Good Morning and welcome to what could prove to be one fabulous day!
Somebody once paraphrased baseball legend Cal Ripken in saying parents shouldn't overly cheer for their children in an athletic event because it puts too much pressure on them.
I'm here to say that's hogwash. Sure, there is going over the lines. I was there way back in the giddy '90s when a wrestling parent ran down from the stands to confront his son's opponent on the mat. I was also there when he was convicted, forced to spend weekends in jail and seek out anger management.
I've seen parents get so disgusted with coaching/officials/other parents that they go over the top. They start yelling at the coach/official/other parent and stop enjoying the game. It's embarrassing to the child and those sitting near the loudmouth.
Most of the time, though, the cheering is great. Take for instance Wednesday night.
Now, having to sit through five baseball games where this team barely could get an out and was losing games 30-5, 20-2 and 18-0 was pretty bad. Seeing the players just totally lose interest was worse.
That all changed Wednesday night. On this night, a superfan was able to take in the game and got the players excited with her wild cheering. Now, these are pre-teen boys who, truth be told, act more like teenagers than we did as teenagers. It's all about attitude and such.
The Superfan, though, helped them enjoy the game. They were cheering for each other. Helping each other. Hitting the ball. Getting outs.
The result was a highly-entertaining 12-4 victory. Now, the team may not win every game, but maybe now they know how to have a little fun.
Thanks Superfan, keep cheering.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Rise and Shine --- What's in a book?
Good Morning and welcome to the election hangover day!
Yesterday's primary election day was a little bit different than the one last November. There were no lines yesterday. There were no FOX reports of fights. There was very little rhetoric. Of course, there were very few voters as well. Hey, at least the poll workers could get caught up on some reading.
Being a day late and a dollar short, here's a list of some light election reading to get you ready for the next one (don't worry what the book is actually about, just go by the titles):
ANGELS AND DEMONS: The Dan Brown bestseller (now another movie) would fit right in on election days. Just who are the Angels and Demons now that George Bush isn't around any more.
DEAD AND GONE, by Charlaine Harris: Speaking of George Bush...
LIBERTY AND TYRANNY, by Mark R. Levin: Once again, see above.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES, by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith: What better way can you say 'Beach Book.'
ODD HOURS, by Dean Koontz: Welcome to my world.
THE G-FREE DIET, by Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Well, it now appears anybody can get a book deal.
On that note, get ready to pick up these soon-to-be bestsellers (or just download them to your iPhone):
'Running in Sand' by Pat Burrell
'How to Clean Needles' by Roger Clemens (forward by Alex Rodriguez)
'Unlistenable Music' by Steve Perry
'How to Pull the Wool over America's Eyes' by Sean Hannity
Then again, this might have been the beginning of the end for reading:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Yesterday's primary election day was a little bit different than the one last November. There were no lines yesterday. There were no FOX reports of fights. There was very little rhetoric. Of course, there were very few voters as well. Hey, at least the poll workers could get caught up on some reading.
Being a day late and a dollar short, here's a list of some light election reading to get you ready for the next one (don't worry what the book is actually about, just go by the titles):
ANGELS AND DEMONS: The Dan Brown bestseller (now another movie) would fit right in on election days. Just who are the Angels and Demons now that George Bush isn't around any more.
DEAD AND GONE, by Charlaine Harris: Speaking of George Bush...
LIBERTY AND TYRANNY, by Mark R. Levin: Once again, see above.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES, by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith: What better way can you say 'Beach Book.'
ODD HOURS, by Dean Koontz: Welcome to my world.
THE G-FREE DIET, by Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Well, it now appears anybody can get a book deal.
On that note, get ready to pick up these soon-to-be bestsellers (or just download them to your iPhone):
'Running in Sand' by Pat Burrell
'How to Clean Needles' by Roger Clemens (forward by Alex Rodriguez)
'Unlistenable Music' by Steve Perry
'How to Pull the Wool over America's Eyes' by Sean Hannity
Then again, this might have been the beginning of the end for reading:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Rise and Shine --- If only...
Good Morning and welcome back to October?!?
Over the past couple of weeks we've had the season finales (and series finales) on television. For the most part, fans are left with old-fashioned cliffhangers (Lost, 24, etc.) to keep you coming back next season.
Now, if only the rest of the world could work like that.
Let's see, we can take a few months off from work starting at the end of May. Just do enough to keep the bosses wanting more in September. Of course, try it and you'll have more time off than just the summer (unless you're a teacher).
Then again, if we lived in a television world, there would be so many more problems.
For instance, the government actually can get things done in 24 hours. The police solve a murder/robbery/rape/mystery in an hour. You would be able to travel through time, space and walls.
Everything would be justifiable, because you could write it that way.
Then again, where would all the fun come from.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Over the past couple of weeks we've had the season finales (and series finales) on television. For the most part, fans are left with old-fashioned cliffhangers (Lost, 24, etc.) to keep you coming back next season.
Now, if only the rest of the world could work like that.
Let's see, we can take a few months off from work starting at the end of May. Just do enough to keep the bosses wanting more in September. Of course, try it and you'll have more time off than just the summer (unless you're a teacher).
Then again, if we lived in a television world, there would be so many more problems.
For instance, the government actually can get things done in 24 hours. The police solve a murder/robbery/rape/mystery in an hour. You would be able to travel through time, space and walls.
Everything would be justifiable, because you could write it that way.
Then again, where would all the fun come from.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Monday, May 18, 2009
Rise and Shine ---- Moving ahead
Good Morning and welcome to a new week!
Here's a tale of two baseball players and a dancer:
After a long day of running here to there Saturday afternoon, it was time for a bit of a break. That break came in the form of a baseball game.
Now, when there are rescheduled games in a youth baseball league, there are bound to be some players who can't attend the game. So, that left one team short a player Saturday afternoon.
After some imaginative persuasion, the team was able to get that ninth player (who is about a year or two younger than the rest, but enjoys any athletic endeavor) to man centerfield.
The team even had a cheerleader in the form of a ballet dancer watching from behind a fence. Of course, the cheerleader didn't really care about the game, she was just dancing. And dancing. And dancing.
Well, the game continues and the centerfielder starts to get bored. There's just not enough action, so he creates his own action. Rotating his glove and hat. Throwing grass up in the air. Watching butterflies.
Meanwhile, his older brother is trying to keep his focus while playing catcher. The thing is, he can see the centerfielder kneeling down. Throwing the glove. Wearing it on his head.
OK, so it's not exactly the major leagues. At least win or lose, though, they have a cheering section.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Here's a tale of two baseball players and a dancer:
After a long day of running here to there Saturday afternoon, it was time for a bit of a break. That break came in the form of a baseball game.
Now, when there are rescheduled games in a youth baseball league, there are bound to be some players who can't attend the game. So, that left one team short a player Saturday afternoon.
After some imaginative persuasion, the team was able to get that ninth player (who is about a year or two younger than the rest, but enjoys any athletic endeavor) to man centerfield.
The team even had a cheerleader in the form of a ballet dancer watching from behind a fence. Of course, the cheerleader didn't really care about the game, she was just dancing. And dancing. And dancing.
Well, the game continues and the centerfielder starts to get bored. There's just not enough action, so he creates his own action. Rotating his glove and hat. Throwing grass up in the air. Watching butterflies.
Meanwhile, his older brother is trying to keep his focus while playing catcher. The thing is, he can see the centerfielder kneeling down. Throwing the glove. Wearing it on his head.
OK, so it's not exactly the major leagues. At least win or lose, though, they have a cheering section.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Friday, May 15, 2009
Rise and Shine --- We've lost something
Good Morning and welcome to what could be another action-packed weekend!
Way back in the day (again, talking about the heady 1970s), I had one of those grade-school projects where you were tasked to ask questions of an older person.
Well, the oldest person I knew was my grandfather (although, looking back now he wasn't that old). So, I dutifully took my copy book over to his house one day and asked my series of questions.
From what I can remember (getting old myself), they were pretty innocuous. Things like: What's the biggest thing you like about this time? (It's easier to get around) What don't you like? (People don't appreciate what they have)Who is the best Phillies player you ever saw? (Mike Schmidt)
Well, he died a few years ago, but, every once in a while, I wonder what he would say about our time.
Short of calling together a seance (too busy and it's a scam anyway), I have to imagine what the answers would be now.
I think his greatest lament would be the lack of courtesy people have these days.
For many, you can walk into the office every day, say 'Good Morning' (or afternoon or evening) and get no response. Some people don't even look up from their desk. Others may give a grunt.
Go out to a store and everybody is pushing. They need to get that orange RIGHT NOW. Or they need to get past you THIS MOMENT.
Then get in the car to drive home and, if somebody isn't driving right up on your bumper, they are trying to speed past you. Damn the rest of the people in the road, I need to get where I'm going or the WORLD IS GOING TO END.
So, while Mike Schmidt might be the greatest Phillie of all time and we have even easier ways to get around, we've lost something.
We need to get it back. We need to start slow. Say 'Thank You' to the toll collector. Take a different orange. Lay off the horn.
Then again, maybe I need a Ouija board because we have too much time for this:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Way back in the day (again, talking about the heady 1970s), I had one of those grade-school projects where you were tasked to ask questions of an older person.
Well, the oldest person I knew was my grandfather (although, looking back now he wasn't that old). So, I dutifully took my copy book over to his house one day and asked my series of questions.
From what I can remember (getting old myself), they were pretty innocuous. Things like: What's the biggest thing you like about this time? (It's easier to get around) What don't you like? (People don't appreciate what they have)Who is the best Phillies player you ever saw? (Mike Schmidt)
Well, he died a few years ago, but, every once in a while, I wonder what he would say about our time.
Short of calling together a seance (too busy and it's a scam anyway), I have to imagine what the answers would be now.
I think his greatest lament would be the lack of courtesy people have these days.
For many, you can walk into the office every day, say 'Good Morning' (or afternoon or evening) and get no response. Some people don't even look up from their desk. Others may give a grunt.
Go out to a store and everybody is pushing. They need to get that orange RIGHT NOW. Or they need to get past you THIS MOMENT.
Then get in the car to drive home and, if somebody isn't driving right up on your bumper, they are trying to speed past you. Damn the rest of the people in the road, I need to get where I'm going or the WORLD IS GOING TO END.
So, while Mike Schmidt might be the greatest Phillie of all time and we have even easier ways to get around, we've lost something.
We need to get it back. We need to start slow. Say 'Thank You' to the toll collector. Take a different orange. Lay off the horn.
Then again, maybe I need a Ouija board because we have too much time for this:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Rise and Shine ---- Late-night diamonds
Good Morning and welcome to the day you need to find the umbrella again!
Look, I'm as happy as anybody the week of rain is over. Those grey days just seem to bring you down. When there are, what, 19 in a row, well, it's hard to keep a positive outlook.
This week, though, has been perfect. The best thing is the start of our youth baseball season. Now, I know some leagues have been playing (and practicing) for a month, but our league is a little more laid back and is all about fun.
With two boys in different leagues, though, the fun begins. It's all about balancing out the schedule, running between games, watching, yelling and the nearest playground (that's for the princess).
Now, the almost 10-year old is in a playing in a league for the first time where the children pitch (it was coach-pitch last season) and they play more-or-less by 'regular' rules. So, we have to get used to three strikes and the intricacies of an umpire.
While Wednesday night's game went relatively smoothly (well, except for those two ground ball home runs by the opposing team), Monday was an experience.
The umpire, in the first game of the season (thanks rain), appeared to be calling balls and strikes like it was the seventh game of the World Series. After about the 100th walk of the night, and three hours into the game, it was finally finished.
After all that, though, there were smiles on the faces of all the players. At least it's all about having fun.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Look, I'm as happy as anybody the week of rain is over. Those grey days just seem to bring you down. When there are, what, 19 in a row, well, it's hard to keep a positive outlook.
This week, though, has been perfect. The best thing is the start of our youth baseball season. Now, I know some leagues have been playing (and practicing) for a month, but our league is a little more laid back and is all about fun.
With two boys in different leagues, though, the fun begins. It's all about balancing out the schedule, running between games, watching, yelling and the nearest playground (that's for the princess).
Now, the almost 10-year old is in a playing in a league for the first time where the children pitch (it was coach-pitch last season) and they play more-or-less by 'regular' rules. So, we have to get used to three strikes and the intricacies of an umpire.
While Wednesday night's game went relatively smoothly (well, except for those two ground ball home runs by the opposing team), Monday was an experience.
The umpire, in the first game of the season (thanks rain), appeared to be calling balls and strikes like it was the seventh game of the World Series. After about the 100th walk of the night, and three hours into the game, it was finally finished.
After all that, though, there were smiles on the faces of all the players. At least it's all about having fun.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Lucky day
Good Morning and welcome to the middle of the week!
A lot of people think the Number 13 is unlucky. I'm here to tell you it is lucky.
To illustrate how lucky 13 is, I give you a story about a little boy.
Way back in 2002, when we were all giddy with a good economy and nice job outlook, Brendan came into this world on May 13.
Now, there are a lot of births every day. This though, is not a story about them.
Two years later, after delighting his parents with smiles, yelps and yells, Brendan decided danger was his middle name.
So, on the occasion of a nice spring day, much like the one outside our windows today, Brendan climbed on the arm of a couch and stood up.
Now, many children do this every day. They experiment. They like to climb. They like to feel better.
Brendan, though, had a plan. After getting his father's attention, he quickly dove off the arm of the couch and (CONK) went head-first into the hardwood floor. Now, his father, being a father, ran over to Brendan, who was starting to cry just a little bit. Luckily, there was no blood, just a little bump.
OK, everything is fine. Now, let's not do that again.
Which, of course, was an invitation for Brendan to climb on the arm of the couch and prepare for dive No. 2. This time, though, his father caught him in midair, which made Brendan very mad. Hey, flying is fun. Danger is fun. Can I get out on the roof.
No, Brendan, you can't get on the roof, but thank you for making every day interesting. Thank you for being the free spirit we wish we all could be.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
A lot of people think the Number 13 is unlucky. I'm here to tell you it is lucky.
To illustrate how lucky 13 is, I give you a story about a little boy.
Way back in 2002, when we were all giddy with a good economy and nice job outlook, Brendan came into this world on May 13.
Now, there are a lot of births every day. This though, is not a story about them.
Two years later, after delighting his parents with smiles, yelps and yells, Brendan decided danger was his middle name.
So, on the occasion of a nice spring day, much like the one outside our windows today, Brendan climbed on the arm of a couch and stood up.
Now, many children do this every day. They experiment. They like to climb. They like to feel better.
Brendan, though, had a plan. After getting his father's attention, he quickly dove off the arm of the couch and (CONK) went head-first into the hardwood floor. Now, his father, being a father, ran over to Brendan, who was starting to cry just a little bit. Luckily, there was no blood, just a little bump.
OK, everything is fine. Now, let's not do that again.
Which, of course, was an invitation for Brendan to climb on the arm of the couch and prepare for dive No. 2. This time, though, his father caught him in midair, which made Brendan very mad. Hey, flying is fun. Danger is fun. Can I get out on the roof.
No, Brendan, you can't get on the roof, but thank you for making every day interesting. Thank you for being the free spirit we wish we all could be.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Rise and Shine ---- Another headache
Good Morning and welcome back!
So, the news out there today is the increase in gas prices. Let's count down the reasons:
1. We are two weeks before Memorial Day;
2. We have started driving more after prices went down;
3. The oil companies never make enough profits.
Yep, that about counts down the reasons. It all comes down to greed on the part of the oil companies. The more we drive, the more times they can hop on the private airplanes.
Here's an idea: Let's stop driving. Let's pretend gas is back near the $4 mark. Let the oil companies know how you feel by not buying. Yeah, it might be an emotional jump, but so what.
When the price of gas can go up a dime overnight, there's something going on and it isn't good.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
So, the news out there today is the increase in gas prices. Let's count down the reasons:
1. We are two weeks before Memorial Day;
2. We have started driving more after prices went down;
3. The oil companies never make enough profits.
Yep, that about counts down the reasons. It all comes down to greed on the part of the oil companies. The more we drive, the more times they can hop on the private airplanes.
Here's an idea: Let's stop driving. Let's pretend gas is back near the $4 mark. Let the oil companies know how you feel by not buying. Yeah, it might be an emotional jump, but so what.
When the price of gas can go up a dime overnight, there's something going on and it isn't good.
AAA Gas Saving Tips - watch more funny videos
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Monday, May 11, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Making a walk
Good Morning and welcome to another new week!
Well, the rain has gone away and left us with some pretty nice weather. Sure, the wind Sunday could be a bit much, but it's better than grey skies.
Meanwhile, I realized Sunday I am one of the lucky ones. In subbing for the injured, I took part in the 5k Race for the Cure Sunday morning. Now, when there are so many people packed into one place it can be a little overwhelming. Eakins Oval outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art was packed. There were walkers (and runners) of all ages milling around, talking and laughing.
Then you see a pink 'survivor' race number. Then another. Then hundreds more and you realize how the lucky stars have smiled upon you. I haven't had a family member (or friend) touched by breast cancer. Still, when you see the huge number who have, you realize you have been touched.
Everybody you walk past in the mall or speed past on the road could be putting up the fight for their lives. Then you realize you haven't really thought about it and probably should.
Really, if we are all brothers and sisters on this crazy thing we call earth, we should all become involved in each other. Your fight is our fight.
So, I dragged a 9-year old boy out of bed at 5 a.m. Sunday morning and drove down to the Center City. At first, he didn't realize what was going on, after all it was very early and very cold. He took great joy in hitting the sponsor tents and filling bags. In the end, though, I think he was impressed with the number of people. He asked questions about the pink bibs. He asked about the ceremonies.
Maybe it all sinks in, maybe it doesn't, but we walked the whole three miles. We talked. We joked. We want to help.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Well, the rain has gone away and left us with some pretty nice weather. Sure, the wind Sunday could be a bit much, but it's better than grey skies.
Meanwhile, I realized Sunday I am one of the lucky ones. In subbing for the injured, I took part in the 5k Race for the Cure Sunday morning. Now, when there are so many people packed into one place it can be a little overwhelming. Eakins Oval outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art was packed. There were walkers (and runners) of all ages milling around, talking and laughing.
Then you see a pink 'survivor' race number. Then another. Then hundreds more and you realize how the lucky stars have smiled upon you. I haven't had a family member (or friend) touched by breast cancer. Still, when you see the huge number who have, you realize you have been touched.
Everybody you walk past in the mall or speed past on the road could be putting up the fight for their lives. Then you realize you haven't really thought about it and probably should.
Really, if we are all brothers and sisters on this crazy thing we call earth, we should all become involved in each other. Your fight is our fight.
So, I dragged a 9-year old boy out of bed at 5 a.m. Sunday morning and drove down to the Center City. At first, he didn't realize what was going on, after all it was very early and very cold. He took great joy in hitting the sponsor tents and filling bags. In the end, though, I think he was impressed with the number of people. He asked questions about the pink bibs. He asked about the ceremonies.
Maybe it all sinks in, maybe it doesn't, but we walked the whole three miles. We talked. We joked. We want to help.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Friday, May 8, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Drugs and donkeys
Good Morning and welcome to the end of the wet week!
First a big shout out for Mother's Day. Sure, we take advantage of the mother's in our lives, but only because they are so kind.
You have to hand it to the Chichester School District for stepping up and canceling the donkey basketball game that was scheduled for May 16.
Sure, many will role their eyes and say things like, 'They've been doing this for 100 years. It's just a bit of fun. Hey, their only donkeys.' Well, maybe we are in a more enlightened times where jumping on the back of an animal in the name of fun isn't such a good idea.
Tell you what, for those upset by the cancellation, pick up a donkey costume, let people jump on your back and play basketball. Sounds like nothing but fun.
Meanwhile, speaking of real donkeys, how about that Manny Ramirez. Here's a guy who has plenty of money. Was on the way to the Hall of Fame and was one of the most feared hitters in baseball. Still, it wasn't enough.
According to the report, he tested positive for something called human chorionic gonadotropin, which is something found in pregnant women.
Beautiful, just beautiful.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
First a big shout out for Mother's Day. Sure, we take advantage of the mother's in our lives, but only because they are so kind.
You have to hand it to the Chichester School District for stepping up and canceling the donkey basketball game that was scheduled for May 16.
Sure, many will role their eyes and say things like, 'They've been doing this for 100 years. It's just a bit of fun. Hey, their only donkeys.' Well, maybe we are in a more enlightened times where jumping on the back of an animal in the name of fun isn't such a good idea.
Tell you what, for those upset by the cancellation, pick up a donkey costume, let people jump on your back and play basketball. Sounds like nothing but fun.
Meanwhile, speaking of real donkeys, how about that Manny Ramirez. Here's a guy who has plenty of money. Was on the way to the Hall of Fame and was one of the most feared hitters in baseball. Still, it wasn't enough.
According to the report, he tested positive for something called human chorionic gonadotropin, which is something found in pregnant women.
Beautiful, just beautiful.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Rise and Shine --- For the love of air
Good Morning and what was that stuff falling from the sky?!?
Noticed a disturbing trend over the last week. No, it wasn't the rain and what it was doing to the grass (jungle) out front. It appears people are cutting down trees like they are so much trash.
I saw two perfectly nice trees come down in the last two days. Now, people can do what they want. It's their property, but what is the justification? What, you are worried about raking leaves in the fall. You don't like shade infringing on your sunbathing? You hate birds?
I'm just trying to figure out the thought process. I could understand if the tree was dying and there was a safety issue, but, if the tree is perfectly healthy, why take it down?
There are enough streets, parking lots, malls and sidewalks that take away nature. If you have space, leave the tree alone.
Then again, it could be worse:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Noticed a disturbing trend over the last week. No, it wasn't the rain and what it was doing to the grass (jungle) out front. It appears people are cutting down trees like they are so much trash.
I saw two perfectly nice trees come down in the last two days. Now, people can do what they want. It's their property, but what is the justification? What, you are worried about raking leaves in the fall. You don't like shade infringing on your sunbathing? You hate birds?
I'm just trying to figure out the thought process. I could understand if the tree was dying and there was a safety issue, but, if the tree is perfectly healthy, why take it down?
There are enough streets, parking lots, malls and sidewalks that take away nature. If you have space, leave the tree alone.
Then again, it could be worse:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Things to do in the rain
Good Morning and welcome to another Wednesday!
The good thing about Wednesday is you can almost see the end of the week, but you know there's still some work to be done. Plow through it and you'll be rewarded. Well, at least you have to have hope.
Speaking of hope, after a long winter of sitting inside, the last thing a child wants to do in April is look out the window at rain falling.
They want to get out. They want to run around. There's a little clock in their hearts that goes off once May rolls around. Enough of playing board games, we want the bikes. We want the balls. We want the Frisbees. We want the ... ice cream?
That's right, why wait for the heat of the summer, it's spring, which is close enough, so it's time for ice cream.
Now, none of that low-fat stuff. No, it has to be real ice cream. It has to be full of fat and milk and chocolate and goodness.
Since the frozen banana ice cream just won't cut it this week, it's time to head to the store.
That's where the fun begins. Now, not being a huge ice cream fan, I usually by-pass that aisle in the store. This trip, there was no stopping (after all, it was a trip primarily for ice cream).
So, the orders came in: I want mint. I want cookie dough. I want peanut butter chocolate. I want candy and ice cream and whipped cream and chocolate sauce and more candy.
So, with two small ones to help, we stopped at the ice cream aisle. I want that one and that one and that one and that one.
OK, just one. There's not enough room in the freezer (not to mention the bank account) for one of each.
With so many choices, it was information overload. It takes an adult to step in. Well, here's chocolate peanut butter and, look, there's a baseball one. It's baseball season let's get that.
NOOOO. I want the football one.
NOOOOO. Get the baseball one.
NOOOOOOOO! Football! NOOOOOOOOO. Baseball!
Executive decisions don't work when a little girl wants ice cream with little chocolate footballs inside.
Or, maybe I'm not the executive anyway. That's why we end up with too much ice cream jamming up the freezer.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
The good thing about Wednesday is you can almost see the end of the week, but you know there's still some work to be done. Plow through it and you'll be rewarded. Well, at least you have to have hope.
Speaking of hope, after a long winter of sitting inside, the last thing a child wants to do in April is look out the window at rain falling.
They want to get out. They want to run around. There's a little clock in their hearts that goes off once May rolls around. Enough of playing board games, we want the bikes. We want the balls. We want the Frisbees. We want the ... ice cream?
That's right, why wait for the heat of the summer, it's spring, which is close enough, so it's time for ice cream.
Now, none of that low-fat stuff. No, it has to be real ice cream. It has to be full of fat and milk and chocolate and goodness.
Since the frozen banana ice cream just won't cut it this week, it's time to head to the store.
That's where the fun begins. Now, not being a huge ice cream fan, I usually by-pass that aisle in the store. This trip, there was no stopping (after all, it was a trip primarily for ice cream).
So, the orders came in: I want mint. I want cookie dough. I want peanut butter chocolate. I want candy and ice cream and whipped cream and chocolate sauce and more candy.
So, with two small ones to help, we stopped at the ice cream aisle. I want that one and that one and that one and that one.
OK, just one. There's not enough room in the freezer (not to mention the bank account) for one of each.
With so many choices, it was information overload. It takes an adult to step in. Well, here's chocolate peanut butter and, look, there's a baseball one. It's baseball season let's get that.
NOOOO. I want the football one.
NOOOOO. Get the baseball one.
NOOOOOOOO! Football! NOOOOOOOOO. Baseball!
Executive decisions don't work when a little girl wants ice cream with little chocolate footballs inside.
Or, maybe I'm not the executive anyway. That's why we end up with too much ice cream jamming up the freezer.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Cinco the Slogan
Good Morning and welcome to the world of fish!
At least that's what it seems like outside again today. Woke up to a persistent drizzle and it's only supposed to get wetter the rest of the week. Just remember this in August when we are talking draught.
Not that anybody needs an excuse or anything, but it is Cinco de Mayo today. Sure, it's a celebration in Mexico commemorating their victory over the French in 1862, but it seems to have taken off in this country thanks to, well, good marketing.
So, let's raise a glass of Tequila and stay away from Taco Bell.
Anyway, caught a commercial last night for the new Star Trek movie. It is, as the ad says, 'Not your Father's Star Trek.'
Which, of course, is a take off of the famous Oldsmobile slogan.
Of course, they stopped making Oldsmobile's in 2004. What does that have to do with the new Star Trek movie? Well, probably nothing, but it gave me a chance to search for some old commercials.
Here's one that ties it all together:
By the way,
At least that's what it seems like outside again today. Woke up to a persistent drizzle and it's only supposed to get wetter the rest of the week. Just remember this in August when we are talking draught.
Not that anybody needs an excuse or anything, but it is Cinco de Mayo today. Sure, it's a celebration in Mexico commemorating their victory over the French in 1862, but it seems to have taken off in this country thanks to, well, good marketing.
So, let's raise a glass of Tequila and stay away from Taco Bell.
Anyway, caught a commercial last night for the new Star Trek movie. It is, as the ad says, 'Not your Father's Star Trek.'
Which, of course, is a take off of the famous Oldsmobile slogan.
Of course, they stopped making Oldsmobile's in 2004. What does that have to do with the new Star Trek movie? Well, probably nothing, but it gave me a chance to search for some old commercials.
Here's one that ties it all together:
By the way,
Monday, May 4, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Rain, rain go away
Good Morning and welcome to another day for ducks!
OK, now we remember the downfall of spring. After emerging from the dark, dank winter, we were treated to a great early spring. There was a lot of sun. There was warm (hot?) temperatures. There were fun times to be had outside.
Then, this weekend we got the rain. And more rain. And more rain.
It seemed like every minute of the day was saddled with cloud cover and the wet stuff. OK, it got nice late Saturday afternoon, but then it turned back into rain.
Now, there's nothing wrong with rain. When it's nasty outside, it gives you a chance to take a Sunday break. Relax. Watch a few movies (something for everybody, say, Spider-Man 2, Bedtime Stories and Aladdin) and take your time for once.
The downfall, though, is there is a jungle starting to emerge on the lawn. We all know the grass grows quicker this time of year, but, add in a few inches of water and, bang, its up to your knees.
Of course, it's raining, so you can't get out and cut it down. So, it just keeps growing. Pretty soon, you'll lose a small child in the 'trees.'
When it finally stops raining (they are hoping some time Wednesday), it will be time to get out the sickle.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
OK, now we remember the downfall of spring. After emerging from the dark, dank winter, we were treated to a great early spring. There was a lot of sun. There was warm (hot?) temperatures. There were fun times to be had outside.
Then, this weekend we got the rain. And more rain. And more rain.
It seemed like every minute of the day was saddled with cloud cover and the wet stuff. OK, it got nice late Saturday afternoon, but then it turned back into rain.
Now, there's nothing wrong with rain. When it's nasty outside, it gives you a chance to take a Sunday break. Relax. Watch a few movies (something for everybody, say, Spider-Man 2, Bedtime Stories and Aladdin) and take your time for once.
The downfall, though, is there is a jungle starting to emerge on the lawn. We all know the grass grows quicker this time of year, but, add in a few inches of water and, bang, its up to your knees.
Of course, it's raining, so you can't get out and cut it down. So, it just keeps growing. Pretty soon, you'll lose a small child in the 'trees.'
When it finally stops raining (they are hoping some time Wednesday), it will be time to get out the sickle.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Friday, May 1, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Alarming
Good Morning and welcome to May!
So, it's May Day, which isn't exactly what I was thinking this morning when I looked at the clock. No, there were other words going through my mind.
It's a funny thing about that morning alarm. We hate them, curse them, want to throw them against the wall, hit the button to delay them and generally have nightmares about the loud buzz, beat, buzz. Then, when they don't go off or, through a haze of sleepiness, forget to turn them on, well, it's more of the same. We hate them, curse them and want to throw them against the wall.
The problem is, there's no time to even think about that. My alarm goes off at 4:10 a.m., usually. For the first time in a couple of years, I forgot to turn the alarm on Thursday night. So, after rolling over and seeing 3:53 blinking on the clock, I figured I had about 15 minutes before the alarm would get me up.
No sir. Forgot to put it on, so, when I looked and the clock was laughing at me with 5:13 blinking back, it was time to run. Know those nightmares about going to work without pants, well, miss the alarm and you might live it.
Somehow, I was able to shower, walk the dogs, get breakfast, get back-packs packed and get out the door by 5:30.
Miracle? Maybe. Now, if a few other would come this way.
Meanwhile, you can listen to this while sitting at home with the Swine Flu:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
So, it's May Day, which isn't exactly what I was thinking this morning when I looked at the clock. No, there were other words going through my mind.
It's a funny thing about that morning alarm. We hate them, curse them, want to throw them against the wall, hit the button to delay them and generally have nightmares about the loud buzz, beat, buzz. Then, when they don't go off or, through a haze of sleepiness, forget to turn them on, well, it's more of the same. We hate them, curse them and want to throw them against the wall.
The problem is, there's no time to even think about that. My alarm goes off at 4:10 a.m., usually. For the first time in a couple of years, I forgot to turn the alarm on Thursday night. So, after rolling over and seeing 3:53 blinking on the clock, I figured I had about 15 minutes before the alarm would get me up.
No sir. Forgot to put it on, so, when I looked and the clock was laughing at me with 5:13 blinking back, it was time to run. Know those nightmares about going to work without pants, well, miss the alarm and you might live it.
Somehow, I was able to shower, walk the dogs, get breakfast, get back-packs packed and get out the door by 5:30.
Miracle? Maybe. Now, if a few other would come this way.
Meanwhile, you can listen to this while sitting at home with the Swine Flu:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Making the best of Swine Flu
Good Morning and welcome back to another Thursday (yes they keep coming)!
So, you're sitting at home with Swine Flu (or Whooping Cough) and have nothing to do but feel miserable. Well, you would be wrong on that account.
Have a friend head to the video store for this Swine Flu movie festival:
1. Outbreak. Who better than Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo and Morgan Freeman to save the day? If nothing else, they get to wear cool suits.
2. The Stand. Anybody who has read this Stephen King book is drawn in by the good-vs.-evil plot. The Devil vs. an Angel. Gary Sinise vs. Jamie Sheridan. More important, though, is none of us knew at the time that King is a modern-day Nostradamus. That's right. King wrote about an out-of-control flu virus that takes out most of the world despite the government trying to calm the waters by denying its existence. Hmmm. The biggest drawback: Molly Ringwald is also one of the saviors.
3. 28 Days Later. So, we have a bug that turns people into zombies. Sounds like it's already infiltrated the Republican Party.
4. The Omega Man Forget Will Smith's remake, you want Charlton Heston to be the last man standing with one heck of a cool car. On second thought, forget about it. Smith packs more action.
5. 24: Season 3. Just pop in the DVD and you're good for 24 hours of Jack Bauer craziness. You have drug dealers, virus, the Mummy and travel that takes days for us normal people is done in less than an hour. Besides, there are no commercials, so it's a bit less than 24 hours.
You can thank me later, after the antibiotics.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
So, you're sitting at home with Swine Flu (or Whooping Cough) and have nothing to do but feel miserable. Well, you would be wrong on that account.
Have a friend head to the video store for this Swine Flu movie festival:
1. Outbreak. Who better than Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo and Morgan Freeman to save the day? If nothing else, they get to wear cool suits.
2. The Stand. Anybody who has read this Stephen King book is drawn in by the good-vs.-evil plot. The Devil vs. an Angel. Gary Sinise vs. Jamie Sheridan. More important, though, is none of us knew at the time that King is a modern-day Nostradamus. That's right. King wrote about an out-of-control flu virus that takes out most of the world despite the government trying to calm the waters by denying its existence. Hmmm. The biggest drawback: Molly Ringwald is also one of the saviors.
3. 28 Days Later. So, we have a bug that turns people into zombies. Sounds like it's already infiltrated the Republican Party.
4. The Omega Man Forget Will Smith's remake, you want Charlton Heston to be the last man standing with one heck of a cool car. On second thought, forget about it. Smith packs more action.
5. 24: Season 3. Just pop in the DVD and you're good for 24 hours of Jack Bauer craziness. You have drug dealers, virus, the Mummy and travel that takes days for us normal people is done in less than an hour. Besides, there are no commercials, so it's a bit less than 24 hours.
You can thank me later, after the antibiotics.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Rise and Shine --- New view
Good Morning and welcome back to April!
The heat was nice (although it stretched a bit too far). Now, we can get back to spring and wait on summer.
Meanwhile, it's kind of interesting how things can look different depending on who you are experiencing them with. For instance, you could watch the same movie 100 times by yourself, but add another person's opinion to the mix and the movie looks brand new.
Case in point, the Philadelphia Zoo. Now, I've probably visited the zoo over 100 times. I remember as a child going to the zoo every year with either the school (which also had a trip to Valley Forge every year) or Cub Scouts or just a family outing.
Since our children joined the mix, you can probably add about 15 more visits in the last 10 years.
After a while, though, it does get old. Look there are the monkeys. Over there is a rhino. Let's see the lions, tigers and bears. Then back to the car (while trying to avoid the souvenir shop) as everybody starts to melt down.
Tuesday, though, was completely different. The zoo was brand new as I walked around with a group of pre-K girls (and boys, although I was in charge of two little girls).
All they wanted to do was see the polar bears. The monkeys, lions, tortoises and the rhinos held minimal interest.
So, slowly (too slowly for my charges), we made the way to the polar bears. Being it was 90 degrees and the fact that polar bears should be in Canada not Philadelphia, the bears were mostly just sleeping in the shade.
That didn't matter, though, because near the polar bears was a water fountain they could actually touch. There were no more animals. There were no more smells. There was no more heat. There was a fountain, splashing and laughing.
Now, that's a real thing to savor.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
The heat was nice (although it stretched a bit too far). Now, we can get back to spring and wait on summer.
Meanwhile, it's kind of interesting how things can look different depending on who you are experiencing them with. For instance, you could watch the same movie 100 times by yourself, but add another person's opinion to the mix and the movie looks brand new.
Case in point, the Philadelphia Zoo. Now, I've probably visited the zoo over 100 times. I remember as a child going to the zoo every year with either the school (which also had a trip to Valley Forge every year) or Cub Scouts or just a family outing.
Since our children joined the mix, you can probably add about 15 more visits in the last 10 years.
After a while, though, it does get old. Look there are the monkeys. Over there is a rhino. Let's see the lions, tigers and bears. Then back to the car (while trying to avoid the souvenir shop) as everybody starts to melt down.
Tuesday, though, was completely different. The zoo was brand new as I walked around with a group of pre-K girls (and boys, although I was in charge of two little girls).
All they wanted to do was see the polar bears. The monkeys, lions, tortoises and the rhinos held minimal interest.
So, slowly (too slowly for my charges), we made the way to the polar bears. Being it was 90 degrees and the fact that polar bears should be in Canada not Philadelphia, the bears were mostly just sleeping in the shade.
That didn't matter, though, because near the polar bears was a water fountain they could actually touch. There were no more animals. There were no more smells. There was no more heat. There was a fountain, splashing and laughing.
Now, that's a real thing to savor.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Monday, April 27, 2009
Rise and Shine --- What toolbox?
Good Morning and welcome to summer!
Well, not exactly, although it certainly feels like it out there again today. The biggest problem with this early-season heat is to fight off the urge to put in the air conditioners. Sure, it would have made it nice last night, but when the temps get back to 'normal,' you lose a window. I'll take one night of heat (as long as there aren't two).
Speaking of heat, if you've ever replaced a sink faucet you know the heat that can build up in your head. Replacing a sing faucet isn't like putting in a window air conditioner. It's not a ten minute job (although, for some out there, it may be).
For me, though, it's a five-hour job. (OK, Dad, you can stop laughing.) Now, that might seem ridiculous, but, hey, what's not ridiculous.
I followed the directions. Turned off the water, disconnected the hoses (although the hot side took about 45 minutes and a lot of, well, colorful language).
Then came the easy part, right? Just get the basin wrench and loosen the bolt holding the top of the faucet in place.
Yeah. Sure. Easy. Easy? Well, after about an hour of laying down under the sink and trying to get the damn nut to turn, the heat was starting to take its toll. After a five minute break and about another hour of being under the sink later, it was apparent the nut wasn't going to move. So, I did what any self-respecting do-it-yourselfer would do. I yelled every colorful word I knew at the faucet.
After that didn't work, I grabbed the hacksaw and cut the thing off. (OK, Dad, you can stop rolling your eyes.)
Then it was time to put in the new faucet.
Now, that went smoothly until I turned the water back on and it flowed out of the bottom instead of the top. Luckily, I didn't grab the hacksaw this time. Instead, I took the whole thing apart, tightened all the connections and...
It worked. Yahoo.
Now, this might seem like a no-brainer to many out there, but, hey, we'll take a victory where we can get it.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Well, not exactly, although it certainly feels like it out there again today. The biggest problem with this early-season heat is to fight off the urge to put in the air conditioners. Sure, it would have made it nice last night, but when the temps get back to 'normal,' you lose a window. I'll take one night of heat (as long as there aren't two).
Speaking of heat, if you've ever replaced a sink faucet you know the heat that can build up in your head. Replacing a sing faucet isn't like putting in a window air conditioner. It's not a ten minute job (although, for some out there, it may be).
For me, though, it's a five-hour job. (OK, Dad, you can stop laughing.) Now, that might seem ridiculous, but, hey, what's not ridiculous.
I followed the directions. Turned off the water, disconnected the hoses (although the hot side took about 45 minutes and a lot of, well, colorful language).
Then came the easy part, right? Just get the basin wrench and loosen the bolt holding the top of the faucet in place.
Yeah. Sure. Easy. Easy? Well, after about an hour of laying down under the sink and trying to get the damn nut to turn, the heat was starting to take its toll. After a five minute break and about another hour of being under the sink later, it was apparent the nut wasn't going to move. So, I did what any self-respecting do-it-yourselfer would do. I yelled every colorful word I knew at the faucet.
After that didn't work, I grabbed the hacksaw and cut the thing off. (OK, Dad, you can stop rolling your eyes.)
Then it was time to put in the new faucet.
Now, that went smoothly until I turned the water back on and it flowed out of the bottom instead of the top. Luckily, I didn't grab the hacksaw this time. Instead, I took the whole thing apart, tightened all the connections and...
It worked. Yahoo.
Now, this might seem like a no-brainer to many out there, but, hey, we'll take a victory where we can get it.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
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
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Den of disease
Good Morning and hope you are enjoying a happy-ending Sunday!
It starts innocently enough, a cough or sneeze. Then starts to blossom until it takes over the body, knocking the person down. The room is spinning, the bed offers no relief. A run to the bathroom is only followed by another run and another run. The sunshine only makes things worse. Finally, the person gives in and lets everything run its course.
It doesn't end there, though. No, that would be way too easy. The 'alien' jumps from one body, to the next, causing the same problems. Then it jumps to the next and the next. It never ends...
Something out of Hollywood?
Not quite, just the way a small stomach bug can move through a household. One day, everybody is fine, running around, enjoying life. Then, boom, down and out.
Of course, you can't enjoy feeling a little better, because somebody else in the house is suddenly feeling bad. The only hope is it doesn't move back around for a second go (sequel?), because, well, you know, if it is good once, why not keep making it again and again.
After sitting through a day with this 'bug' it got me to thinking about how a fast-moving stomach flu is much like the banking business. After all, they suck you dry with fees and interest rates, then complain when you have trouble with the payments.
There's only one way for that sequel to end.
If you have any cool links or videos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
It starts innocently enough, a cough or sneeze. Then starts to blossom until it takes over the body, knocking the person down. The room is spinning, the bed offers no relief. A run to the bathroom is only followed by another run and another run. The sunshine only makes things worse. Finally, the person gives in and lets everything run its course.
It doesn't end there, though. No, that would be way too easy. The 'alien' jumps from one body, to the next, causing the same problems. Then it jumps to the next and the next. It never ends...
Something out of Hollywood?
Not quite, just the way a small stomach bug can move through a household. One day, everybody is fine, running around, enjoying life. Then, boom, down and out.
Of course, you can't enjoy feeling a little better, because somebody else in the house is suddenly feeling bad. The only hope is it doesn't move back around for a second go (sequel?), because, well, you know, if it is good once, why not keep making it again and again.
After sitting through a day with this 'bug' it got me to thinking about how a fast-moving stomach flu is much like the banking business. After all, they suck you dry with fees and interest rates, then complain when you have trouble with the payments.
There's only one way for that sequel to end.
If you have any cool links or videos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Tight circle
Good Morning and welcome back to your favorite early-morning blog!
Can a leopard change its spots? Can a dog learn new tricks? Can an elephant learn to be friends with mice?
I believe it is all possible. The sun will come out today, drying up the rain left over the last day and the flowers will soon start to bloom.
Spring is the perfect time to look around and see it's time to feel better. Forget the doldrums of winter, this is the time when everything gets better. Sure, there will be bumps in the road. We wouldn't be in this opera called life it there wasn't, it's how we deal with those bumps that define us.
As we continue to read (hear?) about murders, money and drugs, we have to concentrate on our circle. Make the lives around you better and the world becomes that much brighter.
It's time to do just that. Hug your family. Talk on the phone. Help somebody across the street. Let a car out of a parking lot even though you've been sitting in traffic for, like, five minutes.
We have the chance to make everything brighter. Let the world work for you instead of you working for it.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Can a leopard change its spots? Can a dog learn new tricks? Can an elephant learn to be friends with mice?
I believe it is all possible. The sun will come out today, drying up the rain left over the last day and the flowers will soon start to bloom.
Spring is the perfect time to look around and see it's time to feel better. Forget the doldrums of winter, this is the time when everything gets better. Sure, there will be bumps in the road. We wouldn't be in this opera called life it there wasn't, it's how we deal with those bumps that define us.
As we continue to read (hear?) about murders, money and drugs, we have to concentrate on our circle. Make the lives around you better and the world becomes that much brighter.
It's time to do just that. Hug your family. Talk on the phone. Help somebody across the street. Let a car out of a parking lot even though you've been sitting in traffic for, like, five minutes.
We have the chance to make everything brighter. Let the world work for you instead of you working for it.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Monday, April 20, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Great or scary?
Good Morning and welcome back to the work week!
Here's hoping you had as much fun as I did this weekend. It certainly was Lush and there was a great dessert.
There always seems to be another list of the 'The greatest movies of all-time.' Those lists are broken down into comedies, action movies, musicals and the like (we'll stop there before searches start sending red lights to powers above).
One of the movies on the lists is 1967's 'The Graduate.' Now, I try to see the movies on 'greatest' lists if only because it's a fun thing to do.
Up until now, though, I'd never really watched 'The Graduate.' It's been touted as great from Roger Ebert to some Norwegian reviewer.
After finally seeing the whole movie, here's another quick review: scary.
Now, if you've seen the film, you know the story. If you haven't, well, check out the reviews above.
Anyway, what struck me as strange was how the Dustin Hoffman character is actually a stalker. Is he really that far from Travis Bickle?
After sleeping with his girlfriend's mother, he falls into a depression, then trails her around Cal-Berkley. He hides in the bushes to watch her. He looks out windows with binoculars. He runs after buses. He even scares Mr. Roper.
Maybe it's a view of a simpler time. Maybe it should be taken that way. Maybe it's just dated and doesn't play in the reality of this world.
Today, Ben Braddock would be arrested and drawing pictures in prison.
Anyway, that's just one opinion.
If you have any cool links or photos, e-mail them to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Here's hoping you had as much fun as I did this weekend. It certainly was Lush and there was a great dessert.
There always seems to be another list of the 'The greatest movies of all-time.' Those lists are broken down into comedies, action movies, musicals and the like (we'll stop there before searches start sending red lights to powers above).
One of the movies on the lists is 1967's 'The Graduate.' Now, I try to see the movies on 'greatest' lists if only because it's a fun thing to do.
Up until now, though, I'd never really watched 'The Graduate.' It's been touted as great from Roger Ebert to some Norwegian reviewer.
After finally seeing the whole movie, here's another quick review: scary.
Now, if you've seen the film, you know the story. If you haven't, well, check out the reviews above.
Anyway, what struck me as strange was how the Dustin Hoffman character is actually a stalker. Is he really that far from Travis Bickle?
After sleeping with his girlfriend's mother, he falls into a depression, then trails her around Cal-Berkley. He hides in the bushes to watch her. He looks out windows with binoculars. He runs after buses. He even scares Mr. Roper.
Maybe it's a view of a simpler time. Maybe it should be taken that way. Maybe it's just dated and doesn't play in the reality of this world.
Today, Ben Braddock would be arrested and drawing pictures in prison.
Anyway, that's just one opinion.
If you have any cool links or photos, e-mail them to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Friday, April 17, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Lost, found and songs
Good Morning and welcome to real spring!
Well, as a follow-up to yesterday, it appears researchers have found Cleopatra's tomb. Now, they haven't actually gotten into the tomb yet. Probably something about ancient curses or whatever. After all, they have to move slow so we don't have zombie warriors coming out of the desert.
Meanwhile, my funny bone was definitely on display last night. The school had it's annual night of music (something every school should do at least once a year). Well, it's always cute to see little people dressed in their finest singing songs and dancing. Of course, there is a large amount of nervousness before the show, but it always works out great in the end. The best thing is seeing how the children interact with each other on the stage. Sure, there's a bit of shucking and jiving, but it's a lot of fun.
One other message: Je vous aimerai pendant plus d'années que les étoiles brûleront dans le ciel de nuit.
Then you can get ready for the nice weather this weekend with this:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Well, as a follow-up to yesterday, it appears researchers have found Cleopatra's tomb. Now, they haven't actually gotten into the tomb yet. Probably something about ancient curses or whatever. After all, they have to move slow so we don't have zombie warriors coming out of the desert.
Meanwhile, my funny bone was definitely on display last night. The school had it's annual night of music (something every school should do at least once a year). Well, it's always cute to see little people dressed in their finest singing songs and dancing. Of course, there is a large amount of nervousness before the show, but it always works out great in the end. The best thing is seeing how the children interact with each other on the stage. Sure, there's a bit of shucking and jiving, but it's a lot of fun.
One other message: Je vous aimerai pendant plus d'années que les étoiles brûleront dans le ciel de nuit.
Then you can get ready for the nice weather this weekend with this:
Ode to Weathermen - watch more funny videos
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Surprise!
Good Morning and welcome back to the Internet!
Just to prove you can't take anything at face value, this video from something called 'Britain's Got Talent' came to light.
It shows a 47-year old woman belting out a song that just put everybody in their place. She didn't look like a big-time singer. She didn't carry herself as a star in the making. She is just normal.
Once again, it shows there is greatness in all of us, we just have to tap into it. In the face of a world going down the river, it's nice to see the tide change a little bit.
Meanwhile, half a world away, archaeologists are searching for Cleopatra's tomb. The amazing thing is, after all the digging that's gone on in Egypt the last 50 years, it has never been found. I don't know about you, but it's always kind of cool when they discover these things. It gives us a glimpse of a past we may never know.
Now, with what promises to be a nice weather weekend on tap, maybe we can dig up our own treasure.
Just remember, even Tigers have to watch out sometimes:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Just to prove you can't take anything at face value, this video from something called 'Britain's Got Talent' came to light.
It shows a 47-year old woman belting out a song that just put everybody in their place. She didn't look like a big-time singer. She didn't carry herself as a star in the making. She is just normal.
Once again, it shows there is greatness in all of us, we just have to tap into it. In the face of a world going down the river, it's nice to see the tide change a little bit.
Meanwhile, half a world away, archaeologists are searching for Cleopatra's tomb. The amazing thing is, after all the digging that's gone on in Egypt the last 50 years, it has never been found. I don't know about you, but it's always kind of cool when they discover these things. It gives us a glimpse of a past we may never know.
Now, with what promises to be a nice weather weekend on tap, maybe we can dig up our own treasure.
Just remember, even Tigers have to watch out sometimes:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Taxing day
Good Morning and welcome to the favorite day of the IRS!
By midnight tonight, taxes are supposed to be done. They are supposed to be put in the mail. Numbers have been crushed. Checks have been written.
Then again, if you do it all online (which, by the way, is the least painful way), it only takes a couple of clicks.
Meanwhile, there's some kind of Republican-backed thing called 'Tax Day Tea Party' going on around the country as well today. Don't know what the protest is all about, but it sounds like it gives some people something to do on another damp, wet day.
Hey, it beats listening to Rush all morning.
Speaking of rush, is there ever a time in our lives we don't rush around. It's work, school, breakfast, lunch, dinner, Cub Scouts, baseball, whatever. We probably lose a bit of ourselves in the process. Maybe it's time to slow down.
How about having a real tea party? That sounds like fun.
Then there's this bit of fun:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
By midnight tonight, taxes are supposed to be done. They are supposed to be put in the mail. Numbers have been crushed. Checks have been written.
Then again, if you do it all online (which, by the way, is the least painful way), it only takes a couple of clicks.
Meanwhile, there's some kind of Republican-backed thing called 'Tax Day Tea Party' going on around the country as well today. Don't know what the protest is all about, but it sounds like it gives some people something to do on another damp, wet day.
Hey, it beats listening to Rush all morning.
Speaking of rush, is there ever a time in our lives we don't rush around. It's work, school, breakfast, lunch, dinner, Cub Scouts, baseball, whatever. We probably lose a bit of ourselves in the process. Maybe it's time to slow down.
How about having a real tea party? That sounds like fun.
Then there's this bit of fun:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Different summer
Good Morning and welcome to a brave new world.
It's funny sometimes how the mind works. When the death of Phillies announcer Harry Kalas first started to filter through the regular channels, many remembered some of his famous calls.
Whether it be the call of Mike Schmidt's 500th home run or the one after the Phillies won the 2008 World Series or his work at NFL Films, there is a Harry Kalas memory somewhere in the mind.
My mind, as many will probably joyfully tell you, works a little different. My memory isn't about a call, it's something that happened nearly every game during the 1970s.
Growing up, we were lucky enough to have a neighbor who had season tickets to the Phillies. His seats were three rows off the field behind the visitors' dugout. We would get a chance to use the seats maybe 10 times a year.
For a kid just getting into baseball, this was heaven. You could yell to the players and they might even turn around.
Most of the seats around the section were for visiting players' families, but there was one loud guy further down the row named Hank. His voice would boom over any cheers, any call, any music.
During the seventh inning stretch of every home game, Hank would turn around and yell up to the booth to Harry.
"Hey, Harry."
It got to the point where we could pick Hank out of the crowd during games when listening on the radio or watching TV.
Anyway, Harry would always wave to Hank. Hank would wave back and the whole section would cheer.
That's what I'll remember of Harry Kalas. That and how even during some very, very bad baseball years in Philadelphia, you could always listen to the Phillies. Even when Steve Jeltz was batting.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
It's funny sometimes how the mind works. When the death of Phillies announcer Harry Kalas first started to filter through the regular channels, many remembered some of his famous calls.
Whether it be the call of Mike Schmidt's 500th home run or the one after the Phillies won the 2008 World Series or his work at NFL Films, there is a Harry Kalas memory somewhere in the mind.
My mind, as many will probably joyfully tell you, works a little different. My memory isn't about a call, it's something that happened nearly every game during the 1970s.
Growing up, we were lucky enough to have a neighbor who had season tickets to the Phillies. His seats were three rows off the field behind the visitors' dugout. We would get a chance to use the seats maybe 10 times a year.
For a kid just getting into baseball, this was heaven. You could yell to the players and they might even turn around.
Most of the seats around the section were for visiting players' families, but there was one loud guy further down the row named Hank. His voice would boom over any cheers, any call, any music.
During the seventh inning stretch of every home game, Hank would turn around and yell up to the booth to Harry.
"Hey, Harry."
It got to the point where we could pick Hank out of the crowd during games when listening on the radio or watching TV.
Anyway, Harry would always wave to Hank. Hank would wave back and the whole section would cheer.
That's what I'll remember of Harry Kalas. That and how even during some very, very bad baseball years in Philadelphia, you could always listen to the Phillies. Even when Steve Jeltz was batting.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Monday, April 13, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Big news weekend
Good Morning and welcome to the comedown from Sunday's sugar high.
You know there's not much going on when, when one of the big stories over the weekend was the Obamas getting a dog. Why do we care about the president's pet? Does owning a certain kind of dog mean we are going to all be OK? You know what, I voted for Obama. We needed a change in Washington from the same old political machine. Now it's time for action. Let's get things done.
Meanwhile, the ship captain being held by pirates was rescued Sunday. Great. We don't need violent people trolling the seas thinking they can take whatever they want. Still, these pirates have been taking ships left and right for years. Then they go and take a U.S. ship and it's important? What about all those other captives.
Then again, we are living in a country where where the top movie of the weekend is Hannah Montana. I guess what we now need a Benji remake starring the Obamas dog.
Then again, here's a star in the making:
If you have any cool links or videos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
You know there's not much going on when, when one of the big stories over the weekend was the Obamas getting a dog. Why do we care about the president's pet? Does owning a certain kind of dog mean we are going to all be OK? You know what, I voted for Obama. We needed a change in Washington from the same old political machine. Now it's time for action. Let's get things done.
Meanwhile, the ship captain being held by pirates was rescued Sunday. Great. We don't need violent people trolling the seas thinking they can take whatever they want. Still, these pirates have been taking ships left and right for years. Then they go and take a U.S. ship and it's important? What about all those other captives.
Then again, we are living in a country where where the top movie of the weekend is Hannah Montana. I guess what we now need a Benji remake starring the Obamas dog.
Then again, here's a star in the making:
Senile Cat Talks - watch more funny videos
If you have any cool links or videos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Talking nuts
Good Morning and welcome to another Thursday!
Nuts are interesting foods. They can be made into just about anything, taste pretty good and are easy to carry for a quick snack.
Then there are these nuts (click on the links):
A Dallas woman called 911 because the restaurant she was patronizing wouldn't give her extra shrimp. Lovely.
Don't ever call Billy Bob Thornton an actor when he's touring with his band. How about untalented hack? Would that work, Billy Bob?
Looks like we are closer to the $6 million man than we ever thought possible. What's next? Beam me up, Scotty?
This teenager sent 10,000 text messages in one month, costing his parents $4,000. By the way, that's more than 700 texts a day. This is a special report to the fourth-grader who thinks he needs a cell phone: NO.
Missing some clothes? Find the neighborhood cat. Or better yet, make sure your neighbors keep the damn cat inside.
Some priests are upset about Notre Dame getting President Barack Obama to speak at the school's graduation. Here's a better idea, how about getting those abused by priests over the years to speak.
Maybe if this woman wanted a license plate that said 'ILV2KILL' it would be OK. Or better yet, IH8DNVR or U8ACAT or YNTLTNUP.
Or you can just get some exercise:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Nuts are interesting foods. They can be made into just about anything, taste pretty good and are easy to carry for a quick snack.
Then there are these nuts (click on the links):
A Dallas woman called 911 because the restaurant she was patronizing wouldn't give her extra shrimp. Lovely.
Don't ever call Billy Bob Thornton an actor when he's touring with his band. How about untalented hack? Would that work, Billy Bob?
Looks like we are closer to the $6 million man than we ever thought possible. What's next? Beam me up, Scotty?
This teenager sent 10,000 text messages in one month, costing his parents $4,000. By the way, that's more than 700 texts a day. This is a special report to the fourth-grader who thinks he needs a cell phone: NO.
Missing some clothes? Find the neighborhood cat. Or better yet, make sure your neighbors keep the damn cat inside.
Some priests are upset about Notre Dame getting President Barack Obama to speak at the school's graduation. Here's a better idea, how about getting those abused by priests over the years to speak.
Maybe if this woman wanted a license plate that said 'ILV2KILL' it would be OK. Or better yet, IH8DNVR or U8ACAT or YNTLTNUP.
Or you can just get some exercise:
Cats on a Treadmill - watch more funny videos
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Rise and Shine --- What's going on?
Good Morning and welcome to the middle of the week!
Sure, it's April and the weather in these parts can be a little funky, but, come on, 38 degrees? Somehow, Exxon/Mobil or Sunoco is behind this so they can sell some more heating oil before the weather gets warmer. Those goofy commercials where Exxon 'scientists' talk about how much they are doing to improve things, a bunch of hogwash. They're changing the weather so we can be more dependent on big oil. After all, $776 million net income a year isn't enough.
After taking a couple of days off it's always hard to back into the work groove. Sure, we have to do it, but it's not exactly a pleasant experience. Suddenly, the alarm rings again, the coffee machine lights up, the dogs need walking and it's cold. Then again, it's better to get the break then not have it all.
Speaking of breaks, actor Hugh Jackman is 'heartbroken' after his new movie was leaked early to the Internet. I wonder if that's a way to drum up a little buzz about another X-Men movie. After all, the last one stunk. What better way to get some free advertising then to 'leak' the movie to the Internet and have everybody searching for it. I smell a rat. Well, make that a Wolverine.
By the way, do you smell Oscar?
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Sure, it's April and the weather in these parts can be a little funky, but, come on, 38 degrees? Somehow, Exxon/Mobil or Sunoco is behind this so they can sell some more heating oil before the weather gets warmer. Those goofy commercials where Exxon 'scientists' talk about how much they are doing to improve things, a bunch of hogwash. They're changing the weather so we can be more dependent on big oil. After all, $776 million net income a year isn't enough.
After taking a couple of days off it's always hard to back into the work groove. Sure, we have to do it, but it's not exactly a pleasant experience. Suddenly, the alarm rings again, the coffee machine lights up, the dogs need walking and it's cold. Then again, it's better to get the break then not have it all.
Speaking of breaks, actor Hugh Jackman is 'heartbroken' after his new movie was leaked early to the Internet. I wonder if that's a way to drum up a little buzz about another X-Men movie. After all, the last one stunk. What better way to get some free advertising then to 'leak' the movie to the Internet and have everybody searching for it. I smell a rat. Well, make that a Wolverine.
By the way, do you smell Oscar?
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Friday, April 3, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Great, a weekend!
Good Morning and welcome to the start of what could be a huge weekend!
After this morning rain gets out the way, there shouldn't be a damper on the first weekend in April.
Let's see, we have the Villanova playing North Carolina in the Final Four Saturday night. We have a little thing like the World Champion Phillies (still can't type that without thinking it's weird) opening the season Sunday night. That's quickly followed by the rest of baseball's opening day and the NCAA Championship game Monday.
Fill in with what could be a great weather weekend and, well, it's about time.
A week after more job losses, fluctuations in the stock market, the president giving an 80-year old woman an iPod (filled with his speeches nonetheless) and the Secretary of State setting up a conference call only to direct media to a phone sex line, we all need a break.
So, I ask you, what better way than a nice walk outside, maybe a bike ride, some cleaning up around the yard, basketball, baseball and a pizza thrown in to spend a weekend?
Meanwhile, here's an interview with North Carolina coach Roy Williams to get you ready for the Final Four:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
After this morning rain gets out the way, there shouldn't be a damper on the first weekend in April.
Let's see, we have the Villanova playing North Carolina in the Final Four Saturday night. We have a little thing like the World Champion Phillies (still can't type that without thinking it's weird) opening the season Sunday night. That's quickly followed by the rest of baseball's opening day and the NCAA Championship game Monday.
Fill in with what could be a great weather weekend and, well, it's about time.
A week after more job losses, fluctuations in the stock market, the president giving an 80-year old woman an iPod (filled with his speeches nonetheless) and the Secretary of State setting up a conference call only to direct media to a phone sex line, we all need a break.
So, I ask you, what better way than a nice walk outside, maybe a bike ride, some cleaning up around the yard, basketball, baseball and a pizza thrown in to spend a weekend?
Meanwhile, here's an interview with North Carolina coach Roy Williams to get you ready for the Final Four:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Mix tape
Good Morning and welcome to another in a long line of early mornings!
Apparently, while attending the G20 summit this week, President Barack Obama had time to visit with the Queen. No, not Queen Latifah, the real Queen, the Queen of England.
So, in a tradition among leaders, the president came to Buckingham Palace bearing gifts. This being 2009, Obama presented the Queen with a fully-loaded video iPod.
Apparently, the iPod was loaded with songs from a Broadway greatest hits album. Weather the Queen is really a big fan of Barbra Streisand or not doesn't really matter. What matters is somebody thought the Queen would want a Broadway greatest hits album and not a, well, Queen greatest hits album.
So, to help out those meeting dignitaries here's a quick list of albums to load on the iPod before giving it as a guest.
If you meet:
Fidel Castro load the iPod with Enrique Iglesias songs
Arnold Schwarzenegger can get Led Zeppelin
AIG CEO Edward Liddy (or any CEO of any big business) could sit on their pile of money and jam with Pink Floyd.
Gil Spencer would probably like nothing better than to pound out his columns while listening to the soulful sound of George Bush. (By the way, do yourself a favor and check out the clip. It's one of the best done YouTube bits.)
Pennsyvlania Gov. Ed Rendell could cut the budget while tuned in to (what else?) the Eagles.
Osama Bin Laden, while sitting in that Pakistani hotel, could be chillin' with Smokey Robinson
Or, here's a good catch-all for all of them:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Apparently, while attending the G20 summit this week, President Barack Obama had time to visit with the Queen. No, not Queen Latifah, the real Queen, the Queen of England.
So, in a tradition among leaders, the president came to Buckingham Palace bearing gifts. This being 2009, Obama presented the Queen with a fully-loaded video iPod.
Apparently, the iPod was loaded with songs from a Broadway greatest hits album. Weather the Queen is really a big fan of Barbra Streisand or not doesn't really matter. What matters is somebody thought the Queen would want a Broadway greatest hits album and not a, well, Queen greatest hits album.
So, to help out those meeting dignitaries here's a quick list of albums to load on the iPod before giving it as a guest.
If you meet:
Fidel Castro load the iPod with Enrique Iglesias songs
Arnold Schwarzenegger can get Led Zeppelin
AIG CEO Edward Liddy (or any CEO of any big business) could sit on their pile of money and jam with Pink Floyd.
Gil Spencer would probably like nothing better than to pound out his columns while listening to the soulful sound of George Bush. (By the way, do yourself a favor and check out the clip. It's one of the best done YouTube bits.)
Pennsyvlania Gov. Ed Rendell could cut the budget while tuned in to (what else?) the Eagles.
Osama Bin Laden, while sitting in that Pakistani hotel, could be chillin' with Smokey Robinson
Or, here's a good catch-all for all of them:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Rise and Shine --- An ear and hand for music
Good Morning and here's hoping worms don't eat my work!
One thing I regret is I never really learned how to play a musical instrument. Sure, I had chances. When I was real young, my parents brought a guitar into the house. My younger brother took lessons, but I just strummed. After all, there were too many baseball games to keep track.
As a high school freshman, I took a piano class. Having never read music or touched a piano before the first day of class, it was a difficult transition. I learned a little (very little), then abandoned it the next year.
Now, just by ear, I can fake through a few songs, but mostly it's just banging. I can play a mean drum set on the back of the couch.
So, when the oldest boy in the house had the opportunity (through school) to learn the violin, we were very happy when he took the chance. Sure, it takes work and he may never be a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, but it's a good skill to have.
Last night was the annual spring music night at the school. There were some outstanding performances (the girls playing 'Eleanor Rigby' on the violin had the crowd in awe), some humorous moments (first graders doing anything are funny) and some interesting song interpretations ('Yellow Submarine' on the Xylophone?).
There was only one worth watching from the second row (and I'm sure from the first row, next row, all the way to the back for some).
I know it's hard. I know it's a pain to practice. I know it might not sound 'professional,' but thanks, Liam, for trying.
Meanwhile, since it is April Fool's Day, here's a funny one:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
One thing I regret is I never really learned how to play a musical instrument. Sure, I had chances. When I was real young, my parents brought a guitar into the house. My younger brother took lessons, but I just strummed. After all, there were too many baseball games to keep track.
As a high school freshman, I took a piano class. Having never read music or touched a piano before the first day of class, it was a difficult transition. I learned a little (very little), then abandoned it the next year.
Now, just by ear, I can fake through a few songs, but mostly it's just banging. I can play a mean drum set on the back of the couch.
So, when the oldest boy in the house had the opportunity (through school) to learn the violin, we were very happy when he took the chance. Sure, it takes work and he may never be a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, but it's a good skill to have.
Last night was the annual spring music night at the school. There were some outstanding performances (the girls playing 'Eleanor Rigby' on the violin had the crowd in awe), some humorous moments (first graders doing anything are funny) and some interesting song interpretations ('Yellow Submarine' on the Xylophone?).
There was only one worth watching from the second row (and I'm sure from the first row, next row, all the way to the back for some).
I know it's hard. I know it's a pain to practice. I know it might not sound 'professional,' but thanks, Liam, for trying.
Meanwhile, since it is April Fool's Day, here's a funny one:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Different worlds
Good Morning and welcome to reality!
You know, there really are two different worlds out there. One has normal people and the other has people who don't know what it's like to be 'normal.'
Here on the normal side, we work (and work and sometimes work some more) to try to keep ahead of our bills and still make life livable.
Those in the other world (OK, those with tons of money), have no trouble just doing whatever they want. Others don't matter.
Feel too much pressure? Just hop on a plane and chill out by the Mediterranean.
Feeling a little down? Jet off to Africa and adopt a child.
Put your company into bankruptcy? Give yourself a bonus?
Well, at least on this side we can smile:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
You know, there really are two different worlds out there. One has normal people and the other has people who don't know what it's like to be 'normal.'
Here on the normal side, we work (and work and sometimes work some more) to try to keep ahead of our bills and still make life livable.
Those in the other world (OK, those with tons of money), have no trouble just doing whatever they want. Others don't matter.
Feel too much pressure? Just hop on a plane and chill out by the Mediterranean.
Feeling a little down? Jet off to Africa and adopt a child.
Put your company into bankruptcy? Give yourself a bonus?
Well, at least on this side we can smile:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Monday, March 30, 2009
Rise and Shine ---- More weekend, please!
Good Morning and why won't that snooze just turn off!!
Well, that was certainly an interesting weekend.
Let's see, it started out with a trip to Adventure Aquarium and ended with, well, what looked like the end of the world.
In between, there was an improbable Villanova basketball victory, a beautiful weather weekend that sent everybody outside without jackets by Sunday afternoon, an improbable Tiger comeback and marble-sized hail banging on our heads.
On the whole, though, it was way too short. For some reason, that seems to be the way in our times.
It seems like you just get done work Friday, then have to hear the alarm ringing Monday morning. In between becomes a blur. We go from here to there to here to there.
You wake up one morning, figure you have a lot of time to enjoy anything, then, boom, it's time to go back to work.
Now, I'm not complaining here. In a world where companies are cutting jobs like preschoolers do construction paper, it's good to have a job.
It just seems, there's never any time to do anything.
Then again, maybe the spring will finally get here this week.
By the way, don't think time is flying, remember this:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Well, that was certainly an interesting weekend.
Let's see, it started out with a trip to Adventure Aquarium and ended with, well, what looked like the end of the world.
In between, there was an improbable Villanova basketball victory, a beautiful weather weekend that sent everybody outside without jackets by Sunday afternoon, an improbable Tiger comeback and marble-sized hail banging on our heads.
On the whole, though, it was way too short. For some reason, that seems to be the way in our times.
It seems like you just get done work Friday, then have to hear the alarm ringing Monday morning. In between becomes a blur. We go from here to there to here to there.
You wake up one morning, figure you have a lot of time to enjoy anything, then, boom, it's time to go back to work.
Now, I'm not complaining here. In a world where companies are cutting jobs like preschoolers do construction paper, it's good to have a job.
It just seems, there's never any time to do anything.
Then again, maybe the spring will finally get here this week.
By the way, don't think time is flying, remember this:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Blast from the past
Good Morning and welcome to the weekend!
So, we have Pitt against Villanova Saturday playing for a chance to reach the Final Four.
Talk about memories. There is a lot of history between these programs, some not so nice.
For instance, in the final game of the 1985 regular season (That was the year Villanova won the title), Pitt blew out the Wildcats, possibly setting up the impossible run.
A few years later, the Panthers and Wildcats were involved in a couple of nasty recruiting wars.
First up was Doug West. His career hadn't even started on the Main Line when he told a reporter a Pitt booster offered him cash to switch to Pittsburgh. I was in the arena when Villanova and West made their first visit to Pittsburgh. Let's just say it was ugly.
Then came Bobby Martin. The all-everything from Atlantic City verbally committed to 'Nova, then switched to Pitt later his senior year. Martin, a relatively non-descript college player, was given a Philadelphia welcome every time Pitt came East.
The coaches, Paul Evans for Pitt and Rollie Massimino for Villanova, got into several on-court verbal battles that lasted until each was forced out of their coaching spots.
That was a long time ago (the go-go '80s) with different players and a different attitude.
Now, enjoy the game:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
So, we have Pitt against Villanova Saturday playing for a chance to reach the Final Four.
Talk about memories. There is a lot of history between these programs, some not so nice.
For instance, in the final game of the 1985 regular season (That was the year Villanova won the title), Pitt blew out the Wildcats, possibly setting up the impossible run.
A few years later, the Panthers and Wildcats were involved in a couple of nasty recruiting wars.
First up was Doug West. His career hadn't even started on the Main Line when he told a reporter a Pitt booster offered him cash to switch to Pittsburgh. I was in the arena when Villanova and West made their first visit to Pittsburgh. Let's just say it was ugly.
Then came Bobby Martin. The all-everything from Atlantic City verbally committed to 'Nova, then switched to Pitt later his senior year. Martin, a relatively non-descript college player, was given a Philadelphia welcome every time Pitt came East.
The coaches, Paul Evans for Pitt and Rollie Massimino for Villanova, got into several on-court verbal battles that lasted until each was forced out of their coaching spots.
That was a long time ago (the go-go '80s) with different players and a different attitude.
Now, enjoy the game:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Rise and Shine --- 100 things to do
Good Morning and welcome back to the mist!
We've had 100 places to see before you die, 100 songs to hear before you die and 100 books to read before you die.
Now, since we never have enough lists, there is 100 moves to see before you die.
Now, I'm sure they are all good movies and such, but, really, I've never understood how you can rank movies. Much like art, movies are in the eye of the beholder.
You can tell good writing when you read it (like you get here every day), you can tell good music when you hear it and it's always cool to travel.
Movies, though, are different. Somebody might like 'The Red Balloon' (not on the list), while somebody else might like 'Point Break' (also not on the list).
What's the point? Well, sometimes it's better to have no point.
Just enjoy (this is from the list):
If you have any cool links or photos, onlinedelco@gmail.com
We've had 100 places to see before you die, 100 songs to hear before you die and 100 books to read before you die.
Now, since we never have enough lists, there is 100 moves to see before you die.
Now, I'm sure they are all good movies and such, but, really, I've never understood how you can rank movies. Much like art, movies are in the eye of the beholder.
You can tell good writing when you read it (like you get here every day), you can tell good music when you hear it and it's always cool to travel.
Movies, though, are different. Somebody might like 'The Red Balloon' (not on the list), while somebody else might like 'Point Break' (also not on the list).
What's the point? Well, sometimes it's better to have no point.
Just enjoy (this is from the list):
If you have any cool links or photos, onlinedelco@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Rise and Shine ---- Things are tough all over...
Good Morning and welcome back to spring?!?
Yeah, we had to pull out the gloves and scarfs again this morning. ENOUGH ALREADY! Bring on spring. Let's start using more hair spray to warm things up.
Speaking of warming up, we keep hearing about tough economic times, but this may be going a bit too far.
For those who don't click on the link, it's a story about a California woman who used a stolen identity to get breast implants.
Aren't we supposed to be tightening our belts and cutting things out, not enhancing them.
It's not like she couldn't have gone on the Howard Stern show or something. Then again, maybe that's the plan.
Speaking of tough, check out this story about giant lizards killing fisherman
If there are giant Komodo Dragons out there eating fisherman, what's next giant volcano's erupting and killing all the dinosaurs?
Then, the monsters attack:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Yeah, we had to pull out the gloves and scarfs again this morning. ENOUGH ALREADY! Bring on spring. Let's start using more hair spray to warm things up.
Speaking of warming up, we keep hearing about tough economic times, but this may be going a bit too far.
For those who don't click on the link, it's a story about a California woman who used a stolen identity to get breast implants.
Aren't we supposed to be tightening our belts and cutting things out, not enhancing them.
It's not like she couldn't have gone on the Howard Stern show or something. Then again, maybe that's the plan.
Speaking of tough, check out this story about giant lizards killing fisherman
If there are giant Komodo Dragons out there eating fisherman, what's next giant volcano's erupting and killing all the dinosaurs?
Then, the monsters attack:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Huh?
Good Morning and let's get those spring temperatures back!
There are just certain things in this world that make no sense, no matter how you spin them. For instance:
• What kind of worm is working its way through the brain of Coatesville firefighter Robert Tracey Jr.? Let's see, the city has been terrorized by a string of arsons that have stopped since the arrest of two other fine gentleman. So, feeling left out, Tracey allegedly went out last weekend and started fires. What, not enough work last month?
• What makes people put a confederate flag onto their automobile? Now, I'm not trying to stereotype anything, but most of these flags (front license plates, window stickers) appear on pick-up trucks. Are you a part of a southern sleeper cell waiting for the ghost of Robert E. Lee to climb out of his grave? Do the voices in your head tell you it's a good idea to put a blatant racist symbol on the front of your car? Does it make you feel somehow superior? Well, here's a bit of news: The South is not rising again. Even if it did, the new south would be led by Paula Dean and she'd take over by feeding fat-laden 'Southern Delights' to the masses. Oh yeah, by the way, it just makes you look stupid.
• Why can't the government move as fast in real life as it does in '24'? On the show, you can have an FBI investigation, a senate hearing, dozens of arrests, a president making his/her own laws, terrorist attacks, cross-country flights, martial law, disbandment of the FBI, reformation of the FBI, police lock downs, hijacked planes/trains/automobiles and more terrorist attacks all before Jack Bauer wraps the whole thing up 24 hours later. Then again, that's just plain silly.
Speaking of silly:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
There are just certain things in this world that make no sense, no matter how you spin them. For instance:
• What kind of worm is working its way through the brain of Coatesville firefighter Robert Tracey Jr.? Let's see, the city has been terrorized by a string of arsons that have stopped since the arrest of two other fine gentleman. So, feeling left out, Tracey allegedly went out last weekend and started fires. What, not enough work last month?
• What makes people put a confederate flag onto their automobile? Now, I'm not trying to stereotype anything, but most of these flags (front license plates, window stickers) appear on pick-up trucks. Are you a part of a southern sleeper cell waiting for the ghost of Robert E. Lee to climb out of his grave? Do the voices in your head tell you it's a good idea to put a blatant racist symbol on the front of your car? Does it make you feel somehow superior? Well, here's a bit of news: The South is not rising again. Even if it did, the new south would be led by Paula Dean and she'd take over by feeding fat-laden 'Southern Delights' to the masses. Oh yeah, by the way, it just makes you look stupid.
• Why can't the government move as fast in real life as it does in '24'? On the show, you can have an FBI investigation, a senate hearing, dozens of arrests, a president making his/her own laws, terrorist attacks, cross-country flights, martial law, disbandment of the FBI, reformation of the FBI, police lock downs, hijacked planes/trains/automobiles and more terrorist attacks all before Jack Bauer wraps the whole thing up 24 hours later. Then again, that's just plain silly.
Speaking of silly:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Monday, March 23, 2009
Rise and Shine --- A dose of reality
Good Morning and welcome back to another long week!
Well, the dangers of sending children to different schools hits hard this week. The younger two are on 'spring break' this week, the older one is on 'spring break' in two weeks. What does one do? Well, make the best of the situation. Luckily, there is a Saint leading the way.
Anyway, last night '60 Minutes' had President Barack Obama featured. This follows on the heels of the President's visit to Jay Leno last week.
So, is there a bigger 'star power' name out there right now? Well, maybe Brett Michaels could give him a run for the money.
This Obama push needs a little more, something like reality TV. Since there aren't any original ideas in Hollywood, just use the current reality shows and insert the first family.
Remember, when these pop up in prime time, you heard it here first:
• Dancing with the Obamas: We don't need any other stars (well, maybe the Biden's can join). Since there isn't much competition, our judging panel can just critique the style.
• Survivor Obama: Put a Green Party member and Republican into the White House and see if they can make it out alive.
• The Nanny (White House edition): Those kids won't do their homework and keep trying to invoke the spirit of Abe Lincoln. Well, the British Nanny can get them straight.
• The Amazing White House Race: The president tries to get his budget through Congress as increasingly inane tasks get in the way.
• Wife Swap: How about Michelle goes to Alaska and Sarah Palin comes down to add her own ways to the Obama family. They can even share high-priced wardrobes. Can this work? You betcha!
• Barack of Love: OK, so it's a bit seedy, but, in the grand history of the White House, several compete to become the president's new secretary.
Hey, it's already started:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Well, the dangers of sending children to different schools hits hard this week. The younger two are on 'spring break' this week, the older one is on 'spring break' in two weeks. What does one do? Well, make the best of the situation. Luckily, there is a Saint leading the way.
Anyway, last night '60 Minutes' had President Barack Obama featured. This follows on the heels of the President's visit to Jay Leno last week.
So, is there a bigger 'star power' name out there right now? Well, maybe Brett Michaels could give him a run for the money.
This Obama push needs a little more, something like reality TV. Since there aren't any original ideas in Hollywood, just use the current reality shows and insert the first family.
Remember, when these pop up in prime time, you heard it here first:
• Dancing with the Obamas: We don't need any other stars (well, maybe the Biden's can join). Since there isn't much competition, our judging panel can just critique the style.
• Survivor Obama: Put a Green Party member and Republican into the White House and see if they can make it out alive.
• The Nanny (White House edition): Those kids won't do their homework and keep trying to invoke the spirit of Abe Lincoln. Well, the British Nanny can get them straight.
• The Amazing White House Race: The president tries to get his budget through Congress as increasingly inane tasks get in the way.
• Wife Swap: How about Michelle goes to Alaska and Sarah Palin comes down to add her own ways to the Obama family. They can even share high-priced wardrobes. Can this work? You betcha!
• Barack of Love: OK, so it's a bit seedy, but, in the grand history of the White House, several compete to become the president's new secretary.
Hey, it's already started:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Friday, March 20, 2009
Rise and Shine --- Something free
Good Morning and welcome to the first day of .... spring?
In the words of a great philosopher, it's time to 'Ramble On:'
• If I can somehow convince the government that bailing me out in this economy is the best thing to do, does that mean I can stop paying taxes as well?
• While it's fun to watch the NCAA Tournament basketball games this weekend, it's probably better if you can turn down the sound. Sure, you'll miss the cheering and the bands in the arena, but at least you won't have to listen to the announcers. Case in point: Dick Enberg and Jay Bilas during the Villanova/American game. They were tripping over each other's words all night. At one point, while you could clearly here 'Go Eagles, Go Eagles' (the American nickname) in the background, Enberg said the Villanova fans were really getting loud to fire their team up. Right before a second-half commercial break, Enberg called Villanova 'Willanove' at least three times, then called American 'Butler.' Hey Dick, you had a nice run, now go home with Bobby Knight.
• Oh yeah, take Joe Buck with you.
• Last year, the first day of spring was about 30 degrees. This year, we woke up to snow flurries. Kind of takes the punch out of that free Rita's Water Ice, doesn't it?
• OK, there have been some exciting games in the World Baseball Classic (at least according to the ESPN highlights), but does anybody really care? Instead of delaying the season, let's just cut the losses on the WBC and get going. We need a 'real' Phillies game.
• Does the NBA even exist in March? Maybe the league should take the month off. Or, better yet, shorten the season and start the playoffs in February. If ever a pro sport gets lost in the spring, it's the NBA. We have college basketball, then baseball. That's more than enough.
• Has the NHL disbanded yet?
• Julia Roberts plays a former CIA operative in her new movie 'Duplicity.' Yeah, that sounds about right. Talk about being realistic. What's next, Nicholas Cage saving the world?
• OOPS
• If John Lennon, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix were still alive, would they show up on a 'Special American Idol?' How about 'Celebrity Rehab?'
• OK, back to sleep...
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
In the words of a great philosopher, it's time to 'Ramble On:'
• If I can somehow convince the government that bailing me out in this economy is the best thing to do, does that mean I can stop paying taxes as well?
• While it's fun to watch the NCAA Tournament basketball games this weekend, it's probably better if you can turn down the sound. Sure, you'll miss the cheering and the bands in the arena, but at least you won't have to listen to the announcers. Case in point: Dick Enberg and Jay Bilas during the Villanova/American game. They were tripping over each other's words all night. At one point, while you could clearly here 'Go Eagles, Go Eagles' (the American nickname) in the background, Enberg said the Villanova fans were really getting loud to fire their team up. Right before a second-half commercial break, Enberg called Villanova 'Willanove' at least three times, then called American 'Butler.' Hey Dick, you had a nice run, now go home with Bobby Knight.
• Oh yeah, take Joe Buck with you.
• Last year, the first day of spring was about 30 degrees. This year, we woke up to snow flurries. Kind of takes the punch out of that free Rita's Water Ice, doesn't it?
• OK, there have been some exciting games in the World Baseball Classic (at least according to the ESPN highlights), but does anybody really care? Instead of delaying the season, let's just cut the losses on the WBC and get going. We need a 'real' Phillies game.
• Does the NBA even exist in March? Maybe the league should take the month off. Or, better yet, shorten the season and start the playoffs in February. If ever a pro sport gets lost in the spring, it's the NBA. We have college basketball, then baseball. That's more than enough.
• Has the NHL disbanded yet?
• Julia Roberts plays a former CIA operative in her new movie 'Duplicity.' Yeah, that sounds about right. Talk about being realistic. What's next, Nicholas Cage saving the world?
• OOPS
• If John Lennon, Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix were still alive, would they show up on a 'Special American Idol?' How about 'Celebrity Rehab?'
• OK, back to sleep...
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Rise and Shine --- What does $1 buy?
Good Morning out there as we start the last full day of winter!
Never does something look so good as the coming of spring. After sitting through a winter of dreary, wet, cold days, we get a glimpse of sunshine. We can almost smell the flowers as they break up through the dirt.
We can also open the garage door and dust off the bikes. Pull out the rakes. Get the hands dirty. Play with the baseballs, frisbees and lawn darts (lawn darts?).
Anyway, I get excited about spring, even if it means purchasing just one packet of seeds and seeing if they can grow, which isn't a bad thing for about a buck.
All of that is fine for the weekends, it's the regular work week that gets a little bit tougher. The last thing anybody wants to do is go into work when the weather is first turning warm.
Unfortulately, it's just something that has to be done. Unless, of course, you can get a government bailout and cash your checks.
So, even if it's not too warm this weekend, get to a park (just don't take SEPTA) and think of the spring.
You have to do something. Then again, maybe it's a better weekend to watch some basketball.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Never does something look so good as the coming of spring. After sitting through a winter of dreary, wet, cold days, we get a glimpse of sunshine. We can almost smell the flowers as they break up through the dirt.
We can also open the garage door and dust off the bikes. Pull out the rakes. Get the hands dirty. Play with the baseballs, frisbees and lawn darts (lawn darts?).
Anyway, I get excited about spring, even if it means purchasing just one packet of seeds and seeing if they can grow, which isn't a bad thing for about a buck.
All of that is fine for the weekends, it's the regular work week that gets a little bit tougher. The last thing anybody wants to do is go into work when the weather is first turning warm.
Unfortulately, it's just something that has to be done. Unless, of course, you can get a government bailout and cash your checks.
So, even if it's not too warm this weekend, get to a park (just don't take SEPTA) and think of the spring.
You have to do something. Then again, maybe it's a better weekend to watch some basketball.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Rise and Shine --- What does $5 buy?
Good Morning and welcome to the middle of the week!
Thursday brings the first day of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, a three week journey that offers sports fans a bunch of good stories and exciting games. Even for non-sports junkies, though, the tournament has taken on a life of its own.
A lot of people who have never watched more than 30 seconds of a basketball game fill out a bracket, give a co-worker $5 and hope to win big money by picking the most right.
By the way, you can save the $5 (or maybe more) and have a chance to win $1 million. Just Click Here. It's Free. You can win $1 million. Did I mention it's free.
Even President Barack Obama gets in on the fun. He'll be picking his bracket live on ESPN at noon today. Which is just what you want of your leader while the world continues to fall apart.
Anyway, put down the the official ladder of the NCAA Tournament and put down these winners:
First Round: Louisville, Siena, Utah, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Kansas, Boston College, Michigan State; UConn, BYU, Purdue, Washington, Marquette, Missouri, Maryland, Memphis; Pitt, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Xavier, UCLA, Villanova, Texas, Duke; North Carolina, Butler, Illinois, Gonzaga, Arizona State, Syracuse, Clemson, Oklahoma.
Second Round: Louisville, Utah, West Virginia, Michigan State; UConn, Purdue, Marquette, Memphis; Pitt, Wisconsin, Villanova, Texas; North Carolina, Illinois, Syracuse, Oklahoma.
Third Round: Louisville, West Virginia; UConn, Memphis; Pitt, Texas; North Carolina, Syracuse.
Fourth Round: Louisville, Memphis, Pitt, Syracuse.
Final Four winners: Louisville, Pitt.
Champion: Louisville.
So, there you go. Either use this guide to pick the opposite or get a 4-year old to pick winners out of a hat.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Thursday brings the first day of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, a three week journey that offers sports fans a bunch of good stories and exciting games. Even for non-sports junkies, though, the tournament has taken on a life of its own.
A lot of people who have never watched more than 30 seconds of a basketball game fill out a bracket, give a co-worker $5 and hope to win big money by picking the most right.
By the way, you can save the $5 (or maybe more) and have a chance to win $1 million. Just Click Here. It's Free. You can win $1 million. Did I mention it's free.
Even President Barack Obama gets in on the fun. He'll be picking his bracket live on ESPN at noon today. Which is just what you want of your leader while the world continues to fall apart.
Anyway, put down the the official ladder of the NCAA Tournament and put down these winners:
First Round: Louisville, Siena, Utah, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Kansas, Boston College, Michigan State; UConn, BYU, Purdue, Washington, Marquette, Missouri, Maryland, Memphis; Pitt, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Xavier, UCLA, Villanova, Texas, Duke; North Carolina, Butler, Illinois, Gonzaga, Arizona State, Syracuse, Clemson, Oklahoma.
Second Round: Louisville, Utah, West Virginia, Michigan State; UConn, Purdue, Marquette, Memphis; Pitt, Wisconsin, Villanova, Texas; North Carolina, Illinois, Syracuse, Oklahoma.
Third Round: Louisville, West Virginia; UConn, Memphis; Pitt, Texas; North Carolina, Syracuse.
Fourth Round: Louisville, Memphis, Pitt, Syracuse.
Final Four winners: Louisville, Pitt.
Champion: Louisville.
So, there you go. Either use this guide to pick the opposite or get a 4-year old to pick winners out of a hat.
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Rise and Shine --- What does $19 buy?
Good Morning and welcome back to the bus!
Well, it was certainly nice to see those in real power get outraged over the AIG bonuses paid. Of course, let's see if it was just 'political outrage' or 'real outrage' by how it's all followed up in the days ahead.
Speaking of the days ahead (or behind or today), anybody who takes SEPTA regional rails knows it can be convenient. The trains, for the most part, run on time. Unless there's a big event everybody seems to know about except SEPTA (see Phillies parade, Live 8, a weekend), it's fun to take the train.
SEPTA likes to point out how much easier. The government even gets involved telling you to 'Take the train' to avoid traffic. It's cheaper they say.
I say, 'HOGWASH.'
It's not worth taking the train as several families found out this weekend. With several things going on in the city Sunday (Greenfest, St. Patrick's Day parade), the thought was it was going to be better to take the train instead of driving.
Besides, SEPTA has a $17.50 family fare which isn't too bad. Then you get on the train and the train guy tries to charge you $22. When shown the actual price printed on the schedule, he tells you it's $22.
OK, it says here $17.50.
"Well, it's actually $19 if you buy on the train."
But the station was closed, we didn't have a choice.
"You can get off if you want. Next time, plan ahead and buy at the station."
To strand several families at another station, far from their cars doesn't sound like good public relations. Sure, in the grand scheme, $1.50 might not seem like much, but keep adding up $1.50 here and there and pretty soon, you need to bum $1.50 from Wawa customers.
By the way, most garages in the city have a $10 weekend price. So what's a better buy?
Do yourself a favor, drive your own car to the city. SEPTA is too much of a headache.
Meanwhile, where your green and enjoy:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
Well, it was certainly nice to see those in real power get outraged over the AIG bonuses paid. Of course, let's see if it was just 'political outrage' or 'real outrage' by how it's all followed up in the days ahead.
Speaking of the days ahead (or behind or today), anybody who takes SEPTA regional rails knows it can be convenient. The trains, for the most part, run on time. Unless there's a big event everybody seems to know about except SEPTA (see Phillies parade, Live 8, a weekend), it's fun to take the train.
SEPTA likes to point out how much easier. The government even gets involved telling you to 'Take the train' to avoid traffic. It's cheaper they say.
I say, 'HOGWASH.'
It's not worth taking the train as several families found out this weekend. With several things going on in the city Sunday (Greenfest, St. Patrick's Day parade), the thought was it was going to be better to take the train instead of driving.
Besides, SEPTA has a $17.50 family fare which isn't too bad. Then you get on the train and the train guy tries to charge you $22. When shown the actual price printed on the schedule, he tells you it's $22.
OK, it says here $17.50.
"Well, it's actually $19 if you buy on the train."
But the station was closed, we didn't have a choice.
"You can get off if you want. Next time, plan ahead and buy at the station."
To strand several families at another station, far from their cars doesn't sound like good public relations. Sure, in the grand scheme, $1.50 might not seem like much, but keep adding up $1.50 here and there and pretty soon, you need to bum $1.50 from Wawa customers.
By the way, most garages in the city have a $10 weekend price. So what's a better buy?
Do yourself a favor, drive your own car to the city. SEPTA is too much of a headache.
Meanwhile, where your green and enjoy:
If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com
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