Rise and Shine --- What's next?

Good Morning and welcome to the down time!

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

See more Will Ferrell videos at Funny or Die

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

Rise and Shine --- No more robocalls!

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

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


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

Rise and Shine --- Back to normal

Good Morning and that Championship hangover should have passed!

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


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

Rise and Shine -- Parade day

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

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


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


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

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

Good Morning and welcome to a World Championship town!

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

Kalas Last Call from meech.one on Vimeo.

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

Rise and Shine --- Sun from the clouds

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

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


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


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

Rise and Shine --- Thanksgiving Series?

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

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


Here's a good movie to check out:

Rise and Shine --- Excuses, excuses

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

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


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


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

Rise and Shine --- Time to forget

Good Morning and welcome back!

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


After getting that groove in your head, check out:


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

Rise and Shine --- Late night with Joe Buck

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

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

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

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


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


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

Rise and Shine --- Here we go

Good Morning and welcome to a World Series town!

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


And this:


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

Rise and Shine --- Streaming live?

Good Morning and welcome back to Tuesday!

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


Then run out to get scared by:


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

Rise and Shine --- Retiring to Florida

Good Morning and welcome to winter!

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


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

Rise and Shine --- It's only October

Good Morning every people!

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


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

Rise and Shine --- World Series? Really?

Good morning to a World Series region!

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

Phillies celebrate NLCS victory

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

Rise and Shine --- Seeing Red

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

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


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

Rise and Shine --- What happened?

Good Morning red-eyed Phillies fans and those of us who gave up in the seventh inning!

So, after watching the Phillies for all these years, you can get a feeling about a game. Sure, the players change and all, but the uniform stays the same.
There are games where things just keep going wrong. The Phillies don't get a key hit, they make a boneheaded play in the field, they bring in Chad Durbin.
So, when the Dodgers took a 5-3 lead in the sixth inning of Game 4 of the NLCS Monday night, it was time for bed.
Hey, I was dozing off anyway, so, like somebody smarter than me said Monday morning: "Tonight's game doesn't really mean anything. Why don't you go to bed early and get some rest?"
Sure, sounds like a plan.
So, even though I was going to ignore the sound advice, it was in the back of my mind when Jimmy Rollins, Jayson Werth and Chase Utley went down without a fight in the seventh inning.
OK, if the Phillies big guys can't get it done, it's going to be a loss and a tied series.
By the time Shane Victorino and Matt Stairs (MATT 'freakin' STAIRS!) sent the ball into the California night, a soft pillow had me snoring. (Well, I don't snore but that's an argument for another day).
Well, I guess it's better I didn't stay up or, faithful readers, this would be about oranges or pears or something.
Expect that Thursday.
So, since it looks like the Phillies may be actually headed to the World Series, here's a blast from the past:


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Rise and Shine --- Biting the apple

Good Morning and welcome to Monday in the summer!

Well, it might feel like summer, but it is still mid-October so these nice temperatures won't last forever. It's best to enjoy them when you can.
By the way, driving around Sunday (being a Sunday driver?), it was interesting to see the variable prices at the gas pump. Here, prices were anywhere from $3.05 to $3.19. Go a bit north and you have to add about a dime to to the price.
Don't they all get the gas from the same place? Shouldn't the prices be the same all over? Somebody smarter than me can probably figure this out.
Anyway, the best part of this time of year, besides the cool Halloween decorations that are popping up all over, has to be the apples.
There's nothing better than biting into a crisp, sweet apple during the month of October. Sure, now markets carry different fruits all year round. You can get a pineapple or watermelon in the middle of winter thanks to those trucks that drive way to fast on the highways.
Still, local apples in the fall are about the best that can be had. Just think about how much better a meal becomes with an apple pie at the end. How about some apple crisp or baked apples? Nothing better.
The best thing about apples, though, is how they are portable. You can eat one while driving, walking, sitting, taking the train, just about everywhere.
Hey, there has to be something after a long weekend.
Of course, there's always this:

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

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

Rise and Shine

Good Morning weekend warriors!
Wasn't it nice for the Phillies and Dodgers to play a two-and-a-half hour game?
For the first time in 25 years, I was actually able to sit down in front of the television and watch a Phillies playoff game.
Yeah, yeah, they were in the playoffs in 1993, but, in a former life, I was able to work the games, so I didn't get the pleasure of listening to these national announcers.
Now, the Phillies announcers, especially Chris Wheeler, get a lot of flack, but, after watching the Fox broadcast Thursday night, I missed the banter.
Here are some observations:
n One of the best parts of postseason baseball is watching as the players are introduced to the fans. They are announced, run out one-by-one and tip their caps. It might be corny, but they used to show this on television all the time. So, when 8 p.m. rolled around Thursday, we got some goofy Fox talking heads trying to be funny. Hey, this isn't 'America's Got (no) Talent.' Mark Grace was a good player for the Cubs, but he has no real insight on this series. Get rid of the useless pregame show and give us the warmups.
n Is it just me or is Tim McCarver not aging nicely. How about this separated at birth:

n The usual Viagra commercials don't shock any more. We've seen them all for years and, well, whatever. Scarier was the Craig T. Nelson Poltergeist/Direct TV deal. Where McCarver is one thing, Nelson appears to have had some work done. By the way, is it just me or is this commercial in bad taste. After all, Poltergeist star Heather O'Roarke is DEAD!
n It's amazing how the national announcers change sides as the game goes along. When the Dodgers were winning, Joe Buck was gushing about Joe Torre and the job he's done. When the Phillies took the lead and eventually won, Buck was falling over himself to praise the Phils. How about calling it down the middle? What happened to that? Joe Buck you are no Jack Back nor are you a poor man's Howard Cosell. Just call the game.
n Who the heck is Ken Rosenthal? This guy was a dugout reporter for Fox. After seeing his one report then post-game interview with Pat Burrell I think Hollywood has found its star for a 'Robocop' remake.
Here's the video:

Phillies power past Dodgers

Here's Robocop:


So, Go Phillies and if you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

Rise and Shine

Good Morning. You are looking LIVE a the NLCS!
OK, it's not live, but you get the picture. Also, if we actually "Paint the Town Red" can we get in trouble.
By the way, ever notice how sometimes the universe keeps you grounded.
I can remember as a child getting banged up all the time. I remember two times being rushed to the hospital to get stitches. Once for a broken leg.
Well, we have been lucky for the last nine years. Despite having two boys and a precocious little girl, there haven't been many major injures or illnesses.
Sure, there was a banged head here and there and the younger boy did have to spend a day in the emergency room after banging his head. That was a quick staple (staple?) to keep it closed. Despite having children jump off couches, ladders, down steps, off trees and falling off bikes, there have been no broken bones. There was no need to head to the hospital.
That was until yesterday.
After answering the phone and hearing: "There's been an accident. We are stopping the blood, but he should get somebody to take a look."
You have to jump back in the car, call the doctor (by the way, thanks, Kids First, for hanging up during an emergency. What is it, "Kid's First unless we have to make some coffee"). Finally get to school. Rush to the hospital. Wait in the emergency room. Pull a scared little boy to see the doctor and still keep as normal as possible.
Thankfully, the person who had to do all this is adept at handling about 100 things at any given time, then adding about 20 more.
Once again, luck held and the injury was just a deep gash and could be fixed with glue (glue?).
In the end, it all worked out all right, but what fun?
Speaking of fun:

See more Paris Hilton videos at Funny or Die

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

Rise and Shine

Good Morning and hope everybody has recovered from their debate parties!

By the way, while Tina Fey has popularized the 'Maverick' drinking game for Sarah Palin, how about a couple more. For John McCain, every time we here 'My Friends,' crack one open. Pour a drink for Barack Obama's 'Fundamental.' Although it's probably 'Change' out there, that's too easy.
Now that that's out of the way, we are getting ready for the Phillies vs. Dodgers in the NLCS. A 'Back to the Future' series between two storied franchise, one a loser one a winner.
So, there will be many of comparisons between L.A. and Philadelphia. Check out our Phillies preview section Thursday for one by Phillies writer Ryan Lawrence.
One that Ryan brings up is the song about the city. He uses Elton John's 'Philadelphia Freedom' against Randy Newman's 'I love L.A.' He probably could have gone with Springsteen's 'Streets of Philadelphia,' but that's a bit too depressing.
So, here you have the candidates. Get out and vote:


and...



If you have a preference or any other comparisons, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com

RISE AND SHINE

Good (Chilly) Morning out there in the dark!

Yeah, it's kind of cold out there this morning. I was actually able to see my breath heading out today. Bring back the summer. It's supposed to get chilly in October, but I, for one, am not quite ready yet. Is it too much to ask for one more 80 degree day?
Anyway, forget the weather, we have meaningful baseball being played in mid October for the first in what, 15 years.
Thankfully the Dodgers won the other NLDS and get to come to town to play the Phillies. The Phillies have been around since 1883 and this will be only the seventh time the franchise has been to this level of playoffs. (OK, the League Championship Series didn't begin until 1969, but why split hairs.)
Of those seven times, this will be the fourth time the Phillies are playing the Dodgers.
Now, it's not like there's been a lot of fun times playing the Dodgers in the playoffs. Remember 1977 when Danny Ozark should have taken Greg Luzinski out of the game in the ninth. He didn't, Luzinski booted a ball and the Phillies lost.
How about 1978? Garry Maddux made maybe three errors his whole baseball life, but dropped a fly ball then watched another go through his legs as the Dodgers clinched the series.
Sure, there was a victory over L.A. in 1983, but that team was less 'Phillies' and more hangers on. They were led by Joe Morgan, Tony Perez and Pete Rose, three key members of the 1970s 'Big Red Machine' in Cincinnati. Even getting beaten by the Orioles in the World Series didn't seem that bad.
So, now we have the Dodgers again. At least this time if history repeats itself we won't have to see Tommy Lasorda dancing around.
Or will we...


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning Delaware County and all the ships at sea!

Sometimes, people amaze me.
Just when you think you know something, it gets shot out of the water.
Case in point, Saturday morning.
Spent the morning watching a couple of Cub Scouts attempt to sell popcorn, their annual fundraiser. The money helps fund some of the things during the year like camping trips, hikes, you know, those kind of scout things.
Anyway, with all the bad news floating around about the economy, I didn't have much hope heading into Saturday morning. Hey, most people are just trying to keep their heads above water for the basic things. Those basic things don't always include fundraising popcorn.
Still, lo and behold, people helped out. They engaged the sellers in conversation. They purchased some of the popcorn. They brought smiles to the parents of those selling.
Sure, there are always those curmudgeons who just ignore everything and give nasty looks. Those, though, were few and far between. Even if people couldn't help out, they were friendly.
In a world where more and more depressing news hits us every day, sometimes, it's good to have your faith in humanity renewed.
By the way, even popcorn can be funny:

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

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Rise and Shine

Good Morning debate fans, Phillies fans and those who don't care about either!

Well, hope everybody has recovered from the spin that came out of Thursday's vice presidential debate. While there were no YouTube moments, I'm still waiting for several questions to be answered.
While the hot button issues for this election are the economy, the war and the distrust of government, both candidates glossed over something that should join the big three, that's the subject of education.
The 'No Child Left Behind' laws are leaving more and more children behind by the day. They are still being taught for standardized tests. Forget freedom of thought, get these worksheets done so you can be prepared for the PSSAs.
Teachers, while it's obvious some don't buy into the program, are forced to structure everything. Really, when you think about it, the best part of school is discovery.
You learn something new and apply it in ways you never thought possible. A lot of schooling now is memorization. Once you get us a good score on the test you can move on. If you forget it by next week, oh well, there's another test to memorize things for.
On the whole, children want to learn. They want to discover new things. What they don't need is the pressure put on by those in Washington who believe our education is falling behind.
Let the children play chess, let the children do some hands-on science work, let the children have fun. The pressure becomes too much. There's enough time for overwhelming pressure when you get older.
One candidate tried to raise add an education discussion to the debate, but he was rebuffed by the standardization of the questions.
Oh well. At least we now know they can smile.
The government's plan has left no room in school for something like this:


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning Phillies fans, debate watchers and all those in between!

Now that the Phillies got over the playoff hump and won Game 1 of the NLDS Wednesday, Game 2 seems to be forgotten. Sure, the Brewers have their best pitcher going, but, while he's been pretty good the last two years, he doesn't have the best history. Just win Game 2 and relax for the weekend.
Speaking of relaxing, tonight's vice presidential debate should at least offer some light moments.
Not much is expected from Republican Sarah Palin and, truth be told, not much should be expected. She hasn't so far shown any reason to be in the position except for a humorous convention speech. Then again, it's not like Democrat Joe Biden is the best speaker in the world.
So, why not just enjoy it for the political 'America's Got Talent' that it is (the presidential debates are more like 'American Idol'). If nothing else, it should be a reason for some comedy.
So, let's meet the candidates:


and...



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Rise and Shine

Good Morning Phillies fans and those who don't care about the playoffs!

Our government is great, isn't it? The House of Representatives voted down the bail out package. The way it's supposed to work, that would be the end. A new package should be put together and presented to the House members again.
Instead, they tweaked the plan, by-passed the House and it is going to the Senate. That branch of government will vote on the plan today, then send it back to the House for another vote. Won't be any pressure there, huh?
Meanwhile, another ring of the political circus is coming to town Saturday.
Bruce Springsteen is playing a free concert in support of Barack Obama on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philly at 3:30 Saturday afternoon.
According to the release, to get 'preferred' tickets you have to sign up as an Obama volunteer.
That's great. Sounds like a good deal. Free concert from one of the best showman on the earth. Springsteen's always been political, so a rally for Obama isn't surprising.
It's the volunteering thing that's a little out of whack.
There's no doubt the Democratic party picked up a lot of 'volunteers' over the last day. Many though are probably just looking to get tickets. Are they really going to do anything for the campaign beyond Saturday?
Some might, but most will forget about signing up by 3:35 p.m. Saturday.
Look, we need some dialogue about this election and it's always good to get involved, but this smacks as a big numbers-grab.
By the way, how do you sign up?
Anyway, here's another celebrity both sides are probably recruiting:


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning Wall Street watchers and the rest of us who have to work every day!

So the bail out plan failed in the House yesterday. There will undoubtedly be another plan some time this week. It will probably end up passing in some form. Be sure, though, none of that money will help us who are in the hole every day trying to dig out.
By the way, maybe John McCain should have stayed in Washington instead of going to that debate Friday night. It couldn't hurt his poll numbers.
Enough about bail outs, though, there are more important things on the horizon.
Like the Phillies playoffs.
Sitting watching the end of Saturday's game when the Phillies beat the Nationals to clinch the N.L. East sent the memory part of the brain in motion.
It's been 30 years since the Phillies have repeated as division champs. The years between 1978 and 2008 have been mostly lean. Sure, there was the World Series championship in 1980, by then we were tainted. We expected the Phillies to win. When they reached the playoffs in 1980 after finishing out of the money in 1979, there wasn't the same sense of dread as in 1977 or 1978. We had Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton. Sure, it was a heart-wrenching series against the Astros. Once over that hill, though, the World Series was a forgone conclusion.
There was the 1983 and 1993 run to the World Series, but those teams really were winning with smoke and mirrors. Sure, we would take a title, but, looking back, it would have been a miracle.
I was 9-years old when the Phillies first made the playoffs in 1976. I remember getting caught up in baseball for the first time. I remember jumping around when the Phillies clinched the division and were going into the playoffs.
Flash to this year and I saw the same look on another 9-year old boy. Much like the children of the 70s, the young ones of today are seeing a Phillies team that can win. They are expected to win.
Sure, history shows the tide will turn, but now is the time to join the ride. I'm glad I can come along.


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning fellow owners of Wall Street!

That's right. It appears the $700 billion bail-out package is going to streamline through the government today.
Somebody much smarter than me forwarded an e-mail that broke down what really should be done with all this money (this breakdown when the talk was just the $85 billion for AIG):

To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.
Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up...
So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00.
The plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.
Of course, it would NOT be tax free.
So let's assume a tax rate of 30%.
Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.
That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.
But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket.
A husband and wife has $595,000.00.
What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads.
Put away money for college - it'll be there...
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs.
Invest in the market - capital drives growth.
Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves.
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else!
Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.
If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

So there you have it. I actually sent a version of this to U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak (D-7 of Edgmont) as well as Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey. Of course, none of them even took the time to answer my e-mail.
I forget, is this an election year or not?


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning everybody hoping for a bailout of their own!

First and announcement: I am suspending my presidential campaign until the bad weather passes. Once the rain stops and the sun comes back out, I will feel the time is right to resume my campaign. Until then, there is a lot of work to do. I have to find an umbrella, dry out the dogs and use the window wipers on the car. There is much work to be done here.

This is as good a time as any to thank John McCain for giving us a brand-new excuse to change things up when our poll numbers are down.
Just think of the possibilities:
n I am suspending my bill paying until I build up enough money to pay such bills. Until that time, there is work to be done and that can't involve writing checks.
n I am suspending driving to work until gas prices go down to a 1980 level. Paying $3.55 a gallon is way too much for me to continue going to work.
n I am suspending my responsibilities to get out of bed. The rain is falling and there's no better place to be than under the covers. I will emerge once the rain stops.
n I am suspending the goal of eating healthy. In these times, it's a lot easier, and yummier, to eat doughnuts and cookies all day. Until the tide changes, the consumption of vegetables must stop.
n I am suspending my exercise regime. Until the doughnuts run out, exercise is just an effort in futility.
n I am suspending my driving habit of actually stopping at stop signs. If nobody else in Delaware County is going to follow the rules, why should I.
n I am suspending my drinking of tequila. Um.... never mind.
Really, this can work with everything. So, thank you John McCain, you may not be a future president, but you are already acting like one.
By the way...


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning and get that rain gear ready!

So, has there ever been a more blatantly bad political move than the one pulled by John McCain yesterday.
Now, truth be told, I am still a bit undecided on the November election. We need to move away from the current administration, but I'm not sure which candidate is the better one right now. And, no, I'm not voting for the vice president, so those candidates don't matter.
What exactly is McCain going to do when he 'suspends his campaign' and goes back to Washington, strong arm the rest of Congress? Maybe he'll give them the short-arm, thumb's up and tell them to keep up the good work.
Look, neither McCain or Democrat Barack Obama are on the committee working on this ridiculous buyout plan. The only thing happening here is not a 'suspension of the campaign,' but a political move to bolster poll numbers.
Here's an idea, let's here from both candidates on how they would fix the mess. Everything else is just more rhetoric.
By the by, I still can't believe that the only way to save the economy is to give a small amount of people more money while the rest of us sharpen pencils.
Why do I get the feeling our President is just trying to take care of his buddies.
"Fellow citizens, we must not let this happen."
By the way, the more things change the more they stay the same:


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning Wednesday and let's keep the rain away!

So, despite warnings to the contrary, it appears the government is pushing ahead with its $700 billion bank bail-out plan.
Here's another idea: Take that $700 billion and pay off all the mortgages for everybody in the country making less than $300,000 a year.
That way, there would be more money to buy useless things and thus boost the economy as we head into the end of the year.
Imagine the gifts, big-screen TVs, cars, cameras clothes and food we could all buy if mortgage payments weren't taking us all down.
Suddenly, there would be a major influx of money into the system. Little companies wouldn't be struggling. The vacation industry would see a major uptick. All those who have been laid off thanks to the catch-all 'tough economic times' excuse would get their jobs back.
Hey, if our grandkid's grandkids are going to have pay for this folly, why can't we all benefit.
We would be a nation of happy people instead of people who are just fighting to get through every day.
We would be happy. Our children would be happy. Our businesses would be happy.
It's a win-win for everybody. I can't believe it hasn't been talked about down in Washington.
Tell you what, the political party that starts to push this plan would get a lot of votes. After all, that's what it's all about anyway.
By the way, here is some exclusive video of those big business CEOs after convincing the Government of its dire straits:


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning crazy school boys and girls and those who have to do a full day's work just getting them ready for school!

So, how about some straight talk?
The circus left town last night. Rest assured, if you missed it, another circus will certainly come through between now and November.
They shut down Media yesterday to get ready for the circus. The show went on, the performers walked on and then off the stage. Just wondering, though, if the McCain-Palin ticket makes it to the White House, does the bus go up on e-bay.
The next circus doesn't have any set dates, but a stage will be built somewhere in the county over the next few weeks. The performers, either the same or different ones, will get out of their vehicles. Sign some autographs and then move to the next town.
How's that for a whoop-de-doo review?
By the way, did anybody else find it ironic that when George W. Bush campaigned in Media four years ago he was relegated to the back of the courthouse. There was no stage, just a few hundred people.
Now, the television media reports when the candidates go to the bathroom, how many socks they own and if they clean the wax out of their ears.
We've come a long way... or maybe not.


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning Summer and Good Afternoon Autumn!

That's right, Summer officially ends around noon today, when Autumn officially takes over. Nowadays, though, the seasons all seem to blend together, so the big 'Kick Off Autumn' parties can wait until the weekend.
That is, unless you are treking out to Media some time today. Then again, it's probably not a good idea to trek out to Media unless you want to get stuck in traffic and the crush of John McCain/Sarah Palin supporters.
Took a drive out there Sunday evening to do some food shopping and swung around near the courthouse to see what was happening.
Tell you what, McCain and Palin can joke all they want about Barack Obama's stage during the Democratic National Convention (Yes, it was gaudy, but what about this election isn't gaudy?), but it from the amount of steal and stage being built on the courthouse steps, you would think Van Halen or Bruce Springsteen was playing this afternoon.
It appears this whole election thing is all a rock concert with stars standing on a stage. Here's hoping they can entertain as much as Van Halen or Springsteen.
By the way, in case you were wondering, Ron Reagan made a stop in Media during his march to re-election in 1984. Here's what it looked like:






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Rise and Shine

Good Morning and welcome to the weekend!

Well, almost, but Friday's seem to have a little more traffic on the road a little earlier, so at least we have that.
By the way, I have requested a government bailout similar to what is going on Wall Street today. I contacted the offices of Sen. Arlen Specter, Sen. Bob Casey and U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak with my request.
I haven't heard back from any of them, which is surprising, this being an election year and all. Of course, they don't need our votes, right?
Speaking of Wall Street, after hearing all day yesterday how we were in for an epic crash, all of sudden the numbers jumped up 400 points.
So, I'm going to start a new side career as a market analyst. Wait a second while I check out my stats (which means get out a quarter).
OK, it came up tails which means a moderate upswing on the day. Let's see if I have what it takes.
Meanwhile, had to trek out to that annual right of fall last night. That's right, Back to School Night.
No offense to anybody, but is there a bigger waste of time?
Over at Garretford Elementary, the principal talked for a few minutes (mostly about testing), had the home and school lady talk then somebody else gave a presentation. We were then rushed off to the classrooms where the teachers had about 10 minutes to give a presentation that is supposed to preview the entire year.
So, the teacher rushes through the presentation, then they rush everybody out.
Then again, maybe that's better. We don't, you know, want to know too much about school. That way we have more time for this:


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning Wall Street and everybody else getting our money!

So, even though the government has bailed out another Wall Street firm to the tune of $85 billion, the numbers sunk to new lows Wednesday.
Thanks a lot.
Now, not only do those of us who work every day and struggle to make it from check to check have to pay the bill for bad management at AIG, but our stocks are also bleeding money.
So, we get two shots at once. First the shot to the head, then to the gut.
Meanwhile, the head of these firms are taking home millions a day then complaining about our 'economic situation.'
According to reports, AIG CEO Robert Willumstad will lose his job over this. Of course, he won't have to give back the nearly $20 million in bonus money he made this year. He will also get a pretty sweet severance, although nobody is talking what that may be. You can be pretty sure, though, Willumstad won't be working in the local Wawa any time soon.
Here's a quick question: If AIG is so far in the red it was going to collapse until the bailout, where is the money coming from to pay off the executives? I have a better idea, make them pay back everything and go from there.
All of this stock market turmoil comes down to one thing: greed.
There was a relatively small group of companies who grabbed the opportunity to climb on the back of consumers and make billions. They made it easy to get loans, credit cards, mortgages, then used high interest rates and strong-arm tactics to strangle the average person.
We didn't pay attention to the warnings and let these few run us down.
Now, they are sending jobs overseas and many are losing their homes.
Hope they enjoy the view.
Or, how about we give them a view. Divest from the stock market. Take the money away from these companies. We might be mad as hell, but until we don't take it any more the only way to go is down.
Make them sweat.
After all, they are sitting in the ivory tower telling us to eat cake.


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning and welcome to another Wednesday!

Phillies Hall-of-Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt once said in Philadelphia you can experience the thrill of victory and the agony of reading about it the next day.
Schmidt, until he was at the tail end of his career, was no friend of the media. Much like other superstars, he hid after games, rarely talking.
Schmidt wouldn't be able to leave his house if he played today. The proliferation of sports talk radio has taken the fun out of the games. You can just watch the game and enjoy it for what it is, a break from normalcy. The next day, though, don't turn on the radio unless you want to hear about how bad it really was. Had it on in the car for about five minutes Tuesday and actually heard one of the hosts say the Phillies should cut or trade Ryan Howard in the offseason because he's no longer helping the team.
As someone says, 'Genius.'
Speaking of genius, how about the government giving $85 billion to AIG so the insurance company can stay afloat.
While we on the ground struggle with food prices, heating prices and the general overpricing of everything, these big companies are getting bailed out.
How about if I petition the government for money so I can remain solvent?
By the way, AIG's CFO Steven J. Bensinger took home a salary of $2.1 million last year. Meanwhile, former CEO Martin J. Sullivan got a $4.7 million severance package when he was forced out last year. Current CEO Robert Willumstad, who is rumored to be on his way out after the buyout, got an annual salary of $1 million, but took home a reported $21 million in bonuses and stock options once worth $36 million.
They need saving? How about this, instead of bailing out these companies make the greedy execs reinvest their money until the company becomes solvent. That's the way it works in the real world.


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning everybody who stayed up to watch the Eagles-Cowboys game and everybody else who's a bit smarter!

Yes, the Eagles lost to the Cowboys on Monday Night Football last night. Yes, it was an exciting game that ended with a frustrating play. Yes, it was on way too late, though not as late as it used to be. Yes, times have changed.
I remember staying up way too late to watch Monday Night Football with a bunch of people a case of beer and a couple of pizzas. The games, back in the old days, wouldn't start until 9 p.m. and they would stretch until 1 a.m.
For the most part, the games would be boring, but it was more about getting together and having a little fun. Every once in a while, something exciting would happen on the television screen.
The turnaround didn't seem too bad back then. Of course, time changes all that.
I learned to hate Monday Night Football (and, by association, Hank Williams Jr.) when I started working in newspapers. Now, Monday Night Football wasn't about pizza, beer and people, it was about waiting forever until the game ended. Then waiting again for a quick story, then waiting again until a longer story came through.
It was bad enough during a 'normal' week. When the Eagles were playing, though, it was pure hell.
An Eagles Monday Night Football game meant being in the office sometimes until after 2:30 a.m., most of the time spent waiting and waiting and waiting.
Now, the games are over at a relative decent time of midnight and I don't have to wait for the story.
Still, when the alarm goes off at 4 a.m., midnight isn't such a good idea.
Hey, at least there was a reason to laugh last night:

10 Iggles Not Smart @ Yahoo! Video

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Rise and Shine

Good Morning and welcome to Monday Night Football!

Well, that seems to be all anybody is talking about this morning. The Eagles play the Dallas Cowboys on the big stage tonight. Never mind that the stock market is about the fall apart.
Never mind that thousands are out of power and/or missing in Texas. Never mind that Tina Fey is actually running for vice president.
No, it''s Eagles-Cowboys. Monday Night Football.
Whoopee.

Speaking of excitement. I met Darth Vader Saturday afternoon. That's right, the real Darth Vader.
Apparently he didn't die at the end of 'Return of the Jedi.' In fact, he apparently is a good guy now.
That's right. Back in the 70s and early 80s there was nobody more evil than Darth Vader. Nobody wanted to be Darth Vader. He was the scourge of the galaxy, hellbent on taking over us all.
Now, though, thanks to some revisionist history and the need for George Lucas to make millions more, Darth Vader is a sympathetic character.
So, with the help of a 9-year old, 6-year old and 3-year old, I was able to stand in line at the King of Prussia mall all day Saturday to meet Darth Vader. We even got an autograph.
So, thanks Darth for teaching us all we can change our stripes.
By the way, he can dance:

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

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Rise and Shine

Good Morning and welcome to the last day before the weekend (whatever that means)!

Well, we've gone and done it again.
'Travel + Leisure' magazine's survey of the American cities ranked Philadelphia last for attractive people. Now, apparently we have great monuments(No. 3) and museums (No. 4), but we are ugly and have no style (No. 25, last as well).
Then again, this poll was probably taken during and Eagles game...
So, revel in it. We may not have any championship teams to celebrate. We may not be a hot vacation spot. We may not be able to offer speedos and bikinis (Miami was ranked No. 1), but we are ugly. Then again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Here is the complete list, by the way

Speaking of ugly, despite a small break yesterday, it appears this presidential campaign is going to get uglier by the day.
Right now, it might be better if Barack Obama, John McCain, Joe Biden and Sarah Palin just go home, sit in their kitchen and eat Ben 'n Jerry's until November.
Every little comment on both sides is being taken apart. Sound bites are all over the place. One calling the other names. The other faking some kind of outrage. The television media buying into it all.
Let's wait until after the World Series, at least, before we get back to the rhetoric. Really, is any of this changing votes.
Probably not, but maybe this will.

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

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Rise and Shine

Good Morning and welcome to another Thursday!

Well, it's been seven years since airplanes piloted by terrorists slammed into the Twin Towers in New York, the Pentagon and a field outside of Pittsburgh.
Do schools cover this material during social studies class or is it still too new for everybody?
In those seven years, the world has changed all over. We are locked in a couple of unending wars and many more are wondering where their jobs went and how to pay the bills.
Still, think back seven years and most people probably remember what was happening.
It was a nice, sunny day, not unlike today. There was a leak in the car and I was standing out back with the hood up while a 2-year old was running around.
A neighbor came out his back door and said something like, "I was listening to Howard Stern and he said there is something happening in New York."
OK, I thought, some kind of stupid radio joke thing. Then the phone rang:
"Have you seen what's going on?"
No. I was outside. Wes said something about Howard Stern.
"Turn on the news. NOW!"
So, I gathered up a 2-year old who just wanted to stay outside. Ran up the steps and saw what was happening. Planes were crashing into buildings. There were reports of others in the air. All flight was grounded. Really, in those first few moments, nobody knew what was going on.
The rest of the day is kind of a blur. Eat lunch, drive to work. Everything was shut down. Suddenly, the 'normal' things were not so normal.
Even if you didn't know anybody killed in New York or Washington or Pennsylvania, you have been changed.
Now, seven years later, nothing is 'normal.' Sure. We've moved on. We've gotten back to our lives. We've fought, loved, played. Maybe that's the best way we can remember. Try to make our world better every day.

Rise and Shine

Good Morning readers and listeners!

All right, we are sick of politics. Sick of Phillies loses. Sick of hearing about the economy. Sick of hearing about the housing market. Sick of hearing about layoffs. Sick of hearing about 'Change.' Sick of hearing about FoxNews, CNN and MSNBC. Sick of hearing blowhards yell over us when you have a different opinion. Sick of high gas prices. Sick of hearing about all the violence. Sick of listening to the President talk about "winning in Iraq." Sick of computers that don't work or are outdated. Sick of seeing all the traffic on the roads. Sick of the high prices for groceries. Sick of hearing about how the Eagles are Super Bowl-bound. Sick of hearing how the Cowboys are Super Bowl-bound. Sick of being sick.
So, we need a reality check, which, of course, comes from a 9-, 6- and 3-year old.
Well, saying to the 6-year old, it's been a long day, what did you do in school today?
"The toilet overflowed," the 6-year old said.
Huh?
"The toilet overflowed," he was saying once more with emphasis.
OK. So, you spent the whole day at school and the only thing you can remember is the toilet overflowed?
"Yeah, but it was all over!"
Um. OK. What else did you do today.
"Can I tell you something?"
Sure.
"The toilet overflowed."
I can see where this is going. So, saying to the 9-year old, what did you do in school today?
"Nothing."
You spent the whole day in school and did nothing?
"Not really."
Not really? Did you just sit there all day? Did the teacher just sit at her desk?
"We did stuff." Pause. Laughing. "What happened when the toilet overflowed?"
I don't know, turning attention to the 3-year old. What did you do in school today.
"Princesses."
Princesses?
"Toilet."
Well, to all those who clean up our messes, I leave with this:


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

Rise and Shine

Good Morning everybody who forgot their umbrellas and those who carry them all the time!

Maybe it's because my mind always flows in 17 different directions at the same time or maybe its because I don't watch a whole lot of television any more, but I could win a gold medal in a remote control Olympics.
For instance, I give you Monday night.
After throwing a load of laundry in the washer, I sat down expecting to watch the Phillies-Marlins game. When I clicked on the television, the Packers-Vikings football game was on.
So, I checked the Phillies score, then went back to the football game. Well, that lasted about two minutes before I checked the food channel and watched about five minutes of 'Unwrapped.' Then it was back to the Phillies game for two pitches and to the Monday Night Football game for about three plays. OK, let's check to see what else.
Well, about three minutes of 'Alexander' on AMC was about enough before heading back to the Food Network. Then back to the Phillies, then a rip through all the channels, a check on the football score. Five minutes of CSI-Miami and back to the Phillies, where I managed to sit while Brad Lidge finished off the Marlins.
If you are wondering how anybody could follow all this, well, you can't. The biggest reason for all the switching: There are too many darn commercials. Every couple of minutes there seems to be a break with some annoying people talking about Cheerios or wanting our vote for president.
By the way, what is more annoying: Food commercials or election commercials.
I think we should merge them. Have Barack Obama lauding Trix, while John McCain does a spot for Uncle Sam's. Then we can cut down on the commercials and save the batteries in the remote.
Wait, they've already appeared together in a commercial hawking breakfast:


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

Rise and Shine

Good Morning Monday warriors and all those who wish the weekend was longer!

After that bit of rain Saturday, the weekend turned out pretty nice. Even if one day is a washout at least Sunday gave us a beauty and we could enjoy being outside.
Speaking of outside, took in the Green Philly event Sunday on 2nd and South. It was interesting to see all the environmentally friendly products and services we can use. Even if you are one of those who believe the global warming phenom is made up, you can't argue that using things without chemicals is better for you and your family.
Right next to the Green event was Sunday's weekly farmer's market. Whether the market be in Lansdowne, Havertown, Philadelphia or wherever, the allure of a farmer's market can't be beat. Fresh vegetables, tasty baked goods and a lot of people enjoying it all.
All in all, it made for a fun day, if not a little hectic.
Fun, that is, until you have to get involved with SEPTA. Despite all the government money and big talk, SEPTA still has a lot to be desired.
It's undoubtedly better to use the trains than drive everywhere, but SEPTA does not make it easy. When the packed people on top of people after the Live 8 concert a few years ago then claimed everything went well, I started to doubt it was the best way to travel.
After trying again Sunday, I am starting to have even more doubts. Try buying a subway token during the weekend. Unless you have exact change for the machine, forget about it. I was looking for one token Sunday and only had a $10 bill. There were workers in each of the booths at the 2nd and Market stations, but neither would help. One wouldn't even look up when I asked if I could get one token. The other told me to buy $10 worth.
Luckily, I was able to scratch up $3 in change for the machine. Sometimes I wonder if they really want you to use the trains.
Here are the only trains you can rely on:


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

Rise and Shine

Good morning hurricane watchers and everybody else ready to swim!!

Well, the week started with a storm and is ending with a storm, but at least the political conventions are finished.
Now, we can get down to the nitty gritty and find out where these political candidates really stand. There will still be plenty of rhetoric coming out of both sides, but there are some one-on-one debates coming down the pike. That means the scripted talks and friendly crowds will be gone. Let's find out how these people will really help us all out, then make a decision.
By the way, it appears this election is drawing pretty serious lines in the sand. Too many people have their favorites and refuse to hear from the other side. Too many believe if they talk louder, their point will win out.
Somebody once said never to talk politics or religion because it always ends badly. That's unfortunately true. If you support the Democrats, anybody who listens to the Republicans is 'stupid,' 'uninformed,' or 'should just shut up.' If you support the Republicans, those that listen to the Democrats are 'un-American,' 'more concerned about yourself,' 'want the terrorists to win,' or 'hope we are invaded by a foreign power.'
There are good points on both sides. Live with it. Really, when you look at it, these parties are just the different sides of the same coin. It's still a dime, no matter if it's heads or tails.
Maybe Hillary and Bill can run on the Clinton ticket and put this all to rest.


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

Rise and Shine

Good Morning Sept. 2 and welcome to the other side!

Since politics has become the fifth major sport, it can be somewhat entertaining to see the spin masters do their work. Much like a great pitcher (one who doesn't use steroids) unfurl a masterpiece or a great quarterback lead his team back from certain defeat, the good spinners can turn anything around.
Your candidate played craps on the street? He knows what it's like to be a real person.
Your candidate was once in the Communist party? She cares deeply about workers.
Your candidate spent most of his youth in a detention center? He was misunderstood, but that kind of history only makes him stronger against lobbyists.
Your candidate listened to rap music? She has her hand on the pulse of the young.
Your candidate smokes marijuana? He didn't inhale.
Your candidate roots for the Temple Owls football team? Sorry, he's dropped out of the race.
A friend of mine from college got into politics after graduation. He worked for the Clinton campaigns. He engrossed himself in Washington. Somehow, the road took him to Wisconsin, where last year he ran for Secretary of State.
I told him if he ever runs for President, he better send me a 'care' package because I can give the spin doctors plenty of work.
Speaking of Spin Doctors:


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Rise and Shine

Good Morning and Happy Labor Day!

So today is Labor Day, the unofficial end to summer. Sure, the temperature will push back up into the 90s at some point over the next couple of weeks. Sure, there are still opportunities to hit the beach or take a short trip, but Labor Day is some kind of bookmark.
All of a sudden, there seems to be more pressure, there is more to do, the roads get busier (as if that's possible) and we break out of a mental slumber.
It probably goes back to all those years in school. Once Labor Day hit and the picnics were over, it was time to get back to the books. We had to pack our book bags, get the pencils sharpened and get back on the bus.
There weren't any more late nights watching television or staying outside as the moon dominated the sky. Starting the next day, we HAD to get up early. We weren't ready to go by 6 a.m., because, well, there was only school ahead. That meant work, not play.
Mentally, it's tough to break out of that mode even all these years later. Even when work is year-round. Even when there really is no different between July 10 and Sept. 10 and Oct. 10.
There's always a little bit of sadness on Labor Day. It's time to get back to the real world.
So, since there is still today, here you go:


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