another new year's predictions post

Well, it's time for another installment of new year's predictions and if you look at my last post....I did get a couple of them right. The Royals didn't lose 100 games this year, airlines did lose more luggage than ever before and will only give myself partial credit on the nanotechnolgy because wasn't talk about as much as I thought would.

The year in review.....if I have to say anything that 2007 was probably the Year of the recall.....from tainted pet food to lead paint in toys. We had stories like Lisa Norwalk; the crazy astronaunt, caught in a love triangle. The virginia tech massacre which shocked us all, a tornado that practically wiped out the entire town of Greensburg, KS, Barry Bonds rise as (the supposed homerun king) to his fall of being indicted on perjury charges. Michael Vick a fast QB but couldn't outrun the feds when it comes to dog fighting charges. We saw people pass away this year from Lucianno Pavarotti, Bill Walsh and Eddie robinson great football coaches to a jazz legend Oscar peterson who knew how to tickle the ivories. I'm sure I forgot some but those are the one's I remember the most.

New year's predictions for 2008
1. We will have a new president that will be eithier be a woman, african american, latino, mormon or just another plain white guy. (i'm covering all my bases)

2. foreclosures will be even higher next year than even this year.

3. Social Security will make it's way back into the news (and it won't be very good)

4. I will have my credit card debt paid off

5.The New england Patriots will go 19-0 to win the superbowl.

6. Youtube might create a reality tv series with just ordinary people

7. royals will go above 500 this year

8. A major earthquake will happen in California

9.I will eithier be promoted in my company this year or I will be doing my passion this year.

10. I pray that there is major anti global warming movement so that the media as well as these environmental wackos will shut up and realize there is no such thing as global warming

The day after christmas

Well, it has been awhile since I have written a post so here it goes.....the past few weeks at work seem like there was nothing but overtime galore wether it be the 10 or the 12 hour shifts, but I trudge through and my wallet felt a little fuller. It will feel nice to get back to some normalcy. I haven't been to church for over three weeks for eithier one of many reasons whether be being sick or an ice storm or something else. The holidays are almost over and I miss being with some of my friends. Did everbody get what they want for christmas? I almost got everything I want, but my needs are more of taking care of my debt or trading in my truck. I did receive a nice fleece jacket for the winter time which will keep me warm. Mom and Dad receive their gifts from me one of which was an electric knife and the others were two gift cards from resteraunts. My greatest gift was more of miracle as I finally was able to remove my freaking wart that has been bothering me for weeks. This thing has been on my left hand and has hurt me so much during work that I had to wear a glove just to protect it. I know it sounds disgusting, but it's a big relief for me. I just need time to give my hand to heal up. My company's christmas lunch and party was the best I have ever been to bar none. It definitely lived up to my expectations....anytime you serve eithier ham or turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, salad, rolls and your choice of three different kind of pies.......that's some good eating. Finally, before everbody left for their 4 day weekend, Everyone who works for the company recieved their year end bonus. It wasn't much but every little bit helps. This was one of the most memorabable christmas I have had in a long time not only from the recieving end but also from the giving side as well.

Merry Christmas to all and I hope to see everyone before or after New year's Day
Signed Tim Crippen

PS: Jay Leno makes his return on January 2nd YYYYYYYYEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

Not really missing Jay Leno......okay maybe a little

Being cold and ice in this weekend gave me a chance to catch on some reading, watch some holiday films and laugh at the people who have to drive in this crappy weather. For the past five weeks the writers guild of america have been on strike. What does that mean? Well, I haven't seen a new late night show in quite awhile. No more new shows from primetime schedule except for the ones that are eithier game or reality shows. The movie industry is hurt the least beacause all the films that are coming out next year are already written. So, is it bothering me? Not really except I do miss watching a new Jay leno episode with new comedy. I just caught friday night's episode in which they went back to the archives like back to 2004. Ouch! next thing you know if strike continues any longer their going to show an old Tonight show with Johhny Carson in black and white. You know the way I look at it .....If Letterman and Leno are really all that funny......Why can't they write the jokes themselves and do the shows without the writers. Heck, I betcha I could find Joe Blow out on the street who could probably write funny material. The point is that I'm not really missing my late night comedy too much.....with the holidays in full swing, working overtime and trying to find time with friends and family.....I haven't had the time to think about it what if the writers strike goes on longer. Here's a thought and I'll put it in big bold letters.



How about trying to get a life instead of watching TV.

Signed
Tim "merry christmas" Crippen

You never stop learning

The last couple of sundays at church have been very interesting for me. About a couple a months ago, the lord kind of laid on my heart to do something in the church. Instead of just a person who goes to church and sunday school and then gives his tithe to the lord. There was this emptyness that felt like I wasn't helping out. Then one Sunday, a man name Billy; who was in my financial peace university class, introduce me to Lon and the tech crew at the church. These past two Sundays I've have been trying to learn the powerpoint sytem as well as the audio board there at the church. It has been over three and half years since I have done any technical work with a computer or an audio board. Even at my age, the audio board is so multiple layered that it's like I got to learn a whole new system over again. I have two reasons for wanting to learn both systems. One, is to improve on my technical skills and start learning a new system in the digital age instead of being intimidated by it. Two, I always wanted to help out in the church in some way, but just eithier didn't seem to care or just didn't know where I could fit in. Even in God's perfect plan you never stop learning.

College football turned upside down

This year has been the weirdest, most upsets and the best college football season I have ever seen period. Forget your powerhouses like USC, Notre Dame, Ohio State or Florida.......this has been the year you kind of wonder whether hell has frozen over it if this year has just been a streak of good luck. Let's start with Kansas University no not the basketball team the football team. 11-0 before their first loss this has to be the biggest turnaround for them since even before I wasa born. Mark maggino has got this team going in the right direction. Then you got the team that beat Kansas in their only loss and that is Missouri. The Tigers for the first time since 1960 are #1 and have a good shot at the national championship. Then you have West Virginia, a team that really doesn't get too many big name recruits to come to their school is only one win away from playing in the national championship. With all the excitement going on this college football season... ....I tend to almost forget about the NFL except only when the Bears are playing.

A christmas economic story

Twas the day before christmas and it's time to go shopping before all the good gifts leave the store. We hop in our SUV that's costing us 349 a month and gas is so high that will be a 100 bucks more. The kids want hot chocalate, but mom says no. She even denies herself a trip starbucks that would have cost $4 even more. Dad is serving in Iraq and doing the best that he can while mom complains that going to mall is a traffic jam. The kids run through the store to find the toys they want on their list and mom is not to far behind while drinking a $1 Sierra Mist. After their fun in the toy department, she takes them to find clothes to see what would look good with ribbons and bows. Junior wants these pair of Nike's that is $60 top of the line and mom says no are you out of your mind. Susie wants the latest perfume so that she can smell nice, but mom looks at the price tag and says not at the expensive price. They finally leave the store and get what they need and their hearts were not full of all that greed. Their tire blows out and they have spare. It takes them few minutes and they finally arrive back home in Deleware. Junior asks question "Mommy why can't we afford it?" (Referring to the shoes that he wanted) Because I've listen to Dave Ramsey and were on a tight budget.

A christmas gift and Oh yes, Garth Brooks

Let me start with the Christmas gift first.....I have to save you folks from spending a complete waste of money. Last Tuesday, as I'm sitting at applebee's, I come across this commercial for the latest execise equipment called "The perfect push-up". The best way to describe this thing it looks like two paddles with handles that twist and turn as your doing a push-up. I nearly fell out of my seat laughing and wondering who would buy this crap? Here's the even more funnier part....the cost......two payments of 19.95...$40.00 are you out of your mind...for that much money I can take a date to nice resteraunt and maybe go see a movie. Now, if the paddles contain electric shock to revive your heart after you work out on the perfect pushup then maybe it would be worth it, but don't spend your money on this.....if you want to do a push up just use your hands.

Okay, now onto the Garth Brooks concert......first the sprint center itself.....this is definitely not the place to hold concerts. The acoustics were terrible....the only instrument that actually sounded good was the fiddle. Then the hanging scaffolding that was holding the camermen was blocking the view of the videotron and finally the seating kind of felt tight. This new arena was more built for sporting events. However, there were some positives the seating was fairly comfortable, the videotron was pretty cool, there wasn't a bad seat in the house and looking inside from the outside through the glass panels makes this a very unique building.

The concert all I can say is wow what a show.......It has to be in my top 5 of best concerts I've ever been too. Trisha Yearwood open up the show and was really good then the main event showed up and it was like.....well I don't know how to describe it. It wasn't like a show it was more like a controlled party atmosphere where everybody seemed to have a good time. Garth opened up show with his song "Fever" as he poped up from underneath stage like he was Jack in the Box and just let it rip.

Strobe lights moving all around, Garth's logo sign coming down from above the opening was one of the best I ever seen. He played all the hits and there was even a moment during the show where he seemed a bit teary eyed as if he missed touring.

The concert was great, but I think I can help Garth Brooks improve his image even more because at the end it seemed like he was tired, but he kept on going for 2 1/2 hours. Here are just some suggestions

1: Use some just for men hair gel to get rid of the grey

2: Use rograine to grow some of that hair back

3: Use the perfect push up to keep your energy up (Just kidding about all three)

If you get a chance to go see his show it is worth the price of admission and you might even have one of your own mastercard moments.

Two tickets for Garth Brooks Tickets $50

Parking for the show $0

Times I got turned down to take someone to the show 8 times

Sitting with your dad at a Garth Brooks concert while

spending some quality time with him Priceless

Signed

Tim "I had a great time" Crippen

The last two weeks

I have to admit that the last two weekends have been a whirlwind for me, but here we go. Couple of weekends ago I went to my Dad's retirement party in Wichita, KS. We held the reception at the Timberline resteraunt and a very friendly person was there to greet us.







If you never been to this resteraunt.....It's mostly a steakhouse resteraunt, but the best part of the resteraunt is the loaves of bread served with honey butter. Anyway, I digress as people were gathering around ......my dad receives a plaque

for his 33 years of service for the Veterans Administration. Of course my dad appreciate all the people who came to this event. Although, dad didn't realize this evening was going to get better
as one of his coworkers decide to roast him by writing a poem about his life with the VA by using titles of candy bars and other sugar sweets. I saw him have a great chuckle as family and friends


and yes even Polly showed up to see my dad have one of his best days of his life.

Last weekend, I went to Pittsburg, Kansas for their homecoming football game as well as the Campus Christians annual ribs for the alumni. I will admit the ribs were really good and I definitely went back for seconds. This was probably the last time we were going to have this before they tear down CC house before they make it into a parking lot...what a cryin shame .....I have too many great memories of this house. Before the game and the all you can eat ribs, we had our morning parade and our congresswoman Nancy Boyda was there and she was the Honary cannonneer for the game as she got to shoot off the cannon. I bring this up not to talk politics, but to point out that her fashion sense isn't the best. She's not a PSU alumni and when she was walking around the parade with a white PSU logo shirt (which was allright) but those red pants that she was wearing was awful looking. Then again who am I to criticize fashion ....I'm dude who sometimes wears shorts during the winter months. I didn't spend much time with my friend Dan because he was on call on lot, but the time we spent was very good in quality.


Update on Garth: I have been turned down six times, but I'm not giving up on finding a date for Garth Brooks concert.....and there is possibly that I might be able to trade the tickets for another night....so I'm crossing my fingers.

That's been my last two weeks in a nutshell.

Searching for a date

Well the search continues for a date. Not a just any date, a particular date. Okay, let me explain.....Last week, a co-worker of mind had two extra pair of tickets to go see the one and only Garth Brooks. I'm somewhat of a fan and the tickets only cost me $50 . The fact that he is performing nine shows in a row is just unreal.....and guess what all nine shows are sold out. I guess what makes this hard is that the show I got tickets for is on Wednesday November 7th and their very good seats in the lower level. If I had tickets for Friday, Saturday or even a Sunday night show....I would have easily had a date. I usually try not to do any big events during the middle of the work week, but this could possibly be the last time Garth performs and that the fact this will be the first time I will get a chance to see the new sprint center. So, who will go with me to the man performs the song "the dance"? I will keep you updated.

Signed

Tim "the thunder rolls" Crippen

Thinking about warm weather

With all the rain that we had yesterday it got me to thinking about warm sunshine and the beach. So here's a picture of me on the beaches at Puerta Vallarta a couple of summers ago just to remind me of warmth again.

A Thank you note for God

Dear God

Thank you for being there in times of need

For allowing us to have as Americans to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

For helping me get back home in one piece when my front end brakes were not working.

For giving me the knowledge to know how to fix these things,

for being my comforter when times were lonely.

Thankful for our troops who our fighting in Iraq in Afghanistan to allow us the freedom to pray and worship in our churches.

Thank you for giving us a sense a humor even if at times we don't want to laugh.

Thank you for showing patience even if as human beings we have hard time showing it.

For giving us joy, peace and kindness in an uncruel world

For your disciples who spread the good news around the world and that it continues to spread through pastors, volunteers and missionaries.

For free will

But most importantly thank you for sending your son to die on the cross for all our sins.

-Tim

Birthday Weekend

Well, today is my birhtday and if you want to know how old I am just take Brian Urlacher's number divide it by 2 and then add 5 and you'll get my age. Speaking of the Bears they dis appointed me again, but at least some good news at least they bench grossman. This weekend has been kind of a mixed emotional weekend. I went to two funeral services one of which was of our former landlord who died of brain cancer. The other a friend of my parents of the leavenworth church of nazarene. I won't say to much about the funeral services other than the fact they were both unique their own special way. I went to Mimi's Cafe for my birthday it was unique in the since that not only was it my birthday but it was the same weekend my dad retire from the Veteran's Administration as a field examiner. We had very good dinner I order the chicken enchiladas with the honey lime sauce which is really good. Then afterwards I had enough in my spare tire stomach to order dessert and I order the bannana foster mud pie which was huge. Our waitress even put a candle on it and everybody sang Happy Birthday to me which was pretty cool. I will admit that the dessert was good, but it wasn't worth five dollars. Then if I thought as if the day couldn't have been topped off. The lady manager over there gave Ron & Joan Teeters as well as my mom and Dad a free 4-pack of Mimi's Cafe famous muffins. Wow, good food, five of the top ten college football teams got upset and I had a pretty good week at work. This weekend was extremely great.

I'll admit that getting older hasn't change me to much other than I just add another candle to the cake and that I'm seeing some grey hairs in me. I have to tell you a story at the resteraunt. Sitting at the south table from us, I see this young family with two kids probably ages 7 and 4. Anyway, they were having a good time drawing in their coloring books, laughing and talking to one another as a family. As I saw this I was thinking about some of the good times my brother and I went to family resteraunts going as a family. How we use to play with our coloring books and bring our stuff animals to the table. I was also thinking why I haven't found that certain someone in my life where I can talk to my own kids and ask them what is going on with their lives and just to learn to laugh at life. Perhaps, I've revealed too much but I felt like I need to tell how I feel. Anyway, I hope everbody is having a good week.

Signed
Tim "Birthday man" Crippen

Bridge Retreat '07

Wow what a weekend

This past weekend I don't know where to begin.....I had my best week at work making my quota every single day this week. Thanks to a great team and for God for helping me along with this process. My Bears like I said would beat the chiefs and they did 20-10. This past weekend I went to the Kansas State Fair for first time in nearly three years.

Is it just me or does is it seem like the crowds get bigger and bigger every year to this thing. I met up with some old co workers of mine from channel 12. I have found out who is gone and who is still left at the old station. Kim Setty greeted me with open arms and it was nice to talk to her since I worked along with her so much for the noon newscast for three and half years. I didn't get to make it to my favorite resteraunt in town which is Roy's BBQ but I did go to my favorite place for ice cream which is

Bogey's. Set in a 1930's style type of resteraunt Bogey's would be a the ultimate place for ice cream lovers galore.....and yes John Lovitt I'm talking to you. Over 101 different flavors of shakes and malts that it would take you nearly four months to have every flavor on the board. I saw the usual things there like the sand sculpture and of course

the infamous butter sculpture

Sure there were some new things out there like seeing some adopted dogs doing some cool new tricks and guy cutting up wood sculpture with a chainsaw, but the highlight of the whole weekend and part of the reason why I went to Hutchinson, KS was to see

Josh Turner

It was a great concert and yeah Sara Evans was there too, but I thought Josh being the opening act was much better than her but then again that my personal opinion and this is my blog. Well, I hope you all had great weekend and I'll talk to you later.

Signed

Tim "backwoods boy" Crippen

The 50 worst cars of all time and the Bears lose their first game

Okay, so the Bears lost to the Chargers 14-3. At least they lost to a good team and will certainly bounce back from this loss and will destroy the chiefs next week in Chicago. As I was getting up this morning I was reading the internet news when I came across an article of the 50 worst cars of all time. Some I was not too surprise like the Ford Pinto or the Amc Gremelin. Others I have never heard of and one particular car the 1966 Peel Trident looks like it was driven by Steve Urkel or was one of those futuristic cars like if you were watching the Jetsons. The complete list is located at http//www.time.com/time/specials/2007/completelist/0,,1658545,00.html I will admit that there should have been one more car on the list. That car should be my late 80's blue dodge lancer which had a cracked cylinder and only lasted me a month.
I will never buy another piece of junk car like that ever again.

Signed Tim "I drive a Dodge Ram 1500 Truck" Crippen

Enjoying my sick day

I'm really sick today as I toss and turned just about all night. I think I have the stomach flu and I called in sick from work today. My mind wanted me to work but my body was saying to drink plenty of fluids today and stay in bed. I hate being sick ....... physically I don't like it but then on the other hand it's better than going to work. It is nice day today with clouds and cool temperatures in the mid 70's. I hope to be feeling better and it will be a long time before I eat at CiCi's pizza again.

signed
Tim "enjoying my sick day" Crippen

The side of Jay Leno you don't see

I was recently forwarded an email from a relative whoe sent me something that Jay Leno wrote and it's a side that people don't see of him and I thought I would share this with you.

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of tra ined firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disda in for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig. So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it <>bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane! Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be than kful and appreciative." "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?" Jay Leno

Happy One Year Anniversary on the Blog

It's a hot and muggy day here in Kansas, but today is the one year anniversary of being on the blog. Today, I looked back at my first post which was about a sports story and a movie. I also looked back at previous months and have seen my share of ups and downs of this rollercoaster we call life. From tragedies like my grandfather passing away to the students at Virginia Tech. From great joys in my life like seeing my Chicago Bears getting back into the superbowl to my brother getting married. To my constantly complaing about global warming to my 21 days of going complaint free. (I accomplish this feat two mondays ago). From sharing pictures of funny, sad, odd and joyous moments to me just sharing a few words of wisdom. Looking back on some these posts, I've realized that I have grown not only mentally but even spiritually in my life. I've even learned to be humble even though there are times when it is hard and your very stubborn in your life. Well, happy one year anniversary blog....I hope to make even more moments in the years to come.

Signed
Tim "birthday blog boy" Crippen

A wedding, an old friend and Barroids all rolled into one.

Let me just say congratulations to the happy marry couple of Jerry and Natalie here's a picture of them.

Whoops that's the wrong picture of the couple ......how did that get in my photo collection. Anyway this past weekend I went to see my very good friend Jerry Moore and his new wife Natalie Eilts tie the knot in Wichita, KS at River Community Church on Saturday afternoon. The wedding was great and the reception was just as good talking to so many people. The weather was too hot but what do you expect it's August and this is the hottest time of the year when it can reach up to 100 degrees. Luckily, it didn't get that way, but it sure felt like it. I did notice that for the groom's cake there was a picture of Willie the Wildcat since Jerry is a K-State graduate.

However, this past Saturday was a real coincidence. I was in Wichita to see a wedding, our good friend Polly was also to see a friend's wedding and the shock of all shocks John and Kim were down here in Wichita to see a wedding all on the same day. What are the odds of that happening. Oh speaking of Polly, I got to see her for the first time since November.

It's nice to see old friends from The Bridge that you haven't seen in a long time. I met up with Polly at Maranatha Worship Center along with her brother Michael who was pretty cool to meet. In fact, that truck behind us in the picture is his.....it would make even Bigfoot proud. After church we all went to Chipolte's and had very nice time. It was nice to hear that Polly is going be taking some vacation time off this week to be a camp counselor for disadvantge kids. She looks like she could use a break, but before I left I gave her some words of encouragement and hug as I headed back home. We all miss you Polly and if your ever back in Kansas City area stop bye and say Hi.

Okay, now that I have told you of what I did this past weekend. I'm going to get my rant on BARRY BONDS. Oh excuse me I should say Barroids. This weekend he just tie the record and yet I didn't care. This is not a legitmate record and I will never even on my last days on earth will I consider him the legitmate homerun champion. In fact, he won't hold the record for very long. In another ten years I'll see Alex Rodriguez be the new homerun champ. I'm not a big A-Rod fan but I will say this. The only thing A-Rod ever cheated on was his wife and not steroids.

Signed

Tim " I'm ready to go to bed" Crippen

Last Day at The K

The first thing I did as I came to the ballpark I was looking for the George Brett statue. Why? I don't know maybe because I have never have taken a picture of it. Or maybe because I watch

him played through all the years and he still is my favorite player. To me working for the Royals (even if it was working in the concession stand) was a great and unique experience. Working with Carmen and Lisa at 013 was great even if we had our bad days. We all try to get a least one laugh during the game. I was really surprise for my last day there that Lisa and Carmen bought me a cake.

It says "Good Bye Tim See you soon" . I honestly wasn't expecting a cake. I was thinking I was going to work my last day say my good byes and say thanks for the memories, but I would like to say thanks to Lisa and Carmen for the cake. I would also like to say thanks to Michael and Jose for keeping me laughing this entire season. Michael I hope you get that job with the IRS soon.

If my new job ever goes through changes where there isn't a schedule conflict. Maybe, I might be back for next season. In a way, I would like to comeback now because there is still two more months of baseball still left. Even at age 31 I still like this game and it will always be a great memory that I got to work for the Kansas City Royals.

And just like Opening Day the Royals on my last day came up with a victory against the evil empire New York Yankees 7-0.

Signed

Tim "please don't lose another 100 games this year" Crippen

Michael Winslow the man of 1000 voices

I should give thanks to Dan for this post for telling me how to get free tickets to Stanford's on 98.9 the rock. So, Dan I say thank you. On Saturday night I got to see the one and only Michael Winslow perform and I'll tell you I would have paid to go see him as well. Mostly people remember as Officer Jonesy from the police academy movies or his part in "spaceballs" or the voice of the evil gremlin stripe. This guy is probably the best when it comes to the voices and sound effects. There were a couple of problems during the show......the sound system there at Standford's is not really all that good and his whole performance wasn't entirely clean I would say it was about 5-10% dirty with a few cuss words and stupid sophmoric humor. His highlights were mostly of his impressions of Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Louie Armstrong. The voices and sound effects he does of a clip of the Original Star Wars movie was dead on. My cousin and his friend and I had an absouletly great time. Just to kind of give you an idea of what I'm talking about here is clip of him doing Jimi Hendrix http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfSjyhDeSKo it is very funny and if you think that is impressive try his performance of Robert Plant from Led Zepplin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31kdfa_iCis


Signed
Tim "somewhat funny guy" Crippen

Freedom of Speech

I know that this might sound like a sports post, but this is more about freedom of speech post than anything else. I read an article not too long ago about two different fans both going to the same Milwaukee Brewers game and both carrying signs. The game was between the Giants in which Barry Bonds happens to be playing. Now, for those who don't know Barry is linked to the Balco steroid issue in which he has been allegedly accused of using steroids. He is also trying to break Hank Aaron's homerun record which if he does the record will probably be tainted. This post mostly is about the two different signs that these two fans show out in public and in both cases they got kicked out of the game. The one sign had four asterisks **** and the word Bonds underneath. The other had Milwaukee loves Hammerin Hank not Balco Barry. Now, the one sign with asterisks is a bit questionable since asterisks could represent a four letter word, but the other sign there is nothing wrong with it and they kicked him out too. I know stadiums have rules about swearing and you can be kicked out of game. Trust me, I've seen a few happen here at Kauffman Stadium. This to me sounds more like the freedom of speech police are out in full force and you can't say anything negative about Barry Bonds. What the ushers did to that one fan who had the Balco Barry sign was outrageous. What's next we can't boo our hometown players when they play awful in field after we spend our hard earn money just to get a ticket. Thank God the Founding Fathers wrote in the Freedom of speech amendment back in 1791. Otherwise, we all be living in Communism State.

Signed
Tim "here's your sign" Crippen

Sometimes I don't understand

Well this a week that has had it's ups and downs. Earlier this week I found out that I didn't get eithier one of the jobs at Fox 4 in Kansas City. Then yesterday I get a call for an interview today with Sipalda Designs as a picker/packer for a full time position. I sometime's kind of wonder whether God is showing me a a much better place instead of what I always dream about. I honestly thought I had a chance for one of two jobs with the experience that I have in television, but I'm sure they had to go through some tough decisions and they were taking the best candidates that would fit their needs. This period of time has given me more time to spent in prayer. Not because of the job search, but because I need to be on a daily basis through the good and the bad times.

Signed
Tim "Sometimes I don't understand" Crippen

PS: Update on the purple bracelet.....Trying not to complain for 21 consecutive days is not easy. The longest I have gone has been eight days.....Right now currently I'm on Day four

Get over it

A song by the Eagles but also a phrase I use for some people who were at Kauffman Stadium last night. Last night I was not working the game as I was enjoying my fourth of july with family and relatives in Topeka. I lit some of my cousin's fireworks and had great time enjoying other displays from around the neighborhood. The focus of this post is on what had or should I say did not happen at the K. As we know fireworks have always been a tradition on the fourth. Well, last night the fireworks display at the Kauffman Stadium didn't go because rain got into both generators which are suppose to be in sync to music to begin the fireworks show. This was promoted to be the biggest fireworks display in town and yet it didn't happen. Now, the royals organization were gracious enough to fans to redeem their tickets for any ballgame the rest of the year. It's a good PR move for them since they had pretty much had egg on their face. I do feel sad for people who have kids and were promised fireworks and didn't get it. I also feel sorry for those people who have to drive long way say like Warrensburg, MO or Topeka, KS and didn't get a show, but at the same time what did you pay for a baseball game (in which they played) or a fireworks show. The fireworks show is really a bonus and yeah I know it's the fourth of july but as I always say "things do happen" and from what I heard that some people were booing and didn't get a show I say "Get over it". If you want to see a fireworks display go see a fireworks display....if you wnat to see a ballgame go see a ballgame. This isn't Burger King where you can have it your way.

signed
Tim "hope everybody had a wonderful fourth of july" Crippen

The Top ten sporting events you must see before you die

Recently, I read an article from Jim Caple on espn.com on the 101 things all sports fans must see before you die. Some I agreed, others I have done, and some I kind of wonder whether they were consider sports. Lets start with Caple's list of things I have done.

#100 Go see Harlem Globetrotters game

#62 Midnight madness at a KU basketball game

#22 Cubs game at wringley field

#35 Opening Day in Baseball



Now here are the ones that I kind of wonder are really sports

#98 Calveras county California Frog jumping jubilee....where wine tasting and 2,000 frogs are involved.

#94 the Hot dog eating championships at coney island on the fourth of July....can anybody say disgusting

#90 The show me state games in Columbia, Mo in July.......this is where 30,000 average joe missourians compete in summer games ages range from 3 to 83. I would like to participate in this, but I feel like I would get embarass by a guy in his 50's if I were running the 100m dash.

#65 The wife carrying championships in Sonka jarvi, Finland......I have seen this event on TV before and it's funny.

#47 Running of the bulls ......Pamplona, spain ........Now, my brother has done this and you have to be very careful on the cobble streets. At least he did this event before he got married.



Now Caple's 10

1. Summer Olympics

2.World Cup soccer

3.Winter Olympics

4.world series

5.NCAA subregional baskeball championships

6Spring training

7. NFL Conference championships

8. The Masters

9.Wimbledon

10. Tour de France during the mountain stage



Tim Dawg's top ten ...........the number in parethesis is where caple put it.

1.Hall of Fame Induction in Cooperstown (16)

2.World Series (4)

3.Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa (74)

4. SuperBowl (not even numbered, in fact caple put it at 10 things to avoid)

5Indy 500 (33)

6.Kentucky Derby (32)

7.The masters (8)

8. Visiting Fenway Park (not numbered but should be)

9.Wimbledon (9) If anything just for strawberries and cream

10.Big 12 tournament (only if it's K.C. and was not listed)

Honarable Mention

The Prefontaine Classic (70) Where some of best runners compete

Signed
Tim "that's my list and I'm sticking to it" Crippen

My Brother's Wedding and more fun stuff

Let me just say one thing before I get into my post, I must apologize to the State of Maryland. If you take out the city of Baltimore and Washington D.C. the area it is really beautiful and very woody. I never realize how great a state can be until you can go outside the city limits.

Okay, now onto the wedding. This was my first time ever to serve as best man as well as attending an outdoor wedding. The wedding was held at Crystal's parents backyard which was a perfect setting with the creek on the left hand side of the picture. God created a masterpiece when it came to the weather. The sun was out no humidity, no rain, and very little wind. But he really created a masterpiece when he brought my brother and crystal together as one.

However, there was one little hitch in the wedding. It will be remembered from both the Crippen family and Namie family who attended the wedding.

Crystal's jack russell terrier "Tess" decided to take a little stretch during the wedding cremony we all had a pretty good laugh at this moment. Ray and Brenda Namie (Crystal's parents) were just absoulutely great host to us. They went beyond expectations to cook for us, setting up the wedding and even giving me and my brother Donald Trump ties for the ceremony. To which I say thank you to both of you for your hospitality. This weekend couldn't have been any better and was very special moment in my brother's life. Crystal you married a great guy and you have brought joy into his life. I hope your marriage is as beutiful as this picture I took at the botanical gardens.

I did do some other things besides go to a wedding. I got to meet a lot of Crystal's brothers and sisters and their families. I really got to know Crystal's brother Paul the most. I never realized of just how much we really had in common. He did challenge me to a game of horseshoes in which case I accepted his challenge.

Although, I haven't played a game since I was 9-10 years old. I still had a good time even if I lost every single game. I did have few ringers, but I still need some work on my throwing technique. I told Paul, if you come to K.C. play my game the batting cages and see how many 80 mph baseballs you can hit. He had good laugh when I told him that. We even went to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. It once was the place where John Brown's famous raid took place in which he was trying to end slavery. Now, it is a National Historic Park where you can visit some the old town buildings as well as tubing down the Potomac River as these people in this picture

It reminded me like Hannibal, Mo, but only with a better scenery. If you come down this area, I would highly recommend it. In a way I almost wanted to grab a tube and join in there with them. Then before the wedding, I rode the metro with my brother before he went to work and stop at the Rossylyn station to go see the Iwo Jima memorial around sunrise. Wow, what an awesome time.

Signed

Tim " I think put more pictures and wrote my longest post ever" Crippen

PS: Okay, here's one more wedding photo

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Flappers, the Charleston, prohibition and our very own Jason Bridges who plays a dishwasher, newspaperman and Harpo Marx in this 2002 musical set in the 1920's called "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Now I have heard of the play, but have never seen the Broadway production. Which is good because the only thing I had to go with is just a synopsis of the play which is about a small town girl from Kansas name Millie who trys to make it big in New York City. She is scared and excited at the same time and along the way she goes through some trouble times. She meets Jimmy Smith who is this brash New yorker that changes her life forever, but not at first because Millie considers him a jerk. Millie's life does get better, but I don't want to spoil it for those who have not seen it. I went last night and it was great from the weather till the end of the show. There are a couple of funny moments in the play from the office window scene with Jimmy and Millie as well as the Chinese translator in the laundry room. I really have to give credit to all these actors and actresses who do this because they love community theater. To take time out of their busy schedule is really truly amazing. My favorite character in this play is Mrs Meers and the woman who plays her does a really great job. If you haven't seen this play, don't worry you still got this weekend to see Jason perform his high flying leap as Harpo marx. Out of four stars, I would give Thoroughly Modern Millie four out four and extra 1/2 star for Jason's performance as well as showing me the backstage area.

Signed
Tim "Raspberries" Crippen

A tribute to a TV legend

Unless you have been living in a cave you probably have known that Bob Barker was retiring after 35 years on The Price is Right and 50 years on TV. Yesterday, he taped his last show and there were long lines just to get into the studio. Why do people like this show? Is is because of the competiveness on getting the clossest price without going over? Is it because of Bob's midwest charm? The family atmosphere? Or maybe it's because when we were kids that during summer break from school we liked the show and there was nothing else going on during the daytime except going to the pool.

Now I'll admit that I don't like everything about Bob Barker from his animal rights stances to being a vegetarian. Yet, for all these years there are parts of him that remind me of my grandfather. Served in the millitary, loved baseball and most importantly loved being around young folks. He started on Truth or Consequences and then to the Price is right. There have been some funny moments on the show. From the tube top incident of woman coming on down and then they came out........to a contestant who would later be an assitant to another game show, who knew that Vanna White would get first TV appearance on the show.

To me the most memorable moment of Bob will be his small role in the Adam Sandler film "Happy Gilmore." Seing Bob Barker beat up Adam Sandler in the film still makes me laugh even today. Whoever decides to host the show we'll never have the same effect as Bob did....It's kind of like that same feeling when Johnny Carson left the tonight show and Jay Leno took over. Sure, the show was funny but it was never quite the same when he left. The last show will air on June 15th. Bob Barker enjoy retirement you deserve it.

Signed Tim "Come on down" Crippen

One step in the right direction

The famous phrase "Do you believe in miracles?" was said by Al Michaels during the 1980 Olympics when the U.S. Hockey Team defeated the dominant Russian Team in which in most cases was not even given a chance. Today, I stepped in the right direction.... After feeling nearly defeated for several months, I finally got a call this morning that made me feel a little upbeat. I received a call from Fox 4 News here in Kansas City for the job of Production Assistant. I interview this Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. I haven't gotten the job yet, but at least it's a step in the right direction. I really need all the prayers that I can get.

Signed
Tim "Thank You Jesus and Yippee" Crippen

An ode to the New York Yankees 2007 season

Let me just start by saying this "the yankees this year will not make the playoffs this year." With nearly a 1/3 of the season played the New York yankees are 13.5 games behind Boston and it doesn't look like they will even come close to catching up. Unless, some miracle happens this team will finally get a feeling of what feels like to be fan of a team who hasn't been there in over 20 years. So, since I despise the yankees, their owner and their payroll. I decided to write a poem about their team and their season. It's called "An ode to the New York Yankees."



The yankees, the yankees it must be true. Your 13.5 behind Boston and your feeling the blues. Even with a team payroll of 195 million all in your stock. Your still behind the Boston Red Sox. With batters like Jeter, A-Rod, and Giambi that were suppose to be big hits. This season it has been more like swing and a miss. George Steinbrenner is angry that his team isn't winning. So, he goes and spends more money to do some problem solving. Sure, he can fire Brian Cashman the GM and the manager Joe Torre if he wants too. But why do that when The Boss know that after the season's over he'll be seeing them at the McDonalds drive thru. The Yankees were happy when they signed Roger Clemens to be their savior. Even Jesus Christ laughs at this and says "I'm not doing your team any favors." The season is still young and this team can make up some ground, but their pitching staff is so bad their nowhere to be found. This team is too good to sit back and just be rolled over. Hey, Yankees don't worry here in Kansas City we know what it's like not to be playing in October.

Signed Tim "the yankees are dead" Crippen

Let the pictures do most of the talking

Who is that nighttime creature with the glow in the dark eyes?

Roscoe the neighborhood dog

Uh Oh Roscoe has our nighttime creature stuck in a tree.

Who wins this standoff?

The Raccoon....but only because Roscoe is scared of the rain

Advertising, promotional giveaways, and supporting charities (the funny side of baseball)

As a kid, going to the ballpark was a once a year privilege. Every year when they had Nazarene night at the royals our whole family would go and have a blast. The first time I went to a royals game the hot dogs I think were around $2.50, you could bring a small cooler, the turf was artificial and the cheap seats were orange. Yet every year the promotions staff always trys to find new and inventive ways to get you to come to the ballpark. When I was young you were lucky to eithier get a hat, bat or some stuffed animal to promote the team. Nowadays, we have bobbleheads, buck night on hot dogs for only a select few games and T-shirt tuesdays. (This coming tuesday they have T-shirts of the three condiments that are used in the hot dog race) Although, the promotions from the Royals are not too bad compared to like Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
This Friday the Devil Rays are promoting Legends of Wrestling Night where famous wrestlers from the WWF past will wrestle after the game. This probably would have been cool if I was back in the fifth grade. I'll take Fireworks Friday anytime thank you very much. The Milwaukee Brewers earlier this month had Free prostate cancer screenings.....if you get your screening you will receive two tickets for a future brewers game. Look, I'm all for screening cancer, but why not do it at a doctor's office instead of mobile unit outside of the stadium. You must desparately want tickets if you want to bend over for Dr. Jellyfinger.
Speaking of prostate cancer, MLB is celebrating prostate cancer awareness on Father Day's. Now last weekend, MLB did the same thing on Mother's Day for Breast Cancer awareness. Don't get me wrong....I'm all for supporting charities whether it be a ribbon, a patch or a pin. When MLB starts using pink bats it messes up the game. I can only imagine what they'll do on Father's Day eithier using blue bats or blue baseballs.
Finally my last gripe of the day is the advertising. I know teams need to sell advertising to make money and all, but when you read a story like I read today about how Fenway Park which is known for their left field wall "The green monster". Anyway, their thinking of selling advertisemnet on that wall. There are some things that are sacred in baseball .....the green monster and the ivy in wringley field is another. However, if they decided to have adverstisements on these spots..... I would suggest the following....For the ivy Ivy's Italian garden resteraunt and the green monster would only be fitting if they put a green monster energy drink can.

Signed
Tim "just keep baseball simple stupid" Crippen

Movie Fans will eithier love this website or hate it.

It's a good thing that I saw Spiderman 3 this past weekend before I had heard about this website. It's called themoviespoiler.com. In it you will see current or recent films probably within the last four years on how the storyline goes and how it ends. What a bummer!!! This particular website I happen to have mix reviews. On one hand this is great for all those stupid films that I thought about seeing, but I'm glad that I didn't see. Then there is the classic side of me who wants to go to the movies to be entertain and be surprised. It probably won't make a dent in the industry, but at the same time you know there be somebody who comes out of the theatre who saw the film before you did while your waiting in line to buy tickets and then the person coming out gives the spoiler away while your waiting in line. I just hope this doesn't happen when I try to buy tickets for the Pirates of the Carribean 3 movie.....cause I really want to see what happens to Captain Jack Sparrow.

Signed

Tim "don't spoil the movie for me" Crippen

A boy named Johnnie

There was boy name Johnnie who when you look at him he looks like any other normal 18 year old kid. He doesn't say much, but when you get to talking to him he's very open. At six years old, Johnnie's father left his family. Then at age twelve Johnnie's mom goes to prison for drugs. He moves into a foster home and his life doesn't seem to get better. He gets into trouble with the law as well as school for eithier fighting, stealing or causing disruptions in class. He transfers into another foster home and he wonders if his life is ever going to change. His new foster mother knew that Johnnie needed to change so when she said "Were going to church!"
Johnnie thought I have heard of church, but during his entire life with his family or his first foster parents never took him to church ever. It was this foster mother who had believed in Johnnie that he needed Christ in his life. Since that moment, Johnnie has been attending church on a regular basis, he got his G.E.D. last July, he will be going to community college this fall to study music and he hopes one day he will become a music teacher. Then this past month he has also reuntied with mother since she got out prison both of them realizing they made mistakes. How do I know this Johnnie? Well to protect the innocent I won't use his last name but Johnnie was working with me at concession stands at Kaufman Stadium yesterday and he wanted me to share this story with you about perservance and struggle.

Signed
Tim "way to go johnnie" Crippen

My Sonic moment and the RRFB concert

This past Sunday was only the second time I have ever complain at a fast food or sit down resteraunt. It's a good thing those purple bracelets haven't arrived yet. (I'm still waiting after six weeks) Otherwise, I would have been switching from wrist to wrist. The guilty party of this complaint is the Sonic Drive Thru at Johnson Drive and K-7. I go there just to get a large cranberry limeade....that's it no food. I waited 20 minutes and I'm getting frustrated. I go up to the front and ask politely "Hey, do you happen to have my cranberry limeade?" The carhop told me it should be there in about a couple of minutes. I said okay and went back to my truck. Fifthteen minutes later, no limeade...I thought this is ridiculous and I left without getting my drink. I file a complaint online....then two days later I get call from the manager of that particular sonic. He apologize and realize that there is no excuse for what had happen. On Friday, I received in the mail three coupons for three free medium cherry limeade's or any other medium soft drink along with a buy one get one free sonic burger. I'll use the coupons, but there is still no excuse for what happen.



Now, the Robert Randolph and the Family Band concert last night at the Crossroads in the Art district area was pretty awesome. No rain, cypress mulch was used for the ground instead of the hard pavement and the bbq pork pulled sandwiches were great. My cousin Jeffrey and I had a wonderful time being practically in the front row. Then afterwards we spotted Jason Crosby, the organist of the band and he signed my CD. I was about ready to leave when Robert Randolph came off his tour bus and he signed my CD as well and we even got to talk to him for about of couple of minutes. We both got to shake his hand and thought what great guy to talk too. I just like to say to say thanks to Robert Randolph and his band for putting on a really good show last night. It was worth the $26.00.



Signed

Tim "RRFB fan" Crippen


PS: Pray for the people of Greensburg, KS as that town is trying to recover after deadly F5 tornado destroying nearly the entire town.

My three new girlfriends...I wish

Danica Patrick

Sarah Fisher and Milka Dunno

Oh, I forget this isn't a dream ......it's race weekend. Some of the other Indy Drivers

Sam Hornish Jr. and Helio Castroneves

Dan Weldon (one of the coolest guys I ever met, love the British accent)

Signed Mr. Tim Patrick or Mr. Tim Dunno