Merry Christmas!
December 25th, 2012 at 12:17:30 PM
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Quote: WizardSo, I was excited to see a Big Wheel at the store yesterday, so got it for my six-year-old. When I was her age, in 1971, Big Wheels where THE thing to have. Any day after school Daisy Circle was full of kids having Big Wheel races, stunts, follow the leader games, and other such games. We had to use duct tape on the rear wheels to keep from from wearing out. It was a shame we had to grow too old for them.
Big Wheels! Oh, the joy I've had on those things. I suggest you trash the thought on aging, though. You have to grow old, you do not have to grow up. A 200lb man can really get one of those cookin' down a hill =D
Quote: WizardWishing all a better day than I'm having.
Woke up to an empty house, now spending 10+hrs in the casino. It's dead, of course, so it's likely I'll be watching nothing but Roulette all day, as that's the only game with traffic. I expect to be home just before midnight.
Enjoy the time with your family. Merry Christmas =)
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
December 25th, 2012 at 12:22:44 PM
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Mike, I love these sitcom-esque stories of your Christmas. It gave me a hearty chuckle to hear about those things. Once again, you have a lot to be thankful for and these little foibles pale in comparison to the big picture. Enjoy the day.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
December 25th, 2012 at 12:57:51 PM
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Quote: WizardAnyway, the first thing my daughter said when she say it was "I don't want it." .
I can't imagine this happening when my kids
were little. My wife grew up poor and she
instilled it into our kids tiny brains that when
somebody gives you something, you say thank
you even if you hate it. My wife kept a small ping
pong paddle hanging in the kitchen and my
kids were extremely polite. They still are today,
and they're all in their 30's. Never spanking
kids is about the worst favor you can do them.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 25th, 2012 at 1:01:47 PM
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Quote: Wizard
So far my wife and I have managed to avoid our annual Christmas fight, but the day is still young.
My wife cooks one day a year, today. I stay in the
rental property or she'll tear me a new one all day
long. I might just stay here all day and not even go
to dinner, I have been sneezing a lot today..
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 25th, 2012 at 1:16:08 PM
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Wizard the plumbing supply house or the home center sells no clog toilets. They aren't typical because they consume more water cost twice as much, and the norm suffices for most. I installed one for my cousin and he hasn't had a problem. I suggest you hire a plumber for the install though given your skills at unfolding the razor. :) Good Luck!
December 25th, 2012 at 1:55:00 PM
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Quote: Nareed...but those things are easier than legos to put together.
Pass the dunce hat, as I have never correctly assembled anything from Ikea, and to even do it wrong took me most of the day. It made me feel a little better when there was an episode of The Big Bang Theory when Penny was successfully assembling a piece of furntiure when the four scientists took over. If I remember correctly, it took them all day.
Quote: teddysMike, I love these sitcom-esque stories of your Christmas. It gave me a hearty chuckle to hear about those things. Once again, you have a lot to be thankful for and these little foibles pale in comparison to the big picture. Enjoy the day.
I'm glad you liked it. I view my life in much the same way Al Bundy did. However, I agree that I have a lot to be thankful for, and maybe I whine too much about the little things too much. The whole family is in good health, the kids are in the best private schools in Vegas, and have much more than what I really need. However, that is all boring to read.
Quote: EvenBobNever spanking kids is about the worst favor you can do them.
I've never even raised my voice to my kids. Time will tell to see how they turn out.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
December 25th, 2012 at 2:15:40 PM
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Quote: Wizard
I've never even raised my voice to my kids. Time will tell to see how they turn out.
I never spanked my kids, my wife did. And let me tell
you, those kids respected her for it. She was never mean
or angry, just told them she was in charge and they did
what she wanted or else. I never got involved. My kids
are devoted to her now, even my son who's a Major in
the AF. He calls her once a week and skypes the baby.
The daughters joke about being spanked when they were
little but love their mom like a sister. All my wifes 4 sisters
spanked their kids and the kids all have degree's and no drugs
or smoking or drinking at all in the family. They're all
so squeaky clean I can't stand it most of the time..
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 25th, 2012 at 2:45:13 PM
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Merry Christmas everyone!
For the MakingBook family, it goes something like this:
Wife is watching local news on TV- blizzard is coming.
Son is enjoying his new violent XBox360 games.
Daughter is being her usual unpleasant teenage self.
MakingBook is in the home office with my Weimaraner watching NBA.
For the MakingBook family, it goes something like this:
Wife is watching local news on TV- blizzard is coming.
Son is enjoying his new violent XBox360 games.
Daughter is being her usual unpleasant teenage self.
MakingBook is in the home office with my Weimaraner watching NBA.
"I am a man devoured by the passion for gambling." --Dostoevsky, 1871
December 25th, 2012 at 2:55:43 PM
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In the Stanley Kubrick Film The Shining, Danny, the son of Jack Torrance rides through the long halls of the haunted hotel on a Big Wheel.
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
December 25th, 2012 at 3:09:12 PM
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Quote: EvenBobNever spanking
kids is about the worst favor you can do them.
If I wasn't spanked (or other physical discipline) by my father on a weekly basis as a child I have no doubt I'd be in jail, or worse. My brother, however, never received any physical punishment because he was a good kid. Some kids are smarter than others. The Wizard's kids are probably the smart variety.
100% risk of ruin
December 25th, 2012 at 3:13:43 PM
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As a kid I was never afraid of jail. I was terrified of facing my Dad when they let me out !
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
December 25th, 2012 at 3:38:26 PM
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Let me be the last add my Christmas greetings to everyone.
I spent yesterday and last night at the casinos in Tunica. Broke even, which is fine by me. I've had enough of slot machines for a while now and probably won't go back for a couple of months.
Left at first light this morning to come home because of the bad weather that was predicted, both for the Memphis area and for my town, and was ahead of the rain all the way home, cruising at 75 with the Interstate practically to myself. Filled up at a Shell station in Hernando Mississippi where gas was $2.98/gal, and that was like hitting a small jackpot because everywhere else was charging $3.19.
I hope everyone enjoys a prosperous and healthy 2013.
I spent yesterday and last night at the casinos in Tunica. Broke even, which is fine by me. I've had enough of slot machines for a while now and probably won't go back for a couple of months.
Left at first light this morning to come home because of the bad weather that was predicted, both for the Memphis area and for my town, and was ahead of the rain all the way home, cruising at 75 with the Interstate practically to myself. Filled up at a Shell station in Hernando Mississippi where gas was $2.98/gal, and that was like hitting a small jackpot because everywhere else was charging $3.19.
I hope everyone enjoys a prosperous and healthy 2013.
December 25th, 2012 at 3:51:42 PM
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Quote: BuzzardIn the Stanley Kubrick Film The Shining, Danny, the son of Jack Torrance rides through the long halls of the haunted hotel on a Big Wheel.
Didn't that look like great fun though?! At least until he came to those ghastly looking twins, or the elevators full of blood.
By the way, the exterior of the Overlook is the Timberline Lodge, at the foot of Mount Hood, Oregon, which I tried to climb last year. The interior shots were at some other hotel, I think in Colorado.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
December 25th, 2012 at 4:44:54 PM
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Quote: WizardPass the dunce hat, as I have never correctly assembled anything from Ikea, and to even do it wrong took me most of the day.
I've assembled some furniture bought at Office Depot, Sam's and Costco. I've never had any problem or took more than one hour (and that was a complicated three-section desk). I've always had help, or was helping someone else. But it was easy.
Quote:It made me feel a little better when there was an episode of The Big Bang Theory when Penny was successfully assembling a piece of furntiure when the four scientists took over. If I remember correctly, it took them all day.
Not even close! Penny's putting it together, saying she can handle it, when the boys begin to redesign it. So they need more tools and materials, they want to set up a cooling system, repeaters for the remote, etc etc. The episode ends with the boys leaving the apartment to go hunting for supplies.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
December 25th, 2012 at 5:08:42 PM
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Quote: WizardDidn't that look like great fun though?!
Why wouldn't your 6 year old want a Big Wheel? She
can't be sophisticated enough at 6 to worry that other
kids might disapprove, maybe she's scared of it.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 25th, 2012 at 6:18:47 PM
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The Q's Christmas:
- We're in Orlando. The rest of the family has S
Season Passes and I upgraded my daily tickets to
one also.
- Surprisingly, it was not unbearably crowded at
Universal Studios today. Definitely crowded, just
not unbearable. I did the big roller coaster on
the "Harry Potter" side with my oldest daughter,
doing the "single" line and waiting about 10
minutes.
- We did this while Mrs Q and #2 went to see
Les Mis.
- The Spiderman ride wait was too long the
entire time we were there (at least for me)
so didn't do it this time around. Ditto for
the Harry Potter ride, which I did last year.
- The way the park is laid out, we always do a
ton of walking.
- Also did the cool "Rockit" coaster on the other
side with only a 35 minute wait later in the
afternoon.
- Long drive tomorrow to get up to see my
folks.
- WEATHER PERMITTING, we'll hit Horseshoe
Southern Indiana on the way home on Friday.
- We're in Orlando. The rest of the family has S
Season Passes and I upgraded my daily tickets to
one also.
- Surprisingly, it was not unbearably crowded at
Universal Studios today. Definitely crowded, just
not unbearable. I did the big roller coaster on
the "Harry Potter" side with my oldest daughter,
doing the "single" line and waiting about 10
minutes.
- We did this while Mrs Q and #2 went to see
Les Mis.
- The Spiderman ride wait was too long the
entire time we were there (at least for me)
so didn't do it this time around. Ditto for
the Harry Potter ride, which I did last year.
- The way the park is laid out, we always do a
ton of walking.
- Also did the cool "Rockit" coaster on the other
side with only a 35 minute wait later in the
afternoon.
- Long drive tomorrow to get up to see my
folks.
- WEATHER PERMITTING, we'll hit Horseshoe
Southern Indiana on the way home on Friday.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
December 25th, 2012 at 6:23:33 PM
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Quote: NareedThe episode ends with the boys leaving the apartment to go hunting for supplies.
Didn't Penny finish it while they were gone? I've seen most episodes 3-4 times, but this some seems to have aluded me, as I've seen it only once.
Quote: JQSurprisingly, it was not unbearably crowded at Universal Studios today.
I can't speak for Universal Studios in Florida, but I worked at Disneyland in 1985. Trust me -- never go there between Christmas and New Years. You'll spend the whole day standing in lines.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
December 25th, 2012 at 6:54:51 PM
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Well, I got my come uppings for working on the house on Christmas.
I am residing the house, replacing all of the wood trim and window trim with PVC, and accenting with rock in various places.
I enclosed a small porch to make a walkin pantry, and was clearing out debris today. Walking past the newly finished garage, and knocked one of my new porch lanterns into outer space. $50 gone. Hope I can get another one just like this one. Karma
I am residing the house, replacing all of the wood trim and window trim with PVC, and accenting with rock in various places.
I enclosed a small porch to make a walkin pantry, and was clearing out debris today. Walking past the newly finished garage, and knocked one of my new porch lanterns into outer space. $50 gone. Hope I can get another one just like this one. Karma
Always borrow money from a pessimist; They don't expect to get paid back !
Be yourself and speak your thoughts. Those who matter won't mind, and those that mind, don't matter!
December 25th, 2012 at 7:45:54 PM
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We were super low key. I made some minor tweaks to the traditional dinner recipe that all worked great, my daughter made the pears poached in red wine (fantastic), we had family over and drank, and laughed and smiled.
A falling knife has no handle.
December 25th, 2012 at 8:07:30 PM
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The second half of the day was better. In the afternoon my daughter took the Big Wheel out twice, although didn't ride it very far either time. At dinner I shot the campaign cork right into the chandelier, breaking one of the crystals, against my wife's suggestion. This could have easily set off the annual Christmas fight, but she restrained herself and let me off with an "I told you so."
Dinner was great. The pot roast was a little underdone, so I put it on the BBQ to finish it off. However, while I was firing off some texts, including to Nick, suddenly the dripping fat reached a critical mass, and the entire BBQ erupted in flames, besides being set on "low." So the meat was charred on the outside, and lacked the yummy juicy fat that roast beef is supposed to have, but was still edible.
Costco has had a great Malbec wine on sale, which I loaded up on. We had a bottle for dinner, which was good beyond words. To be specific, it is called "Las Acequias" (2007). I know the purchaser for Costco's wines usually does a terrible job, he this stuff is fantastic, and only about $8 a bottle. My Christmas gift to the forum -- stock up! I have about 50 bottles stockpiled, and I think I'll buy more.
After dinner we played a game of Settlers of Catan, which I didn't win, due to a shortage of ore, but still a good game, which my older daughter won.
All things considered, a better than average Wizard Christmas. I wish the entire forum a prospero nuevo año.
Dinner was great. The pot roast was a little underdone, so I put it on the BBQ to finish it off. However, while I was firing off some texts, including to Nick, suddenly the dripping fat reached a critical mass, and the entire BBQ erupted in flames, besides being set on "low." So the meat was charred on the outside, and lacked the yummy juicy fat that roast beef is supposed to have, but was still edible.
Costco has had a great Malbec wine on sale, which I loaded up on. We had a bottle for dinner, which was good beyond words. To be specific, it is called "Las Acequias" (2007). I know the purchaser for Costco's wines usually does a terrible job, he this stuff is fantastic, and only about $8 a bottle. My Christmas gift to the forum -- stock up! I have about 50 bottles stockpiled, and I think I'll buy more.
After dinner we played a game of Settlers of Catan, which I didn't win, due to a shortage of ore, but still a good game, which my older daughter won.
All things considered, a better than average Wizard Christmas. I wish the entire forum a prospero nuevo año.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
December 25th, 2012 at 8:30:44 PM
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Quote: WizardCostco has had a great Malbec wine on sale, which I loaded up on. We had a bottle for dinner, which was good beyond words. To be specific, it is called "Las Acequias" (2007). I know the purchaser for Costco's wines usually does a terrible job, he this stuff is fantastic, and only about $8 a bottle. My Christmas gift to the forum -- stock up! I have about 50 bottles stockpiled, and I think I'll buy more..
I just ordered one case online (not Costco) @ $7.50 each. Shipping costs push the total price to just under $10 per bottle.
Thanks for the Christmas gift!
"I am a man devoured by the passion for gambling." --Dostoevsky, 1871
December 25th, 2012 at 8:34:25 PM
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Quote: MakingBookThanks for the Christmas gift!
You're welcome! I hope you like it. The first glass may not hit you right, but it grows on you, and goes great with food.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
December 25th, 2012 at 8:35:24 PM
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Quote: WizardAt dinner I shot the campaign cork right into the chandelier, breaking one of the crystals, against my wife's suggestion. .
The best way to open a bottle under pressure is to
grasp the cork firmly and twist it to break the seal,
then twist and rock the cork at the same time till
it comes loose with a pop. Its in your control at
all times and you won't lose a drop or kill someone.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 25th, 2012 at 8:44:36 PM
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Quote: EvenBobThe best way to open a bottle under pressure is to grasp the cork firmly.
That's no fun. I wanted to entertain my two younger kids by shooting the cork as high as possible.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
December 25th, 2012 at 9:10:05 PM
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You'll put your eye out, Ralphie..
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 25th, 2012 at 9:43:50 PM
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So my daughter invited me over for Xmas dinner. Been years since I ate her cooking. Now I remember why. Just finished puking.
Damn Kids.
Damn Kids.
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
December 25th, 2012 at 10:49:51 PM
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My Christmas was relatively successful.
Though this year, it just didn't feel like Christmas. The day sort of just jumped out at me and before you know it, it's over... well, a couple of hours past over. I'm Christian, but I just really didn't get into the spirit of Christmas this year. It's just come and gone.
My oldest daughter's 15, and she already got an early present in seeing Shania in Vegas two weeks ago, so it was sort of anticlimatical for her. She got a few minor gifts, nothing over $50. My wife was very happy with the stuff I got her, said that the stuff I picked out and found for her was extra special, so bonus points there for redemption at a later time. Then my parents came over for dinner which was happily uneventful. But the afternoon and the day was spent preparing for the meal, then the meal itself, then the chit chat and cleaning up... just too busy of a day. Next year we're going away!!!! (I say that every year).
But like the Wizard, I'm not complaining. I'm blessed to have family, a home, a job, and so on.
Hope everyone else's festivus was as meaningful as mine.
Though this year, it just didn't feel like Christmas. The day sort of just jumped out at me and before you know it, it's over... well, a couple of hours past over. I'm Christian, but I just really didn't get into the spirit of Christmas this year. It's just come and gone.
My oldest daughter's 15, and she already got an early present in seeing Shania in Vegas two weeks ago, so it was sort of anticlimatical for her. She got a few minor gifts, nothing over $50. My wife was very happy with the stuff I got her, said that the stuff I picked out and found for her was extra special, so bonus points there for redemption at a later time. Then my parents came over for dinner which was happily uneventful. But the afternoon and the day was spent preparing for the meal, then the meal itself, then the chit chat and cleaning up... just too busy of a day. Next year we're going away!!!! (I say that every year).
But like the Wizard, I'm not complaining. I'm blessed to have family, a home, a job, and so on.
Hope everyone else's festivus was as meaningful as mine.
-----
You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
December 26th, 2012 at 5:00:57 AM
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Happy Kwanza everybody. The theme today is "unity."
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
December 26th, 2012 at 5:46:03 AM
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A Joyous Festivus To The Rest Of Us!
A full review of my family's annual holiday trip to the Church Of The Loaded Dice will be coming in the next couple days.
Short version: Three days at Mohegan Sun. I came back about $300 lighter, but had a great time.
A full review of my family's annual holiday trip to the Church Of The Loaded Dice will be coming in the next couple days.
Short version: Three days at Mohegan Sun. I came back about $300 lighter, but had a great time.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
December 26th, 2012 at 6:25:23 AM
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Quote: WizardDidn't Penny finish it while they were gone?
I don't recall what she does, but no furniture is ever shown assembled.
Quote:I've seen most episodes 3-4 times, but this some seems to have aluded me, as I've seen it only once.
Really? I've seen it a few times and I don't recall any mention of you ;)
About champagne corks, the proper way is to firmly grasp both bottle and cork, then slowly and gently twist the cork while pulling it out. If you insist on launching the cork, don't do it at the dinner table. Even if yu don't cause damage to the chandelier, or the ceiling, or crack a light bulb, or hit someone in the eye, odds are good that champagne will spill all over the floor.
So next year, or for new year's, do it on the front yard.
At my dad's business we had a Christmas party the last work day of December (then we shut down the palce for two weeks). There was no champagne, but plenty of bubbly white and pink cider, with hard plastic "corks." Over the time I worked there, I estimate three fluorescent tubes died in late December from cider "cork" hits.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
