Good Morning and Welcome America!
I remember those days in school (yes, that part of the brain still works) when the clock couldn't tick off the minutes fast enough.
"Wait, it's only 9:30 a.m., it feels like we've been here for hours!!!"
We all go through that every once in a while, no matter how much you like your job or school day.
That darn clock just won't tick. Hey, it looks like the bosses/teachers have taken the batteries out. What are they trying to do? Torture me? Is this what they do in Guantanamo?
Now that a much-needed vacation is on the horizon, that clock is once again slowing down. Now, I'm not one to look too far ahead. I like to live in the moment, enjoy the sunshine of today.
Still, come on clock, let's get going...
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Flash Mob Idiots
Good Morning and welcome to a world gone to pot!?!
So, a bunch of kids got of the train and 69th Street, walked to the Sears and robbed them blind.
If you watch the video, it's pretty obvious these 'children' were organized by somebody. They walked in almost like it was a parade, spread out through the store and just started picking off merchandise.
Now, I don't know about you and maybe I'm getting old, but when I was the same age, I was more worried about how the Phillies were going to break out of their slump. I was trying to figure out if I should ride my bike to a friends house or ask my Mom to drive. I was sitting by the pool, listening to music or splashing my brothers.
I certainly wasn't walking into a department store and putting on a new pair of shoes before walking out.
It probably never entered my mind.
For the most part, I don't think it's something these teen and pre-teen children thought about either. They were obviously manipulated by somebody who doesn't care about ruined lives.
Yes, there should be something in your brain that says "Walk Away." If you watch the video, some did walk away.
The question is, where do we go from here?
So, a bunch of kids got of the train and 69th Street, walked to the Sears and robbed them blind.
If you watch the video, it's pretty obvious these 'children' were organized by somebody. They walked in almost like it was a parade, spread out through the store and just started picking off merchandise.
Now, I don't know about you and maybe I'm getting old, but when I was the same age, I was more worried about how the Phillies were going to break out of their slump. I was trying to figure out if I should ride my bike to a friends house or ask my Mom to drive. I was sitting by the pool, listening to music or splashing my brothers.
I certainly wasn't walking into a department store and putting on a new pair of shoes before walking out.
It probably never entered my mind.
For the most part, I don't think it's something these teen and pre-teen children thought about either. They were obviously manipulated by somebody who doesn't care about ruined lives.
Yes, there should be something in your brain that says "Walk Away." If you watch the video, some did walk away.
The question is, where do we go from here?
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Rise and Shine --- It's the shoes
Good Morning and here we are again!
All day yesterday, I heard the same question: "Is it time yet? Is it time yet? Is it time yet?"
For one of the few times, it wasn't about waiting for cookies coming out of the oven or going to the playground.
Tuesday was a special day for a 6-year old I know. Sure, she's had big life moments come and go over the last few weeks. There was the end of kindergarten, the taking off of training wheels and learning how to whistle.
Still, Tuesday was special. Tuesday was the dance recital day.
Truth be told, she was getting kind of bored with dance class every Saturday. Most Saturday mornings, I had to remind her about the fun of class. I had to talk her into getting the tights on, getting the stuff together.
For the last month, though, it's been different. They've been going over the routine. They've been talking about getting on the stage.
So, the time came Tuesday night, the lights were out and, behind the curtain, you could here the movement of little feet.
You can't help but smile when you see the spotlight greeted by the smiles. To me, it was better than any show I've seen.
Now, I'll have to convince her to put the costume away.
All day yesterday, I heard the same question: "Is it time yet? Is it time yet? Is it time yet?"
For one of the few times, it wasn't about waiting for cookies coming out of the oven or going to the playground.
Tuesday was a special day for a 6-year old I know. Sure, she's had big life moments come and go over the last few weeks. There was the end of kindergarten, the taking off of training wheels and learning how to whistle.
Still, Tuesday was special. Tuesday was the dance recital day.
Truth be told, she was getting kind of bored with dance class every Saturday. Most Saturday mornings, I had to remind her about the fun of class. I had to talk her into getting the tights on, getting the stuff together.
For the last month, though, it's been different. They've been going over the routine. They've been talking about getting on the stage.
So, the time came Tuesday night, the lights were out and, behind the curtain, you could here the movement of little feet.
You can't help but smile when you see the spotlight greeted by the smiles. To me, it was better than any show I've seen.
Now, I'll have to convince her to put the costume away.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Alien attack
Good Morning and welcome to a new era!
So, I was sitting around last night and noticed the new Steven Speilberg-produced TV show 'Falling Skies' was debuting on TBS.
Since I didn't care much for the Yankees/Cubs game (really, ESPN, do we have to see the Yankees every week?), I figured it was worth checking out.
For those who don't know, Falling Skies is a show that takes place after an alien invasion. A band of humans fight for their survival. It's like if the aliens had won in "War of the Worlds."
So, they blow up alien ships. Some outside characters with no lines get shot. There are cute kids. Scruffy looking heroes. Every woman looks like a model.
In other words, it's typical television fare.
In all these band of human movies, though, why do they head out at night to get food or move along the coast?
Anyway, it's something on a Sunday night that will let the brain chill out, so, at least we have that.
So, I was sitting around last night and noticed the new Steven Speilberg-produced TV show 'Falling Skies' was debuting on TBS.
Since I didn't care much for the Yankees/Cubs game (really, ESPN, do we have to see the Yankees every week?), I figured it was worth checking out.
For those who don't know, Falling Skies is a show that takes place after an alien invasion. A band of humans fight for their survival. It's like if the aliens had won in "War of the Worlds."
So, they blow up alien ships. Some outside characters with no lines get shot. There are cute kids. Scruffy looking heroes. Every woman looks like a model.
In other words, it's typical television fare.
In all these band of human movies, though, why do they head out at night to get food or move along the coast?
Anyway, it's something on a Sunday night that will let the brain chill out, so, at least we have that.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Rise and Shine --- School excitement
Good Morning and why is Anthony Weiner still in the news?!?
OK, I said yesterday morning, it's you last day of kindergarten, how does it feel to almost be a first-grader?
"Dad," the 6-year old who actually sat through a graduation ceremony Monday, but had to go back for one more day Tuesday (thanks, snow!), "it's no different. I'm still the same person. I like kindergarten."
So, I tried my question two more times first with a third-grader, then a sixth grader.
How does it feel to be almost done school and be a fourth-grader?
"Same as yesterday," said the younger. "Can I play (a specific videogame)?"
First tell me what it's like to almost be done school?
"What's the difference? I still have to go back after the summer."
Once more, how does it feel like to be just about done your first year of middle school.
"I don't know," said the almost teenager.
You like school, though, will you miss being in sixth-grade.
"I don't know."
Yeah, but how was the last week of school?
Shoulder shrug.
Hey, at least we have the summer.
OK, I said yesterday morning, it's you last day of kindergarten, how does it feel to almost be a first-grader?
"Dad," the 6-year old who actually sat through a graduation ceremony Monday, but had to go back for one more day Tuesday (thanks, snow!), "it's no different. I'm still the same person. I like kindergarten."
So, I tried my question two more times first with a third-grader, then a sixth grader.
How does it feel to be almost done school and be a fourth-grader?
"Same as yesterday," said the younger. "Can I play (a specific videogame)?"
First tell me what it's like to almost be done school?
"What's the difference? I still have to go back after the summer."
Once more, how does it feel like to be just about done your first year of middle school.
"I don't know," said the almost teenager.
You like school, though, will you miss being in sixth-grade.
"I don't know."
Yeah, but how was the last week of school?
Shoulder shrug.
Hey, at least we have the summer.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Some good things about the Internet
Good Morning and, yes, we are still here!
I was reading a story the other day about the birth and death of a publication called "The National." For those who don't know, The National was a sports newspaper that had bold ideas, but not the technology (or business mind) to pull it off.
At the time, I thought it was a cool idea. It was supposed to be like getting Sports Illustrated every day with the added bonus of having last night's games.
The beauty of it is if The National started now, there would be no reason to worry about those scores. If I go to bed before the Phillies game is over, I can check the score right after I hit the snooze button (for the 15th time) on my phone.
Also, thanks the the Internet I didn't miss this:
I was reading a story the other day about the birth and death of a publication called "The National." For those who don't know, The National was a sports newspaper that had bold ideas, but not the technology (or business mind) to pull it off.
At the time, I thought it was a cool idea. It was supposed to be like getting Sports Illustrated every day with the added bonus of having last night's games.
The beauty of it is if The National started now, there would be no reason to worry about those scores. If I go to bed before the Phillies game is over, I can check the score right after I hit the snooze button (for the 15th time) on my phone.
Also, thanks the the Internet I didn't miss this:
Monday, June 13, 2011
Rise and Shine --- End of Days?
Good Morning and here we are again!
Now that we are winding down the school year (and doesn't it go faster every year?), it's time to really think about the summer.
Every year at this time, I try not to look too far ahead. I don't want to think about what's going to happen in a couple of weeks (trip to Disney) or what might happen in July (swimming) or even August (maybe another trip). I want everything to slow down for the summer.
I want to enjoy the nice, hot days. The playing the backyard. The catches. The drives to Grandmom's pool. The cooking on the grill. The lighting of the Tiki torches. The spraying of water guns.
While many may be bemoaning the end of the school year, I revel in it. I want the voices around me. Sure, it's going to be frustrating at times (No, you can't have any more cookies!).
The summer, though, is my time. It's time enjoy these little things.
OK, by the end, I'll be looking forward to the start of school once again, but that's down the line. I want to feel and remember every minute of this summer.
Now that we are winding down the school year (and doesn't it go faster every year?), it's time to really think about the summer.
Every year at this time, I try not to look too far ahead. I don't want to think about what's going to happen in a couple of weeks (trip to Disney) or what might happen in July (swimming) or even August (maybe another trip). I want everything to slow down for the summer.
I want to enjoy the nice, hot days. The playing the backyard. The catches. The drives to Grandmom's pool. The cooking on the grill. The lighting of the Tiki torches. The spraying of water guns.
While many may be bemoaning the end of the school year, I revel in it. I want the voices around me. Sure, it's going to be frustrating at times (No, you can't have any more cookies!).
The summer, though, is my time. It's time enjoy these little things.
OK, by the end, I'll be looking forward to the start of school once again, but that's down the line. I want to feel and remember every minute of this summer.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Big brother
Good Morning and I'm wondering this morning how we've become a nation of rude people?
Anyway, we get our pictures taken when we walk into the Wawa, get money from the ATM or just drive down the road. So, this could be any of us, but it's still pretty funny:
Anyway, we get our pictures taken when we walk into the Wawa, get money from the ATM or just drive down the road. So, this could be any of us, but it's still pretty funny:
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Rise and Shine --- What we learn
Good Morning and welcome back to Tuesday!
You know, Monday gets a bad rap, but Tuesday can be a little tougher. It's too late to say we are recovering from the weekend and next weekend is too far away. Tuesday doesn't even get a cool nickname.
Speaking of names, you know how actors and actresses change their names so it will be easier to remember. For instance, the name Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam doesn't exactly roll off the lips. Change it to Akon and, well, it's a star in the making.
Maybe politicians should think about doing the same. Really, if you are in office with the name Weiner, you really should be more careful if you send out some racy photos. There wouldn't be as much of an outrage if he became Anthony Вайнер or Anthony Zakila or Anthony Clinton.
One other thing, have you noticed in this world of technology we've become more connected than ever, but somehow are less connected.
It used to be, the phone rang, you answered it and talked to somebody. Now, you can see who is calling the cell phone as it's ringing and decide whether or not to answer. You can then quickly delete the voicemail or just ignore it completely.
There's nothing worse then sending a message (be it text or e-mail) and have it ignored. Too many things go through your mind. Was it ignored? Did it not go through? Is the phone broken? Is somebody in trouble?
Ah, technology, a whole new way to ignore people.
Then again, maybe we wouldn't have this:
You know, Monday gets a bad rap, but Tuesday can be a little tougher. It's too late to say we are recovering from the weekend and next weekend is too far away. Tuesday doesn't even get a cool nickname.
Speaking of names, you know how actors and actresses change their names so it will be easier to remember. For instance, the name Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam doesn't exactly roll off the lips. Change it to Akon and, well, it's a star in the making.
Maybe politicians should think about doing the same. Really, if you are in office with the name Weiner, you really should be more careful if you send out some racy photos. There wouldn't be as much of an outrage if he became Anthony Вайнер or Anthony Zakila or Anthony Clinton.
One other thing, have you noticed in this world of technology we've become more connected than ever, but somehow are less connected.
It used to be, the phone rang, you answered it and talked to somebody. Now, you can see who is calling the cell phone as it's ringing and decide whether or not to answer. You can then quickly delete the voicemail or just ignore it completely.
There's nothing worse then sending a message (be it text or e-mail) and have it ignored. Too many things go through your mind. Was it ignored? Did it not go through? Is the phone broken? Is somebody in trouble?
Ah, technology, a whole new way to ignore people.
Then again, maybe we wouldn't have this:
Monday, June 6, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Fun in the sun
Good Morning and welcome to a brand, spanking new week!
Can't you just feel the excitement about Rick Santorum announcing he's going to run for president. Oh, wait, it's just a little indigestion from the heavy sauce on the pasta.
So, we were out at the Italian Heritage Festival (or the Italian Food Festival or the Delco's Meeting Place) at Rose Tree Park yesterday. Met a lot of nice people and, luckily, had to be there early enough to get a parking spot right near our tent.
Anyway, seemed like everybody was having fun, despite the long food lines.
It was one of those days where it looked like we were going to get rained on, but, when the sun finally broke through, it got very warm.
One thing I came away with is people still rely on the Daily Times to get the information about their community. They are invested in the product (even if the product is on the Internet). We welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds who get their news right here.
So, in the immortal words of Carl Spackler, "So, I have that going for me."
Can't you just feel the excitement about Rick Santorum announcing he's going to run for president. Oh, wait, it's just a little indigestion from the heavy sauce on the pasta.
So, we were out at the Italian Heritage Festival (or the Italian Food Festival or the Delco's Meeting Place) at Rose Tree Park yesterday. Met a lot of nice people and, luckily, had to be there early enough to get a parking spot right near our tent.
Anyway, seemed like everybody was having fun, despite the long food lines.
It was one of those days where it looked like we were going to get rained on, but, when the sun finally broke through, it got very warm.
One thing I came away with is people still rely on the Daily Times to get the information about their community. They are invested in the product (even if the product is on the Internet). We welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds who get their news right here.
So, in the immortal words of Carl Spackler, "So, I have that going for me."
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Movie reviews
Good Morning and welcome back to the only place you can find this!
So, does anybody really pay attention to movie reviewers. Sure, we might glance if Roger Ebert gives the flick a thumbs-up, but if it stars somebody we like or sounds interesting, we are going to see it.
Well, some will see it in the theaters. If you're anything like me, you've been stuck seeing animated movies at the multiplex over the past 10 years.
Thanks to Netflix and On-demand, though, I've been able to sort of catch up on my movie experience.
So, just in case you'd be interested, here are a few Twitter-like reviews of movies I've seen over the last few months.
Zombieland: Way overlooked. Should have been Oscar nominated.
xXx: Vin Deisel as James Bond. Kind of works in a bad-Rocky kind of way.
The Fast and the Furious: Set the alarm so you don't miss the chase scene at the end. Snooze through the rest.
Pink Panther 2: Steve Martin better in the sequel, but still no Peter Sellers.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Why is Nick Cage in every movie. Oh yeah, he overacts to the point it makes it interesting.
Food Inc.: I dare you to watch this and eat anything by home-grown tomatoes for the next week.
Exit Through the Gift Shop: Should have won Oscar. Feel the need to go to Home Depot and buy spray paint.
Inside Deep Throat: Uh, not quite was expected.
Capitalism: A Love Story: Yes, Mike Moore still can entertain and shock with his style.
The Departed: Leonardo can hold his own with Jack. Also, was that really Batman?
Well, that was just a few. I have to get back tot he remote.
So, does anybody really pay attention to movie reviewers. Sure, we might glance if Roger Ebert gives the flick a thumbs-up, but if it stars somebody we like or sounds interesting, we are going to see it.
Well, some will see it in the theaters. If you're anything like me, you've been stuck seeing animated movies at the multiplex over the past 10 years.
Thanks to Netflix and On-demand, though, I've been able to sort of catch up on my movie experience.
So, just in case you'd be interested, here are a few Twitter-like reviews of movies I've seen over the last few months.
Zombieland: Way overlooked. Should have been Oscar nominated.
xXx: Vin Deisel as James Bond. Kind of works in a bad-Rocky kind of way.
The Fast and the Furious: Set the alarm so you don't miss the chase scene at the end. Snooze through the rest.
Pink Panther 2: Steve Martin better in the sequel, but still no Peter Sellers.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Why is Nick Cage in every movie. Oh yeah, he overacts to the point it makes it interesting.
Food Inc.: I dare you to watch this and eat anything by home-grown tomatoes for the next week.
Exit Through the Gift Shop: Should have won Oscar. Feel the need to go to Home Depot and buy spray paint.
Inside Deep Throat: Uh, not quite was expected.
Capitalism: A Love Story: Yes, Mike Moore still can entertain and shock with his style.
The Departed: Leonardo can hold his own with Jack. Also, was that really Batman?
Well, that was just a few. I have to get back tot he remote.
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