britintheus

Dang

2011-06-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Forgot About My Blog

2007-10-11T22:51:00.000-07:00

what's happened?

Oh, well, I had a duaghter. Her name is Ruby.

WOW !!!

2007-05-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

This is quite simply the coolest thing I have EVER seen....

Where Have I Been?

2007-05-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I took a little hiatus from the blogger thing for a few weeks. It was pretty time consuming, and the weather was getting nice, and Steph went back to work, and a million other things that I am using for excuses.
Okay, all good? Friends again now?

Good. Shut it.

Memorial Day on the River

2007-05-28T22:11:00.000-07:00

Steph and I took the boat out today, and had a blast with the kids. We had an extra long weekend with Naomi, and even thought the weather started off badly, it got into the 70s later on which was awesome.

Naomi, to my surprise followed through with her desire to get on the inner tube, and had a blast. She said she really wanted to, but I had my doubts as to whether she would or not, but she did and did awesome. I didn't go crazy in the boat and, truth be told, we were barely idling before she asked to slow down(!!) but I was very proud of her.

She actually got pretty cocky after a while, and was doing it one handed, while waving to people going by us...which was everyone as we were going so slow!

We even bought the video camera!

Jack of course was doing well as long as he had something to eat. He was all bundled up and just chilling out.

Ruby came along, too, which was funny. She had on her special infant life jacket, and you couldn't sink her if you tried in that thing. The sound of the boat, and the movement of the water meant that she slept pretty much the entire time.

So we have now taken the boat out a few times and it has been great. I dinged the dock once (which was my fault pulling away...I was watching the dog instead of the river) but this looks to be a good investment for the summer!

FA Cup Final

2007-05-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

Wow. What an incredibly boring game.

I was going to write a bunch about it, and was hoping to tell the world that my team won, but they didn't and it was a mind-numbingly boring game.

I hate games like that, because that is how most people will see soccer in this country...and that ain't good!

Help For Daddy

2007-05-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

Help for Daddy, Inc, is coming....

Not exactly the greatest teaser int eh world....but I will be announcing something pretty HUGE in the next few weeks.

Something that will eventually get myself, Mike, and Kenny out of the rat race that is corporate America and on the road to self-employed goodness...

Mike / Kenny: I need to set up some meetings. Stay tuned. I am just finishing up the grunt work before I hit you guys up for your knowledge and devastating good looks.

A Great Day

2007-05-09T22:47:00.001-07:00

Jack's First Swim

2007-05-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

Awesome video. He was so excited, and so scared at the same time. Very cute.

We swam at the hotel pool in Memphis, TN, the day before we left.

Graceland

2007-04-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right...check it off the list of places to visit before we die...

Steph and I (and Jack and Ruby) visited the Kings mansion while we were in Memphis, TN. Steph obviously is a huge Elvis fan, and I have to admit, I was a little curious about Graceland and how it actually was, so we both paid our $30 and got to do a one time tour through the ground floor of the mansion.

Elvis' grave

It was, by today's standards, a pretty cool house. You could tell it was obviously all decked out in that hideous yellow/green shag carpet from the 60's and 70's, but once you got past that, it still had the feel of 'The King'.

The grounds were amazing. Seriously! His car collection and his two planes were also part of the tour, as was his actual gravesite.

Here are some pictures from that tour:

Arkansas Road Trip

2007-04-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

I had a work trip planned a long time ago to Alabama. As the date drew nearer, we decided that we would use some of the miles we were saving for our UK trip to get Steph and the kids out there and make the short trip to Arkansas to see her grandparents and cousins who I have never met, and she hadn't seen in 10 years!

Welcome to Hampton, Arkansas

What a trip! It is a different world down there for sure. I had previously lived in Alabama for a year, so was familiar with the south, but Steph's family live in deepest darkest Arkansas.

Yes, I know, you are all expecting a duelling banjos joke right about now, but aside from the place looking like the movie Deliverance, it was nothing like what I expected. I had traveled through Arkansas a few times and it was always a bit sketchy, but there is something about southern hospitality that you just can't beat.

Banjo at the ready!

Steph's family were awesome, and I had a great time. We met her grandparents, cousins, and their extended family, too. We took over 700 photos while were down there and just enjoyed the heck out of it. They all got a kick out of Jack, and he was into everything, and Ruby just chilled out the whole time.

Steph's grandfather

Great trip. Can't wait to get back.

Jack and his GREAT-grandfather

Steph's grand mother and grandfather

Emma and Darren Come to Stay

2007-04-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

We had a great time when "Auty Em & Uncle Darren" came to stay with us at the end of April.

They were here for 10 days and, aside from taking off for a couple of days to do some sightseeing along the coast, they hung out with us and the kids the whole time.

Em and Ruby

The only shot I had of Darren...damn

New Boat!

2007-04-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

We have a new boat!!

Yes, the old one was getting repaired and refurbished as quickly as possible, but at the end of the day, with three kids occupying most of my time there was no way it was going to get done for the summer!

So, I sold it and got a new one. This one is a 1976 Reinell with 120 hp and it in great condition. I didn't want anything too new, and couldn't afford anything too expensive, so I decided to go for something practical.

Parked down at Newport Bay on the Wilamette

This will pull two skiiers out of the water, and will give us days of 'cheap' fun out on the river this summer. My goal is to try to have Naomi learn how to waterski, and get Jack out on a inner tube. It also is a nice incentive for having bigger, group BBQs if you have a boat that is ready to roll.

It looks sweet in the water

Now all I need is the boat name to be added. Pro Nostrum Liberi. For the kids.

Wicked!

European Terror Alert

2007-04-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

An update on European terror alerts.

The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats and have raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved." Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." Londoners have not been "A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists themselves have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to "A Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was during the great fire of 1666.

Also, the French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide." The only two higher levels in France are "Surrender" and "Collaborate." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country's military capability.

It's not only the English and French that are on a heightened level of alert. Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout Loudly and Excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."

The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose."

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.

The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy

Easter 2007

2007-04-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Easter this year was great. I think having kids makes it all the more fun...otherwise it is just a regular Sunday morning.

Nim got up first and immediately wanted to start finding Easter Eggs. We told her she had to wait for her brother, and then, right on cue, he appeared ready to roll. Unlike his mother (!!) he always wakes up in a good mood, and doesn't require a gallon of coffee to get going.

Nim was here this easter

Yes, even satan celebrates easter!

Some kids were not as interested...

Then the festivities began. You can see from the video that the kids had a great time hunting for eggs. It was really nice to have them all here for the holiday.

Part One

Part Two

Ruby Looking Sooooo Big!

2007-04-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

These pictures her look so big.

Pizza Box Protest

2007-04-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

So check this story out (and the video clip).

This video is about a protest to the following story.

In Ohio, they have now started putting the pictures of dads who are behind in their child support payments on pizza boxes in towns.

Yes, that's right...no matter what the reason, if you are behind, you could end up on a pizza box. Imagine that kid in school the next day, when his/her friends ordered a pizza the night before and see their dad on the box. Unbelievable!!! This is ridiculous.

They dont' put child molesters on there. Or criminals. Or Murderers. But dads go on.

One other point of note in this story. Of the 380 folks who were behind in their child support...63 of them were women. Guess how many women are appearing on the pizza boxes? Yep, you guessed it. None.

Click here to see the video.

Pixar Got It Right

2007-03-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

Disney's Pixar studios know their stuff. Seriously.

Jack is a hge fan of Cars. Not the play items (although that as well), I am talking the movie, Cars. He will watch that thing time and time again. We dont' let him watch a lot of TV, but this is the exception.

So he is, as you know, about 20 months old. That's it. In Cars there are about 15 characters...and he can rattle them all off verbatim.

And they say you can't market to kids!

The boy knows his shit!

True Friends

2007-03-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Some people are givers.

There really isn't any other way to say it.

Neal Bauer is one of them.

Hard at work as always

Saturday he volunteered...yes that's right, VOLUNTEERED...to leave his wife with two screaming kids, a mountain of work, and cleaning, and dinner to cook, to come and help me move a piano into my house.

This ordeal was made worse when, despite his new fitness regimen of jogging 2 miles every other day since January 1, he threw out his back lifting the piano into my house. Then, he crushed a toenail sliding it.

This makes me think that I am so lucky to have friends like that.

Well, that and the fact that I need to get movers with coordination.

Nim Goes Techno!

2007-03-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

Nim is starting to get older and older. Well, I guess she isn't 'starting' to get older...I just didn't want to believe it!

It kind of hit home this weekend though when she asked for computer for her room. Now, I know she isn't about to bust out spreadsheets and such, but it was still a shock to us.

Poised for a future of cubical work

Right now she just wants to get on the internet and check out the Disney site, and the Nickelodeon page, which is cool, but she is learning so much at school, and it is so different to what I was learning at that age.

We have the older laptop, and are thinking about just putting that in her room. It is wireless so the web could still work. Only one problem...Jack! If he gets a hold of it, the laptop is history!

This is what daddy looks like at work!

She even asked to play her Gwen Stefani CD in the laptop while she was playing. Headphones of course...for privacy!!

Oh crap, the boss is looking!

Ahhh...technology!

Ruby Is Getting So Big!

2007-03-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

Jack Feeding Ruby...sort of...

2007-03-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

The aim wasn't there at the start...

..but it started to get better...

...and better...

...until eventually...

...everyone was happy.

Help For Daddy, Inc

2007-03-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

I have a new title. Sure, most of you know me under a number of guises (most of them good!) but I officially have another one now: President/CEO.

Help for Daddy was officially kicked off today. By this I mean filed with the State of Oregon, and ready to roll. We got confirmation of the receipt and are good to go!

What is Help for Daddy? Well, it is my new non-profit group started up to help divorcing fathers get a jump start on a new life...one where they are able to enjoy something I don't...equal custody of their children.

There is a lot to talk about, and this is something that I am unbelievably passionate about, and you will be able to read all about it on our new website. The site isn't up yet, as I am planning all the marketing and web design to launch at the same time.

Soon though, http://www.HelpForDaddy.com will be coming to a neighborhood near you!

Stay tuned.

Pics of Nim

2007-03-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

I couldn't think of an appropriate caption!

Pizza Boxes Carry "Deadbeat" Mug Shots

2007-03-21T14:33:00.000-07:00

For original context, click here.

CINCINNATI - Customers at some suburban pizza parlors are getting something extra with their pepperoni and mushrooms — wanted posters for parents accused of failing to pay child support.

The idea came to Cynthia Brown, executive director of the Butler County Child Enforcement Agency, while she was ordering pizza.

"It suddenly dawned on me that most people running from the law don't eat out, they order pizza," said Brown, whose county is north of Cincinnati.

Enforcement agencies across the country use a variety of methods to locate support scofflaws and collect past-due payments. Virginia has issued subpoenas to cellular phone companies seeking addresses and phone numbers. California's Kern County seizes and auctions parents' vehicles, with proceeds going to the children, said Kay Cullen, a spokeswoman for the National Child Support Enforcement Association.

State child support agencies collected more than $23 billion in child support for 17.2 million children in 2005, but the cumulative past-due child support since the agencies were first formed more than 30 years ago is $106 billion, Cullen said.

"While we have made progress, putting the wanted posters on pizza boxes is an example of the innovation and commitment that we need," she said.

Other Ohio counties put posters on their Web sites and work with local Crime Stoppers programs, and a few contract with companies that can track people through rental and cell phone records, according to the Ohio Child Support Directors Association. Some include fliers in water and sewer bills.

Butler County has printed posters with mug shots of its 10 most-wanted parents, placing them in post offices and other government buildings and sending them to Ohio's 87 other counties. The lineup, chosen by prosecutors, is changed twice a year.

The Butler County sheriff's office served 1,224 nonsupport warrants last year, said sheriff's Sgt. Todd Langmeyer. The county has about 350,000 residents.

Brown approached several restaurants and chains with her idea of affixing the posters to pizza boxes, but so far only three pizzerias are participating.

Since the first pizza posters appeared in August, they have led to one arrest, Langmeyer said. "It's a good idea any time you can put the faces out there," he said.

The owner of Karen's Pizzeria hasn't heard any complaints about her participation in the poster program.

"Some customers joke about it and say they're glad they aren't on it," Karen Willis said. "Most seem to think it's a good idea."

An attorney who focuses on fathers' rights cases called the tactic "horrible."

"It's just a way of shaming people," said Maury Beaulier, whose firm is in Eden Prairie, Minn.

Many circumstances can cause people to get behind in support payments, but that doesn't make them deadbeats, he said.

Widespread public shaming also can devastate the children, said Michael McCormick, executive director of the American Coalition for Fathers and Children.

"Think how children feel to see a parent on a wanted poster and know their friends might see it," he said.

Brown said her agency tries to work with parents by trying to help them find work and seeks most payments through civil court. Criminal charges are a last resort. Conviction on a felony count of failing to pay child support brings a prison sentence of up to 18 months, with fines usually set in the amount of the support owed.

"We aren't trying to penalize these people," Brown said. "We are just trying to help the kids who have a right to be supported."

Naomi Baking Cookies

2007-03-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

Just damn cute!

Pics of Jack

2007-03-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

Pics of Ruby

2007-03-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

So cute!

Post #400

2007-03-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

Wow. Does that make this a milestone in coolness, or geekdom.

You decide.

Las Vegas, baby!

2007-03-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

I actually have a legitimate reason for not blogging this last week. Seriously.

I was in Las Vegas!! That's right, practically the whole week was spent in Sin City for an event called Globalshop. Long story short, it is a POP show that is the biggest one of the country, so I was there with some work people from Tuesday through Saturday.

Anywhere else you wouldn't need the sign!

I could bore you with all the details of the show, but I won't do that. It was cool, but not earth shattering like last time. There were a few good ideas that came out of it, but we shall see how it pans out in the grand scheme of things.

The coolest part though was the dinners. We had a lot of big vendors there, and so we got wined and dined like fools! It was awesome.

First up was the Mandalay Bay which was cool. The view from the bar called Mix on the 64th floor was spectacular to say the least! We saw the whole strip. Awesome!

We drove to the Hoover Dam, which is in Arizona technically...by about 1/2 mile!

We went to Bouchon in the Venetian, a very fancy French restaurant. That was cool too, but a little too stuffy.

We ate at Nine, which in the Palms Hotel, and we went to the Playboy Bar in the same hotel. That was not all it was cracked up to be, but I will take it anyway. I was only there for the articles!

Steph flew out on Thursday, and that was cool. We visited the Hoover Dam (second time for me, first for her) and that was nice. I keep forgetting simply how massive that place is.

Hard to believe James Bond made it down there!

I got upgraded by Hertz which was nice. I was supposed to get a minivan (due to our group size) but because I rent so damn much from them, I got an automatic upgrade to a 2007 Lincoln Navigator! Sweet ride. I felt like Royalty!

We stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, which was nice. Very musical theme as you would imagine, but the hotel is nothing special. It was our choice, and I think that next time I will stay on the Strip. The Hard Rock is a few blocks behind the MGM Grand.

I could see the iconic guitar from my hotel window.

The high light however, came with one of our vendors. They took myself, Stephanie, and one of my coworkers to the "Gun Store" (actual name!) to go and shoot machine guns. That's right. Not little hand guns which you can do practically anywhere, but real live machine guns!

It was like a menu at a restaurant. You literally picked you weapon, and went and shot it!

I picked an AK-47 as my weapon of choice, and shot 100 rounds with it. Damn! What a rush !

Steph had an UZI as hers, and we did pretty good I thought. So much fun, and I can totally see why people get addicted to it. I will be back for sure next time I am in Vegas.

Steph was a much better shot than me, and it showed from her final target groupings. Mine were all over the place, where as hers were really all around the head. I blamed it on the power of my weapon.

Clearly you wouldn't want to mess with her!

So, in summary, Vegas kicked ass. 5 days was too long, but all the events and the goings on were well worth the wait! Can't wait for next year!

The Worst Book Ever!

2007-03-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

This book is horrific.

I cannot believe that this lawyer is so openly blatant about it. The words they use etc are disgraceful.

Click here to see.

If you can't read the link, just read the excerpt below...

-------------------------------------

Ladies, when it comes to supporting their kids, some men are downright clueless. They just can't understand the bank-breaking costs involved in raising children. The guy could be rich and famous, like former New Edition band member Bobby Brown, whose ex-girlfriend Kim Ward reportedly lost her home in 2004 when he stopped paying her $5,000 a month in child support for their two children, LaPrincia and Bobby, Jr., or poor and nameless, like the man next door who's got a regular nine-to-five job. It makes no difference who he is. Some daddies are definitely deadbeats.

I am not trying to call all men dogs. In fact in the ten years I have been practicing family law, I have had the honor of representing dozens of good men. They are proud fathers who put their kids first and will freely endure any sacrifice if it will somehow benefit their little ones. Still, the sad reality is that for every "do right daddy" out there, you can find at least one other guy who would rather die than support his own offspring.

You may have seen these half-stepping men before-you can't miss them. They are usually the ones profiling around the neighborhood in pricey cars they can't afford, with gold-digging women they can't maintain. From their attitude, you would think they are made of cash, but let their baby mamm ask for a few dollars for some Pampers or milk, and all of sudden Mr. Money has a cash-flow crisis and is full of excuses: "Um,um,um, I didn't get paid this week. Catch up with me next Friday" or "Didn't I give you ten dollars last month for milk? What did you do with all that money?"

Over the past decade, I have waged vicious child support battles on behalf of many emotionally worn-out woman who have struggled alone to make a way for their children because Daddy suddenly decided he needed all of his money for himself-or better yet his new family. I have witnessed the spirits of women crumble under the humiliation of being forced to appeal to an often cold and uncaring court system to make their men take responsibility for their own flesh and blood because the men refused to do so on their own. My years of labor with these mothers has birthed each of them into the priceless and empowering knowledge that crying can depress a woman and getting violent may land her in jail, but gaining a keen understanding of the child support system and the rights of a baby mama will get her that much-needed child support check every time.

The legal knowledge I have used over the years to collect thousands of dollars for my clients had been stuffed into this book. I am confident that after reading it, you will be armed with the tools you need to get that child support.

'Get His Money Before His Other Baby Mama Does'

Find out how to:
~Prove he's the father of your baby
~Track down a deadbeat
~Win an increase in your current award
~Get money from an employed baby daddy
~Create an agreement with terms that benefit you
~Get other assistance from him along with your child support award

Can't Find a Husband?

2007-02-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

I read this article on the web, and found it to be really interesting. Seriously. This was a great article. Would be interested to hear what you readers of the blog think.

To read it in it's original context, click here.

------------------------------

I have bad news for the ladies out there looking for a husband. Today's men are afraid of marriage and having kids. This is most likely because their male friends and relatives have told them what usually happens in the event of a divorce with children. In fact, some men are calling for a marriage strike.

I'm a liberal female father's advocate, activist, writer and blogger. I've been studying the effect our current family law has on families, and why the laws are written the way they are. Unfortunately I have more bad news.

We women have allowed radical feminists to take over the feminist movement, the one that used to stand for equality, and they've been negatively influencing family law. Now it's all about domination; in the case of divorce it's having complete control over the kids, house, money and dad's visitation time.

Many fathers want equal physical custody of their children after a relationship break-up. If women deserve equality, men do too, right? Then why are feminists, who claim to be about equality, opposing us whenever we introduce equal-parenting laws? I've even seen them lying during their testimony to a legislative committee. They're also changing domestic violence laws to make them even more anti-male, though the facts show males and females batter each other equally and mothers abuse children more than fathers.

Our country is in a fatherless crisis, yet men who are natural hands-on daddies are scoffed at. These men who embrace fatherhood are shown their time and influence isn't important. Our government does this by enforcing child support orders while not enforcing visitation orders. Whether the father had due process in court or not, whether blatant errors were made, when the DNA test shows he's not the father, and even when there is no child, our government punishes fathers, including throwing them in jail, for getting behind in child support.

The number one fear of children whose parents are divorcing is losing one parent. Yet millions of fathers, and some mothers are prevented from having natural, fully functioning, dedicated and loving relationships with their children after divorce. Unmarried fathers face the same problem. There are many men across the country, single and divorced, who want equal physical custody of their children, who want to help with home work, meet with teachers, take the kids to the dentist, all the normal things parents do.

Mothers and fathers tell me they don't believe 4 days and 4 evenings a month is adequate time to develop the kind of relationship necessary for the healthy development of their children. In many cases the sole custodial parent even interferes with that limited time, and in some cases cuts the noncustodial parent completely off from their child even if they've done nothing wrong.

A vindictive parent can essentially steal the child by moving the child far away, encouraging negative feelings and thoughts the child has about the noncustodial parent, or filing a false domestic violence report. The way the laws are written today, a divorcing woman can report that her husband was throwing things, say she's in fear, and with just her word she can get a temporary restraining order and emergency child custody order. One study showed half the temporary restraining orders granted were for cases where no physical harm was even claimed. Another showed the abuse claimed could not be verified fifty-nine percent of the time.

The father in a case like this doesn't get a chance to face a judge or jury; he's automatically considered guilty of abuse or potential abuse. This happens without proof of any wrongdoing, and can happen without his knowledge. Once she has the emergency custody order, he has very little, or in most cases no chance of getting equal custody. Every day innocent fathers visit their children in jail-like supervised visitation centers and take anger management classes, sometimes for years. Worse yet, some of these men not only are innocent of domestic violence, they're the victims. Some children of these innocent men never see Daddy again.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has encouraged programs that promote the idea that batterers are male, victims are female, and every child should be in the sole physical custody of it's mother. In other words, our government supports programs that vilify men. The Violence Against Women Act needs to be reformed or eliminated, and I-VAWA, the international version, needs to be rejected.

If we want men to embrace the idea of family life, we need to ensure they have equality in family law. Equal parenting laws, favored by 85% of people polled, need to be passed nationwide and a Federal Family Rights Act needs to be established immediately to protect families dealing with Child Protective Services and parents in divorce and child custody cases. The time has come to restore human and civil rights to all fit parents.

Now, back to looking for your husband. I've been working with fathers in the equal parenting movement for a few years now. These guys are some of the smartest and kindest friends I've had, and some of the most loving and dedicated daddies I've ever met. They've experienced pain and injustice at the hands of women. When they meet women who respect them, who understand that most men make great parents, they return a special kind of respect and appreciation. Come join us; you can make new friends, and have the satisfaction of helping a very honorable cause. And who knows, maybe you'll be at a rally one day and meet your future husband.

teri@sharedparentingworks.org

We'll Miss You, Mum!

2007-02-22T18:36:00.000-08:00

It's just not the same here without you...

Duped Dads

2007-02-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

I found this scintillating article over at EasternEcho.com. Particularly relevant based on the Anna Nicole Smith saga and the fight over her child.

-----

Child support laws unfair to "duped dads"

By Derrick K. Baker / MCT
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2007

Perhaps the fact that I manage money well and enjoy women are the reasons for my strong reaction to cases in which men have to continue paying child support for a child after it's determined that they didn't father the child.

Maybe because I continue to evolve into a more compassionate adult and a diehard advocate for men's rights, I've also developed an equally evolving notion of financial fairness, the absolute truth and parental rights.

Could it be that I've become so cynical and skeptical when it comes to relationships and marriages that, when it comes to kids, I doubt and disbelieve much of what comes out of a woman's mouth?

My gumbo of emotions notwithstanding, who among us hasn't formed some opinions about an issue that is taking a more prominent role in how families are maintained or dissolved; how marriages are sustained or broken; and how children view themselves and the roles of adults in their lives - not to mention the primary issue of a child's best interests.

Here's the issue: If a man believes or is lead to believe by the woman that he has sired a child by her, but it's later proved by DNA testing that the man is not the father, should he legally or morally continue paying child support?

On one side are people who support these men - known in some circles as "duped dads" - and believe that at the end of the day the men are fraud victims. Think of buying an expensive stereo only to find out that inside are cheap, poorly made components.

While that's a terrible comparison that likens human life to consumer products, you get the point.

According to a recent illuminating article in Time magazine, "the law's marital presumption of fatherhood has ended up enslaving a divorced dad, like the Michigan man who proved he had not sired his son but was still ordered to send child-support payments directly to the boy's biological father, who was granted custody after the mom moved out of his place and left the kid there."

Then there's the case of 36-year-old Dylan Davis, a software engineer in Denver, who questioned the paternity of his 6-year-old twins. A negative DNA test proved he wasn't the father. His ex-wife moved and while he no longer has contact with the kids, "under Colorado law he is still required to pay $663 a month in child support."

Davis isn't taking the lie and law lying down; he's working to change the state's statute so he and other men in his predicament don't have to shell out money for kids who aren't their own - at least biologically.

The emotional connection between dad and kids, however, is another story. And it's a story that cannot be overlooked or downplayed, particularly in the black community where single-parent homes are common.

Furthermore, consider the case of Georgia engineer Carnell Smith, "who found out soon after he broke up with his girlfriend that she was pregnant and spent the next 11 years believing he was the girl's father. Then, in 2000, after his visitation time had been cut back around the same time that a court order nearly doubled his monthly child-support payments, he took a test that showed he was not the biological parent."

If that's not life-changing news for all involved, what is?

After spending three years and six figures in fees, Smith ("a broke but free man") no longer is financially responsible for the child but is responsible for the new DNA testing company he founded as a result of his experience.

How deep must be the wide-ranging emotions that surface when a man finds out that a child isn't his? What a challenge for both parents to now redefine their relationship with each other, and how - if at all - to tell the child the truth.

The way I see it, if a man has serious doubts about the paternity of his child -_ and not just misgivings about the quality and future of the relationship with the child's mother - then he should pursue the truth.

If a mother secretly knows she has her own questions and doubts about her child's paternity, she would be unwise, to put it mildly, to display shock that the man is seeking the truth.

Ladies, be prepared to face the facts, the truth and the consequences. Gentlemen, don't ask a question that may deliver an answer you're ill-prepared to hear.

Children's advocates sitting on the other side of the argument contend that what remains most paramount, however, is the child's best interests. For a child, learning that a man he called "Dad" for years really is not his father can be as convoluted as the circumstances that led to the child's birth.

Learning of such likely will prompt a child to question both parents' honesty, and depending on the quality and duration of the relationship to the father, plant seeds of doubt about men as a whole.

Nevertheless, show me a man who doesn't want to know if a child is really his and I'll show you a man who isn't one.

-----

You can view this article online
here.

Tom & Howard: Two Drunk Guys

2007-02-18T09:40:00.001-08:00

This video clip pretty much says it all. Last night!

Happy Valentine's Day -- Let's Get Divorced!!

2007-02-14T15:37:00.000-08:00

PSYCHO BITCH !!!!

------------------

Valentine's Day is the Most Popular Time of Year to Seek a Divorce Attorney

BOSTON, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Valentine's Day. Some say it's the most
romantic day of the year. Others dismiss it as merely a commercial scam.
Still others find themselves dateless and depressed. But it could be worse;
according to Forbes, the day of love is the year's most popular time to
seek a divorce attorney.

It seems Valentine's Day may be a dual holiday for lovers and
leavers... New York City Divorce Attorney Sherri Donovan, in her new book
HIT HIM WHERE IT HURTS: The Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Divorce - Alimony,
Custody, Child Support, and More offers advice for women in their moment of
realization -- that on this day of romance they have none...and their
decision to jump ship. "You may simply decide that you can't face another
Valentine's Day living a lie," Donovan says. "But don't throw those
drugstore chocolates in his face and storm out quite yet. Do your homework
first -- or you could end up broke and bitter by the next time February
14th rolls around."

The numbers echo Donovan's cautionary warning. Eighty-five percent of
the time, it is the woman who initiates the divorce. Amidst the staggering
emotional turmoil, they too often make hasty decisions and "play-nice" to
get the proceedings behind them. The result: They get screwed. How screwed?
Consider this:

* The average woman experiences a forty-five percent drop in her
standard of living after divorce
* Eighty-five percent of custodial parents are mothers and, of those
female-headed households, forty-five percent exist at or near the poverty
line
* Only fifty percent of custodial parents are awarded child support,
and of those granted support, only forty-five percent receive the full
amount on a regular basis

Clearly, women preparing to go through the nightmare of divorce need a
game plan that ensures they get what they deserve. "You don't want to end
up like these women," says Donovan. "Ultimately, your divorce can be a
liberating experience that jumpstarts a better, happier life for you, but
only if you're prepared for the worst that can-and too often does-happen."
HIT HIM WHERE IT HURTS: The Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Divorce - Alimony,
Child Support, and More by respected NYC matrimonial attorney Sherri
Donovan is a must-read resource (a guerilla guide of sorts) for any woman
about to leave a bad marriage behind.

My Sad Life

2007-02-03T21:21:00.000-08:00

Check this out...and have pity for me.

Click here and you will understand.

More Pictures of Ruby

2007-02-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

Took these the other night. She is getting more and more alert each and every day.
It is great to see her little eyes react when I talk to her.

She can't really focus too well right now, but she knows when I talk.
I think there is starting to be a connection.

Ruby and Mum

2007-02-01T22:06:00.000-08:00

This is a good one of mum and Ruby together.

Very cute video. Click here to watch.

Grandma and the Kids

2007-01-31T20:54:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of good ones of mum with the kids!

Nim with the Grandma

His hair is so wild!

Really cute one

He Loves His Little Sister

2007-01-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

Now I Have Seen It All...

2007-01-29T21:00:00.000-08:00

Mum is a big rugby fan. No doubt about it. However, every game day we have to be subjected to her nerdiness.

The kids want to watch Cars on the big screen, while Grandma dons her headphones and watches Setanta on the laptop where she can get her rugby.

Serious geek!

I suppose it could be worse. She could be one of those grandmas in adult diapers. I am sure, eventually, it will come to that.

"Daddy, Grandma scares us..."

Nim at 3 Years Old

2007-01-29T19:41:00.000-08:00

So damn cute!!

Click here.

What A Difference 19 Months Makes

2007-01-28T19:09:00.000-08:00

Enough said....

Tribute to Bam Bam Bigelow

2007-01-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

The wrestling world was saddened last week when another legend, Scott 'Bam Bam' Bigelow, passed away at the age of 45.

Almost exactly 12 years ago, American football legend Lawrence Taylor appeared at the Royal Rumble in Fresno as a member of the audience.

The confrontation he had with Bam Bam Bigelow, though entirely scripted, caused a huge buzz and the pair went on to headline WrestleMania.

It is not by accident that Bigelow was the man asked to 'carry' LT in a match of this magnitude.

Wherever he went - including WWE, WCW, ECW and Japan - Bam Bam quickly made a name for himself, not just for his in ring work, but also for his reputation as a true professional.

Bigelow's first stint in the WWE was largely unheralded, although he did take part in the inaugural Survivor Series PPV, but a return in 1992 saw him receive a bigger and more sustained push.

In the cartoonish world of the early 90s' product, the larger-than-life Bam Bam - with his bald head adorned with tattoos, menacing glare and fiery outfit - was a natural heel. He had the world's worst theme music - just someone saying "Bam Bam" over and again!

While never holding a major WWE championship, Bam Bam worked with all the top names of the era, including Bret Hart and Diesel, and was a member of Ted DiBiase's Million Dollar Corporation.

He eventually turned babyface when The Million Dollar Man fired and ordered his charges to attack Bigelow, who had "let him down" by losing to Lawrence Taylor.

In the mid 90s, upstart promotion ECW was gaining momentum, and many point to the more experienced grapplers who worked for Paul Heyman's Philadelphia based organization as being a key reason for this swift success.

Terry Funk and Bam Bam Bigelow are the two names most frequently mentioned in this context.

Bigelow went on to win the ECW world title from Shane Douglas, only to drop the strap a month or so later to The Franchise.

The Beast From The East also created one of the enduring images of ECW, when during a match for the television title with Taz (now commentator Tazz), they crashed through the ring before Bigelow was able to clamber out and claim the title, in his home town of Astbury Park, New Jersey.

It was Bigelow who dropped the ECW television championship to Rob Van Dam, after which RVD began his hottest streak and record-breaking title reign.

Both Taz and Van Dam acknowledge the contribution Bam Bam made to their careers, with RVD having this to say of WWE.com: "One of the favourite moments of my career was the night in Buffalo where I beat him for the ECW television title.

"I got the biggest rub of my career that night, and that match turned me into a superstar.

"I enjoyed watching him as a fan, working with him and wrestling him. In and out of the ring he was a tremendous professional and I have a lot of respect for him."

In 1998, Bam Bam moved to WCW, where he stayed until the company was bought out in 2001.

While in WCW, he fought mainly for the hardcore title, often with fellow ECW alumni Raven, Hardcore Hak (Sandman) and Mike Awesome.

Bam Bam will long be remembered as one of the most agile big men in wrestling history.

Typically using a slingshot splash or diving headbutt as finisher, he would also take to the skies with a textbook moonsault - not bad considering his weight was approximately double that of a Rey Mysterio.

It remains to be seen whether the WWE will include Bam Bam as one of this year's Hall of Fame inductees.

No-one could claim he does not deserve it.

by ROB McNICHOL

Great Commercial

2007-01-25T19:04:00.000-08:00

This commercial almost made me cry! 'Almost' because I am a tough guy, but seriously, this was brilliant.

This is what being a dad is all about.

Click here to watch.

Steve Jobs Heralds New Wave of Street Crime

2007-01-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

Apple boss Steve Jobs proudly unveiled the new iPhone this week promising that the latest must-have gadget would see the beginning of a new era in robbery- with- violence. The shiny new iPhone which packs every desirable modern gadget into one handy, easy-to-steal device, can be used to make phone calls, surf the net, take photographs, play music files, send emails and trim unsightly nasal hair. Possession of the much-hyped device means that there is almost nothing that a busy iPhone owner cannot do while on the move, apart from going outside.

As Apple proudly unveiled the new touch screen device, Jobs boasted ‘It’s a phone, it’s an iPod, it’s a palm top, it’s a great big arrow pointing to your head saying ‘Please mug me.’ Jobs continued, ‘We’re confident that this phone is so sexy that opportunistic criminals will be unable to prevent themselves from knocking owners to the ground before wrestling the device from their hands and running off down the road.’ As part of the huge global launch, Apple will be running special worldwide promotions rewarding any owner who can hold on to their new device for more than a fortnight. iPhone owners are being advised to hang on their old technology for the time being; ‘Use your old phone to take a picture of your new iPhone,’ said Jobs. ‘You’ll want to remember what it looked like.’

The new iPhones even includes Satellite Navigation technology, so that you can log on to your laptop and locate the dodgy housing estate where your £250 phone is now being sold for a tenner. This facility is of course two-way, ensuring that your Apple iBook and the phone will be reunited by burglars later in the evening.

(courtesy of Newsbiscuit)

I Love Keith Olbermann

2007-01-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

Bill O'Reilly is a tool.

Click here to see why.

It isn't until the last part about Fox News scrubbing their reports that it was really bad.

My Little Sister!

2007-01-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

Even at this tender age, you can see that Jack is absolutely in love with his little sister. He is very attentive to her, and even though he squeezes a bit hard, he can't go more than an hour or two without hugging or kissing her.

Check out Jack's hair...awesome!

One of my favorites

Bundle of Joy

2007-01-17T12:08:00.000-08:00

7 days old

Kissable lips

Proud Grandma

Snow Day !!!

2007-01-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid I used to love it when it snowed. Who didn't?! Well, last night we got dumped on! About 6" overall.

Winter wonderland

It was brilliant. I had been bitterly cold for about a week, but no moisture whatsoever. We went to bed at about 11pm that night, and sill no snow, but after waking up at around 7am, the whole place was white.

Oregon gets snow, and most winters we get a slight sprinkling, but nothing ever sticks. Every 5 years or so we get a good dump, but that is about it. Well this is one of those days.

Of course, that brought out the kid in me, and we got Nim and Jack all bundled up, and out we went. Snowball fights, sled rides, and snowman building was the order of the day, and Steph was out there snapping some great pictures!

All bundled up

Wicket loved it, too

Fat man in a little coat

Jack's first real snow fall

Nim was loving it

At top speed...

...when cornering...

...sleds don't handle too well...

...and tears are the result.

Mike Tyson's Craziest Moments

2007-01-15T16:56:00.000-08:00

This is without a doubt the most insane person I have ever seen.

Wow.

Click here.

Oregonians: PLEASE READ

2007-01-12T23:17:00.000-08:00

This was on the front page of the Oregonian Newspaper today.

If you are living in Oregon, or know someone who does, you need to check out the Oregon State Sex Offenders online tracking system. (I am sure they have similar things for other states online).

Click here to make sure you know which registered sex offenders are living around you, and where they live.

It only maps them from a one mile radius from your house, but it is still a little un-nerving to see.

Love you all, and stay safe.

Some Clarification on HV...

2007-01-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

Hmmm....quite the response about my earlier posting about Hollywood.

First off, the people I forgot to mention. Come on...get over it, there was a ton of people and I was bound to miss some. If I forgot to mention you, I have added you, and if your name is Betsy and/or Mario I understand that I will be forever in your debt.

Second, the piece about the leadership may have been misconstrued. I said it had all but disappeared. I meant "physically" not "practically". Nearly everyone that I had known to be in charge of it has since left (hence 'disappeared'), and that is what I meant! Not that any existing leadership was bad. On the contrary, I would say that the current group are better off than anything I ever saw. My sincere apologies if that is how it was taken. A couple of people rightly called me on that one, and I could have chosen my words more carefully. Anyone who knows me, knows I think the world of TW and the job he is doing, and he is at least one bright spot on their horizon.

The rest is staying, as that is how I feel. I have a ton of friends that still work there (and apparently more people that read this than I thought!) and have had many conversations with them. They know me, and know how I feel, and I know how they feel.

I had some of the best times at Hollywood, and some of the worst, and that is what made it all worth it. I certainly wouldn't change it for anything. I made some life-long friends there.

Great Shot of Ruby

2007-01-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

It pays to have a nice camera!

Katrina vs. Denver

2007-01-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

This made me smile.

------------
WEATHER BULLETIN - Denver

In the "Mile-Hi City", they just recovered from a Historic event--- may I even say a "Weather Event" of "Biblical Proportions" --with a blizzard of up to 44" inches of snow and winds to 90 MPH that broke trees in half, knocked down utility poles, stranded hundreds of motorists in lethal snow banks, closed ALL roads, isolated scores of communities and cut power to 10's of thousands.

FYI:

George Bush did not come.
FEMA did nothing.
No-one howled for the government.
No-one blamed the government.
No-one even uttered an expletive on TV.
Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton did not visit.
The Mayor did not blame Bush or anyone else.
The Governor did not blame Bush or anyone else, either.
CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX or NBC did not visit - or report on this category 5 snowstorm. Nobody demanded $2,000 debit cards.
No one asked for a FEMA Trailer House.
No one looted.
Nobody - I mean Nobody - demanded the government do something.
Nobody expected the government to do anything, either.
No Larry King, No Shepard Smith, No Oprah, No Chris Mathews and No Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson.
No Sean Penn, No Barbara Striesand, No Hollywood types to be found.
Nope, we just melted the snow for water.
Sent out caravans of SUV's to pluck people out of snow engulfed cars.
The truck drivers pulled people out of snow banks and didn't ask for a
penny.
Local restaurants made food and the police and fire departments delivered it to the snowbound families. Families took in the stranded people - total strangers.
They fired up wood stoves, broke out coal oil lanterns or Coleman lanterns.
They put on extra layers of clothes because up there it is "Work or Die".
They did not wait for some affirmative action government to get them out of a mess created by being immobilized by a welfare program that trades votes for "sittin at home" checks.
Even though a Category "5" blizzard of this scale has never fallen this early, we know it can happen and how to deal with it ourselves.

In my many travels, I have noticed that once one gets north of about 48 degrees North Latitude, 90% of the world's social problems evaporate.

It does seem that way, at least to me. I hope this gets read. Maybe
SOME people will get the message. The world does not owe you a living.

Big Sister Meets Little Sister

2007-01-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

Naomi came to the hospital yesterday to check out her little sister. While Jack's response could have not be less enthusiastic, Nim's reaction was just as I suspected...full of joy!

Having been through this before, she was convinced that no-one needed to remind her how to hold the baby's head, or cradle her, or what to do when she cried...it was old hat...and it was adorable!

Here are some pics of the girls meeting for this first time.

Introducing Ruby Patricia Autumn Date

2007-01-08T22:59:00.000-08:00

I am overwhelmingly proud to introduce you all to the newest member of our family.

Ruby Patricia Autumn Date was born today at 12:16pm. She weighed 6lbs 15oz, and was 20 inches long. She had a 13cm head (every woman cringe...go ahead...) and is absolutely the cutest thing I have ever seen. Oh, and did I fail to mention that Steph did it drug-free AGAIN!!!

That's right, and she is beautiful

Just like I did with Jack's birth a brief run down of the day is as follows:

5:00am
Woke up and decided that this is entirely too early to have a baby. Consider sleeping in, but decide against it when I see Steph up and ready to roll. I can't be the one letting the team down. Jack stayed the night at Aunty Jo's so he was not a factor.

6:15am
Arrive at the hospital all excited. Remember that today is Elvis' birthday, which makes Steph happier than anything! We get checked in to Room 3K07, and settle down to our luxurious surroundings.

Slightly smaller than the one we had with Jack, but nevertheless it was very comfortable

7:00am
Our nurse, Jennine, is very nice indeed, and she hooks Steph up to the various IV drips. This was an induced labor, so you need pitocin to get that going. Steph had decided, like with Jack, that she was going to do it naturally. I had some reservations when Jack was born that she could do it, but having seen her cope with Jack's giant melon, I had no doubts she would do it this time.

8:00am
The mood is good, she is doing well, and the first contractions don't bother her really. She is hooked up to the heart rate monitor, and we laugh and joke about what she will eventually look like, and what if Ruby isn't actually a girl after all.

Up and about, all is well after about a hour into it

9:00am
Doctor Polo comes in and breaks Steph's water, and examines her quickly. Water is all normal, and baby is coming down the pipeline. Note: 'pipeline' is probably not the medical term.

9:25am
The mood changes. For those of you yet to experience this, there are really three key areas to labor. The first is the excitement stage. You are ready to roll, and are looking forward to seeing your little bundle of joy. The second is the serious stage. This is where the contractions start to kick in, and the pain starts to increase to levels that 'can' make you irritable. The third, and last, stage is the exhausted/mad stage. This is where you have often been through hours of pain, and just want this damn piece of crap bundle of joy out of you, and you don't care what it takes, it is coming out!
Now, with Jack this more serious stage came later on in the day, but Steph was ready to roll after only about 25 minutes. This was when my wise cracks and constant texting to people to let them know we were here ceased to be amusing.

11:00am
The nurse comes in and checks her again. Decides that we are moving along a lot quicker than before, and so she she will call the doctor again (he leaves and comes back constantly as he has a medicacl office in another wing of the hospital, too).
Doc arrives, checks, verifies, and the room transformation begins.

11:30am
Steph is getting mad, but in a good way. She is pushing slightly against the contractions. This is good, and is encouraged by the nurses, just to ease the pain. The nurse described is as your way of fighting back against the pain. Kind of like when you cut yourself, and you rub it really hard, or you push hard on the cut...it takes some of the pain away. We concentrated on our breathing a lo during this part.

12:00pm
Doc arrives, and decides it is go time. Attachs a fetal heart rate monitor to the baby's head, as the heart rate seemed to slow slightly.

12:10pm
Steph starts to push and we are all rocking and rolling. (Just in case you are wondering, I am doing fine at this point).

12:16pm
Yes, that is right, SIX minutes later, Ruby Patricia Autumn Date is born. She starts to scream right away, as would I if I had just been through that! She has a great set of lungs on her, and as you can see from the pictures below she has a full head of hair, and finger nails, and some serious dimples (thanks mum!).

A quick note on the name:
Ruby was going to be Jack's name if he was a girl, and over the last two years we decided that we still loved the name, so stuck with it.
Patricia was a no-brainer. Both our mothers are named Patricia!
Autumn is Steph's best friend in the whole world, and it was our way of saying thank you and how much she means to us. It is also a little shout out to my English heritage by having TWO middle names. It is not common here in the US, but is very common in England.

Jack got to meet his little sister a few hours after the birth when Aunty Jo arrived, and Naomi will meet her tomorrow morning. Jack could not have been more underwhelmed. It was cute, but he obviously doesn't grasp it yet. I can't wait until Naomi sees her.

As for how things went after the delivery, I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

One of my favorite shots

Cut me, Mick...

Is this coming home with us?

Oh, I get it. My little sister.

She had good parents to help!!

Finally, clean and sleeping, nice and safe!

There is also video !!

Click here to see Ruby's first bath.

Click here to see Ruby right after she was born.

Click here to see a very relaxed mommy after the birth!

Last Night With Friends

2007-01-07T23:39:00.000-08:00

I guess sensible philosophy says that the night before we are scheduled for induction to have baby Ruby, we would be mellow, taking it easy, and relaxing with ourselves, and just chilling!

Hell no!

Okay, so it wasn't exactly a raving party, or a party at all really, but we had some of our best friends round for dinner. Mike and Mindy brought the kids, and cooked us a fabulous 'last meal' and Autumn came round to chill out, too.

It was pretty low key for the most part, except there was some Trivial Pursuit trash talking early on from Mr "what frog emcee's the muppet show?" Veary, which had to be dealt with in the swiftest of manners by yours truly. We duked it out for 2 rounds of first-to-25 and it was close, but there was some serious help being handed out by the girls in the second game. Now I am not saying I am competitive, but I had to punch my pregnant wife once for helping out (is that assault?), and kicked Mrs. Veary under the table several times for assists which were clearly not part of the game.
Note to self when attacking women:
Rule #1: Never play punch (even mockingly) a woman about to give birth. She will hand out a whoopin' twice as bad as you gave her. The pain associated with her flicking your ear at Mach 2 speed will overwhelm you easily.
Rule #2: Never kick someone (even mockingly again) under the table who posseses a crab-like pincer claw for a big toe. You are no match for her in a toe wrestling game, and she will remove most of the hair on your lower leg.

After M&M left, we took Autumn to her car in Beaverton, and went to the store to grab some last minute supplies.

So, as you can see it was quite the night. The lasagna was awesome...seriously one of the best I have ever had, the company was great, the smackdown was severe, and we had a good old-fashioned chilled out evening with our friends. It was really nice, and I don't want to make more babies to have more of these evenings, but I would like some more just because.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow, and let's hope everything goes smoothly.

New Years Resolutions

2007-01-01T11:54:00.000-08:00

It was a very tame and relaxed (and very enjoyable) New Years Eve this year. Steph and I spent the night in with the kids and Autumn. When you could have a baby at any minute there is not an great incentive to get out and shake your booty!

So we just stayed in a chatted, had a bit of champagne and generally just chilled out. The three of us (Steph, Autumn, and me) also wrote our New Years Resolutions. We did it with a twist this year, though. We decided to write eight of them ourselves, and then each write two resolutions that 'could' apply to anyone of us, put those in a bowl, and then each picked from the bowl, with the resolutions we picked then becoming part of our own list. It was sort of fun, and a little bit extra that you might not otherwise add. The ones I drew are the ones labelled 'bonus' at the end of my list.

So, here is where I netted out in terms of my resolutions. I stayed clear of the unrealistic ones this time (skydiving, be a millionaire, own an Humvee etc) and went for a more attainable approach. I think, for the first time in a long while, I can actually achieve all my goals.

1. Start and maintain 'Help For Daddy' business, including website, marketing, direct mail, and other collateral

2. Workout at work a minimum of 3 times per week

3. Take family vacations to Disneyland, and to Hampton, Arkansas by the end of the year

4. Learn to play my new guitar

5. Become a Grade 7 referee

6. Sign up for a dance class with Stephanie

7. Volunteer at a children's hospital and/or Naomi's school at least once a quarter

8. Take the kids water skiing in our own boat

9. BONUS: Only eat dessert once a week (to make it a real treat)

10. BONUS: Put $20 per paycheck into a savings account that I can't access easily. Not linked to checking account

So, Happy New Year to everyone, and let's get going!

Nim Lost Her First Tooth!

2006-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

It was bound to happen eventually, but I am so happy it happened while she was staying at our house.

Naomi lost her first tooth tonight. It has been wiggling for a few weeks now, and she reminds us every day that it is nearing it's demise, but I didn't think she was quite ready for when it actually did fall out.

She was munching on an apple, and then suddenly it came out. Bit frantic at first, because she didn't know it had fallen out (Steph noticed it was gone) so we had a quick search around and low and behold, it was on the floor. Tiny little thing. Very cute!

Check out the hole on the bottom row!

She was a little upset to find out that blood accompanied this happy event, and the tears did come, but they soon stopped when she realized that it also meant the tooth fairy was due a visit, and she was bringing money.

Click here to see a little clip of video from right after the tooth came out.

Man of the Year!!

2006-12-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

That's right...I can hardly believe it, but MSN's most influential people in the entertainment industry was lead by Sasha Baron Cohen, who people from this country will know only as Borat!

The British comedian has taken on many personas over the last two decades: Kristo, an Albanian television reporter; Ali G, a wannabe gangsta rapper; Bruno, a self-absorbed gay Austrian fashion personality; and most recently, a naïve Kazakhstani journalist named Borat.

In 2006, Sacha Baron Cohen starred as Will Ferrell's nemesis, Jean Girard, in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. But it was the release of his reality-based movie, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan—as well as his many character appearances as Borat—that got everyone talking. The mockumentary depicts Borat's travels across the country on a mission to marry Pamela Anderson. Cohen's Borat created what many critics call "a new genre of film," fusing the off-the-wall stylings of Jackass with Candid Camera.

The film debuted to great fanfare and earned a reported $26.4 million at the box office. With a Golden Globe nomination for both Best Film (Comedy or Musical) and Best Actor (in a Musical or Comedy), and a top box office movie, it's apparent that America is ready to "make a sexy time, yes?" with Cohen.

Hows sweet is that? It's Niiiice.

Christmas Was Blast This Year!

2006-12-25T23:18:00.000-08:00

We had a great time this Christmas as Joann, Eric, Austin, Madison, and Autumn all joined us for festivities.

Everyone was in good spirits, and the kids had a ton of fun opening their gifts (that IS after all what it is all about, right?).

Well, anyway we all had a great time together, just relaxing. We even hooked up the web cam to the televison so that my parents in England could watch the kids open their presents. We had fun!

Enjoy some of the photos!

The Tree

Nim gets her Polly Pocket fix!

The boys fulfilled the stereo type by truely having more fun with the paper and the discarded boxes that with their actual presents!

You can see the web cam on the TV in the background. That is my sister, Emma, in the top screen

You can never go wrong with dinosaur books

This is something I have wanted for a while. I used to play as a kid, and then stopped, and I have always wanted to pick it back up. Now I can! Thanks lover!

Pursue Your Dreams!

2006-12-24T15:11:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for my 2007 resolutions, but I will give you a sneak preview for one of them, and that is because I read a story regarding the creators of YouTube.

If all the Web is a stage, YouTube is its spotlight. Founded in 2005 by Chad Hurley and Steve Chen, the popular Web site allows anyone to upload, view, and share video clips.

These are just some guys who don't ever have to work again.

Since its inception the online community has posted music videos, television and movie clips, and amateur video from various contributors. The site is most popular among the 12- to17-year-old set, drawing in 20 million visitors each month according to Nielson research.

Conglomerates such as CBS, NBC, Sony Entertainment and Warner Music realized the potential the medium has to reach the masses and now post movie and TV trailers, promotional clips and public service announcements on the site. But the true stars of YouTube are Hurley and Chen, who took the Web site to the bank this year after finalizing its acquisition with Google for a cool $1.65 billion...thats billion, with a "B".

Why should this mean I should follow my dreams? These guys just had an idea, and believed in it. The created it, using all their own knowledge and experiences, and came up with a program to make it happen!

So, stay tuned because there will be a new phenomenon coming your way, via the internet, starting in January. Look for the Help for Daddy gang coming your way in 2007.

Steph's New Car

2006-12-23T23:57:00.000-08:00

Well, today my lovely wife turned 31 !

I rustled up some pennies and bought her her dream car. She had a great time and the car was a huge surprise for her.

Brilliant!

Am I Mad?

2006-12-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

I must be. I went to visit the Mall of America on December 21st.

For those of you who do not know, the Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the world. It has a rollercoaster in it, and yes, I went on it!

Welcome to the Gates of Hell

I was in Minnesota working, and the mall is by the airport. I had some hours to kill and decided to go. AWESOME fun!

My First Kids Christmas Play

2006-12-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

Steph, Jack and I went to Springwater School to see Nim's first Christmas Play. It was so cute!

She was a sun ray as her and her friends played the role of sunshine. It was so chaotic but it was great.

Her biggest fan was there to cheer her on

Of course, being the first time parents that we are, we decided to bring two cameras so that we could take some photos and shoot some video. Yes, we have a camera for pictures and a camera for video. Don't knock it.

She is the one in the black pants with the mask

We ended up shooting 10 video clips, each about 2 minutes long. Nim's first on-stage appearance is in video #4 (she is the one in the yellow top, and black pants, skipping like a mad woman), but there is plenty of stress back stage when she can't find her sun-mask, and then relief when she finally finds it.

All very cute stuff.

I Need To Lower My Carb Intake

2006-12-12T20:49:00.000-08:00

I am thinking that perhaps my carb in take may be a tad high.

Why you ask?

Not sure.

Hmmm. What should I have for lunch?

Dinner is served.

Kimber's Party

2006-12-10T20:53:00.000-08:00

So, we went to the obligatory Xmas party this weekend. It was fun to see everyone, again as it has been a while. Especially the host Kimber, who is, in my recent memory, the flakiest person I know.

Could be that they live in the 'Couv, but that can't be an excuse for not showing up to anything. The capper came when this was the first time she had seen Jack standing up and walking! It is funny how we measure time now in kids' accomplishments.

Anyway, bottom line is that you need to stay in touch more. Friends drift apart, but the true ones stay around.

Steph and her little man

How grown up does he look?!

Our Anniversary

2006-12-09T03:59:00.000-08:00

Today is a special day.

It marks the three year anniversary of Steph and I getting engaged. Yep, that's right, three years ago today, she realized that she was one of the luckiest women around when she knew she was going to be with me forever. Coincidently, that was also the day when you could almost hear the hundreds of other female hearts all over the country breaking simultaneously.

So, to mark that occasion, I am posting some pictures that WE took while in Paris on that fateful trip!

The tower lights up at night

We both really liked this picture, and it was actually the background to our wedding invites

She said yes (of course)!

Understandably, she was overwhelmed with joy at the prospect of being with me forever. Lucky girl!

I Support The Death Penalty

2006-11-28T15:12:00.000-08:00

Here is just a sample of why. I don't think I need to explain.

------------------------

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- A mother was arrested on suspicion of murdering her newborn daughter by microwaving the baby in an oven.

China Arnold, 26, was jailed Monday on a charge of aggravated murder, more than a year after she brought her dead month-old baby to a hospital. Bail was set Tuesday at $1 million.

"We have reason to believe, and we have some forensic evidence that is consistent with our belief, that a microwave oven was used in this death," said Ken Betz, director of the Montgomery County coroner's office.

He said the evidence included high-heat internal injuries and the absence of external burn marks on the baby, Paris Talley.

Arnold was arrested soon after the baby's death in August 2005, then was released while authorities investigated further. Betz said the case was difficult because "there is not a lot of scientific research and data on the effect of microwaves on human beings."

The death was ruled a homicide caused by hyperthermia, or high body temperature. The absence of external burns ruled out an open flame, scalding water or a heating pad as the cause, Betz said.

Arnold's lawyer, Jon Paul Rion, said his client had nothing to do with her child's death and was stunned when investigators told her that a microwave might have been involved.

"China -- as a mother and a person -- was horrified that such an act could occur," Rion said.

The night before the baby was taken to the hospital, Arnold and the child's father went out for a short time and left Paris with a baby sitter, Rion said. The mother didn't sense anything out of the ordinary until the next morning, when the child was found unconscious, Rion said.

Arnold has three other children.

In 2000, a Virginia woman was sentenced to five years in prison for killing her month-old son in a microwave oven. Elizabeth Renee Otte claimed she had no memory of cramming her son in the microwave and turning on the appliance in 1999.

Experts said that Otte suffered from epilepsy and that her seizures were followed by blackouts.

--------------------------

Enough said.

Please Watch An Inconvenient Truth

2006-11-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

I had heard a lot about this movie in the last month, and so decided to add it to my Netflix list. There was a lot of buzz about it and what kind of message it had to deliver.

I added it to my list because it seemed like the right thing to do. I am being honest when I say that I figured it would be a two hour snore-fest with Al Gore pushing a political agenda that would be a precursor to his run for the White House in 2008. Sure, I would watch it, but only to see what all the buzz was about. I am not a tree hugger so it wouldn't really appeal to me that much.

Wow, was I wrong.

An Inconvenient Truth is about as scary a movie as I have seen in a long time. Seriously. It is hands down one of the most eye-opening movies of the year, and rightfully so. I think that it is delivered in a such a manner that Al Gore diffuses any political hubub, and really dials down to evidence and what the experts say. Sure, there are a few political cracks in there, but nearly every one is actually self-depreciating humor aimed at himself and his failure to win the White House.

The general idea is that if we don't do something in the VERY near future to help our planet survive and to help it combat our demands on it, then we are seriously screwed.

Sure, it hit home a little more as Steph and I have kids. I want them to enjoy the planet, be able to travel, and not worry about the environment because we did absolutely nothing to help it. We already recycle, but it is not enough. We need to do more. We went yesterday and changed every light bulb in our house to the energy efficient ones. That is a start. We lowered the temperature in our house. We sealed up doors and windows and when funds allow, will get the furnace changed. Even if you don't have kids I urge you to watch this. It is EVERYONE'S issue.

You can learn what you need to do by going to their website. Click here to visit Climate Crisis. It also contains the trailer for the movie on it. If you want to just watch the trailer, then check it out here.

Like I said, the movie is scary, not because of the story line, but because of the content. PLEASE WATCH THIS MOVIE. Seriously, it will change the way you look at the planet, and hopefully we can all make a change.

Don't take my words for it though...here are the reviews that it has received so far.

-----------------------------

"In 39 years, I have never written these words in a movie review, but here they are: You owe it to yourself to see this film. If you do not, and you have grandchildren, you should explain to them why you decided not to." ...Robert Ebert, Chicago Sun Times
-----------------------------

"An Inconvenient Truth is a necessary film." ...Wesley Morris, San Francisco Chronicle
-----------------------------

"In an eco-horror show that politely masquerades as a documentary, the former vice president effectively warns of man-made cataclysm." ...Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
-----------------------------

"Brings a feeling of history: Virtually everyone who sees this movie will be galvanized to do something about global warming -- and everyone should see this movie." ...Claudia Puig, USA Today
-----------------------------

"What could have been mired in political rhetoric or techno-speak is instead illuminating, fascinating and sometimes frightening." ...William Arnold, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
-----------------------------

"It's a mind-boggling disaster epic that draws its special power from the fact that we are both the villains and victims of the story." ...Jack Garner, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
-----------------------------

"The truths in this challenging film aren't just inconvenient; they're darkly fascinating, mighty scary, and, it seems to me, undeniable." ...Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
-----------------------------

"As a film, An Inconvenient Truth falls somewhere between an auditorium survey class and a stump speech, and if it covers no new ground, it benefits greatly from Gore's air of educated sobriety and principled rectitude ..." ...Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
-----------------------------

"Like an inventive and engrossing lecture by your favorite eighth-grade science teacher, making it an engaging movie, whatever your politics." ...Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
-----------------------------

"A powerful film that educates as it engages." ...Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
-----------------------------

"An Inconvenient Truth can't, of course, reveal a future that is still up to us, but by the time you're done watching, the real question is, Which way on God's green earth would you want to err?" ... Kevin Crust, Los Angeles Times
-----------------------------

"In the battle between Big Trouble (Gore's line) and Big Oil (Bush's), fossil fuel won. Even with gas prices it's still winning, which is why An Inconvenient Truth, for all its limitations as cinematic agitprop, deserves an audience." ...Phil Hall, Film Threat
-----------------------------

Old One of Nim

2006-11-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

This was so cute.

It seems like she was so little in this video. It was shot in January 2004, and I didn't know I had it, until I was scrolling through some older files on the hard drive. It was like finding $20 in and old coat pocket. She is sooo damn cute.

Click here to view it.

Wrestling with the Boy!

2006-11-24T19:52:00.000-08:00

This was fun, especially when I gave him whiplash by tossing him into the air.

Good times, good times.

Click here to view

Thanksgiving at the Hattons

2006-11-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

It was a good time. We alternate the holidays...Thanksgiving at one house, Christmas at the other.

I also had to convince Nim, as sher doesn't like turkey for some reason, that we had a bird that was half chicken and half turkey, and that she would eat off the chicken side.

Click to view

The Greatest Show on Earth

2006-11-20T15:15:00.000-08:00

Just when you thought Jerry Springer could not get any lower...

Okay, no-one thought that Jerry could get any lower, but seriously, this is bad! They even have a bell that rings now to say it is okay to fight! I love it.

I Can Count to Dias

2006-11-19T22:52:00.000-08:00

Just about the cutest thing you will ever see!

Update on the Car Wreck

2006-11-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yeah, not so good.

Looks like the car is totalled. That in itself sucks, because now we have to go and purchase another car. We were going to be doing something like that anyway in January, but this obviously hastens it up a little! If you look at the pictures earlier a few posts back you will see that there doesn't actually look like there is any damage to the car other than a dent in the trunk, and some paint missing. Well, the frame of the car got twisted pretty good, and the entire exhaust system got pushed into the engine and so there was damage there, too! I could not believe how much it all added up!

The main concern though is my back. I have been going to see the chiropractor all week, and yesterday it was so bad I had decided to go and get Xrays. There is no cracking or any other signs of fracture etc, but the strain on it is immense. I had to cancel my refereeing and the season ender game last night that I was due to play in. Not good.

The worst part about it is that I cannot pick up Jack! Now, admittedly, he is a fat little bugger, but at 27lbs, it is something I should be able to do without much trouble, even with a bad back. Not so. It really hurts to do that.

I have had three days off work so far, and had to cancel a trip to Indianapolis next week, because I cannot stay in one place for very long (i.e. sitting on an airplane) due to the pain. It really is amazing how much you use your back in everyday life. It is the core of your whole body!

Hoping that it gets beter soon.

My First Parent: Teacher Conference

2006-11-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

With Nim being of school age (albeit kindergarten) I am experiencing lots of 'firsts' this year.

Last night, was her first confernce with her teacher to ensure that she is actualy learning something and getting along in class.

While I didn't expect anything too crazy, the teacher said that she was doing very well and was a star pupil. Her school is an environmental one and she seems to be taking to it like a duck in water.

All she needs to work on is her reading a little, which she is going to be doing while at our house. Her writing is very impressive as is her communication with other kids.

I am very proud of her.

Wow

2006-11-16T22:38:00.000-08:00

Looks at the initial graphics from this show.

Really "loving thy neighbor"!

My Sister Turns 30!

2006-11-15T20:53:00.000-08:00

Today is my sister's 30th birthday!

One of my favorite pics of her and Darren.

Hooray! Now we are all in our thirties, and getting older. She however will always be my little sister, who i love with all my heart and, even though she is a successful financial executive, will always be the little girl who used to wear all her makeup out at once for fear someone would steal it!

Have a great birthday, Em, and remember, you are 30 now...I expect you not to act like one.

Oh, and I would like to be an uncle again, so get on it.

Got in a Car Wreck Today

2006-11-14T20:46:00.000-08:00

Yeah, that's right. I was traveling down I-5 going to work. I slowed down with the rest of the traffic and then heard this screeching of tires, looked in my rear view mirror and saw this poor old 1971 VW Campmobile (a.k.a. VW Bus) plowing into the back of me.

I braced for impact and she hit me...hard!

Luckily she was okay, and her dog was, too, in the back of the vehicle. I thought I was okay but throughout the day my back has been throbbing and, well, I had to succomb and go to the chiropractor at 6pm. Not good. My back is all whacked out of shape and I need to rest it for 24 hours, before going back in on Thursday morning for further treatment.

The car was not too bad, surprisingly. However, that seemed only a cosmetic analysis as it started making funny noises, etc. Her VW was mangled in the front, so that isn't good. She had just told me she had it restored. I felt really bad for her.

Poor old Jetta!

Luckily, Steph, Naomi, or Jack were not in the car, and it was just me who got hurt. Steph aways tells me to slow down, but in this case I guess I should have sped up!

Poor 'even older' VW Bus

Anyway, now I have to deal with insurance claims and the such, so that is going to be fun as hell!

Intolerance

2006-11-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

So, I had this email exchange today with someone that was a little weird.
It was one of those chain mails that got sent through and it just struck me as very bad. Not sure why, just the whole immigration piece was strange. Not because I am an immigrant, but because of the tone of this one. I am leaving the name off obviously to not offend anyone).

THE INITIAL EMAIL

Yep! I passed it on...

I'm sorry, but after hearing they want to sing OUR National Anthem in Spanish - enough is enough!

Nowhere did they sing it in Italian, Japanese, Polish, Irish (Celtic), German, Portuguese, Greek, French, or any other language because of immigration.

It was written by Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way it was written. The news broadcasts even gave the translation - not even close.

Sorry if this offends anyone, but this is MY COUNTRY. IF IT IS YOUR COUNTRY, SPEAK UP!

I am not against immigration -just come through like everyone else.

Get a sponsor; have a place to lay your head; have a job; pay your taxes;live by the rules; and LEARN THE LANGUAGE as all other immigrants have in the past and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

PART OF THE PROBLEM

Think about this:

If you don't want to forward this for fear of offending someone, YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM! Will we still be the Country of choice and still be America if we continue to make the changes forced on us by people from other countries who came to live in America because it is the Country of Choice?

Think about it!

All we have to say is, when will Someone do something about MY RIGHTS? We've gone so far the other way, bent over backwards to not offend anyone, that I am now being offended. But it seems no one has a problem with that.

It is Time for America to Speak up

If you agree - pass this along; if you don't agree - delete it ... and leave the country.

MY REPLY

what about the people here that don't speak English, who were born here?

THE REPLY BACK

They still should learn English. When I lived in Europe...I had to learn the language of the country I was in; they did not print English menus or have signs, etc. all done with English "subtitles".

We spend so much money in the school system for ESL (English as a Second Language) students that could be spent elsewhere. Millions of dollars are spent teaching children English who should already know it.

Driver's tests shouldn't be written in Spanish...the street signs aren't in Spanish. When you move to a different country, you adapt to that country...not the other way around. The country should not have to adapt to you.

Touchy subject with everyone, I know. Everyone has different opinions. There's that family where the mom, daughter and one of the sons were sent back to Guatemala, despite being in the US for 15 years. The dad and the other son are still here...legally.

The parents had 15 years to work with the system and have the mother and two children become legal immigrants. Instead, they decided not to and hoped they weren't caught.

Immigrants are fine...as long as they are legal and adapt to our country. We should not have to pay for foreigners to learn English.

MY REPLY BACK

wow....that is about the most intolerant thing I have heard in a while.
Wasn't the original language of this country Indian?

THEIR REPLY

I knew you'd take it that way; good point about the Native Americans.

Not against immigrants, Simon. Immigrants are fine...just legally and with minimal spending for their education of the English language.

When WE go to other countries...they typically do not spend money for us to learn their language, do they? No...you are expected to learn it on your own.

After seeing millions of dollars going into these ESL programs year after year...there is a point where the family takes responsibility and has their children learn English on their own dime.

Sorry...not intolerant...just don't want the money being spent.

MY REPLY

Clearly you haven't been abroad much. English is learned as a second language by Italians, Portuguese, French, German, Spanish, and many many other countries so that they can communicate with the world, and yes, there are many, many signs in English all over Europe in non-English speaking countries, in order to make it a nice place to go see and potentially live in.

So you have to spend some money to educate these kids. So what? What is wrong with that? I would encourage and expect a country as great as this one to do that, and do it willingly. You said there is a point that the 'family takes responsibility and has children learn English on their own dime'. How do they learn if they can afford to get a job to learn.

It is a wonder that Americans are viewed as some of the most racially intolerant people on the planet. Seriously, has GW really closed off minds that much? When all the Mexicans move out, who do you try to get rid of next? Ragheads? Niggers? Jews? Come on....

----------------------

Not to get on my soapbox about minorities, but why is it that people over here are so closed minds. Maybe it is because I grew up in a country that has lots of different nationalities. Not saying that doesn't come with other issues, but you adapt, you accept and you grow together.

Immigration is a really hot topic in this country right now. If you are Spanish Mexican then you are basically a second class citizen, and I think that is sad. Everyone deserves the right to have an education. If you have people living in your country, even if it is illegally, you have a global responsibility to educate the children and help them out.

Ireland vs. France

2006-11-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

This little ditty made me laugh.
--------------------------------
Jacques Chirac, The French President, was sitting in his office wondering what kind of mischief he could perpetrate when his telephone rang.

"Hallo, Mr. Chirac!", a heavily accented voice said. "This is Paddy down at the Harp Pub in County Sligo, Ireland. I am ringing to inform you that we are officially declaring war on you!"

"Well, Paddy," Chirac replied, "This is indeed important news! How big is your army?"

"Right now," said Paddy, after a moment's calculation, "there is meself, me Cousin Sean, me next door neighbor Seamus, and the entire dart team from the pub. That makes eight!"

Chirac paused. "I must tell you, Paddy, that I have one hundred thousand men in my army waiting to move on my command."

"Begorra!" said Paddy. "I'll have to ring you back!"

Sure enough, the next day, Paddy called again. "Mr. Chirac, the war is still on. We have managed to get us some infantry equipment!"

"And what equipment would that be, Paddy?" Chirac asked.

"Well, we have two combines, a bulldozer, and Murphy's farm tractor."

Chirac sighed, amused. "I must tell you, Paddy, I have 6,000 tanks and 5,000 armored personnel carriers. Also, I've increased my army to one hundred fifty thousand since we last spoke."

"Saints preserve us!" said Paddy. "I'll have to get back to you."

Sure enough, Paddy rang the next day. "Mr. Chirac, the war is still on!"

We have managed to get ourselves airborne! We've modified Jackie McLaughlin's ultra-light with a couple of shotguns in the cockpit, and four boys from the Shamrock Pub have joined us as well!"

Chirac was silent for a minute and then cleared his throat. "I must tell you, Paddy, that I have 100 bombers and 200 fighter planes. My military complex is surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile sites. And since we last spoke, I've increased my army to two hundred thousand!"

"Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!", said Paddy, "I'll have to ring you back."

Sure enough, Paddy called again the next day. "Top o' the G', Mr. Chirac!

I am sorry to tell you that we have had to call off the war."

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Chirac. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

"Well," said Paddy, "we've all had a long chat over a bunch of pints, and decided there's no foo-kin way we can feed two hundred thousand prisoners."

Media Pisses Me Off

2006-11-07T16:26:00.000-08:00

Okay, just read this story. I know, I know, sensational as it is, but check out the ways things are phrased here. Pay particular attention to the bolded area.

(CNN) -- It's over for Britney Spears and Kevin Federline.

The pop singer, known for hits such as "Oops ... I Did It Again" and "Toxic," is divorcing her husband of two years and one month. Spears and Federline, one of the singer's former backup dancers, married October 6, 2004, according to the divorce papers.

Spears filed legal papers Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, citing "irreconcilable differences."

She is asking for legal and physical custody of their two children, 1-year-old Sean Preston and 2-month-old Jayden James.

Spears did agree in the filing to let Federline have visitation rights.

The date of separation was listed as Monday.

Spears also requested that her earnings and accumulations from after the date of separation, miscellaneous jewelry and personal effects and other undisclosed assets to be declared separate property.

Spears' attorney, Laura Wasser, could not be reached for comment.

Spears, 24, married Federline after a six-month courtship in 2004. In January 2004, she had married childhood friend Jason Alexander in Las Vegas, Nevada. That marriage was annulled after 55 hours.

Federline, 28, previously had a relationship with actress Shar Jackson. The union produced two children, one of whom was born two months before he married Spears. Federline recently released a rap album, "Playing With Fire."

The Spears-Federline marriage has been chronicled in detail in celebrity magazines since the pair tied the knot, with rumors of problems often surfacing.

Yes, that one little sentance that I bolded really pissed me off. It is like it is sooo blase that the sentance is included.

Okay, most people, for whatever reason think that he is a scumbag, and that may be true, but that doesn't make him a bad dad. If it is proven he is not able to look after his kids and they may be in harms way by being with him, then fair enough, but how lovely of her to just "agree to let him have visitation". What kind of shit is that?

I remember seeing pictures of her driving around with the kids un her lap while unrestrained...what about that? If that were him, the media would say he is a monster, but does that make her, THE MOTHER a bad parent? Oh no...of course not!

It is his right to have half the time with his kids.

Librarians

2006-11-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

This is from our friend Betsy. So good, I thought I would share...

They can't have very nice lives - librarians. It's like being a teacher, only without the opportunities for dating, because the only kids you meet are the nerds. So the last thing America's shsssshing minority needs is the indignity of a urine test. But that's just what we're doing. I'm not sure this is the best use of our time.

The last time a librarian did something really stupid and reckless on drugs was when Laura married George.

Last year, Florida's Levy County introduced drug testing for library volunteers. Whose average age is between 60 and 85. The volunteers were required to drive to another city - Gainesville - and urinate in a cup "within hearing distance" of a laboratory monitor. That'll teach 'em for offering to work for free. "Okay, grandma, now get pissing. And I'd better hear a nice even unbroken stream."

And then something weird happened. Inexplicably, the number of volunteers dropped from 55 to two. It's almost like they didn't enjoy being degraded. And they call themselves the greatest generation.

I know what you're thinking. If Aunt Iris has nothing to hide, she can get a little of her own urine on her hands and prove she's not strung out on junk. Then we can feel safe, and she can go back to mis-shelving the Readers Digests. But then a second thought occurs to you, later, when you really, really think about it. And that thought is this: What the fuck is wrong with us? Are we high?

They're not flying planes. They're showing the homeless how to use the microfiche readers. For free. The only people who profit from this are the stockholders of the drug testing company, who stood to make $33 a head, money the library would have otherwise just wasted on books.

A spokesman for the libraries said she wouldn't make the volunteers drive to Gainesville for their cavity searches anymore. And she also thought the problem wasn't the drug test itself, but the method they used. That's why they're looking into switching from urine tests to mouth swabs. The same method used by the Florida Department of Corrections.

Post It Note

2006-10-31T22:30:00.000-08:00

I thought this was great. Advertising is so much better overseas. They are pretty tame about things over here. Everyone is so PC and no-one wants to offend anyone. Don't get me wrong, that is a good thing at times, but in advertising circles, that can take the fun out of it.

Best Friends

2006-10-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

This was such a cute picture. Sorry it is grainy, it was with my phone camera.

Wicket, our dog, is so good to Jack, and he puts her through hell on a daily basis. He is lways chasing her, and climbing on her, and pulling her hair, and she just lies there and takes it. Great kid-friendly dog!

I wish so much that Lily was still around to see the kids, too.

Looking So Grown Up

2006-10-29T22:46:00.000-08:00

He is just getting so damn big now. At only 15 months, he is already 29lbs.

Michael J. Fox

2006-10-29T10:02:00.000-08:00

This is so sad. Poor old Michael J. Fox...this is Marty McFly for goodness sake!

It is terrible to watch someone who you always remember as energetic, upbeat and someone who could do no wrong, be limited to this.

He seems to have a good grip on it though. I mean, for a public figure with this sort of problem, to embrace it how he has and get out on the TV and talk about it, that is awesome.

Click here to watch the interview.

Bob Geldof on Fathers

2006-10-22T02:20:00.000-07:00

I urge all of you to please spend the 9 minutes and 32 seconds it takes to watch this video.

It is incredibly important that more people understand what is going on. Not just in my case, but in all cases around the world.

Click here to watch the clip.

Thank you.

Count Jackula

2006-10-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

We had our impromptu Halloween party today as this was the weekend that we had Naomi. Good times all round actually.
Neal and Heather came, as did Autumn, Jack and Tracey and Joann too. They all bought the kids and we had a great time, and the kids looked adorable.
Naomi, Jack and I all went shopping for costumes that morning, and we got some great ones.
Nim bucked the traditional trend and opted to be a Pirate Girl which was great, if not unusual. I was all geared up ready to buy princess or mermaid outfits. Jack was undecided as we entered the store, but then as I saw it sitting there on the shelf, I knew there could be only one true costume for our little monster.
Enjoy!

Pirate Girl

The Count

Looking adorable

Steph also put on a great spread

The other kids had a blast, too

Having More Fun with the Mac

2006-10-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

This was crazy!
Naomi was nearly having a hernia from laughing so hard over the new camera system we have.
Here are two of the results!

My Son Has Issues!!

2006-10-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

He has recently developed a degenerative disease that we think arose from his headshrinker ancestors. The headshrinking Enos' from Arkansas have passed this gene on from generation to generation and poor little JD got the brunt of it.

It is known as Roger Osbourne Disease

Here is his mother, also affected

We Got A Mac!

2006-10-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

Friday the 13th is a good day!
Today we got a Mac. Yep, that's right...an Apple computer. It is for the two businesses that we are starting up. Steph's business (Sassitudes) and my non-profit FAIR.
I was a bit skeptical at first but it was a smokin' deal and everyone raves about them, so I thought I would see what all the fuss was about.
WOW!
They are so simple to use and are so much different to a PC. We still have the laptop, but it is definately a secondary computer for us now, and one that we may end up selling.
With that said it will still work for surfing the internet, and it is wireless so that is good, too.
Mac's rock ! I am a convert.

Nana and the Grandkids

2006-10-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

This was cute.

Tattoo Update

2006-10-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

It itches like CRAZY !!!!!
Seriously want to scratch it badly, but have been told by just about everyone that I shouldn't. It is looking really good, and I have even been impressed with how much I have actually moisturized it. I am not big into that, but those were the orders, and this private follows them!
I think I am a few weeks away from it being "finished" so I will take a picture then so you can see it and comment. I am really proud of it.

My New Tattoo!

2006-10-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

Here it is!

I have been wanting to do this for about a year, and this week i finally got the chance to do it. I was on a work trip and went into Newport Tattoo, and had Bruce take care of it for me.

It took about 3 hours, and hurt like a mother, but I was told by my sister to stop being a pussy and get a tattoo all the way around my arm, and not just on the front like little girls would. I can't have my younger sister call me out like that!

So here it is!

It is the three lions from the English shield wrapped around, with the kids initials in the spaces. Naomi, Jack and Ruby. The font is Olde English, as a tribute to the motherland!

Growing Up Fast

2006-10-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

Look at this picture of Jack!

He looks soooooo grown up!

Never Let Your 5 Year Old Do Her Own Makeup

2006-10-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

She thought she looked soooo pretty, and she does.....right?

So cute. Reminds me of my sister doing her make up when she was 5. Damn cute!