15 minutes

So, I started this and let it go a couple of years ago. Time and energy weren't available. Ok, so maybe there were. Motivation was the issue. I really have no motivation keep this up. Other then I occasionally want to say something that I think others will want to hear. And I like express my opinions or just give an anecdote from my day. Possibly my inept abilities at picking up women, or the farmer market.

So, possibly a new approach to this. 15 minutes. Can I allocate 15 several times a week to write whats on my mind. I've got 15 minutes. Every one has 15 minutes. Or maybe I should start another and be totally anonymous. I've occasionally had thoughts that I like to write about but would prefer total anonymity. Maybe both.

But for now I'm going to go make an espresso and get on with the day.

Sometimes you get what you ask for

Attempting to make conversation and flirt on my way in from the parking lot to the office today, I began a conversation with a woman. It went something like this...

• Get out one of my multiple 'electronic fobs' (building doors and VPN access), and open the door. Hold door for cute blonde coming in behind me.
  
• She does the same on the next door.
• Thanks, I say, and we trade pleasantries
• Her hands are quite fill of various bags, I assume for work
• Ok here's my chance, "So, what's in all the bags?"
• "Oh, since you ask, this ones a breast pump"
• Randy does a quick bee line towards the steps and mutters something about "Have a nice day"

You gotta admire her honesty. Which I assume was more of a "Hey dude, leave me alone" response.

Ugh, great start to my day.

And 8 yr olds solution to the energy crunch

Sometimes the most obvious and apparent solution might just make the most sense.

I was having a discussion with my sons about the energy crunch and gas and global warming etc. You know, all that fun stuff that little boys like to talk about. When out of nowhere comes this from Cole, almost 8, "If it were me I'd just say use less gas". Whoa, why hadn't anyone thought about that before??

Instead, we keep hearing from certain political parties, that we should just drill for more oil. I did a rudimentary explaination of supply and demand. Which they seemed to comprehend to some extent. Still, both in agreement that we should just use less gas.

When explaining the production of electricity, Ethan who is now 10, asked "Isn't there an unlimited supply of fire?". Basically equating the production of electricity with some type of fire, coal, gas etc. Nope, I said, there isn't. Because the fire has to come from some other source. He got it!!

Amazing when you take two young children, explain something to them that most Americans don't understand, and they get it. Not because they are any higher intelligence (although I personally think they are), but because they don't have an bias yet. Nor do they have a vested interest in Big Oil etc.

Go figure.

Getting leaner every year

I'm always a bit offended and frustrated by people who stereotype Wisconsinites as some kind of lazy, overweight, lard-asses. I spent most of my life in Texas and always hear the snide remarks from friends and family. Well, this time I've got the evidence to dispel the rumors of our obesity.

Calorielab has published the fattest states of 2008. And... Wisconsin comes in at 26 this year. While Texas trails far behind at 15. So there, all you fat Texans!! Just kidding Mom.