FUN WITH THE LOONY LEFT PART II
Well, I got some response to my comments yesterday at the website I mentioned, BlueOregon.com
Someone responded that Wal-Mart creates sprawl, but when pressed they couldn't give a satisfactory answer to how sprawl, defined as uncontrolled development, is controlled in Oregon by a UGB, even though one might not like the type of development that's occurring.
It's clear that by "sprawl," at least in Oregon, opponents of Wal-Mart really mean "development I personally don't like." UGH.
Here's the link for a continuation of the dialog. I made the point this morning that since the Supreme Court has ok'd governments taking private property to benefit a private developer (under the thin veneer of "economic development"), and since our urban growth boundary has helped push land prices sky high, lower-income individuals living in mobile home parks are threatened with homelessness because their largest asset - their homes - are in jeopardy.
So I pose the question, what's worse: more traffic from a Wal-Mart OR hundreds of people threatened with being homeless because of too-restrictive land-use rules in Orygun?
Friday, June 24, 2005
Thursday, June 23, 2005
FUN WITH THE LOONY LEFT PART I
I'm not pleased about today's Supreme Court decision that allows municipalities to seize private property for the purposes of economic development that benefit private parties. It's terrible interpretation of the Constitution and frankly, it just emboldened powerful land owners and their corrupt city partners.
So, to get rid of some of my frustration, I'm going to have some fun with the unhinged opponents of "Sprawl-Mart" or as normal, thinking people call them, Wal-Mart. Yeah, they're big, cheap and buy a lot from China. So what? We all do. But a meme has gathered steam to the effect that Wal-Mart is the root of all evil. In some places they've accelerated the decline of the local economy, but in other areas they're just like any other big box retailer if you really look into it.
Well, a local website BlueOregon.com had one of these unhinged Wal-Mart activists talk about how a proposed Wal-Mart in Gresham, Oregon needs to be opposed because Wal-Marts cause sprawl. That's clearly impossible as Oregon cities literally have lines drawn around them, called Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs), that restrict development outside of the boundary. So how, exactly, does Wal-Mart cause sprawl with a store well within the boundary? Who knows.. but the guy who wrote this screed apparently does.
Below the article, I wrote a critical comment and I'm curious to see what kind of response to this I get:
Here goes nothing!
I'm not pleased about today's Supreme Court decision that allows municipalities to seize private property for the purposes of economic development that benefit private parties. It's terrible interpretation of the Constitution and frankly, it just emboldened powerful land owners and their corrupt city partners.
So, to get rid of some of my frustration, I'm going to have some fun with the unhinged opponents of "Sprawl-Mart" or as normal, thinking people call them, Wal-Mart. Yeah, they're big, cheap and buy a lot from China. So what? We all do. But a meme has gathered steam to the effect that Wal-Mart is the root of all evil. In some places they've accelerated the decline of the local economy, but in other areas they're just like any other big box retailer if you really look into it.
Well, a local website BlueOregon.com had one of these unhinged Wal-Mart activists talk about how a proposed Wal-Mart in Gresham, Oregon needs to be opposed because Wal-Marts cause sprawl. That's clearly impossible as Oregon cities literally have lines drawn around them, called Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs), that restrict development outside of the boundary. So how, exactly, does Wal-Mart cause sprawl with a store well within the boundary? Who knows.. but the guy who wrote this screed apparently does.
Below the article, I wrote a critical comment and I'm curious to see what kind of response to this I get:
Posted by: Bill | June 23, 2005 03:57 PM
Can someone please explain to me exactly how Wal-Mart causes sprawl in Oregon when it must abide by Oregon's land-use planning regs, including urban growth boundaries which restrict expansion, among other things.
Since technically you can't have sprawl when there's literally a line drawn around what can be developed and keeping everything else off-limits, what exactly does the unhinged opposition mean by sprawl?
Traffic?
Development in general?
It seems to me that if individuals support a UGB and all related planning to make a place more "liveable" (whatever the hell that means), one needs to get used to the idea that things are going to be crammed in more densely - including Wal-Mart.
Here goes nothing!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
HAPPY BELATED 30TH BIRTHDAY TO TOM
It seems he had a nice birthday on the 30th. Here's his summary of the festivities:
YES, I'VE BEEN BAD ABOUT POSTING
I've been quite busy. To the left is a new photo of Gabriel, courtesy of his Gramma Dianne. As time allows, I'll post.
GABRIEL A FUSSY EATER
He's just coming out of a fussy eating phase where all he'd eat was either milk or little rice-based snack crackers flavored with juice. The doctor wanted to see him, but ended up not being worried because he's still gaining weight. Just a phase I guess.. lately he's been blowing out the cabinet of food of all sorts.
Lately, though, he's enjoyed fresh strawberries and boysenberries from our garden. Last night, we sat down and ate a peach together. He opens wide and bites right in and gnaws the thing to death, but he loves it.
He's in the beginning stages of trying to stand. And when assisted by holding an adult's hands, he'll walk all around the house non-stop until your back gives out. Plus, he loves to give kisses - but sneaks a bite in every now and then <NO BITING!>
Other developments: he's pulling himself up in his bed or by grabbing a table. He's pulled himself up by grabbing my hands for a long time now. He sits up on his own and loves to roll all around the floor after Nino.
Finally, and most impressively, the little guy is already demonstrating a fascination with bugs. When held in front of his bedroom curtains, decorated with all manner of colorful, cartoon garden bugs, if he's asked to pick out the ladybug he'll grab for it every time. Smart little guy.
It seems he had a nice birthday on the 30th. Here's his summary of the festivities:
Yeah, we had a pretty good party. Most of Kate's family, some friends from work and Chris were there.. We got to meet some of the new neighbors too, so that was good. We have two retired people, a stay at home mom and her husband, and a veterinarian and her husband living next door to us. Yeah, i talked to mom and Andi yesterday morning. They called around 8am just as I was getting up. And dad called me yesterday (seems mom reminded him it was yesterday and not today!).
YES, I'VE BEEN BAD ABOUT POSTING
I've been quite busy. To the left is a new photo of Gabriel, courtesy of his Gramma Dianne. As time allows, I'll post.
GABRIEL A FUSSY EATER
He's just coming out of a fussy eating phase where all he'd eat was either milk or little rice-based snack crackers flavored with juice. The doctor wanted to see him, but ended up not being worried because he's still gaining weight. Just a phase I guess.. lately he's been blowing out the cabinet of food of all sorts.
Lately, though, he's enjoyed fresh strawberries and boysenberries from our garden. Last night, we sat down and ate a peach together. He opens wide and bites right in and gnaws the thing to death, but he loves it.
He's in the beginning stages of trying to stand. And when assisted by holding an adult's hands, he'll walk all around the house non-stop until your back gives out. Plus, he loves to give kisses - but sneaks a bite in every now and then <NO BITING!>
Other developments: he's pulling himself up in his bed or by grabbing a table. He's pulled himself up by grabbing my hands for a long time now. He sits up on his own and loves to roll all around the floor after Nino.
Finally, and most impressively, the little guy is already demonstrating a fascination with bugs. When held in front of his bedroom curtains, decorated with all manner of colorful, cartoon garden bugs, if he's asked to pick out the ladybug he'll grab for it every time. Smart little guy.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Sunday, May 22, 2005
TOM REID PASSES THE CALIFORNIA BAR
Tom called yesterday to break the news that he had passed the California Bar exam. He apparently found out late Friday afternoon and probably had a very celebratory weekend. Currently employed at E*Trade, Tom can now pursue positions with District Attorney's offices statewide, as well as a position in the California Department of Corrections if he chooses. He still apparently has a contact in the latter, where a job reviewing either parole appeals or death penalty verdicts (I can't remember) might materialize soon.
CONGRATULATIONS, TOM!
He can now breathe a sigh of relief and turn 30 with no regrets next week!
CORRUPTION AT LOCAL CHURCH BENEFIT AUCTION
That sounds a bit dramatic, but we had an evening of intrigue and disgust at an auction at a local church here in Hillsboro friday night. A dinner, silent auction and vocal auction was held at the Calvary Chapel Worship Center, located behind the Goodwill on Tualatin Valley Highway. Many local businesses and individuals donated items to be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to fund missionaries and relief work all over Africa.
Making the rounds, there were a few items that Jill and I took a shine to, particularly for putting in Gabriel's room: a Noah's Ark wall hanging, several quilts, and some original watercolor paintings of various scenes in Africa. One in particular had a homemade frame of Hawaiian hardwoods. It was quite a nice little item; very colorful for Gabriel's room.
Anyway, long story short, after rebidding on the item after anyone else bid to make sure I got it, the clock ticked down and as the bidding was publicly announced "closed," I noticed that my name was the last on the sheet with the highest bid. Woohoo!
The volunteers descended upon the table to circle all the final bids and make them official for later payment and pickup. As I waited to ask the volunteer handling the watercolor when/where pick-up was, she glanced around, hunched over and wrote her name & number below mine, circled it and, therefore, became the winning bidder on Gabriel's watercolor well after bidding ended.
Jill was nearby, also saw it, and we were both angry and disgusted. A volunteer. At a Church. Abusing her position of trust to violate the accepted rules of bidding. Stole away Gabriel's watercolor painting. How pathetic. If this were Christies or Sotherby's, her actions would be have been a felony.
I don't mind being beaten fair and square. In the grand scheme of things, the item was a small watercolor painting of minor value. And truly, the whole evening was for the benefit of those less fortunate than us.
But petty greed, and in my view more seriously, abuse of entrusted duties were demonstrated by a church-member volunteer right before our very eyes. That says paragraphs about that individual - the experience put a bad taste in our mouth about the church itself. If this woman was doing it, how many other member volunteers were as well? And how exactly does this help grow the church?
Neither of us were keen on the rest of the auction thereafter, much less the church itself. Most members were nice and we still think highly of our neighbors Greg and Sandy, who invited us to the event. I chatted with Greg a bit and he was the model volunteer. But it was a black eye on what was our date night for the week.
At the end, we managed to walk away with a different watercolor, though not as nice as the other, and a homemade baby quilt.
Tom called yesterday to break the news that he had passed the California Bar exam. He apparently found out late Friday afternoon and probably had a very celebratory weekend. Currently employed at E*Trade, Tom can now pursue positions with District Attorney's offices statewide, as well as a position in the California Department of Corrections if he chooses. He still apparently has a contact in the latter, where a job reviewing either parole appeals or death penalty verdicts (I can't remember) might materialize soon.
CONGRATULATIONS, TOM!
He can now breathe a sigh of relief and turn 30 with no regrets next week!
CORRUPTION AT LOCAL CHURCH BENEFIT AUCTION
That sounds a bit dramatic, but we had an evening of intrigue and disgust at an auction at a local church here in Hillsboro friday night. A dinner, silent auction and vocal auction was held at the Calvary Chapel Worship Center, located behind the Goodwill on Tualatin Valley Highway. Many local businesses and individuals donated items to be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to fund missionaries and relief work all over Africa.
Making the rounds, there were a few items that Jill and I took a shine to, particularly for putting in Gabriel's room: a Noah's Ark wall hanging, several quilts, and some original watercolor paintings of various scenes in Africa. One in particular had a homemade frame of Hawaiian hardwoods. It was quite a nice little item; very colorful for Gabriel's room.
Anyway, long story short, after rebidding on the item after anyone else bid to make sure I got it, the clock ticked down and as the bidding was publicly announced "closed," I noticed that my name was the last on the sheet with the highest bid. Woohoo!
The volunteers descended upon the table to circle all the final bids and make them official for later payment and pickup. As I waited to ask the volunteer handling the watercolor when/where pick-up was, she glanced around, hunched over and wrote her name & number below mine, circled it and, therefore, became the winning bidder on Gabriel's watercolor well after bidding ended.
Jill was nearby, also saw it, and we were both angry and disgusted. A volunteer. At a Church. Abusing her position of trust to violate the accepted rules of bidding. Stole away Gabriel's watercolor painting. How pathetic. If this were Christies or Sotherby's, her actions would be have been a felony.
I don't mind being beaten fair and square. In the grand scheme of things, the item was a small watercolor painting of minor value. And truly, the whole evening was for the benefit of those less fortunate than us.
But petty greed, and in my view more seriously, abuse of entrusted duties were demonstrated by a church-member volunteer right before our very eyes. That says paragraphs about that individual - the experience put a bad taste in our mouth about the church itself. If this woman was doing it, how many other member volunteers were as well? And how exactly does this help grow the church?
Neither of us were keen on the rest of the auction thereafter, much less the church itself. Most members were nice and we still think highly of our neighbors Greg and Sandy, who invited us to the event. I chatted with Greg a bit and he was the model volunteer. But it was a black eye on what was our date night for the week.
At the end, we managed to walk away with a different watercolor, though not as nice as the other, and a homemade baby quilt.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
SUNDAYE NOT DOING WELL
Little Sundaye Korynasz, our 18-year-old long-haired cat, has undergone a serious decline in health lately. A kidney infection (what's left of her kidneys), weight loss and no appetite have made it next to impossible for her to take medication for the infection itself, her kidney function and her arthritis.
We will likely have a final consultation with her vet tomorrow- the one that helped her to have three more quality years of life after her traditional vet gave her 6 months due to kidney failure - and then will likely have Sundaye put to sleep.
Days are not happy of late at our house, understandably. I will have an update of the situation as soon as any development, positive or negative, occurs.
Little Sundaye Korynasz, our 18-year-old long-haired cat, has undergone a serious decline in health lately. A kidney infection (what's left of her kidneys), weight loss and no appetite have made it next to impossible for her to take medication for the infection itself, her kidney function and her arthritis.
We will likely have a final consultation with her vet tomorrow- the one that helped her to have three more quality years of life after her traditional vet gave her 6 months due to kidney failure - and then will likely have Sundaye put to sleep.
Days are not happy of late at our house, understandably. I will have an update of the situation as soon as any development, positive or negative, occurs.
Friday, May 13, 2005
BUSY BUSY BUSY
I have been a bit busy lately and haven't had time to put together what I want to update. Long delayed items are still on my plate (Mother's Day, Gabriel's 9th month, Steve's wedding, etc.) but it's been a bit difficult to carve out the time. Soon enough.
GRAMMA REID IN THE HOSPITAL
I spoke to Gramma Reid on Mother's Day. She was in the hospital still with pneumonia in one of her lungs. She was feeling better than the previous two days and managed to have a decent conversation with me before getting tired.
I can honestly say I don't know of her current condition, but based on my experience talking to her she was on the mend. We keep her recovery in our prayers.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
Our Mother's Day celebration was good.. Gabriel gave his mom a very nice gold locket not shaped like a heart and I gave Jill her favorite hot cocoa powder from Moonstruck Chocolates.
Then we went with Gramma Dianne, Gramma Judy and Grampa Koke to the Raccoon Lodge for a surprisingly good brunch (some of the other, fancier places were not good for scheduling around Gabriel's nap). Then we went to the garden of Barbara Blossum Ashmun, a well-known garden designer that leaves in Beaverton. She opens it up the public only on special occasions, including Mother's Day.
We hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!
I have been a bit busy lately and haven't had time to put together what I want to update. Long delayed items are still on my plate (Mother's Day, Gabriel's 9th month, Steve's wedding, etc.) but it's been a bit difficult to carve out the time. Soon enough.
GRAMMA REID IN THE HOSPITAL
I spoke to Gramma Reid on Mother's Day. She was in the hospital still with pneumonia in one of her lungs. She was feeling better than the previous two days and managed to have a decent conversation with me before getting tired.
I can honestly say I don't know of her current condition, but based on my experience talking to her she was on the mend. We keep her recovery in our prayers.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
Our Mother's Day celebration was good.. Gabriel gave his mom a very nice gold locket not shaped like a heart and I gave Jill her favorite hot cocoa powder from Moonstruck Chocolates.
Then we went with Gramma Dianne, Gramma Judy and Grampa Koke to the Raccoon Lodge for a surprisingly good brunch (some of the other, fancier places were not good for scheduling around Gabriel's nap). Then we went to the garden of Barbara Blossum Ashmun, a well-known garden designer that leaves in Beaverton. She opens it up the public only on special occasions, including Mother's Day.
We hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!
Friday, April 29, 2005
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY WILL GARDNER (BELATEDLY)
Boy did I screw up the date. Will Gardner, the son of our Seattle Principal Matthew Gardner, celebrated his first birthday on Wednesday. Here's the most recent photo I have of him, from Christmas 2004.
Apparently, Will's mom and dad Dana and Matthew threw a nice party for Will Wednesday night. Will's Godfather even flew in from Paris for the occasion - apparently hand-delivering some very good champagne. Congrats to Dana and Matthew.
The Gardners have been extremely busy lately with Will's birthday and selling their home in Bellevue. I can't even begin to imagine the stress. But they have a new home picked out and look forward to the move and the new space for Will to cruise and then run around!
Happy Birthday, Will!
WEBSITE IS (SORTA) GLOBAL
Here's a graphical report of who reads this website by worldwide time zones. Readership is obviously biggest in U.S. Pacific time, but then it gets more interesting.
U.S. Central time is second, followed by U.S. Eastern, Mountain, Alaska and then Central Europe (or Africa - Nigerian scam artists?) and Asia.
So, to everyone, Hello from Oregon!
Boy did I screw up the date. Will Gardner, the son of our Seattle Principal Matthew Gardner, celebrated his first birthday on Wednesday. Here's the most recent photo I have of him, from Christmas 2004.
Apparently, Will's mom and dad Dana and Matthew threw a nice party for Will Wednesday night. Will's Godfather even flew in from Paris for the occasion - apparently hand-delivering some very good champagne. Congrats to Dana and Matthew.
The Gardners have been extremely busy lately with Will's birthday and selling their home in Bellevue. I can't even begin to imagine the stress. But they have a new home picked out and look forward to the move and the new space for Will to cruise and then run around!
Happy Birthday, Will!
WEBSITE IS (SORTA) GLOBAL
Here's a graphical report of who reads this website by worldwide time zones. Readership is obviously biggest in U.S. Pacific time, but then it gets more interesting.
U.S. Central time is second, followed by U.S. Eastern, Mountain, Alaska and then Central Europe (or Africa - Nigerian scam artists?) and Asia.
So, to everyone, Hello from Oregon!
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
GUEST BLOGGER THIS MORNING
Below is a photo of this morning's guest blogger. He might look a little familiar. His entry onto the website is below his photo.
Today's Guest Blogger
klj;dfsklds0rg,ap[,aset2980we sdopifg[u awet09ufi jdas09uet sji za09r293 5as9u0djopsdfjkfjjjjkds oll jfjj jjjjjfdo9weriopo wr0099sdfpokj gjpojsfaet !!!
j,k,kuj;.....................0IomkzxpZNHJZK8K80j,.'l/,m kuyuj kj,, bjnjmj, j, cvcv vgbers
HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY HENRY JOHNSON
Today is the birthday of Henry Johnson, the son of my employer Jerry Johnson. Henry gets to call the shots on food today, and apparently insulin is one of them - Krispy Kremes and cupcakes were part of this morning's breakfast. Way to go, Henry! Here's a repeat of his recent photo with his new baby sister, Margaux.
Henry's birthday is also a milestone because it was five years ago that Jerry split from Hobson Johnson & Associates (where I was formerly employed) and started Johnson Gardner, my current place of employment. So it's a dual celebration of sorts.
Have a Great Day, Henry!
TOM'S TRUCK TROUBLES
Tom's been having more truck trouble lately.. yes, he owns a Chevrolet. Here's his update:
I recommended to Tom that he check out the Car Talk MechanX Files and find himself a good, trustworthy, independent mechanic. The website is a huge database of mechanics all over the country for all sorts of makes (skews towards imports - the website is for the extremely funny Car Talk radio show on public radio) with detailed user opinions of trustworthiness, quality, price, etc.
Not to bash dealerships, but they cash flow on financing and service and unless you know the dealership well, they likely don't have your best interest at heart. No one can be fully trusted, but in my experience independent mechanics have more to lose with a bad service track record: fixing cars is all they do, so all their eggs are in one basket. Good luck!
Below is a photo of this morning's guest blogger. He might look a little familiar. His entry onto the website is below his photo.
Today's Guest Blogger
klj;dfsklds0rg,ap[,aset2980we sdopifg[u awet09ufi jdas09uet sji za09r293 5as9u0djopsdfjkfjjjjkds oll jfjj jjjjjfdo9weriopo wr0099sdfpokj gjpojsfaet !!!
j,k,kuj;.....................0IomkzxpZNHJZK8K80j,.'l/,m kuyuj kj,, bjnjmj, j, cvcv vgbers
HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY HENRY JOHNSON
Today is the birthday of Henry Johnson, the son of my employer Jerry Johnson. Henry gets to call the shots on food today, and apparently insulin is one of them - Krispy Kremes and cupcakes were part of this morning's breakfast. Way to go, Henry! Here's a repeat of his recent photo with his new baby sister, Margaux.
Henry's birthday is also a milestone because it was five years ago that Jerry split from Hobson Johnson & Associates (where I was formerly employed) and started Johnson Gardner, my current place of employment. So it's a dual celebration of sorts.
Have a Great Day, Henry!
TOM'S TRUCK TROUBLES
Tom's been having more truck trouble lately.. yes, he owns a Chevrolet. Here's his update:
After being quoted roughly $150 to fix the muffler (based information from auto part catalogs and the internet), mom called Amigo and discovered, through Rick, that the part I need, instead, runs around $700. So I called another couple of muffler shops, and they both quoted me around $200 to fix it (again, relying on the same info).
Today, he called me back after looking at my truck and discovered that my truck (and I assume all 1995 S-10s) actually have the 1996 part on it. So to make a long story short, Chevrolet decided to improve thier automobiles by adding roughly $600 to the cost of a catalyic converter. Can you say "TOYOTA!"?
I recommended to Tom that he check out the Car Talk MechanX Files and find himself a good, trustworthy, independent mechanic. The website is a huge database of mechanics all over the country for all sorts of makes (skews towards imports - the website is for the extremely funny Car Talk radio show on public radio) with detailed user opinions of trustworthiness, quality, price, etc.
Not to bash dealerships, but they cash flow on financing and service and unless you know the dealership well, they likely don't have your best interest at heart. No one can be fully trusted, but in my experience independent mechanics have more to lose with a bad service track record: fixing cars is all they do, so all their eggs are in one basket. Good luck!
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREAT GRANDMA REID
Today is the 80th-plus birthday of Gabriel's Great Grandma Betty Reid. I called Farmington this morning and chatted a bit, but my phone died out on me. Turns out the battery was damaged, so I'll have to call later today.
She was in good spirits and looking forward to her sister Kathleen's arrival from Florida later in the day. I haven't seen her since Gramma's 80th birthday party blowout a few years ago. I hear Florida living has been very good for her.
Anyway, have a very Happy Birthday!
TOM AND KATE MOVE INTO NEW HOME
Less than two weeks ago - yes, I'm late on all of this - Tom and Kate moved into the first home that they own themselves. They had much of the stuff moved for them, then had a big painting party to get the house in shape. Kate took some time off and they got everything squared away.
New Info:
xxxx Ackerman Way
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916)966-xxxx
Tom's Cell - (916)342-xxxx
Kate's Cell - (916)342-xxxx
Our cell phones work now at the house.. WOOO HOOO!!
You'll have to email him to fill in the numbers: thomas.reid1@etrade.com
BAYLOR LADY BEARS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPS
Also in old news I've been meaning to document, Baylor's women's basketball team won the national championship with an 84-62 humiliation of Michigan State on April 6th.
Congratulations Ladies on a hard-earned victory!
Longer-time readers of this lousy website might remember that Baylor's men's program had the kebosh put on it by the NCAA after one teammate murdered another, and in the ensuing investigation, recruiting and other violations and a cover-up by the then-coach were discovered.
The victory by the Ladies was a very much needed boost to a campus shocked by the scandal. Particularly shocking, since despite all the apparent cheating, the Men's program still stunk.
Today is the 80th-plus birthday of Gabriel's Great Grandma Betty Reid. I called Farmington this morning and chatted a bit, but my phone died out on me. Turns out the battery was damaged, so I'll have to call later today.
She was in good spirits and looking forward to her sister Kathleen's arrival from Florida later in the day. I haven't seen her since Gramma's 80th birthday party blowout a few years ago. I hear Florida living has been very good for her.
Anyway, have a very Happy Birthday!
TOM AND KATE MOVE INTO NEW HOME
Less than two weeks ago - yes, I'm late on all of this - Tom and Kate moved into the first home that they own themselves. They had much of the stuff moved for them, then had a big painting party to get the house in shape. Kate took some time off and they got everything squared away.
New Info:
xxxx Ackerman Way
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916)966-xxxx
Tom's Cell - (916)342-xxxx
Kate's Cell - (916)342-xxxx
Our cell phones work now at the house.. WOOO HOOO!!
You'll have to email him to fill in the numbers: thomas.reid1@etrade.com
BAYLOR LADY BEARS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPS
Also in old news I've been meaning to document, Baylor's women's basketball team won the national championship with an 84-62 humiliation of Michigan State on April 6th.
Congratulations Ladies on a hard-earned victory!
Longer-time readers of this lousy website might remember that Baylor's men's program had the kebosh put on it by the NCAA after one teammate murdered another, and in the ensuing investigation, recruiting and other violations and a cover-up by the then-coach were discovered.
The victory by the Ladies was a very much needed boost to a campus shocked by the scandal. Particularly shocking, since despite all the apparent cheating, the Men's program still stunk.
Monday, April 25, 2005
HAPPY 56TH BIRTHDAY TO GRAMPA
Grampa Dave Reid is 56 years old today. Born in a barn in rural Colorado, Wyatt Earp was the local sheriff at the time and dirt wasn't yet invented. And don't forget that to get to his one-room school house, he had to walk 5 miles in the snow, barefoot, uphill both ways.
Here's a link to other major news stories that occured on April 25 in past years, courtesy of the History Channel. Befitting an engineer, groundbreaking on the Suez Canal was today in 1859.
And here's a photo of Grampa meeting Gabriel for the first time last summer, followed by them in Farmington playing together in March.
Happy Birthday!
Grampa Dave Reid is 56 years old today. Born in a barn in rural Colorado, Wyatt Earp was the local sheriff at the time and dirt wasn't yet invented. And don't forget that to get to his one-room school house, he had to walk 5 miles in the snow, barefoot, uphill both ways.
Here's a link to other major news stories that occured on April 25 in past years, courtesy of the History Channel. Befitting an engineer, groundbreaking on the Suez Canal was today in 1859.
And here's a photo of Grampa meeting Gabriel for the first time last summer, followed by them in Farmington playing together in March.
Happy Birthday!
THE WELFARE GAMES REVOLUTION
A quick Googling of my 1999 Urban Economics paper about Welfare Games (well, my paper with David Figlio and Van Kolpin) has turned up quite a bit on-line at other academic journals, as well as government write-ups and classroom curriculums in a number of universities across the country.
Google Scholar: Welfare Games.
Google General Search: Welfare Games
Specifically, my paper is in the bibliography of at least 48 other studies in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. The paper is now standard reading in a number of political science and economics college classes. There's even a powerpoint presentation (link goes to the class syllabus - scroll down) by a student at Brown University outlining the paper for fellow students. The guy gets an A- in my book because he needs to spell Van Kolpin's last name correctly!
So now, six years later, the Welfare Games theory - or fact, as our paper and others have empirically shown - is called the Race to the Bottom (RTB) and the paper is being used as a methodological model in showing negative government competition on public health care in the U.S., as well as tax policy in Italy, Switzerland and other countries.
Looks like the hard work paid off and has taken off, even internationally. I'm proud and humbled at the same time.
I always wanted to make my very own permanent mark that lasts well after I'm gone. Looks like I've managed that, and in a very constructive way!
A quick Googling of my 1999 Urban Economics paper about Welfare Games (well, my paper with David Figlio and Van Kolpin) has turned up quite a bit on-line at other academic journals, as well as government write-ups and classroom curriculums in a number of universities across the country.
Google Scholar: Welfare Games.
Google General Search: Welfare Games
Specifically, my paper is in the bibliography of at least 48 other studies in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. The paper is now standard reading in a number of political science and economics college classes. There's even a powerpoint presentation (link goes to the class syllabus - scroll down) by a student at Brown University outlining the paper for fellow students. The guy gets an A- in my book because he needs to spell Van Kolpin's last name correctly!
So now, six years later, the Welfare Games theory - or fact, as our paper and others have empirically shown - is called the Race to the Bottom (RTB) and the paper is being used as a methodological model in showing negative government competition on public health care in the U.S., as well as tax policy in Italy, Switzerland and other countries.
Looks like the hard work paid off and has taken off, even internationally. I'm proud and humbled at the same time.
I always wanted to make my very own permanent mark that lasts well after I'm gone. Looks like I've managed that, and in a very constructive way!
Friday, April 22, 2005
GABRIEL'S FIRST AIRPLANE TRIP
I'm only now getting around to posting photos and information. But Gabriel had a very good experience travelling to Las Vegas/Pahrump and then to Albuquerque, Farmington and then back home, all on his first airplane rides back in March. Once he got settled in, he definitely enjoyed looking out the window.
OVER THE HUMP TO PAHRUMP
After a great crab buffet at Green Valley Ranch, we headed to Pahrump, about an hour west of Vegas through the mountains.
The town itself is small, surrounded by a ring of dramatic mountains - more impressive than Las Vegas in my opinion. The town is definitely Red State. I saw nothing smaller than an SUV while there, and certainly nothing made in Japan. A Wal-Mart marked the end of town.
Local color was everywhere. In fact, while walking into the Smith's (which carried Tillamook Cheese, by the way) a sixty-year-old fella sitting outside, face carved by too much smoke and too little sleep, was bragging to his friend about how he had "kicked her a$$ out last night." Lively neighborhood he lives in, I'm sure.
Sue and George have a nice, big house with great views of the mountains from their back patio. George was gone at work much of the time, but Aunt Suebee and Me-Ma got to spend a lot of time with him. We had a good visit, even though Gabriel decided to not sleep so well our second night there. Following are a couple of pictures.
We didn't have a lot of time there, so we didn't get to make a day trip to Death Valley and see the 100-Year bloom. They had much rain earlier in the spring, even while we were there. The result is that Death Valley has been in full bloom, a rare sight indeed. Below is a photo taken by an amateur photographer I found by Googling.
But as this website attests, Pahrump is about much more than the gateway to/from Las Vegas and Death Valley. (Note: This is actually a well-done website by a resident of Southern Nevada, with details of the ins, outs, and hidden bits of Vegas in great detail. This particular page I linked is her description of actually touring a brothel in Pahrump out of curiosity. Funny stuff...)
The town has carved out a market niche for sin that Vegas doesn't seem willing to serve: prostitution and fireworks. Brothels are well-known and common in Pahrump, with the subtlety of a belch. Billboards advertise the establishments, as well as where to get your hands on bottle rockets, roman candles and other incendiary devices.
In fact, Pahrump even has a brothel museum that is apparently quite good, thoughwe I didn't get to go. There's a winery, too, but we'll be saving that for another trip as well.
ONWARD TO FARMINGTON
The trip to Farmington via Alburquerque was good. Gabriel got to ride with his grandmother on the plane, though slept much of the way. Waiting for us were Dad, Tom and Kate. We all loaded up into the Blazer and headed northwest for Farmington. Not far along, a Good Samaratin did his level best to run us off the road trying to warn us that our tail lights were out. Nice fella, though blocking us off right in front of the I-25 onramp was probably less safe than the aforementioned tail light problem.
After stopping and fussing with the fuses - not the problem it turned out - we headed for Farmington, anyway, though much later than planned. After a stop at El Bruno's in Cuba - great New Mexican cuisine, but don't be afraid of capsicum if you go there - we arrived in Farmington rather late. On the plus side, we were able to visit with Casey, Pony, her husband, son and newborn daughter before they headed off for Austin. I hadn't seen them in over ten years, so that was a nice visit.
The next morning we headed over to La Plata Drive - Did you know you have a spruce tree in your front yard? - to visit Gramma and Grampa. Below is a photo of everyone there but Dad, who's taking the photo.
Gabriel's Farmington Trip
We had a fun visit and Gabriel clearly enjoyed visiting his Great Grandparents and Gus, who was nice enough to cook us a fried turkey dinner without overboiling the bird and firing it in the air like a cannonball. It was quite good and he's 2-0 in the times I've been there. Below are photos of Gabriel with his Great Grampa George and Great Gramma Betty.
We headed back to Albuquerque that night and left for Portland the next, very windy day. Gabriel did quite well on the three-hour direct flight, sleeping most of the time. So much for fears of a screaming baby! ...this time
Postlogue: Gramma went into the hospital for a brief visit due to complaints of heart palpitations recently. But after examination, it turned out her oxygen unit was not functioning properly and all was remedied. She's reportedly doing well now, just as she was in good spirits during our visit.
I'm only now getting around to posting photos and information. But Gabriel had a very good experience travelling to Las Vegas/Pahrump and then to Albuquerque, Farmington and then back home, all on his first airplane rides back in March. Once he got settled in, he definitely enjoyed looking out the window.
OVER THE HUMP TO PAHRUMP
After a great crab buffet at Green Valley Ranch, we headed to Pahrump, about an hour west of Vegas through the mountains.
The town itself is small, surrounded by a ring of dramatic mountains - more impressive than Las Vegas in my opinion. The town is definitely Red State. I saw nothing smaller than an SUV while there, and certainly nothing made in Japan. A Wal-Mart marked the end of town.
Local color was everywhere. In fact, while walking into the Smith's (which carried Tillamook Cheese, by the way) a sixty-year-old fella sitting outside, face carved by too much smoke and too little sleep, was bragging to his friend about how he had "kicked her a$$ out last night." Lively neighborhood he lives in, I'm sure.
Sue and George have a nice, big house with great views of the mountains from their back patio. George was gone at work much of the time, but Aunt Suebee and Me-Ma got to spend a lot of time with him. We had a good visit, even though Gabriel decided to not sleep so well our second night there. Following are a couple of pictures.
We didn't have a lot of time there, so we didn't get to make a day trip to Death Valley and see the 100-Year bloom. They had much rain earlier in the spring, even while we were there. The result is that Death Valley has been in full bloom, a rare sight indeed. Below is a photo taken by an amateur photographer I found by Googling.
But as this website attests, Pahrump is about much more than the gateway to/from Las Vegas and Death Valley. (Note: This is actually a well-done website by a resident of Southern Nevada, with details of the ins, outs, and hidden bits of Vegas in great detail. This particular page I linked is her description of actually touring a brothel in Pahrump out of curiosity. Funny stuff...)
The town has carved out a market niche for sin that Vegas doesn't seem willing to serve: prostitution and fireworks. Brothels are well-known and common in Pahrump, with the subtlety of a belch. Billboards advertise the establishments, as well as where to get your hands on bottle rockets, roman candles and other incendiary devices.
In fact, Pahrump even has a brothel museum that is apparently quite good, though
ONWARD TO FARMINGTON
The trip to Farmington via Alburquerque was good. Gabriel got to ride with his grandmother on the plane, though slept much of the way. Waiting for us were Dad, Tom and Kate. We all loaded up into the Blazer and headed northwest for Farmington. Not far along, a Good Samaratin did his level best to run us off the road trying to warn us that our tail lights were out. Nice fella, though blocking us off right in front of the I-25 onramp was probably less safe than the aforementioned tail light problem.
After stopping and fussing with the fuses - not the problem it turned out - we headed for Farmington, anyway, though much later than planned. After a stop at El Bruno's in Cuba - great New Mexican cuisine, but don't be afraid of capsicum if you go there - we arrived in Farmington rather late. On the plus side, we were able to visit with Casey, Pony, her husband, son and newborn daughter before they headed off for Austin. I hadn't seen them in over ten years, so that was a nice visit.
The next morning we headed over to La Plata Drive - Did you know you have a spruce tree in your front yard? - to visit Gramma and Grampa. Below is a photo of everyone there but Dad, who's taking the photo.
Gabriel's Farmington Trip
We had a fun visit and Gabriel clearly enjoyed visiting his Great Grandparents and Gus, who was nice enough to cook us a fried turkey dinner without overboiling the bird and firing it in the air like a cannonball. It was quite good and he's 2-0 in the times I've been there. Below are photos of Gabriel with his Great Grampa George and Great Gramma Betty.
We headed back to Albuquerque that night and left for Portland the next, very windy day. Gabriel did quite well on the three-hour direct flight, sleeping most of the time. So much for fears of a screaming baby! ...this time
Postlogue: Gramma went into the hospital for a brief visit due to complaints of heart palpitations recently. But after examination, it turned out her oxygen unit was not functioning properly and all was remedied. She's reportedly doing well now, just as she was in good spirits during our visit.
STILL WORKING ON THE POSTING
But in the meantime, here's a great little story out of Soldotna, AK - my birthtown.
A local biologist was mauled by a brown bear (cubs nearby - bad sign) while jogging on Monday and has become the first recorded survivor of two bear attacks.
Not the most enviable distinction.
But in the meantime, here's a great little story out of Soldotna, AK - my birthtown.
A local biologist was mauled by a brown bear (cubs nearby - bad sign) while jogging on Monday and has become the first recorded survivor of two bear attacks.
Not the most enviable distinction.
UPDATE ERASED
That's right.. I had something ready yesterday afternoon but when I went to save, Blogger was undergoing maintenance so I lost it all. I'm still fuming.
But in the meantime, here's a bit of fun for the voyeur in you. This link goes to a site called PostSecret, where people mail deep, dark personal secrets written on a postcard to a website and they post them anonymously.
Here's an example..
That's right.. I had something ready yesterday afternoon but when I went to save, Blogger was undergoing maintenance so I lost it all. I'm still fuming.
But in the meantime, here's a bit of fun for the voyeur in you. This link goes to a site called PostSecret, where people mail deep, dark personal secrets written on a postcard to a website and they post them anonymously.
Here's an example..
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
HAROLD & CHIQUI BAHR's 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Harold & Chiqui recently celebrated their 50th anniversary in Anchorage. This is a link to the Anchorage Daily News Together story on their marriage.
Source: Anchorage Daily News
For fun, I Googled some of the locations in the Philippines. Here are a couple of photos of the church where they were married 50 years ago, the Malate Catholic Church in Manila.
Source: VirtualTourist.com
Congratulations on a Well-Lived Life Together!
MAJOR UPDATE PLANNED.. SOON
It's been an extremely busy few weeks.. much to write about, and very soon.
Harold & Chiqui recently celebrated their 50th anniversary in Anchorage. This is a link to the Anchorage Daily News Together story on their marriage.
Source: Anchorage Daily News
For fun, I Googled some of the locations in the Philippines. Here are a couple of photos of the church where they were married 50 years ago, the Malate Catholic Church in Manila.
Source: VirtualTourist.com
Congratulations on a Well-Lived Life Together!
MAJOR UPDATE PLANNED.. SOON
It's been an extremely busy few weeks.. much to write about, and very soon.
Monday, March 28, 2005
HAPPY EASTER!
It was for Gabriel until his cold relapsed in the evening. Below is a photo of him with his Easter basket from Gramma Judy and Grampa Koke. He's ready to dive right in.
Gabriel's First Easter
We enjoyed dinner with his grandparents - leg of lamb and steak (for Jill). Very tasty food.. cute animals are the best. Gabriel was a pretty good sport and enjoyed himself, but then started coughing more and began to run a fever... even with the house like a furnace with all the cooking going on.
He was up every hour or so last night coughing and restless. I slept dead to the world while Jill woke up every hour or so... even after she moved him into our bed later in the night. All we can do now is comfort him, get him to eat and wait it out.
GABRIEL'S AIRPLANE TRIP A SMASH
I have several photos and narrative to write.. I'll get to that tomorrow hopefully. I've been a bit busy.
More later...
It was for Gabriel until his cold relapsed in the evening. Below is a photo of him with his Easter basket from Gramma Judy and Grampa Koke. He's ready to dive right in.
Gabriel's First Easter
We enjoyed dinner with his grandparents - leg of lamb and steak (for Jill). Very tasty food.. cute animals are the best. Gabriel was a pretty good sport and enjoyed himself, but then started coughing more and began to run a fever... even with the house like a furnace with all the cooking going on.
He was up every hour or so last night coughing and restless. I slept dead to the world while Jill woke up every hour or so... even after she moved him into our bed later in the night. All we can do now is comfort him, get him to eat and wait it out.
GABRIEL'S AIRPLANE TRIP A SMASH
I have several photos and narrative to write.. I'll get to that tomorrow hopefully. I've been a bit busy.
More later...
Monday, March 14, 2005
TRYING OUT "HELLO" PHOTO POSTING PROGRAM
Below is a photo of Gabriel on the day he turned 7 months. I posted the photo with a new program called "Hello" (click the quotation box icon below the photo for details) and I'm pleased. The photo is hosted for free, they resize it for me and when anyone clicks on it, a larger version comes up that you can print yourself.
The program also has a messenger service intalled so that people can share photos instantly. I also recommend another program in Google's empire, Picasa2. It's free and a really nice way to store, organize and edit/enhace any photos you have on your machine. Anyway, enjoy!
Gabriel at 7 Months
Below is a photo of Gabriel on the day he turned 7 months. I posted the photo with a new program called "Hello" (click the quotation box icon below the photo for details) and I'm pleased. The photo is hosted for free, they resize it for me and when anyone clicks on it, a larger version comes up that you can print yourself.
The program also has a messenger service intalled so that people can share photos instantly. I also recommend another program in Google's empire, Picasa2. It's free and a really nice way to store, organize and edit/enhace any photos you have on your machine. Anyway, enjoy!
Gabriel at 7 Months
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