johnvano.com

Charles Krauthammer's Case for McCain

He's more eloquent than I... see what you think.

Blue Jean Genius

I just threw out my favorite pair of jeans... read my reflections about finding the perfect fit. It's a fact, life is just better in denim.

Phanatic Ponderings

Congratulations to the Philadelphia Phillies--I started rooting for you the minute the Red Sox were eliminated. Ever since the Mike Schmidt era I've had a soft spot in my heart for the Phillies... I loved the 1993 team with Dykstra, Daulton, Schilling, and Kruk... and remember watching them play the World Series in my father's hospital room while he was passing stones.

I enjoyed FOX's celebration montage after the game tonight--showing every available camera angle as Eric Hinske struck out to end the game. It was great fun to watch the reaction of the player, coach, or management type... and to see them run kamikaze style for another body to touch. Amazing how we humans crave human contact in moments like that. It looks funny to see a pile of grown men in long johns, laying on top of each other on the field. But I guess a high-five would be sooo understated.

It's also funny how the first interview after a major sports championship is usually with "The Jesus Christ Guy"--this time it was Phillies' closer, Brad Lidge, a perfect 48-for-48 in save situations this year (including playoffs). I love to see people give testimony to their faith like that... and to watch the broadcasters skip past the comment.  

Though I grew to "hate" the Rays late in this season, I think that Rays manager Joe Maddon is a mad genius--and I enjoyed watching him work. I also get a kick out of Chad Bradford's amazing sidearm delivery. I loved Dan Quisenberry for the same reason.

Best of all, the game ended at 10:00 in the east--someone please start a petition to have all playoff games start at 6:30 so we can get to bed at a decent hour.

And aren't we all relieved that the Rays tied Monday's game before the rain got so heavy things had to be suspended? What a travesty for the Phillies to walk off the field, wait out the rain, and get a championship handed to them without the drama. This offseason we need a rule change regarding rain games in the postseason. Let's make them go nine every time.

Scenes from Mt. Rainey, Georgia

  

I took Marshall and Madison on a Boy Scout Family Camping Trip last Friday-Saturday. Here are some scenes from our adventures in the woods and on the mountain on 10/25 in Clayton, Georgia. Story to follow.

 

 

Eight Interviewing Styles

Based on my years of management--and more recently--my various interviews as a job candidate, I compiled this list of "Eight Interviewing Styles" for a blogging network. Give it a read and earn me some readership points (translation: future income). Hey, it's written by me, your blogging friend, so you might actually enjoy it!

Pumpkin Carv'n

The kids and I carved pumpkins on Tuesday night. They had each picked out their vegetable a few days earlier and then used a piece of paper to draw their face. I carved according to their pattern. Halle and Emma, interestingly enough, chose to share a pumpkin and co-draw.

 

Cooper picked a pie pumpkin so we were unable to carve it. Paula drew a face for him. I'm pretty happy with how Marshall's turned out... doesn't my carving look just like his drawing?

 

Madison's spooked pumpkin was a great idea! Here's our dramatic scene: The twins' Hunchback of Notre Dame-ish carving is on the far right.

America's Choice Now

It's jut one issue in the presidential race, but it's a pretty darn toot'n important one. Watch video compilation.

How About a Nice Tall Glass of Yourself?

I walked into the bathroom yesterday to pull Halle out of the tub. On the edge of the tub sat a cup of bath water she was using as part of her play. As I grabbed a towel and told her it was time to get out, she took a long, satisfying drink from the cup and said, "Ahhhh!"

   

Needless to say, she got another talk about bath water, a dirty body, and when we should and should not drink water. Mexico anyone? I'm sure that after years of drinking their own bath water, my kids have built up antibodies to protect themselves against tap water from south of the border.

Just Stop Talking

Remember when you were young and had an overly zealous auntie who'd come to visit? She'd expect you to greet her with a big sloppy kiss--on the lips. So what would you do? If you were young enough, you might just hide from her advances... or, you could confront her and offer a handshake instead.

Every time I turn on the news, or pick up a magazine or newspaper, I feel like that little boy hiding under the couch. Please, just leave me alone. I don't want your candy, don't need your help, and feel no affection for you. Stop forcing yourself on me! Stop cramming your candidate down my throat...

I get it "Good Morning America," with your 9 minutes of opening coverage on one candidate. I get it scrolling news bar with your three positive notes about one candidate and your two negatives about another. I get it, journalists with your full coverage of Alaska's hiring and firing practices but blissful ignorance of any other conflicts of interest.

Now let me get back to that left over bagel I found under here...

I Think We're Alone Now?

There sure are a lot of people not working. Wherever I go in my laid-off, writing a novel, taking interviews world, there are people in shorts and t-shirts, sleeveless tees, and casual dress... Starbucks, Borders, Target, the grocery store, the public library, the lunch spots (away from business parks). What is everyone doing? Are we a nation of the independently wealthy? Are there that many out of work? Or has telecommuting reached a new saturation point? Not that I mind all the people... I just thought I was special.