Good Morning and doesn't it somehow feel fitting when it rains on a Monday?
The Phillies have been riding a wave of public relations heaven for about 10 years now. To borrow a phrase, their poop didn't stink.
They were winning. A bunch of fans (millions) were coming out to Citizens Bank Park to see the players make a push to a championship. They traded young players for old and kept it going. The owners, who were so hated in the 1990s, were glorified.
It's all pretty good. Still is, but, now, there are some chinks in that armor.
The team took some hits over the weekend for a couple of Inquirer stories. One being on how the use of cortisone injections given to first baseman Ryan Howard could have led to his tearing of his Achilles tendon at the end of last year. The second being how the Phillies kept a reporter from watching Howard rehabbing in Florida.
Having been a Phillies fan my whole life, all I could think was "so what."
This kind of thing happens in professional sports all the time. Teams and players lie or hide from the media. The players aren't really that fan friendly. They do the things the team tells them do to, but get them outside the ballpark and, whew, watch out.
I covered professional sports for many years. Let me tell you a secret: It's not that glamorous.
I've found out what is glamorous, though. It's telling a 7-year old how to hold the bat and seeing her get a hit on a hot Saturday afternoon. It's getting a bunch of 8- and 9-year old boys to make up a cheer for their teammates.
It's being told, long after a hot day in the sun is over, "Thank you for being there today."
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Monday, May 21, 2012
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Lunch dilemma
Good Morning and if just one of my tomatoes would turn red, the world would be right!!!
So, for the first part of the summer, I was using the old stand-by for lunch: peanut butter and jelly. OK, sometimes I would mix it up and add some marshmallow.
Anyway, it seemed to be working out OK. It was quick, everybody was satisfied, time to move on to the rest of the day.
Well, a few weeks ago, I thought it would be better to mix it up a bit. I mean, PB&J is good and all, but it was time to get some vegetables into the diet.
So, one day I made some vegetable dumplings. Took a little more time and I heard the cries while I cut up the veggies and got the wonton wrappers ready.
When they were cooked, though, it was pretty tasty.
That lasted one week. Then, I went to salad. My crowd wasn't as happy about that. In fact, they boycotted.
OK, how about some spinach raviolis? Seems simple enough, especially with frozen ones.
Two liked it, one didn't. Chili? About 1/3 successful. Vegetable po-boys? About the same.
I'll keep trying, but the peanut butter is right there on the counter.
So, for the first part of the summer, I was using the old stand-by for lunch: peanut butter and jelly. OK, sometimes I would mix it up and add some marshmallow.
Anyway, it seemed to be working out OK. It was quick, everybody was satisfied, time to move on to the rest of the day.
Well, a few weeks ago, I thought it would be better to mix it up a bit. I mean, PB&J is good and all, but it was time to get some vegetables into the diet.
So, one day I made some vegetable dumplings. Took a little more time and I heard the cries while I cut up the veggies and got the wonton wrappers ready.
When they were cooked, though, it was pretty tasty.
That lasted one week. Then, I went to salad. My crowd wasn't as happy about that. In fact, they boycotted.
OK, how about some spinach raviolis? Seems simple enough, especially with frozen ones.
Two liked it, one didn't. Chili? About 1/3 successful. Vegetable po-boys? About the same.
I'll keep trying, but the peanut butter is right there on the counter.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Don't eat there
Good Morning and what a nice one it is today!
So, a big story earlier this week was about a Pittsburgh restaurant that banned children.
From some corners of the world, the owner garnered all kinds of praise. "Way to go!" they said. "We don't want to be bothered looking at children while we eat."
To me, this smells like nothing more than a publicity stunt. In this economy, restaurants are getting hurt worse than any other business. You have to differentiate yourself from the competition.
It's really no different than that wahoo down in Philadelphia who demands his customers speak perfect English. He needed a boost and, boom, got national publicity.
Look, if the site and sounds of children in a restaurant bother you so much, than stay away from the Friday's, Applebees and the like. There are plenty of places people just don't take their children to eat. Choose one of them.
Oh, wait, it's easier to just complain. I forgot about that.
So, a big story earlier this week was about a Pittsburgh restaurant that banned children.
From some corners of the world, the owner garnered all kinds of praise. "Way to go!" they said. "We don't want to be bothered looking at children while we eat."
To me, this smells like nothing more than a publicity stunt. In this economy, restaurants are getting hurt worse than any other business. You have to differentiate yourself from the competition.
It's really no different than that wahoo down in Philadelphia who demands his customers speak perfect English. He needed a boost and, boom, got national publicity.
Look, if the site and sounds of children in a restaurant bother you so much, than stay away from the Friday's, Applebees and the like. There are plenty of places people just don't take their children to eat. Choose one of them.
Oh, wait, it's easier to just complain. I forgot about that.
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, February 21, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Close your eyes and pray
Good Morning and welcome back to the day before the snow returns!
So, the Catholic Church is again getting a bit of bad publicity. More priests have been accused of child molestation and endangerment.
What doesn't seem to compute over here is, how can this keep happening? For years, the church swept this under the rug. For years, those in Rome denied anything wrong was happening. For years, they just moved these 'people' around from church to church, enabling them to hurt more and more people.
Then, every time somebody actually stands up, they act shocked. They act like they never knew. They act like this is an isolated incident.
Well, after years and years of just looking the other way, it's about time those who turned a blind eye should be prosecuted. They should be put in prison like anybody else. They should feel some pain.
It's about time to put the hammer down.
So, the Catholic Church is again getting a bit of bad publicity. More priests have been accused of child molestation and endangerment.
What doesn't seem to compute over here is, how can this keep happening? For years, the church swept this under the rug. For years, those in Rome denied anything wrong was happening. For years, they just moved these 'people' around from church to church, enabling them to hurt more and more people.
Then, every time somebody actually stands up, they act shocked. They act like they never knew. They act like this is an isolated incident.
Well, after years and years of just looking the other way, it's about time those who turned a blind eye should be prosecuted. They should be put in prison like anybody else. They should feel some pain.
It's about time to put the hammer down.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Don't get bullying
Good Morning and welcome to the next big thing!
You know, I've never understood bullying. I'll probably never understand the pack mentality of picking on somebody because they are smaller, different or whatever.
To any logical thinking person, the whole concept is a little beyond scope.
Really, does it make you feel better to pick on somebody? Does it somehow enhance your life to hurt somebody?
You would hope those arrested in Upper Darby yesterday sat in the jail cell and thought about what they did. Chances are at least a couple did, but chances are also good others still see it as no big deal.
Well, it is a big deal. Children have enough pressure on them these days, they don't need to be watching over their shoulders all day.
I've tried to teach that to my children. If somebody needs help, don't walk away, help them out. Don't pick on anybody. Don't laugh at anybody.
Remember, you wouldn't want it to happen to you.
You know, I've never understood bullying. I'll probably never understand the pack mentality of picking on somebody because they are smaller, different or whatever.
To any logical thinking person, the whole concept is a little beyond scope.
Really, does it make you feel better to pick on somebody? Does it somehow enhance your life to hurt somebody?
You would hope those arrested in Upper Darby yesterday sat in the jail cell and thought about what they did. Chances are at least a couple did, but chances are also good others still see it as no big deal.
Well, it is a big deal. Children have enough pressure on them these days, they don't need to be watching over their shoulders all day.
I've tried to teach that to my children. If somebody needs help, don't walk away, help them out. Don't pick on anybody. Don't laugh at anybody.
Remember, you wouldn't want it to happen to you.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Away we go
Good Morning and welcome to a decidedly better feeling Tuesday!
While waiting for reports about that ride on the Osprey, I'm left wondering about excitement.
What might be exciting to some, is probably just another walk in the park for others.
My brother likes to jump out of planes. I know somebody who's not happy unless the waves are at least eight feet high. Meanwhile, there are those who prefer a quiet bike ride (of say, like 100 miles) or just sitting down with a good book.
That's the wonderful thing about the time we live in. Anything can be done (well, within reason), so why not try if you have the opportunity.
I get excitement in seeing everybody smile. If, at the end of the day, somebody says 'That was a good day.' I know things are all right. Sure, there are plenty of pressures around, but, in the end, they get pushed out by other things.
That's what we should be telling our children. Don't sweat the small stuff, we can take care of that. Jump out of the tree if it calls to you. Ride the skateboard over the wall. Run as fast as you can for as far as you can.
Just finish the homework first.
While waiting for reports about that ride on the Osprey, I'm left wondering about excitement.
What might be exciting to some, is probably just another walk in the park for others.
My brother likes to jump out of planes. I know somebody who's not happy unless the waves are at least eight feet high. Meanwhile, there are those who prefer a quiet bike ride (of say, like 100 miles) or just sitting down with a good book.
That's the wonderful thing about the time we live in. Anything can be done (well, within reason), so why not try if you have the opportunity.
I get excitement in seeing everybody smile. If, at the end of the day, somebody says 'That was a good day.' I know things are all right. Sure, there are plenty of pressures around, but, in the end, they get pushed out by other things.
That's what we should be telling our children. Don't sweat the small stuff, we can take care of that. Jump out of the tree if it calls to you. Ride the skateboard over the wall. Run as fast as you can for as far as you can.
Just finish the homework first.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Rise and Shine --- The password
Good Morning and welcome to the start of a rainy week!
Of course, the dark clouds will clear out, that's the beauty of it all.
Speaking of the Dark Side, anybody who has ventured into the world of the iPhone knows how addictive the gadget can be.
There are millions of aps to download, millions of games to check out. Oh yeah, you can actually make calls and check e-mail as well. It's becoming so you might not even need anything else (well, OK, maybe an iPad, but that's for another time).
The amazing part for me, though, is how easy children are able to pick things up.
We've had an iPhone since October and a day doesn't go by before the request comes in: 'Can I play on the phone?'
Once in awhile is OK, but, hey, we do need the phones for something besides games. Something like, I don't know, making phone calls.
Well, during a longer drive last week, I handed over the phone so a 7-year old and a 5-year old would at least calm down a little bit. So, after a little while of playing games, a new request came forward: 'Dad, what's a password?'
Uh, Oh.
Now, they've figured out how to get to the download page. Now, it's 'Can we get this game?' or 'Can we try this one?'
No, no and no password hints here.
Now, if they only put so much effort into schoolwork...
Of course, the dark clouds will clear out, that's the beauty of it all.
Speaking of the Dark Side, anybody who has ventured into the world of the iPhone knows how addictive the gadget can be.
There are millions of aps to download, millions of games to check out. Oh yeah, you can actually make calls and check e-mail as well. It's becoming so you might not even need anything else (well, OK, maybe an iPad, but that's for another time).
The amazing part for me, though, is how easy children are able to pick things up.
We've had an iPhone since October and a day doesn't go by before the request comes in: 'Can I play on the phone?'
Once in awhile is OK, but, hey, we do need the phones for something besides games. Something like, I don't know, making phone calls.
Well, during a longer drive last week, I handed over the phone so a 7-year old and a 5-year old would at least calm down a little bit. So, after a little while of playing games, a new request came forward: 'Dad, what's a password?'
Uh, Oh.
Now, they've figured out how to get to the download page. Now, it's 'Can we get this game?' or 'Can we try this one?'
No, no and no password hints here.
Now, if they only put so much effort into schoolwork...
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Lunch
Good Morning and welcome to another beautiful day!
I remember going to school (OK, the memories are sketchy at best, but I know I attended because I have plenty of photos).
Once a month during elementary school we were treated with a hot dog day. Everybody left the lunch boxes at home and were able to get a couple of hot dogs for some small amount. It was fun. There was ketchup on the table and then we went outside and ran around.
Over the years, the school lunch has grown to include everything, much of which isn't the healthiest thing around (not like hot dogs were, but that was just once a month).
Back when parents packed lunches every day, we got a peanut butter sandwich, maybe some chips and an apple.
Now, children are given pizza, candy, whatever. It's all mass-cooked (mostly off-site) and filled with nothing but white flour and hollow calories.
A group today is even saying school lunches are a threat to national security Apparently they believe today's school lunches are making children obese and not able to handle military training.
While I don't really care if they can handle military training or not, there is a major problem here. I still make the children take a home-packed lunch every day. They get fruit, nuts, pretzels and either a sandwich or maybe some hummus.
I know, that makes me a communist, but so be it. I've been called worse (plenty worse).
Parents need to take back the school lunch. We have no say, really, on what tests the teachers are pushing onto the students, but we do have control on lunch.
At least I think we do.
I remember going to school (OK, the memories are sketchy at best, but I know I attended because I have plenty of photos).
Once a month during elementary school we were treated with a hot dog day. Everybody left the lunch boxes at home and were able to get a couple of hot dogs for some small amount. It was fun. There was ketchup on the table and then we went outside and ran around.
Over the years, the school lunch has grown to include everything, much of which isn't the healthiest thing around (not like hot dogs were, but that was just once a month).
Back when parents packed lunches every day, we got a peanut butter sandwich, maybe some chips and an apple.
Now, children are given pizza, candy, whatever. It's all mass-cooked (mostly off-site) and filled with nothing but white flour and hollow calories.
A group today is even saying school lunches are a threat to national security Apparently they believe today's school lunches are making children obese and not able to handle military training.
While I don't really care if they can handle military training or not, there is a major problem here. I still make the children take a home-packed lunch every day. They get fruit, nuts, pretzels and either a sandwich or maybe some hummus.
I know, that makes me a communist, but so be it. I've been called worse (plenty worse).
Parents need to take back the school lunch. We have no say, really, on what tests the teachers are pushing onto the students, but we do have control on lunch.
At least I think we do.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Driving
Good Morning and welcome to another fascinating day!
You know, I always joke with the children that they won't be getting a driver's license until they turn 21. Beyond the ramifications of teen drivers (on the wallet and the head), maybe I don't want them to grow up too fast. Maybe I see some of the ways they drive in video games (OK, I know, not the same thing), that shakes my confidence.
Then I ran across this story yesterday:
An Ohio man says his 8-year-old son was just trying to do him a favor and get gasoline when the boy drove the family's minivan and crashed it.
James Crouch says he didn't even realize his son, Jordan, was out of the house Friday morning until a Clermont County sheriff's deputy came to the family's home in Bethel and woke him up to let him know what happened.
The boy says he used keys that he found in his mother's purse and backed the car out of the driveway. He started going down the road at about 5 mph but could barely reach the pedals and lost control, crashing into a telephone pole. He wasn't hurt.
Crouch says Jordan was still in his pajamas and just wanted to do something nice. He says he's going to watch his son more closely now.
How this hasn't happened in our house yet is pretty much a miracle. The keys are there
for all to see. There have even been jokes bandied about. 'Hey, go to the store and get me a pizza.' But I can't drive. 'There are the keys.'
Yeah, like somebody much smarter than me always says, 'Your jokes are not funny.'
Well, it is a funny story as long as it doesn't happen in your house.
You know, I always joke with the children that they won't be getting a driver's license until they turn 21. Beyond the ramifications of teen drivers (on the wallet and the head), maybe I don't want them to grow up too fast. Maybe I see some of the ways they drive in video games (OK, I know, not the same thing), that shakes my confidence.
Then I ran across this story yesterday:
An Ohio man says his 8-year-old son was just trying to do him a favor and get gasoline when the boy drove the family's minivan and crashed it.
James Crouch says he didn't even realize his son, Jordan, was out of the house Friday morning until a Clermont County sheriff's deputy came to the family's home in Bethel and woke him up to let him know what happened.
The boy says he used keys that he found in his mother's purse and backed the car out of the driveway. He started going down the road at about 5 mph but could barely reach the pedals and lost control, crashing into a telephone pole. He wasn't hurt.
Crouch says Jordan was still in his pajamas and just wanted to do something nice. He says he's going to watch his son more closely now.
How this hasn't happened in our house yet is pretty much a miracle. The keys are there
for all to see. There have even been jokes bandied about. 'Hey, go to the store and get me a pizza.' But I can't drive. 'There are the keys.'Yeah, like somebody much smarter than me always says, 'Your jokes are not funny.'
Well, it is a funny story as long as it doesn't happen in your house.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Rise and Shine --- Wonderment
Good Morning and welcome to the Tuesday before the storm!
So, while driving around last night, the tunes coming from the radio had three children (10, 7 and 5) listening intently.
They closed their eyes. They let the sounds invade their head. They smiled. They didn't argue (which, in itself is a miracle).
Most of the time, the radio, if on at all, is tuned to Jazz or something light so as not to get them too fired up.
Last night, it was opera.
For some, it would mean even more yelling. 'Put something else on,' they might say. 'We hate this. Put on real music.'
It does the heart good when that doesn't happen. Instead, they enjoyed the sounds. They even started picking out how some Mozart (who died in 1791) music has been 'stolen' by today's 'artists' and changed.
Hey, when a 10-year old says he wants the prelude to Carmen for a ring tone, well, maybe there's hope for the new generation.
So, while driving around last night, the tunes coming from the radio had three children (10, 7 and 5) listening intently.
They closed their eyes. They let the sounds invade their head. They smiled. They didn't argue (which, in itself is a miracle).
Most of the time, the radio, if on at all, is tuned to Jazz or something light so as not to get them too fired up.
Last night, it was opera.
For some, it would mean even more yelling. 'Put something else on,' they might say. 'We hate this. Put on real music.'
It does the heart good when that doesn't happen. Instead, they enjoyed the sounds. They even started picking out how some Mozart (who died in 1791) music has been 'stolen' by today's 'artists' and changed.
Hey, when a 10-year old says he wants the prelude to Carmen for a ring tone, well, maybe there's hope for the new generation.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Bedtime? What's that?
Good Morning and hopefully you got a good night's rest!
By about 8 most nights, I'm pretty much out of it. That's what happens when your alarm goes off every morning at 3 a.m.
So, about 7:30 p.m., it's time to get the troops ready for the bedtime ritual, which usually involves a lot of arguing and, sometimes, yelling.
Coming off the summer bedtime of about 9 p.m., the school-time sleep schedule appears to start too early for these three children.
Here's how it goes:
7:30 p.m.: "OK, guys, time to get ready for bed. Let's get a quick bath and put on the pajamas."
Five seconds later (spoken in unison): "WHY? WHY?"
7:40 p.m.: "OK, it's time to get ready for bed. Everybody upstairs."
Five seconds later: "It's TOO EARLY!"
7:50 p.m.: "Really, guys, lets get moving upstairs."
Five seconds later: "Your not going to bed why should we."
8 p.m.: "All right, enough fooling, up."
Five seconds later: "WHY? WHY? WHY?"
Five seconds later: "Move it."
So, after getting everybody bathed and dressed, the dance continues.
"OK, everybody's teeth brushed?"
"NO. No. No."
"All right, brush teeth."
A little while later, everybody's in bed. It's time for the 'Good Night's'
"Wait, I didn't brush my teeth."
"ARGHHHH!"
It would be kind of funny if it didn't happen EVERY NIGHT. Then again, it wouldn't be so, I don't know, interesting?
Eventually, everybody gets to sleep. Eventually.
Soon, it will be time to start it all over again. Maybe, I'll try some soft music tonight (although I don't know if this one would work for me).
By about 8 most nights, I'm pretty much out of it. That's what happens when your alarm goes off every morning at 3 a.m.
So, about 7:30 p.m., it's time to get the troops ready for the bedtime ritual, which usually involves a lot of arguing and, sometimes, yelling.
Coming off the summer bedtime of about 9 p.m., the school-time sleep schedule appears to start too early for these three children.
Here's how it goes:
7:30 p.m.: "OK, guys, time to get ready for bed. Let's get a quick bath and put on the pajamas."
Five seconds later (spoken in unison): "WHY? WHY?"
7:40 p.m.: "OK, it's time to get ready for bed. Everybody upstairs."
Five seconds later: "It's TOO EARLY!"
7:50 p.m.: "Really, guys, lets get moving upstairs."
Five seconds later: "Your not going to bed why should we."
8 p.m.: "All right, enough fooling, up."
Five seconds later: "WHY? WHY? WHY?"
Five seconds later: "Move it."
So, after getting everybody bathed and dressed, the dance continues.
"OK, everybody's teeth brushed?"
"NO. No. No."
"All right, brush teeth."
A little while later, everybody's in bed. It's time for the 'Good Night's'
"Wait, I didn't brush my teeth."
"ARGHHHH!"
It would be kind of funny if it didn't happen EVERY NIGHT. Then again, it wouldn't be so, I don't know, interesting?
Eventually, everybody gets to sleep. Eventually.
Soon, it will be time to start it all over again. Maybe, I'll try some soft music tonight (although I don't know if this one would work for me).
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Think before acting
Good Morning and here's hoping the health care uproar dies down!
Yeah, I know that's a pipe dream. There are still too many uninformed people out there who would rather just call names and yell than have a legitimate discussion about how to better help everybody else.
If you look at the whole picture, we are here to help each other. We can't really survive without working together, but selfishness always raises it's ugly head. Too many out there are only thinking about themselves.
'Hey, I'm OK. The heck with everybody else.'
Of course, they use different language.
The best way we can counteract that is to teach children the correct way to act.
Now, anybody who has young ones know there are more than enough trying times. The arguing, the fighting, the eating, the yelling, more yelling and more yelling can get under your skin.
Then, when it all calms down (you know that 10 minute period during the day) it's time to act. Teach them how to act, how to help and tell them how it all connects.
Maybe if we can't get this stuff to work now (there are too many people listening to the radio to form their opinions), it will in the future.
Yeah, I know that's a pipe dream. There are still too many uninformed people out there who would rather just call names and yell than have a legitimate discussion about how to better help everybody else.
If you look at the whole picture, we are here to help each other. We can't really survive without working together, but selfishness always raises it's ugly head. Too many out there are only thinking about themselves.
'Hey, I'm OK. The heck with everybody else.'
Of course, they use different language.
The best way we can counteract that is to teach children the correct way to act.
Now, anybody who has young ones know there are more than enough trying times. The arguing, the fighting, the eating, the yelling, more yelling and more yelling can get under your skin.
Then, when it all calms down (you know that 10 minute period during the day) it's time to act. Teach them how to act, how to help and tell them how it all connects.
Maybe if we can't get this stuff to work now (there are too many people listening to the radio to form their opinions), it will in the future.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Rise and Shine --- What steps?
Good Morning and welcome to the week after the Fourth of July!
You hope we've evolved as human beings, then something like this happens.
There are many reasons why we haven't joined a swim club. This kind of attitude is one of those reasons. Now, I know people pay a lot of money for these things (the major reason), but tough doody if you don't like the rest of the people there.
Those at the club claiming it's not racism are the same ones who put a confederate flag on the front of their pick-up and say it's not making a racial statement.
One thing I've learned over the years is children are color blind. They don't care if you are white, black, red, green or orange. They just like to make friends.
It's only when 'adults' get involved when there are problems.
OK, it's not all adults, but there are too many loudmouths out there (just look at some of those comments on www.delcotimes.com before they are deleted).
How about we just let people be people and enjoy the world.
Then again, maybe I have a child's outlook on society.
You hope we've evolved as human beings, then something like this happens.
There are many reasons why we haven't joined a swim club. This kind of attitude is one of those reasons. Now, I know people pay a lot of money for these things (the major reason), but tough doody if you don't like the rest of the people there.
Those at the club claiming it's not racism are the same ones who put a confederate flag on the front of their pick-up and say it's not making a racial statement.
One thing I've learned over the years is children are color blind. They don't care if you are white, black, red, green or orange. They just like to make friends.
It's only when 'adults' get involved when there are problems.
OK, it's not all adults, but there are too many loudmouths out there (just look at some of those comments on www.delcotimes.com before they are deleted).
How about we just let people be people and enjoy the world.
Then again, maybe I have a child's outlook on society.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Rise and Shine ---- Spring sleeping
Good Morning and welcome to what's supposed to be a pretty good weekend!
Well, we can only hope. This morning was pushing 30 degrees and there was some frost on the windows. Hey, maybe that will be the end of the cold at least until October.
By the way, as the days turn warmer and the sun shines brighter, how do you convince children it really is time for bed.
When the winter months are in full swing (or full dreariness), it's easy to get them to go up by 7:30 p.m. Hey, it's dark out. It's time for bed. Brush the teeth and get under the covers.
Now, though, the clock doesn't matter. It might hit that 7:30 mark, but it looks like noon. The arguments can be brutal. All you're trying to do is create a morning that can go a little smoother. Instead, you have a fight at night then a fight in the morning.
Any logical person would see if you have to get up early and put in a full day of school, it's probably better to go to bed a little earlier. Instead, children have no logic. They live by the moment. They don't care about tomorrow, because today is still alive.
Hey, maybe those brains have it right?
By the way: Il sole, la luna, i fiori non ha bellezza confrontata a voi.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Well, we can only hope. This morning was pushing 30 degrees and there was some frost on the windows. Hey, maybe that will be the end of the cold at least until October.
By the way, as the days turn warmer and the sun shines brighter, how do you convince children it really is time for bed.
When the winter months are in full swing (or full dreariness), it's easy to get them to go up by 7:30 p.m. Hey, it's dark out. It's time for bed. Brush the teeth and get under the covers.
Now, though, the clock doesn't matter. It might hit that 7:30 mark, but it looks like noon. The arguments can be brutal. All you're trying to do is create a morning that can go a little smoother. Instead, you have a fight at night then a fight in the morning.
Any logical person would see if you have to get up early and put in a full day of school, it's probably better to go to bed a little earlier. Instead, children have no logic. They live by the moment. They don't care about tomorrow, because today is still alive.
Hey, maybe those brains have it right?
By the way: Il sole, la luna, i fiori non ha bellezza confrontata a voi.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
Rise and Shine --- Playing with numbers
Good Morning and welcome to the week we officially can start singing holiday songs!
So, last week a study came out that showed the link between television ads for fast food and childhood obesity. Later in the week, the fast food industry said the study was based on old information.
Old information or new information, it doesn't matter. Sure, places like McDonald's and Burger King can can come out with statements about how healthy their choices are or how they have diversified their menu.
Sure, they have added something called 'Apple Fries' to their children's menu. They offer salads. Some offer baked potatoes. Some offer veggie burgers. OK, one offers a veggie burger, but it's also microwaved.
Blah. Blah. Blah.
The bottom line is the fast-food industry gets you hooked, then keeps you coming back with cute jingles and junky toys. No child would be happy to find 'Apple fries' in their meal. They want french fries. They want soda instead of water. They want as much junk as possible.
Then, as they finally calm down and are resigned to the fact they are stuck with 'Apple fries,' they can look over at mom or dad's tray and see french fries drowning in ketchup next to the salad with salt-laden dressing.
Yeah, that will work.
The bottom line is the ad makers are wrong. The giant King or quick songs do get children wanting to take a walk into a McDonald's. Once there, it's time for fat, salt, sugar and whatever else fine stuff they can jam in there.
They figure if they get the children to complain enough, the parents will give in and get a super sized meal.
How can anybody think this is good?
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlindelco@gmail.com
So, last week a study came out that showed the link between television ads for fast food and childhood obesity. Later in the week, the fast food industry said the study was based on old information.
Old information or new information, it doesn't matter. Sure, places like McDonald's and Burger King can can come out with statements about how healthy their choices are or how they have diversified their menu.
Sure, they have added something called 'Apple Fries' to their children's menu. They offer salads. Some offer baked potatoes. Some offer veggie burgers. OK, one offers a veggie burger, but it's also microwaved.
Blah. Blah. Blah.
The bottom line is the fast-food industry gets you hooked, then keeps you coming back with cute jingles and junky toys. No child would be happy to find 'Apple fries' in their meal. They want french fries. They want soda instead of water. They want as much junk as possible.
Then, as they finally calm down and are resigned to the fact they are stuck with 'Apple fries,' they can look over at mom or dad's tray and see french fries drowning in ketchup next to the salad with salt-laden dressing.
Yeah, that will work.
The bottom line is the ad makers are wrong. The giant King or quick songs do get children wanting to take a walk into a McDonald's. Once there, it's time for fat, salt, sugar and whatever else fine stuff they can jam in there.
They figure if they get the children to complain enough, the parents will give in and get a super sized meal.
How can anybody think this is good?
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlindelco@gmail.com
Monday, June 2, 2008
Rise and Shine
GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!
Well, as we get down to the end of another school year, it's time to think about what to do during the summer.
Way back when, parents maybe went on a vacation for a week during the summer, did a couple of day trips, then let the children fend for themselves the rest of the summer.
It was fun to go away, but it was maybe more fun to spend the entire day with friends. Even if it was just sitting around in the shade, there was a simplicity to it that just seemed right.
Maybe there'd be a quick baseball game or football game. There was a lot of bike riding and running around.
You would eat breakfast, come back for lunch, then be back again at dinnertime. After dinner, there was more outside time until it got too dark to see.
Now, you can't let the children play outside, even on your front lawn, without keeping an Eagle eye on them.
There are too many dangers out there. The question is, are the dangers more now or are we just more conscious of them?
Well, I think the dangers have exploded as the years have gone along. Sure, there were plenty of predators out there in the 1970s, but maybe they weren't so out in the open.
We didn't have to worry about cars pulling up with somebody looking to hurt children. We didn't have to worry about so many people running around with weapons. We, and I mean both parents and children, didn't have to worry about such serious things.
Now, we have to have camps and planned activities for children. They miss out a lot now. We need to get back to simpler times.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Well, as we get down to the end of another school year, it's time to think about what to do during the summer.
Way back when, parents maybe went on a vacation for a week during the summer, did a couple of day trips, then let the children fend for themselves the rest of the summer.
It was fun to go away, but it was maybe more fun to spend the entire day with friends. Even if it was just sitting around in the shade, there was a simplicity to it that just seemed right.
Maybe there'd be a quick baseball game or football game. There was a lot of bike riding and running around.
You would eat breakfast, come back for lunch, then be back again at dinnertime. After dinner, there was more outside time until it got too dark to see.
Now, you can't let the children play outside, even on your front lawn, without keeping an Eagle eye on them.
There are too many dangers out there. The question is, are the dangers more now or are we just more conscious of them?
Well, I think the dangers have exploded as the years have gone along. Sure, there were plenty of predators out there in the 1970s, but maybe they weren't so out in the open.
We didn't have to worry about cars pulling up with somebody looking to hurt children. We didn't have to worry about so many people running around with weapons. We, and I mean both parents and children, didn't have to worry about such serious things.
Now, we have to have camps and planned activities for children. They miss out a lot now. We need to get back to simpler times.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
RISE AND SHINE
GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!
Well, today is the big day. The buildup has been impressive. The pressure on some is out of hand. The work has been done. Except for a few things today, everything is ready to roll. The shirts are ready, the pamphlets are printed. There's no doubt the lines getting into the doors will be long and, of course, there will be more than a few annoying people.
That's right, it's time for the 'Third Grade Night of Music' at Garrettford Elementary School.
In this day and age when our President has made it virtually impossible to actually teach children and broaden their horizons, there is a little beacon of hope in the middle of it all.
Being not too musically inclined (although I know I can sing better than Axl Rose), it is nice to see children trying out music. After all, working to get better at an instrument will only lead to something better later in life.
Learning music can be just as daunting a task for some as learning a new language or trying baked tofu for lunch.
In the end, it's better for you. So, until 'No Child Left Behind' takes away all activities from students, it will be fun to listen to some voilins tonight.
By the way, heard this catchy tune over the weekend. It's an odd song, but, warning, once you listen it won't leave your head:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Well, today is the big day. The buildup has been impressive. The pressure on some is out of hand. The work has been done. Except for a few things today, everything is ready to roll. The shirts are ready, the pamphlets are printed. There's no doubt the lines getting into the doors will be long and, of course, there will be more than a few annoying people.
That's right, it's time for the 'Third Grade Night of Music' at Garrettford Elementary School.
In this day and age when our President has made it virtually impossible to actually teach children and broaden their horizons, there is a little beacon of hope in the middle of it all.
Being not too musically inclined (although I know I can sing better than Axl Rose), it is nice to see children trying out music. After all, working to get better at an instrument will only lead to something better later in life.
Learning music can be just as daunting a task for some as learning a new language or trying baked tofu for lunch.
In the end, it's better for you. So, until 'No Child Left Behind' takes away all activities from students, it will be fun to listen to some voilins tonight.
By the way, heard this catchy tune over the weekend. It's an odd song, but, warning, once you listen it won't leave your head:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
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