Welcome to a new day that's best spent under the covers!
So, forgetting that stuff all over the place outside, there is some interesting controversy brewing in Canada.
Even though these Olympic Games look a lot like a souped-up version of the X-Games, some stodgy old types don't like what's happening.
Last week, U.S. snowboarder Scotty Lago was sent home after partying too hearty.
Then, last night, after the Canadian women won the gold medal in hockey, they had the audacity to drink Molson and smoke cigars on the ice.
Say it isn't so!
Athletes have fun after the pressure's off. What in the name of Tiger Woods is going on here?
Now, the International Olympic Committee is upset. The powers-that-be want an investigation.
Well, I'll save them the money (or they can send a check here): People drink. People have fun. People laugh.
If you don't like it, go back to the offices in Switzerland and watch the snow fall.
Never mind, just come here and do the same thing.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Oh no, Snow!
Good Morning and is this winter becoming a joke, or what?
So, there's another storm hitting us today. Those who are hooked on the word 'warming' in Global Warming like to put out their half-thought out ideas every time it snows.
Now, if you can actually look out the window and say the climate is not changing in a major way, well, I'm happy for you.
When the Easter Bunny comes by for tea, tell him (or her) I said hello.
Look, no matter what the wackos want to say, there is a significant climate change going on across the earth. These huge storms that seem to hit us every few weeks are only part of it.
Hurricanes have been stronger (remember Katrina?), earthquakes have been more devastating (Haiti?) and tidal waves are knocking out whole communities (Thailand?). So, focus on the word 'warming' if you want and don't be surprised if the Easter Bunny brings his buddy the Tooth Fairy.
So, there's another storm hitting us today. Those who are hooked on the word 'warming' in Global Warming like to put out their half-thought out ideas every time it snows.
Now, if you can actually look out the window and say the climate is not changing in a major way, well, I'm happy for you.
When the Easter Bunny comes by for tea, tell him (or her) I said hello.
Look, no matter what the wackos want to say, there is a significant climate change going on across the earth. These huge storms that seem to hit us every few weeks are only part of it.
Hurricanes have been stronger (remember Katrina?), earthquakes have been more devastating (Haiti?) and tidal waves are knocking out whole communities (Thailand?). So, focus on the word 'warming' if you want and don't be surprised if the Easter Bunny brings his buddy the Tooth Fairy.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Huh?
Good Morning and welcome to the calm before the storm!
Now, maybe it's just me, but I have to think there are more important things for the members of Congress to be doing right now than grilling the head of Toyota.
Yeah, they screwed up their cars, but it'll get fixed. The public will keep buying Toyotas (if we ever start buying new cars again) and Japan will survive.
Sounds more like some are trying to take the focus off more important issues.
Want one, how about health care.
Just look around people, we are being bankrupted by big health care companies. One company in California raised their rates 39 percent. Most of us will see at least a 15 percent price hike. Suddenly, you are paying a quarter of your earnings for insurance.
Sure, we need it, but anybody who says we don't need some kind of reform has their head in, well, the sand (I was going to say Rush Limbaugh, but, this is a family Web site, right?)
Now, Republican leaders are saying they are going to to everything to block any kind of health care reform.
So, as we grow sicker because we can't afford care, think about how some 'leaders' are getting their pockets lined.
Now, maybe it's just me, but I have to think there are more important things for the members of Congress to be doing right now than grilling the head of Toyota.
Yeah, they screwed up their cars, but it'll get fixed. The public will keep buying Toyotas (if we ever start buying new cars again) and Japan will survive.
Sounds more like some are trying to take the focus off more important issues.
Want one, how about health care.
Just look around people, we are being bankrupted by big health care companies. One company in California raised their rates 39 percent. Most of us will see at least a 15 percent price hike. Suddenly, you are paying a quarter of your earnings for insurance.
Sure, we need it, but anybody who says we don't need some kind of reform has their head in, well, the sand (I was going to say Rush Limbaugh, but, this is a family Web site, right?)
Now, Republican leaders are saying they are going to to everything to block any kind of health care reform.
So, as we grow sicker because we can't afford care, think about how some 'leaders' are getting their pockets lined.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Now, that's funny
Good Morning and welcome to a wet Tuesday!
So, the first Superman comic book sold for $1 million yesterday.
This kind of thing is always a little strange. First of all, who saves a comic book? You buy it, read it, pass it around and maybe it comes back. Most of the time when it comes back, the pages are torn or cut out.
Somebody, though, saved this comic book since 1938 and apparently it's in perfect condition. It's probably not been in the air for years.
Not only is that strange, but somebody actually had $1 million sitting around and the best they could do was buy a comic book.
Strange days indeed.
I remember back in the day when my grandmother passed along some of my dad's old comic books. At the time, I was just happy to read them. I showed them to my friends. The covers got ripped off. They were drawn on.
Now, I'm thinking I should have taken the books, put them in zip lock bags and stored them in a temperature-controlled room.
Then again, it was more fun to look at them.
So, the first Superman comic book sold for $1 million yesterday.
This kind of thing is always a little strange. First of all, who saves a comic book? You buy it, read it, pass it around and maybe it comes back. Most of the time when it comes back, the pages are torn or cut out.
Somebody, though, saved this comic book since 1938 and apparently it's in perfect condition. It's probably not been in the air for years.
Not only is that strange, but somebody actually had $1 million sitting around and the best they could do was buy a comic book.
Strange days indeed.
I remember back in the day when my grandmother passed along some of my dad's old comic books. At the time, I was just happy to read them. I showed them to my friends. The covers got ripped off. They were drawn on.
Now, I'm thinking I should have taken the books, put them in zip lock bags and stored them in a temperature-controlled room.
Then again, it was more fun to look at them.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Four years later...
Good Morning and welcome to the start of a new week!
Every four years when the Winter Olympics invade our living room, we get to see events we don't see any other time.
Take for instance, curling. Please, take it. Like take it away.
It appears the only real reason curling is part of the Olympics is for viewers to scratch their heads. What the heck is that?
What are they doing with that big thing (rock?) they are are sliding down the ice. If you watched the curling Saturday night, you more likely would be saying, 'What are those guys doing with those brooms?'
OK, there's a skill involved. You have to to sweep (?) the ice to keep the thing moving and try to get it into the circle. Players can also knock off opponent's stones.
Uh, Oh, that one was pushed too fast, it's going to leave the circle.
Whatever?
The only thought while watching the event (and this came from somebody who's never seen it before) is it's borderline obscene. Then again, they probably have a lot of fun at practice.
Every four years when the Winter Olympics invade our living room, we get to see events we don't see any other time.
Take for instance, curling. Please, take it. Like take it away.
It appears the only real reason curling is part of the Olympics is for viewers to scratch their heads. What the heck is that?
What are they doing with that big thing (rock?) they are are sliding down the ice. If you watched the curling Saturday night, you more likely would be saying, 'What are those guys doing with those brooms?'
OK, there's a skill involved. You have to to sweep (?) the ice to keep the thing moving and try to get it into the circle. Players can also knock off opponent's stones.
Uh, Oh, that one was pushed too fast, it's going to leave the circle.
Whatever?
The only thought while watching the event (and this came from somebody who's never seen it before) is it's borderline obscene. Then again, they probably have a lot of fun at practice.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Hi, it's Tiger...
Good Morning and welcome to end of the week!
So, does anybody really (I mean really beyond the spectacle of the thing) care about what Tiger Woods has to to say today?
By the way, you can watch it BY CLICKING HERE.
He's got a billions in the bank. He's lived a charmed life. He apparently really likes pancakes.
Sure, many will watch it this morning because, well, we like to see stars fall. We like to see those who thought they were somehow better than us scrape their knee (well, in the case of Tiger, something else).
It would probably be more interesting if he stood up today and said: 'Hi, it's Tiger. Uh, I'm available to tape voice mail messages. In fact, I'm going to give up golf to become a dating expert. I really liked that Will Smith movie and it appears to be a lot less stressful than golf. Don't take my number off your phone, in fact, here's the new 800 line."
Maybe he'll come out and say this: "Hi, it's Tiger. Uh, I'm going to become a reality TV star."
Or, he could go the pro wrestling route: "Yeah, I'm Tiger. I can beat you on the dating scene and the golf course. Deal with it."
Here's the music that could be played as he walks to the podium:
So, does anybody really (I mean really beyond the spectacle of the thing) care about what Tiger Woods has to to say today?
By the way, you can watch it BY CLICKING HERE.
He's got a billions in the bank. He's lived a charmed life. He apparently really likes pancakes.
Sure, many will watch it this morning because, well, we like to see stars fall. We like to see those who thought they were somehow better than us scrape their knee (well, in the case of Tiger, something else).
It would probably be more interesting if he stood up today and said: 'Hi, it's Tiger. Uh, I'm available to tape voice mail messages. In fact, I'm going to give up golf to become a dating expert. I really liked that Will Smith movie and it appears to be a lot less stressful than golf. Don't take my number off your phone, in fact, here's the new 800 line."
Maybe he'll come out and say this: "Hi, it's Tiger. Uh, I'm going to become a reality TV star."
Or, he could go the pro wrestling route: "Yeah, I'm Tiger. I can beat you on the dating scene and the golf course. Deal with it."
Here's the music that could be played as he walks to the podium:
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Rise and Shine --- What Games?
Good Morning and welcome to another day without new snow!
So, the Winter Olympics are taking place in Vancouver. USA, USA, USA, or something like that.
Having only caught bits and pieces of the Olympics (that curling again is oh so exciting), I still don't get all the National Pride.
There are no 'bad' Russians any more to root against. It's not like Iran is sending a team of skiers to Canada. Even if they did, the story of their struggle to learn skiing in the desert would make them fan favorites.
Over the years, the hope is anyway, that we've evolved out of this 'Us vs. Them' mentality. You don't hope the German skier falls or the Korean skater hits the wall. You want to see some great competition, let the best win and we can all cheer.
We've advanced that far as a group of people, right? Right?
Oh, never mind:
So, the Winter Olympics are taking place in Vancouver. USA, USA, USA, or something like that.
Having only caught bits and pieces of the Olympics (that curling again is oh so exciting), I still don't get all the National Pride.
There are no 'bad' Russians any more to root against. It's not like Iran is sending a team of skiers to Canada. Even if they did, the story of their struggle to learn skiing in the desert would make them fan favorites.
Over the years, the hope is anyway, that we've evolved out of this 'Us vs. Them' mentality. You don't hope the German skier falls or the Korean skater hits the wall. You want to see some great competition, let the best win and we can all cheer.
We've advanced that far as a group of people, right? Right?
Oh, never mind:
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Healing power of music
Good Morning and welcome to a brand-new day!
Ever notice no matter how bad the day is going, you hear a song (whether it be on the radio, iPod or getting gas at Wawa) that turns the mood.
Sure, there are a lot of depressing songs out there, but sometimes all you need is a good tune to turn things around.
It might be a song you previously didn't like or maybe didn't pay much attention when it was playing.
Then, boom, the song touches your soul.
Maybe we all need a good soundtrack for life.
Ever notice no matter how bad the day is going, you hear a song (whether it be on the radio, iPod or getting gas at Wawa) that turns the mood.
Sure, there are a lot of depressing songs out there, but sometimes all you need is a good tune to turn things around.
It might be a song you previously didn't like or maybe didn't pay much attention when it was playing.
Then, boom, the song touches your soul.
Maybe we all need a good soundtrack for life.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Rise and Shine -- Shopping?
Good Morning and who wasn't annoyed by that snow this morning?
When the first calls for big snow come around, the food stores get packed. Everybody fills up the pantry, just in case they can't get out for a week or so.
Most of the time, this is kind of funny. After all, most of our snows last a day, then everybody gets around. You don't really need all those frozen dinners.
Of course, the snow over the last couple of weeks made the run to the supermarket a good idea. We were snowed in. We needed something to eat, especially after shoveling the mess.
When the roads got cleared this past weekend, though, it appears the mall was was the place to be. Anybody who ventured out Sunday found out they weren't alone.
The malls were packed (if anybody was actually buying something, well, that's another story). There were no parking spots to be found. The little stores were wall-to-wall people.
After sitting in the house all those days, it seemed like a good idea. Head over the King of Prussia and move around a bit. If you have children, though, there's one store you need to hit. That's the Lego store.
Sunday, Valentine's Day, there were so many people in the Lego store you couldn't help but bump into somebody. Children couldn't even run around because there was no space. The line stretched out of the store.
All right, five minutes is up, let's move on.
A quick walk out and the promise of chocolate led to the Godiva store. Even though it was a big candy-buying day, Godiva was not nearly as crowded as Lego.
What does that mean? Maybe You Tube has something to do with it:
When the first calls for big snow come around, the food stores get packed. Everybody fills up the pantry, just in case they can't get out for a week or so.
Most of the time, this is kind of funny. After all, most of our snows last a day, then everybody gets around. You don't really need all those frozen dinners.
Of course, the snow over the last couple of weeks made the run to the supermarket a good idea. We were snowed in. We needed something to eat, especially after shoveling the mess.
When the roads got cleared this past weekend, though, it appears the mall was was the place to be. Anybody who ventured out Sunday found out they weren't alone.
The malls were packed (if anybody was actually buying something, well, that's another story). There were no parking spots to be found. The little stores were wall-to-wall people.
After sitting in the house all those days, it seemed like a good idea. Head over the King of Prussia and move around a bit. If you have children, though, there's one store you need to hit. That's the Lego store.
Sunday, Valentine's Day, there were so many people in the Lego store you couldn't help but bump into somebody. Children couldn't even run around because there was no space. The line stretched out of the store.
All right, five minutes is up, let's move on.
A quick walk out and the promise of chocolate led to the Godiva store. Even though it was a big candy-buying day, Godiva was not nearly as crowded as Lego.
What does that mean? Maybe You Tube has something to do with it:
Monday, February 15, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Cabin Fever
Good Morning and wasn't it nice to not have to shovel this morning!
So, the biggest offshoot of all this snow is school closings.
You know, it's nice a couple of times a winter (once?), to get that extra snow day. It gives students a chance to regroup and just have some fun in the snow.
When we are stretching into a week off, well, it's way too much.
A Facebook from Lansdale says if there is another snow day tomorrow, she's taking her children and dropping them off on the doorstep of the superintendent.
Now, that might be going too far, but anybody who's been home with school-age children during this epic week, well, you can understand the sentiment.
There are only so many snowmen to be built. There are only so many times you can say 'Read a book' or 'Clean your room!' There are only so many indoor games of tag anybody can take.
It's time to get back to school!
If tonight's snowstorm turns out worse than expected (they are currently calling for about an inch), I forsee a band of parents shoveling a path to school.
So, the biggest offshoot of all this snow is school closings.
You know, it's nice a couple of times a winter (once?), to get that extra snow day. It gives students a chance to regroup and just have some fun in the snow.
When we are stretching into a week off, well, it's way too much.
A Facebook from Lansdale says if there is another snow day tomorrow, she's taking her children and dropping them off on the doorstep of the superintendent.
Now, that might be going too far, but anybody who's been home with school-age children during this epic week, well, you can understand the sentiment.
There are only so many snowmen to be built. There are only so many times you can say 'Read a book' or 'Clean your room!' There are only so many indoor games of tag anybody can take.
It's time to get back to school!
If tonight's snowstorm turns out worse than expected (they are currently calling for about an inch), I forsee a band of parents shoveling a path to school.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Take this snow and shovel it
Good Morning and welcome back to 'The Day After Tomorrow!'
Here are some huge high fives for those who made it to work, home from work and kept the roads plowed during this epic blizzard.
This morning, after digging out the car, the roads proved to be passable. Much more than around 5 p.m. Wednesday, when cars were getting stuck all over the place and life became very scary.
Now, what exactly do we do with all that snow.
The piles were gigantic before that second round hit yesterday. Heck, there was too much out there Tuesday night. Of course, it's all going to go somewhere, like our basements.
You know, even those who profess to 'love snow' have to be hating things right about now. That is, unless you are a student and are getting an extra-long break.
So, I announced last night, I guess we all hate snow right now.
'I love it,' said Liam.
You love it. How can you love this?
'It looks nice,' was the retort.
Sure, it looks great if you get off from school and don't have to shovel. Then, it looks like the seventh level of Armageddon.
Here are some huge high fives for those who made it to work, home from work and kept the roads plowed during this epic blizzard.
This morning, after digging out the car, the roads proved to be passable. Much more than around 5 p.m. Wednesday, when cars were getting stuck all over the place and life became very scary.
Now, what exactly do we do with all that snow.
The piles were gigantic before that second round hit yesterday. Heck, there was too much out there Tuesday night. Of course, it's all going to go somewhere, like our basements.
You know, even those who profess to 'love snow' have to be hating things right about now. That is, unless you are a student and are getting an extra-long break.
So, I announced last night, I guess we all hate snow right now.
'I love it,' said Liam.
You love it. How can you love this?
'It looks nice,' was the retort.
Sure, it looks great if you get off from school and don't have to shovel. Then, it looks like the seventh level of Armageddon.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Making Winter Bearable
Good Morning and thanks again to the Cold Miser for giving us winter!
The sound started from the kitchen around 6:30 last night. The first snowflakes weren't falling, but, when the music starts playing, we know what's next.
Coming through the sounds of was the crinkle of a bag, then the sound of a measuring cup clipping the side of a metal bowl.
Pretty soon, the singing got louder and the you could hear a spoon mixing flour, baking powder, baking soda and other secret things together.
The 'ding' of the oven when the temperature was just right meant we were only minutes away from the only good thing about winter: Cookies fresh from the oven.
No matter what's going on in the world. No matter how much snow was going to be dumped on us. It didn't even matter that we had to drive to work in the mess the next morning.
No, the baking was starting. The treats were on the way.
The last time, the master baker did her thing, then took half and walked to work so those in the office could feel a bit of the warmth.
Thanks, Kathleen, you make it all better.
The sound started from the kitchen around 6:30 last night. The first snowflakes weren't falling, but, when the music starts playing, we know what's next.
Coming through the sounds of was the crinkle of a bag, then the sound of a measuring cup clipping the side of a metal bowl.
Pretty soon, the singing got louder and the you could hear a spoon mixing flour, baking powder, baking soda and other secret things together.
The 'ding' of the oven when the temperature was just right meant we were only minutes away from the only good thing about winter: Cookies fresh from the oven.
No matter what's going on in the world. No matter how much snow was going to be dumped on us. It didn't even matter that we had to drive to work in the mess the next morning.
No, the baking was starting. The treats were on the way.
The last time, the master baker did her thing, then took half and walked to work so those in the office could feel a bit of the warmth.
Thanks, Kathleen, you make it all better.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Rise and Shine --- On the Radio
Good Morning and it appears about time we all went South!
I used to listen to the radio all the time. Now, not so much.
I might flip around while driving to hear a song I like. If there's nothing on the music side, I'll hit the AM button and catch some talk radio.
That usually means the radio is close to being turned off.
Aside from the racist hate radio that fills the airwaves (Rush, Hannity, et al), sportstalk radio is continually heading into the dark range.
Spend any time around people and you know they like to talk. Some like to throw things out there to get a reaction. Some believe they know everything about everthing and need to let you know it too.
Now that the Super Bowl is over, sportstalk radio is filled with callers and hosts who want changes made to the Eagles. They want the coach fired. They want a new quarterback. They want new ownership.
OK, the Eagles haven't won a Super Bowl, but what would you rather have, the doldrums of the 1980s and 1990s or a chance to win every year? Fire the coach and end up with a Rich Kotite clone (remember how bad that was?). Get rid of the most successful quarterback in franchise history and end up with, what, Bobby Hoying?
Then we can venture into the Phillies. All the team has done is make the last two World Series, winning the first.
Now, they go out and get the best pitcher in the game, but nobody is happy. I actually heard somebody say they would never attend a game again after the deal that brought in Roy Halladay and got rid of Cliff Lee.
It almost makes you pine for the blither blather of Rush and his hatred of everything.
Then again, maybe it's time to pull out the CDs.
I used to listen to the radio all the time. Now, not so much.
I might flip around while driving to hear a song I like. If there's nothing on the music side, I'll hit the AM button and catch some talk radio.
That usually means the radio is close to being turned off.
Aside from the racist hate radio that fills the airwaves (Rush, Hannity, et al), sportstalk radio is continually heading into the dark range.
Spend any time around people and you know they like to talk. Some like to throw things out there to get a reaction. Some believe they know everything about everthing and need to let you know it too.
Now that the Super Bowl is over, sportstalk radio is filled with callers and hosts who want changes made to the Eagles. They want the coach fired. They want a new quarterback. They want new ownership.
OK, the Eagles haven't won a Super Bowl, but what would you rather have, the doldrums of the 1980s and 1990s or a chance to win every year? Fire the coach and end up with a Rich Kotite clone (remember how bad that was?). Get rid of the most successful quarterback in franchise history and end up with, what, Bobby Hoying?
Then we can venture into the Phillies. All the team has done is make the last two World Series, winning the first.
Now, they go out and get the best pitcher in the game, but nobody is happy. I actually heard somebody say they would never attend a game again after the deal that brought in Roy Halladay and got rid of Cliff Lee.
It almost makes you pine for the blither blather of Rush and his hatred of everything.
Then again, maybe it's time to pull out the CDs.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Super ... Ouch
Good Morning and welcome to the greatest week Ben Gay ever had!
After a full day of sledding and shoveling, the Super Bowl seemed like it would be the perfect elixer to end the day.
Watching the Big Game (as they like to say when they don't want to pay the NFL) with four non-football fans makes it, well, kind of interesting.
The biggest question of the day wasn't, 'Who's going to win?' It was a tie between 'Is this over yet?' and 'Can we watch Spongebob instead?'
Hey, at least there were some entertaining commercial spots this year to fill in between the boring stuff.
After a couple of years of too much Budweiser, Geccos and talking Babies, there was some imagination out there this time around.
I thought the David Letterman/Oprah/Jay Leno spot and the Careerbuilder.com Casual Friday ad were funny. I also laughed out loud at the Betty White/Abe Vigoda snickers ad.
In highly scientific voting at the Super Bowl party, though, there were three clear winners. So, since the game wasn't as exciting, here you go with the top three:
3. Dorito's Tim's Locker: CLICK here to see it
2. Kia's Toys dream: CLICK HERE to see it
1. Google. CLICK HERE to see it
Now, the three worst (once again, highly scientific voting procedures)
3. Denny's
2. Emerald Nuts
1. Bridgestone
What do you think?
After a full day of sledding and shoveling, the Super Bowl seemed like it would be the perfect elixer to end the day.
Watching the Big Game (as they like to say when they don't want to pay the NFL) with four non-football fans makes it, well, kind of interesting.
The biggest question of the day wasn't, 'Who's going to win?' It was a tie between 'Is this over yet?' and 'Can we watch Spongebob instead?'
Hey, at least there were some entertaining commercial spots this year to fill in between the boring stuff.
After a couple of years of too much Budweiser, Geccos and talking Babies, there was some imagination out there this time around.
I thought the David Letterman/Oprah/Jay Leno spot and the Careerbuilder.com Casual Friday ad were funny. I also laughed out loud at the Betty White/Abe Vigoda snickers ad.
In highly scientific voting at the Super Bowl party, though, there were three clear winners. So, since the game wasn't as exciting, here you go with the top three:
3. Dorito's Tim's Locker: CLICK here to see it
2. Kia's Toys dream: CLICK HERE to see it
1. Google. CLICK HERE to see it
Now, the three worst (once again, highly scientific voting procedures)
3. Denny's
2. Emerald Nuts
1. Bridgestone
What do you think?
Friday, February 5, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Craziness
Good Morning and welcome to the calm before the storm!
A couple of stories hit close to home yesterday.
First, was the one about the one about the St. Eugene student who took a knife to school.
The other was out of Florida, where a fourth grader was dragged to the principal's office when he was found playing with a Lego figure, which just happened to be carrying a toy gun.
Now, at first glance, these appear to be two different things. A child bringing an Army knife to school, then threatening fellow students (according to the report), is much more disturbing than somebody with an Army Lego man.
The problem, like in all these cases, is where do you draw the line. A threat of violence has to be dealt with to the full extent of the rules. Bring something to school that could hurt somebody else, pay the price.
Bring a one-inch toy to school to show off to your friends, well, that's completely different.
It's up to teachers to know the difference. You can take the toy, put it away and give it back at the end of the day. Even a fourth-grader knows not to bring it in again.
This happens all the time. Parents are now going to have to dump bookbags in the morning to make sure sneaky toys haven't jumped in.
There is a difference.
A couple of stories hit close to home yesterday.
First, was the one about the one about the St. Eugene student who took a knife to school.
The other was out of Florida, where a fourth grader was dragged to the principal's office when he was found playing with a Lego figure, which just happened to be carrying a toy gun.
Now, at first glance, these appear to be two different things. A child bringing an Army knife to school, then threatening fellow students (according to the report), is much more disturbing than somebody with an Army Lego man.
The problem, like in all these cases, is where do you draw the line. A threat of violence has to be dealt with to the full extent of the rules. Bring something to school that could hurt somebody else, pay the price.
Bring a one-inch toy to school to show off to your friends, well, that's completely different.
It's up to teachers to know the difference. You can take the toy, put it away and give it back at the end of the day. Even a fourth-grader knows not to bring it in again.
This happens all the time. Parents are now going to have to dump bookbags in the morning to make sure sneaky toys haven't jumped in.
There is a difference.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Just Drive
Good Morning and welcome to a Winter Wonderland!
That snow out there this morning looks nice, but it's not causing many problems. The main streets are just wet.
The big debate out there is the use of cell phones in cars. The state wants to ban the use. You are not supposed to be able to drive and talk in New Jersey or Philadelphia (if you look, though, it doesn't appear anybody is paying attention to that ban).
I try not to use the phone in the car. On the rare exception it does ring, thank you, Caller ID inventor) I let it go through the voice mail.
Now, I know the cell phone has made our life a bit easier. If there is an accident or a problem, it's a lot easier than knocking on doors to make a call.
Driving and talking (or texting!), still doesn't seem right. I know people do it all the time, but we somehow survived all those years without being plugged in.
Then again, pretty soon Apple will no doubt have a phone and lap top right on our dashboard, so better get with the program.
That snow out there this morning looks nice, but it's not causing many problems. The main streets are just wet.
The big debate out there is the use of cell phones in cars. The state wants to ban the use. You are not supposed to be able to drive and talk in New Jersey or Philadelphia (if you look, though, it doesn't appear anybody is paying attention to that ban).
I try not to use the phone in the car. On the rare exception it does ring, thank you, Caller ID inventor) I let it go through the voice mail.
Now, I know the cell phone has made our life a bit easier. If there is an accident or a problem, it's a lot easier than knocking on doors to make a call.
Driving and talking (or texting!), still doesn't seem right. I know people do it all the time, but we somehow survived all those years without being plugged in.
Then again, pretty soon Apple will no doubt have a phone and lap top right on our dashboard, so better get with the program.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Singing, Dancing
Good Morning and welcome to Groundhog Day!
Like it really matters if Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow. We are still going to have a cold February and March.
While watching part of the Grammy Awards Sunday night (could only make it through the Pink performance), I got to thinking about music (OK, I had a little help).
Whatever time we are living in, we think we have either the best or worst music ever.
Those in the 1960s rebelled against the Beatles and Rolling Stones because they become 'too corporate.' Whatever that means.
During the 1970s, Disco became huge, then crashed and burned.
The 1980s brought, well, depending on you, some good stuff, some iconic stuff and, well, some forgettable stuff.
The 1990s, well, when Britany, the Backstreet Boys and Celine Dion dominate the charts, it's better left alone.
The last decade is just too early to judge. Although, that Grammy show didn't exactly capture the moment.
So, all these years later, at least the 1980s brought some interesting things to our ears.
Now, let me know, what is your favorite music from the 1980s.
Like it really matters if Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow. We are still going to have a cold February and March.
While watching part of the Grammy Awards Sunday night (could only make it through the Pink performance), I got to thinking about music (OK, I had a little help).
Whatever time we are living in, we think we have either the best or worst music ever.
Those in the 1960s rebelled against the Beatles and Rolling Stones because they become 'too corporate.' Whatever that means.
During the 1970s, Disco became huge, then crashed and burned.
The 1980s brought, well, depending on you, some good stuff, some iconic stuff and, well, some forgettable stuff.
The 1990s, well, when Britany, the Backstreet Boys and Celine Dion dominate the charts, it's better left alone.
The last decade is just too early to judge. Although, that Grammy show didn't exactly capture the moment.
So, all these years later, at least the 1980s brought some interesting things to our ears.
Now, let me know, what is your favorite music from the 1980s.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Gaming
Good Morning and welcome to a brand-new week!
A couple of years ago, a Nintendo DS entered our home. Liam's Christmas gift was fun and exciting. After all, we had been able to push off the video game generation a little longer.
Now, as a bit of an aside, we did have about 10 versions of different LeapFrog games, but they are more about learning than playing, something that was learned quickly by a child's mind.
So, loaded down with a couple of games, the Nintendo DS (for those not in the know, it's a hand-held video game) quickly became a reason to argue.
Everybody wanted to play it. Liam wasn't to happy, after all, it is his and his alone. Still, thanks to some parental input, the game became something to share.
So, Liam would play it, then Brendan would get a chance and finally Malena (and sometimes Dad). Soon, though, the amount of time everybody was using the game became an issue.
'He had it longer than me.' 'I never get a chance to play.' 'When is it my turn.'
That's when the timer comes in. Now, everybody has a chance to play for 15 minutes. When the alarm goes off, it's time to switch.
Of course, that comes with its own set of problems. Some of the games take longer than 15 minutes, which means you get to hear a lot of 'just one more minute' or 'I just want to finish this one thing.'
Of course, the arguments come and it's time to put it away. The next day, there's a repeat, so it's time to hide the whole thing.
Or, at least give me a chance to play.
A couple of years ago, a Nintendo DS entered our home. Liam's Christmas gift was fun and exciting. After all, we had been able to push off the video game generation a little longer.
Now, as a bit of an aside, we did have about 10 versions of different LeapFrog games, but they are more about learning than playing, something that was learned quickly by a child's mind.
So, loaded down with a couple of games, the Nintendo DS (for those not in the know, it's a hand-held video game) quickly became a reason to argue.Everybody wanted to play it. Liam wasn't to happy, after all, it is his and his alone. Still, thanks to some parental input, the game became something to share.
So, Liam would play it, then Brendan would get a chance and finally Malena (and sometimes Dad). Soon, though, the amount of time everybody was using the game became an issue.
'He had it longer than me.' 'I never get a chance to play.' 'When is it my turn.'
That's when the timer comes in. Now, everybody has a chance to play for 15 minutes. When the alarm goes off, it's time to switch.
Of course, that comes with its own set of problems. Some of the games take longer than 15 minutes, which means you get to hear a lot of 'just one more minute' or 'I just want to finish this one thing.'
Of course, the arguments come and it's time to put it away. The next day, there's a repeat, so it's time to hide the whole thing. Or, at least give me a chance to play.
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