Phonte writes his truth on Micheal Jackson's memory

Obviously we’re all aware that Micheal Jackson is no longer with us. I’ve always had mixed feelings about the guy and his freaky, alien-like, over-modified face — but Phonte has made me rethink a few of my opinions. This is one of the most succinct and well put thoughts that I’ve heard since last Thursday. Read on and see if you don’t agree:

My Hero Ain’t Molest Them Bitch Ass Kids:

Phonte’s teary-eyed tribute to The King

I haven’t been compelled to blog in a long time.

In an era where everybody is twittering and text-messaging their lives away, a well-thought out essay that extends past 140 characters is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

But when our universe lost its brightest star on June 25, 2009, I felt a deep, overwhelming sadness that I haven’t experienced in many years and I felt moved to say….something.

My hero, Michael Joseph Jackson, is dead. read more »

Summer Brewfest

Ed and I tagged along with Betsy to the Brewfest at Midway Stadium. There were hundreds of tasty beers to sample. :) Afterwards, we went to a secret neighborhood pub built above a garage. Fantastic!

The boys play a little afternoon game

See what happens when I leave the boys home alone?

- click to enlarge -

RIAA screws Brainerd woman's life

We’ve all heard of the Brainerd, Minnesota woman whom recently lost her second mp3 downloading case against the RIAA. The jury decided she should pay 1.92 million dollars this time. That’s ridiculous.

Obviously this midwestern mother will never create such wealth in her lifetime. After garnering her checks for some measly amount, she’ll eventually file for bankruptcy and no one will get anything. And then her credit will be fucked, (maybe it already is).

Stupid RIAA is a dinosaur about to become extinct — I guess it’s expected that they’ll go down biting and fighting.

Out in St. Paul

We headed over to St. Paul with Bubba for the Jazz Festival and started the evening at Ann’s. Afterwards we stopped in at Barrio, Innuendo, and The Bulldog. Quite a night!

Meredith's Return Party

Meredith has returned from South Korea, so she and Phister had people over for a party. Afterwards most of us headed to the Otter Stop Inn to end the night.

Spamfest Cookout

Bertine and Zach hosted a Spam cookout complete with gourmet Spam. We enjoyed Spam burgers, Spam kabobs, Spam loaf, and Spam cake. Even Sid and Bubba ate their share of Spam.

Toni's Backyard Party

Toni had a little summer soirée in her backyard, so we headed over with the dogs and enjoyed some fireside chat and a bit of Rockband.

Moving on long after the battle

Kevin had his final battery of tests and assessments at Children’s last week. The beasties remain conquered in their remission prison. The cardiac tests revealed slight deterioration with the valves since the last tests, but no cause for worry at this point. The pulmonary tests showed inflammation and areas of mucus pockets plugging the airways — common occurrence with his restrictive lung disease from the radiation scarring — so he was started on an antibiotic to help clear it up. The chronic cough he has had ever since home from SJU is starting to subside somewhat.

Saying good-by to everyone at Children’s was like saying good-by to family. They were so instrumental in making this CA journey over the past 4 years endurable. Their supportive and positive outlooks and pleasant attitudes have brightened many dark days. Now the baton will be passed to Abbott. The follow-up tests/scans will continue every 6 months for a time, but since the beasties are in submission, this will be the final chapter of the journal updates.

Kevin is getting on with his life — with his senior year coming up at SJU. He is busy this summer with working and volunteering. He’ll be leaving soon for about a month in Montana attending Camp-Make-A-Dream first at a camper, then as a volunteer for the teen camp. He will also be volunteering at another cancer camp — Camp Jordain — later this summer. Life is back to normal — as it should be!

Spring Kickball

Our team, “Second Base”, lost all 6 league games, but we did win 2 out of 3 playoff games. After such hard work, we head off to our sponsor, Liqour Lyle’s, for some much needed refreshment. Onward to Summer League!