Tomorrow, September 29 is the last day of the MLB Regular Season.
The wild card games are scheduled for Tuesday the 1st (NL) and Wednesday the 2nd (AL.)
NL wild card winner plays top NL division winner; AL wild card winner plays top AL division winner.
As of first thing this morning, here's who's in, who's out, and who needs to get the pine tar on the bat...
BOS 97, AL East
OAK 95, AL West
DET 93, AL Central
TB 90
CLE 90
TEX 89
ATL 95, NL East
STL 95, NL Central
LA 92, NL West
PIT 92, NL Wild Card
CIN 90, NL Wild Card
The Royals made a run of it, but couldn't get into the wild card this year. For the first time since 2003, they're above .500
This will be their second-best season since the WS win in '85.
'89 92 wins
'13 85+Saturday+Sunday
'88 84 wins
'93 84 wins
'87 83 wins
'03 83 wins
'91 82 wins
Saturday, September 28, 2013
47%
The October Surprise of the 2012 Presidential Campaign occured in the middle of September, when remarks made by Republican candidate Mitt Romney at a fundraiser were released. Governor Romney, in the recorded remarks, conceded the 47% of Americans who don't pay income tax as votes for the Democratic Party.
An American's tax burden is seen in more places than just the 1040 form. An American pays taxes when he makes purchases - sales tax. When he receives his paycheck - the withholdings. When he owns property - the property tax.
But, just to make life simple, I borrowed an online tax calculator and did some plug-and-play. For a family of 6, how much would I have to make to owe $1 in federal income tax.
With all the deductions, child tax credit, etc. .. I would have to make $67,167 to owe any federal income tax.
I may be part of Romney's "47%", but I didn't vote for President Obama...or Governor Romney.
An American's tax burden is seen in more places than just the 1040 form. An American pays taxes when he makes purchases - sales tax. When he receives his paycheck - the withholdings. When he owns property - the property tax.
But, just to make life simple, I borrowed an online tax calculator and did some plug-and-play. For a family of 6, how much would I have to make to owe $1 in federal income tax.
With all the deductions, child tax credit, etc. .. I would have to make $67,167 to owe any federal income tax.
I may be part of Romney's "47%", but I didn't vote for President Obama...or Governor Romney.
the Internet is forever
Someday I'll understand that I'm just not that interesting.
@Romans_837, Aug 6 2013
Phineas: Enjoy it while it lasts, Candace. Fame is fleeting.
Ferb: But the Internet is forever.
Lights, Candace, Action
Honestly, it's an irrational fear. I know how insanely low my hit-counter is. I know that almost nobody reads my blogs. But I self-censor. I don't say everything. I'm vague about half the stuff I go through, and 15% of it will never never make the blog.
If I said it all, it would look like this.
* I was lucky. I had [blank]. My kids...not so much.
* The noodle incident. I don't forget.
* I want more [blank] and less [blank].
* I used to give [blank] to [blank] every [blank] because [blank] said so.
When [blank] is over, [blank] won't happen until hell freezes over. Or at least Election Day '16.
* I wonder if [blank] ever knew how bad it was.
* What happened in [blank] - the [blank] - should've happened years ago. It would've been reasonable back then.
* May God bless and keep [blank] ... far away from us!
@Romans_837, Aug 6 2013
Phineas: Enjoy it while it lasts, Candace. Fame is fleeting.
Ferb: But the Internet is forever.
Lights, Candace, Action
Honestly, it's an irrational fear. I know how insanely low my hit-counter is. I know that almost nobody reads my blogs. But I self-censor. I don't say everything. I'm vague about half the stuff I go through, and 15% of it will never never make the blog.
If I said it all, it would look like this.
* I was lucky. I had [blank]. My kids...not so much.
* The noodle incident. I don't forget.
* I want more [blank] and less [blank].
* I used to give [blank] to [blank] every [blank] because [blank] said so.
When [blank] is over, [blank] won't happen until hell freezes over. Or at least Election Day '16.
* I wonder if [blank] ever knew how bad it was.
* What happened in [blank] - the [blank] - should've happened years ago. It would've been reasonable back then.
* May God bless and keep [blank] ... far away from us!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
William R. Pratt
William “Bill” Pratt 57, the world’s foremost authority on grilling and holiday dinners, died on September 16, 2013. He passed away in his sleep at home in Lenexa, after surviving world travels as an army brat, reckless sled rides in Fort Leavenworth, canoe trips down the Current River, twenty-five years of service at Lansing Correctional Facility, and raising ten children.
A Leavenworth High School graduate, he is survived by sisters Marilynn Helm of Hays, Nancy Bruhn of Chico, California, brothers Jim Pratt of California and John Pratt of Nevada, by his children Steven and Ivy Pratt of Severance, Robert and Stephanie Pratt of Lenexa, Bethany Pratt of Beaverton, Oregon, Richard and Leah Pratt of Lansing, and Jonathan, Melinda, Wyatt, Kimberly, Lincoln, and Olivia Pratt of Lansing, and grandchildren Molly, Noah, Zach, Olivia D., Karen, and Daniel. Bill is preceded in death by his parents Lt. Colonel James R. Pratt and Ruby Pratt, and his brother Bobby. An army brat, Bill travelled all over the world as a child, and chose to stay in Leavenworth with his parents after they retired. Bill worked 25 years at the Lansing Correctional Facility and 10 years with Food4Less. Thru the years, he also provided for his family as a co-owner of Veteran’s Cab, and working security at Cushing Hospital and Lakeview Village in Lenexa.
His kids will continue his traditions of sledding on post, Yorkshire pudding on holidays, mushroom hunting on government property, and camping in the Ozarks. His children and six grandchildren will miss being the recipients of his wisdom and culinary genius.
In no particular order
A Leavenworth High School graduate, he is survived by sisters Marilynn Helm of Hays, Nancy Bruhn of Chico, California, brothers Jim Pratt of California and John Pratt of Nevada, by his children Steven and Ivy Pratt of Severance, Robert and Stephanie Pratt of Lenexa, Bethany Pratt of Beaverton, Oregon, Richard and Leah Pratt of Lansing, and Jonathan, Melinda, Wyatt, Kimberly, Lincoln, and Olivia Pratt of Lansing, and grandchildren Molly, Noah, Zach, Olivia D., Karen, and Daniel. Bill is preceded in death by his parents Lt. Colonel James R. Pratt and Ruby Pratt, and his brother Bobby. An army brat, Bill travelled all over the world as a child, and chose to stay in Leavenworth with his parents after they retired. Bill worked 25 years at the Lansing Correctional Facility and 10 years with Food4Less. Thru the years, he also provided for his family as a co-owner of Veteran’s Cab, and working security at Cushing Hospital and Lakeview Village in Lenexa.
His kids will continue his traditions of sledding on post, Yorkshire pudding on holidays, mushroom hunting on government property, and camping in the Ozarks. His children and six grandchildren will miss being the recipients of his wisdom and culinary genius.
In no particular order
- "Yes, the Navy Yard shooting was a tragedy, but I've got a death of my own to deal with." - member of my family.
- By distance, I am officially the 9th closest child of my father.
- Due to my father's passing, I moved most blog posts ahead a week. A particularly downer post, typed before 9/16, got moved several months ahead. I don't want to cause more concern to my readers (who I can count on one hand). I did move Constitution Day to 9/17 because, this Saturday, again, there will only be one post.
- The death of a relative gives one a meaningful opportunity to contemplate life. Including your own life expectancy, family relationships, end-of-life questions, etc.
- Dad loved us. I'm going to miss him.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
9/17/89
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.
--Article V, US Constitution
Various groups, usually interested in limiting the power of the federal government, have looked towards Article V of the US Constitution, specifically the part in which 34 states can theoretically force Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution.
Over the decades, they've sought various remedy, various amendment. From the popular election of Senators, to term limits, to a balanced federal budget. In over 200 years, there hasn't been a convention called yet, although it sounds like the drums are beating just a little louder for something.
Can you get 34 states to call for one, in a single voice, in an unignorable voice? I doubt it. I don't see a reason strong enough to get 34 states - 67 or 68 state legislative bodies (depending on whether Nebraska gets in on the fun) to call for an Article V, at the same time, in the same voice, with the same resolute demand that would be required to get Congress to listen. War? Nope. Corporate power? Nope. Income inequality? Nope. Moral issues? Nope. Feds spying on my e-mail? Nope. Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act? Nope. Marijuana? Nope.
And...even if you did. Even if you got 34 states to, in a single voice, in a near simultaneous show of fraternity, demand an Article V Convention...I see a different set of problems. 1) Getting the conventioneers to agree on amendments to submit to the states. 2) Getting anyone to give a damn. All we need is one celebrity with her hypno-butt, and even Fox News will be all over the shaking rear, instead of Philadelphia II. Besides, no one watches C-SPAN.
Finally, if an amendment made it out, you'd need 38 states to ratify it. HA! You don't have 38 states that agree on weed, presidential candidate, or even same-sex marriage.
IF an amendment that comes from an Article V convention is ratified by 38 states before my 40th birthday, I'll print out this blog entry, put ketchup on it, eat it, and post it on Youtube.
Happy Constitution Day. (9/17)
--Article V, US Constitution
Various groups, usually interested in limiting the power of the federal government, have looked towards Article V of the US Constitution, specifically the part in which 34 states can theoretically force Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution.
Over the decades, they've sought various remedy, various amendment. From the popular election of Senators, to term limits, to a balanced federal budget. In over 200 years, there hasn't been a convention called yet, although it sounds like the drums are beating just a little louder for something.
Can you get 34 states to call for one, in a single voice, in an unignorable voice? I doubt it. I don't see a reason strong enough to get 34 states - 67 or 68 state legislative bodies (depending on whether Nebraska gets in on the fun) to call for an Article V, at the same time, in the same voice, with the same resolute demand that would be required to get Congress to listen. War? Nope. Corporate power? Nope. Income inequality? Nope. Moral issues? Nope. Feds spying on my e-mail? Nope. Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act? Nope. Marijuana? Nope.
And...even if you did. Even if you got 34 states to, in a single voice, in a near simultaneous show of fraternity, demand an Article V Convention...I see a different set of problems. 1) Getting the conventioneers to agree on amendments to submit to the states. 2) Getting anyone to give a damn. All we need is one celebrity with her hypno-butt, and even Fox News will be all over the shaking rear, instead of Philadelphia II. Besides, no one watches C-SPAN.
Finally, if an amendment made it out, you'd need 38 states to ratify it. HA! You don't have 38 states that agree on weed, presidential candidate, or even same-sex marriage.
IF an amendment that comes from an Article V convention is ratified by 38 states before my 40th birthday, I'll print out this blog entry, put ketchup on it, eat it, and post it on Youtube.
Happy Constitution Day. (9/17)
Saturday, September 14, 2013
For You are with me
I don't claim to understand everything about the faith I cling to. About the God I worship. About the Jesus who I read about and believe in.
But one thing I understand.
And one thing I don't understand.
I've recently used the phrase "Life is treating me like a dog treats his chew-toy."
I'm not ok. Things are not going well.
Doghouse, this is Beagle, and I feel like I'm facing the trials of Job.
But...in all of this, God is still there.
I can feel the comfort. I can almost feel Him there.
And He has not forsaken me.
I understand...and I don't understand...but...I know.
Psa 37:23-24) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
{24} Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
Rom 8:37-39) Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. {38} For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, {39} nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hey, devil...
Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The Lord will be a light to me. - Micah 7:8
But one thing I understand.
And one thing I don't understand.
I've recently used the phrase "Life is treating me like a dog treats his chew-toy."
I'm not ok. Things are not going well.
Doghouse, this is Beagle, and I feel like I'm facing the trials of Job.
But...in all of this, God is still there.
I can feel the comfort. I can almost feel Him there.
And He has not forsaken me.
I understand...and I don't understand...but...I know.
Psa 37:23-24) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
{24} Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
Rom 8:37-39) Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. {38} For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, {39} nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hey, devil...
Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The Lord will be a light to me. - Micah 7:8
Chalkboards in Agenstein
That last year at Western, there were two chalkboards I wish I could've gotten a picture of.
In Computer Graphics, either fall '99 or spring '00, my brother had a corner seat. Chalkboards on three sides (front, side farthest from door, back.) After about a week or two of the teacher using a particular catchphrase, Robert decided that he was going to keep a tally of it. So, each time Mr. Pickett said "Now here's the deal", I heard the sound (because I was listening for it) of my brother marking a tally mark on the chalkboard by his seat. No one in the other classes disturbed it, and by the end of the semester, there were quite a few tallies. To anyone who cares, it was the same classroom that we discussed the finer points of baked and broiled possums in statistics. Would've loved to get a picture of those tally marks.
The other chalkboard was in concurrent programming, last semester (Spring 2000). My brother and I were two of about students in the advanced computer science class, and one of our classmates had taken time to draw a detailed (fictional diagram) about the way the brains of the Pratt Bros.™ worked. I don't remember the finer points of it, but it did reasonably correctly mention how quickly we could come up with an answer...and how long it took for us to explain it in non-hyper-genius-Pratt-ese. My wife's brother still jokes that my wife has to "interpretate" for me.
In Computer Graphics, either fall '99 or spring '00, my brother had a corner seat. Chalkboards on three sides (front, side farthest from door, back.) After about a week or two of the teacher using a particular catchphrase, Robert decided that he was going to keep a tally of it. So, each time Mr. Pickett said "Now here's the deal", I heard the sound (because I was listening for it) of my brother marking a tally mark on the chalkboard by his seat. No one in the other classes disturbed it, and by the end of the semester, there were quite a few tallies. To anyone who cares, it was the same classroom that we discussed the finer points of baked and broiled possums in statistics. Would've loved to get a picture of those tally marks.
The other chalkboard was in concurrent programming, last semester (Spring 2000). My brother and I were two of about students in the advanced computer science class, and one of our classmates had taken time to draw a detailed (fictional diagram) about the way the brains of the Pratt Bros.™ worked. I don't remember the finer points of it, but it did reasonably correctly mention how quickly we could come up with an answer...and how long it took for us to explain it in non-hyper-genius-Pratt-ese. My wife's brother still jokes that my wife has to "interpretate" for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)