The Lewis Show

I'm on a roll with my pics of the week. In these uncertain times, blah blah blah, sometimes we all need to laugh at something. What's better than a trip through nostalgia at some of the craziest family photos taken. This is why I prefer to avoid professional photographers. I've always feared that twenty years later, I'd live to regret those photographs. So my pick is a blog pick and it's called Awkward Family Photos . It's also fun to see the mullets, the acid wash, and other fun trends that dated our memories forever. I think it's also good evidence to show all that psychological damage done to us by our parents. I mean, how could they?

Philly09 Originally uploaded by Mike and Janine Photo taken in Philadelphia at their Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Wishing those who have lost love ones comfort during this time and with humble pride thankful for everyone in the service. For they are far braver men and women than I.

I haven't posted any web picks in a long time. This site got me out of retirement and fast! We all know how to use and use search engines every day. We all use wiki's almost every day. There are so many reference tools on the web, it's only getting harder and harder to learn the old fashioned way. We all remember books right? I royally stink at physics and advanced mathematics. Stephen Wolfram did not stink at physics or math. In fact he is world renown for his knowledge of physical science and math. He has made several valuable tools such as Mathematica , which is still very widely used today. Last week, he unveiled his latest creation with a lot of buzz and fanfare. Wolfram Alpha is a research tool. That's the best way that I can describe it. It's not necessarily a search engine, but it uses search to define a query and to provide facts. It's not a wiki, it just provides basic facts on a subject and that's it. A great example would be to go to the ...

It's time to get random! Philly was such a blast, but last night I made cheese steaks that would be the envy of those big guys on 9th Street! Dr. Pepper Cherry - Not too bad. Gene Simmons is right, it has just a kiss of cherry and that is just fine by me. Best advice for anyone wanting to tour Center City: wear comfortable shoes! There is a lot of walking involved between Constitution Hall, the Liberty Bell, Chinatown, and where we were staying. What am I listening to lately? Check out The Sword. Here's a video: Yard work is not all work, but it does take up a lot of time. I've spent every day this week either watering, mowing, weed eating, or picking up sticks, and it looks like I really haven't done all that much. I do love it though. Once it's all picked up, it's going to look awesome! I really need to see what's playing locally. I have not been to a good show in months and months. I also really need to get back to work making my new Wordpress b...

Maybe I do got some 'splaining to do. I left the last post the way I did because I'm a cruel and sadistic individual. Sunday morning, May 10th, just after midnight, on our third anniversary, I proposed to Janine. So yes, we are engaged and we are getting married. We may have already even set a date, but I don't know if I'm allowed to disclose that yet. Don't worry, it's far enough off and valued friends and family will be invited. Those details will emerge over the next year. I have loved Janine since I met her and was fast to realize that I need her to bring my pieces back together. I just hope I can heal, help, and love her half as much as she's loved and cherished me over the past couple years. Our love will continue to grow. I am happy. I thank God.

  City Hall - awesome architecture!   Grave site for Ben Franklin   Constitution Hall   Liberty Bell   Newly engaged couple!

Keeping my end of the bargain to travel and see something different every year for our anniversary, I figured I'd take Janine to see the history and the craziness that is Philadelphia. We got up around 6AM Friday morning and boarded the train. I had been on a couple of train rides, this was Janine's first. From what I gathered it won't be the last either. She had a lot of fun compared to flying. It looks like we're going to Maine next year she said. Maine it is! The train stations to me are always a cool thing to see. A lot of them are mini malls now, but they are historic and are known for some of the best architecture in the country, I think. I always love walking around those structures because they have crazy overheads. It all feels very....Roman. Once in Philly we hopped on a cab for the hotel and checked in. Club Quarters is right in the middle of everything in Center City, so I figured this was a good idea. We got a nice suite on the 8th floor and I have wire...

  There's something new spotted in the house. This is a device of torture and pain! It's not really that bad, it's our new treadmill. We got a pretty fair deal on it and I look forward to putting in 30 minutes a day getting my daily dose of exercise. Walking is great though, it means I can tune out and listen to my iPod or put something on Hulu. If you don't find me in the house this summer, you will see me outside for sure, hopefully using this new riding mower. Sears delivered it with a dead battery, so after they replace it for me tomorrow, I'll be riding. The rain hasn't helped either. Mother Nature knows when I'm trying to do something outside.   I could just go through my half an acre of yard with this weed eater, but that just sounds too much like work! I think I'd rather sit around and play on the new DSi I got for Janine. At least I thought I was tonight, I have a feeling someone has it at work and is enjoying it during her lunch break tonight....

I found this handy stapler in the bedroom. It's now at my desk kicking it with all its old school Swingline glory. Far out. Just keep your hands off my stapler..even if it isn't mine! The lawnmower cannot get here soon enough. It's being delivered tomorrow. Three guess what I'll be doing tomorrow. Hopefully you guess cutting the grass. I wait another day and I may not be able to find the house!

The dominating story is obviously this new and improved strain of the flu which has had a few reported cases all over the world. I like most people don't care for the hysteria, but I've noticed my hand washing activity has increased a lot this week and I'm seriously debating becoming a germophobe who refuses to shake hands. I think I'll take up bowing as our Asian friends do. I don't see me changing any other activities. Janine and I are still planning our trip for Philadelphia next week and we're going to have a good time. I hope others don't give in to fear and with good common sense goes on with their own lives too. Not a good idea to fly a plane a few thousand feet over the ground in New York City regardless of the reason or intent. I'm just glad I wasn't a NY emergency operator this week! I'm betting some heads will roll over this flap and that's too bad. I'm hoping that some people learn to appreciate the art of the photo op, ...