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MysticBliss: Taking Flight

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:00:00 -0400

Sometimes the most mystical thing we can do is laugh our arses off:

Hot dip

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:26:00 -0400

There's something wildly decadent about picnic or pot luck hot dips. You'd never make them just for yourself, to nibble of an afternoon or for dinner. Yet they're irresistible in the right setting. Below is a list of the hot dips I had available to me today:Chicken wing dipPizza dipTaco dipSalsa Sausage QuesoI personally make a mean reuben dip, which is practically guaranteed to turn even reuben-haters into fans. I'll post approximate recipes soon, but for now, I have a happy, full tummy and need to sleep off all this cheese...

Video-ENWR-Tamarack Wildlife Rehab

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:20:00 -0400

The video below was taken at the Guys Mills Heritage Fest that took place on June 27, 2009 in the town of Guys Mills, PA and on the Erie National Wildlife Refuge (Guys Mills.) The birds from the Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center exhibit was a big hit.

See more videos from the day [...]

Video-ENWR-Bird Walk Part 2

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:10:00 -0400

Below is part 2 of the Bird Walk video led by Rich Eakin at the Guys Mills Heritage Fest on June 27, 2009. The bird walk was at the Erie National Wildlife Refuge as part of the Fest.

Click HERE for BIRD WALK PART 1

Videos-ENWR- Bird Walk Part 1

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:05:00 -0400

During the Guys Mills Heritage Fest I was lucky enough to go on the scheduled bird walk led by Rich Eakin. He gave an excellent walk and I learned a lot. Another walk was led by Ron Leberman. Note: Other videos that show as thumbnails on the bottom of the video box when [...]

Holmes Among a Few Players Already Talking Super Bowl for the Steelers

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:21:00 -0400

No one since the Denver Broncos have been to the Super Bowl in back-to-back seasons, but that isn’t stopping some Steelers led by last year’s Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes thinking that the 09 season will once again belong to the Black and Gold. Yes, Holmes thinks the Steelers are going to be Super Bowl bound once again, and told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review that the team is going to be back in the big game in 2010 when it’s played down in Dolphins Stadium in Miami (or should I say Landshark Stadium). “We’re not wondering will we make it back, if we’ll make it back,” said Holmes. “We look forward to going back to the Super Bowl.” Holmes is not the only one that has a strong opinion that the Steelers will once again be very good in 2009. Fellow linebacker James Farrior, who was a key player on the leagues number one defense last year, also feels that the club could get out of the AFC and make it to the dance. “We definitely feel like we have a great opportunity ahead of us,” linebacker James Farrior said. “We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. We’ve just got to focus on the job at hand and take it through the proper steps, and we feel we can have another good season.” Le’ts not forget though that the Steelers had similar thoughts in 2006 after winning Super Bowl XL in Detroit over the Seahawks 21-10, but a 2-6 start and a lot of off the field problems like coach Bill Cowher’s pending step down as head coach derailed a repeat from that team making it to the dance. CB Ike Taylor remembers that 06 season which ended with an 8-8 record, and says they won’t let that happen in 2009. “We remember how that felt and (are) trying not to let it happen again,” Taylor said. “We have enough players on the team who went through it and have it in the back of their heads what it’s going to take to have success. We’ve got a good mix on the team of young guys and old guys. I like us. We have the confidence and the swagger.” The Steelers are a brash, but very good bunch, and while they are already doing a lot of talking off the field, there’s no doubt they seem headed to being a force to be reckon with on the field. Now we’ll see in about a month if all the talking will be backed up or not by this solid group of players.

POINT COUNTERPOINT II in port for concerts

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:32:00 -0400

POINT COUNTERPOINT II arrived in Erie yesterday and docked at West Dobbin's Landing. This morning the vessel moved behind the Erie Maritime Museum and is docked there for two concerts, one which is being performed at this time and the second scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $10 per ticket. Erie Shipping News © 2006-2008 by Jeff Thoreson. When using stories, credit is always appreciated.

A Fourth of July Message

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:36:00 -0400

Have a great weekend!

Grade: Incomplete

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:35:00 -0400

Alaska Governor (and former Vice Presidential candidate) Sarah Palin is quitting mid term. According to all the news stories, effective July 25th, she’s handing over the reins to her Lieutenant Governor. Why? Good question. It’s possible she got tired of being the brunt of jokes. It’s possible she got tired of politics. It’s possible there’s a serious health issue. It’s possible she wants to concentrate on a presidential run in 2012. It’s possible there’s a scandal on the horizon and she chose to bow out of the spotlight before it comes to light. It’s possible she just got bored. Whatever the reason, she is refusing to finish the job she asked the people of Alaska to give her and she’s refusing to give her constituents a good reason. Pretty lame, if you ask me. But, hey, good riddance.

Patriotism is More than Fireworks and Flag Pins

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:32:00 -0400

Last week Sarah wrote about the lasting negative impacts recessions can have on society, decimating a generation’s collective trust placed in important financial institutions and processes. There’s another side to this recession coin, though. As cliche as it may be, one large opportunity we as Americans have is to re-examine what really matters to us. I’m not invoking that mushy stuff about “living like you’re dying,” or seizing the day, living as if every day is your last. Unfortunately deaths occur every day that reinforce the fragility of life. Recessions force us to get back to basics. We have to clean out our closets, separating the SWAG of life from the non-negotiables. This perspective was reflected in last year’s presidential campaign. Barack Obama was lambasted by conservatives for refusing to wear a flag pin on his jacket’s lapel. The audacity! Then-candidate Obama would go on to explain that patriotism is more than whether or not one places a piece of metal on one’s coat.
“Somebody noticed I wasn’t wearing a flag lapel pin and I told folks, well you know what? I haven’t probably worn that pin in a very long time. I wore it right after 9/11. But after a while, you start noticing people wearing a lapel pin, but not acting very patriotic. Not voting to provide veterans with resources that they need. Not voting to make sure that disability payments were coming out on time. “My attitude is that I’m less concerned about what you’re wearing on your lapel than what’s in your heart. And you show your patriotism by how you treat your fellow Americans, especially those who served. You show your patriotism by being true to our values and our ideals and that’s what we have to lead with is our values and our ideals.” Since September 2001, many a politician, with an eye on the patriotism market, donned those flag pins. They became a part of our culture. The conventional wisdom never questioned them. And I’d wager that if a candidate refused to wear a pin before the economy’s crumble, say John Kerry in 2004, the refusal would have been met with scorn and powerful attacks by the GOP on Kerry’s patriotism that would have stuck (the Swift Boat stuff could have been irrelevant). But Obama’s decision to shed the pin and explanation came too far into Bush’s term. By that point, the Bush administration’s complacency in dealing with Hurricane Katrina had already been well-noticed on the Gulf Coast and everywhere else. People had already sensed that families were losing their brave patriots in a war that shouldn’t have been fought. And signs of a faltering economy were already prevalent. Suddenly problem-solving mattered more than symbols. Before the chaos, symbolic warfare may have captivated Americans; following the storm, it didn’t matter. The back-to-basics theme is relevant around a holiday like the Fourth of July, a day on which we commemorate the blood, sweat, tears, and everything else that coalesced into the United States of America. On a day that sees many customs observed, there is none bigger than fireworks. Unfortunately, even the most basic of customs comes with a hefty price tag. Paired with the worst economic climate in decades, the price is becoming too much for many communities to bear, setting up a “y” in the road: pay for an hour-long fireworks show, or retain jobs. Average Americans have been able to enjoy past Independence Days, free from the burden of severe financial pressure and other things that a bad economy brings. Pleasant memories of these times yield some cognitive dissonance for these same Americans when presented with today’s fork in the road: fireworks or their troubled pursuit of happiness? Euclid, Ohio, profiled in the Los Angeles Times this week, is one of many communities struggling with this very decision. People have long considered the fireworks a treasure of this Cleveland suburb, where flags fly year-round in neighborhoods of bungalows and stores post signs for passersby to “support our troops.” But the fireworks and singing along to “The Star-Spangled Banner” on a warm summer night — and the police and firefighters needed to manage the 30,000 people who turn out — don’t come cheap. So this year, Euclid will have no fireworks. “I’m 55 years old and I can’t remember not going to one of these,” Cervenik said. As the economic crisis has dragged on, city leaders around the country say fireworks are a luxury they can no longer afford. Big and small, urban and rural, the skies will remain dark over at least four dozen communities nationwide come July 4. “It came down to this: Did we want to spend $150,000 on something that would be over in a few hours?” Cervenik said. “Or did we want to use that money to keep city workers employed?” Fireworks don’t mean much when quality of life is seriously threatened, just as flag pins don’t carry the same value when the pursuit of happiness we treasure is in peril. Euclid officials and the leaders of other communities choosing to sacrifice fireworks shows in the name of economic viability should be applauded. This choice, while wrenching, presents an opportunity to shine the spotlight on that which is really the most influential to our collective pursuits. It forces us to recognize that flag pins and fireworks exist because of something bigger. It forces us to separate that SWAG from the non-negotiables of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Tagged: common good, economy, Independence Day, patriotism, Politics, Wordpress Political Blogs

4th of July FIREWORKS

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:57:00 -0400

There will be fireworks tonight and tomorrow night to celebrate the 4th of July!Yay, USA!

Family Separation

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:39:00 -0400

Sad and happy day- I am currently packing Henry & I to go to Florida to meet my family for a week (Happy!). This will be the first time for our little family to be apart and it's also the longest that Adam & I have ever been apart since we've been married (Sad.). Adam is moping around here, which actually is pretty sweet, and we've tried to think of lots of activities for him to do when he's done with work each day next week to keep him occupied. He's going to go fishing and he might even go to a 4th party tomorrow night after he drops us at the airport- which is pretty big because Adam has some hermit-like tendencies. And, of course, he has Powers to cuddle with and pass the lonely nights.I am, by definition, a last-minute packer. I usually half-hazardly toss my stuff into a suitcase moments before walking out the door. 9 bras, 1 sock, 2 shirts, no pants. THIS, however, has changed now that I have a little (almost) 11-week old as a travel-buddy. Meticulous...checklists (not really)...but still, some thought and planning is certainly required. Oh well, if all else fails, he can just be a naked coppertone baby. So, Happy 4th and if we have internet, I'll check in...otherwise, see ya in a week. Unless Adam gets so bored that he blogs!

Jenny's A Senior!

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:39:00 -0400

Here are some images from Jenny's Senior Portraits. We are going to do the full set over a few days.

PA Budget Follies '09

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:18:00 -0400

(News-Herald, July 2) In our universe, “deadline” means “the point by which a piece of work must be done.” If my editors say “Your deadline is 3 am next Tuesday,” I know that I need to have my work in to them BEFORE 3am on Tuesday. But when the suits in Harrisburg talk about the “budget deadline,” they actually mean “the point in time at which we’ll START to seriously work on completing a budget.” The time before the deadline, the period in which you or I (silly political amateurs) would be trying to finish a real budget—well, that’s the time that the folks in Harrisburg get busy posturing and positioning for the real budget negotiations. Negotiating is a refined art in the best of circumstances; two parties must work out a mutually satisfactory solution, and they begin this journey toward mutual understanding by sitting down and telling big fat bald-faced lies. I want to end up with one fluffy bunny, so I demand a truckload of weasels. You want me to end up with only one fluffy bunny, so you propose to kill every pet I ever have or will own. And then we begin a series of conversations to gauge how big the lies are that we are telling each other. Political negotiating is especially entertaining because the goal is to scare not just your opponents, but also all the innocent bystanders (aka “voters”). Our problem is simple. The amount of money we would like to spend is a much larger amount than the amount of money we expect to have available. And because we lack the federal government’s ability to make money out of air while using a time machine to pick the pockets of generations yet unborn, we have to find a way to make those two amounts Not So Different. Everybody knows there are two solutions. 1) Take in more money. 2) Give away less money. For individuals, there are good and bad ways to do both of these. “Get a better paying job” is a more useful solution than “Knock over a Kwik-Fill” or “Take out a fraudulent mortgage” for generating income. “Stop buying things you don’t need” is preferable to “Cut back to one meal a week” or “Stop paying bills.” Republicans have floated a budget that slashes a variety of programs. A variety of economic/community grants, support for tourism, and arts money, as well as (depending on who’s doing the analysis) state parks, environmental protection, and legal defense. Various affected groups are already out beating the bushes and raising the alarms. I get regular e-mails of panic about cutting arts funding to zero, which trickles down just about everywhere (even into Venangoland). Other critics say cuts would close state parks, shut down health care, and blot out the sun. Meanwhile, Smilin’ Ed is proposing a whole bunch of additional taxes on everything that moves. Oh, and “temporary” income tax hikes. Critics suggest this would make PA’s lousy business climate even worse, send rich people running to Barbados, and blot out the sun. To the panicked screeching on both sides, add smoke and mirrors. Federal stimulus money is in there, but in some cases, such as education, maybe not really. Like when your Grandma gave you an extra five dollars and then your parents cut your allowance by five dollars that week. To sort it all out, you need someone who is 1) knowledgeable and 2) not trying to sell you something. Good luck with that. Short of some really creative solutions (Sell Philadelphia on e-bay) the commonwealth faces hard choices, and I’d like to blame just the dopes in Harrisburg, but part of the solution is for the electorate to suck it up. It may be unfair that the state is in this mess, but here we are. The long term health of the state may require many of us to bite some short term bullets.Selfish solutions (“Get the money from people who aren’t me”) aren’t an answer. And both “We don’t care what you cut as long as you don’t raise taxes” and “Tax anyone and anything as long as there are no cuts” are stupid solutions. Scare tactics won’t help. Political posturing won’t help. Serious consideration of the issues and an honest view of the state’s future would help. Now that we’ve actually entered budget season, maybe some brains and vision will emerge soon, and those Harrisburg geniuses can start doing the job they were supposed to finish weeks ago.

Should we use adjectives to describe how “christian” someone is?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:50:00 -0400

The past few weeks I’ve taken note of phrases like, “nominal Christian”, “he/she is not very deep in his/her faith”, “their faith isn’t very mature”… you get the idea. I heard a sermon this morning that focused on Revelation 3:16 where it says: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” “Lukewarm” sounds a lot like some terms we use to describe some Christians. It was by Francis Chan and it’s up on iTunes. He had some very powerful insights into the whole thing.

Better Know a Draft Pick: Danny Green

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:24:00 -0400

In the fourth and final segment of the "Better Know a Draft Pick" series, I'll look at the lone second-round selection of an Erie BayHawks affiliate, Danny Green, who was chosen 46th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.The GoodComing out of North Carolina fresh off a national championship, Green is a winner. Green is a natural fit to replace Sasha Pavlovic, who was sent to Sacramento in the trade for Shaquille O'Neal. He's best as a spot-up shooter, which makes him a perfect piece to play alongside players who command a double-team a la Shaq and LeBron. Green hit on 41.8 percent of his 3-point attempts during his senior season at North Carolina. He's also a solid defender.The BadGreen isn't particularly versatile. He's not going to beat a lot of people off the dribble or score in the paint, but you don't expect to draft an all-star in the second round. Green was able to be a complimentary piece in college and will be asked to do the same in college.The UnknownThe biggest question with Green is, how much better can he get? He worked and improved his game in each of his four years as a Tar Heel. As he stands now, Green is likely a low-rotation player, maybe the 8th or 9th man. If he can continue to get better, is he a potential starter on a playoff team? The key would be developing more of an all-around offensive game to go with his spot-up shooting.The chances he'll see playing time for the Erie BayHawks20 percent. Depending on what the Cavs do with Wally Szczerbiak and the remaining holes on their roster, it's possible that Green could be expected to step in and play right away. At 22, he is a pretty mature ballplayer. However, it's possible that he may also get the Darnell Jackson treatment from a year ago and see a few games in a BayHawks uniform to give him some extra development work.Final ThoughtsI was surprised that the Cavs didn't take a proven college player with their first-round selection, so it was no surprise when they bounced back and took a player like Danny Green with their second pick. Along with Jackson, they now have a player from each of the past two NCAA champions in house, and it never hurts to bring in players with a winning pedigree, especially when you're a franchise trying to get over the hump to win a championship. Green could very well see himself in some crucial situations later in the season much like Daniel "Boobie" Gibson did during his rookie season with the Cavs.For full blog content, please visit eriebayhawks.blogspot.com

10 Extreme Lessons

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:42:00 -0400

This was the most wonderful ministry experience I've ever been a part of. I learned a lot, and I want to get these thoughts down before I forget them.Email, Twitter and FaceBook are the best forms of communication for a quick project turnaround.Extreme Makeover: Home Edition t-shirts are, apparently, worth more than gold. Teach your children how to listen to directions, or they will grow up to be annoying adults who don't understand anything you tell them. Please: do society a favor and get it done.When people constantly tell you, "You're doing an awesome job, GET SOME SLEEP," you know that you must be on top of your game.Anne Maleno had the most difficult job on that site...and she rocked it. She has the awesome ability to be firm and direct while staying positive and thankful toward each individual. I was impressed to say the least.True colors and motivations come out in times like these. Everyone has struggles and needs, so it's important not to let those things cloud how you view a person on a regular basis. Deal with it, make it right, and then move on.Teaching your church how to love and serve people is the best way to spend your marketing dollars.Don't do something because you want to impress someone, do it because you're serving God. You'll never make it if you try to please people. You'll be constantly disappointed.Don't underestimate the power of momentum and influence. This was just the beginning. If in one year, all we have to show for this is nice flowers on East 21st Street, we missed it big time.Every human being longs for true community. Jesus can unite people more powerfully than I can explain or comprehend. Get to know your neighbors: it will probably change all of your lives.Here's a link to some photos on flickr.And here are some media links.

Strange Days and the Passing of Time

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:17:00 -0400

I have no excuses besides some laziness for not posting anything here in over a month. Time just has a way of accelerating sometimes, doesn't it? In the past 6 weeks, I have been (mostly) more happy than I have in the past 12 years. baby geese with guardian, Presque Isle, late MayDan has moved out. The sad part of that for me is that Liam is staying mostly with him for the summer. This is good for Liam and I know Dan will take decent care of him. It's just that Dan and I differ widely on what is appropriate and not appropriate for an eight-year-old boy, so when Liam comes back to me full-time for the school year, I'm sure I'll be faced with a very spoiled kid. No matter, though, I'll face that when I come to it.In the meantime, I busy myself with working and taking pictures...Waterfall at Wintergreen Gorge, Early June and I have found a friend to have adventures with. (This would be a big part of the reason for my current state of happiness.) At Rimrock Overlook, early JuneMeanwhile, the kiddos seem to be adjusting just fine. Less tension is always a good thing for everyone. At Cook's Forest, mid JuneEmily and I are getting on well...she's attending summer school for Geometry so she can move on with her current math track in the fall. Her pierced lip still bothers me some.At Presque Isle, mid JuneAnd I am adjusting to this new sensation of calmness. I think this is what life is supposed to be like. Sunset, late June.

Daytona, FL Forecast, Coke Zero 400 July 4th (Friday Update) #NASCAR

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:00:00 -0400

Daytona, FL

July 3 Friday July 4 Saturday July 4 Sat. Night

Partly sunny, hot & humid with sct. thunderstorms Sunshine & clouds, drier just an isolated t’storm p.m.. Looks mainly dry with patchy clouds, warm & sticky.

High: 93°

High: 93° Low: 75° Temps: 85°-78°

Yesterday I said the following, “It’s Florida in July, it will be what you expect hot, humid and yes there are chances of showers and thunderstorms.” That holds true for Friday. It will remain hot and humid, no surprise for Florida, but there is enough moisture that late afternoon and evening there could be some storms. The good news is the threat of rain Saturday and Saturday look low to not there. I hope that holds true, it would be nice to have at least one of the Daytona races be rain free. You can follow me on twitter at two locations @NASCAR_WXMAN and @BrianNeudorff, because of the holiday I have plans to be with the family and friends during the race so my updates may be limited but I will continue to check my iPhone while I am out and keep an eye on radars.

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Friday's Festivus for the Rest - Sweets

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:05:00 -0400

Dear Seinfeld Fans, sorry I didn't get a chance to blog two Fridays in a row.I hope this was worth the wait.This week I am featuring the show's references to sweets. My personal favorite Seinfeld Sweet: Junior Mints!What's yours? Can't remember them, check out below:Oh Henry! Candy Bars: “Sue Ellen Mischke Elaine, the heiress to the O'Henry candy bar fortune, I ran into her today. This woman has never, not once, ever, as long as I have known her, worn a bra.” - ElaineJunior Mint: “Who’s going to turn down a Junior Mint? It's chocolate, it's peppermint -it's delicious! It’s very refreshing.” - KramerDrake’s Coffee Cake: “Assassins! How dare they keep a person waiting like this! … Drake’s Coffee Cake? … Give me that.” – Elaine (supposed to be fasting prior to surgery)Jujy Fruit: “So you heard that I was in a car accident and then decided to stop off for some Jujyfruit?” - Jake (to Elaine with her mouth full of Jujyfruit)Pez: “It was an accident. It really wasn't my fault. It was Jerry. Jerry put a Pez dispenser on my leg.” – Elaine“You put a Pez dispenser on her leg during my recital?” - NoelNon-fat Frozen Yogurt: “See, how could this not have any fat? It's too good.” – George“This is so beep-ing good.” – JerryRum Raisin Baskin Robbins Ice Cream: “I'm not sorry. I was never sorry. It was cashmere. I hate Step Nine! Where's that Rum Raisin? Where is it? Can't find anything. I need a drink.” – HankePudding Skin Singles: “I found a great way to separate the skin from the top of the pudding without leaving any around the edges; Exacto knife.” – GeorgeMaple Syrup: “Hey, is that my maple syrup?” – Jerry (to Kramer)“You bring your own syrup?” – Meryl“Got to.” – Kramer“You got a lot to learn about pancakes.” - JerryI feel like I may have forgotten some and others I included in the Baked Goods post. Let me know if you remember any others.