Ubering 08/13/2016...

Good afternoon everyone.

First and foremost the following happened at 1:00 am this morning. I was requested to pick up a gentleman by the name of Ben from an excellent restaurant here in Toledo by the name of Sakura. During the ride to his home in downtown Toledo we had shared what's appropriate for a co-workers/partner to discuss when not with the main contributor of the company present. We agreed on so many levels which led us to discuss the partnership of several businesses that are starting to sprout in downtown. There is an old building by name of "The Berdan Building" that is being renovated. Ben informed me that it will have 112 apartments and the first floor will be dedicated to retail and a restaurant. I for one think that would be excellent for any resident in the downtown area living in the building or not.

Here is what the building looked like right before they started the work. Berdan A

Here is the proposed look after the renovations. Berdan B

Even though the artist rendition looks great the building right now looks amazing. They are moving along quite quickly and seeing the way they work it should be done in no time at all. Ben and I had a great conversation during that ride. Driving for UBER is definitely an eye opener in meeting new people.

Have a safe weekend everyone. :)

A different car indeed...

Good morning everyone, Who remembers when Saab hit the market under GMs name with their oddly shaped vehicle (which I liked)? I do because I thought it looked rather sweet and had an interior that was on par with other vehicles out that year. Well I just read that SAAB is to design for the Swedish military a vehicle electronics for the army's Leopard 2 tanks. Given the history of the SAAB name and reputation I find it exciting that they were able to incorporate their tech into the military's arsenal. I wish the partnership safe travels in this endeavor. Going from SAAB's first creation the SAAB 92 to increasing the effectiveness of the Leopard 2 you have to admit that the transition from start to present is pretty remarkable.

I'm Back!

Sorry for the long long disappearance. Between not feeling well and vacation I was gone for quite a bit. Well it looks like a few things happened while I was gone. First I would like to congratulate the Detroit Tigers in making it into the World Series by shutting out the ever popular New York Yankees 4-0. I did watch the second debate between the presidential hopefuls. I would have to say that Mitt Romney won it by a slim margin. President Obama did look a lot more into it this time. My 49ers took a loss to the Giants but that's ok because tomorrow will be a good day. I am back and I hope to keep things rolling. Take care folks.

Roman

Hope and change...

Hope and change is what the Obama campaign rode on but unfortunately here in Toledo we seem to keep things the same without any strained thought. Once again we have another offer for the docks across from downtown Toledo and from what I've read/heard in other blogs (GCJ) and the many callers on the radio - it looks like we might be turning this down as well and continue to think that the city should be in the business of running a business. This city can't resist an opportunity to keep us in the depths of blight. We will dick this around for weeks, the group interested will change their minds and we will soon see matching plywood panels (like the many buildings in downtown) covering the windows of the empty restaurants and like clock work we will have the same stupid questions from elected officials i.e. "What can we do to better this city?".

Hoping for a change in the politics here in Toledo but I pretty much know the answer to that one.

History/Moments on my birthday...

Here is what happened on 05/02 throughout history:

Notable Birthdays for May 2

Those born on this date include:
- Catherine the Great, empress of Russia, in 1729
- Gen. Henry Robert, author of "Robert's Rules of Order," in 1837
- Pioneer Zionist Theodor Herzl in 1860
- Broadway composer Lorenz Hart in 1895
- Child care specialist Dr. Benjamin Spock in 1903
- Singer/actor Bing Crosby in 1904 and Theodore Bikel in 1924 (age 82)
- Activist Bianca Jagger, ex-wife of Rolling Stone Mick Jagger, in 1945 (age 61)
- Pop singer Leslie Gore in 1946 (age 60)
- Country singer Larry Gatlin in 1949 (age 57)
- And actresses Christine Baranski in 1952 (age 54) and Jenna Von Oy ("Blossom") in 1977 (age 29).

Other Notable Events, May 2
In 1519, Leonardo da Vinci, Italian artist, scientist and inventor, died at age 67.

Out of all that is above the only thing that caught my attention is the fact that da Vinci died on my birthday - bummer. Now everytime I think about watching the movie I will remind myself that the creator of the "Last Supper" died on my birthday.
:(

You know it's coming...

YOU JUST MIGHT WANT TO PRINT THIS, FILE IT AWAY AND PULL IT OUT IN A YEAR OR SO.

Here is another warning from a very knowledgeable person from the Hollywood sector that is not a preaching Democrat. His words are spooky.

Grim predictions

The writer of this essay is Jerry Molen, an Academy Award winning Hollywood Producer, who produced Jurassic Park, Hook, Rain Man and many more classy movies, and who won the Academy Award for Schindler's List. Jerry is one of the very few conservatives in Hollywood - but wants to include Democrats. He says:

We are about to make the Mother-of-All-Mistakes, because the Republican Party gave us no reliable alternative. If the conservative movement does not rally behind the only alternative left to us, this country will become a true Socialist State within the next two Presidential terms.

Ladies and Gentleman, this is the most grave situation this nation has faced in my lifetime. We just experienced an over-hyped, outrageous primary election season that has left me wondering where the heads of our citizens are hiding - must be someplace where the sun doesn't go very often.

At one time in my life I was a determined, dedicated and ever-loyal registered Democrat. Then something happened - Lyndon Baines Johnson - that turned my life around and gave me pause for the veracity of a party that lives and feeds off of the most unfortunate among us. Some of them are in their positions in life by their own choosing, others by outside circumstance. But always, always there was a door open to them, to reach for new heights, achieve new goals, change their lives for the better. Similarly, there have always been the bottom feeders, doing what they could to take advantage of those who had not or have not seen better days, nor realized that they in fact were the masters of their own destiny - these unfortunates had come to believe that they were dependent on people in Washington, who would look out for and take care of them. They waited and still wait for all those promised freebies.

Most people don't reflect upon the fact that the Democrats ruled Washington for over 40 years; it wasn't until 1994 when the so-called Gingrich Revolution changed - but only for a while. These same people do not realize that it was the Democrats who created the failed policies of the entitlement programs that are now falling apart before our eyes.

Do not think I find the Republicans blameless in all this. They, too, suffer from the ego and greed built into our system. But in the past few months I have listened with growing horror to the railings of the left, calling for yet more giveaways, more promises of a proverbial 'free lunch.' What sums up my feelings, why I am appalled by those in political power is contained within a quote by basketball legend and talk show host Charles Barkley: 'Poor people have been voting for Democrats for the last fifty years....and they are still poor.'

Now, with our elections, come yet more new promises of 'change:' 'change we can believe in,' 'hope for the future'. But if you really, I mean REALLY listen to what the new messiah is asking for, it is not 'change of policy' or 'change for the better' - this is a warning that he wants our change. And the change you will get will not be the change you expected or wanted.

I leave you my predictions of what will happen if the junior Senator from Illinois becomes President - especially if the House and Senate are veto-proof Democrat:

1). Strict gun laws, though he promised he would not.

2). 'In God We Trust' will be removed from all currency.

3). He will renege on his pledge to Israel and leave them to the wolves of Islam.

4). Hillary Clinton will be named to the Supreme Court.
5). Tax rates will surge to the highest levels in 30 years.

6). Capital gains tax will be at least double current levels.

7). Retired Army General Wesley Clark will be named Secretary of Defense.
8). Our borders will be open to all comers - especially from the Middle East and South America .
9). Amnesty will be granted to all illegals in the U.S, regardless of status or even gang membership (think MS-13).
10). Our presence in Iraq will come to an abrupt end - with tragic results to their citizens and devastating consequences to our military.

My predictions will not sit well with some people - the best we could hope for is that I am wrong.

Any bets?

Stockton gets 11,000th NBA assist..

On this day in 1996, the Utah Jazz’s point guard John Stockton gets his 11,000th assist in the NBA. When Stockton retires from basketball in 2003, he leaves with 15,806 career assists, a record that still stands.

Stockton attended Gonzaga University and in 1984 was drafted by the Utah Jazz, where he would spend his entire career. The 6’1” point guard was the 16th overall pick in that year’s draft, which also included Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. Stockton got his first NBA assist on November 26, 1984, and his 1,000th assist on April 5, 1986. During the 1987-1988 season, he made 1,128 assists, setting a record for most assists in one season. Isiah Thomas had previously held the record with 1,123 assists.

On February 1, 1995, Stockton shattered the NBA record for career assists--9,921--which had belonged to Magic Johnson. Stockton earned a reputation as hard-working, consistent and the ultimate team player. During his 19 seasons with the Jazz, he and forward Karl Malone led the team to the playoffs every year, although they never won the championship. Stockton was also known for wearing short basketball shorts throughout his career, even when most players began sporting a longer, baggier style in the 1990s.

In addition to Stockton’s 10 All-Star game appearances, he played on the U.S. men’s Olympic basketball teams that won gold in 1992 in Barcelona and 1996 in Atlanta.

When Stockton retired from the NBA in May 2003, he was known as one of the greatest point guards in the history of basketball and was the all-time leader in assists, with 15,806, a record he still holds. He had 19,711 career points and led the league in career steals, with a total of 3,265. In November 2004, the Utah Jazz retired Stockton’s jersey--number 12.

Watching him play was a complete enjoyment, waiting for his quick shots and razor sharp passes were two of the many weapons that he brought to the court. When they played the Bulls they brought all of their attacks hard and on point, not once did I ever think that the Bulls can walk through this team and move on. Congrats to Stockton for an achievement worth remembering.

Something worth sharing...

A video that had me from day one. I hope that those of you here will spend some time and watch it.

Viewing the incredible...

While on a trip to Gran Rapids Ohio on Thursday I noticed that some of the roads were closed due to flooding. Now when I finally got to the village I had a chance to get a few pictures of a home that was near the river and as you can see it didn't turn out so good for that family. Then on Friday when I went to make a delivery to one of our affiliates I noticed the Maumee river was way over it's height. I have not had a chance to go back and see what the level looks like now but I plan on going over tomorrow and seeing what the river looks like now.

Third brother feeling proud...

Just watched an interview with Cooper Manning regarding his reaction to his brothers' accomplishments. Cooper Manning is a great man and very outspoken. He is proud of his brothers both Eli and Peyton. The question of him possibly being jealous of his siblings' goal setting success was asked and as a stable and self aware gentleman he quickly answered by saying that what his brothers have done now and in the past are moments that places him in a proud and privileged to have them as part of the family. He is a strong son, brother, husband and above all a great father. My hat goes off to the Manning family in all of their successes as well as the NY Giants for achieving what many said they couldn't do

Cooper Manning Interview

Appointed Chancellor of Germany...

Hitler was Appointed Chancellor of Germany 75 years ago today. (1933)
Hitler's rise to power began long before 1933, with his development of the Nazi party in the early 1920s and the widespread release of his book, Mein Kampf, in 1925. After the Nazi party lost seats in Germany's November 1932 parliamentary elections, leading businessmen and political figures appealed to Germany's president to appoint Hitler chancellor. As chancellor, Hitler quickly moved to eliminate his rivals and consolidate his power. Hitler's history isn't being mentioned here to promote or encourage what he did, this post is to remind people that even when someone like Adolf can work behind the scenes and position themselves higher in the ranks ou might want to keep an eye out or at least be aware.

"The Raven" from (1845)

"The Raven," like Poe's other works, conveys the dreamlike and often macabre forces that pervaded the author's sensibility. Poe wrote the poem while his moribund wife was suffering from tuberculosis, and it became an instant sensation when it appeared in the Evening Mirror in 1845. In the poem, the speaker, who is mourning the death of his love, Lenore, is mysteriously visited by a talking raven and asks the bird a series of questions.

A good day for Drudge...

Matthew Drudge, raised in Takoma Park, Maryland, near Washington, DC, is an only child. His parents are Jewish liberal-Democrats who both worked for the federal government. His father Robert Drudge, a former social worker who owns the reference site www.refdesk.com and his mother, a former staff attorney for Ted Kennedy divorced when he was six. Drudge went to live with his mother. He had few friends but was an avid news reader and radio talk show fan. In his book Drudge Manifesto, Drudge reports that he "failed his Bar Mitzvah", and graduated 341st out of a class of 355 from Northwood High School in 1984, thus giving himself, in his words, a "more than adequate curriculum vitae for a post at 7-Eleven".

The Monica Lewinsky scandal was a political-sex scandal emerging from a sexual relationship between United States President Bill Clinton and a then 22-year-old White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. The news of this extra-marital affair and the resulting investigation eventually led to the impeachment of President Clinton in 1998 by the U.S. House of Representatives and his subsequent acquittal on all charges (of perjury and obstruction of justice) in a 21-day Senate trial.

News of the scandal first broke on January 17, 1998, on the Drudge Report website, which reported that Newsweek editors were sitting on a story by investigative reporter Michael Isikoff exposing the affair. The story broke in the mainstream press on January 21 when it hit the Washington Post. The story swirled for several days and despite swift denials from Clinton, the clamor for answers from the White House grew louder. On January 26, a visibly flustered President Clinton, standing with wife Hillary Rodham Clinton, spoke at a White House press conference, and issued a forceful denial while wagging his finger: we all know what the outcome of that was.

Matt Drudge continues to bring stories to the spot light that sometimes either don't get mentioned or don't get enough attention. Some of his work may or may not fall under my approval stands but his information and coverage is considered to be of top quality and is respected by many.

Common Sense since 1776...

Thomas Paine Publishes Common Sense (1776)
Paine was an Anglo-American political theorist and pamphleteer. He anticipated and helped foment the American Revolution through his powerful writings, most notably the enormously successful pamphlet Common Sense, in which he argued that the colonies had outgrown any need for English domination and should be granted independence. Paine's influence was also strongly felt during the French Revolution, and, despite the fact that he did not speak French. I found a site that was a real interesting read, if you have some time please head on over and take a look. This is a new site that was created not too long ago - and remember, there's nothing wrong with having a little common sense from time to time.
Thomas Paine

Can you hear me now?

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First Public Transatlantic Telephone Call (1927)
The telephone has come a long way since its earliest incarnation. The switches used to route phone calls, which were once electromechanical, have now been replaced by digital electronic switching systems that make features like "caller ID," "call waiting," and "call forwarding" possible. Cordless phones, cell phones, and satellite phones have also changed the way that people communicate. I can remember when my mom had a rotary phone in the kitchen. The thing weighed like 6 pounds and for some reason red was the popular color to have. At times I felt like Batman waiting for the red phone to light up when the Commish would need me to save the day. Also when calling the relatives during the holidays it felt like I was waiting in line during a huge sale right before the store opened. When calls were placed to Boston, my aunts and uncles had numbers that started with nines so by the time you got to the last number you were pretty bored watching the dial go back to the beginning. Phones have come a long way since it's birth especially when you compare the old with the new.

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Civil Right's member Jackie Robinson...

Jackie Robinson Retires (1957)
Robinson, a vocal member of the Civil Rights movement, was the first African-American baseball player in the modern major leagues and the first African American to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1949, he led the National League in both stolen bases and batting average and was named its most valuable player. In recognition of his accomplishments both on the field and off, Major League Baseball retired Robinson's number in 1972.

Jack Roosevelt Robinson (1919-72), the first black man to "officially" play in the big leagues in the 20th century, possessed enormous physical talent and a fierce determination to succeed. In the course of a distinguished 10-year career beginning in 1947, Robinson led the Brooklyn Dodgers to six National League titles and one victorious World Series. Beyond his many and stellar baseball feats, Jackie Robinson went on to champion the cause of civil rights when he retired from the game. Pleas visit his site and get a better understanding on the foundation that was created in his name. You can also get a detailed list of the history of Mr. Jack Robinson by visiting this site.

Today in 72...

Roberto Clemente Dies in Plane Crash (1972)
Right fielder Roberto Clemente played 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning the National League MVP award in 1966, as well as 12 Gold Glove Awards throughout his career. In 1973, he became the second Hispanic-American player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Clemente, who was dedicated to charity work, was traveling to Nicaragua to deliver aid to earthquake victims when his plane crashed off the coast of Puerto Rico. At the ceremony in 1973, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn honored him by creating the "Roberto Clemente Award", the highest award in baseball for sportsmanship and community activism. Kuhn spoke proudly about Clemente, "He was so very great a man, as a leader and humanitarian, so very great an inspiration to the young and to all in baseball, especially to the proud people of his homeland, Puerto Rico."

Today in 1890...

Wounded Knee Massacre (1890)
The Wounded Knee Massacre was the last major armed conflict between the Lakota Sioux and the US. After the death of Sitting Bull, a band of Sioux, led by Big Foot, fled south, but was captured by the 7th Cavalry on December 28, 1890. On December 29, the Sioux were ordered disarmed. During the tension that ensued, a weapon discharged, US troops opened fire, and within minutes almost 200 men, women, and children were dead.
The majority of the massacre fatalities occurred during the initial ten to twenty minutes of the incident, but the firing lasted for several hours as the army chased after those who tried to escape into the nearby ravine. According to recollections by some of the Indian survivors, the soldiers cried out "Remember the Little Bighorn" as they sportingly hunted down those who fled -- evidence to them that the massacre was in revenge of Custers demise at Little Bighorn in 1876. To read more detailed events and moments please visit this site "The Wounded Knee Massacre".

A Strong Leader Resigns...

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George Washington Resigns as Commander-in-Chief (1783) After demonstrating exemplary leadership as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, George Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief and retired to Mount Vernon, Virginia. This act established the important precedent that civilian elected officials, rather than military officers, possess ultimate authority over the armed forces. Six years later, Washington was elected US president. Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement at Mount Vernon, for he died of a throat infection December 14, 1799. For months the Nation mourned him. Great leaders are usually the ones needed the most in times of need. Please join me in remembering a great man that had the courage to continue the fight for what was right on this day.

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Are you kidding me?!?

I want to send Mr. Nathan Jones a special note:
YOU'RE A MORON!!!
For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about I would like to inform you that we have a few more idiots/morons amongst the human race. These clowns decided to dress up as VT victims. No not the survivors but the ones that died during the US's worst school shooting. They thought that this would of been something that would be acceptable for a costume party. Watching the video of this guy just made me feel some anger towards him an those who participated. I'm curious, if it was one of his friends or maybe a family member - would he have done this regardless? I say yes, I don't think this guy or any of the others have any remorse now or ever.
VIDEO