tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7518916962002500602024-02-21T07:02:30.352-05:00Plesko Family BlogOur virtual home to let the rest of the Plesko family know what's going on now that we're spread out around the country!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14960740006971546039noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-21079313643963569322008-06-09T23:41:00.002-04:002008-06-09T23:43:50.529-04:00Chris's Great Divide SiteIf any of you still check this blog, here is a link to Chris's Great Divide blog that I'll be updating with info, pictures, and his current location. He'll be starting his ride this Saturday hopefully, so keep checking back to see how he's doing!<br /><br />http://pleskogreatdivideride2008.blogspot.com/<br /><br />It was great to see everyone last week!Marnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784545362014118868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-7122457528242750012007-07-07T22:24:00.000-04:002007-07-07T22:25:38.413-04:00Trip to Clarksville TennesseeJohn Pleskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314214490598429152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-17127839730600699332007-04-24T00:36:00.000-04:002007-04-24T00:37:05.767-04:00Movies?Hey Sam we need that list of movies to watch! My Netflix is getting low.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14960740006971546039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-87449159661051092742007-02-06T15:16:00.000-05:002007-02-06T16:01:16.994-05:00To blog or not to blog-what Bonnie has been doingIs it necessary to give age and weight and Zodiac? John and I have been trying to cut back on things we have to do -- and then when we succeeded in cuting out a secretarial job for my literary group, and John dropped Kiwanis -- somehow we weakened and have become elders in our church. Oh, we said NO over and over - and then yes. I have warned them we can't hear and we're forgetful. But for fun I'm on a tear reading. Judy gave me Sara Paretsky's book "Fire Sale" and I tore through it. Then I finished Dr. Douglas Bey's biographical book about his experiences as a psychiatrist during the Viet Nam war. He was motivated by his experiences concerning post traumatic stress which is much reported in the present day Irag conflict. I enjoyed his book. Now I'm reading "A Beautiful Mind"... not a fast read like Fireside -- but very interesting. While the movie was based on John Nash, the book is quite different... the intersection of Princeton students, grad students, teachers and mathematicians. I learned that it wasn't until Woodrow Wilson reluctantly allowed a good friend that happened to be a mathematician to develop a program at Princeton....that math was really not strong in any colleges or universities in the US. Wilson thought liberal arts was where it was at -- as did most educators. World War II and the German mathematicians who came to the US made the difference. Of course, there were mathematicians, but little respect for their brilliance. Anyway, I think all the Plesko Family bloggers might enjoy "A Beautiful Mind."<br /> John is reading "State of Denial" and we're both reading some poetry--Yeats, "The Song of the Wandering Aengus"...can't find what an Aengus is--help! .. and another poem by Elizabeth Bishop I Love called "One Art." The poem is a villanelle --you know, a style of poetry like a sonnet.John Pleskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10314214490598429152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-24396300504381800862007-02-03T10:48:00.000-05:002007-02-03T10:54:13.699-05:00Nicholas' New Corvette<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaO6drvyD35fcJNUgYK7KuSz1Pkg6N5EZin_D6OkeJNNP-toVhVYlPlqVy1c79JsyUsIGgIbbLHm2oAt9NJfwdKI8RVNpsdnIWEmSSrlGCv8dbyf1s6JF0V69EXCk7wjO8dh9XgG9uuni/s1600-h/car.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaO6drvyD35fcJNUgYK7KuSz1Pkg6N5EZin_D6OkeJNNP-toVhVYlPlqVy1c79JsyUsIGgIbbLHm2oAt9NJfwdKI8RVNpsdnIWEmSSrlGCv8dbyf1s6JF0V69EXCk7wjO8dh9XgG9uuni/s320/car.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027336396600477362" /></a><br /><br />This is the Corvette I picked out for my 16th birthday. Now to figure out a way to pay for it and the insurance.<br /><br />NickTodd Pleskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521301049478190141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-30655161832798238872007-01-31T20:48:00.000-05:002007-01-31T20:50:27.735-05:00New NewsPatty has retired from being the editor of the Times Tribune. Now she is campaigning to be the alderman for the 4th Ward in Troy. She's running against our next door neighbor.<br /><br />That's all for now.Todd Pleskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521301049478190141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-79369684447982475012007-01-20T19:18:00.000-05:002007-01-20T19:53:48.611-05:00Fiasco -- Some thoughts About Our Country At WarI recently finished reading Thomas Rick's book, "Fiasco" which is an amazing history of American's "Mis-adventure" in Iraq. I was prompted to read this book after reading Woodward's "State of Denial." (Thanks Jessica) It was also mentioned by Thomas Barnett in his blog and perhaps "The Pentagon's New Map."<br /><br />Woodward's book focused on the mismanagement of this war by the executive branch of the Government. Rick's book targets the tragedy and mismanagement of this war by the military and the civilian leaders. One point that is quite clear is that the president's claim that he gave the military the resources they requested is certainly not correct.<br /><br />Anyway, this is an exciting book that reads almost like a novel rather than non fiction.<br /><br />This book makes it clear that America has been fighting an insurgency since 2003. The claim that we are fighting terrorists seems to be untrue. To a large extent, the military created the enemy we are currently fighting. We did almost everything wrong to win the hearts and minds of the public of Iraq. Most of the enemy is comprised of Sunni military who could have been brought into the Iraq Army we are trying to build. The other bad guys are the Shiite followers of Maqtadr al-Sadr who don't want an occupying army.<br /><br />One of the other things that I learned was the amazing talent of the U.S. military although they made many serious errors. Its clear that you can be bright, highly trained, and motivated and still lose a war.<br /><br />I can see that counties like the US can and will likely end up losing this war against a poor, technologically limited people who are willing to fight an unconventional war. There are just too many Iraqi insurgents and they have learned how to fight the mighty US military because they have won the support of the people.<br /><br />I recommend this book highly. After reading Woodward's and Rick's book, there is no way I can support the people who got us into this war.<br /><br />We can't leave Iraq precisely because of the mess Bush created, but we can't continue to be an occupying force.Todd Pleskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521301049478190141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-3630673671384082352007-01-20T06:51:00.000-05:002007-01-20T07:18:46.751-05:00So What's the Problem?Ok. This Plesko family blog is sorely lacking in posts. What's the problem? Perhaps you are concerned about your safety on the information super highway. Well, don't fret. I have had my students complete a unit on Internet Safety and I will share some tips with you so you can post without panic. Here you go:<br /><br />*Don't never let someone on the computer tell that there is something for sale. (This one is for Chris.)<br />*Remember, parents can often sniff out a rat!<br />*Do not click on a pop up without your adult.<br />*Inappropriate sites are sites only adults can go on and are not suitable for kids to see.<br />*Keeping your real identity is very safe.<br />*Make your world a better place to have an internet.<br />*Do not give out your personal stuff.<br />*Never talk to people over 30. (That one is my favorite.)<br />*When people you don't know are talking to you. That is evil.<br />*Don't open mail if you don't know how it is.<br />*Don't go on chat sites and talk to predators.<br /><br />Ok. There you have it. Now I want to see some interesting posts from the rest of the family. Things here in Manchester, MO are rolling along. I spend a lot of time at work or doing work-related activities. I'm reading a very good book that Marni gave me called The Ha Ha by Dave King. I am knitting (of course) and working on a vest for me, a baby afghan (for the baby hope chest), and a scarf. Jessica has started a new semester at UMSL and she has a very busy semester ahead. Teddy is a baby and we love him everyday and spoil him as much as possible. OK. Have a good weekend and take some time for YOU and the people you love. <br />Peace out.Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430031827685300455noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-62064176694913131102007-01-07T20:37:00.000-05:002007-01-07T20:43:19.362-05:00Some Plesko PicsThe Wii experience:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN9-DuPw2N3gRB_NWaqsj68jMe1GQ4-1AzgHmTdkGR3EFVIB7Jde-Ccr7dvLVbZAlmiZ0dUUi0dG9SjTzUhinDE_RtD1eREy55fduWSUQRZTxpJ0DySCIj1-e4LOiJ0c7q_AGuWcChmm-/s1600-h/IMG_0042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQN9-DuPw2N3gRB_NWaqsj68jMe1GQ4-1AzgHmTdkGR3EFVIB7Jde-Ccr7dvLVbZAlmiZ0dUUi0dG9SjTzUhinDE_RtD1eREy55fduWSUQRZTxpJ0DySCIj1-e4LOiJ0c7q_AGuWcChmm-/s320/IMG_0042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017468806065764338" /></a><br />Some biking pictures:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCNLPYI85JgNA3STh_bpil7an3sOFrrGDJnO6WsaF2-ZZcaqOqgweyVVtA6wKz_6A8HpXm9_12R-ptf7IPx99ad2bnyw0MoOQiu7_tAiiCfzXUeAG_lW0ekuPOE6AjAblUMLwO8yLr7zz/s1600-h/IMG_0049.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCNLPYI85JgNA3STh_bpil7an3sOFrrGDJnO6WsaF2-ZZcaqOqgweyVVtA6wKz_6A8HpXm9_12R-ptf7IPx99ad2bnyw0MoOQiu7_tAiiCfzXUeAG_lW0ekuPOE6AjAblUMLwO8yLr7zz/s320/IMG_0049.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017468213360277426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglacxcGU7QRR3YuiO3M0qyQ8oNlZBQtPsxcjKh2O5E0u-3FDEElFE3Hs-nxRJlxxL1WykguU7fMgIwmxwCioO1BO5nFaNriJivWt6fbZiSGrKgwPfVjaMRmgMndmyHustLl_6StXJ5cxhR/s1600-h/IMG_0063.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglacxcGU7QRR3YuiO3M0qyQ8oNlZBQtPsxcjKh2O5E0u-3FDEElFE3Hs-nxRJlxxL1WykguU7fMgIwmxwCioO1BO5nFaNriJivWt6fbZiSGrKgwPfVjaMRmgMndmyHustLl_6StXJ5cxhR/s320/IMG_0063.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017468217655244738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvkfwCb5a3q1i0BU4HOQPRx80C7Dhv7q-BCAGUZd2G_rGi_Gpa_yjSwXLhXmFNoEvJsMGRwQ-bORLX7DWh-yuZEcQixAnqYLAvgZuqSlNgARZirUjZMSwSuBaILJIg47njmlB2z8NBWOO/s1600-h/IMG_0087.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvkfwCb5a3q1i0BU4HOQPRx80C7Dhv7q-BCAGUZd2G_rGi_Gpa_yjSwXLhXmFNoEvJsMGRwQ-bORLX7DWh-yuZEcQixAnqYLAvgZuqSlNgARZirUjZMSwSuBaILJIg47njmlB2z8NBWOO/s320/IMG_0087.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017468217655244754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIehOKH8l4bmn6jbnuvR0CxpH0R1NA8l84ji8hRknlarg5GMCL114gfPT_dC6I0ma-0x6rXYRttpEDVTSQBFMhNFSnH04LKnkZK2rcNkMYPpBwLLUpwxqoUsQ3pIrPJiXT7mK4umCgDCf/s1600-h/IMG_0089.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrIehOKH8l4bmn6jbnuvR0CxpH0R1NA8l84ji8hRknlarg5GMCL114gfPT_dC6I0ma-0x6rXYRttpEDVTSQBFMhNFSnH04LKnkZK2rcNkMYPpBwLLUpwxqoUsQ3pIrPJiXT7mK4umCgDCf/s320/IMG_0089.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5017468221950212066" /></a><br /><br />On a side note, I'd like all of you to know that it's 7:00 on a Sunday night and Chris is out in 30 mph winds building a snow cave in our front yard. Enough said.Marnihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784545362014118868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-88320935460672755652007-01-04T11:40:00.000-05:002007-01-04T11:56:20.371-05:00Another Day Off (Oh Yeah)Well, today is Thursday and I have another day off from school. I have been working on my lessons this morning and correcting papers too. I must return to my classes on the 8th of January. Teaching is awesome. Not just for the time off, but also for the great interaction you have with people everyday. My students are challenging and funny (sometimes) and aggravating too at times. Some of them might say the same things about me. One of the funnier things someone wrote during the first semester was a result of some vocabulary words we were learning. One of the words was "sheaves." On his paper the student wrote, "Sheaves-the plural of sheep. There were many sheaves standing in the field." I guess we need to review that word again! Anyway, I just wanted to see if I could actually post something to this blog. I was going to go into a discussion on new year's resolutions, but I better give myself a few more days before I reveal those and my progress or lack of progress so far. <br />Peace out.Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02430031827685300455noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-80518675431632963652006-12-31T23:13:00.000-05:002006-12-31T23:34:18.181-05:00On Update on Recent Christmas ReadingWith a little time off between Christmas and New Year, I have been able to read some interesting books that you may be interested in.<br /><br />The most interesting but quite depressing book was Bob Woodwards's "State of Denial" which is the third of a series of non fiction books about the Bush Presidency. I burned through this book in about two days. Reading Woodwards book also prompted me to read the Iraq Study Group recommendations. After reading Woodward's book, there's not much chance Bush will follow the advice of the Baker-Hamlton Commission. It is amazing the deceptions (or if not deceptions..the delusions) our leaders used to pursue this war. In retrospect, it is amazing what poor judgement Bush used in pursing this war. His father was wise. Bush Jr. looks irrational and inexperienced in government. It kind of makes you see that we need leaders with a strong base of foreign policy experience. Conversely, if the president doesn't have this experience, the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor need to have significant international experience.<br /><br />Anyway, Jessica...thanks for the great Christmas read's.<br /><br />I think I will try to check out Thomas Ricks book on Iraq as my next book about the war.Todd Pleskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521301049478190141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-18943535015263129322006-12-25T14:19:00.001-05:002006-12-25T14:19:35.427-05:00The Plesko BlogspereHurray. This will be fun.Todd Pleskohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07521301049478190141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-55490287196943284912006-12-25T14:13:00.001-05:002006-12-25T14:13:41.081-05:00SAM IS HERE!My first blog. I hope you like it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751891696200250060.post-8691965587760371782006-12-25T14:08:00.000-05:002006-12-25T14:10:34.659-05:00First Post on the Plesko Family BlogThis is the first post of the Plesko family blog for those who couldn't tell from the title. Email <a href="mailto:chris@shiftedthinking.com">chris@shiftedthinking.com</a> if you need help creating a blogger account and being added to the blog.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14960740006971546039noreply@blogger.com1