What is this world coming to....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27969265/

NEW YORK - In a season that inspires earnest letters about toys, one notable batch is being sent not by kids to Santa's workshop but by parents to the executive suites of real-world toy makers.

The message: Please, in these days of economic angst, cut back on marketing your products directly to our children.

"Unfortunately, I will not be able to purchase many of the toys that my sons have asked for; we simply don't have the money," wrote Todd Helmkamp of Hudson, Ind. "By bombarding them with advertisements ... you are placing parents like me in the unenviable position of having to tell our children that we can't afford the toys you promote."

So what I am reading here is that parents do not want toy companies to market to kids because those kids will ask for toys that the families cannot afford.

I am kinda torn on this idea because if the families cannot afford toys for their kids, the children do not need to be dissapointed and receive nothing for Christmas.

But I have one piece of advice for parents out there complaining about toy ads. Be creative. Surprise them. When they say they want some special action figure, tell them you already got them a present that they will love and get them something special that tests the limit of what you can afford. These are your children. Do not ever hold back. I personally am past the point where I can be surprised for Christmas but I appreciate that my parents used to do that for me.

The financial crisis will end someday and life will return to what was once normal. In this time of need think about what really matters to you and just live your life to the fullest. Your children will respect you for it in the future.

Indiana University with a big night!!

*Just a quick score update on volleyball and soccer*

The IU Mens Soccer team was able to dominate Michigan 3-0 in a strong effort in the 3rd round of the NCAA Tournament. They will next play nationally ranked #3 St. Johns in the quarterfinals next weekend.

The IU Womens Volleyball team defeated Ohio State 3-1 after losing the first set to go to 9-11 in the Big Ten on the year and earning sole possession of sixth place in the conference. Tomorrow is the NCAA Tournament selection and if history is of any importance, the Big Ten normally gets six total teams in each year.

A Sports Fan's Saturday Evening...

Let me set the stage for my Saturday evening that is just getting started. I am sitting here with Oregon vs Oregon State and Oklahoma vs Oklahoma playing on the TV. I am watching the IU Soccer game on the laptop and listening to the IU volleyball game on the Radio. And what is amazing is that I am couldn't be any happier...

IU Soccer is currently winning 1-0 in the 64th minute against Michigan and looking very strong.

IU Volleyball is currently tied 1-1 against Ohio State and looks to be in a long hard fought battle against the Buckeyes.

Expect a final score update in an hour or so seeing as I plan to be watching sports for as long as I can, I'm just in that kind of mood.

Black Friday Concerns

I made a 6am trip to my local Best Buy store this morning and what did I find? No line. Yes, Black Friday and not anything close to a long wait for more than 30secs. This is significant because at the same time last year, I sat in a line that rapped through 20 aisles and started at the back of the store. At least in that part of Indianapolis, I see this economic meltdown on its way to sending a lot of stores packing.

But I made out pretty well and didn't have to spend much money in the process.

So as advice for all you shoppers that passed on the deals, they are still gonna be there next week when the stores get nervous and have to make a black friday do-over.

Happy Shopping!

You know what really grinds my gears?

Thanksgiving split between two sides of the family at almost nearly the same time of day. My plan for the morning of Thanksgiving includes eating at Noon with the Dad's side and then eating at 2PM with my Mom's side... I still plan on eating everything I see, but still it just bothers me a little bit.

What I am thankful for....

Hello everyone, since its less than 5 minutes till Thanksgiving, I just wanted to list off some very important people and things I am thankful for this year. Some are very serious while others are unusual, so enjoy!

1. Family-I am not always around them since college started and there are some I talk to maybe once a month. I do not mean for it to be that way. I am grateful for you all being there and I hope to make that change in the future.

2. Friends-Whether its sitting around in Harding-200 and just hanging out with the guys and girls, or talking online to those of you at other colleges, I am thankful that you are all around and I hope to continue the memories for as long as they possibly can go on. The world is a changing place, but I just want to let you all know that no matter what happens, I am there for all of you.

3. Democracy-Barack Obama is the current President-Elect of the United States of America. I honestly feel better knowing he will be taking control of this country. I spent many hours thinking about his campaign and I just feel as though something special is there. America is in good hands.

4. Indiana Basketball-I feel as though I am a part of something big that is just beginning. I know a 1-2 record in Maui wasn't the goal. But it needs to be understood that this team can and will be competitive someday and we will be there to witness it. The prospect of seeing this team grow to the their upmost potential is enough to keep me coming back.

5. Stephen Curry and Lebron James-Yes, I said it. The two "big tickets" in basketball today. I will take time out of my schedule to watch these two play any day of the week. Stephen Curry, not withstanding his "goose egg" performance in Davidson's 30pt victory over Loyola, is the only player I have seen beat triple teams against top collegiate opponents and still look like a 12-year old. While Lebron just takes over games and can sometimes become a one-man team all while winning consistently. I talked my mom who really has no interest in basketball into watching him a few weeks ago and her response fittingly was "thats not even fair".

6. Youtube-The name says it all...You all should be thankful for Youtube as well. Below is the Famous Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Football scene with a few minor alterations. Enjoy!


Alrite everyone have a great Thanksgiving and eat plenty of food, be thankful for what you have and be thankful for those you love!

Breaking News! Indiana Basketball Related.....

http://blogs.heraldtimesonline.com/iusp/?p=2697

IU to receive three years probation

The NCAA will announce today that Indiana University’s men’s basketball program will be put on three years probation, but will receive no additional sanctions, according to a source close to the investigation.

The announcement will be made during a 4 p.m. NCAA teleconference with reporters from across the country. Reaction from IU officials, including coach Tom Crean, is expected this evening.

First time for everything....

So, hello everyone! I decided to make a blog like this when I saw P-Ciddy (pronounced like kiddy, yea i know its weird) aka Paul Crary, had made one and had some pretty cool stuff on it. I tried using the Facebook note app, but the lack of video embedding keeps everyone from seeing my love of youtube videos inside blog posts.

So lets get past the pointless intro and move on to what is really important. Indiana Basketball.

I want to thank the Indiana faithful for not, at least so far, giving up on this team. The general response to the 88-50 loss against Notre Dame has been that we are learning and that we just don't have it yet. I was expecting an "OMG! We suck! Go to Hell Tom Crean" type of response. This team is working hard. They just do not have the depth or experience to run with what I think is a top 5 team in Notre Dame. Look for ten wins this year with a few possible upsets along the way inside the Big Ten. 

Today at 1:30PM the Hoosiers face St. Joseph's in their next test in Maui. Expect a closer score and depending on the kind of talk Coach Crean gives his young team, a Hoosier victory is not out of reach.

So until next time, I will leave you with your "moment of zen" (sorry Jon Stewart, ill think of something more original next time"