Golf is Great

Played golf last night, shot 37. 6 pars, 1 birdie and 2 bogies. Both bogies were avoidable too. My putting can be so horrible sometimes I think it drives my partner to drink. If I could just putt in an adequate manner I could have been -1 or -2 easily.

Owen is doing well these days, crawling all over like a crazy man. He really likes it and is always excited to move about our lovely home. For those of you concerned about Rocky he also is doing well.

The Democrat Debate

If you missed it the Democrats did a debate last night and answered questions via You Tube. What a novel idea, trying to answer questions straight from John Q. Public. The thing that is frustrating is how every candidate, in some cases, talked about policy rather than answering the question.

Politics. I wish I could make a wish, like Jim Carrey's son in Liar Liar, to have everyone tell the blatant truth for a whole debate. That would be truly amazing. Below is the link to the transcript of the debate.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-07-19-debate-transcript_N.htm

I am not a registered Democrat but if I were, I would vote for John Edwards. Much of what is in this transcript says why I would vote this way. Look at the answers, look who is talking common sense vs. doing the circle route on the questions. I hope lots of people agree with me, it would do this country a lot of good.

My Brother is Home!!

For those that don't know my brother has returned from his deployment in the Middle East. Anyone who reads this send your love and best wishes to Patri, John and Maia!!

My Clock is on Military Time

In observance of my brother being deployed my clock was switched to Military Time, or the 24 hour clock.

Immigration: Illegal or Otherwise

I ran across an article on the CNN website about immigration which, is a touchy subject in this country right now. I know some people just want to kick all illegals out and I know some people that say give them amnesty. Both are impractical for a multitude of reasons that don't need to be discussed here.

I just wanted to give everyone an idea of one example as to why people who are willing to work for lower wages helps our economy. One person interviewed for the article said he was willing to pick lettuce for $52,000 a year. Granted this is in California but, that is roughly the same amount an average family of 4 makes in the whole U.S. of A.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/07/16/navarrette/index.html

Too Many Birthdays!

Wendy and I have decided that there are way too many Riker associated birthdays in the summer. I will gladly take another month if it will help lighten the load. Maybe I can pick March, not much going on then is there?

US and Columbia

The US lost, again, to Columbia this time 1-0. The following headline pretty much says it all: Colombia 1-0 U.S: U.S. finishes tourney winless.

US and Paraguay

The US lost again last night, this time to Paraguay. The final tally was 3-1 which was not a good reflection of the game. The US actually dominated proceedings but could never get that second goal they desperately needed. Unless a miracle happens the Copa America for the US is effectively over.

Tonight we head to Milwaukee for our yearly July 4th pilgrimage to the "Good Land". Rocky has been hanging out in Milwaukee this whole time on vacation. I wonder how fat and happy he will be when we get there. Something tells me I will have to play ball a lot to get him back in shape.

If anyone else is travelling this week please be careful as always, the roads get a little wacky this time of year. Chicago should be filled with heart stopping splendor, I can't wait.

Rabid Fans and Voter Turnout

I was asked if I knew how well Americans turned out for elections. 2004 was the highest ever since 1968, at 64%, based a small bit of research. This is based on a percentage of registered voters. In total, if you count registered and non-registered voters above the age of 18, it's 55.3%.

As a side note all 3 elections in the 60s had over 60% turnout of all people over the age of 18. Registration data for the given period is not accurate due to many states not having their registrations properly counted. Regardless no where near the 80% Patri is talking about

Lisa and Patri have brought to note that they feel it is disturbing that some country's fans are so rabid. Lisa pointed out that many in Argentina feel as if it is a reflection on their economy. If it is doing poorly people act in a more liberal way and vice versa if the economy is doing well. On the outside looking in it appears they are crazy all of the time.

We did have one extraordinary event happen on the Owen front. Owen pulled himself up for the first time at approximately 8:30 PM on Saturday night. He was able to get himself up on a plastic picnic table that the Donoghue's own. We were of course at a party and Owen was not tired enough to sleep until after 11 I believe. The party animal lives on!!

Man I love the internet, check out this blog for knitters!!! I was just farting around clicking Next Blog and I came across this---> http://chrissythegreat.blogspot.com/