Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Famille Du Pentium

Another Day, Another Llama Video

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](http://famille.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [July 4th AYSO Parade](http://famille.org/?p=1342) - Whenever our AYSO region participates in the Skokie 4th of July Parade, we always try to help out. Here are pictures from this year's parade.
- [2014 Chicago Fire Games](http://famille.org/?p=1340) - We went to three Chicago Fire games this summer: June 7th, July 26th, and August 30th. Sorry, I don't remember the opponents, hopefully the pictures will help.
- [2014 Humphries Family Reunion](http://famille.org/?p=1338) - We all got together in Chicago this year, visited the Art Institute, had some pizza, and then watched soccer games. PICS HERE!
- [2014 Zoo Outing](http://famille.org/?p=1335) - Again, catching up. We're at the Zoo!
- [Big Daddy Don Garlitz](http://famille.org/?p=1333) - I'm catching up here... this Spring we went to Great Lakes Dragaway and met Big Daddy. He was quite nice and spent as much time with visitors as they wanted, answered questions, and talked about his career. But he didn't race, we were all bummed. Photo's here.
- [Monster Jam 2014](http://famille.org/?p=1328) - It wasn't as good as previous years; some drivers were obviously holding back, probably because it was just Rosemont. But here are the pics... enjoy!
- [Geneva Concours d’Elegance](http://famille.org/?p=1325) - Went to this famous car show in August. See the cars, in all their glory.
- [Great Lakes Dragaway](http://famille.org/?p=1323) - We went to Great Lakes Dragaway in August, here are the pictures.
- [2013 Summer Catch Up: Monster Truck Event](http://famille.org/?p=1320) - We surprised Justin, and went to a western-suburban location that had several monster trucks on display. See it all here.
- [Spring Break '13 - Starved Rock](http://famille.org/?p=1315) - Last week was Spring Break for Marla & the kids. Mike had to work. So Marla took the kids to Starved Rock, south of Joliet for a mini-vacation including some hiking and playing games in the lodge great room in the evening. Pictures are HERE.
- [Eeyore](http://famille.org/?p=1311) - Another Random Pic...
- [Justin Playing Drums](http://famille.org/?p=1308) - Just a random pic... Justin playing drums.
- [Big Huge Catch Up!](http://famille.org/?p=1304) - So as you can see, I have done a lot of catching up with this blog: Hanukkah 2012: http://famille.org/?p=1295 Ethan Winter Choral Concert: http://famille.org/?p=1298 Ethan Spring Band Concert: http://famille.org/?p=1300 Monster Jam 2013: http://famille.org/?p=1302 Enjoy!
- [Monster Jam 2013](http://famille.org/?p=1302) - No spring would be complete without a trip to the Allstate Arena for Monster Jam, which we did in February. Here are the pictures.
- [Ethan Spring (Band) Concert - Attack of the Slide Trombones](http://famille.org/?p=1300) - Here's the Trombone section of the Middleton Band playing a trombone solo, Attack of the Slide Trombones. http://youtu.be/LCBHs7ZmW1o
- [Ethan Winter (Choral) Concert - You Can Count On Me](http://famille.org/?p=1298) - Still catching up, here Ethan performed You Can Count On Me in honor of Mr. Gilbert, who passed away in 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IERqWwfNWyY
- [Hanukkah 2012](http://famille.org/?p=1295) - No, we didn't skip Hanukkah this year... I've just been slow about posting stuff. OK I haven't been posting at all lately. But I'm catching up now. Pictures from Day 8 include the blazing menorahs and the kids playing dreidel are HERE. More posts to come.
- [Our Minecraft World](http://famille.org/?p=1290) - Well hello! Surprise! This blog is still alive! About two years ago, Aaron started playing Minecraft by himself, single player mode. This summer, he asked me to set up a Minecraft multi-player server on one of my Linux boxes, so I did. Then I joined. Then Ethan and Justin joined. Then our next door neighbors
- [RIP Whitney Houston](http://famille.org/?p=1286) - Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be.
- [Happy Birthday, Mom!](http://famille.org/?p=1284) - Here's a little music to celebrate your 70th!
- [Happy New Year!](http://famille.org/?p=1281) - First, the obligatory: Before our usual - gourmet meats and cheeses, Ice Wine for the adults, and Gourmet cherry cola, cream soda, and ginger ale for the kids - we went to a friends house for an "early new years"; we played games, danced, ate snacks and generally made merry. The whole shebang is available
- [Hanukkah 2011 - 8th Candle Lighting](http://famille.org/?p=1276) - Ah, the last day. It's always bittersweet. As in, SWEET! IT'S OVER! But, still, a bit of sadness. I like taking pictures of the menorahs in various stages of burning, especially on the eighth day. First, we have a full menorah, candles blazing: And then we have the one remaining flicker of flame, on
- [Hanukkah Day 5](http://famille.org/?p=1269) - "What happened to Day 4?" I hear you cry. Well, I decided to do things a little different this year. In previous years, I've posted something *every* night, and taken pictures... mostly of the presents that our kids opened. But I realize that just posting a "yadda yadda yadda, we lit candles" posting every day
- [Chanukkah Night 3](http://famille.org/?p=1263) - Whoa! Is it day three already? And I haven't even posted a picture of a Menorah with candles blazing. So tonight was Nana's night, and I know she always enjoys seeing the kids enjoy her gifts, so here's a few pics for her:
- [Justin's Winter Concert](http://famille.org/?p=1260) - We interrupt this Hanukkah to bring you pictures and videos from Justin's school's 2nd grade Winter Concert. Hope you have flash installed, so you can watch these via YouTube. Link to the pics below. *** Updated: You can see the still pics here.***
- [Hanukkah Day 2](http://famille.org/?p=1254) - So, Eeyore seems to like laying on our gifts: Poodles like Taun Tauns! Who knew?!?! Apparently, he also like Autobots, since he later took a snooze on a Kree-O Transformers Optimus Prime box. All this while his own Hanukkah present, that yellow furry bone by his hind quarters in the second picture is his brand
- [Hanukkah Day 1](http://famille.org/?p=1249) - The holidays are upon us.  And, as most of you know, it's a much better holiday for the Humphries-Dolnick family this year. So we did up the traditions in style; jelly filled donuts (actually munchkins), and Browns Fried Chicken (TREIF!). Then we lit candles, said our traditional prayers, and sang our traditional songs. Here's a
- [Thanksgiving 2011](http://famille.org/?p=1246) - As usual, we drove to visit both families this year - Marla's first, then mine. The kids had a great time playing games at both houses. Get your Humphries-Dolnick Thanksgiving Picture fix HERE.
- [Summer Picture Catch-Up](http://famille.org/?p=1237) - Yeah, it's been a while. How are you? I'm doing well, thanks. We did, in fact, do stuff this summer and I'm just now getting around to posting some pictures of it all. First, Aaron played in the Section 6 tournaments again this year, and we won a few medals. Then, my new emloyer had
- [Justin was Mad!](http://famille.org/?p=1242) - Here's one of those odds and ends I promised: a picture taken of Justin while he was mad.
- [Remembering 9/11](http://famille.org/?p=1235) - I remember it well. The oft-noted blue sky. Shortly after coming into work, some commotion was in the cubicle behind me. The guy who sat there had a live TV feed into his PC, and there was news... a plane had crashed into WTC 1. Everyone from my department was watching the T.V. Some were
- [The Recruiter](http://famille.org/?p=1227) - More in the continuing series of my job search experiences... In my last post, I talked about searching for a new job. I gave my experiences using the internet and networking. Using either one of these methods, you will eventually experience The Recruiter. Recruiters at a very high level come in two flavors, internal and
- [The Search](http://famille.org/?p=1217) - So you've lost (or want to lose) your job, you've written the perfect resume, and you're ready to write a kick butt cover letter. Now to find that perfect job. There are many ways to search. The three major ones are online job search engines and boards, external recruiters, and networking. Let's start with the
- [Another Milestone](http://famille.org/?p=1224) - For those of you who may have forgotten how old you are, Aaron graduates from Middle School tomorrow. After that, he'll be a High School student.
- [Music for the Rapture](http://famille.org/?p=1215)
- [The Cover Letter](http://famille.org/?p=1212) - In my last post, I made some remarks about what worked, and didn't work, for my resume. If you're going down that road, once you finish your resume you'll be tempted to start sending it out. Before you do that, however, you should think about your cover letter. Recruiters, both internal and external, receive literally
- [The Resume](http://famille.org/?p=1196) - Probably the first thing that you'll turn to when you lose your job, or decide it's time to find a new one, is your old resume. I had one too, and I had floated it - somewhat halfheartedly - for a few years before my "position was eliminated". It clearly wasn't very effective, because I
- [McCracken Middle School Band - U of I SuperState 2011](http://famille.org/?p=1200) - ***UPDATED: ADDED CORRAL & CAPRICCIO VIDEO*** Below are videos from the McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band performance at the University of Illinois SuperState Band Festival. Hundreds of Junior High, High School and Collegiate bands come to perform, and two are chosen as SuperState Honor Band. McCracken Middle School was one of them. Watch the videos,
- [The Big Day](http://famille.org/?p=1188) - Another in the continuing blog series about my extended unemployment. First off, let me say: this will be the only post I make that doesn't have a summary or a lesson. Most will be along the lines of "Here's a story about an experience I had with Cover Letters, and why you need to write
- [Job Search Blog](http://famille.org/?p=1181) - I've added a new category - Job Search - where I plan to post some of my experiences of finding a job career in the worst job market in thirty years. A few basic ground rules before we get started: I'm an IT guy. This shouldn't matter much; an unemployed IT guy has the same
- [Chicago Wolves vs. Houston Game Night](http://famille.org/?p=1179) - Great seats, and they really put on a great show - the pre-game show was spectacular, and the fans are definitely the best in Chicago. But sheesh, who loses a hockey game six to one, for Pete's sake? Eh, whatever, we had a fun time. Here's some pictures from the game.
- [Unravelling](http://famille.org/?p=1174) - Unravelling
- [McCracken Middle School Band Sample](http://famille.org/?p=1168) - I've bragged a lot (well, mostly on Facebook) about the McCracken Middle School band, on which my eldest son plays trombone. A band which the director of the Music Institute of Chicago calls "Extraordinary." Now you can judge for yourself. Sit back and enjoy "Foundry". Be prepared to be blown away. McCracken Middle School Band
- [February Catch-Up: Monster Jam and Chicago Auto Show](http://famille.org/?p=1165) - It's been a very busy month, and soccer season hasn't even started yet. I had to get some pictures posted. Actually, I didn't want to leave February without any posts. So here it is. Monster Jam: You've heard the spiel before, we go get inundated with complex hydrocarbons. Except not really, monster trucks have been
- [MENC North Central Division Conference (Aaron Performance)](http://famille.org/?p=1162) - The McCracken Middle School Symphonic Band, in which Aaron is a Trombonist, performed at the MENC North Central Division Conference in Cincinnati Ohio this weekend. Videos of the bands performance, after the jump. First, we have Unraveling by Andrew Boysen, Jr. Next, they performed A Simple Song by Leonard Bernstein. OK at this point, the
- [Happy New Year!](http://famille.org/?p=1145) - Happy 2011! There is actually a 2010 "year in review" post planned, with pictures and videos, but it's taking a bit longer than I expected. Wait for it! It will be worth it! Meanwhile, have a happy new year! Update: Sorry, no year in review. I got busy. But coming soon (this weekend): videos from
- [Coming Soon: New Years Eve, Humphries-Dolnick Style](http://famille.org/?p=1140) - We're doing the usual this New Years Eve: imported meats and cheese snacks all evening, then watching the fireworks on T.V. at midnight. Probably a few games and activities mixed in for good measure. I hope to take some pics or maybe even short videos, and I'll post them here.
- [Another Way To Cook A Holiday Turkey](http://famille.org/?p=1138)
- [Hanukkah - 8th Candle](http://famille.org/?p=1135) - Sigh. The last "night" of Hanukkah. I am always a bit bittersweet about the last night - the nine candles (per Menorah - 27 total) blazing, always lights up the room and seems to make it a bit warmer. But then it's over. Bear in mind, our holidays run from sundown to sundown, so Hanukkah
- [Hanukkah - 7th Candle](http://famille.org/?p=1133) - Twas just sort of a ho-hum, hum-drum evening at the Humphries-Dolnick household. I quizzed the kids about the real meaning of Hanukkah, and they did surprisingly well. Then we lit candles, and presents were distributed. Aaron got Marla a game for her DS, and the kids opened toys and games.
- [Hanukkah - 6th Candle (And Movie!)](http://famille.org/?p=1130) - Today, I caught a quick clip of the kids singing a Hanukkah song, Haneirot Halalu. Below is the video. There's also pictures. Happy Hanukkah!
- [Hanukkah - 5th Candle](http://famille.org/?p=1128) - Tonight, we ponder the real reason for Hanukkah - The Maccabees retaking the The Temple, the oil miracle, etc. Then, we had LATKES! Why do we eat latkes? Because they're cooked in oil, and Hanukkah is partly about one day worth of oil lasting eight nights. The oil was needed for eight nights in order
- [Hanukkah - 4th Candle](http://famille.org/?p=1125) - A laid back easy holiday today. We were lazy. We laid around the house until around 4:00 PM, then decided to go out to eat (Red Lobster has Surf & Turf on sale this week!) Of course, Aaron and I had to shovel snow first. Oh yeah, and we opened Nana's presents, so take a
- [Hanukkah – 3rd Candle](http://famille.org/?p=1123) - Good Shabbos and Happy Hanukkah! Yes, yes I'm posting a blog entry on Shabbos, but it was a very nice one indeed. Aaron made Shabbos dinner, we ate the fruit medley pie that baked all last night, and the kids opened toys. Sorry, Mom - we had to shuffle a bit to keep certain presents
- [Hanukkah - 2nd Candle](http://famille.org/?p=1120) - Ahhh. Just a bit calmer this evening! During our recent trip to the UK, both Marla and I got hooked on afternoon tea.  Marla's still drinking tea made "the right way" (no tea bags, through a strainer). So she was delighted she opened the GE Electric Kettle that I bought her. The kids had fun,
- [Hanukkah - 1st Candle](http://famille.org/?p=1118) - What a hectic first night. Marla and I had a meeting from 4 to 5 PM, so we figured... no problem! We'll pick up the kids at 3, get them home, make sure they do their homework while I gather up the paperwork we needed, and then we'd be off to the meeting. Afterward, we
- [RIP Leslie Neilsen? Surely you can't be serious.](http://famille.org/?p=1116) - I am serious, and don't call me Shirley.
- [Destroy - Build - Destroy](http://famille.org/?p=1113) - Our family's version of Destroy Build Destroy, with Legos.
- [Done Shopping!](http://famille.org/?p=1111) - Got home about 8:00 PM, now done shopping (online) for Black Friday deals. All rejoice at the Black Friday online deals! Huzzah!
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](http://famille.org/?p=1109) - We'll be making the rounds, my family in Des Plaines and then Marla's in Deerfield. Then, come home and crash for a while before getting up for Black Friday. But don't worry, I'm not going out in the crowds at 3:00 AM - just doing the online Black Friday thing this year.
- [New Category - Videos](http://famille.org/?p=1104) - I've created a new category - in the current theme, you can choose categories from the drop down menu at the left - so that you can view all family videos posted to this site from one page. You still need appropriate plug-ins to play YouTube videos, blah blah blah... Also, you can bookmark this
- [Test Video: You  Tube](http://famille.org/?p=843) - So I set up my own You Tube account, for the purpose of uploading videos of the kids that you can view from your web browser. Below is an embedded You Tube video. Try it out, leave a comment as to whether you can see it or not. This one is one of the kids,
- [More Sledding Videos](http://famille.org/?p=847) - This week we went sledding two days in a row. After the jump, there are a bunch of You Tube videos of the sledding. More to come later...
- [More Kids Vids - Ethan Parent Visitation Day](http://famille.org/?p=857) - Friday was Parent Visitation Day at Ethan's school, below are two YouTube vids of Ethan in school. The first is Ethan in his home room, trying hard not to be video'd. The second one is Ethan in Specials (Music) learning to play. Enjoy!
- [Kids Swim Class Videos](http://famille.org/?p=863) - Back with more YouTube videos, these are a few of the kids in their swim class. Aaron and Ethan are swimming by themselves, and Justin is getting used to moving around in the water. First, Aaron does the backstroke this week: Next, Justin is bouncing with a noodle: Finally, Ethan is swimming alone:
- [Cruise & Vacation Videos](http://famille.org/?p=1048) - I'm still sorting through the videos from the trip. A few have been uploaded to my facebook wall... if you're a friend, have a look. Some will get posted here via YouTube once I have time to sort through the YouTube machine. I'm torn on posting a review of the cruise itself. I start to
- [Aaron Adventure Trip Videos](http://famille.org/?p=1078) - The post below has a link to pictures; here are some videos, all of Aaron zip lining in Wisconsin. All on Youtube, so you gotta have some sort of browser add-in... After the jump...
- [Aaron Concert Band Spring 2010 Concert](http://famille.org/?p=1090) - Yes, you read right, spring. I found a bunch of videos sitting in a "sort" folder since earlier this year, and I'm going through them now. Sue me.
- [Justin's Happy Video](http://famille.org/?p=1093) - Here's another (Spring-ish, 2010) video I found, entitled "Justin's Happy Video", taken by a a friend. This is one of the few I'm going to double-post: here (via YouTube) and Facebook, if you're so inclined.
- [RIP Barbara Billingsley](http://famille.org/?p=1086)
- [Final Soccer Tourney Pics and Symphonic Band Concert](http://famille.org/?p=1083) - Aaron's last Varsity game for McCracken Middle School was last night, an exciting game but sadly they lost 2-1, but not for lack of effort, especially in the last two minutes. Tourney Pictures are on the gallery site; bear in mind that I was using my Sony point-and-shoot and I had to take all the
- [McCracken Tourney Updates & Pics](http://famille.org/?p=1081) - McCracken lost last night to Park View, but they move on in the tournaments to play Lincoln Hall tonight at Niles West. Updated brackets and pictures have been posted.
- [Aaron's Overnight Camping Trip](http://famille.org/?p=1076) - Back about a month ago, Aaron went on an overnight school field trip to Devil's Lake, Wisconsin called the "8th Grade Adventure Trip". There, they did rock climbing, zip lining, and general spelunking plus they had to make a camp (and sleep in a tent) and make several of their own meals. It was a
- [A Very Busy Week...](http://famille.org/?p=1070) - Between Soccer, Band, and other activities this coming week shapes up to be our worst, as far as schedule overlaps. A sampling: - Today: Aaron has a 12:30-2:00 AYSO game in Glenview. Ethan's game starts at 1:20, in Skokie, and then he has a birthday party at 3:00 in Niles. Which is also when Justin's
- [Happy 70th, John](http://famille.org/?p=1066) - I've posted it all over Facebook, so I might as well post it here too. Happy 70th birthday, John Lennon. I do truly miss you. Hear them shouting all about love While they treated you like a dog When you were the one who had made it so clear All those years ago. Hear them
- [McCracken Varsity Soccer Playoffs](http://famille.org/?p=1063) - Aaron's McCracken Varsity Soccer team has made the playoffs. The team is part of the "Little Nine Conference" in Northeastern Illinois. They have tournament games next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon to determine the conference champion. You can find team standings, and (scroll down a bit) playoff brackets at the Little Nine Conference web page.Â
- [Kids Soccer - Game 2](http://famille.org/?p=1060) - Aaron's team won, 6-3. Justin's team lost 1-7, and Ethan's team lost 0-5. Both Justin and Aaron's teams have W's on the board now, and I'm working on putting up a W for Ethan's team (8 year olds - will they ever play their assigned position?) Sorry, no pictures, maybe next time :)
- [European Vacation & Cruise - Recap and Highlights](http://famille.org/?p=1027) - So for those of you too tired, bored, afraid, or otherwise uninterested to look at all the pictures, in all their glory, or read all the blog entries, after the jump I'll post some pictorial highlights from the trip.  There might be one or two more posts about the cruise, but it's all starting to
- [Kids Soccer - First Game](http://famille.org/?p=1057) - Today was the first game of the kid's fall soccer season. Justin scored a key goal, Ethan played goal keeper in a regulation game for the first time, and Aaron held off a very strong team's attack at goal keeper.  Not everyone won, but everyone had a great time playing. The kids, in their new
- [Back to School](http://famille.org/?p=1053) - School has started, everyone's back to their routines, and everyone seems to be adjusting to their new grades (and new school, in Justin's case) very well. Aaron is in eight grade and Symphonic Band, which means he has to practice every day at 7:20 A.M. Wow, seems like school starts a lot earlier than when
- [Aaron Varsity Soccer](http://famille.org/?p=1050) - Aaron has been invited to join the McCracken Middle School Varsity Soccer team! Since he also is on the Symphonic Band, which means he will be very busy this fall. He's also still playing soccer in AYSO. So he'll have plenty of games!
- [Hotel Review - Marriott London County Hall](http://famille.org/?p=1025) - Before and after our cruise, we stayed in London. For five days before our cruise, and one day after, we toured London from our base camp at the Marriott London County Hall hotel. Here are my experiences. The hotel's primary hit factor is it's location, just across the Westminster Bridge from the Houses of Parliament,
- [Justin's Sleeping Vacation](http://famille.org/?p=999) - Justin has a rather special skill - when he's tired, no matter where he is, he can sleep. It's not that he's narcoleptic or anything, he doesn't fall asleep first thing in the morning or in the middle of playing. But as the day progresses, and especially when he's had a full day, he'll fall
- [Disembarkation - Southampton - London - Jack the Ripper](http://famille.org/?p=996) - After 12 days and 9 ports, it's time to disembark. A fitting picture for today, as it's the end of our cruise... We made our way back to London, to the same hotel we stayed at prior to our journey. We had traditional English tea at tea time, and then rested up prior to going
- [Cruise Port 9 - LeHavre & Paris](http://famille.org/?p=992) - Our last port before we disembark was LeHavre, in Normandy. We chose the Princess tour to Paris, which included a brief city tour as well as a guided tour of the Louvre, then lunch at the Eiffel Tower. It's pretty hard to say you didn't experience Paris, after you've eaten lunch at the Eiffel Tower.Â
- [Cruise Day At Sea 2](http://famille.org/?p=990) - My original plan was to celebrate our anniversary by renewing our vows on this, the second, sea day. But the captain's schedule didn't work out for it, so our renewal of vows was on our first sea day. No big deal, but it left us without any real solid plans for Sea Day 2. Which
- [Cruise Port 8 - South Queensferry & Edinburgh, Scotland](http://famille.org/?p=988) - Still with us? Hard to keep up? Imagine actually being there. Don't get me wrong, I loved our vacation, but it was very busy, as you can see. That's OK, only three more ports, one more day at sea, and one more day in London before we're done! Port 8 brought us to South Queensferry,
- [London Day 4 Part 1 - Harry Potter Tour](http://famille.org/?p=940) - During our trip, my cousin Lisa booked a black taxi Harry Potter tour. This tour ostensibly goes to various sites around London where Harry Potter was filmed. I say ostensibly, because I didn't go (daddy's special time with Ethan - we went swimming and to the arcade instead.) However, Marla and Aaron both took pictures
- [I Made Aaron Salsa!](http://famille.org/?p=970) - Here's a quick break from the July UK Cruise posts. This summer, Aaron has been participating in a gardening club at his school, McCracken. Yesterday was the last day, and they were harvesting their garden. Most of the food went to a food pantry, but the kids got to take home some veggies. So Aaron
- [Vote! 2006](http://famille.org/?p=98) - I'll see you at the polls, fellow citizen and patriot.
- [2006 Midterm Recap](http://famille.org/?p=99) - So did you vote? I did. Here's a recap of what happened in my district. U.S. Congress: Jan Schakowski vs. Michael Shannon, 9th Congressional District I'm no big fan of Jan Schakowski. She's a fairly typical liberal tax-and-spend Democrat, and this is her perfect congressional district. I was researching her opponent, because I hadn't seen
- [Bush Heir Thompson](http://famille.org/?p=138) - For those of you who feel that Guiliani, McCain, and even Romney aren't far enough to the right for your taste, you now have the heir apparent to the extreme right void left by these candidates - Tommy Thompson. I like Tommy. He was a four-term Wisconsin governmor during the years that I was vacationing
- [Tommy Thompson Drops Out](http://famille.org/?p=200) - Tommy Thompson, the former 4-term Governor of Wisconsin and DHS secretary under George W Bush, has dropped out of the Republican nomination race. I said earlier that Thompson was a good man, but that now was the time for a conservative candidate who does not answer to the religious right. I had concerns about Thompson's
- [Fred Thompson is Out](http://famille.org/?p=251) - Man, I hate being right. Fred Thompson has officially dropped out of the nominating race for the Republican party today. Guess we'll just have to be happy with Law and Order re-runs :).
- [Impact of McCain S.C. Win](http://famille.org/?p=249) - The impact of the John McCain win in New Hampshire and now South Carolina makes the race for the Republican nomination even more interesting. Offset by Romney's win in Nevada, it still leaves the current leaderboard effectively a three-way tie. Granted, Romney has nearly 30% more delegates than his nearest competitor, all still have far
- [Florida](http://famille.org/?p=255) - I'll sum it up quick. Hope you didn't back Guliani. He lost big in Florida, and will apparently drop out Wednesday and throw his support behind the winner, John McCain. Speaking of McCain, who would have thunk it? The Republicans now have a clear front-runner, and he's older than Ronald Reagan was when he ran
- [They're Dropping Like Flies](http://famille.org/?p=256) - OK quick round-up: Guliani: Out. He sez, vote for McCain Edwards: Out. He's not saying who to vote for. The latter leaves an interesting milestone in American history today: One major party has virtually guaranteed that a white male will not be nominated to run for President. This could get interesting. A McCain / Obama
- [Primary Fever](http://famille.org/?p=265) - John McCain tonight won Republican primaries in Vermont, Ohio, Texas, Venezuela, and Iran, clinching the Republican nomination for President. As of now, Obama has locked Vermont. Clinton has a commanding lead in Ohio, although none of the networks are calling Ohio for her yet because they're all a bunch of wussies (the networks, not Ohioans).Â
- [My Local & State Results](http://famille.org/?p=366) - The nifty MSNBC widget will remain in the post below, while I make notes about my own State & Local races here. CNN has called Illinois for Obama, overwhelmingly - 71 to 28 percent. Oh yeah, that cab driver I posted about before? Apparently, he did at least vote for himself. His current vote count:
- [On Statues and Pigeons...](http://famille.org/?p=906) - After BP CEO Tony Hayward's beating on Capital Hill yesterday, the UK's Guardian put it best: "Tony Hayward: Like a nervous statue under a whole flock of pigeons."Â They even made reference to a famous David Brent quote, "You just have to accept that some days you are the pigeon and some days you are
- [2008 Election Wrap-Up](http://famille.org/?p=371) - This is my final post tonight. I'm going to bed. In my local & state elections, Democratic incumbent Jeffrey Schoenberg has beaten his Republican challenger Brendan Appel handily, 79 to 21% for our State Senate position, and CLTV (AKA Tribune Company) has "called" that race. In my State House district, Republican incumbent Elizabeth Coulson has
- [Cruise Port 7 - Inverness / Invergordon / Loch Ness](http://famille.org/?p=968) - I'm not sure that Princess would stop here, were it not for the infamous lake (loch) and even more infamous critter living somewhere in its waters. The only problem was, I couldn't get the lyrics to The Police song Synchronicity II out of my head. We took the Princess tour to Loch Ness at this
- [Repost: Day at Sea 1, Renewal of Vows Ceremony](http://famille.org/?p=965) - As I said before, on our first (and much needed) day at sea, we slept late, relaxed, walked very little, and oh yeah... Marla and I got married again. The ceremony was officiated by the captain, so it's all legal-schmegal. The whole story is HERE. The pictures are HERE. I'll resume new posts tomorrow, starting
- [Repost: Cruise Port 6 - Greenock / Glasgow, Scotland](http://famille.org/?p=963) - As I previously posted, at Glasgow (port of Greenock), we had a private tour waiting to take us to Caerlaverock Castle, which has some family (Maxwell) history. The original post is here, and the pictures (P-A-S, 35MM) are also posted. Six days, six ports - and the next day is a sea day (finally!) and
- [Cruise Port 5 - Belfast, Northern Ireland](http://famille.org/?p=961) - Our fifth port of call was at Belfast, Northern Ireland. My readers old enough to remember the "Troubles" in Northern Ireland will recognize that this was an interesting city to visit, to say the least. While Belfast is a beautiful and historical city, it was also - at one time - a war zone, and
- [Cruise Port 2 - Cork, Ireland](http://famille.org/?p=950) - Our second port of call was Cork, Ireland by way of Cobh (pronounced Cove or Cobe). This was our first "on our own" tour, of course Princess offered plenty of tours but they are quite expensive so we saved money and went on our own. This involved taking a commuter train from Cobh, where we
- [Cruise Port 4 - Liverpool, Wales, Steam Train, Chirk Castle *UPDATED*](http://famille.org/?p=955) - Our fourth (we're getting tired too!) port in four days was Liverpool, England where we opted for the Princess tour "Wales, Steam Train, Chirk Castle". This tour was a bit more relaxed, although a bit long bus ride. Wales is beautiful, and we chose this tour because both families have some tenuous connection to Wales.Â
- [Cruise Port 3 - Dublin, Ireland](http://famille.org/?p=952) - Once again on our own in Dublin, we took the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tour, which was very entertaining and took us to various sites around Dublin where the 1916 Rebellion had an impact. The 1916 Rebellion, also called the 1916 Rising or 1916 Uprising, was the precursor to the Irish Wars of Independence. Lorcan, the
- [Cruise Port 1 - St. Peter's Port, Guernsey](http://famille.org/?p=947) - So for those of you keeping track, this is vacation day 7, cruise day 1 (or two, if you count boarding day). Yesterday, we took a bus (private hire) from our hotel (well, almost - more on that later) to our ship's port at Southampton. Won't cover it in detail because it's pretty boring, but
- [London Day 5 - Tower of London](http://famille.org/?p=945) - Today was our tour of the Tower of London. This is an interesting tour, because our family (Clan Maxwell) has a family member who was imprisoned in the Tower. William, Fifth Earl of Nithsdale and grandson of the third earl, still supported the British Crown during the Jacobite Uprising, and fought  to restore the previously
- [London Day 4 Part 2 - London Transport Museum](http://famille.org/?p=943) - After swimming and the Harry Potter tour, we all got back together and went to Covent Gardens to visit the London Transport Museum. This museum is a relatively hands-on, climb-on museum of old coaches, busses, horse-drawn carraiges, and of course underground trains that have served London over the years. Great fun for the kids. After
- [New Caerlaverock Castle Pics](http://famille.org/?p=937) - As I said previously, at some ports I took pictures with my 35mm SLR manual camera. Although they are lower resolution, I used different lenses (long and wide) and different settings to take these pictures... sometimes for better, sometimes for worse (I'm still re-learning how to use all the manual settings.) So there might be
- [Berkhamsted England](http://famille.org/?p=935) - This is Day 3 of our London visit. We went out to Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, England. The purpose of the visit was really twofold: visit one of Lisa's old friends, and to see the castle. After taking the tube to Victoria Station, we boarded the National Rail service to Berkhamsted. The train ride took about
- [Trip Day 1 - London Day 1](http://famille.org/?p=931) - First off, I'm going to try to post about 1-2 stories per day about our trip, to try to spread them out a bit and make it a little easier to keep up. We started a little out of order - so that the Renewal of Vows and Maxwell Family / Caerlaverock Castle visit would
- [Maxwell Heritage - Caerlaverock & Newark Castles](http://famille.org/?p=929) - OK first some family history - my grandmother's mother's maiden name was Maxwell. From our records, we've determined that her family goes back to David Maxwell, who was born in Glasgow in the 19th century and moved to Champagne, Illinois sometime later. David was one of the sons of the Honorable Joseph Maxwell, who was
- [Cruise - Renewal of Vows](http://famille.org/?p=927) - First things first, on our first day at sea we (Marla and Mike) renewed our wedding vows. This year marks our 18th anniversary. My (Mike's) plan was to schedule a cruise for the two of us on our 20th anniversary (something we intended to do back when we got married) and do the renewal of
- [We're Home!](http://famille.org/?p=924) - Reviews, pictures, and general trip minutiae will follow.
- [Our Vacation Iten](http://famille.org/?p=919) - So we're going on vacation next week. Above is a map of our cruise - the Princess British Isles Cruise. Here's what we'll be doing: 1 Week in London: Sherlock Holmes Museum, Thames Duck Tour, Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour, Berkhemsted, Harry Potter Tour, Museum of Transportation, Tower of London tour, and Jack the Ripper walking tour.
- [Independance Day 2010](http://famille.org/?p=916) - First, we marched in the Skokie 4th of July Parade, in the Skokie AYSO float. Then, we went to the 4th of July festival and fireworks show. You've seen fireworks before, so here are the kids.
- [Support the Bid - Sign the Petition - World Cup 2018 USA](http://famille.org/?p=912) - I've hesitated to spread this via email, but blog posts are different. You can always ignore it :). A grass-roots effort is being mounted to bring the World Cup to the USA in 2018 or 2022; the point is that American viewership of World Cup games is the highest that it's ever been, interest in
- [AYSO Section 6 Tournament](http://famille.org/?p=910) - Again, it's about playing - not winning or losing. Aaron and his tournament team-mates played hard, lost 3 and won 1, and had a blast. Here are the pictures.
- [Skokie AYSO Rockford Tournament](http://famille.org/?p=908) - Aaron's AYSO U14 tournament team attended practices for many weeks, endured drills upon drills and finally went to Rockford, Illinois for the "Rock Your Socks Off" tournament, a sort-of AYSO Area D tournament. Despite losing several games, the team was pumped and enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Pictures are HERE.
- [One Last 30 Year Anniversary...](http://famille.org/?p=902) - Oh yeah, it's the thirty year anniversary of Pac-Man. 1980 was a very good year.
- ["I Am Your Father" 30 Years Later](http://famille.org/?p=900) - Another thirty year anniversary today: thirty years ago today, "Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back" was released in theaters. I did not get to see it until I went on vacation to Chicago (at the time, I lived in Seattle) about a month later. I went with my brothers, and we saw it at
- [Thirty Years Ago Today...](http://famille.org/?p=897) - ... I was driving South on I-5, snaking my way from Seattle to Cowlitz County near the border with Oregon, to witness the eruption of Mount St. Helens. I skipped school that day, along with my school chum Warren Lewis. We had actually decided to skip school that morning because it was widely believed that
- [MNASR Youth Participant of the Year Award](http://famille.org/?p=895) - Earlier this week, we attended the MNASR (Maine Niles Association of Special Recreation) awards ceremony, where Ethan, Aaron and Justin were recognized with the MNASR Youth Participant(s) of the Year Award. Erin Pool, while announcing the award, noted that Aaron is an honor student, band Trombonist, and team player. She noted Ethan's love of mathmatics
- [For those of you who MUST know...](http://famille.org/?p=889) - How it's pronounced: Eyjafjallajökull
- [Justin's Sixth Birthday Party](http://famille.org/?p=887) - Justin's sixth birthday was on April 3rd, and today was his birthday party. He had a shared party with his classmate / neighbor Noah, at Emily Oaks Nature Center. First, a guide showed them around the nature center and had them play games, like chase (fox chasing rabbits) and other such outdoors games. After the
- [R.I.P. Dr Henry Edward Roberts](http://famille.org/?p=885) - Dr. Henry Edward Roberts, inventor of the Altair 8800 - considered by some to be the first "personal computer" - died yesterday at the age of 68. The Altair 8800 was a switch-based computer, and it caught the attention of Bill Gates and Paul Allen, who moved from suburban Seattle to Albuquerque, NM (where Roberts
- [RIP Jaime Escalante](http://famille.org/?p=882) - The man who Edward James Olmos played in the movie "Stand and Deliver", who transformed an inner-city Los Angeles math program into the highest achieving math program in the state between the mid 1970's and 1980's, has died in Reno, Nevada. Jaime refused to accept the status quo, and drove his students to perform at
- [Aaron Concert Band: Quick Pics](http://famille.org/?p=874) - Aaron had a concert last week, here are some quick pictures from my mobile phone: Above, Aaron is waiting with his Concert Band colleagues while the Intermediate Band plays. Above, band leaders Chip De Stefano and David Morrison look on while a student from Northwestern leads the band in a song. Can you find Aaron
- [FAMILLE.ORG Alexa Rankings](http://famille.org/?p=871) - FAMILLE.ORG is now a ranked website. Alexa ranks famille.org at number 2,245,864 worldwide. That means that there are only 2,245,863 other websites that get more visitors than us! http://www.trafficestimate.com/famille.org
- [R.I.P. Peter Graves](http://famille.org/?p=869) - Over, Oveur.
- [Big Huge Catch-Up](http://famille.org/?p=867) - I started a new job this week, so not so much time to post lately. However, I have some kids (and dog) pics for you to enjoy, while I toil away at work ;-). First, I forgot to post that Aaron achieved IGSMA Division I, for the second year in a row, playing in a
- [Monster Jam 2010](http://famille.org/?p=865) - That's right, it was time once again to make our annual pilgrimage to Rosemont, Illinois to take in our yearly allotment of complex hydrocarbons, and watch Grave Digger, Taz, Escalade, and others race, jump, and try to wreck their trucks. This year, Grave Digger won the race competition, and Escalade (with a driver from Chicago)
- [Family Fitness Night](http://famille.org/?p=859) - Thursday night was Family Fitness Night at Ethan's school. They had a walking track, plus instructors for yoga, dance, and cup stacking. Yes, cup stacking is apparently a sport. Whether you agree or not (Aaron doesn't), Ethan and Justin tried it out.
- [Happy New Year 2010!](http://famille.org/?p=851) - Boy did I get it wrong last year. I thought the worst was behind us then. Or maybe I got it right; new opportunities abound that we wouldn't have seen otherwise.  But, in the immortal words of Bullwinkle Moose, "This time, for sure!" (Or, "Maybe I gotta get myself a new hat.") Here is
- [2009 Family Pics Wrap-Up](http://famille.org/?p=849) - Here are some last minute pictures I wanted to post before the end of the year: We had the annual family holiday party at our house last weekend. A good time was had by all. Justin's gingerbread house was eaten by the dog; Ethan made him a new one, and they ate it tonight. Eeyeore
- [Ethan Winter Concert](http://famille.org/?p=841) - Ethan had his winter concert on Thursday morning. Both Marla and I went, and it was a great concert, the first and second graders all sounded great. Ethan was very dapper in his winter concert duds and sweater. Pictures are here. Later, I'm going to post a sample video for you to try out in
- [Eight Hanukkah Candle Lighting](http://famille.org/?p=836) - Ah, the last candle lighting of Hanukkah. Tonight we went out to eat early at Gullivers and had pizza, chicken strips, soups, and appetizers. Then we came home and lit candles. I always love the eighth night, when all the candles are blazing. You can actually feel the heat in the living room. All in
- [Hanukkah 7th Night](http://famille.org/?p=838) - Tonight we had a lot of fun. We're down to opening all the "family" presents now, which are all Blu-Rays for us to watch during the kids winter break. On Black Friday (or at least, the night before) I found an online store that was selling a bunch of Blu-Rays on sale for under $15
- [Hanukkah Candle 6](http://famille.org/?p=833) - Tonight the kids were better behaved, so they got to open presents. But let this be a lesson to you, stay off my lawn! We're at the point now where the presents that we've bought them are starting to run out, and the "family" presents (things like movies and games that we buy for everyone
- [Hanukkah Day 4 (Candle 5)](http://famille.org/?p=830) - I'd like to say that tonight was uneventful, but it was quite a night. Our youngest two have learned a lesson about the real reason for Hanukkah. It started when both younger kids were being particularly difficult - ignoring our admonishments to finish their homework and clean up their messes before we'd even think about
- [4th Candle Lighting - Hanukkah 2009](http://famille.org/?p=828) - By this time in the second century BCE, the Macabees must have been pretty amazed! Each night this year, we've been reading a Hanukkah meditations - basically topics to think about during Hanukkah, when most people (kids) are just thinking about presents. I don't know if it's sunk in, but each night we stop the
- [Hanukkah 3rd Candle](http://famille.org/?p=824) - An uneventful 3rd night, we lit candles and then, since Hanukkah is early this year, the kids went back to doing their homework. We did open Nana's presents, so she'll probably want to see the pictures of utter joy on the kids faces HERE.
- [A New Generation of Music](http://famille.org/?p=822) - Well family, you do not have to worry. The musically-inclined gene, which I am absent of, has passed on. Come on, don't patronize me. Yes, I loved making music when I was younger. And I'm sure to my parents, it sounded great. But I couldn't play anything but the guitar, and even there all I
- [Hanukkah Night Two](http://famille.org/?p=819) - Ah, my favorite night. Why? Get ready for it. Are you ready? LATKES! :) Guess what we ate tonight? Anywhoo, tonight as far as presents go was "book night". And, in all honesty, the kids knew exactly what they were getting - because they picked the books, the other day when we were at Barnes
- [Hanukkah 2009, Day 1!](http://famille.org/?p=817) - Here we are, at a time where we think about the miracle that occurred when the Maccabees overtook the Seleucid empire and rededicated the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. The story tells us that, despite our own troubles today, there have been tougher fights that we have won, and harder obstacles that we have overcome. We
- [Aaron Wildcats Basketball Final](http://famille.org/?p=814) - Aaron has been playing basketball with the MNASR Wildcats team, and today was the "finals" game to determine if their team went to the championships. I won't keep you in suspense, they didn't win, but given the difference in skill levels between the two teams, they did a very good job and Aaron was a
- [Aaron's First Public Performance](http://famille.org/?p=811) - Aaron performed a duet with his band teacher, who also happens to be a world-class trombone player, at the Barnes & Noble bookstore at Old Orchard shopping center yesterday. This was Aaron's first real public performance; he's performed solo at (private) competitions before (and won), and he's performed with his band in public performances (at
- [Happy Black Friday!](http://famille.org/?p=809) - ... And belated Thanksgiving! We did the usual - driving around from house to house. This year, the Humphries dinner was at the Kiesel's, and the Dolnick dinner was at Marshall & Marcia's. Turkey and all the accompaniments was had by all, and we arrived home late and full (sans Aaron, who is sleeping over
- [Aaron's Scholastic Awards](http://famille.org/?p=800) - This post is late - Aaron's first quarter ended earlier this month, and I'm just now catching up on some of this stuff. Aaron achieved High Honors and perfect attendance in the first scholastic quarter at his Jr. High school.  The awards pictured below may seem kinda cheesy, but what's behind them is a lot
- [Aaron Concert Band](http://famille.org/?p=798) - Aaron's school Concert Band performed on Thursday night. This band is really starting to sound good - great timing, music flow, and overall sound. I would not be surprised if Aaron ends up in the Symphonic Band next year, and I predict that they will go to SuperState. Well, anyway, HERE's Aaron performing!
- [Justin Goes to Lincoln Park Zoo](http://famille.org/?p=796) - A class field trip was canceled three weeks ago, and rescheduled for today. Justin's kindergarten class went to Lincoln Park Zoo, and I - having mucho time on my hands - went with them, to chaperon the kids. In my group was Justin, Noah (our next door neighbor), and Darren. We saw most of the
- [Veterans Day Outing - Field Museum](http://famille.org/?p=794) - Today the kids had the day off for Veterans Day, and it also happened to be a "free day" at the Field Museum (everyone gets in free). So, we took the kids there. Checked out Sue, the nearly 100% complete dinosaur that was uncovered in an archeological dig, and some other fun stuff like a
- [Kids Swim Class](http://famille.org/?p=792) - All three kids take a swimming class in the fall, winter, and spring at the park district. Here they are swimming.
- [Halloween 2009](http://famille.org/?p=644) - Having some extra time on my hands lately, I helped out at my middle son's class Halloween party.  It was a blast, I helped them make mouses (strawberries, almond slices, raisins with peanut butter, and individual strands of twizzlers), ghosts (half bannanas and peanut butter with raisins), and broomsticks (pretzle sticks with cut up fruit
- [Soccer 2009-2010 Pictures](http://famille.org/?p=642) - Well we're four weeks into the 2009-2010 AYSO season, and I haven't posted any pictures of the games. But I've just set up a gallery, and there's one PIC... the kids in their uniforms. I'll post more if I take any ;-).
- [101 Next Years...](http://famille.org/?p=640) - So after yet another lackluster year, this weekend the Cubs will implore us to once again "Wait until next year!" I managed to get some tickets to today's game versus the Diamondbacks, and the Cubs actually did a pretty good job - shutting out Arizona 5-0. Pictures of Ethan and I at the game are
- [Colorado Springs pictures](http://famille.org/?p=638) - My aunt Marylin (Mimi, as she was known to us when we were kids) passed this summer of complications from Alzheimer's disease. The last time Mimi was at a family event was the family reunion in New Mexico in 2004 (or was it 2002?) Anyway, the last time I saw Mimi was at the Chicago
- [Soccer, School, General Updates](http://famille.org/?p=628) - So we're back from my Aunt's memorial. Some tear-jerker moments, as well as some fun. My family does know how to have a good time, sometimes, when they get together. It'd just be nice to have fun for it's own sake, instead of because we're all in town for a funeral. I've got pictures of
- [1969](http://famille.org/?p=614) - I'm going down to Yasgur's Farm, Gonna join in a rock and roll band. Got to get back to the land and set my soul free. --Joni Mitchel
- [Springfield Vacation](http://famille.org/?p=608) - Day 1 On Friday, July 10th we slept a bit late and got going on the road around 10. Springfield is about 3.5 hours away, we made it there in about 3. We got to our hotel early, so before checking in we went to the State Capital and walked around. We could have gone
- [More Summer Plans](http://famille.org/?p=606) - So now that our busy June is out of the way, what's left for the Humphries-Dolnick family this summer? Not much. We're saving up for a big cruise around the British Isles next summer. That alone is taking all of our "fun money" resources right now, so vacations have become staycations. But we are doing
- [Independence Day 2009](http://famille.org/?p=604) - Today wraps up a busy month of activities for the Humphries-Dolnick family, as you recall. We went to the Skokie Independence Daycelebration at Niles North High School. This is where we usually go when we're not out of town on the 4th. To start things off, there were games for the kids. They had a
- [Buddy Baseball Final Pics](http://famille.org/?p=601) - As I've blogged before, Aaron and Justin were in the MNASR Buddy Baseball program. Last Wednesday was the final game, and of course we have pictures. Enjoy!
- [AYSO Section 6 Tournament Pictures](http://famille.org/?p=599) - Last weekend, Aaron participated in a two-day tournament for AYSO Section 6, which covers five states including Illinois. The tournaments were held at the Libertyville Township Soccer Complex, a beautiful (and huge) soccer complex about an hour north of us. There were final standings, but unfortunately I don't have them yet. Still, here are the
- [Aaron and Ethan Birthday Party Pics](http://famille.org/?p=597) - As promised, here they are. Again, it was a laser tag event, so not very much material to shoot in the dark. We had the party at Lazer Zone in Glenview, Illinois. The place doesn't serve food, but has party rooms. They suggest that everyone order food through their preferred pizza delivery company, Viccino's. To
- [Aaron Birthday Pics?](http://famille.org/?p=595) - You might be wondering why we posted pictures of Justin and Ethan's birthday, but not Aaron's. Actually, Aaron and Ethan's birthday party (one party for both) is this coming Sunday, at Laser Zone (a place that does laser tag) and although it's generally a dark room that they play in, we will attempt to get
- [AYSO Tri-Regional Tournament 2009](http://famille.org/?p=593) - Even though the regular AYSO season is over, Aaron, ever the soccer player, played in the Tri-Regional Tournament today. Each region is basically one city, so in theory it's three cities competing against each other - but there were multiple teams from each city, so we ended up playing Highland Park twice and Peterson Park
- [Justin & Aaron Buddy Baseball](http://famille.org/?p=591) - Besides everything else going on, Justin and Aaron plays Buddy Baseball at MNASR (sort of a park district for special education kids.) This has been running now for about four weeks, and it goes until the end of June. Today we all went to watch, and I took a few pictures.
- [Ethan's 7th Birthday Pictures](http://famille.org/?p=589) - Pictures from the school district picnic, and Ethan's birthday cake celebration afterwards.
- [Happy Birthday, Ethan!](http://famille.org/?p=587) - Ethan turns seven today. He gets his choice of dinner - so he's chosen to go to the District 73.5 picnic tonight, but we'll take McDonald's food there. Then ice cream cake afterwards.
- [What's Up in June?](http://famille.org/?p=585) - So here's a sampling of what goes on in June for the Humphries-Dolnicks: The School District 73.5 end-of-year picnic is this Thursday. I'll try to get pics of the kids playing. AYSO Areafest for Aaron next Sunday - our AYSO team will take on AYSO teams from Deerfield and Glenview. AYSO Tri-Regional Tournament on June
- [Yawn](http://famille.org/?p=578) - It's that time of year - the period between posts when either there's nothing to post about, or no time to do it. Pretty soon summer will be upon us, and I'm sure we'll have a lot going on. But meanwhile... yawn. So here are a few quick news updates, for those of you who
- [Justin's Birthday Party](http://famille.org/?p=576) - Justin is five now, his birthday party was at Brunswick Zone in Niles, Illinois where we bowled for 90 minutes, and had pizza, pop, and cake. Everyone had a great time. Pictures are here.
- [Justin Birthday Plans](http://famille.org/?p=574) - Just a quickie note - Justin has chosen to have a bowling (!!!) party for his birthday, which will be this Saturday. Invites for local friends and family have already gone out. I'll post pictures afterward.
- [Happy Birthday, Kelly!](http://famille.org/?p=556) - I usually post the lyrics to a song that I'm dedicating to the birthday person. It took me a while to think of a song that fits Kelly, but here it is. Woodstock - CSNY Well, I came upon a child of God He was walking along the road And I asked him, Tell me,
- [Monster Jam 2009](http://famille.org/?p=546) - Yes, it's already that time of year again, when we make our annual pilgrimage to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois to watch the monster trucks jump, crush, and tumble and we soak up all the complex hydrocarbons. This year, we also got free "Pit Party" passes, which let us arrive early and hob-knob with
- [Aaron Solo Results](http://famille.org/?p=544) - Boy, it's been really busy over the last two weeks. My aunt Sandy passed away, and so Aaron had to perform his Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) solo performance with Bubbe watching while Marla and I were in Albuquerque, NM for the funeral. The great news is, that Aaron placed in Division I, the
- [Report: The FBI hated, reviled, um... ignored George Carlin](http://famille.org/?p=525) - The FBI has released their "file" on George Carlin, after his daughter requested it under the Freedom of Information Act. One would think this would be one hell of a juicy file on the man who made fun of J. Edgar Hoover on television and, of course, often repeated those seven words you can never
- [RIP Ricardo Montalban](http://famille.org/?p=520) - Khan forever. Enough said.
- [Hanukkah 2008 Prologue](http://famille.org/?p=517) - Better late than never... LATKES! :) We went to Bubbe and Zayde's place, and a good time was had by all - the kids, playing and the parents, eating. Pictures are HERE.
- [For all those who dont feel as old as they are and never will](http://famille.org/?p=511) - I rounded first never thought of the worst As I studied the shortstops position Crack went my leg like the shell of an egg Someone call a decent physician I'm no Pete Rose, I can't pretend Though my mind is quite flexible, these brittle bones don't bend I'm growing older but not up My metabolic
- [When I went back, it was twenty years later](http://famille.org/?p=507) - Editors comment: This post is by my brother, Kelly. It is December 31st, 1988, and still I have no ticket for tonight's New Year's Eve Grateful Dead show, the final night of an abbreviated three-night run. Having figured that two shows are better than none, I hopped in the communal Ford van and (after a
- [Happy New Year!](http://famille.org/?p=502) - First and foremost, good fricken riddance to 2008. It was the year that was... and I'm glad it's over. 2009 isn't going to magically change things, but at least the year that saw 40% of my retirement fund and equal numbers of my coworkers go away is behind us. We ate cheeses, meats and drank
- [Hanukkah - Eighth Night](http://famille.org/?p=498) - Tonight is the last candle lighting. This is always a bittersweet evening, because it means Hanukkah is almost over (it goes until sundown tomorrow) but it's also the night that we have nine candles blazing in each menorah. It gives true meaning to the "Festival of Lights". The kids even have their own menorah to
- [Hanukkah Night 7](http://famille.org/?p=496) - Sigh. Today was supposed tobe the day that we did our Hanukkah party, but due to a scheduling problem, we didn't. :( So, no Latkes this week. There is going to be a party at Marla's folks place next weekend (after Hanukkah is over) so hopefully I will get my latke fill then. Anyway, so
- [Hanukkah Night 6](http://famille.org/?p=494) - Having just gotten back from our little winter outing, we were exhausted. We lit candles and then watched T.V. and later went to bed. Pics are here.
- [Hanukkah Night 4 and 5 - Key Lime Cove](http://famille.org/?p=491) - As I previously posted, we spent the last two nights at Key Lime Cove in Gurnee, Illinois.  This is an indoor water park, hotel and resort similar to waterparks in Wisconsin Dells, only closer.  I've got a review of our stay, and some pictures. This is going to be a somewhat long post, so click
- [Hanukkah Night 4&5](http://famille.org/?p=488) - We are, as they say, blowing this popsicle stand. For the next two nights, we will be hanging out at Key Lime Cove, an indoor water park near Gurnee Mills. You won't see posts or pics updates until we get back, but we will have our camera there. Happy 25th of December, for those who
- [Hanukkah Day 3](http://famille.org/?p=484) - Snow, snow, everywhere snow. Except in the warm Humphries-Dolnick house, where we lit candles for the third night. Aaron got a comforter, which he immediately wrapped himself under: And is it my imagination, or does Justin always look like this in Hanukkah pictures?: The rest of the pictures are available HERE. Peace on earth, good
- [Snow Day](http://famille.org/?p=479) - Seems like everyone in the US has either gotten, or is getting snow. For those of us here in the midwest, this isn't big news. But for people stuck in Seattle, or Las Vegas it's huge. Admittedly, the six inches we just got today on top of the roughly 12 inches that have accumulated over
- [Hanukkah Day 1.5 - Just Relaxing](http://famille.org/?p=475) - Here's what Dad and Justin did after the Hanukkah festivities on the first night... And here's Justin up close... Now that's what Hanukkah's all about, I say! :)
- [Hanukkah Day 2](http://famille.org/?p=472) - Tonight was "open Nana's presents" night ... My mom, bless her heart, lights candles every night of Hanukkah, largely because I converted to Judaism and her grandkids light candles around the same time as her. There's certainly a story behind Hanukkah, and I'm sure my Mom knows the story, but the point is that she's
- [Hanukkah Day 1](http://famille.org/?p=470) - Yay! Hanukkah is here. We tend to think a lot about Hanukkah as being a "December-themed" holiday, or the Jewish version of Christmas. But we rarely actually think about why we celebrate Hanukkah. Tonight, while I was once again busy downloading the blessings over the first candle lighting, Marla - always the early childhood teacher
- [First Hanukkah Post](http://famille.org/?p=464) - No, it's not Hanukkah yet, but we're getting prepared. I'm on vacation now, for two weeks, and the first candles are Sunday night. We're also planning a Hanukkah party next Saturday, so this weekend it's "clean the house" time. I'll post the usual pictures and commentary during Hanukkah. Right now though, hey - I"ve got
- [A Funny Commercial](http://famille.org/?p=40)
- [R.I.P. Buck Owens](http://famille.org/?p=53) - Sadly I just this week learned of the passing of Buck Owens. I was raised on Buck Owens, by virtue of his long-running show Hee-Haw. Hee-Haw, it is little known, was the longest running show ever - 24 years, from 1968 to 1992.  It ran in syndication all but the first 3 or 4 years,
- [The Optigan](http://famille.org/?p=448) - My brother Kelly writes: An ordinary-looking keyboard, into which you load a plastic disc probably about 12 inches across .... a clear plastic disc, with visible analog waveforms printed on it, kinda like if a vinyl LP was bigger, cardstock-thin, see-through, and the grooves were much LARGER. My Dad had an Optigan when we were
- [Happy Black Friday](http://famille.org/?p=443) - So to review, it's "black" because that's the day that retailers actually make a profit. Â In November. Â After selling crap all year. Â And in order to do so, they have to cut prices even further... well, maybe. Â They certainly charge less today than other days, whether it's a real price cut or not
- [There Be Dragons!](http://famille.org/?p=439)
- [Sigfried & Roy](http://famille.org/?p=48)
- [Humor: Caution Sign](http://famille.org/?p=198) - It's been a while since I posted something funny (Alberto Gonzales' congressional testimony aside...); read the fine print.
- [Monster Jam](http://famille.org/?p=268) - It's been almost a month ago now, which tells you how busy we've been lately at the Humphries-Dolnick household. But in February, we all went to Monster Jam at the Allstate Arena. The kids always love it and we all come home smelling like complex hydrocarbons. The best part (for you) - I know you've
- [Ethan SOARs](http://famille.org/?p=269) - Last year I reported to you that Aaron won the Sudler Cup Award from the John Philip Sousa Foundation for his work on the school band. Now we have another award winner in the house. Ethan has won the Students' Outstanding Artists Recognition (SOAR) award for his artwork. This is basically an award by the
- [Aaron's Spring Concert](http://famille.org/?p=271) - Aaron's award winning band performed last week at McCracken Middle School. Aaron is First Seat Trombone; in most of the videos below you will see him somewhat in the center, either beside or behind the tuba player (depending on the perspective of the video). These videos were Microsoft format; you would have had to have
- [Aaron's Fifth Grade Graduation](http://famille.org/?p=283) - Last month was Aaron's fifth grade graduation. The school district doesn't actually call it a "graduation", they feel it's "inappropriate" to graduate fifth graders, so they call it a "reception". But he did complete five years of education at Middleton Elementary School, and he's now officially a Junior High School student. Pics of the "reception",
- [Lincolnwood Carnival](http://famille.org/?p=289) - Last Sunday, we (Aaron and Mike) went to the Lincolnwood (IL) summer carnival. I must say it was a bit of a disappointment this year... the rides are getting kind of weary, they don't have much to ride, and the games are just getting ridiculously expensive. That said, for the short time we were there,
- [A Day At The Ballpark](http://famille.org/?p=278) - We spent last Saturday at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, watching the NL Central-leading Cubs play the Pittsburg Pirates. Unfortunately, they lost the game, but came back the next day and won. Pictures are gone, which included views from our seats, the family, and a couple from dinner at Bakers Square afterwards.
- [Changes Brewing](http://famille.org/?p=308) - I'm considering moving famille.org to a different web-hosting company. Right now the entire domain is hosted by Yahoo, which is convenient (if not a bit embarrassing) because then my famille.org e-mail is in the same web interface as my Yahoo mail. But there are support issues with Movable Type, for instance this version of Movable
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](http://famille.org/?p=424) - I hope everyone who reads this blog (all four of you) have a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving and enjoy the turkey, stuffing, or whatever fixings you're planning. We'll be driving between two houses / families in Des Plaines and Naperville to celebrate Thanksgiving, so if the Tryptophan doesn't get us, the driving will! [UPDATE
- [Obama-Llama](http://famille.org/?p=420) - OK I know, I said no more political posts.  But I'm making an exception, because A) It's funny B) It's tagged "Llama", not "Politics" Turn Up The Sound, and Sing Along!
- [Aaron's Winter 2008 Band Concert](http://famille.org/?p=418) - Enough political blogging, feh, I'm sick of it! ;-). Last Thursday night was Aaron's Winter band concert; recall that Aaron plays the trombone.  Pictures are HERE, however because of the heavy mercury lighting in the McCracken Middle School gym, my point-and-shoot camera could not focus or auto set the shutter speed correctly, so the pictures
- [What Are We Up To?](http://famille.org/?p=410) - Quick family-ish update: Aaron made High Honors in school. We're absolutely thrilled. Ethan and Justin's "Young Atheletes" and swimming programs are over now, so even more free time in the evening. Next up: Parent-Teacher Conferences, until Thanksgiving, then some blessed relief from the constant running. Black Friday: Last year, I slept in on Black Friday
- [RIP Mitch Mitchell](http://famille.org/?p=405) - Mitch Mitchell, the last surviving member of Jimi Hendrix Experience, was found dead today in his hotel room. He apparently died of natural causes. After Jimi Hendrix's death, and the subsequent death of Bass player Noel Redding in 2003, Mitchell continued to tour regularly as part of the Experience Hendrix Tour. He was 61 years
- [No More Portland](http://famille.org/?p=399) - Alas, OSCON - the collection of open source hippies I hang out with for a week every summer in Portland, Oregon has moved the 2009 conference to San Jose, CA. So Portland will have to wait until 2011 (the next Humphries family reunion) to see me again. On the upside, I have cousins in San
- [RIP Michael Crichton](http://famille.org/?p=380) - Michael Crichton, the writer of Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain, Westworld, The Great Train Robbery, Coma, Looker, Runaway, and the NBC series "ER", died Tuesday after battling cancer. He was 66. My first favorite movie was Westworld, starring Yul Brenner. One of my first computer games for the Commodore Pet 64 as a teenager was
- [Go Vote!](http://famille.org/?p=361) - This is my last post before elections. By the time I sit down at the computer tomorrow, returns will be coming in. So I will take this opportunity to admonish, cajole, and otherwise pester everyone who reads my blog to go out and vote, if you have not already. I don't care if you vote
- [Skokie Soccerfest](http://famille.org/?p=358) - Today is Skokie AYSO's "Soccerfest", a tournament that caps the eight-week fall soccer season. Aaron will be playing three games, each one consisting of two 15-minute halves (no quarters) with a five minute break in between each half. Then he'll have a 45 minute break between each game. He won't play with his regular season
- [Prepare for Picture Gallery Reset](http://famille.org/?p=312) - As noted in the past, we're moving our web site to a new host. The main page ("blog") will transfer directly and easily from the current host to the new host, when we switch over. But the family picture gallery will not. It will reset to empty, and I will have to upload all new
- [We Made The Jump](http://famille.org/?p=314) - We have now migrated to our new hosting company, and migrated our blog from Moveable Type to Wordpress. The theme is new ... and will likely change again, I'm tinkering around with them, trying to figure out which one I like. This one's better for navigation, but it's a little... er, "wintery". First, a big
- [Family Geneology](http://famille.org/?p=343) - There is a family geneology site up now. At the moment, it's just Dolnick, Spevakow, and Hoffman family information. Eventually I might get a data file from a Humphries family member and upload it. If anyone wants to access it, either leave me a comment, or send me an email, or use the link on
- [Happy Halloween](http://famille.org/?p=346)
- [What's Up with the Kids?](http://famille.org/?p=341) - Aaron is done with JV soccer, and the AYSO regular season is over. Tomorrow is a final practice / clinic (to help work those skills) and then Sunday is the big city-wide tournament. After that, five months of no soccer. AYSO starts again in April, and JV boys doesn't run again until next fall. Ethan
- [Llama 5](http://famille.org/?p=215)
- [Llama 4](http://famille.org/?p=214)
- [Llama 3](http://famille.org/?p=213)
- [Llama 2](http://famille.org/?p=212)
- [Llama 1](http://famille.org/?p=211)
- [New Theme](http://famille.org/?p=329) - I've implemented a new theme. I think it's well readable, doesn't have the notorious "free smileys" and "free e-cards" links that some themes force on the website, and is a little more aesthetic than the last one. Let me know what you think.
- [Poochies Car Show](http://famille.org/?p=291) - Tonight was one of Poochies (a hot dog stand in Skokie) car show nights. We all went, had dinner at Poochies, and then sat in chairs by our car and watched the people go by. There is a lot of interest in these old sedans, and about half the people who came by were encouraging
- [1963 Chrysler Newport - Before Pics](http://famille.org/?p=282) - Here they are - before pics. Any resemblance to Christine is purely coincidental. We named it "Behemouth".
- [My Project](http://famille.org/?p=277) - As some of you know, and now everyone does: last year I bought a project car, a 1963 Chrysler Newport sedan. It needs body work and a new power steering pump. We're (Aaron and I) going to work on it in our "spare" time. You might see posts here about our progress. It'll be slow
- [How Are We?](http://famille.org/?p=306) - Even before Ike churns through the midwest, we are getting hit by a fairly substantial storm from the west that is flooding most of Chicago. We're OK for now. We took about an inch of water in the basement, but it was a fairly small section of floor and I was able to bail us
- [Quick Update: Aaron JV Soccer](http://famille.org/?p=305) - Just a quick note, as we're really busy with the start of the school year: Aaron tried out and made the McCracken Middle School Junior Varsity soccer team. You can follow the Hornets schedule and standings here. More later.
- [Texas Trip Day 6: Hurricane Harbor](http://famille.org/?p=304) - On day 6 of our trip, we went to Six Flags Hurricane Habor, a water park owned by Six Flags but (in Texas) separate from the main park. This was fine with us, because we only wanted to go to the water park and we paid less to get into HH than we would have
- [Texas Vacation Pictures](http://famille.org/?p=303) - All Texas vacation pictures have been posted here. One note: there are two pages of indexes; be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "last" to see more albums after you've looked at all the albums on the first page.
- [Slop Line BBQ](http://famille.org/?p=302) - So what is "Slop Line BBQ"? You enter. You grab a tray. You ask for your food: BBQ of course, it's usually either Pork, Beef (brisket), Turkey, or sausages. "The Guy" slices off what you want, puts it on a plate, and you move on. Then you pick your sides. A NOTE ABOUT SIDESYou shouldn't
- [Rib Crib Restaraunt Review](http://famille.org/?p=301) - On our stopover in Springfield, MO we inquired as to the best place to eat some good MO BBQ. We were initially referred to "Buckinghams" - a slop-line BBQ joint (I'll explain what that means later) that the hotel staff rated "the best BBQ in MO". But we wanted a table-service restaurant. So we went
- [Holiday Inn Express Lewisville TX Hotel Review](http://famille.org/?p=300) - Now before I start my review of the Holiday Inn Express in Lewisville, Texas let me say that despite one problem we had, which was resolved, the hotel was "as expected" and it was a great stay.The full review after the jump. Upon check-in, I was informed that even though I had requested adjoining rooms,
- [We're Home!](http://famille.org/?p=299) - We made it home, the kids are in school now, and I have a lot of work to do!I'll catch up posting about days 6 through 10, however here are some statistics from the Humphries-Dolnick Summer Vacation 2008:We drove a grand total of 2598.5 curb-to-curb; About 600 miles were in Texas and Branson, MOWe stayed
- [Some Quick Photos](http://famille.org/?p=298) - Here are a couple of funny pictures from the road.First, "and you thought you paid a lot for gas" And this one: Lord Vader.
- [Day 3, 4, & 5 - Lewisville TX](http://famille.org/?p=297) - Well we made it. Day 3 (Monday) was a driving day that took us through the rest of MO, then Oklahoma and into Texas. Several times signs along the freeway in Oklahoma warned us not to "drive into smoke", but none was seen so we're safe. Yesterday, day 4, Tuesday - we got together with
- [Holiday Inn Springfield MO Review](http://famille.org/?p=296) - We're staying at the Holiday Inn in Springfield, MO near Branson. Upon check-in, the hotel staff were friendly and very quick. We have a family suite on the 2nd floor, and our room is very clean and well maintained. There is a large room with two beds and a tube TV, plus the only bathroom
- [Day 1 Driving Maps](http://famille.org/?p=295) - Here's a link to a Google map of what were we've been over the last two days:http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Chicago,+IL&daddr=Springfield,+MO+to:Branson,+MO&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.396866,79.101563&ie=UTF8&z=6
- [Day 1 & 2 - Branson, MO](http://famille.org/?p=294) - It's about 11 PM on day two of our big summer vacation. Yesterday was just a drive day, we went about 530 miles from Chicago to Springfield MO in about 11 or 12 hours with plenty of stopovers. Now we're watching the Olympics before we go to bed, ready to make the trek from here
- [OSCON Posts](http://famille.org/?p=293) - There will be OSCON posts here, I posted one last night but it got "unformatted" so I have to re-write it. Check in later today if you want to hear more about my experiences at OSCON.
- [OSCON 2008 - Keynote Night](http://famille.org/?p=292) - I'm at OSCON 2008 right now, which is a great conference if you are an open-source hippie like me. I'm attending the late opening keynotes now, and Mark Shuttleworth just talked about how we need to give agile programmers a break, because even though they might write crappy code, it's more about providing new features.
- [4th of July Weekend Wrap](http://famille.org/?p=287) - As I said, we went to Stevens Point and Rome, Wisconsin for our 4th of July vacation. We stayed at a hotel because as you may or may not remember, the chumps in the Town of Rome kicked us campers out two years ago. Ironically, that decision was overturned by an appellate court this year.
- [4th of July Weekend](http://famille.org/?p=286) - We'll be in Wisconsin celebrating Independence Day. Boating at Lake Camelot, fireworks at Wisconsin Rapids and of course swimming in the hotel pool! We'll take pictures of course, watch for them after we get back.
- [RIP Kermit Love](http://famille.org/?p=285) - Kermit Love, who helped Jim Henson design the costumes for the Sesame Street characters, died today at age 91. Love designed the costumes and characters for Big Bird, Mr. Snuffleupagus, Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster and also appeared on Sesame Street as "Willy", the neighborhood hot dog vendor.Rest in Peace, Kermit.
- [RIP George Carlin](http://famille.org/?p=284) - "Think about how stupid the average person is. Now, realise that half of them are dumber than that." -- George Carlin Rest in Peace, George
- [Oh Yeah, Plus Our Trip to Normal](http://famille.org/?p=280) - Besides our late summer trip to Texas, we have a weekend trip to Normal, Illinois. Justin and Ethan have been invited to participate in the Special Olympics Summer Games at Illinois State University. We're going for a weekend in mid-June. Of course, what would any trip be without a Google Map? And the hotel... and
- [Our Texas Trip](http://famille.org/?p=279) - We're going to Dallas, Texas in mid-August for our family vacation. I've just planned out the route and hotels, so as usual I will give my blog readers a look at our plans.This is a Google Map of our outbound trip. It's split into two days, Chicago to Springfield, MO and then Springfield to Dallas.
- [Aaron Update](http://famille.org/?p=276) - Just a quick post - family update: Aaron is now riding a bike! I, like my father before me, have spent many hours behind Aaron, holding his bike steady and running while he pedals down the sidewalk. But this week, something clicked and he took off on his own. We are of course all very
- [Super Tuesday](http://famille.org/?p=259) - First, if you're in a Super Tuesday primary state, I hope you voted. I did!Here's how it's shaking out. I'm going to bed soon, so I'm quoting projections from MSNBC.Illinois: McCain, ObamaMcCain: 314 delegates, Romney: 127, Huckabee: 58. That's as of 9:00 PM CST, so subject to change. But it appears that McCain has surged
- [Michigan](http://famille.org/?p=248) - Well the Republicans were hoping for a little clarity, perhaps a front-runner to emerge from Michigan. I guess that was too much to ask. Mitt Romney, who has done poorly in other states so far, picked up Michigan's Republican primary delegates.On the Democrat front, Hillary Clinton ran unopposed in Michigan and due to the Michigan
- [Wow, THAT was weird](http://famille.org/?p=246) - So I published a comment that my brother posted (4 days ago, tells you how often I check for new comments... sorry!) and MT rebuilt my blog as per normal. Usually when it does this, it sort of re-jiggers the current front page posts so that they fit nicely within the borders of the webpage,
- [Our New Year's Plans](http://famille.org/?p=244) - No Disney World New Year's, or watching Navy Pier fireworks from a suite at the Swisshotel. This year, we're going to plant ourselves firmly in front of the new 42" Plasma and watch it all in living color in our family room.We've got a nice Ice Wine to ring in the new year, and a
- [R.I.P. Michael Klein](http://famille.org/?p=243) - Michael Klein was the father killed in the terrible small plane crash in the Panamanian jungle earlier this week. Mr. Klein founded a company called eGroups many years ago, which was later purchased by Yahoo and renamed Yahoo Groups. Yahoo Groups (and before its purchase, eGroups) hosts the family humor e-mail address, "famille-humor" (I won't
- [R.I.P. Dan Fogelberg](http://famille.org/?p=241) - The definitive ballad singer / songwriter of the 1970's and '80's, Dan Folgelberg, died today. His emotional songs "Leader of the Band" and "Same Old Lang Syne" were chart-toppers that had everyone singing in their cars whenever they played on the radio. Leader of the Band was actually about his own father, who actually was
- [Hanukkah 2007 Wrap-Up](http://famille.org/?p=240) - As promised, today I spent some time doing an activity with the kids... we made Hanukkah cookies. These were basically store-bought cookies so no presumptuous "made from scratch" here... just a good time mixing, baking, frosting, and painting them. Pictures are HERE. Give an hour or so from now (5:30 PM CST) for the upload
- [Hanukkah Day 8](http://famille.org/?p=239) - Hanukkah Day 8 has begun. I had grand plans to do some Hanukkah activities with the kids, but both Aaron and I caught a stomach flu. And then Justin nearly caught the kitchen on fire. But flammable cheesy noodles aside, we still lit candles (maybe it will get rid of the smell?) and had the
- [Channukah Day 7](http://famille.org/?p=238) - Boy, we've got some catching up to do, gift-wise. The carrot-and-stick of clean-up your room to get presents works fine for Aaron, but isn't working out so well for Ethan and Justin. They made great progress earlier this week, but now they aren't budging. I know some of you out there (Mom) are waiting to
- [Hanukkah Day 6](http://famille.org/?p=237) - Today, Aaron when on his second Orienteering expedition. A little off-topic, I know, but he's very excited about this new activity and has acheived some level of accomplishment in it - his second outing and he's an Intermediate Orienteer, according to the local Chicago chapter of the club that tracks these things. Orienteering is about
- [Channukah Day 5](http://famille.org/?p=236) - I love this part.LATKES!Tonight was the big Dolnick family Channukah party. Candles, dreidles, presents, and of course lots and lots of Latkes. We also hooked up the PS3 to the HDTV for the first time today, and that kept Aaron busy with his older cousin for several hours. The picture on this T.V. is amazing.
- [Hanukkah Day 4](http://famille.org/?p=235) - We were a bit late lighting tonight, we had an event to attend prior to sundown. But the show, as they say, goes on ... just as it has for 2000 years. Today Ethan and Justin actually made progress on their room... I should post some "after" shots sometime (before shots are here). Ethan, Justin,
- [Channukah Day 3](http://famille.org/?p=234) - Time to light the third candle. I love Channukah, it's one of the few times per year I can spend a lot of time with my family. We light candles, which adds a warm glow to the house, and then we sit around and talk - like humans - about our day, what we did,
- [Channukah Day 1 & 2](http://famille.org/?p=233) - OK a little background info is in order. Two factors are affecting our Channukah this year:1. The house is literally over-run with toys. The kids never throw (or give) away anything, and they don't put them away either. Yeah, I know, I'm whining, but the point is - they've all three been given an ultimatum:
- [R.I.P. Evel Knievel](http://famille.org/?p=232) - Evel Knievel died today, according to his website. Although he was much more active in the 70's with all kinds of high-flying stunts, no kid who grew up then can forget the hype around his infamous Snake River jump. These were the days when we built ramps out of pieces of plywood, propped them up
- [Email for the Email Challenged](http://famille.org/?p=231) - Note: This is not a review or product endorsement. I'm actually making fun of this product.So it's come to this. As if WebTV wasn't enough, and those stories you hear about Internet-shy executives who have their secretaries print out their email for them, now you have a service that does this for you.Billed as "Email
- [Happy Thanksgiving!](http://famille.org/?p=229) - Happy Thanksgiving from the Humphries-Dolnicks.
- [The End of the World](http://famille.org/?p=225)
- [Senor Cardgage Mortgage](http://famille.org/?p=224)
- [Aaron's White Pines Trip](http://famille.org/?p=223) - This last week, Aaron had his 5th Grade class 3-day trip to White Pines Ranch in Oregon, Illinois. This is sort of a semi-working farm / ranch / outdoor education center that includes dorms, horseback riding, hiking, games, food, and other activities.Aaron had a blast of course, and he took pictures... which have been uploaded
- [Cubs 2007](http://famille.org/?p=222) - It was a great year. We had a rough start, to be sure. The first 12 minutes of the season opener were enough to put most Cubs fans in the intensive care unit. But it was the year of TheRiot, Alfanso Soriano, Derek Lee, and Carlos Zambrano. It was the year we forgot about Sammy
- [Summer Pictures Wrap-Up](http://famille.org/?p=218) - Ah, the dog days of summer. Now summer is over, and it's time to think about school and soccer and ice skating and going to curriculum nights, parent-teacher conferences, etc etc.All our pictures from this summer are HERE. You can see everything from Disney in June to the last pictures I just posted, from the
- [The Preamble](http://famille.org/?p=217)
- [The Preamble of the Constitution of the USA](http://famille.org/?p=216) - First of, before we get to business... what's with all the Llamas around here? :)OK I knew someday this day would come. My son, Aaron, is now in fifth grade and must be able to recite the Preamble of the US Constitution in order to move on to sixth grade. When I was a kid,
- [Trip Report - Swiss Alps / Jungfraujoch](http://famille.org/?p=210) - During my last visit to Zurich, I took a day excursion to Jungfraujoch, the highest point in the Swiss Alps, also called "Top of Europe". From roughly 11,700 feet you can see ... well, more Alps. But it is a beautiful trip up the mountain by cogwheel train, with picturesque views of the Swiss countryside
- [Swiss Banking Law](http://famille.org/?p=209) - During my recent travels to Zurich, I took a walking tour and during the tour I saw this: For those of you who can't read it, the full-size picture is here. For those of you who can't read German, it basically says that Lenin, the leader of the Russian Revolution, lived in this apartment.Interesting, huh? So what
- [Trip Report - Zurich Zoo](http://famille.org/?p=207) - During my recent trip to Zurich, I went to the Zoo and visited Masoala, the simulated Madagascar Rainforest area. This is an indoor area that has been cultivated and primed with everything except insect life from a Madagascar ecosystem. Most of the animals came from other Zoos, so they are not truly wild - but
- [Trip Report - Zurich](http://famille.org/?p=206) - I spent a little over a week in Zurich on a business trip at the end of August. Pictures are HERE, and this is what you'll see: Pictures on the street near my hotel. I seem to be hung up on that Lindt Chocolates sign, as you'll see. My hotel was right next to the Polybahn
- [A Day At The Ballpark](http://famille.org/?p=205) - We went to watch the September 3rd Cubs game at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field. Unfortunately, the Cubs got blown out 11-3, mostly due to Carlos Zambrano giving up eight runs in three innings when the Cubs had been up 2-0. On the positive side, we had dream seats: row one in Section 19,
- [Hotel Du Theatre Zurich - Hotel Review](http://famille.org/?p=204) - I stayed at "Du Theatre" for a recent business trip. This hotel is located centrally in Zurich, very convenient to the main train station and other "downtown Zurich" hotspots, including a LOT of shopping and restaurants right outside the hotel doors. This is a good thing, and a bad thing because all those restaurants are
- [Stevens Point Holiday Inn Hotel Review](http://famille.org/?p=203) - First order of business: Post number 200! W00t!We stayed at the Stevens Point Holiday Inn in Stevens Point, Wisconsin over the Labor Day weekend. We needed to go "up north" to have our boat serviced after over a year in storage. I have the scumbags at the Village of Rome Town Hall to thank for
- [A Day Out with Thomas Pictures](http://famille.org/?p=202) - Yay, one last post before I leave for Europe - A Day Out with Thomas. They're uploading, so if you look at it around 11AM Central you won't see it. Wait an hour. See you in a couple of weeks!
- [A Day Out with Thomas](http://famille.org/?p=201) - Tomorrow (Friday) we're going to Union, Illinois to see the annual "A Day Out with Thomas" event. This is at the Illinois Railway Museum, which features a huge number of running an non-running trains that you can tour, climb on, and ride on. The highlight of the day is a ride on a train pulled
- [Soccer Camp: Pictures](http://famille.org/?p=199) - Find the pictures of Ethan and Aaron in soccer camp HERE. Justin was signed up for soccer camp, but he didn't want to play. We took pictures of him not playng, anyway.
- [Greeting Card SPAM](http://famille.org/?p=195) - There's a new reason to hate spammers. These rodents have recently discovered that one type of unsolicited email that almost everyone not only opens, but trusts - will go to websites as directed, accept cookies, and perhaps even give up personal information - are electronic greeting cards. So spammers now are sending "you have received
- [Soccer Camp](http://famille.org/?p=194) - Aaron, Ethan, and Justin are all in Challenger British Soccer Camp this week, learning soccer from British pros and semi-pros. Aaron is quite good at soccer and for him it's an opportunity to improve his skills before AYSO Soccer starts in the fall. This year, not only will Mike be coaching Aaron's (U12) team, but
- [A Day at the Races](http://famille.org/?p=193) - We went to Arlington Park yesterday; this was an employer-paid event that included admission, a program, food, beverages, and a private tent for our company. The kids had a great time, and pictures are HERE.Next event: A Day Out with Thomas, in August. More pictures to come!
- [Aaron's Band Concert](http://famille.org/?p=190) - So I'm catching up on some stuff that should have been done in late May / early June, if we hadn't hightailed it out of Illinois so fast after school ended.Aaron is a member of the District 73.5 beginner band, and this band won the 2006 John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Cup award for excellence.
- [Disney Day 8: Epcot Day 2](http://famille.org/?p=189) - Epcot Day 2 had a lot of character ;-)That is to say, we planned two character meals for today: the Princess Breakfast at Akershus in Norway, and the character meal at Garden Grill in The Land pavillion. We planned the Princess Breakfast because the younger two of our kids still love the princesses (even though
- [Disney Day 7: Magic Kingdom Day 3](http://famille.org/?p=187) - OK June 12th, Aaron's birthday. We decided that we hadn't built enough rest into our plan (even Aaron was tired), so we decided to swim at the resort, eat lunch, take a nap, and then go to the park. The cool thing is that once you figure out how to "work" the parks, it's easy
- [Disney Day 6: Magic Kingdom 2](http://famille.org/?p=186) - Marla's Aunt and Uncle from southern Florida joined us at Magic Kingdom today to help us celebrate a couple of birthdays. Since we arrived late, we went and got fastpasses for Space Mountain. We diverged from our plan a bit because we had guests with us. No sense in killing anyone on our vacation, eh?Lunch
- [Disney Day 5: Rest](http://famille.org/?p=185) - Every trip to Disney should include planning for a "down day" - recover, rest, and sometimes play at the resort. As I said in my review of Port Orleans, I wish we had planned for more time to just play at the resort. As it was, we ate breakfast at Boatwrights - the Port Orleans
- [Day 4: Magic Kingdom 1](http://famille.org/?p=184) - Day 4 at Disney - June 9th, we went to Magic Kingdom.The only thing I regret is that we did Epcot the day before Magic Kingdom. Next time, not gonna do it that way. We closed Epcot last night, and today is our first day of a park that you have to be very aggressive
- [Day 3: Epcot Visit 1](http://famille.org/?p=183) - Epcot was one of our favorite parks the last time we went. It didn't disappoint us this time. We went on day 3, which was June 8th. First, we arrived early for opening, and hit the plan running. Marla and Aaron made their way to test track, while I took the younger kids in the
- [Disney Day 2: Animal Kingdom](http://famille.org/?p=182) - I'm obsessed with finishing my travel review of our trip to Disney, no matter how long it takes :).On day 2 (this was Thursday, June 7th) we arrived a bit late after needing some extra rest from the drenching we got at Disney Studios the day before. Our "plan" was still in force, but
- [Summer Pictures Recap](http://famille.org/?p=181) - If you looked for the pictures yesterday, they might have still been uploading. Everything is done now, and you can find them all at:http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=1249&g2_fromNavId=xdd28d5ca This includes Disney, Dells, July 4th, and the car races.
- [July 4th Pictures](http://famille.org/?p=180) - On July 4th, we went to the Skokie fireworks show after returning from the Dells. This is an annual event held at Niles West High School that includes music, food, games, and of course the fireworks show. The pictures are HERE, and here's what you'll see:The kids running around on the Niles West athletic field
- [Wisconsin Dells Pictures](http://famille.org/?p=179) - So, as promised, pictures from Wisconsin Dells: .Here's what you'll see:The resort. We stayed at the Raintree. Pictures of the building, parking lot, and the indoor waterpark. We went to the outside waterpark too; it's basically the same as the indoor except it's, well, outside. Mini-golf. There's lots of these places in the Dells that
- [Stock Car Racing](http://famille.org/?p=178) - Last night, we all went to Hartford Speedway Park in Hartford, MI (about 2 hours from Chicago) to watch stock car racing. This is a half-mile dirt oval track that has Factory Stock, Mini Stock, UMP Late Model, UMP Modifieds, Mini Sprints, Enduros, and Quads. We actually went to see a friend race in the
- [Wisconsin Dells](http://famille.org/?p=177) - It's been a couple of years since we went to the Dells, and things have changed a lot. It used to be a place where you could go, nearby to suburban Chicago, and (relatively) cheap - compared to places like Hawaii or Disney or so forth. It's still nearby.Driving down the main strip (Wisconsin Dells
- [Hotel Review - Raintree Resort, Wisconsin Dells](http://famille.org/?p=176) - We went to Wisconsin Dells this week for three days, a sort of last-minute trip that we didn't plan in advance, after we had cancelled a longer six-day trip that we were just too tired for. So at the last minute (last Friday) I searched online for "last minute wisconsin dells" and two resorts came
- [Day 1 - Disney Studios](http://famille.org/?p=174) - Day 1 we checked out of the Nick Hotel and made our way over to the Port Orleans Riverside so that we could get our park tickets. Sometimes your room is ready early, and if so you can check in and even dump your luggage before you go, which is what we did. So we
- [Hotel Review: Holiday Inn Express Scottsburg, IN](http://famille.org/?p=173) - Like our first stop, our last stop was a no-surprises Holiday Inn Express with everything we expected. A clean room with the bed layout we can fit in, an indoor pool, and a respectable free breakfast. This Holiday Inn, in a little town in Southern Indiana near the Kentucky border, fits the bill and we
- [Hotel Review: Holiday Inn Express Atlanta/Bucktown](http://famille.org/?p=172) - This is another example of "Surprise! Hope you weren't expecting THAT!"This would be a very nice hotel with a few modifications. They have townhouse-style suites that are laid out very nicely in a heavily foliage area, adding an air of residence to the hotel. The outdoor pool is nice, and the whirlpool was a comfortable
- [Hotel Review: Royal Pacific Resort Orlando](http://famille.org/?p=171) - After our eight day Disney vacation, my wallet still wasn't empty enough so we stopped by Universal Orlando to sort things out. Universal has three "on-property" resorts - the Hard Rock, the Portifino Bay, and the Royal Pacific. The Royal Pacific is sort of their "cheap" hotel (in that it's the least expensive) but it
- [Hotel Review - Disney's Port Orleans Riverside](http://famille.org/?p=170) - So we arrived after spending the night at the Nick Hotel, and immediately the Disney "magic" begins. If you're looking for Mickey waltzing up to your kids in the lobby and magically transporting them to Fantasia, your bar is set a bit high. But if you're looking for a themed resort with a lot of
- [Hotel Review: Nick Hotel Orlando FL](http://famille.org/?p=169) - There is very little bad you can say about this resort. It was exactly what we expected, down to the room layout and water park amenities. You can read all about what you'll get at Nick Hotel at their website. Note that Nick Hotel is run by Holiday Inn's parent Intercontinental Hotels Group, and as
- [Hotel Review: Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Savannah, GA](http://famille.org/?p=168) - This is, unfortunately, an example of a "Surprise!" you don't want to get while you're on the road for three days. The hotel was otherwise fine, but we learned that the Holiday Inn website was wrong about the pool amenities here. We rely on a consistent pool experience while we're taking road trips. The kids
- [RIP Hank Medress](http://famille.org/?p=167) - The vocal talent credited with making "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" a number one hit has died, at the age of 68. Hank Medress recorded "Lion" with the Tokens in 1961. The song had been a folk standard (originally performed by The Weavers in the 1950's) but acheived number one on the Top-40 chart with the
- [Hotel Review - Holiday Inn Express & Suites, London Kentucky](http://famille.org/?p=166) - This is an example of what a Holiday Inn should be like. Unfortunately, it is the only one during our trip. No surprises, and we got exactly what we expected from a H.I. Express:A clean, working, relatively new room with the bed layout we expectedAn indoor heated poolA free breakfastThis hotel stay was exactly what we
- [Disney Summary](http://famille.org/?p=165) - So here's a summary of our vacation:15 Days; 6 on the road and 9 at the parksDrove 2625 Miles total from curb-to-curb through eight states (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida)Stayed at seven hotels Visited five theme parks in those nine days (Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios, Epcot, and Magic Kingdom plus Universal
- [MORE Disney Pictures](http://famille.org/?p=164) - Some of our pictures from the Akershus' "Princess Breakfast" character breakfast didn't transfer due to a memory card crash. $40 later, I've recovered those pictures. They are on the gallery site, at http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=2351&g2_fromNavId=x7d2902f3.This was basically some Disney princesses as face characters attending breakfast with us, kind of like the famous Castle breakfast only easier to
- [Disney Dining How-To](http://famille.org/?p=163) - Having just experienced the Disney dining plan, I figured I would share some of what I learned about how it works, what it does, how to use it, etc. This is not a post for folks looking for stories about our family's recent trip to Disney - those will come later.I won't go into the
- [Summer Vacation #1 Pics](http://famille.org/?p=162) - OK here they are: http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=1249A few notes:Within each sub-gallery, they are unsortedThere are multiple pages, in both the main gallery and each sub-galleryMagic Kingdom pics are all three days, >180 picsThe rest should be pretty clearEnjoy!
- [We're Home!](http://famille.org/?p=161) - Actually, we've been home since yesterday afternoon. Still working on uploading all the pics, and I'll do some stories and reviews later. It's been a somewhat tiring two weeks, not much of a restful vacation but hey - when you have kids, that's what you're in for. So now Marla and I must rest up.
- [Day 11 - Universal Orlando / Royal Pacific Resort](http://famille.org/?p=160) - Hi! As expected, we've blown through two more days of travel and eight days at Disney and I haven't had any time to post. We've been to Disney and left now (reviews, trip stories, etc to come later) and now we've moved on to the second leg of our journey - Universal Orlando.We're checked in,
- [Pics So Far - London and Savanah](http://famille.org/?p=159) - Pics from our travels from Chciago to London (KY) to Savanah: http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=1249&g2_fromNavId=x8bb22c3b
- [London, KY](http://famille.org/?p=158) - It's about 4 PM (Eastern) or 3 PM in Chicago, and we just arrived in London, Kentucky. We took Chicago Skyway to I-65 south, then after some interchanges, roughly I-64 east, followed by I-seventysomething south to London. About central Indiana, we went through a torrential downpour that made it hard to see over the front
- [On Vacation](http://famille.org/?p=157) - We're leaving tomorrow, hopefully I will have some time to post our adventures from time to time here. If not, it'll all get caught up when we return in Mid-June.
- [My Family Vacations](http://famille.org/?p=156) - So it's just under two weeks until we leave for Disney. First, I want to give you an idea of what our "day at rest" is like. This is our down day:- Breakfast at Boatwrights, 7:50 AM- Swimming until Lunch. Lunch at Disney Studios (forget which restaurant)- Laundry & more swimming- Horse-drawn carraige ride at
- [More Road Trip Tips](http://famille.org/?p=153) - Some more tips for multi-day, multi-stop cross-country road trips. Break up your trip into about two hour legs, especially if you have kids. Don't forget to include the down time you spend at your rest stops in your daily travel plans. Allow adequate time for meals.For families with kids, stay at hotels that have pools
- [Road Trip Route Planning Tips](http://famille.org/?p=152) - As I've said before, I've taken my share of road trips, with and without family, to destinations that take more than one day to get to. Planning a multi-day road trips is difficult, because there aren't many tools that help you do it. Planning when and where to stop over is difficult with these. Sure,
- [Road Trip Packing Tips](http://famille.org/?p=151) - So thi s isn't purely Disney-planning related, because we like taking road trips to other places. We also went to Disney by road last time, (pre-Blog) and that time in Marla's Chevy Corsica. We had a lot fewer kids then :). I also moved from Seattle to Chicago by car almost twenty years ago, so
- [Disney 30 Days](http://famille.org/?p=150) - One month to go. You already know how much type-a planning I've put into this, but to give you an idea of what a truly type-a personality I am (and you really must be to go to Disneyworld), here's what's left:I have to pull the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World apart, almost all 800
- [Spring Pictures](http://famille.org/?p=148) - This is the time of year where we haven't had any holidays, vacations, or other family events to use as an excuse to take pictures of the kids. So just 'cause it's spring, here are some pics we took this week. (Actually, this was a birthday party for our next door neighbors at the Skokie
- [Site Administratia - French Visitors](http://famille.org/?p=144) - I was spelunking through the site logs recently and noticed that a lot of people are using the search function to try to find the French version of this site. I understand their frustration, what with "Famille" being a French word and all, I guess somehow it follows that the entire site should either be
- [Disney: The Road Trip II](http://famille.org/?p=141) - Earlier I described the road trip we'll be taking to Disney later this year. Our return trip is not quite as interesting, we stay an extra day in Orlando this year so we need to make a direct and quick run home, but the trip still deserves some color. So open the map in a
- [Disney: The Road Trip](http://famille.org/?p=140) - Some people think I'm crazy. I like taking family road trips. We've conditioned our kids from an early age to be fairly good road trip-ers. This started as they were barely weeks old, and we would load them up in the car and take them to Lake Camelot in Wisconsin, four hours (at 80 MPH)
- [Happy Pesach](http://famille.org/?p=139) - I won't go into the whole Passover story, like I did for Purim. However, I thought this was an interesting side note.Most of us know the story about the Jews escaping from hard labor in Egypt. Not enough time to rise the bread, so we eat Matzah, yadda yadda, and then the parting of the
- [RIP Bill the Beerman](http://famille.org/?p=137) - Here's a story known by few people, even my family. In the late '70's, a friend in High School (in Seattle, WA) introduced me to Ruppert Jones. Ruppert was the #4 batter, the clean-up man, for the Seattle Mariner's. Ruppert had just recently been picked up by the M's to help them get some baseballs
- [Disney Day 72: Final Dining Tweaks](http://famille.org/?p=136) - Yeah, I'm done. For sure. This time.Well you can't blame me. I inadvertently scheduled a character breakfast in Epcot on one day at 10:00 AM, and later a character lunch (at least at the same park) at 11:30 AM. Normally I'd say "big deal, so we'll eat lighter at one" but Char meals are somewhat
- [Disney Day 75 Dining Mods](http://famille.org/?p=135) - I've been forever tweaking my dining reservations at Disney. Today, I thought about adding the Mickey character meal at Restaurantasaurus in Animal Kingdom, but (A) we've been there, and it's basically a McDonald's, and (B) the character:guest ratio is 1:112, one of the highest in Disney.So, we'll skip it.But I did replace 1900 Park Fare
- [Disney 77 Days](http://famille.org/?p=134) - Yes, 77 days to go before Disney-O-Rama 2007 begins. I just got the park hours, and the Unofficial Guide's updated crowd levels for those days, and based on that, decided which parks we're going to on which days. You need to do this if you want to eat at anything better than counter service restaurants
- [Purim](http://famille.org/?p=130) - Long ago, there was a king named Ahaseurus, who ruled over the Persian Empire after the Persians defeated the Babylonians and released the Jews from their captivity. Ahaseurus was generally a good king, although he sought council from an evil man named Haman. Ahaseurus' wife, Vashti, refuses to meet with King Ahaseurus upon his request,
- [Monster Jam](http://famille.org/?p=128) - Tonight is Monster Jam at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. This is another great event to take kids to, because behavior (good, bad, or otherwise) is of course optional. The kids will have their ear protection, of course, but we'll still all come home smelling like complex hydrocarbons. Meanwhile, let them scream, yell, jump around,
- [Obligatory Bears Post](http://famille.org/?p=125) - GO BEARS!
- [R.I.P. Denny Doherty](http://famille.org/?p=123) - Denny Doherty, one quarter of the Mamas and Papas, died today at age 66. Denny, along with "Mama" Cass Elliot, and Michelle and John Phillips, formed the group in 1966 and broke up in 1968. Several abortive attempts to re-band the group in 1971 and 1982 failed. California Dreamin' is one of my all-time favorite songs.
- [Happy (Belated) New Years!](http://famille.org/?p=120) - We were living the life of luxury at midnight, and in such luxurious surroundings I couldn't bring myself to log in and post a happy new years message (actually, I left the laptop at home on purpose...)Pictures from the Executive Suite at the Swissotel overlooking Navy Pier: http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=1183&g2_fromNavId=x52162e95
- [Hanukkah Day 8](http://famille.org/?p=114) - Sigh... last day. We went out to dinner, special dinner night at Gulliver's. Aaron ate two orders of chicken strips, Ethan had his usual chicken strips dinner, and Justin enjoyed a bowl of clam chowder (his new favorite). Then we came home, lit candles, and opened the rest of the presents. Next, we're all going
- [Hanukkah Day 7](http://famille.org/?p=113) - Pics here: http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=1125&g2_fromNavId=xb44bc9d8Bubbie will particularly like the third picture, or: http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=1133 Adam Sandler's Chanukah Song: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chanukah_Song :)
- [Hanukkah Day 6](http://famille.org/?p=112) - LATKES! Lots of Latkes. Marla's Latkes. Excellent Latkes. Tonight was Latke night! I still have the taste of potato pancakes, apple sauce, sour cream, and of course jelly donuts in my mouth. Marla's folks came over, we did a lot of singing and then of course presents were opened. A good time was had
- [Hanukkah Day 5](http://famille.org/?p=111) - Ah, much better. Less hectic, more resting. That's what vacations (and Hanukkah) are all about! You'll notice that Justin in unwrapping a "Christmas" present here. That's a gift from his daycare provider, Missy. I think that Justin is really starting to get into this stuff, singing along with us when we light candles and trying
- [R.I.P. Joe Barbera](http://famille.org/?p=110) - Joe Barbera, co-creator of some of the longest lasting cartoon series ever, died Monday in California. His longtime business partner, Bill Hanna died in 2001. Co-Creator of such classics as Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, Tom and Jerry, and The Jetsons, Joe Barbera started out as a banker. However his on-the-job doodling led to a stint first
- [Hanukkah Day 4](http://famille.org/?p=109) - Today reminds me just how crazy and hectic our lives are. Day Four of Hanukkah was like the typical evening at the Humphries-Dolnick household: Pick up Aaron from school at 3:00Aaron homework: 3:00 - 5:00 PMSkating lessons: 5:00 - 7:00 PMDinner: 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Pick up fast food, Marla lights candles as I'm serving up
- [Hanukkah Day 3](http://famille.org/?p=108) - Well I finally got around to putting batteries into the floor keyboard that Aaron got on Day 2. Aaron has a natural talent for music. He inherits this from people other than me . He's not had a keyboard since he was a toddler, and he's upstairs now playing songs that he learned in Trombone
- [More Ethan Skating](http://famille.org/?p=107) - Here's a quickie... more pics of Ethan's skating lessons have been posted at:http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=903&g2_fromNavId=x827c83f4 Look at Page 2 forward... although it's pretty hard to tell these from previous weeks.
- [Hanukkah Day 2](http://famille.org/?p=106) - It's still too early for Hanukkah. I don't know what I'm going to do when it falls just after Thanksgiving. There's never enough time. But, I'm off work, and spending time with the family. And finally installing computer stuff that I've had sitting around the house in boxes for ages. Yeah, that too. Today, it
- [Hannukkah 2006 Day 1](http://famille.org/?p=105) - It's kind of odd, working half a day then coming home from work early then starting Hannukkah. We're just not really ready yet this year. We still have shopping to do. We still have cleaning to do. But, Jewish tradition marches on and we lit candles like our ancestors have for thousands of years.Mike got
- [New Years 2007 Plans](http://famille.org/?p=104) - Well I've been threatening this for years, and now I've gone through with it. After years of watching the famous Chicago New Years fireworks at home, on TV and wishing I could see it live - but not really wanting to actually stand in a crowded, noisy, smelly bar or on Navy Pier in -20
- [Hotel Review - Sheraton Suites Weehawken](http://famille.org/?p=103) - First order of business: 100th POST!I stayed three days at the Sheraton Suites Weehawken at 500 Harbor Blvd. Having heard from co-workers that I should set my expectations of my room rather low, I was somewhat surprised. The room was clean, roomy and had a good view of the New York Harbor. There were a few
- [RIP Milton Friedman](http://famille.org/?p=102) - I intended to write about this some time ago, when we heard that Milton Friedman died. I'm belated because I found myself actually sad that Milton Friedman is dead, which would be odd on the surface, because his area of education and teaching wasn't exactly "every man" land. I studied Milton Friedman as a fresh,
- [Upcoming Blog Entries](http://famille.org/?p=101) - Hannukah is coming up, and I'll be posting my daily play-by-play here each night of Hannukah, along with pictures, like last year. If you want to keep an eye on the family related stuff (e.g. you want to ignore Mike's political rantings and ravings) just go here... http://famille.org/blog/kids_family/ Bookmark that page for easy access :)
- [Ethan's Skating Lessons](http://famille.org/?p=100) - So we figured we probably should get Ethan started with some activities now, and Soccer doesn't start 'till next year for him. The Skokie Park District offered a special, pre-season skating lesson - three 1/2 hour sessions for 10 bucks. It's really a teaser for their 20-week full program, but it's a nice way to
- [It's Offically Over](http://famille.org/?p=94) - The political revelution that began roughly 12 years ago is officially over.Dennis Hastert, speaker of the house, tenaciously holds on to his office despite calls to resign over the Foley sex scandal. Mind you, I agree with this decision - but not the reason he gave.Says Hastert: "If I fold up my tent and leave,
- [Trip Report - Delhi](http://famille.org/?p=92) - I thought I'd give you a run-down of my stopover in Delhi, India on my way home. It's interesting because it shows how much time it takes to transfer at Delhi. My advice: Don't cut your transfer time short in Delhi. AA Flight to Chicago: 12:15 AM Sunday. This is my target. I start at
- [Trip Report - India](http://famille.org/?p=91) - The biggest problem with this trip report is that I really did not have much time in India. It was a hasty visit to nail down some action items and then move on. So I didn't get much time to see very much of Hyderabad, much less India. But what I did see, I'll report
- [Hotel Review - Hotel Intercontinental Zurich](http://famille.org/?p=90) - Ah, where to begin. Well, it was a disaster from the start.I travelled on business to Zurich from September 4 through 11. My company has a corporate rate with the Intercontinental, and it's only two tram stops from the office, so it's usually OK. We know the rooms are small, but the proximity makes it
- [Switzerland - India Photos](http://famille.org/?p=89) - Switzerland (Mostly Countryside): http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=778&g2_navId=xbede8b7eHyderabad, India: http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=779&g2_navId=xbede8b7e
- [Trip Report - Zurich](http://famille.org/?p=87) - This time I decided that I would go out to the Swiss countryside and see a little more of the world than just Zurich. My trip report follows.Separately, I have quite a review coming up tomorrow for the Hotel Intercontinental Zurich. It was quite a stay, I must say.So this time through Zurich, I took
- [Trip Report: LHR](http://famille.org/?p=86) - Let's talk about London. One day after I booked my trip to London, Zurich, and Hyderabad, British authorities announced that they had foiled a plot to blow up airplanes bound for the U.S. from Britain. Strict security measures were put into place after these announcements, some of which have since been repealled. But not all.Undeterred,
- [FINAL Summer 2006 Vacation Pics - Cuyahoga Valley](http://famille.org/?p=84) - I've uploaded the final pictures from our 2006 Summer family vacation, these are from Coyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland, OH. http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=735&g2_fromNavId=x70443d12
- [Even More Summer Vacation Pics](http://famille.org/?p=79) - A new assortment as we start to pull pics off of cameras and so forth... plus we went to A Day Out with Thomas yesterday, GREAT pics from that event...Indian Echo Caverns, PA: http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=582A Day Out with Thomas: http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=581
- [More Family Photos](http://famille.org/?p=78) - I've posted more family photos to the Gallery. I've reorganized them, added more from this summer, and also posted the long-overdue pictures from our spring NYC trip. http://gallery.famille.orgEnjoy!
- [Indian Echo Caverns - Hummelstown PA](http://famille.org/?p=74) - This was one of our activities on Saturday, when we had some free time. After we spent the requisite one hour at Hershey's Chocolate World, we made our way to Hummelstown to check out the Indian Echo Caverns. These are fairly complex caverns about 190 feet below ground. There is a gift shop, and several
- [Hotel Review - Holiday Inn Independance OH](http://famille.org/?p=73) - This is the last hotel we stayed at during our vacation. Overall, it was a good hotel - same room configuration as the Bucks County, PA hotel - but a few differences show the good from the bad.The wallpaper was peeling. There were missing tiles in the bathroom, both that could clearly be seen by
- [Hotel Review - Holiday Inn Bucks Country PA](http://famille.org/?p=72) - This is a couple of quick blogs to finish off our trip report.The Holiday Inn Select at Bucks County PA is excellent. We had a standard King / Queen foldout room (not suite) and there was plenty of room for us and our kids. The rooms were clean, well maintained, and didn't show the signs
- [Preliminary Trip Pics](http://famille.org/?p=71) - Go to the Famille gallery page to see some trip pics so far... not organized yet, and not all uploaded, but it'll give you a taste... http://gallery.famille.org/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=351&g2_fromNavId=x48a715c1
- [Review - Hershey Chocolate World](http://famille.org/?p=70) - I cannot believe that there were people arriving, parking miles away and taking trams, to attend this Hershey Park area activity all day. We arrived at approximately 9AM (it opens at 9, about an hour before Hershey Park), parked up front, did everything we wanted to do (which was basically take the Hershey Factory Tour
- [Hotel Review - Hampton Inn Harrisburg East](http://famille.org/?p=69) - Following are my experiences and observations at the Hampton Inn, Harrisburg East on Union Deposit Road in Harrisburg PA. We stayed here three nights, checking in on Friday August 4th and checking out on Monday, August 6th. As you'll note by the posting date, we're still here, so there's probably more to come. I'd like to
- [Sesame Place Review](http://famille.org/?p=68) - The Humphries-Dolnicks visit Sesame Place, a Sesame Street theme park.
- [Day 2](http://famille.org/?p=67) - What happened to Day 1? Chalk it up to bad network connectivity at our hotel in Boardman, OH.
- [OSCON 2006 II](http://famille.org/?p=65) - "I'll post my thoughts here during the week"Well I guess I won't post my thoughts here during the week.OSCON 2006 this year was great; but the bandwidth and connectivity seriously sucked this year. I did not get one chance to post any of my thoughts. But I did collect them, and eventually I will post
- [OSCON 2006](http://famille.org/?p=64) - I'll be in Portland, Oregon from July 24-28 to attend O'Reilly's OSCON 2006. This is my second year at OSCON. It's a great networking opportunity, but also a place to meet experts and learn what they know. I'm most interested in improving my Perl-fu but it's also interesting to learn new technologies, like Ruby on
- [RIP Syd Barrett](http://famille.org/?p=63) - So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell, blue skies from pain. Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil? Do you think you can tell? And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts? Hot ashes for trees? Hot air for a
- [August Iten II](http://famille.org/?p=61) - Here are a few more details of our trip, for those of you just thirsting for more info about our upcoming road trip: Chicago to Boardman, OH Boardman, OH to Trevose, PA Trevose, PA to Langhorne, PA Trevose, PA to Harrisburg, PA Harrisburg, PA to Independence, OH Independence, OH to Chicago, IL The Whole Route, more
- [Our August Excursion Intenerary](http://famille.org/?p=60) - OK, so as outlined in my previous post, we're going to Harrisburg for a party during the first week of August. But that description really only scratches the surface... having successfully carried out a road trip to Disney two years ago, we're now ready to venture into the really, really aggressive roadtrips. So here's what
- [Wazzup?](http://famille.org/?p=59) - It's been too long since I posted a blog entry, so here's a quick catch-me-up that'll explain why we're being our usual anti-social this summer.Well, anti-social isn't the best word for it, it's more "too busy to say boo". Aaron's in summer camp, the "Summer Crafts and Creations" class Spent 4th of July weekend "up
- [RIP Vince Welnick](http://famille.org/?p=57) - Vince Welnick, the last of four keyboard players for the Grateful Dead, died Friday. I had the opportunity to see Welnick at the Dead show in Chicago in the early 90's, prior to Jerry's death. I also saw a Dead show in Irvine, California (my first show) with his predecessor, Brent Mydland, who died in
- [Happy 65th, Bob Dylan](http://famille.org/?p=56) - Bob Dylan turns 65 on Wenesday. "How does it feel... to look like an aging hee-haw regular?"
- [Hardrock, Coco, and Joe](http://famille.org/?p=55) - Lets see how many of my siblings remember this
- [Disney Prep Day 384](http://famille.org/?p=54) - I plan to give you a little insight into my crazy mind, and blog what, for me, goes into planning a trip to Disney World for my family. Follow the "Travel" category (http://famille.org/blog/travel/) to keep up with the Disney entries.It is about 13 months (384 Days to be exact) before we will start our Disney
- [Travel Review - Super Shuttle New York](http://famille.org/?p=43) - In March / April 2006 I took my family of five (two adults including myself, three kids aged 2, 3, and 8 years old) to New York City for a family vacation. Because we were staying downtown and sightseeing in that area, I did not need a rental car and didn't want to pay $21
- [The $100 PC, MIT, and Bill Gates](http://famille.org/?p=42) - "The point is, that MIT is working to make a notebook so cheap that a real difference can be made by organizations that do have the money to buy them. "
- [Hotel Review - Marriott New York Financial Center](http://famille.org/?p=41) - This is a review of the Marriott New York Financial Center, where we are staying during our family vacation. Review starts after the jump. The hotel is located on West Street, near the Financial District and Battery Park. West Street is a divided highway and the hotel is on the northbound side of the street,
- [New York, New York](http://famille.org/?p=39) - Here's our itenerary for this week's family trip to New York. I'll post pictures when we return.Friday: Fly out in AM, arrive early afternoon. Go to Gray Line Tours, pick up our tour tickets. Check into hotel and relax, meet up with Lisa and Rory.Saturday: Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty in AM. City touring
- [Hotel Review - Hotel Intercontinental Zurich](http://famille.org/?p=36) - I checked in after a full day of work at the office. Check in was generally pretty strait-forward, I gave them my CC and got my keys. I had been warned about the "Club Room" accomodations. These are rooms intended for business travelers, and they make no attempt to make it seem bigger than it
- [Zurich Notes](http://famille.org/?p=35) - I don't really have a story about Zurich per-se, as a bunch of notes. Here are some various thoughts about Zurich itself. They have one of the best transit systems I've seen. Which is pretty amazing given that the entire system works on the honor system. You buy tickets in advance of your ride, and
- [What happened to Zurich?](http://famille.org/?p=34) - I have been absolutely buried since returning. And, I'm trying to get caught up just in time to fly out to New York in two weeks. And then India after that. Busy year. And soccer starts soon. So anyway, enough cryin', I'll be finishing up the Zurich travel blogs soon, stay tuned.
- [Zurich, Switzerland](http://famille.org/?p=33) - It's been a long time since I published a blog of my travels. Unfortunately, all the old blogs are lost forever, the victim of a flooded basement in 2002.However, I leave for Zurich, Switzerland this Sunday for two weeks. It's a fairly heavily scheduled business trip, and I might have one day to look around.
- [Bill Gates Gets Question Answered, 30 Years Later](http://famille.org/?p=32) - Thirty years ago, Bill Gates wrote a letter to the Homebrew Computer Club, accusing them of theft. In this letter, Bill asks: What hobbyist can put 3-man years into programming, finding all bugs, documenting his product and distribute for free? Thirty years later, he has his answer:- Linus Torvalds and another couple hundred - Andrew
- [Disney World from a Parents Perspective](http://famille.org/?p=25) - So this week, we're starting to plan for booking a trip to Disney World, probably in the summar of 2007. I love taking the kids to Disney World, and I'll explain why I'm not crazy now. None of my friends like Disney. Too commercial. To overpriced. Too crowded. I'm the only one in my crowd
- [New Kids Pictures](http://famille.org/?p=24) - New pictures of the kids are up at http://gallery.famille.org . Enjoy!
- [Snack Time](http://famille.org/?p=23) - Like father, like son. I guess I'm not the only one in the family who thinks that a chip sandwich is a tasty snack. Although, I would add some Miracle Whip. Yeah, I know, I got that from my Dad. The circle of life, and all that rut.Here's the sandwich: And Here's The Eatin':
- [Spyware Uncovered](http://famille.org/?p=18) - This is why people should simply not download anything off the 'Net. These guys have a blog entry that is, essentially, dedicated to taking apart spyware and malware from software you can download free from the internet. It starts innocently enough - download that cute puppy wallpaper or screensaver free HERE! During the install routine,
- [A Cool Bit of Computer History](http://famille.org/?p=16) - In my younger days, I used to, uh.... use... yeah, let's say use ;-) DEC-10 systems running TOPS-10. This was my learning ground when I was a kid. Now, Paul Allen has ressurrected some PDP-10's & 11's over at PDP Planet. You can even request a PPN! Just follow the links to "Community..."
- [How to train a new dog...](http://famille.org/?p=14) - Marla has one of those phones that lets you assign ring tones based on who is calling you (by their caller ID). She goes to the Skokie Dog Park many nights per week, and has a regular clatch of friends who meet there with her. The usual evening routine is, around the time I start
- [Hanukkah Day 8](http://famille.org/?p=13) - So this is the last night of Hanukkah, at least for 11 and 1/2 months. This year was a really great Hanukkah. Normally it boils down to getting candles lit early enough (but after sundown) so that we can move on with other stuff after they burn down. But this year was different. I spent
- [Happy New Year from Chicago](http://famille.org/?p=12) - Happy New Year from Chicago
- [Hanukkah Day 7](http://famille.org/?p=11) - So first, some business... in case you're wondering why all the Hanukkah pictures are of the kids with their toys, well that's why I set up the photo gallery. So that people who sent or left gifts can see the kids opening and enjoying them.If you're one of those waiting to see the pictures of
- [Some Hanukkah Trivia](http://famille.org/?p=10) - Heh I just thought of this last night as I was driving between Skokie and Naperville. How many nights will we light Hanukkah canldes in 2006?The answer will be posted later...
- [Hanukkah Day 6](http://famille.org/?p=9) - So we did it. We broke down and let Aaron open his "big" gift from us. I must admit that I've had reservations since it was circled on a Toys R Us flyer for me to buy on Black Friday. But now, the deed is done and there's no going back. Aaron has a drumset.On the
- [Hanukkah Day 5](http://famille.org/?p=8) - Had to skip pictures tonight. Partly, I forgot and left my camera in my coat pocket. The other part is, it was just stuff we bought each other, so nobody should be looking for "their" gift. So, catching up...Aaron and Matthew had a great time together the last couple of days. I think they played
- [Hanukkah Day 4](http://famille.org/?p=7) - First, if you want the pictures, go to http://www.famille.org/gallery .Tonight we went to Marla's cousin's house for their Hanukkah party. The kids made a mess, but then made desert. Matthew stayed over to visit Aaron. He's quite excited.Sorry this is short but everyone seems to want my attention today.
- [Hanukkah Day 3](http://famille.org/?p=6) - Here's some musings from today. First, after putting unpacking my kids presents from yesterday, I am convinced that global toy companies are completely disfunctional. Every component in every box is "wired" (literally) to the back of the box. What ever happened to the days when they just put the damn toy in the box? Heres
- [Hanukkah 2005 - Day 1 and 2 Recap](http://famille.org/?p=5) - So a bit of administratia first, those of you who know me can skip over the next paragraph. This blog will be a mix of stories about my kids, travels, technical articles, and other rantings, in no particular order. Right now it's Hanukkah, so I'm going to post about that. most times you'll have to
- [Why?](http://famille.org/?p=4) - So the big question you're asking yourself is, what in the hell was I doing going to www.famille.org? And, once you got here, the big question is, why did it switch to a blog format? This is mostly what I've wanted to do with famille.org for a long time. Rant. Rave. Complain. Tell you that if

## Pages

- [About](http://famille.org/?page_id=2) - So the big question you’re asking yourself is, what in the hell was I doing going to www.famille.org? And, once you got here, the big question is, why did it switch to a blog format? This is mostly what I’ve wanted to do with famille.org for a long time. Rant. Rave. Complain. Tell you that
- [How To Comment](http://famille.org/?page_id=326) - The new blog offers me a lot of protection from comment spammers, which had become a huge problem. The biggest protection is that now, nobody can comment unless they are a registered user. Here's how to become a registered user.  In order to become a registered user, you have to contact me via the email

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](http://famille.org/?cat=1)
- [Kids & Family](http://famille.org/?cat=3)
- [Rantings & Ravings](http://famille.org/?cat=4)
- [Technical](http://famille.org/?cat=5)
- [Politics](http://famille.org/?cat=6)
- [Travel](http://famille.org/?cat=7)
- [Humor](http://famille.org/?cat=8)
- [Vintage Car](http://famille.org/?cat=9)
- [Llamas](http://famille.org/?cat=10) - Who let all these llamas in here, anyway?
- [videos](http://famille.org/?cat=11) - Family Videos – In One Convenient Category!
- [Job Search](http://famille.org/?cat=12) - My job search advice, based on about a year of being unemployed.
- [Soccer](http://famille.org/?cat=13)