Camping at Kneff Lake - Fantastic time !

The first camping trip of the summer was a resounding success ! It began on Friday, when I picked up the girls in Kalamazoo and zipped up to the Kneff Lake National Forest Campground, just a hop, skip and jump from Grayling, Michigan. We pitched our tent, and enjoyed the evening. Once camp was made, we cooked some hotdogs and bratwurst and acquainted ourselves with the other campers. This time, there were about 10 adults and about 20 children. The next morning, we awoke and made a big breakfast that included eggs, sausage, and some very strong coffee made by Bob in his chic camping coffee press. After stuffing our faces with food, we shuttled a couple cars to the canoe takeout site, and headed to the launch point for our canoe trip. The canoe trip was wonderful. The girls switched off paddling. The weather was pleasant. The Doyles passed us at one point. And the Wessels passed us, too ! Upon arriving at the takeout point, the kids had a wonderful time playing in the water. Bob, always in command of the situation, pulled the canoes up on land. Isn't he manly? It took some time, but we sent some of the dads out for the cars, they returned, and we shuttled ourselves back to the campsite. At the campground, the kids had a great time playing several games. Bob, R.J. and I hung out and had a beer before cooking dinner. John's friend got out his chainsaw and cut up some fallen logs. John brought them to camp and split them with an axe. The kids hung out by the fire. Are all kids pyros at heart? Esme, never one to be a conformist, instead gobbled up as many Doritos as she possibly could. Everyone enjoyed the fire, roasting marshmallows, and making S'mores, and then getting sleepy by the fire. Shortly before we packed up and left, a group picture was in order. You can see more pictures here or the slideshow here.

Mac's Music

My friend Mac is an artist, a producer, and a recording engineer. His studio is called Possum Hall. Check out some of the music he's worked on: Sarah Fimm (first two records Cocooned and A Perfect Dream -- available on iTunes) 35th Parallel (available on iTunes) Evren Ozan (Native American Flute player -- also on iTunes) and Eric Colville Check him out.

Weekend Getaway: My friend Mac

This weekend, I had the pleasure of seeing my good friend Mac, who I haven't seen in several years. Mac and I met when our time at Oberlin overlapped before I moved out to Hollywood to work for Capitol Records and before he transferred to Brandeis. Mac now owns and operates Possum Hall Studios, where he enjoys a successful career as a working musician, producer, and recording engineer. Mac lives in a wonderful area of Hampton Falls, NH, where he makes his home and runs his studio. Upon my arrival, Mac showed me his wonderful garden, and proceeded to pick various fresh veggies and greens to make dinner. After we ate, we hung out on his deck (above), staying up late into the night reminiscing, having a couple beers, and smoking cigars. The deck is right in between his house and his studio: The next morning, after sleeping in, Mac made some delicious breakfast burritos, and we jumped in the pool: Then, in a stroke of genius, Mac suggested that we go canoeing. So, we packed a cooler, made some sandwiches, put the canoe on top of the car, and off we went. Though very hot, it was a beautiful day. We saw Black Cormorants, snapping turtles, frogs and more than a few fish: We of course stopped to eat our sandwiches along the way: That, by the way, is Mac. After canoeing, we jumped in the pool for a refreshing swim. Later that evening, Mac had planned to have a couple friends and his girlfriend drop by for dinner and fellowship. Korinne came by, and I got a great shot of the lovebirds: Mac harvested yet again from his garden, and we had a basil and garlic scape pesto, which was out of this world. We again retreated to the deck for some cigars, a couple of beers, and an evening of conversation. The next morning, Mac's son, Brendan, came over for the day. We had a wonderful time hanging out, swimming, playing guitar, having fun, cooking good food and going fishing: This morning, Mac dropped me at the airport, as I was supposed to fly to New York City for a deposition, but my flight had been cancelled. So, I hopped a flight home and attended the deposition by phone, which actually ended up being far more convenient than I ever could have imagined. I had a wonderful time, and it's nice to be home again :)

Excellent b-day -- thank you !

Thanks to all those bringing good cheer either in person or online! I had a wonderful birthday! After work, I attended the BOE's budget hearing. At the end of the hearing, Trustee Doyle read a proclamation recognizing my birthday, and we all had an amazing blueberry cake with candles. My girls, who are now in Chicago with their mom for most of the summer, sang me a birthday song over the phone, which was delightful. From there, we went to the Corner Brewery, where Meredith had another cake and more candles. We hung, drank beer, ate good food and cake, opened presents, and had a wonderful time. Thanks to all for a wonderful birthday ! I'm very grateful for my wonderful friends and family :)

Happy Birthday To Me

39 years ago, on June 15, 1967, I was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the University of Michigan Hospital. So, happy birthday to me :)

Jason Leopold is a . . .

Upon hearing the reports all over the radio today, I've only one thing to say: Jason Leopold is a jackass. Oh, one more thing . . . If you don't know what your talking about, don't talk. It's really very simple.

Olbermann spanks Coulter

Keith Olbermann is really on a roll this week. A few days ago, he spanked Bill O'Reilly (and his righteous indignation was palpable in that segment). Today, it's Ann Coulter, and hooboy, are there a few knee slappers in this one. I generally don't go for your average non-productive dressing down of an individual, but with Coulter, it's hard to fathom a dressing down of her that could possibly be unfair. Coulter speaks of widows of those killed in the 9/11 attacks having a "shelf life that is dwindling," and she suggests that they appear in Playboy. She also insinuates that these widows might possibly be divorced by now if their husbands were still alive. Olbermann retorts: Appearing in Playboy and getting divorced -- neither of those being scenarios that Ann Coulter is ever going to have to deal with in *her* life. Ooh. Ouch. That was delightful, Keith. Thank you, really. And he finishes with the best line of the segment: And lastly, back to my allusion about having to defend Ann Coulter in a sanity hearing, that was inappropriate -- because it was insufficient. Imagine, in fact, defending her on Judgment Day -- and trying to find her soul. I must say, describing Coulter as soul-less is, well, you know, so dang accurate. You can watch it below: The quotes were from the transcript available at Crooks and Liars.

The Cotillion Ball - cutest kids in the universe

This year, Chapelle Community School offered its own version of the traditional Cotillion Ball. In the months leading up to the Ball, the elementary children who wanted to participate were schooled in etiquette, ballroom dancing, manners, appearance and talent. My daughter, Hannah, spent countless days after school preparing for the Ball, as did a number of teachers and other school personnel. As the special day approached, Granny, Papa, Daddy and Mommy all got together to help Hannah get ready. My mother (aka Granny), found a wonderful ball gown Hannah's size at a bargain basement price during a huge sale. She also came up with appropriate shoes and gloves. The day of the Ball, we spent an hour or more just getting ready. Hannah got some clip on earrings, had to put on a little makeup, painted her nails, and put her hair in a bun. The Ball was held in the gym at Chapelle. In a first, tickets were $10 dollars for all guests (not for participants), and the event was catererd. The gym was done up with balloons and tables, with table cloths and very cute plastic silverware that looked like silver! Next the kids came in all lined up. They introduced themselves into the microphone, said a little about themselves, and then did a small, short, ballroom dance move with a partner. Next, the entire group did a group dance piece to some funky music. Next was the talent portion, where children did everything from reciting poems, reading books to the audience (like Hannah did), or tap-dancing. Dinner was eventually served, and it was quite good. They had chicken, beef, ham, potatoes, green beans, macaroni and cheese, salad, rolls and dessert. There was a very interesting and tasty punch as well. This, below, by the way, is Granny and Papa. Finally came the awards ceremony where the prince and princess (grades 1-3) are selected, followed by the king and queen of the Ball (grades 4-5). Every child received at least some award, and Hannah also received the Most Improved Dancer Award! Great fun was had by all! Below is a proud Hannah's mom, who traveled into town just for the event, holding a very happy Esme.

Olbermann spanks Bill O'Reilly

I don't normally link to the content of others in lieu of posting, but this is a must-see:

The Corner Brewery is an Unmitigated Success!

Last evening, I attended the Ypsilanti High School Honors Presentation. We had an outstanding class this year, with so many awards and scholarships that it took over 2.5 hours to award them. We also had many graduates going to incredible schools next year including Oberlin (my alma mater), the U.S. Naval Academy (full ride), University of Virginia, University of Michigan, St. John's College, Adrian College, Michigan State and many more. After the ceremony, we proceeded to the new Corner Brewery for draft. The atmosphere was wonderful. Though I couldn't tell, I think the indoor area was smoke free (no ash trays, no smell of smoke). If anybody has ever been to Leopold's Brothers Brewery, the vibe is quite similar. There is a large area in side with tables and comfortable chairs, a long bar, and then an outdoor beer garden (that is HUGE). Last night they had five beers available on tap, including a blond, a wheat beer, a red ale, an IPA, and a German dark ale. I had the dark, which was tasty, and I heard raves about the blond and the red as well. 'Twas a who's who of Ypsi and my neighborhood inside, too. I met people I hadn't seen in ages, including a fellow parent from my daughter's elementary and some local politicians and candidates. If you're ever in Ypsi, you've got to stop by. Now if I can only convince them to get wireless Internet . . . . Update: I just received word that one of our fine graduates was accepted at Yale. Congrats!