Rise and Shine --- Remember the good

Good Morning and welcome to the last week of the aughts!

Well, it certainly has been an intersting decade. Fear at the start (Y2K), fear in the middle (terrorism, war), fear at the end (economy, health care). Sure there have been far greater good things than bad, but we, for whatever reason, like to focus on the bad.
Maybe it makes us feel better about any other situation, but, for the last week of the decade, let's all just focus on the good.
Remember the great things that happened in our lives. I have more than a few and that's what I am going to remember this week.
When it comes down to it, the 2000s have treated most of us pretty well. Let's remember the good things, there will be plenty of time for the other stuff next week.

Rise and Shine --- No Bah, No Humbug

Good Morning and welcome to the most hectic day of the year!

Here's hoping the U.S. Senate gives us all a Christmas gift by voting for some measure of health care reform today. When the system is so broken, even a watered-down vote would be better than none.

So, to get you in the mood, here we go:


and...



Finally ...

Rise and Shine --- Crunch time

Good Morning and welcome to the right time to start your holiday shopping!

Doesn't it seem the holiday season comes quicker and quicker every year. Maybe it's just here, but, for some reason, there hasn't been nearly enough time to get everything done this year.
It's time to pull a couple of the college all-nighters. Well, maybe not the same, but how about holiday all-nighters.
Fill up with 'Christmas Cheer,' get out the rolls of funny looking paper, tape, scissors and get to work.
By the way, why do we spend money on wrapping paper? People really don't look at the stuff. Never mind, it looks nice under the tree for about an hour.
Now, I'm sure most out there already have the gifts wrapped, the tree decorated, the house cleaned, the laundry folded (and put away), dinners planned and your children have been going to bed early every night in preparation of Christmas morning.
For the rest of us in the real world, none of that is done (in fact, through a flu-riddled brain, I'm looking at two boxes of Christmas decorations right now).
Somehow, though, we'll pull it all together. It always happens, even if we would like a few more days if only so we could procrastinate a little longer.

Rise and Shine --- Treats

Good Morning and welcome to a flu-riddled Tuesday!

There are plenty of treats this time of year. You have cookies (we luck out with plenty of them in our house), cakes, pies and anything else with sugar.
It gives everybody a chance to indulge their sweet tooth.
There is another kind of treat, though, and it comes from, of all places, the television.
After a long day of shoveling and getting pelted by snowballs Sunday, it figured to be a good time to unwind in front of the 'idiot box' before going to bed.
I figured it would be another night of flipping around cable and stumbling upon nothing before just turning it off and going to bed.
Then, the opening music for 'The Grinch Who Stole Christmas' started (not the scary Jim Carrey version, the original cartoon). Now, it might not be the best holiday show of the season, but it was great Sunday because it was unexpected.
Sometimes, it's the little things that make the world better.

Rise and Shine --- That four-letter word

Good Morning and welcome to winter (for real now)!

After all these years of warnings about big snowfalls only to see it turn into rain, Saturday's storm was at least as advertised.
Yeah, it was cold and windy, but, when the potential number of inches kept going up, there was only one thing to do: Grab the shovel.
So, around 11 a.m. we made our first venture into the winter wonderland. Shoveling that first batch wasn't so bad. It moved easily and cleared nicely.
Two hours later, the snow seemed a little heavier, but still moved.
Two hours later, it wasn't the snow that caused a delay.
I dutifully picked up the shovel to move what seemed like the same amount I have all day. Then it came, THUMP. Then another, THUMP. Then a third, THUMP.
That's when the laughter kicked in. It appears while I was trying to stay ahead on the driveway and sidewalk, there was a plot being hatched.
About 100 snowballs were made and at the ready.
THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.
'We got him! Good Shot!'
THUMP.
Great. Target practice. Well, at least it was enjoyable.
I'll take the snowballs over having to drive around in the mess Saturday. While we were shoveling (and trying unsuccessfully to plot revenge), Mom was out working. She slid through the morning, then slid on the way home.
Better than the laughter was when the car pulled safely into the driveway.
That made the snow not so bad.

Rise and Shine --- Take this snow and shovel it

Good Morning and welcome to the last Friday of Fall!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, there's some kind of weather event coming.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's going to be a mess.
Sure, sure, sure, the roads won't be cleared enough.
Sure, sure, sure, the children will be happy to see it falling.
OK. Now, let's regroup a bit.
It's December.
It's cold.
It's close to Christmas.
Hey, it's snow.
Remember back when snow wasn't such a big deal. It's only been the last few years where snow has become an EVENT.
We haven't had much the last couple of winters, so it all gets blown out of proportion these days.
I've gone back and forth over the last few years.
Hated snow when I had to drive 35 miles to get to work. Loved snow when it came on an off day.
Hated snow when it was mostly ice. Loved snow when you could make a kick-ass snowman on the front lawn.
This one? We'll see. All I know is I got this comment yesterday:
'Dad, can I ask you something.'
Sure, Brendan.
'Is it going to snow.'
That's what the weatherman says.
'Is it going to be 100 inches.'
You never know.
'Cool.'

Rise and Shine --- Making a run

Good Morning and welcome to the week before Christmas!

Now, the fun begins.
That's right, now is the time to get that holiday shopping done.
Sure, some people probably have it finished by now. Some actually have it finished a year in advance (or at least six months).
Then there are the rest of us. A week to go and it's time to get serious.
Now, we can pinpoint what everybody needs (wants?). Now, we can find the best sales as retailers are trying to make their overinflated sales goals (thanks corporate America!).
Ready. Set. Go.
The last few years, I've waited until Dec. 24th to get it all finished. It might not take as long this year. Then again, with work, school, work, dinner, lunch, breakfast ... man, the day gets filled up quickly. Add in a terrible head cold and the last thought may be of holiday shopping.
Then again, there's nothing like deadline pressure (thanks newspapers). The parties start this weekend, so it's finally time to get it done.
Now, what was I supposed to get for everybody?

Rise and Shine --- Baby, it's cold outside

Good Morning and welcome a dark, cold Wednesday!

Now, is there anything that would be more entertaining than an Arnold Schwarzenegger/Sarah Palin debate? Apparently, the Republicans are sparring over global warming.
Schwarzenegger, who really has been a laugh-a-minute as California governor (Governator?), has been on the forefront of environmental issues. His overall politics may be a little questionable, but at least he has tried to get something done.
Palin, on the other hand, seems to be of the opinion there's no such thing as climate change because, hey, it's still cold in Alaska.
For those who don't believe in the global warming debate should think about that the next time we have a 70 degree day this winter (it will come).
Unfortunately, those people programmed by the Rush's of the world, only look at one aspect of the changes in the weather.
As long as it's cold in the winter and warm in the summer, everything is hunky dory. Never mind the major storms that get stronger every year or the Tsunamis that knock out whole cities.
Of course, that's made up, just like the moon landing.

Rise and Shine --- Pass the tissue

Good Morning and watch where you sneeze!

Everything sounds like it's being filtered through an echo chamber. Can't smell a thing. All food tastes like uncooked Tofu (no taste at all). The heat is turned up, but the chills are still there.
Yep, it's officially cold season.
Somehow, we've been able to avoid the cold cycle this season. Usually, it starts out with one, then spreads to the next and so on until the first one gets it back again.
Most winters, the circle continues and continues and continues.
Luckily, everyone else has been able to stay healthy. Now, it's my job to stay away from everybody to keep the germs from spreading.
At least for another week.

Rise and Shine --- Entering the Princess world

Good Morning and welcome to a brand-new week!

Having a 5-year old daughter means anytime anything happens with a Disney princess, you have to get on board.
With the new movie 'The Princess and the Frog' coming out, the princess world was amped up.
Everything was Princess Tiana, Princess Tiana, Princess Tiana. The girls in school talked about it all day. There were trips to the store (it really doesn't matter which in this over-saturated world) where the Princess, the Frog and everybody else in the movie was highlighted.
Heck, there is even 'Princess and The Frog' Spaghetti O's.
Still, it's fun. It's nice to see children excited. Sure, this time of year they are always excited, but that seems a little different.
Anyway, we were dutifully at the movie theater Friday night (along with about 10,000 other little girls and their families).
I was expecting the usual Disney stuff. We'd have a princess, a prince, they'd dance and everything would work out perfectly.
To my shock, though, it was a rather entertaining movie. The music was well done, the story was actually a little out of the Disney box and the characters actually seemed like real people.
The final test was the opinion of the 5-year old's brothers.
Their reaction: Two thumbs up.
Now I have to find prince material.

Rise and Shine --- Up Next

Good Morning and Happy Hanukkah!

Most days, the time after school is so intense there isn't a minute to breath.
Pick up the boys and get home by 3:30 p.m. Get out the books and start homework.
While homework is still being done, get dinner ready.
Get them back focused on homework.
Set the table.
Get them focused again on homework.
Put out glasses.
Get them back to the homework table.
Try to get the homework done by dinner (mostly failing miserbably).
Yesterday, though, the intensity was OK.
As a surprise, we went out and picked up a tree. This year, we thought we would go with a small one, but the holiday spirit touched down and we ended up with one bigger than ever.
It was cold and muddy, but it was nice to just drop all the pressures of everyday life and pick one out.
It was fun. We all laughed. We all sang.
Now, since every holiday around the world should be celebrated, we will break out the Menorah and Dreidels tonight. We will decorate the tree.
Can't get much better than that.

Rise and Shine --- Holiday music

Good Morning and welcome to the No Tiger Woods Zone!

It doesn't take much to get me in the holiday spirit. I fight it, but when those decorations show up in September, I have to take a look.
Sure, I would rather wait until Thanksgiving, but it appears that's no longer allowed.
Last night was all about the holiday season.
The Upper Darby School District gets a bum rap (much of it deserved) mostly because of the large classes. The school year is more about testing and reaching those state scores than it is about learning and challenging. Of course, that's probably the case in most public schools these days (Thanks, GWB, that 'No Child Left Behind' is a stroke of genius).
The Upper Darby music program, though, is second to none. The teachers really seem to to care about the students. They get the children involved in music in first grade and keep it going through the years.
After taking in our fourth Winter Music Festival at Garrettford Elementary Wednesday night, I was more impressed with the music program than ever.
Several students were able to carry solos, be it violin, flute or whatever. The holiday songs crossed all lines from classical, to hanukkah, to the standards.
The stereotype of children banging on musical instruments to smiling parents is not the case in Upper Darby. These students really can play, from the front of the room to the back.
Teachers too often get a bad rap, but here's a big thumb's up to music teachers Martin Hyde and Linda Pennington.
It almost makes me wish I was back in grade school.
Well, except for the tests.

Rise and Shine --- Cupcakes

Good Morning and welcome to the middle of the week!

Have you ever noticed just how perfect is a cupcake?
It's compact, so you can carry it out the door in the morning. It's small enough to satisfy and you don't feel bad about having a second (or third). Most of all, it's fun.
Who doesn't think of smiling and laughing while eating a cupcake?
I've lucked out having an expert baker in the house who likes to experiment with different things. We've had peanut-butter cookies, oatmeal-peanut butter cookies, chocolate cakes, vanilla cakes, german chocolate cakes, peppermint cakes, name it, we've eaten it (and eaten it and eaten it).
Now, it's on to cupcakes. Just this week, we've been treated to vanilla with buttercream frosting and lidsor tort with jelly in the middle and chocolate ganache on top.
Needless to say, they didn't last a day. Now there is a promise of new ones tonight.
It can't get here fast enough.

Rise and Shine --- Ideas

Good Morning and welcome to Tuesday!

Sometimes while driving around I'll flip around the radio. Most of the time it's music stations, but once in a while I'll venture into the world of AM. It's a place where opinions flow (and more often than not 'hate' is the key word).
Most of the time when I hit that station, it's good for a laugh. The radio hosts bemoan the fact that their people are no longer at the head of the government. No matter what this new administration does, it's wrong.
Somebody actually said it was ironic that yesterday was 'Pearl Harbor Day' because we were under attack in this country again.
Whatever. Everybody, I guess, has their right to an opinion (no matter how off base it might be). We have been taught through the years this country gives us the right to throw our opinions out there. You have to respect that.
When it starts getting too much, I can quickly change the channel and forget the vitriol.
This morning, there were television reports about a gay marriage proposal in New Jersey. It's headed to the Governor's desk.
Once again, this is getting some loud mouth people up in arms. One person actually said it will damage their children if gay marriage becomes law in the state.
For the life of me, I don't see how that is possible.
No matter where you stand on the issue, how does it really affect you. Just because two people of the same gender want to be married, shouldn't really matter. If they want to do it, it is their God-given right.
If two people love each other and want to get married, they should be allowed. Those who protest this need to find something else to yell about.
We have also been taught through the years to treat people as we would want to be treated.
Opinions are just voices. Throw it out there and more on. If you don't like something, that doesn't mean it's wrong.

Rise and Shine --- It doesn't take long

Good Morning and welcome to a brand-new week!

The best thing about celebrities getting into trouble is how quickly the jokes and parodies start.
Before Tiger Woods even got out of that smashed SUV last week, they were already staring. Here are a couple of the best:
Tiger Woods is so rich that he owns lots of expensive cars. Now he has a hole in one.
What's the difference between a car and a golf ball? Tiger can drive a ball 400 yards.
Now, though, it's not just jokes. Now, there are full-fledged videos and songs about Tiger Woods.
Heard this one on the way home late Friday night:

Finally, sometimes Saturday Night Live is still relevent:

Rise and Shine --- Jobs

Good Morning and welcome to Friday!

The big talk yesterday was about jobs. The government is trying to find a way to spur job growth. People out on the street need jobs.
If we can't work, how will the economy ever get better?
The problem is, at least the view from this corner of the world, is companies have found out they can survive with less workers.
Those who have jobs are happy to have them and take on increased workload to keep the job. Companies make money by cutting salaries, health care, people.
Now, an expert I know says job growth is always the final thing to come back after a recession. Hopefully, that can happen quicker.
People need to work. Companies need to see they are a part of the community and need to let people work.
For the most part, workers want to get the job done. They want to do the best they possibly can to not only survive with a paycheck but get a sense of accomplishment.
All the talk is great, but until there is some kind of forceful push for hiring, the circle will continue.
It needs to happen now.

Rise and Shine --- That red-nosed reindeer

Good Morning and welcome to a good day to fly a kite!

It used to be an event when those holiday shows came on television.
As it got closer to the end of the year, you could count on singing along with the Grinch or getting sad when Yukon Cornelius fell over the cliff. Even though those shows are now available on DVD, you can pop them in any time and laugh at the Miser brothers.
Even with the technology, though, there is something special when they pop up on the small screen.
So, even though Wednesday's are all about running around, at 8 last night it was time to sit down with Rudolph, the dentist and a Bumble. Thankfully, there were some fresh-baked cookies to enhance the show.
Even after all these years, the quality of these shows still hold up. The stop-motion animation is so unlike everything else that it's almost like there really are talking reindeer.
The key to quality, though, is how it holds the interest of its target audience.
If three children sit quietly during the show, it's pretty good. If they start throwing things, jumping around or bothering each other, well, it stinks.
There are a million cartoons out there now thanks to the ever-expanding television universe. Somehow, though, gathering for an hour with Frosty and Friends is still pretty cool.

Rise and Shine --- Tiny dancer

Good Morning and welcome back to another day!

There is a little girl I know who can't stop dancing. It doesn't matter the type of music (or if there is any music at all), she just keeps moving.
She picks up her dolls and has them dance. She dances in the car. She dances in the living room. She dances in the kitchen. She dances during dinner. She dances at school. She dances at the supermarket. She wants to dance with Mom. She wants to dance with Dad.
It is pretty amazing, really.
While the boys would rather wrestle or have Star Wars battles, the little girl just dances away.
She puts on shows for the family. She makes sure everybody is watching.
With all the problems in this wide, wide world, it's nice to have that in your life.
While her Dad may have two left feet and couldn't hold a rhythm if his life depended on it, this tiny dancer is turning us all into ballroom fans.
So, I just wanted to say thanks.

Rise and Shine --- Help

Good Morning and welcome to a real December day!

Well, since it is Dec. 1, it has to be a real December day, right?
Anyway, I've been thinking a lot over the last few months (smell something burning?). For too many years I haven't thought about everybody else.
With the holiday season here, that tendency seems to permeate through everybody. We want, we need, we buy. There are too many out there, though, who don't have anything.
They are just happy to have a place to live or a people to call loved ones.
That's the most important thing in the world. It doesn't matter how much money you have. It doesn't matter how much 'stuff' you have. You have to tighten the circle and try to help out those closest to you.
When you get down to it, that's what makes life worth living.

Rise and Shine --- New day or not

Good Morning and welcome to something called Cyber Monday!

Yeah, we have to have names for everything now. We had Black Friday and now Cyber Monday. What's tomorrow, Take-out Tuesday?
This whole shopping thing is getting crazy. We are being inundated with information about shopping for the holidays. Now, if you go on any Web site, things pop up with special pricing today.
That's all well and good, but the money has to come from somewhere. Is this debit or credit? Well, in the end, it doesn't matter. Might as well make it Monopoly money.
So, get those cards ready. Spend. Spend. Spend.
While doing that, also check out some of those Tiger Woods stories from the weekend. As we are trying to figure out how to buy all that stuff, at least we are having a better weekend than Tiger Woods.
Which, is kind of nice for once.

Rise and Shine --- Friday ridiculous

Good Morning and welcome to the storm!

Yeah, it's all of a sudden cold out there, but it apparently is hot in the malls.
You know, it used to be that the day after Thanksgiving was kind of fun. You went to the mall (or store), saw some decent sales, maybe picked up a few gifts, had lunch and went home.
Now, it's apparently an event. People camp out in front of stores. There are lines hours before they open.
Just so you could get a jump on the junk buying, WalMart was open all day Thanksgiving (although, who really buys at WalMart?).
There are even fights over the final $20 Elmo doll. I (and somebody much smarter than me) wander if this is strickly a phenomenon in the USA or is it all over the world.
Is all this craziness really neccessary.
Whenever I see the lines and the people I am reminded of the Charlie Brown Christmas show. We have lost something in the buy, buy, buy times we find ourselves living.
Then again, Best Buy has a $20 camera. I have to go...

Rise and Shine --- Happy Thanksgiving

Good Morning and welcome to the calm before the storm!

There was a report the other day that 20 percent of the workforce has to go to work on Friday. It feels more like 100 percent.
Before that crazy day, though, get ready for Thanksgiving with this:

Rise and Shine --- Thanksgiving

Good Morning and welcome to the real start of the Holiday season!

Well, actually, that would be Friday when we can start listening to those songs on the radio and think about the winter season.
Up until now, it's only been so much noise. Only after the food's been eaten and the parades are over is it the right time to start thinking about the next month.
There are some people who get all their shopping done by the end of September. For me, that takes the fun out of it all.
If you are buying gifts that early, it shows all you think about is gifts. Forget the people getting those things, just buy, buy, buy.
Here's an idea: One gift each for those who you give gifts. Wait until December 12 at the earliest to make the purchase.
That way, you can focus on the person and not the item.
Just an idea...

Black Friday - watch more funny videos

Rise and Shine --- Homework

Good Morning and welcome to the rain!

When I was a student (so many moons ago), like everybody else, I hated homework. I would do whatever I could to push off the doing of homework. I would pretend I was asleep. I would pretend I was sick. I would pretend I didn't have any homework.
Eventually, of course, I had to get the homework done. I can remember more than a few times trying to do my homework when my friends were outside playing. I can remember my friends ringing the doorbell, only to be told I was still doing homework.
What I don't remember is having as much homework as is being assigned now. A fifth-grader I know can spend hours a night (late afternoon, actually) doing math, spelling, grammer, social studies.
One Canadian family got so fed up with the homework, they worked out a deal with the school to stop it from coming home.
This is a big dilemma. I know children need to do homework, but I also know there are so inundated with tests and the like during school hours they need down time as well. So, we try to get the homework done right after school so the rest of the night is free.
Teachers say it's better to let the children decompress after school before doing homework. Well, with work, activities, dinner and the fast-approaching bed time, that doesn't fly.
If teachers really want children to be so well-rounded, don't give so much homework. You have them all day, get the work done during school hours. Give them a half hour at the end of the day to get some work done. Of course, thanks to the fabulous 'No Child Left Behind' mandate, there is virtually no time for lunch let alone extra work.
I wish there was a better solution.

Rise and Shine --- The smile

Good Morning and welcome to, for many, a short week!

You know, there are a lot of cliches out in the wild, wild world. There are many about smiles. Let a smile be your umbrella. A smile makes the world look brighter. When your smiling, the whole world smiles with you.
Those cliches, although maybe dated, are right on the money.
Yesterday was a special girl's fifth birthday.
Five years ago, there were a lot of concerns about her. She had trouble breathing right away. There were concerns about her heart. She was on a respirator for the first week of her life. After being able to leave the hospital, she wasn't allowed to leave the house for six months (except to go to the doctor).
While watching her dance and sing during Sunday's birthday party, I was taken back five years. I remember looking at her through the plastic covering, all wires and blankets.
I remember the next day finally being able to hold her, telling her everything was going to be OK. I remember sitting in the critical care area having her lay on my belly and gently fall asleep.
Five years later, she won't fall asleep on my belly. She's blossomed into a beautiful young girl. She has friends. She holds her own (and then some) with her older brothers. She dances. She sings.
Most of all, though, she smiles. Those smiles can melt your heart. They truly make a rainy day turn bright and sunny.
So, I asked last night, 'Malena, now that your five do you still have time for your Daddy?'
"Sure," she said. "How about 10 minutes?"
Then she smiled and I knew everything would be OK.

Rise and Shine --- Mistakes? Yeah, sure

Good Morning and welcome to a windy, but warm Friday in November!

Everybody makes mistakes. It's just part of human nature. After all, how boring could life be if we didn't have to react to our mistakes.
The mistake that happened with murder suspect Abdul Azzia Johnson Thursday afternoon, though, is unexcuseable.
Johnson, in custody for the stray-bullet shooting death of a Chester woman, apparently stole an unmarked police car while shackled.
At first, there is plenty of gallows humor to go along with the situation. Offices around the county were filled with questions like, 'Were they stopping off at Dunkin Donuts?,' or 'O.J.'s probably going to look for a Delaware County home when he gets out of prison.'
I mean, after all, it's an unbelievable situation. How can a murder suspect be left alone in a car? How can he jump over the seat, find the keys and take off?
You know, the police in Delaware County do a fantastic job against unbelievable odds. They are shot at daily. They have to put up with the worst drivers in America. They probably hear plenty of not-so-nice words all the time.
I make mistakes daily (some would say hourly), so I'm not trying to throw stones. Still, some people have to held to a higher standard (right or wrong). Police, teachers, doctors and nurses have a duty to do their job right no matter what.
Sometimes, a mistake is unexcuseable.

Rise and Shine --- Sleep is overrated

Good Morning and welcome back to Thursday!

Let's see how it goes: The alarm goes off in the morning, you hit the snooze button 100 times and then get up.
Studies keep telling us we need more sleep. We should get eight hours a day. We should get plenty of downtime.
Really, though, who can do that? What with outside noise, work, that pesky alarm, there are too many things working against us.
Then again, ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Bulworth Trailer

Rise and Shine --- New moon? Isn't that in the sky

Good Morning and welcome to the crispness that is Wednesday morning!

The last couple of days (months?) we've been inundated with photos, interviews and videos about the latest 'Twilight' saga.
Apparently, this one is called 'New Moon' and it has something to do with vampires and werewolves.
At least that's what I can garner from the previews. Looks like a slick made movie, but one I know I'll never see, not that I have an inclination to see it anyway.
Sometimes, there are just those things you don't get. They can put out stories about the stars. They can put out books about the movie. They can put the book that inspired the movie in the front of the bookstore. It doesn't matter.
Of course, it probably doesn't matter to the makers of New Moon anyway. I'm not exactly the age group they are going after. They are making tons of money from teenage girls.
If I want a vampire and werewolf fix, I'm popping 'Abbot and Costello meet Frankenstein' in the VCR (yeah, it still works). Maybe I'm the right demographic for that classic.

Rise and Shine --- Bookstore vs. Library

Good Morning and welcome to another Tuesday in a long line of Tuesdays!

While the city of Philadelphia was battling its budget woes, one of the solutions was to close the library.
Recently, the Darby Library was in danger of closing because of lack of funding Now it appears there is a enough to keep it open.
The state budget process (or marathon) included the cutting of funding for libraries.
Sure, these are all short-sited fixes probably pushed by the book industry. After all, not as many people are reading books, buying books or spending time with books.
It's, of course, a shame because there is nothing like a good book. You can escape into the written word even more than movies (although, I watch too many movies and don't read enough books).
While spending time at the mall Sunday, the family spent almost two hours at the book store. They looked at books. They read stories. They enjoyed the atmosphere.
Unlike the trip to the library, though, the books had to stay at the store.
While being all for retail sales, the library is really the place to check out those books. That way it doesn't end up with this conversation:
"See this book here," Brendan said. "They had it at the Borders library."
Maybe it will be worth the trip.

Rise and Shine --- Ready for the rubber room

Good Morning and welcome to a new week!

For many, this time of year is incredibly stressful. The upcoming holidays combined with the start of winter (yeah, it's way too dark at 5 p.m.), can make the head feel like it's going to explode.
The mailman doesn't exactly help things out. Now, I know it's not his fault, but all those holiday catalogs now falling out of the mailbox only serve to rachet up the stress a few more notches. (Remember back in the day when there was one catalog, the Sears Wish Book? We waited all year for one. Now, they come every stinking day.)
Now, I know there are all these stories out there about the economy getting better. Retail stores are counting on it being real. One of the main reasons we get Christmas decorations and music blaring through the malls in September is because stores need this time of year to make their profit (overinflated as corporate honchos might make it).
The catalogs, though, are something else.
There are catalogs for everything from the fishing fan to the xylophone player in the house.
This weekend came one with so much overpriced junk it was mostly laughable. Aside from the remote-control, talking R2-D2, there was a personal ice-making machine. Now, ice is probably the easiest thing in the world to make. Why on earth would you need a personal ice machine.
What, you need to put it on your desk so you can have fresh ice every day? Can't walk to the refrigerator to fill up a cup? Can we get any lazier?
Later in the book, tucked on the bottom of one page was a Lionell train. Now, the holiday season makes those of a certain age (and many older) pine for the setting up of a model train. Their fun to put together and watch go around.
This train came with it's only table and 'outdoor' track scene. The train went around in a figure 8, through mountains and past a miniature train station.
The price on the bottom: $12,400.
That's not a misprint. $12,400.
The catalog quickly went into the trash.

Rise and Shine --- Comedy ... or not?

Good Morning and welcome to the end of a rainy, weird week!

Just in time for the holiday shopping season comes Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue.'
Apparently, this is some new form of comedy. The former Vice Presidential candidate (Remember, she was running with somebody named John McCain) takes shots at everbody from Katie Couric to McCain's campaign to the public who voted for the other Presidential candidate.
The Associated Press picked up an advance copy of the book, which, according to the story, contains such jems as:
The Palins never wanted all those fancy clothes, news anchor Katie Couric is condescending, biased and "badgering" and she wanted to give a speech at after Obama was declared the election winner.
Now, that might have been good comedy:

Rise and Shine --- Social media

Good Morning and welcome to some more rain!

I'll be the first to admit I was very, very late to jump in to the social media pool. I ignored MySpace and it finally faded away.
I ignored the first Tweets from Twitter (You are going to the store? Who cares.) All those e-mails from Linkedin quickly went into the trash.
On a whim a few months ago, though, I was prodded into trying Facebook.
Hey, it's always interesting to see where old friends ended up as life continued.
Now, I feel practically worldly.
I realize I know people from such far off lands as California, Boston, Wisconsin, Las Vegas and Bridgeport. My best friend even filed some things from Iraq.
I was able to 'talk' to people I haven't seen or thought of in over 20 years.
I was able to search and find old grade school friends, college friends, work friends. You know as you go from day to day you sometimes forget they are all out there.
It somehow makes the world smaller and gives a sense of community. Sure, there are those 'I'm going to the store' posts, but most are just a few words to let everybody know you are doing OK.
After playing around with a personal page for awhile, I started a Daily Times Facebook page. Thanks to all those out there who have joined. (If you haven't joined yet, why not? CLICK HERE to become a fan) We are now approaching 1,000 people who like to keep updated throughtout the day with the happenings here.
Where the future for all of us will lead is anybody's guess, but now I know there are people out there who are interested.

Rise and Shine --- Taking a Hike

Good Morning and welcome to a rainy Wednesday!

So, this past weekend it was pretty nice. Nice enough, in fact, that getting outside was not only something nice to do, but it felt like a mandate.
When it hits 70 degrees in November, you just have to do something, anything, to enjoy the air.
The easy way is to head to a playground and let the little ones run around until they tire out. The problem with that is two fold: First, they never tire out and second it doesn't give much for the parent's to do.
Sure, you can play a little bit. Maybe push the swing (for about five hours), but we need something more as well.
So, it seemed like the perfect day to walk through the woods. A quick drive down the Blue Route found Fairmount Park and Forbidden Drive.
Anybody who hasn't been there, right across the street from Chestnut Hill College, really needs to make the trip.
So, after a picnic lunch, it was time to hit the trail.
Now, when you take three children (ages 4, 7 and 10) on a hike, it could go either way. They could enjoy the thing or make it so much more difficult.
Luckily, this day, they were fascinated by the trees and the chance to do something different.
The air. The leaves. The small mountain trail. All of it made for a nice afternoon. Of course, there were some moments (aren't there always).
We made it up, we made it down. Now we are rooting for some more warm days just to try it again.

Rise and Shine --- Cookies

Good Morning and welcome back to the Internet!

Is there really anything better than fresh-baked cookies?
There's just something about the smell, the anticipation, the warmth.
You could feel really sick, then, bam, the smell of cookies baking in the oven makes the head feel better.
You could be really tired, but find the strength to stay up to get those fresh ones out of the oven.
Luckily, our house is blessed with one of the great cookie bakers of all time.
Just yesterday, we were treated to some chocolate-peanut butter cookies in the afternoon. Then, after having to keep an appointement Monday night, I was greeted with a fresh batch of chocolate chip-oatmeal-peanut butter-raison cookies.
Couldn't have been better. Maybe we should forget this health-care debate and just make cookies.
It's just what the doctor ordered.
Which of course, brings to mind a classic:

Rise and Shine --- Strange days

Good Morning and welcome back to a new week!

While going through the Internet this morning, I found this headline on a Web site: House Health Bill is 'DOA' in Senate
While driving around this weekend, there were signs plastered on a couple of lawns 'demanding' health care reform to fail.
There are talking heads out there twisting the information to the point where it seems like any kind of reform is a bad thing.
Why?
Why is it wrong to find a better solution? Why is it wrong to make sure everybody can afford health care? Why do too many people think only of themselves instead of people as a whole?
Of course, none of those questions can be answered. If you ask one side, they shout you down. If you ask the other side, they have no answers.
Look, anybody who thinks health care bills are OK needs to see the whole picture. If a family needs to pay $520 a month on health care there is some kind of problem.
For many, the opinion is: 'Well, that's your choice.'
Really, though, it's not. Health care companies are running this debate. If you don't see that you are wearing blinders. The companies want to continue to make money on the backs of people. They lay off workers and up their prices. They make the co-pays higher and up their prices.
Something has to give somewhere.
We need to contact our Senators and tell them we are fed up. We need quality health care at an affordable price.
There can't be any wavering.

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

Rise and Shine --- You're no fun

Good Morning and welcome to a chilly Friday!

While talking about the World Series last week to a 7-year old boy, it morphed into the following conversation:
'Dad, when you were a kid did you watch Star Wars?'
Well, I saw the movies when they came out. I thought they were pretty good.
'No. Dad. Did you watch the 'Clone Wars?'
They didn't have the 'Clone Wars' when I was a child. It was just the movies.
'Didn't your parents let you watch Cartoon Network when you were a kid?'
I'm sure they would have let me watch, but we didn't have Cartoon Network.
'What, you didn't have a TV like ours?'
I guess the TVs were the same, but there was no such thing as Cartoon Network. We didn't have cable.
'Granpop didn't buy it.'
Well, not exactly. There really wasn't cable TV. We had about six channels to watch and there weren't cartoons on all day.
'Hmmm. How about Nick?'
No, we had 3, 6, 10, 12, 17 and 29. I think there was another mixed in, but they came and went. Mostly there were some cartoons on Saturday mornings. If there was no school, we watched Channel 12. Things like Seseme Street and Romper Room.
'Sounds kind of boring.'
Well, maybe it was, but we also played outside or played games or just ran around.
'You mean like this. AHHHHHHH!!!' (Jumping off the couch).
Sure, that's fun too. Just don't break anything.
'Can I watch TV?'
No. Figure out something else. Just don't jump out of a tree.
'You're no fun.'
Not as much fun as this:

Rise and Shine --- Oh well

Good Morning and here we are back writing!

Oh well, did anybody really believe the Phillies were going to win the World Series again this year. They had too many pitching problems and couldn't get those key hits in big situations.
The Yankees are a better team right now. The Phillies are right there, but don't have that extra push like last year. By the way, winning one World Series means anything else for the next five years is just gravy. Enjoy the ride, now move on.
Speaking of moving on, less than a week after Halloween, it's already Christmas season.
Yeah, I know, for may shops and stuff, Christmas season started last February. At least it's November and seeing the lights does add a warm feeling. It might seem a little early (and I'm still holding out for a few more warm days), but time does move quicker now.
Or something like that.

Rise and Shine --- Welcome back

Good Morning and welcome to Mischief Day!

It used to be Mischief Night and, as a youngster, I would sit on the porch to make sure nobody tossed any toilet paper. Of course, it never happened, but there were stories...
Meanwhile, today's the day Mom returns home from Iraq. We'll gather into the car, drive to the airport and welcome her back. It's about time.
The trip to Iraq seemed like a good idea when it first came up, seemed like a bad idea when the bill came in, seemed like a good idea when everything was packed, seemed like a bad idea when the plane was delayed, seemed like a good idea when the plane landed safely, seemed like a bad idea when the luggage was lost (thanks United), seemed like a good idea when things could be replaced, seemed like a bad idea when there was a delay (and car bomb) in Baghdad, and so on and so on.
Now it's over and we can all reconnect. We survived a couple of weeks and really are lucky it was only a couple of weeks.
I can't imagine the amount of angst a family has to go through when a trip to Iraq lasts a year or more.
Hopefully it will make us all a bit more tolerant.

Rise and Shine --- Costume War

Good Morning as we get ready to party!

This should be a pretty exciting weekend. Mom returns home after her 'adventure,' the Phillies are playing in the World Series and it's Halloween.
Which, of course, means a busy couple of days. Unlike work, though, these busy days are fun. There's (hopefully) a lot of laughing and a lot of good times.
First, though, we have to get there.
While the homecoming and the Phillies are set, it's the other one that's causing some consternation.
Last year, the boys wanted to be Star Wars characters on Halloween. So, having not purchased a costume in years, we gave them the option to get one. They, of course, jumped at the chance.
So, we have a couple of Clone Troopers running around the neighborhood. (OK, thanks to the George Lucas merchandising magic, there were more than a few).
Now, those costumes apparently are out of fashion. This year, the Star Wars machine added a few different colors to the 'uniform.' So, naturally, that means it's time to buy a new costume.
Uh, not quite. At 30 bucks, a costume for one night doesn't seem to be the best idea.
So, the battle has been ranging.
'But I don't have Commander Fox. I need a Commander Fox suit!'
Who? Why don't you just be a Hobo (I know, politically incorect, but it's better than bum).
'I need to be Commander Fox.'
How about if I get a magic marker and fix last year's costume.
'NOOOOOO! Then I will only have one. I need two.'
You need .... nevermind. How about this cool Superman suit we have from a couple of years ago.
'I'm not being Superman. I'm not being Batman. I'm not being a hobo. I want to be Commander Fox!!!!'
How about a ketchup bottle?
'You don't understand anything! I'll ask Grandmom!'
So, if you see an outdated Star Wars costume this Halloween, don't laugh.

Rise and Shine --- Jumping ahead

Good Morning and welcome back to the World Series!

The only bad thing about the Phillies being in the World Series, starting tonight in New York, is we have to sit and listen to Joe Buck and Tim McCarver call the game. A lot of people think Buck is a decent play-by-play announcer. I find him grating and his voice annoying. Maybe Fox should try one of those no-announcer games NBC tried in the 1980s. Then again, it might cut into the Advil bottom line.
As we get ready for the World Series (and our smaller world gets close to getting back to normal), it's time to look around.
Now, it's understood that retail stores are going to push their Christmas items starting Labor Day these days. One store I saw completely ended all Halloween item sales before Oct. 1 and replaced it with Christmas trees and lights.
Still, it is pretty annoying.
Case in point, Tuesday night.
After settling down to catch the annual rite of October, 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,' it quickly became evident this was going to be about anything but Halloween.
From the first 'My Little Pony' commercial to the plug for some new ABC Christmas show, we were inundated with gift-giving, snow and Santa Claus.
Living with a 4-year old, 7-year old and 10-year old (and, believe it or not, being a child once myself), I understand the allure of Christmas. Heck, I get fired up about it as much as anybody.
October, though, is stretching the 'season' a bit too far. Look, children start Christmas wish lists in January, so they don't need to innundated with toy-after-toy, commercial-after-commercial.
All that does is lead to confusion.
'Dad, I need a Transformers race track!'
Why? You didn't need it a week ago. Last week you needed a star wars lightsaber.
'But it looks cool! I NEED it! I also need the lightsaber!'
Ask Grandmom.
Let's enjoy Halloween first:

Rise and Shine --- Earlier and later

Good Morning and welcome to the day before the night before the World Series!

Isn't it amazing that we are now taking the World Series for granted. It's only been two years, people. Remember all those years of Rico Brogna, Wally Ritchie and Wayne Gomes.
It's still amazing to think the Phillies are back in the World Series. Despite those who know nothing else, this doesn't happen every year.
Meanwhile, the World Series means here an earlier wakeup call after a later night. Thankfully, the Eagles played a bad team Monday night, so there was no reason to watch the game. The World Series, though, won't be over until after midnight starting Wednesday.
It's a quick turnaround, but it beats the alternative.
Meanwhile, with the road home becoming clearer, there's a bit of relief in the house. Get home quickly and safely.
Now, back to putting together a Phillies special section:

Rise and Shine --- Miracle of technology

Good Morning and welcome to a whole new week!

A couple of weeks ago, as Kathleen was preparing for her trip to Iraq, we went out and upgraded to an iPhone.
The thinking was a 'smart' phone, as they are called, would be easier to carry around than a phone and a camera. Plus, with the Internet at a touch of a finger, she wouldn't have to carry a laptop on helicopters.
So, we got the iPhone (scaring the salesperson after telling him we were taking it to Iraq). Got it set up with an international roaming plan (cell phone companies get you where ever and whenever they can).
So, she has the iPhone in Iraq. She was able to use the camera part, but never the phone. Apparently, there are some in the Middle East who still hate Americans. They can track cell phone usage. So, Americans are told not to use the cell phone to make calls ever.
After finding that out (in an e-mail), I was resigned to two weeks of e-mail back-and-forth.
That's when I was able to discover how to 'chat' online using gmail. It's like using the phone only typing and both of you can 'talk' at the same time. And, yes, those of you out there who can't believe it, you can connect with anybody all over the world.
So, I'm beginning to think you might not need a phone at all.
Of course, this is a little ridiculous:

Rise and Shine --- One down

Good Morning and, yes, we've made it through the week!

While we wait a week for the return flight from Iraq, I was trying to explain to a 7-year old about the Phillies.
You see, after watching bad baseball after worse baseball year after year, these young whipper-snappers don't know anything about the Phillies.
For three years straight the team has been in the playoffs. the two previous years they were right there at end.
No longer does the season end in June. No longer do you have to see the likes of Midre Cummings trying to catch fly balls in center. You don't have to convince yourself that Von Hayes is actually going to be an MVP candidate. You don't have to worry about whether Ken Howell will be able to come back from his latest injury to anchor the starting rotation.
Instead of seeing Wally Ritchie running out of the bullpen in the eighth-inning, you get to see Ryan Madson. Forget Brad Lidge, if you wanted excitement in the ninth inning there was nobody better than Jose Mesa.
No, these fans get to grow up watching Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels (voted as the top player at each position in our highly scientific Daily Times daily poll).
There is not suffering. There is no shaking your head. There is no hoping the players would go on strike just so you didn't have to watch Gregg Jefferies not run out a pop fly. You haven't seen comedy on the diamond unless you could catch Steve Jeltz, well, not catch.
Back in the day, when the Phillies needed a pitcher, they took the bull by the horns and got Joe Cowley. That big offseason free agent was Phil Bradley and we liked it.
So, to all the 7-year olds and to all those who so soon forget ... Ah, never mind, just enjoy the ride.

Rise and Shine --- Flying

Good Morning and I know of at least three young Phillies fans that couldn't stay up last night!

At about 10 p.m., when it looked like we were headed for a 1 a.m. finish, it was time to shuffle everybody off to bed. When the Phillies were jumping around on the field around midnight, I thought they should get a chance to witness the spectacle.
The amazing thing about children, though, is once they are asleep they are asleep. Try to wake them is like trying to wake a tree trunk. At least in this corner of the world.
Over in another corner of the world, the Phillies were also the topic of conversation. You'll be able to read about that a little later.
It's amazing how united everybody can be. Here we are in Delaware County watching the Phillies late at night, while in Iraq they are taking in the game during the early-morning hours.
I tried to convince a 10-year old that calling Mom and asking her about the game, since it was already Tuesday over there, he would able to get the final result.
He bought it for about a minute, then realized it's just a time difference. You know, the little things you do to keep entertained.
Meanwhile, this photo came across the e-mail last night. Looks like fun:

Rise and Shine --- Normal?

Good Morning and now that safety isn't as big an issue, it's time to get back to the mundane!

By the way, I was wondering, if the Phillies play the Yankees in the World Series (certainly looks that way) is it more of a 'legitimate' finals than playing the Tampa Bay Rays last year?
It's sort of like asking Steelers fans if their latest Super Bowl title was tainted because they played the Arizona Cardinals.
Sure, you'd like your favorite teams to play the history-laden Yankees, but a title is a title is a title. Now that we are heading to a second Series in the row (it's still pretty amazing), do we need the Yankees to be there as some sort of statement?
I guess that would only make a difference if the Phillies win again. If they go out and lose to the Yankees, maybe they are diminished a little bit.
Then again, that parade was pretty amazing last year.
Meanwhile, as the NLCS (Phillies clinching party?) took the night off, there wasn't too much to follow on television last night.
Sure, you could watch that Yankees-Angels series, and I'm sure there was some good baseball played, but a lull was needed.
Then again, it gets ramped up tonight.
I hear through the grapevine those troops in Iraq will be watching the Phillies tonight as well. I look forward to the story.
Then comes my age old question: Do I let the children stay up to watch the game?
There is school tomorrow. There is work tomorrow. The game won't be over until close to midnight (7 a.m. in Basrah).
Still, after all those years of suffering through bad after bad when it came to the Phillies, I feel like I need to let them watch a possible clincher.
There's still the feeling this won't go on forever.
Meanwhile, a shoutout to Iraq:

Rise and Shine --- Another late night

Good Morning and welcome to another Tuesday in a long line of Tuesdays!

Hey, at least if you are going to stay up until midnight to watch the Phillies, the least they could do is win. Thanks, Jimmy Rollins, for making that 3 a.m. wake up call that much easier to take.
Here we are, into the fifth day of Kathleen in Iraq. She's going to do awesome stories and send over a bunch of photos. I know that, but really don't care.
Right now, she's en route from Baghdad to Basrah. She said she's got great pictures from Baghdad (those not confiscated by Iraqi guards). Once she hooks up with the unit, all that stuff will be available to our readers.
Until then, well, it's a battle. She said she hasn't slept in 25 hours and can't use the phone for fear of kidnapping.
So, in reality, maybe Iraq isn't the safest place in the world right now. Maybe the safe bet is the best bet. Then again, you can't live with 'what if.'
So, as my brain melts while trying to take care of three high-maintenance (Which ones aren't?) children, at least I know there is an end to the game.
It's kind of funny how you miss things when they are gone. You miss a joke. You miss a laugh. You miss the help.
Come back safe.

Rise and Shine --- The waiting

Good Morning and there was frost on the window this morning! So much for October...

Now that we are more than five years into the war in Iraq, some of the stories seem to get pushed to the backburner.
For the first few years, we were able to read and see everything that was happening in Iraq. We had stories about the soldiers, about their missions, about their living conditions.
Then, it kind of faded away. Sure, there was 'The Surge' and now there is the 'The Pullout,' but they are just words and you don't get a chance to see the real people behind those words.
Late last week, Kathleen Carey went to Iraq to tell those stories, you can follow her trip HERE.
Before leaving, she got in touch with some local military families and how they cope with a loved one overseas. You can read it here.
Now, we know Kathleen will be back in a few weeks, not the year or more of most families. So, at least we can see an end game.
That doesn't make this past weekend any easier, though.
We had no contact (e-mail or phone) since early Saturday morning. She was supposed to fly to Kuwait, then get shuttled to Baghdad for military processing.
Her luggage never made it to Iraq (thanks, United, you run a great airline there). The last we heard, she was waiting the airport waiting for the bags to arrive.
This morning, I found out she made it to Baghdad (after a 13 hour trip) and is getting the necessary clearances to be embeded with her unit (the 1-150th).
The last e-mail had something about a photo, a confiscated passport and an Iraqi guard.
Now we wait some more.

Rise and Shine --- Still in the air?

Good Morning and I'm letting you know waking three children up at 4 a.m. was suprisingly easy!

Kathleen always has had an adventurous spirit. In high school, she wanted to go to New York University. Despite the pleas of her mother (your going to get killed; New York is evil), she made it to NYU. Interned at New York Newsday (covering, among other things, gang violence in the Bronx). She finished college in three years, graduating with honors.
Eight years ago, she wanted to take a trip to Europe, with a two-year old in tow. That's just insane, people said, you can't take a 2-year old to Paris, Belgium and London. Of course, the trip went off without a hitch (OK, one hitch involving a brand-new Mercedes and a parking garage, but who's splitting hairs).
Earlier this year, Kathleen read Anderson Cooper's 'Dispatches from the Edge,' a book about covering war and the world.
She found her next mission. She wanted to go to Iraq to tell the story of those still stationed there and what their life is like. It took awhile to get everything together, with plenty of hurdles along the way. There was getting military approval. There was getting body armor. There was getting airline tickets. There was convincing the powers-that-be it would give us unbelievable coverage.
It all came together (the starts lined up all along the way) and she left for Kuwait (the drop off point for those going to Iraq) last night.
Of course, it couldn't go off without a hitch. She started missing the family before even leaving, then again while going through the security at Philadelphia International Airport.
When the flight to Washington was delayed over an hour, it appeared the connection to the plane to Kuwait was going to be missed. It wasn't and she's still in the air.
It's not scheduled to land in Kuwait until around 11 this morning (our time).
I'm sure she'll have some good stories about packing, waiting, flying. You can follow them all right here and at www.delcotimes.com.
It should be fascinating. It should be fun. She'll do a great job.
All the while, though, there are four people who hope this is the fastest two weeks in the history of time.

Rise and Shine --- Blanket policy

Good Morning and welcome to the start of a very, very long two weeks!

There was a big story over the last couple of days about a Delaware first-grader who was suspended after bringing a pocket knife to school.
Originally, he received a 45-day suspension and was going to have to go to a reform school (is that what they're still called?) during that time.
Well, of course, the parents raised a stink. Got their story covered by the media and it all forced the school board to rescind the suspension.
The Daily Times editorial board (?) checked in with an opinion.
There was talk all over the radio and TV yesterday about the case. Most were saying it was time to end zero-tolerance policies and decide these things on a case-by-case business.
Well, that's fine and dandy, if we were still living in the 1960s.
The bottom line is children have no reason to bring a knife (be it a Cub Scout pocket knife or a butter knife) to school. They have no need to take a gun to school. They have no need to take any weapon to school.
Bottom line, if parents made sure what their children have in the backpack, none of this would matter.
Now, believe me, I know how crazy a school morning can get. Our house is a frenzy of running, yelling, jumping, packing, fighting and playing. That's all in the first five minutes of waking everybody up.
Still, there is time right before we head out to the car where we make sure nobody is taking something to school they shouldn't.
Last year, Brendan wanted to take a fake pirate pistol to school to show his friends. It was purchased at a pirate festival in Maryland. It's flat, made of foam and makes a funny sound.
There was no way he was getting that in the bag, although he eventually tried to hide it in his shirt.
There have been incidents of Star Wars figures trying to be snuck through. There was even a matchbox car shooter (it makes them go really fast around those plastic tracks). Nothing gets in there except books, homework and a lunchbox.
Would I be upset if something did slip past and the school suspended one of them.
Sure, but I hope I would understand.
It's like the old argument about guns not killing people. Then again, if nobody had guns, nobody would be shot.

Rise and Shine --- Traveling

Good Morning and, yes, I broke down and put the heat on last night!

Sometimes we travel. Sometimes, we even travel far enough it takes an airplane to get there.
Even though most airlines have done away with movies on flights (at least free ones), I was thinking what would be the best movies to watch if heading on a long trip.
Here are some hopes:
1. Old School. Yeah, I know, it wouldn't fly with everybody (pun intended), but it will certainly make those hours sitting in the tiny seats a bit more comfortable.
2. Bourne Identity. Especially if you are heading overseas with an iPhone in hand and a mysterious look.
3. Joe vs. The Volcano. Nothing like a feel-good Tom Hanks movie to get you fired up about your trip.
4. The Terminal. Never mind, airlines don't have a sense of humor. Neither do passengers after about four hours or so.
5. Lord of the Rings. Not just one, but the whole trilogy. You will be able to fall asleep during the middle run. If not, it will certainly kill a lot of time.
6. Mr. Bean's Holiday. You're stuck next to somebody snoring badly who keeps passing gas. At least you can escape with somebody who had a worse time.
7. Some Like it Hot. Palm trees. Marilyn Monroe. Jack Lemmon at his best. Nothing would make the trip go smoother. Then again, 'Well, nobody's perfect.'
8. Cars. Yeah, you're in a big airplane. The air is sour. The food stinks. The bathrooms are too small. Nothing like a movie about talking cars to get you through the night.
9. 2001: A Space Odyssey. Now, if your really tired or really inot outer space, this is the perfect movie. Long, slow, boring, but great visuals. Just get a pillow with your headphones.
10. The U.S. vs. John Lennon. OK, there would never be a documentary on an airplane. Besides, Lennon preaching about peace among all people would undoubtedly tick some people off. You don't need that on a plane.
By the way, if this movie comes on, ask for an eye mask and ear plugs, because you are stuck in a time warp:

Rise and Shine --- Making lists

Good Morning and get ready for another run to the World Series!

Since we still love lists, here are few to get you through the day:
Top Five Best Phillies of All-Time: 1. Mike Schmidt; 2. Steve Carlton; 3. Ryan Howard; 4. Johnny Callison; 5. Jimmy Rollins.
Top Five Worst Phillies of All-Time: 1. Joe Cowley; 2. Gregg Jefferies; 3. Ricky Otero; 4. Steve Jeltz; 5. Marvin Freeman.
Top Five Best Eateries: 1. Aureole, New York; 2. Fountain, Philadelphia; 3. O'Reilly's Irish Pub, San Francisco; 4. Monk's Cafe, Philadelphia; 5. Le Saint-Amour, Quebec
Five Best Movies I Could Watch Anytime: 1. Usual Suspects; 2. Ratatouille; 3. The Others; 4. Elf; 5. Life of Brian.
Top Five Worst Bands Ever: 1. Journey; 2. The Outfield; 3. OutKast; 4. New Kid's On The Block; 5. Hannah Montana.
Finally, the worst music video ever made:

Rise and Shine --- Smart phone?

Good Morning and welcome to the new week!

It took me a long time to break down and get a cell phone. It took me even longer to totally ditch the 'regular' phone and just rely on the cell.
I never felt the need to be 'in touch' 24 hours a day. When Caller ID debuted, that was close enough for me. If somebody wanted to call me(somebody trying to sell something) and I didn't want to talk to them, they could talk to the answering machine.
Then I could decide whether it was worth my time to call back (mostly no).
After a while (driving three children 35 miles a day back-and-forth to work did the trick), I was able to find the silver lining in the cell phone revolution.
I was able to get by with my non-smart cell phone all these years, ignoring (as best I could), the new smart phones hitting the market.
Last week, we broke down and got an iPhone (it's needed for an exciting project you will find out about later this week, so stay tuned).
Now, after one weekend with the iPhone, I wonder what took so long.
No longer do you need to make those $2 calls to 411. Need a map, just click on. Want to find out if the Phillies are still playing at 2 in the morning, hit the Internet button.
It's all pretty cool. You can blog. You can e-mail. You can text (whatever that is).
Still, there's a part of me that wonders if all this technology is making us dumber, or lazier.
With everything right at our fingertips, does it really stretch our brains?
OK, I don't have to walk into a scary looking gas station to ask directions, but I can also see less interacting between people.
We text. We e-mail. Do we talk?
I don't know. Besides, it's time to log off.

Rise and Shine --- Late night baseball blues

Good Morning and congrats on making it to Friday!

For many Phillies fans, this is going to be a lost weekend. First, they watched the team lose Game 2 to the Rockies Thursday afternoon. Now, fans are faced with having to stay up late to catch the weekend games.
Saturday night has a 9:35 p.m. start time. That's, of course, providing it doesn't snow in Denver. Then on Sunday there's a 10 p.m. start.
Now, baseball gets a lot of heat for its scheduling and this series has been the perfect example.
Those two 2:30 p.m. starts did no favors for anybody, except those worried about newspaper deadlines.
First, it wasn't good for young fans because most (unless you are an Archbishop Carroll student) don't get out until after 3 p.m. Then, if there isn't an after-school activity, it's time to do homework. Then comes dinner. Then comes some down time.
By then, the game was over and all that was left was the Daily Times game blog.
Now comes the weekend when a, say, 8 p.m. start would be about perfect. Not 9:30 and certainly not 10 p.m.
Most certainly not for those of us who hear the alarm at 3 a.m.
Then again, there might be another series...

Rise and Shine --- Never out of the house?

Good Morning and welcome back to the Web!

The children have the opportunity to do, really, whatever they want.
They get to play outside. They get to play in their rooms. They get to watch TV. Sure, they have to go to school and do homework, but that's just a break in a day of freedom.
There aren't a whole lot of rules in the house. It's better to let children be children. That way, they can find out what they like. How they like to play.
More often than not, though, it becomes a test on how far they can push the envelope.
Take, for instance, a trip to the store Wednesday afternoon.
Hey, I figured, it can be a fun outing. The store in question has things the children usually like (bikes, backpacks, boats, skis, boots).
OK, there weren't any toys, but I've learned to stay away from the toy store unless I want to see some real yelling and screaming.
So, after a short drive, the store in question opened it's doors. That's when it quickly went down.
All of them wanted to push the cart. If they weren't pushing the cart, they wanted to climb on the front.
Then there was the running the up, down, around the aisles. Forget having a conversation on what to buy, it was time to break up a wrestling match.
Why a 10-year old feels the need to wrestle with a 4-year old is beyond me. Then again, my brain may have melted years ago.
All right, I'll take the hit and gather them over to the bike area. Little did I know bikes could be used for a smash-up derby, then hurdles.
You would think they never got out of the house.
So, while my head started to pound and my heart started to skip as the glass cups were being banged, it was finally time to leave.
After rushing to the car in a silent, raging walk, a voice came from the back.
'Thanks, that was really fun.'
I guess we'll have to try it again.

Rise and Shine --- Expectations

Good morning and welcome to playoff season!

That's right, after sitting though years and years (and years and years) of bad Phillies baseball, we are in the glory years.
For the third straight season, the Phillies are heading into the playoffs.
Unlike all those years before, this time we expect the Phillies to win. That's what you get after winning it all in 2008.
Those expectations are kind of funny, though. Really, the Phillies are the losingest franchise in the history of sports. Through the years, they've lost more than 10,000 games. They have just two World Series championships (1980 and 2008). They went from 1983-1993 (miracle years both) without even sniffing the playoffs. Then they went from 1993 until 2007 before anybody could even think about the playoffs (sure, there were a few years in there where they were in the running in September, but nobody really thought they would make it).
Now, anything less than a second-straight World Series title would be a disappointment to some.
Really, though, that's just hogwash.
It's better to enjoy the ride than sit through a long, boring summer. Sure, a loss in the first round to the Rockies would be a little disappointing, but only because we need something to carry through until November.
Just remember, though, if the Phillies don't win a World Series it could be much worse. You could be a Mets fan.
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Meanwhile, a local band,Zorro Gato, along with delco artists C-Hann and Amanda Jo, wrote a Phillies playoff anthem.
CLICK HERE to hear the song.

Rise and Shine --- Much ado about nothing

Good Morning and get those jackets out!

Maybe it's just me, but I don't care anything about Jon, Kate, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Glenn Beck or John Travolta.
I don't care if Jon took money from Kate. I don't care if Kate hid money from Jon. I wouldn't care if they both just faded away. How about taking care of the kids? Shouldn't that be more important than going on Larry King or the Today Show? I've never felt the need to watch their television show. I don't care if they fight, yell, run or act stupid. There are plenty of people out there who act stupid, they don't have a corner on the market.
Meanwhile, there's been all this talk about David Letterman and his affair with a staffer. How does this exactly take away from the entertainment? Is the show not funny any more because Letterman was being blackmailed? Why do we have to keep hearing about it?
Meanwhile, John Travolta's in the Bahamas testifying in a trial after somebody tried to blackmail him or something like that because of Travolta's son. Whoopee!
These people somehow get into the public spotlight and somebody somewhere thinks we care about them.
Letterman's show is funny because he's funny and his guests are funny. What he does after or before the camera comes on is none of anybody's business. Stop talking about it.
The comic genius of 'Welcome Back Kotter' shouldn't be diminished because of the troubles of John Travolta.
Let these people fade away. Besides, there are enough other crazy people we have to watch out for...