Progress at De Villen

Hi Folks. We have reached a milestone: I am finally done sanding. Besides that we have installed a few more cabinets, finished the spackling, and painted the ceiling (at least the parts that needed it). Today I hooked-up the oven. Tanya was very scared, but nothing has blown up.

Brushing teefs after finishing the wall cabinets by the stove.




Here's a video montage...




In the next few days we will finish installing the rest of the cabinets. Boo-ya.

Hardcore X-mas Gaming

My niece Samantha entertained us with her pac man/dig dug/rally x/galaxian skills. Hope you had a good Christmas.

Happy Holidays...

from e.'s blog.

What does every kitchen need?

The appliances came today. Looks pretty sharp.

Today I'm going to try to get the base cabinets in along the sink wall. Bye for now.

Progress at De Villen

We have taken another significant step -- the first two wall cabinets are in place. Tanya tries to make sure that everything is measured correctly (measure twice, cut once, then fill mistakes with caulk). But if we can carry over our success with these two we'll be in good shape.

Marking the spot to cut holes for under-cabinet lighting.

Hi!

This one can accommodate 30-inch bongs.

Tomorrow pops comes over to help me build a base for the 88 inch high pantry.

A plumber might also be consulted.

Floor

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for helping us put the floor in (and the delicious chicken soup). Just a couple more rows, the stairs and landing and we're done.

The first couple of rows were a bitch. If you ever put down a laminate floor, the trick is to secure some filler pieces between the wall and the floor. Otherwise the floor will move all over the place and people will start to get pissed.

My back is sore; my body weary.








Looks good, right? RIGHT?!?

The Lights are on at the E.'s

Greetings. Today you will see a video narrarated by my wife, BIRD (wil smif). She will walk you through all of the new and exciting changes in our kitchen's electric system. After viewing this movie, you'll know that anything is possible.

Enjoy.

Kitchen

The electricians are here. One of them is wearing a Purdue baseball hat. Not sure if that's a good sign.

Work Continues...

12/4/07 -- Biggs Misses Return Flight Home (developing)

Big Wheel fell asleep after his wake-up call and missed his flight from Arizona this morning. While waiting for the next flight BW ate a breakfast burrito and read USA Today. He is presently sitting at the gate across from Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. According to BW, Kilpatrick is not traveling with bodyguards.

Updated

Apparently BW made the next flight out (our he's at da club w/ Kwame), as he is not responding to e-mail. Bon Voyage, Bah Bah Big Wheel, wherever you are.

Renovation -- part 3 "Stairs Swings and Misses..."

Mike and my dad came over Saturday morning to update the electrical in the kitchen. The whole damn system needs revamping: circuits, outlets, and switches need to be added, new wire must be run, shit needs to be moved, etc. We knew we were in trouble when we punched a hole in the soffit next to the light over the sink. It was blocked by studs on either side and a single mysterious black wire was all that could be seen. Wires that logically should have run one way went the other. I guess this is typical of older homes; back in the day builders did whatever the hell they wanted however they wanted. It doesn't make it easy for the common man, even for one who has hit 241 home runs over a 15 year career and has successfully updated electrical systems in the past. Anyhoo, after making an appointment with an electrician we battled on by replacing the unneeded molding around the doorways. That's going to look real sharp. The flooring arrives on Wednesday.

Mike testing an outlet. It wasn't on.

The work can be hazardous.

Renovation -- part 2

Pops, armed with professional-grade tools and can-do attitude, came over to help us tackle the sink and backsplash demolition. We knocked it out in a few hours, but I think the biggest challenges are still ahead of us. Stairs comes over tomorrow to do the electrical. We will fuel with pizza and beer.

Kitchen Renovation -- part 1 "Uncle Stinky"

After many weeks of planning we have begun work on gutting and renovating our kitchen. We have purchased most of the needed elements (cabinets, flooring, appliances) and demolition is underway. During the next week we will complete demolition, install new electrical (with the help of Brother Mike "Sparks" everhardt), and put in the new floor. Stay tuned because this bitch might burn down.

A couple of weekends were needed to put the cabinets together. Our new kitchen will have 15 of them -- 8 more than the old one.


Whoever built those sons of bitches back in 1951 built them to last. They didn't come down easy, but after some heavy swings they came the fuck down. That's what happens when you get angry at things.


Tanya planning and working.

MBI -- part 8; the movie review

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Tue Nov 27 10:30:24 2007
Subject: ?

Are you back in AZ?

From: MB
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:33 AM
To: E
Subject: Re: ?

Yep.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Tue Nov 27 10:43:18 2007
Subject: RE: ?

How was NY? Did you barf on the way?

From: MB
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:46 AM
To: E
Subject: Re: ?

No, I felt like I was going to but didn't. NY was good. Had me some fun. I think I am still hung over from the holiday weekend.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Tue Nov 27 10:49:10 2007
Subject: RE: ?

Did you go to Atlantic City or Manhattan?

From: MB
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 10:51 AM
To: E
Subject: Re: ?

Not enough time. How was your holiday?

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Tue Nov 27 10:57:13 2007
Subject: RE: ?

Good. Ate a lot, but not too much. We saw No Country for Old Men – very good.

From: MB
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 11:00 AM
To: E
Subject: Re: ?

I was thinking about seeing that movie while I was here. I like the Cohn brothers.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Tue Nov 27 11:28:43 2007
Subject: RE: ?

Yeah, you’ll like it.

__________________________________________

editor's note: the next day


From: MB
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 10:38 AM
To: E
Subject: Re: ?

That movie was fantastic.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Wed Nov 28 10:45:25 2007
Subject: RE: ?

I’d like to see it again. I didn’t like the woman who played Brolin’s wife’s mom – reminded me of an SNL character. But it was pretty much perfect.

If I planned on becoming a psychopathic, serial murderer, I would want to be just like Anton Chiguer.

From: MB
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 10:50 AM
To: E
Subject: Re: ?

I was thinking the exact same thing. At first I thought it was "strangers with candy" lady. She did look awfully familiar. Anton Sugar was great. So was Josh Brolins character.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Wed Nov 28 10:53:45 2007
Subject: RE: ?

I’ve never been a fan of tommy lee jones, but he was great in this movie. I give it an A+.

From: MB
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 10:57 AM
To: E
Subject: Re: ?

It was damn good. I do want to see it again too. I want to hear TLJ's speech at the end again. I zoned out a little. I did not expect it to end there.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Wed Nov 28 10:59:06 2007
Subject: RE: ?

Yeah, a lady sitting next to me whispered “sequel” to her husband when it ended. What a dik.

From: MB
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 11:03 AM
To: E
Subject: Re: ?

Someone in the theater said "what happened to the money?". I just want more Anton. He was an amazing villan.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Wed Nov 28 11:06:18 2007
Subject: RE: ?

Yeah, he was great.

Happy Turki-day...

from e.'s blog.

MBI -- part 7

Biggs to Attend AFL Championship Game; Root for Desert Dogs

From: MB
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 12:33 PM
To: E (GPMS)
Subject: The Official Site of Major League Baseball News Major League Baseball News

I'm going.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Fri Nov 16 14:32:39 2007
Subject: RE: The Official Site of Major League Baseball News Major League Baseball News

I'm rooting for the Desert Dogs.

From: MB
Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 2:34 PM
To: E
Subject: Re: The Official Site of Major League Baseball News Major League Baseball News

I will too.

UPDATE:
Big Wheel was one of 1,433 fans to see the Desert Dogs defeat the Rafters 7-2 on Saturday.
Come back soon for photos and video from Big Wheel's trip, including a photo of GREMS.

MBI -- part 6

From: MB
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 9:22 AM
To: E
Subject:

Sat next to Bobby Cox at the game last night. Roger McDowell too. Got Bobby's autograph.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Tue Nov 13 09:23:48 2007
Subject: RE:

That is sweet. He’s a legend.

From: MB
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 9:27 AM
To: E
Subject: Re:

Took me a while to figure it out. About 7 innings.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Tue Nov 13 09:30:47 2007
Subject: RE:

Did you and Grems have a good time at the game? How’s wookie?

From: MB
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 9:40 AM
To: E
Subject: Re:

Game sucked. Seats were good. Wookie and Alison are doing real good. They give everyone their best.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Tue Nov 13 10:06:01 2007
Subject: RE:

So you’re going to the championship game on the 17th. When are you coming back to RO?

From: MB
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 10:07 AM
To: E
Subject: Re:

The 18th.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Tue Nov 13 10:26:00 2007
Subject: RE:

I want to see pictures.

From: MB
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 10:31 AM
To: E
Subject: Re:

You have to wait until I get back.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Tue Nov 13 10:32:43 2007
Subject: RE:

Maybe you should enter the 21st century and send them from there.

From: MB
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 10:37 AM
To: E
Subject: Re:

I don't have the software. Unless you know of a way to download these pictures, you're goung to have to be a little more patient.

From: E
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 10:42 AM
To: MB
Subject: RE:

It’s not that I am impatient -- this is just very disappointing to my blog reader. I know he would like to see a photo or two.

I might have to photoshop something.

Tiger Stadium Seats

These arrived today in a big, heavy box. They'll sit in my garage until I figure out where to put them. One suggestion is to bolt them to my front porch.





They are absolutely filthy.





I'm hoping that maybe Storch will come over and help me move them to the lawn for a cleaning.







As a bonus I have posted a picture of Higgy enjoying the action during the 2006 ALCS in the Gordon Parks's Random Photo section.

MBI -- part 5

From: MB
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 3:41 PM
To: E
Subject: Re: hey

Is matt tuaisopo the same one that was the qb at university of washington or something like that.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Fri Nov 09 15:45:22 2007
Subject: RE: hey

Matthew Tuiasosopo... resides in Woodinville, WA... attended Woodinville High... signing bonus of $2.3 million was a record for a third rounder... signed a letter of intent with the University of Washington to play football, but chose to sign with the Mariners after being drafted... batted .394 with 14 RBI in 23 games during his senior year in high school... oldest brother, Marques Tuiasosopo, played quarterback for the UW and now plays for the Oakland Raiders; middle brother, Zach, currently plays fullback for the UW Husky football team; dad, Manu, played football at UCLA and starred in the National Football League; sister, Leslie, played volleyball at the UW.

From: MB
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 3:47 PM
To: E
Subject: Re: hey

Quite the family. He is playing today.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Fri Nov 09 15:51:06 2007
Subject: RE: hey

Kind of reminds me of your family.

From: MB
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 3:53 PM
To: E
Subject: Re: hey

Yes it does.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Fri Nov 09 15:56:34 2007
Subject: RE: hey

When does Grems get in?

From: MB
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 3:57 PM
To: E
Subject: Re: hey

7:30.

From: E
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 4:22 PM
To: MB
Subject: RE: hey

And the first order of business will be… let me guess… 69?

Have fun, brah! Keep me updated and get me Maybin’s autograph if you can.

MBI -- part 4 -- UPDATE

A very excited Big Wheel just called me. Seems that he just got Cameron Maybin's autograph on a baseball card.

Big Wheel did not bring his two baseballs (feff bought a baseball and gave it to Big Wheel) to be signed because he didn't expect Maybin to be there.

Big Wheel said he was very nervous when he saw Maybin. But he called Maybin over and asked him how his arm is feeling (he said he's feeling great and expects to play today) and if he would sign a baseball card. Big Wheel said that Maybin is very nice.

UPDATE:
From: MB
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 3:28 PM
To: E
Subject: Re: hey

Just got a foul ball waiting in line for a beer!

From: E
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 3:30 PM
To: MB
Subject: RE: hey

Storch called and told me. Now get me an autograph!

MBI -- part 3

From: ETo: MB
Sent: Wed Nov 07 09:25:46 2007
Subject: hey

So is Grems coming out for the lions game?

From: MB
To: E
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 9:39 AM
Subject: Re: hey

Yes.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Wed Nov 07 09:47:15 2007
Subject: RE: hey

Nice. I hope someone steps on Kurt Warner’s neck. I hate that bastard.
And have you been to more ballgames / going to more? What souvenirs will you return with?

From: MB
To: E
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 10:45 AM
Subject: Re: hey

I have been to two. I was going to go last night, but I was too tired. I am probably going to go tomorrow during the day and maybe Saturday. The chapionship game is on the 17th. I will be going to that too. What do you want kind of souvenirs do you want? I've go a fall ball t-shirt so far.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Wed Nov 07 11:05:12 2007
Subject: RE: hey

I like t-shirts, pennants, decals, cushions, flags, magnets, mugs, posters, mini-helmets, media guides, autographs, patches, jerseys, stickers, banners, balls, sweatshirts, badges, hats, belt buckles, buttons, tote bags, and other trinkets.

From: MB
To: E
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 11:09 AM
Subject: Re: hey

I think I understand now.

MBI -- part 2

From: MB
To: E
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: Zumaya

I'm going to be in a suite for the Lions game on the 11th against AZ.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Fri Nov 02 17:17:59 2007
Subject: RE: Zumaya

Are you going to the ball game tonight?

From: MB
To: E
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2007 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: Zumaya

Yep. I might get modelski to go with me.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Fri Nov 02 17:17:59 2007
Subject: RE: Zumaya

Cool. Get me Matt Macri's autograph.

The MB Interview -- part 1

As some of you may know, our friend Big Wheel is in Arizona for work. Matt has agreed, as a service to my reader(s) and his fans, to let me post our e-mail correspondence. There won't be a set schedule for these interviews, but I'll try to post something from time to time.

Here is part 1:

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Thu Nov 01 12:22:38 2007
Subject: what up.

See any games yet?

From today's Free Press:NOTEBOOK: Tigers prospect Cameron Maybin has not played in more than aweek because of a slight left shoulder strain, and it's not knownwhether he will play again in the Arizona Fall League. An MRI examrevealed that he won't need surgery. ...

From: MB
To: E
Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2007 12:28 PM
Subject: Re: what up.

No, not yet. The first game I could possibly see is tomorrow in Phoenix @ 7:05. I am probably going to that one. Drilling is slow and I will probably be here until Thanksgiving and then come back after.

From: E
To: MB
Sent: Thu Nov 01 12:41:42 2007
Subject: RE: what up.

Good luck, champ.

From: MB
To: E
Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2007 12:56 PM
Subject: Re: what up.

Thanks brah.

Flashback -- Halloween 2005

Hi. As a special halloween treat, I'm digging out old photos and never before seen video of Ronald McDonald getting down to Michael Jackson.

Cool.

That guy from the O.C.

Bum and scissorhand.

I am loving it.

Remember when that asshole, Jaromir Jagr, fell in the garden? What a dik.

Slow-motion in the middle.

Halloween 2007

Hi. Tanya (Wonder Woman) and I (Boy Scout of America) went to the Blood Bath City Hallow's ween party with some family (jeff) and friends Friday night. The storch's were dirty old men; kathleen was a nurse; fatterson was the diaper-wearing astronaut. Thanks to johnny (Shrinkin' Lincoln) and alison (road kill). Take a look at photos and the Ghouls (the GO) video below.

The GO can rock pretty hard.

Dr. Jimmy Smits

Hi. Today I've posted images from the Dr. Lonnie Smith show back in April. The show was at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in the City of Detroit. We enjoyed pre-show tall-boys outside of the club and chuckled at the official Baker's Keyboard Lounge van. Dr. Smith is definitely a musician you want to see live. Don't miss him if he's in a city near you.

Salem Aleykum.





Dr. Smith and his trio.


*Coming Soon:
- a video montage dedicated to summer 2007
- meet the new neighbor

Chicago Trip

Hi. Posted here are pictures and video from our trip to Chicago.



How many bars did we go to the night before the game? Six, seven, eight?




Kind of a strange end to a strange night.

I liked the stadium. Good views from the seats and wide concourses for the big-bodied. Oh, hey... Bol, while you're up, get me a soft pretzel. Bol! Guess he didn't hear me.


Have you heard the new Kid Rock song, So Hott? Neither have I.



Did you hear the story about how Curtis Granderson banged a chick in the O'Toole's bathroom? I'm talkin' ropes!


Here's the final out of the game. Thanks for the memories, Grilli!

Anyhoo, I had a real nice time!


Random video from the last bar the night before the game; Magglio doubles from the 500 section; Magglio singles in a run from the 100 section; Magglio intentional walk; Hanson; Magglio's final hit of 2007; a Fifth of Beethoven.

NYC Celebrity Revealed! Frank Whaley!

THAT'S RIGHT! IT WAS FRANK WHALEY! STAR OF SUCH FILMS AS 1989's "BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY" WITH TOM CRUISE, AND 1991's "CAREER OPPORTUNITIES" WITH JENNIFER CONNELLY, HE CAN NOW BE SEEN IN THE MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE "RUFFIAN" ON ESPN.


SUCK IT, WHALEY!

While Supplies Last

You won't be allowed to sit in mine, so get your Tiger Stadium seats here: http://schneiderind.com/tigerstadiumsale/seatsale.htm


And go here to bid on other items from the stadium: www.bidspotter.com/forms/event.php?event=4716











The bid is up to $800 for the dugout urinal.











My $30 bid for this sign was quickly overmatched.

Brick in the Mirror

A very beautiful picture was posted today on brickmyers.com. However, this viewer took a double take and upon careful inspection and analysis was horrified to see Ron Myers in the reflection of a mirror.

Here is proof.

Magnified by 800%.

May God have mercy on us all.

NYC Post I

Tanya's self-portait is ruined on the Brooklyn Bridge.


Celebrity sighting: International Superstar.



And here you will see the limited amount of video I took during the Tigers-Yankees game at Yankee Stadium. Starting with some unexpected video taken during our wait in line to see monument park; then to the Brandon Inge rundown; Sheff's at-bat (making the final out of the game); and finally, Matt's impression of the Yankee's legendary stadium announcer Bob Sheppard. (Bob -- time to put away the mic. We can't understand you.)

OTHER:
I now know the name of the celebrity I saw. Tanya and I were across the street from the Chelsea Hotel when I saw his jon cryer-like face shuffling toward me. Only I saw him; Tanya was looking somewhere else. Anyway, I was flipping through the channels about a week ago and saw him on a recently made, made-for-TV movie about a horse. (And I was right in my gut-feeling that he's been in John Hughes films.) I will reveal his identity at a later date.

Sniff my Tannins

Bagwell.

Reader's Poll!!!

5150?



OR

OU812?

From Higgins Lake...

A new nickname for Terski: Make-A-Wish.

Oh, Hi!

Featured here are a few pictures and sweet video montage from our charter fishing trip on Lake Michigan.



Where's your dad? Mine's was on the Old Grin, motoring three miles out from shore.

One of the three fish Hacksaw caught.



I got sea-sick.

Mike hooked our First Mate Randy in the chesticle, but only his pride was punctured. We came back with seven mighty (and tasty) salmon -- all will be grilled and consumed. The next time you get a hankerin' for some spankerin' visit Captain Denny and First Mate Randy on the Old Grin.