Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Rise and Shine --- Tick, tick, tick

Good Morning and Welcome America!

I remember those days in school (yes, that part of the brain still works) when the clock couldn't tick off the minutes fast enough.
"Wait, it's only 9:30 a.m., it feels like we've been here for hours!!!"
We all go through that every once in a while, no matter how much you like your job or school day.
That darn clock just won't tick. Hey, it looks like the bosses/teachers have taken the batteries out. What are they trying to do? Torture me? Is this what they do in Guantanamo?
Now that a much-needed vacation is on the horizon, that clock is once again slowing down. Now, I'm not one to look too far ahead. I like to live in the moment, enjoy the sunshine of today.
Still, come on clock, let's get going...

Monday, June 27, 2011

Rise and Shine --- Flash Mob Idiots

Good Morning and welcome to a world gone to pot!?!

So, a bunch of kids got of the train and 69th Street, walked to the Sears and robbed them blind.
If you watch the video, it's pretty obvious these 'children' were organized by somebody. They walked in almost like it was a parade, spread out through the store and just started picking off merchandise.
Now, I don't know about you and maybe I'm getting old, but when I was the same age, I was more worried about how the Phillies were going to break out of their slump. I was trying to figure out if I should ride my bike to a friends house or ask my Mom to drive. I was sitting by the pool, listening to music or splashing my brothers.
I certainly wasn't walking into a department store and putting on a new pair of shoes before walking out.
It probably never entered my mind.
For the most part, I don't think it's something these teen and pre-teen children thought about either. They were obviously manipulated by somebody who doesn't care about ruined lives.
Yes, there should be something in your brain that says "Walk Away." If you watch the video, some did walk away.
The question is, where do we go from here?

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Rise and Shine --- It's the shoes

Good Morning and here we are again!

All day yesterday, I heard the same question: "Is it time yet? Is it time yet? Is it time yet?"
For one of the few times, it wasn't about waiting for cookies coming out of the oven or going to the playground.
Tuesday was a special day for a 6-year old I know. Sure, she's had big life moments come and go over the last few weeks. There was the end of kindergarten, the taking off of training wheels and learning how to whistle.
Still, Tuesday was special. Tuesday was the dance recital day.
Truth be told, she was getting kind of bored with dance class every Saturday. Most Saturday mornings, I had to remind her about the fun of class. I had to talk her into getting the tights on, getting the stuff together.
For the last month, though, it's been different. They've been going over the routine. They've been talking about getting on the stage.
So, the time came Tuesday night, the lights were out and, behind the curtain, you could here the movement of little feet.
You can't help but smile when you see the spotlight greeted by the smiles. To me, it was better than any show I've seen.
Now, I'll have to convince her to put the costume away.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Rise and Shine --- Alien attack

Good Morning and welcome to a new era!

So, I was sitting around last night and noticed the new Steven Speilberg-produced TV show 'Falling Skies' was debuting on TBS.
Since I didn't care much for the Yankees/Cubs game (really, ESPN, do we have to see the Yankees every week?), I figured it was worth checking out.
For those who don't know, Falling Skies is a show that takes place after an alien invasion. A band of humans fight for their survival. It's like if the aliens had won in "War of the Worlds."
So, they blow up alien ships. Some outside characters with no lines get shot. There are cute kids. Scruffy looking heroes. Every woman looks like a model.
In other words, it's typical television fare.
In all these band of human movies, though, why do they head out at night to get food or move along the coast?
Anyway, it's something on a Sunday night that will let the brain chill out, so, at least we have that.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Rise and Shine --- School excitement

Good Morning and why is Anthony Weiner still in the news?!?

OK, I said yesterday morning, it's you last day of kindergarten, how does it feel to almost be a first-grader?
"Dad," the 6-year old who actually sat through a graduation ceremony Monday, but had to go back for one more day Tuesday (thanks, snow!), "it's no different. I'm still the same person. I like kindergarten."
So, I tried my question two more times first with a third-grader, then a sixth grader.
How does it feel to be almost done school and be a fourth-grader?
"Same as yesterday," said the younger. "Can I play (a specific videogame)?"
First tell me what it's like to almost be done school?
"What's the difference? I still have to go back after the summer."
Once more, how does it feel like to be just about done your first year of middle school.
"I don't know," said the almost teenager.
You like school, though, will you miss being in sixth-grade.
"I don't know."
Yeah, but how was the last week of school?
Shoulder shrug.
Hey, at least we have the summer.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Rise and Shine --- Some good things about the Internet

Good Morning and, yes, we are still here!

I was reading a story the other day about the birth and death of a publication called "The National." For those who don't know, The National was a sports newspaper that had bold ideas, but not the technology (or business mind) to pull it off.
At the time, I thought it was a cool idea. It was supposed to be like getting Sports Illustrated every day with the added bonus of having last night's games.
The beauty of it is if The National started now, there would be no reason to worry about those scores. If I go to bed before the Phillies game is over, I can check the score right after I hit the snooze button (for the 15th time) on my phone.
Also, thanks the the Internet I didn't miss this:

Monday, June 13, 2011

Rise and Shine --- End of Days?

Good Morning and here we are again!

Now that we are winding down the school year (and doesn't it go faster every year?), it's time to really think about the summer.
Every year at this time, I try not to look too far ahead. I don't want to think about what's going to happen in a couple of weeks (trip to Disney) or what might happen in July (swimming) or even August (maybe another trip). I want everything to slow down for the summer.
I want to enjoy the nice, hot days. The playing the backyard. The catches. The drives to Grandmom's pool. The cooking on the grill. The lighting of the Tiki torches. The spraying of water guns.
While many may be bemoaning the end of the school year, I revel in it. I want the voices around me. Sure, it's going to be frustrating at times (No, you can't have any more cookies!).
The summer, though, is my time. It's time enjoy these little things.
OK, by the end, I'll be looking forward to the start of school once again, but that's down the line. I want to feel and remember every minute of this summer.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Rise and Shine --- Big brother

Good Morning and I'm wondering this morning how we've become a nation of rude people?

Anyway, we get our pictures taken when we walk into the Wawa, get money from the ATM or just drive down the road. So, this could be any of us, but it's still pretty funny:

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Rise and Shine --- What we learn

Good Morning and welcome back to Tuesday!

You know, Monday gets a bad rap, but Tuesday can be a little tougher. It's too late to say we are recovering from the weekend and next weekend is too far away. Tuesday doesn't even get a cool nickname.
Speaking of names, you know how actors and actresses change their names so it will be easier to remember. For instance, the name Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam doesn't exactly roll off the lips. Change it to Akon and, well, it's a star in the making.
Maybe politicians should think about doing the same. Really, if you are in office with the name Weiner, you really should be more careful if you send out some racy photos. There wouldn't be as much of an outrage if he became Anthony Вайнер or Anthony Zakila or Anthony Clinton.
One other thing, have you noticed in this world of technology we've become more connected than ever, but somehow are less connected.
It used to be, the phone rang, you answered it and talked to somebody. Now, you can see who is calling the cell phone as it's ringing and decide whether or not to answer. You can then quickly delete the voicemail or just ignore it completely.
There's nothing worse then sending a message (be it text or e-mail) and have it ignored. Too many things go through your mind. Was it ignored? Did it not go through? Is the phone broken? Is somebody in trouble?
Ah, technology, a whole new way to ignore people.
Then again, maybe we wouldn't have this:

Monday, June 6, 2011

Rise and Shine --- Fun in the sun

Good Morning and welcome to a brand, spanking new week!

Can't you just feel the excitement about Rick Santorum announcing he's going to run for president. Oh, wait, it's just a little indigestion from the heavy sauce on the pasta.
So, we were out at the Italian Heritage Festival (or the Italian Food Festival or the Delco's Meeting Place) at Rose Tree Park yesterday. Met a lot of nice people and, luckily, had to be there early enough to get a parking spot right near our tent.
Anyway, seemed like everybody was having fun, despite the long food lines.
It was one of those days where it looked like we were going to get rained on, but, when the sun finally broke through, it got very warm.
One thing I came away with is people still rely on the Daily Times to get the information about their community. They are invested in the product (even if the product is on the Internet). We welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds who get their news right here.
So, in the immortal words of Carl Spackler, "So, I have that going for me."

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Rise and Shine --- Movie reviews

Good Morning and welcome back to the only place you can find this!

So, does anybody really pay attention to movie reviewers. Sure, we might glance if Roger Ebert gives the flick a thumbs-up, but if it stars somebody we like or sounds interesting, we are going to see it.
Well, some will see it in the theaters. If you're anything like me, you've been stuck seeing animated movies at the multiplex over the past 10 years.
Thanks to Netflix and On-demand, though, I've been able to sort of catch up on my movie experience.
So, just in case you'd be interested, here are a few Twitter-like reviews of movies I've seen over the last few months.
Zombieland: Way overlooked. Should have been Oscar nominated.
xXx: Vin Deisel as James Bond. Kind of works in a bad-Rocky kind of way.
The Fast and the Furious: Set the alarm so you don't miss the chase scene at the end. Snooze through the rest.
Pink Panther 2: Steve Martin better in the sequel, but still no Peter Sellers.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Why is Nick Cage in every movie. Oh yeah, he overacts to the point it makes it interesting.
Food Inc.: I dare you to watch this and eat anything by home-grown tomatoes for the next week.
Exit Through the Gift Shop: Should have won Oscar. Feel the need to go to Home Depot and buy spray paint.
Inside Deep Throat: Uh, not quite was expected.
Capitalism: A Love Story: Yes, Mike Moore still can entertain and shock with his style.
The Departed: Leonardo can hold his own with Jack. Also, was that really Batman?

Well, that was just a few. I have to get back tot he remote.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Rise and Shine --- What day is it?

Good Morning and welcome to one of those weird weeks!

Thanks to Memorial Day, today is Monday for must of us, even though it is Tuesday. By Thursday, we should have our bearings and be back on track.
Then again, Thursday is my Friday. So, now I'm really confused.
By the way, is there a more ridiculous story out there than the 'will she or won't she run' news about Sarah Palin. What, you think visiting the national archives and Saks Fifth Avenue will somehow make up for your clueless nature? Whatever.
If it was that easy to run for President, everybody would do it. Maybe here in Delco we can start a 'Paula Brown for President' movement.
Just imagine the possibilities...

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Rise and Shine --- Sun and rain

Good Morning and how are we all doing today?

I don't know about you, but I think I've had enough of this spring rain. Rainy days are nice once in a while (preferably the ones my alarm doesn't go off at 3:30 a.m.), but every day is a bit much.
Sure, it's nice the flowers are growing, but so is the grass. I felt like I needed a guide to get through the front yard this weekend.
I know, there's not much that can be done about it. It's going to rain. It's not like my complaining will do anything about it.
Ah, but, if nothing else, complaining somehow makes it feel a little better. Or, it makes for some great music:

Monday, May 23, 2011

Rise and Shine --- The art of hitting

Good Morning and welcome to a brand, spanking-new week!

Somebody once said the hardest thing to do in sports was hit a baseball. Well, way back in the day, I lived through the statement. I probably would have done better not even taking a bat up to the plate. My Major League dreams died after the first pitch.
Still, I had fun. I remember the days of walking with my friends to the fields. I remember the first time I actually got a hit. I remember the last game I played.
Now, I see the perspective through other eyes. Each of the boys are playing baseball this year. They struggle with the bat. It's something I expected. I tried to give the warnings, but it looks so easy when somebody else is doing the hitting.
So, they practice. They get frustrated. They want to practice some more.
I did make the mistake of one day sitting them down in front of the television to watch the Phillies game.
"Look," I said, "see how they hold the bat. See how they swing. See, they don't get hits every time, either."
Well, in these days, most times.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Rise and Shine --- Tornadoes, hurricanes, oh my

Good Morning and welcome to another crazy weather day!

OK, for all those out there who say there isn't something funky going on with the world's weather patterns, explain how a tornado can hit Northeast Philly. Just an anomaly? Don't believe it really was a tornado?
No, it's much easier to just whistle past the graveyard than to admit that maybe, just maybe, we need to stop poisoning the air before it's too late.
Anyway, you would think if Armageddon was coming Saturday, we would be graced with a few nice days leading up to the end.
Oh well, guess you can't have everything. By the way, for some reason, with all this talk about Saturday, I have this stuck in my head:

Monday, May 16, 2011

Rise and Shine --- The end?

Good Morning and welcome to the last week?

OK, so there are these people who are talking about the end of the world. I'm sure you've seen the signs and/or stories telling us Judgement Day is this coming Saturday, May 21, 2011.
Um. Sure. OK. UH, huh. The end of the world. This Saturday.
Hey, if anybody has Phillies tickets for next Sunday, I'll gladly take them from you. Wouldn't want to have those things holding you down as the rapture comes from the skies.
You know, it's not that the belief is out there, it's how mainstream it has become. Years ago, there were those people who would carry the end-is-near signs through the streets. We would do our best to walk on the other side.
Now, those cable news channels have to to fill the time somehow.
It's better to laugh.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Rise and Shine --- The needle

Good Morning and here we are again!

Ever notice how the needle on your car's gas gauge seems to speed up once you hit a quarter tank? Leaving work last night after another riveting Live from the Newsroom, I glanced to see how much gas was left.
Well, there was a quarter tank. Plenty, I said, to get home and wait until this morning to fill up (by which I mean get about 10 bucks). So, I started the car this morning and suddenly the dial showed significantly less. By the time I got to work, I was afraid I might have to start walking. Which, after I saw the price at the Wawa on Baltimore Pike went up a couple more cents yesterday($4.05, really?), might just be the best option.
Speaking of those prices, ever notice how the price can jump seemingly every hour when we're told they need to go up. Yet, when we hear the price is dropping, it takes forever.
Now, not talking conspiracy here, but that doesn't seem right.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Rise and Shine --- I'm hungry

Good Morning oh great and loyal readers!

The pleading comes in early and often: I'm hungry.
Sometimes, I hear it moments after the breakfast dishes have been put into the sink.
I'm hungry.
OK, I'll say, how about a banana?
No.
Let's see, I'll continue, here's an apple?
No.
HMM, I'll let through the lips, there are some pretty good oranges here.
No. No. No. I want a treat.
Ahhh, so all you really want is something sweet and sugary. You aren't really hungry.
The problem is we are inundated by images of chocolate, fast food and cookies. Turn on any television aimed at children. If there's not a toy commercial, it's for some kind of sugar or salt covered food.
There aren't images of orange groves or apple trees.
So, we can talk about getting children to eat healthy all we want, but pulling it off is another battle.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Rise and Shine --- Things I found

Good Morning and welcome to another week in a long line of them!

So, check out these two commercials and tell me what they have in common:







OK, lost you for a minute? That's right, they both sell chocolate bars.
Which one makes you want to buy the chocolate, though?

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Rise and Shine --- Selling?

Good Morning and welcome to another one of "those" days!

As part of our responsibility of being part of the baseball league this year is spending one shift in the snack bar.
I'm on the schedule for tonight. When I first heard about it, I figured it would be pretty easy. After all, a few people would ask for hot dogs. Maybe some ice cream. The hour would go pretty fast.
That was, until the other day when I was standing in line for the latest request. Somebody in the front actually said this: "I need a pack of gum, but all I have is $100 bill. Can you break it?"
Lady, it's a freaking snack bar at a youth baseball league. First of all, why would you bring $100 bill to the game. Second, most Wawa's wouldn't break $100 bill.
Some people are amazing.
So, tonight, I'm braced for the worst and hoping for the best. I'll have a posse of four manning the booth (unless it rains).
I just hope everybody leaves the $100 bill at home.