Yesterday I shared a story on a gigantic toxic toad from Australia....
Today...I urge you to visit the below link to see an incredible jumping feat of a new kind...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vL19q8yL54
WOW!!!
Hey...I'm Justin. I'm a husband, devoted father, and I often have too much to say. Maybe if I write more, I will talk less? Maybe not. Either way, I hope you read, enjoy and share your thoughts. Family, funny, sports, and anything outside is exciting to me and I hope to share as much as I can. Be well, work hard, laugh often, and make good decisions!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Killer Toads, Not in My Backyard!!!
Here I was, playing with Drew in the yard on Sunday, enjoying the record breaking warm weather. We have a small family of toads that lives in our basement window covering, and a few in the flowers in the back yard.
Drew had never seen a toad before then, and he enjoyed following one around, giggling and smiling at the quick jumps and hops.
Can you imagine playing in your yard in Australia?? This toad was found during a pond raid by scientists trying to rid the area of this toxic creature responsible for large animal deaths. The toad measured 15 inches long and weighed just over 2 pounds....
You can bet Steve Irwin would have made a great show out of this capture....and if you believe in long mythical tales....this guy will have warts for the rest of his life!!!!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Software Activation/PC Security...
With my new job has come many a day searching for knowledge in the software security sector. Today I came across an interesting tool that will allow you to remotely monitor your computer when you are away....literally tracking each keystroke.
Check it out...
http://www.download3k.com/Security/Other-Utilities/Download-Ardamax-Software-Ardamax-Keylogger.html
Here is the link to publisher Ardamax Software: http://www.ardamax.com/
Check it out...
http://www.download3k.com/Security/Other-Utilities/Download-Ardamax-Software-Ardamax-Keylogger.html
Here is the link to publisher Ardamax Software: http://www.ardamax.com/
George Bush's continued failures....
Here's an "interesting" read -
I use the word "interesting" for comical reasons....as the more you read, the funnier it gets. Our beloved (at least by the overachieving, slow talking, and surprisingly manipulative folks in society) president (we'll call him Jorge from now on), signed a bill back in 2005 that is beginning to pay dividends, well to who else but his republican pals in various states.
The Highway Bill was completed back in the summer of 2005, and designated $286 Billion dollars to improve our nation's road/transportation lines. Interesting huh? Does our country need better roads?? In some areas, probably...in all states?? Probably not. Am I an expert civil engineer, a community planner, or a responsible citizen dedicated to monitoring the quality and care of our road systems...no. Can I tell the difference between money well spent, and money spent that very simply should be spent on more important domestic inefficiencies....HELL YES.
Why do I bring up this bill nearly 2 years later one might ask?? Well, I read an interesting article the other day about a bridge that is being built in Alaska. This bridge will cost roughly $230 Million dollars to construct just outside of Anchorage. The bridge, which was voted down just months before the Highway Bill was approved, will be funded by....you guessed it, the Highway Bill. Alaska, our least populated state, and 4th lowest provider of economic means got the 4th highest amount of money allocated to improving roads (now I love Alaska, it has to be our most beautiful state, but do the moose need better roads to travel from one tree to the next?). Better yet, the bridge will be named "Don Young Bridge" adequately after congressman, and Bush friend Don Young.
Do not be confused by my sarcasm, I am not a fence jumping democrat (although I will ride the fence on many issues). However, I am sick and tired of Jorge Bush and his cabinet making poor decision after poor decision. I will not blame Jorge for many of the problems caused in previous presidencies either....those of Clinton, and Jorge's father, Big W, but I will stand on point and confirm that this president has been our worst in my lifetime.
Not until the people of this country step up and stop the grossly out of control politc-ing and campaigning, will the United States ever have leaders who truly make decisions based on OUR needs, and the needs of our people "in need".
Corporate campaign dollars, billions every year, keep our political means in this country as corrupt as ever....and until that changes, our nation will continue to deteriorate....
Only two more years....
I use the word "interesting" for comical reasons....as the more you read, the funnier it gets. Our beloved (at least by the overachieving, slow talking, and surprisingly manipulative folks in society) president (we'll call him Jorge from now on), signed a bill back in 2005 that is beginning to pay dividends, well to who else but his republican pals in various states.
The Highway Bill was completed back in the summer of 2005, and designated $286 Billion dollars to improve our nation's road/transportation lines. Interesting huh? Does our country need better roads?? In some areas, probably...in all states?? Probably not. Am I an expert civil engineer, a community planner, or a responsible citizen dedicated to monitoring the quality and care of our road systems...no. Can I tell the difference between money well spent, and money spent that very simply should be spent on more important domestic inefficiencies....HELL YES.
Why do I bring up this bill nearly 2 years later one might ask?? Well, I read an interesting article the other day about a bridge that is being built in Alaska. This bridge will cost roughly $230 Million dollars to construct just outside of Anchorage. The bridge, which was voted down just months before the Highway Bill was approved, will be funded by....you guessed it, the Highway Bill. Alaska, our least populated state, and 4th lowest provider of economic means got the 4th highest amount of money allocated to improving roads (now I love Alaska, it has to be our most beautiful state, but do the moose need better roads to travel from one tree to the next?). Better yet, the bridge will be named "Don Young Bridge" adequately after congressman, and Bush friend Don Young.
Do not be confused by my sarcasm, I am not a fence jumping democrat (although I will ride the fence on many issues). However, I am sick and tired of Jorge Bush and his cabinet making poor decision after poor decision. I will not blame Jorge for many of the problems caused in previous presidencies either....those of Clinton, and Jorge's father, Big W, but I will stand on point and confirm that this president has been our worst in my lifetime.
Not until the people of this country step up and stop the grossly out of control politc-ing and campaigning, will the United States ever have leaders who truly make decisions based on OUR needs, and the needs of our people "in need".
Corporate campaign dollars, billions every year, keep our political means in this country as corrupt as ever....and until that changes, our nation will continue to deteriorate....
Only two more years....
Al and Heath's Weekend in Vegas...
Well, we all returned, and it took me a whole week to update the experience. 25 guys from all over the country made it out to Sin City to enjoy what it has to offer, as well as every NCAA basketball game to start this year's Final Four run.
Missing only three of our best friends, we kicked off a great weekend with some drinks, some hoops, and some casino donations. More casino donations followed for many of us, but it seemed that a few found success with the sportsbook betting. I for one, did quite well on the games, and gave it back to the house at the tables (thank you Uncle Albert and the Roulette Wheel). A valued lesson folks...if you know that Roulette odds suck, and you don't like the game at all to begin with, don't let your pals talks you into playing anyway....
Another lesson learned...never let Jorge Schultz cut cards at a blackjack table. You may as well let the dealer kick you in the crotch, and give her your money as you limp away with...well, half of your dignity.
Big thanks to Rod Y for his "hook-up"....it served the boys well. A second big thanks to Rod's pal, and club owner, for his hospitality. Pac Man Jones may not have had a great time there, but we sure did.
Heath and Albert, we hope you had a great time and we hope your weddings are fantastic, and your futures fruitful....and as for Jesudoss...let's just hope what happened in Vegas didn't come home to Chicago in the form of a rash in deep need of ointments.....
Missing only three of our best friends, we kicked off a great weekend with some drinks, some hoops, and some casino donations. More casino donations followed for many of us, but it seemed that a few found success with the sportsbook betting. I for one, did quite well on the games, and gave it back to the house at the tables (thank you Uncle Albert and the Roulette Wheel). A valued lesson folks...if you know that Roulette odds suck, and you don't like the game at all to begin with, don't let your pals talks you into playing anyway....
Another lesson learned...never let Jorge Schultz cut cards at a blackjack table. You may as well let the dealer kick you in the crotch, and give her your money as you limp away with...well, half of your dignity.
Big thanks to Rod Y for his "hook-up"....it served the boys well. A second big thanks to Rod's pal, and club owner, for his hospitality. Pac Man Jones may not have had a great time there, but we sure did.
Heath and Albert, we hope you had a great time and we hope your weddings are fantastic, and your futures fruitful....and as for Jesudoss...let's just hope what happened in Vegas didn't come home to Chicago in the form of a rash in deep need of ointments.....
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Weekend of Debauchery II
Golf, sun, gambling, more drinking that any one man can handle in a weekend....
It must be June, and the boys from MU, Shawano, The Race Track, CA, and Red Sox Land are ready for another golf trip.
Not this time....rather, two of our group are entering the dwelling comprised of expensive jewels, over-priced cake, and the doghouse. Yes, two of our fellow debauchery brothers are getting married this spring/summer.
The sun, gambling, and festivities are coming early this year, in what is most likey the greatest city on earth to host an event worthy of extreme excitement. Planned for months, 20+ of us are meeting in the sinners city to enjoy all that it offers (well not ALL, but 90% of it that won't land you a seat next to PacMan Jones at the local courthouse).
The NCAA tourney starts tomorrow, St. Patrick's Day is Saturday, and two of our best pals are entering the last run of bachelor freedom. Could there be a better line-up to celebrate these last months???
Golf is set for Friday and Satruday at two nice tracks just outside the Vegas city limits. Dinner and surprises for Friday night will be more than memorable....and hopefully someone other than Albert takes the Green Jacket home (I have lost wait to make sure it fits).
I made sure to call ahead to the NY/NY Hotel and Casino (hosting many of us) to ensure they were well stocked with Pabst Blue Ribbon, High Life, and any tools necessary to accommodate a last minute pipe building contest for our beloved Kid Joe. Plans are secured, reservations made, and barring flight delays on Jet Blue, we will all be ready to ride the party bull through Sunday.
What happens, what stories live on, and who survives it all is up in the air....but one thing is for sure....this will be one hell of a trip. Looking forward to seeing you all soon...
-Next post: Sunday evening, when I will have less money, nasty breath, and in need of a full 2 days of sleep....
It must be June, and the boys from MU, Shawano, The Race Track, CA, and Red Sox Land are ready for another golf trip.
Not this time....rather, two of our group are entering the dwelling comprised of expensive jewels, over-priced cake, and the doghouse. Yes, two of our fellow debauchery brothers are getting married this spring/summer.
The sun, gambling, and festivities are coming early this year, in what is most likey the greatest city on earth to host an event worthy of extreme excitement. Planned for months, 20+ of us are meeting in the sinners city to enjoy all that it offers (well not ALL, but 90% of it that won't land you a seat next to PacMan Jones at the local courthouse).
The NCAA tourney starts tomorrow, St. Patrick's Day is Saturday, and two of our best pals are entering the last run of bachelor freedom. Could there be a better line-up to celebrate these last months???
Golf is set for Friday and Satruday at two nice tracks just outside the Vegas city limits. Dinner and surprises for Friday night will be more than memorable....and hopefully someone other than Albert takes the Green Jacket home (I have lost wait to make sure it fits).
I made sure to call ahead to the NY/NY Hotel and Casino (hosting many of us) to ensure they were well stocked with Pabst Blue Ribbon, High Life, and any tools necessary to accommodate a last minute pipe building contest for our beloved Kid Joe. Plans are secured, reservations made, and barring flight delays on Jet Blue, we will all be ready to ride the party bull through Sunday.
What happens, what stories live on, and who survives it all is up in the air....but one thing is for sure....this will be one hell of a trip. Looking forward to seeing you all soon...
-Next post: Sunday evening, when I will have less money, nasty breath, and in need of a full 2 days of sleep....
Monday, March 12, 2007
65 Strong...who got left out???
YAHOOOO!!! The bracket is out, the seeds aligned, and the match-ups making odds creators tremble some. Scan your bracket again, look it over before you make any picks...how tough will it be this year????
We may say it every year, but, "This year may be the best year ever!!" My bracket busting is always the same....pick the games fast and without your heart the first time, and then go back and if you have to second guess, write them down, and think it over. If you second guess more than 5 games in round one, start over. Well, I didn't have to start over, but there are some tough picks this year, here's just a few:
ODU/Butler (Upset in the making?)
UNLV/GTech (flip a coin)
Stanford/Louisville (I think this will be a great game, could be buzzer beater)
MU/MSU (teacher vs. pupil (one that didn't learn much), size vs. speed, bet with your head, not your heart kids...)
BYU vs. Xavier (moneyline only, betting the spread here is a losing proposition)
There are many more great games, and much to be excited about for potential round 2 scenarios....but who got left out. Eeveryone wants to scream about the Big East....but folks, I have said it all year long, the Big East coaches didn't play quality teams outside of the conference. Marquette beat Duke (because of a tourney, not even scheduled), and outside of that you really don't have a big win. WVU beat UCLA, which is the only exception (at home), and yet they couldn't beat anyone else. Cuse, well, who did they beat? MU? I am glad that the committee finally left out a school with a big name, who didn't do enough.
Now, if you are Drexel, you can complain. These guys beat Big East teams (one above, and one that is in, won 20 games, etc...and was snubbed. They also beat Creighton, who I have winning their first game.
What about FSU...? They had big wins this year, and as I read here (http://proxy.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney07/news/story?page=2007NCAAsnubs) everyone of their 12 losses came in the RPI top 50. There may be no such thing as a good loss, but if you are going to lose, don't make it to South Florida, Northwestern, or Cinnci.
I would have left out Illinois and let Drexel in...it just made sense this year. Missouri State was my pick early, but I figured they had to win more in the MVC tourney, which they failed to do. They had all the making of a cinderella early, two great guards, shot makers, etc...but didn't get it done. Same with Bradley....but, as I mention above, watch out for those Bluejays...like him or not, Albert's cousin Nate Funky Fresh is the kind of guy that can "will" wins....look out Memphis.
Vegas in 3 days, and the best bracket in years has me too excited to keep typing....Should be a good one!!!!
I'm out like a Dominic James 3 pointer....
We may say it every year, but, "This year may be the best year ever!!" My bracket busting is always the same....pick the games fast and without your heart the first time, and then go back and if you have to second guess, write them down, and think it over. If you second guess more than 5 games in round one, start over. Well, I didn't have to start over, but there are some tough picks this year, here's just a few:
ODU/Butler (Upset in the making?)
UNLV/GTech (flip a coin)
Stanford/Louisville (I think this will be a great game, could be buzzer beater)
MU/MSU (teacher vs. pupil (one that didn't learn much), size vs. speed, bet with your head, not your heart kids...)
BYU vs. Xavier (moneyline only, betting the spread here is a losing proposition)
There are many more great games, and much to be excited about for potential round 2 scenarios....but who got left out. Eeveryone wants to scream about the Big East....but folks, I have said it all year long, the Big East coaches didn't play quality teams outside of the conference. Marquette beat Duke (because of a tourney, not even scheduled), and outside of that you really don't have a big win. WVU beat UCLA, which is the only exception (at home), and yet they couldn't beat anyone else. Cuse, well, who did they beat? MU? I am glad that the committee finally left out a school with a big name, who didn't do enough.
Now, if you are Drexel, you can complain. These guys beat Big East teams (one above, and one that is in, won 20 games, etc...and was snubbed. They also beat Creighton, who I have winning their first game.
What about FSU...? They had big wins this year, and as I read here (http://proxy.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney07/news/story?page=2007NCAAsnubs) everyone of their 12 losses came in the RPI top 50. There may be no such thing as a good loss, but if you are going to lose, don't make it to South Florida, Northwestern, or Cinnci.
I would have left out Illinois and let Drexel in...it just made sense this year. Missouri State was my pick early, but I figured they had to win more in the MVC tourney, which they failed to do. They had all the making of a cinderella early, two great guards, shot makers, etc...but didn't get it done. Same with Bradley....but, as I mention above, watch out for those Bluejays...like him or not, Albert's cousin Nate Funky Fresh is the kind of guy that can "will" wins....look out Memphis.
Vegas in 3 days, and the best bracket in years has me too excited to keep typing....Should be a good one!!!!
I'm out like a Dominic James 3 pointer....
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Selection Sunday Around the Horn...
It would appear that UNC will take a number 1 seed tomorrow, as they have a pretty smooth path to the ACC Championship. A&M lost any chance of grabbing a top spot by losing to OSU...and UCLA should have blown their's as well, proving they are great, but have a tendancy to play down to the opposition.
WVU shouldn't be in, they proved you die by the 3 as easily as you win with it this week. I am surprised by many "experts" saying that Nova is a lock? They do not impress me at all....that will be a first round exit team, mark it down (I know I will in Vegas regardless of who they play).
Purdue is playing their way in, MSU will go (Izzo factor) despite losing to UW again. Illinois is not too tough, but the win against IU may have done it. If they can surprise UW (unlikely) they are a lock. I think UW is a legit #1 with UCLA losing, A&M, and Florida needing the SEC Title to keep a spot. Assuming both OSU and UW make the final, I think they keep serious #1 seed shots....
I love that the at large births shrunk again last night due to upsets. I don't want to see Texas Tech, WVU, Michigan, etc...none of them are truly deserving. I like KState, ODU, and even Stanford based on the success of the Pac-10 this year (shocked, yes, I have said it all year, the Pac-10 is great...). Look for AZ to play much better in the tourney, and USC is a dangerous first round opponent for anyone.
The Ducks are legit...but must get to the rack often and successfully...if this happens, watch them go to the elite 8.
Here are a few early predictions:
WVU shouldn't be in, they proved you die by the 3 as easily as you win with it this week. I am surprised by many "experts" saying that Nova is a lock? They do not impress me at all....that will be a first round exit team, mark it down (I know I will in Vegas regardless of who they play).
Purdue is playing their way in, MSU will go (Izzo factor) despite losing to UW again. Illinois is not too tough, but the win against IU may have done it. If they can surprise UW (unlikely) they are a lock. I think UW is a legit #1 with UCLA losing, A&M, and Florida needing the SEC Title to keep a spot. Assuming both OSU and UW make the final, I think they keep serious #1 seed shots....
I love that the at large births shrunk again last night due to upsets. I don't want to see Texas Tech, WVU, Michigan, etc...none of them are truly deserving. I like KState, ODU, and even Stanford based on the success of the Pac-10 this year (shocked, yes, I have said it all year, the Pac-10 is great...). Look for AZ to play much better in the tourney, and USC is a dangerous first round opponent for anyone.
The Ducks are legit...but must get to the rack often and successfully...if this happens, watch them go to the elite 8.
Here are a few early predictions:
- Florida grabs a #1 after closing up the SEC
- Kansas keeps #1, but OSU gives them a run...
- UW beats OSU to grab a #1 spot
- UNC wins the ACC easily and takes the 4th spot.
- OSU doesn't make the elite 8, their shooting will get them that far, but stall (remember, they are really young).
- MU will need McNeal to make it past the first round, Fitz won't have 20 three games in a row, and Barro won't be enough to keep other teams from killing them inside.
- Cinderella??? KState/USC look out, if you play them early!
Andrew likes UW in the Final Four, and Oregon....I think he confuses the Green and Gold for America's Packers...cannot blame him.
FYI, Drew says "football" now, every morning and points to Brett's statue in his room. Kid already knows greatness when he sees it....you have to love it!
Enjoy the games today...4 days and counting until Vegas...!!!
-Skogen
Friday, March 09, 2007
Well my Dad and I watched the MU game last night...another stellar game for my pal Dominic James (I am not wearing this damn jersey anymore). Hopefully Coach Dipshit (as Dad calls him) will find a way to win a first round game without Lord Wade..............
Sorry, had to go change into my Badger shirt for the big game tonight. At least one of my teams has a good shot at a deep run this year.
Talk to you guys soon...
-Drew
Big Move News
NO, the NBA is not moving a team to Las Vegas. However, the Skogen family is finally moving back to sunny California. Sandy and I signed the papers to close on our home April 30th and move to California May 1st!!!
I haven't yet pealed Sandy off the ceiling, but I am sure she will come down in time to leave.
Anyone that wants to come help pack is welcome...FREE BEER!
Andrew is excited to be closer to his cousins and have a bigger home to run wild in...and of course, he is happy to know that he won't have to help me shovel the driveway next year here in snowy WI.
There is speculation that Uncle Tyler may be joining us in our move....as long as we are not transporting his herbal garden goods, we should make is safely.
More to come...
I haven't yet pealed Sandy off the ceiling, but I am sure she will come down in time to leave.
Anyone that wants to come help pack is welcome...FREE BEER!
Andrew is excited to be closer to his cousins and have a bigger home to run wild in...and of course, he is happy to know that he won't have to help me shovel the driveway next year here in snowy WI.
There is speculation that Uncle Tyler may be joining us in our move....as long as we are not transporting his herbal garden goods, we should make is safely.
More to come...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)