Jermain Trail

Went on a nice three mile walk today at the Jermain Trail in Toledo. It's literally five minutes away from home. It is meant for mount-bikers but I figured why not walk it and see how bad it really is. Well seeing that I'm not a natural hiker this course did a nice number on me. I'm a pretty big guy at 296 lbs so I figured why not throw in an additional 25 lbs in a backpack for added resistance. When I got done I felt better about myself and my body felt really tired but good. When I took the backpack off I felt so light on my feet. If I would of known about this trail during the summer I think I would of been on it a few more times. With Winter just around the corner the "warm" days are coming to an end. If I'm able to squeeze in a few more hikes I'll try to take some pics throughout the walk.

Super Tuesday

Yes, I know this post is a bit late but from what I've been watching throughout the day it looks like the outcome will surprise a few people. I voted for Ron Paul and even if he doesn't get the nod from the party I would like to keep my integrity in place. Especially knowing that we might end up with Romney any how. For the many of you who voted today I would like to thank you very much for exercising you right to vote and for those of you who didn't because you just didn't feel like it can continue to do what you normally do "nothing". Can't wait to wake up tomorrow and see the results. I will have a follow up post of the outcome including the local ones.

Going Under...

Fresno, California - A story that will not amaze me now or ever, this man has done what most homeless people haven't thought of yet. Bruce Stacy a homeless carpenter has dug himself a home underground where he lives and spends his time away from the elements. Apparently he has built himself a few of these before in the past. Although the video below doesn't mention where they are or what has happened to them it looks like Mr. Stacy has improved his work where he even has an escape tunnel when ever some one approaches that is of the unfamiliar kind. The percentage of homeless people is rising at a record pace, we need to help those in need until they are able to get back on their feet financially and spiritually.
VIDEO on CNN

Massive Deal 4 Rodriguez...

NEW YORK (UPI) -- Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees have reportedly agreed to a framework that could lead to the largest sports contract in history. The New York Daily News reported that Rodriguez will likely sign a deal worth $275 million over 10 years. It appeared the superstar third baseman would no longer be with the Yankees after he opted out of the remaining three years of his previous contract with the team.
That made him a free agent and allowed him to negotiate with any team in the majors, but he indicated he would like to stay with New York if a deal could be arranged. Rodriguez met with the sons of Yankees owner George Steinbrenner during the past week. The Daily News report said that while language in the contract must be made final, it is expected to include incentives concerning the career home run record currently owned by Barry Bonds. Rodriguez hit 54 homers last season with 156 RBI and batted .314. But he struggled in the playoffs and the Yankees were eliminated in the first round for the third straight year.

I was kind of disappointed because I has hoping that he would try out our MudHens here in Toledo but I know that money talks so his decision to stay with the Yankees was coming soon enough. Well I wish him the best and a good luck on reaching Bond's record.

Volunteers to honor...

While watching the news last night and again tonight online I want to send a special thank you to the couple that have taken the time to take the course and passing it with such a passion for the safety of their fellow neighbor and stranger. That couple is none other than Rick and Lynn Melchert. Thank you for taking the time to help the police force by offering your time and energy. What we need here in Toledo is something similar to what they have done but with the police vehicle problem we have this wonderful program won't work all that good here, but it would be nice for Toledo to look into it.

A courthouse that can not go away...

I posted about this back in July of this year, back then the talk was to bring down the old courthouse that has been around since 1884. It hit the news again today and Rep. Peter Ujvagi (D., Toledo), is working on potential sources to help fund restoration of the vacant courthouse and possibly other courthouses across the state. Mr. Ujvagi is looking at a menu of possible legislative options, including creation of a Texas-style commission to help finance courthouse restoration, a business tax credit to encourage private investment, and capital-budget funding. This courthouse is one of many throughout our state that will potentially meet a fate that is completely opposite from its' opening day. Let hope that a course is taken before such a historical landmark is destroyed.
Click here for the story.
Click here for previous post on this issue.

Thank goodness...

'Bridge to nowhere' abandoned

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That title just makes me feel great. There's nothing that feels better then having something stopped that wasn't going to serve any purpose to anyone.

"We went through political hot water -- tons of it -- and not just nationally but internationally," Ketchikan-Gateway Borough Mayor Joe Williams said. "We have nothing to show for it."

Here in Ohio we beefed up our ferry lines to Put-in-Bay with our new Jet Express service. The bad boys pick up some serious speed and they get you to the fun in no time at all. I believe they should resubmit their proposal but instead of going for the bridge aspect they should go for completely new docks at each of the locations with state of the art accommodations and services. I know what it feels like to have a project in your hands (southwyke) that will be great for the community and then have someone else (Dillards) from the outside throw a monkey wrench into the works. The reason why I'm not for this particular project is because it costs way too much. We have been spending money as a country like there's no tomorrow and this project did not need to be born.

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Only in Toledo...

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About a month or so ago our mayor was caught leaving his dog in his car with the windows up with about an inch or two of an opening for air to come in. He refused to admit that what he did was wrong and went about his business. A few days later he attends a gathering at UT where he once again left his dog in the car with the heat being unbearable, if you get the audio copy of that days event you can actually hear the dog in the background yelping. With the previous neglect and then this one you would of thought that the humane society would of done something but because they did not have any of their people there to witness it first hand they were unable to do anything. Well now of course to make things all good again the mayor has decided to do a PSA and inform people of what not to do when having your furry companion with you and you are unable to take the animal inside with you. Correct me if I'm wrong, didn't he do this twice before getting the hint? Only in Toledo Baby...

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Can't wait until next year...

Last night had to be one of my best moments in having fun thus far here in Toledo. We attended the CityFest last night and it turned out great, they had the usual foods and vendors but the real reason as to why we went was because of the famous man himself 'Eddie Money'. We had a blast watching him perform more then twelve songs and then an extra two songs for an encore.

I have heard most of his music when I was younger but I didn't know the artist that sang them until last night. Two Tickets to Paradise is one of my favorites along with Take Me Home Tonight. The crowd that was there was completely excited and definitely enjoying themselves. I hope that next year's attraction will be as awesome as Eddie was.

Man of Steel?

There's no other way to talk about this other then this guy is truly lucky he wasn't completely smashed by that north bound train. Man of steel or part of it... In case you didn't know a gentleman by the name of Zach Smith was walking across some tracks when he noticed a south bound train coming so he stopped, after that train went by he put his head down looking at his cell phone and continued to cross the tracks. That's when the south bound train struck the man and knocked him out. Not only was this man not seriously hurt but when he came to he asked witnesses what had happened. All I can say is he had someone looking out for him and the next time you decide to cross some tracks please wait for the lights to shut off and the bars to go back up before crossing.
VIDEO

A careful strategy...

I was a victim to the bully system back during my elementary years. My problem was that I didn't tell anyone - I just kept it in and decided that I will handle it when the time came. I was pushed around for about a year before I snapped and managed to get this bulling individual to a location where I knew the school was not going to be involved. I laid such a beating on this guy that I did not see him for about two weeks, I'm not saying that violence is the answer but for my situation it was the only option I had. With that being said I just got done reading an article that I believe will help out a lot of kids out there that don't want to go to an adult because of their fear of being exposed as a coward to the rest of the school and neighborhood. While I respect the first amendment and free speech, I still believe that certain words shouldn't be said regardless to free speech. A young lady has committed suicide due to threats, that young lady had a right to live and a right to enjoy life 'free' of harassment. There are kids that believe that they can run other peoples lives, to those kids I say - Be careful who you push because you never know who's going to snap.

One of our own is caught...

Andrew Butler and a friend of his (Christopher Avery) were accused of robbing the Valley Central Savings Bank in Reading. Apparently this young man was having issues with his financial status. I am puzzled as to why he and his friend didn't go together to a financial office and talk to an advisor before trying to rob a bank. They could of found some sort of grant or loan program that could of helped them out with their situation.

"He just really was struggling, working two jobs here, you know, temp jobs, two jobs and trying to get the money," said Franki Butler mother of Andrew Butler.

I currently have three daughters who attend college and because of my income an their income they qualify for loans that can help them get their education and land a great job so that they can repay the debt. I hope that when their case comes forward that the judge handling it will see that even though they did rob a bank their intentions were to finish their dream of attending and gaining what college life had to offer. Mr. Avery was able to post the bond of $50,000 in order to be released, if the money was either gathered up among family and friends or maybe a loan was given then why didn't this young man ask those same individuals for the cash that would been needed to further his education and college lifestyle. I can pretty much guarantee that the amount that both he and Mr. Butler were in need of wasn't even close to $50,000. Mr. Butler remains in the Hamilton County jail.

Tagged while reading...

I was reading the local paper online today and I ended up being tagged by my wife. In her weekly column for the Toledo Free Press she has tagged anyone who has read her column and has asked that 8 things be said about the blogger that nobody knows and that your willing to share.
Well here goes;

1. I love my wife with all that I am.
2. I hear people when I should be listening.
3. I don't usually remember people's names unless I've met you more than twice.
4. I don't remember locations until I've been there at least twice.
5. I have a degree in computer programing/repair from 1997 which means nothing now a days because DOS isn't a main source for PCs.
6. I enjoy sitting in my pool thinking about absolutely nothing.
7. I am not a good cook or a cook for that matter.
8. I mess up a lot (a lot being an understatement) but I have a wife that not only puts up with my BS but she still loves me with all her heart and I love her. :)

I hope that more entries come in because I want to read them when the issue comes out.
Thanks for the extra publicity Lisa :)

Mohegan Sun is moving up...

Reading today's paper in New London I learned that the Mohegan Sun (One of Connecticut's large casinos) is looking to partner up with Capital Play to help run the following tracks -
The Aqueduct
The Saratoga
The Belmont
Here in Toledo we have a track but it's not as large as any of the tracks previously mentioned but it would be nice if the casinos or any casinos for that matter would expand in this direction and bring these tracks up to speed. I'm not saying bring in slot machines I'm saying bring in some larger known restaurants or even some added entertainment. I haven't really hear of anything happening there ever since the 'Earn and Learn' issue.

UFCWexposed.com...

The video above is just one of the reasons why I'm not too union open. I have worked for many retail stores that had union dues and when I needed the unions help on a matter that was occurring in the work place I found myself exploited by both the retail store as well as the union. Watch the video and let me know what you think of it, also visit their site for a little insight on what is currently going on at this union.

Politics just suck....

Here I am trying not to have my head explode because of politics but yet I see things that should happen while some other things shouldn't happen. The whole BS about this outing should of been handled a bit better then what we have now. When the incident took place Wade should of taken this to John Irish himself and if he was unable to get a hold of him then for god's sake keep trying to get a hold of him. If unsuccessful then please excuse yourself from the group and alert authorities of the indecent exposure that you felt offended by. Have the individual arrested and pursue/push for the girl to be fired for breaking the law in a public environment. Asking for Irish to resign is about as stupid as asking the police chief to resign because the kid that shot Mr. Dressel shouldn't of done that, The chief should of been in better control of his officers so that something like that would not of happened. Are you fu*^ing kidding me, then today instead of having a meeting to show progress in this wonderful city - Joe finds it necessary to call out John and insist that he resign from both of his positions. Joe and I are cool like that but when this becomes an issue that spills into other matters that's when I get a bit upset. This should of been kept under wraps until the matter was resolved, by Wade going to the media it clearly shows what his agenda was and is. For those of you reading this and are not living in Toledo, I apologize for my rant on the Democratic Party. It's pretty sad when a conservative sees this as a non issue but Dems see it as an end of all ends.

Trash It...

Here in Toledo there was an increase in our garbage fee to five dollars, three and change if you committed to recycling every other week. Well now we hear that some parts of Toledo won't be getting the service that they are paying for. It is being said that trash pickups that fall on holidays won't be picked up until the following week. That will cause some trouble for families that have more then the average amount of trash. I have a quick question - Will those residents receive a lower trash rate when the holidays come and they have to wait an extra week to get rid of it?

Can fire be stopped?

I just got done watching a video on what happened in lake Tahoe. Every time I hear of a wild fire spreading throughout the town destroying hundreds of homes I start to wonder if there is something that can be done to slow or stop these fires. I thought of a solution that can save many homes, "water it down". Many homes have this lavish spread of gardens with the most up to date sprinkler system. Why hasn't anyone come up with a system that would keep the home wet on the outside. Sounds silly but hear me out. If you have a home and you know that your home means a lot to you and your family then why not secure it forever. With the same concept of an in ground sprinkler system you can line the home with the same equipment from the top of the house right down to the sides. This system does not have to be running all the time all you have to do is flip the switch when ever trouble comes, kind of like when a fire is present you either call 911 or you pull the fire alarm depending where your located. The possibilities are endless as far as designing the system. This can probably save many home owners a lot of money on their insurance coverage.
Just thinking out loud.

A moment to remember...

Yesterday was the dedication of the Veterans Glass City Skyway. I had plans to be on the spectator side of the bridge but when we got to the Sports Arena my wife and I were asked if we would like to be part of the Flag Volunteer group. We both looked at each other and said yes. I don't know how the day would of been but I'm pretty sure it would not of turned out the way it did when accepting the duty of volunteering. I am proud to have been part of the ceremony especially for it's reason - The Veterans and the workers who worked on it. When the names were read of those lost during the construction the sound of silence was very heart warming. I helped hold a very large flag that was presented at the ceremony, participating in that gave me a sense of purpose during this occasion. My wife has an excellent presentation of the event, please visit her at Glass City Jungle and watch the video that she put together.

Frank Rants #38

I have heard of this gentleman but have not had the time to read his articles or watch his videos. Today was the day that I did both, I agree with him 100%. LeBron James is a leader and those of you out there that think the Cavaliers were losers because they didn't win can kiss my butt. Name me another youngster that helped carry a team to the finals as remarkable as James did.
Kobe Bryant is a moron in some aspects, his indecisive nature as to stay or go is getting a bit annoying. T.O. went from team to team and easily won the "Complainer" award. Looks like Bryant isn't too far away from taking that title.
US Open...
It's called the US Open, you would think that we would of had a winner by now but noooo we keep falling behind.
Frank great job and I hope to catch more of your rants.