It has certainly been a long winter. I keep saying that I love all four of Michigan's seasons (and I do!), but wow, almost a record snowfall for February (31" for the month) and a prolonged period of really cold weather had me a bit - "out of whack."
At least we're getting some sunshine and the promise of Spring. I keep looking for my little crocuses (croci?) and daffodils to confirm that Spring is here, but they're under too much snow at this time.
February was also a very busy month for me business-wise, and a busy month for other interests, so I didn't play much poker. For the first time, I didn't earn a small cash award for PokerSchoolOnline (PSO). I only played about a dozen tournaments, but I did have enough points to get a freeroll ticket for March. I had two or three really quick departures which cost me in the points department, so I guess I should be happy that I qualified for the freerolls this month.
I started March out horribly with my monthly live game. Been playing once a month with the same group of guys since March 2003. It's dealer's choice, no hold 'em, and we rotate bringing the food for the group. It's really more of a male bonding night than a real poker night. Stakes are ultra-low so nobody gets hurt badly, and it gives a chance to catch up with each other's lives and happenings.
Nobody leaves the hand and it's practically impossible to bluff at these stakes, too. So you're left with some basic calculations of probablility and outs and the rest is pure luck. Last night, not even switching decks helped. I had a few really good hands but the rest were pretty poor. A lot of Omaha hi-lo and seven card hi-lo games were dealt. So even when you win you're usually splitting the pot.
We were also playing short since one of the guys had to go on a 'date' with his wife (it was her birthday - what a wimp) and the other was driving back from Cleveland. Two others were just missing in action, but we had our reserve player make it to give us a table of five.
It's always a good time and this month I was most definitely a 'donator', but this game is really not about money. Even on a great winning night, nobody gets rich. Actually, we'd have trouble filling up an empty gas tank with our winnings at the current prices. But we always pull half of one ante out of the pot to donate to a local Children's Cancer fund.
I'm hoping that I will turn things around, but I've noticed that when I get really busy with other parts of my life I lose my poker concentration. That leaves me with the quandry of playing losing poker when 'life is good' or not playing at all. Hopefully I will work through that issue sometime and figure it all out. I have some free entry tickets for the Poker Stars SCOOP series, so I will definitely give those a whirl and try to progress in that tourney.
Showing posts with label michigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label michigan. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Voter Backlash
Well, it seems that the old ‘kick the rascals out’ sentiment has prevailed with this year’s mid-term elections. Plenty of examples nationwide. Growing influence of the Tea Party. General disdain of the ruling Democratic Party.
Here are some of my observations from local races. In Michigan, Republican candidate for Governor Rick Snyder, a businessman with no political experience, not only refused to accept any endorsements, he wouldn’t even fill out their forms! He also refused any campaign finance donations from PACs or lobbyists. And guess what? He won! Of course, he is a successful businessman and was able to fund his campaign to the tune of $6 million. But he shouldn’t have to do that. Nobody should.
We have a real problem with political campaigning in this country and it is going to have to be resolved pretty soon or we will only be seeing the anointed and appointed ones running for office, with few exceptions like Rick Snyder.
Speaking of campaigning, it seems to me that a lot of the attack ads have backfired big time this year. Michigan Supreme Court justices Bob Young and Mary Beth Kelly were savaged in attack ads. Although this is supposedly a non-partisan office, Young and Kelly were endorsed by the Republican Party. The attack ads came from where? Oh yes, backers of the Democratic party candidates, although not the Michigan Democratic Party itself. That’s what PACs are for, right?
Why the partisanship in a non-partisan race? Hmm. The party that has the most juice with a majority of the Supreme Court justices will have a larger say in congressional district makeup and that will last for the next 10 years. You’re either non-partisan or you’re partisan. You can’t have it both ways. And judges shouldn’t be influenced or beholden to any political party. The election of Young and Kelly swing the Supreme Court from a Democratic 1 vote majority to Republican. Oh my. So both parties want that judge majority to get the congressional district advantage.
Sorry, that’s as wrong to me as splitting a single subdivision into two adjacent school districts. Isn’t that why we have ‘School of Choice’?
Speaking of schools, this could be an example of an attack ad gone bad. Leadership of the Brighton Education Association sent out postcards attacking candidate for Brighton Area Schools Board of Education John Conely by linking him to 21 lawsuits. Unfortunately, they forgot to mention that many were legitimate business suits to recover debts and that others were filed by his father, also John Conely. Why the animus? Mr. Conely (the candidate, now elected) had the cheek to suggest that teacher contracts get linked to state funding. If funding goes up, teachers get a raise. If funding goes down, they get a pay reduction. The district is facing a $7 million deficit now. It may not be a perfect solution, but increasing pay while facing larger deficits doesn’t seem like a very good solution either. Maybe all of the powers that be need to get together and talk . . . .
Nothing will change until voters demand change. You don’t have to be an activist. Just pay attention to what’s going on. Maybe miss one or two sitcoms a week and read the local paper, or go to an occasional school board or township meeting. An ignorant electorate is a rascal’s best friend.
By the way, I consider myself an independent that votes for who I consider to be the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation. I will - and do - vote for 'minor' party candidates.
Here are some of my observations from local races. In Michigan, Republican candidate for Governor Rick Snyder, a businessman with no political experience, not only refused to accept any endorsements, he wouldn’t even fill out their forms! He also refused any campaign finance donations from PACs or lobbyists. And guess what? He won! Of course, he is a successful businessman and was able to fund his campaign to the tune of $6 million. But he shouldn’t have to do that. Nobody should.
We have a real problem with political campaigning in this country and it is going to have to be resolved pretty soon or we will only be seeing the anointed and appointed ones running for office, with few exceptions like Rick Snyder.
Speaking of campaigning, it seems to me that a lot of the attack ads have backfired big time this year. Michigan Supreme Court justices Bob Young and Mary Beth Kelly were savaged in attack ads. Although this is supposedly a non-partisan office, Young and Kelly were endorsed by the Republican Party. The attack ads came from where? Oh yes, backers of the Democratic party candidates, although not the Michigan Democratic Party itself. That’s what PACs are for, right?
Why the partisanship in a non-partisan race? Hmm. The party that has the most juice with a majority of the Supreme Court justices will have a larger say in congressional district makeup and that will last for the next 10 years. You’re either non-partisan or you’re partisan. You can’t have it both ways. And judges shouldn’t be influenced or beholden to any political party. The election of Young and Kelly swing the Supreme Court from a Democratic 1 vote majority to Republican. Oh my. So both parties want that judge majority to get the congressional district advantage.
Sorry, that’s as wrong to me as splitting a single subdivision into two adjacent school districts. Isn’t that why we have ‘School of Choice’?
Speaking of schools, this could be an example of an attack ad gone bad. Leadership of the Brighton Education Association sent out postcards attacking candidate for Brighton Area Schools Board of Education John Conely by linking him to 21 lawsuits. Unfortunately, they forgot to mention that many were legitimate business suits to recover debts and that others were filed by his father, also John Conely. Why the animus? Mr. Conely (the candidate, now elected) had the cheek to suggest that teacher contracts get linked to state funding. If funding goes up, teachers get a raise. If funding goes down, they get a pay reduction. The district is facing a $7 million deficit now. It may not be a perfect solution, but increasing pay while facing larger deficits doesn’t seem like a very good solution either. Maybe all of the powers that be need to get together and talk . . . .
Nothing will change until voters demand change. You don’t have to be an activist. Just pay attention to what’s going on. Maybe miss one or two sitcoms a week and read the local paper, or go to an occasional school board or township meeting. An ignorant electorate is a rascal’s best friend.
By the way, I consider myself an independent that votes for who I consider to be the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation. I will - and do - vote for 'minor' party candidates.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Summer Time!
Yes, the warm weather arrived early this year. It was in the low 70's wa-a-a-y back on St. Patrick's Day (my day of playing golf here). Since then we've been very lucky with the mostly warm weather.
The gardens are doing well, school is either out or about to be out for the districts in my area, and gasoline prices are staying reasonable or even dropping a little.
I'm fortunate to live in area with an abundance of inland lakes, and the boaters and fishermen seem to be having a good time. I can see a couple of the larger lakes in our area daily, as I drive fom here to there. And in the last two weeks, there have been multiple occasions where I was tempted to stop and take a quick dip.
In a week or so, I'm heading to Oscoda (Michigan, around the 44th parallel) for a two day, one night golf trip with a couple of budddies. We've found a great room rate, so we'll drive up and play 18 that day, stay overnight, wake up and play 36 the next day, then head home. Luckily it's only a two and a half to three hour drive, so we won't spend a lot of time on the travel part. I'm looking forward to it, and there are plenty of golfing opportunities within 45 minutes of our location.
I haven't been able to play much golf, and my game seems to have deteriorated. I'm hoping that a lot of golf in a short window of time will help shake out the rust, but then again, I am an optimist.
I hope things are going well for you, and if they're not - well, come on over to Michigan. There's plenty to see and do all over the state.
The gardens are doing well, school is either out or about to be out for the districts in my area, and gasoline prices are staying reasonable or even dropping a little.
I'm fortunate to live in area with an abundance of inland lakes, and the boaters and fishermen seem to be having a good time. I can see a couple of the larger lakes in our area daily, as I drive fom here to there. And in the last two weeks, there have been multiple occasions where I was tempted to stop and take a quick dip.
In a week or so, I'm heading to Oscoda (Michigan, around the 44th parallel) for a two day, one night golf trip with a couple of budddies. We've found a great room rate, so we'll drive up and play 18 that day, stay overnight, wake up and play 36 the next day, then head home. Luckily it's only a two and a half to three hour drive, so we won't spend a lot of time on the travel part. I'm looking forward to it, and there are plenty of golfing opportunities within 45 minutes of our location.
I haven't been able to play much golf, and my game seems to have deteriorated. I'm hoping that a lot of golf in a short window of time will help shake out the rust, but then again, I am an optimist.
I hope things are going well for you, and if they're not - well, come on over to Michigan. There's plenty to see and do all over the state.
Monday, February 8, 2010
We Need Some Snow!
Here in lovely SE Michigan, we've had two years of abundant snowfall. Through the end of January this year, we've had only 18.9 inches, compared to 71.7 inches in 2007-2008 and 65.7 inches in 2008-2009.
I know, some are saying, "Good!"
But really, why live in a northern state if you don't like winter and snow? Part of our beautiful State's charm is the changing of the seasons. I love them all - Spring's beauty and fresh smell, Summer's opportunity to immerse myself in a cold-water river in search of trout, Fall's dazzling colors and decided 'nip' in temperatures (just to contrast summer), and of course, Winter. (Fall is my favorite, by the way.)
How many kids have NEVER seen snow? Never had the chance to build a snowman, or have a snowball fight? We really, truly live in a special place.
All of this was brought on my this morning's news that starting tomorrow, we will likely be under a Winter Storm Warning, with 8+ inches of snow expected. That'll be our largest snowfall this winter. Yes, it makes for a day or two of adapting, allowing more travel time, etc., but the way this winter has been going, I suspect that the accumulation will not last very long. And things look so fresh and clean with a nice layer of new snow.
So get ready! Test that snow blower, wax the skis, get the kids' mittens and scarves ready, and let's have some winter fun!
I know, some are saying, "Good!"
But really, why live in a northern state if you don't like winter and snow? Part of our beautiful State's charm is the changing of the seasons. I love them all - Spring's beauty and fresh smell, Summer's opportunity to immerse myself in a cold-water river in search of trout, Fall's dazzling colors and decided 'nip' in temperatures (just to contrast summer), and of course, Winter. (Fall is my favorite, by the way.)
How many kids have NEVER seen snow? Never had the chance to build a snowman, or have a snowball fight? We really, truly live in a special place.
All of this was brought on my this morning's news that starting tomorrow, we will likely be under a Winter Storm Warning, with 8+ inches of snow expected. That'll be our largest snowfall this winter. Yes, it makes for a day or two of adapting, allowing more travel time, etc., but the way this winter has been going, I suspect that the accumulation will not last very long. And things look so fresh and clean with a nice layer of new snow.
So get ready! Test that snow blower, wax the skis, get the kids' mittens and scarves ready, and let's have some winter fun!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Happy Anniversary Michigan - (belated)
On Tuesday, January 26th, Michigan celebrated it's 173rd anniversary of being admitted into the Union. The 26th State, admitted in 1837, its population grew to the size required for Statehood largely because of the opening of the Erie Canal, which made Great Lakes travel more accomodating.
We have the third most registered boats in America and more lighthouses than any other state. Our residents (Michiganians or Michiganders, if you like) can show you where they are by pointing with their left index finger to spots on their upright right hand. If you practice, you can also mimic both of Michigan's peninsulas by using both hands.
Do you have a fun fact about Michigan? Make a comment.
We have the third most registered boats in America and more lighthouses than any other state. Our residents (Michiganians or Michiganders, if you like) can show you where they are by pointing with their left index finger to spots on their upright right hand. If you practice, you can also mimic both of Michigan's peninsulas by using both hands.
Do you have a fun fact about Michigan? Make a comment.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Things I've Been Thinking About
(but not *too* hard)
If local municipalities want us to use potassium salt in our water softeners, why are they still using sodium salt on the roads? All that stuff gets into the water shed and our drinking water supply anyway, doesn't it? I guess it's OK for us to buy salt that's four times more expensive, but not the government. Hmm.
Isn't it funny that most people in the State know who Don Cherry is, but have no idea about John Cherry. Maybe John needs to take some hints on haberdashery from Don - people would certainly remember him! He might have even been able to make that run for Governor.
Loving the fact that on May 1, 2010 I'll be able to have a beer without smoke in my eyes, and nose, and on my clothes. To my smoking friends - sorry. I respect your right to smoke, just not within a closed public space. Boos (and hisses) to the State Legislature for not having the balls to stand up to the casino lobbyists and giving them an exemption.
Pretty slick move by the banks. Repay the TARP money quick to get the government oversight off their backs, then the bonuses can fly again. That's enough for now, I have a headache.
If local municipalities want us to use potassium salt in our water softeners, why are they still using sodium salt on the roads? All that stuff gets into the water shed and our drinking water supply anyway, doesn't it? I guess it's OK for us to buy salt that's four times more expensive, but not the government. Hmm.
Isn't it funny that most people in the State know who Don Cherry is, but have no idea about John Cherry. Maybe John needs to take some hints on haberdashery from Don - people would certainly remember him! He might have even been able to make that run for Governor.
Loving the fact that on May 1, 2010 I'll be able to have a beer without smoke in my eyes, and nose, and on my clothes. To my smoking friends - sorry. I respect your right to smoke, just not within a closed public space. Boos (and hisses) to the State Legislature for not having the balls to stand up to the casino lobbyists and giving them an exemption.
Pretty slick move by the banks. Repay the TARP money quick to get the government oversight off their backs, then the bonuses can fly again. That's enough for now, I have a headache.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Election Day Thoughts
The good news is that most of the productive Detroit City Council members kept their seats and the newly elected will have a chance to turn things around. Not that it'll be easy in this economy. I was also glad to see the Detroit Public School funding issue pass. We can never give up on our youth.
Mayor Bing is still largely an unknown entity, but he has been earnest with his duties, unwavering in his vision and steadfast in his efforts thus far. I'm glad he'll get a chance to continue what he has begun, especially with a more civilized and mature City Council. (Thank god we can say, "Monica who"?)
Now for the important and hard work to be started by the new City Charter Commission. This may be the single most important work that will affect Detroit in the long haul. If this group does its job and resists political 'tampering' and meddling, it will position the 'D' for a real move forward. If they do it with too many concessions to the powers that be, it could be even worse than it is now. Citizens, get involved. Stay up to date with what is being proposed and what it will mean to you. And for goodness sake, get more than 22% of the electorate out to vote!
Did the UAW rank and file blow it with their refusal to ratify the recent negotiations with Ford? The CAW seemed OK with it. One black ink quarter does not a successful company make. I understand that everybody wants to make a statement and to stop being squeezed, but I have a very bad feeling about what will follow. Could Mexico be in line for more manufacturing jobs? I hope I'm wrong.
Republicans are starry-eyed over winning two gubernatorial contests. Democrats are over-thinking the results. How about just doing what is best for your constituents regardless of party planks? Personally, I don't give a basket of berries about your political party. Show me what you're doing and tell me why you did it. I will always vote for whom I consider best qualified for the job. You can score big points with me by working more than 3 days a week in D.C., to start.
It seems everyone is looking for 'their' handout - cash for clunker, first-time home buyer credit (hey, let's give it to everyone!). Still too many systemic problems with a too large government bureaucracy - nationally and at the state level. The bigger it gets, the slower it moves and the more diluted its actions. Everybody must be satisfied. I'm still waiting to see more reforms in the banking and insurance industries - especially those that got the big fat bailouts. What are the chances?
I'll save comments about Michigan's legislative and executive branches for later. I need to give my fingers a rest first.
Mayor Bing is still largely an unknown entity, but he has been earnest with his duties, unwavering in his vision and steadfast in his efforts thus far. I'm glad he'll get a chance to continue what he has begun, especially with a more civilized and mature City Council. (Thank god we can say, "Monica who"?)
Now for the important and hard work to be started by the new City Charter Commission. This may be the single most important work that will affect Detroit in the long haul. If this group does its job and resists political 'tampering' and meddling, it will position the 'D' for a real move forward. If they do it with too many concessions to the powers that be, it could be even worse than it is now. Citizens, get involved. Stay up to date with what is being proposed and what it will mean to you. And for goodness sake, get more than 22% of the electorate out to vote!
Did the UAW rank and file blow it with their refusal to ratify the recent negotiations with Ford? The CAW seemed OK with it. One black ink quarter does not a successful company make. I understand that everybody wants to make a statement and to stop being squeezed, but I have a very bad feeling about what will follow. Could Mexico be in line for more manufacturing jobs? I hope I'm wrong.
Republicans are starry-eyed over winning two gubernatorial contests. Democrats are over-thinking the results. How about just doing what is best for your constituents regardless of party planks? Personally, I don't give a basket of berries about your political party. Show me what you're doing and tell me why you did it. I will always vote for whom I consider best qualified for the job. You can score big points with me by working more than 3 days a week in D.C., to start.
It seems everyone is looking for 'their' handout - cash for clunker, first-time home buyer credit (hey, let's give it to everyone!). Still too many systemic problems with a too large government bureaucracy - nationally and at the state level. The bigger it gets, the slower it moves and the more diluted its actions. Everybody must be satisfied. I'm still waiting to see more reforms in the banking and insurance industries - especially those that got the big fat bailouts. What are the chances?
I'll save comments about Michigan's legislative and executive branches for later. I need to give my fingers a rest first.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What The Blog Is About
I'll make occasional posts here on Livingston County or Southern Michigan topics. I have a Real Estate blog already (http://www.livingstonre.blogspot.com) so this blog will be for other interests.
Have an idea for a blog topic? Send them along (not that I don't already have a long list of my own!).
Have an idea for a blog topic? Send them along (not that I don't already have a long list of my own!).
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