Quote

"A lot of people think their vote won't make a difference, or that their voice will never be heard,'' Fujita texted. "But if we all felt that way, then the system would be broken. There's a lot more good than bad in this country, and the only way to begin to fix what's bad is to get out and vote. Also, suffrage rights didn't come without incredible struggle for a lot of people in this country -- women and blacks in particular. To me, not voting would be a huge slap in their faces.''

Scott Fujita

Next years opponents

Home: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals

Away: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers -

Quote

For that is the true genius of America -- that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

Barack Obama

Transporting DNR's

If a patient is do not resuscutate why would you transport priority 1? Any type of critical interventions such as intubation, defib, will probably not be done. If a CVA will they want to rehab? Perhaps a trauma situation.

In the case of altered loc I tend towards non emergency. If it is not blood sugar or hypovolemia there will likely need to be critical non dnr things needed. Again doesn't seem to mesh.

What do you think?

Textable Game Review: Lions Win # 2

Pack avoids infamy and gives the Lions their 16th loss. A disappointing and dramatic season ends on an up note.

Quote

"We can't control our destiny, but we can control who we become."

Anne Frank

Wx Report

First came summer tstorms then spring floods with fall level temps. Then it cooled off and the snow returned. All this in 24 hours!

Travel Notes # 10

In which we hale versatile kit. Pants you can zip off so they become shorts. Shirts you can roll up the sleeves to stay cool.

You can pack less, stay more comfortable and just travel better with versatile kit.

Travel Notes # 9

How long does it take to de ice a plane? We were told 10 minutes but it took an hour. Don't believe what they say!

Have a Good Read: The Glory Game

A wide perspective look at the historic Giants/Colts OT title game. Author played in game. Perhaps most interesting is his description of the players rather low key lifestyle. Fast historic read, good post season football prep.

Travel Notes # 8

In the packing phase the 1st aid kit didn't get in the bag. We walked often and my wifes knee flared up. No ace wrap, gauze, tape...nada. Could've made it easier by remembering this item.

Quote

"Fitness is like the blade of a knife; you want to sharpen it without ruining the blade."

SALLY JENKINS, The Washington Post

Travel Notes # 7: lack of tv

A good trip means you stay busy. It means less emptiness filled by tv. There is reality and experience to be consumed not re-runs or reality tv!

Have a Good Read: 'Tis

2nd of author's 3 memoirs. Covers his progress from dock worker to teacher. His Mom and brothers come to the USA in varying roles. As with all in this series beginning is better than later pages.

Story of the Season

"They’ve had seven games in which they’ve gained possession of the ball with less than 5 minutes to play and the chance for the go-ahead score, failed to convert and thus lost all seven."

gb PAPER

Travel Notes Series # 6

Carrying on from Northwest's if you have a carry on and won't pay us to lose (ie check it) it then we will force you to board last policy, what is a legitimate carry on?

Per NWA a carry on "Cannot exceed 45 linear inches (9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches."

Well, my bag meets that 45" limit exactly. Many rolling suitcases do not and yet they are still allowed as carry on. If they put the suitcases in baggage where they belonged that would be an improvement.

Week 16 Pick

This weeks suicide pool pick is the Packers over the Lions.

For blog purposes I will keep track of my picks and post one each week.





Week 1 Cowboys over Browns
Week 2 Giants over Rams

Week 3 Bills over Raiders

Week 4 Chargers over Raiders

Week 5 Panthers defeat Chiefs

Week 6 Vikings over Lions
Week 7 Texans over Lions
Week 8 Redskins over Lions
Week 9 Bears over Lions
Week 10 Dolphins over Sea Hawks
Week 11 Eagles tie Bengals
Week 12 Buccaneers over Lions
Week 13 Titans over Lions
Week 14 Colts over Lions
Week 15 Saints over Lions
Week 16

Travel Notes Series # 5

Northwest Airlines is trying out a new boarding method/pattern. They let people with no luggage or carry on board first. Then smaller carry on's and then bigger carry on.

Of course they also charge for baggage now. So if you dare to defy them and not pay them to lose your luggage....you are now punished by boarding last.

Of course they deny it when asked.....

Textable game review: Bears loss

Early to bed so missed weekly 2nd half collapse. This one involved a blocked field goal. One game left in this woulda, coulda season.

Have a Good Read: Downtown Owl

Set in North Dakota. Story well told via 3 characters one an outsider and two natives. Uses lists creatively. Story ending a bit disconected from rest. Still worthy though.

What does EMS stand for?

Driving thru a supposed blizzard got me to thinking. Others were told to stay home and off the roads. There I was tooling along because I had to work. Why did I have to work?

Well as a paramedic in emergency medical services I suppose along with police, fire, utility crews, snow plows etc. we are considered essential. Theoretically the golden arches can close but we can't.

Later I took a call for a person who had fallen in the snow. Knee pain was the chief complaint. The fall and pain were bad enough she met us on her feet outside her house.

Was it essential she go to the ER? Not likely. Probably more essential she went inside and 'RICE'd it.

More evidence that folks don't always know how to use EMS.

So, I thought would it make a difference if EMS became Essential medical services. That is in the midst of a blizzard if it is essential you need medical services call us. If it is not don't.....

Think such a change would make an impact?

Travel Notes Series # 4

Coming off a week long trip I'll be posting some notes and observations on travel.

The whole liquids on planes scenario I never have mastered. However, the morning we flew out I was ill stomach-wise. On the way to the airport we picked up stomach remedy both pill and liquid/bottle form.

Didn't think the bottle would make it. However, TSA used some type of 'medicine' test and they allowed it. Just an FYI folks.

Travel Notes Series # 3

Coming off a week long trip I'll be posting some notes and observations on travel.

When flying stress and tension are inevitable. So-damn it- I forgot to bring any type of pain relief medication. I'm a Naproxin guy, but hey asprin, ibuprofen etc. would've worked too.

Note to self when flying bring pain meds!

WX Note

Via Bill Steffen's blog: "This year parts of West Michigan will have more snowfall in the fall season than in the winter season (Mason, Oceana, Manistee counties for sure)."

Today is Winter Solstice which means winter has started.

5 inches of new snow here today, total of 11 on the ground. Snow still falling and being blown around by heavy, cold wind.

Quote

Quote"Right now is the only moment there is."

Groucho Marx

Quote

"I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears.”

President Ronald Reagan

Travel Notes Series # 2

Coming off a week long trip I'll be posting some notes and observations on travel.

Want to see chaos in the security line? What is something that the TSA is not ready to handle?

That would be a puking baby! While waiting in line saw a baby puke for distance. The line was shut down, agents ran around, the crowd milled, a clean up crew arrived. TSA changed their mind about three times as to where we should go, but finally with the baby and Mom in isolation we got checked through.

Have a Good Read: Marley & Me

Enjoyable and intense dog book. Lots of great stories from Marley the movie star to Marley at dog beach. Love the last sentence "Bad dogs are perhaps the greatest of all."
---
Have a Good Read is written By Isaac Stephenson reader of over 100 books per year and operator of BookScoutLookOut Purveyor of Interesting Things to Read.

Travel Notes Series # 1

Coming off a week long trip I'll be posting some notes and observations on travel.

# 1 concerns socks and underwear. When I travel I pack one pair of underwear per day. Just can't stand the thought of dirty under shorts!

This trip I realized even in Florida I didn't need a pair of socks for each day. I packed 4 pairs of socks for 8 days. Never had a problem with wet socks.

I'm a light packer, always do carry on won't pay the airline to lose the baggage. Saving some room via less socks is signifigant to me.

So.... next I have to deal with the idea of underwear that can be worn for a few days or washed and dry quickly...?

Week 15 Pick

This weeks suicide pool pick is the Saints over the Lions.

For blog purposes I will keep track of my picks and post one each week.





Week 1 Cowboys over Browns
Week 2 Giants over Rams

Week 3 Bills over Raiders

Week 4 Chargers over Raiders

Week 5 Panthers defeat Chiefs

Week 6 Vikings over Lions
Week 7 Texans over Lions
Week 8 Redskins over Lions
Week 9 Bears over Lions
Week 10 Dolphins over Sea Hawks
Week 11 Eagles tie Bengals
Week 12 Buccaneers over Lions
Week 13 Titans over Lions
Week 14 Colts over Lions
Week 15

Have a Good Read: White Wash

Thriller set in a near present day d.c. Scientific process at center of book is true. good, quick,exciting read a difference from the more traditional mysteries she writes.

Have a Good Read: Freezing Point

Plot gets more improbable as it moves along. Writing functional not literary. Did learn something about rats and viruses.
---
Have a Good Read is written By Isaac Stephenson reader of over 100 books per year and operator of BookScoutLookOut Purveyor of Interesting Things to Read.

Quote

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

Aristotle

Finally

On our final disney day we rode the rails. We mono railed epcot to magic kingdom. Then we rode the wdw rr around the perimiter of magic kingdom.

We now await bus transport to airport. We'll gain latitude but lose temperature as we travel home.

last disney day

Our last nite @ wdw. We hit animal kingdom but everest was closed. Found the bottle holder I was looking. Excellent burger and shake for dinner. Last nite of shorts and ts for months. Off to the pool!

Quote

There is the temptation in my life to seek the ultimate truth, the one answer, the path to eternal peace and happiness. But the really smart people understand that this is never a straight line, never clear or easy to see, never the same thing over and again. It is a difficult and complex process full of change, and I do not always see the world clearly, and need to accept that. I have more than a thousand illusions, and they are cracked like twigs day after day, and still they keep coming, and still, I am blind, and make mistakes almost all the time. But I begin again. And again. And that, I think, is the point.

Jon Katz

Textable game review: Jax loss

Didn't watch the game. No need. Gb gets ahead late. 'D' gives it up. Rogers mistake. 6th loss by 4 or less.

Season Nut 'Graf

The Packers have had an opportunity to win in the final minutes of six games this season, and they/Aaron Rogers have failed to pull it out each time

disney saturday

1. Epcot is becoming my favorite park.

2. What is the meaning of Mickey?

3. Hollywood studios & Magic Kingdom are urban parks.

4. Nice terrorist take out of the dam at the end of circle of life.

5. Poor customer service @ rose and crown in UK.

6. Mouse Gear store is beyond gigantic!

Weekly Pick

Taking the colts at home over the Lions. Colts Manning v. Lions unknown-other than 1st name begins with D- qb.

Pack perspective

1 Pack has lost 5 of 6 since bye.

2 5 losses by 4 points or less.

A season of small margin getting worse.

best so far

Best thing on this trip occured today at the espn club.

We were selected to sit in a pair of recliners that are right in front of a big screen showing sportscenter. Chairs were comfortable, food was good-especially the fries-experience was unique. Thanks espn club!

Disney wednesday

Highlights: a pretty empty magic kingdom-due to rain- and some of the classics like swiss family and pirates.

Had a true cobb salad at brown derby. good except for the dressing. originated as a midnite snack indeed!

A pleasant walk from hollywood studios to epcot for illuminations. the world didn't work right and the pyrotechnics underwhelmed.

looks like animal kingdom in the am and dinner at chef de france tomorrow.

12/10 disney

day began at epcot. we did the entire world showcase.

I enjoyed france & norway best. france has an intriguing pastry shop we will breakfat at. norway has the maelstrom water ride which has you go backwards at speed. the change of direction is key.

after a break we did evening magic hours at animal kingdom. 1st was expedition everest. this is a great ride but far superior at nite. backwards, uphill, around curves, at speed in the dark is superb! the darkness takes away much of yr. site and the deprivation adds excitement.

we then popped into the yak n yeti and my wifes dinner button got us a table!

although millions eat with them every days- for the first time I ate with chopsticks!. small accomplishment brings great happiness.

for tomorrow the weather is looking rainy. we will try magic kingdom and then see what the sky brings.

Disney day 1

On our first full day we are going to epcots countries this morning. this afternoon we will be at the animal kingdom for safari and expedition everest.

from our yacht club resort room I hear tennis players and see an overcast sky.

Have a Good Read: All My Freinds are Going to be Strangers

Danny Deck's life starts out without attachments and proceeds to get worse. Houston, California, Mexico he has no luck and little enthusiasm. The mood gets to you after awhile.
-----------------------
Have a Good Read is written By Isaac Stephenson reader of over 100 books per year and operator of BookScoutLookOut Purveyor of Interesting Things to Read.

Texans @ Packers Textable Game Review

Houston Texans? This is the Packers. Please accept with our best holiday wishes this NFL football 'W'. We no longer covet them as we once did.

Have a Good Read: DelCorso's Gallery

A bit obscure but an exciting story about journalists in Vietnam and Lebanon. A great piece of writing describes getting ready to take war photographs. Worth searching out.
-----------------------
Have a Good Read is written By Isaac Stephenson reader of over 100 books per year and operator of BookScoutLookOut Purveyor of Interesting Things to Read.

Quote

Quote "The essential thing in life is not so much conquering as fighting well."

BARON DE COUBERTIN, Founder of the Modern Olympic Games

Texans @ Packers Keys

Let me start by saying that in preface to game keys I will always list the following 3 for each game.

First the team needs to score TD's not FG's. Good teams do this.

Second each game the special teams need to make a play be it a TD return, a key punt, strong coverage work, blocked extra point.

Third turnovers need to be created. This along with special teams can lead to short fields making it easier to get 6 than three.

A long punt return to the 20 giving the offense a short TD drive is one way these can occur. Another might be good kick coverage pinning a team deep, then a force fumble leading to another short TD.

Call that general keys, my philosophy of football etc.
-----

At this point it's all about questions:

Overall

1. Do they still care....?

Offense

1. When do Rogers mistakes occur?

Special Teams

1. What impact will new Punter Have



1. Can They Slow Slaton?

2. With Woodson at Safety can they contain JOhnso

Week 43 Pick

This weeks suicide pool pick is one of several I think are easy to pick. The Titans are 14 point favorites at home against a Browns team with (and I had to look this up) Ken Dorsey at QB. I'll take the Titans I think!

For blog purposes I will keep track of my picks and post one each week.





Week 1 Cowboys over Browns
Week 2 Giants over Rams

Week 3 Bills over Raiders

Week 4 Chargers over Raiders

Week 5 Panthers defeat Chiefs

Week 6 Vikings over Lions
Week 7 Texans over Lions
Week 8 Redskins over Lions
Week 9 Bears over Lions
Week 10 Dolphins over Sea Hawks
Week 11 Eagles tie Bengals
Week 12 Buccaneers over Lions
Week 13 Titans over Lions
Week 14

Good Question

How is it that the snow
amplifies the silence,

from a poem by Robert Haight

Texans dopesheet blog time

• Texans 1st Lambeau game
• 1-4 Packers record in November
• 7-2 McCarthy's December record
  
• NFL 1st as the Panthers scored 5 TD's from the 1 in beating Green Bay.
• Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak is in 3rd year like McCarthy
• 1 year Packers Head Coach Ray Rhodes is Texans assistant Defensive Backs Coach
• Only 6 Packers remain from teams only meeting in 2007.
• Texans are 28th in turnover margin @ -8.
• Jackson's 80 yard vs. CAR 2nd highest in his career.
• Green Bay has had 2 succesful replay challenges, opponents 0.

Full Sheet

Quote

Quote "The most important day in any running program is rest. Rest days give your muscles time to recover so you can run again. Your muscles build in strength as you rest."

HAL HIGDON

Have a Good Read: I was Amelia Earhart

Read it quickly. Well written account of what might have been. Book expresses longing for a time in aviation history when adventure was prominent not baggage fees.
---
Have a Good Read is written By Isaac Stephenson reader of over 100 books per year and operator of BookScoutLookOut Purveyor of Interesting Things to Read.

Storm: Not really

I measured 2 inches of snow on the backyard snowboard this AM. That was a pretty low measurement. A station to the North in Muskegon county got 3 inches, Kent County to the east 3 to 7 inches, 2.5 in Kalamazoo and 11 to 12 inches in Grand Traverse County. Across the lake in Wisconsin 7 to 9 inches fell in some places.

I remember looking at the radar yesterday and seeing half moons of snow north and south of us...stayed this way throughout.

Today we have barometric pressure below 1000 and are forecast to get winds upward of 20 MPH.

Top 4

After crushing the useless Lions the Titans are the AFC's best followed by the Steelers.

Giants definitively lead the NFC trailed by Tampa.

From this I see a Giants v. Titans Super Bowl won by the Giants.