Uncle Vance

My Uncle Vance died last week. He's my 3rd family member in little over a year to pass away. This is gonna sound coarse, but at least this wasn't a surprise. He'd been fighting cancer for a long, long time and was able to make his peace and leave on his own terms. Uncle Vance was a WW2 veteran, and I used to love staying up late and listen to him tell stories about the war, while he and my father and their brothers and sisters played cards, drank and smoked. He was always fun to be around - I can't remember a time that he didn't make me laugh. One story in particular will always stand out - how he beat up Hitler during the war (his actual words were that he kicked Hitler's ass). As a 3rd grader, I couldn't wait to tell my teachers that one. And yes, I got in trouble for arguing with them when they told me my Uncle hadn't beat up Hitler (he did, in fact, beat up his racist sergeant and spent a good deal of time in the brig during the push towards Germany).

Weekend Getaway

Headed out of town for the long weekend with the FW and friends. A weekend of skiing. Yeah, I know. I figure if it's gonna be cold outside, might as well make the most of it.

Why this family is supporting Obama

My wife loves Hilary Clinton. Absolutely loves her. As long as I've known her, she's wanted Hilary to run for President. But something interesting has happened - she's an Obama supporter, like me. Why? Because he's for a fresh start, a change. The Clinton's had 8 years to do their thing. Bush has had 8 years. Let's try something completely different. Things can only get better. As he says himself,

“I recognize there is a certain presumptuousness - a certain audacity - to this announcement. I know I haven’t spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But I’ve been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change."

And here's something I picked up from The Carpetbagger Report, the years in elected office of those running for President:

* Obama: 10 years (7 state Senate, 3 U.S. Senate)
* Clinton: 8 years (8 U.S. Senate)
* Edwards: 6 years (6 U.S. Senate)
* Giuliani: 8 years (two, four-year mayoral terms)
* Romney: 4 years (one four-year gubernatorial term)
* McCain: 25 years (4 U.S. House, 21 U.S. Senate)

OBAMA!!!!

"The life of a tall, gangly, self-made Springfield lawyer tells us that a different future is possible. He tells us that there is power in words. He tells us that there is power in conviction. That beneath all the differences of race and region, faith and station, we are one people. He tells us that there is power in hope."

Still in 1st!!

It was close, but my Hoos just beat Maryland a few minutes ago, 69-65, for a season sweep and sole possesion of 1st place in the ACC!!

Halftime Show

In case you missed it, here is Prince's performance from last night.

Damn!!!

Best. Halftime. Show. Ever!!!

Prince is rockin' the shit out of Miami, y'all!

Hoo's Your Daddy?

UVa 68 - 66 Duke (in OT)!!!! 6-2 in the ACC - could we be at the Big Dance next month? Look at top 4 teams in the league right now. Of course, Carolina is tops - they're pretty f'in good this year. But the next 3 teams aren't your usual suspects - Va. Tech, BC and Virginia (all 6-2 in the league). Outstanding!