From Captain Capitalism, the latest and greatest in my city. I wonder if I'll be celebrated as a walking champion because I walk to and from work. I have no problem with the concept of people walking more. It's probably a good idea from a health standpoint. But, do we really need tax dollars going to this? Isn't the "Do" campaign from Blue Cross & Blue Shield effective enough?
Here's a game for you. Read the PDF of the actual program, and find one different item that you think is ridiculous. There is a treasure trove of crap here. Have at it!! Or, if you agree with the program and its method of payment, enlighten me as to why I am wrong to mock it.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Everything is great in Monona
So once again a city in Wisconsin is tangling with the burning issue of whether they should allow chickens in their burg. First it was Neenah (link to the old article no longer works, so no link), now it's Monona, a suburb of Madison. It seems the proponents here are dirty hippies who take the whole "sustainable living" thing to the extreme...you know, because all corporate food is evil and bad for you and will kill you dead.
But, I am glad that things are so great in Monona. I will have to remember that next time I am in the Madison area.
But, I am glad that things are so great in Monona. I will have to remember that next time I am in the Madison area.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Stupid Minnesotans - 1
I once posted about how I claim to be from Windom, MN whenever some embarrasing story comes out of Wisconsin. Well, no Sconnie is dumb enough to do this....at age 21!!! So, to all Minnesotans, you may temporarily claim this as your hometown. I grew up in that general vicinty, so I will vouch for you.
About the story itself...lady, is your life so boring up in Cambridge that you actually resorted to prank calls...TO YOUR GRANDMOTHER?!!! First off, prank calls are a bad idea these days, what with callerID and the like. Then, she threatens to kill her as a joke. I know, joking about offing your relatives is comedy gold. But, you may not want to do it to a close relative. There's at least a small chance they know your voice.
I am so glad this didn't happen in Wisconsin, because if it did, I would have to cheer for the Windom Eagles for a few days.
About the story itself...lady, is your life so boring up in Cambridge that you actually resorted to prank calls...TO YOUR GRANDMOTHER?!!! First off, prank calls are a bad idea these days, what with callerID and the like. Then, she threatens to kill her as a joke. I know, joking about offing your relatives is comedy gold. But, you may not want to do it to a close relative. There's at least a small chance they know your voice.
I am so glad this didn't happen in Wisconsin, because if it did, I would have to cheer for the Windom Eagles for a few days.
Watch out for those rolling heads
I apologize in advance for the tone of this post, but when you read it, you'll know why.
Yesterday was an interesting day at the office...somewhat unexpectedly, a bunch of people were sent on their way. I say somewhat unexpectedly because the company I work for has largely been bucking the overall trend in the economy. Of course, I can't verify this because we are a division of a another company that went private a few years ago. But, we are acquiring new business on a regular basis. So, I was surprised at the sheer number of people let go. Now, this has happened before in some departments, but not across the board. This is new ground for me, so needless to say yesterday was kind of a scary day.
Unfortunately, a good friend of mine was amongst those let go. That made it hard for me to focus on my work. This is obviously going to make it more difficult to remain friends with this person, but I have to try. Some people are worth the effort.
I managed to avoid the guillotine this time around. Actually, things are going pretty well for me at work. I am assuming more responsibility and taking on more work...which is another reason why yesterday's events shook me quite a bit.
Happy weekend, indeed. I think I will take my thoughts and head down to Lake Calhoun.
If I don't post again soon (which is likely), have a great 4th, everyone!!
Yesterday was an interesting day at the office...somewhat unexpectedly, a bunch of people were sent on their way. I say somewhat unexpectedly because the company I work for has largely been bucking the overall trend in the economy. Of course, I can't verify this because we are a division of a another company that went private a few years ago. But, we are acquiring new business on a regular basis. So, I was surprised at the sheer number of people let go. Now, this has happened before in some departments, but not across the board. This is new ground for me, so needless to say yesterday was kind of a scary day.
Unfortunately, a good friend of mine was amongst those let go. That made it hard for me to focus on my work. This is obviously going to make it more difficult to remain friends with this person, but I have to try. Some people are worth the effort.
I managed to avoid the guillotine this time around. Actually, things are going pretty well for me at work. I am assuming more responsibility and taking on more work...which is another reason why yesterday's events shook me quite a bit.
Happy weekend, indeed. I think I will take my thoughts and head down to Lake Calhoun.
If I don't post again soon (which is likely), have a great 4th, everyone!!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Bad day to be a celebrity
Have to note the passing of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Farrah Fawcett's peak of popularity happened before I was old enough to pay attention to such things as this poster. But, she had quite the career. I don't know enough about her life to say much, but she was beautiful.
I do remember Michael Jackson's peak of popularity though. I was just starting to pay attention to music when Thriller came out. It is hard to understate just how amazing this album is. There is not a bad song on here. There is not a merely OK song on it. Every song is at least good, and most are great to outstanding. He made iconic videos for this album, and really changed the music industry. He made two more solid albums, and then...well, let's not talk about that today. Despite those things we are not talking about, he was an excellent singer who made great music.
RIP
I do remember Michael Jackson's peak of popularity though. I was just starting to pay attention to music when Thriller came out. It is hard to understate just how amazing this album is. There is not a bad song on here. There is not a merely OK song on it. Every song is at least good, and most are great to outstanding. He made iconic videos for this album, and really changed the music industry. He made two more solid albums, and then...well, let's not talk about that today. Despite those things we are not talking about, he was an excellent singer who made great music.
RIP
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Since we seem to like quizzes...
...I think we'll have a general trivia quiz. Here are ten questions, ranging across many topics, but with an easy-to-decipher theme (so easy, I'll tell you...each question has some connection to Arizona). But, this is my first quiz, so I have to figure out how to more subtly make a theme.
Whoever answers all 10 questions correctly first wins...well, nothing, except the respect of all Stinger Nation readers. Frankly, I expect this to be done quickly. I made this pretty easy.
1. What university aims to potentially have an enrollment of 90,000 students in 15 years or so? Follow-up question: Why?
Answer: Arizona State, basically because the state dictated it. Given Arizona's enormous rate of growth, they expect more demand for their universities. Arizona State is expected to take up 90% of the growth slack.
2. Glenn Frey sang about standing on a corner in what city?
Answer: Winslow, AZ. "It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford." I really don't care for the Eagles much.
3. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald went to which high school?
Answer: Holy Angels in Richfield, MN...thus, a local angle on this quiz
4. Trey Wilson was an unpainted furniture store owner in what movie?
Answer: Raising Arizona...which if you haven't seen, you should
5. Which team was the Phoenix Suns' sister expansion NBA franchise?
Answer: Milwaukee Bucks...both came into the league in 1968. Interestingly, the Suns have been more successful overall, but the Bucks have one championship...Phoenix has none.
6. What/where is Shadow Mountain?
Answer: It is a high school in NE Phoenix (Paradise Valley). For hoops fans, it is best known as Mike Bibby's alma mater. Had to throw one obscure one out at you.
7. Why was Public Enemy so upset that they wrote a controversial song about the potential assassination of the governor?
Answer: "By the Time I Get to Arizona" was written in response to Arizona being slow to make MLK Day a holiday. Mark made the point about them imagining rather violent means to honor a man who preached non-violence.
8. How many TV markets are largely based in Arizona?
Answer: Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Yuma
9. How did we acquire the southern part of Arizona?
Answer: Gadsden Purchase...basically purchasing right-of-way for a railroad if I am not mistaken.
10. Put in order by population the following cities: Tempe, Kingman, Flagstaff, Chandler, Tucson, Yuma, Apache Junction, Nogales, Surprise, Peoria
Answer (based on 2000 census, which means this order is likely no longer correct..for example, Surprise has tripled in population since 2000): 1. Tucson (486,699); 2. Chandler (176,581); 3. Tempe (158,625); 4. Peoria (108,364); 5. Yuma (77,515); 6. Flagstaff (52,894); 7. Apache Junction (31,814); 8. Surprise (30,848); 9. Nogales (20,878); Kingman (20,069)
Bonus: Which Peoria is bigger; Arizona or Illinois?
Answer: Peoria, AZ recently became bigger than Peoria, IL.
UPDATE: Answers are now posted with the questions.
Whoever answers all 10 questions correctly first wins...well, nothing, except the respect of all Stinger Nation readers. Frankly, I expect this to be done quickly. I made this pretty easy.
1. What university aims to potentially have an enrollment of 90,000 students in 15 years or so? Follow-up question: Why?
Answer: Arizona State, basically because the state dictated it. Given Arizona's enormous rate of growth, they expect more demand for their universities. Arizona State is expected to take up 90% of the growth slack.
2. Glenn Frey sang about standing on a corner in what city?
Answer: Winslow, AZ. "It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford." I really don't care for the Eagles much.
3. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald went to which high school?
Answer: Holy Angels in Richfield, MN...thus, a local angle on this quiz
4. Trey Wilson was an unpainted furniture store owner in what movie?
Answer: Raising Arizona...which if you haven't seen, you should
5. Which team was the Phoenix Suns' sister expansion NBA franchise?
Answer: Milwaukee Bucks...both came into the league in 1968. Interestingly, the Suns have been more successful overall, but the Bucks have one championship...Phoenix has none.
6. What/where is Shadow Mountain?
Answer: It is a high school in NE Phoenix (Paradise Valley). For hoops fans, it is best known as Mike Bibby's alma mater. Had to throw one obscure one out at you.
7. Why was Public Enemy so upset that they wrote a controversial song about the potential assassination of the governor?
Answer: "By the Time I Get to Arizona" was written in response to Arizona being slow to make MLK Day a holiday. Mark made the point about them imagining rather violent means to honor a man who preached non-violence.
8. How many TV markets are largely based in Arizona?
Answer: Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Yuma
9. How did we acquire the southern part of Arizona?
Answer: Gadsden Purchase...basically purchasing right-of-way for a railroad if I am not mistaken.
10. Put in order by population the following cities: Tempe, Kingman, Flagstaff, Chandler, Tucson, Yuma, Apache Junction, Nogales, Surprise, Peoria
Answer (based on 2000 census, which means this order is likely no longer correct..for example, Surprise has tripled in population since 2000): 1. Tucson (486,699); 2. Chandler (176,581); 3. Tempe (158,625); 4. Peoria (108,364); 5. Yuma (77,515); 6. Flagstaff (52,894); 7. Apache Junction (31,814); 8. Surprise (30,848); 9. Nogales (20,878); Kingman (20,069)
Bonus: Which Peoria is bigger; Arizona or Illinois?
Answer: Peoria, AZ recently became bigger than Peoria, IL.
UPDATE: Answers are now posted with the questions.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The most important news....EVER!!!!!
This was one of the main headlines on the hometown paper's website. Things must be great all over the Valley, not just in Neenah.
By the way, the official view of Stinger Nation is that pretty much all "reality" shows suck. But, it's my own generation's fault for giving "The Real World" on MTV the ratings necessary for this to happen....and, I include me in the blame. I was into the first 4-6 seasons of that show. So, I am sorry.
By the way, the official view of Stinger Nation is that pretty much all "reality" shows suck. But, it's my own generation's fault for giving "The Real World" on MTV the ratings necessary for this to happen....and, I include me in the blame. I was into the first 4-6 seasons of that show. So, I am sorry.
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