Classics for the New Year

For the New Year - In The Year 2525

Packer Bikini Girls

I heard the news but didn't see them on TV during the game. Figures. The Swedish Bikini Team could have been there nude in the middle of the field and the TV coverage would have missed it.

Classics for the New Year

Should I be embarassed that I used to be a huge fan?

Classics for the New Year

Polk Salad Annie

Classics for the New Year

I can't believe I found this! Can't tell you. You just have to listen. I'm sure most of you won't know this.

Classics for the New Year

Time for a little weird/ Hocus Pocus by Focus. Live.

Classics for the New Year

For us geek, Hip To Be Square by Huey Lewis and the News

Classics for New Year's

Dolly Parton - I Will Always Love You. I MUCH prefer this over the bombast that Twitney sings.

Classics for New Year's

Here's a GREAT one. Willie Nelson, Rainbow Connection.

Sorry. Just a link. No embed.

Classics for New Year's

REO - Don't Let Him Go

What I Got for Christmas

At Chad's request . . .

A bunch of new Packer duds. Shirts and sweats. Good thing. I needed them.I wore my hawaiian shirt to the Christmas party. Badge took notice. But, it was before he said we should treat each other nice.

A robe. Needed that, too.

Biggest gift was a cell phone. Very basic with a basic plan. I never really wanted one and have actually avoided getting one. I hate talking on the phone. But, it got to a point of need. And the fact that prices have come down on plans. It actually came in use tonight. The family went to La Fuentes for dinner. We forgot the Visa and had little cash. I needed to find out if the check card was covered. A quick call on the cell, and . . . drinks for everyone! You should have been there.

BTW, Chad said he received a Foreman grill. I bought my wife a Panini grill. The Griddler Jr by Cuisinart. Awesome. It really does take sandwiches to a new level. Christmas morning we made scrambled egg panini sandwiched. The other night . . . peanut butter panini's. You haven't lived if you've never had one of these.

No new Croc's this year. The ones from last year still have a lot of tread on them.

Michelle Obama

I was waiting in line at the grocery store and saw Michelle Obama's picture on the cover of what I think was called "Black Hair Magazine'. I've looked for it online but can't find it. A couple of things struck me about it.

First, and this has nothing to do with anything, I don't find her attractive. At all. I think Laura Bush is pretty. Not cute, or gorgeous . . . pretty. Pleasant looking. Michelle is a little hard on the eyes. I do think Obama is a handsome man. Not a hunk, or anything, but easy to look at. I know, who cares?

Second, holy photoshop, was this picture retouched. Redbook magazine has a huge tendency to retouch the cover photos, but good gosh, this is waaaaaaaay much.

Lastly, for all the heat Sarah got about her hair style, what about the June Cleaver doo Michelle has been sporting lately? Wow. I think it looks terrible.

If I find the pic, I'll post it. If you're at the store, look for it. It's quite startling.

UPDATE:

Found it.

Drinking Right Christmas Party

I came a little late, but did show up. Most of the festivities had already been fested and all that was left was to cheer the Packers and do a little socializing.

I saw a few new faces and really didn't get a chance to introduce myself. Sorry for that.

A few of the regulars got to meet my wife and daughter. Which had to have been a breath of fresh air for them.

I got to meet SIlent E for the first time, and his lovely wife. It's one of those situations where you feel you've known someone for years, yet never met. I hope they make a few of the Tuesday "meetings".

But, I really have to thank Asian Badger. He made me look good in front of the wife and child. Not that I need any help, mind you, but it came as a nice surprise to my wife. The Badge and I pinky swore to be nice to each other in 2009. Hmm. A few days left.

Nice to see Fred up, around, happy, and healthy. While I share a love of Music with E, Fred and I share back problems.

I don't share anything with Chad, and I think I'm happy about that. Actually, I have to thank Chad. I don't think my wife has ever heard my name yelled out when entering a bar. Ever.

I saw a couple of Obama items that I assume were white donkey gifts. Kinda glad I didn't participate.

See everyone next year! Have a great New Year's holiday!

Today's Babe

My wife, Jackie. It's her birthday today. In addition to being a babe, she's MY babe. Treat her nice tomorrow. If you make me mad, I'll let her kick the shit out of you.



Happy birthday, honey.

Liver or Fruitcake?

I'm reminded of this as it's the holidays. There seems to be no more detested edible, even more so than liver, than fruitcake.

Some time ago I came across some at a party. I believe I was in my 20's. Anyway, there it was . . . pressed dried fruit stuffed in some tin . . . I thought it looked pretty. Anyway, after hearing so much about this "don't open it we'll rewrap it and give it to someone else" dried fruit frankenstein, I decided to try it.

I liked it!

I remember eating half of what was there. Again, I'm reminded of this not just because of the holidays, but also because we have a stollen sitting in our kitchen.

BLEEECH!

I'll take a fruitcake, any day, over a stollen. I think they take a used football, pour icing on it, and call it stollen. Yuk. I don't get it.

So, I ask you . . . have you ever actually tried fruitcake? Do you, like me, like it?

Kennedy will work twice as hard

Caroline Kennedy told The Associated Press in an interview Friday that she knows she will have to work twice as hard as others if she is picked for the U.S. Senate.

Is that because she's half as smart as those who are actually qualified to fill the position?

Merry Christmas!!

Several times this year, my wife and I asked our daughter what she wanted for Christmas. "Nothing." she would reply, "Just a nice Christmas with decorations, music, and the party" (we host Christmas Eve at our house every year). For the past couple of months there have been no hints, no "I want", no "I need", no nothing. Even when going to Target, Jamie would opt for the books and music department to the toy area. While there's nothing wrong with that, it makes for interesting shopping. Especially for Santa at Christmas.

Jamie, almost 9, still believes in Santa. Most of her friends don't. I suspect this will be the last year for Jamie. Which makes me a little sad. As much as I love watching my daughter grow, it's also sad to put behind me those things that truly define the innocence childhood.

This year, though, Jamie observed that while it's nice her name is put on gifts for say, my wife from Jamie, she really didn't take a part in getting the gift. I was rather floored by this. There wasn't much I could say other than to promise to make her a part of the process next time. Something tells me that as the years go by I'll have a valuable resource in my daughter as it pertains to shopping for my wife. I'm no slouch, but a man buying for a woman is different than a woman buying for a woman. My wife has all the see through low cut tops she can use . . . for a while.

Anyway, once again, my daughter has reminded me about the importance of being a good parent, the importance of family, and of the importance of doing, giving, and sharing with the other people in your life. She's sick today with a fever, and I'm ready to do anything she wants to help her feel better. I couldn't be more proud of her.

BTW, Santa bought Jamie an iPod Nano for Christmas. It came loaded with several of her favorite artists and several new movies. It was a huge surprise. Perfect.

Thanks Santa. Merry Christmas everyone!

Winter

Winter's Snow

I like to watch the earth transform
from the brown and dead of fall
to the glistening white of winter
and the snow that blankets all

Winter brings serenity
as snowflakes come to rest
but there are things about winter I don't like
and some that I detest

WInter's also flu season
and everyone gets sick
My nose gets so congested
I'd like to auger it with a stick

Then there's ice, I hate the ice
salt your side walks all, I beg
cause I could come along and slip
and fall and break my leg

As it is, my joints they cry in pain
but I try to cope and grin
I do my stretching everyday
and pop some vicodin

Then there's driving on the roads
as I drive I curse and bitch
But laugh at all the SUV's
I see sitting in a ditch

For some, like skiers, winter's fine
it's hills and slopes they seek
But I'm content to stay inside
and log on to jimi the geek

Happy day after winter solstice everyone!

Brett Favre vs Aaron Rodgers

It will be interesting to compare the stats of Rodgers and Favre at the end of the season. Obviously, two different teams and situations. It's impossible to make direct comparisons. Still. Right now Favre is getting pretty beat up in the New York media. While the Packers as a whole stink, few are blaming Rodgers.

One thing is for sure, Brett would not have made much difference on this team. Yes, there are about 6 games we could have won . . . two of those that Rodgers could have made a come back. But, as much as Aaron should have sustained a drive and scored, the defense should have made a final stand. I've said it before, Brett doesn't play defense. Neither does Aaron.

The bad news is that with Brett's dropping stock, as goes our draft pick. He keeps this up the Packers will end up owing the Jets a pick.

Season's Greetings from Jimi the Geek

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Today's Babe

Kristen Bell:


She's "cute" personified. Adds to the babe status of Heroes. Looked great in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

What Bush SHOULD say to the UAW

Auto Bailout

GM sales in 2007: 9,370,000 vehicles
Toyota sales in 2007: 9,366,418 vehicles
GM profit/loss in 2007: -$38,730,000,000 (-$4,055 per car)
Toyota profit in 2007: +$17,146,000,000 (+$1,874 per car)

Hmm. I'm no economist . . . and I don't own a business . . . but, and I might be wrong . . . going out on a limb here . . . GM doesn't appear to be very profitably run.

Jimi the Geek Christmas

After Twisted Sister came out with their heavy metal Christmas songs, I decided to do one of my own. I run the football pool at work as Jimi the Geek and do a number of creative projects under Prozak Productions. Hence the mentions in the song. Anyway, here for the first time for public consumption, We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Jimi the Geek:

Christmas Music - SIlver Bells

Hope I don't go to hell for this:

Name That Tune!

A tad before the 80's. Was over shadowed by the album's many other hits.



I'll add a second if no one gets this right away.

UPDATE: Sing, Child, Sing by Heart.

I have the best daughter in the world!

We've been busy as a family. My wife is working late, I've been working late, and my daughter has been spending time with her cousin at the sister-in-law's. As such we eat late, and with the late start on the evening, my daughter is finishing her homework close to bed time. It's a short term thing. In fact, my wife has already cut back on her hours so she can be home when my daughter gets home. Point is, we miss each other and haven't had a lot of time to spend with each other in the evenings.

Last night, my daughter had dance. Sometimes I go with her. This time I couldn't as I had a late recording. We were supposed to decorate the tree. Now I wasn't sure we would. Anyway, I got this note from my daughter when I got home:

Dear Daddy,
I hope we can play Mall Maddness $$. But, when I get home I have to do the rest of my HW. Aka, Home Work!
Love a lot, Jamie
p.s. I hope we can put on the ornaments!
p.p.s. And watch WALL-E
p.p.p.s. And when I say "a lot" of love, I mean TONS! I mean . . . I don't know. But, A LOT!

I've said it before . . . this kid can have anything she wants.

I'm framing that note.

We stayed up late to finish the Christmas tree.

Now, excuse me while I cry.

To: Gravelle - From Santa Claws

Get it?



I hope this gives you a headache for posting what you did.

The Milwaukee Iron Arena Football Team

We did a spot for the new Milwaukee Iron arena football team. Working in video post, you do a lot of "meat and gravy" stuff. Projects that pay the bills but aren't too glamorous. These projects are fun in that you can put a little more creativity in them. I did the audio . . . the sound effects, music, and mix. Our graphic guy did the door stuff, and the other editor cut the spot together. This will run on TV tomorrow. Here's a sneak preview:

Global Foolishness - Nails in the Coffin

OK. What we know is that satellite measurements have not supported the alarmists position on seasons (climate change). We know that ocean robots have revealed no warming. We know there's been no rise in ocean level. We know the ice cap is gaining ice. And, we know we've been in a ten year cooling trend. We know ALL of this.

Now, along comes this article:

UN Blowback: More Than 650 International Scientists Dissent Over Man-Made Global Warming Claims

We've heard about dissent since the IPCC and algore revealed to the world about the doom we're in. Many shrugged off the dissent as tools for the oil industry. "Follow the money", they would say. But, even in complete absence of any such affiliation deniers have been shrugged off. "There's consensus" we would hear.

Well, some of those in the article are former IPCC members who have . . . come to their senses, in short. Most others are very much experts in the field of climate study. It will be difficult, short of being an idiot, to shrug these people off.

It will be interesting to read their report.

Today's Babe

Underrated, and absolutely gorgeous, Carla Gugino:

Hey, look! It's Snowing!

You know what's really irritating, the TV stations put up their storm warning crap up on the screen a day before it was even supposed to start! WTF is that all about?

Anyway. if there's one good thing about this snow . . . front wheel drive. We owned a 92 Towne Car a few years back. It would have been disabled at the last "snow storm" we had. That car was dangerous in the winter.

But, front wheel drive on a Dodge Caravan . . . goes through anything, I swear. There's still the matter of all the other idiots on the road . . . some in Towne Cars . . . but a front wheel drive van sure makes driving in this stuff a lot safer.

Packers vs Texans 1

OK. The Packers lost. More on that later. As I've said many times in the past, it could be worse, you could be a _____ fan.

This week, however, if you're feeling a bit down after the Packer loss . . .

Think how James and Owen feel.

That makes my day.

Today's Babe

In honor of her winning Dancing with the Stars, here's Brooke Burke:

Powder

Old song, cool video. This girl, and group, provided the vocals for Josie and the Pussycats, starring Rachel Leigh Cook.

Watch more Google Video videos on AOL Video

A performance rock group from LA. They play the Taste of Chicago Summerfest rip off sometimes. I've never seen them, but would love to. Phil X is one of many "the man" on guitar.

2008 Coolest Year of Decade

This year is set to be the coolest since 2000, according to a preliminary estimate of global average temperature that is due to be released next week by the Met Office. The global average for 2008 should come in close to 14.3C, which is 0.14C below the average temperature for 2001-07.

The relatively chilly temperatures compared with recent years are not evidence that global warming is slowing however, say climate scientists at the Met Office. "Absolutely not," said Dr Peter Stott, the manager of understanding and attributing climate change at the Met Office's Hadley Centre. "If we are going to understand climate change we need to look at long-term trends."

Hmmm. Like what? 50 years? Maybe 100? Let's see . . . the Earth is, what . . . 4 billion years old? Some say less. But, a long time. Nothing a 100 year span could EVEN COME CLOSE TO BEING A SAMPLE TREND! In fact, I think most with a brain would consider a 50 year span to be of NO SIGNIFICANCE. NONE.

Geez.

Name That Tune!

OK. A bunch of us like music . . . a lot. Also, many of us like the music from days gone by. So, I'd like to start a weekly game of Name That Tune. Simply name the tune from the one second segment I provide. No prizes. Not yet, anyway. If I can come up with something I'll offer it up. For now it's just for bragging rights.

I won't provide any hints other than if the music was well known or if you had to be a fan of the group or performer to know the tune. This first one should be extremely easy. One second is actually a good long time for a tune. This one is more pop than rock, but a chart topper just the same.

Victoria Secret Fashion Show

A visual feast, to be sure. But, my main gripe is that most of the models in this show are just too skinny. I like how tight abs look on a woman, but I prefer a little more substance. Plus, some of them need not talk.

I will say this, for roughly 35 years young, Heidi Klum holds her own very well against many younger models. And she's well spoken.

Great genes.

The Big 3 Auto Bailout

I used to work for a company that, as a manager, I received a company car, my insurance was paid, and I had typical vacation and sick day benefits. There was also profit sharing. Though, it was in the form of a retirement or severance account. All very nice things. It was a popular local retail chain, and was, obviously, profitable to be able to offer the benefits it did.

I don't think anyone would see a problem with that. I certainly don't. I'm envious of jobs like that. I could certainly work my way back in to retail if I wanted to . . . but I don't want to. My current employer offers benefits, but I do pay for a portion of them.

If the auto makers were so profitable as to offer up the benefit packages they do, I wouldn't have a problem with it. Of course, that's not the case. Now, the auto makers want government money . . . tax money . . . to help them out of the situation they're in.

I have a problem with that.

Well, the UAW says it's willing to renegotiate contracts to help out the auto makers. From Yahoo News:

The United Auto Workers said Wednesday it is willing to change its contracts with U.S. automakers and accept delayed payments of billions of dollars to a union-run health care trust to do its part to help the struggling companies secure $34 billion in government loans.

Not good enough. Delayed payments? I don't think so. These packages need to be renegotiated such that it brings the costs down. Which likely means scaling some benefits back and/or having the workers kick in for some of the costs.

United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger said the union will suspend the jobs bank, in which laid-off workers are paid up to 95 percent of their salaries while not working, but he did not give specifics or a timetable of when the program will end.

Well then, get specific. Again, I'm not against the job bank. It seems like a nice perk to have when there's temporary lay offs. But again, if I'm asked to help pay for it then there need to be some changes. Like, get rid of it.

"There's a perception problem," Gettelfinger said, stressing that the automakers' woes have painted a negative view of the union. "Yes, we have lost some clout."

Not true. You've lost ALL clout.

Congressional leaders demanded business plans from all three that include a reduction in labor costs so Detroit is more competitive with foreign automakers with U.S. factories. The companies submitted their plans to Congress on Tuesday.

"I don't think Congress is out for blood," Gettelfinger said of the criticism the union received during his previous testimony last month. "There will be more pressure on us to do this. We're going to step up and do it."

That sentiment was echoed by several union representatives at the news conference. "Everybody has to give a little bit," said Rich Bennett, an official for Local 122 in Twinsburg, Ohio, representing Chrysler workers. "We've made concessions. We really feel we're doing our part."

But a retired GM worker said the union might be acting hastily out of fear that one of the automakers could shut down. "Fear is a bad basis on which to make decisions," said Frank Hammer, of Local 909 in Warren, Mich. "I think they're making another mistake."

Might be acting out of fear that a factory MIGHT shut down? I wonder if this guy would be willing to give up some of his pension on the notion that he'd be repaid at some time.

I doubt it.

My 9 year old daughter won the football pool

Actually, twice now. I manage my work place football pool. There's about 20 to 25 people who regularly play so the pot is nice. Pays for the year and some. I won once. Here's how this goes down . . .

The pool is a guess the winners pool. Theoretically, the more you know about football, the better chances you have. Yeah, right. Tell the NFL that. Every week I make my picks. I'd like to think I'm an informed player. The last two years in the WISN pool I've ranked in the 90-ish percentile, so I've got some proof. Anyway, after I make my picks I call my girlie to make hers. As we go through the teams I'll, sometimes, let her know that that particular pick isn't a good choice. That, odds are, the stronger team will win. The Cowpokes and the Seahawks is a good example. I wouldn't let her pick the Seahawks. For all the other games, 13 out 16 games or so, it's her. Then I give her the over/under line and let her pick a number.

So, she won this past weekend. And, she won in the tie breaker. Five people, including me, had 10 correct. Of the five, though, she was closest with total points scored with 50.

Nine year old. Girl. Beating her daddy in the football pool.

Yeah, yeah, flyboy. Good thing she has her momma's brains, too.

Save it.

Auto Industry Bailout

So, the Big 3 execs left their jets parked this time around. Big deal. They own the jets, why not use them?

Anyway, the execs will be presenting their case, again, for bailout money from the government. If it were up to me, I'd tell them we helped them once before and it didn't do any good, I tell them to look at the airline industry, I'd ask them why I should give out a loan to a failed business model, I'd tell them to go home and prepare for bankruptcy. I'd also tell them to call the UAW and tell them "Thanks for helping us be profitable" then tell them to stick their union in their ass.

Let's remember, we're talking about a for profit corporation here. A badly managed one, at that.

Anyway, there are a couple of good articles on the bailout. What the problem is, and what should be done about it. Both articles point to the incredibly high cost of labor. Thanks, mostly to the union.

They also state that bankruptcy wouldn't be a bad thing. In fact, it just might be what's needed. With a complete restructuring, the auto companies could put themselves in a position of better business and management.

Here's the first article.


Here's the second.


Fact is, foreign auto makers are not facing the same problems. Their cars are often considered better, many are less expensive, have better warrantees, hold their value better, and the companies are profitable. Why? There's a obvious difference between the american and foreign auto makers . . . labor costs. Until the Big 3 fixes that problem, no loan of any sort will help.

I'm in a bad mood, but . . .

Sort of pissy, really. A lot of it is the weather. Too little sun does that to me. Also, the various weather systems that go in and out of the state wreak havoc with the back. Not nice. It's a shortened holiday season and there's a lot to do. Two uncles in bad shape. One won't make it to Christmas. Short days. All of this just gets to me, sometimes.

Well, things are looking up. Every now and again something comes along and lifts my spirits. Usually it's my daughter . . . or my wife. Though, by other means (ahem). This time it actually comes from Hollyweird.

Yes, there is intelligent life on earth, and in America. In the bad reality soaked brains of the viewing public, even Rosie couldn't convince. Yesssssssssss. After just one showing of Rosie Live, the plug was pulled.

Rosie O’Donnell’s variety show, “Rosie Live,” will be canceled after its pilot debuted to low ratings and bad reviews.

After the pilot episode of Rosie O’Donnell’s variety show, “Rosie Live,” debuted to bad reviews and low ratings, the former talk show host announced on her blog that the show has been canceled, according to People magazine.

After last week’s debut, O’Donnell wrote, "there will b no more. no ratings. bad reviews. yet still – a thrill 4 me."

The show attracted just five million viewers to the NBC production, which led the network to drop the show from its lineup. The show debuted last Wednesday, the same night that O’Donnell’s former View co-host, Barbara Walters, aired an interview with President-Elect Barack Obama and First Lady-to-be, Michelle Obama.

Viewership for O’Donnell’s show was lower than the ratings for Knight Rider, which typically airs at 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

“Rosie Live” featured celebrity guests such as Alanis Morissette, Alec Baldwin and Clay Aiken and earned a 1.2 preliminary rating among the 18-49 age group.

Last week’s debut marked O’Donnell’s return to television, though it was short-lived.

"Lower rating than Knight Rider" . . . hee hee heeeee. I actually wanted to watch it so I could provide some commentary. I missed it. Too bad. Maybe I could have cashed in with DVD's of the episode as a collector item. The larger they are, the bigger the fall.

Rosie fell hard. Yes, I mean that a couple of ways.

Question. What supposed intelligent adult writes on a BLOG in text/chat language? Is Rosie that frikkin lazy she can't write whole words and sentences? What an idiot.

Another question. What idiot in Hollyweird thought this was going to be a good idea?

Anyway, I'm feeling better all of a sudden.

Today's Babe

Dr. Allison Cameron from House, M.D . . . . Jennifer Morrison:

Hollyweird

There are few constants in life. Time's unwavering insistence, taxes, and the ever steady stream of either egomaniacal or retardily bizarre behavior coming out of hollyweird. From The Superficial:

Nancy Jarecki is an entrepreneur who sells dye for "hair down there." While her product line Betty Beauty is taking off, Nancy needs to learn rule number one in the cutthroat pube dye business: Never out your celebrity clients. Page Six reports:

It's not just women who are interested in matching the carpet to the drapes: Jarecki says so many men have bought the product that she plans to launch a "Betty for Men" line early next year. "I guess man-scaping for guys is really big these days," she says, adding that she recently sent the entire assortment of colors to noted waxing enthusiast Diddy and got back a thank-you note from his assistant.

A Betty spokesperson adds that "Law & Order" brunette Mariska Hargitay, country singer Vince Gill, Jack Black and Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor also use the product.

First, ew, ew, eeeewwwwww.

Second, why?

Ben Stiller has been getting on my nerves A LOT lately. He can't seem to break away from his Mr. Confused-Guy routine. For me, this just seals what a dork he really is.