Seattle Space Needle - It's Cold!

Went to the Space Needle over the long Thanksgiving weekend. It wasn't busy, probably because it was around 5 degrees with the altitude! If you are in the area, it is definitely a landmark to check out. If you have time and enjoy music (especially Jimi Hendrix) go to the Experience Music Project (EMP) right next door. There is also a Science Fiction Hall of Fame.

Looks like somebody needs a haircut!

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree

While the inlaws were here, Ashley went out and purchased our first christmas tree as a married couple. Last year we had a fake tree while engaged. I preferred this tree because it's easy to assemble, needs no water, and I don't have to vaccuum up after it. Ashley LOVES christmas, so getting a real tree wasn't an option. I will say that it smells nice, and Sammy loves it.

I helped with the decorations, I even got to put the first one on. You can see that in the up close picture :) Ashley really likes it because it even makes sounds and plays two movie clips. It is a very lovely tree, even though it tilts slightly at the top. After careful examination, I've determined it is the tree that is crooked and not how it is sitting in the stand.

Anyway, tis the season kids - get those trees up and the christmas lists out!

Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow - Seattle Style

Soon after my in-laws left, it started snowing here. Coincidence? Probably. Anyway, You could see the snow during the MNF game, and even NFL fans probably said to themselves "Is this game in Green Bay?" Below are some pictures from the patio the night before and the next day. We tortured Sammy by putting him on the ledge. It was pretty freakin cold - He'll think twice about escaping out the front door.

Turkey Day Spread

Yummy!

Happy Thanksgiving

Although I am thankful for stuffing and pie, I'm also thankful for the following:

*For my Mom to be with her sister and family for Holidays.
*For my family to be generally in good health (we could all be better!)
*For my family in-law making the trip out to the great Northwest to spend the week with us
*For a great job and a great wife
*For my Aunt who is spending her Thanksgiving teaching English in Thailand. She is the true definition of courage, selflessness, and spirit. If everyone in this world were 1/10 as wonderful, this world would be completely different.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone - all 5 readers!

Here is a picture of me when I was almost two helping my Grandma Lichty stuff the turkey!

Alfonso Soriano is a Chicago Cub

A fellow Cubs sufferer sent me an email asking what I thought about the Chicago Cubs signing Alfonso Soriano. Below is my response.

I like it. Hendry has finally layed out a plan and is getting some talent. They still need pitching, but from what I read they are still going after that (and some left hand bats). Sure, he's signed till he's 38 or something, but he adds some much needed pop to an outfield. cubs had 51 OF hrs last year, soriano had 48. I like it. He does strike out, and I've heard "sammy jr." but as I recall we were winning with him when he was cranking 60 hrs.

There aren't many big pitchers out their worth the asking price (zito, mulder, etc). I wouldn't mind seeing them get these 2nd and 3rd starters like Meche, Lilly, or Padilla. Their price tag should be considerably lower. My biggest concern is that they still have the same pitching coach in Larry Roth. and he has been unable to keep them healthy or find the strike zone with consistency. Maybe a change in the bullpen is needed. Maybe Lou has someone in mind.

the Cubs lineup looks solid. Possible lineup:

Soriano OF
Derosa 2B (can't find a solid 2nd batter)
Lee 1B
Ramirez 3B
Jones OF
Murton/Pagan OF possibly move soriano to center
Barrett C
Izturis SS
Pitcher

Whatever may happen, it's great to see Jim Hendry make some moves to improving on the NL's worst record. Bringing in Lou, Soriano, and hopefully some pitchers will make for some exciting seasons at Wrigley. Lou has a 3 year contract, and I'm hoping they'll do something besides get top draft picks.

Buffett and Tigers and Prisons oh my!

Long time no post. I've been running around like crazy these past few weeks. This past weekend was the first full weekend at home in probably a month. I've been on several trips the past month and I'm looking forward to some downtime.

Like I had said before, Ashley and I went to Vegas. We stayed at the Flamingo and had a great time. We ran around and did all the free tourist stuff - Bellagio fountains, MGM Grand sanctuary, Mirage volcano, Mirage Lions, etc. Below are some pictures.






I was also in San Francisco this past week. I was lucky enough to catch up with my Uncle who lives near there and we did some site seeing. We ate at Bubba Gump's at the Fisherman's Wharf and walked up and down to Ghirardelli Square. I know someone who is jealous of that! I also go to see Alcatraz, one of top 10 places to see in the United States. Oh yeah, and I can't forget the sea lions!







That's about it for now. I'll have more updates soon, hopefully before Evan does another site redesign.

Kazakhstan National Anthem Courtesy of Borat

Off the release of the new movie "Borat" I found the national anthem that plays at the end of the movie. This may appear to be poor quality, but it's actually high quality considering the original version. Just for those who are clueless, this is not the actual Kazakhstan National Anthem.