Crippen Corner

Why I never talk about past girlfriends on this blog until now

2012-02-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's day just around the corner it's time to come clean.....I looked back on some previous February posts and none of them mention love except in a tongue and cheek way (See Jane Seymour post on Feb. 2008). In fact, I never talk about my girlfriends in the past at all....why is that? Let's start with the beginning....I never had a girlfriend until my first year in college....Oh sure, I had plenty of crushes in high school, but none them really develop into serious relationship.....in fact in high school I never even went to prom my senior year...pathetic yeah I know. Most of my past girlfriend experiences were actually pretty good, but as you date for some reason either you or your partner seemed to fizzle out. There were others that I had missed on opportunities and some you would just like to forget. I don't mention the names because of two reasons....One out of just respect...two it's in the past and you just can't change that. Love is a two way street and it only works when both people are on the same page, but i would also say that if your relationship with Christ isn't connecting vertically then all the other parts of your life won't be functioning either.

Signed
Tim "trying to open up" Crippen

Pay it forward and it will pay you back

2012-01-18T13:47:00.000-08:00

I always believe that if you do good things for people without expecting something in return....it will be forwarded to you later down the road. That was a lesson my dad taught me that I still use today. Last summer, I was coming back from band practice in church and I stop by a gas station to fill up. I saw an older woman whose tire went flat on her car and she was so frustrated. Now, I normally would ignore this and would be on my merry way, but something inside my spirit compel me to help this woman. So, I offer to help put her spare tire while taking the old one off. After getting a little dirty from the dust and the grind....I finish my job. The woman offer me money, but I told her to pay it forward to someone else. She asked me if I was a Christian and I said yes I was and I left doing my good deed for today.

Now fast forward to today.....back in September our company is a big sponsor of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research foundation) and we raise a lot of money through raffles, silent auctions etc. Well, one of the prizes they were raffling off was a chance for three people to take three of their friends to a Kansas City Royals 2012 game along with a parking pass sitting in suite section. I put tickets in but was not one of the three to win the tickets. Well, today a co-worker who I barely know out of the blue gave me her tickets. I asked her why she gave them to me? She said that she had heard that I was Royals fan and that the person she wanted to take would complain the entire time at the game. She felt like she would give it to someone else who would thoroughly enjoy it. I thanked Jan and gave her hug....she didn't have to do it, but I was really appreciative. God works in mysterious ways whether they are great or just in small tokens. There are still good people today.

Signed
Tim "pay it forward" Crippen

December to Remember 2011

2011-12-31T06:03:00.000-08:00

As we come to the end of this month.....heck the end of this year.....I realize this month has had it's up and downs. First, let's start with first week of December....I was in Dallas, TX for the Major League Baseball winter meetings....It was exciting to see the business side of this game that I have loved for so many years. Former and current players making deals at Hilton Anatole which is big hotel. I was here mostly for the job fair where thousands of applicants are trying to get their foot in the door wether it would be for major team or minor league. The picture below shows this incredible zoo I had to deal with it.

I was mostly mad at the cost of the job fair...and yes there was a cost to apply for a job if can you believe that. It was $250. If, I had known there was cost for this thing I could save hundreds of dollars, but it was unique experience....so I move on.

My beloved gorillas...Pittsburg State won the division two football national championship...yeah exciting. With only one loss to Washburn....pitt state got it's revenge in the playoffs to Washburn, Northwest Missouri State, Delta State and Wayne State for the title game. Twenty years since my alma mater won the title here is me excited after the game as my cousin jefferey and I watched the game at a sports bar in overland park.

Christmas time was unique as Mom, Ernie and I flew on frontier airlines to our nation's capital ...Washington D.C. to see my brother. It was fun getting a chance to see the white house tour....the trees in each room were decorated to the nines and I even saw a replica of the white house made of gingerbread that weighed 300 pounds.

Seeing my niece and nephew again .....Nate is almost two and is growing like a weed and gracelynn is in her own little world.

So what does 2012 hold? Who knows hopefully I will be able to get a job in the sports industry next year that's the goal anyway. So, merry christmas and happy new year.

My first time at Allen Fieldhouse

2011-11-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

Pics of laymens retreat

2011-10-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

Open House pics of the new performing arts center

2011-09-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

Looking at the northside of the building

Look how long the line is

Helzberg hall

Inside the Muriel kauffman theatre

Boston trip

2011-08-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

So, last month I took my first trip to boston. It was an incredible trip of learning history like the above picture of Paul Revere in front of the old north church. It was where they lit the lanterns

on top of the steeple. This the place where the phrase "one if by land two if by sea."

The weather up there was incredible low 70's to mid 80's all week. You can't go anywhere in that city without seeing a dunkin donuts on just about every corner. Of course as a sports fan no trip is complete without a stop at old fenway park

Me and tim sparks at old fenway

The red sox were playing the royals and guess what the royals won 4-3 if you don't believe me here's the final score.

Of course I stopped where everybody knows your name.......other than heaven this is closest place.

However, I did go outside of Boston to see Plymouth, MA where the pilgrims in 1620 landed to America....the original mayflower wasn't there but a replica worked just as well.

Overall if you want a good view of the boston skyline go up the bunker hill monument and take a view from up top the pics below explain it...oh one more thing...no elevator

Wow what incredible view and yes I enjoy my trip

Signed

Tim "happy 5th anniversary blog" crippen

One Year Later poem

2011-07-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

The summer grass grows on this lovely day
Can't believe it's been over one year today
At this time we would be going to county fairgrounds delight
or just sitting near a lake on a moonlit night
The holidays, the parties with family fun
We'll never be forgotten at the end of your run
You always work hard day into the night
and yet there were times that we still fight
You planted carrots, corn and beets that were red
taught me lessons in life that still stay inside my head
You were always the leader of our family troop
but God wanted you to be part of his group
In the early months we cried and we didn't understand
why he took you away for his master plans
As months have passed me bye, I will always remember his smile
or how he would always go the extra mile
That even after one year today
He would still want me to get on my knees pray

NHL Draft and minnesota trip

2011-06-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Well this past weekend, I was up in Minneapolis for the NHL draft and the hockey conference that SMWW invited me to come. I wasn't too sure if I was even going to go at first, but I'm really glad that I did.

First let's start with the rental car incident....when you get to the airport here in Minneapolis...if your renting a car...you have to take a tram to get to your rental car. next escalator then another escalator and then another...how many @#&#ing ways do you need to get to a rental car place. The sheraton in bloomington treated me like a king for great price. The hockey conference was excellent way for me to network and share business cards with people. Dr. Lashbrook founder of SMWW was the nicest guy I ever met...I'm hoping in the near future that this event will eventually land me a job in this industry.

I did go to the Mall of America

And just like Mary Tyler Moore...."I'm going to make it after all"

Signed

Tim "I want to drink out of Lord Stanley's cup" Crippen

Memorable May

2011-05-31T17:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an interesting month......the first weekend in may was supposed to be about the big royal wedding .....it ended up being about the death of Osama bin laden. Then as of this month will make the longest time I have ever stayed with one company......3 years 10 months, but with the four year anniversary coming up it has been a struggle. Here, I'm trying to get into the sports industry, but yet I don't what part of industry to really go into......this is where I need to be patient with God and let him reveal where my talents could be used for the kingdom of god. I try get back into dating, but that fizzle before it even got started. Oh well, life is too short not to enjoy life. I also got to visit my niece for the first time and my nephew is now 15 months old. It was nice to see my brother and sister-in-law. (note to self.....remember dog drinking fountain and my nephew using it after the dog....hilarious).....June will be an intersting month. Hope all of you had a great memorial day weekend.

Opening Day 2011

2011-04-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to opening day at the K. These are probably the best seats I have ever had to opening day and I had the best time despite the royals losing 4-2 to the L.A. Angels. It was cool windy and I wore lots of layers of clothing. I had a nice cup fo hot chocolate...5 bucks can you believe that...the worse was that they ran out of cups by the fourth inning. As a baseball fan this is like Christmas Day for me....hopefully next year I will be working for the team or somewhere in the country where they have baseball. Overall, a great experience. double decker party bus

Andy Fairhurst and I tailgating before the game

Signed

Tim "go royals" Crippen

March Potpurri 2011

2011-03-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

Too many things happening to post one subject that's why it's a potpurri month. First, I finally finish my class in sports business management class. Now, comes the hard part trying to find a job in the sports industry in this bad economy. Yesterday was my nephew's first birthday...so happy birthday Nate....where does the time go. Was able to get opening day royals tickets for March 31st....I'll post the pics in next month's blog. Then today I went to the Dave Ramsey Live event and guess what it was AAAAAAWWWWsome. Some things i already knew, some things needed to be refresh in my mind and even I learn a couple of new things. The place was pack as the picture below shows.

As far as march madness who is going to win the tournament......I think this year it's anybody's for the picking. I don't see a clear cut favorite.

Signed

Tim "I'm still debt free" Crippen

PS: Please see "the grace card" movie. It is powerful and talks a lot about forgiveness and it there is much better acting in the film.

Blizzard 2011 and the super bowl

2011-02-05T06:01:00.000-08:00

Wow I know that groundhog didn't see his shadow, but his accuracy for predicting the forecast for a lifetime is around 40 percent. Another blizzard.......first it was christmas eve 2009 and now February 1st of this year. In my lifetime, I have never seen back to back winters quite like this and the northeast 36 inches of snow in new york city just in the month of january alone. Why is this happening so much??? If you think global warming....then I should send you outside with snow shovel and let you dig out there for an hour without a break. If you think it might be La Nina effect....perhaps that's a little more believable. After all, everytime we have a la nina or el nino effect in the Pacific ocean the winter weather does become a little crazy. Or maybe God is finally trying to tell us something. Me, I'm just sick of winter and I'm already crying uncle right now.

Dallas, TX home of the superbowl is getting the same weather. Yesterday, the snow came off Jerry Jones stadium roof and injured six people. Whatever happen when the superbowl was in sunny places like San Diego, phoenix or miami. Anyway, I digress......as far as predictions there is no way as Bears fan that I will root for the Packers....sorry prediction Steelers 23 Packers 20...go big ben and if you ever do any commercials I think brauny might be looking a new paper towel guy.

Signed

Tim "I'm sick of winter" Crippen

Another first

2011-01-09T15:18:00.000-08:00

So it's a brand new year and another first is happening in my life. A little over 10 years ago, I graduated from Pittsburg State with B.A. degree in Communications and I thought I would never go back to taking classes. Fast forward to the present and I'm taking class online for the very first time. It's from Sports Management worldwide, a company associated with Western Oregon university that helps people try to get a job in sports. The class I'm taking is sports business management. Mostly the class deals with ticket sales and what it is like working in the front office. It's interesting class, but I'm wondering if this class is right for me. I figure if I want to be a GM and scout, this is one of the two courses I feel like I have to take to get to this dream. I've always wanted to work in the sports industry, but where god is leading me...I really don't know.
This morning, my pastor was starting a sermon series on "Audacious faith". If you look up the word Audacity it means boldness, daring or fearless. I remember my pastor saying "that if we don't live in audacious faith that we might be missing some of best moments in our lives as a Christian". When I heard that I feel like that's me. I'll admit that taking this class makes him uncomfortable and I that what I'm turning in for assignments sounds intelligent. However, if I don't come in with boldness attitude toward this class......I will never really know what god has in store for me.

My Christmas Love

2010-12-20T03:17:00.000-08:00

Me and Alladin (the christmas camel) at Mount Vernon

Looking back

2010-11-13T06:50:00.000-08:00

I decided to look back on some of my November posts. Two years ago, I was alone on Thanksgiving eating a Hungry man XXL dinner. Four years ago, I lost my grandpa Schneider. Of course, I had my usual comments about elections, veterans day and thanksgivings past. Yet, for some reason this November feels like there is sense of loneliness in life. Yeah, I have my mom and my brother and sister-in-law along with my nephew are coming in this thanksgiving. I am very thankful for that, but with dad now gone these past four months it seems like my spirit has been moving me in a direction I haven't felt in quite a long time.

This past Veterans Day, the guys at the funeral home finally laid the headstone for my dad. It was only fitting for him on this day since he served in the Air Force. I tend to enjoy this holiday a little bit more than even Christmas not that I don't celebrate our Jesus birthday, but I that I am so thankful in my life that words can't describe. I know that for years I have taken my dad for granted. Whether it was cooking waffles on Saturday, cutting trees, or doing some home improvement projects. Dad would always be the one to do it. Now, I'm one who has to learn how to cut trees ( even though I'm not a fan of doing that kind of stuff).

Maybe I'm slowly letting my guard down and trying to open my heart a little more to others and less of myself. It still isn't easy but I feel I'm heading in the right direction. After all I now I have extra pair of eyes looking down on me. We all will miss him when the holidays come especially his laugh........I think I get my sense of humor from him.

Signed

Tim Crippen

My first NBA game

2010-10-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

As a kid growing up my brother and I would compete against each other in game of basketball or in a game H-O-R-S-E just to see who was better. I think my brother won that contest that's why I enjoy baseball a little bit more. Basketball hereoes in our days were Michael Jordan, Majic johnson and Larry Bird. Now the NBA stars are Kobe Bryant, Carmelo anthony and Lebron James. Well, last night I saw my first ever NBA in person as the Miami Heat took on the Oklahoma City Thunder. A sold out game that produce little if any excitement out of me. I know it's only a preseason game, but for some reason I was expecting a little more.

Sure King james had a couple of nice dunks, but I was like where was the excitement. The NBA slogan years ago was "NBA it's fantastic." My slogan would be "NBA.....ehh it's okay." I honestly think the highlights of the night weren't even on the court. Bill Self, Ku basketball coach was there to see his former players Cole Aldrich and Mario Chalmers play. His wife was with him and they showed the lovely couple on the Kiss Cam segment. Also, there was loudmouth near us that was making funny comments throughtout the third quarter.

Will I go to another NBA game.....I doubt it...unless somebody else pays for the tickets

Signed Tim " NBA is better on TV than seeing it in person" Crippen

PS: Here is a nice picture now that's fantastic.

The Great Adventure known as Yellowstone

2010-09-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

If you have ever seen the movie "A river runs through it" starring Brad Pitt you know that in parts of the film they do a little fly fishing in Montana. Well, I didn't do in fly fishing (but should have) ,but I did drive Highway 191 from Bozeman to West Yellowstone. A scenic highway that is up there with the likes of Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway.

Since January, I had plan this trip to Yellowstone to see majestic mountains, animals in the wild and the occasional fly fisherman fishing down the Snake river. This trip ended up being more than even I expected or maybe to put in another perspective.....pictures of this place don't do it justice you have to be here to see it for yourself. I can see why they call this area "god's country" because of just how big this place really is in it's unique wonderland.

My trip started with taking scenic highway 191 while I was driving my rental car a 2010 chevy cobalt...nice car for the vacation. As I enter into West Entrance of the Park the cost for admission into the park was $25 for seven days. I drive a little ways and see my first elk....oh what an ahh moment. Then I came across a place in area call Canyon Falls where in the picture below is a place called "Artist Point".
Breathtaking view that still makes me wonder today how grand this powerful waterfall really is. There is a place not too far from the canyon falls call inspiration point, but to me I call it a reflecting point. Yes, the place when you see it is very inspiring, but for me it was time of reflecting of where your life is and where you've been before and to look forward in the future to come. It gave me chance to think about my dad, it only had been two weeks since his passing that I had taken this trip, but in the end it was well worth it. He still would have told me to go on this trip and explore this great adventure known as Yellowstone.

Signed
Tim Crippen

PS: enjoy the pics

The strange T-bones game that never got played

2010-08-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

Okay so, I'm finishing off my T-bones debit card that my brother and sister-in-law gave me for Christmas. I invited my cousin and we had some great seats...first row right behind home plate. It had been dry for close to two weeks and with hot temperatures in the 100's this week you think your going to be sitting in a hot seats with a bunch sweaty strangers all trying to watch the game. When I bought the tickets on Wednesday, the weather forecast predicted a slight chance a rain on Friday Night.

Well last night......Murphy's Law came into play.

First of all never buy tickets for a game on Friday the 13th......that should have been my first clue.

Second my cousin shows up a little late

Third a storm rolls in (ahhh it'll be just a passing shower)

The tarp is on....well I just a get a chicken finger basket and something to drink)

Sizzle vision is on and their showing the Chiefs preseason game....I know their trying to entertain fans, but if I wanted to watch the game I could be at home where it is dry. While the tarp was out I should have used it as slip and slide....now that would have been entertaining.

The theme for last night's game was zombie night.....now, I'm wondering if God just really has a big sense of humor.....Friday the 13th, a major storm, and zombies? Coincidence?

Around 8:30 the PA announcer says that domestic beers are two for one the rest of the night.

At 8:52 the announcer comes back on and says that the National weather Service says that the storm will break in about 10 minutes and hopefully (the key word) will play some baseball.

At 9:00 the storm got pretty powerful and not only did it knock the power out at the ballpark, but also for the rest of the Legends area. Okay, right there should have been a clue
that the game should have been cancelled.

9:30 ...when was the storm suppose to pass on by?

10:00 My cousin and I left went to Taco Bueno and had a chicken quesidilla....a wash out weird game that never got played.

Signed
Tim "what a weird night" Crippen

We will miss you dad 1945-2010

2010-07-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of pictures of my dad

The Big 12 Break-Up

2010-06-12T05:55:00.000-07:00

College sports will never be the same again as teams from the Big 12, I mean Big 11 oops I mean Big 10, no wait I know what they need to call it the super 6. Early this week Colorado announced that they would leave for the Pac-10 conference. Then yesterday Nebraska made it official by bolting for the Big 10. Rumors are also flying around for the rest of the conference teams as the rest of the teams from the south side of Big 12 might leave for the Pac-10, KU might join the Big East, Mountain West or Conference USA and K-state........okay are you just as confused as to where these teams are going.
The only reason why teams are breaking up and joining these major conferences is for the money. They look at the almighty dollar and don't see the fans perspective. With states cutting funding to these major universities, schools are trying to find new ways make money even if means joining another conference. Let me give you example the University of Nebraska is going to more than double their revenue for their athletic dept because their joining the Big 10. Ditto for Colorado and for any other team that wants to take the money and run.
Nebraska yesterday had their press conference and the chancellor of the university just blasted the two schools responsible for this break-up. First he blames Texas for this because they blockade to create a big 12 network, then they blame Missouri for here reports that they might leave back in December.
What I am more mad about is that you won't see some of these old rivalries again. The other part is the geographic location for traveling. Seriously, if KU goes to the Big East are you going to be excited for a KU vs. Georgetown football game in D.C. This is a big mistake.

Signed
Tim "confused college fan" Crippen

There are certain movies you just don't remake.

2010-05-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

With the summer movie season getting underway this weekend.....you will see some sequels like Iron man 2, Sex and the city 2 and yes for the final chapter Shrek 4. You will also see some remakes like the A-Team and old 80's tv show that from looking at the previews looks pretty good. However, there are just some films that you just don't remake and one of them is the "Wizard of Oz".

Really? Are you kidding me why do you want to remake a classic. If Frank Baum the writer of the wizard of oz were alive he would say "you already made it once, can't you just leave my book alone." How do I know that their possibly making a remake. Well, not to long ago Robert Downey Jr. was being interview for his film Iron Man 2, but said that he was in talks about playing a part in the new wizard of oz film that wouldn't be out until 2013. If you still don't believe me look it up on imdb.com.

With all the technology and special effects that they do to alot of the these films there is just something about the original that makes it unique. Plus, this just shows you that hollywood can't come up with something original. Now, if they decide to make this awful remake, I would make a few suggestions on who should play some of the parts.

Dorothy: Reese Witherspoon because she can sing, but if their isn't a lot of singing then Ellen page of "Juno" fame would work.

Scarecrow: Hugh Jackman Tin Man: Liam Neeson The cowardly lion: Jack Black or Robert Downey Jr. The good witch from the North: Cate Blanchett or Nicole Kidman
The wicked witch of the west: This was probably the toughest choice of them all either Joan Collins of "Dynasty" fame or Jane Fonda. The wizard himself: Christopher Lloyd or Sean Connery.

Who would you put in these parts if they made this film?

Signed
Tim "please don't do this remake" Crippen

Tea Party 2010

2010-04-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Enjoy these pictures of the Tea Party in Kansas City in 2010.

The Health Care Fight

2010-03-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

The moment President Obama signed the Health Care Bill .....I knew that the majority Americans would not be giving up on this fight. Already 14 states have filed lawsuits against this bill and the Republicans will remind people in November that we didn't vote for this garbage. This bill is nothing more on the infringement on our Constitution, it raises taxes and the worse part is that bill is that if you don't have insurance you get fined or thrown to jail. What kind of nonsense is this. Now some people will say that this is no different than buying car insurance.....I would disagree. When you are buying car insurance your buying it for you and the others that you might hurt if you get into wreck. If I want health insurance it should be just for paying for what I need not for some obese person who needs gastric bybass surgery cause he couldn't stop eating. Now I'll admit that we do need changes in health care, but not like this. First reduce the cost of the premiums, second people with pre existing conditions shouldn't be denied and third there needs to be some major tort reforms so that people are not so lawsuit happy. I haven't seen people so mad at such an issue that I wouldn't be surprise to see a revolution in this country.

Signed
Tim "mad as hell" Crippen

Final Four Picks

2010-03-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

It's time for my final four picks this year and this year I'm just giving my picks ......no explainations for it. My four teams are Kansas, Villanova, Kentucky and Pittsburg. The national champions this year......I hate to say it Rock chalk, jayhawk ......go KU.

Signed
Tim "welcome to march madness" Crippen

The Million dollar card giveaway and Nelson atkins museum

2010-02-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

You all have heard of Charlie and the Chocolate factory where charlie tries to find a golden ticket to visit the factory. Well, this is the baseball card collectors version of that story. The Topps card company is doing a promotion this year where their giving away a million cards. Get one one these insert card and you can unlock any card from 1952 to 2009 including the 1952 mickey mantle rookie card. As you unlock the cards you can do one of many things. You can have the original cards that you unlock delivered to you, trade them online or leave them in a drawing for a chance for an entire set of 1952 Topps.......as a card collector I was geeked up on this promo way to go topps.

Now, last week I went to the Nelson Atkins museum for the very first time and I'll admit that I actually like the place even though I'm not a big art person. Here's a couple of pictures of the museum.

Signed

Tim Crippen

Stop Clowning around

2010-02-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Lately Pastor Dave has been coming up with some great sermon series as well as titles. However, last week's title of "Stop clowning around" really kind of hit home with me. He talked about how we should be able to enjoy to life and laugh at things. Instead of being chained up.....and some of us put those chains on ourselves. We need to to take our next steps to get closer to God and stop clowning around.
It seems like my life has kind of been that way and only lately have I been trying to take those steps because of a certain family situation. Why does it seem like God takes a near tragedy in their family to wake up your life? I mean there are so many things in my life that I would like to do that for some reason or another is not happening. I mean I would like to work in the sports industry, I would like to get marry, I would like to have kids........there are so many goals that it would take a little awhile.
I tend to put some of those chains on myself, but I also know that I need to search God's will in my life that I think there are some things even in my own heart that it still needs cleaning up. I'm really trying to stop clowning around and become the man that God really wants me to be .

Signed
Tim 'trying to open my heart" Crippen

New years prediction

2010-01-01T06:02:00.000-08:00

This happens to be a milestone on this blog this is #150 on my posts. It also happens to be another time for new years predictions. I just look back on last year's post on my predictions. I was really surprise that I got a lot of them right this year.

#1 I finally pay off the credit card on May 15

#2 Gov. Blagovich was removed from office

#3 Obama selceted Sonya Sotomayor as newest supreme court justice

#4 In late Novemeber the unemployment rate saw double digits

#5 stock market did dip below 7,000

Those were the ones I got right...the others were wrong or were judgement calls......look on January 2009 and see for yourself.

Now for this year's predictions

#1 A major world leader will get himself into some major hot water (I know this one is kind of vague, but trust me on this one)

#2 The San Diego chargers will win the Superbowl this year

#3 Kansas Jayhawks will win the National men's basketball championship

#4 Health Care Reform will not pass this year.....(with this being a mid term election year)

#5 On the TV show "the office" Pam's little baby will be a boy and Michael Scott will have to drive her to the hospital because Jim is stuck at airport because of sales meeting. ( It could happen)

#6 A major hurrricane will hit the east coast this year

#7 Commerical real estate is really going to get hit hard this year as you see even more empty buildings.

#8 The Jay leno show this year will be eithier cancelled or will be shown on a partial basis say like only one or two nights a week.

#9 The post office this year will finally stop delievering mail on Saturdays.

#10 The Kansas city royals will just be the royals a below 500 team again this year.

Chew on that folks for this year

Signed
Tim " happy new decade" Crippen

Christmas Day 2009 and a sad lost in the sportsworld

2009-12-25T08:14:00.000-08:00

Well here it is Christmas Day 2009 and yes we had a white Christmas of six inches of snow and blizzard like conditions. Some of the snow drifts were about as high as my knee cap, but it is great to spend time with family. Here is a snow picture outside my parents doorway.

Then Stinky the neighborhood dog messes up the drift ......Ugh

Then here is me waxing on and waxing off my gift

Also, I hate talking about bad news on the holidays, but George Michael the guy who created the "The sports machine" passed away from cancer on Christmas Eve. This guy was an influence on me because the show started in Washington D.C. before the show was syndicated nationally. The sports machine was big deal because the show started before ESPN was household name. George Michael even made sports that weren't so popular at the time a highlight show like NASCAR and Professional Bull Riding. A great sports journalist and a classy guy.

Signed

Tim "merry christmas" Crippen

PS: To John and Kim Lovitt just be glad your in Africa and not in K.C. right now.

Plaza Lights 2009

2009-12-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

Taste testing

2009-11-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

Besides my love for sports one of my other things I enjoy is that I love to eat. With Thanksgiving just around the corner......I'll probably be packing on the calories. However, this past Tuesday for the first time I got to do some taste testing at a resteraunt called Noodles and Co. My friend Daniel invited me and four others to do some taste testing. Now, this was my first time testing so I really appreciate Daniel invited me over for this.....hey it was free meal so I couldn't complain.

Anyway, we started off with a Mediterranean and a Chinese chop salad. Both very excellent. Then came the noodles from Mediterranean menu as the Penne Rosa and the Pesto Cavatappi just literally pop out. The pesto cream sauce on the Cavatappi was like wow. The Penne Rosa was just as good as the spicy tomato cream sauce was the perfect blend of not too mild and not too spicy.

Next came the Asian menu of the Japanese Pan noodles and Pad thai. The pan noodles were my favorite as they were caramelized and came with a little bit of cilantro.

And last but not least the American menu of Mac and cheese and Mushroom stroganoff. The mac and cheese was much better than that blue box if you know what i mean. A blend of six cheeses makes this dish very unique and the stroganoff what can I say it makes hamburger helper beg for mercy.

This place is great for anyone who is on a budget, anyone who is vegetarian and anybody who wants to eat healthy without giving up on taste. Hey, if any other resteraunts needs a taste tester then I am your man.

Signed
Tim "love the potstickers" Crippen

What has happen to freedom of speech

2009-10-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

I have come to a conclusion that we in this country are way to super sensitive when it comes to racial issues, slang terms and stereotypes. I will give you some examples.
Earlier this week, Larry Johnson of the K.C. chiefs use the word faggot on his twitter account and to reporters in the locker room. Now, I'm not defending L.J. because he use the word as slang term for a male homosexual. But, let's look back two years ago when former college basketball analyst Billy Packer in a interview with Charlie Rose told charlie that he was faggoting out. Now, packer when he use the term he was referring to the definition as being tired out. So, what's the difference the way it was used? Different generations? Or, it is the climate that we live in.

Another example is Bob Griese ESPN analyst was suspended this week for his comments he made about Juan Pablo Montoyo. They were looking at the Nascar leaders in the race for the chase and his partner was asking "Where's Juan Pablo Montoyo?" Well, Bob Griese said "maybe he went to get a taco." As a joke I thought it was funny ,but the higher ranks of ESPN didn't think so.

Folks, we need to get a hold of ourselves and not take life so serious. In this country we either need to restrict our freedom of speech so that everybody is protected or keep unlimited freedom of speech where everyone can say what they want to say and not get hurt.

Signed
Tim "proud of the first amendment" Crippen

I'm sorry but you have the wrong number

2009-10-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

About a month and a half ago.....I decided to switch cell phone companies and got myself a new number. Well, since the switch I have had numerous calls, text messages, text pictures that were sent to me, but were for the wrong person. Here are just some examples:

Ring, Ring, Ring, : Hello this is Bank of America is Adrianne ***** here.....NO....you have the wrong number.

Ring, Ring, Ring: Text message........Why haven't you call me recently we need to get together and hang out Sara......Reply to text message Who is Sara? Reply Back: This isn't Adrianne **** Reply: NO...I think you have the wrong number. Reply: sorry

Ring, ring,ring: Picture message: whoa!!! I can't show that on this blog or even talk about it. This Adrianne must have some weird and freaky friends.

Ring, ring, ring: Hello this is the Orkin man we need to take a look at your house for termites is Adrianne home? No you have the wrong number.

So Adrianne ***** I'm asking you real nicely to take care of your bank statements, hang out with your friends, get that termite problem taken careof and for the love of God give them your new cell phone number otherwise I might look like this guy in another ten years.

Signed
Tim "just leave me alone" Crippen

Another year older and another first

2009-10-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Well here it is again folks another year.......another birthday. I am a 34 year old man who on some days feels like he's 44 or even 54. As usual my folks celebrated my birthday by getting me a cake. As you will see it is a Chiefs cake....and for people who know me well....I am a Bears fan....not that I don't root for the chiefs....that's just my team.

Also my folks took me to this wonderful great authentic mexican restaurant in Parkville, MO called Agave mexican restaurant and cantina. Very good food for family owned place. If you go there you should try the spinach enchiladas and to top it off have a mexican cheesecake. It has a dry corn husk that is used as a bowl. Inside is a cream brulee with a carmel topping and some raspberry sauce on the side.......YummmmmmmmmY.

There happen to be another first in my life as I got to go see the Nascar time trials yesterday...Now, I'll admit before I went to the speedway I wasn't a big racing fan, but I never had been to the speedway or been in the infield until yesterday when I got to do both.

When I first got there and I went to the grandstand area....the first words that came out of my mouth was "Oh wow".

Then I headed over to infield, but to get there you have to head down some stairs into turn one. You go underneath a tunnel that is under the track and it lead you upstairs to the infield. You can see in the above picture where victory lane and the garages are located. Here is just a close up area of the garage where pit crews are fixing their cars to meet the right specifications and where fans can try to get an autograph of one of their favorite drivers.

I didn't see any drivers except for Jeff Gordon, but that was because he just finish using the restroom and waved to all the fans.

It's one thing when you see these cars on TV run on the tracks how fast they go, but when you see it in person it gives you more of appreciation of how hard these drivers have to concentrate when your going 175 miles per hour. It was actually a really neat experience and I would recommend anyone to try it just once. I may not always come out on top, but this birthday celebration and seeing the time trials made me feel like a true champion.

Signed

Tim "in victory lane" Crippen

PS: For ten dollars it was worth it

State Fair 2009

2009-09-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

As September comes the three F's come into place.....Fall Weather, Football and the Fair. This year's fair was more unique as far as weather wise. Cloudy and cool and in the upper 70's all weekend long. Sure, the fair has some of the old unique events like the pig races, the chainsaw artist and of course the butter sculpture.

This year it was a horse and a shoeman.

New this year was a comic hyponist.......very funny. He put these people in this certain state of mind. He made people lose their bellybuttons, use the restroom and made people think their chairs were cow utters as they were milking away. Wether it's fake or not I don't know, but it made me laugh.

(The power of suggestion)

Then I saw one of my favorite bands : Huey Lewis and News. The show was pretty good....I wish he would have played "Couple day off" and "I know what I like to do" but hey I got a good seat and good show.

Heuy rocking the stage

And to top things off a very nice view of the midway from the ferris wheel

Signed

Tim "enjoyed the fair" Crippen

Why I think August is a boring month.

2009-08-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have written a post, but I mostly did this on purpose for this particular month. I've alwalys felt August was the most boring month of the year because any other time of the year there is something to celebrate. Let's start with January you got New Year's Day, February you have Valentine's Day, March you have St. Paddy Day, the beginning of spring and of course March maddness, April is fool's day and the start of baseball season, May has memorial day and June has flag day and the official start of summer. Sure there is the fourth in July and september starts the fall as well as football season. October has Halloween....November has thanksgiving and at the end of the year you have Christmas.

Now, I know some people would say that because I'm single and I'm not a parent that I should celebrate August like any other month. That's true because if I was parent I would celebrate august because kids would be heading off to school and it's also the last month you can get family vacation before you send them back. I know that I'm getting old when they are starting to send kids back to school in mid august. I remember when school didn't start until after Labor Day....that just shows my age. However, until that day comes I will still think of August as a boring month.

Signed
Tim " ready for fall and football to get started" Crippen

A day at Schlitterbahn

2009-07-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

With summer half over and also having a day off from work today, I decided to go the newest waterpark here in Kansas city. Schlitterbahn just open on July 16th and when I heard that.....I thought I have to go there the first chance I get......well today was the day and wow they did a pretty good job. It's not completely done, but for the portion that was done......it was great. All the rides or area is connected to a river system that you can get to by a tube. From the three water slides named bahnzai, wolfpack, and black night to the main attraction the uphill water coaster named the storm blaster. This place had something for all ages including a hot tub area named Henry's Hideout where you can belly up to the bar for a cool coke or adult beverage. It was nice day to get out there anyway sunny and 83 with a little wind. If you want to get your waterpark fix in before summer ends....I would recommend it, but if you can wait or year or two it will be much better.

Signed
Tim "enjoying a weird summer" Crippen

I am eithier getting old or time is passing me by

2009-07-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I happen to see a promo on ABC for the game show "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" I guess in august the show will celebrate it's 10th Anniversary in this country. Ten years? Has it been that long.....I remember when it first premiere......even Regis looks like he's getting older, but then again aren't we all. This also happens to be my 15 year high school reunion, but I haven't heard if were having one. Where does the time go? It seems like the things I remember from yesterday are coming to the historic milestones. However, this year hasn't been wasteful...in fact you might say it has been productive so far. I mean....I'm officially debt free. I'm finally under 250 lbs.....it's still a long ways away, but were making progressive. I'm up for a promotion at work and hopefully this upcoming semester I hope to be taking a class in sports management. I have to say that God this year has truly blessed me and that he has much more in store for me than I can possibly even imagine. Even if I am getting older.

Signed
Tim "enjoying the moment" Crippen

Fourth of July in D.C.

2009-07-06T16:28:00.000-07:00

After some long days at work this past weekend it was so nice to get away for the holiday season. What better time to see the fourth of July then at our nation's capitol. I pretty much got to see and do everything I wanted to do.

The first thing we did was to go to Harper's Ferry, WV. I did tubing for the very first time.....at first I was wondering what did I get myself into, but I realize eventually that your suppose to let the river do most of the work for you. Other than couple of times flipping over and getting a bruised elbow....I say for a first timer I did pretty good. Went to a Nationals game with Paul (Crystal's brother) and saw fireworks afterward....very cool.

Next day; Paul and I, went to the Baltimore Aquarium

This picture is just one of the examples of how colorful the place was....I thought the price was a little high, but hey you only live once. Also, went to Camden yards...hoping to get a public tour, but instead they weren't giving out tours so we just went around the stadium and did our own self tour. Afterward Paul and I went to Fort McHenry where the Star Spangled Banner was created. It was also a prison to people who were southern sympathizers. The museum was pretty cool with some artifacts like a silver punch bowl shaped like cannonball. This picture below shows how big the cannons were during the war. Although, my big gun arms are a close second just kidding.

Fireworks at D.C. on top of the hill at Fort Meyer

I should give thanks to my brother and my sister in law for putting up with me this past weekend. I know sometimes I don't show it or say it, but I really did have great time out there.

Signed

Tim "back to the old grind" Crippen

Will there be democracy in Iran?

2009-06-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

This week has been very interesting on the other side of the world. About a week ago, Iran held their elections and the current regime won. Not happy with the results, the opposition in thousands protested the results saying the election was rigged. At first I thought these protest would only last maybe two or three days. Surprisingly, this has been going on for a whole week and there doesn't seem to be a let up. The younger generation having been wanting a change for such a long time.....and who knows they might just get it. Today, was no different as people still kept on protesting as a video revolution showing images that might be too hard to watch. I saw one woman who was wounded and died later on camera. Seeing these images just makes me cringe.......I think about what happen in Eastern Europe in the early 90's or Tinnamen Square in Bejing China where in both cases people were wanting change in their country.

In fact watch the movie "The Patriot" starring Mel Gibson. Even in our own country regular citizens died for their own freedom who weren't even participating in the revoluionary war. Maybe, just maybe we will start to see freedom in the Middle East like places like Iraq, Afghanistan and even in Iran.

signed
Tim "freedom isn't free" Crippen

The Hangover

2009-06-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you put a groom, a school teacher, a dentist and one weird future brother in law in which they spend a night in Vegas. You get one funny comedy in the movie "the hangover". It all starts when doug who is getting married in two days decides to spend his bachelor party in Vegas. What looks like a typical bachelor party turns out to be a nightmare when all of them are so out of it they don't remember anything from last night. Their friend doug is missing throughtout the whole movie as they get little clues as they try to remember what all they did wrong. Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms steal this movie and even the future brother in law gets a few laughs as well. From a missing tooth to stealing a cop car to even a tiger being in their bedroom suite it just seems to eithir get weirder or funnier depending on your perspective. Mike Tyson even makes an appearance in the film and plays a part on finding their friend. If they had cut a portion of the language and all of the nudity......the film would have been really great. If I had to give a rating for the film I would give it two and half stars out of four.

Signed
Tim "really hungover" NOT" Crippen

A sad story and my thoughts on the last tonight show

2009-05-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

When I got up from my nap this afternoon and tune into the news, I saw that Dr. George tiller the famous doctor from Wichita who performed late term abortions was killed in his church this morning. They even arrested the suspect. Now when this story came out my first thoughts are that the media is going to treat Christians as bunch of hateful people who are nothing on but getting venegeance. That is nothing further from the truth. I also find it ironic that a man who attends a church and calls himself christian can do such a horrible thing as killing life of the unborn. Now, I'm not condoning what the person did because I think about the time when Jesus was being taken away and Peter cut off the ear of a Roman soldier. he said to Peter "Have you come out against a thief with swords and with clubs to take me.....I was daily with you in the temple teaching and ye took me not the scriptures must be fullfilled (Mark 14:48-49). See, I think that no court sytem, no killing will bring justice to the situation. Only God will judge this man and we should leave it to him on what he decides to do with Dr. Tiller.

Now, my thoughts on the last Tonight show with Jay Leno ......it was okay, but it felt like another show instead of the last show. I think it was because that Leno will back in primetime and is not leaving. When I saw Johnny Carson last show it felt like I was missing a late night friend with Jay it felt like .....I'll be gone but only for three months. Oh well....good luck to Conan as he starts tomorrow and good luck to Jay as he starts his show in September.

Signed
Tim "feeling allright" Crippen

I'm Debt FREE!!!!! FREEEEDOM!!!!

2009-05-16T04:45:00.000-07:00

Twenty months ago, I took the course that many people have taken at least once in your life. The Financial Peace University hosted by Dave Ramsey. Now, while I was still in Wichita I had heard of him, but really didn't know much about him. After completing his course.......I started to realize why he is such a popular guy. For years.......I was spending money I really didn't have.....whether it was going to trips to New york City or Peurta Vallarta. Then eating out at the most fancy restaurant's in Wichita (and yes there are some fancy ones out there). It seem like everytime I got a paycheck ......I needed to spend it. Before you know it I was like Gomer Pyle saying "Shazam, where did it all go." No more.......yesterday I made my last payment to my credit card.......and now I'm officially debt free. I would have finished this last year, but I needed the car because my truck was getting old and beat up. How does it feel to be debt free? I don't think it will hit me until next month when I don't have to write a check to these snakes. I did celebrate this milestone......Yesterday at work it just happen to be employee appreciation day. I decided to pin a sign on the front of my shirt so that people can read it. It says " Today, I am debt free." Mostly, I got a lot of congratulations others seemed to be jealous and few people thought I might have been weird. Hey, if being debt free makes me weird so be it.

Sincerely,
Tim "feeling really good" Crippen

Baby birds in my dad's pick up truck

2009-05-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

When you hear sounds of chirping baby birds acting like they haven't had a meal in awhile this isn't where you thought they would be.

Mass Hysteria over swine flu

2009-05-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

I know that this blog post that people won't agree with me, but I'm going to speak my mind. This past week the local as well asthe national media has been starting out their newscast with stories about the swine flu. Now, I'm not saying that it doesn't exist. What I am saying is that it not a pandemic. Maybe in other parts of the world, but here in the U.S. only what one person has died. More people have died from measles or mumps back in the early 20th century. This is so much a scare tactic that people at my workplace have used it as an excuse to get out of work. You might have the flu, but your chances are not that of swine flu....unless of course you just recently got back from Mexico. I'm not so much mad at the disease then I am against the media who hype this thing up.....what was it a slow newsday at work....Come on this about as bad as that MSNBC report saying that global warming is going to cause the north pole to melt and oceans to flood coastal cities like NYC by 2013......we'll see these people need to be held accountable. Anyway, I digress......the swine flu hopefully within a few weeks we'll be an old news story just like bird flu and the west nile virus it will all be just another flash in the pan.

Signed
Tim " pass me the bacon" Crippen

Kansas City Tea Party 2009

2009-04-16T15:58:00.001-07:00

My first ever protest or rally whatever you want to call it happen this past tax day here in Kansas City and around the nation. No, I didn't have sign ,but if I did it would have said this "If 10% is good enough for Jesus, it ought be good enough for Uncle Sam." This issue isn't a Republican issue or a Democrat issue it's a American issue of government irresposiblity. Here's a few pictures at the rally.

Signed

Tim "had fun at the rally" Crippen

Good Friday at the New K

2009-04-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

I woke up on a Friday morning to some rain, but as my half day of work came to an end the sun came out and my cousin and I went to the home opener at the new K. I must admit the place was great. There were parts of that stadium that I didn't even recognize. From the sports bar with a party deck in the right field to the new fountain seats in left field it really was a sight to see, but don't let my words be your judge. Let the pictures speak for themselves.

In the end however the Royals lost to the yankees 4-1......oh well there is a lot of baseball left.

Signed

Tim "enjoyed my half day off to see home opener" Crippen

Phantom of the Opera and must read book

2009-04-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

I must admit when it comes to musicals there are very few of them that I will ever go see. Last Friday was just one of those exceptions as I went to see Phantom of the Opera. The acting was great, the music was spectacular and in one moment there was a part of me that even felt sorry for the phantom character. If you get a chance to see it .....I would highly recommend it if you haven't seen it.

Now, a book that I would recommend for any christian who wants help Muslims learn about Jesus Christ. The book is called "Once an Arafat man" it's a story of man who at one time was Fatah fighter for the PLO the group that was once led by Yassir Arafat. He was a sniper as well as his chauffeur. The first few chapters are really tough to read, but as you read this book you see his transformation in his life as he comes to America. You'll laugh, cry and be amazed of his thoughts on how to solve the Middle East crisis. Great read.

Signed

Tim "the phantom rocks" Crippen

This is an actual blog

2009-03-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

You have seen many blogs but now Barack Obama's teleprompter now has a blog. Here is the link barack_teleprompter_blogspot.html. Enjoy

The Auto show and March Madness #3

2009-03-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

Well, once again I go to the Auto show and this year felt a little different than normal. There seemed to be less cars out there and less people seeing this event every year. Maybe it's the economy or maybe because they planned this during conference tournament weekend. Eithier way, my dad and I had wonderful time out there. The highlight had to be seeing the new F-150 Raptor now that is an extreme off-road truck. Here's a couple of pictures of the Auto show

Now, it's time for my annual picks for the NCAA tournament or what they call "March Madness". As a KU fan I don't expect them to get to the final four if they get there so be it but it's hard to win back to back national championships. Looking at the brackets and studying the teams I'm gonna start with are my sleepers. The two teams I would watch for this year is the Utah Utes and the Florida State Seminoles. The teams that I think will get to the Final four our Memphis, North Carolina, Louisville and Pittsburg. Speaking of March Madness I think my sister in law and my brother are suffering from this disease....I don't know if it's true , but maybe this picture might prove my point.

Signed

Tim " Happy St. Patrick's Day" Crippen

Watchmen a bit unwatchable

2009-03-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

As comic books go there seems to be a new one every time made into a movie. X-men, spiderman, batman and now the latest "Watchmen". Now, I didn't know the storyline to the film before I saw it, but the movie explains that pretty good. The opening scene in the film is great as the hero or anti hero depending on how you look at it gets murder at the scene of his high rise apartments. His colleagues were known as "the watchmen". Helping to protect crime on the street, the vigilante rorshack vows to get revenge. The cinematography is great, the plot was easy to understand and some of the characters lack emotion. This was one of the worst comic films made since Spawn. If this film was more Pg-13.....I think more people might have seen instead it looked like a mixture of a soft core porn film and one of the "Saw" movies. Don't see it and don't even think of taking the kids to this film.

tim Crippen

You might be paying for what?

2009-02-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

As a traveler; wether it would be by car or by plane, it seems like were paying for all these little extras particularly if your flying. You pay for drinks, pillows and blankets and even those stupid little headsets just to hear what's on TV. Now, a certain Irish airline RyanAir is thinking about charging you the passenger to use the restroom by inserting coin slots to use the facilities. I couldn't make this stuff up even if I tried. Look, I know the airline industry is hurting, but when you gotta go you gotta go ......I don't have time to search in my pocket to find a couple of quarters just to use the can. Last time, I saw a coin operated restroom was somewhere in Israel where you deposited the coins in this cement statue where the sun don't shine. Now try to imagine this over 30,000 feet. This idea would never work in America.

Signed
Tim "I gotta do #1 and #2" Crippen

Westminster's Best of show 2009

2009-02-15T18:53:00.000-08:00

Stump the dog isn't he cute

Are there any athletes that are clean?

2009-02-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

About 18 months ago, I wrote on my post on how Barry Bonds tied the homerun record and that it wasn't legitimate record. I also said that Alex Rodriguez or A-Rod would be the homerun champ in the near future because the only thing he cheated on was his wife and not steroids. Well. folks hold the presses......If the story from yesterday is true that A-Rod failed a drug test back in 2003 and was because of steroids then I'm really going to be wondering is any great athlete in baseball really clean.
This past week the sports world has seen Barry Bonds losing his battle with "The Feds". Michael Phelps smoking tree (Marijuana) and now A-Rod cheating (allegedly). No wonder it seems like our society looks at athletes so cynical. When I was growing up my athlete heroes were George Brett, Walter Payton, Cal Ripken, Nolan Ryan, Wayne Gretzky and Magic Johnson. Sure, some these athletes that I named had some off field trouble, but at least none of them took steroids or drugs just to get advantage on their sport. This generation of kids now who look at athletes now sometimes wonder is there anybody that I can root for?
Last year on 60 minutes, Katie Couric had interview with A-Rod and one the questions she asked was "Have you taken any steroids?" His answer was no. All joking aside we need to get that guy from the Fox tv show "Lie to me" to see whether some of these athletes who do interviews like this to find out whether any of then are telling the truth. Kids if you really want to be inspire look at your parents, older siblings if you have any, a pastor, a mentor.....anybody that you see that looks at life in a more positive manner. That is who your inspiration should be not athletes .......and if you do look for athletes look for good ones.

Signed
Tim "telling it like it is" Crippen

Superbowl, job fair and everything else on my mind

2009-02-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

The superbowl was one of the best I've ever seen. It's in my top five of best finishes and even the commercials were pretty funny. My personal favorites were the Budweiser commercial where the horse brings the big stick and the Mr. and Mrs Potatohead commercial for Bridgestone tires.
The Job fair was okay .....I did get to talk to some recruiters, although some companies that said they were going to be there online weren't there on Monday. Oh well, you just keep on searching and be thankful that you still have a job. I waited for about hour in line just to get to talk to some recruiters. You can tell when the economy is bad when over 1300 come to an event like this and your hoping you get that certain position. I do have gripe with some people who attended this thing. If your coming to a job fair dress like your going to an interview not like someone who just got back from shopping extravaganza.
The switch to digital TV is only days away and I can't wait....or is it going be a few more months? Recently, congress is working on passing a bill that will delay the digital switch till June and yes President Obama is supporting this bill. Now, for people who have HDTV like me or people with satellite or cable were already there. I know they said reason their doing this because they ran out of money and coupons for the converter box. Give me a *#@$ing break, they have had this place for over two years....just another thing that happens when government runs it.

Signed
Tim "venting off" Crippen

For those who love to eat

2009-01-25T18:01:00.000-08:00

Even with a sagging economy we all have tighten our wallets, but we all have to eat sometime. This week starting tomorrow in Kansas City begins restaurant week. For those of you who don't know about every major city has thing that they do once or twice a year called restaurant week. This is where fancy gourmet and somewhat nice restaurants let's you try your local flavor for a discounted price. This week 12 restaurants in the power and light district will have lunch for about 10-15 dollars and dinner for about 25-30. Each restaurant will have it's unique flavors.....I have my personal favorite there at the district...The Peachtree restaurant. There for restaurant week for 25 dollars you can get choice of one of three appetizers, one of three desserts, and the choice of these four entrees . Catfish/chicken platter, Honey salmon, Blackened shrimp or Lemon catfish. Yummy that sounds really good right now. To see the other K. C. restaurants this week that are participating go to www.districtresterauntweek.blogspot.com Bon Apatite

signed
Tim "ready to eat" Crippen

Wow that is amazing

2009-01-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

I'm sure by now you have all heard about the "Miracle on the Hudson". How just about two days ago pilot Chesley Sullenberger or by his nickname "sully" landed an Airbus plane in the Hudson River. There were 155 passengers and crew and everyone on that plane made it alive. That part was amazing, but what was even more amazing was the pilot was trying to get everyone one out and the last passenger he saw he gave his shirt off his back literally as the pilot was the last one to leave. With temperatures in the river hovering around 35 degrees. It will be amazing to hear the pilot's point of view of what he was thinking when he had to ditch his plane. Although, not to make fun of the situation but this morning I heard from one of passengers on TV who was on the plane telling the anchor that after the plane landed and the exit doors open that people were opening up the cabin doors just get their luggage. What? You survived a crash leave the luggage there you can replace things later.

Signed

Tim "way to go sully" Crippen

New year's prediction post

2009-01-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

Well another year has passed and were wondering where did 2008 go. I look back on some of my predictions and some came true others well were working on it. First the true then did come out right. Foreclosures were up from the previous year, I was promoted within my company, there was youtube tv on a reality series it was called "quarterlife" but it only lasted one episode. I won't give myself credit on the presidential election cause I cover all the bases. Also, there was major earthquake in California in midsummer...if you call 5.6 on the Richter scale a major one.
This year for me will be the year of bad economics......from companies like Lehman bros, Merrill Lynch, and AIG......to banks like Indy Mac, Washington Mutual and Goldman Sachs all feeling the pinch this past year. Bailout seemed to be the word of the year. Michael Phelps made us stay up late for a week to see him win eight gold medals in one Olympics. Central china had a major earthquake killing thousands of people. The Kansas Jayhawks won the national title in basketball and president bush avoided being hit by a shoe. The country also elected it's first African American president. We saw famous people pass away like Heath ledger, Michael Crichton (author of Jurassic Park) and Paul Newman just to name a few.

So what does 2009 bring us.......I'll try my best for my prediction post.

1. I will pay off my credit card this year ( last year I said the same thing but I traded in truck instead).

2. Gov. Blagovich will eventually be remove from his office this year.

3. President Obama will get his first chance to select a supreme court justice and it will be a Latin American judge.

4. The stock market will dip below 7,000 this year.

5. Unemployment rate could possibility see double digits since the great depression.

6.The Carolina panthers will be SuperBowl champions this year

7.Jay Leno's last show on the Tonight show this year will be just as tearful as when Johnny Carson left the show.

8. Lance Armstrong will be known as "the comeback athlete of the year" after his three year hiatus from winning the "Tour de France".

9.You will start to hear talk about 3-D TV's

10.The royals might surprise some teams this year....then again maybe not.

Signed
Tim "the swami" Crippen

Valkyrie

2008-12-27T07:01:00.000-08:00

Well, once again Tom Cruise is another film about the millitary. This time he plays a german officer named Col. Stauffenburg who's main objective is to kill Hitler in the movie Valkyrie. I saw this film and somewhat like it. Cruise is a dead ringer for stauffenburg. If you look at a side by side picture between the real stauffenburg and cruise playing him it's very eerie. The nature scenes are great and the direction that director Bryan singer (X-men director) gives makes you feel like your in the operation yourself. My only two complaints of the film is that in part of the film it doesn't give true story of how stauffneburg lost his eye and his right arm. The other is that cruise doesn't hardly speak much in a german accent. The supporting cast is great you might not even recognize Bill Nighy with all the make up he had to wear as the squid guy in the second Pirates of the Carribean movie. Overall, if you like history and a good suspense thriller you'll probably like Valkyrie. Out of four stars ....I give it 2 and 1/2,

Signed
Tim "too many holiday film" Crippen

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T09:28:00.000-08:00

Check out the Mountain Dew Fleece Pants ......I'm wearing

Kudos to Hyundai

2008-12-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

Last week, I receive a recall letter from Hyundai that my electrical wiring harness system needed to be replace. So, since there is no Hyundai dealership in Leavenworth, I went to closest one I could at Shawnee Mission. They not only took care of one recall part but two. The exhaust manifold was under warranty and they replaced that too. Then for the last five months I finally figured out that the reason for my check engine light was coming on. The speed sensor which is connected to the ignition system was pretty close to going out along with timing belt costing me over 600 dollars. I hate to spend the money for it but I always remember the phrase " Pay now and pay a little or pay a lot later." These guys had to keep my car overnight and gave a free rental car for the day. I'll tell you what even with having to part with some money these guys at Shawnee Mission Hyundai were the nicest guys to work with ever. Kudos to everyone from Mike the technician to Toby and Jay the service guys. The car feels like it's brand new even tough it's a 2002.

Signed
Tim "Merry Christmas" Crippen

Somebody dropped the ball

2008-11-30T15:12:00.000-08:00

If you were like me this past friday you probably shopping just like millions of other Americans on a day we like to call Black Friday. As morning approach, I headed to Best Buy to be looking for a new tv. I didn't wait too long in line no more than five minutes. I looked at the Dynex 19' as well as the Sharp 22' TV/DVD combo. Both were great, but I decided to get the Sharp 22. I wait in line for about five minutes....they had everybody working the cash register. As, I'm writing my check a portion of my check gets ripped. They put it in the cash register....they said it was declined. I write a second check thinking since the number were portionally ripped off that the computer didn't read the first check. Declined again. Now, I'm getting mad they ask me if I wanted to use my credit card.....I was hesitant at first but decided to go with it. After making my purchase, I went to a local ATM machine just to see what I had in my account and it was more than enough to cover the TV. So, what have learn boys and girls. Well, for one thing somebody dropped the ball on this situation. Either it was my bank or it was something wrong with Best Buy's computer system.

Signed
Tim "AAAArrgh" Crippen

Single guy's guide to surviving thanksgiving

2008-11-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

Okay for the first time ever in my life.......i spent thanksgiving alone. Yes, you heard right alone. No friends, family was in ark city, Kansas but I couldn't make since I have to work tomorrow.....it just felt weird. Too start we have to start from yesterday at work.......when I stopped at Topy's popcorn for a bucket of carmel. cinnamon and butter to snack on for the holidays. As I was driving by listening to some classic Bon Jovi, I see there was dude at the Little Ceasar's on shawnee parkway and quivira jammin to a fake cardboard cutout of a guitar advertisement for $5 pizza. I saw this rolled down my window....he heard the Bon Jovi music and he was really started to jam.....That may me laugh all the way to the grocery store. Then I stopped at the price chopper to get a substitute thanksgiving dinner. Hey, if you can make for grandmother's dinner or your parent's house.....I would suggest buying one of those Hungry Man XXL turkey dinner......it's not quite the same but it does the trick. I stayed up late watching movies and you can't go wrong with a holiday classic like "planes, trains, and automobiles." This morning got up watched annual parade....no balloon mishaps, but if you search the internet on the 1957 parade what happen with the popeye balloon you'll probably chuckle at it.

Catch some football as well as watching the plaza lights get turned on. My old roomate text me from California and is now in food coma. Not really, but you know what I mean. Did I survive thanksgiving? Yeah, I did but it really wasn't great as great as I thought it would be when your all alone.

Signed
Tim "I'm thankful for a lot of things" Crippen

Who says you can't get a free lunch

2008-11-24T16:34:00.000-08:00

In recent months there sure have been a lot of promotions for a lot free stuff.......first back in October if somebody stole a base during the World Series you can win a free taco......I took advantage of this by hitting to three taco bell stores. Hey, I got free meal out of this. Then on election day Starbuck s coffee gave you free cup of coffee if you show your "I voted" sticker the same went for Chick-fil-A as they would give you their original chicken sandwich. Now, the lastest promotion is from Dr. Pepper. Back in March the bottling company made a statement that if the new Gun's N' Roses album "Chinese Democracy" would dopped by 2008 that everyone can get a free coupon for a 20 oz. Dr. Pepper on their website. Well, yesterday the album went on sell......and as Dr. Pepper president says "the drinks are on us".

Signed
Tim "have a happy thanksgiving" Crippen

Now what

2008-11-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

So, the election has come and gone and we've elected a new president Barack Obama. I thought when I came to work that Wednesday morning that I would hear hooping and hollering of joyous celebration. Instead, I got more of the silent and empathy treatment at work. Maybe people were just tired of the election, maybe they were upset that their guy loss or maybe they were happy that their guy had won but was too tired that morning to show enthusiam. Eithier way I say to the new president congratulations "you've got a big job ahead and it's not going to be easy." I didn't vote for Obama or McCain in this election.....I voted for Ron Paul. Now, some people would say you just wasted your vote ......to that which I say No, I didn't because what I'm telling to both of the parties is that neithier one of you giving any real good solutions to fixing the mess....and it's more than just the economy. There is too many unknowns of what is going to be happening in the next few years.......Am I going to have a job? Is my 401K plan going to be a 201K? Is health Insurance still going to be with my employer? Are we going to see a switch in the Supreme Court in idealogy? Are we going to end the war in Iraq and Afghanistan a lot sooner before the job is finished? Just some of the questions that a lot of people are really asking about the new president.

I think with all the problems that we have in this country there is not a problem in this world that God can't solve if we turn our hearts toward him and reject our sinful ways as a country. Now, that may sound simple but at least it is honest.

Signed
Tim "glad the election is over with" Crippen

A clown coming in for an interview

2008-10-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know it's halloween and people at our company do dress up and what have you just so they can have fun and maybe win some money prize. But, if your not part of the company and your coming in for an interview perhaps wearing costume before you are going to an interview is not a great idea as well as maybe having a beer in your hand. Well, today a woman who was applying for one of the two maintenance positions was wearing a clown suit. Luckily, my boss has a sense of humor and did the interview as if were a normal day. Now, I don't know if she will get the job, but if she does I will be amazed.

Signed
Tim "clowns are only needed for kids parties and the circus" Crippen

Ch...Ch...Ch...Changes

2008-10-20T16:40:00.001-07:00

These last three days has gone through many changes surrounding me. First, let me start about my weekend. I headed off to Pittsburg this weekend to see our beloved Campus Christians House for the very last time for Homecoming week. It will be torn down after this year and made into a parking lot. I have many good memories of the place from ping pong tournaments, to my fishing buddy and I wrestling down on the floor to the praise and worship days on Tuesday Nights. Speaking of my fishing buddy, Dan Decker took a new job in West Plains, Mo as a helicopter mechanic. The football stadium added jungle tron to the South field which is a new video scoreboard (gee, I wonder how much that cost) Then today at work, two of my fellow co-workers in my department decided to quit leaving the maintenance dept with just the two of us. Oh, man making my job duties double. I just wanted to take a deep breath and say "things are going to get better it's just the question of when."

I guess in this year of change.... I shouldn't be surprised of people moving, new jobs, marriage and everything else in between that you realize that things are going to change. It's just a matter of whether you can adapt to it. As I get older it gets harder and harder for me to embrace change. I know I need to but it's not easy. I remember when I was coming home yesterday putting on old Michael W. Smith song that I still like to this day. It's called "Place in this World."
As I listen to lyrics of that song it still has the same effects on my life as it did when I was a teenager. Where I feel the I'm standing still, but the wind is constantly moving. To this day I'm still looking for a reason to find my place in this world. I've always enjoyed that song because it is so true.

Signed
Tim "working on changes" Crippen

An American Carol

2008-10-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

If your a fan of the Naked Gun films or your views politically are somewhat conservative then you'll like this hysterical politcal comedy film "An American Carol". Starring Kevin Farley (Chris Farley's brother) as Michael Malone a liberal film director who hates America and wants to abolish the celebration of Fourth of July. He gets visited by his hero JFK in which he tells Malone that he needs to change his views and that he will be visited by three spirits. His first spirit is General George Patton from World War II played by Kelsey Grammer. then he is visted by George Washington and the spirit of death or future is played by country music singer Trace Adkins. This film makes fun of just about everybody Michael Moore, Rosie O' Donnell, the ACLU, TSA, and the muslim terrorists. I can't tell you what happens in the film but you will be laughing in your seats. In this crazy political season it's nice to have film that laughs at the other side.

Signed
Tim " very sad that the bears lost today" Crippen

My favorite time of year

2008-10-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

This is probably my favorite time of year the season of fall. With baseball playoffs going, football underway, and politics all aside. It's nice just to walk around a park and see some of the colors starting to change on the trees. I remember as kid when my friend Brad and I would get some of the other teenagers from the church and we would gather leaves to make the biggest leafpile and jump right into it. Although, now as an adult when fall comes I realize that winter is just around the corner Ugh! Since fall has came I have done some things like for the very first time I went to a pig roast. Good eating I might add. Celebrated my Birthday just a few days ago and enjoy my day off in the middle of week. I saw the movie Appaloosa....it's okay but I thought it could've been better. If you like old sphaghetti westerns you might like this one. Help make apple cider with my folks.....all of this done within the last two weeks and we still have two and half months left in fall.

Signed
Tim " just wanted to put a post in October" Crippen

PS Go gorillas and Bears

Knight rider......you got to be kidding me

2008-09-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

On my Februray 17th post ......I said that there was a possibility of Knight Rider becoming a TV series.....Well, my dreams or I should say my worst nightmare has come true. I'll admit I am a sucker for the original but this new series we'll be lucky enough if it last eight episodes. TV network executives don't have a new creative mind in their body. The try to bring back last year the Bionic Woman (a remake) and it got cancelled. Then a few years ago they tried to bring back "The fugitive" TV series and what happen "CANCELLED" . Now their trying to bring back another great classic Knight Rider.

First here are some steps for the show to make it a hit again

Bring back the Trans Am....the Ford Mustang is okay but give the car some pizzaz....Heck if you wanted change cars bring back the Pontiac GTO. Then Kitt's powers are another thing. In the original the car went into attack mode a few things change, but it was still the original car only with some turboboost. This car acts like it one of the cars from the Transformers movie....Kitt can change into a truck what??? I know it's the 21st century but be realistic. The producer of this show should know how to built a futuristic car after all he did do the "The fast and the the furious".

Second the voice of Kitt

Val Kilmer has got to go.....brick back William Daniels the original voice of Kitt or give me a voice that is distinctive ....oh let's say like James Earl Jones (just kidding) but you get my drift.

Third mike's girlfriend

Deanna Russo on the show is very good and HOT I might add. I don't know if she is related to Renne Russo but she is part of the reason I watch the new show.

All in all the show is going to have a hard time getting in audience, but who knows maybe this show will break the curse of Classic Television remakes and last for a few seasons. Only time will tell. I leave you with the two reasons I watch the show Deanna Russo and KITT. Enjoy

Signed Tim "the original is still the best" Crippen

I love L.A............N O T

2008-09-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a place where dreams come true and things just look so perfect. Either this is heaven or it's southern California (aka Los Angeles). As I got on the plane I was looking forward to seeing so many things whether it was the beach or just time outdoors. I wonder if my suspicions were true about California .......I found out after a week pretty much is true.

Let's start first with day one.......I met up with my old roommate Robb who picked me up at LAX.

We headed to his place in Torrance, CA a fairly nice neighborhood. I was thinking it was going to be a small apt. .....Oh no, this wasn't an apt. it was a business/storage unit. Dusty, dirty and two window units in the roof with bars on it. Honestly, I thought I was staying pretty close to a prison cell. Day two was when it really got interesting because slowly but surely I started seeing the real L.A. A lot of the interstate areas just look so trashy along with a a lot of tagging along the cement sidewalks. Even some of the palm trees are faked because their disguised as cell phone towers. As we traveled along the Pacific Coast Highway or as the locals call it PCH. We pass by the famous beaches of Venice, Santa Monica and ended up in Malibu. Great picturesque scenery of the coast and the mountains that hug it Here's a picture that kind of gives you an idea. (Although this Venice beach you'll get my drift)

Two days later we went to the Tonight show with Jay Leno.....we waited in line for hours but we were able to get into the show and even before we did that we saw the NBC studio tour which is definitely worth seeing before you go to the show. Here's me doing the pointing thing again.

Before the show begins, Jay Leno does a Q & A with the audience and Robb and I got to meet Jay Leno. Somebody on his staff got to take a photo of us right there on the set. It was probably the highlight of the whole vacation To get a picture with a celebrity and nice guy too nonetheless was pretty awesome.

To cap things off we ended up at dodger stadium. Very unique stadium with three different levels. Yes, I did have super dodger dog (all beef). The palm trees around the stadium along with the mountains on one side and the L.A. skyline on the other makes this ballpark really special. Overall, LA. does have nice weather and great beaches and some of the people are friendly. However, the traffic is bad, people drive like maniacs, certain areas are trashy and I felt like I was in old mexico and not the United States. It was great to visit the city and my old roommate, but I doubt if I will ever go back there ever again. It's actually kind of great to come back to the Midwest where I can tell that a man is man and a woman is woman.

Signed

Tim "enjoyed nice weather on vacation" Crippen

PS: I know California is broke, but why do they charge $5.00 just to park at the beach? If you want to go to good restaurant...go to "Duke's" in Malibu for some great clam chowder at $6.50 for a bowl.

Jon Reep and Washington D.C.

2008-08-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

It was a great time last time weekend as it started with Barrett and I going to see Jon Reep performing at Standford and sons comedy club. I haven't laugh that hard and cried and the same time in quite a long time. If you don't know who jon Reep is he's probably best known for the Dodge Ram pick up truck and says the phrase "hey, is that a Hemi?" He's kind of mixture of Jeff Foxworthy and Robin Williams. Funny guy!!

The next day.......I headed out to Washington D.C. to see my brother and sister in law. I had a wonderful time out there. We literally hit the town from going to Ruth's Chris Steak House to going to see the monuments at night to going to Washington Nationals baseball game to seeing the Washington Monument......it was just too bad that the time was very short and that we can only do so much in three days.

However, the plane ride going back as well as coming out there were a little bit inconvient. The airline that rhymes with "I felt ya" literally ignore me by not calling my name to check in my baggage. Luckily, it was carry on baggage, but I still had to empty my bag of deoderant spray and gel. Along, with tube of toothpaste. It was eithier me emptying it out or TSA. Other wise I was going to be late for my flight. Even with all the bad things that happen on the airlines...it did give me a perspective as I was heading home. On my flight, back there were some troops from Iraq who were heading home. These men and women were getting shot at every single day. Yet, here I complain about bad service from the airline. As we arrive at the gate we all applauded the men and women who were getting off the flight.

Signed
Tim "hey is that hemi" Crippen

Titanic the musical

2008-08-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

No Leo Decaprio or Kate Winslet in this version of Titanic....although it would be funny to see the two of them try to sing a tune while their on deck. In this version of Titanic the main focus is more on the captain of the ship, the architect and the investor. Sure there are side stories like a love story, a wife jealous of being a second class passenger wishing that she was mingling on first class, a man working in the boiler room, etc. There is a lot side notes in this version so at times it might be hard to keep up. Seeing jason bridges perform three different characters is remarkable... He is a fourth in commanding officer and a first and third class passneger. For a community theater production of the show they did a pretty good job of the boat deck. Although, as I was watching last night's version I saw one thing real cheesy....for those who haven't seen it I won't give it away, but it just involves a dining room cart or was it a table. The cast and crew put in a lot of hard work into this from memorizing their lines, to the choregraphy and of course the singing. If there was anything I was disappointed it was that there wasn't as big audience for opening night. Otherwise, good show.

Signed
Tim "iceberg right ahead" Crippen

Women's tour

2008-07-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

It was my first time helping out on a tour for my company that rhymes with the island of Malta so to advert being sued. But this wasn't just any tour .....oh no, this was a tour of women and some of them a little bit wild, some hungover and some well words just can't even describe. As the tour rolled through the warehouse.....these women were taking pictures of everything from the owner's offices to the history display of the company. In a way, I didn't really want to do the tour, but toward the end there was a representative who thank me and for the others for coming out on a Sunday and helping out with the tour. She didn't have to say it, but to me that was a great feeling and it just made the rest of tour such a nice time.

Signed
Tim " I'm glad this is over with" Dawg

Mid way Summer films

2008-07-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

The dog days of summer are almost here or their already here depending on your perspective. As usual I check out some summer flicks and I give you my point of view on them. Now there are still some more summer films to see, but I'm going with ones that I have seen. First up "Iron Man" what a great comic book film for something new. I'm not a big Robert Downey Jr. but he actually pulls it off playing the title character role. Let's just hope the sequel is just as good. Speed Racer .....I know what the story is about but what happen to this film. Not even the people who brought you "the matrix" could save this film. Prince Caspian the second book of "the chronicles of narnia". Much better than the first one and more characters to enjoy. WALL-E is probably my most surprise pick of the summer. Great film for kids of all ages and there is great love story between two robots. Once again, PIXAR has gotten themselves another hit. Most recently, I have seen "The Dark Knight" and just to see Heath Ledger's performance of The Joker is worth the price of admission. The action is great, the performance's between Christian Bale and Heath Ledger are excellent. Heath should get look at Oscar nomination for his role in this film. If I had one gripe is that when Christian Bale puts on the mask and he talks .....I swear it sounds like he's channeling Clint Eastwood's dirty harry character. That's it for now for the summer flicks.

signed
tim crippen

the 100th Post

2008-07-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

H A P P Y

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Fourth of July Weekend

2008-07-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well once again we celebrate America's birthday as it turns 232 years old. I get together to see relatives of people I haven't seen since last year or in some cases many years. It was fun stuffing ourselves with good food and seeing the fireworks from us as well as our neighbors just shooting them off. This year's fourth was nice in a sense of how great the weather could have been. No rain, no humidity and very little wind. Wow, I can't remember the last time this holiday was like this, but hey I'll take anything I can get. I still have been enjoying the car since I got it, but I have to vent even more when I read an article this evening. As you know my car is a gas saver however it might get a sticker if I were living in California. There is bill in the California legislature where if it passes....your vehicle will have a sticker of whether it's a pollutant or not. I am not kidding .....so for my elantra it would be environmentally friendly. However, an SUV or a truck would get one of those bad stickers. What are we back in first grade? Hey, here's an idea let's put stickers on politicians who write these laws as if were giving them labels....Here's an example I'm a politician who raises taxes, or I'm liar, I'm a cheat or my personal favorite I will do anything just to get elected.

Signed
Tim " I can't even enjoy the holiday" Crippen

I just had to get this off my chest.

2008-06-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

I need to stop watching the liberal news .......otherwise I'm going to just explode. Just the other day I was watching the news and they had a story about how the environment is so bad bacause of global warming that it is now part of national security as matter of govermental concern. What? National Security? Global Warming a threat? Yeah, and the world is going to end in 2012....yada yada....I've heard it all before. These envrinoment geeks need to get a @#$%ing life.....it's people like this that have made gas prices as high as they are. Then if that story wasn't enough......I saw story how a muslim was imprison because he was consipiring to kill American troops in Afghanistan. Him and his partner were planning to kill them after an American sniper shot holes in The Koran. What got me mad was this partner of his wants to be release because his parents are old and that he needs to take care of them. That may be true, but I guarntee you by the time he gets out he'll still hate America and he'll still want to be a part of a suicide bombing. Then he sheds a tear for the reporter of how he was such a bad person.....Give me a break.....I thought I was watching an Oprah Winfrey moment and all of us were just saying can't we just get along. After seeing that story......I decided to take a walk and I felt better about myself.

Signed
Tim "enjoying the freedom's that make America great" Crippen

Car shopping is a nightmare, but it can be fun too.

2008-06-21T06:11:00.001-07:00

You know that old Rolling Stones song lyric that goes "you can't always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need." Well in this case I was able to get both. The process kind of started back in March when I was at the K.C. Auto show. There is a picture on my blog of me inside a 2008 Apple Red Hyundai Elantra. I remember thinking to myself at that time....this looks like a nice car. Well, I did my research looking at Edmunds.com and Consumer Reports on everthing on cars from gas mileage, reliability and what I can afford. I came up with a top 5 list but narrow it down to three. My three choices was the Hyundai Elatra at number one, number two Nissan Altima and number three the Mitsubishi Galant. As the car shopping began June 12th we look at KCK dealership and a private seller. No luck on day one. Day two drove around to six dealerships. One of them in Blue Springs.....I thought I might have a shot at a 2002 Nissan Altima that drove like a dream. The dealer wanted over 10,000 for it .....so I left striking out again. Then earlier this week I saw an ad on craiglslist for a 2003 Toyota Camry for 2950 and had only 44k miles on it. However, I was a little suspicious about the seller since he was living in London, England.......I don't know if it was a scam, but I 'm probably glad that I didn't get the car .

Then on thurday I saw and ad on cars. com and it had one of my cars on my top three list. It was a blueish green and 2002. There was a 127 thousand miles on it and it was in really good condition from the inside and out. I got the car for 3,550 and I thought I got a pretty good deal for the price. No more paying for 80 dollars or more on gas. No more fixing on radiators, fuel pumps or anything else that needs working on. It feels good that I have vehicle that has a radio that works .....oh did I mention it has a CD player too.....Am I excited....well if this post doesn't tell ya....then nothing will.

I should give my truck a little bit of credit it lasted me for over six years. Sure, the finish was peeling off, but that gave it some character. It has gone on some great trips like to OKC to see Billy Graham preach one of his last sermons. It has also gone throughout the entire state of New Mexico. So goodbye old truck we had good memories, but the gas prices at the pump put the death nail in you. So, what I did I trade in for my truck?

A 2002 Hyundai Elantra....Yeeesssssss!!!!

Signed

Tim "thanking god for helping me find this car" Crippen

A Royals legend helps out

2008-06-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

You know with players making multi-million dollars and their arrogance shows on the field maybe somebody ought to take a page from former Kansas City Royal Willie Wilson. Last night, I went to see the Willie Wilson classic at Community America Ballpark to benefit The Children's Miracle Network. Sure, their were great former all stars from the MLB like Joe Carter, Lee Smith, Dave "smoke" Stewart and the great Ferguson Jenkins. Then you had the grand slam by Joe Carter in the game. The weather was pretty nice to enjoy a hot dog or two. However, the highlight of the moment came before the game. A 10 year old who had just beaten cancer was going to sing the national anthem. As she sang her heart out she tried to hit those high notes and her voice started to crack. She started to cry, but who was there put his arm around her shoulder. Willie Wilson and he even helped out singing the song with the little girl along with the rest of the crowd at the game. I must admit I was just a bit choked up just like everybody else at the game who felt sorry for the little girl, but she kept on going on and didn't stop. You know sometimes in life we just need that encouragement to keep on going with our lives even if at times we just want to stop.

Signed
Tim "Willie Wilson was class act" Crippen

Memorial Day Weekend wrap up

2008-05-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, this past weekend was a little bit of good and bad. The bad was surprisingly was the barbecue and I'm talking about the Great American Barbecue at the Woodlands. I went with my cousin to hopefully sample all the sauces. Unfortunately, I pulled a Homer Simpson when I found out that sampling sauces only lasted between 10 AM and 4 PM. DOHHH! So, for me this really stunk......I basically pay ten dollars for nothing and I pay extra for the barbecue food that I did eat.....Unbelieveable......oh well you win some and lose some.

Although, going up to Omaha made up for the barbecue. I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Omaha. Name my price on priceline and got it for 60 dollars a night. Normally the place goes for 139 dollars a night. The Lewis and Clark landing (aka the riverwalk) was okay it's not quite San antonio, but it's better that K.C. which has nothing. Here's just a sample photo of the riverwalk.

The Old market was pretty nice.....if you want Italian food. They had so many selections it was hard to choose. Went to the Spaghetti Works resteraunt and had noodles with red and pesto cream sauce combine....yummy. The Old Historic market is a mix between bricktown in Oklahoma city and Old town in Wichita. Nice place for lunch and dinner. I hadn't been to Omaha in so many years, but if you need to go to a place for a weekend with gas prices being so high. I would highly recommend it. Definitely one place everybody should stop is the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. As memorial day came and went.....I did take some time to think about for those who gave their lives who have give us this freedom. So, when enjoy your day off from work or have that barbecue get together with family and friends. Just remember that someone took it in the gut for you to enjoy that freedom.

signed

Tim Crippen

The Nielsen Diary

2008-05-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

You know with technology as it is nowadays you would think there would be any easier way to doing TV ratings. Yet for over 50 years as well as the present we as TV consumers still have to write in this little thing we called the Nielsen TV ratings diary.....I was fortunate or unfortunate depending upon how you look at it to be selected to write on what I watch on TV. Well at least this beats being selected for jury duty.

This diary gives you the day and time all you have to do is write in it what you watch on TV whether it would be your favorite program or movie. Just give the channel no. and the station. In fact, I'll even share with you what I watch on Thursday Night.

The reason they do this is to find out what programs are people watching and where should advertisers spend their money. And yes, I did watch the original superman movie.

Signed,

Tim "Happy Mother's Day" Crippen

WTF file

2008-05-04T05:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, for those who know me pretty well......I tend to get a bit cynical maybe angry when it comes to two things. When environmentalists claim that there is global warming and the other is when people want to go outside the scriptures to find falsehood in the life and times of Jesus Christ.
This post happens to be in the latter category. The latest of films is a documentary by Bruce Burgess entitled "Bloodline". In this film Bruce explores the possibility of Mary Magdalene and possibility of Jesus went to southern france after the crucifixion and that they may have had kids and blah, blah, blah. Too many if's in this movie if you ask me. The last portion of this film shows one of Burgess friend that goes to the tomb of the women in a shroud. Then collects a hair sample and the only thing they know is that the woman is Middle eastern decent. Thinking that this might be Mary Magdalene.
The filmaker himself doesn't trust the people who are leading this treasure hunt. I on the other hand don't trust the filmaker because this is the same guy who did films on The Bermuda Triangle, Area 51 and that Bigfoot lives in Oklahoma. Give me a break.
Filmakers know where the truth is located at it's in the Bible, but I think some people just want to tend to ignore it. Look, if you really want to watch a film where science and religion collide and that is eye opening. Go see the movie "Expelled: No intelligent design allowed. I would rather pay my money for something more truthful than something they can't even prove.

Signed
Tim " what is this world coming too" Crippen

Remeber when?

2008-04-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

If you ever go to Cracker Barrel, Bob evans or any these little country stores. There is always a rack of these little booklets called Remember when...? and in the corner is the certain year. So, being the curious human being that I am I decided to look into my favorite year 1985. I was looking back into it and some things you remember others you want to tend to forget. New Coke was introduced and we all know what happen to that marketing blunder. Gorbachev becomes the Russian president....still don't know if that blotch on his forehead was fake or not. The U.S. owed more money to foreigners than it was owed.....not much has changed there. TWA flight 847 was hijacked, and the rainbow warrior was sunk. If you don't know the story of the rainbow warrior look it up... let's just say the French are involved.

The price of gasoline was 89 cents a gallon, the price of stamp was 20 cents and unemployment was around 7.2 %.....Let's see gasoline is up, the price of the stamp is doubled and unemployment is not too far off from 1985. Not much has changed.

Popular songs at the time were We are the world a benifit concert for famine for African nations. What's love got to do with it by tina Turner and Amadeus was named best picture of the year. The royals won the world series, dabears won the superbowl and the cosby show was the number one television show in the country. There is more about these remeber when booklets but you can pick out your own year recollect your own memories.

Signed
Tim "ready to go to bed" Crippen

Funny baseball promotion

2008-04-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

I had read this in KC star this morning and thought it was joke, but it's an actual promotion from the KC T-bones baseball team.
When you’re an independent, minor-league baseball team, you bank heavily on crazy promotions for big crowds.
And the T-Bones likely will score big with their Michael Vick “Welcome to the Neighborhood” promotion scheduled for May 28.
Vick, as you know, is serving a 23-month sentence at the U.S. Penitentiary in nearby Leavenworth after pleading guilty to charges related to a dogfighting ring.
The T-Bones assure us they are not making light of Vick’s crime. In fact, part of the promotion will include an auction of game uniforms to benefit local animal shelters. And there will be animal-shelter pets outside the stadium to be viewed for potential adoption.
But the T-Bones certainly are going to have some fun regarding Vick’s circumstances. For example, those uniforms to be auctioned off? They will include the T-Bones’ game jerseys from that night, which will be the old-style, black-and-white prison stripes. The visiting team, the Gary Southshore RailCats, will wear the orange jumpsuit tops.
“They couldn’t wear the whole jumpsuit,” said T-Bones promotions director Colin Aldrich, “because that would restrict movement.”
The night also will include spotlights and escapee sirens.
“People in Wyandotte County might think they’re hearing tornado sirens,” Aldrich said.
Players will be encouraged to act along and at least enter the field in shackles. Naturally, “Who Let the Dogs Out” will blare from the stadium speakers.
By the way, there were a few more ideas for the night that didn’t quite work out. One was lining the inside of the stadium with barbed wire to resemble a prison yard. Another was to have the players enter the field in a paddy wagon. There was also talk of having some attack dogs rip apart a dummy with a Vick jersey on it.
“Ultimately it became an issue of player and public safety,” Aldrich said, “so some of the ideas had to go.”

Signed
Tim "laughing at this promotion" Crippen

judge for yourself

2008-04-11T20:16:00.001-07:00

Is that a naked lady glaring off Vice President's Cheney's sunglasses? you be the judge

Leatherheads & Beating Roy

2008-04-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

I will admit that when I go see a movie of a certain type of genre I hope that it lives to certain standard or gets real close. So, when I heard that Leatherheads was a screwball comedy my standard for that type of film is "O' Brother where art Thou." Well, with two oscar winners in it George Clooney and Renee Zellwegger along with the dude from "the office" John K. it gets it within the ballpark or at least the football stadium since this is a football film. It starts in the mid 1920's when college football was in it's hay days and pro football was just getting started. John K character "the bullet" is the top of his college game at Princeton University. Dodge Connelly's (Clooney) team the Duluth Bulldogs along with some of the other teams has folded up and is trying to get the bullet to play for the team. Lexie littleton (Zellwegger) is a Chicago Tribune reporter trying know the story of "the bullet" on how he is a war hero or so it seems. Both Dodge Connelly and "the bullet" our trying to buy the love affection of Lexie.

The beginning of this film is great.....I thought I was listening to music from the movie "The sting" with a lot of piano playing. This was a pretty good football film a step up from "Invincible" which I didn't think was great. With Rick Riley being one of the executive producers of the film....I knew I was going to laugh. There are some interesting cameo's in the film. Look for Randy Newman (another oscar winner) who provides the music for the film as the piano player at the bar. Along with Max Cassella who plays a Lt. in the army. for those who don't know who Max Cassella is he's the one who played Doogie Howser's friend Vinny. Out of four star rating I would give it two and half.

Now, last night I was glad I wasn't on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, KS as the Jayhawks won to play on to the national championship against Memphis. You know win or lose tomorrrow night. This will be great season for this team, but last night beating Roy williams just made my day.....hahahahahahaha! You can hear the evil laughter from Leavenworth ....hahahahaha.....take that Roy. Enjoy the championship game everybody.

Signed
Tim "I feel like I'm on cloud nine" Crippen

PS: I was sad to hear this morning that Charlton Hesston died......we will miss you Moses.

My apology to KU Fans

2008-03-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

Well, this wouldn't be the first time.....I would be wrong on this blog, but I'll keep my word. KU fans...I deeply apologize for not picking your team to the Final Four. I thought they would choke in the regional final.....and they almost did if the Davidson player had made that three point shot. You would be coming home tonight. So, two of my final four picks made it. I'll say Good Luck to you guys in San Antonio in the Final Four. Oh; and one more thing, please beat Roy Williams team for me this Saturday Night.

Today, I also got to try out a new restaurant called Granny's Chicken Ranch right behind Famous Dave's at the Legends. The atmosphere was pretty good if you didn't have the bar it would have been better. Some of the table and chairs were made of cherry oak. It's a family restaurant where everybody pitches in from the owner to the son who is waiter, cousin, mom and few others to make this place unique. I started with a nice house salad along with house vinaigrette which was probably the best thing on the menu. I ordered a chicken fried steak along with some mashed potatoes with the skins on along with some green beans. Every dinner came with a basket of a cinnamon roll and a made from scratch biscuit w/ some whipped honey butter. This place is pretty good if you want to splurge a little. I would definitely come back, but next time I would order something different. I highly recommend a house salad with the house vinaigrette. The cinnamon rolls and biscuits are unlimited as well as side items that came with your dinner. Out of my five star rating....I would give it three out five stars.

Signed,
Tim "I'm full" Crippen

Easter Potpurri

2008-03-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I hope everyone had a great easter......I don't have one particular subject to talk about today so this post is going to a mix bag today.
Let's first talk about politics.....and no I'm not going to talk about the presidential election, I'm more shocked about these politicians and for some reason their getting caught in these sex scandals rings. Whatever happen to being faithful to your wife? We already know about former governor Elliot Spitzer and now we have the latest with the mayor of Detroit. For goodness sake these politicians are definitely getting what they deserve when they use taxpayers money for things like this. Speaking of spitzer...I heard that the woman he was seeing gave him a nickname called client #9. Client #9? You were the former governor of New York who were the other eight guys ahead of you? Okay, I will go to something more interesting.

Have you ever wanted to know what it was like to be a star? Well, now you can a company in Austin, TX will make you star even if it's just for a day. This company will hire a paparazzi, a bodyguard, get you a limo and can put your picture of your night in the town on a fake cover of a magazine. Packages for being a star for a day range from 250-1500. This is pretty good if you want to give people on street a good laugh or a stare. However, if I wanted to hire camera guys just find some friends and relatives with good cameras.

This is probably my favorite story this weekend.....We all have at one time or another ate those little yellow chicks or pink bunnies known as peeps. Well now there is a website for these marshmallow animals called www.peepsshow.com. This site we'll give you the history of the peeps but check out the photo gallery of what art the peeps can make. If that's not enough there is even a website for you lord of the rings fan called www.lordofthepeeps.com The picture of gandalf as peep is pretty cool.

Signed
Tim "loving spring" Crippen

March Maddness II

2008-03-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

I've already done March madness one...if you don't know look on March 2007 and it should be there. Picking these games is like trying to pick stocks on the NYSE. You look for winners but most of the time my brackets go usually bust. So, this year I promise myself I'm not going to put KU in the Final four this year. I've been burned by this team in the past and they never seemed to deliver. Chances are that if I don't pick them they'll probably go to the Final Four. Anyway, after studying my brackets along with drinking irish coffee and eating some green cookies, cupcakes and almost anything else that looked green at work. It's time make my annual picks. My Final Four this year is UCLA, Tennessee, Memphis, and Georgetown. Sorry KU fans but I can't go with you two years in row. If they do get to the Final four ....I will greatly apologize on this blog. I do have dark horse for the tournament look out for Michigan St. in the tournament. Oh, could somebody explain to me also why they call it March Maddness. I mean this term could refer to severe weather or people's rage on the road. I also wonder why does it have to be march. Let's have August Maddness....this term would refer to people who are sick of the extreme warm temperatures or the crazyness of parents trying to get their kids enrolled in school. Just a thought.

Signed
Tim "Happy St. Pat's Day" Crippen

The K.C. auto show

2008-03-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

This was my first time ever going to the auto show here in town.......I was mostly there to check out cars of what I might want to trade in for my Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck. This vehicle above is an Hyundai Elantra.....in which I was impress.....good gas mileage and plenty of headroom and definitely one of the vehicles.....I would be interested in trading. This auto show is about eight football fields wide and had every car maker there to answer your questions. They did have some classic cars out there.

Like this Ford 2003 T-bird with a classic look

or this jeep...(I know it's cheesy doing the pointing thing, but this is my blog.)

I was also there to see some of the new concept cars like the smart car which was built by Mercedes, but is tiny and gets great gas mileage or the new car called the Zenn which runs on electric, but is not used for highway purposes. Even having my dad along for the ride was great and he seemed to have a pretty good time. So, I leave you with other pic's from the auto show.

Signed

Tim "the auto show was cool" Crippen

A Sunflower journey

2008-02-28T17:06:00.000-08:00

When driving in Kansas; especially western kansas, you'll find the some unique places. one of those places is Mullinville. There has been a man there in town who has created many of these political and unusual wind mill signs that are along the highway in the town. Now, I don't know what his political views are but I think I know what he thinks of Hillary Clinton.

And what he thinks of our Health Care Plan

But before I went into this unique town.......I stop by Greensburg, Kansas. Before May 04, 2007 most people who have heard of greensburg, kansas only knew it as the place where the world's largest hand dug well........now it's more known for a F5 tornado that nearly wiped and entire town,

When I went see it.....I was just amazed of how there was very little left of the trees there....the schools held their classes in mobile trailer units. There was nothing left of the downtown area. Even the gift shop where the hand dug well is located was very little more than a garage shed. I would say that it's going to take about two or three years before Greensburg gets back to normal.

However, the main reason for traveling was for my grandmother's funeral. It was nice to see a lot of my cousins. Most of them were there and it was nice to catch up. Here's a nice picture of all of us cousins.

In fact one of our cousins Johnny Schneider along with his wife Shyla just had a baby boy.....way to go Johnny...the schneider name continues on. Pastor Charles West was one of the preachers at my grandmother's funeral...For those who have been at Shawnee church of the nazarene for awhile......he was the pastor there. Here we stand together as we laugh at a joke.

As for the place that we stayed at...Wow! My grandparents former next door neighbors Charlie and Jimmie Owings just opened their home for us. There were the nicest host you could ever want....the house was about 6000 square foot. Even their dog Maui...the german shepherd even greeted us.

My grandmother was a person who loved to take pictures...even if they were little crooked. Although, if their was one word to describe her it was patience. I happen to see this saying on the church bathroom wall that really describe my grandmother.

"Patience with others is called love, patience with self is called hope and patience with God is called faith." We will miss you grandma from the Schneider, Crippen and Hale families.

Signed

Tim Crippen

Knight Rider Returns

2008-02-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

Twenty five years ago.....A man name Michael Knight and a black trans-am came into our living room fighting for truth and justice. That show was Knight Rider and it made David hasslehoff a star. Now, twenty five years later there is Knight Rider movie on TV even as I type this post. At the time when the original show came on seeing talking cars was unheard of.....now, their starting to become standard options for certain cars.
I was a huge fan of the original series......however, this new movie is not living up to the hype. Luckily, it's just a TV movie event, but there is talk about bringing back the TV series next fall. The new movie starts off on who built KITT and that this private security firm is trying to get the hard drive from it's creator. KITT's creator has a daughter who knows about the hard drive sytstem. She as well as Mike Truac (a former army ranger) are the only people he can trust. Mike Truac estranged father is surprise, surprise...Michael Knight (Hasslehoff).
Seeing Hasslehoff was cool......some of the features for KITT were cool liking him morphing into different colors, but I do have some gripes.
First off, bring back the Trans-Am .......to see a Ford shelby GT Mustang is totally not cool. Then KITT's voice....Val Kilmer ......Iceman from Top Gun? Are you kidding me....bring back William Daniels the original voice or if you want to bring a new voice put in Liam Nisson or Sean Connery to add some humor to the show......Could you imagine Sean Connery saying Hello, Mike in a Scottish accent.
Anyway, I hope they don't bring it back to the TV as series, but then again they brought back American Gladiators and it became a hit. I guess what is old is now new again.

Signed
Tim "Knight Rider rules" Crippen

The Doctor will see you now

2008-02-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

It seems like every time this year I tend to get sick of something like flu or fever or something else. This year what I have is something not cureable by pill or by medicine. A doctor can help me with my illness, but only time can heal my disease situation it is called heartache. About every other year during Valentine's Day millions of men and women suffer from this tragic disease in which singles have hard time trying to get together. I would normally go see my regular doctor this weekend to get some help, but he is out town this weekend. So, to help my alleviate the symptons......I went the only doctor that was available this weekend. Sure, it was female doctor but she seemed to listen and understand my pain. You can kind of say she's a pioneer ahead of her times even if was just for a moment. Now, normally I don't go see female doctors, but a friend had recommend me her and I thought I would give a shot. What was the name of this female doctor?

I went to see Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman

Aka Jane Seymour

(What? Did you think I was really seeing a real doctor)

Other picture Jane Seymour

Signed

Tim "Happy Valentine's Day " Crippen

The good, the bad, and the ugly

2008-02-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

When thinking about a title for this post....for some odd reason the old clint eastwood western movie fits perfectly to describe some of the SuperBowl commerical ads.

First the Good:
Shaquille O'Neal riding a horse and he thinks he's a jockey for Life Water drink.....the best part of this ad the photo finish with the cheesy grin.
Budweiser: rocky music as the dalmation trains a horse
bud light: Breathing Fire
Garmin: Napolean needs a GPS system to find his place of battle ......a much better job from Garmin than last years.
Go Daddy.com: woman hated it, men loved it.....However, FOX did not show the rejected commercial that only airs only on Go daddy's website. Let's just say Danica patrick is hot in the rejected one, but I think the ad was mostly pulled off more for it's tongue and cheek.
But my personal favorite was the Coke commerical with the ballons of Underdog and Stewie from the family guy. their both fighting for the coke and neithier one gets it.........It went to of all people get it was our goood friend Charlie Brown.....nice touch for coke......sometimes I feel like charlie brown and for him to get his justice was great.

The Bad:
The Audi commercial that did a spoof of the scene from the Godfather. I know what they were trying to portray but, it really didn't come through for me.

The Ugly:
Careerbuilder commercial with the Lady's heart jumps out of her bosom and then the heart climbs up to her boss' desk and holds a sign that says I quit. ugh......i'm surprise the lady died..
what a horrible commercial.

signed
tim "go giants" crippen

Social Suppers, the bucket list and a giants fan goes extreme.

2008-01-26T17:40:00.000-08:00

It's nice every once in awhile to try out some new adventures and this weekend was no exception. For the first time, I decide to go to social suppers here in Leavenworth and get ingredients to make some meals. If you've never done this I would highly recommend it. Whether it be for parties or just a couples night out....this a place where you can have some fun.

I would like to say thanks to my sister in law Crystal and my brother for getting me a coupon book for Christmas in which I used a coupon for this place. I would like to say thanks also to Terri, Sandy and the rest of the crew at the Leavenworth social suppers who treated me with the utmost respect. I like this place because whether your a season veteran at cooking or just a beginner this place can make cooking fun. The menu is never the same cause it changes every month. I mean one month your having firehouse chilli and the next month you could be having grilled rasberry chicken.

So, today I put on apron (and yes I am wearing and apron) and started making ingredients for Honey garlic pork chops, citrus tarragon chicken and for a dessert since it was free with the coupon Cranberry Apple crisp.

I did buy one meal that was already made that was in the freezer. It was a maple mustard glazed pork roast in which I brought home and started cooking. All I can say is the taste was just impeccable. I especially loved that the fact the carrots were included in the dish which made it even better. The cranberry apple crisp was just as good. To think that you with a little bit help you can make something from ordinary to extraordinary.

Here's picture of the maple mustard glazed pork roast before I dig into it.

If your ever interested in getting your hands in the kitchen, go to http://www.socialsuppers.com/. Where you can find this month's menu and for the nearest store location. Wow, what an awesome place.

The bucket list......I have to say I really like this movie. It's grumpy old men meets the great outdoors. I laughed, I cried and there are some sad moments. Anyway, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson are two cancer patients who only have few months to live after both were admitted to the same room for cancer. Freeman's character writes a bucket list of things he wants to do before he kicks the bucket. Edward Cole (Nicholson) is a multi-millionaire who gives Freeman's character as well as himself and chance to live life to the fullest. There is one scene where Freeman and Nicholson are laughing so hard they both cry. It's when Freeman tells Edward Cole where the orgins of where his favorite drink comes from.......I must admit I was laughing at scene just as the two actors. Three out of four stars for me.

Okay, as we know next weekend is the SuperBowl between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. The parties, the food, the commercials and of course the game are all well in good. This story however I wasn't laughing about. The man who played Vito on the Sopranos show how much of a Giants fan he is.....There is extreme and there is really extreme. I don't know maybe it's just me but would you do this to your dog to show how loyal to your team.....I let the picture speak for itself.

Signed

Tim "still eating my cranberry apple crisp" Crippen

This made me laugh

2008-01-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

I was raeding article on CNN's website on wether or not late night comedy shows are funny again since returning on the air. Well, a couple of people sent their so called top ten list and it made me laugh.
Pat Ames of Mishawaka, Indiana
Top 10 things I've done while the writers are on strike:
10. I've watched about 10 percent of the DVDs I've bought during the last 18 months and hadn't gotten around to.9. I scored over 600,000 on Chuzzle.8. I can recite all of the dialogue in every CSI episode (reruns on Spike).7. I laundered two months' worth of underwear and socks.6. I went to a restaurant, twice, at 8 p.m. instead of 5 p.m.5. I wrote a screenplay.4. I play with the cats.3. I read two novels.2. I got halfway through a year's worth of Newsweek magazines.1. I don't have to stay up until 10 p.m. on Tuesdays to watch House.

Chris Ritsch of Baltimore, MarylandReasons why the U.S. population doesn't care about the writers' Strike:
8. America is too busy losing mortgage payments playing online poker.7. Isn't there some kind of election going on somewhere?6. Because after three years, no one cares why the hell they are on that island in the first place.5. One word: Britney.4. The Internet porn writers are NOT on strike.3. Most Americans can't afford health care, let alone cable TV.2. Local libraries are running a "borrow one, get one free" special this month.1. The Weather Channel rarely shows repeats.

Signed
Tim "still laughing" crippen

Pix from ice skating

2008-01-06T15:48:00.000-08:00

After suffering from some bumps and bruises and falling on my keister once......okay twice, I

leave you these lovely pixs.

another new year's predictions post

2007-12-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

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!!!!!!!!