I am Cutris

Let "Two and a Half Men" Die...

2012-01-27T07:24:00.004-06:00

CBS Producers say that when Charlie Sheen was removed from the TV show, Two and a Half Men, that the show was saved by Ashton Kutcher. REALLY??? (Michael) Kelso??? Because I think the show was already getting too raunchy as it was, and now Kutcher, who only seems to be able to play one type of character (i.e. Kelso)-- just like Tommy Chong can only play a stoner has brought the show to a new low. Let this show die.

KJC

"Thanks" Tea Party

2012-01-26T18:29:00.008-06:00

In the United States, the Republican Party has sprouted a faction that calls itself the Tea Party. With notable members such as Sarah Palin and her "twin" Michelle Bachman, The tea Party has taken the name of an important even out of America history, called The Boston Tea Party and defiled it by using it to define their political strategy to keep President Barack Obama from getting anything passed or making any progress. The idea is to never agree and never compromise on any issue that the Democratic Party wants. What the issue is or whether or not the idea is good or bad has taken a backseat to stubbornly rejecting anything that is not insanely conservative. For this, I want to say "Thanks a whole lot."

Time Well Spent

2012-01-26T07:26:00.003-06:00

I haven't been making many entries lately, as I have been otherwise occupied. Most of my time is taken up working in the data warehouse. Then I get to be dad and husband.

Recently I learned about the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. I was just finishing my latest novel, "Lapse of Humanity," and I had to do a hurry-up edit and get it entered.

I'm trying to figure out how to get more time, as time seems to move faster... all the time!

Snow this Morning!

2012-01-23T07:32:00.001-06:00

Most Annoying Car

2012-01-17T20:37:00.004-06:00

I saw the most annoying car ever tonight. The poor woman was driving a Buick down the road behind me with the alarm going off! You know... that stupid alarm that goes off on some car everyday--somewhere close enough for you to hear it.

When I hear that sound, I always say to myself, "Oh no! Somebody is stealing a car!!!"
Ha! ha! No I don't! I was just foolin' you!

After I got onto the freeway, the Buick with the honking horn and lights flashing on and off went past me. "Man," I thought. "That car is sure annoying!"

A Thousand Years

2012-01-17T07:24:00.002-06:00

I quite like the song, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.

Is it Time to Move my Money from TCF?

2012-01-12T07:19:00.004-06:00

Yesterday on my bank statement there was a charge I had never seen before. It was a check image charge. After calling TCF Bank and going through their horrid computer phone system I finally got a live person. She told me that the pictures of my checks that I've gotten on my monthly statement for the last nine or ten years now costs $1.95 per month. I had that removed, as I know what my check looks like and can take a picture of it myself if I need to. So apparently I could be charged a $10 maintenance fee if I didn't use my debit card enough or if my balance was too low.

That settled it. My son's new bank account will not be at TCF! I may have to follow the Un-occupy Big Banks movement.

How Satire Works

2012-01-09T07:18:00.006-06:00

"Just relax, this will only hurt a little..."

The Power of Words

2012-01-06T07:16:00.004-06:00

On my way home from work yesterday I decided to stop by the dollar store to get a couple of things. Now I don't expect to be entering a "high class" establishment when I go there, but the two women who were very loudly using language that would put the Sopranos to shame made me think of my time working in the alternative high school and the chemical health division of the county. What is it that people like this are trying to achieve by using the "F" word in every sentence?

Now please don't insult me by trying to turn this into a racial thing (like when I was working at the county). I don't care what color your skin is; I just don't want to hear you spew obscenities at high volume in a public place. On the "flip-side," I would venture to guess that these same two women would go into a (near) homicidal rage if someone with a light complexion uttered the "N" word.

So the power of words is strong, and ignorant people are creating a hostile environment for our children. Yes, our children. I am a dad now and I don’t want my son to think it is alright to speak that way.

Republican Primary Questions

2012-01-04T07:22:00.004-06:00

1. Who names their kid, "Mitt?" OK, his parents are sort of off-the-hook--since that is his middle name and his first name is actually, Willard.

2. If Michelle Bachman drops out of the race, does that mean you have to actually know something in order to run for President?

Separation Anxiety

2012-01-03T07:21:00.005-06:00

So if you happen to follow my blog (believe it or not one or two people do), you may have noticed that I've been fairly "quiet" for awhile. It seems that I became a father just before Christmas in the wee hours of the morning. I awoke that morning to my wife saying, "oh crap, I think my water just broke!"

We are both tired, happy, overwhelmed at times and just so grateful that we finally have the baby (boy) we were trying for for so long.

I'm going back to my new, new job that I started late in November--and I'm experiencing separation anxiety! I don't want to be away from my wife and son right now. But, responsibilities, wages--these things also take up time and are important.

How has my life changed some people have asked? How has it not? My priorities have, I think, rightfully shifted to my wife and our tiny son.

Among the more humorous notes, could be all of the nicknames I've given my son depending on if he is being "Mr. Fussy Pants" or maybe simply "Boo-Boo." I've also taken to "checking his mudflaps" as my own father would have almost assuredly called my diapers when I was that age. In fact, I'm under the impression at this moment that I may have cleaned my baby boy's back end more than my own!

I miss them...

Welcome Home Baby!

2011-12-26T09:39:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T21:35:00.002-06:00

My wife and I are enjoying our new present!

Happy Birthday!

2011-12-24T09:29:00.002-06:00

My wife and I welcomed our new son into the world yesterday!

Fire Hose?

2011-12-22T07:19:00.006-06:00

And so the fire raged on as no one could find the "FIRE HOSE."

Working in the Data Warehouse

2011-12-21T18:35:00.003-06:00

The data comes in and it is usually dirty. It requires cleaning before it is accepted into the data warehouse. All day long people send this data. They typically think it is just pushed into the warehouse and put on its appropriate shelf. Little do they know how much work goes into it!

The warehouse is virtual, yet it is also real. The work is virtual--yet the data is real.

Out of all the many jobs I've ever had, this is definitely one of them.

Cutris Gave it a Lot of Thought

2011-12-12T07:08:00.004-06:00

Cutris gave it a lot of thought.
Then the thought floated away on a thought bubble.
"Where did the thought go?" Cutris thought.
But the thought was fleeting...

Goodbye Sherman Potter

2011-12-08T14:31:00.002-06:00

Actor Harry Morgan best known for his role as Sherman T. Potter on M*A*S*H, died yesterday at age 96.

New Job

2011-12-07T07:28:00.007-06:00

Much brain power required.

Herman Cain Continuing Controversy

2011-12-05T07:14:00.009-06:00

Herman Cain Continuing Controversy
UnAssociated Press
December 5, 2011

Even though Herman Cain has suspended his presidential campaign, he remains the subject of controversy. Today it was reported that two more women, a chicken and a sunflower have accused him of sexual harassment.

The Secret Life of Beavers

2011-11-29T18:58:00.003-06:00

Cutris shows the outside of a huge beaver lodge. As impressive as the outside is, it is nothing compared to the interior.

Here is a photograph that Cutris has supplied which shows the inside of the beaver lodge.

Amazing!

The Roasted Duck

2011-11-28T12:17:00.003-06:00

My wife is on bed rest as we wait for our son's coming birth. As a result, we did not venture out to the two Thanksgiving invites that we had. We still had a good meal, as I made this duck for us.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-23T15:34:00.001-06:00

Louisville Swamp Before Winter

2011-11-22T19:19:00.013-06:00

I went hiking (the Mazomani Trail) at Louisville Swamp in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge today. It was 37 degrees Fahrenheit and cloudy. The snow was melting, but there was just enough to brighten up the scenery. I saw one juvenile Bald Eagle, a lot of animal tracks and a Yellow Perch trying to fight its way upstream through a tangle of branches in a culvert. Aside from the usual assortment of woodpeckers and a lot of trees cut by beavers, I didn't see too much wildlife--but the scenery there is fantastic! Here are some photos I took...

Jab's Farm Ruins

Tracks!

One of the Rock Ledges

The Swamp

The Giant Rock

Between Jobs...

2011-11-17T15:09:00.002-06:00

I am literally "between jobs." I gave my notice (i.e. told my boss I was leaving), worked two weeks and haven't started my new job yet.

November in West Wilkie

2011-11-16T18:30:00.020-06:00

I managed to find a few hours to go hiking today! I went into the (west end of the) Wilkie Unit in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

The temperature was in the lower thirties (Fahrenheit) but I was plenty warm if I kept moving. Along the way I found a deer skull, a Cooper's Hawk, a Belted Kingfisher and viewed the nests of the heron colony. Here are a few photos I took.

Blue Lake

Deer Skull

Heron Nests

Leaf Carpet

Beaver Dam

Bald-Faced Hornet Nest

Great Horned Owl

Cutris Reenacts Lethal Weapon

2011-11-15T07:18:00.007-06:00

For your enjoyment, and in case you missed them, Cutris (in a dual role) will now reenact all of the Lethal Weapon movies in eight seconds. The scene is punctuated by the crazy rantings and reckless behavior of Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson). Also important is the shouting of Rigg's name by Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover). Now sit back and enjoy the show!

11-11-11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.004-06:00

Today is,

11-11-11

Bus Bomb

2011-11-10T07:24:00.006-06:00

This disaster training video is kind of cool. I know the guys who did the recording of it. The credits for the creation can be found HERE.

Some People Don't Know Dick

2011-11-08T20:31:00.011-06:00

How would I describe Dick? He's not big or small; he's an average size Dick. Dick is smart. He knows about different parts like bolts; and nuts. Dick's nuts are galvanized. It seems that someone is always looking for Dick! Guys are always calling, looking for Dick. Women like Dick too. I work with Dick every day, but soon I will be working somewhere else—so I won’t see as much of Dick. Maybe you work with a Dick too! Do you have a friend who is a Dick? Here is a picture of my friend Dick.

Photo of Dick measuring his wood

DISCLAIMER: No Dicks's were harmed in the creation of this post.
Proper authorization was obtained prior to posting this post.
A sense of humor may be required to fully appreciate this posting.

Cutris Talks to The Tree of Life

2011-11-08T07:24:00.008-06:00

TOL - "Yes Cutris, what is it now?"
Cutris - "I have another question. During my life as a Mongol, did I have any computer aptitude?"
TOL - "That is a ridiculous question. Computers hadn't been invented yet!"
Cutris - "I know that, but was the aptitude there anyway?"
TOL - "Yes, I must admit that it was."
Cutris - "Cool... that's what I thought..."

He Kept on Looking Ahead

2011-11-03T07:23:00.003-05:00

He recognized the warehouse where he did his work. It had only been a few months since he had fled from the independent district. Now, he tried not to feel sad that his wife was further in the city, resting in the hospital. Their son was still likely to arrive before the scheduled date, but there was some hope now that things would be alright.

Yeah, it was a stressful time and he had bumped it up a little when he decided to step off the ship and throw his future in with another group in the company of new people. Those he had spent the last few months with were so brilliant and had become good friends. Still, it was undeniable how the climate could change in rapid succession when the head man arrived. The dark cloud would loom in above the tiny warehouse and the discomfort was unavoidable and undeniable.

Yes, it was a good time to leave, yet it was more stress on top of the stress. He was tired. The cursing in the next room was uncomfortable, but he would soon be free of it. More friends would be left behind as he climbed further upward.

The wind blew in his face as he looked at the horizon. The river flowed on past. Life continued forward. Rocks sometimes got in the way—but he kept on looking ahead.

—KJC

Cutris Plans Daring Escape!

2011-10-28T07:20:00.002-05:00

Cutris Plans Daring Escape!
UnAssociated Press
October 28, 2011

Cutris is rumored to be planning a daring escape! Just when, where or what Cutris is escaping from is as of yet unknown. According to inside sources close to Cutris, he has been planning to launch his escape plan at an as of yet undetermined time. More information about the alleged escape plan of Cutris was not available at the time this story was printed.

Cutris Found Living Under Fallen Tree

2011-10-24T21:20:00.002-05:00

Cutris Found Living Under Fallen Tree
UnAssociated Press
October 24, 2011

Last week it was thought that Cutris was living with otters. Now it seems he has been sighted once again--this time living under a fallen tree. Has Cutris abandoned the human race? When asked by reporters, Cutris simply growled and scampered away.

Hiking at Wilkie

2011-10-23T07:15:00.007-05:00

Yesterday my wife and I hiked around Fisher Lake in the central part of the Wilkie Unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. It was a really nice fall day. Here are a few photos.

Cutris Thought to be Living with Otters

2011-10-20T07:17:00.003-05:00

Cutris Thought to be Living with Otters
UnAssociated Press
October 20, 2011

Unconfirmed sources have indicated that Cutris may be living in Northern Minnesota with a family of River Otters. Apparently Cutris was seen frolicking in a stream in an undisclosed location--but disappeared underwater before he could be photographed. If this is true, it will be the fifth time this year that Cutris has been seen living with wild animals. One can only speculate as to why Cutris is living with otters (if indeed he is). Perhaps he needed a vacation, or is friends with the otter family. Maybe it is simply a publicity stunt before he officially announces his candidacy for U.S. President.

Cutris Seen Defying Rules Again

2011-10-19T07:14:00.010-05:00

Cutris Seen Defying Rules Again
October 19, 2011
UnAssociated Press

In another link in his string of scandals, this picture of Cutris emerged today. Will the former independent presidential candidate run again? Or is his record of civil disobedience too long? Or is the country ready for a president who is not more of the same?

Mississippi Morning

2011-10-18T07:19:00.004-05:00

Here is the Mississippi River this morning from the Wabasha Bridge in St. Paul.

Fall at Tamarack

2011-10-17T07:15:00.006-05:00

Here are two pictures from yesterday's walk at Tamarack Nature Center.

The second picture shows the Tamarack trees the park was named for.

The Civil Wars, Poison & Wine

2011-10-11T07:17:00.002-05:00

The Civil Wars, Poison & Wine is just a great song. It is proof that simplicity and harmony makes great music.

Wall Street Bastardos Story

2011-10-07T07:21:00.006-05:00

In the city of Cutris in the land of Cutris, there was a place called, The Castle of Cutris. The castle was very beautiful, and the King of Cutris Land lived there. One day after the greedy Bastardos of Wall Street ruined the economy, the government bailed out their debts and then the Wall Streeters stuck-it-to the people of the land of Cutris—including the King. Thus, the castle’s mortgage was now upside-down—and King Cutris owed more than the castle was worth (which had been $32 bazillion previously, and was now 89 cents).

Then one day King Cutris received an email from Mafutoo Bam Ba Lam of Nigeria. The email said that Mr. Bam Ba Lam had $76 Trillion that he could share with his good friend King Cutris, with whom he had never met. The poorly written email asked that Cutris not tell anyone about this wonderful deal—and to hurry and send his full name, address, phone number, Social Security number, bank account number and underwear size—so that Dr. Bam Ba Lam (yes, Mr. Bam Ba Lam had become a Dr. since the beginning of the email) could get the money out of his country and then split it with King Cutris.

King Cutris thought hard about this wonderful proposition! Then, he replied to Mr. Dr. Mafutoo Bam Ba Lam to go and put dynamite in his shorts and light the fuse. Then the King of the land of Cutris went to work to earn money to pay for his mortgage to the Wall Street Bastardos who made money by mismanaging funds and were then bailed out by the government.

Fine Weather

2011-10-06T07:19:00.008-05:00

Sun and 80's (Fahrenheit)! What fine October weather we've been having!

Grand Grill

2011-10-05T07:19:00.004-05:00

My cheap little grill looks rather grand in this picture doesn't it?

Cutris Buys New Car

2011-10-04T07:16:00.020-05:00

Cutris Buys New Car
UnAssociated Press
October 4, 2011

Cutris is shown standing next to his new car that he just bought.
"I've always felt," said Cutris, "that a car should say something about the driver."
Cutris did not specify what his new car said about him.

Will the Vikings Play Ponder?

2011-10-03T07:15:00.004-05:00

The question is, will the 0-4 Minnesota Vikings play rookie quarterback Christian Ponder, or will they continue to rely on the ready-to-retire-quarterback "strategy" for yet another game? Is a losing season going to get them a new stadium? It might have if they decided to go with Ponder and Webb this year and call it a "building" season.

Paint Your Countertop?

2011-09-27T07:16:00.005-05:00

My wife and I decided to try this countertop paint from Rust-Oleum. She heard about it from watching the Nate Berkus show.

The idea is great. You can refinish the countertop without replacing it. Let me warn you, this stuff is smelly and hard to work with. Part of it went well, and the imperfections of application set almost immediately and are very unforgiving. Trying to fix these problem areas made things worse. After sanding and redoing one problem area four times, we finally got it to work pretty well.

Though this stuff sets immediately, it takes three days to cure/dry completely. So get set for a smelly kitchen that you can 't use for at least several days!

I must admit, I like it now though...

Vikings Second Half Collapse

2011-09-26T07:20:00.003-05:00

I've got to hand it to the Minnesota Vikings. To come out way ahead of their opponents the first half of the first three games--and then completley collapse and lose in the second half is shear brilliance. No one (including me) will have any idea how good they are if they keep this up!

Despite changing owners and coaches, the team has followed the same strategy of hiring ready to retire quarterbacks instead of developing their new talent-- and still , for some reason they continue to lose!

Imaginary Zombie Chickens Attack Cutris

2011-09-23T07:19:00.004-05:00

Cutris had finally gotten the chance to rest. He had assembled and secured large pallets of WiMAX, broadband radio equipment for shipping that day and he was tired. Of course, there was work to do once he got home too—including making dinner.

Now, as he finally got the chance to sit down on the couch, he began to daydream about imaginary things. Soon he imagined that zombie chickens began to emerge from the kitchen garbage can. They must have assembled themselves from the leftover chicken bones that he should have brought out to the outside garbage, but was too tired to do.

The imaginary chicken zombies staggered forward as zombies do. They wanted to eat his brains for some reason! Why do zombies like to eat brains so much? Cutris asked himself. There was no time to imagine why. The imaginary chicken zombies had crawled out of the imaginary garbage can and Cutris was imagining them coming for him in an imaginary, and menacing way.

Just then, Cutris imagined that he had a large slingshot and then he saw some imaginary rocks on the ground. He quickly loaded the slingshot with the rocks and pelted the imaginary zombie chickens one by one. The chickens fell to their undeaths and Cutris swept them up with his imaginary broom and put them into the imaginary garbage.

Then Cutris got up off of the couch and took the trash outside to the trash can—thus saving the world.

--KJC

St. Paul in the Morning

2011-09-22T07:16:00.003-05:00

Downtown St. Paul had a glow this morning as I drove in...

Cottonwood Branch Out Books Departing

2011-09-20T07:15:00.006-05:00

Today I will mail four Cottonwood books to four U.S. soldiers serving overseas. If I hear back from any of these people, I will link it to The Cottonwood Branch Out Project page (the link is to the right of main my page).

One Sign You Might be Cheap

2011-09-16T07:19:00.003-05:00

If your wedding is held in a trash can, you might not have spent enough...

The Cottonwood Branch Out Project

2011-09-15T07:19:00.009-05:00

I've come up with the idea to send four copies of Cottonwood to four members of the U.S. armed forces serving overseas. I found four candidates on Any Soldier.com. These four soldiers mentioned books in the list of things they wanted during their deployments.

Inside of each book I will include this note,

The Cottonwood Branch Out Project

This book was donated by the author
for your reading enjoyment. The one
thing I ask, is that if you enjoy it—please
sign your name & location on one of the
blank pages and then pass it on. You may
also want to leave your comment on my
blog,
http://cutris.blogspot.com
(Note the unique spelling of my name in URL)

I hope that eventually, someone will contact
me (thru the blog) and send the book back to
me after it has traveled significantly.

Thanks & Enjoy!
Kevin J. Curtis
St. Paul, Minnesota

Traveling Book #1

I have a link to the right that will serve as a way to keep track of any information that comes from this.

Project Links:

The Books Depart

Note* 10-28-11 I received a postcard from Sgt. Shawna thanking me for the book.

Remembering 9-1-1

2011-09-09T07:21:00.003-05:00

I remember ten years ago when I was working at the Hennepin County, Chemical Health Division in Minneapolis. I received a call, then more calls while working in my office. Airplanes were crashing into the World Trade Center; Twin Towers. In disbelief I verified this on the Internet.

Later I watched video on one of the few TV's we had at the office. It was a strange feeling of dread that overwhelmed me. As the day went on, it was announced that anyone who felt they needed to leave work could go. A group of my coworkers let out an excited yell and left work happily. I stared in disbelief as these disenfranchised people rejoiced in their half-day off--at the expense of thousands of victims in new York City. I stayed at work. I didn't know what else to do.

Later, alone in my house near the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport, I listened to the erie silence. I was used to hearing airplanes and for once there were none. Later, as I lie in bed, I could hear the feint sound of a lone F-16 Fighter patrolling the sky at high altitude. Ironically this sound kept me awake--unlike the louder sounds of commercial aircraft that I was used to.

I no longer live or work in Minneapolis. Marriage has influenced me to move across the river to St. Paul. Like most Americans, however, I can remember September 11, 2001 with remarkable clarity.

-KJC

Time Savers!

2011-09-08T07:23:00.002-05:00

To save time, ambulance chasing lawyers could team up with the ambulances!

Siamese Twins

2011-09-06T07:17:00.004-05:00

A Great Relief

2011-09-06T07:14:00.003-05:00

It was "touch and go" there for a few moments, but the school board finally agreed to let me leave. I was worried that they would reject my resignation and I would have to keep working there!

Cutris' Package

2011-09-02T07:25:00.003-05:00

Now he did it! Cutris had sent the package to the wrong address! Somehow he had missed the notation and instead of going to Liberia, it was heading to Tokyo! Blast it, thought Cutris, I don’t have time for this! Then he pulled the shade down and it fell off the bracket, hitting and scratching the toilet seat. Cutris had no time to waste, so he left the shade and ran to get his swim suit.

First he ran, then he swam across the ocean, and finally he flapped his arms so fast that he actually gained the power of flight! After an hour of flying, he grew tired, landed and then called the Tokyo office on his cell phone. It turned out that they had already shipped the errant package from Tokyo—and now it was headed to Liberia.

Cutris could only shake his head and smile. He started walking back home so he could fix the shade. Boy did he ever learn his lesson! Always read the entire order, notes or email—to make sure you send the package to the right place!

A Trip to the Garden

2011-09-01T07:25:00.003-05:00

I like this time of year when a quick trip to our little vegetable garden gets me this.

Summer?

2011-08-30T07:22:00.004-05:00

Where did the summer go?
That June vacation seems so long ago,
Yet the summer left so quickly
I can only shake my head and sigh.

-KJC

Beer Making: A Pictorial Guide

2011-08-23T07:17:00.008-05:00

My new beer book is out in paperback! Click HERE
to find it!

Burnsville Art & All That Jazz

2011-08-22T07:14:00.004-05:00

Here is a clip from the Burnsville Art & All That Jazz event Saturday night. This is Mick Sterling & the Irresistibles.

Sauk Centre Mini-Trip

2011-08-21T09:25:00.009-05:00

My wife and I have gone to Sauk Centre for a quick fishing trip last year and the year before that. So when we decided to go this year, not much changed as far as where we went or what we did. The Bear Trap has a new addition (first photo)! We found a better motel, in that it was cheaper and there was no noisy bar below. We stayed at The Gopher Prairie Motel this year. Aside from fishing at the pier and the dam, we also shopped and explored. I've included a few photos below, including one inside the Palmer House and one of the writing desk of Sauk Centre's own, Sinclair Lewis. At the time Lewis penned his novel Main Street, the townspeople weren't too happy about how they were portrayed. Now, however, he is celebrated in his home town.

In the last photo, Cutris tells others that "this is an interpretive center, where you can interpret things."

Late Afternoon Hike

2011-08-18T21:05:00.005-05:00

Here are some photos I took while hiking the proposed state trail in the Long Meadow Lake unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Walking Away

2011-08-18T20:18:00.002-05:00

After six years working for the school district and the last four working in technology at the alternative high school in Eagan, I set the school's computer equipment up as best as I could for the new school year--and then I turned in my keys and left.

I am leaving for a new job that I was able to tryout this summer--working for a company that creates wireless networks for under-served (rural) areas.

The school district is low on money, and the result for the employees is that we are losing pay, benefits and facing lay-offs. I decided to walk away from that.

In spite of what some Republicans would tell you, the problem in my opinion is not that public employees are paid too much. At least not those working on the "front lines." I did, however, see abuses of power even at the school I worked at. It seems that at least some of those at the top are costing the tax payers lots of money.

Just as an example, the principal of the school I was working at has for her own personal use, one desktop PC, one color printer/scanner/fax, two laptops, an iPad and a smart phone. In addition, though there are three secretaries supporting the programs, she has employed her own daughter for at lease three years as a long-term temp. When teachers and support staff are being laid off, I find it distressing that this is allowed; while at the same time any and all reasons are being sought to eliminate employees from much lower paid positions--because "it is necessary to lower costs."

I will refrain from speaking about how the HR Dept. has somehow actually grown during these cutbacks in staffing...

I really hope that public education doesn't suffer any more budget cuts. I also hope that those people in power will have to be more accountable in the future. The future of our children, our country and our world depends on everyone.

Gordon W. Frederickson

2011-08-11T07:22:00.003-05:00

My wife and I went to the Dakota County Fair yesterday evening. I met Gordon W. Frederickson there. We talked a bit about the difficulties of becoming a published author. Click on his name above to visit his website.

Decision

2011-08-10T06:50:00.002-05:00

I've been trying out a new job over the summer and now I have to make a decision. With the financial problems the public schools are facing, my technology job is changing, and I think downsizing and cuts are likely in the next year or so.

The new job is with a company that creates and supports wireless networks. It is very different from the school, but this small company seems financially sound.

Cholesterol

2011-08-04T07:26:00.004-05:00

Last February I had a physical exam and while I was deemed healthy, the one concern was that my cholesterol was too high. My doctor thought I should go on a low dose of statin, because I was "already in good shape, and probably couldn't do much to change it."

Now, five months later I have been checked again and fall well into the "normal" categories. My doctor assumed it was the medication, but I haven't taken any! I used diet, exercise, lost a few pounds and take one fish oil pill each day.

Incidentally, my brother Jim (the mechanic) told me about fish oil. So why didn't my doctor tell me? Maybe the reason people take too much medication is because the doctors want to prescribe it. Obviously I didn't need medicine. I had never really "watched" my diet before. Now I do...

Beer Making: A Pictorial Guide

2011-08-04T07:20:00.003-05:00

Click here for the eBook by Kevin J. Curtis.

Beer Book

2011-08-03T07:26:00.002-05:00

Watch for my new beer making book coming soon!

Little Log House Show

2011-08-01T08:22:00.007-05:00

Yesterday we spent five hours in the heat at the Little Log House Show. Here are some photos.

Hawk over the Mississippi

2011-07-27T08:22:00.004-05:00

I saw theis Redtail yesterday near downtown St. Paul. I was walking on the Wabasha bridge across the Mississippi River.

Life is Grand Most of the Time

2011-07-26T08:15:00.002-05:00

Yesterday as I came home from work, someone in a parked car swung a door into the mirror of my car as I drove past. It was just bad luck, but at least the child who swung the rear door of the SUV open was not injured. Our vehicles, however, were damaged.

It adds to the many things that have been on my mind lately. I'm contemplating a job change, as a life-changing experience is on the horizon. I've been fixing and painting things--and there just seems to be more waiting when I finish. Still, life is grand most of the time.

More Pictures at Harriet Island

2011-07-22T08:21:00.008-05:00

Here are More Pictures at Harriet Island and Raspberry Island in St. Paul. I took these pictures yesterday.

The Heat Broke!

2011-07-21T08:21:00.004-05:00

Tuesday in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area it was 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The dew point was 83 and the heat index was 119. Today it is beautiful!

Humid

2011-07-18T08:25:00.006-05:00

With temperatures in the 90's (Fharenheit) and dew points in the 80's, it is pretty hot here in the "Great White North."

Hot in the City

Harriet Island in St. Paul

2011-07-15T08:25:00.004-05:00

Photos taken from Harriet Island.

Minnesota Shutdown Ends...

2011-07-15T08:21:00.005-05:00

The Minnesota budget disagreement was settled. Thank god the rich were spared from more taxes! $700 million was diverted away from K-12 education (like what happened last year when Tim Pawlenty, who was then Governor, said he "balanced" the budget) to end the government shutdown.

Minnesota Shutdown - 2 weeks now!

2011-07-14T08:17:00.007-05:00

Minnesota Politicians... we the people of Minnesota think you suck and we want our state back. Your party (i.e. GOP vs. DFL) battles are not more important than the people.

What's Been Happening...

2011-07-13T08:28:00.019-05:00

I'm supposed to be enjoying my summer off and last week I did. I've enclosed pictures from Como Zoo and the Dragon Festival. Lately, More recently I've been working a lot...

Lily

Giraffe

Bonsai

Polar bear

Dragon Festival

A Hike at Tamarack

2011-07-06T06:52:00.003-05:00

My wife and I went hiking at the Tamarack Nature Center on July 4th. Aside from the Deer flies, it was great!

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-03T10:32:00.003-05:00

The 4th of July!

The Window Frame

2011-07-03T10:19:00.008-05:00

My wife and I had to fix a rotten window frame on the garage. Of course it took way too long since we hadn't done it before, but I think our custom made frame looks good!

After demolishing old frame

After cutting, fitting & sealing new frame

Completed!

Why Did This Place Close?

2011-06-29T12:54:00.006-05:00

This excersize place went out of business in 2010. Could it have been for false advertising?

Fishing was Good Today!

2011-06-23T18:20:00.003-05:00

The city lakes seem to have more fish than the ones up north!

Gunflint Trail/Grand Marais/Grand Portage

2011-06-21T16:21:00.017-05:00

June 12, 2011
We left St. Paul at 8:30 AM. We stopped for lunch in Two Harbors, and saw a moose along the road near the Cascade River. We stopped at Buck’s Hardware in Grand Marais to buy minnows for bait. Then we drove 48 miles up the Gunflint Trail to Heston's Lodge where we checked into the White Pine cabin at about 3:30 PM. We went canoeing on Gunflint Lake, which is divided down the center and half is in Minnesota and half is in Canada. I think we were slightly over into Canada when the wind came up, and we had to paddle hard to get back. After dinner we went fishing off the dock. We found the same radio station we listened to last year; 105.3FM, the Giant.

June 13, 20100
At 5:00 AM we went fishing from the dock. It was 5 degrees Celsius, or 40 degrees Fahrenheit. After we stopped to make breakfast burritos, we rented a boat and motor for four hours. Besides fishing until Noon, we also stopped at “Campers Island.” Our early and busy day, caused us to nap after we got back to the cabin. Then we fished from the dock and grilled chicken and potatoes for dinner. Incidentally, we were not having good luck fishing, but this day turned into a sunny, 70 degree Fahrenheit perfect day! Later in the evening, we walked down the road until the abundant and hungry mosquitoes drove us back to the cabin.

June 14, 2011
After breakfast we rented the boat again for four hours, and aside from fishing, we wore head nets and battled the mosquitoes as we hiked through the woods to Bridal Falls. We were still not catching fish so after we got back we had lunch and then drove to the Cross River Bridge to fish some more. Later that evening, I looked at Canada (across the lake) through my binoculars.

June 15, 2011
We drove to the public access for Loon Lake and hiked the Brice Breon Trail until we found a place to fish from shore. One of the highlights was when we found Showy Lady Slippers in bloom along the trail! We fished from the dock in the afternoon and I got snagged on the same submerged tree branch twice and needed to get the canoe out twice to get free. Eventually I pulled the whole branch out of the lake! Later, being it was our last night at the cabin, we made a fire in the wood stove and watched a movie on the laptop.

June 16, 2011
We packed up and left Heston's Lodge at 10:00 AM. We drove to the Chik-Wauk Museum. We toured the museum and also hiked the trails there. Then we had lunch at the Trail's End Café. After lunch we walked to the end of the trail to view Seagull Lake. By then it was time to slowly drive back the entire length of the Gunflint Trail. We saw a moose and a grouse along the way. Once we got back to Grand Marais, we checked into Cabin 5 at Nelson's Traveler's Rest. We shopped at Beth’s Fudge & Gifts, Ben Franklin and The Trading Post. Then we had dinner at the Dockside Fish Market. Their fish is outstanding! After dinner we hiked out to Artist’s Point before returning to the cabin.

June 17, 2011
We left Grand Marais in the morning and drove to the Heritage Center at Grand Portage National Monument. We toured the recreation of the fur trading post and then drove to the USA/Canadian border to hike out to the High Falls of the Pigeon River. The falls was another high point of the trip! It was about 1:30 PM when we stopped at the Naniboujou Lodge for a very tasty lunch. Back in Grand Marais, we went shopping before taking a rest back in cabin 5. Later, we decided to walk to the Dockside Fish Market for fish & chips. We stopped by a wooden boat show on the walk back to our cabin.

June 18, 2011
We left Nelson's Traveler's Rest about 9:30 AM and drove until we got to the Grand Superior Lodge where we stopped for lunch. Once we got into the town of Two Harbors, we stopped at Pamida to do some shopping. Then we drove through a big traffic mess in Duluth that added an extra hour onto our long trip home. We arrived back in St. Paul at about 5:00 PM. The entire trip was 748.1 miles.

White Pine Cabin

Canada over Shoulder

Lady Slipper

Head Net

Bridal Falls

Gunflint Lake

Artist's Point

Naniboujou

At Chik-Wauk

Moose

Grand Portage National Monument

Grand Portage National Monument

High Falls

Duluth is a Traffic Nightmare!

2011-06-21T15:53:00.001-05:00

Duluth, Minnesota is a Traffic Nightmare. There has been construction on I-35 for about three years and it is down to a single lane with no shoulder through town. I’ve been caught in this every year lately, as I go through this otherwise interesting town.

This past Saturday, Duluth hosted Grandma’s Marathon. For some reason when we came through about 1:30 PM (returning from our trip up the Gunflint Trail), Someone who is apparently an idiot had decided to close the ramps onto south I-35, and route traffic through downtown Duluth into the aftermath of the Grandma’s Marathon. There were no signs to direct us through, and half of the streets in the downtown were closed. We were stuck in traffic, being funneled deeper into the mass of traffic generated by the race. After an hour, I finally managed to find my way out and unto the single-lane of the freeway that seems to be forever under construction.

So who’s “bright idea” was it to funnel all of the traffic into downtown instead of alleviating problems by allowing cars to get on the freeway? If the idea was to keep the runners safe, I don’t see how that was accomplished by increasing automobile traffic! If the idea was to force me to visit Duluth, it only made me so frustrated, that it will be a long time before I go back there. In fact, I would like to see I-35 go around Duluth so I don’t need to get stuck there ever again. I don’t appreciate wasting gas and adding an extra hour to my already long trip.

Back to Civilization

2011-06-16T20:03:00.004-05:00

My wife and I spent the last four days up the Gunflint Trail. We're back in Grand Marais now. Watch for photos soon.

The Bus Stops Here!

2011-06-10T11:19:00.004-05:00

The ~~buck~~ bus stops here!

103 Degrees

2011-06-08T07:04:00.003-05:00

Yesterday the Minneapolis/St. Paul area hit 103 degrees Fahrenheit and was the hottest place in the nation!

Representative Weiner

2011-06-07T06:50:00.005-05:00

Cutris strolled up to the microphone, tapped it, and then began to speak.

"His name is 'Representative Weiner,' did he ever really have a chance?
"People are now analyzing Mr. Weiner..."

Someone walked up to the podium and beckoned to Cutris. The man whispered something to Cutris.

"What?" said Cutris irritatedly. "His name is Anthony??? Are you sure?"

The person whispered something else to Cutris, and then sat back down.

Cutris cleared his throat and continued.
"Based on recent information I have no further comment."

Cutris exited the stage.

Don't Try This At Home

2011-06-06T06:39:00.005-05:00

Over the weekend I saw some people swinging around from ropes on the side of a big building in downtown St. Paul. It was part of the Flint Hills International Children's Festival.

So whenever something like this is going on, people always warn you, "Don't try this at home!"

I didn't listen! When I got home, I was hanging from the top of my garage from a clothesline doing some really cool stunts while Metallica was playing in the background! Then all of a sudden, the clothesline broke! I fell almost three feet to the ground! Wow! I sure learned my lesson! I'm going to stop at the hardware store and get some rope before I try that again!

Cutris Uses Book Royalties to Buy M & M's

2011-06-03T06:54:00.003-05:00

Cutris Uses Book Royalties to Buy M & M's
UnAssociated Press
June 3, 2011

After selling one million copies of his novel Cottonwood, (including his Amazon sales), Cutris says he is ready to make a big purchase! When the UAP asked him what he planned to buy, Cutris replied that he was planning to buy a large bag of M&M'S. This seemed like an awfully small purchase for a man who has sold a million copies of his novel Cottonwood, (including his Amazon sales), so we at the UnAssociated Press decided to ask him about it.

AP: So why aren't you going to buy something big? A million copies is a lot of books to sell.

Cutris: Yes, that is true. However, when you are a relatively unknown author, the publisher keeps most of the profits. If you have an agent, they get their cut. By the time you get back to the author, there isn't very much money left.

AP: How much do you think you've made so far?

Cutris: Let's see... One million sold, minus publisher's cut, minus expenses, carry the one... I think I've made about $3.27.

AP: That's it?

Cutris: I'm almost positive, yes.

AP: Huh... Well enjoy your M&M'S!

Cutris: Thank you, I will!

So there you have it. Cutris: has sold one million copies of his novel Cottonwood, (including his Amazon sales), and he is going to buy a large bag of M&M'S.

One Million Sold!

2011-06-02T06:50:00.004-05:00

One Million Sold!
UnAssociated Press
June 2, 2011

Cutris has sold one million copies of his novel Cottonwood according to one source today. When asked about it Cutris replied, "Yeah probably, if you count the Amazon sales."

Plain White T's

2011-05-29T09:06:00.016-05:00

Yesterday my wife and I went to Journey's Backyard BBQ

to see the Plain White T's. It was a free show in the parking lot of the Maplewood Mall. Here are a couple of photos

--including one of my wife with lead vocalist and guitarist, Tom Higgenson.

Click here to hear, "Hey There Delilah"

In the Fourth-Person

2011-05-27T06:49:00.005-05:00

Cutris had worked two jobs and then cleaned out the garage attic afterward. It was after 11:00PM when he finally went to bed. The next morning he woke up later than usual. It was almost 4:30 AM. Exhaustion was slowly catching up to him. As the afternoon went on, Cutris began referring to himself in the fourth-person.

Cutris Kills Large Rat

2011-05-26T06:49:00.006-05:00

Cutris Kills Rat
UnAssociated Press
May 26, 2011

This photo of Cutris emerged this morning, with the explanation that he killed this large rat in his neighbor's garage.

Click on picture to Enlarge

Cutris Finds Rare Invisible Duck in Mojave Desert

2011-05-24T06:50:00.005-05:00

Cutris Finds Rare Invisible Duck in Mojave Desert
UnAssociated Press
May 24, 2011

Cutris has apparently found a rare, invisible duck in the Mojave Desert--according to an anonymous source named Steve. Cutris was allegedly tipped off to the duck's whereabouts by a magic, Largemouth Bass that he met down by the Minnesota River. The type of invisible duck that Cutris found is unknown, because after all, it was invisible. No further information was available about either Cutris or the rare, invisible duck at the time of this printing.

Tornadoes

2011-05-23T06:42:00.004-05:00

My condolences to those affected by recent tornadoes in Minneapolis and elsewhere.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's out-of-wedlock Baby?

2011-05-20T06:53:00.008-05:00

How can we be so sure it is Arnold's baby?

The Asian Explosion

2011-05-19T06:51:00.003-05:00

Not quite understanding the concept of the Chinese explosion-proof lamp, North Korea has begun testing the military applications of exploding old Soviet light bulbs. This has prompted China to create exploding watermelons. Wow... we are all so scared now!