Monday, December 22, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Holiday showings

Good Morning and welcome to the day before the day before the day before the night before Christmas!

While it can be kind of annoying and frustrating, it is good to see this time of year has the same magic to children today as it did in years past. Sure, there are economic troubles, too many guns on the street, too many people losing their jobs, but you can forget all of that by looking into the eyes of a 4-year old as she talks about Christmas.
They can't wait. They annoy their parents. The Santa Claus threat holds no water. So, just try to enjoy it all.
Speaking of enjoyment, turn on the DVD player and check out this list of good holiday fare to calm everybody down until the big day. (Don't look for 'It's a Wonderful Life.' Boring, boring, boring).
5. Elf. One of the funniest and funnest movies to watch about Christmas in a long time. Sure, there are the usual messages about hope and Christmas, but, most of all, it's just goofy. Goofy enough for parents and children.


4. Christmas Carol (1999). Sure, there are classic versions. One staring George C. Scott is a favorite of everybody. Billy Murray's take in Scrooged was fun, but this television version starting Patrick Stewart is very entertaining. It doesn't bog down too much in the back stories. It just gets to the ghosts and shock.


3. Ernest Saves Christmas. Many believe this is the best Earnest movie ever made. Others think Jim Varney should have won his long-awaited Academy Award. Many, many others have never seen it. While parents can catch a nap, the little ones will be glued to the screen. That, of course, is the whole point.


2. Miracle on 34th Street. Sure, it's a bit dated. Sure, you are asked to make a huge stretch out of reality. Sure, it's a big commercial. Still, it's all about Christmas. Really, what more is there?


1. Christmas Vacation. Before heading over the relative's house for dinner, or welcoming them into your home, check out the trials and tribulations of the Griswold family. What's the best test of a movie? Well, if you can watch it 1,000 times and still laugh at the same jokes. That's 'Christmas Vacation.' Remember when Clark was locked in the attic as the family went shopping. Sure, there was the sappy family video, then, bang, somebody opened the door and he fell right out. Classic.


So, head to the malls. Get that last bit of shopping done. Then, pour some tea and enjoy. You can thank me later.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Friday, December 19, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Going off the Deep End

Good Morning and hopefully we can get through all this rain this weekend!

It was the biggest mystery of our time. Who was 'Deep Throat?' The well-connected informant who let Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward in on the Watergate scandal. It brought down President Richard Nixon and change the face of newspapers forever.
Well, 'Deep Throat' was a man named Mark Felt, the FBI's second in command during the 1972 break-in.
The stories broken by the Post and movie 'All the President's Men' brought many of us to this industry. We had a chance to make real change. We could dig down deep and expose all kinds of wrong-doing.
Sure, not everybody would get a story like Watergate fall into their laps, but it was the possibility that got us going.
In the 36 years since, the newspaper business has changed. In case you don't know, newspapers are in trouble. Every company who runs this media is facing a major downturn. There are layoffs, some so severe many daily newspapers are having trouble putting a product on the street.
The two Detroit newspapers earlier this week announced they were going to stop home delivery except on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. There would still be a paper on the newsstands, but it would be scaled down, chasing everybody to the Web sites.
While many are predicting the death of the newspaper industry, that's where we are going to survive. Sure, there are thousands of Web sites out there to get any kind of news you want. You can find out where Britney was last night and the score of every soccer game in the world whenever you want. You can probably even get live updates of Brad Pitt picking his nose if you wanted.
Anyway, the thing about newspapers is they have survived for hundreds of years, through lean times, although maybe not as lean as now.
The bottom line is the best place to get news about your town is through places like delcotimes.com. Those bigger places aren't going to let you know if there is a tax hike in Aston or if the county council is going to approve land grants to build a stadium in Chester.
Somehow, in some form, this industry will survive. We just have to figure out how to do it.
So, we'll keep looking for the next 'Deep Throat' and making sure you know what's going on.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Put one foot in front

Good Morning and there's that four-letter word in the forecast for the weekend!

That's right, the weather forecasters are falling all over themselves to make sure we know the dreaded four-letter word that can be said on television (again, and again, and again).
S-N-O-W may come down Friday. Then it may come down again Sunday. Then it may come down again Tuesday. Then, well, it is winter after all. One of these days it will snow.
This is, of course, all contingent on the storm track. If it moves north, we get nothing. If it moves South, we get nothing. If it stays exactly where it is, we get, well, probably nothing.
It doesn't stop everybody from running out to the stores to stock up on bread and milk, though. Now, can anybody explain why we need to stock up on staples once the snow starts falling.
Oh, that's right, we need to eat a lot of toast after shoveling. Toast and jam. MMMM. Sounds good right now.
Speaking of winter, here's the best thing to do in the snow:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Bad money

Good Morning and welcome to the final lap before the end of the year!

It's kind of interesting that we are bailing out banks, bailing out Wall Street, bailing out the auto industry, but we aren't bailing out the exact place where a slow economy is being felt the most. We are not bailing out all of us.
Those who have thrown away millions on bad ideas and investments are getting a clean slate, meanwhile more and more of us are getting laid off. We are falling behind on bill payments. We are scaling down everything from food to travel.
Not that any of us are looking for a handout, but, hey, how about a little over here. The only way to get the economy back on its feet is to put the money in the hands of those who can actually use it.
Give me a million and I'll buy a new car. If everybody purchased a new American car with some bailout money, the auto industry would be saved. If we took that bailout money to the department stores, retail would be saved. Those retailers would then be able to advertise, which would save newspapers. If we got some bailout money and paid off the credit cards, the banks would be saved. If we grabbed some cash and traveled to New York City (or wherever), the hotel industry would be saved.
So, giving the money to those who would use it would be a win-win situation.
Of course, that would make too much sense. So, we keep throwing money on bad ideas, to bad people.
Then again, that doesn't get anybody elected, so our government will keep doing what they are doing. We will keep losing jobs, houses, cars.
Welcome to the cycle:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Of lights and shoes

Good Morning and welcome back to the only place where the weather is always sunny!

No wonder everybody is getting sick. We have a brutally cold and windy day, followed by a 60 degree day, followed by a cold, windy day, followed by a mild day. You can't get out from under that cold or flu with this kind of mix.
Speaking of mix, there are a lot of wonderful holiday light displays out there. Unfortunately, one of them isn't at Rose Tree Park. Ever get the children all fired up to see something, get close, see it and then rush through without stopping.
That county light display is, well, disappointing. That's about the strongest word you can use here without getting in trouble. A van full of Christmas-overdosed children didn't even want to stop to see the lights.
By the way, what's the deal with the wood cutout of the courthouse? Never once has a child told their parents they wish, just once, to be able to see a mock up of the county courthouse with some lights thrown on trees.
If this is the best our tax money can pay for, I, for one, say forget about it.
Better yet, why not just ask some county residents for ideas.
Take a ride around the check out the display on Chester Pike in Norwood. That's impressive with a talking Santa Claus, skating penguins and a real holiday feel.
Get in the car and check out the house on Drexel Ave. in Drexel Hill. During Halloween they had the best display around and have only done about the same for Christmas.
The county should get back to finding a better way to spend our tax money than just throwing some lights up on trees. It's rather embarrassing.
Speaking of embarrassing, this is worth one more look:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlindelco@gmail.com

Monday, December 15, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Too many songs

Good Morning and welcome to the week before the day before Christmas!

Seeing the crowds at the mall this weekend, it appears all that shopping is getting done. Now, it's time for the real shoppers to gear up.
By the way, speaking of malls, that holiday music they play is getting a little out of hand.
I know there is a need to cater the type of music depending on the store or area of the store. For instance, you wouldn't play the Jackson 5 in the lingerie department. Just like you wouldn't play Jay-Z in the jewelry department.
Still, over the weekend, I actually heard a hip-hop version of Gene Autry's 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.' Basically, somebody took the perfectly fine version of the song, added some beats in the background and remixed it to make the song sound like Gene Autry crossed with Chuck-D.
The result was an assault on the ears. Several people were seen running and screaming from the area when the song reached mid-point. Not saying the song sent them running, but, you know, you never know.
Another thing, cut down on the Jackson 5. Yeah, we know they have a Christmas album, but it's the same song over and over again. Besides, it's still kind of creepy to hear Michael Jackson as a child after we know what's happened since.
So, just stick with the classics. They don't bother anybody.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Friday, December 12, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Winter rambling

Good Morning and welcome to the weekend!

Remember, there's only two weekends left to finish your Christmas shopping. Of course, the auto industry's shopping appears over after this Senate vote.
Speaking of shopping, it amazes me the way some treat things in stores.
I've seen some people actually pick up a sweater, not like the color, and throw it on the floor. These are probably the same ones who complain when they find something they want on the floor as well. How about treating merchandise like you already own it? Wait a minute, maybe they already are. Never mind.
By the way, I remember just a few years ago there seemed to be a Christmas show on television every night. You could always count on a Mickey Rooney Santa Claus to calm down the children and convince them to be good.
This year, though, we are being shown things like the High School Musical Christmas or the Naked Brothers Band Christmas or Jim Carrey's Grinch. In other words, real junk.
Just put on our old stop-motion classics. Rerun The Year Without a Santa Claus, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jimmy the Crazy Elf, and the like over and over again.
In fact, why doesn't Comcast (the cable gods) just put together a Christmas show channel for the holidays. Get rid of one of the home shopping channels. After all, we are being told nobody is spending money anyway.
Not to ramble, but we can forget about Nostradamus, global warming was predicted years ago:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Test time

Good Morning and get ready to sharpen those No. 2 pencils!

In the spirit of 'No Child Left Behind' instead of something interesting (at least to me), we have a test:

1. Rod Blagojevich is:
a. A disgraced politician
b. The new lead singer for Chicago
c. A way for conservative talk radio to get some December ratings
2. Britney Spears new album is:
a. A work of art
b. Junk
c. When is Chicago going on tour?
3. The annual deer hunt at Ridley Creek State Park is:
a. A good way to get Christmas dinner on the table
b. A necessary evil to help the ecosystem
c. A way to make many feel superior for a few hours
4. The $14 billion auto industry bailout is:
a. A good way to make sure more jobs aren't loss
b. A good way to make the rich richer and for politicians to line their pockets
c. A necessary evil so U.S. auto makers can move more operations to Mexico without dipping into their own pockets
5. The announced layoffs by the NFL are:
a. A joke, right?
b. A sign of how bad the economy really has become
c. A way to make the rich richer
6. The Yankees signing of pitcher CC Sabathia for $161 million over seven years is:
a. Obscene
b. A good move by a franchise trying to get back to the playoffs
c. The exact thing that's wrong with pro sports
7. Eagles coach Andy Reid is:
a. A bad coach who got lucky a few times
b. A genius
c. He's good, but he's no Charlie Manuel
8. George W. Bush is:
a. A dope
b. Clueless
c. One of the 'Original Kings of Comedy'
9. Reading Gil Spencer:
a. Makes my mind turn to mush
b. Opens up my brain to a whole new way of thinking
c. Makes me yearn to listen to Chicago's first album
10. The annual Winter Concert at Garrettford Elementary was:
a. A fun time during a stressful season
b. A good way to bring the community together
c. Makes me want to pick up a violin

Extra Credit: After watching the following video, explain how the world is not going down the river without a boat:


If you have any cool links or answers, e-mail them to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Sugar plums?

Good Morning and welcome to the two-week call until Christmas!

As a child, I used to get excited about Christmas. The thought of gifts was one thing, but it was also the thought of cookies, no school and getting up late that was just as exciting. Well, the gifts helped enhance that, but, still, December was always a blur of activity.
I never really noticed if my parents got a little stressed out or not. There is a much different perspective as a child. In that world, everybody has sugar plums dancing in their heads all the time.
How could they not? I mean, there were lights, trees, singing, cards, cookies. Come on, it's Christmas!
Now, seeing it from the opposite perspective, I want to apologize to my parents.
Children, especially one 6-year old I know well, are always a little bit hyper. They are solely focused on the moment. They want it now, can't wait five minutes and get angry if you force the wait.
This December, though, has been a real eye-opener. As the air turned colder, the hyper volume has turned up. The walls can't contain it. Schools can't contain it (just ask the teachers). The world can't contain it.
It's not the endless crowds and shopping that get parents crazy this time of year. No, it's the amped-up level of excitement. It's the constant sugar high. It's the running and yelling that puts them over the top.
Then again, it's Christmas. So, OK, go nuts. Just don't tell your mom or teachers I said it was OK.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Watching the Wheels

Good Morning and bring on the rain!

Hey, at least it won't be snow. Snow's great, but not in the middle of the week when we all have to get to work.
Well, it was 28 years ago today most of us woke up to the news that former Beatle John Lennon was shot and killed in New York City.
It was announced during the Monday Night Football game between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. Even the biggest football fan would be hard-pressed to remember much of the game after Howard Cosell broke in and announced: "This, we have to say it, is just a football game, no matter who wins or loses. An unspeakable tragedy confirmed to us by ABC News in New York City: John Lennon, outside of his apartment building on the West Side of New York City, the most famous perhaps of all The Beatles, shot twice in the back, rushed to Roosevelt Hospital, dead ... on ... arrival."
That really signaled the end of an era. The hope and fights of the 1960s were officially over. We were entering a strange new world of the 1980s where greed would overtake all. Forget hope and love, make the most money possible and step on whoever you can.
Now, maybe we are finally seeing what is so wrong with that thinking. We are in an economic crisis that is going to take decades (at least) to get out of. People are losing their jobs at an alarming rate. Houses are in foreclosure. The government is forced to step in to save the auto industry.
Sure, we have a new administration coming in to run things, but it's going to take more than that. It's going to take all of us to get out of the rut.
He might have been killed 28 years ago, but we need John Lennon's music more than ever. On his last album is a song called 'Beautiful Boy.' It contains the line: "Life is just what happens to you, While your busy making other plans."
Take a step back. See what's important and start by fixing your world and that will lead us all to a better place.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Monday, December 8, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Lighting the tree

Good Morning and welcome to the Arctic!

Actually, the Arctic is probably a little warmer, but at least we know penguins would feel right at home here today.
Well, speaking of cold. Sunday was tree night at the house. We loaded everybody out in the van, made a trek to a tree place (this year on Township Line Road) and picked out a tree. Got it tied to the top, then slowly drove back.
Growing up, I can remember getting a live (cut?) tree every year until about first grade. I distinctly remember one tree falling on my father, but that's probably something he's blocked out of his mind.
After that, it was artificial all the way. We pulled the tree down from the attic, loaded on the fake branches, the lights and, finally, the ornaments. It was all done safely in the comfort of a heated house.
Still, it was artificial. It looked like Christmas. Sounded like Christmas. Felt like Christmas. But, with the exception of the one year I had the great idea to buy scented ornaments (which, smelled more like cat pee than pines), it didn't have the Christmas smell.
So, luckily the smarter one in our house insists on the real tree every year. Sure, it's a pain to find the right one, then a bigger pain to get it situated correctly in the stand, but, waking up this morning, the scent was all through the house. It just made everything seem fresh. Now, it's time for the Holiday season.
If only that darn shopping could get done...


If You have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Friday, December 5, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Let the lights shine

Good Morning and welcome to the sun rise!

While waiting for school to let out yesterday, the talk was about Holiday lights and time and weather. You know, the usual small talk.
Anyway, it got me thinking. Sure, it's cold outside, but those twinkling little lights sure make things seem a little better. Think about it, you are out driving, the heat hasn't kicked in yet and, out of the dark, comes a house with some snowflakes blinking at you. Suddenly, all is right with the world (really?) thanks to a couple of lights.
Our decorator prefers white lights to the multi-colored versions. Either way, it makes things look nice.
After pulling out the lights the other morning and spending most of the next two days untangling the strands, then finding out which stupid light is causing half the strand to go dark, the lights started to go up.
Sure, it gives PECO a nice boost in December, but it still is a little bit of sunshine in an otherwise dark winter.
So, let in the light.
By the way, you can upload a photo of your lights to our online slide show, just CLICK HERE and upload the photo or video. You can also e-mail the photo to holidayindelco@gmail.com
Come on, get in the spirit. Give us the shots so we can all drive by.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Music not to my ears

Good Morning and welcome the the yo-yo world!

It's finally official: I have no idea what everybody is listening to these days.
Years ago, mainstream music started to become static to my ears. The songs all sounded the same and there was no new ground being broken.
Now, after seeing some of the Grammy's Live announcement last night, I'm starting to wonder about all the noise.
Here is the list of nominees:
Record of the Year: "Chasing Pavements," Adele; "Viva La Vida," Coldplay; "Bleeding Love," Leona Lewis; "Paper Planes," M.I.A; "Please Read The Letter," Robert Plant & Alison Krauss.
Album of the Year: "Raising Sand," Robert Plant & Alison Krauss"; "Viva La Vida," Coldplay; "Tha Carter III," Lil Wayne; "Year of the Gentleman," Ne-Yo; "In Rainbows," Radiohead.
Song of the Year: "American Boy," William Adams, Keith Harris, Josh Lopez, Caleb Speir, John Stephens, Estelle Swaray & Kanye West (Estelle Featuring Kanye West); "Chasing Pavements," Adele Adkins & Eg White (Adele); "I'm Yours," Jason Mraz; "Love Song," Sara Bareilles; "Viva La Vida," Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion, & Chris Martin (Coldplay).
New Artist: Adele, Duffy, The Jonas Brothers, Lady Antebellum, Jazmine Sullivan.
OK, now, except for Robert Plant, I don't think I've really heard any of these 'singers.' Not being much of a fan of Led Zeppelin, you can take Robert Plant as well.
Adele? Coldplay? Leona Lewis? M.I.A? Are these all on the next episode of American Idol?
All of our music is now digitalized and re-mixed to the point that the singers don't even sing any more. Sure, there are a few, but there's no warbling of Jim Morrison or John Lennon. Heck, when was the last time anybody heard from Chris Robinson or Adam Duritz. Whatever happened to the Fugees?
Now, I'm sure that's what parents were saying in the 1950s when that 'Devil Music' started being played out of the radios. Maybe times do change. Maybe your ears and brain don't work together all the time. Maybe it's just a bad streak for the music biz.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Rise and Shine --- It's not even winter yet?

Good Morning and welcome to the next day in the long, drawn out winter!

Seriously, does anybody really like winter. Sure, it looks nice when the snow falls the first time. There are opportunities to build snowmen, have snowball fights and go sledding.
After about an hour, it's back inside to warm the toes. While children get hyped up when the snow starts coming down, what do they do the rest of the time.
The last few years, the snow has been light and the cold has been, well, cold. So, that means a lot of time spent in the house, in the car or in the mall.
Three big problems there when it comes to children.
1. After spending one day in the house, they want to spread out. The walls aren't going to keep them from going crazy. They jump into the walls. Jump off the couch and are only calm when watching television or sleeping.
2. In the car, the space is even more cramped. They touch, make faces, make noises and do whatever else they can to annoy each other. And that's the good times. Factor in winter coats and more traffic and there's a recipe for disaster.
3. When you get to the mall (or any store really), it's like a giant playground. They slide down the aisles. Knock off the clothes (as I've recently found out, most adults do this as well) and cause a headache. Then they want a new toy or a candy bar or something, anything. Just buy something.
So, the bottom line is we can have winter for about a month. Let's keep using our cars, spray cans and anything else so winter can be limited to mid-December until mid-January.
Then bring out the sun. The flowers. The beach chairs.
What? It's not even winter yet? That doesn't start until Dec. 21?
We're doomed.
Well, at least we can watch this to pass the time:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Rise and Shine -- Searching, searching

Good Morning and welcome to another perfect weather day on the Internet!

So, a report came out yesterday that Britney Spears was the most popular search term used on Yahoo for the fourth year in a row. It was also the seventh time the 'singer' topped the list. What, is it like those who watch NASCAR to see the accidents not the 'athletic' competition?
I don't know about you, but I can honestly say I never typed the words 'Britney' and 'Spears' into an Internet search engine.
There is only one question that comes to mind: Why?
Why would one person, let alone the millions, feel the need to search for all the information on Britney Spears. She became another footnote on the history of entertainment about five years ago. Since then, what?
She married a slacker, had kids, put out some bad music and then used all her money to go crazy. Big deal, we could find out all of that while waiting in line at the supermarket.
Whatever.
By the way, here is the rest of the Top 10 according to Yahoo: WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment); Barack Obama; Miley Cyrus; "RuneScape"; Jessica Alba; "Naruto"; Lindsay Lohan; Angelina Jolie; American Idol.
Here's one reaction to the above list: What in the world of whatever is 'RuneScape?'
Well, apparently it's some kind of online role playing game. At 6 a.m. this morning, there were 41,542 people playing. Most likely they get together to talk about Britney.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Monday, December 1, 2008

Rise and Shine --- 'Tis the season

Good Morning and welcome to the busiest month of the year!

Anybody who doubts that needs to break down their time and see just how busy they actually are. With shopping, wrapping, decorating, oh yeah, and working, there is barely enough time to breath. We keep hearing about how everybody should just take a step back and enjoy the season, but that's not possible.
It's always run, run, run. Then run some more. We have to get it done. We can't disappoint. We needed to be there five minutes ago and we are five minutes away. The traffic is horrible. The lines are worse. Other people are pushy and rude. Sure, they are smiling, but they are also trying to get the last Wii before you see it behind the Barbies. So, don't dare reach for the Barbie.
Was it always this way? Are we so far into our need for material things we can't just relax, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and tell stories. Did cavemen fight each other for the pretty rock?
Probably. After all, you can't disappoint.
I do know one thing for sure, though. If we are really in a recession like everybody is telling us, you couldn't tell that over the weekend at the mall. The cars were packed in early and they stayed late. The attacked the stores. Threw things on the floor that didn't fit and overwhelmed the checkout counters. There was a lot of money spent this weekend.
So, you know, if you don't have it already, better get out there soon.
Hey, at least you don't live next door to this guy:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlindelco@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Making a list

Good Morning and welcome to the day before the night before Thanksgiving!?!

Remember when the only time you were able to give Santa ideas for Christmas gifts was when the Sears catalog arrived in the mail. For those who don't know, it was a phone-book sized tome that had everything from appliances to zippers.
The clothes were in the front, but, much more importantly, the toys were in the back. In my memory, half the book was filled with pictures of toys. There were cars, trains, blocks, games, lions, tigers and bears, oh my. We spent hour after hour going through the book, making a list, crossing things out, making another list. There were toys to ask Santa for, there were toys to ask your grandparents for and there were toys for every interest.
When Christmas morning came along, most of the gifts were from the clothes front, but, hey, there were toys in there as well.
"Look, Dad, Santa brought the electric football game I always wanted!!!"
Of course, that electric football game never worked quite right. After setting up the plays and turning on the vibrating field, all the players 'ran' to the sidelines. Hey, it was still fun.
Now, though, there is no Sears catalog in the mail. Instead, it's been replaced by about 1,000 other catalogs that arrive on a daily basis. Every Web site that offers toys sends along a catalog.
Now, with three children who are making lists, crossing things out and making other lists, I long for the Sears catalog. At least it was all in one place. Now, there is a different list each day after 'reading' each catalog.
Yeah, our parents had it easy.
Then again, they didn't have this:
See more funny videos at Funny or Die


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Getting good buys

Good Morning and welcome to another wet Tuesday!

All right, since we all need something, how about a game-plan for Black Friday, or the day everybody hits the road and sits in traffic before fighting for a parking space at the mall.
Here's the deal, there are too many people out too early in the morning. Most don't get up on a normal day until around 7 a.m. But on the Friday after Thanksgiving, they are hitting the snooze button at 3 a.m. in order to get that $10 VCR.
Here's the thing, while there are probably some decent buys early in the day, this year stores are going to be trying to get you out the whole season.
Besides, those early-morning buys are mostly junk you wouldn't buy at the Dollar store, but seriously need them on Black Friday. Last week, one store offered a $6 turkey pan. Well, you get what you pay for. Many were soon complaining the non-stick surface was adding some extra flavor (and black spots) to their dinner.
Here's the deal. After eating dinner Thursday, sit down and map out exactly what you need to buy and for who. Then check out which stores have the best buys and focus on those. Better yet, wait a day and forget about the crowds.
By the way, if you are in the children's department at Macy's, just put the stuff back on the hanger. Just because you don't like something, doesn't mean you should throw it on the floor.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlindelco@gmail.com

Monday, November 24, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Playing with numbers

Good Morning and welcome to the week we officially can start singing holiday songs!

So, last week a study came out that showed the link between television ads for fast food and childhood obesity. Later in the week, the fast food industry said the study was based on old information.
Old information or new information, it doesn't matter. Sure, places like McDonald's and Burger King can can come out with statements about how healthy their choices are or how they have diversified their menu.
Sure, they have added something called 'Apple Fries' to their children's menu. They offer salads. Some offer baked potatoes. Some offer veggie burgers. OK, one offers a veggie burger, but it's also microwaved.
Blah. Blah. Blah.
The bottom line is the fast-food industry gets you hooked, then keeps you coming back with cute jingles and junky toys. No child would be happy to find 'Apple fries' in their meal. They want french fries. They want soda instead of water. They want as much junk as possible.
Then, as they finally calm down and are resigned to the fact they are stuck with 'Apple fries,' they can look over at mom or dad's tray and see french fries drowning in ketchup next to the salad with salt-laden dressing.
Yeah, that will work.
The bottom line is the ad makers are wrong. The giant King or quick songs do get children wanting to take a walk into a McDonald's. Once there, it's time for fat, salt, sugar and whatever else fine stuff they can jam in there.
They figure if they get the children to complain enough, the parents will give in and get a super sized meal.
How can anybody think this is good?



If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlindelco@gmail.com

Friday, November 21, 2008

Rise and Shine --- A 2004 memory

Good Morning to the birtday princess and those opening the doors!

So, the stock market crashed again Thursday. Sending the numbers down to levels not seen since 2003. So, what about 2004?
Do you remember 2004? That was the year we (we? We? WE?) elected George W. Bush for a second term as president. That, though, wasn't the only planet changing event.
How about the Boston Red Sox winning their first World Series since 1918? It was the year of the big NBA brawl between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, something the league still hasn't really been able to recover. It was also another year of Eagles playoff failure. In 2004, the Birds lost to the Carolina Panthers (Carolina Panthers) in the NFC title game.
Meanwhile, the final Oldsmobile rolled off the factory line. 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' wins 11 Oscars and is crowned the greatest movie of all time that nobody can actually sit through.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed Dec. 31, 2004 at 10,783.01.
Beyoncé was the big winner in the music world, taking home five Grammys and establishing herself as a monster in the biz.
Then there was a little thing that happened the Monday before Thanksgiving. A little girl who would quickly become the focus of the whole world was born. She had a hard time breathing at first, but now can outyell anybody anywhere.
Some say having a daughter changes you in some way, softens you. Maybe that's true. It's a smile that can make even the worst day better.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Stop the madness

Good Morning and thank you to Mother Nature for stopping that wind this morning!

OK, yesterday's online poll question here at delcotimes.com was: Do you stop at stop signs?
Here's the breakdown: 92 percent said yes, 6 percent answered sometimes and 2 percent clicked 'Depends if I'm in a hurry'
So, what does that mean? Well, it means many who answered the online poll are liars. The next time I see 92 percent of drivers even slow down at stop signs will be the first time (or something like that).
Here's the facts (OK, not facts but an observation): Barely anybody stops at stop signs. It doesn't matter if there are children walking nearby or police officers driving by (who, by the way, don't stop at stop signs either) or slippery conditions. For some reason, Delaware County drivers see stop signs as a sign to speed up. The other day, while out walking, I saw at least 15 cars not even put on the brakes when going through the neighborhood. Now, mind you, there are a lot of people around all the time and a lot of children either walking home from school or just out playing.
Yesterday, while waiting outside of a school, in the span of five minutes, seven cars blew through stop signs in Lansdowne. One was a Lansdowne police officer who, when I dared said something, slammed on the brakes and told me to mind my own business.
Now, I know there are a lot of problems out there and everybody is in such a big hurry that stop signs are a bother, but they are there for a reason.
Stop for a second. Make sure it's safe. Really, it's not that hard.
Believe me, it would be a lot harder to explain why you hit somebody.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Rise and Shine ---- Counting peanuts

Good Morning and let's get over the hump!

By the way, remember last Saturday when we were wearing light jackets outside and saying, "Wow, can you believe it's November!" Now, as we pull out our gloves and hats, we are saying, "Wow, can you believe it's November!"
What's next, melting in the North Pole? Oh, never mind!

Speaking of changes, while making a couple of lunches last night, I was struck by the realization that there is no more perfect a food than peanut butter. Yeah, yeah, I know some people have this new thing called 'peanut allergy.' Whatever, that seems to me to be caused by our parents and their parents and their parents to put bad food into our systems.
After years of eating bad meat, processed vegetables and insecticide infused potatoes, something has to give. By the way, here's what medicinenet.com says about peanut allergy: "The prevalence of peanut allergy is increasing. This increase may be due to the exposure of infants with rashes to products such as skin preparations containing peanut oils, sensitizing the children to peanuts."
But, I digress. Peanut butter can be used to make sandwiches (of course and stop your mouth from watering now). It can also be used for cookies, pancakes, stir fries, drinks or, just about everything.
Now, while Skippy and those brands taste good, do yourself a favor and pick up a jar of fresh peanut butter. Take out the sugar and you can really get the best taste.
Sorry, now I need some.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Word of the day

Good Morning and welcome to all you Eagles fans looking for a change!

OK, maybe not so much of a change that your beloved team would become a 1-15 embarrassment, but a change nonetheless.
'Change,' after all, appears to be the catch-phrase of the year.
We had two presidential candidates touting the need for change. We have an economic system that begs for change. We have an auto industry that needs to change. We may have to change our televisions. We all want to change jobs. We change our clothes every day (well, those of us over 6-years old do anyway). We raid our change banks to get pizza. We put change in our pockets with a smile after a purchase. Then we spend that change at the next store. We are changing the way we get our news. We see a change in the weather. We change our habits with the times. We change the channel when another cop show or hospital show appears on the air (well, at least as long as the batteries in the remote work).
Change. Change. Change.
Well, it's pretty obvious we need a change now. Here's hoping it's more than just a phrase.
By the way, this is about a month old, but, somehow it was missed (at least by me):
See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Monday, November 17, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Overload?

Good Morning and welcome winter!

Still not sure if there was too much coverage of the lead up to this year's presidential election?
Here's an actual conversation with a 3-year old girl while flipping through the channels Sunday night, momentarily stopping on 60 minutes where president-elect Barack Obama was being interviewed:
"Oh, I don't want to watch Obama!!!"
What?
"Turn off Obama! I want Sleeping Beauty."
Well, no Sleeping Beauty tonight, but how do you know Barack Obama.
"I don't want to watch Obama!!!"
Who is Obama?
"He's the president-eject!! Turn on Sleeping Beauty!"
How do you know Obama?
"Obama. Obama. Obama."
Wait, how to you know about the next president?
"Turn off Obama! He's on all the time!"
All right, let's see what else is on...
"OH. I don't want to watch football!!"
Wait a minute, no Obama, now what's wrong with football?
"I don't like football. It will hurt my head. Can we watch Cinderella?"
Time for bed.
Meanwhile..


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Friday, November 14, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Nintendo what?

Good Morning and welcome to the next big thing!

OK, I'll admit to be a little behind the times. Maybe it's because I never really grew up with the stuff or because I never really felt the need to spend hours pushing buttons, but I don't understand the video game revolution.
I don't know why you need to sit in front of the television and play virtual games instead of just playing the games. Much to the chagrin of a trio of children I know well, there are no Playstations or Xbox's connected to the television.
A few years ago I received something called 'Atari Flashback' which is exactly as it sounds. You can play some of the 'classic' Atari games like pong, 'Adventure' and 'Yars Revenge.' It lasted about two days plugged into the television before the being buried under other toys. I tried to sell it at a yard sale this fall for a buck and got no takers.
Now, I can almost see the reason to purchase a Wii. After all, you do have to move around a bit for most of the games. At least there's a little interaction besides just sitting and pushing buttons on a handheld thingamajig.
Actually, I don't think most games out on the market are for children anyway, so, if there's no temptation there's no 'Grand Theft Auto.'
I may plug the Atari back into the television on the next rainy day. I should hold them over for about 10 minutes.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Rise and Shine --- What to watch?

Good Morning and welcome back!

Maybe it's just me or has network television finally fallen off the cliff.
Take a gander at the schedule and you have a lot of choices: unfunny comedies, cop shows, reality shows, more cop shows, a hospital drama thrown in surrounded by more cop shows.
I realize even networks are feeling the financial crunch, but, come on, there's got to be something better than cop show after cop show after reality show. Sure, there are some breaks from the norm (When does 'Lost' return?), but they are too far in between. Look, having worked nights most of my life and now on the early-morning shift, I rarely watch a lot of television. I get maybe an hour a night to decompress.
Let's stop watching this junk until it improves. After all, we might have to, gasp, switch to the Discovery Channel.
Well, maybe it could be worse...


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlindelco@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Not the ball!!

Good Morning and bundle up out there today!

OK, now we've gone and done it. Much like Charlton Heston at the end of 'Planet of the Apes' we can all drop down on our knees and scream.
Somebody in their infinite wisdom has gone and destroyed another special thing.
According to this story on CNN.com the crystal ball that used to drop in Times Square only on New Years Eve will be used year round.
It's going to turn red for Valentines Day, green for St. Patrick's Day, some color for Arbor Day. Great. Good job. Let's dumb down everything.
Standing among the way too many people who jam Times Square on New Year's Eve is something that can't be replicated. It's annoying and exhilarating at the same time. It's overwhelming and personal at the same time. It's just something that should remain special for one day.
What's going to happen now? Are they going to send Dick Clark out there on Labor Day to count down the end of unions? Is Ryan Seacrest going to count the seconds away to the start of Columbus Day? Can we get a couple of Abe Lincoln and George Washington impersonators to sit on the ball for President's Day?
What's next? A world Series in November? A Super Bowl in February?
Uh, never mind.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Monday, November 10, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Uncharted roads

Good Morning and welcome back to November!

So, we got through another weekend virtually unscathed, although that's probably not going to be the same for very long. It appears we are heading down roads not seen for 80 years.
Hopefully, everything can be pulled back to some sense of normalcy, but, we'll have to wait until February, at least, to see.
Back in 10th grade, I had a teacher who's idea was to install a new president the day after an election. His argument was a lame-duck President (and a lame-duck Congress) won't really help the country.
Was he ahead of his time. Well, it sure looks like it now. Not that a new administration would be able to create a miracle turnaround, but, really, can it get any worse. We are bombarded day after day, hour after hour, with bad news about the economy. There are layoffs, foreclosures, more layoffs, 401(k)s going down the toilet and we have an administration under no push to get things done.
No matter what people want to believe, there isn't a Messiah out there ready to step in. Still, we need to get new ideas out there to see if they work. If not, adjust, but something has to give.
Or does it?


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Friday, November 7, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Digging out

Good Morning and welcome to summer in November!

That's right, it's supposed to be 70 degrees out there today. Enjoy it now, because that Pennsylvania winter will no doubt hit us over the head soon.
Speaking of winter and knocking you over the head, the announcement by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter of major budget cuts seems a little odd. Sure, bit cities like Philadelphia are feeling the economic crunch. All those companies laying off all those workers means less tax money coming in to the cities. There's no doubt they have to control spending, but the plowing of roads after snowstorms is the wrong path.
Now, here in Pennsylvania, we have about the worst road clearing in the country. Just try, without a snowmobile of course, to drive down Baltimore Pike after a snowstorm. You'd be better off walking.
Not plowing the roads just brings everything to a stop. People can't get to work, school, the stores (for milk and bread of course) or anywhere. Of course, it's great for television and their over-obsession with weather, but the rest of us have to get around.
So, unless Nutter has a connection to Mother Nature and knows the Heat Miser will be controlling the winter in the Northeast this year (in a trade for just one snow day in the South), the Mayor is going to have bigger problems.
Then again, maybe it won't matter. We are in a world of perpetual sunshine now.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Get with the program

Good Morning and welcome to the rest of the year!

OK, now I get that schools have to play to many masters. I get that they need to stay somewhat away from politics. I get that some parents would become offended (offended?) if teachers talked about political candidates they didn't support. I get that 'No Child Left Behind' doesn't leave much time to actually teach students other than what may show up on a standardized test.
That's all fine and dandy. Yet, the day after we elected a new president, all that should be thrown out the window.
When a fourth-grader comes home and says the school 'is trying to avoid the election as best it can.' Well, that's just plain wrong.
The only way we can build on the unprecedented involvement of so many people this election season is to keep talking about it, especially to children.
Sure, they can't actually vote, but they can feel engaged. They can discuss things. They can do things other than the 'lesson plan.'
Those spelling words will still be studied. The math problems will get done. The testing pressures will still be there.
To ignore what's going on outside the doors is just plain wrong and every adult in the school should be held accountable.
Children want to learn. They do learn. They don't need to be ignored.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Rise and Shine --- What's next?

Good Morning and welcome to the down time!

So, we've had a World Series championship, a monster parade, Halloween and the most historic election in our history all in one week. That's right, one week.
We have to take a break now. It's time to sit back for a couple of days, weeks, whatever and figure out how we made it through these seven days.
Really, there weren't many breaks. Let's break it down:
Last Monday: World Series Game 5 part 1. Rain and more rain.
Last Tuesday: Rain, snow, winter in October.
Last Wednesday: Cold and World Series Game 5 part 2. That lead to late nights standing in line and celebrating.
Last Thursday: World Series hangover.
Last Friday: World Series parade. Halloween.
Last Saturday: Parade and Halloween hangover.
Sunday: Eagles vs. Seahawks in the late afternoon.
Monday: Election Day-eve. Senses bombarded by ads, rhetoric and robocalls.
Tuesday: Election Day. Barack Obama becomes first African-American President. More celebrations in the street.
So, it's time for a break. I don't want to hear about the stock market, the election, the Phillies (OK, we can still talk Phillies). Time to veg out. Take it easy. Get all that sleep back.
We need some brain candy:
See more Will Ferrell videos at Funny or Die


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Rise and Shine --- No more robocalls!

Good Morning and welcome to what should be a pretty exciting election day!

Not as exciting as a World Series, but pretty close. Today, everybody who is able should get to their polling place and cast a vote. We need to jump start the government and the best way to do it is come out strong and vote. No matter which presidential candidate you prefer, some thing has to change after eight years of, um, George Bush.
So, like they say in South Philly, get out early and get out often.
Hum this while waiting in line:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Monday, November 3, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Back to normal

Good Morning and that Championship hangover should have passed!

Now that we are into the next week, that means the next BIG THING. Which, of course, really is a big thing. We are going to pick the next President of the United States Tuesday.
The rhetoric will all be gone. The hate-filled television commercials will be off the air. The constant barrage of political comment will go off the air.
Will we miss it? How about we just hold a parade to mark the end of this political circle.
We have one side saying the other is bad, then then other saying, no, that side is bad and we're just talking about DeFrancisco/Miccarelli 162nd race.
Forget about that other big race. Even the local races are ugly. Do these candidates really think we want to hear how bad the opponent's ideas are? How about we talk about the issues?
Well, at least it will be over. Then all we'll have to listen to is the radio and TV pundits yell at each other. What fun?
When does spring training start?
By the way, can't leave this one go. It might be the funniest prank call in the last 20 years:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Friday, October 31, 2008

Rise and Shine -- Parade day

Good Morning and welcome to the day we never thought would come!

That's right, about noon today the city of Philadelphia will be awash in emotion as the World Series champion Phillies make their ride down Broad Street to the stadiums.
It's sure to be pretty amazing. If you can't get there, make sure you see it somehow (TV or Internet coverage. There will be a link on delcotimes.com).
While it will be a lot of fun and probably a little stressful, there is one downside to the event.
That would be the pressure schools are putting on students this morning. Most schools in the county have said they expect students to attend like any other day. That's all great and all. There's nothing wrong with that.
What is wrong is the pressure the students had to endure Thursday. I know of one elementary school (which, by the way, is having a Halloween parade of its own today) where the teachers drummed into the students it would be bad to miss a day to attend the Phillies parade.
Some even went so far to say: 'Don't forget, the Halloween parade only comes once a year."
Yeah, well, a championship parade only comes once every 25 years or so. If a parent decides to keep their child out of school to attend the parade, then that's where it ends. If on Monday the school officials give students any kind of trouble for missing Friday, they should be held accountable.
Of course school is important, but there's also life experience. The students don't always get that while preparing for PSSAs week after week.
By the way, lest we forget, today is also Halloween. So, to get ready for the show later tonight, listen to this:


After all the candy's been eaten, check out:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Rise and Shine --- It's finally sunny in Philadelphia

Good Morning and welcome to a World Championship town!

Yeah, it probably hasn't sunk in yet. The Phillies are the World Series champions. It was actually a team in red pinstripes celebrating on the field. It was actually Phillies fans crowding the streets.
Speaking of taking to the streets, the sights and sounds in Delaware County Wednesday night was amazing. You would have thought it was New Year's Eve or something.
People were yelling on the streets. Car horns were blaring. There was yelling. Firecrackers. Flags. More yelling. Dancing.
Most importantly, even though it will probably burn the rest of the nation, it was civil. I'm sure there were a few knuckleheads out there causing trouble, but, driving around Delco, it was just a celebration. There were no fights. There was no looting. It was just a bunch of smiling faces.
Moments after the final out, the streets of Drexel Hill were alive with people screaming and yelling and hitting the horns. There were children of all ages dancing in the streets.
Taking a ride down MacDade Blvd. saw even more celebrations. The police were keeping everybody in line and making sure traffic could flow peacefully.
The most amazing thing, though, is, after waiting 28 years and watching countless hours of useless baseball, it was all right about 9:58 p.m. Wednesday.
Now, people can't say they've never seen a championship. Thanks to Monday's terrible storm, it enabled some as young as 3-years old to experience the excitement.
Sure, say 3 and 6-year olds and even 9-year olds can't fully understand what's going on, but they will. Here's hoping they don't have to wait another 28 years.


Kalas Last Call from meech.one on Vimeo.



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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Sun from the clouds

Good Morning and welcome back to (still) the longest World Series game in history!

Another great big thanks to baseball and Fox for making us wait to see the end of Game 5. Great job, Joe, Timmy, Bud and the rest of you.
You know, it is kind of annoying to have to wait like this, but there is a big silver lining in the delay.
Now, for the first time in 100 years or so, younger fans will actually be able to watch the end of the game.
Thanks again to Fox and baseball, the World Series is now a late night, adult event. In the middle (end?) of October, school is in full force. To keep younger fans up past the first pitch is tempting a fate worse than hell the next morning.
Children are now under so much pressure at school they need as much sleep as possible. That means they can never watch the World Series (or NBA Finals, NCAA Championship or any big event). They have rely on replays and parents.
Tonight, though, with just a few innings to play, it won't be so late.
Now, the Phillies have to do their part and win so we can all celebrate.
So, let's get ready to dance in the street.


Hey, if the Phillies lose, this will kill the time:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Thanksgiving Series?

Good Morning and welcome to the longest game in the history of the World Series!

Anybody who was watching the annoying Fox broadcast of last night's World Series Game 5, or if you were actually at the game, know it should not have been played.
Heck, as the rain started pelting down on the hood of a 6-year old boy while walking the dogs at 6:30 p.m., it was obvious Game 5 should have been pushed back.
Instead, Major League Baseball loves money. The powers that be would rather pack a stadium two days instead of one, sell a lot more junk and extend the coverage.
Think about it, this World Series, as much as we are loving it here, is the lowest rated World Series in history. Outside of the tri-state area and possibly parts of Florida, it appears everybody would rather watch the Greatest Race.
So, how do you pump up interest? Hey, let's do something new! Let's play in ridiculous weather, then stop the game halfway through.
We can get a lot of coverage and come back for a second day. Great Idea.
By the way, the Phillies say if you have a ticket stub for last night's game you will be allowed in the stadium tonight (if it resumes tonight).
Now, the tickets are made of paper (OK, heavy paper). Which, when it gets wet, has a tendency to become a pulp. So, a ton of those ticket stubs were gone by the second inning. Can I just show up at the gate, say my ticket disintegrated in the rain and I want in?
HMMM...Sounds like an idea.
So, while waiting for the raindrops to stop, get ready for Halloween by whistling:


Here's a good movie to check out:

Monday, October 27, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Excuses, excuses

Good morning and today we are all seeing things in red colored glasses!

The Phillies exciting weekend was topped off Sunday night with a show of power that means Tampa Bay would be better served just leaving now than being embarrassed in Game 5 tonight.
So, since we now know the World Series title is going to be the Phillies this week (most likely tonight, but, if not, than later this week), that means there's going to be a Philadelphia parade not scene since the sock-hop 80s.
To enjoy said parade is going to take a little planning. For instance, since we've had to wait 28 years for another baseball title, history says we have to enjoy this one to the fullest.
Also, since all schools now require parents to call in when their children will be absent, there has to be some good excuses.
So, here's a few helpful hints. One word of caution, this is for fun only, don't even try to use these for school (work?) the day of the parade. They won't work and, well, just don't do it.
Anyway, here's the script:
1. Sorry, my child has red fever and can't make school today.
2. Um, I have to take my student to the city for some college prep.
3. Hello, my student was up all night and needs today to rest.
4. Good morning, that Rise and Shine column is so good I need to keep my student home to read it a couple of times.
5. Hello. We are having car trouble and can't get our student to school on time. He/she may miss the day.
6. Yes. Um. My student ... OK, we are going to the parade. YEAH PHILLIES! (Well, honesty counts for something, right).
So, there are a few to mull over.
With a couple of days before Halloween, here are a few more:


Can't stop tapping your feet? This will do it:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Friday, October 24, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Time to forget

Good Morning and welcome back!

One of the greatest names of music albums in the last 40 years is the Talking Heads 'More Songs about Buildings and Food.' What makes it so great is the songs on the album have nothing to do about buildings or food. It's just the usual mix of the strange that is the best of the Talking Heads.
So, what in the name of buildings and food does this have to do with anything? Well, after staying up way too late again Thursday night to watch the Phillies lose Game 2 of the World Series, probably nothing. Then again, maybe losing Game 2 of the World Series doesn't mean much. After all, must didn't expect the Phillies to sweep the Rays (especially not Joe Buck). So, a split in Tampa Bay, even though Timmy and Joe are now handing the trophy to the Rays, is pretty good.
Maybe listening to 4,000 House promos got me thinking about the Talking Heads. Or maybe not. At least this is not about apples.
So, speaking of the Talking Heads, here is today's Halloween song of the day:


After getting that groove in your head, check out:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Late night with Joe Buck

Good Morning World Series fans and those who stuck with the Biggest Loser!

By the way, speaking of losers, we have a special guest to take over the start of Rise and Shine today. Take it away, Joe!
'Well here we are at the World Series. Game 1. Tampa, Florida. I'm here with my buddy Timmy. Say Hi Timmy. Timmy? Timmy?
OK, just wanted to let you know there are two teams playing here this week. While one team has had a nice run, let's not forget about the Tampa Bay Rays. They are young and exciting. They have a future Hall-of-Famer at every position. Listen to what I'm saying people. The Tampa Bay Rays are the greatest story in the history of sports. Sure, they've only been around for a handful of years and they've never really had more than 100 people in the stands for each game before this year, but they are exciting.
'Take Game 1. Sure, the other team won, but did you see those Rays. How about their manager? He's a certified genius. They are just plain scary. I get scared watching them. If Carl Crawford had been able to get on base in the ninth last night, the game would have been tied. The other team should have just let him score to save some time and not stretch the game into the wee hours of the morning.
'Listen, these games are late enough. Timmy can't stay up this late. Timmy? Timmy?
'By the way, don't forget the Giants are playing the Steelers at 4 o'clock Sunday. The greatest game in the history of the NFL is only on FOX.'

Uh, thanks Joe. That was, um, very informative.
Now, get out of the booth. Give us Harry Kalas for the World Series. Give us Larry Andersen. Give us Chris Wheeler. It's not like the Phillies are in the World Series every year. We don't need to hear about the next episode of House. If you have to be there, just call the game. We can see the rest.

So, now that Game 1 is in the books. How about some Halloween music?


Now, since there is no Game on Friday. Here's the first of a double-feature for you:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Here we go

Good Morning and welcome to a World Series town!

Sure, we've known the Phillies will be playing in the World Series for a week now, but it still is taking some time to sink in.
Phillies? World Series? Is the end of the world near?
Well, we'll leave that last one for Darren Daulton.
Anyway, you know something special is happening not by the continued commercials or TV reports of "We are the best Phillies station around," but by the roadside T-shirt and hat stands that are cropping up.
Saw two yesterday in the relative short ride home and there are plenty more around the region. Schools are actually letting the dress codes lax a bit this week to allow Phillies gear.
You know, about a year ago, there would have been no argument as to the dominate professional sports team in the region. The Eagles were No. 1 and everybody else was a distant second.
Sure, the Phillies, Flyers and 76ers had made the playoffs, but they weren't bringing out the 'crazy' fans (by the way check out our slide show of some of Delco's biggest fans by CLICKING HERE).
Now, though, the Phillies are undoubtedly No. 1. The Eagles could make the Super Bowl, the 76ers the NBA finals and the Flyers the Stanley Cup Finals, but there wouldn't be as much juice as the World Series.
It probably comes down to length of time. We are invested in the Phillies season from February (spring training) until October. To see the team succeed makes all those summer nights in front of the TV or at the game worthwhile.
So, here we go. The excitement starts tonight.
In honor of the World Series, we will take a one day break from Halloween movies and songs to give you this:


And this:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Streaming live?

Good Morning and welcome back to Tuesday!

One day to go before the World Series. I presume the Super Bowl is about a week away.
Really, doesn't it seem a little ridiculous how far the baseball playoffs are stretched now. Just think about it, when the Phillies won in 1980, Game 6 was Oct. 22. This year, Game 1 is Oct. 22. We may not have a winner until we wake up on Halloween.
Talk about trick or treat.
By the way, there are some pretty good Halloween decorations out there these days. Sure, they seem a bit over the top, but that's what Halloween has become. It used to be just a day for children to dress up and walk around, now it's a month-long celebration with all kinds of crazy costumes for adults and children.
I guess some people have enough money to spend hundreds on a Halloween costume and, sure, dressing up is fun, but come on. Remember when we used to grab something out of our parent's closet, throw it on and call it a costume.
Now, there are full-body Clone Trooper (Star Wars) costumes. There are full face Frankenstein costumes. There are crazy clowns. All kinds of things.
Anyway, I digress, back to the issue at hand. If you want to see the coolest decorated house around go to the corner of Drexel Ave. and Bloomfield Ave. in Drexel Hill. The people who live there have redone their entire house to look like a haunted house, complete with a hearse in the front yard and flashing lights in the windows. I'll try to get a picture later this week.
Well, that's that. Here are today's Halloween song and movie:
First, sing along to:


Then run out to get scared by:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Monday, October 20, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Retiring to Florida

Good Morning and welcome to winter!

Well, OK, it only feels like winter. Still, don't try to tell me there's nothing wrong with our weather pattern when last Thursday it was 80 degrees and this morning there was frost on the windows.
Meanwhile, the Phillies get to play the Tampa Bay Rays (leave out the Devil) for the World Series title. So, the season started in Clearwater, Fla., and will most likely end in Tampa, which is right over the bridge from Clearwater.
Now, there's a rivalry our retirees can believe in. Maybe it's just me, but I would have rather seen the Phillies play Boston in the Series. That would have an old-time baseball feel. Then again, what is the difference if the Phillies can pull out the wins.
Meanwhile, this chill in the air and some cool looking Halloween decorations got me thinking about a couple of things (Yeah, that's the burning smell).
So, each day between now and Oct. 31 we'll have a Halloween song and movie of the day.
Since there may be a stretch at some point, if you know any cool Halloween movies or songs, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com.
So, here we go with the first two. Listen to the song first, then go out and find the movie. Who says I don't provide a public service?


Now, stop tapping your feet. Make some popcorn and enjoy:

Friday, October 17, 2008

Rise and Shine --- It's only October

Good Morning every people!

So, does that cold air that was blowing through the windows last night mean it's time to pull out the air conditioners for another year. It's always a balance at this time of year. Sure, it's been cool at night, but that humidity that blanketed the area during the afternoon yesterday may have meant another blast of air conditioning.
That's really the last piece of summer that goes away. You can hold on to the dream of lazy afternoons in the sun all the way until the air conditioners come out of the windows. Then, it's only a short road until the heat starts to come on and we get the cold, grey doldrums of winter.
Of course, I have to remember what somebody much smarter than me once said: "What do you expect the weather to be like? You live in Pennsylvania."
Hey, at least our baseball team is still playing, so, it's still summer. Right? Right?
Well, I guess not.
So, instead, let's get a couple dozen pumpkins and carve them out. It's really the best way to celebrate October.
Or, maybe you could have the best of both worlds:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Rise and Shine --- World Series? Really?

Good morning to a World Series region!

Wow, was it just me or was that a surreal scene on the field at Dodgers Stadium a little after 11:30 Wednesday night.
That was actually the Phillies celebrating the National League Pennant. It wasn't some other team with a red and white color scheme. It was actually the Philadelphia Phillies.
They won Game 5 in easy fashion, too. There wasn't much drama, no matter how Joe Buck and Tim McCarver tried to muster it up. The Dodgers were done the moment Jimmy Rollins' leadoff homer left the park.
So, let it sink in ... World ... Series .... Phillies.
No matter how much we wanted to believe it would be the Eagles or the Flyers who would bring a championship to the region, it might just be the Phillies.
The same Phillies who once had John Felske as a manager. The same Phillies who set a national pro sports record by recording its 10,000 all-time loss last year.
This is the same Phillies team with Charlie Manuel as manager, the latest in a long line of genius managers.
These are the same Phillies who teased us for the last five years. These are the same Phillies who got blown out by the Colorado Rockies (Colorado Rockies?) in the playoffs last year.
It doesn't matter who they play now. Just the excitement of the World Series will be enough to forget the Eagles are struggling. To forget Temple football is headed for another double-digit losing season. To forget the stock market's roller coaster.
So, let's relive it while we can:
Phillies celebrate NLCS victory
Phillies celebrate NLCS victory


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Rise and Shine --- Seeing Red

Good Morning as we wait a whole day for the Phillies/Dodgers Game 5!

It's probably a good idea for the Phillies to finish off the Dodgers tonight in Los Angeles. You never want to give a team any kind of life when you have a chance to finish off a series.
Still, it would be kind of sweet to see the clinching game at home Friday night. The final games of the 1980 World Series and 1993 NLCS were both home games. The celebration, unlike those in other cities, was quite civil. There were a few bad apples out there, but at least the city wasn't burned down or cars overturned.
You know, in the grand scheme of things, a bunch of millionaires winning a professional sports title doesn't mean a whole lot, but it does make you feel a little happy to watch your favorite team get it done.
It's a pretty good escape, especially for those of us who had to sit through years of Von Hayes, Wally Ritchie, Todd Zielle and countless other players who just made the summer boring.
So, it's nice to enjoy the ride while it lasts.
By the way, here's how Broad and Locust looked the night the Phillies finished off the Braves to reach the 1993 World Series:


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com