The "Geography of Nowhere - Dave Hockett's Personal Webpage" is now in its 13th Year!!!
NEWS & UPDATES...
May 19, 2009 (Tuesday) - Jayden has advanced to a Wolf in his cub scout group this past week, he seems to enjoy it. Caleb is now a fence climber, he's all over the place in the backyard scaling up one neighbors fence and then up and down another.
Summer break is coming up fast, but it is already full, I don't think we get a true break until fall.
May 1, 2009 (Friday) - Been almost a month since my last update... sorry. The boy's birthday's have come and gone. Jayden is now 7 and Caleb turned 4. I went to the National APA Conference in Minneapolis at the end of April with two people from my conference. Pretty good conference sessions and good times in the evenings with fellow city planners.
April 2, 2009 (Thursday) - Officially over one year with the same format of webpage, a new record for me. Haven't updated in a while, I'm using facebook for my more regular updates now, so check out that page (link to the left). Been a busy spring so far, new windows in the house, Jayden took 3rd at the Pinewood Derby, Caleb is moving to the 4's room next week.
March 4, 2009 (Wednesday) - Bulletboys last Wednesday, Adler's Appetite (featuring Stephen Adler formerly of Guns and Roses) tonight and SKID ROW this Saturday at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa... some great shows for early 2009!!!
January 27, 2009 (Tuesday) - Stayed home with Jayden yesterday who was sick, feeling much better today and off to school.
The Mayor had his annual State of the City Address today and it went very well. I prepared the powerpoint presentation that was part of it.
January 20, 2009 (Tuesday) - Well somebody just completed my County Courthouse Road Trip Idea and posted it online at www.iowacourthouses.org/index.html. So I now have to scramble to come up with a new idea for a road trip this spring. I would like to do something that hasn't been done or if it has it hasn't been posted online, I like the idea of something orginal. So over the next couple of weeks i'm gonna try and think of a new trip, it will probably still be Iowa based but I just got to find a unique theme to the trip.
January 15, 2009 (Thursday) - Lori's Birthday was yesterday. The boys got her a toaster over, that she has wanted for a while for work and one of those oil diffuser things that has the reeds. She then went out with some girlfriends for dinner and a drink.
Today is the second day in a row that the school has been cancelled because of weather I think they are saying -45 with the windchill. Damn cold, so no school. Jayden and Caleb are both at the daycare today.
January 12, 2009 (Monday) - I hurt my back this weekend, collapsed in Jayden's room picking up a toy and layed there for over four hours. Finally was able to get up, and spent the next 24 hours in bed with ice on the back. I went to work today, but sore still we'll see how it goes the rest of the day, but may have to cut out early if the swelling gets to bad.
January 9, 2009 (Friday) - I'm of the opinion that there are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.
January 5, 2009 (Monday) - Holiday's are over and its back to work. Need to find a day to take off in the next week or so. Caleb recieved a lot of superhero action figures, cars and forts. Jayden received his Nintendo DS. Both boys seemed to be very happy. The boys got me a new Rubiks Cube as my old one was falling apart and they got Lori a flat iron and a CD that she wanted.
Holiday Pictures are now available HERE.
December 15, 2008 (Monday) - Lori is home from her Las Vegas trip and seemed to have a very good time. I don't think the girls made it back to the hotel before 6AM any night they were out there.
Jayden had his Christmas concert on Thursday night and did a very good job, he sang all the songs and did all the actions with the songs. I was very pleased how well he did.
Bathroom remodel is almost complete pictures coming soon.
December 10, 2008 (Thursday) - Religion easily has the best bullshit story of all time. Think about it. Religion has convinced people that there’s an invisible man…living in the sky. Who watches everything you do every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a list of ten specific things he doesn’t want you to do. And if you do any of these things, he will send you to a special place, of burning and fire and smoke and torture and anguish for you to live forever, and suffer, and burn, and scream, until the end of time. But he loves you. He loves you. He loves you and... he needs money.
Remember folks...faith means not wanting to know what is true.
December 2, 2008 (Tuesday) - Stayed home with just the family for thanksgiving this year and had a very nice time, will probably try to do it again next year the same way.
Started a bathroom remodel and got in over my head a little but should get things wrapped up by the end of this week, with help from a couple of friends. pictures of the finished product will be posted when I'm done.
November 25, 2008 (Tuesday) - I Just liked this...
November 24, 2008 (Monday) - Jayden and I went to the Hawkeye Basketball game yesterday (Sunday) against the Oakland Grizzlies. Iowa won 66 to 57, first Iowa game I had been to in a very long time 20+ years and of course Jayden's first.
Lori and Caleb bummed around the house when we left they were busy napping on the couch.
The rest of the weekend was pretty slow, we just bummed around the house.
November 20, 2008 (Thursday) - Beginning our second bathroom remodel, last year we did the half bath off of the master bedroom, this year it will be the full bath upstairs. We plan on replacing the counter top, lighting, replace vinyl floor with tile,all the cabinet hardware, plumbing fixtures, paint, new mirror(s), window treatment and of course shower curtain and rugs. It's not terrible how it is now, its just that our tastes have changed a lot since we did some very minor changes when we bought the house in July 2000.
When we bought it this bathroom had sky blue walls, and a "sea green" flooring that looked original to the house (1954). We just painted the walls and covered the floor with those square foot self adhevise vinyl tiles back then.
We are also planning a major update to the basement that may involve a LOT of paint. Trying to talk Lori out of it but I think she has her mind made up about it, that would be more of a middle of the winter project if we do it at all. Our basement is finished, but it was panelled, now its not terrible it is just not the color we like, i think she wants me to try and paint the panelling and see how it turns out, if it does great we get by cheaper, but if it doesn't turn out I'm afraid were in for some major work.
November 19, 2008 (Wednesday PM) - Playing around with some photo editing software on a picture I took last week.
Original Photo Edit
For a larger image just click on the image
I like the "warmth" that the edited photo has in the leaves and grass, but don't like the green appearance of the stones, will have to work on that.
November 19, 2008 (Wednesday) - Went to Esterville, Iowa this weekend with the brother in-laws for a hunting trip, but I don't hunt i just walk with them while they shoot the birds. This year the birds won (which i'm happy about).
Jayden has joined the Tiger Cubs (Cub Scouts) his first meeting is coming up and he is pretty excited. We went to a pack meeting this past Sunday and he saw a lot of his school friends
Caleb is potty trained!!! Lori and I are pretty excited!!!!
New web-based resume has been posted. I fixed links as well as uploaded some suppotive documents. Nope, not looking for a new job, but I feel its imporatant to take a look at your resume at least once a year and keep it updated and accurate.
November 10, 2009 (Monday) - Went to Grandma Hockett's 90th Birthday Party yesterday (November 9, 2009), great time and good to see Grandma with all of her friends and family to celebrate.
Click on image for larger picture and For more pictures from the party go HERE
November 3, 2008 (Monday) - Back from the Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association State Conference that was held in Sioux City, Iowa. Went to some great sessions met some new planners from around the state and share some great ideas. Also got to head up to Sioux Falls and visit my grand mother for a while and had a great visit with her.
The kids had a great time on halloween and came back with a ton of candy.
Tommorow is the election day, I believe it is a very important election with it being new ideas versus continued bush policies. Hope everyone gets out to vote.
Vote for Change in 2008
Obama / Biden
www.barrackobama.com
October 17, 2008 (Friday) - New backyard patio has been poured. Looks very nice and is very large, we got all the flagstone removed and piled a coworker will be taking most of it off our hands. We hope to get the hardscape (ie brick edging, rock and mulch) done yet this fall with plants to follow in the spring. Pictures coming soon.
October 11, 2008 (Saturday) - Caught an episode of Bill O'Rielly the other night for the first time in a long time then proceeded to watch some fox news for awhile all I can say is...
October 8, 2008 - go to www.electoral-vote.com or www.dcpoliticalreport.com to get truly fair and unbiased news for the presidential elections. I visit these sites everyday, they really are the best source of opinion polls and political news.
October 7, 2008 - New picture of the boys.
October 2, 2008 (Thursday) - I've had my mind made up who I was gonna vote for since right after the Iowa Caucus. I supported Joe Biden, but as a registered republican caucused or Congressman Ron Paul, not so much for his positions, but his anti-republican positions as a republican. When Joe Biden, pulled out of the race I decided I would support the candidate that he would support.
State of Iowa Races / Linn County Races
U.S. Senate:
Tom Harkin (D) vs. Christopher Reed (R)
I'll have to take the lesser of two evils... Tom Harkin (D) not happy at all with the candidate from either party!!!
U.S. Representative (District 2):
Dave Loebask (D) vs. M. Miller-Meeks (R)
vs. Wendy Barth (G) vs Brian White (NBP)
I support Brian White (Nomimated by Petitiion), I know he can't win, but I hope enough people can support him to show their dissatisifaction with the major party candidates. www.brianwhite2008.com
State Senate (18)
Swati Dandekar (D) vs. Joe Childers (R)
I support Swati, she has done much for her district and I will continue to support her. I know Joe and like him, but his politics are wrong.
State Representative (36)
Nick Wagner (R) vs. Grechen Lawyer (D)
I know Nick and consider him a friend, but can't support hime as many his of his positions that aren't advertised on the website or mailings I'm strongly against. I will not vote for Grechen Lawyer either. Does anyone know of a write in campaign in this district.
Linn County Supervisor
Don Grey (D) vs. Brent Oleson (R)
I support Don Grey
Linn County Sherriff
Brian Gardner (D) vs. David Zahn (R)
I SUPPORT Brian Gardner, I can't stress this enough. Zahn will be a disaster as Linn County Sheriff, he ran Cedar Rapids in the ground as Public Safety Commissioner and can't be allowed to win this election. Please support Brian Gardner!!!
September 13, 2008 (Monday) - Attended the Firehouse / Enuff Z Nuff Concert the other day and it was great. Have never seen Enuff Z Nuff before so it was a big deal. Got to Meet Chip Z Nuff After the show. Pictures coming soon.
Chip Z'Nuff of Enuff Z'Nuff and I - Click image to enlarge
September 3, 2008 (Wednesday) - Yep
September 3, 3008 (Wednesday) - AM
Republicans: "Michelle Obama HATES WHITEY!"
Democrats: "Well, no, that's not true..."
Republicans: "And Barak HUSSEIN Obama is a Muslim!"
Democrats: "Actually, he's not, but what's wrong with being Muslim?"
Republicans: "And Obama won't say the Pledge of Allegiance!"
Democrats: "...not true, there are many videos of him..."
Republicans: "And he's probably the Anti-Christ!"
Democrats: "Oh come on, this is just getting silly..."
Republicans: "And Obama wants to abort 12th Trimester babies!"
Democrats: "Oh, hey, look- your 'Family Values' V.P. has a pregnant daughter."
Republicans: "HOW DARE YOU SMEAR OUR CANDIDATE! I GUESS WE'RE SEEING YOUR TRUE COLORS NOW, AREN'T WE?"
September 2, 2008 (Tuesday) - Back from Labor Day Weekend, we went to my Dad's house, had a family get together and birthday party for Milton, a long-time family friend that we all consider part of the family, took the kids to the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. Pictures are HERE.
Brian, Milton, Julie, Lola and Dave - (Click on Image to enlarge)
August 29, 2008 (Friday) - Yep, The Presidential race is over!!!
Sarah Palin = Hail Mary Pass!!!
Dan Quayle was more qualified
McCain is Done!!!
August 27, 2008 (Wednesday) - 15 year Class Reunion was held in Greenfield this past Saturday, we had 19 people (out of 36) make it, had a nice time with a family get together at the park early in the day and then we all met up at the bar, with the last of us leaving around 1:30AM.
August 20, 2008 (Wednesday) - Jayden's First day of 1st Grade today. He was nervous, but as soon as he saw his friends he settled right in.
First Day of 1st Grade Picture August 20, 2008
We'll this sums up what I feel Bret Michaels has done to Poison, with his worthless reality show and shitty country albums!!! Get back in the sudio, let C.C. write the songs and put out a full lenth album, get on tour and change the setlist up, because I'v seen the same damn show 7 years in a row.
August 18, 2008 (Monday) - New links have been created, the first is just a page to post my travel pics and videos to, not much there at this time. The second link is to concerts that i've attend over the past few years with links to pics and videos when available. Also currently working on a Music Collection page, but won't be up for a week or so.
August 14, 2008 (Thursday)- Just got back from the LA Guns / Faster Pussycat show at The Reverb in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Great show got home about 2:00AM today. Tracii Guns is an amazing guitarist and the new lead singer is awesome. Faster Pussycat played at least 5 of their 10 songs from the Gloryhole album which is great because in my opionion it it the best album they've ever put out.
Tammie Downe of Faster Pussycat!!!
July 21, 2008 (Monday) - Jayden's T-Ball season is over, the whole team got better every week, I hope to have some pictures and video up by the end of the week from his last game.
Caleb, Lori and I went to a Splash Pad the other day in Hiawatha, Caleb had a good time once he got use to the freezing water temp.
July 16, 2008 (Wednesday) - Working on the website for the Iowa Band Beach Jam 2008 that will be held over labor day weekend at Clearwater Beach in West Des Moines, Iowa.
www.sandsentertainmentonline.com
July 12, 2008 (Saturday) - Class reunion is being planned for August 23rd it will be our 15 year. Hopefully most can get back for it.
July 7, 2008 (Monday) - Went camping with the family this weekend, it will be awhile before I do it again, Caleb was a handfull and Jayden was a little board. Took in a Parade and Fireworks in Massena, Iowa then on Saturday went to my sister's house in Adel for some family and friends fun with a nice cook-out and pleny of fun for the kids.
June 27, 2008 (Friday) - Finally joined Facebook, you can go to my account HERE if your a member.
T-Ball game tommorow and then Adventureland on Sunday with Lori, Jayden and his cousin Ethan. - I HATE ADVENTURELAND, I guess its because of my absolute fear of being killed on one of the damn rides. Luckly Jayden is fearless and loves the rides even the roller coasters.
Also anybody remember the Garabage Pail Kids...
June 23, 2008 (Monday) - Due to a busier than anticipated summer and fall my Iowa County Road Trip may be put on hold until Memorial Day week of 2009.
Busy weekend with t-ball, swimming, parks and everything else.
Jayden and Caleb at Lowe Park in Marion go to my flickr account to see all the pictures from the park
June 18, 2008 (Wednesday) - Jayden had a T-Ball game last night and did really well. Up to bat three times, had to hit off the T at his first at bat, the second and third at bats he crushed the ball. The third time out in the field, he fielded at 7 of the 10 hits and threw the ball to first base really well.
Caleb and I went for a walk last night, he really enjoyed it. We never had the chance to take him for walks as much as we did for Jayden when he was Caleb's age.
June 15, 2008 (Sunday) - Always having to wait my turn for the computer in the house...
Click on the picture for larger version
June 11, 2008 - Caught a band called Dirty Penny at The Volume in Cedar Rapids great band everyone should check them out if they play in your area. Unfortuantely I also had to witness one of the worst bands of my life a Poison Tribute band called Poised, avoid them at all costs.
Also wanted to share a great site with everyone. I try to check it out at least once a week. Rob Cockerman at www.cockeyed.com has got to be one of the funniest and most creative guys out there.
Lots of new photos added to my flickr account, take some time to check them out.
Just one of hte many new pics that can be found HERE
June 2, 2008 - Returned from the Canada Fishing Trip, pictures of the trip HERE. Not to bad of a week, a couple of very cold days and one really hot day. Fishing numbers were down but the sizes were up for me.
Just a view of what I had to look at everynight while in Canada.
May 20, 2008 - I've been riding my bike to work for the past couple of weeks, we'll it caught on and a lady from work started to ride her bike as well. Her bike had a basket and we couldn't help but "mess" with her bike a little.
I know know no the best picture in the world, but that is E.T. in the basket. Now a close up of her enjoying the joke.
May 16, 2008 - Only 8 more days till the Canadian Fishing Trip to Lake Coli. I'll start packing and organizing this weekend.
"Trapped in My Computer"
May 12, 2008 - Finally got my birthday present on Saturday. I've been saving for it, so I guess that's why its almost two months late... "The Nikon Coolpix P80" 18x Zoom with 10.1 Megapixels. With the new camera I should start taking more pictures and getting them posted on my flickr account.
May 6, 2008 - Bret Micheals concert got announced for Memorial Day, but I'll be Canada that week so can't go. Along with Bret it will be Stephen Pearcy, Gimikk, lyinheart, Cold Filtered, Rude Mood and several other bands.
May 2, 2008 -
No it was not that bad, just felt like it. I only lost about $45 on the Casino Floor. Stayed at Planet Hollywood and National Planning Conference was held at Paris and Bally's. Had a nice time at the conference and got plenty of pics during my lunch hour and evenings. Hope to have some posted this weekend.
April 26, 2008 -
April 25, 2008 (Friday) - I'm now down 20lbs, I started at 252lbs about 7 weeks ago, I'm now at 232. My goal is 200lbs so I'm a little under 40% of the way to my goal!!! Pants are getting harder to keep up, I've moved down a notch on my belt, back into pants I was ready to ship off to Goodwill.
April 21, 2008 - On short notice went to the Bret Michaels (Poison) concert in Dubuque on Saturday. Brett gave me a call and twisted my arm to go. Had a great time and got in FREE, Brett was on the guest list and was able to get three tickets. Met a young lady there that is currently undergoing chemo for a rare cancer, and was a huge Bret Michaels fan. Brett was able to work with the guys in the band and got her backstage to meet Bret Michaels, I think she was really excited, dream come true.
Did some more landscaping work around the house, it will be a pretty big project this year to get it finished up, hope to have before and after pictures someday soon.
Caleb's Birthday Pics - HERE
Jayden's Birthday Pics - HERE
April 18, 2008 (Friday) - Happy 3rd Birthday Caleb. Pictures from tonights upcoming birthday party will be posted sometime this weekend.
Earthquake in IL around 4:30, didn't wake up although some at work said they did. At around 10:15 ladies up front said they felt an aftershock, didn't believe it because I was standing right there with them, but about 1/2 later the news said there was a 4.3 aftershock in IL, but felt here in Marion.
April 16, 2008 (Wednesday) - Sold the 2001 Malibu today to a mechanic, it had about $2,100.00 worth of repairs, the mechanic is getting a good deal as he will be able to fix it for about half and have a pretty good car in the end.
LAS VEGAS only about 10 days away, will be a great five days. I'll start working on my exact plans around the conference soon.
April 15, 2008 (Tuesday) - Bought a new (used) car this weekend and 05 Taurus. Not the ideal car but the price was really right and it was low miles. It will work really good around town. On the way home with it I got tagged with a ticket in Bremer County for 83 in a 65. My first speeding ticket in over 10 years.
Jayden had his birthday (6th) on Friday, he had a nice time with lots of gifts from everybody.
April 11, 2008 (Friday) - Happy Birthday Jayden.
April 9, 2008 (Wednesday) - No Waterstock Rock 2008, sounds like greed and complete mismanagement made this great festival fail. It's gonna be a pretty slim year for concerts for me I think.
April 7, 2008 (Monday) - We took the boys to a hotel over by Des Moines the other day and Lori's brother and his kids met us there. We celebrated Jayden, Caleb and their cousins Ethan's birthdays as they all fall in April a couple of weeks apart. The kids had a nice time in the very cold pool. Jayden spent about 8 hours total in the pool and Caleb spent 3 or so either clinging to Me, Lori, or his cousin Jodie's neck. The boys had some very nice presents and cake that they shared with everyone.
Grandma Hockett was admitted to the hospital the other day, she has been sick for a week and her hip had been bothering her. I haven't talked with her yet, but will this week sometime, she seems to be on her way to recovery.
April 4, 2008 (Friday) - Democrats versus Republcans in the Mortgage Crisis: Democrats believe the government should bail out individuals who made stupid (i.e., greedy) decisions about getting a mortgage they had no hope of ever repaying. In contrast, the Republican believes the government should bail out banks and brokers who made stupid (i.e., greedy) decisions about issuing mortgages to people who they knew had no hope of ever repaying them.
Just a bunch of greedy folks across the board that will end up hurting those of thus that took out responsible loans from honest banks and brokers.
I also saw a number the other day that your mortgage payment should be no more than 30% of your gross income (before tax). I figured ours out and it is a little over 11.25%. I did some more quick calculations and figured out what our monthy payment would be if it equaled 30% of our gross monthly income, and it only took me a couple of minutes to realize that there was no way we could afford 30% of our gross income. It is an absolute shocker that people can't do this simple math themselves and realize that they would be in over their head and that goes for teh lenders, they can do that calcuation in their head in 2 seconds and realize that there is no way those people can afford a loan like that. Just greed pure and simple, the government has got to let both of these parties fall on their faces, because of their lack of simple math / common sense skills.
April 3, 3008 (Thursday) - Summer concerts are starting to take shape even though I don't think there will be any Waterstock this year. Vince Neil will be in Burlington, Bret Michaels has a couple more Iowa Dates, Cindrella will be at the state fair, Firehouse will be in Waterloo, Jackyl is booked at the motorcycle rallies and of course plenty of local bands are teaming up with national touring bands and the clubs. I'll have a more complete calendar in a few days.
April 1, 2008 (Tuesday) - Lots of news to pass along. I'm heading out to Las Vegas later this month for the National APA Planning Conference (5 days/4 nights). Should be a nice trip since I've never been. Then in May I leave to Canada for a week long fishing trip with my Dad to Coli Lake. I've made the trip a couple of time before this will be my 4th trip north.
I have my Iowa County Courthouse Road Trip website created. I hope to take this nine day trip sometime in the Fall of 2008.
March 31, 2008 (Monday) - New format to the page, at least the 50th since 1996 and hopefully the last. Real easy to update from my end so that's the reason for the change. You'll also notice a new website address.
I'll post updates from time to time as well as links to family pics and videos as I upload them. Please bookmark this page and look for more changes coming soon.
March 29, 2008 (Friday) - The Geography of Nowhere - Dave Hockett's Personal Website is Coming Soon...