The Proud Grandparents

When my father-in-law found out that he would soon be a grandfather, he asked his aunt to add a bit of gray to his hair. For some reason, the adding gray part didn't work out so she attempted to correct it and he ended up with the color in the picture.

Thanksgiving '06

Thanksgivingng 2006

Danielle and I travel *up north*to Michigan and Indiana for thanksgiving '06. We attended 4 family events. I have highlighted some of the events in the picture album. I Enjoyed geocaching with my Dad, eating great food, playing Ticket to Ride Europe, and being with family. Dad and I also worked on my car. We replaced an idler pulley and serpentine belt, and according to Dad it was *just in time*.

The *true* cost of Christmas

I look forward to this Christmas event every year. For the last 22 years*they* have calculated the cost of all the items 12 days of Christmas song. This year in another record high coming in at $18,920.59. Their web site is quite impressive, and it is worth checking out. *Someday* I want to come up with a modern version of the song and find that cost.

Awana Penny War

Last Sunday was the first of two Awana nights for our first annual penny war. We are raising money for our Missionary's to Ghana, West Africa. They hope to start an Awana club there the next year or so. So far we have raised about $100 and the T&T is beating the Sparks by about $13.

Geocaching Trail Mix

Two Saturdays ago, I was able to go on a geocaching trail mix event. The event started in E-Town, Ky at Ryans for breakfast. When then hicked from 11- to past dark (6PM). We hiked about 8 miles going up and down 300 foot hills. We where able to find over a dozen caches. It was a great day!

2006 Geoacaching Trail Mix

Still #2

Danielle and I travelled deep into Buck-eye territory last saturday, to join our good friends, Brian, Ben & Ann, Patrick, Nathan and Sarah, along with a host of their friends to cheer on (with a few exeptions) Michigan. I did enjoy the game dispite the fact we were 3 point short. The BCS poll in all it's glory still has Michigan ranked #2. I guess that make sence since, this game was infact the national championship game. If Notre Dame can beat USC, then there is a good chance their will be a rematch. I said before the game saturday that a rematch would not be good for college football. But I guess I will not argue with a rematch, so go Irish!

First Snow Fall of the Year!

I woke up Monday morning to see a *heavy* dusting of snow on the ground. What is of note is my parents who live in Michigan still have not had there first snow fall yet. Also, much to my surprise, all schools where open on Monday.

The game of the millennium!

While some are calling the Michigan Ohio St match up the game of the millennium, I call it College football at its finest, it doesn't get any better than this. College football's great rivals face off head to head. #2 Undefeated Michigan playing at #1 undefeated Ohio st. Everything is at stake here. The trip to the National championship is on the line. All major sports polls have Ohio st #1 and the BCS *computers* have ranked Michigan #1. If Michigan's outstanding defence can hold and Michigan's offence can score early, we will have a great game. Go Blue! What could be better than coming in undefeated and then beating your arch undefeated rival ranked #1 at their house for the right to go to the national championship?

Somethings are best not outsourced

Danielle got me 2 DDR dance pads for my Birthday. We found the following warnings very interesting.

• There is maybe have some white powder on the surface of the product, please wipe off by a piece of soft, clean cloth.
• Make sure to pave the cushion.
• Don not put it near the furniture and other odds and ends.
• Young children must be guided to use it or need parents and teaches to accompany, in case to be tumbled by it.
• High technology product, do not apart, separate or fix it anyway. Or the damage can not be guaranteed.
• Do not keep it in the quite high or low temperature environment, especially far away from fireplace.
• If this product can't work well, please connect with your supplier directly.
• This product is made for indoor games only. Do not use it outdoors or in other occasion.
• Please shut off the power before removing this product
• Please put it on a flat floor, but not too smooth.
• Do not wear sharp shoes when using it, that may cause damage to the product.
• When using this product, pay attention to keep your feet safety.
• Strong jump or shake may cause influence to the video and audio output.
• Please do not jump strongly, that may bring troubles to the other person.

Is minimum wage indexed by inflation recursive?

In the recent election several states passed increases in minimum wage. What I found even more surprising that many of the new minimum wage rates are now index to inflation. This means every year minimum wage will increase the same percentage as official inflation. The thing about minimum wage increase is: drum roll, someone has to pay for it. Believe it or many businesses that employ people have tight supplies of money. So what options do business owners have to cover the increased costs of a forced wage hike? Layoff employees, slash hours, cut back on services, offer lower quality items, close their door, or increase prices.

So if business increase prices, then next year the minimum wage will go up again, then the cycle continues. It seams to me that our politicians and the popular vote for what seams best now, but don't think about the untended consequences. I really wish the government would let the market decide what labor wages should be.

Voting

This is the first major election since I've turned 18th, that I didn't vote, I never got around to registering after we moved. It's a poor excuse I know. Well, I got my wish, there is going to be plenty of grid lock on good old capital hill. I was hoping that the republicans would hold on to the senate. That would have made it much easier to *hopefully* pass through good conservative judges. On the plus side I do look forward to a balance of power. Perhaps George Bush will make better use of his veto stamp for the next two years. As always we need to be in prayer for all our leaders. Next election I will be voting in.

Mary Kay

Danielle is now a Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay! Be sure to check out her on-line store front at www.marykay.com/dmackiewicz. I'm really exited for her! I know that she will do well. Mary Kay has top quality products, especially the satin hands and satin lips! She is having her business debut next Wednesday November 15th.

Hoping for grid-lock

Next Tuesday America votes on the full house and 1/3 of the senate. Many are perdicting that the republicans will lose control of one of both houses. I think that the best case for the election is a return to a balance of power between the parties. The last 6 years of Republican controlled goverment have been a major disapointment including: major defecet spending, porks pending, increased federal goverment power, fewer liberties, trade terrifs and emborgos, nationalism, protectionism and mismanagement after natural disastors. All of which I use to believe were against Republican idology. On the flip side I do not see those issues getting any better on Democratic control. My current theory is that if the Democrates hold one house and the Republicans hold the other, the Republican might return to more conserviative votes, but most importantly the two sides will fight will each other, and nothing would get done, which would be a major improvment over the last few years.