a brother's love is...

To contact us Click HERE

Good Morning,

Here's a very quick story from my youth. As I bent down to set up the BB-gun target, a row of Coke cans, I heard the unmistakeable click, click blat...of the "pump" gun. To this day, it is unclear whether the true bulls-eye was my butt or the bottom of my shoe but as I knelt to do my apprentice duty...I suspected the hee hee hee of my brother's voice was not meant to leave my sweat-panted hiny unscathed.

Perhaps this is why I was so moved this weekend as I looked out my apartment window to see Eric (my brother) bent over clearing a path for me with such meticulous care. It iced-over hard here this weekend. My brother was in town for a business meeting and up early the next morning to make his flight.

I'd gotten up early too to see him off. After hugs and safe travel wishes, no sooner had I turned to tend to Mitty "the treat jonesing" kitty than I heard a little knock on my door. It was Eric! He said, "Hey I just wanted to let you know, it's a sheet of ice out there. Be careful. I just fell."

Surprised, I checked to make sure he was okay then turned on the TV. The winter weather news crew flashed onto the scene and reveled in their morning horror stories.

"It's ICEY out there Bob! I live 30min. from the station and had a 1 1/2 hr. commute this morning!"

only to be out done by the next...

"Yes Carol, as you can see traffic here at I-69 and 435 is crawling. If you don't need to be out this morning stay in, and if you do be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra time!"

Although I would have loved it if he could have stayed, I also did not want my brother to have to extend his travel. Thus, I quickly urged him to be careful (TURN AROUND AND COME BACK if needed...) and advised that he head slowly to the airport right away!

Eric stood there looking concerned. My interpretation?...contemplating how to leave yet still do his duty to care and protect his little sister from hazardous foot steps.

I know! I thought. I have the quick solution to our problem! By my door I have a bag of rock salt. That is, a bag of salt maintenance crews use for spreading on icey sidewalks and walkways.

I handed my brother the bag and a plastic cup and asked that he throw some down...implying quickly as I parroted out the news crew's growing alarm, "You need extra time if headed to the airport!"

(...we had planned for a morning with a leisurely departure time not one of triple drive time and jack knifed semis!!!)

Doo do doo...

I looked out the window proudly at my brother in his smart looking pea coat and nifty running shoes.

Yes, i thought, that's my brother! Look at him putting down that salt for me!

I looked out the window still proud...

See how careful he's being!

I looked out and at the clock concerned...

Now what can be taking so long? Just exactly what is he doing?

This was not the simple maintenance man scatter. There was some sort of systematic planning going on out there. There was bending and stooping almost like a golfer setting up his put. He surveyed and turned and sprinkled...

Desperate to help or understand, I stepped out onto the door mat in my PJs. "Brother!? Brother? Are you done?"

I went back inside. Checking the freezer for more overnight provisions, there is no way I thought this boy's making it to the airport. Luckily, I had food...

Finally, I heard some foot stomping at the door. I can't help but tear up a little when I think of the words that came next. "Well Sister, I made you a path!" My sibling companion who used to shoot BBs at my behind had...cared enough to make me a path! It was the best path every made! It went directly from my door, down the sidewalk, around my neighbor's car and straight to my driver's side car door!

This person who used to bitterly complain about arrival times (a Senior providing car pool service cannot arrive at the early bird Freshman's time!) had seen through to my needs and let the demands of schedules sit to make a way for me to be.

This person who made me use the broom while he got to use the hockey stick...

okay...He indeed made it to the airport in time and is now home. I believe in you and love you Brother.

Happy Tuesday,

Amanda

Tourney Pick'Em Tips

To contact us Click HERE


Good Morning,

If you live in Kansas, there is one thing you are guaranteed this time of year. Wherever you go you are likely to run into random groups of people huddled around a TV looking intent or mildly concerned as they mull over the words to "Rock Chalk Jayhawk!"-a haunting victory chant.

Rooooock chaalk Jaaaaay Haawk...Kaaaay Uuuuuu

The mood and tone of a city is indeed set by the outcome of the madness.

MARCH MADNESS!!!

The NCAA Men's (and Women's!!!) basketball tournament is set to begin this week. I have my sheets of integrity here ready to fill out (aka the "Pick em' Pool" Tournament brackets). Over the years in doing this it has become my theory that knowing the most about sports does not make the best Bracketologist. My Grandma, routinely a top finisher the family pool, relies on a steady viewing schedule and then I think selects based partly on whether or not a team has a cute coach or handsome players.

Since this has proven an effective strategy, I've decided to put away my stat sheets and try a new approach this morning. Amidst the MADNESS an analysis of team nicknames and mascots seems a saner approach.

So...after research and analysis of the 2011 NCAA's 68 teams I've culled together some tips I hope you too will find helpful for filling out your brackets.



10 Tips for Tourney Pick'Ems!...using team mascots

1. Look for Indiana State "The Fighting Teachers" (although currently the Sycamores) to make a long run into the Tournament. As demonstrated by the current political battles in Wisconsin, a cohesive group of Teachers are hard to knock off their committed course...


2. Write this down somewhere handy...next to your sheet.

A Tiger beats a Wildcat (too generic) and a working dog (Huskies, "Reveille" the Collie) beats a domestic non-sporting dog (e.g. Bulldogs or Terriers).

In all there are 11 cat teams, 9 dog teams, 5 bears...and at least 2 rodents. In a cat vs. dog fight go with the cats.

3. Also, a man with a gun beats animal unless it is a grizzly...

4. There are several interesting match-ups in the first round I am excited to see:

"The Commodores" against the Spiders. Here I feel at least one of them, probably Lionel, would step on a spider...or possibly in choreographed dance moves inadvertently squash the spiders.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Pocket_(Commodores_album)

The Texas A&M "Aggies" will be clashing with the Florida State Seminoles. I believe FSU after losing in the conference tournament might be ready to beat the "land grant" Aggies over the uppity white mans proliferation of farming.

5. Purdue vs. St. Peter's. A trained craftsman beats a peacock. (You might also report this to PETA)

6. Looking to outwit your friends by nailing the tricky 8-9 seed matchups? No problem. How about out in the West region the #8 seed Wolverines vs. #9 seed Volunteers? A fierce rodent like animal fighting on it's back verses the helpful volunteer. Go with the Wolverines.

7. I have not yet been able to come down with a ruling for battles of mythical creatures so my advice is flip a coin or consult the oracles for contests between, Blue Devils, Pirates, Leprechauns, Redstorms, Bruins and Blaze a Fire Breathing Dragon

8. A Buckeye is a poisonous nut. They are also the #1 overall seed...coincidence? no, pick them!

9. Akron ZIPS!!!!!!! this team will run faster, jump, higher etc. Down side, if they win, it is Akron. Remember "It's gotta be the shoes money!" No MAC team is a good bet.

10. So,...my Final Four Includes a mythical bird (Kansas), a gator (Florida), huskies (U Conn), and dirty feet (North Carolina)? With the overall champions?...

Dirty Feet vs. a Baby Jay?

Dirty Feet.

okay, good luck and Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. Zips refers to a particular brand of kids shoe

mitty's resume...need assistance

To contact us Click HERE


Good Morning,

It came to my attention that there was a small hiccup in the system last week OR should I say a mild hairball cough?

Mitty aka Mittens was in charge of the MMN e-mail while I was out of town...but she failed to perform her duty.

So, Mitty has been put on notice! I'm afraid she has become a financial drain on the MMN operation and needs to find outside employment. She has been working on her resume and I ask that you take a moment to read and pass on to any contacts or potential employers. We would be most appreciative.

Sincerely,

Amanda Editor and Chief!!!

*********

Mittens Vallo

Education:
Street

Work Experience:
Monday Morning News dancer, performer, features writer
Published Author- "Mitty's Haiku Corner" a chapbook of original poems

Achievements:
???

Activities & Skills:

effective in kitty massage
type 70+ wpm with 98% errors
operate small machinery (can open cabinet doors with hinges)
excellent people skills

Certification(s)
Completed "Living Well With a Disability" Facilitator Training 5/11

Licensure
Rabies and Feline AIDS Vaccination (current)

Special Interests:

napping
licking ear buds
bird watching

References:

Dr. Andrea Shuster, DVM
Columbus, OH 43212

Susan the Cat Foster Care Lady
Westgate, OH

Juanita Sanchez
Assistant Rooms Manager
Hilton Inn Express
O'Fallon, MO


Okay, Mitty has just asked for her job back...I have a face full of kitty fur and a nose of tuna breath. (Ewwww...) after we address hygiene she's REHIRED!!! This is just the kind of worker we need around here.

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. now she's napping

let's go to the instant replay!

To contact us Click HERE
Good Morning,

I have a very small matter of greeeeat importance this morning! As I was cleaning up my files this morning I came across this...



"Get in the Zone" from the College Basketball Experience...

Think of it this way. I have very bad balance. Every time I go to reload my shot in a rapid fire competition it feels a bit like standing on a water bed. Ol Pistol Pete to my right was a machine!!! Cranking out shots so fast there was a trail of smoke!

I lost this "friendly" competition...25 to 37!!!

My shaky right leg will not go out the loser! Dad may have begged off “arthritis in both hands” but he was soon to be seen disappearing, running off to shoot more free throws! ...and i want a REMATCH!

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. "Look at the scoreboard!" (stomp stomp!) I'm comin' for ya Dad!!! : )

Paddlin'

To contact us Click HERE

Good Morning,

I had the good fortune of taking my maiden voyage in a kayak this weekend on Lone Star Lake. Regardless of ability, I think this is an activity anyone can enjoy. So, I'd like to encourage ALL to try...

5 Reasons to Try Paddling

1. You can adopt an ease to the language not typical of the urban Midwest.

In the West people get stoked...
ya’ll, honeys in the South
you sit and tawk in New Yawk
go "out and aboot" up North

now Midwesterners have somethin’ to do too. Go paddlin! : )

2. With cell phones, we are tuned into each other greater than ever before, physically though it has come at a cost as we so often miss the opportunity to interact with those around us. By choosing to go out in a kayak for a couple hours you are choosing to support friendly face-to-face communication with strangers.

3. People with houses on the lake may come out to great you and on some mornings have even opened up a window and turned up the stereo for all to enjoy (feels very different than when your apartment neighbor decides to do this).

4. If you travel in a pack and someone brings enough snacks, you are basically a party that floats! And...if you like to talk, you have a captive audience! Remember though that the corollary is also true. You are a captive audience! This might not be the best time to share your stories of Sacagawea and goals for Eskimo rolls...



5. The Polynesian navigational system...


In double-hauled canoes, "Papa Mau" and his crew made their way from Hawaii to Tahiti, reading only subtle changes in wind direction, waves, the flight of birds, the course of dolphins, the color of the water...



In no time whatsoever a new kayaker can determine that this unfortunate situation means log jam. : )

Happy Monday,

Amanda

a brother's love is...

To contact us Click HERE

Good Morning,

Here's a very quick story from my youth. As I bent down to set up the BB-gun target, a row of Coke cans, I heard the unmistakeable click, click blat...of the "pump" gun. To this day, it is unclear whether the true bulls-eye was my butt or the bottom of my shoe but as I knelt to do my apprentice duty...I suspected the hee hee hee of my brother's voice was not meant to leave my sweat-panted hiny unscathed.

Perhaps this is why I was so moved this weekend as I looked out my apartment window to see Eric (my brother) bent over clearing a path for me with such meticulous care. It iced-over hard here this weekend. My brother was in town for a business meeting and up early the next morning to make his flight.

I'd gotten up early too to see him off. After hugs and safe travel wishes, no sooner had I turned to tend to Mitty "the treat jonesing" kitty than I heard a little knock on my door. It was Eric! He said, "Hey I just wanted to let you know, it's a sheet of ice out there. Be careful. I just fell."

Surprised, I checked to make sure he was okay then turned on the TV. The winter weather news crew flashed onto the scene and reveled in their morning horror stories.

"It's ICEY out there Bob! I live 30min. from the station and had a 1 1/2 hr. commute this morning!"

only to be out done by the next...

"Yes Carol, as you can see traffic here at I-69 and 435 is crawling. If you don't need to be out this morning stay in, and if you do be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra time!"

Although I would have loved it if he could have stayed, I also did not want my brother to have to extend his travel. Thus, I quickly urged him to be careful (TURN AROUND AND COME BACK if needed...) and advised that he head slowly to the airport right away!

Eric stood there looking concerned. My interpretation?...contemplating how to leave yet still do his duty to care and protect his little sister from hazardous foot steps.

I know! I thought. I have the quick solution to our problem! By my door I have a bag of rock salt. That is, a bag of salt maintenance crews use for spreading on icey sidewalks and walkways.

I handed my brother the bag and a plastic cup and asked that he throw some down...implying quickly as I parroted out the news crew's growing alarm, "You need extra time if headed to the airport!"

(...we had planned for a morning with a leisurely departure time not one of triple drive time and jack knifed semis!!!)

Doo do doo...

I looked out the window proudly at my brother in his smart looking pea coat and nifty running shoes.

Yes, i thought, that's my brother! Look at him putting down that salt for me!

I looked out the window still proud...

See how careful he's being!

I looked out and at the clock concerned...

Now what can be taking so long? Just exactly what is he doing?

This was not the simple maintenance man scatter. There was some sort of systematic planning going on out there. There was bending and stooping almost like a golfer setting up his put. He surveyed and turned and sprinkled...

Desperate to help or understand, I stepped out onto the door mat in my PJs. "Brother!? Brother? Are you done?"

I went back inside. Checking the freezer for more overnight provisions, there is no way I thought this boy's making it to the airport. Luckily, I had food...

Finally, I heard some foot stomping at the door. I can't help but tear up a little when I think of the words that came next. "Well Sister, I made you a path!" My sibling companion who used to shoot BBs at my behind had...cared enough to make me a path! It was the best path every made! It went directly from my door, down the sidewalk, around my neighbor's car and straight to my driver's side car door!

This person who used to bitterly complain about arrival times (a Senior providing car pool service cannot arrive at the early bird Freshman's time!) had seen through to my needs and let the demands of schedules sit to make a way for me to be.

This person who made me use the broom while he got to use the hockey stick...

okay...He indeed made it to the airport in time and is now home. I believe in you and love you Brother.

Happy Tuesday,

Amanda

Tourney Pick'Em Tips

To contact us Click HERE


Good Morning,

If you live in Kansas, there is one thing you are guaranteed this time of year. Wherever you go you are likely to run into random groups of people huddled around a TV looking intent or mildly concerned as they mull over the words to "Rock Chalk Jayhawk!"-a haunting victory chant.

Rooooock chaalk Jaaaaay Haawk...Kaaaay Uuuuuu

The mood and tone of a city is indeed set by the outcome of the madness.

MARCH MADNESS!!!

The NCAA Men's (and Women's!!!) basketball tournament is set to begin this week. I have my sheets of integrity here ready to fill out (aka the "Pick em' Pool" Tournament brackets). Over the years in doing this it has become my theory that knowing the most about sports does not make the best Bracketologist. My Grandma, routinely a top finisher the family pool, relies on a steady viewing schedule and then I think selects based partly on whether or not a team has a cute coach or handsome players.

Since this has proven an effective strategy, I've decided to put away my stat sheets and try a new approach this morning. Amidst the MADNESS an analysis of team nicknames and mascots seems a saner approach.

So...after research and analysis of the 2011 NCAA's 68 teams I've culled together some tips I hope you too will find helpful for filling out your brackets.



10 Tips for Tourney Pick'Ems!...using team mascots

1. Look for Indiana State "The Fighting Teachers" (although currently the Sycamores) to make a long run into the Tournament. As demonstrated by the current political battles in Wisconsin, a cohesive group of Teachers are hard to knock off their committed course...


2. Write this down somewhere handy...next to your sheet.

A Tiger beats a Wildcat (too generic) and a working dog (Huskies, "Reveille" the Collie) beats a domestic non-sporting dog (e.g. Bulldogs or Terriers).

In all there are 11 cat teams, 9 dog teams, 5 bears...and at least 2 rodents. In a cat vs. dog fight go with the cats.

3. Also, a man with a gun beats animal unless it is a grizzly...

4. There are several interesting match-ups in the first round I am excited to see:

"The Commodores" against the Spiders. Here I feel at least one of them, probably Lionel, would step on a spider...or possibly in choreographed dance moves inadvertently squash the spiders.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Pocket_(Commodores_album)

The Texas A&M "Aggies" will be clashing with the Florida State Seminoles. I believe FSU after losing in the conference tournament might be ready to beat the "land grant" Aggies over the uppity white mans proliferation of farming.

5. Purdue vs. St. Peter's. A trained craftsman beats a peacock. (You might also report this to PETA)

6. Looking to outwit your friends by nailing the tricky 8-9 seed matchups? No problem. How about out in the West region the #8 seed Wolverines vs. #9 seed Volunteers? A fierce rodent like animal fighting on it's back verses the helpful volunteer. Go with the Wolverines.

7. I have not yet been able to come down with a ruling for battles of mythical creatures so my advice is flip a coin or consult the oracles for contests between, Blue Devils, Pirates, Leprechauns, Redstorms, Bruins and Blaze a Fire Breathing Dragon

8. A Buckeye is a poisonous nut. They are also the #1 overall seed...coincidence? no, pick them!

9. Akron ZIPS!!!!!!! this team will run faster, jump, higher etc. Down side, if they win, it is Akron. Remember "It's gotta be the shoes money!" No MAC team is a good bet.

10. So,...my Final Four Includes a mythical bird (Kansas), a gator (Florida), huskies (U Conn), and dirty feet (North Carolina)? With the overall champions?...

Dirty Feet vs. a Baby Jay?

Dirty Feet.

okay, good luck and Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. Zips refers to a particular brand of kids shoe

mitty's resume...need assistance

To contact us Click HERE


Good Morning,

It came to my attention that there was a small hiccup in the system last week OR should I say a mild hairball cough?

Mitty aka Mittens was in charge of the MMN e-mail while I was out of town...but she failed to perform her duty.

So, Mitty has been put on notice! I'm afraid she has become a financial drain on the MMN operation and needs to find outside employment. She has been working on her resume and I ask that you take a moment to read and pass on to any contacts or potential employers. We would be most appreciative.

Sincerely,

Amanda Editor and Chief!!!

*********

Mittens Vallo

Education:
Street

Work Experience:
Monday Morning News dancer, performer, features writer
Published Author- "Mitty's Haiku Corner" a chapbook of original poems

Achievements:
???

Activities & Skills:

effective in kitty massage
type 70+ wpm with 98% errors
operate small machinery (can open cabinet doors with hinges)
excellent people skills

Certification(s)
Completed "Living Well With a Disability" Facilitator Training 5/11

Licensure
Rabies and Feline AIDS Vaccination (current)

Special Interests:

napping
licking ear buds
bird watching

References:

Dr. Andrea Shuster, DVM
Columbus, OH 43212

Susan the Cat Foster Care Lady
Westgate, OH

Juanita Sanchez
Assistant Rooms Manager
Hilton Inn Express
O'Fallon, MO


Okay, Mitty has just asked for her job back...I have a face full of kitty fur and a nose of tuna breath. (Ewwww...) after we address hygiene she's REHIRED!!! This is just the kind of worker we need around here.

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. now she's napping

let's go to the instant replay!

To contact us Click HERE
Good Morning,

I have a very small matter of greeeeat importance this morning! As I was cleaning up my files this morning I came across this...



"Get in the Zone" from the College Basketball Experience...

Think of it this way. I have very bad balance. Every time I go to reload my shot in a rapid fire competition it feels a bit like standing on a water bed. Ol Pistol Pete to my right was a machine!!! Cranking out shots so fast there was a trail of smoke!

I lost this "friendly" competition...25 to 37!!!

My shaky right leg will not go out the loser! Dad may have begged off “arthritis in both hands” but he was soon to be seen disappearing, running off to shoot more free throws! ...and i want a REMATCH!

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. "Look at the scoreboard!" (stomp stomp!) I'm comin' for ya Dad!!! : )

Paddlin'

To contact us Click HERE

Good Morning,

I had the good fortune of taking my maiden voyage in a kayak this weekend on Lone Star Lake. Regardless of ability, I think this is an activity anyone can enjoy. So, I'd like to encourage ALL to try...

5 Reasons to Try Paddling

1. You can adopt an ease to the language not typical of the urban Midwest.

In the West people get stoked...
ya’ll, honeys in the South
you sit and tawk in New Yawk
go "out and aboot" up North

now Midwesterners have somethin’ to do too. Go paddlin! : )

2. With cell phones, we are tuned into each other greater than ever before, physically though it has come at a cost as we so often miss the opportunity to interact with those around us. By choosing to go out in a kayak for a couple hours you are choosing to support friendly face-to-face communication with strangers.

3. People with houses on the lake may come out to great you and on some mornings have even opened up a window and turned up the stereo for all to enjoy (feels very different than when your apartment neighbor decides to do this).

4. If you travel in a pack and someone brings enough snacks, you are basically a party that floats! And...if you like to talk, you have a captive audience! Remember though that the corollary is also true. You are a captive audience! This might not be the best time to share your stories of Sacagawea and goals for Eskimo rolls...



5. The Polynesian navigational system...


In double-hauled canoes, "Papa Mau" and his crew made their way from Hawaii to Tahiti, reading only subtle changes in wind direction, waves, the flight of birds, the course of dolphins, the color of the water...



In no time whatsoever a new kayaker can determine that this unfortunate situation means log jam. : )

Happy Monday,

Amanda

a brother's love is...

To contact us Click HERE

Good Morning,

Here's a very quick story from my youth. As I bent down to set up the BB-gun target, a row of Coke cans, I heard the unmistakeable click, click blat...of the "pump" gun. To this day, it is unclear whether the true bulls-eye was my butt or the bottom of my shoe but as I knelt to do my apprentice duty...I suspected the hee hee hee of my brother's voice was not meant to leave my sweat-panted hiny unscathed.

Perhaps this is why I was so moved this weekend as I looked out my apartment window to see Eric (my brother) bent over clearing a path for me with such meticulous care. It iced-over hard here this weekend. My brother was in town for a business meeting and up early the next morning to make his flight.

I'd gotten up early too to see him off. After hugs and safe travel wishes, no sooner had I turned to tend to Mitty "the treat jonesing" kitty than I heard a little knock on my door. It was Eric! He said, "Hey I just wanted to let you know, it's a sheet of ice out there. Be careful. I just fell."

Surprised, I checked to make sure he was okay then turned on the TV. The winter weather news crew flashed onto the scene and reveled in their morning horror stories.

"It's ICEY out there Bob! I live 30min. from the station and had a 1 1/2 hr. commute this morning!"

only to be out done by the next...

"Yes Carol, as you can see traffic here at I-69 and 435 is crawling. If you don't need to be out this morning stay in, and if you do be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra time!"

Although I would have loved it if he could have stayed, I also did not want my brother to have to extend his travel. Thus, I quickly urged him to be careful (TURN AROUND AND COME BACK if needed...) and advised that he head slowly to the airport right away!

Eric stood there looking concerned. My interpretation?...contemplating how to leave yet still do his duty to care and protect his little sister from hazardous foot steps.

I know! I thought. I have the quick solution to our problem! By my door I have a bag of rock salt. That is, a bag of salt maintenance crews use for spreading on icey sidewalks and walkways.

I handed my brother the bag and a plastic cup and asked that he throw some down...implying quickly as I parroted out the news crew's growing alarm, "You need extra time if headed to the airport!"

(...we had planned for a morning with a leisurely departure time not one of triple drive time and jack knifed semis!!!)

Doo do doo...

I looked out the window proudly at my brother in his smart looking pea coat and nifty running shoes.

Yes, i thought, that's my brother! Look at him putting down that salt for me!

I looked out the window still proud...

See how careful he's being!

I looked out and at the clock concerned...

Now what can be taking so long? Just exactly what is he doing?

This was not the simple maintenance man scatter. There was some sort of systematic planning going on out there. There was bending and stooping almost like a golfer setting up his put. He surveyed and turned and sprinkled...

Desperate to help or understand, I stepped out onto the door mat in my PJs. "Brother!? Brother? Are you done?"

I went back inside. Checking the freezer for more overnight provisions, there is no way I thought this boy's making it to the airport. Luckily, I had food...

Finally, I heard some foot stomping at the door. I can't help but tear up a little when I think of the words that came next. "Well Sister, I made you a path!" My sibling companion who used to shoot BBs at my behind had...cared enough to make me a path! It was the best path every made! It went directly from my door, down the sidewalk, around my neighbor's car and straight to my driver's side car door!

This person who used to bitterly complain about arrival times (a Senior providing car pool service cannot arrive at the early bird Freshman's time!) had seen through to my needs and let the demands of schedules sit to make a way for me to be.

This person who made me use the broom while he got to use the hockey stick...

okay...He indeed made it to the airport in time and is now home. I believe in you and love you Brother.

Happy Tuesday,

Amanda

Tourney Pick'Em Tips

To contact us Click HERE


Good Morning,

If you live in Kansas, there is one thing you are guaranteed this time of year. Wherever you go you are likely to run into random groups of people huddled around a TV looking intent or mildly concerned as they mull over the words to "Rock Chalk Jayhawk!"-a haunting victory chant.

Rooooock chaalk Jaaaaay Haawk...Kaaaay Uuuuuu

The mood and tone of a city is indeed set by the outcome of the madness.

MARCH MADNESS!!!

The NCAA Men's (and Women's!!!) basketball tournament is set to begin this week. I have my sheets of integrity here ready to fill out (aka the "Pick em' Pool" Tournament brackets). Over the years in doing this it has become my theory that knowing the most about sports does not make the best Bracketologist. My Grandma, routinely a top finisher the family pool, relies on a steady viewing schedule and then I think selects based partly on whether or not a team has a cute coach or handsome players.

Since this has proven an effective strategy, I've decided to put away my stat sheets and try a new approach this morning. Amidst the MADNESS an analysis of team nicknames and mascots seems a saner approach.

So...after research and analysis of the 2011 NCAA's 68 teams I've culled together some tips I hope you too will find helpful for filling out your brackets.



10 Tips for Tourney Pick'Ems!...using team mascots

1. Look for Indiana State "The Fighting Teachers" (although currently the Sycamores) to make a long run into the Tournament. As demonstrated by the current political battles in Wisconsin, a cohesive group of Teachers are hard to knock off their committed course...


2. Write this down somewhere handy...next to your sheet.

A Tiger beats a Wildcat (too generic) and a working dog (Huskies, "Reveille" the Collie) beats a domestic non-sporting dog (e.g. Bulldogs or Terriers).

In all there are 11 cat teams, 9 dog teams, 5 bears...and at least 2 rodents. In a cat vs. dog fight go with the cats.

3. Also, a man with a gun beats animal unless it is a grizzly...

4. There are several interesting match-ups in the first round I am excited to see:

"The Commodores" against the Spiders. Here I feel at least one of them, probably Lionel, would step on a spider...or possibly in choreographed dance moves inadvertently squash the spiders.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Pocket_(Commodores_album)

The Texas A&M "Aggies" will be clashing with the Florida State Seminoles. I believe FSU after losing in the conference tournament might be ready to beat the "land grant" Aggies over the uppity white mans proliferation of farming.

5. Purdue vs. St. Peter's. A trained craftsman beats a peacock. (You might also report this to PETA)

6. Looking to outwit your friends by nailing the tricky 8-9 seed matchups? No problem. How about out in the West region the #8 seed Wolverines vs. #9 seed Volunteers? A fierce rodent like animal fighting on it's back verses the helpful volunteer. Go with the Wolverines.

7. I have not yet been able to come down with a ruling for battles of mythical creatures so my advice is flip a coin or consult the oracles for contests between, Blue Devils, Pirates, Leprechauns, Redstorms, Bruins and Blaze a Fire Breathing Dragon

8. A Buckeye is a poisonous nut. They are also the #1 overall seed...coincidence? no, pick them!

9. Akron ZIPS!!!!!!! this team will run faster, jump, higher etc. Down side, if they win, it is Akron. Remember "It's gotta be the shoes money!" No MAC team is a good bet.

10. So,...my Final Four Includes a mythical bird (Kansas), a gator (Florida), huskies (U Conn), and dirty feet (North Carolina)? With the overall champions?...

Dirty Feet vs. a Baby Jay?

Dirty Feet.

okay, good luck and Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. Zips refers to a particular brand of kids shoe

mitty's resume...need assistance

To contact us Click HERE


Good Morning,

It came to my attention that there was a small hiccup in the system last week OR should I say a mild hairball cough?

Mitty aka Mittens was in charge of the MMN e-mail while I was out of town...but she failed to perform her duty.

So, Mitty has been put on notice! I'm afraid she has become a financial drain on the MMN operation and needs to find outside employment. She has been working on her resume and I ask that you take a moment to read and pass on to any contacts or potential employers. We would be most appreciative.

Sincerely,

Amanda Editor and Chief!!!

*********

Mittens Vallo

Education:
Street

Work Experience:
Monday Morning News dancer, performer, features writer
Published Author- "Mitty's Haiku Corner" a chapbook of original poems

Achievements:
???

Activities & Skills:

effective in kitty massage
type 70+ wpm with 98% errors
operate small machinery (can open cabinet doors with hinges)
excellent people skills

Certification(s)
Completed "Living Well With a Disability" Facilitator Training 5/11

Licensure
Rabies and Feline AIDS Vaccination (current)

Special Interests:

napping
licking ear buds
bird watching

References:

Dr. Andrea Shuster, DVM
Columbus, OH 43212

Susan the Cat Foster Care Lady
Westgate, OH

Juanita Sanchez
Assistant Rooms Manager
Hilton Inn Express
O'Fallon, MO


Okay, Mitty has just asked for her job back...I have a face full of kitty fur and a nose of tuna breath. (Ewwww...) after we address hygiene she's REHIRED!!! This is just the kind of worker we need around here.

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. now she's napping

let's go to the instant replay!

To contact us Click HERE
Good Morning,

I have a very small matter of greeeeat importance this morning! As I was cleaning up my files this morning I came across this...



"Get in the Zone" from the College Basketball Experience...

Think of it this way. I have very bad balance. Every time I go to reload my shot in a rapid fire competition it feels a bit like standing on a water bed. Ol Pistol Pete to my right was a machine!!! Cranking out shots so fast there was a trail of smoke!

I lost this "friendly" competition...25 to 37!!!

My shaky right leg will not go out the loser! Dad may have begged off “arthritis in both hands” but he was soon to be seen disappearing, running off to shoot more free throws! ...and i want a REMATCH!

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. "Look at the scoreboard!" (stomp stomp!) I'm comin' for ya Dad!!! : )

Paddlin'

To contact us Click HERE

Good Morning,

I had the good fortune of taking my maiden voyage in a kayak this weekend on Lone Star Lake. Regardless of ability, I think this is an activity anyone can enjoy. So, I'd like to encourage ALL to try...

5 Reasons to Try Paddling

1. You can adopt an ease to the language not typical of the urban Midwest.

In the West people get stoked...
ya’ll, honeys in the South
you sit and tawk in New Yawk
go "out and aboot" up North

now Midwesterners have somethin’ to do too. Go paddlin! : )

2. With cell phones, we are tuned into each other greater than ever before, physically though it has come at a cost as we so often miss the opportunity to interact with those around us. By choosing to go out in a kayak for a couple hours you are choosing to support friendly face-to-face communication with strangers.

3. People with houses on the lake may come out to great you and on some mornings have even opened up a window and turned up the stereo for all to enjoy (feels very different than when your apartment neighbor decides to do this).

4. If you travel in a pack and someone brings enough snacks, you are basically a party that floats! And...if you like to talk, you have a captive audience! Remember though that the corollary is also true. You are a captive audience! This might not be the best time to share your stories of Sacagawea and goals for Eskimo rolls...



5. The Polynesian navigational system...


In double-hauled canoes, "Papa Mau" and his crew made their way from Hawaii to Tahiti, reading only subtle changes in wind direction, waves, the flight of birds, the course of dolphins, the color of the water...



In no time whatsoever a new kayaker can determine that this unfortunate situation means log jam. : )

Happy Monday,

Amanda

a brother's love is...

To contact us Click HERE

Good Morning,

Here's a very quick story from my youth. As I bent down to set up the BB-gun target, a row of Coke cans, I heard the unmistakeable click, click blat...of the "pump" gun. To this day, it is unclear whether the true bulls-eye was my butt or the bottom of my shoe but as I knelt to do my apprentice duty...I suspected the hee hee hee of my brother's voice was not meant to leave my sweat-panted hiny unscathed.

Perhaps this is why I was so moved this weekend as I looked out my apartment window to see Eric (my brother) bent over clearing a path for me with such meticulous care. It iced-over hard here this weekend. My brother was in town for a business meeting and up early the next morning to make his flight.

I'd gotten up early too to see him off. After hugs and safe travel wishes, no sooner had I turned to tend to Mitty "the treat jonesing" kitty than I heard a little knock on my door. It was Eric! He said, "Hey I just wanted to let you know, it's a sheet of ice out there. Be careful. I just fell."

Surprised, I checked to make sure he was okay then turned on the TV. The winter weather news crew flashed onto the scene and reveled in their morning horror stories.

"It's ICEY out there Bob! I live 30min. from the station and had a 1 1/2 hr. commute this morning!"

only to be out done by the next...

"Yes Carol, as you can see traffic here at I-69 and 435 is crawling. If you don't need to be out this morning stay in, and if you do be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra time!"

Although I would have loved it if he could have stayed, I also did not want my brother to have to extend his travel. Thus, I quickly urged him to be careful (TURN AROUND AND COME BACK if needed...) and advised that he head slowly to the airport right away!

Eric stood there looking concerned. My interpretation?...contemplating how to leave yet still do his duty to care and protect his little sister from hazardous foot steps.

I know! I thought. I have the quick solution to our problem! By my door I have a bag of rock salt. That is, a bag of salt maintenance crews use for spreading on icey sidewalks and walkways.

I handed my brother the bag and a plastic cup and asked that he throw some down...implying quickly as I parroted out the news crew's growing alarm, "You need extra time if headed to the airport!"

(...we had planned for a morning with a leisurely departure time not one of triple drive time and jack knifed semis!!!)

Doo do doo...

I looked out the window proudly at my brother in his smart looking pea coat and nifty running shoes.

Yes, i thought, that's my brother! Look at him putting down that salt for me!

I looked out the window still proud...

See how careful he's being!

I looked out and at the clock concerned...

Now what can be taking so long? Just exactly what is he doing?

This was not the simple maintenance man scatter. There was some sort of systematic planning going on out there. There was bending and stooping almost like a golfer setting up his put. He surveyed and turned and sprinkled...

Desperate to help or understand, I stepped out onto the door mat in my PJs. "Brother!? Brother? Are you done?"

I went back inside. Checking the freezer for more overnight provisions, there is no way I thought this boy's making it to the airport. Luckily, I had food...

Finally, I heard some foot stomping at the door. I can't help but tear up a little when I think of the words that came next. "Well Sister, I made you a path!" My sibling companion who used to shoot BBs at my behind had...cared enough to make me a path! It was the best path every made! It went directly from my door, down the sidewalk, around my neighbor's car and straight to my driver's side car door!

This person who used to bitterly complain about arrival times (a Senior providing car pool service cannot arrive at the early bird Freshman's time!) had seen through to my needs and let the demands of schedules sit to make a way for me to be.

This person who made me use the broom while he got to use the hockey stick...

okay...He indeed made it to the airport in time and is now home. I believe in you and love you Brother.

Happy Tuesday,

Amanda

Tourney Pick'Em Tips

To contact us Click HERE


Good Morning,

If you live in Kansas, there is one thing you are guaranteed this time of year. Wherever you go you are likely to run into random groups of people huddled around a TV looking intent or mildly concerned as they mull over the words to "Rock Chalk Jayhawk!"-a haunting victory chant.

Rooooock chaalk Jaaaaay Haawk...Kaaaay Uuuuuu

The mood and tone of a city is indeed set by the outcome of the madness.

MARCH MADNESS!!!

The NCAA Men's (and Women's!!!) basketball tournament is set to begin this week. I have my sheets of integrity here ready to fill out (aka the "Pick em' Pool" Tournament brackets). Over the years in doing this it has become my theory that knowing the most about sports does not make the best Bracketologist. My Grandma, routinely a top finisher the family pool, relies on a steady viewing schedule and then I think selects based partly on whether or not a team has a cute coach or handsome players.

Since this has proven an effective strategy, I've decided to put away my stat sheets and try a new approach this morning. Amidst the MADNESS an analysis of team nicknames and mascots seems a saner approach.

So...after research and analysis of the 2011 NCAA's 68 teams I've culled together some tips I hope you too will find helpful for filling out your brackets.



10 Tips for Tourney Pick'Ems!...using team mascots

1. Look for Indiana State "The Fighting Teachers" (although currently the Sycamores) to make a long run into the Tournament. As demonstrated by the current political battles in Wisconsin, a cohesive group of Teachers are hard to knock off their committed course...


2. Write this down somewhere handy...next to your sheet.

A Tiger beats a Wildcat (too generic) and a working dog (Huskies, "Reveille" the Collie) beats a domestic non-sporting dog (e.g. Bulldogs or Terriers).

In all there are 11 cat teams, 9 dog teams, 5 bears...and at least 2 rodents. In a cat vs. dog fight go with the cats.

3. Also, a man with a gun beats animal unless it is a grizzly...

4. There are several interesting match-ups in the first round I am excited to see:

"The Commodores" against the Spiders. Here I feel at least one of them, probably Lionel, would step on a spider...or possibly in choreographed dance moves inadvertently squash the spiders.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Pocket_(Commodores_album)

The Texas A&M "Aggies" will be clashing with the Florida State Seminoles. I believe FSU after losing in the conference tournament might be ready to beat the "land grant" Aggies over the uppity white mans proliferation of farming.

5. Purdue vs. St. Peter's. A trained craftsman beats a peacock. (You might also report this to PETA)

6. Looking to outwit your friends by nailing the tricky 8-9 seed matchups? No problem. How about out in the West region the #8 seed Wolverines vs. #9 seed Volunteers? A fierce rodent like animal fighting on it's back verses the helpful volunteer. Go with the Wolverines.

7. I have not yet been able to come down with a ruling for battles of mythical creatures so my advice is flip a coin or consult the oracles for contests between, Blue Devils, Pirates, Leprechauns, Redstorms, Bruins and Blaze a Fire Breathing Dragon

8. A Buckeye is a poisonous nut. They are also the #1 overall seed...coincidence? no, pick them!

9. Akron ZIPS!!!!!!! this team will run faster, jump, higher etc. Down side, if they win, it is Akron. Remember "It's gotta be the shoes money!" No MAC team is a good bet.

10. So,...my Final Four Includes a mythical bird (Kansas), a gator (Florida), huskies (U Conn), and dirty feet (North Carolina)? With the overall champions?...

Dirty Feet vs. a Baby Jay?

Dirty Feet.

okay, good luck and Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. Zips refers to a particular brand of kids shoe

mitty's resume...need assistance

To contact us Click HERE


Good Morning,

It came to my attention that there was a small hiccup in the system last week OR should I say a mild hairball cough?

Mitty aka Mittens was in charge of the MMN e-mail while I was out of town...but she failed to perform her duty.

So, Mitty has been put on notice! I'm afraid she has become a financial drain on the MMN operation and needs to find outside employment. She has been working on her resume and I ask that you take a moment to read and pass on to any contacts or potential employers. We would be most appreciative.

Sincerely,

Amanda Editor and Chief!!!

*********

Mittens Vallo

Education:
Street

Work Experience:
Monday Morning News dancer, performer, features writer
Published Author- "Mitty's Haiku Corner" a chapbook of original poems

Achievements:
???

Activities & Skills:

effective in kitty massage
type 70+ wpm with 98% errors
operate small machinery (can open cabinet doors with hinges)
excellent people skills

Certification(s)
Completed "Living Well With a Disability" Facilitator Training 5/11

Licensure
Rabies and Feline AIDS Vaccination (current)

Special Interests:

napping
licking ear buds
bird watching

References:

Dr. Andrea Shuster, DVM
Columbus, OH 43212

Susan the Cat Foster Care Lady
Westgate, OH

Juanita Sanchez
Assistant Rooms Manager
Hilton Inn Express
O'Fallon, MO


Okay, Mitty has just asked for her job back...I have a face full of kitty fur and a nose of tuna breath. (Ewwww...) after we address hygiene she's REHIRED!!! This is just the kind of worker we need around here.

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. now she's napping

let's go to the instant replay!

To contact us Click HERE
Good Morning,

I have a very small matter of greeeeat importance this morning! As I was cleaning up my files this morning I came across this...



"Get in the Zone" from the College Basketball Experience...

Think of it this way. I have very bad balance. Every time I go to reload my shot in a rapid fire competition it feels a bit like standing on a water bed. Ol Pistol Pete to my right was a machine!!! Cranking out shots so fast there was a trail of smoke!

I lost this "friendly" competition...25 to 37!!!

My shaky right leg will not go out the loser! Dad may have begged off “arthritis in both hands” but he was soon to be seen disappearing, running off to shoot more free throws! ...and i want a REMATCH!

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. "Look at the scoreboard!" (stomp stomp!) I'm comin' for ya Dad!!! : )

Paddlin'

To contact us Click HERE

Good Morning,

I had the good fortune of taking my maiden voyage in a kayak this weekend on Lone Star Lake. Regardless of ability, I think this is an activity anyone can enjoy. So, I'd like to encourage ALL to try...

5 Reasons to Try Paddling

1. You can adopt an ease to the language not typical of the urban Midwest.

In the West people get stoked...
ya’ll, honeys in the South
you sit and tawk in New Yawk
go "out and aboot" up North

now Midwesterners have somethin’ to do too. Go paddlin! : )

2. With cell phones, we are tuned into each other greater than ever before, physically though it has come at a cost as we so often miss the opportunity to interact with those around us. By choosing to go out in a kayak for a couple hours you are choosing to support friendly face-to-face communication with strangers.

3. People with houses on the lake may come out to great you and on some mornings have even opened up a window and turned up the stereo for all to enjoy (feels very different than when your apartment neighbor decides to do this).

4. If you travel in a pack and someone brings enough snacks, you are basically a party that floats! And...if you like to talk, you have a captive audience! Remember though that the corollary is also true. You are a captive audience! This might not be the best time to share your stories of Sacagawea and goals for Eskimo rolls...



5. The Polynesian navigational system...


In double-hauled canoes, "Papa Mau" and his crew made their way from Hawaii to Tahiti, reading only subtle changes in wind direction, waves, the flight of birds, the course of dolphins, the color of the water...



In no time whatsoever a new kayaker can determine that this unfortunate situation means log jam. : )

Happy Monday,

Amanda

a brother's love is...

To contact us Click HERE

Good Morning,

Here's a very quick story from my youth. As I bent down to set up the BB-gun target, a row of Coke cans, I heard the unmistakeable click, click blat...of the "pump" gun. To this day, it is unclear whether the true bulls-eye was my butt or the bottom of my shoe but as I knelt to do my apprentice duty...I suspected the hee hee hee of my brother's voice was not meant to leave my sweat-panted hiny unscathed.

Perhaps this is why I was so moved this weekend as I looked out my apartment window to see Eric (my brother) bent over clearing a path for me with such meticulous care. It iced-over hard here this weekend. My brother was in town for a business meeting and up early the next morning to make his flight.

I'd gotten up early too to see him off. After hugs and safe travel wishes, no sooner had I turned to tend to Mitty "the treat jonesing" kitty than I heard a little knock on my door. It was Eric! He said, "Hey I just wanted to let you know, it's a sheet of ice out there. Be careful. I just fell."

Surprised, I checked to make sure he was okay then turned on the TV. The winter weather news crew flashed onto the scene and reveled in their morning horror stories.

"It's ICEY out there Bob! I live 30min. from the station and had a 1 1/2 hr. commute this morning!"

only to be out done by the next...

"Yes Carol, as you can see traffic here at I-69 and 435 is crawling. If you don't need to be out this morning stay in, and if you do be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra time!"

Although I would have loved it if he could have stayed, I also did not want my brother to have to extend his travel. Thus, I quickly urged him to be careful (TURN AROUND AND COME BACK if needed...) and advised that he head slowly to the airport right away!

Eric stood there looking concerned. My interpretation?...contemplating how to leave yet still do his duty to care and protect his little sister from hazardous foot steps.

I know! I thought. I have the quick solution to our problem! By my door I have a bag of rock salt. That is, a bag of salt maintenance crews use for spreading on icey sidewalks and walkways.

I handed my brother the bag and a plastic cup and asked that he throw some down...implying quickly as I parroted out the news crew's growing alarm, "You need extra time if headed to the airport!"

(...we had planned for a morning with a leisurely departure time not one of triple drive time and jack knifed semis!!!)

Doo do doo...

I looked out the window proudly at my brother in his smart looking pea coat and nifty running shoes.

Yes, i thought, that's my brother! Look at him putting down that salt for me!

I looked out the window still proud...

See how careful he's being!

I looked out and at the clock concerned...

Now what can be taking so long? Just exactly what is he doing?

This was not the simple maintenance man scatter. There was some sort of systematic planning going on out there. There was bending and stooping almost like a golfer setting up his put. He surveyed and turned and sprinkled...

Desperate to help or understand, I stepped out onto the door mat in my PJs. "Brother!? Brother? Are you done?"

I went back inside. Checking the freezer for more overnight provisions, there is no way I thought this boy's making it to the airport. Luckily, I had food...

Finally, I heard some foot stomping at the door. I can't help but tear up a little when I think of the words that came next. "Well Sister, I made you a path!" My sibling companion who used to shoot BBs at my behind had...cared enough to make me a path! It was the best path every made! It went directly from my door, down the sidewalk, around my neighbor's car and straight to my driver's side car door!

This person who used to bitterly complain about arrival times (a Senior providing car pool service cannot arrive at the early bird Freshman's time!) had seen through to my needs and let the demands of schedules sit to make a way for me to be.

This person who made me use the broom while he got to use the hockey stick...

okay...He indeed made it to the airport in time and is now home. I believe in you and love you Brother.

Happy Tuesday,

Amanda

Tourney Pick'Em Tips

To contact us Click HERE


Good Morning,

If you live in Kansas, there is one thing you are guaranteed this time of year. Wherever you go you are likely to run into random groups of people huddled around a TV looking intent or mildly concerned as they mull over the words to "Rock Chalk Jayhawk!"-a haunting victory chant.

Rooooock chaalk Jaaaaay Haawk...Kaaaay Uuuuuu

The mood and tone of a city is indeed set by the outcome of the madness.

MARCH MADNESS!!!

The NCAA Men's (and Women's!!!) basketball tournament is set to begin this week. I have my sheets of integrity here ready to fill out (aka the "Pick em' Pool" Tournament brackets). Over the years in doing this it has become my theory that knowing the most about sports does not make the best Bracketologist. My Grandma, routinely a top finisher the family pool, relies on a steady viewing schedule and then I think selects based partly on whether or not a team has a cute coach or handsome players.

Since this has proven an effective strategy, I've decided to put away my stat sheets and try a new approach this morning. Amidst the MADNESS an analysis of team nicknames and mascots seems a saner approach.

So...after research and analysis of the 2011 NCAA's 68 teams I've culled together some tips I hope you too will find helpful for filling out your brackets.



10 Tips for Tourney Pick'Ems!...using team mascots

1. Look for Indiana State "The Fighting Teachers" (although currently the Sycamores) to make a long run into the Tournament. As demonstrated by the current political battles in Wisconsin, a cohesive group of Teachers are hard to knock off their committed course...


2. Write this down somewhere handy...next to your sheet.

A Tiger beats a Wildcat (too generic) and a working dog (Huskies, "Reveille" the Collie) beats a domestic non-sporting dog (e.g. Bulldogs or Terriers).

In all there are 11 cat teams, 9 dog teams, 5 bears...and at least 2 rodents. In a cat vs. dog fight go with the cats.

3. Also, a man with a gun beats animal unless it is a grizzly...

4. There are several interesting match-ups in the first round I am excited to see:

"The Commodores" against the Spiders. Here I feel at least one of them, probably Lionel, would step on a spider...or possibly in choreographed dance moves inadvertently squash the spiders.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Pocket_(Commodores_album)

The Texas A&M "Aggies" will be clashing with the Florida State Seminoles. I believe FSU after losing in the conference tournament might be ready to beat the "land grant" Aggies over the uppity white mans proliferation of farming.

5. Purdue vs. St. Peter's. A trained craftsman beats a peacock. (You might also report this to PETA)

6. Looking to outwit your friends by nailing the tricky 8-9 seed matchups? No problem. How about out in the West region the #8 seed Wolverines vs. #9 seed Volunteers? A fierce rodent like animal fighting on it's back verses the helpful volunteer. Go with the Wolverines.

7. I have not yet been able to come down with a ruling for battles of mythical creatures so my advice is flip a coin or consult the oracles for contests between, Blue Devils, Pirates, Leprechauns, Redstorms, Bruins and Blaze a Fire Breathing Dragon

8. A Buckeye is a poisonous nut. They are also the #1 overall seed...coincidence? no, pick them!

9. Akron ZIPS!!!!!!! this team will run faster, jump, higher etc. Down side, if they win, it is Akron. Remember "It's gotta be the shoes money!" No MAC team is a good bet.

10. So,...my Final Four Includes a mythical bird (Kansas), a gator (Florida), huskies (U Conn), and dirty feet (North Carolina)? With the overall champions?...

Dirty Feet vs. a Baby Jay?

Dirty Feet.

okay, good luck and Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. Zips refers to a particular brand of kids shoe

mitty's resume...need assistance

To contact us Click HERE


Good Morning,

It came to my attention that there was a small hiccup in the system last week OR should I say a mild hairball cough?

Mitty aka Mittens was in charge of the MMN e-mail while I was out of town...but she failed to perform her duty.

So, Mitty has been put on notice! I'm afraid she has become a financial drain on the MMN operation and needs to find outside employment. She has been working on her resume and I ask that you take a moment to read and pass on to any contacts or potential employers. We would be most appreciative.

Sincerely,

Amanda Editor and Chief!!!

*********

Mittens Vallo

Education:
Street

Work Experience:
Monday Morning News dancer, performer, features writer
Published Author- "Mitty's Haiku Corner" a chapbook of original poems

Achievements:
???

Activities & Skills:

effective in kitty massage
type 70+ wpm with 98% errors
operate small machinery (can open cabinet doors with hinges)
excellent people skills

Certification(s)
Completed "Living Well With a Disability" Facilitator Training 5/11

Licensure
Rabies and Feline AIDS Vaccination (current)

Special Interests:

napping
licking ear buds
bird watching

References:

Dr. Andrea Shuster, DVM
Columbus, OH 43212

Susan the Cat Foster Care Lady
Westgate, OH

Juanita Sanchez
Assistant Rooms Manager
Hilton Inn Express
O'Fallon, MO


Okay, Mitty has just asked for her job back...I have a face full of kitty fur and a nose of tuna breath. (Ewwww...) after we address hygiene she's REHIRED!!! This is just the kind of worker we need around here.

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. now she's napping

let's go to the instant replay!

To contact us Click HERE
Good Morning,

I have a very small matter of greeeeat importance this morning! As I was cleaning up my files this morning I came across this...



"Get in the Zone" from the College Basketball Experience...

Think of it this way. I have very bad balance. Every time I go to reload my shot in a rapid fire competition it feels a bit like standing on a water bed. Ol Pistol Pete to my right was a machine!!! Cranking out shots so fast there was a trail of smoke!

I lost this "friendly" competition...25 to 37!!!

My shaky right leg will not go out the loser! Dad may have begged off “arthritis in both hands” but he was soon to be seen disappearing, running off to shoot more free throws! ...and i want a REMATCH!

Happy Monday,

Amanda

p.s. "Look at the scoreboard!" (stomp stomp!) I'm comin' for ya Dad!!! : )

Paddlin'

To contact us Click HERE

Good Morning,

I had the good fortune of taking my maiden voyage in a kayak this weekend on Lone Star Lake. Regardless of ability, I think this is an activity anyone can enjoy. So, I'd like to encourage ALL to try...

5 Reasons to Try Paddling

1. You can adopt an ease to the language not typical of the urban Midwest.

In the West people get stoked...
ya’ll, honeys in the South
you sit and tawk in New Yawk
go "out and aboot" up North

now Midwesterners have somethin’ to do too. Go paddlin! : )

2. With cell phones, we are tuned into each other greater than ever before, physically though it has come at a cost as we so often miss the opportunity to interact with those around us. By choosing to go out in a kayak for a couple hours you are choosing to support friendly face-to-face communication with strangers.

3. People with houses on the lake may come out to great you and on some mornings have even opened up a window and turned up the stereo for all to enjoy (feels very different than when your apartment neighbor decides to do this).

4. If you travel in a pack and someone brings enough snacks, you are basically a party that floats! And...if you like to talk, you have a captive audience! Remember though that the corollary is also true. You are a captive audience! This might not be the best time to share your stories of Sacagawea and goals for Eskimo rolls...



5. The Polynesian navigational system...


In double-hauled canoes, "Papa Mau" and his crew made their way from Hawaii to Tahiti, reading only subtle changes in wind direction, waves, the flight of birds, the course of dolphins, the color of the water...



In no time whatsoever a new kayaker can determine that this unfortunate situation means log jam. : )

Happy Monday,

Amanda

a brother's love is...

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Good Morning,

Here's a very quick story from my youth. As I bent down to set up the BB-gun target, a row of Coke cans, I heard the unmistakeable click, click blat...of the "pump" gun. To this day, it is unclear whether the true bulls-eye was my butt or the bottom of my shoe but as I knelt to do my apprentice duty...I suspected the hee hee hee of my brother's voice was not meant to leave my sweat-panted hiny unscathed.

Perhaps this is why I was so moved this weekend as I looked out my apartment window to see Eric (my brother) bent over clearing a path for me with such meticulous care. It iced-over hard here this weekend. My brother was in town for a business meeting and up early the next morning to make his flight.

I'd gotten up early too to see him off. After hugs and safe travel wishes, no sooner had I turned to tend to Mitty "the treat jonesing" kitty than I heard a little knock on my door. It was Eric! He said, "Hey I just wanted to let you know, it's a sheet of ice out there. Be careful. I just fell."

Surprised, I checked to make sure he was okay then turned on the TV. The winter weather news crew flashed onto the scene and reveled in their morning horror stories.

"It's ICEY out there Bob! I live 30min. from the station and had a 1 1/2 hr. commute this morning!"

only to be out done by the next...

"Yes Carol, as you can see traffic here at I-69 and 435 is crawling. If you don't need to be out this morning stay in, and if you do be sure to leave yourself plenty of extra time!"

Although I would have loved it if he could have stayed, I also did not want my brother to have to extend his travel. Thus, I quickly urged him to be careful (TURN AROUND AND COME BACK if needed...) and advised that he head slowly to the airport right away!

Eric stood there looking concerned. My interpretation?...contemplating how to leave yet still do his duty to care and protect his little sister from hazardous foot steps.

I know! I thought. I have the quick solution to our problem! By my door I have a bag of rock salt. That is, a bag of salt maintenance crews use for spreading on icey sidewalks and walkways.

I handed my brother the bag and a plastic cup and asked that he throw some down...implying quickly as I parroted out the news crew's growing alarm, "You need extra time if headed to the airport!"

(...we had planned for a morning with a leisurely departure time not one of triple drive time and jack knifed semis!!!)

Doo do doo...

I looked out the window proudly at my brother in his smart looking pea coat and nifty running shoes.

Yes, i thought, that's my brother! Look at him putting down that salt for me!

I looked out the window still proud...

See how careful he's being!

I looked out and at the clock concerned...

Now what can be taking so long? Just exactly what is he doing?

This was not the simple maintenance man scatter. There was some sort of systematic planning going on out there. There was bending and stooping almost like a golfer setting up his put. He surveyed and turned and sprinkled...

Desperate to help or understand, I stepped out onto the door mat in my PJs. "Brother!? Brother? Are you done?"

I went back inside. Checking the freezer for more overnight provisions, there is no way I thought this boy's making it to the airport. Luckily, I had food...

Finally, I heard some foot stomping at the door. I can't help but tear up a little when I think of the words that came next. "Well Sister, I made you a path!" My sibling companion who used to shoot BBs at my behind had...cared enough to make me a path! It was the best path every made! It went directly from my door, down the sidewalk, around my neighbor's car and straight to my driver's side car door!

This person who used to bitterly complain about arrival times (a Senior providing car pool service cannot arrive at the early bird Freshman's time!) had seen through to my needs and let the demands of schedules sit to make a way for me to be.

This person who made me use the broom while he got to use the hockey stick...

okay...He indeed made it to the airport in time and is now home. I believe in you and love you Brother.

Happy Tuesday,

Amanda