Online Classes

I have started a new writing program online with Winghill Writing School thus far it has been an interesting process. They are pushing me a little to spread my wings into different areas of writing. You can find them at Quality of Course Career Schools. Lots of opportunities for Event Planning, Makeup, Design or Writing. You choose your own path.

I had never thought about writing for a magazine yet yesterday I sent out to inquiries to a couple of them requesting their criteria for submissions. Today I heard back from one of them and I will begin writing an article for them.

Friends

As i looked over my list of so called friends,
I dared to seek a name only list worthy of the name, "Friend"
I looked it over carefully, each name in kind,
with these few things on my mind..

Would this person accept me for whom i am,
or a change upon me force, that i be a different form of man.
Would he or she be there in my time of need without expectation,
or a payment of reward be their destination?

As I went through my list of names so many,
only a select few came through as true as a penny.
There were things that set each name apart,
but only a few would remain in my heart.
Forever to be called friends to the end.

With the few names that now remained on my list,
I started the same process with a little bit of a twist.
Has this on been true
or have they done something that made me blue?
The next question to ponder in my Quest,
would they be there to stand the test?
Or like so many would their excuses cover the land as they loudly protest.

Over and over these questions I turned,
and in the midst of all these questions I learned,
to find a friend that with be there forever,
one must act in kind and judgmental never be,
for what you put forth in a friendship shall be returned unto you,
a great friendship that is strong and true.

After the passage of time has elapsed many moons,
and your bonds of friendship have since grown,
to a place where you both hold,
one-another heart as if it were pure gold.
The friendship you search for in your time of need,
shall be at your door, a true friendship indeed.

I followed my own lengthy advice,
and, it was through this vast search,
one name jumped out at me to stay,
it was you dear friend and i must say,
"I love you my friend," forever as much as I do today

Solomon Elimimian

Minnesota Vikings sign to a two year contract the Hardest Hitting Lineman from the CFL. Just watch this video and think what this will mean to the Vikings defense.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ9OtEizjP8 I think we just got a little bit better. I know we need more but, this is a good start.  Some vikings faithful have already given this guy his new name, "The Eliminator".

Until next time...

Legend - Continental Drift

Here's a heads up for all those movie goers out there that love a good laugh.
Here we go again with a whole new Ice age twist, Ice Age 4: Continental Drift  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOHcHcOhsZM . I just watched it and Scrat is up to his usual self. Watch and see a new version of how the continents were formed..

Coming in 2012 I Am Legend 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqtSgtLsgKA&feature=related . If you thought the first one had action, wait til you see this. The good doc (Will Smith) is out the save humanity.

Until next time .....

Ghost Rider Returns

Looking through the YouTube video file I came upon one titles Ghost Rider 2 "Spirit of Vengence". After watching the trailer  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_iMh0DMHpI I will be making a trip to the movie theatre in February 2012.  Yes Nicolas Cage will be returning as the rider Jonny Blaze.

While your there checking out the Rider be sure to check out he other movies coming out in 2012 including the next installment of the X-Men Series. The Origin of Cyclops May 1st 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-J3nxYCsEk&feature=related

Until next time ... Enjoy the Movies.

Stadium

The stadium battle rages on. When will they finally come together and get the job done.  Make a decision already. I think most of us here in Minnesota would like to Vikings football team to stay here in Minnesota.  However, if the lawmakers and their finance team cannot see their way clear soon I fear the Minnesota Vikings will become the LA Vikings.  Not a good sounding team name to me.

I grew up watching the players try play on a snow covered field with wide receivers catching the ball, landing on a hard field and sliding a half block before they come to a stop. Wish we could get those types of games back. Wouldn't it be great to see at least one game played each year out in the Minnesota cold. Icicles hanging from the coaches, players and fans beards and caps as we cheer the Vikings to a much needed victory.  If I had my choice as to which teams I would like to see in that game it would be one of three, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, or the Greenbay Packers, I miss those days.

I know the outside games most likely won't happen but I vote we get this stadium deal done and move forward with OUR football team. I have been reading all the bleacher reports and vikings news from their home page and it looks like they are making some good moves. Now we have a full coaching staff and a new GM so lets all get behind our team. We are actually in nearly the same situation that Detroit was a couple of years ago. Struggling.

I sometimes feel like I'm a Red Sox fan.  I have waited so long to get the big dance and come away with the prize it feels like it will never happen. But, every fall here I am, with renewed hope and an enthusiastic outlook for the upcoming season.  GO VIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until next time ...

Give and Ye Shall Receive

Couple things to remember when starting any new relationship, take is slow and let it grow. Keep it real & honest. Don't be afraid to say you’re sorry when you know you’re wrong. If things do seem to be getting out of hand, step back for a few minutes and clear the air in the room. Come back in say ... half an hour and talk about what it was that started the situation in the first place. Then find a way to make sure that situation won't come back.

Always remember, with every day there comes the chance for a new beginning in life, love and relationships. If you’re having trouble with your special someone you should always make sure that before the sun is done for the day so are your problems. This will clear the way for you both to start anew the next morning. There are no problems that can't be solved if both parties sit and TALK instead of screaming at one-another. One of the worst things that can be done is cheating. It hurts tremendously to find out your special someone has cheated on you and it makes you angry. But, have you stopped loving that person? Or, are you just furious with their actions. After all they are the same person. When you sit down to talk about what happened the main thing to find out is, WHY did it happen? Something like this doesn't just happen. There has to be an underlying reason. Did he / she feel like they were being neglected? As in, not getting the same love back they were putting forth in the relationship or in the private room. The one thing we all need to remember is, we were all designed to give and receive love.  Men sometimes think the woman they are with will be there for them no matter how they act. Not true. If guys don't show their special someone the kindness, respect and love, how then can they expect her to be there for him. The opposite is also true. I know some guys that go the extra mile because they love a woman so much they feel they cannot live without seeing them or being touched by them. A simple hug and kiss is all it takes some times to show the love that is within us.

From what I hear there are women expecting their guy to be there for them no matter what, just like men? Men / Women, if you show up at the home of your special someone and they are dressed to go someplace special on occasions you need to be flexible enough to say or do what it takes to make the evening as special as they were expecting. Everyone realizes that in this economy we cannot always go out and spend a lot of cash on each other. Remember, the amount of love and attention your special someone gives to you in the private room needs to be returned or else they will go looking for that attention in someone’s arms other than your own. "Treat your special someone with the love and respect you want them to have towards you. The same goes for the bedroom people. Don’t be afraid to touch one another. Remember, you’re not making love to someone but rather with someone. Do this and your relationship with not only stay healthy but get stronger by the day."

I could go on but you get the idea. If you’re special someone has cheated on you. Find out why and solve the problem. When you married each other you did say, FOR BETTER OR WORSE. These are my opinions and you can choose to agree with them or not it’s ultimately your choice.

Seeking a friend

As i looked over my list of so called friends,

I dared to seek a name only list worthy of the name, "Friend"
I looked it over carefully, each name in kind,
with these few things on my mind..SEEKING A FRIEND

As i looked over my list of so called friends,

I dared to seek a name only list worthy of the name, "Friend"

I looked it over carefully, each name in kind,

with these few things on my mind..

Would this person accept me for whom i am,

or a change upon me force, that i be a different form of man.

Would he or she be there in my time of need without expectation,

or a payment of reward be their destination?

As I went through my list of names so many,

only a select few came through as true as a penny.

There were things that set each name apart,

but only a few would remain in my heart.

Forever to be called friends to the end.

With the few names that now remained on my list,

I started the same process with a little bit of a twist.

Has this on been true

or have they done something that made me blue?

The next question to ponder in my Quest,

would they be there to stand the test?

Or like so many would their excuses cover the land as they loudly protest.

Over and over these questions I turned,

and in the midst of all these questions I learned,

to find a friend that with be there forever,

one must act in kind and judgmental never be,

for what you put forth in a friendship shall be returned unto you,

a great friendship that is strong and true.

After the passage of time has elapsed many moons,

and your bonds of friendship have since grown,

to a place where you both hold,

one-another heart as if it were pure gold.

The friendship you search for in your time of need,

shall be at your door, a true friendship indeed.

I followed my own lengthy advice,

and, it was through this vast search,

one name jumped out at me to stay,

it was you dear friend and i must say,

"I love you my friend," forever as much as I do today.

Would this person accept me for whom i am,
or a change upon me force, that i be a different form of man.
Would he or she be there in my time of need without expectation,
or a payment of reward be their destination?

As I went through my list of names so many,
only a select few came through as true as a penny.
There were things that set each name apart,
but only a few would remain in my heart.
Forever to be called friends to the end.

With the few names that now remained on my list,
I started the same process with a little bit of a twist.
Has this on been true
or have they done something that made me blue?
The next question to ponder in my Quest,
would they be there to stand the test?
Or like so many would their excuses cover the land as they loudly protest.

Over and over these questions I turned,
and in the midst of all these questions I learned,
to find a friend that with be there forever,
one must act in kind and judgmental never be,
for what you put forth in a friendship shall be returned unto you,
a great friendship that is strong and true.

After the passage of time has elapsed many moons,
and your bonds of friendship have since grown,
to a place where you both hold,
one-another heart as if it were pure gold.
The friendship you search for in your time of need,
shall be at your door, a true friendship indeed.

I followed my own lengthy advice,
and, it was through this vast search,
one name jumped out at me to stay,
it was you dear friend and i must say,
"I love you my friend," forever as much as I do today.

Baby Shyanne

Written by my son Christopher
10-25-1999

You light up my life.
  Like the sun in the morning sky.
Your baby blue eyes,
  Bring tears to my heart.

Each night I try to sleep,
  All I can think of is you.
I miss my baby shi,
  Many night I often cry myself to sleep.

I want to be your best friend,
  I want to be your daddy.
I want to be there when you need me,
  Help you when I can.
I want to be your daddy.

Your my reason for trying,
  My reason for living.
Please forgive me Shyanne,
  Fore I'm not perfect.

Please forgive me Shyanne,
  I still want to be your Daddy.

Love Always,
Daddy

Moving Here Again

Moving Here Again

Thanks for the guest post by Esteban Vinson

When we moved here my husband said he’d only be okay with it if we’d make a real concerted effort to start saving money. Since it was my job that was bringing us here and he had to give up his old one I told him that I would of course and so that’s what we’ve been doing lately. When we bought the house we made sure it was one that wouldn’t leave us house poor and then everything else from the TXU energy details for Lewisville Texas residents to the internet was scrutinized by us to make sure nothing was slipping through the cracks that we could save on. The good news is that we’ve managed to save several thousand dollars over the course of the last six months and that make me happy – I can’t wait to tell my husband what’s showing in our bank account because I think it will really help him understand that this was a good move for our whole family and not just for my job. I think this was a win!

St Johns University Hockey

The St Johns University "Jonnies" hosted the Gustavus "Gusties" in a wild hockey game tonight.  The Jonnies jumped out to an early lead in the first period then extended their lead in the second. The third period belonged to the Gusties. They came out of the locker room all fired up. They were flying up and down the ice as if they had jet packs on. About midway the second period the hitting started got more and more intense. This was one of those games that have very few penalties and was a hard fought battle. As they say, in the end only one team can win.  Below are a few action shots taken during he game with the final score at the end. The clip is very short so enjoy.  Jonnies 3  Gusties  4

Minnesota Vikings & The New Stadium

One of the topics huge in Minnesota that is currently being stalled is the new Minnesota Vikings Football Stadium.  If the lawmakers took a few minutes to look at all the upside to having a new stadium they would and should approve a financial package to get the job done. 

Think of all the construction jobs it will create, if they built the stadium and the casino on the same location at the same time. Two major construction projects equal lots of jobs for a job market that is straining.  These jobs mean money pouring back into the Metro Economy.  While the projects are being built the Vikings will most likely sign a new extension on the Metro-dome Stadium until their new facility is ready. By creating this new stadium we guarantee the Minnesota Vikings will be in the state for a very long time.  The number 30 years keeps coming up in conversations as the length of time it will take to pay off the new stadium.  If the Vikings stay in the state it assures the Metro / Minnesota a steady 30 mil + in income yearly and that is in addition to the 10 mil + in estimated tax revenue that the new casino would bring in. Then there's the vendors and stadium personnel it will take to operate and maintain this venue.  That’s even more long term jobs and money pumped into the Minnesota economy. 


Rumor has it that Ziggy wants to bring an MLS ( Major League Soccer ) team to Minnesota. A new facility would help in efforts to bring that to fruition. Even more revenue and jobs for the Minnesota economy. If my facts are correct the MLS season runs 30 plus games and the estimated average attendance is 14 to 18 thousand per game. 

It is my opinion that using the 300 million to assist in keeping a steady 30 million in revenue pumping into the state economy and in the process add an extra 10 mil.  Combine that with adding a huge amount of jobs and you have a winning formula for jump starting our economy here in Minnesota. I know there are those people out there that don’t want to use state money to get this thing going but if it jump starts the economy then I am all for it.  To the lawmakers of the state of Minnesota I would say get out of your own way and get this Minnesota Economy back on track. If it takes building a casino and a new stadium then do it.  There has been billions given to banks, loan companies, car companies and many others to bail them out and set them back on track. Why is this situation any different.  


Here you have a business that has been in this state for some 50 years and have expressed the desire to stay here, all they are asking for is a little help in getting a new building built. A building I might add that would be used not only for Football but other events as well.  They have proposed to put up the lion's share of the money to get it done.  

Until next time….

The Year in Review

Over the past year we have seen jobs go away, housing go away, and businesses collapse, yet we move on hoping things will get better.  The politicians have finally started showing their true self absorbing stripes. They hold up progress on whatever they wish unless it benefits them and the advancement of their political careers. It didn't matter what the situation was. W ether it be a state government in crisis or so other piece of legislation the get a project moving.  Why is it that our political leaders think of themselves until its time for election then they remember who put them where they are?  Lets hope that in the coming year we will have a government that looks out the people that put them in office. With good planning and follow through they should be able to generate new jobs. Give business a reason to stay and expand that way they can generate the jobs necessary to turn this economy around.

until next time....