Archive for December, 2007

My new bike, part 1

Sunday, December 9th, 2007

This is part one of a three-part series.

Darned this whole bicycling hobby… I never expected to become this obsessed over it. But after reading this three-part series, you’ll realize that I’ve become pretty passionate about riding… and why I purchased a new bike recently.

I’ve ridden a bike since I can remember. I started on a tricycle like any other two-year old. When I was a about four-years old, I rode a used yellow steel-frame two-wheeler with solid tires and training wheels (the training wheels eventually came off). At seven, I got a cruiser with the hi-rise (or “ape-hanger”) handlebars and a banana seat (those seats were apparently cool in those days). I think it was a knock-off of the Schwinn Sting-Ray. At 12, I finally got a “grown-up” bike: a Kent 10-speed road bike. I rode it until I was about 18 (or, should I say, outgrew it?).

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My idea of a good smoking ban law

Tuesday, December 4th, 2007

Wisconsin Governor Doyle recently called for a special session to pass a statewide smoking ban (among other things). I support one, but only as long as it is discussed and debated properly.

There is a lot of anti-smoking sentiment in the state, but there are also those that feel that their rights are being trampled. I’ve been on both sides of the debate. I smoked for 14 years, and quit almost 3 years ago. Although I can no longer stand the smell of cigarette smoke or odors, I also experienced how difficult it is to quit. I’ve seen many others struggle to quit. I don’t agree that the first amendment allows people to assemble peacefully for the sake of smoking… I never visited a bowling alley just because I was a smoker (I did it to bowl). But the reality is that smokers still have the right to choose to smoke… as much as I have a right to bitch about how much they reek (don’t get me wrong; I also complain about those that bathe in perfume).

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Brett Favre – Sportsman of the Year

Tuesday, December 4th, 2007

Congratulations to Brett Favre for becoming the Sports Illustrated sportsman of the year. The three-time MVP has had a few tough years recently. But given that the Packers are doing so well with number 4 at the helm, watching him Favre fun is just truly exciting and, uh, well, fun. This post is dedicated to him, his supportive family, the Packers, and all of the fans.

Wisconsin State Journal/AP: Packers: Favre chosen Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year

Sports Illustrated: 2007 Sportsman of the Year

NFL Network, video choice minor issues

Tuesday, December 4th, 2007

I was reading through the Wheeler Report when I came across an interesting collection of letters to the Wausau Daily Herald. There are a multitude of issues that affect everyone in the state. But I zeroed in on the NFL Network and the “video choice” bill.

Even though Wausau is in a less-populated area of the state, I agree at what these citizens wrote. I especially like Mr. Duffy’s comment: “the royal screwing the NFL is giving its loyal fan base hardly calls for government intervention – although a fan boycott of the NFL Network would do wonders.” That should be the first step of those of us who love football. If the NFL was really here for the fans, it would not have become so greedy as to create a cable network and limit access to the real fans.

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Protect your ID while shopping

Monday, December 3rd, 2007

‘Tis the season for holiday-shopper predators to use any and all opportunities to steal your personal and financial information.

In a recent post, I commented on how one Wisconsin State Senator provided good information on using a budget, and I also noted the importance of protecting your identity. I recently visited the Wisconsin Office of Privacy Protection’s Web site (OPP), which has a number of fact sheets available to the public.

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Repeal Day

Monday, December 3rd, 2007

I came across an ad in the Onion newspaper about Repeal Day. It turns out that the Eighteenth Amendment was repealed on December 5, 1933 by the Twenty-first Amendment.

So, to commemorate the occasion, I recommend responsibly enjoying a drink. Personally, I’ve got a couple of beers that I would like to appreciate.

Dewar’s Repeal Day Web site (must be at least 21 to enter)