I noticed my parents are about 35 minutes behind schedule, but they're making up ground quickly on their flight back to MSP with the jet stream at their tail. Thanks again for visiting, Tracy and I had a great time.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Thanks Mom And Dad!
Tracy and I had a great time with my Mom and Dad during their six-day visit. Unfortunately, Tracy's camera was out of commission and my parents forgot theirs. Oh well, there's always next time! The weather was overcast for the first half of their trip, but it started to cooperate since the Sunday visit to Palm Springs. I'll post an update tomorrow on the fun we had. Right now I need some rest.
I noticed my parents are about 35 minutes behind schedule, but they're making up ground quickly on their flight back to MSP with the jet stream at their tail. Thanks again for visiting, Tracy and I had a great time.
I noticed my parents are about 35 minutes behind schedule, but they're making up ground quickly on their flight back to MSP with the jet stream at their tail. Thanks again for visiting, Tracy and I had a great time.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Joe Mauer The Next .400 Hitter?
It's been 
68 years since Ted Williams' amazing accomplishment of eclipsing the .400 mark. Williams was penciled in the line-up in that final series against the then Washington Senators needing two hits to finish above the historic mark. He went 2-for-3 that day, finishing the 1941 season at .406.
Sixty-eight years later, the purest hitting catcher in the modern era is gracing the game with class and pure skill on the team that used to be the Senators. The Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer is batting a zany .429 as of Sunday morning and has a serious chance to put his name in the record books next to Williams. Yes, it's early in the season for Mauer, but he looks like a changed hitter this year. He's hitting for power and he's slapping base hits through the holes like he's playing in a slow pitch softball league. He is a complete hitter in the box now. With 9 home runs accounting for more than one-fourth of his hits, fielders must respect his power more than year's past.
As a comparison, Williams was batting .383 at this point in the season, tallying 36 hits in 94 at-bats. Yes, Mauer missed the first month, but he's not far behind Williams in the at-bats department. With that in mind, it shouldn't cheapen Mauer's accomplishment this deep in to the season. In 77 at-bats Mauer has 33 hits. Now that he's batting in the No. 2 hole, Mauer should close the gap on Williams in the ABs department in just a few weeks.
During that epic 1941 season, Williams hit a high water mark of .439 in early June before dipping below .400 just after the All-Star break. Williams increased his average to .400 and managed to keep it there after the final game. His final stats in 456 ABs marked him with 185 hits.
If Mauer can stay healthy, he'll easily reach and exceed Williams' officially recorded ABs during '41. The real question is, can an everyday catcher fight off fatigue late in the season and stay focused enough to average .400? If anybody can, it will be Joe Mauer. He has an amazing command of the strike zone and a strong line-up behind him in Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, Joe Crede and Jason Kubel that force pitchers to throw him strikes. [Update: Mauer goes 2-for-3 with another homer to up his average on Sunday night. Morneau adds a grand slam. Further proof to the protection in the order argument.]
Just as impressive as Williams' .406 average, he also led the league in home runs (37), base on balls (147), runs (135), slugging average (.735) and on base percentage (.551). Williams' keen eye at the plate is the key contributor to his .406 average, reducing his official ABs.
It's highly unlikely Mauer could ever lead the league in home runs, but the other stats are doable. Right now Mauer has 9 home runs, 16 base on balls, a mind-boggling 22 runs (in 93 plate appearances!), an .844 slugging average and .516 on-base percentage. Stats most beer-league softball players wish they could achieve!
My suggestion, watch and attend as many Twins games as you can while he's hovering around .400 because seats might be hard to come by if this lingers in to August and September. You just might be able to say you watched one of the purest hitters of our time prove .400 can still be done ... without the need for steriods.
68 years since Ted Williams' amazing accomplishment of eclipsing the .400 mark. Williams was penciled in the line-up in that final series against the then Washington Senators needing two hits to finish above the historic mark. He went 2-for-3 that day, finishing the 1941 season at .406.Sixty-eight years later, the purest hitting catcher in the modern era is gracing the game with class and pure skill on the team that used to be the Senators. The Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer is batting a zany .429 as of Sunday morning and has a serious chance to put his name in the record books next to Williams. Yes, it's early in the season for Mauer, but he looks like a changed hitter this year. He's hitting for power and he's slapping base hits through the holes like he's playing in a slow pitch softball league. He is a complete hitter in the box now. With 9 home runs accounting for more than one-fourth of his hits, fielders must respect his power more than year's past.
As a comparison, Williams was batting .383 at this point in the season, tallying 36 hits in 94 at-bats. Yes, Mauer missed the first month, but he's not far behind Williams in the at-bats department. With that in mind, it shouldn't cheapen Mauer's accomplishment this deep in to the season. In 77 at-bats Mauer has 33 hits. Now that he's batting in the No. 2 hole, Mauer should close the gap on Williams in the ABs department in just a few weeks.
During that epic 1941 season, Williams hit a high water mark of .439 in early June before dipping below .400 just after the All-Star break. Williams increased his average to .400 and managed to keep it there after the final game. His final stats in 456 ABs marked him with 185 hits.
If Mauer can stay healthy, he'll easily reach and exceed Williams' officially recorded ABs during '41. The real question is, can an everyday catcher fight off fatigue late in the season and stay focused enough to average .400? If anybody can, it will be Joe Mauer. He has an amazing command of the strike zone and a strong line-up behind him in Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, Joe Crede and Jason Kubel that force pitchers to throw him strikes. [Update: Mauer goes 2-for-3 with another homer to up his average on Sunday night. Morneau adds a grand slam. Further proof to the protection in the order argument.]
Just as impressive as Williams' .406 average, he also led the league in home runs (37), base on balls (147), runs (135), slugging average (.735) and on base percentage (.551). Williams' keen eye at the plate is the key contributor to his .406 average, reducing his official ABs.
It's highly unlikely Mauer could ever lead the league in home runs, but the other stats are doable. Right now Mauer has 9 home runs, 16 base on balls, a mind-boggling 22 runs (in 93 plate appearances!), an .844 slugging average and .516 on-base percentage. Stats most beer-league softball players wish they could achieve!
My suggestion, watch and attend as many Twins games as you can while he's hovering around .400 because seats might be hard to come by if this lingers in to August and September. You just might be able to say you watched one of the purest hitters of our time prove .400 can still be done ... without the need for steriods.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I'm Running Out Of Time
On Monday, I made the prediction that I would receive another offer on my house this week. I've had two showings since, but no written offers. My prediction is quickly running out of time.
Since many of you are probably wondering what kind of feedback I'm receiving from the showings after 64 weeks on the market, I figured I'd post one here.
Interior -- General Condition? Good
Exterior -- General Condition? Good
Curb appeal (lot/landscaping)? Good
Staging (cosmetics, updating)?
Appropriately Priced? Yes
If no, what would be appropriate? No Response
This buyer is considering another showing of this property? No
General comments/suggestions:
My buyer is looking for something to "wow her" This is a great house, but it didn't do that for her.
Ugh ... I don't know how to "wow" a buyer at the sub-$200k price point. Buyers are picky right now, really picky. Six more weeks and I'm throwing in the towel. Something about 70 weeks on the market says "RENT ALREADY!" I'll try my luck with a property management company and go from there. Here's to hoping, if that day comes, I don't end up with a scumbag renter and dirty family who likes dog fighting. In case you're wondering, that already occurs just one block down the street at a rental.
Since many of you are probably wondering what kind of feedback I'm receiving from the showings after 64 weeks on the market, I figured I'd post one here.
Interior -- General Condition? Good
Exterior -- General Condition? Good
Curb appeal (lot/landscaping)? Good
Staging (cosmetics, updating)?
Appropriately Priced? Yes
If no, what would be appropriate? No Response
This buyer is considering another showing of this property? No
General comments/suggestions:
My buyer is looking for something to "wow her" This is a great house, but it didn't do that for her.
Ugh ... I don't know how to "wow" a buyer at the sub-$200k price point. Buyers are picky right now, really picky. Six more weeks and I'm throwing in the towel. Something about 70 weeks on the market says "RENT ALREADY!" I'll try my luck with a property management company and go from there. Here's to hoping, if that day comes, I don't end up with a scumbag renter and dirty family who likes dog fighting. In case you're wondering, that already occurs just one block down the street at a rental.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Brothers Marking Their Own Achievements
This month marks two full years I've been cutting my own hair. It's quite the achievement. Kind of like graduating with an MBA while working full time. OK, not so much. Congrats Dan on your MBA from Carlson School of Management, we're all proud of you. We can't wait to see where the second half of your career takes you. Skies the limit bro! Don't hesitate to ask if you need any graphic design for any future projects.
Back to the haircuts because that's more important, er something like that. It all started by a combination of factors: I'm cheap, I hate paying for bad haircuts and the waiting rooms at Fantastic Sams, Cost Cutters and Great Clips are just plain dirty nasty. That, and I always got that rather large lady whose fat rolls rested on my arm when she was working her way around the chair. Mmm...fat rolls resting on my arm. Neat.
Here's how my haircuts usually went for $17:
"Oh, I'm sorry sir. Did you say you wanted it a No. 2 half way up?"
"Yes, in fact I told you twice!"
"Sorry. The good news is hair grows back quickly."
"Thanks for the military cut but I'm not enlisting this week."
"Funny. My cousins in the military and he loves my haircuts."
Then I walk out wondering why I just tipped the fatty for a crappy haircut.
After one particularly terrible Not So Great Clips cut and experience, I decided to give it a shot trimming my own hair. 735 days later and I've been cutting it ever since. I'm not the greatest at it, but I'm not that bad either. Hopefully Tracy hasn't been biting her lip every time I ask her how it looks. Worst part is clean up, best part is I have nobody to blame but myself if my haircut sucks. I used to get my hair cut every three weeks. At $17 a pop with tip and roughly 17 haircuts a year, I figure I've saved $575 doing it myself. Now, if only I could start brewing my own beer. I bet I'd save $2,000 a year doing that!
Back to the haircuts because that's more important, er something like that. It all started by a combination of factors: I'm cheap, I hate paying for bad haircuts and the waiting rooms at Fantastic Sams, Cost Cutters and Great Clips are just plain dirty nasty. That, and I always got that rather large lady whose fat rolls rested on my arm when she was working her way around the chair. Mmm...fat rolls resting on my arm. Neat.
Here's how my haircuts usually went for $17:
"Oh, I'm sorry sir. Did you say you wanted it a No. 2 half way up?"
"Yes, in fact I told you twice!"
"Sorry. The good news is hair grows back quickly."
"Thanks for the military cut but I'm not enlisting this week."
"Funny. My cousins in the military and he loves my haircuts."
Then I walk out wondering why I just tipped the fatty for a crappy haircut.
After one particularly terrible Not So Great Clips cut and experience, I decided to give it a shot trimming my own hair. 735 days later and I've been cutting it ever since. I'm not the greatest at it, but I'm not that bad either. Hopefully Tracy hasn't been biting her lip every time I ask her how it looks. Worst part is clean up, best part is I have nobody to blame but myself if my haircut sucks. I used to get my hair cut every three weeks. At $17 a pop with tip and roughly 17 haircuts a year, I figure I've saved $575 doing it myself. Now, if only I could start brewing my own beer. I bet I'd save $2,000 a year doing that!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
More DMV Fun
That DMV is a tough nut to crack. Today I arrived on a co-workers motorcycle so I could pass the driving portion of the test to get my motorcycle endorsement. After 10 minutes of back and forth with the clerk, and a DMV supervisor, they decided not to let me take the test. I guess my co-worker is using dealer plates on his bike, and dealer plated bikes are not allowed to take the test even with proper proof of registration and insurance. I guess the plates are only for test riding, and they really aren't fully legal to use on a daily driver. I have until Aug. 28 to get it done before my temporary paper CA ID is expired. Oh joy, another trip back to the DMV. That place just makes me feel like I need a shower.
Naturally, I wanted to register my truck at the same time. Here's what I needed: Lien release, title, smog test papers, official weight of vehicle, truck insurance, old registration card from Minnesota and a two-page form filled out. That's a lot of work just to switch plates. It's probably easier to get a Green Card! Of course, I could only get a temporary license for my truck because they needed to physically inspect and validate that it was the same truck as the 30 papers I had to prove it was. So, I had to hop back on the bike and ride back to my co-workers house (I have a permit after taking the motorcycle written portion) and get my truck. Once I got back, I sat in the validation line behind an old 62 Bel-Air that needed a lot of validation. That car was just lucky to start.
Once the old red truck was validated I got to go back inside the DMV building and sit in line again. Then, I learned of the damages. $125 for a weight fee ... my truck weighs 5,112 pounds, which is not a good thing in the State of California. Add that ridiculous weight fee plus my plates and the total was $264. Hard to believe these crooks here in California approved those fees to double starting May 19. That means 2010 is going to cost me $528 to register a truck that is 10 years old. Can you believe that ... highway robbery quite literally. Add my $264 to the $10 weight certification fee, $50 smog fee (with coupon no less ... again trucks cost more even though it's the same emissions as cars) and $28 to get my ID. Good old $350 just to live here and drive. There goes that money I was saving for a flight home!
Naturally, I wanted to register my truck at the same time. Here's what I needed: Lien release, title, smog test papers, official weight of vehicle, truck insurance, old registration card from Minnesota and a two-page form filled out. That's a lot of work just to switch plates. It's probably easier to get a Green Card! Of course, I could only get a temporary license for my truck because they needed to physically inspect and validate that it was the same truck as the 30 papers I had to prove it was. So, I had to hop back on the bike and ride back to my co-workers house (I have a permit after taking the motorcycle written portion) and get my truck. Once I got back, I sat in the validation line behind an old 62 Bel-Air that needed a lot of validation. That car was just lucky to start.
Once the old red truck was validated I got to go back inside the DMV building and sit in line again. Then, I learned of the damages. $125 for a weight fee ... my truck weighs 5,112 pounds, which is not a good thing in the State of California. Add that ridiculous weight fee plus my plates and the total was $264. Hard to believe these crooks here in California approved those fees to double starting May 19. That means 2010 is going to cost me $528 to register a truck that is 10 years old. Can you believe that ... highway robbery quite literally. Add my $264 to the $10 weight certification fee, $50 smog fee (with coupon no less ... again trucks cost more even though it's the same emissions as cars) and $28 to get my ID. Good old $350 just to live here and drive. There goes that money I was saving for a flight home!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
