StewStuph

What a great weekend.  It started off Friday night with a nice DVD night at home.  We watched Nebraska , which was also playing at NCMA , but we decided to stay in for the night.  Interesting film, a little slow in parts, funny in others, and a nice examination of intra-family dynamics and brings questions of, how much do we REALLY know about our parents. Saturday morning we were up early to meet the Cub Scouts at Durant Nature Park for what I thought would be a simple hike. Turns out the Webelos leader set up a nice nature program with the Raleigh Parks and Rec department.  The kids had a chance to learn about what kind of wildlife lives in the park, take samples from the lake and hike along the trails to continue the conversations about local wildlife. We got back from the hike in time to watch the Arsenal match at Goodison Park against Everton .  Not a great result for me on either count.  I was hoping for a win for Arsenal, and spectacular p...

A busy weekend is ahead.  Early morning hike Saturday, Arsenal on TV, Chevelle downtown, Sunday pick-up soccer. Tomorrow morning I plan to join our local Cub Scout Webelos for a nature hike at Durant Nature Park .  When I first moved to Raleigh in 2002 I lived in the townhouses near the park.  I have many memories of time spent there with my kids on the playgrounds and hiking the trails. And I'll never forget Cameron's winter dip in the lower lake.  How I wish I had video. Arsenal play Everton tomorrow also.  Once again I find myself in the uneasy position of hoping for both an Arsenal win and a Tim Howard clean sheet. Later that night I am finally going to see Chevelle live.  I have waited since 1999 to see them live.  The last time I had tickets, February 11, 2000, certain "circumstances" kept me from seeing their set. Sunday morning is my usual pick-up soccer game with the locals.  After that I am sure I will fall asleep on the co...

Well, they can talk as long as they are not talking OVER the music.  This morning I was driving to work, flipping around the satellite radio stations.  Stopping on the 80's station I heard Mark Goodman and decided to wait to see what would play next.  I heard the beginning of the song.  Everybody Wants to Rule the World  by Tears for Fears.  Mark Goodman would not shut up.  Talking about NFL on some other radio station, this that and anything to fill the time up until the last moment before the singing was to begin.  I am sure it takes talent to fill that air and get out just in time, but some of us appreciate the entire song, and not just the portions with the vocals. After that song I went to Alt Nation and Christian James Hand was on the air.  He announced the next song and got out of the way, let the whole song play, unencumbered by his voice. I wonder if it is a matter of the way DJ's worked in the 80's as compared to today. ...

This weekend saw the beginning of the Barclay's Premier League .  Of particular interest to me, Arsenal played Saturday and defeated Crystal Palace.  Off to a good start for The Gunners.  You can read the match report here . The Carolina Railhawks played again at Wake Med Soccer Park.  An early lead was relinquished and eventually The Railhawks were down a goal.  The Railhawks came back to equalize only to give up a penalty kick in stoppage time of the second half.  You can read the match report here . On a more personal note, my own adventures begin tonight, weather permitting.  The team for which I have played with since 2007 or 2008 has finally disbanded.  This summer I played for another team and will continue this season.

I am not a big throwball fan (American football), but this has me hoping for a Carolina Panthers win.  The day after a win, Krispy Kreme is selling original glazed doughnuts for $3.99.

I listen to music all day at work.  I've been listening to music while I work my entire career.  It started in high school drafting class.  While working our teacher let us put on headphones and draw.  Through college and at all of my jobs I have listened to music constantly.  I created a playlist on Google Music All Access Music . A monthly subscription is $9.99, but i found very worthwhile.  Like any good drug dealer  sales person, Google will let you try it free for a month.  This playlist is stuff that I listened to growing up.  Current track list 121 songs for a total play time of 8:44:13.  Perfect for a day of work.  Just put it on shuffle and let it go.

I am expecting a delivery from FedEx tomorrow sometime.  I hope my package is treated with more care than those in this video.

Automobiles are becoming increasingly sophisticated each year.  Our American society can be a very litigious one.  Car manufacturers realize this and in an attempt to keep us safe, and themselves out of the court room, they crowd car instrument panels with warning lights to alert drivers of potential hazards.  Below are just a few symbols and what they mean. This is a new feature on a select few cars.  When this symbol is illuminated, it is alerting you to the fact that the vehicles Rear Thrusters are engaged. While it should be common sense, a car is no place to play.  This is a simple reminder that beachballs should not be tossed about the passenger cabin. Although rare, this is a simple reminder that you are diving one of two conjoined cars.  This task is made more difficult when each vehicle has it's own independent power and/or drivetrain. Many cars now have sensors mounted in the rear of the vehicle.  They are helpfu...