tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35818572011-09-25T14:14:11.243-05:00Musings, commentary, and general stuff and nonsense from "The Virginian", Brian HightBriannoreply@blogger.comBlogger4481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-77155064993277432582008-07-16T21:13:00.005-05:002008-12-08T20:52:32.933-06:00

So, what have we been up to? Photo 1 shows Parker Grace and the family at home just before entering the house as a family of four for the first time.Photo 2 is Lillian's bid for the Toddler Party nomination. Truly a sleeper among interest groups, its main limitations are that 529 fundraising campaigns are hard to organize due to the small attention spans and that they are a few campaigns short of

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-89781043182533463172008-02-25T23:28:00.003-06:002008-02-25T23:45:41.071-06:00

Obviously, I don't get to post much on this anymore, those that know me are probably better off trying e-mail at this point, inasmuch as I don't have a presence on the Facebooks and MySpaces of the world for various and sundry reasons. But I did want to share this anecdote:While with a group of Christine's co-workers last Friday night, my turn at the whiteboard in Pictionary turned into

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-60355742351015152022007-11-21T23:40:00.000-06:002007-11-21T23:51:23.665-06:00

As much as I hope to enjoy Saturday's UVa/Tech game for the Coastal Division title, I have to think that somewhere within the ABC/Disney/ESPN/Sheinhardt Wig Company/Conoco/Chubb Group headquarters, they're really hoping not to have to subject Al Groh and company to a national audience. But you know what, I'll take the 17-16 wins and the endless griping of Terps fans over the 4th down spot over

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-43075590249426170392007-09-18T22:37:00.001-05:002007-09-18T22:48:43.005-05:00

You know you've been out of the pop culture loop when your father in law, a man with an MBA from a prestigious B-school, is ahead of the curve on Christine and I on Superbad.Brewers? Maybe I should have counted them out earlier, then the September recovery could have occurred in August. Either way, my bread's buttered towards watching the prolate spheroid on weekends.UVA? The offense is maybe

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-62948030218117892592007-07-30T22:28:00.001-05:002007-07-30T22:30:46.335-05:00

I'm still here, just don't have much time for blogging anymore. As for the Brewers, they at least held the city's sporting attention until the beginning of Packers camp, that's enough fan goodwill for the year.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-64578631615320821512007-06-12T22:19:00.000-05:002007-06-12T22:30:56.150-05:00

Thoughts on tonight's Verlander no-hitter:To date, Lillian has seen or heard two Brewers/Tigers games: We took her to one last June that saw Detroit win 10-1, the other being tonight's game. (Note: neither one saw her listening to 9 innings of baseball, and I really don't think she was listening that intently to tonight's radio and TV broadcasts, as we were running errands throughout the first 6

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-38163152830729034942007-05-30T20:59:00.001-05:002008-12-08T20:52:33.105-06:00

Things I learned in the back half of May 2007, a month that saw my brother-in-law Stuart making the walk for his University of Texas degree.*Fitting a car seat into an Embraer RJ145 seat is haarrd, but can be done.* The Austin Airport LaQunita is next to Denny's.*I at least enjoyed my dining experience here , although the commenting pub lic is divided. (It was the honoree's choice as a meeting

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-71139725840787912602007-05-07T21:49:00.000-05:002007-05-07T22:03:56.746-05:00

Lot of things going on, as the TRASHionals trip led into the week preparing for Lillian's birthday and party, which included my folks being in town, followed by our "Gen X" church group outing to Friday's Brewers game (Half-price tickets, dollar dogs, and Jim Gantner bobbleheads!) and general busyness this weekend and next.As JQ noted, last weekend was an "old school" offering in the sports world

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-59063359711726308052007-04-16T22:37:00.000-05:002007-04-16T22:40:22.656-05:00

At this time, everyone in my family's OK, but with so many Tech alums in my family, today's been a sobering day. We're praying for you here in Wisconsin and across the world.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-59767143211427698362007-04-13T22:00:00.000-05:002007-04-13T22:02:40.593-05:00

Thanks to some free time to surf tonight, I found that yet another generation can watch the Valleydale pork product commercials. Ask anyone who either grew up in Virginia south of the DC media market or had family south of the DC market (say Richmond or Lynchburg in my cae) oh between the Baby Boom generation and say 15 years ago and they'll remember these.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-89427460417190889292007-03-21T21:57:00.000-05:002007-03-21T22:07:01.243-05:00

Ivy League Admissions for the Wiggles Set?Not having to worry about things like this with Lillian is one of the reasons that the Midwest rocks. Ok, maybe there's something like this in Chicago, but still not a concern here in America's Dairyland.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-85151749952419259702007-03-20T22:11:00.000-05:002007-03-20T22:19:09.716-05:00

Hartz Mountain JamboreeI just heard Brad Paisley's "Ticks" the other day and two thoughts from the chorus entered my mind.1. This song was written as a dare for a commercial contest and will soon be borrowed by the Hartz Mountain family of products.AND/OR2. Someone will borrow the main line from this song and make a T-shirt out of it to be sold and seen at various state and county fairs.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-64470451025325146932007-03-15T21:43:00.000-05:002007-03-15T21:44:21.262-05:00

Age Estimates Show Rural Communities Short of Younger Workers, According to a U.Va. Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service StudyThis article leads me to an aside:How do you keep them "down on the farm", or even the Warrentons of the Commonwealth? Not that this is a problem unique to Virginia, as Wisconsin's leaders have expressed worry over a state-wide "brain drain". The answer isn't simple,

Briannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-90966159512337789542007-03-08T21:55:00.000-06:002007-03-12T22:14:20.434-05:00

The Midwest/Air Tran struggle continues. My TRASHionals trip is still on my "hometown" airline into BWI, saving the possibility of Beltway backups from College Park out towards Dulles on Sunday afternoon or a long Metro trip out to National. That being said, I'm still hoping for "The Best Care in the Air" come April.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-69501251639837736252007-02-28T18:11:00.000-06:002007-02-28T20:49:04.391-06:00

Milwaukee Area Shopping Malls - Dens of Iniquity?Sure, this controversial plan at Mayfair Mall, located on the western side of Wauwatosa (and Milwaukee County led the newscasts, but don't forget this news nugget from Southridge Mall (SW of Milwaukee city limits).

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-67727753623394188462007-02-14T20:48:00.000-06:002007-02-18T21:23:23.784-06:00

Not to subject anyone to the Milwaukee Bucks radio network, but I have noticed a trend of Electric Six songs in the bumpers returning from breaks in the 2nd quarter.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-67836693009059260942007-02-14T20:30:00.000-06:002007-02-14T20:45:32.381-06:00

From Greg, who borrowed from Craig.The skinny:If you want to be interviewed:1. Leave me a comment (or send an e-mail to me if the comments widget is not coming up)to that effect.2. I respond by asking you five personal questions.3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the post.5. When others

Briannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-44235260969872263352007-02-06T20:56:00.000-06:002007-02-06T22:01:16.229-06:00

After seeing this breakdown of Michigan's upcoming football schedule, I felt compelled to surf over to the recently announced ACC 2007 schedules. With this in mind, a review of the non-confrence pairings:Boston College - Army (Sept. 22), UMass (Sept. 29), Bowling Green (Oct. 6), at Notre Dame (Oct. 13) - One big rivalry game, 3 steps towards bowl eligibility.Clemson - UL-Monroe (Sept. 8),

Briannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1168482117969147642007-01-10T20:16:00.000-06:002007-01-10T20:21:57.990-06:00

I dunno, you think the NCAA might have a word with us over this photo?

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1166227493263088532006-12-15T18:04:00.000-06:002006-12-15T18:04:53.350-06:00

Remember, folks: When you say Wisconsin, you've said bwaahh? (From the Fond du Lac Reporter)

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1162351153007104772006-10-31T21:14:00.000-06:002006-10-31T21:19:13.026-06:00

"Ok, the salmon exhibit has to be coming up soon. Wait for it, wait for it..." - Happy Halloween from the Hights, courtesy of Boo at the Zoo in Milwaukee County

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1161662152630817002006-10-23T22:49:00.000-05:002006-10-23T22:56:04.050-05:00

Since last time, we've baptized/christened Lillian, entertained my parents for a week (although they helped play Grandma/Grandpa in order to spoil her), I saw a Division III football game in person for the first time, and I learned that I need extra software to convert the home movies into DVD form, and that I don't have time to make such a purchase to make such a conversion. Of course, with all

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1159044370765298742006-09-23T15:34:00.000-05:002006-09-23T15:47:19.350-05:00

Football, or something like itI had a chance to watch the UVA/Ga Tech game (or at least most of the first half and the fourth quarter), and unforunately, the two highlights were Calvin Johnson and the Andre 3000 interview where he managed to state that he was a fan of both Michigan and "Ohio" (State). Is there any chance that he has a deal with Laura Quinn(Hawk) on split jerseys?Political

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1156211982652988202006-08-21T20:56:00.000-05:002006-09-23T15:49:51.153-05:00

So, yeah, it's been awhile..but here's Lillian, almost 4 months, with me at my wife's company picnic yesterday.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1152152972481700242006-07-05T21:15:00.000-05:002006-07-05T21:31:01.143-05:00

Unrelated item to the post below, really I've just been sitting on this since Memorial Day weekend:Thanks to Home Depot and Glidden, you can now have that Tampa Bay Devil Rays living room you've always dreamed about. Don't cheer for the Rays? How about UVA, or the Kansas City Wizards, or the Richard Petty race team? Even better, you can visualize your creation before handing it over to the

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1152152113373652792006-07-05T21:01:00.000-05:002006-07-05T21:15:13.386-05:00

We've seen off the family on Christine's side (both parents, both sisters-in-law, and two nieces, each within the last two weeks with only last Wed. without relatives). During that time, I've given out directions multiple times, spent more time waiting at the Sheraton Brookfield pool than ever anticipated, ordered the Family Meal Deal here twice, partaken of the July shake of the month at

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1151380814468595872006-06-26T22:55:00.000-05:002006-06-26T23:00:14.476-05:00

So, yeah, it's been about a month since I posted here, but what with Lillian and the current in-flux of relatives and in-law relatives, not much time for posting, despite the Mavs in the NBA Finals, a World Cup, and Wisconsin shenanigans such as this. I leave you for now with this: Life ain't easy for a bull named Sheetz.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1148614297382600772006-05-25T22:16:00.000-05:002006-05-25T22:31:37.396-05:00

Since most of my readership is not Wisconsin-based, and for some work-related reasons, I try to minimize local politics, but here's the latest chapter in the saga of a local Milwaukee alderman who sounds like he could collaborate with some of the Western PA characters referenced by Dwight.That being said, now I'm wondering what happened to this erstwhile Michael Jackson after retirement.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1147301471435750602006-05-10T17:49:00.000-05:002006-05-10T17:51:11.446-05:00

Just realized and then finally just had the time to credit Mr. TFTD for tagging me with the "V" last week (Should have mentioned Jimmy Valvano, but I didn't want to work in too many sports references).

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1146891200029235392006-05-05T21:32:00.000-05:002006-06-26T23:01:45.336-05:00

So, yes, Lillian Avery entered the world at about quarter to 6 Central last Friday, of course things went so fast that I never did catch the exact time of birth. What I did manage to do, however, is find that my mental skills are far diminished at 3 AM as opposed to 8 AM and hook my father in law on the antics of Jack Bauer (amidst all the excitement, he managed to watch all of Season 1 from the

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1144723577266060892006-04-10T21:29:00.000-05:002006-04-10T21:46:17.276-05:00

Running down a list of things....B-day is encroaching, origninally scheduled for Cinco de Mayo, but it could get scheduled forward depending on Thursday's checkup. Nesting is in full stage.I did go to the skills competition at the Bradley Center Friday night, although I didn't run into this hockey fan, I am glad he enjoyed a certain custard and burger shop (the Bluemound Road location is about

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1143686158566905202006-03-29T20:35:00.000-06:002006-03-29T20:35:58.630-06:00

Ah, Kansas City, where everything is up to date and traffic can soon drive on the left.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1143517452242045682006-03-27T21:40:00.000-06:002006-03-27T21:44:12.253-06:00

I enjoy bacon, I like the idea of bacon being healthier, but how do you market this innovation in bacon technology?

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1142908610711289172006-03-20T20:24:00.000-06:002006-03-20T20:36:50.723-06:00

Yes, I still use this space, but with the kid coming soon, parents arriving this weekend, and the sump pump failing last week, not much time for this.Anyway, I've been trying to watch the NCAA tournament and some of the WBC when I've had the chance, and once again, it's the March of Timesuck Ads(TM). Between Applebee's and Golden Corral, Christine put forth the that there was a bumper shrimp

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1141346172029795272006-03-02T18:36:00.000-06:002006-03-02T18:36:12.086-06:00

Ah, Milwaukee, home to an art museum where the building itself is a local landmark, and home to events likethis.Meanwhile, the Admirals drew a big crowd for country group Sugarland over the weekend, marking the rare confluence of hockey, cheese, beer, and country music. Then again, Milwaukee's Admirals are a farm club for the Predators, so maybe it does all link together.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1139545866110005822006-02-09T22:29:00.000-06:002006-02-09T22:31:06.120-06:00

Question for the panel: Which is the higher-octane nightmare fuel, the Dwight Schrute bobblehead or tomorrow night's promotion for the Admirals game?

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1139544180887071622006-02-09T21:44:00.000-06:002006-02-09T22:03:00.900-06:00

Texas highlights, in no particular order: *Thinking I was prepared for the ceremony, only I packed the wrong shoes*The hospitality of our hosts and the lunches at Snuffer's and Anamia's*The bride and groom entering the reception site to the sounds of this, and yet me being able to supress the Gob references.*One can compare NYU and Texas A&M's.*Certain Spurlocked chain restaurants still serve

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1138062636735636192006-01-23T18:27:00.000-06:002006-01-23T18:30:36.746-06:00

Nothing big to report, except that work has been busier since the start of the new year, our team won the ABD in Michigan, complete with the usual fun and traditional stops at Big Lots and Steak and Shake in Michigan City, and Red Roof just went up a notch or two in my mind. This weekend should see warmer weather, as we'll be in Dallas for the wedding of one of Christine's friends. Get those

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1136347546823301452006-01-03T22:05:00.000-06:002006-01-03T22:05:46.883-06:00

Two items of note from discovering this blog from the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech:The first is the article about their Virginia election analysis, which can be read here should you want to find out why NoVA can be compared to New Jersey. The other is the Oct. 6 2004 article on "The Real OC" from the blog (told you I just discovered this).

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1136244353183363402006-01-02T17:23:00.000-06:002006-01-02T17:25:53.183-06:00

Another Sugar Bowl story, this one involving alternatives to property destruction or perhaps another prize for next year's F.O.G.H.A.T..

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1136243289534715322006-01-02T16:58:00.000-06:002006-01-02T17:18:01.006-06:00

In honor of the tradition started by Victoria's Amazon.com Odd Discovery Page, I present this item, apparently a hot seller in Houston. Of course, other schools are available, and really, who can't argue with Regis Philbin when it comes to baby gift selection? Lest we forget Madison, you can buy the Badger Mobile, surely a little different than what Alexander Calder originally had in mind.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1135986423212785992005-12-30T17:43:00.000-06:002005-12-30T17:47:03.213-06:00

If this is any indication, West Virginia's coach is a little concerned that a Christian youth gathering is out-partying his players.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1135911620800113662005-12-29T20:22:00.000-06:002005-12-30T17:43:51.436-06:00

We got through Christmas again, but instead of air delays, Christine is dealing with a bug she caught sometime before leaving Milwaukee. This year's schedule saw us travelling to Houston and later Shreveport, with Saturday reville coming early in order to take the 5:40 flight out of Milwaukee in order to see the former Summit (no services going on that early on Christmas Eve and no references of

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1135215104902064352005-12-21T18:34:00.000-06:002005-12-21T19:32:48.093-06:00

Clearing out flotsam and jetsam before the holiday season..only 2 more days until Festivus!I should have brought my camera to the office Christmas party, not for the reasons brought forth in "The Office (US)", but because of the location of the party, whose exhibits included several Nash vehicles and one of the surviving General Lee cars.Speaking of "The Office (US)", is Dwight Schrute

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1134102192935043512005-12-08T21:12:00.000-06:002005-12-08T22:23:12.946-06:00

Trashmasters was as fun as always, although flying in through Midway and Nashville added a new sense of adventure to the trip. More than anything, it was the extra time to spend due to being prepared for Chicago traffic when driving to the airport, which was only bad around downtown and then the extra time in the Nashville airport on Sunday, when Southwest gave me the option of keeping my

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1133404513865036092005-11-30T20:33:00.000-06:002005-11-30T20:35:13.876-06:00

Coming soon, if NBC is desperate enough: Law and Order: Fish and Wildlife Unit

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1132627989280521202005-11-21T20:48:00.000-06:002005-11-21T20:53:09.293-06:00

The one bright side about doing yardwork and running errands for most of the afternoon hours over the weekend? Missing 52-14 live. And guess what? Miami's probably just a little ticked off after losing their place in front of the "if Texas or USC should lose" line after falling to a Ga. Tech team UVA beat in Charlottesville last week.If anyone from FHS is seeing this, hope the reunion went

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1132027118687456942005-11-14T21:57:00.000-06:002005-11-14T22:22:30.403-06:00

Caption this as you will, but this was the highlight of TRASH Regionals weekend in the Metroplex.Ok, so I'm not Tom Brady, and it's not an invite to the State of the Union address.Anyway, if anyone's browsing and if it isn't on the Yahoo! group yet, The Bill O'Reilly No-Spin Punting Clinic (Hight, Richey, and White) and Oh Clapton, My Clapton (Benefiel, Hopens, Johnson, and Romero) finished with

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1131075262320246212005-11-03T21:25:00.000-06:002005-11-03T21:34:22.330-06:00

Posting from metro Milwaukee, where the airwaves are still all-Christmas format free Or at least, if a station has changed over, I'm still blissfully unaware of it.Speaking of music, while on hold earlier this week, a company had a fairly generically-programmed local radio station piped in, which happened to play America's "Ventura Highway". My thought was...other than the obvious choices of

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1130813620665512612005-10-31T20:32:00.000-06:002005-10-31T20:54:15.803-06:00

Well, last Saturday was spent in Schaumburg, the one place that the White Sox championship did not cover, since Christine declared a shopping run to the big box dressed up like a birthday cake (sorry, didn't have the camera). This of course, after lunch at Chevy's (a Christine favorite, since Wisconsin hasn't discovered Tex-Mex) and followed by traffic on I-90 back to I-294 (should have taken

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1130462458099685282005-10-27T20:13:00.000-05:002005-10-27T20:20:58.110-05:00

Congrats to the White Sox, although Christine and the in-laws are a little disapointed, mostly in the "at least one win" mode than the "didn't win" mode.FOGHAT seemed to go well other than the time delays and some packets that weren't as well-received than others. Theme packets can be an acquired taste, so hopefully the good outweighed the bad and everyone had a good enough time for this to

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1129688462437080482005-10-18T21:07:00.000-05:002005-10-18T21:22:55.613-05:00

FOGHAT Countdown...less than 3 1/2 days until the fun starts.So, UVA's upset of Florida State was overlooked, but given the USC/Notre Dame game, Michigan/Penn State, WVU/Louisville (that one being payback from the Elite 8 game last March), and a weekend of ALCS and NLCS, I can accept that. Now to avoid a let down against the Tar Heels, lest the ugliness of the BC game rear its head

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1128909042681970552005-10-09T20:44:00.000-05:002005-10-09T20:50:42.683-05:00

Shots from two weekends of Badger football, starting with pictures of the Northwestern game and some Madison pictures from the Indiana game.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1128908669395571292005-10-09T20:41:00.000-05:002005-10-09T20:44:29.400-05:00

Is it me, or does the font remind anyone else of "Law and Order: Parking Violations Unit"?

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1127785508846560532005-09-26T20:37:00.000-05:002005-09-26T20:45:08.853-05:00

Pictures from Door County, Wisconsin. We didn't actually eat at the franchise chain posted above at its Sturgeon Bay location, but it does set a different architectural standard.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1127353953883807172005-09-21T20:47:00.000-05:002005-09-21T20:52:33.886-05:00

First off, belated congrats to Victoria for her run on Jeopardy, we missed the Monday show due to the VCR being on the wrong channel, but saw the exciting match aired Tuesday.Secondly, JD's blog entry from Sunday mentions a Bojangle's ad with Jake Delhomme, which I haven't seen in Wisconsin, but Wisconsin McDonald's restaurants are countering with Green Bay's Donald Driver with "family" at

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1126749198343205402005-09-14T20:44:00.000-05:002005-09-16T22:10:21.216-05:00

So, where was I? The Badger game was great fun, although we missed a good chunk of the first quarter due to traffic on 94 from greater Milwaukee to Madison (not all game-realted) and then coming in from the far north side of Madison rather than the more direct way to downtown. The student section, as I expected to some extent, was more animated than at other schools where I've attended games,

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1125707011461916772005-09-02T19:00:00.000-05:002005-09-02T19:23:31.470-05:00

Posting on the front end of Labor Day weekend, which is at the end of about 2-1/2 to 3 stressful weeks, mostly through new assignments at work (picking up the pieces due to some departures at the company), at home (Jake, our oldest Lab, had to be put down), and with the family in Louisiana (my sister-in-law at LSU is fine, she went to Lafayette and then to see her brother in Austin, but we do

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1124157388184841512005-08-15T20:54:00.000-05:002005-08-16T21:16:39.040-05:00

Not sure if this, which I first saw here, was inspired by someone promoting for the film we saw over the weekend, but it is surprisingly quiet about the cowbell issue.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1123635904540932582005-08-09T19:38:00.000-05:002005-08-09T20:05:04.546-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to play and to officiate at the Burns, I had another great time, although I should have brought sunscreen for the Tigers/Indians game. (Inside the park 3-run homer thanks to 2 errors...the streak of strange things happening at major league games I'm attending this season continues)Anyway, in following the meme, here's my game-by-game picks for UVA this season.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1123034652509381572005-08-02T20:58:00.000-05:002005-08-02T21:04:12.516-05:00

A Couple of Random Brewers Notes:During tonight's FSN North regional telecast of Brewers/Mets at Shea, the announcer banter included a discussion of their subway ride, in which one announcer was noted as saying "I gave up my seat", followed by "We're from the Midwest, that's what we do". In a belated response to Craig's baseball travelogue from last week, Christine and I caught this game in

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1122854688372141732005-07-31T19:04:00.000-05:002005-07-31T19:06:24.340-05:00

Back after an absence of a few weeks between work, family in town, and writing my Burns packet. Speaking of which, here are a few things that (obviously) won't be part of said packet:During the 128-character TV tournament, although I voted "infomercial" or something like it a few times, I held off mentioning this obscure gem offered by The Outdoor Channel, which either drifts into a commercial

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1121227311865678842005-07-12T23:00:00.000-05:002005-07-12T23:01:51.866-05:00

Here's one the Superfans never pondered: Ditka versus City Hall.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1121226222963361402005-07-12T22:32:00.000-05:002005-07-12T22:44:23.526-05:00

Well, the past couple weeks have been hectic as normal, save for a little more drama than expected between the chores around the 4th of July and my belt tensioner failing while en-route to the U. of C. trash tournament after getting four hours of sleep Sunday morning after coming in late from our first adventure with this Milwaukee tradition. Fortunately, the breakdown occured at a point where I

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1120010188207936532005-06-28T20:56:00.000-05:002005-06-28T20:58:13.913-05:00

Let's Do the Time Warp While Indiana is embracing and debating Daylight Savings Time, I came across this article about a possible switchover in Maine, possibly including a referendum. I wonder what quizbowl's New England contingent has to say about this.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1120002869400741592005-06-28T18:34:00.000-05:002005-06-28T18:54:29.406-05:00

Blogging while watching the first couple of picks of the NBA Draft, not that this will turn into a Simmons column.So last weekend, after a morning of yard sales (Christine) and mucking out the gutters (me), we went downtown to a comedy club, thanks to a pair of tickets I won on a local radio station. Of course, I should have seen the warning light when I called in to win, since it was on a

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1118974581157186502005-06-16T20:56:00.000-05:002005-06-16T21:16:21.163-05:00

Last weekend, Christine and I went to a garage sale, in a nearby neighborhood north of ours, which gave us an opportunity to meet one of my co-workers in the home environment (by coincidence, Christine knew of this because it was near her office). In our tribute to the 70's and Wisconsin, Christine did buy a slightly used fondue set, while I picked up some stereo equipment on the cheap for the

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1118285168806289682005-06-08T21:46:00.000-05:002005-06-08T21:46:08.863-05:00

Here's something partially job-related, but check the ads on the side for a "different" kind of ad campaign from my home state. On another topic, thanks again to everyone who made the moderating and AHL experience such a good time on Saturday and to those who helped make the consolation rounds on Sunday an entertaining time as an on-again/off-again member of the "staff team" Sunday morning. Note

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1117423702101887572005-05-29T22:27:00.000-05:002005-05-29T22:28:22.106-05:00

The holiday weekend to date:I went to two Brewers games for the price of one with a club seat upgrade, thanks to Friday night's 5-county, 5-night promotion (half-price tickets for Milwaukee metro residents) and today's Frequent Filler program (because BP still offers something with an 8-gallon fillup, even if it does require several trips). The home team beat the Astros Friday night and lost

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1116990920681823462005-05-24T21:56:00.000-05:002005-05-24T22:15:20.686-05:00

First off, congrats to the Northwestern University women's lacrosse team for their first-ever title and to UVA's women for a solid second-place finish. Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to the men's Final Four this weekend, with Hopkins, UVA, Maryland, and Duke, which sounds like an alumni event that hosted by this man . Work is getting busy, now that I have been transfered to the environmental

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1116458737359855052005-05-18T18:17:00.000-05:002005-05-18T18:25:37.363-05:00

Amidst all the LaPlaca analysis for both this year and next, Christine weighs in with the theory that L&O:TBJ's demise was the two-fold combo of Jerry Orbach's premature passing and what seemed to be a much lower filming budget than the three L&O siblings.Speaking of things coming to an end, the fever that is Lez Boulez has broken, although not until May, although the Mavs still have a shot at

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1115860472550905582005-05-11T20:14:00.000-05:002005-05-11T20:14:32.680-05:00

Apparently, all that glitters isn't Marquette. Stay tuned for Round 2 (or is it 4 or 5 when you consider all the pre-Golden Eagles names?)

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1115689534923136522005-05-09T20:25:00.000-05:002005-05-09T20:45:35.050-05:00

Tonight's blog is brought to you by the commercial breaks and other moments around "24" and all that entails.The big news in Southeastern Badgerland over the past week centered around this decision by the powers that be at Marquette University and the resulting reactions. BTW, in response to this student editorial , what kind of city would you build with school glue and four popsicle sticks?

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1115175658776442972005-05-03T20:38:00.000-05:002005-05-03T22:00:58.856-05:00

Tonight's post: NBA playoff smack, a visit from the father in law and how to add to your Allen wrench collection, sponsored by Diet Pepsi with Lingonberry.*Last week saw a visit from my father-in-law, which prompted Christine to take the week off and play host/tourist while I clocked in from 8 to 5. I did get to join in for the German restaurant dinner on Thursday night before Game 3 of Mavs/

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1114050684039917042005-04-20T21:08:00.000-05:002005-04-20T21:31:24.043-05:00

TRASHionals highlights..not involving a buzzerWhile waiting for Jeremy's plane to come in on Friday, our team discussion meandered to various subjects, including the plot of one of the Mighty Ducks films, which featured a team from Iceland as one of the opponents. At this point, I speculated on whether or not Icelandic hockey rink music consisted of a heavy amount of Bjork, which perhaps may not

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1113447131402471722005-04-13T21:51:00.000-05:002005-04-13T21:52:11.403-05:00

Still busy at the new house, thus the longer gap between posts. Things are going well for Christine and I, however! See you at TRASHionals!

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1112155673019942512005-03-29T21:49:00.000-06:002005-03-29T22:07:53.020-06:00

While the calendar is still in March, now would be a good time to salute the Dragons of Paris Junior College, who burninated their way to a national title over the past weekend.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1112069458695505302005-03-28T22:10:00.000-06:002005-03-28T22:15:03.053-06:00

The first in an intermittent series: Your Goverment at Work.The USGS has a page about today's Indonesian earthquake, which coincidentally occured 41 years to the day after the 1964 Anchorage earthquake.On a lighter note, who knew that Alanis Morrisette songs could serve as a mnemonic device for transportation research papers?

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1111549215761513182005-03-22T21:15:00.000-06:002005-03-28T22:17:14.246-06:00

Again, I wait way too long to blog, so I have too many items that I would otherwise elaborate on, except that the moment has passed.1. The job is going well so far, mostly specification preparation for the wastewater group at the time, but it will probably get busier in the next few weeks and months, at which point I'll get my assignments from the civil group where I'm stationed. But since

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1110596821359669632005-03-11T21:03:00.000-06:002005-03-11T21:31:23.236-06:00

Back to WorkI accepted an offer today with an engineering firm in Brookfield, so I'll be back to a "workaday" status on Wednesday. The pay's a little better than where I left, mostly due to increases in the standard of living than anything else, but my new employer does a decent amount of work for small-town clients just like my previous employer. I'm feeling good, and as I write this, UVA is

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1109789206159522522005-03-02T12:44:00.000-06:002005-03-02T12:47:12.370-06:00

We're finally in the new house and we're slowly working on unpacking and adding in everything, although Murphy's Law seems to dominate (if it isn't the furniture store scrambling an order, it's the bank wiring the closing money to the wrong bank). Amidst all this, I still managed to get an interview lined up for tomorrow, so cross your fingers.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1109198569178973932005-02-23T16:42:00.000-06:002005-02-23T16:54:30.766-06:00

Regarding the Dallas trip: The hospitality we received was great (Thanks again, Mark, Michelle, Ty, and Leslie, if you should ever come across this page). However, by the time Monday evening rolled around, I was about ready to spend my next vacation at the comparbly relaxing International Treaty Negotiation Fantasy Camp (TM). However, we should be able to close on the new house in Wisconsin

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1108571247223699202005-02-16T10:21:00.000-06:002005-02-16T10:29:07.176-06:00

Congrats to JD on the closing of his house in Atlanta and to thoseofyou who are in training and/or have made the cut for Jeopardy! This weekend will be the first one back in Texas for me as Christine and I are coordinating the move of personal items from her house and my storage area to the new house in Brookfield.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1107919995370585432005-02-08T21:19:00.000-06:002005-02-08T21:33:15.370-06:00

It seems that in Wisconsin, even the youths understand the influence of cheese. What I've Been Reading Lately (Besides want ads) * This was a Half-Price Books find that shed some light on my new home metropolitan area, particularly how the boundaries turned out the way they turned out in comparison to the D-FW area. Chapters 22 and 23 are useful if you're looking to do some quick reading on

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1107452584051643132005-02-03T11:33:00.000-06:002005-02-03T11:43:04.050-06:00

Hopefully, this won't jinx things, but it looks like Christine and I will soon become full-fledged, library-card-carrying and using citizens of Brookfield, Wisconsin, a town on the eastern edge of Waukesha County, within eastern Wisconsin's "soda belt". I intended to post something involving the whole Nashville Rhythm fiasco, but after checking Dwight's entry from yesterday, the ensuing actions

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1106423537726626742005-01-22T13:52:00.000-06:002005-01-22T13:52:58.096-06:00

Blogging amidst the snows of Wisconsin while Christine is checking in on her house in the Metroplex (a good starter home if you know anyone in the market..good schools!). The O'Reilly Shower Massage team took part in this year's Ann B. Davis, substituting Michael Philpy for Dave Murphy. We played well and Philpy added a lot to the team, but we fell just short to a strong effort by the Gerbils

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1106329678026480732005-01-21T11:47:00.000-06:002005-01-21T11:47:58.026-06:00

Fun With Stereotypes, or Gonzo Journalism? Today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution offers up this story from a writer embedded in Philly in the days before Sunday's playoff game.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1105720486339357662005-01-14T10:34:00.000-06:002005-01-14T10:34:46.340-06:00

Canada expands to tri-lingual signage. 

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1105719338910585202005-01-14T10:15:00.000-06:002005-01-14T10:15:38.910-06:00

I'm not gonna pay a lot for this bowl game ticket!

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1105590683217431442005-01-12T22:31:00.000-06:002005-01-12T22:31:23.216-06:00

A photo from my days in Northeast Texas, taken at the parking lot of a church near Trenton, Texas, between Bonham and Greenville, TX 

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1105392904838832352005-01-10T15:32:00.000-06:002005-01-12T22:34:30.630-06:00

Desperate Parents Welcome to Fairfax County, Virginia, home of high-reputation schools,parents that want only the best logistics for their children, and the lobbying that goes on behind closed doors...or in open meetings.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1105036430225300352005-01-06T12:34:00.000-06:002005-01-06T12:33:50.226-06:00

Three items from the news this week: First off, the Orange Bowl - Which train wreck was worse, Oklahoma's performance or the halftime show? No scramble bands were out to heap insults against either school or region, but between the "performances" and the possiblity of the OU fans being a little cranky after the first half. Meanwhile, another outpost of inner suburbia debates whether or not to

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1104880447756413952005-01-04T16:45:00.000-06:002005-01-04T17:14:07.756-06:00

In the Year 2005.... First off, congrats to Justin and Kristin Sausville, who had their wedding ceremony on Saturday. May God bless you in your marriage be with you always. Secondly, happy National Trivia Day, whether you're in D.C. or other parts of North America. Thirdly, how about that Rose Bowl? Sorry, Craig and your fellow legions of Michigan fans, your guys played a whale of a game,

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1104466169237652492004-12-30T21:48:00.000-06:002004-12-30T22:09:29.236-06:00

Back blogging again after only Sat. afternoon-Monday afternoon in Virginia and North Carolina, as our flights were through Greensboro and we got caught up in the whole Comair snafu. Long story short, 1:15 flight Friday is cancelled, so I call Delta and reschedule for 4:50 that night with connecting flight around 7:50 in Cincy. The 4:50 is cancelled as we're at the airport trying to check

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1103853320862160412004-12-23T19:52:00.000-06:002004-12-23T19:55:43.220-06:00

Carolina on My Mind With Christine and I flying into here, barring any residual complications and delays from Delta's Cincy hub tomorrow for the holidays to visit the Hights, so Happy Holidays to all!

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1103234962837679352004-12-16T16:03:00.000-06:002004-12-16T16:09:22.836-06:00

It won't improve their standing in the BCS, but... Here's the details of a recent bridge-building competition conducted at UC-Berkeley, notable for the age of the participants and for the line "pink, which is apparently the new black", which I didn't expect to see in a civil engineering article.

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1103150814299518562004-12-15T16:34:00.000-06:002004-12-15T16:46:54.300-06:00

Surf the Friendly Skies? In a couple of years, you may be able to view this site while flying, not that this little blog would or should be your first priority while aloft. However, if it is costing $500,000 per jet, this seems like the type of advancement that would take place gradually, perhaps done on a trial basis domestically by a carrier with less to lose if customers do not immediately

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1101920351543896422004-12-01T10:48:00.000-06:002004-12-01T14:45:16.623-06:00

Here's one for the files of Law and Order: Corporate Mascots Unit. In sports news, Ty Willingham got the boot at Notre Dame, and I'm not exactly sure why..oh, wait, the boosters are suffering from inflated expectations, just like so many other universities. I would guess that Willingham will have other top-tier opportunities in the future, given the inevitable wave of firings that will occur

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1101231663751147662004-11-23T11:32:00.000-06:002004-11-23T11:41:03.750-06:00

Well, I've made it to Wisconsin, where I'm looking for work and trying to figure out ways to more efficiently train dogs to do their business in the cold early-morning hours. So far, the strangest thing I've heard advertised over the radio up here has been this, although Christine's new Christian contemporary morning drive station sure seems to be playing up this entry for the family holiday

Briannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581857.post-1099961044793173112004-11-08T18:11:00.001-06:002004-11-08T18:44:04.793-06:00

Notes from the past weekend: Driving with a headache is never fun, but at least I managed to avoid Metroplex weekend traffic en route to Austin by a route that included starting my day in Paris, then from the house in Bonham through Trenton, Scurry, Rosser, Quinlan, and downtown Italy. Plenty of signs supporting the home teams on the last weekend of the high school regular season, as one could

Briannoreply@blogger.com0