Filling In Some Blanks

A few things on my mind that don't rate a whole post, so might as well just ramble through a few of them:

• Sorry- no tickets. That was the gist of the email from the Twins. They had a lottery for tickets for the opening series at the new Target Field in April. But neither my daughter or I were chosen. It would have been fun to have been at the last game at the 'Dome and the first at Target, but so it goes. It will probably snow anyway.

• Watching Toyota fall apart before our very eyes is a scary experience. The first question that comes to mind is how could it happen like this to a company known for its safety and quality? The second question which really is just beginning is when did they know and what did they do about it? That one could bring some serious issues. In the end, though, no one is immune- no one is perfect. We have seen problems like this before with American companies. Hopefully, for the overall economy Toyota will be able to bounce back.

• I am way behind on movies for this Academy Awards season. I have a hunch I won't catch up before the Awards in March. While the idea of picking 10 Best Picture nominees instead of 5 made for some interest, it sure plays havoc with me seeing all of them before the ceremony.

• I am at the end of week four of a twelve week fitness program. So far it is working nicely, even with a week off when we were in Mexico. It has had some unique and surprising impacts. The most unusual is that I am now getting up earlier and actually working out before work. For this old gray-haired night-owl that is nothing short of the equivalent of the miracle of the century. Will bring you up to date in a few weeks.