part of your life. More than anything I feel bad for these guys who have all the talent and opportunity in the world and mess it up for themselves, their families and their teams.
These men have made mistakes and paid their debt to society. Their redemption is crucial in a time where we are challenged in ways that don't allow concern for the personal lives of celebrities.
I find less forgiveness when the powers that be provide lip service to issues they are not really interested in solving. Remaining complicit. Buying amateur athletes, performance enhancing drugs and general knuckleheadedness will always be around in some degree.
I want to see sport draw a line in the sand and stop operating in ambiguity. Each of the issues facing sport are essentially of a moral ground. Business and continuity keep the status quo. Either you're concerned about it or you're not.
The Congress mandated Mitchell Report provided it’s assessment of doping in MLB, and somehow it incriminated no Red Sox players. Maybe George Mitchell should not have been the head guy given his interest with the Boston Red Sox. And now that Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz have been tied to drug use, baseball’s best story of the past 100 years has dirt on it.
The NFL should stop treating its talent like cattle and take a sincere interest in the lives of players. It would start with taking care of the ailing and impoverished men in their golden years who built the game. Providing mentors, incentive, penalty, security and adequate medical care to minimize the likelihood of any incidents that compromise the league’s integrity.
If the NCAA carts John Calipari out and slaps his wrist they should just never punish anyone again. They shouldn’t be taking away wins from Bobby Bowden. They can’t just say events did not happen and call it a punushment. You play to win the game. They are wasting time and attention while permitting the auction of children to America's Universities.
If ESPN insists to sensationalize the scandal to feed the 24 hour cycle, they should be prepared to lose a portion of their audience. When Usain Bolt gets bumped for drama, it’s a problem. When Brett and the Vikings become Jon & Kate, we’ll be looking to the Food Network for nacho inspiration…for the game.
There's definitely been deception from the Vikings and Favre for the last 5 months. They’d been making eyes at each other for nearly 20 months, and we all saw it. Why they insisted on lying I will never know. We buy them like Bradgelina on the cover of US Weekly. No matter what you feel about Favre and the Vikings, you’ll have an eye on their games this year.
Being a Bronco fan I have interest in Jay Cutler and the Bears...probably rooted in jealousy. The Denver Donkeyshow has been painful to watch and I’ve become numb to it all. You’ve got Dan Conner abusing DJ…and somehow I actually think it helps the Raiders. I am enthralled with Hard Knocks and the Cincinnati Bengals…I think they might be competitive. There are a surprisingly high number of teams that will/could be competitive. It should be a great season.
The NFL Headlines that pull through to the mainstream are of the Mike Vick and CheddarBob Burress variety. They’re both unfortunate situations of talented young men who’ve put themselves in position to lose more than many people will ever gain. PacMan n’dem are to the NFL what Performance Enhancing Drugs are to Baseball. They are the nagging suspicion Tim Donaghy has provided to the validity of NBA games in the first half of the decade. They are a blemish on sport.
I’m one who finds more wrong with what Donte’ Stallworth and Leonard Little have done, than what Michael Vick has done…they drove drunk and were involved in car accidents that killed people. I’m definitely disgusted and confused by Vick’s operation. I find it hard to believe he couldn’t get his hands on some rational form of euthanasia…that’s just my first thought. I can’t believe Vick got off by doing harm to dogs…I think he got off on raising the baddest dog. He too was usually the baddest dog. The guerilla enterprise operated by Vick is horrifying but he did not directly harm humans.
I’ve got three words for you…George W. Bush. Oh…and one more. Katrina.
Even as a dog lover and owner, I find it difficult to muster the hatred many have for Vick. And any ill I’ve ever felt for Vick has become encouragement towards his redemption. A positive outcome for Mike Vick is a positive outcome for America.
Some have called Donte’ Stallworth’s punishment light. He’ll never legally drive a car again and he’s reached a settlement with the victim’s family. He got less than 30 days in jail and 3 years on house arrest. Most damaging, he’ll live everyday knowing that his actions directly led do the death of another person.
Plaxico Burress’ self-shooting incident is a very sad joke. No private citizen should be carrying a gun on their person in Any Major American Metropolis. Keep it in your car or on the hip of a trained and licensed professional, if you must. But you shouldn’t be in a position where you have to.
2 years in a prison is too heavy for being stupid…especially when correctional facilities and their costs are maxed around the country.
As a Bronco fan I remember my shock hearing of Darrent Williams’ death, hung over on New Year’s Day 2007. Sean Taylor’s death later that year was incredibly tragic. Noah Herron's home defense on an intruder with a bedpost was awesome. Plaxico’s teammate, Steve Smith getting robbed at gunpoint in the weeks before Burress’ incident may have given him all he needed to think about after the above mentioned incidents. Steve McNair got it in his sleep from his girlfriend. Tank Johnson stockpiled enough ammo to take on Bin Laden…for one reason or another some of these guys have reason to fear for their lives.
The sport scandal that will undoubtedly receive less scrutiny is John Calipari and the University of Memphis. If Derrick Rose comes clean in a statement, accepting full responsibility and clears Memphis Basketball of any knowledge re: his SAT stand-in, then this is a non-story. Given John Calipari’s history, the above is unlikely. Coach Calipari has been playing Blue Chips for the last 15 years. And somehow he managed to slide away from the scandal into a promotion (and take recruits) at one of the premier jobs in college sport.
I can understand Derrick Rose’s urgency in qualifying academically for college. The NBA’s rule forces players to be one year out of high school before they can enter the draft. After his year at Memphis he was the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and he’s now one of the best young players in the NBA. You can understand Coach Calipari’s urgency in getting his hands on such a talent.
If the leaders of college athletics are serious about their programs operating above board (which is essential to their success), they will have to take a serious stance with Calipari if there is further wrongdoing found. This is not his first incident. They will have to follow through with any offenders in the future. Whiting out the record book does not change what happened in the arena. What was bought and sold. Taking away monies won is a slap on the wrist.
I guess my point is that I can find forgiveness for being human. For being indecisive, for a moment’s lack of judgment that leads to an unfortunate event and for not being able to say no to something that had always been an accepted part of your life. More than anything I feel bad for these guys who have all the talent and opportunity in the world and mess it up for themselves, their families and their teams.
These men have made mistakes and paid their debt to society. Their redemption is crucial in a time where we are challenged in ways that don't allow concern for the personal lives of celebrities.
I find less forgiveness when the powers that be provide lip service to issues they are not really interested in solving. Remaining complicit. Buying amateur athletes, performance enhancing drugs and general knuckleheadedness will always be around in some degree.
I want to see sport draw a line in the sand and stop operating in ambiguity. Each of the issues facing sport are essentially of a moral ground. Business and continuity keep the status quo. Either you're concerned about it or you're not.
The Congress mandated Mitchell Report provided it’s assessment of doping in MLB, and somehow it incriminated no Red Sox players. Maybe George Mitchell should not have been the head guy given his interest with the Boston Red Sox. And now that Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz have been tied to drug use, baseball’s best story of the past 100 years has dirt on it.
The NFL should stop treating its talent like cattle and take a sincere interest in the lives of players. It would start with taking care of the ailing and impoverished men in their golden years who built the game. Providing mentors, incentive, penalty, security and adequate medical care to minimize the likelihood of any incidents that compromise the league’s integrity.
If the NCAA carts John Calipari out and slaps his wrist they should just never punish anyone again. They shouldn’t be taking away wins from Bobby Bowden. They can’t just say events did not happen and call it a punushment. You play to win the game. They are wasting time and attention while permitting the auction of children to America's Universities.
If ESPN insists to sensationalize the scandal to feed the 24 hour cycle, they should be prepared to lose a portion of their audience. When Usain Bolt gets bumped for drama, it’s a problem. When Brett and the Vikings become Jon & Kate, we’ll be looking to the Food Network for nacho inspiration…for the game.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Jon & Kate
As an expectant father, I was really entertained by the show last year. I've seen more episodes than I care to admit. Now that we have fireworks, it's impossible to ignore.
I'm watching tonight's show and they announce that they've seperated. I put John & Kate news in the Brett Farve bucket a long time ago, but I didn't think I missed them separating. Then towards the end of the show, they announce that they've began divorce proceedings today.
I feel a little used by TLC but I can really admire their moxy. It's kinda like pushing in your measley pile of chips when you c'aint take nuh more. In the theatre, there's climax and resolution.
over/under on the number of seasons they will have beyond this one:
0.5
I'm watching tonight's show and they announce that they've seperated. I put John & Kate news in the Brett Farve bucket a long time ago, but I didn't think I missed them separating. Then towards the end of the show, they announce that they've began divorce proceedings today.
I feel a little used by TLC but I can really admire their moxy. It's kinda like pushing in your measley pile of chips when you c'aint take nuh more. In the theatre, there's climax and resolution.
over/under on the number of seasons they will have beyond this one:
0.5
Friday, June 19, 2009
MUSTARD SAUCE!?!?
My Mustard and BBQ Sauces played very well on the wood fire camping grill. They've both done well on my gas grill and I imagine they'd do really well over charcoal. I've retraced my steps, indulged some inspiration and here are my notes.
Preparing both of these sauces can be done at once, as they share the same base ingredients. The recipie does take some time, so it's best suited for a weekend or day off. Don't worry...to start, you cook (and eat) bacon and leave the fat in the pan, ideally cast iron.
1st for the Base, You'll Need:
1 Large Onion
-If you're doing both sauces, Red. BBQ, Red. Mustard, White and Shallot.
Carrots
-I used 10 baby carrots sliced thinly.
Celery
-Chop off the top 1/4 of the celery stalk and hold that aside.
Chop down all vegetables. Reheat the pan with bacon fat. Drop the vegetables in when it begins to sizzle. Salt and Pepper.
At this point, you'll introduce some Wine...probably 4 oz.
If you're doing both sauces, use white. Mustard, white. BBQ, Red.
As the wine begins to cook down, add it back 1 oz. at a time along with 1 tbsp of Brown Sugar. Do this two more times. Salt and Pepper.
Turn off the heat. You'll be moving the pan's contents either your food processor or your blender. I use a Cuisinart processor I got from Costco for $25.
Blend base with 1/2 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar and 5 shakes of Worcesterchire Sauce. Add a tbsp each of Onion and Garlic Powder and 1 tsp of Ginger. If you have to split it up, that's how I do it and add each ingredient in proportion to what I'm blending. Salt and Pepper.
What you have spinning in front of you is now your base...split it into two containers. Wash out your blender/processor.
For BBQ:
1 small can of Choptle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (hispanic aisle)
1 can of Tomato Paste
1oz. Red Wine
1oz. Apple Cider Vinegar
4oz Paprika (packets found easily in the hispanic aisle)
Honey
Spoon out individual chipotles into blender and set adobo sauce aside. Tomato Paste, Wine and ACV into the blender. Introduce Paprika 1 tbsp at a time and add honey & liquids in proportion as well. You want it to be close to the consistency of the base. At this point I blended the celery leaves you put aside earier into the mix.
Combine Chipotle Tomato Paste and Base by stirring in a bowl. Introduce Honey, Ketchup and Mustard. Don't measure, just make a pattern across the surface of the sauce and stir. Salt and Pepper. Taste. 1 tbsp Cumin.
At this point, it's really up you you. I recommend coming back with Garlic & Onion Powder. Honey, ACV, Wine. Brown Sugar. Worcesterchire is a big one here. If you're feeling ambitious, you have your left over Adobo Sauce. I added a spoon of Pomegranate Jelly that did something nice.
For Mustard Sauce:
In a bowl add 4oz beer to base along with 2 tbsp Brown Sugar. I used Budweiser American Ale which is very comparable to Sierra Nevada. Make a pattern across the surface of your sauce in mustard. Add some dots of brown mustard. I'd thought about using thick, ground brown mustard next time. Add a dusting of Garlic & Onion Powder. 1 tbsp Cumin. Salt & Pepper. Mix & Taste.
As long as you're not allergic, you can mix in a tbsp of Peanut Butter along with a little more beer, ketchup and mustard in the blender. For the intial camping run, there was no peanut butter.
You're on your own from here out. ACV, White Wine, Beer, Worcestershire, Cumin, Ginger, Salt & Pepper, Onion & Garlic Powder and Brown Sugar to taste.
2 Nights ago, we did Rib Eye marinated in Mustard Sauce. When I took it to the grill, I had a container of Mustard Sauce/Beer to dip the steaks in between flippings. It was awesome. I also made a Salad Dressing with Mustard Sauce, White Wine and Olive Oil.
The BBQ sauce will be very spice heavy as well and I recommend cutting it with a light beer. Marinating at full strength is encouraged.
Preparing both of these sauces can be done at once, as they share the same base ingredients. The recipie does take some time, so it's best suited for a weekend or day off. Don't worry...to start, you cook (and eat) bacon and leave the fat in the pan, ideally cast iron.
1st for the Base, You'll Need:
1 Large Onion
-If you're doing both sauces, Red. BBQ, Red. Mustard, White and Shallot.
Carrots
-I used 10 baby carrots sliced thinly.
Celery
-Chop off the top 1/4 of the celery stalk and hold that aside.
Chop down all vegetables. Reheat the pan with bacon fat. Drop the vegetables in when it begins to sizzle. Salt and Pepper.
At this point, you'll introduce some Wine...probably 4 oz.
If you're doing both sauces, use white. Mustard, white. BBQ, Red.
As the wine begins to cook down, add it back 1 oz. at a time along with 1 tbsp of Brown Sugar. Do this two more times. Salt and Pepper.
Turn off the heat. You'll be moving the pan's contents either your food processor or your blender. I use a Cuisinart processor I got from Costco for $25.
Blend base with 1/2 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar and 5 shakes of Worcesterchire Sauce. Add a tbsp each of Onion and Garlic Powder and 1 tsp of Ginger. If you have to split it up, that's how I do it and add each ingredient in proportion to what I'm blending. Salt and Pepper.
What you have spinning in front of you is now your base...split it into two containers. Wash out your blender/processor.
For BBQ:
1 small can of Choptle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (hispanic aisle)
1 can of Tomato Paste
1oz. Red Wine
1oz. Apple Cider Vinegar
4oz Paprika (packets found easily in the hispanic aisle)
Honey
Spoon out individual chipotles into blender and set adobo sauce aside. Tomato Paste, Wine and ACV into the blender. Introduce Paprika 1 tbsp at a time and add honey & liquids in proportion as well. You want it to be close to the consistency of the base. At this point I blended the celery leaves you put aside earier into the mix.
Combine Chipotle Tomato Paste and Base by stirring in a bowl. Introduce Honey, Ketchup and Mustard. Don't measure, just make a pattern across the surface of the sauce and stir. Salt and Pepper. Taste. 1 tbsp Cumin.
At this point, it's really up you you. I recommend coming back with Garlic & Onion Powder. Honey, ACV, Wine. Brown Sugar. Worcesterchire is a big one here. If you're feeling ambitious, you have your left over Adobo Sauce. I added a spoon of Pomegranate Jelly that did something nice.
For Mustard Sauce:
In a bowl add 4oz beer to base along with 2 tbsp Brown Sugar. I used Budweiser American Ale which is very comparable to Sierra Nevada. Make a pattern across the surface of your sauce in mustard. Add some dots of brown mustard. I'd thought about using thick, ground brown mustard next time. Add a dusting of Garlic & Onion Powder. 1 tbsp Cumin. Salt & Pepper. Mix & Taste.
As long as you're not allergic, you can mix in a tbsp of Peanut Butter along with a little more beer, ketchup and mustard in the blender. For the intial camping run, there was no peanut butter.
You're on your own from here out. ACV, White Wine, Beer, Worcestershire, Cumin, Ginger, Salt & Pepper, Onion & Garlic Powder and Brown Sugar to taste.
2 Nights ago, we did Rib Eye marinated in Mustard Sauce. When I took it to the grill, I had a container of Mustard Sauce/Beer to dip the steaks in between flippings. It was awesome. I also made a Salad Dressing with Mustard Sauce, White Wine and Olive Oil.
The BBQ sauce will be very spice heavy as well and I recommend cutting it with a light beer. Marinating at full strength is encouraged.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Camping Trip
Excellent time in the hills. Truly is one of my favorite one of my favorite parcels in the world...even in the rain.
Check out pictures here.
I enjoy carrying wood to fire and then cooking on it.
Check out pictures here.
I enjoy carrying wood to fire and then cooking on it.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Playlist Haiku
Just a couple of notes...
A Beautiful Mine is by Aceyalone from his "Magnificent City" album and is produced by RJD2. AMC's Mad Men sampled them for the theme of the show. Jigsaw is Radiohead from "In Rainbows" and I Heart it Today is the title track from Mr. Lif's newest album.
Enjoy
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
SoCal News
NBC News ended on this story tonight and it gave me a pretty good laugh, as an old Sesame Street kid.
You can fast forward to 1:40 for the money shot, but the whole thing's pretty good.
You can fast forward to 1:40 for the money shot, but the whole thing's pretty good.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Eden in April
The housing community we live in did a little easter thing today. Here's a few pics...she did so good with the 6 foot bunny. She was cracking up playing peek-a-boo with him.
She's had a big April so far...last week when her Grand Aunt Jen was in town, she went to Disneyland for the first time with her Momma, Grammy, Aunt Chelle and Grand Aunt Jen. Girl's day out.
On Thursday night, she said, "Momma" a bunch of times and was able to repeat us. Not quite sure if she understands what she's saying but we were excited about it. She's got a little army crawl down and it's not long until I'm expecting her to be a little terror.
My dad came down for his birthday, the last weekend in March and there's a few pics from his visit as well.
She's had a selection of foods...I think her favorite is pears. We'll start in with some chicken here pretty soon. I made this ridiculous mole beef on Thursday night and she was very interested in it. I'll give it one more run and then put the recipe up.
Anyway...here's the pics:
Today's Easter Festivities
My Dad's Visit
and then my dad discovered the best toy on the face of the planet...tissue paper.
DisneyLand and getting ready to leave
they were gone all day and she was engaged the whole time and only had 2 naps for a total of 1/2 hour. I'm guessing this is waking up from one..."Whoa"
She's now too big for the first bath we got her, so now she's got a floating duck bath. She loves ducks...we feed them at the lake whenever it's nice.
and some randoms...
She's had a big April so far...last week when her Grand Aunt Jen was in town, she went to Disneyland for the first time with her Momma, Grammy, Aunt Chelle and Grand Aunt Jen. Girl's day out.
On Thursday night, she said, "Momma" a bunch of times and was able to repeat us. Not quite sure if she understands what she's saying but we were excited about it. She's got a little army crawl down and it's not long until I'm expecting her to be a little terror.
My dad came down for his birthday, the last weekend in March and there's a few pics from his visit as well.
She's had a selection of foods...I think her favorite is pears. We'll start in with some chicken here pretty soon. I made this ridiculous mole beef on Thursday night and she was very interested in it. I'll give it one more run and then put the recipe up.
Anyway...here's the pics:
Today's Easter Festivities
My Dad's Visit
and then my dad discovered the best toy on the face of the planet...tissue paper.
DisneyLand and getting ready to leave
they were gone all day and she was engaged the whole time and only had 2 naps for a total of 1/2 hour. I'm guessing this is waking up from one..."Whoa"
She's now too big for the first bath we got her, so now she's got a floating duck bath. She loves ducks...we feed them at the lake whenever it's nice.
and some randoms...
Friday, April 10, 2009
A Few Basics re: Term Life Insurance
We get older. We get married, buy houses and have babies. As we do, the people in our lives become dependent on us.
Something that I routinely say to clients is that no one can replace a spouse or a parent, but we can at least make sure that a family is not financially devastated and that the same opportunities that would have been available will still be available.
This is where Life Insurance comes in. The best way to think about it for 95% of people is protection for the financial loss that death would cost your family...the industry term is Exposure. For most parents in the modern family where both are working, this includes income and final expenses (today's average is $10-$15K). It may also be a good idea to incorporate specific debt such as mortgage, student or business loans and any other significant lines of credit.
In a family where one partner is working and the other is the homemaker, there are still exposures to account for with both partners. The prime wage earner cannot do what they do outside of the home without the work of their partner inside the home. The standard that insurance companies use is 1/2 the coverage of the wage earner.
Let's look at an example:
Jim (30) and Sally (29) are married and they have 2 kids, 2 and 4. They own a home (with a mortgage) and they both work. Sally earns $50K Annually and Jim earns $40K, bringing their total household income to $7500/month.
For Jim and Sally, I would recommend Term Life Insurance. Their exposure is going to be large while their kids are dependent on them financially, they are still paying their mortgage and they are building for their retirement. In 20 years, their children will be nearly independent and their mortgage and retirement will be 20 years closer to where they want them to be. They will not need as much coverage then as they do now. Permanent or Whole Life Insurance will cost them substantially more for coverage that they probably will not need beyond 20 years.
In the meantime, if one of them were to pass away the family would be greatly challenged financially in addition to all of the other challenges losing them would present.
My recommendation would be for 20 Year Term Life Policies, meaning that the rates that they will pay for the coverage will be locked in for 20 Years. After that the rates re-evaluate annually based on age...meaning they get more and more costly. This option is called Guaranteed Renewability and is available until age 95...it's there to make sure you always have coverage available. Jim and Sally would not be obligated to carry the policies for any period of time and can cancel at any time. Insurance is an at-will agreement between a client and a company...as long as the premium is paid, coverage will be in force.
For the coverage amount, I would recommend $750K for each Jim and Sally. $750K represents at least 15 times each of their annual incomes as their children will be financially dependent on them for at least the next 15 years. It may also be a good idea to take more coverage for Sally because she earns 25% more income than Jim. Also, as a woman her rates are going to be less than Jim's based on mortality...they will get a better value on her coverage. I would offer Sally a quote on $1M in coverage as well.
If Jim or Sally were to pass, a good option for the family would be to annuitize the proceeds of the policy rather than take the lump sum and put it in the bank. An annuity would offer higher growth percentages than a savings account and can be structured so that they would not experience loss in an economic climate like we have now.
Conservatively, if a family were to stretch payments out for 20 years the annuity would pay out 130% of the initial deposit amount.
If they each took $750K in coverage and one was to pass, the annuity payment would be about $48K annually or $4K/mo. Paid out over 20 years the total would be $960K. Sally's current income breaks down to $4150/mo. The annuity payment would come very close to supplementing what she brings in as the prime wage earner, were she to pass.
To be conservative, let's quote them in the Preferred Rate Class, Non-Tobacco which is representative of the 75th-90th percentile of best health in America. Here are the quotes:
Jim's $750K/20Year Policy - $43/mo
Sally's $750K/20Year Policy - $32/mo
Sally's $1M/20Year Policy - $40/mo
Now let's look at another scenario. Say that Jim is the prime wage earner and Sally works in the home. He brings in $80K annually. Because his passing would have a greater affect financially than the scenario above, we would take a few other items into account. To factor his coverage amount, we would first look at replacing his income. I would recommend $1.5M in coverage which would represent almost 19 times his (and the household's) annual income. This way things can continue as they are, while the kids are dependent on Sally in the home and she will not be pressed to enter the workforce. It may also be a good idea incorporate their mortgage and any college funding they would wish to set aside for their kids. I would offer Jim a quote for $2M in coverage as well.
As the homemaker, 1/2 of Jim's $1.5M or $2M policy may be a little more coverage than they actually need for Sally. For her exposure we would want to account for the time that Jim would miss from work in bereavement with his family as well as child care costs when he returns to work. I would recommend looking at $250K and $500K in coverage.
I always recommend clients to take coverage of at least $250K...the price per unit of coverage is much better at and above $250K. It's not uncommon that $250K can actually cost less than $200K.
Jim's $1.5M/20Year Policy - $75/mo
Jim's $2M/20Year Policy - $100/mo
Sally's $250K/20Year Policy - $14/mo
Sally's $500K/20Year Policy - $22/mo...50% more premium for 100% more coverage
In both scenarios, substantial Life Insurance coverage is available for Jim, Sally and their family for about the cost of a coffee drink/day...the costliest is $4/day.
All of the companies I've based the above quotes on are the best financial services companies in the world. The policies require a brief medical exam that usually takes place in the client's home...it involves blood and urine samples and measurement of height, weight and blood pressure. There are policies available without medical exam as well, at higher premium cost and capped at $500K in coverage.
Any questions, I am always available at fmcintosh@termsafe.com and quotes are available here.
I Appreciate Your Time,
Floyd
Something that I routinely say to clients is that no one can replace a spouse or a parent, but we can at least make sure that a family is not financially devastated and that the same opportunities that would have been available will still be available.
This is where Life Insurance comes in. The best way to think about it for 95% of people is protection for the financial loss that death would cost your family...the industry term is Exposure. For most parents in the modern family where both are working, this includes income and final expenses (today's average is $10-$15K). It may also be a good idea to incorporate specific debt such as mortgage, student or business loans and any other significant lines of credit.
In a family where one partner is working and the other is the homemaker, there are still exposures to account for with both partners. The prime wage earner cannot do what they do outside of the home without the work of their partner inside the home. The standard that insurance companies use is 1/2 the coverage of the wage earner.
Let's look at an example:
Jim (30) and Sally (29) are married and they have 2 kids, 2 and 4. They own a home (with a mortgage) and they both work. Sally earns $50K Annually and Jim earns $40K, bringing their total household income to $7500/month.
For Jim and Sally, I would recommend Term Life Insurance. Their exposure is going to be large while their kids are dependent on them financially, they are still paying their mortgage and they are building for their retirement. In 20 years, their children will be nearly independent and their mortgage and retirement will be 20 years closer to where they want them to be. They will not need as much coverage then as they do now. Permanent or Whole Life Insurance will cost them substantially more for coverage that they probably will not need beyond 20 years.
In the meantime, if one of them were to pass away the family would be greatly challenged financially in addition to all of the other challenges losing them would present.
My recommendation would be for 20 Year Term Life Policies, meaning that the rates that they will pay for the coverage will be locked in for 20 Years. After that the rates re-evaluate annually based on age...meaning they get more and more costly. This option is called Guaranteed Renewability and is available until age 95...it's there to make sure you always have coverage available. Jim and Sally would not be obligated to carry the policies for any period of time and can cancel at any time. Insurance is an at-will agreement between a client and a company...as long as the premium is paid, coverage will be in force.
For the coverage amount, I would recommend $750K for each Jim and Sally. $750K represents at least 15 times each of their annual incomes as their children will be financially dependent on them for at least the next 15 years. It may also be a good idea to take more coverage for Sally because she earns 25% more income than Jim. Also, as a woman her rates are going to be less than Jim's based on mortality...they will get a better value on her coverage. I would offer Sally a quote on $1M in coverage as well.
If Jim or Sally were to pass, a good option for the family would be to annuitize the proceeds of the policy rather than take the lump sum and put it in the bank. An annuity would offer higher growth percentages than a savings account and can be structured so that they would not experience loss in an economic climate like we have now.
Conservatively, if a family were to stretch payments out for 20 years the annuity would pay out 130% of the initial deposit amount.
If they each took $750K in coverage and one was to pass, the annuity payment would be about $48K annually or $4K/mo. Paid out over 20 years the total would be $960K. Sally's current income breaks down to $4150/mo. The annuity payment would come very close to supplementing what she brings in as the prime wage earner, were she to pass.
To be conservative, let's quote them in the Preferred Rate Class, Non-Tobacco which is representative of the 75th-90th percentile of best health in America. Here are the quotes:
Jim's $750K/20Year Policy - $43/mo
Sally's $750K/20Year Policy - $32/mo
Sally's $1M/20Year Policy - $40/mo
Now let's look at another scenario. Say that Jim is the prime wage earner and Sally works in the home. He brings in $80K annually. Because his passing would have a greater affect financially than the scenario above, we would take a few other items into account. To factor his coverage amount, we would first look at replacing his income. I would recommend $1.5M in coverage which would represent almost 19 times his (and the household's) annual income. This way things can continue as they are, while the kids are dependent on Sally in the home and she will not be pressed to enter the workforce. It may also be a good idea incorporate their mortgage and any college funding they would wish to set aside for their kids. I would offer Jim a quote for $2M in coverage as well.
As the homemaker, 1/2 of Jim's $1.5M or $2M policy may be a little more coverage than they actually need for Sally. For her exposure we would want to account for the time that Jim would miss from work in bereavement with his family as well as child care costs when he returns to work. I would recommend looking at $250K and $500K in coverage.
I always recommend clients to take coverage of at least $250K...the price per unit of coverage is much better at and above $250K. It's not uncommon that $250K can actually cost less than $200K.
Jim's $1.5M/20Year Policy - $75/mo
Jim's $2M/20Year Policy - $100/mo
Sally's $250K/20Year Policy - $14/mo
Sally's $500K/20Year Policy - $22/mo...50% more premium for 100% more coverage
In both scenarios, substantial Life Insurance coverage is available for Jim, Sally and their family for about the cost of a coffee drink/day...the costliest is $4/day.
All of the companies I've based the above quotes on are the best financial services companies in the world. The policies require a brief medical exam that usually takes place in the client's home...it involves blood and urine samples and measurement of height, weight and blood pressure. There are policies available without medical exam as well, at higher premium cost and capped at $500K in coverage.
Any questions, I am always available at fmcintosh@termsafe.com and quotes are available here.
I Appreciate Your Time,
Floyd
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March Madness
Today marks the 30 year anniversary of the Bird-Magic NCAA Championship match-up that can be credited with the creation of March Madness.
I really don't have the time and can't really justify spending any more attention on Sports from October-February, while the NFL is going on. So after the Super Bowl, basketball is hitting it's stride and the run to the NCAA Tournament is heating up. "On the bubble" is a phrase that's only been used less than "stimulus package" this year and is usually second to none.
It's also the time for filling out your bracket, peering into the crystal ball or trying to freeze frame Back to the Future to actually see what's written in Gray's Sports Almanac.
Don't worry...I've never actually done that.
This year's ritual has attracted celebrities and even President Obama to complete brackets and compete publicly. Obama didn't do so well in the first round but he has correctly picked 14 of the 16 teams left in the tournament...which is exceptional. Overall he's 33/48.
I've gone 33/48 as well, but only have 9 of the final 16 teams. President Obama and I both have picked Louisville and Memphis to survive this weekend. I've picked underdogs Villanova and Gonzaga to round out my Final Four and he's picked favorites North Carolina and Pittsburgh. I've picked Memphis over Villanova for the championship and he's picked North Carolina over Louisville to win it all.
It's a good time for sports fans and it's been really refreshing to be able see our president enjoying it like the rest of us.
David Letterman summed it up pretty well...
I really don't have the time and can't really justify spending any more attention on Sports from October-February, while the NFL is going on. So after the Super Bowl, basketball is hitting it's stride and the run to the NCAA Tournament is heating up. "On the bubble" is a phrase that's only been used less than "stimulus package" this year and is usually second to none.
It's also the time for filling out your bracket, peering into the crystal ball or trying to freeze frame Back to the Future to actually see what's written in Gray's Sports Almanac.
Don't worry...I've never actually done that.
This year's ritual has attracted celebrities and even President Obama to complete brackets and compete publicly. Obama didn't do so well in the first round but he has correctly picked 14 of the 16 teams left in the tournament...which is exceptional. Overall he's 33/48.
I've gone 33/48 as well, but only have 9 of the final 16 teams. President Obama and I both have picked Louisville and Memphis to survive this weekend. I've picked underdogs Villanova and Gonzaga to round out my Final Four and he's picked favorites North Carolina and Pittsburgh. I've picked Memphis over Villanova for the championship and he's picked North Carolina over Louisville to win it all.
It's a good time for sports fans and it's been really refreshing to be able see our president enjoying it like the rest of us.
David Letterman summed it up pretty well...
Friday, March 13, 2009
It Has Begun...
Eden's started eating rice cereal and drinking juice. When we eat dinner, she's fixated on our plates and reaches for our food. We'll introduce vegetables w/in the next 2 weeks. She's even got a little tooth...and she's 4 months old. She's way ahead of schedule.
At the end of December, she had her 2 month check up...I think she was 14 or 15 lbs and 24". Towards the end of February, she had her 4 month check up and she's 18.25 lbs and 26.75". She's awesome.
Here are her recent pics...
Her First Feeding
She's so happy in the morning...
Papa came to visit in February
At the end of December, she had her 2 month check up...I think she was 14 or 15 lbs and 24". Towards the end of February, she had her 4 month check up and she's 18.25 lbs and 26.75". She's awesome.
Here are her recent pics...
Her First Feeding
She's so happy in the morning...
Papa came to visit in February
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Best _____ Ever
With every mention of Sunday's amazing Super Bowl, the question was inevitably asked whether it was the best Super Bowl Ever. Some outright proclaimed it. I think we're a little too close to have real perspective on that because prior to Sunday, last year's Super Bowl was the best ever. On ESPN's Top 10 Super Bowl Plays of All-Time, three were from Sunday's game. Really? Two...maybe.
I'm of course partial to Super Bowl XXXII and John Elway's helicopter scramble that made middle aged men all over America wince...he is in fact a Hero. There is Super Bowl XXV played in Tampa, under the shadow of the first war with Iraq. There is Super Bowl XXIII, with Joe Montana pointing out John Candy in the crowd before leading the 9ers to a comeback win in the final seconds. There's Namath's Jets, there's Marcus Allen "running into the night" and there are a handful of catches made by Pittsburgh receivers before Santonio Holmes was born, that deserve mention. There's a little historical perspective and marinating that this game has to achieve before you can crown it.
One argument that I have not seen made is this Steeler Team's place in history amongst the great teams of all-time. There are of course the '89 9ers who were dominant in the essence of the word following their third title and demolishing my Broncos 55-10 in Super Bowl XXIV. There are '98 Broncos who went 15-1 and also repeated as champions and the '85 Bears who in addition to having one of the great defenses of all-time, brought us the Super Bowl Shuffle. We can't forget the '72 Dolphins and perfection. You can take your pick of the 70's Steelers teams, the Cowboys of the 90's and the Patriots recently. Had it not been for last year's Giants team, this would be a moot point.
This Steeler Team has a place at the table. They went 12-4 against the NFL's toughest regular season schedule in 20+ years, while putting out an all-time defense. The offense wasn't the greatest the league has ever seen, but as happened Sunday, they are a great clutch offense. They pulled out 6 "4th Quarter Comback Wins" throughout the season, including Sunday's game.
Jeff Reed made more headlines this post season for bleaching his hair than he did for making big kicks. It's all been done on the back of Ben Roethlisberger...making plays and throwing touchdowns. Tom Brady's been great at getting his team within Adam Vinateri's range for a game-winning field goal, but the Steelers haven't had that luxury...they had to score touchdowns this year.
Pittsburgh finished 15-4, with their 4 losses coming to the Giants, Titans, Eagles and Colts. Two coming at home and two away. Two against the best teams in each conference. The Eagles finished in the final four and the Colts were just better that day, as will happen on a given Sunday. But the Steelers know when it's big and they play accordingly. The Polumalu interception return late in the AFC Championship, Holmes' punt return against the Chargers in the Divisional Round. James Harrison's interception return and longest play in Super Bowl History, creating (at least) a 10 point swing going into halftime of Super Bowl XLIII. Countless highlights that tell the story of a team who understands the moment they are in and executes. The best team of 2008 has won the championship.
This Steeler team is young, their core has won 2 Super Bowls and their coach was referred to on Sunday as "The Blueprint". They are balanced and committed like no other team in the NFL now or recent memory and they should be around for a little while.
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