The Morrisons

Head on the Door

The big news in this part (and most everywhere else) of late is Warren Buffett's gift of $37 billion to the Gates Foundation. I think the coolest part of it is the story behind the story. FORTUNE just printed a conversation with him about his rationale for the gift (both in quantity and to where it goes). It just goes to show that there are some truly amazing people out there that are still humble and sensible.

It makes me think about Tom Osborne and his TeamMates organization. Had Tom truly had the sensibility and humility he claims to have he would have thrown his support behind an already existing organization with proven results and the infrastructure to support his objectives. He could have supported Big Brothers/Big Sisters and made his effort go that much further. Instead, he creates a new organization (with his profile portrait as part of the logo) and promotes the heck out of it and steers thousands of dollars and volunteer hours away from an existing organization's efforts - all while never releasing any data as to how effective his organization has been. He has essentially crippled an existing, effective organization while promoting one's own hubris.

Glad that character like that never made it to the governor's office.

Big Dwarf Rodeo

Just wrapped up a crazy series of days and I'm hoping that some serious work can begin to be done now. My fraternity chapter is working to reestablish itself at UNL and there has been a lot of groundwork getting that in place. We have an student organization started and even recruited two fantastic gentleman that we hope will be able to serve as the seed to this new endeavor. This past weekend we had an alumni golf outing at Fontenelle Hills - one of my favorite executive courses. It winds through the hills and valleys of Bellevue right along the Missouri River and Fontenelle Forest - saw several turkeys and deer during the round.

Had a couple of friends back in town which made for late nights. After picking Mike up at the Lincoln airport (and finding out that somehow United lost his golf clubs on a non-stop flight) we went to enjoy wings at The Watering Hole. Went to bed way to late and got up way too early to make it to the meeting and golf Saturday morning. Played a really good round considering it was only my second all summer. Met Lex at the Bueschers for a deck party which soon became a house party when the rain rolled in. Again, got home late to our house guests already asleep.

Woke up at 5:00am to take Mike to the airport. Got home and slept a little longer and was surprised to see a package tube laying next to me where my wife usually is. It turns out that it was my Fathers Day present - a signed aerial shot of the first Cardinals game in the new Busch Stadium. Now it just needs to be framed and placed in a place of prominence.

Had a wonderful Fathers Day dinner at my parents' house. The Scotts came along and we generally had a good time. Unfortunately, as we were leaving, my grandmother had a very strange spell and we ended up having to call the ambulance to take her to the hospital. At about 12:30am we got the news that signs were negative for stroke and she even got the go ahead to go home after finishing her IV of fluids. Hopefully the doctor appointment tomorrow goes well.

Last night was the third Jazz in June which featured Rick Trolsen - a trombone player from New Orleans. He and his band were not only insanely talented musicians but some of the nicest people you would ever meet. After an incredible show they joined us at Brewsky's for a while and we enjoyed the company and stories while sharing a few well-earned beers on the patio. Only one more to go and we all get our Tuesday nights back.

3 is a magic number

Recently found out that our friends Shea and Maya who live in Chicago are expecting their first child. Given a number of issues, this is truly a joyful event and wish them all the best. Their little person should be arriving in November...just a little after us. This brings to '3' the number of the Man Weekend crew that will become first-time fathers, all within just a few weeks of one another. Let the development race begin...who will walk first? Who will talk first? I'm sure we'll be certain that everyone is well-aware of each and every little feat.

Along the lines of feats, we had our first (and perhaps only) ultrasound just last week.  The picture you see is the cute little parasite currently residing within Lex's abdomen. The current debate rages over whether or not the child is flipping us off. I'm bittersweet if it proves true. On the one hand, its good to see an independent, rebellious personality already work. On the other hand, I was hoping to avoid that independent, rebellious personality for at least 10-12 years.