Our finch feeder is almost always busy, especially now that the weather has turned cold.  Here is a shot from this summer of the ubiquitous chickadee:

We get tons of Goldfinches, and though they are more colorful in the summer, this plump winter goldfinch is also pretty cute:

During the recent serious cold spell and heavy snow we got a flock of Juncos loading up on thistle seeds at our feeder.  One would sit on the feeder knocking the seeds down to the ground where the rest would chow down as they prefer:

The only other variety I recall seeing on our porch is a woodpecker, nothing too exotic.  Our recently added suet feeder so far has had no customers, but hopefully it will draw some soon.

Found on Copenhagen Cycle Chic:

Congratulations to Carrie and Nathan, proud new parents!  Caitlin was born 10/29 weighing 5lbs, 1oz and 18.5 inches in length.

• Sales of firearms and ammunition are up 10% this year.
• The U.S. Mint is halting the production and sale of many gold and silver coins.
• Economists estimate the 2009 Federal budget deficit could be between $1 and $2 trillion.

“Do you wish to know whether that day is coming? Watch money. Money is the barometer of a society’s virtue. When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion – when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing – when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors – when you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don’t protect you against them, but protect them against you – when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice – you may know that your society is doomed. Money is so noble a medium that it does not compete with guns and it does not make terms with brutality. It will not permit a country to survive as half-property, half-loot.”  ~Ayn Rand “Atlas Shrugged”

After contemplating all the thoughts I would like to write down with respect to politics and economics, I finally came to the conclusion that it would be a lot simpler (not to mention easier) to simply quote a much better writer than myself.  It is interesting to note that much of the world was still under the Bretton-Woods quasi-gold standard currency system when Rand wrote this, although it is certainly conceivable she was more than well aware of the previous disastrous experiments in fiat currency.  I particularly like her use of the word “doom” - my new favorite.

Caught Ben Folds tonight at the Fillmore in Detroit.  Played all the new stuff from the just released album, didn’t get into the classics till closer to the end:

Theresa came out for a visit this weekend.  Found out T has been running so we went for a short jog on the Huron River Trail.  Made it out to Emily’s first birthday party in Warren, the weather did not cooperate but it was still a good time.  Visited with Dad and got to see Steve’s place as well as meet Blair.

Sunday big breakfast at our new favorite local joint.  Wandered around downtown A2 and did a little shopping, but had to cut that short to make it over to our favorite big family dinner restaurant Buca di Beppo.  Managed to take in a movie afterward, I won’t mention it by name although I will say it involved a lot of singing.

Monday, I manage to turn a planned short 4-miler into The Jog of Doom (TJOD).  Hey, she’s training for a race, gotta push yourself!  Plus I’m really bad at estimating distances,  even those I cover on a regular basis.  More downtown A2 to explore the shopping (there really isn’t any, it’s all restaurants).  Back home to cook dinner for the fam and Dave’s Autumn.

So that’s about everything.  T is back safe and sound in sunny California.  I posted a few pix although didn’t really take too many.

“Fathom and Roadside Attractions present I.O.U.S.A.: Live with Warren Buffett, Pete Peterson & Dave Walker in an exclusive one night event in select movie theatres nationwide on Thursday, August 21st. This event will include the critically-acclaimed documentary, I.O.U.S.A., and a LIVE discussion about America’s economic crisis and what we can do to change course.”

There are plenty of theaters showing the movie right here in Michigan, just punch in your zip to find out where its playing near you.

First trip to New York this weekend.  Went with Dave & Autumn and the other Dave and the other Sarah.  Stated reason was to see Billy Joel play the last event ever at Shea Stadium.  Secret (and real) reason was for Dave to propose to Autumn, which he did - Congratulations guys!!!

Early flight in Friday, spent most of the afternoon around Times Square seeing all the usual stuff.  Rode the subway out to Shea for the concert.  So awesome - seeing Billy is good enough, but he paraded out a litany of stars including Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, Steven Tyler, Roger Daltry, and even Paul McCartney.  Beat that!

Saturday slept in a bit after staying up 24 hours straight on Friday.  Lunch at Planet Hollywood, then split off from the group to see MOMA all afternoon - big Salvador Dali exhibit currently.   Dinner at Ruth’s Chris for arguably the best steaks in the world.  Had a classic NewYork moment running several blocks to make the Broadway show (I won’t name the show).  After the show tried to walk out to the Empire State building, but the deck was closed due to several busloads of tourists that arrived just before us, thwarted!

So it was up first thing Sunday morning to make sure we got to the Empire observation deck, success.  Ran across a street fair after returning to the hotel, picked up some delicious junk food.  Off to Central Park where we wandered about for a bit.  The cab cross town was worth every penny to get to the WTC site.  Cabs have obviously gotten a lot better, with a riders bill of rights posted, in-cab video with a GPS map showing you the route, and news/weather/sports available at the push of a button.  Not to mention a credit card reader that automatically calculates your tip.  Anyway, behind the wall tour at the WTC after flashing a few badges - nice.

Afterward, walked the waterfront to the Police Memorial and through Battery Park to get a good view of the Statue of Liberty.  Tried to catch the Staten Island Ferry but was a bit too busy, so we called it a day and rode the subway back.  Grabbed some food at the Hard Rock and eventually made our way to the airport where they threatened to kick people off the plane due to “weight restrictions”.  Fortunately we checked in early and were allowed to board.  After sitting on the tarmac wasting gas for a few hours we finally made it home.

Did I mention it was humid and nearly 100 degrees every single day we were in the city?  That just made it even more fun!

Link to NYC album: