Ok, my dear friend Sassene (Hi Sass)  is always "seeing" signs.  I can't say as to whether I myself am a believer in such things, but they don't happen to me....or didn't, until a few minutes ago. 

Here's the deal.  I came home from picking up my son's friend to find my cup of tea, that I stupidly left on the coffee table, spilled all over and there also on the coffee table, my laptop, my life-line.  No doubt the work of a bad dog.  I about s#%t.  I got the mess cleaned up and took all of the necessary precautions when cleaning the laptop.  I never turned it over.  I took out the battery and dried it all up really good.  I sucked out the moisture with the sweeper.....and when I turned it on....I got a blank screen....and about cried.  lol  After repeated tries of turning it off and on (this I know is a no-no, but I couldn't help it!) I only got the white screen.  I had visions of having to go back and use my old laptop that was missing keys....in particular the often used "E" key.     I was seriously upset.  Tom suggested I just leave it alone for awhile - let it thoroughly dry out....so I tried.  It was hard, as I was sitting on the couch watching the game (It's now OSU 52 Northwestern 7, btw *smile*) and when I'm on the couch watching TV, my laptop is open and on, it's just the way it is.  lol  Anyhow, I figured it would just be best if I went out and finished my mowing since the game was such a blow-out and I was having such a difficult time fighting off the urge to check on my computer - when I heard the "sign".  It was the bbllingg noise the computer makes - only it was OFF!  I looked over at Tom, who heard nothing of course and immediately popped open the laptop and powered it up.   Tom looked at me as if to ask "What are you doing...didn't we just talk about leaving it alone?"  and I told him...."I got a sign that it's ok now"  and laughed at myself.  He shook his head and laughed at me like I was as crazy as I sounded.  After a couple hours of a non-functioning computer....it came on and has remained on without a single problem.  I swear I heard that computer sound, but now wonder how much of it was just in my head, me WANTING to hear that noise....but I can't argue that it came on without a problem, just like that.  A "sign" - a "coinkydink"....I guess I don't care.....I got my life-line back! 

60 candles upon a cake could surely cause a fire

In place of those some flowers (and it doesn't appear so dire) *wink*

Happy Birthday Stephen!

 You know I love ya!

(((HUGS)))

OUT SICK

with kidney stones....

please check back soon!

I have an interview today at 11am. for an Administrative Assistant position with a company really close-by, and I really want this job....I think.    I really do want to get out in the work force again, but I'm not so sure full time is going to work out with the boys being in school.  We're going to have to come up with someone that can watch the boys when they have days off or are sick.  Tom thinks he can cover them because he can work from home and has lots of freedom with his schedule, but I don't know.  We were also thinking about asking his sister who just retired from teaching, if she'd fill in, but she's about a half hour away and doesn't really have a kid-friendly home....or should I say - a Quinton-friendly home...LOL.  Well, we'll see - I may not have anything to even worry about yet.  This was the only full time job I applied for because it really interested me, so if this doesn't work out, I'm sticking with part-time jobs. 

So, wish me luck.....or not.   

Last night was "Get to know your child's curriculum" night at Quinton's school.  I had a migraine (of course) so Tom went and promised to take good notes.  We know and really like his teacher, Ms. Allen.  Tyler also had her in 1st. grade and she really enjoyed Tyler and vice-versa - it was before his behavior problems kicked in as well.  She always would gush over Quinton when we brought him with us to parent-Teacher functions for Tyler and last year when he was in kindergarten, she'd always comment that she hoped she was going to get Quinton for 1st. grade - and she did.  We were all so happy about it and he seems to enjoy school so far this year which is often half the battle.  Anyhow, I am so thankful we had some sort of relationship with her prior to finding out what she told my husband last night.......

As Tom was getting ready to leave last night, Ms. Allen pulled him aside and said I have to talk to you about something.  With my boys, you never know what to expect, if I had been there, I would have broke into a cold sweat instantaneously.  She proceeded to tell my husband that apparently my son has been short on his lunch money everyday.  The school has a policy that if a child doesn't have their money, they will loan them money twice, after it happens 2 times, they give them a cheese sandwich and milk.  For whatever reason though, they continued to give him a regular lunch everyday.  I think they may have took pity on him.  lol  The lunch lady asked him at some point, "Why don't you have enough for lunch everyday?"  and he responded, "Because the breakfast lady keeps takin' my money!" *smile* 

We feed him breakfast before he leaves for school and had no idea he was eating it again at school.  When he got off the bus at school, and the teacher on duty announced, "Anybody who wants to eat breakfast can go into the cafeteria now", Quinton probably trampled kids twice his size to be first in line.  (He lives in fear of the food running out.)  I can't believe it hadn't crossed my mind since he usually had about 3 breakfast's every morning this summer.  If there is food, Quinton won't be far away.  (Might get that from me)  He doesn't eat large amounts, but he does eat frequently.  We had wondered how he was going to make it through a full day of school actually, on just lunch.  The 2nd. day of school he came home and first thing off the bus he starts almost crying and says he didn't even get a lunch today....I was upset and said "You didn't - Oh my goodness!  Why not!?  Are you sure??!"  Then his face stopped contorting and he tilted his head and said, "Oh yeah, I did. - - but can I have a snack?.....No!  Not a snack.....a meal?"  LOL   

On August 11th., Bandit, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, was left in a patrol car by his handler, police Sgt. Tom Lovejoy for 12 hours on a 109-degree day in Phoenix.  Considering parents have actually done this to their own children I guess I shouldn't be shocked by this, but I am.  This made me physically ill.  I know everybody has bad days and this must have been one of Officer Lovejoy's worst ones, but OMG, how does this happen?  And when it happens to a baby....it boggles the mind.  Click here for the story on MSN

Thank-you Bandit for your service.  I know you're running and jumping and havin' a good old time up there and because you're Man's best friend, I know when Tom makes it home, you'll jump into his arms and all will be as it was between you.  For that is how these creatures are.  They hold no grudges, no blame, they seek no revenge.  Those things are man made.  Dogs are very loyal, loving and trusting creatures.  We could learn a lot from them.   

------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

On September 7th., Alex, a very gifted African Grey research parrot, was found dead in his cage at Brandeis University - the cause of death unknown.  He could identify 50 different objects, 7 colors, 5 shapes, count to six from zero and express desires and frustration.  He was able to provide scientists 30 years of study to help them better understand the avian brain - and his was remarkable.  To see him interact with the researchers was incredible - I saw him on Dateline (I think it was) and not only was he adorable, he was truly intelligent.  It was amazing to see him able to accurately communicate with them - in our language.  I'm not big on using animals for research, but you could see he was well taken care of, loved actually, and the study was so interesting to me.  I've often thought I could tell what animals were thinking, (yes Sassene - Heidi Doolittle, I know you're thinking it *grins*) but to have them say something like, there were "2 red paper triangles" on the table is not something you could tell an animal is thinking.  Click here for the story on MSN

Thank-you Alex for all of those years you spent in captivity and for the invaluable information you provided during that time.  I know you were well taken care of and loved by all of those that worked with you and will be missed by many.  I know you are now enjoying your freedom - flitting among the most beautiful jungle imaginable in the heavens with your feathered friends - perhaps even teaching them to count.... 

6 years ago today, 2,974 people were killed by terrorists.           

 Their families and friend's live's were changed  forever.  

We were all changed forever.

6 years later, those who have died must not be forgotten.

All those lives that were affected, should know their loss and pain has not been in vain.

Never forget, always remember - that is how we honor them.

May God Bless America

- and may justice be done.  

I've gotten responses back from my e-mails. 

From my current cable company WOW!, in regards to what I claimed was a misleading statement....(and I am still somewhat considering it so)....they claim they are televising all but 2 of the games (The Sept. 1st. and 8th. games) that have been scheduled.  Apparently, the Kent State and Northwestern games have not been scheduled or picked up by any network yet, so they weren't counting those.  In my opinion, they should have noted that instead of phrasing it the way they did.  (see previous post - if you care)

From Insight cable, in regards to switching to them and the cost to do so.....they don't service our area.

I replied back to WOW asking them if they are planning to pick up the Kent State and Northwestern games once they are scheduled or if they are planning on picking up the BTN if they pick up the games.  I also told them I wished to remain with them, but would probably make the switch to Direct TV if they did not pick up the games and if the cost was competitive to go Satellite. 

I am tiring of this, but will never tire of my Buckeyes.

GO BUCKS!

Ever since this all came about with the Big Ten Network, Tom has wanted to switch to Direct TV, but for some reason I'm just not ready for a Satellite system.  Anyhow, when he came home last night I brought up the fact that at least we were going to be at the last game that wasn't going to be aired on TV and he responded with a "What are you talking about?" - There are 2 more games that aren't going to be shown on our cable system (WOW) - Kent State and Northwestern.  I told him that's not what WOW has posted on their website, and showed him. 

This is what they state:

Big Ten Network Programming

There is still good news for our Big Ten Fans! Through our ESPN and ABC partnerships, you will see the majority of your Big Ten team's football games this fall on WOW! Cable. Check some Big Ten team coverage below, or go to your team's official website for game schedule details.

Ohio State University
WOW! will have coverage of all regular season televised OSU football games except for two: Akron and Youngstown State, September 1st and 8th.

He is a big Sports AM radio listener and told me that unless some deal had been reached within the day, it had to be incorrect.  I called WOW, was on hold for 20 minutes and they (somewhat - in a round-about way) confirmed that their website was inaccurate.  (I checked again before making this post AND it is STILL wrong)  So, it wasn't 2 games we would miss, but 4. I have a problem with this.  I don't appreciate being lied to, especially when they know what they are doing.  They are trying to make it look better than it is.  Trying to hang on to their customers for as long as possible.  I made a decision.  I e-mailed them to ask them to explain themselves and I e-mailed a request to another cable company (Insight)  that has struck a deal with the Big Ten Network.  If the cost is competitive and we will NOT be paying anymore - I will switch - and I HATE change.  I am a loyal customer to companies that treat me right.  Been with my bank for 21 years (through 3 name changes), been with my insurance company (renters, home, auto and life) for 20 years.  Now, I feel they are not being honest about this, and if they're not being honest about this....perhaps they're not being honest about the whole reason for not carrying the Big Ten Network.  It's like that with anything in life.  Lie about one thing and you just don't know what you can believe about anything.  

To every story, there is (at least) 2 sides.  This is theirs.  It basically is covered under their Frequently Asked Questions.  If you asked me, I'd tell you something is wrong with your idea for your Network when your FAQ page is mainly justifying your existance!  Hmmmm?  Why do you think that is?  Could it be it's not right somehow?!!  In all honesty, I get it.  I get your concept.  I think it's a good idea - with one exception.  You can't hold the actual games over the heads of the fans.  If you want to show a bunch of "extra's" for the Big Ten fans....the special interviews, the archival games, coaches shows, campus programming, wonderful, maybe offer Big Ten games to "out-of-the-Big Ten- area" fans for a small fee.....great......you'll make some money, the schools will make some money and everyone's happy.  But no.  You also want to make money from the games, from the fans - that make you what you are.  You aren't happy with making money, you want to make LOTS of money - from the majority of us that already have little.  If you don't feel like reading the entire Q and A from the link above, here are the main excerpts.  The A: are all from the BTN (Big Ten Network).  The copy in red are just my opinions of course. *grins*

Q: Will I have to pay more for the Big Ten Network?

(BTN) A:  We believe that if you live within the eight states of the Big Ten footprint, you should not have to pay any more to receive the network, which is why we are asking for the network to be carried on expanded basic cable (IF YOU DON'T WANT ME TO HAVE TO PAY ANYMORE FOR IT, WHY NOT OFFER IT ON BASIC CABLE INSTEAD OF EXPANDED BASIC CABLE AND IF YOU DON'T WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT, YOU MUST BE TRYING TO SOAK MY CABLE COMPANY)

Q:  Isn't there a pre-existing business relationship with Big Ten Network and DIRECTV?

A:  The Big Ten Network is owned in majority by the Big Ten Conference.  A minority owner of the Big Ten Network is Fox Cable Networks.  Fox Cable Networks is a subsidiary of NewsCorp, Inc.  NewsCorp, Inc. is also a minority owner of DIRECTV, but is in the process of selling its stake in the satellite service to Liberty Media, LLC.  The sale will not affect the Big Ten Network. (SOUNDS FISHY TO ME)

Q:  Why was the Big Ten Network created when we used to be used to watch the games for free?

A: Big Ten fans have seen fewer games appear on their expanded basic cable packages in recent years.  During the last two years, Big Ten teams have appeared on ESPNU and ESPN360 – two channels that the vast majority of fans do not receive – a combined 57 times. (CAN'T SAY I MISSED A ONE) 

Last year, eight Big Ten football games and a whopping 85 men's basketball games were not televised at all. (I'LL SAY WHOPPING!  I AGAIN DID NOT MISS ANY)

With the creation with the Big Ten Network, that will never happen again. (UM, ALREADY HAS)  Every home Big Ten football and men's basketball game will now be televised and the revenues are distributed directly to our schools.

Finally, with regard to previously syndicated games on ESPN-Plus, it is important to note that cable subscribers were actually paying for those games as part of their cable package.  (SO, NOW WE'RE PAYING FOR SOMETHING YOU'VE TAKEN AWAY?  ISN'T THAT STEALING?)

To summarize, the Big Ten Network will ensure that every home Big Ten football and men's basketball will be televised to national audience.  Our stance is that fans within the Big Ten's eight-state footprint should be able to see these games at no additional charge on their existing expanded basic cable package.  (JUST DOESN'T SMELL RIGHT - IF YOU DON'T WANT THEM TO PASS THE COST ON TO US, IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE YOU'RE OUT TO DESTROY THE CABLE COMPANIES ((NOT THAT I PITY THE CABLE COMPANIES BTW - I JUST DESPISE GREED AND DESTROYING JOBS)) AND GET EVERYONE TO SWITCH OVER TO DIRECT TV) 

Q:  Why should everyone pay for a "Big Ten tax?"

A: The Big Ten Network does not charge customers one penny.  Cable and satellite companies pay to carry cable networks, including the Big Ten Network.  The decision whether to raise rates is made by your provider, not by the Big Ten or the Big Ten Network.

Additionally, the Big Ten Network will provide the cable companies with outstanding revenue opportunities through local advertising sales and the sale of high-definition packages and video-on-demand.

In all likelihood, the cable companies would actually profit from the carriage of the Big Ten Network.  Contrary to what you many have heard or read, they do not have to pass the asking price to the consumer.  (NO, THEY'RE JUST GONNA TAKE A CUT IN REVENUE THEMSELVES - GIVE ME A BREAK!  THEY'LL PASS IT ON TO US, WE PAY, WE ALWAYS END UP PAYING.)

Q:  If the cable companies stand to profit from the Big Ten Network, why are some not yet carrying it?

A: The cable companies want to put the Big Ten Network on a sports tier because they want to you to pay roughly $15-20 per month to receive digital service and then an additional $5-10 per month per subscriber.

The Big Ten Network does not want its fans to pay extra to follow their favorite teams.  Additionally, no other sports tier channel will provide as much locally relevant programming as the Big Ten Network.  (AND WHAT, YOU WON'T ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN TO THE FANS YOU CARE SO MUCH ABOUT? HA!  THIS IS PROBABLY JUST WHAT IT WILL COST THEM TO RECOUPE THE MONEY OF WHAT IT IS COSTING THEM TO PAY YOU FOR THIS NETWORK OF YOURS AND IF THEY DO THAT, THEY KNOW THE CUSTOMER WILL NOT PAY THIS AND WILL JUMP OVER TO DIRECT TV.....AND WE COME BACK TO THAT FISHY CONNECTION......) 

Q: Why is it necessary to create a new network?

A: As a premier college athletic and academic conference, the Big Ten sees enormous opportunity to reach millions of Big Ten alumni and sports fans across the nation (AND THEIR WALLETS) through this new national network. With the growing popularity of an increased number of sports and the incredible distribution of the Big Ten's more than four million alumni across the nation, the Big Ten feels an obligation (I THINK THAT'S GREED YOU'RE FEELING, NOT OBLIGATION) to provide our fans with the most access to the most programming possible.

Q: Who owns the Big Ten Network?

A: The Big Ten Network is a joint venture between subsidiaries of the Big Ten Conference and Fox Cable Networks. (AGAIN THAT FISHY CONNECTION....) Fox has a proven track record of successfully launching other channels, which we believe will be a big factor in the successful launch of the Big Ten Network.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY.

As a loyal Buckeye fan, I look forward to fall for more than just the cooler weather and the changing of the leaves....it's football season!  Next to actually being at the Shoe amongst the fans, sitting at home and watching the game is the next best thing, and those days are a huge part of our lives.  It's tradition.  Thank-you Big Ten Network for single-handedly screwing that up for so many - all in the name of stuffing your pockets.  When it first came out that there was going to be such a Network, and it would mean that we here in Columbus, HOME of the Ohio State Buckeyes, would not get to actually SEE all of the games on television, unless we had Direct TV, I assumed come game day, it would be resolved.  To my surprise, it was not.  The only way to see the game was to go to a local sports bar, and with children, that is not a possibility.  Getting a sitter was also not an option since we were out of town for that first game.  We had to listen to the game on the radio and it's just not the same by a long shot.  We did have our nephew tape it for us who has Direct TV, but again, it's not the same once you know the outcome.  Fortunately the only other game that is not televised on regular TV is this Saturday, September 8th. against Akron - and miraculously, Tom's boss gave us his tickets since he'll be in  Canada fishing.  So, we'll be seeing the game - in great seats as the 50 yard line actually splits one of the seats we have tickets for.  So, Big Ten Network....kiss my a$$.  You disgust me.  People nowadays have little to look forward to.  Taking something like this and doing what you're doing to make a profit is just typical of what our society has come to.  It angers people and there's enough of that going around right now.  It takes money out of people's pockets who work hard for it and there's enough of that too.  We are fans and families and friends of these students and we have a right to watch them play.  You are crooks and nothing more.  I applaud the cable network that we have for not bending to the will of the Big Ten Network and anyone that is affected by this I would suggest going to their network and voicing their opinion and then go the the Big Ten Network themselves and tell them what you think.   They basically want to charge us here in the Big Ten area 10 times the amount that people out of the area, pay to see the games.  They are basically asking us to bend over..........and to that I say again - my apologies - (seems I just can't say it enough as it goes beyond televising a game of football on TV to me)......BIG TEN NETWORK......I WILL BEND OVER.......BUT JUST SO YOU CAN KISS MY A$$!!!!!!  

You know Fall is just around the corner when you see those furry little caterpillars make that mad dash across the road.  I never realized how fast they moved until today when we stopped on the way home from the Lake so I could take a picture of one.  We were driving down a country road when we passed one,Tom stopped, backed up and by the time I jumped out of the car he was already across.  I had to pick him up and place him back on the road (a few times) so I could get the shot.  Once I got back in the car Tom proclaimed the shot had been "staged"  *smiling* We were throwing out reasons for why they move so fast crossing the road....Do they know the danger of passing vehicles?  Does the hot pavement burn their "feet"?  Do they feel exposed to birds, etc.?  We decided it's probably a combination.  Then we took note they only were crossing from East to West.  What's west that causes them to go that way?  Why did the Wooly-Bear cross the road?    I thought I'd look it up online when I got home and what I came up with is.....To get to the other side.  lol  Apparently they are just on the move during this time of year and the road is in their way.  This was from an Entomologist.  I will say this, from reading some other posts, it appears to me that they all do seem to head in the same direction whether it be East to West or North to South, etc. on any given day, or maybe it's seasonal.  All I know is that there was not a single caterpillar moving in any other direction but from East to West.  When I picked up the one on the road and put it back down, it might start out in the opposite direction, but it would immediately adjust it's direction to head West.  When we were heading on an East-West bound road, we wouldn't see any, but as soon as we turned onto a North-South bound road, there they'd be...crossing from East to West....  However I came across another posts asking why they only move from South to North?  *smiling*  So, it must vary, but it is definitely a phenomenon.  Anybody got any input....and nothing better to do?  *grins*  I guess the old-wives tale is that the red and black on them determined the winter you'd have.  The more black....the more severe the winter.....from the looks of this guy, who has just as much red as black, it will be an equally mild, as severe a winter.  Huh?