Blog

Congratulations to everyone who helped me break the Guiness World Record for most hugs in one hour.  It's official--we broke the record! It happened at last years Polar Bear Plunge.  The record will be acknowledged in the 2010 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.   (11/18/08)   6:21pm 

Random Thought:  Where can I find a vacuum bag? 

Even more random.....a comment from listener Frank in DC:  "My morning commute isn't complete without a big steaming cup of Spiegel".   Thanks Frank!     (11/18/08)  8:40am

I just finished reading "Member Of The Family: Cesar Millan's Guide To A Lifetime Of Fulfillment With Your Dog".  Great book.  Full of useful information, resources and referrals.  My favorite chapter was written by Cesar's wife and provides a snapshot of Cesar never before revealed.  This is the kind of book you'll refer back to over and over again.  (11/17/08)  7:08pm

Yesterday I collected a DNA sample from my dog, Pumpernickel.  I'm not Joshing you.  There's a new trend among some dog owners to get a super accurate report of their mutt's mixed breeds.  When I adopted her,  I was told she was a lab retriever-hound.  But in the last two years people have said she may have some German sheperd in her.  I don't know why I'm so curious to get the information but it cost $100 to order the dog DNA kit (an unnecessary purchase during these tough economic times).  I couldn't help myself.  I'm mailing the envelope today and will hopefully have results in the next few weeks.  I had to swab her cheek for 30 seconds with the brush that was provided.  The results will be printed on a certificate with my dog's picture on it. I can hardly contain my excitement!!!!    (11/17/08)   10:01am

It's going to be an interesting week as Barack Obama is likely to start appointing members of his cabinet.  Hillary Clinton's likely to get the nod for Secretary of State.  The McCain meeting today is unlikely to produce a job offer.  Obama on 60 Minutes last night mentioned the importance of swiftly putting together a national security team since the country is more vulnerable to attacks during the transition period.  On another note,  CIA Director Michael Hayden says that virtually all major threats his agency gets can be traced back to a tribal area of Pakistan on the Afghan border.  Obama indicated during the campaign that he'd go after terrorists in Pakistan.  During the 60 Minutes interview last night he said one of his top priorities is stamping out Al-Qaeda and capturing or killing Osamna Bin Laden.  When he takes office,  he also plans to shut down the Guantanamo prison and change U.S. policy on torture to improve America's moral standing in the world.   (11/17/08)   9:54am 

I've been reading this week and can recommend two out of three books.  I'm intrigued by the unknown and was fascinated by John Edward's "One Last Time".  I watch his show on the WE Network and find it very interesting. It's a good book.  "90 Minutes In Heaven" by Don Piper on the other hand is simplistic and kind of made me think,  "All right. Here's someone else who claims to have gone to heaven".  Not at all worth buying and I'm shocked that it's a bestseller.  The third book is "Out Stealing Horses" by Per Petterson. It's about an old guy in Norway who has flashbacks to his childhood.  Overall,  it's a good read but I wish the storylines had been separated by chapter rather than by paragraphs within each chapter.  It makes it a little hard to follow.   (11/14/08)  11:35am

Random Thought: I wanted to read Toni Morrison's new book.....but then I read it.  (11/13/08)  11:59am

Dumbest story of the day: "Many Americans have faith that Obama can square away the economy.  A new poll suggests 72% are confident he'll make the changes needed to perk things up."  Excuse me Mr. and Mrs. news media: Of course many Americans have faith Obama can fix the economy! Many Americans wouldn't have elected him last week if they thought otherwise. 

Dumbest story of the day,  part two: "It's not just college students applying for holiday jobs...retailers say they're getting applications from laid-off workers trying to make ends meet.  The retail industry itself has laid off tens of thousands."  You don't say???  With a 6.5% unemployment rate,  retailers are getting applications from laid off workers?  Pinch me because I don't believe it!!!!!!     (11/13/08)  8:53am

It's unbelieveable but politicians are already laying the groundwork for a 2012 Presidential run.  Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee are taking steps to make themselves more noticeable as is Sarah Palin.  She says she'll plow through the door if it's God's will and conditions are right in 2012.  Now, she's doing network tv interviews and making a "Hey, look at me, I'm cool!" appearance this week at the Republican Governor's Association meeting.   (11/13/08)  8:51am 

More random thoughts......

Sex is great when your partner is in a tree

I sure do love Michelle Obama.  If we let Barack fill us in on his economic stimulus plan...will Michelle come with him???   Jugs for plugs??

The cold leather makes me ask the cow if it wants a coat

If I turn my neck that way......oh....oh thats the ticket.

I wonder what Keith Mills looks like.....upside down.

Can I get a what what?   Can I get a woo woo??

You know what goes well with a cigar?  Chocolate ice cream.  (11/12/08)  3:14pm

Just watching Bush and Obama at The White House and it appears that they're both wearing a very similar,  if not the same, tie.  Anyway,  moving on.  Sign up for the free Josh Spiegel Thanksgiving Newsletter.  It'll be hitting email boxes very soon.  Sign up under "JOIN".   (11/10/08)  3:19pm 

All hell is breaking loose in the Spiegel household.  Four wasps have been discovered but their origin hasn't been located yet.  Frankly, I'm frightened.  Fleas are also a problem.  Maybe the wasps will eat the fleas or maybe I'll just get an exterminator.  (11/6/08)   9:18am

At this point,  what else is there to say?  "Historic",  "New day",  "Change" ---It's all been said a million times since yesterday.  The whole thing is still surreal to me.  I found myself welling up today while watching reaction in the streets after the announcement.  It's almost inexplicable.  Barack Obama was a State Senator four years ago and is now headed for The White House.  His dynamism,   his personality,  his hypnotic and mesmerizing effect on people,  his ability to bring people together,  and the way he inspired millions of people to vote for the first time---it's all very hard to digest right now.  It's too overwhelming to think about it.  It is simply stunning.  The honeymoon won't last forever but I hope the incredible feeling that Americans have been experiencing will.  Stunning.     (11/5/08)  6:57pm

A new poll finds that 100% of people polled responded to those polls.  (11/2/08)  5:44pm

Why is the day after Halloween so great?  Candy is half off!!! I just watched the 2 hour season premiere of "24". It airs November 23rd on FOX but because I'm special I got an advance copy for review and it's awesome.  Kiefer Sutherland,  Jon Voight and a surprise when the season kicks in full swing in January,  so stay tuned for that.  Regarding Election Day,  it's 3 days away and I'm a little stressed out.  Perhaps you feel the same way.  I'm worried about long lines at the polls,  drawn out election results and how some people will react if their candidate loses.  It's really fear of the unknown.  Anyway,  moving on.  I'm sure things will be fine.  In fact,  I'm going to take a deep breath and then exhaleeeeeeeeeeee.  3 days.  3 days.  3 days.  I think the media contributes to our anxiety,  or my anxiety,  by constantly opening election news with the words: "3 days to go"  or "2 days to go".  I've done the same but I think it makes me antsy.   3 days.  Just 3 days to go.  (11/1/08)   8:00pm

Random Thought:  Wow, I had no idea Journey made so many great songs.  Bravo,  Journey.  Bravo!!  (10/30/08)  6:43pm

I'm always very proud of myself when I perform any kind of manual labor--from lifting a fork to turning a doorknob.  But today,  things progressed.  As mentioned earlier on this blog,  a tree crashed into my yard during this week's wild wind whooshes.  The scene was mostly cleared but one big branch remained positioned at a most awkward angle.  It was big, heavy and quite intimidating.  Despite fears of it snapping back and smashing into my face (my face is my livelihood),  I broke the branch free of its awkward angle.  Yes.  I did it.  And it felt damn good.  That's all.  Carry on.    (10/30/08)   6:39pm 

The Obama infomercial was very effective:  I was in tears.  Seriously.  I was.  The stories and the music---oh, the music---it was all very moving.  (10/30/08)   8:58am

The wild whoosing winds walloping Maryland downed part of a tree in my yard.  I had to lift it and it was very heavy.  My estimate:  200 lbs.   It was difficult but thanks to my Flintstone Vitamins I was able to do it.    (10/29/08)  9:20am 

Random thought #1:  I should buy myself a gift basket.  I deserve it.  

Random thought #2:  Kiss me!!             

10/29/08  9:18am

Respected political analyst Stuart Rothenberg says Obama will be elected.  The numbers do not add up for McCain.  On another front,  the U.S. bombed a suspected militant camp in Syria near the border with Iraq.  8 people were killed.  I would never ever ever ever suggest that President Bush would order such an attack 10 days before the election  (to try to distract attention from the economy and help McCain)  in which his party is headed for what looks like will be a big loss.    (10/27/08)  8:28am

Read it Saturday night before you hear it on Sunday....My Ravens game prediction:

A strange people have arrived in Baltimore.  They are Oaklandians from the land of Oakland, California.  They dress in unusual, colorful clothes with large shoulder pads.  They speak in an incomprehensible language peppered with phrases like "hut hut" and "strike!"   They are large beings and are not used to our culture.  They're used to the west coast and their quiet Oaklandish society.  It's a community run by the Quaker Oats man with his friendly face and 18th century hairstyle you can also find at your local supermarket.  Their land is plentiful with oats and honey.  Oakland is a place where everyone worships the Quaker Oats man and maple and brown sugar flow in the streets.  It's also a place where everyone has low cholesterol and regular bowel movements.  It is a place we dare only dream of.  The Oaklandians seek peace.  We seek war.  We seek to destroy the Oaklandish people on our field here in Baltimore.  Pity the poor Oaklandians who will surely be annihalted today.  They're no match for The Ravens.    (10/25/08)   7:03pm

Random Thoughts:

* I can't believe I don't know how to fold a ladder.

* Why do these dumbass charities send me nickels if they want me to donate money?  If they have tons of nickels to mail out,  why do they need my money?  Maybe if they weren't so careless with their nickels they wouldn't have to beg for money!  (10/21/08)   3:14pm 

By now you should've received your sample election ballot.  Do me a personal favor:  Read it and fill it in and take it with you to your polling place so you can vote in under 60 seconds.  Don't stand in the booth for 20 minutes while reading long ballot questions and trying to decide yay or nay.  Read the questions now.  Do the research now.  Pick your candidate now.  And if you're polled prior to the election and say you're going to vote Obama,  don't change your mind once you're in the privacy of the booth.  That is so uncool---not to mention,  so 50 years ago.  Do not back up the line that I'm waiting in at the polling place.  Record turnout is expected but I'm mostly concerned about my own schedule.  Thanks and have a super day.   (10/21/08)  3:11pm  (like the band!!)

Oh hey,  how's it goin'?  Pretty cold out there.  All right.  Enough small talk.  If you have not already joined the website (joshspiegel.com),  I command you to do so immediately.  I'll be emailing a special Thanksgiving letter to members (just before Thanksgiving)  but you have to sign up.  Just click  "JOIN".   God bless America.    (10/21/08)   12:26PM

Read it before you hear it on Sunday---My Ravens prediction:

Will the Dolphins win?  Unfortunately,  yes.  While dolphins are friendly creatures,  they're very protective of their own.  Teamwork is a dolphin's middle name.  They're also fast.  On land,  they're able to fly with their flippers and they have a special hole for breathing.  Their skin is slippery--slippery enough for a football to fall from.  And then there's the sound they make.  It's hypnotic yet repulsive.  Friendly yet offputting.  Endearing yet terrifying.  Football players also sweat a lot and dolphins are good swimmers.  But the dolphin's greatest asset may be their poker face.  Normally,  eyes don't lie but a dolphin's eyes are silent.  In the words of the great philospher,  Nietzsche,  "Do not look too deep into the abyss or the abyss will look into you".  That may be the best advice for the Ravens on Sunday.  Godspeed.    (10/17/08)  5:00pm

Even I needed a shower after McCain and Obama spent the night exploiting Joe The Plumber.  He's now a superstar.  McCain performed quite well the first 40-45 minutes and then began to unravel:  He looked uncomfortable,  agitated,  cranky and angry.  His face tightened and he began to blink rapidly.  McCain even rolled his eyes a couple of times and had a condescending tone toward Obama.  Obama remained calm throughout the night.  19 days to go.   (10/16/08)  9:03am

The saga of Dog vs. Mice continues although I'm unsure if the problem is mice or chipmunks.  I have seen multiple chimpmunks outside and what I spotted in my garage ran so fast I can't be sure whether it was a mouse or chipmunk.  Regardless of that,  my dog (Pumpernickel) may have killed a chipmunk today (in addition to the mouse/chipmunk murder she commited the other day). Only this time---there's no carcass.  After the apparent attack,  I saw her rolling around on the ground (something I saw her doing at the scene of the other mouse/chipmunk murder).  I guess it's some sort of an "I'm king of the world" type of display in the dog world.  ANYWAY,  her breath is terrible so I suspect she may have eaten the chipmunk or mouse.  I know there are more questions than answers and a lot of speculation but I believe there's enough circumstantial evidence to deny Pumpernickel one Snausage as punishment for the (apparent)  double murder.  May God have mercy on her appetite.  (10/14/08)  5:31pm

The Spiegel compound has been infiltrated by a mouse.  You may have heard the news that my dog, Pumpernickel,  murdered a mouse about a week ago.  It was a field mouse in a field.  Yes,  I live in what might be described as "The Country".  Today,  a mouse was spotted scurrying in the garage.  I immediately decided to get a cat and seconds later decided that was a bad decision.  First problem:  I'm allergic.  Second problem:  They're always licking themselves.  Do you think you could stop licking yourself for five minutes so we could have a decent conversation?  I'm not sure Pumpernickel would even get along with a cat.  Keeping it outside as a utility (just to kill mice) seems a bit insensitive and it might get hit by a car so a cat appears to no longer be an option.  Traps?  What kind?  Glue?  No.  The snapping kind?  No!!  Something humane?  You're getting warmer.  If you have any tips, let me know.  (10/13/08)  2:28pm 

A few notes on last nights debate:  I think Obama won.  He connected with voters as he usually does.  He had a great line about YOUR wages and income flatlining.  Asked what he would ask Americans to sacrifice during this horrendous economy.  Obama,  once again,  very effective at connecting with viewers,  said YOU have to rethink the way YOU use energy.  One-on-one communication with voters.  That's the way to do it.  When McCain was asked the same question,  he was vague and talked about cutting spending and went off on a rant about earmarks.  Talking about earmarks is important but I think McCain is spending too much time talking about it.  He's not connecting with voters.  Obama is positioning himself as an advocate for the middle class---a perfect time to do that.  He's pounding that message home,  over and over and over,  while McCain continues to clobber you over the head with earmark talk.  Most people don't even know what the hell an earmark is.  Unless something drastic happens like a national security crisis or bombshell news about Obama,  Obama has this wrapped up (as I've said all along).    (10/8/08)  9:25am

The MSNBC countdown clock to tonight's debate that's on the bottom of the screen adds so much drama,  said Josh with heavy sarcasm while rolling his eyes.  MEANWHILE.....I stand by my statement that CNBC's Jim Cramer is cooky.  He said that if you need money within the next five years and it's now in stocks,  you should sell.  My frustration on the air this morning stemmed from the fact that Cramer has had egg on his face before after some of his recommendations.  Nobody should listen to only Cramer's advice but if you do,  it should be taken with a grain of salt.  That's my opinion.  (10/7/08)  1:41pm

Okay.....I felt like beginning this entry with the word okay,  okay?  First,  check on your friends to make sure they haven't swan dived off a building because of the ongoing economy-from-hell-situation.  Just when you thought President Bush and Congress would save the day with the big bailout bill...the opposite happens.  Investors freak out and markets plummet worldwide.  God help your retirement fund.  Moving on...my dog,  Pumpernickel,  murdered a field mouse yesterday.  Interestingly,  it happened in a field.  I felt sorry for the mouse but "Pumpy" was so proud of herself,  I couldn't help but feel proud too...although the right eye bulging out of the mouse was a bit disturbing and I subsequently had trouble eating oatmeal for dinner---my thoughts quickly turned to the rodent's intestines.  Don't ask me why.  I don't know.  Now,  onto a few random thoughts.  You get these first...before they hit the airwaves.  Aren't you lucky??!!  Okay...there I go again,  beginning thoughts with the word okay.  All right.  Random thoughts time:

*One of the presidential candidates WILL lose   (You have to put the emphasis on "WILL")

*The only way my dog can catch that squirrel is if the squirrel trips and falls and I've never seen a squirrel trip before

*Would Papa John's deliver nothing but dessert if that's all you ordered?  What about 20 bottles of Diet Coke?  If you take pizza out of the picture,  do they deliver?    (10/6/08)  4:57pm

Palin performed well in the VP candidates debate.  I think she tied with Biden.  Both are likeable characters.  She ducked some questions and was not big on details.  The experts say people don't vote for a President based on their running mate but I disagree when it comes to this election---especially when the presidential candidate is 150 years old.   10/3/08)  9:40am

It's a sad night.  You've probably heard Paul Newman died but please take some solace by knowing that we still have his salad dressing,  lemonade and pet food.  That's his legacy.  That's for all of us now.  He'd want it that way.  (9/28/08)  12:39am

Random thoughts:

*I think people get hungrier when it's very cloudy

*I'm going to take this one piece of cigar ash and frame it

*Gay pasta

*Should I teach my dog Spanish?    (9/25/08)  11:58am

I'd like to ride on the back of a manatee.   (9/25/08)  8:35am

A quote worth requoting.  David Letterman on McCain:  "You don't suspend your campaign.  This doesn't smell right.  This isn't the way a tested hero behaves.  I think someone is putting something in his Metamucil.  He can't run the campaign because the economy is cratering?  Fine,  put in your second string quarterback,  Sarah Palin.  Where is she?  What are you going to do if you are elected and things get tough?  Suspend being President?  We've got a guy like that now!"    (9/25/08)  8:29am

Interesting turn of events with John McCain "suspending" his campaign to work on the financial crisis and asking Barack Obama to agree to postpone Friday night's debate.  I admire McCain for acting presidential and "putting country first" but we've got an election in about 40 days and Americans need to know where he and Obama stand on the issues.  The topic of this first debate is foreign policy.  The nation's economy may suck but as a presidential candidate he has a responsibility to voters.  The show must go on.  (9/24/08)  5:50pm

As promised,  here are a few book recommendations:  "Another Day In The Frontal Lobe: A Brain Surgeon Explores Life On The Inside"  by Katrina Firlik,  "The Amityville Horror"  by Jay Anson (the scariest book of all time),  and if you're interested in one of my favorite classics,  check out "The Catcher In The Rye"  by JD Salinger.  (9/24/08)  5:43pm

This morning I read "Good Dog. Stay" by Anna Quindlen.  It's a nice,  short (82 pages) and sweet read about her life with a black lab named Beau.  (9/24/08)  11:55am

There are a massive amount of shelves I like to call: "The Josh Spiegel Library".  Yes, my little fine feathered friends,  there are books in this library.  I'll share some of my favorite titles with you on this page very soon.  In the meantime,  you may want to check out James Patterson's "Sail".  He's out with a new book just about every week.  I haven't read most of his stuff because it all seems so alike but this one seems to be good.  That's right.  I haven't finished it yet.  We'll see how it goes.  In the meantime,  it's time for some orange juice.  No pulp,  lots of pulp or some pulp, you ask?  Oh,  I like it with some pulp.  (9/22/08)  4:40pm

A few thoughts on why the Browns will lose: Phil Dawson's shoulders are too far apart.  Alex Hall's t-shirt is crooked.  If he can't keep his own life organized,  how can he be expected to help organize a win?  Beau Bell has a shiny forehead that could blind his teammates.  Nick Sorenson looks like a girl.  Leon Williams shirt is stretched out.  That's unprofessional.  Louis Leonard has big ears.  Other players may grab onto them for balance and cause all sorts of problems.  Jason Wright has a giant adam's apple which could be mistaken for the ball.  Teammates may lunge at it and injure Wright.  Terry Cousins braids make him look like a woman.  Perhaps he'd like to pick out a sundress to wear with them for the game.  Another reason the Browns will lose is I don't like the following things that are brown: Acorns, logs, deer, rotting leaves, and lions.  (9/21/08)  5:33pm

"The" Facebook seems very popular.  I think "The" Facebook may be more popular than "The" MySpace. Is your space more popular than my space?  Everyones space is most popular to them.  If my space has millions of spaces, it's really Our Space, right?  Maybe?  No? Think about it.  Then take a nap.  Then drink water.  Then eat.  I don't know what you should eat.  Just make sure it's not heavy.  Not only was this a random thought.  There were random quotation marks in it!  On second thought,  eat what you want!  Even if it's heavy!!  (9/19/08)  4:55pm

Well hello Mr. Bloggedy Blog Blog.  Why does my dog look like she feels guilty when she's having a bowel movement? That would be classified as a random thought.  (9/19/08)  4:45pm

 Random thoughts..........

**I don't like Chinese restaurant employees who speak English well. 

**The forecast for tonight?  Scary.

**Is it possible I'm not as big a hit as I think I am? 

**Let's do the Democratic and Republican Conventions all over again.  But this time,  let's use Sesame Street characters. 

(9/16/08)  5:32pm

I spent time outdoors today and noticed an interesting phenomenon around the Josh Spiegel compound: daddy longlegs.  I've done some preliminary research and there are apparently different kinds of daddy longlegs,  one variety that is not even a spider.  It looks like a spider and there are quite a few scattered here, there, to and fro.  I don't kill spiders.  It's not my style.  I have to figure out how to make them go away.  How to make them prance into the fields.  Prance and dance.  Scurry and scatter.  You get my drift.  Consider it a gift and don't be miffed.   (9/15/08)  7:22pm

Oh,  the horrible financial news!!   Oh!!!  Lehman goes bankrupt!  Bank of America buys Merrill!! Oh my!!  The drama comes just in time now that the drama of Ike is winding down.  Oh!!!!!!!  For more panic and melodrama,  watch the cable news channels.  (9/15/08)  9:52am

Random thoughts:

1- If my first name wasn't Josh,  it might be Burgess.   

2- Uh oh,  I dropped the snapple. Now it's full of bubbles. I'll have to open another bottle.  

3- If at first you don't succeed,  you don't succeed.  But there's always the next time.   (9/14/08)  12:41pm

First, I just awoke from a nap.  That's very important to say.  I don't know why but I believe it's monumental.  Second, have you ever gone to the bathroom and been so engrossed in your thoughts that you get up,  leave and then think, "did I go to the bathroom?"  That rarely happens to me but it's quite common when I shower.  I start thinking about one thing or another and then can't remember if I've washed one part of my body or another.  Then,  I'm forced to possibly wash a second or third time and get nauseated all over again.  I have no idea what this has to do with any of that but while I was in the bathroom (I think),  I thought about the election and how McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden are going back and forth.  It really is like covering a playground spat between three year olds.  Not that campaign mudslinging is anything new.  The annoying thing is the minutia of it.  Was Obama referring to Palin when he mentioned a pig and lipstick?  Was he even thinking about her?  Was the thought of her even in his universe?  Was he thinking about thinking about her later?  Was he going to go to his hotel room,  think about thinking about a pig with lipstick (not Palin) and then separately think about the McCain-Palin ticket?  When was the last time Obama ate pork?  Was his wife wearing lipstick at the time? Should she be criticized?  What about lamb chops?  Duck?  Moose?  What animal is safe to talk about in the same campaign that Palin's name is in?  You see how it gets tedious?  Hold on a second.  I think I have to go to the bathroom.   (9/10/08)  5:53pm

My dog has been diagnosed with what's being described as "a low thyroid".  Naturally,  I'm concerned.  First,  I felt shock.  Then,  shame.  Now,  guilt.  Is it genetic?  Could I be the carrier?  Does this make me a bad parent?  Her condition explains why she has gained 10 lbs. in the last few months.  (shhh...I might've also fed her extra table scraps) If the condition does run in the family,  perhaps it's the cause of my weight gain as well.  Or maybe not.  (9/9/08)  7:41pm

Here's a transcript of my Ravens game prediction last Sunday: 

Normally, you'd hear an organized, somewhat coherent prediction from me.  Not today.  For the home opener, you'll hear how I get to that prediction.  You'll hear those first thoughts that enter my mind,  that lead me to conclude the Ravens will win.  So, here we go: I think Joe Flacco won't be used in risky situations but considerable risks will be taken on defense. The map is wide but narrow. Ike's a threat, not just to Tina Turner. Left a good football in the city, working for the man every night and day. March March March.  Oh no, it's September.  Helmets are for sissys.  No, don't hit me.  God forbid the Bengals cheerleaders should shake their pom poms.  Wouldn't want them to get tired! The number is 555-1212.  God,  that itches.  Paper or plastic?  Do you need help out to your car? Staple. Vent.  Are you going to drink that?  Nice mask. You don't run back, you run forward. Is it Dee Dee or Day Day?  What Ravens player would be able to take that call at 3am in a crisis?  Flacco will protect the ball, the team will rally around him and that's why the Ravens will win.  (9/9/08)  9:04am

I'm writing to you from the bunker---the Spiegel bunker.  We're hunkered down in the bunker and have battened down the hatches as Hannah swirls towards Maryland (that's the state we're in, by the way).  A tropical storm warning is now in effect with the worst winds and ridiculous rain expected Saturday (that's tomorrow, by the way).  I refuse to go to the grocery store to stock up on supplies.  I need food and drinks.  For some reason,  I'm always running out of those but I'll have to survive foodless and drinkless on a raft if necesary because I can't brave the grocery store rush.  The lunatics come out at the moment bad weather is forecast.  It's a madhouse.  We'll talk later.  Right now,  I'm going to my safe room.  Yes,  that's a special room in my head.  I go there when life gets difficult.  (9/5/08)  1:34pm

Mickey, Amelia and I hung out tonight with BJ Surhoff at his charity event to benefit an autism foundation.  It was held at the Mt. Washington Tavern. (That's in Mt. Washington)  First,  it must be said that Mt. Washington is lovely this time of year.  I'm being sarcastic but it really is a nice little enclave.  A very cozy community.  I felt nestled and safe....AND NOW,  I feel riveted watching the Republican Convention.  Mitt Romney's talking.  Oh boy,  get the popcorn!!!  He's talking about the need to change Washington from liberal to conservative.  Tired,  tired talk.  People are tired of hearing the L and C words.  I roll my eyes when I hear those words.  Those are Rush Limbaugh words.  Romney doesn't sound like he wants to unify when he says voters should get rid of the liberals.  Shouldn't a President be able to cross the aisle and talk to both sides?  Can't everyone just get along?  Maybe?  No?  What?  I can't hear you.  Okay,  nevermind.  I'm listening to him and typing and I'm about two seconds from tuning out because he keeps talking about conservatives and liberals.  Just talk about the issues.  Just talk like a human being.  For the love of God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  WHO WANTS A CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE???  (9/3/08) 9:12pm

It may've been a coincidence but while watching the convention tonight on CNN,  the live cameras captured two different men yawning during speeches.  I concur.  This convention sucks.  It's a borefest.  I stayed up to watch President Bush's speech.  That was a disappointment.  He began with the perfunctory,  "Sorry,  can't be with you in person because I'm overseeing government assistance for Gustav victims."  We all know there are phones on Air Force One and in St. Paul.  The real reason Bush isn't at the convention hall is because the last thing the GOP needs is to have an extremely unpopular President highly profiled with the new ticket.  The speech wasn't even aired in the 10pm primetime slot.  Put a tv in an interrogation room at Guantanamo.  Turn up the GOP convention sound REAL LOUD and you won't have to waterboard terror suspects to pump information out of them.  This convention'll do the trick.   (9/2/08)  10:13pm

I imagine lots of adult diapers and prune juice on hand tonight at the Republican Convention.  It doesn't matter what you're politics are---you have to agree----the Republicans being paraded before Americans are OLD.  Senator Joe Lieberman is speaking tonight---OLD.  Fred Thompson will give a talk---OLD!  Sure,  Ms. Palin is young (44) and may insert youth into the McCain campaign but I just get this image of a sea of octogenarians when I see coverage of the GOP gathering.  The Democrats partied it up.  Obama is 47 but he doesn't act it.  That convention's vibe was different.  The vibe was NEW and REFRESHING and EXCITING. The GOP has done a very bad job projecting that kind of image. If we were to vote for the party that really knows how to party---I think the Democrats are the clear choice.  (9/2/08)  6:19pm

Just so you know,  I've been stocking up on food to prepare for the hurricane.  I know,  I know,  the storm is not headed to Maryland,  but I just want to be ready.  Here's what I got:  Chocolate pudding,  cheese danishes,  chocolate milk,  eggs,  American cheese (does the American in American cheese have to be capitalized?  If I don't capitalize it,  does that make me unpatriotic?), Special K bars,  apples,  carrots,  oats (the carrots and oats are for my imaginary horse....oh,  don't worry, I'm getting to the sugar cubes),  sugar cubes,  toilet paper and rolls---lots and lots of rolls.  (8/31/08)  12:01pm

Well HELLO Alaska Governor Sarah Pallin! The surprise VP candidate choice of John McCain has already stirred the groins of many a man across the United States.  She certainly has an interesting look.  So far,  my biggest problem with Pallin is her saying nuclear weapons like "nook-you-lear" weapons a la President Bush.  You've got to nip that one in the bud.  Oh dear,  I said nip.    (8/29/08)  2:02pm

I was riveted during roll call at the Democratic Convention, as delegates voiced their support for Obama or Clinton, when American Samoa's representative recited something in another language.  Oh, it was a wonderful language. It sounded funny. I chuckled and then laughed.  I continued laughing.  I laughed and laughed and laughed.  Then,  I cackled.  Shortly after that,  I guffawed.  It was a wonderful 25 seconds!  (8/27/08)  6:07pm

I'm so considerate of other life.  I deserve a pat on the back---as long as you're wearing rubber gloves lathered in Purell.  As I drove to a grocery store to pick up the morning papers,  I noticed a bug trapped in the coffee cup holder in my car.  Being that I'm in a remote location,  I decided it was more important than usual for the little critter to fly away and be free so it could go back and live with its critter family.  I don't know what kind of bug it is---it may've been a bee---so you know I risked my life so that the critter could live.  I couldn't scoop it out of the coffee cup holder with anything so I left it there as I drove around.  It could've attacked and killed me---but that would've been the price to pay so that the bug could live a full life.  I parked my car and left the windows rolled down so that when the bug flew out of the holder, it would not be confused and would have a clear pathway to freedom.  Hang on..I'm going to go and check if it's still in my car.  One moment please...........................................Okay, I'm back and I have good news.  It made it out of the coffee cup holder and was on the inside of the door.  I was able to shoo it outside.  It's free.  God, I'm great.   (8/26/08)  10:03am

Great time tonight at the "Mickey, Amelia and Spiegel" Crabshack get together pre-concert party at Rams Head.  Puddle Of Mudd is playing.  We talked to Wes on the air with Stash.  Wes is from Kansas City.  I told him about my Kansas City pet peeve---it's annoying that the city is in two states.  It's confusing and just doesn't sit well with me.  I suggested he write a song about it.  Not sure if that's in the works.  I assume he'll want to get through tonight's show before considering my idea.  I also met the heavily tattooed "Rev Theory".  Good people.  Good times...or something like that.  It was also great hanging out with all the 98 Rock listeners who showed up downtown!!  The Diet Coke and Cherry Coke was delicious although I should've skipped the two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches I had at home before leaving for the show.  (8/21/08)  8:17pm 

It's not my nature to gross out people but I feel what I'm about to write is groundbreaking and very interesting.  Have you ever had a bowel movement so wonderful that when it's over you feel like you've really accomplished something?  You might've had the worst day of your life but after that movement,  you feel as though you've done something right.  Well, my little fine feathered friends---there was a bowel movement today.  I'm not going to say who was involved but let's just say it involved a person whose name rhymes with squash.  Squash tends to be irregular and what's more alarming is that when there's finally movement, it's nothing to write home about.  No sense of accomplishment.  He has experienced that feeling before but not lately and he'd like it back.  Pray for this fellow.  Pray for squash and his bowels.  (8/20/08)   2:40pm

Random thought:  This would be a perfect time for you to rub coconut oil all over your feet. 

Random thought #2: Papa don't preach---I'm in trouble Yo. 

Random thought #3:  Where's August?   It's just wonderful outside.  Hammock time!!  (8/20/08)  2:30pm

I hate to complain---it's not in my nature---but we haven't really had a big, juicy hurricane yet this year.  I'm not asking for one.  I just think we're overdue.  Not us----the people who live in hurricane alley or whatever they call it.  How about calling the southern states and gulf coast "Crotch Catcher"---you know, just for fun.  It has nothing to do with hurricanes but it's a unique name.  If a storm strikes New Orleans,  it can be called  "Hurricane Back to finish the job".  Just another thought.   I'm sorry.  I can't control what pops into my head.  This hankering for a chocolate milkshake has not gone away.  I believe I'll have to do something about it.  My diet defeats the steps I've been taking to lose poundage.  Did you hear?  I've been hiking.  Oh, it's a WONDERFUL occupation!  I take the dog.  She likes it.  She pulls on the leash.  That's one area in which she hasn't been trained.  Otherwise, she's pretty much perfect.  I would like to unleash her but apparently you have to keep your dog leashed in the wild.  It doesn't make sense to me and I should be above the rules.  I'm kidding.  No, actually I'm not.  Okay,  maybe I am.  Okay,  no,  I really believe that.  Until next time.....say a prayer for Michael Phelps....or do whatever you want.  (8/19/08)  5:48pm