Camera Love

So, nothing exciting this week. A lot of court, yet again. I did get one full day in the office though, which was nice.

So, I noticed on our Indy trip that the lens on my camera (my Tamron 28-300mm IS) was sticking some, but I thought it was maybe the really cold weather. Turns out, it was breaking. I tried to use it yesterday, and the lens is stuck where it will not extend any further than 70mm). So, I went online to research a new one, as I have not been overly thrilled with thee Tamron anyway. I had a Sigma prior to this Tamron, and even though it did not have IS, I liked it better than the Tamron. So, while searching the Canon 50d kept popping up. AND, Canon has an amazing rebate deal going on right now. And, a lot of sites had deals if you bought the camera and a lens. So, even though I don't necessarily need it, I bought the 50d and a Canon 70-300mm IS lens. So excited for it to get here. Going to give my Mom the Rebel, as she really likes it. I will give her the kit lens as well, since I have never used it once. I have had the Rebel almost 4 years, so I don't feel too guilty about buying the new one, and we all know it will get a lot of good use. ;). I think I take more pics on one vacation than most people take in thier lives, haha.

had a pretty relaxing weekend. Spent time with Kurty, and we went with Kory Saturday morning for him to pick up his new (used) car. I think he was kinda sad to turn his truck in, but he needed something more gas friendly for law school. And, his truck had almost 200,000 miles on it, crazy!

Went outside for a couple minutes today before it started storming to take a couple pics of spring flowers and trees in our yard with my macro lens. Click here to see them. I love Spring and color coming back into my MI world!

Two shirts I ordered came in the mail this week. One says "Pugs not Drugs" (which I wore to dinner on Friday night and LOVE), and the other says "Lawyers are Cool" (in black) and has a little rainbow on it, which I plan on wearing to work on a day when I don't have court. Which never seems to happen these days.


**My new goal is to get pics of me and the pugs/kitty. Which is difficult when taking the pics yourself. The pugs generally want to kiss me, and have no interest in looking at the camera. This is me and gretel olivia. our little princess. Her shirt says "Love Being a Princess".

Cleaned the house some today, but nowhere near as much as I needed to. Oh well. I need rest too and sometimes doing nothing is needed (especially since this is going to be a crazy busy week). Prob will not have much time to post this week as my Mom will be in town, I have Board stuff and work is crazy busy as well. Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Not Enough Hours

Haven't blogged in a while, let me see if I can recap some in the last week events in our household......

Another crazy busy week last week. I was in court almost daily, which is rare for me. Kurt is in court almost every day, but I try to stay at the office as much as possible so the phone calls and paperwork don't pile up, but this week, that was not possible. Being in court this week was interesting though, saw some hearings where I could just not believe some of my colleagues behavior--yelling, interrupting, arguing with the Judge. I was kinda appalled really. There must have been something in the air........

Tuesday, I saw a show called Spring Awakening at the Fisher Theatre. WEIRD show. The singing and music were awesome, but it was one of those shows that had a lot going on, and I really could not tell you in less than a couple paragraphs what was going on. There were a lot of different story lines and characters, but i liked it. It was really eccentric, kinda like Rent (if you have seen that). Had dinner beforehand with Auntie at The Regis' restaurant and had a really good salmon meal. Auntie had a steak that she said was the best she has had in a while, so good meal! :).

Kory got into law school! He got his first acceptance letter on Friday, and he was so psyched. He's still waiting on hearing from two other schools though, before making a final decision. Kurt is really, really hoping he gets into U of Toledo, as Cooley (which is Kurt'a alma mater) is really tough, and Kurt does not want Kory to have to go through the hell he went through there. So, fingers crossed. Kory is also moving out soon, him and his cousin Britton are renting a place together in Ferndale beginning 06/01. Britton starts his residency soon at Oakwood in Detroit, and is moving off campus. So weird, Kory has lived with us for 5 years now. I did not even realize it had been that long. It will be nice for him to be on his own for really the first time ever! Hopefully, the two of them live well together, and Britton is not a bad influence on Kory with the partying/drinking and stuff, LOL. Went to dinner Friday night to celebrate Kory's law school acceptance.

Sunday, Kurt and I went and saw Elton John at the Huntington Arena in Toledo, OH. It was an awesome show, thanks to my friend, Jeff, who got me access to our amazing seats. He has season tickets there, and gets first access to concerts, and he could not make this show so allowed me to buy his seats. which were in ROW FOUR next to the stage. Closest I have ever been at an Elton concert (this was the third time we have seen him live). Awesome show, gorgeous arena. Loved every second. Except the food. Food was lame there, so I had a pretzel, which was good, but you cant really screw up a soft pretzel. I think. LOL.

Worked some on Sunday as well, then went to NY and Co cuz I had a great coupon. Ended up getting a pair of jeans, three basic t-shirts in black, turquoise and cobalt blue (can't find pics online), a cute shirt to wear under suits at work (in grey), a black shirt that is kinda different, which I wore to the concert on Sunday under a black jacket, a blue neckace, and a really unique pearl necklace, which of course i cannot find online to show you. Had a coupon for $60 off $125, plus i got 5% more off for being a card holder AND most of the stuff I bought was already on sale. Deals make me super happy.

MY NEW PURSE CAME TODAY and it is amazingly gorgeous. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I am so glad I like it as much in person, as you never know and I am super picky about handbags. Literally, perfect size, unique style, will match everything. I switched everything over from my other baby, my Cole Haan, and am storing that to carry again someday.

Actually got to watch Glee today on TV, when it aired. First time ever! :).

Happy 28th bday, Stacey! :). Went to lunch to celebrate her bday today.

So, nothing overly exciting to report, but am glad things are calming down some at work. Insanely busy season is ending, which I am happy about as I am exhausted......

How Much......

can one do in a Sunday? A lot when you are me and have the energy for some reason! :).

Normally, Kurt and I, when we have the chance, which is rare, love to sit around the house and not do much on Sunday. For some reason, we were feeling motivated today.

We started off the day by heading into Monroe to go to Lowe's and to three furniture store. I want to get new great room furniture, but I am really particular about the things such furniture must have, and I never can find it. Did not find it again, but we bought two lights at Lowe's so I could replace the great room hallway lights. As I have said on here before, the previous owner of this house had cheap and horrible taste in lighting fixtures and I have been slowly replacing them all. Kurt hung both of them and they look awesome. While he was doing that, I moved all the great room furniture and swept and mopped in there, and did some laundry, picked some stuff up around the house.......We then went back out to Lowe's to buy lights for another hallway in the house, but have to return them because they are not the right type, boo. On the box, they looked flush to the ceiling, but they are not, and I need that type. I put in the new desktop computer I bought, and was going to hook up the Slingbox we bought for Kurt, but realized we need another part for it that we did not buy. Stopped at Tractor Supply to pick up bird food as well. Nonstop running all day, but I was glad to get some things done before the work week starts. Oh, and Kurt hung a new light in my bedroom as well. We bought two a while back, and had to return one that was broken in the box, so one of the new ones has been up for a while, and the other in a box on the floor. Finally up! yay!

Hope everyone had a nice weekend! :).

Busy

I really should post more, because I forget everything by the time I post. Work and everything else has been really busy.

I had a board committee meeting on Monday night after work, another board committee meeting that went forEVER on Tuesday night. Had to work late on Wednesday night by myself, since Kurt was home planting trees that afternoon. Thursday and Friday we did not work late which was nice.

So, my exciting event of the week was booking pretty much all of our Memorial Day trip, otherwise known as our "Annual Lori Bday Trip". Kory is excited too since we are taking him with us as his bday present this year. We are doing something kinda different this trip. We are renting a house on the beach in Costa Rica; Puerto Viejo to be exact. It's on the Caribbean coast and an area of the country we have not yet been to (which is weird since this is our 4th trip to the country). The house is on a black sand beach, which is my fav kinda beach (there was one in Hawaii that was prob the most gorgeous beach I have ever seen). It is actually cheaper to rent this house than a lot of the hotels are, and we get free access to one of the local lodges who owns this house. Anyway, it will be kewl because we can cook our own food or go out, and are not tied to eating what they serve at the places. Plus, we have a lot more privacy and don't have to worry about socializing and the like, which Kurt hates about staying at smaller lodges like the ones in Central America. I then rented an SUV (needed in Costa Rica for some of the roads). We are driving from San Jose, and it is about 4 hours. We will just book stuff to do when we get there, but there is a sloth sanctuary I really want to go to, and a kewl canoe trip on a local river where you can see a ton of animals and birds. I cannot wait to simply relax for a few days. This area really looks gorgeous and laid back. Kurt has contacted a couple of realtors as well, and we may go look at some land while we are there, if we like the area.

Had lunch with my friend, Hollie, today, and I am so proud of her. She started her own side business doing medical billing, and it has really taken off to the point where she may be quitting her job and doing her own business full-time. She wants to rent some office space, so I am trying to talk her into renting part of the suite across the hall from us so I can see her more often. I know, I am selfish. haha. Anyway, I hope it keeps doing well for her, but I have no doubt it will.

After lunch, i stopped at the mall at Macy's, to look for that elusive Nine West suit I want to try on. Yea, did not find it again. Tried on a few suits and did not love anything. Walked around the rest of the mall and did not see anything exciting, so I drove home. Took a nap, then did dinner with Kurty.

Hope everyone is having a really nice weekend!

#1

I was reading on Mlive today and ran across this article while searching under Kurt's name.

Click here to read. Apparently, our story was the most read story on their site in 2009. Crazy.

Lazy Saturday

First weekend day where I was at home in a while (meaning not working or out of town). It was really nice to do whatever I wanted. First, I slept in! Whoot! Then, had an appointment at David Broadway's in Toledo for brows, highlights, and cut. Love that place. Had her add in some extra blonde for summer. :). My colorist is awesome, she does a partial highlight/lowlight, which basically equates to me only having to go in every 3-4 months, and my hair never looks unnatural.

After there, I headed to the mall in Toledo. I was on a mission to find this suit to try on i saw online. Alas, they do not carry it in the store. BOOO. I refuse to pay the shipping Dillard's wants online for it. Maybe if they get free shipping at some point. Anyway walked around the mall some, since I am never at that mall, and found a Sephora I did not know was there. Needless to say, I spent a bunch of money I did not need to, but, whatever. Beauty products do not go to waste in this house! :). Here is what I got:

**in tender rose.
**in Nude.
**half off, whoot!

**shower gel in Cake Batter (half off, whoot)

**in Forever. For a lip gloss, this seems to be longer lasting than others thus far.
**in petal pink. The applicator on this is to DIE for. Love Dior products.

Oh, and Mindy? All purchases above are YOUR fault, as the reason I went into Sephora was to look at Laura Mercier, per your suggestion, and I somehow ended up with all of the above.

Had dinner out tonight with Kurty, and we are now chilling at home. Still trying to make a decision on my birthday trip for this year. I was really leaning towards Guatemala, but I may be starting to lean towards an area in Costa Rica called Puerto Viejo, which is on the Caribbean side. We have not been there yet, and it looks nice. So, we will see. Back to researching.......

Weird Michigan Weather

Yesterday, i wore a Spring skirt, with no nylons, a short sleeved shirt, and peep toe heels to work.

Today, I wore a long sleeved dress, nylons, and suede heels with a blazer.

The weather in Michigan is so weird in Spring. So odd.

Work was crazy busy today, and the second half of the day was exhausting for me. I was up late watching the Tigers lose (booooooo) and realized I should have gotten more sleep about half way through the day. Whoops! :).

Yummy recipe of the week, got it at Kroger's:

1 TBP Soy Sauce
1 TBP Sugar
1 TSP Ginger
1 TSP Garlic
1/8 TSP Salt
1/8 TSP Pepper

Mix the above, then spread on meat (I used it for ahi tuna and fish tacos).

Super easy, and VERY tasty. The above recipe is for a pound of meat.

Off to bed! :).

Kansas City Trip Report

So, as most of you already know, Kurt and I went to baseball opening day in Kansas City, MO, this past weekend, from Friday night until late Tuesday afternoon. It was also our first flight post-253, and we were both pretty nervous about it. I really tried not to be, because I knew Kurt was freaked, but as I was stepping onto the plane to board, I had to take a deep breath before moving forward....Also, both times the pilot announced "flight atttendants take your seats to prepare for landing", I got REALLY nervous (since right then is when terrorist boy tried to started the fire trying to ignite the bomb). We survived (obviously), and I think I am ready to try flying further next time. Kurt had to take sleeping pills for botb flights, but he made it through much better than I expected.

Anyway, our flight there was fine, a little bit of turbulence, but nothing major. got there, got our luggage and took the shuttle to our rental car with Thrifty. Nobody in line, so we got the car right away, a Ford Fusion. Drove to the hotel, the Westin, in downtown Kansas City. Parked, checked in, then grabbed a snack at the hotel restaurant and crashed.

Got up on Saturday and headed to have massages i set up in advance at Solaris Massage. After that, headed to the Negro Baseball League Museum, which was really interesting and had some very kewl stuff to look at. Bought a kewl hoodie there. Went next and walked around this kewl outdoor shopping area called the Country Club District. Kurt bought some kewl sunglasses (since he somehow lost his old ones while setting up the new offices)

and I bought two shirts on sale at Ann Taylor Loft.


I got to go into a Cole Haan store (I have never been in the actual store, only shopped it online), which could have been dangerous, but ended up being OK, haha. The girl there complimented my purse, LOL....Always find it amusing when the people that work at those stores can pick out, from a mile away, one of their products. Especially since Cole Haan bags are not obvious, dont have logos and stuff all over them. Had dinner that night at a sushi place near our hotel called Kabuki.

Sunday, woke up, and since it was Easter, decided to be really lazy. We went and drove to see the Royals stadium. It was open, so we decided to try and get in to see it before the game on Monday. Walked right in! We went out into the seats and we were like the only ones out there, which was pretty kewl!!!

After that, headed to Country Club District to try and find a place for Easter dinner, and ended up at The Cheesecake Factory. Had lunch, then relaxed a bit in the room, then headed to Harrah's to play some poker. Played there a couple hours, where one of the dealers was really rude to us and told us to "Go back to detroit" (NO idea what his issue was at all, we did NOTHING to him, I think he had some issue with us being from out of town or something, the place was mostly locals), then headed to this kewl bar called 810 to watch the Red Sox/Yankees game and were thilled to see the Yanks lose.

Monday! Game day! Started out the day with massages (yea, it seems like we get these a lot, but since Kurt only gets them on vacation, he makes me get a LOT Of them while n vacay), and did a little shopping in an area called Zona Rosa. the Dillard's there is crazy huge, if Kurt had not been with me, I could have shopped a lot going through clearance racks........Had lunch, then headed to the game! Our seats were incredible. Right behind home plate (Section 125 Row R Seats 7-8). The game weather was perfect in the mid-70s. Fans were super nice. Game was awesome, close, and we won. Could not have asked for a more perfect afternoon. After that, played some poker at another casino, Ameristar. Watched the NCAA final game there as well, then headed to dinner and back to the hotel.

Tuesday, last day, boo. Packed up the room and headed to massages Kurt had booked. Best one we had of the trip. Then had a quick lunch and headed out for some antique shopping. They had some awesome stores in an area called Westport. I totally could have bought a lot at these stores, but since we were flying, I had no way of getting this stuff to the house! Awesome pieces of furniture in some of the places though. Why don't we have places like this in MI? Headed to the airport and home.

In non-Loriness, I took almost no pics. I was enjoying relaxing and did not feel like toting my camera everywhere, so I just took a couple shots with my iPhone and called it a day. Which is OK! I have the memories in my head, which are the most important ones. I am sure I will go crazy with pics on our next trip, LOL.

Anyway, hope everyone had a nice Easter and holiday.

Cute

I was asked by a friend of mine who is doing student teaching to speak at her elementary classroom this Thursday about being a lawyer, and my Uganda trip. Should be fun. Love little kids, and I have never spoken in an elementary school before! :).

Ordered myself a new black purse yesterday--I love my current Cole Haan, but it is green and does not match with everything, so I want a black purse to go with other stuff. Got a great deal on a Tahari purse on Ideeli (my fav site), and can't wait for it to get here.

Also ordered two new work dresses that I got amazing deals on a couple weeks ago by Calvin Klein, but we will see how they fit whe they get here. Clothes are hard for me to do by ordering online.



Stacey was at a trial in a bad part of Detroit yesterday, where we can only park on the street. No lots or public lot at the court. Her back window got smashed in by a brick and everything from inside stolen (including her beloved Garmin GPS). She reported it, and the guy in the court told her "Oh, this happens every day and we dont have the manpower to patrol around here". Nice. I ordered her a new GPS because I felt bad, so hopefully, it will make her feel slightly better.

Anyway, since this is day 16 in a row of working, I am really looking forward to getting the heck out of here on Friday night! Back to work......

Sick of Work

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Today, at the office, I actually saw parts of my desk that I have not seen in forever. :).

The downside? Half way through the day, my stomach started hurting really badly and it is still hurting. went out to dinner for my Dad's bday, and I could not even eat anything, which sucked. I did order something, and bring it home, so I will eat it tomorrow for dinner if I feel better. I really think I am just overworked and my body is not reacting well today. We have not taken an entire day off in over 2 weeks. Bah.

But, we leave on Friday night for Kansas City, so I do get a little bit of time for myself to celebrate baseball opening day and Easter! :).

Stopped at the book store on Saturday after work and bought some new travel books. Kurt wanted a new one on Costa Rica, and found a Frommer's 2010. I also bought books on Indonesia and Malaysia/singapore. Trying to research our December trip for this year, which I like to book far in advance. I think the top contenders are Sumatra (Indonesia), Brazil (the Amazon), and Australia (and New Zealand). It will all depend on where I can find the kewlest trip at the best price. And who knows, other places might pop up as well. I change my mind frequently with these trips. Travel books are really dangerous, LOL.

Looking forward to the weather warming up here on Tuesday! Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Exhaustion

Got home from work today, and proceeded to fall asleep, sitting up, on the couch, for like 2 hours. I guess I am tired? :).

Today was yet again, another crazy busy day. Got to work, headed straight to court. Had three hearings and some various filing to do. Got done with that stuff, headed back to office to open and distribute mail, return a couple phone calls, then headed to mediation on a divorce case. Was there the rest of the afternoon, settled the case, headed back to the office to file a couple docs online that were due, then headed home. Mediations EXHAUST me, as they are a lot of waiting, going back and forth, and just take a lot out of me. Glad I don't have to do them very often, but was glad to get things done for this client. He is a very nice guy, and I really wanted to get things done for him today.

Went to dinner with Kurt, but brought most of it home. I think I was just too tired to eat much.

Watching the Michigan State game now, and relaxing. Will work at least one day this weekend, possibly two.

Hope everyone had a nice Friday!

Broken Alarm Clock

So, today, I got up at 837 AM. Which is a prob, since i was scheduled to be in court at 900 AM. Called Stacey to cover my 900 AM hearings, but got to court right in time for the 1000 AM hearing! :). Seriously though, why did the alarm clock not go off? Annoying! I guess I needed the sleep. Kurt always wakes up pretty early, so I have no idea how we both slept in so long.

Tomorrow's court is pretty crazy busy. Kurt and I have three hearings each at family court, and Stacey has a bankruptcy hearing. Jessica is off. So, we are running around a lot tomorrow. I cannot wait until the weekend until....OH WAIT! I am working this weekend too. Boy, I do not like February-April. The months of insanity.

I am so ready for a few days away from the office. And, I need a massage. This week has been horrible for headaches, one night, I got a full migraine and the two nights since i have had smaller headaches kinda in the back of my head. I should not have to take Excedrin daily. Ugh.

Diet Ruby Red Squirt rocks. (that was random, I just felt like saying it).

Sorry nothing more exciting, but such is life right now! :). My sister is in Vegas right now, and I am really happy she is on vacay with her hubby. I hope she is having an amazing time.

Interesting Story

So, I was in court today for several hearings and was wondering why Channel Four News was in the courtroom taping. Figured out that it was because of a case of two gay women who broke up, have kids together (one is not the biological parent) and now the nonbiological parent wants custody and parenting time. Of course, Michigan does not recognize gay marriage, gay adopion, gay ANYTHING, etc., so there really is no legal standing or case law to discuss this, which is why I think the Judge will throw out their case due to no legal standing. Who knows though. Either way, i am sure the case will be appealed to the court of appeals and I am *hoping* that MI makes some changes, but I am not really hopeful. The hearing was adjourned. Don't know the reason why, as I was in another courtroom doing a hearing on another controversial area, grandparents rights.

Anyway, click here to read the article.

Today was busy, as usual. We stopped after work to pick up Kurt's new suit I got him half off in Monroe. Love supporting local businesses. I got a package from Sephora the other day with a couple necessities. Got this new lip gloss on clearance by Cargo that I love! And decided to try a new mascara and ended up loving it, by Make-Up Forever.

Anyway, off to bed!

Busy Updates

In the past couple weeks, I have started posts, and not finished, as there is really nothing interesting going on. Boo. Work has been insanely busy, so I have had to focus on that and less on the fun stuff I want to do.

I am very much looking forward to a short trip Kurt and I are taking to Kansas City in April to see the Tigers play on opening day. I think this is going to be a yearly tradition that we go to opening day of baseball, no matter where it is. we both would like to visit every pro baseball field, so this gives us one a year at least! :). Already reserved a hotel on Priceline, and am working on renting a car. There are a few museums and shopping areas I would like to visit in the city as well, while we are there. Bought tickets to the game on Ebay and we have aMAZing seats, between Tigers dugout and homeplate in the lower level. Bought myself two new Tigers shirts at Kohl's with some Kohl's cash I had to use up so I can wear one of them to the game. Whoot! Can't wait to get away for a weekend.

We also are going to go some place for my bday at the end of May. Have not decided where yet, but prob some place in Central America. I was leaning towards Guatemala, but not sure if Kurt wants to go there or not. I would love to visit Tikal and the rain forests of a new place.

Worked all weekend, BOO. But, I did clear a LOT of things off my desk that desperately needed to be done, and filed 8 bankruptcies.

New show I am obsessed with? The Secret Life of an American Teenager. On Netflix. Just wanted Couples Retreat too, which I thought was kinda lame. There was so much hype leading up to it, and I thought it was average and kinda not at all believable.

Another show we watched tonight for the first time? Undercover Boss. Loved it.

Anyway, off to bed. :)

Why I Want to Travel to Borneo...

Orangutan and the Hound

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Together We Fly

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Updates

Work has been crazy. To the point that I do not really have anything interesting to post about, but thought I was a little bit overdue, so I will try.

Today was super fun. Headed to Clawson to Rebecca's house so we could aimlessly do whatever. Which included shopping at Kohl's, Petco and Old Navy, then lunch with a coupon at Papa Vino's, then shopping at Target and DSWs. I shockingly found nothing I liked at DSW. This may be a first. :). Did get baby Nick three t-shirts at Old Navy (see here, here and here), and got some hair clips and a pepper plant at Target. It was great to see and catch up with Rebecca, and a really relaxing day in general. Rebecca's neighbor blew up a snowman with some fireworks, which was hiLARious.

Last night, had dinner with Gary and his girlfriend at Nick and Nino's, where they had never been to before. Had a nice time catching up with them and having dinner at my fav Monroe place.

I was super psyched today. I got home from Rebecca's, and Kurty announced that he is ready to get on a plane again. I think he is ready to move on from this Flight 253 stuff and try to put it out of our minds. I had been kinda down lately about our lack of travelling, so I am very excited to start planning trips on planes again vs road trips (which I do NOT prefer). We are thinking about taking a baseball trip in April, and then someplace for my bday in May. We were planning on Rome, but now we are a little leery about going to Europe, so will prob end up someplace South of here.

Stacey is in Aruba right now, and I am super jealous! We will miss her at the office next week, but I am glad she is off relaxing some. :). Kurt wants her to take pics of the bar Natalie Holloway disappeared from, LOL. And Megan is recovering from surgery, but will be back in the office on Monday. We will be happy to have her back as well, the phones have been crazy without her around! I was thrilled her surgery went well too, I get nervous when people have surgeries.......

The weather this weekend has been GREAT! I did not even wear a coat today while shopping, which is a first for this year! Whoot! I heart pre-Spring weather.

ABDULMUTALLAB'S BOMB NOT ENOUGH TO BRING DOWN FLIGHT 253

by Kurt Haskell

I found this interesting article yesterday:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1255722/Test-explosion-shows-Christmas-Day-flight-landed-bomb-detonated.html#comments


Apparently, Dr. John Wyatt, an international terrorism and explosives expert replicated the flight 253 attack with the explosive fully detonating. The result was that the passengers would have been sprayed with body parts of Abdulmutallab and may have had burst eardrums, but the flight would have landed safely. Seems like a strange result considering Abdulmutallab went through such trouble to obtain the bomb in Yemen and sew it in his underwear. It seems likely that he would have made sure that his bomb would have downed the plane. Several of you that have contacted me have indicated that he in fact, achieved his designated goal and that his bomb was only intended to scare us and be caught on film in order to achieve certain U.S. Government policies. Hence, the reason he was intentionally let on the plane. This article would lend credence to that theory. I take no position on this theory. Please note that the following videos also support Dr. Wyatt's theory:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZENvUVG6TE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbPeaBb0QT0&feature=fvw

A LETTER FROM JOHN DINGELL

By Kurt Haskell

As I previously indicated, I contacted my political representatives early in January regarding my concerns over the Flight 253 matter. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin have to date, failed to respond to me in any way. John Dingell, however, did recently send me a letter. The letter, dated January 25, 2010, was received by me on February 26, 2010. What follows is a word for word transcript of the letter:


January 25, 2010

Dear Mr. Haskell:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the need to protect our country against terrorism. I understand your concern and appreciate your comments.

As you may know, Northwest Airlines Flight 253 was a passenger flight from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Detroit, Michigan on December 25, 2009. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian Passenger aboard the flight, attempted to set off plastic explosives sewn to his underwear as the plane reached its final descent. The plastic explosives failed to detonate properly, resulting only in flames and popping sounds. A Dutch passenger, Jasper Schuringa, tackled and restrained him as others put out the fire.

On January 6, 2010, a federal grand jury indicted Abdulmutallab on six criminal charges, including attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted murder. If convicted, he faces a sentence of life in prison plus 90 years. The next day, President Obama released the "White House Review Summary Regarding 12/25/2009 Attempted Terrorist Attack," which can be found online at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/white-house-review-summary-regarding-12252009-attempted-terrorist-attack. Disturbing preliminary reports indicate U.S. intelligence agencies had sufficient information to have uncovered and potentially disrupted the December 25th attack.

A complete investigation into the attack is being conducted by the Detroit Joint Terrorist Task Force which is led by the FBI and includes U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and other law enforcement agencies. Attorney General Eric Holder has claimed, "this invesitgation is fast paced, global and ongoing, and it has already yielded valuable intelligence that we will follow wherever it leads. Anyone we find responsible for this alleged attack will be brought to justice using every tool- military or judicial-available to our government."

I am committed to ensuring that our nation is safe from terrorist attacks. I am greatly concerned that Abdulmutallab was allowed to board the plane and enter U.S. airspace despite being flagged in at least one U.S. intelligence database of potential terrorism threats. I agree with President Obama on the necessity of a through investigation into this incident. Serious questions remain about the miscommunication between our various intelligence agencies and whether information sharing between them is effective. Although Abdulmutallab was unsuccessful in his attempt, without better precautions, our country will be vulnerable to future attempts . The proper Congressional Committees must exert their oversight authority and hold thorough investigations into this attempted attack and the systemic problems within our intelligence community. Rest assured I will continue to monitor the situation closely and will work with my colleagues to protect American citizens from extremist threats.

Again, thank you for being in touch. For news on current federal legislative issues, please visit my website at www.house.gov/dingell; you can also sign up there to receive my e-newsletter. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me again if I may be of assistance with this or any other matter of concern.

With every good wish,

John Dingell

News Herald Article

Below is a link to another article Kurt was in. I do not like the title of this article at all, and if you read the content, it has nothing to do with conspiracy theories. Kurt and I were speaking that day and telling our stories, not trying to talk about conspiracy theories. I guess whatever they need to do to draw the readers in, LOL. Kinda tacky though, IMO.........

The News Herald: Breaking news coverage for Southgate, MI

Weekend

Great weekend. Went out to dinner with Kurty on Friday night to Nick and Nino's for fish tacos (the only meal either one of us have had there, LOL) and to watch basketball.

Saturday, I decided to work out in the morning, which confused me for the rest of the day since I generally work out at night. Cleaned out my closet and finally bagged up some clothes to donate. Had dinner that night with our friends, Cassie and Ken, at Mitchell's Fish Market in Livonia. Really fun night. We had a crab dip appetizer that was incredible. I made Kurt try Chilean Steelhead since I had never heard of it before. He liked it! :). I had a crab and shrimp penne that was awesome. Great service as well.

Today, ran errands. Made a mixed fruit pie and Kurt's favorite dinner. He is WAY spoiled. Went to Target for the first time in a LONG time today. I was looking for some storage drawers for my closet and did not find what I wanted, but did find some great deals on clearance racks. Also bought Nick (my nephew) some stuff for his 2nd bday, which I need to put in the mail first thing tomorrow.

Of the deals I found on clearance, found some new shampoos and conditioners to try, so I will review them as I do. I got Fekkai full volume shampoo and conditioner (which I have heard good things about, but never wanted to pay full price, thank you clearance rack!), Burt's Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit shampoo and conditioner, and Yes to Tomatoes shampoo and conditioner (I think I just liked the name of this one). Walked down the make-up aisle and saw Maybelline has a line out of eyeshadows I have not seen before. Got this one in Emerald Smokes.

Finished a book this weekend, LA Candy, by Lauren Conrad (of The Hills) (purchased on Half.com). I really wondered if I would like it, but I read good reviews and read it was loosely based on her life, so I thought I would try it. Anyway, great mindless reading. I kept trying to figure out, while reading, which parts were similar to her life and which were not. Anyway, not the best book in the world, and the writing was kinda flat at times, but I would still recommend it. Great beach book, or book to make you forget about the world for a little bit.......

Weather was fab today, however, we are supposed to get another snow storm tonight...boo. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Damon to Tigers!

I am so excited about this. I have always loved Johnny Damon. Hopefully, he grows back his beard since the Tigers don't restrict their players like the lame Yankees do! Whoot. Gooooooo Tigers! Cannot wait for baseball season.

Click here to read.

ROLLYE JAMES SHOW PODCAST FROM 2-18-10

Kurt was on the Rollye James show on Thursday. Below is a link to the broadcast:


http://www.mystreamingserver.com/index.html

Uganda Trip Report

I’ve had a hard time doing this trip report. I usually have them up like less than a week after a long trip, with pictures. For some reason, I have been avoiding writing this report. I think it’s because every time I think of this trip now, I think of the end of the trip and the terrorist attack, and I don’t want to keep reliving that. It’s hard to separate our awesome African adventure from what happened to us afterwards. But, here goes…..

*******************************************************

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Literally.

Flying back from our trip to Uganda, we talked about how this was our favorite vacation thus far.

And then, in an instant, I completely forgot all the details of the trip, and the trip is now a reminder of what happened in those last ten minutes.

But, enough with the dramatics! Let’s get on to the trip details.

This is going to be long, so you may want to read part, and come back later for more. This was also the longest trip of our lives, and I journaled the whole thing on actual PAPER and not my computer (since I did not take my computer), so I have lots and lots of details on everything.

We used the tour company Abacus Uganda Safaris, and this is the tour we took (with Ngamba Island added to the start and a city tour added to the end). Paying this place was weird, they had you wire them a deposit, then pay the rest upon arrival. You could pay with a card, but there was a 10% surcharge.

December 11, 2009

Left at 5:55 p.m. to fly from Detroit to Amsterdam, direct flight, via KLM/Delta.

December 12, 2009

Short layover in Amsterdam. Flight to Nairobi, Kenya. Another short layover, then flight to Entebbe, Uganda, via Kenya Air. In total, 23 hours from Detroit to Entebbe. Crazy. We were picked up at the airport by a driver holding a sign with our name on it. Checked into our hotel, The Boma, and had a midnight dinner of veggie pizza and fish lasagna. Drunk guys sitting next to us gave us a bunch of advice we did not plan to take. Went to bed to try to get some sleep, and get on an African time schedule.

December 13, 2009

Slept in. A lot. Headed into Entebbe to explore. Walked through a Christmas craft show. Bought a plug adaptor, which is the one thing I forgot to buy before we left and is really needed here. Also, used internet for a few minutes, had lunch at a place called Four Points, which was an amazing Chinese/Indian place. I had ginger fish and Kurt had veggie rice and hot and sour soup. Kurt said it was the best food he has ever eaten, and has deemed it his favorite restaurant in the world. We played croquet in the yard of the hotel, which was super fun. The little things make us happy…….;). Oh, and I kicked Kurt’s butt in three games! Watched the huge variety of birds at the hotel fly around and relaxed in general. Ate dinner again at Four Points and the music at night was awesome! Our tour company met us at the hotel to collect final payment and give us details on our tour starting the next day. The woman ran like 2 hours late, but it was OK, we were just chilling in the garden of the hotel.

December 14, 2010

Thankfully we woke up in time since the hotel forgot our wake-up call. Got ready and headed into the lobby for a quick breakfast, and met our tour guide, Farouk, for the first time. Got a quick briefing from Farouk of the day's events and off we were to Ngamba Island, where the orphaned chimps live. Took a boat for about a 45 minute ride, to the island. It started POURING about half way through, but luckily, the boat had ponchos on board which kept us somewhat dry. Stopped raining just before we got there. Got a chimp briefing when we got to the island. Headed to the platform where we watched the chimps eat, play and yell. They were absolutely amazing to watch. I was seriously in love. They are so smart. Also saw lizards and various bird species while there and learned about the people who live on and run the island. Took a boat ride back and had lunch at the Imperial Botanical Beach Resort restaurant, where I had some of the most amazing tilapia I have ever eaten. It was caught fresh in Lake Victoria that day. Headed to our hotel next, the Cassia Lodge. Awesome view of Kampala and right next to the President of Uganda’s house! Headed by taxi into Kampala and got massages at a local spa in the Garden City Mall. SO cheap, and awesome massage. Then had dinner at the hotel, which was good. Bed.

December 15, 2010

Left at 730 AM for Lake Mburo National Park. Had some trouble with our SUV, so we had to stop on the way and get a new alternator put in. Stopped at the Equator line to take a pic. Had lunch at a place that Kurt totally hated. Got to park and on the way to our lodge, Mantana Tented Camp, we saw vervet monkeys, zebras, impalas, topi, warthogs, several bird and duck species, and cows. Seeing zebras was so surreal. They looked almost fake to me, seeing something so gorgeous, with black and white stripes, just hanging out by the side of the road. The Lodge was in the middle of nowhere. Our room was a raised platform tent with a toilet that was a hole in the ground, LOL, and showers were “available by request”, meaning, you tell them that you want to shower, and they pour hot water in the tank for you, then stand there until you are done in case you need more water. So odd. Headed to the Lake for the boat ride, where we saw warthogs, fish eagles, hippos (SO many), vervet monkeys, water buck, cape buffalo, topi, impala, warthogs, and antelope. The fish eagles would look for fish, then swoop into the water and the splash would be so large, it was almost like a person was doing a cannonball into the water! And the hippos were so incredible to see in person. Gorgeous creatures, but the most deadly in Uganda to people.

December 16, 2010

Got up early and had our “shower by request” which was actually really nice! Had breakfast, then went on a game drive and saw cape buffalo (with babies), impala, zebra, yellow billed storks (I love storks!), spotted bushback, topi, kob, and warthog. We then began the long drive to Bwindi National Park. Had to take an alternate route because a bridge was out and the roads were HORRIBLE. We did get to see a lot of the really rural areas of the country though, which was pretty kewl. Got to our lodge, Lake Kitandara. Our room was up a LOT of stairs, but we had an amazing view. Another raised platform tent. Went and saw a cultural children’s performance that was incredible. All the kids are either orphaned, have one parent only, or have parents who cannot care for them any longer. They raise money for the school and for them to go to school by doing these performances. So, or courses, I had to donate. After that, checked email, and chilled playing cards, enjoying the view from our porch. Had dinner.

December 17, 2010

Woke up early, had breakfast, headed to Bwindi with our rain ponchos, garden gloves, lunches, excessive water (which turned out to be not so excessive), and safari clothing. Had a briefing at the park, picked up a porter (someone to carry our bags, and thank God we did that) and drove 15 minutes to the hiking site. There were 8 people in our group, the max allowed to visit a gorilla troop in one day. The hike was pure hell, the most strenuous hike I have ever done in my life. 3 hours, literally straight up a mountain. We had to deal with the elevation/altitude changes as well as walking straight up, and wow. I think we almost died, LOL. At least there were gorgeous views on the way.. J Saw a baboon on the way. The gorillas were absolutely amazing. Totally worth the trip. Kurt now says “a 23 hour plane ride, 13 hour car ride, and 3 hour hike straight up hill” to finally see the endangered highland mountain gorillas. We got to watch them for an hour, in which they mostly ate leaves, and were lazy. Got to be really close to them, and they were not scared of us at all. We saw 5 members of the troop, including the baby and the silverback (the leader of the group who was HUGE). Hike back was a lot easier, loved the downhill, haha. Came back to lodge to shower and headed out for a community walk. We walked through where they grow tea, coffee and bananas to get to the little town area. So much work goes into making their crops and they get so little money from it. We first saw the “traditional healer”, which was one of our fav parts of Bwindi. He is also known as the medicine man. He makes remedies for illnesses for locals. He put on a uniform which was an animal skin hat/vest and explained to us what he does with all his herbs and administering them. Next, we went to the banana home where we learned how they make banana juice, wine and gin. Kurt tried all three, but I just tried the juice because our guide told us there is extremely high alcohol content that might make us sick. Kurt was fine though. Phew! We headed next to the primary school, which is K-7 (and the only required education in Uganda). The head teacher explained the school system to us. Next, we headed to the Batwa Village (pygmy people). They did a show for us with tribal song, dance and music which was really kewl. Kurt loved this part, he had been looking forward to it. He bought a little handmade doll in the village, which is now in his office.

December 18, 2010

Slept horribly last night. I don’t know where hotel security was, but someone was having a HUGE party, yelling, drunk, and nobody told them to be quiet. Ugh. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone, as management is horrible. Had breakfast and left for Queen Elizabeth Park. Stopped at Ishasha to look for tree climbing lions. Found none, but we did see kob, elephants, baboons, giant bush pig, water buck, buffalo, warthog, Columbus monkkeys, vervet monkeys and the African eagle. Got to Mweya Safari Lodge. Got massages. Lodge is gorgeous, with amazing views. Saw warthogs at the lodge and tons of buffalo on the shores of the Lake. Had dinner overlooking Lake George.

December 19, 2010

Went on an early morning drive of Queen Elizabeth. Saw elephants (including a super cute rambunctious baby), kob, buffalo, warthog, bush pig (with babies), and water buck.. Took nap and had lunch. Then took the Kazinga Channel boat tour, where we saw hippos, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, Nile crocodiles, storks, eagle and many other birds. I started to feel sick during this tour, and when we got off the boat, I threw up in the Channel! Ugh. Not like me at all. Decided to try a night game drive anyway, but then when we got back, I got sick again. I read someplace that more than 50% of people who go to Uganda get sick from something in the food/water, even when they only drink bottled water, so I am sure that was it. Kurt went and ate dinner himself and I slept the rest of the night.

December 20, 2010

Got up and did an early morning game drive. Drove to Kibale National Park. Checked into Primates Lodge. Took a Chimpanzee trekking tour and saw chimps in a tree and on the ground as well. Seeing the chimps in the wild (as opposed to the island) was pretty incredible. Also saw grey cheeked mangabeys. At our room, we saw white Columbus and red tailed monkeys. Had dinner, then went to bed.

December 21, 2010

Drove all day to Murchison Falls. Took a ferry to the Lodge, only way to access it, called Paraa Lodge. Relaxed for the night, playing cards, had dinner, went to bed.

December 22, 2010

Got up and did early morning game drive. Saw giraffes, elephants, oribi, Jackson hartebeest, kob, buffalo, water buck, birds and hippos. Had lunch. Did the Nile River Cruise that afternoon where we saw hippos, elephants, Nile crocodiles, warthogs, Jackson hartebeest, fish eagle, and other birds, as well as the Falls. Which were gorgeous. Came back, played cards, had dinner, bed.

December 23, 2010

Got up, drove to the top of Murchison Falls to see them from a different view. We were much more close and it was kewl how powerful the Falls are. Drove to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Saw three rhinos after a short hike on dry desert like ground. The rhinos were insanely kewl, they looked like dinosaurs. They have 24 hour guards that watch the creatures as they were poached to extinction previously. Drove to Kampala, had a couples massage, dinner, bed. Stayed at Cassia Lodge again.

December 24, 2010

Got up, had city tour of Kampala. Saw Kasai Tombs, the Uganda museum, the law school and university, parliament. Had lunch at Masala Indian restaurant, then visited two craft markets and a coffee store. I bought a wood bowl with different Ugandan animals carved on the top, and Kurt bought two really kewl carved African figurines from the Congo. Also bought a handmade African tote bag, a carved hippo and a carved gorilla. Bought Kory coffee. Relaxed at the beach, then to the airport and home.

This realy was the trip of a lifetime. I feel really lucky and blessed that I got to see all these animals, and experience this adventure. I am also thankful that I survived a terrorist attack and am here to tell my safari story!

I posted pic links before, but will do so again below, so you can see them if you have not yet.

Click here to see Lake Mburo

Click here to see Ngamba Island

Click here to see Bwindi

Click here to see Kibale/Ziwa

Click here to see Entebbe/Kampala

Murchison Falls here

Queen Elizabeth here

Have a great weekend!

Southgate Rotary and Radio Show

Kurt and I were invited to speak at the Southgate Rotary Club meeting yesterday. The meeting was at a local hotel and the food was great! Had a really nice time at this meeting, really nice people and Kurt's speech was great as well. People were really interested in knowing what "really" happened, as opposed to the media/government version.

Last night, he was on the Rollye James radio show. Cannot find the link online yet, but will post it once it is up on her site.

Happy Friday!

Reviews

Tried the above soup on Tuesday. We don't have measuring cups at the office (I have since brought one in), so I kinda had to guess at water amounts and the like. But, this soup was awesome! And I am VERY picky about miso soup. Thumbs up to this one. They had a lot of other choices at the store with this brand, so I may need to try more! Easy to prepare as well. Tried the quesadilla on Wednesday. Again, I am really picky about Mexican in a box, LOL, but this was surprisingly good, and VERY easy to make. I will buy this one again. Plus, there are two servings, so great price as well.



This shoe was an AWESOME find. I saw this shoe, long ago, on Piperlime and fell in love, however, it was WAY more than what I will pay for shoes, since I am kinda addicted to shoes........Anyway, I shop on this site called ideel (which is amazing, let me know if you want an invite to the site). They have daily sales which only last like 2-3 days, and this week, they had Lovely People shoes on special. WITH THIS SHOE. For like one third of the retail price. So, of course, I had to purchase it. As well as the one below for Spring. Turquoise will look great with black, blue OR grey dress pants and skirts. Whoot.

Happy Friday everyone! Gretel is at the office with us, and we may leave early today! Whoot.

AN INTERESTING NOTE TO TODAY'S CNN ARTICLE ON FLIGHT 253

By Kurt Haskell

A few days ago, CNN contacted all of the known flight 253 passengers by email. The email stated that as the Haiti earthquake story had calmed down, CNN wanted to write a new article on flight 253. The email listed a series of questions that CNN wanted the passengers to answer about flight 253. This is the first major media organization to contact Lori and I after the hearings took place in Congress. These hearings provided the statements from Patrick Kennedy and Michael Leiter that led to the obviously conclusion that the Sharp Dressed Man was a U.S. Government agent (Please scroll down below and read previous blog posts if you are not informed as to these comments and this conclusion). Therefore, I expected CNN to address these issues, as they are now, in my opinion, the most important part of the flight 253 story. When I provided my answers, I informed CNN that it could only use my answers if it intended to discuss the Sharp Dressed Man in its article. I heard nothing further from CNN. Lori, however, got another email that said, since we can't use Kurt's answers, can we at least use yours? This was not a surprise to me since it is obvious that the major media is furthering the U.S. governement's flight 253 propaganda. Lori's take on all of this is that we should keep flight 253 in the media no matter what. My take is that it is time for the media to step up to the plate and ask the hard questions. Until that happens, don't bother wasting my time to further the U.S. Government's agenda. You can read the article below as Lori posted a link in her most recent blog entry. Notice that I am not mentioned in the article. At least the media is showing its true colors.

CNN

New article on CNN.

Food Reviews

So, I decided that even though I rarely have time to eat at work, I need to start bringing meals so I am not starving on those days I do have time to eat. So, I bought a bunch of little meals from the grocery store, and will review them all on here. I am also going to start bringing in my homemade veggie chili and other stuff, but I need to unfreeze it first.

Anyway, today I tried "Shrimp Fried Rice" by Tai Pei Food. To display how hectic work is, I started heating this up at 1215 PM. Finished eating at around 200 PM because I was interrupted three times to do appoiontments, and a couple times by walk-in questions. But, I loved this quick meal I bought at Kroger's. Microwaved for 5 minutes, and opened the box to eat! Super easy. Also, 0 trans fat in the meal, and very low saturated fat. Yum. Usually I am VERY picky about shrimp in stuff like this, but, it was very good! :).

Also, last night for dinner, I made La Choy Terayaki "chicken", but I used ahi tuna. I also threw in a little bit of soy sausage as I did not have a pound of tuna, as the recipe called for. Anyway, this was awesome. Kurt loved it, and he can be kinda picky. Very easy to make as well. Highly recommend this one too. There is a coupon on the La Choy website if anyone wants to try it.

Happy President's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Even though I do not really celebrate the holiday, wanted to say Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! :). Valentine's Day was always fun growing up, my Mom would always make my sister and I really cute baskets, with stuff like t-shirts, our fav candy, etc. She is the kewlest Mom.....

Had a busy weekend. Friday night, went to dinner with Rebecca and Jessica at Union Street in Detroit. The place had a pretty kewl ambiance and vibe, but the good things ended there.......Jessica and Rebecca did not like their food, and mine made me sick later on! Ugh! And, our waitress seemed annoyed that she had to do her job. It was my goal to make her smile, and I think the one time she did was when she picked up our credit card slips with her tips.........It was nice to see Rebecca though, and to gossip with the girls! :).

Saturday, Kurt and Kory headed to the Ypsi office. We were having carpet put in (the stuff they had in there was super ugly) and paint. I went into the Taylor office to try and get ahead on some paperwork and stuff. After the office, I stopped at the mall at NY and Co and Macy's. The mall was having some great sales. I think it's so odd they have "Spring" clothes out when we have snow on the ground and a freezing 10 day forecast. Anyway, I got a cute new sweater at NY and Co,



as well as two new necklaces and some tights.

Macy's had this rack in their suit department with suits for 70% off that I always look thru while there, and almost always find something. I found a great skirt suit with a black skirt and dark turquise colored blazer. Also found a cute sweater marked down.


Had dinner out with Kurty at nick and nino's, as there is no way in hell I am trying to go out to dinner tonight with the holiday. I had been craving fish tacos and they are awesome there.

Today, got up and headed to the grocery store and to Elder Beerman's as I had some coupons to use there. Ended up getting some great deals there too. Got a really cute dress that I can wear with blazers to work.



Also found a black skirt for 75% off,



a sweater marked down (mine is like below, except the main color on mine is green)



two dress shirts for Kurt on clearance, a tie on sale, and two pairs of tights. I heart sales and clearance.

Home for the night now. Need to go work out and then make dinner! :).

Etsy

I discovered Etsy last night! A friend of mine posts her jewelry and other creations on this site, so I finally got around to checking out the page. OK, I am way behind the times on this I guess, but what a great site. The handmade stuff on here is great. When you buy something, it's a unique product that pretty much nobody else will have. Much is one of a kind and people on here really seem to care about their work product. And, the prices are great, and shipping is not through the roof like on a lot of eBay sellers' pages.


I finally found a scales of justice for my office from one seller. I have been looking for one, but wanted something girly and unique, that would fit the decor of my office. Score on Etsy! Also, found two kewl necklaces to buy as well from a seller who has beautiful things. Hopefully I like everything in person. Luckily, if I don't, the sites have great return policies as well! Just went on this morning and bought my Mom a couple things.............Hopefully she like them! :).

Happy Shopping!

VIDEO FROM WEBSTER TARPLEY OF RUSSIA TODAY

By Kurt Haskell


This is a very interesting video, which backs up much of what I have been saying, but takes it a step further.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU4RjI9ZhKA&feature=player_embedded#

Yelp

My friend, Rebecca, introduced me to Yelp a while back. I have used it quite often to look up places to get, spas to use, etc. and the reviews are all from "real" people and tend to be really, really helpful.

Anyway, are you on there? If you are, please add me by clicking here. Really fun site, and really great when you are travelling and don't know what to do next! :).

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

One of my associate attorneys, Stacey, is training to participate in the San Diego, CA Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. On June 6, 2010, she will run 13.1 miles in an effort to raise funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives.

If this cause is important to you, please help Stacey out. :).

Click here to see her page.

UPDATE ON THE CAMERAMAN

By Kurt Haskell

As I've previously mentioned, I have been in contact with several passengers from our flight. Many of them want to remain anonymous due to how Lori and I have been treated by the media and government officials.

Earlier today, an anonymous poster commented on this blog that he has been in contact with the cameraman and that I know who "The anonymous poster" is. I do know who the anonymous poster is, and after I read the comment, I called the anonymous poster. He went on to state that he has spoken to the cameraman and that he is certain that the cameraman is not involved. According to the anonymous poster, the cameraman is a single man who was flying by himself to visit someone in the U.S. Also, he indicated that the cameraman recently purchased a camera and was testing it out on the flight because he was alone and bored. I am still somewhat unconvinced as it is difficult for me to believe that someone would film a terrorist attack and not stop filming during the attack.

HE THEN WENT ON TO STATE THAT THE CAMERAMAN THINKS THAT HE HAS A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE MAN IN ORANGE!

I now have the camerman's contact information and I will be attempting to contact him shortly to obtain this photograph. Apparently, the cameraman was taking still photographs on the plane as well as video and the government only confiscated his camera, but did not confiscate his memory card, which contains the still photgraphs.

I will give an update as soon as I have something further to report.

Kurt's Bday Indy Trip--Trip Report and Pics

Normally, we fly someplace for Kurt’s bday, but with our recent near death experience, flying was NOT happening this year. We decided to pick a place we could drive to, and Indy it was!

Started out the trip by renting a car from Enterprise to drive to Indy. Got a Dodge Charger, which was a very comfy car to take with us. Got that, and headed off to Indy! The drive was very nice--no traffic at all, totally clear roads, took about 4 hours from Newport. Kurt and I both drove some. Got there around 730 PM or so, and checked into the Canterbury Hotel in downtown Indy. We were upgraded to a Parlour Suite by the concierge pre-trip, and our room was really nice. The hotel itself was 122 years old and everything was historical and gorgeous. Our room was an entryway, a living room with desk, couch, and chairs as well as a flat screen TV, a bedroom with sitting area and TV, and the bathroom. Relaxed in the room some, and then headed to Mccormick and Schmick‘s for dinner. We sat in the bar area and our waitress pointed out that late night happy hour started in like 15 minutes. So, we ordered drinks and some salad/soup, and then ordered SUPER cheap meals at 930 PM when happy hour started. Fish tacos, parmesean/garlic fries……..Yum. And each choice was only $1.95, which is a crazy good deal for a nice restaurant! Great service as well. Headed to the room after that for the night.

Friday, slept in. Yay. Rare we get to do that in the middle of the week. Anyway, we got up and it was a blizzard outside. Which was kinda funny, since at that time, we had gotten no snow in Newport yet. Stopped and ate lunch at Chammp’s. Their BBQ salmon salad is awesome……Headed next to the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum located in the basement of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The museum was very kewl. Lots of Civil War info and memorabilia. We also went to the top of the monument (kurt wussed out on me and took the elevator, refusing to take the stairs, haha) and we got to see some pretty nice views of the city (through the snow). Walked around the mall (Circle Centre Mall) attached to our hotel after that. Went and got a massage next at Spa in the City. Place was a hair salon with one room for massage, but they are expanding right now and will have an entire area for massage soon. Then, the Pistons game! We walked over to Conseco, and found our seats, which were awesome. 5 rows behind the Pistons bench. The Pistons lost BAD, but the game was a lot of fun and I loved sitting that close to the game. Conseco felt so small compared to the Palace, but I liked it because there really was not a bad seat in the there. After the game, walked to The Old Spaghetti Factory, where we sat in the bar area to watch the Bulls game while eating dinner, and we had the entire floor to ourselves. Food was really good, and service was perfect. Great prices there as well. Went back to the hotel and to bed.

Saturday, slept in again. Bliss. Got up and headed to Studio 2000 for another massage. Really nice place with awesome décor. Massage was incredible as well. My therapist really understood deep tissue, which is rare. I was in pain (in a good way). After that, went and had lunch at Chammp’s again, then headed to the Indy Art Museum. I was not expecting a lot, but the place was gorgeous and the art fabulous. Not an overwhelming place, but great stuff. After that, headed to the hotel room to relax and get ready for dinner with Charlene and Brent. They picked us up at 700 PM and took us to a hangout of theirs, Ale Emporium. We got to see a band, Living Proof, while there, that was the best local band I have ever seen. They were awesome. Dinner was really good, and it was nice to catch up with Char and meet Brent.

Sunday, got up and headed out to the War Memorial. The interior of this building was incredible, like all marble with gorgeous detail. We visited the museum there, which was great. Very interesting artifacts and information. After that, headed out of town and home.

Overall, great relaxing trip. We tried to NOT pack in as much as we do on weekend trips, and just planned a lot of time to relax and do nothing, which was nice. We loved Indy--very down to Earth, laid back people live there, and we felt very safe walking around the City and area.

Click here to see the pics from the trip.

Oh, I almost forgot. I felt so bad we could not take a flying trip someplace this year, that I bought him an actual gift, which I have not done in forever. He was surprised, and loved it! I got him a Fantasy Press Package to a Detroit Tigers game, which includes the following, for two people. We also had dinner on his actual birthday with a group of friends at Crave Lounge in Dearborn, which is Kurt's fav restaurant in MI. Click here to see pics from dinner.

Receive an autographed baseball signed by both the TV and Radio Announcers

Dinner in the press box

Spend two innings in the Tigers radio broadcast booth with Dan Dickerson and former Tiger Jim Price

Spend two innings in the Tigers TV broadcast booth with Mario Impemba and Rod Allen

Watch the remainder of the game in the press box with Tigers VP of Communications Ron Colangelo and a Tigers beat writer "TBD"

Happy Birthday, Kurty!

AN ARTICLE FROM GHANA BUSINESS NEWS

I was recently sent this link to an article in the Ghana Business News:

http://ghanabusinessnews.com/2009/12/28/nigerian-terror-suspect-is-well-educated/

The article is rather unremarkable. However, notice that the African picture of Umar Farouk is different than the pictures of him here in the U.S.

This is probably just an innocent mistake, but it is interesting nonetheless.

Scott Horton and Charles Goyette Show

Kurt on the Scott Horton Show Yesterday.

Click here to listen