Wow what a weekend

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

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

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

the infamous butter sculpture

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

Josh Turner

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

Signed

Tim "backwoods boy" Crippen

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

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

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

Enjoying my sick day

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

signed
Tim "enjoying my sick day" Crippen

The side of Jay Leno you don't see

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

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

Happy One Year Anniversary on the Blog

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

Signed
Tim "birthday blog boy" Crippen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signed

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

Last Day at The K

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

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

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

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

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

Signed

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

Michael Winslow the man of 1000 voices

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


Signed
Tim "somewhat funny guy" Crippen

Freedom of Speech

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

Signed
Tim "here's your sign" Crippen

Sometimes I don't understand

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

Signed
Tim "Sometimes I don't understand" Crippen

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

Get over it

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

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

The Top ten sporting events you must see before you die

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

#100 Go see Harlem Globetrotters game

#62 Midnight madness at a KU basketball game

#22 Cubs game at wringley field

#35 Opening Day in Baseball



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

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

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

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

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

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



Now Caple's 10

1. Summer Olympics

2.World Cup soccer

3.Winter Olympics

4.world series

5.NCAA subregional baskeball championships

6Spring training

7. NFL Conference championships

8. The Masters

9.Wimbledon

10. Tour de France during the mountain stage



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

1.Hall of Fame Induction in Cooperstown (16)

2.World Series (4)

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

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

5Indy 500 (33)

6.Kentucky Derby (32)

7.The masters (8)

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

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

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

Honarable Mention

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

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

My Brother's Wedding and more fun stuff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signed

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

PS: Okay, here's one more wedding photo

Thoroughly Modern Millie

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

Signed
Tim "Raspberries" Crippen

A tribute to a TV legend

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

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

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

Signed Tim "Come on down" Crippen

One step in the right direction

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

Signed
Tim "Thank You Jesus and Yippee" Crippen

An ode to the New York Yankees 2007 season

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



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

Signed Tim "the yankees are dead" Crippen

Let the pictures do most of the talking

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

Roscoe the neighborhood dog

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

Who wins this standoff?

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

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

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

Signed
Tim "just keep baseball simple stupid" Crippen

Movie Fans will eithier love this website or hate it.

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

Signed

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

A boy named Johnnie

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

Signed
Tim "way to go johnnie" Crippen

My Sonic moment and the RRFB concert

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



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



Signed

Tim "RRFB fan" Crippen


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

My three new girlfriends...I wish

Danica Patrick

Sarah Fisher and Milka Dunno

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

Sam Hornish Jr. and Helio Castroneves

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

Signed Mr. Tim Patrick or Mr. Tim Dunno

Conversations at the Ballpark

After working a few ballgames this year, I've realized that people's conversations are really loud. I'm not sure why people do this, maybe it's the atmosphere or are people are just hard of hearing. Do they want you to listen to their conversation? Or is it because the conversations at ballpark are more exciting than your other workplace? (aka Post Office) So, what I have done is compile the best of the best conversations overheard at The K. Were not talking like ordering food were talking outside of the concession stands. They are some I will not used because of foul language.

Little Girl probably about 5-6 years old
"Daddy, why do they call it the 7th inning stretch?"

Guy on his cell phone
"Tina, why are you breaking up with me"?

Red Sox fan that probably had one too many and then falls over
"Hey, look everbody I can touch my nose and balance myself...whoa here I go"

Little Boy 7-8 years old
"Dad, can we go home? It's 8:30 and I'm cold and wet!

But my favorite of all was last night during T-shirt tuesday giveaway, when two teenage girls said this " With this t-shirt so big we can probably both fit in it." They tried it and they both got stuck for a brief moment. Oh, if only I had a camera.

I know this looks and sounds juvenile, but here's my advice keep your tone very low on your conversations. Advice to myself I really don't need to listen to it, but some of this stuff makes for great funny material.

Signed
Tim "new student of Financial Peace University" Crippen

God Bless VT

I woke up this morning not feeling very well. I wasn't physically sick but more emotionally sick. I hadn't felt this way since the attacks of 9/11. What happen on the campus of Virginia Tech yesterday is nothing more than senseless. I know that there are still a lot of questions to be answered, but at the same time a community as well as a nation grieve for the loss of students and faculty memebers. As christians we should take a moment of our own time to remember these people who loss their lives as well as the family members of those who lost loved ones.

God Bless
VT

Signed
Tim "Hoakie Pride" Crippen

This Tax would never work in Kansas City

Just when you think heard it all.....there's always someone or something that makes you say What????? You've all heard of a sales tax and income tax. Get ready for this one folks in Belgium they have a Barbecue Tax. The government of Belgium's French-speaking region of Wallonia, which has a population of about 4 million, has approved a tax on barbequing.
Experts said that between 50 and 100 grams of CO2, a so-called greenhouse gas, is emitted during barbequing. Beginning June 2007, residents of Wallonia will have to pay 20 euros for a grilling session.
The local authorities plan to monitor compliance with the new tax legislation from helicopters, whose thermal sensors will detect burning grills.
Scientists believe CO2 emissions are a major cause of global warming.
Look, people already know my stand on global warming, but to have big brother look after you in a helicopter is bit much. If they ever started this in K.C. with helicopters buzzing around, I would spell the "Leave me alone" with a bunch of K.C. Strips.

RRFB coming to K.C.

I knew it was just a matter of time before my one of favorite artist was going to show up in the Kansas City Area. Robert Randolph and Family Band is coming to K.C. and I already have purchased my ticket for this one (26.00) for GA not to shabby. He will be at The Crossroads in the Park along with Ziggy Marley on Friday May 4th.

Signed

Tim "Huge RRFB fan" Crippen

An Interesting Time Magazine Cover

With Easter just around the corner, I happen to be walking to the supermarket checkout line and saw and interesting cover on Time Magazine. Why we should teach the Bible in Public Schools but in parentheses it says, "But very,very carefully". I wasn't going to spend 3.99 for the magazine so I looked for the article on the internet and suprisingly the piece was a pretty fair article. In the article it talks about how public high schools are offering elective courses on teaching the Bible. One particular teacher was talking about Beattiudes, why did Jesus did his sermon on a mount and the Golden rule but using different religions like Buddhism that also talk about the Golden Rule only in a remix style.
The National Council on Bible Curriculum for Public Schools found a way to create the Bible Literacy Project to be able to teach the Bilbe that is not only constitutional abiding , but also it was supported by Evangelicals, the Jewish committee, the Islamic Education and this one surprise me the most a liberal watchdog group the people for the American Way. The Bible is used in lot of history from Licolon's second inagural address to Martin Luther King's "I have dream speech" too even some literature like "The old man and the Sea" (A very excellent book, I might add).
But as always the people for separation of church and state have said what about the negative uses for the Bible. Negative uses? Please give me five negative uses for the Bible. Anyway, the way I look at it is that some of our students are so Bible illiterate it's not even funny, but I'm glad to see that some courses are being taught and that there is starting to be a change in the public school system.

Signed
Tim "I wish I had this course when I was in high School" Crippen

Opening Day

A timeline of my day on Opening Day

At 6:49 am I got up, had my breakfast, watch a little morning news and shower.

9:02 Am I leave for the ballpark

9:54 Am I arrive with some enthusiam

10:40 Am get your assignment (Your assignment should you accept it is to feed humgry royals fans)

10:43 am I get a blue shirt and nice freaking apron

10:49 Am I arrive at field level 034 (near the section of 132)

10:52 Am I work on the nachos. (there is actually and art form to this)

Around 11:30 I start packing the hot dogs ( While doing this I said the phrase "Why aren't you going down in the other end" this phrase is referring to wrapping the hot dogs but still not as funny as Adam Sandler's phrase in Happy Gilmore "Why aren't you going in the Hole")

By 2:30 P.m. My feet are really starting to get sore

At 3:10 The first pitch begins

At 5:15 I see Tim James waiting in line for food.....It was great to see you Tim too bad I couldn't have talk to you longer

At 6:05 The Royals win 7-1 over Boston Red Sox yeah were 1-0 on the record

6:35 Pm. Call it day

Around 7:00 went back to my truck to get my baseball

At 7:15 Alex Gordon signed my baseball...that right there was cherry on top of a great day.

At 10:08 P.m I will finish up this blog

Signed
Tim "Extreme tired Royals fan" Crippen

Pictures from the zoo

A new J.R.R. tolkien book

After reading the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books, then later seeing LOTR trilogy movies. I thought there wouldn't be any more books by Tolkien. Well, while I was doing some job searching on the internet .......I happpen to catch that there will be another book by J.R.R. Tolkien called "The Children of Hurin". The book was finished by his son Christopher and there is big hush hush as to what the details of the story is. Tolkien hasn't written a book since "The Silmarillion" in 1977 after his death which was also finished by his son. You can talk about the New Harry Potter book all you want, but for me when the new tolkien book comes out April 17, I will probably be in my own little geek world.

Signed
Tim "Gimley" Crippen

Where's my thrill?

Whenever I get in one of those down moods or just don't feel like myself, I pop in a CD of my favorite artist right now. Robert Randolph and the Family Band and their album "Colorblind". If you haven't heard their music it's a mixture of soul, R and B, and little bit of party all wrapped into one. I'm hoping they come to K.C., but so far on their tour schedule the closest they will be is in Chicago. Anyway, there is a song on the album called "Thrill of it" which has and awesome bass sound in the background. I happen to be listening to it this past weekend and somewhere in the song, the lyrics kind of struck a chord with me. The lyrics went like this "It might hurt just a little bit, while I'm trying to figure this out. I'm on this ride for the "thrill of it" living a dream that's what life is all about." Those words sound so opposite of BB King song "the thrill is gone" but of course BB king sings the blues. The reason I write those lyrics is that I'm hoping that there is more to life than just living a dream. I do agree that when you figuring out what you want your dream to be that it is going to be a struggle and sometimes it's going to be painful. These past couple of months, I feel like at times there is a struggle between me and Jesus (And I know that I will never win this battle) I know that he has something out there for me and I don't see the big picture and then I keep saying "where my thrill?" where did I go wrong? or why am I not back into broadcsting? I try to take it day by day but at the times I kind of wondering is this dream really worth pursuing. Anyway, I just need your thoughts and prayers to think of me as to what I'm suppose do and where God is really leading me.

Update: I have ordered the purple complaint free bracelets and they should be in sometime within the next two or three weeks. I did get an email from Rev. who started this and his idea will be shown on Oprah this Tuesday.

Inheriting a new sister in law

Some of you might know that I'm soon going to be inheriting a new sister in law. My brother proposed and she said yes. So, tonight I will reveal a picture of brother and future sister in law Her name is Crystal Enjoy

Let the Madness begin

In March there are three things that always happen. St. Patrick's Day, spring officially begins and March Madness turns adults into crazy lunatics. The field of 65 is set and experts and wanna-be's want to prove that they know college basketball better than anybody else. But how do you pick your brackets??? I've seen differrent ways of how people pick from who has the better mascot to who has the better student body. I remember one year a science geek picked his brackets by figuring who has the best science deparment. Go figure!!! I have looked at my brackets and have picked my Final Four This Year : Kansas, Florida, Texas, and Memphis. My upset pick in the tournament: Oral Roberts to beat Washington St. This year's George mason: Winthrop. So, good luck on your picks and remember any team can beat any team on a given day.
Signed
Tim "K-State should be in the tournament" Crippen

THE no complaint bracelet and the sweet sound of "Amazing Grace"!!

If you don't like something, Change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain. Words spoken by the famous poet Maya Angelou. I write this in my blog to tell you about the lastest craze going on......that is starting to get national attention. We all have heard of the W.W.J.D. bracelets as well as Livestrong braceletes. Well now I want to introduce to you the "complaint free bracelets" in the color of purple.

This all started by Christ Church Unity of Kansas City, MO by the Rev. Will Bowen

He said churchgoers were griping mainly about trivial things, such as the choice of hymns at the Sunday service or the informal dress code at the church’s Saturday night worship.
And so he asked his flock to take a pledge: to swear off complaining, criticizing, gossiping or using sarcasm for 21 days. The Rev. Bowen said the inspiration for the no-complaints campaign came to him while taking a shower. And now, the idea has begun to spread far beyond middle America.
People who join in are issued little purple bracelets as a reminder of their pledge. If they catch themselves complaining, they’re supposed to take off the bracelet, switch it to the opposite wrist and start counting the days from scratch.

Here are the suggested rules:

1. Begin to wear the bracelet, on either wrist

2. When you catch yourself complaining, gossiping or criticizing (it’s ok, everyone does) move the bracelet to the other arm and begin again.

3. If you hear someone else who is wearing a bracelet complain, you may point out their need to switch the bracelet to the other arm; BUT if you’re going to do this, you must move your bracelet first!

4. Stay with it. It may take many months but when you reach 21 days you will find that your entire life is happier, more loving, more positive and more abundant.

Well, I think we should add one more of God's Commandments "Thou shall not whine". If it works for some people great! I be willing to try it, but I would need someone accountable for this....to find the free bracelets go to www.ccunitykc.org.

Now, Amazing Grace......one of the best films I've seen so far this year. It takes place in the 18th century england as William Wilberforce maneuvers his way through Parliament endeavoring to end slavery in the empire. All the actors and actress did very good jobs, but the one that stole the show was Albert Finney who is best known for playing Ebenezer Scrooge or the Older Ed Bloom in "Big Fish" . Plays the preacher John Newton who wrote the song Amazing Grace. The ending, without giving it away, was also one of the best too.....watching it reminded me of my grandmother. If you get a chance to see it.....I highly recommend it.

Signed

Tim " I'm really tired right now" Crippen

Find the two people who don't belong on this card?

Scientists their at it again......also a record selling card

Once again scientists are at it again, this time their diving into christianity. James Cameron, film director who directed "The terminator" and "Titanic" has a new documentary this sunday on The Discovery channel entitled "Last tomb of Christ" in which challenges basic tenants of Christianity. They say that with DNA testing that the remains of these two stone boxes will determine whether they are of Jeus Christ and of Mary Magdalene. Really??? We can't even figure out who the father of Anna Nicole Smith's baby? How we are going to prove something that happen over 2,000 years ago. Haven't we gone down this controversial road with books like "The Da Vinci Code" and movies like "The Last Temptation of Christ"? Sometimes I swear that these reasearchers have nothing else better to do with their time. Now, that these scientists have made me mad again......I think I better give them a call and ask them to come Kansas City. We would all hop in my truck and head over to Union Station to show them The Dead Sea Scrolls (I still want to see this exhibit myself)......that way they'll get understanding of the truth in Christainity.

As a baseball card collector I wish I had this particular card in my collection. Yesterday, a Southern California auction sold a 1909 rare Honus Wagner Tobacco Card for 2.3 million dollars. This card is known by collectors as "The Holy Grail" of all cards. It is rare because they are only 60 available around the world. Plus, Honus wagner ask tobacco company stop using his image because he didn't want promote smoking to kids. Hmmm.......I wonder what I can get for my 1962 Mickey mantle and my 1975 George Brett Rookie Card?

Signed Tim "baseball collector " Crippen

Unreal

If we were to order Calamari rings they be the size of monster truck tires

Why it is so hard to get back into broadcasting?

This question has been bothering me for nearly three years. That's how long it's been since I left my job at KWCH-TV in Wichita, KS. At first, I thought I'll never go back to it. Yet, for some reason or another my mind kind of drifts on coming back to it anyway possible. WHY? Probably, because I still have this chip on my shoulder of wanting to direct or be a techinical director for newscast or sporting event. I did some in college, but never for a commercial station. I'll admit the way I left was not the way I plan it. I get upset seeing people who were in the same position as I was and were moving up. Now, if they had few more years it wouldn't have bother me so much ( I still be upset, but not as badly) But, when a snot nose punk kid whose only been there six months moves from working camera operator to techincal director and you've been there for three years?.....I'm wondering what's going on? At the time, I didn't express my feelings how I felt so betrayed and yet at the same time I was kind of wondering what am I'm really doing here.

I did give my two weeks notice to them and a lot of my co-workers were kind of wondering if they was anything that could change my mind and stayed.....I told them the damage was already done. If there was anything that I would have changed is that I should have expressed my feelings to the Production Manager and told him my problems instead of being so silent and acting to much like whining little kid. I know that I can't change the past, but I can certainly try to do something about my future. So, why is so hard to get back into the business? Well, there are a number of factors. One, most of the equipment that I edit was analog. Now, it has gone digital. Two, college graduates you see more of them coming out and some of them will be getting their first taste of the business. Three, the positions that you are qualified for are few and far between. Most of these positions are usually part-time. Your drive.......ask yourself this question "How bad do you want it?" Then, finally ask the Lord this one important question "Lord is this where you really want me in my life?"

I normally don't usually put myself out like this especially in my blog, but this has been on my mind for a long time and I had to get it out.

Signed
Tim "pondering many questions" Crippen

Wow what a dinner

I have to say thanks again to all the people who helped cook, clean, and pitch in on last night's Romantic Dinner for 13. I wasn't too sure how this was going to turned out but, it turned out to be a lot better than what I thought. A big thanks to Shawnee Church of the Nazarene for allowing us to borrow the kitchen for one night.

Signed
Tim "giving away prizes" Crippen

PS: If anybody has pictures of last night's event.....send them to me and I will post them on my blog.

Global warming.....what global warming?

You are probably wondering what this picture above is? Well, to tell you the truth this is Denver International Airport about two months ago when they had that blizzard. I put this as reminder that it is still winter and yet for some reason today I saw someone walking in shorts??? I know I'm guilty of it too, but at least at certain point I do put jeans on.

Today was one of those days I was listening to the radio when I heard this scientist wacko talking about global warming and how the ice caps in the North Pole are melting. He was also saying that the San Fransico airport will be flooded by 2035 or 2040.....I don't remember which year cause I nearly choked on a turkey sandwich. Look, I know we all have our opinions on this issue and before you think I'm anti-environment I'm not. Sure, I would like to use alternative fuels to save earth as well as my pocketbook. I recycle newspapers and aluminum cans. I think people do pitch in......it's just that when these scientists go off the extreme end that's when I think these people need to get challenged.

If I learned anything in science while I was in grade school is that there is a scientific method. The steps are as followed Observation, question, hypothesis, experiment, and results. Somewhere down the line these environmental pukes didn't do enough experimenting. They probably did some small experimenting procedures in the North Pole and said it's all due Global Warming. Well, how do we know that...should we just trust you at face value? I'll admit I don't know if there is a global warming problem, but I do know that the San Fransico airport is not going to flood, we have record cold temparutures in the country, we have snow that is over eight feet in upstate New York. Then if anything could be funnier is that a few months back former vice president Al Gore goes on the Oprah Show (I don't watch Oprah I just heard a radio clip) and explains what will happen if we keep this up. Then at the end of the show Oprah tells Al Gore, "thank you Al for being our Noah." Thank you for being our Noah? I know Noah was warning people about a flood, but didn't God tell Noah first. My point is simple we just need to enjoy what God has created for us and not go into a panic mode that earth is going to hell and handbasket.

Signed
Tim " I'm still upset about the Bears losing" Crippen

Sad Day in Bears land

I don't know what was worst today seeing the way the bears lost or watching that disgusting snickers commercial. Look, I'm not going to make excuses like the weather was awful or that Rex Grossman played a bad game. Face it, this team got beat by Peyton "Blockhead" Manning and the Colts end of story. Now, that Peyton won the big one can the sports media people just get off his back so I don't have to listen to it anymore. Yeah, it would have been nice to see the Bears win, but to see them get back in the Superbowl made me feel like I was ten years old again. I think I jinx the team by sitting on a Colts blue inflatible chair (the team was leading before I sat In the chair). Anyway, congratulations to Indianapolis this year on winning the superbowl....I just wish it wasn't against the Bears that's all. Oh, one more thing before I end my post tonight. The halftime show with Prince really wasn't that bad...I especially like the marching band coming onto the field with the glow in the dark sticks.

Signed,
Tim "sad Bears fan" Crippen