RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Had a fun night Thursday night attending a birthday party at noted home improvement store Chuck E. Cheese's.
With the exception of the volume being way too loud during the anammotronic band performance, it was need to see children running around playing games, laughing and having fun.
Now that there aren't arcades in malls anymore and video games are increasingly violent at home, it's nice to take a break some times and just let loose.
A real interesting thing, though, was the most popular game for the party goers appeared to be skee ball.
That's right, the old boardwalk game where you roll heavy balls up a ramp and attempt to get them into the highest scoring holes.
There was one 6-year old who couldn't get enough of the game. He would have stayed at there all night, pumping fake coins into the slot, just to keep rolling the balls. It didn't matter what the score ended up or even if the ball went up the correct lane. Just grab the next and let loose.
Way back when, the restaurant, which, ironically is an offshoot of the Atari company, used to have a couple of video games and some bad pizza.
While, the food remains the same, it now becomes an event with games and even a ball pit and a climbing maze.
It's not something you can do every day, but, once in a while, is pretty fun.
Now, if they can just improve those prizes...


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Found it interesting John Edwards jumped on the Barack Obama bandwagon yesterday.
Smacks me as a bit of a Johnny-Come-Lately. Sort of like the sports fan who waits to see which team is good and becomes their 'greatest fan.'
Somebody who didn't care a lick about the New England Patriots, suddenly is wearing their T-shirts after four Super Bowls. Or the Tigers fan who couldn't even point to Detroit on the map, but suddenly follows the team every day.
It would have been a bigger statement had Edwards stepped up months ago and backed Obama for the Democtratic nomination. While in the long run, Edwards might have been a better candidate than Obama or Hillary Clinton, it just wasn't going to be his time.
I give him credit for dropping out of the race when he did, but he should have stepped up then to claim a choice.
I wonder if Hillary was in the delegate lead if Edwards would have had a press conference with her yesterday.
Now, he's telling everybody the change needed is Obama. To say it now appears as if he's trying to line up some kind of positition in the party.
By the way, go Penguins.


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Now that the West Virginia primary is over, can we all get back to the real news?
What's the real news? Well, reality television of course.
It's coming down to the finals of both 'Dancing with the Stars' and 'American Idol.'
I propose a battle. Take the 'Dancing' winner and pit whoever it is against the 'Idol' winner for the title of 'Greatest spring reality star.' They can give out a big trophy with Nicholas Cage at the top and go out on a big stadium tour.
OK, having never watched 'American Idol,' it's not possible to handicap the finalists here. From the clips on television, they can all sing, but have trouble with lyrics. Still, we'll probably get some bad truck commercials over the summer with the latest 'winner.' Then they won't be heard from again until they are the opening act at Tom 'n' Jerry's some Wednesday night in the fall.
Anyway, it looks like we are going to get bombarded with reality television this summer. Here's hoping the weather will be pretty good, so the TV can remain off.
Do we really need a second season of 'American Gladiators' or something called 'I survived a Japanese Game Show?' Both will be hitting us this summer, so, be warned.
Remember the glory days when the only reality television show as a Phillies game on a warm July night? Of course, the way they've played over the years, maybe surviving a Japanese game show is a little easier.
Maybe since there's such an entity as 'Delco Idol' we can start a summer series called 'Dancing with the Delco Stars.'
I'm thinking of an opening group with Pat Croce, Vince Papale, Michael Chitwood and Gil Spencer, then head to the prison to fill out the rest.
By the way, Kristi Yamaguchi should win 'Dancing with the Stars' next week. She's been the most consistant all season, although there seems to be some backlash from viewers.


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY

At about this time six years ago today, MTV was taking a shot at airing a reality show starting Ozzie Osbourne and his family.
At about this time six years ago today, NASA's Mars Odyssey begins to map the surface of the red planet.
At about this time six years ago today, President George Bush, after having choked on a pretzel, used the term 'axis of evil' to describe the Middle East.
At about this time six years ago today, Great Britain was in mourning after the death of the Queen Mother.
At about this time six years ago today, the original Spider-Man was taking in billions at the movie house. It was closely followed by Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
At about this time six years ago today, 'Get the party started' by Pink was a sensation at the clubs.
At about this time six years ago today, a little book called 'Lovely Bones' was jumping out of the book stores.
At about this time six years ago today, Playstation 2 was starting to turn minds to mush.
At about six years ago today, the Phillies, faced with pitching woes, fell to 17-21 after a disheartening 17-3 loss to the Houston Astros.
At about this time six years ago today, the Eagles, despite cutting linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, were 5-1 odds to reach the Super Bowl.
At about this time six years ago today, a lack of any kind of wet weather for months put Pennsylvania inot a spring drought.
At about this time six years ago today, a little boy came kicking and screaming into this world. His parents, having searched and searched for the perfect name for weeks, settled on one they thought was perfect.
Turns out he is: Happy Birthday Brendan! Have a great day.


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

What a fine morning it is out there, huh?
These May flowers better be pretty nice after the weekend we've been put through weather-wise.
Anyway, as a nasty cold continues to go through the house, I have to wonder if everybody is dealing with some new kind of virus.
It used to be you get a cold, it knocks you out for a day or two, then you're back grooving. Now, and it's not only one house, but a lot of houses, the cold/virus/flu/whatever sticks around for weeks. Just when you think you are done, it's jumped to another person in the house and the cycle continues. Eventually, it gets back to you and the whole thing starts over again.
Much like the other changes, political and climate-wise, in the world these days, it appears nusiance ills are stronger than ever.
Nature has a way of adapting. Try to get rid of the squirrels and they learn how to avoid the traps.
Spray for ants, and the ants become immune to the poison.
It's the same with colds. The reason we can't cure the common cold is because it's no longer common. We've invented so many cold formulas and medicines, it's now evolved into something else.
So, instead of going the drug store route, the best way to stay healthy is what Mom said all those years ago: Eat your vegetables. That seems to work best.


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Well, here's an early shout out for Mother's Day. It comes Sunday, but we never celebrate Mom's enough. So, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
To that end, here is a short list of the great things Mom's do:
Clean our noses;
Get us the extra blanket when it's cold at night;
Clean up our messes;
Help with homework;
Shuttle us around;
Make sure our breakfast is ready;
Keep us healthy.
I know there's more, but the sickness that knocked Rise and Shine out Thursday, is still holding on a little bit.

By the way, have you noticed how Mother's Day, much like just about every other 'Day' has become overcommercialized.
Years ago, some flowers, a hand-drawn card and maybe a nice brunch was enough. Now, at least if you watch commercials or see other advertisements, you are a bad person if that's all you do.
You have to start the day by giving a new Blackberry, follow with a light breakfast, then something from the jewelry store, then head to Outback for lunch, go over to the park 'find' something else from the jewelry store. Follow that with dinner somwhere nice and, oops, is that another jewelry box.
Now, I don't think that's reality. The mom's I know are just as happy with the flowers and the hand-drawn cards. In the end, they mean more and will last forever.
Just stop knocking us over the head with all the other stuff.
Here's a good place to find a gift:
CLICK HERE for something nice

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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Is there anything worse than a spring cold? The sun is shining bright, the temperatures are nice and warm and your head is so stuffed up you can barely walk straight.
The nights, of course, are a chore. Going from sweating to chills sometimes every hour can play havoc with your body. So, when what you really need is a good night's sleep, you instead are moving all over the place.
Finally, the morning comes and the whole things starts over again. The sneezing, coughing, achy muscles. Forget it.
OK, there are certainly worse things in this world than a spring cold. Just look at Philadelphia right now to see that, but it does stink to have one of these things.
Of course, in our house, it spreads from one to the other, then starts the cycle all over again.
Excuse me while I have a sneezing attack.


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

OK, it's another 'HUGE' primary day where voters will go to the polls in Indiana and North Carolina and vote for Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.
Still, no matter how it turns out, there will be another 'HUGE' primary day coming soon. Then another. Then a big convention where one of them will be nominated for president (and, in a likely scenerio, the other being vice president).
The latest rhetoric coming from the candidates, including GOP leader John McCain, is about suspending the gas tax for the summer to 'help out' people filling the tank.
OK, 18 cents is nice, but, really, is it going to make much of a difference? 18 cents. By the time our Government decides to make such a move, gas prices will have risen by about 50 cents, so that 18 cents does absolutely nothing. It sounds good, but it's not going to help when we are paying close to $40 to fill up a Saturn.
How about this: Don't drive.
Yeah, it's simple and it's been said before, but if we limit the amount of time on the roads and, say, make one trip to the store a week, that gas bill will no doubt go down.
Anyway, here they are worried about 18 cents a gallon when there are other wars out there, so to speak. Not even mentioning the joke in Iraq, how about the war on the streets?
If somebody can get a Chinese-made assault rifle to gun down police, there probably not going to think twice before taking your car or busting into your house.
Money is one thing, life is another. Are there any good uninhabited islands?


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

What a fine morning we have, with the sun shining bright and the promise of a nice new week.
Now, with that out of the way, got to thinking about all things in general. After I put my head back together, I started to wonder what has happened to things.
Sure, the world is changing. We all know that. We are going digital. Everbody has a cell phone and cars eat up too much gas, but there are smaller things here.
For instance, what happened to video game arcades. In the early 80s, they were all the rage. Every mall had a store put aside for games, most of which cost a quarter to play.
It was a chance to hang out with friends and play a few games. There was always a line at PacMan. There were sports games, space games, driving games (the favorite among those in the know) and, of course, pinball games.
You threw in a few quarters over the course of a few hours, got out of the house and actually interacted with people, some of which you didn't even know.
Now, video games are played in the house in front of the television. If children aren't playing alone, they are playing with a small group of friends.
Sure, the technology has improved to the point that today's video games make yesteryear's look like board games. OK, I get the 3D graphics and the role playing, but it's not enough.
Playstation, X-Box and the like not only are making our children lazier and, probably, a little heavier, but there's a social aspect missing as well.
Even if we were doing the same thing, at least we were out with people. Learning everbody in the community was a little different, liked different games.
Maybe it's not the most important thing in the world, but, in a world that's increasingly busy, the little things do matter a lot.
OK, here's a classic from days gone by:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

We love lists, don't we.
This week, we've had the 100 most influential people in the world, a new look at the 100 best movies of all time and the 10 best songs of the 90s.
A while ago, television host David Letterman floated out news he was going to stop is nightly Top 10 list, which itself started as a joke about lists. There was such an outcry, it only lasted about a week.
Now, you can find your favorites any time you want.
There are books dedicated to the top whatever of whatever. There are probably lists about everything.
There was even a list of rejected People Poll questions.
It all comes down to fun. It's fun to argue about the top of the lists. It can make a boring work day go a little quicker.
So, I offer a list, pulled together while following the Pennsylvania Primary:
The top political coverage in the country:
1. CNN
1. (tie) FoxNews
1. (tie) MSNBC
1. (tie) CNBC
1. (tie) CBS News
1. (tie) ABC News
1. (tie) ESPN.



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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Maybe it's just me, but who in the world is Shigeru Miyamoto?
Did this person come up with a miracle cure for cancer? Did he give away billions to help others? Did he come up with an alternative energy source so we don't have to fund the houses in the South of France for the CEOs of oil companies? I know, maybe Shigeru Miyamoto is personally bringing down the government of China and its questionable human rights stance?
How about this, Shigeru Miyamoto is a video game designer.
He was also named the No. 1 most influential person in a Time magazine poll.
Shigeru Miyamoto, the designer of such world changing things as Donkey Kong and the Legend of Zelda, narrowly beat out somebody named Rain for the top spot. Rain, by the way, is described as a 'Korean pop sensation' whatever that is.
Television comic Steven Colbert came in a distant third, followed quickly by Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks.
Here's the whole list
OK, now, I can only assume there was some serious ballot stuffing for this list. After all, if a guy can design Donkey Kong, he can probably bust into the online voting and give himself, say, a million votes.
Still, this is a little disturbing. How are any of these five people influential at all? Have they done anything to better our lives. The only Rain I know of will be falling later this afternoon. While it makes the grass grow and the flowers look pretty, I don't think it's very influential. It's certainly not influential when we have to pull out the lawnmower.
So, this can only lead to the next logical question: Who is the most influencial person in Delaware County?
Are there any? I'd be willing to bet if there was such a poll, the top spot would be going to somebody sitting in prison or something like that. Maybe that guy who used to walk around the Hook in his bare feet.
A vote like that would be scary. Hey, even Gil Spencer would probably break the top five.
We all need a break:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

OK, a couple of weeks ago (actually it was just over a week, but I can hope) we were inundated with the voices of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. They were here, they were there, they were on TV, they were on the radio, they were in the newspaper. Then, the PA Primary happened and we haven't heard as much of the rhetoric.
Sure, it's still there, but the candidates are all in North Carolina, so we aren't beat over the head with their talk.
No, now, since there appears to be nothing else going on, we are hit again and again about just how bad the economy is out there. We hear about gas prices (like talking and yelling will lower the price anytime soon). We hear about food prices. We hear about a 'slowdown' which is actually a 'recession.' We hear about the Fed lowering rates, although it doesn't seem to have anything to do with our bottom line.
Do we need to hear the depressing news every day, every hour. The talking heads on TV seem to be happy to tell us it's horrible out there and we aren't going to survive.
Some nuts probably are starting to build bunkers in the back of their houses. Hey, it worked during the Cold War, why not during the Money War?
So, here it is, the economy stinks right now and we need to tighten our belts a little more. We'll all survive in the end. That's it on the economy.
Instead, think about this:
What sound does a grape make when an elephant steps on it?
None. It just lets out a little wine.
Or this:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

OK, so the government stimulus check is going to be in our bank accounts over the next few weeks. While extra money is always welcome (in fact, if anybody wants to send me some now, I'd be thankful), this round of 'stimulus' I don't think will offer much help to the economy.
Why? Well, it's simple, when people can barely make ends meet right now, no amount of extra cash will lead to extra purchases.
When you struggle to fill the gas tank on the way to work, that big-screen television isn't going to make much of a difference. The government, once again the money is great, would be better served making things more affordable for the everyday working person.
When a Saturn takes $36 to fill the tank, that's just too much. I can only imagine what kind of gas those big SUVs and pickup trucks go through.
When you add together gas for the car, home heating, and the regular bills, that stimulus check is going to disappear than a plate of chocolate chip cookies.
It's a help, but we need more. Now, I'm not looking for the government to come in and rescue us all by throwing more money out there.
Maybe we need to look at all our expenses and try to trim things down. The bad part of that, though, is when we spend less, companies lay off workers. That puts us all in a bad sort.
We should be going after big companies and banks and hold them accountable. When Exxon/Mobil is pulling in record profits and our cars are getting by on fumes, somethings wrong.


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Well, it's definitely un-Spring like out there today. Maybe we were spoiled last week by the great weather. All of a sudden, it's cold and rainy and there appears to be no end in sight. Well, at least no end until Thursday.

So, the biggest non-event event of our time took place this weekend. No, I don't mean Barack Obama's appearence on FOX News. Despite the hype, it was the same rhetoric we've been hearing for months now.
The biggest non-event of our time is the NFL Draft. ESPN dedicated two days to sitting around watching highlights of college football players as they are chosen by NFL teams. Probably less than half of these players will actually have any kind of career in the NFL, but, thanks to ESPN and the multitude of Web sites, the draft is almost as big as the season.
Fans of this team or that team debate players picked and how their team shapes up after the weekend.
It's almost as bad, but not quite, as the College signing day. Fans that day get on message boards and lament how this high school football player chose the wrong team. Coaches careers are made just by how they can recruit, look at Pitt's Dave Wanstadt for exhibit A. His head coaching career has been one bad loss after another, but, boy, can he recruit.
Now we know the Eagles have no chance to compete for a Super Bowl because they traded out of the first round. Or, it's the best move Andy Reid ever made.
Really, though, it's just a bunch of nothing that fills up a couple of days of television.
Maybe run a marathon of Rock of Love 2 instead. It'll probably be more entertaining.
Speaking of non-events:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

So, just to prove you can never be too old to learn something new, I found out last night that crocodile's can smile.
That's right. Those lizard-like animals who reside mostly in Florida, although there are a couple at the Philadelphia Zoo, can actually smile through those big teeth.
Now, most people aren't going to get close enough to a crocodile to find out if he's smiling or not. In fact, for the most part, if you do get close enough, the croc will be smiling as he eats you.
Still, a group giving a presentation last night, which was quite entertaining to say the least, have seen a crocodile smile.
Anyway, this group was riding in a boat somewhere (sorry, it was too engrossing to remember every little detail) when they happened upon some interesting goings on.
Apparently, there was some music, some dancing and a crocodile smile.
Almost makes you want to get in that boat and find the place. Sounds like a nice place to visit.
Just bring some crocodile snacks.
Meanwhile, there's this:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

OK, here we are at what CNN called 'the most important week in the history of Pennsylvania.' Well, maybe we still have one more day of work to go, but at least we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Speaking of light, we were finally able to take in the Star Wars exhibit at the Franklin Institute last night.
Not being a huge Star Wars fans (I thought the movies were entertaining, but I'm not about to buy my own Wookie suit), it is still pretty neat. The boys enjoyed it for the robot building and the cool looking space ships. The princesses just liked walking around and seeing the cars and a real Yoda. Interesting thing, though, was at the entrance to the exhibit there are warnings that no masks can be worn. Good thing the boys left the Darth Vader hemlets at home.
Speaking of big, tonight in the all-school concert at Lansdowne Friends School.
If you don't have tickets, watch for scalpers on Lansdowne Avenue tonight. Make sure what you're buying aren't counterfeits.
I've been able to have a personal concert for the last few months with some fun songs, so there should be a lot of toe-tapping tonight.
Speaking of toe-tapping:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Now that the political candidates have left Pennsylvania to focus on other areas of the country, think they'll be back?
They'll probably make their way through during the next campaign, but, I wonder if they will actually return for vacation or whatever.
Then again, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama each have enough money to head to some island in the Pacific to decompress when this is all over.
Meanwhile, we'll be paying $4 for gas just to get to work and start the week all over again.
Just curious, though, how did Mike Huckabee or Ron Paul get any votes in the GOP side of the primary? Is it some kind of Republican statement against John McCain, who had the nomination wrapped up weeks ago?
Why not just write in Ronald Reagan or George Washington? They have as much a chance as any of the other candidates at this point.
Here's an idea, vote for the Charmin Bears in the general election in November.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world went on as usual during the big Primary day.
American Idol and Dancing with the Stars dominated the television world.
The Flyers beat the Capitals (avoiding the choke) and the Phillies came back to beat the Rockies.
By the by, does beating Colorado this week somehow make up for that pitiful playoff perfomance by Pat Burrell and Co. last fall? Uh, probably not.
For those who couldn't score a ticket, the Third Grade Night of Music, in front of a standing-room-only crowd at Garrettford School, went off without a hitch. The violins were especially good.
Here is some unedited video:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Well, today is the big day. The buildup has been impressive. The pressure on some is out of hand. The work has been done. Except for a few things today, everything is ready to roll. The shirts are ready, the pamphlets are printed. There's no doubt the lines getting into the doors will be long and, of course, there will be more than a few annoying people.
That's right, it's time for the 'Third Grade Night of Music' at Garrettford Elementary School.
In this day and age when our President has made it virtually impossible to actually teach children and broaden their horizons, there is a little beacon of hope in the middle of it all.
Being not too musically inclined (although I know I can sing better than Axl Rose), it is nice to see children trying out music. After all, working to get better at an instrument will only lead to something better later in life.
Learning music can be just as daunting a task for some as learning a new language or trying baked tofu for lunch.
In the end, it's better for you. So, until 'No Child Left Behind' takes away all activities from students, it will be fun to listen to some voilins tonight.
By the way, heard this catchy tune over the weekend. It's an odd song, but, warning, once you listen it won't leave your head:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Welcome to the 'NO POLITICS ZONE.' After this paragraph, there will be no talk of elections, primaries, candidates, change or anything else that's related to politics until we have two candidates. Or until something ridiculous happens.

So, on to the real important stuff:
Last week, the results of a study were published saying those who have trouble at work find it tough to sleep at night.
Really, now. Never would have guessed there could be a connection. Who would have thought that the pressures of the job could have a lasting effect on rest of the day? What, everybody can just put a yelling boss or coworkers who don't actually do anything behind them when walking out the door. Hmmm, I'm certainly glad there was enough money in somebody's budget to do this study.
This follows on the heels of the study that basically said those that eat too many french fries are at risk for heart disease. Then there was the study where those that run long distances can have leg pain. We also had the study where children who don't exercise enough at a young age have less of a chance to become professional athletes.
Now, I want some money to do some studies. Those out there with the funds, send them along. I have a few ideas.
I want to find out if drinking a lot of water leads to more bathroom breaks.
Here are a few other studies, in one opinion, are worth finding out:
n If you drink a lot of coffee in the morning, does that lead to being more awake during the day;
n Does watching 24 straight hours of reality TV melt your brain;
n Is Jay Leno funnier when you don't watch the Tonight Show;
n Who has more time in the day: those who use a lawnmower to cut the grass or those who use scissors;
n If you use jelly beans instead of black beans in a burrito, do your teeth fall out;
n How many strange looks can you get on the street if you dress like Elvis for a month;
n If you drink nothing but beer, will you get drunk;
n How can you get those monkeys to stop jumping on the bed;
n If you lead a horse to water, can you actually make him drink?
There are plenty more, but I need to do a study to figure out which ones are better.


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

OK, so the Pope held his big Mass at Nationals Park Wednesday, then he toured around a few places, met a few people and grabbed some take-out for the evening.
Although he checks in here daily, the Pope has not sent along the schedule for the rest of the week. We know he's having a Mass at Yankee Stadium Sunday, so, at some point, he has to cross through Delaware County.
Most likely, the Pope will grab his Sunday best and fly from Washington to New York in the Pope Plane.
So, imagine this:
As they get through Delaware, the pilot starts to point out some of the sights.
"OK, your Holiness, if you look to the right you will see the river and a town called Marcus Hook.
"No, that's just trash floating along the riverbed.
"Hmm, now what's that on the left? A message has been painted on the top of a roof in a place called Ridley. We'll get a little closer ....
"STOP, STOP, DON'T LOOK YOUR HOLINESS. That message is for somebody named FAA, avert your eyes. AVERT YOUR EYES. We're going to 60,000."
Thus ends the Pope's visit to Delaware County.
At least it will be a safer bet than driving the Pope bus up I-95. "No, your Holiness, he's saying 'You're No. 1.'"


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

The big story of the week continues, no not Ed Wade's return to Philadelphia as G.M. of the Astros, the Pope is still in Washington D.C.
The pomp and circumstance on the White House lawn yesterday was a bit over the top, to say the least. Wait a minute, we have an economic system in the toilet, too many people fighting an unwinnable war in the Middle East and the Daily Times was shut out of a Tyeke Evans news conference.
Isn't there more pressing issues for our President to address?
By the way, think Bush ran up to the Pope and said: "I'd like to welcome you, Dalai Lama, to the United States."
Really, though, has there been a president in recent memory easier to make fun of.
Bush does stuff every day that is a comedy writer's dream. Whether it be that smarmy little smirk at every news conference or the misspoken words, our President is ripe for the picking.
Maybe it's too easy, but even the Democratic candidates got into the act during Wednesday night's debate.
When asked if they would use George W. Bush, as an ex-president, to help in their administration, both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama did their best to avoid the question. Only Hillary gave a semi-answer, but that was after a chuckle. She eventually said it would take a long evaluation.
Yeah, like maybe 50 years or so.
But, I digress, back to the Pope.
Wouldn't it be cool if the Pope had a little fun. Maybe if during the Mass in Washington today he leaped into the stands after giving the homily. Of how about this:
After giving a sermon he could pause and say: "Now, ladies, gentleman and fellow priests, I give you ... a special AMERICAN IDOL!!!"


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

I wanted to thank the Pope for checking in yesterday. I did forget he was German and, although he probably knows Italian, today's message is in his native tongue.
Wie Sie fertig werden, mit dem Präsidenten hinzusitzen, essen Sie nicht das Huhn!

Maybe it's just me, but watching the city get ready for tonight's Democratic debate is almost funny. I say almost, because it's going to bring a host of headaches today.
Traffic will be changed. TV trucks will dominate the streets and there will be a lot of strange people milling around.
Then, you have to get out of Delaware County.
So, the big debate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will talk tonight at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia. It's being billed as the 'last, big debate' of the primary season.
Does anybody really think they are going to say anything worthwhile. By now, we've heard it all. We've listened to the rhetoric. We know where they stand on every issue and we've made up our minds on how to vote.
While it might make for some interesting moments, this latest election biz will probably be nothing more than hot air.
I'm betting most of America will be watching 'American Idol' instead.
Here was the last great debate:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Hey, it appears the Pope has reached the airport in Italy, so say the talking heads this morning. Why that's news, I don't know.
Still, it appears the Pope is coming to America. While it probably won't be the same as when Eddie Murphy Came to America many seem to be excited.
So, having no doubt the Pope will check Rise and Shine when he lands in Washington and gets ready to meet President Bush, here's a shout out:
Nonli incolpi di. Non abbiamo votato per lui.

Anyway, it appears to be getting nice out there. There's nothing better than when the weather turns nice and you can get outside. Sure, throwing the ball around with the children is fun and heading out to the playground is fun, but it can also be fun to get the yard ready after the winter.
All those extra tree branches can be picked up. Dig out the weeds, cut the grass, maybe plant a few flowers and vegetables.
Now, if I can only find somebody to do all those things so I can throw the ball around and go to the playground.


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

As much as it's been annoying to hear these political candidates talk and talk and talk some more every day, you can't help but feel for them a little bit.
I know, they have put themselves into the public spotlight so some may believe they deserve critisism. Still, every word is disected three or four different ways.
A comment can't be made in passing without somebody else taking it to task.
I used to joke while working the night desk that reporters had to call U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak with a question, then wait an hour for an answer.
I now realize, having seen the made up flack over Barack Obama's comments over the weekend, that they really can't win.
Whether you agree or not with his view of disenfranchised America, we make always make the point he has the right to say it. No matter if you are a presidential candidate or not, there is nobody who can stay right down the middle on every issue.
That's just fake. We all have our opinions on things.
For instance, if a candidate comes out and says all guns should be banned in this country, he or she would be speaking the truth. The other side, though, would shoot their guns in the air and claim it's their right to carry the firearms.
Meanwhile, if the candidate says everbody should carry a gun (which would probably cut down the number of voting Americans) those on the other side would be up in, well, arms.
Now that we live in a world where everything is news five minutes after it happens, we get too caught up in the now. Regardless of the rhetoric, we need a presidential candidate who will help us get healthy.
We don't need one who will just say whatever makes everybody happy.


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Anybody notice in a lot of horror/sci fi movies computers are the bad guys.
It all started with '2001' when Hal took over the space ship and got rid of all the humans.
We have the 'Terminator' movies where computers got a sense of self and took over the world, eliminating the humans.
We have 'War Games' where a computer took over nuclear missles and was about to get rid of all humans until it started playing chess.
We have 'Battlestar Gallactica' where robots head out to kill all humans.
That's just off the top of my head. So, what am I getting at, well, it's simple, computers have taken over our lives.
Twice this week, the server that hosts this Web site and others in our chain decided to crap out. As anybody who tried to get onto the site yesterday found out, it was down from about 10:30 a.m. until this morning.
Ever try using a credit card and the swipe machine doesn't work. You have to wait until it decides to read the card before you can get your junk.
We can fix just about anything in a car, from the alternator to tires, but, if the engine's computer goes, just get a new one.
So, maybe 'Big Brother' isn't an all-powerful government agency, it's actually an Apple computer sitting somewhere in Seattle.
Here he is now:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Having worked most of my life after the sun had set, anytime I wanted to watch a television show, I would tape it.
Then, either later that night or the next day, I would watch the show, fast-fowarding through the commercials.
So, I really didn't pay too much attention to them. I don't need a commercial to figure out what I need to waste my money on anyway.
Having started this morning wake-up in January, I've been able to catch the shows during the normal run. Which means, except for when I have the remote in hand and check around, I am forced to watch the commercials.
Well, maybe there are a couple of humourous ones, but most are just plain annoying. Not only would I not buy their product now, but I feel like tracking down the master film and destroying it.
Morning television is the worst. If it's not a political ad, then there is this one for something called 'Honey Clusters.' It is apparently some kind of cereal. They are trying to show it's good for you. Some snot-nosed teenager with a whiny voice makes me hope Honey Clusters go the way of cheap gas.
Anyway, here are some good ones sent along by a favorite reader:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

It starts innocently enough: a sniffle here, a cough there.
Pretty soon, noses are running and tissues are being found balled up near the trash can.
Next comes the slight fever, but not enough to cause a great deal of concern.
Suddenly, one of the boys has red eyes. Of course, those eyes quickly turn pink and it's a quick call to the doctor. School is missed, eye drops are picked up at the pharmacy and used.
The doctor always says, 'Pink eye is not contagious after using the drops for 24 hours.'
Yeah, but what about the 24 hours before that. I need a time machine now more than ever.
So, the noses start running (better catch them) throughout the house. One sleepless night leads to another to another.
Suddenly, the other boy is running a fever. Mom hits 102 degrees and this time it has nothing to do with what Dad has done.
So, now we are again in a den of disease. It's a fabulous place where colds multiply, tissues get used more than napkins and, one-by-one, everybody is taken out.
At least it's not contagious after 24 hours.



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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

About six months ago I was posed a question: Is the newspaper business dead?
Here's how I answered:
I don't think it's dead. I believe newspapers, and by that end newspaper companies, still have the best talent and means to get the news to people in their community. Journalists are trained a certain way. They ask the right questions. They dig for dirt when needed and aren't afraid to get their fingers dirty (at least most are).
That doesn't mean the only thing worth putting in a newspaper is doom and gloom. There are plenty of uplifting stories out there.
While television 'journalists' give us quick hits and make a big stink about being down the street with lights, cameras and action, they aren't really doing any hard work. For the most part, television 'journalists' follow newspapers. They see what stories are being reported, then react.
Newspapers, though, are changing. I believe to remain alive we need to put as much emphasis on our local Web sites as we have for our papers. It's becoming a lot easier to carry an Iphone on the bus than a newspaper.
With wireless networks all over the place, we have to morph into a hybrid of print and Internet coverage. We can give readers much more on our Web sites than any other place, be it coverage of municipal meetings, the big High School baseball game or how your neighbor is helping out by selling lemonade on the street.
Are newspapers dead? No, just different. I don't know if my daughter, now 3, will ever read a traditional newspaper. She will want the news, though, and there's no better place than right here.



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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

So, we have Memphis vs. Kansas for the NCAA Tournament title tonight. Like most, the 9:20 start is just too late for me. Why do major events tend to start later and later all the time? I understand the networks want ratings from California, but, with pre-game and a longer-than-usual halftime, it's probably going to push midnight before the game is over.
Just like the World Series and NBA Playoffs, the games are negating a big part of a possible viewing audience: children.
Sure, most of them would probably watch the new adventures of Spongebob or Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, but they aren't given a chance to see these events.
With all the pressure being put on children at school, they need to get to bed earlier and earlier. With games pushing the midnight mark many of those who would enjoy the games the best are no longer able to watch them.
Add to that the overpriced tickets for a 'regular' game and suddenly it's a lot easier to sit in front of the television or play video games.
Then, we wonder why more children aren't out being active.
Just a thought.
Anway, here's a funny photo sent along by reader Raymond Supper from Tampa, Fla.:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Is it just me or does Delaware County exist in some kind of bubble? The real world is just something going on outside the borders. Here, the 1950s still live and 'outsiders' are not welcomed. I don't know, maybe I live in a bubble.

Anyway, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of buzz for the NCAA Tournament's Final Four this weekend. It's probably because all the top seeds made it to the national semifinals. That's just plain boring.
Sure, there are some super teams playing, but fans need a real underdog. There's a reason why the Final Four with George Mason was the highest rated in the last 10 years.
This year, ah, power teams from power conferences playing for a title. The only real interesting story is North Carolina coach Roy Williams having to coach against Kansas, the university he walked out on to take the UNC job. Of course, that was after saying he had no interest in North Carolina.
Since everybody needs a little help, take UCLA to win it all. Beating Kansas.
Here's what we really need:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Why is it the one thing you can never put in reserve is sleep?
You can make enough food to carry through a week. Put some in the freezer and it can last much longer.
You can get extra work done one day and take it a little easier the next (although for some, you can do no work today, no work tomorrow, no work the next day, then complain you're much too busy).
The chance for sleep, though, is here and gone.
If you for some reason have a restless night (be it nightmares of a George Bush presidency or whatever), the chance to 'catch up' is gone.
It's not like you can sleep later on say a Sunday, then stay up late Tuesday and be fine.
No, you might feel refreshed Sunday, but by Monday that's all gone.
A late night Tuesday then ruins the rest of the week.
Those zombies in every horror movie now aren't really the undead, they are just sleep-deprived people wandering the streets looking for a pillow.


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Do you feel the excitement? Is your chest pumping and is it hard to concentrate this morning?
Well, after all, the Rock Star is coming to the county today.
That's right, Barack Obama will be bringing his bus right into the heart of Delco today when he makes a visit to Strath Haven High School.
Bands will play. Traffic will be a mess (OK, that's normal since Delco drivers can't seem to get around without causing traffic) and the 'Best Political Coverage in America' will be on hand.
So, with Alex Rose sitting in the audience, Barack Obama will attempt to spread his message of change. By the way, if you haven't check out Alex Rose's political blog yet, here it is. Take a minute to check it out, then let me know what he's trying to say.
Anyway, I haven't decided yet who I am voting for in the November election, but I am getting very sick of the rhetoric from all the candidates, Hillary and McCain included.
Just remember, they are all lying to us, no matter how slick they put the talk out there. They are taking money from big business, they are looking out for those with that money and they will forget all these working man promises once they get in office.
Change is certainly needed, but is this really it?
Make an informed choice:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Hey, at least it rained yesterday, so Phillies fans were already dampened before their team lost another home opener.

For those of you out there who believe Global Warming is a myth, I offer this week as an example of how weird things are.
Yesterday was cold and raining. The wind was strong and made it even colder.
By 8 p.m., it was quite warm, warm enough to ditch the winter coat.
This morning is very warm. Most of those students heading out to school will argue about wearing a jacket, despite the sniffles.
Tonight, it's going to hit the freezing mark and tomorrow is supposed to be cold again.
That's not made up. Just take a walk outside and I dare you to argue there's nothing happening.
Maybe Hollywood got it right:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Well, it was a busy weekend. There was the NCAA Tournament to watch and the Phillies are gearing up for the season.
First, though, did you see the video of Barak Obama and Sen. Casey eating breakfast in a State College diner? Has anybody looked more out of place than Casey at a diner? I'm willing to bet, with the exception of campaigning, the good Sen. hides his eyes when driving past a diner.

Took in the Phillies-Blue Jays preseason game Saturday afternoon. It was cold, it was windy and the game was pointless, but, hey, the special $5 tickets made it worthwhile.
Since major pro sports have outpriced a family of five, we haven't make a visit to Citizen's Bank Park for a couple of years. Think about it, for five tickets, drinks, nachos and maybe some popcorn, you're looking at about a $200 day/night.
While that might be worth it if the games were interesting to a 3- or 5-year old, that's just not happening. So, watching three innings and then heading to the Phanatic playground is fun for the children, paying all that money for three innings and a playground isn't worth it for parents.
Besides, a quick trip down 95 to Wilmington for a Blue Rocks game is much more fun. It's family friendly and the games are pretty good. Oh yeah, parking's free.
So, I did find it interesting veggie dogs were also $1 during dollar dog days. That's a nice touch.
Here's a tip as well, check out the veggie crab cake at Planet Hoagie. It's really good.
Sure, the Phillies won last year, but how about this:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

OK, I have a confession to make, I told a third-grader not to worry about the PSSA tests. This, of course, will be a shock to the system.
The PSSAs are government-mandated tests that will be given over the next couple of weeks and schools are into an all-out push.
There have been daily letters home to parents. There was even a 'contract' sent home telling parents it was their duty to make sure there are no activities after school during the week the PSSA will be administered.
Some schools even hold pep rallies and all-day study sessions to get ready for the 'test.'
Hogwash!
In fact, I thing we'll stay up late every night and maybe even take in a movie or two.
Sure, it's probably a dumb protest, but there is enough pressure on young students these days without adding any more.
The PSSA tests are now the complete focus of the public school system. Instead of teaching to learn, teachers are teaching for the test. There is extra homework, extra time spent during class and extra pressure on the teachers, adminstrators and students.
I'm not blaming the schools. Our President has set this 'No Child Left Behind' bull. The states have no choice but to follow along, which leads to pressure on the school districts, individual schools, principals, teachers, finally, the students.
You know what they say runs downhill.
We should be giving students a reason to love learning, love going to school, instead of adding more and more onto their heads.
The biggest problem is the tests are standardized throughout the state.
Now, let's just look at the school districts in the county. There is no sane way to argue the students in the Radnor School District and the students in the Upper Darby School District get the same education.
This is not to say the teachers, at least some, don't try and that there aren't some talented teachers in both school districts. The plain truth is it's not the same education, yet they are held to the same standards.
When a third grader is walking home and believes the PSSA tests could potentially keep him out of fourth grade, that's just plain wrong.
If that's the message schools are sending, they should be held accountable.
Instead of getting all the students together to 'pump' them up for another test (really, aren't there enough regular tests throughout the year) gather them in the gym to sing or listen to some stories or ... whatever.
So, take the tests because you have no choice, but think about baseball the whole time.
Here's a quick history lesson: When I was in school there were standard tests given each year. We always thought they were very important to our advancement.
By the time we reached sixth grade, it was obvious the tests had no real meaning. So, we took the No. 2 pencils and created designs in the little circles, barely reading the test questions.
We all made it into seventh grade.

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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

You know, there are certain days throughout the year you just let it go.
Everybody, well, OK, some, try to eat healthy. We add vegetables to our diets, we drink a lot of water, we pass on the second slice of pie.
Then, there is Easter Sunday.
Maybe it goes back to childhood when the entire Easter basket was eaten about five minutes after getting up. Maybe it's the incredible pull sugar has on our system, but Easter candy has a pull that's impossible to pass.
So, about five minutes after rising, there is no choice but to let the children dig in.
Now, normally, jelly beans and chocolate bunnies for breakfast would be a no-no. Well, at least the jelly bean part.
Easter Sunday, though, wrappers hit the floor and chocolate ran out of the mouths.
It continued like this through a visit to Grandma's house and then before dinner.
At dinner, though, the candy is starting to kick in.
"My stomach hurts."
Well, maybe it's a good lesson. Try to save some of the candy for the rest of week.
"But, my stomach hurts."
OK, eat some of the broccoli, that will help.
"My stomach hurts."
OK, what will help?
"Uh, can I have another chocolate."
Here you go:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Life from another perspective:
The yell came at around 2:45 a.m.
It was a scream straight out of some horror movie. Anybody with small children has heard it. Look up 'Wilhelm scream' on YouTube and there are plenty of examples.
With eyes still closed, the scream meant it was time to spring to action by leaping out of bed.
Slamming into a closed door couldn't slow down the trek as the scream came again, this time only louder:
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!
Stumbling to open the door, then into a cold hallway, the scream came a third time (or was it the fourth or fifth or sixth).
On a normal day, it only takes about five seconds to get from one bedroom to the next, but, with a monster or something apparently in the boys' room, the steps seemed to take about an hour.
AAAAAHHHHHH!
Grabbing the door and pushing it open, it was time to nearly fall into the room during the middle of yet another yell.
Of course, there can't be a clear path, there has to be a bunch of Licoln Logs all over the floor. It created something akin to an ice rink or maybe like trying to walk on a thousand and one marbles.
Slipping, rolling over an ankle, the destination was finally in hand.
"Brendan, Brendan is everything OK."
Thus came the answer to the scream to end all screams: "The covers came off my foot. Can you fix them?"
Gritting teeth: "OK, now go to sleep."
"Wait Daddy, I want a drink of milk."
"Go .... to .... sleep."

Well, at least they'll all be hepped up on jellybeans this weekend:


HAPPY EASTER!
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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Whether its sitting in the newsroom, getting a cup of coffee or walking down the street, I hear people say: "It's not like it used to be."
My reaction is always the same: "The world's not like it used to be."
Case in point, while growing up the first thing I did each morning was reach for the newspaper to see how the Phillies/Sixers/Flyers did the night before.
Now, all you have to do is turn on the television or click on the Internet to find out the answer.
The newspaper might still be on the front steps, but it's not the first place anybody looks anymore.
Hey, if you can grab your iPhone and get an entire report, including video, of late games or election results or traffic problems, than so be it.
Yeah, the world's not like it used to be.
Here's another thing, it used to be a community group (be it school or neighborhood) would band together to put on an event.
Schools had parent groups, but they worked in conjuction with the schools to put on dinners, plays, whatever. Neighborhoods got together for block parties, Christmas parties, Easter egg hunts. It was a chance to see everybody and, well, just talk.
Now, everybody stays cooped up in the house, then jumps in the car to head ... whereever.
The school thing really has me perplexed. Somebody I know has decided to help out with an event and needs just a minimal amount of help from teachers and administrators. Yet, helping out now seems to be a no-no.
Here's the biggest difference in the world. People used to have a stake in what was going on. You wanted to make things the best, be it work or play.
Now, it's easier to just sit around and complain. Clock in, clock out, go home.
To me, that's a sad thing.
We all wish for a simpler time:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

I offer a public service for you today.
First, though, a bit of history.
The first time I realized how exciting the NCAA Mens' Basketball tournament could be was in 1979. That's the year Michigan State and Magic Johnson played a classic against Larry Bird and Indiana State.
I know, having studied the history, the tournament had been around before 1979, but that's when it really began.
Click Here to see some highlights of the game.
Anyway, from that point on, I really studied the teams in the tournament. I couldn't wait until the newspaper came out the next day with the brackets (remember, there was no ESPN back in the dark ages).
I did as much research as I could about the teams, tried to pick the winners, then got frustrated when my favorite teams would lose.
As TV got more involved, the tournament became bigger. Soon, newspapers like USA Today were putting out special sections with all the stats or other info needed to make 'expert' opinions on the games.
I can still see Michael Jordan making the shot. Thanks to the Internet, you can see it now
I remember Australian rent-a-player Andrew Gaze somehow pushing Seton Hall of all teams into the finals. Or Danny Manning and Kansas shocking high-scoring Oklahoma.
Still, I never really could get a handle on the pools. Sure, I tried. I watched thousands of games throughout the year. Studied the stats. Studied the history, then watched as all my Final Four teams were bounced in the second round. Year, after year, after year.
Then, in 1995, somebody I know now as the greatest mind in history, picked UCLA to win it all.
UCLA? That team can't win. What, are you crazy?
UH, UCLA beat Arkansas in 1995.
So, what does that have to do with 2008? Well, I did no studying, saw very few games and had a 5-year old pick the games.
So, when you see a Final Four of North Carolina, Kansas, Pitt and UCLA, don't forget you read it here first.
When Winthrop and San Diego make runs, don't say I didn't tell you so.
South Alabama? Take them to win two games.
So, there you have it. A sure winner.
Now, to get everybody fired up, a few words of wisdom from the greatest coach in college basketball history:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Well, there were the Phillies out in the Florida sun wearing those stupid green shirts.
Here's Irish hero So Taguchi taking a swing.
Really, are these teams so hard up they need to artificially pump up T-shirt sales.
The amazing thing was, while watching the Springfield St. Patrick's Day parade Saturday, there are actually people walking around with green Phillies shirts.
Anyway, enough complaing about things I can't control. Like my Grandmother used to say, "I'd complain, but you wouldn't listen anyway, so everything's great."
Caught the premier of 'Dancing with the Stars' last night. Now, normally, that time of night is filled with 'Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends,' but everybody seems to like the dancing, so...
While watching a bunch of unknowns and has-beens dancing around, I was wondering how the pitch goes to say, Steve Guttenberg.
"OK, Steve, you've done nothing worth watching since the first Police Academy, but everybody knows who you are. Paulie Shore turned us down, so, you want to dance?"
It's probably not that honest.
Actually, Steve Guttenberg wasn't the worst.


Uh, when does the NCAA Tournament start?
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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!

Well, there's a lot going on today.
We had the NCAA Tournament brackets unveiled last night. It's St. Patrick's Day and it's a full week before we can break out the Easter candy.
We'll have to make due somehow.
St. Patrick's Day is certainly interesting. The most enterprising reporter I know one time called a pub in Ireland for a story on St. Patrick's Day. It turns out it's just another day across the pond. Then again, that was year's ago. Now, everything is big business, so there are parades for visitors.
Here, though, it's a time for wearing green, drinking, eating and talking in brogue, whatever that is. Hey, any excuse for a day to party, right?
One of the funniest things about St. Patrick's Day is to see some of the photos from baseball's spring training. For some odd reason, teams decide to wear green uniforms for these games. It must have something to do with marketing.
Hey, let's sell one more hat and shirt.
Next year, they'll all wear Easter Bonnets on Easter Sunday.
Well, here are some highlights from Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Parade.


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY!
Since John McCain is probably checking in this morning, a word from the wise: when at Springfield Country Club, stay away from the chicken! Don't say I didn't warn you.

Well, enough politics, there's more important things going on.
For instance, remember when you could pull into a gas station, pay 10 bucks and fill the tank.
Now, I put 10 into the minivan and it barely gets me to the next gas station.
Yeah, Yeah, prices are out of whack all over the place, but gas prices are especially so.
Look, those big companies are going to make money whether the price is $3.50 a gallon or $2.50 a gallon.
After taking a ride through Lancaster last weekend, I came to the realization the Amish have it right. Forget the gas-guzzler in the driveway, get a horse and buggy.
Not only would it be better on the pocket book and the environment, but the horse will be a big hit with the children.
Every child at some point or another asks their parents for a pony. Now, there can be one pulling you to the Giant to pick up milk.
You know what, if we all did that, Exxon/Mobil would find a way to corner the market on hay and jack the price up accordingly.
Still, it would be interesting:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY

Maybe I'm wrong, but has there ever been a truer saying than: 'Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.'
Just look North to the New York governor or South to State Sen. Vince Fumo.
Here are two politicians, and don't be simple enough to believe they are the only two, who got caught doing things they shouldn't be doing.
New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer got caught up in a web of escort services and now he's the ex-governor and soon to be ex-husband, no doubt.
Many of his cronies said Spitzer was a bulldog who would stop at nothing until he got to the position he wanted. Well, he rose to the governer of New York and was actually being talked about as a presidential candidate somewhere down the line.
Now, he'd be lucky to get a job as the president of the local model railroad club.
The best thing about these stories is to see how so many of Spitzers 'supporters,' or more likely 'hangers-on,' suddenly have disappeared. His power is gone, so is his draw.
Sure, he's got a lot of money and that will make somewhat of a difference in the end. He'll probably be able to go back to his law career and still live a pretty good life.
Is it really all worth it, though? Is it worth getting to be so powerful you can't see the wrong ways you are living?
Maybe it's just better to be normal.


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RISE AND SHINE

RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY.
Think Barak Obama will make his way to Springfield tonight? If he does, will he do some shopping at Bliss Avenue?

I must admit, to steal a line from Jack McCaffery, I don't get 'American Idol.'
Maybe my taste in music is different or whatever, but I haven't found one of the 'winners' so far the least bit talented. There are probably more talented singers hitting the bars on the weekends than making it to Fox.
I think I watched about five minutes of one show over the course of its run. There is a funny take on the Shrek 2 DVD, but the show just doesn't cut it. Now, the only taste of 'American Idol' I get is the highlights they show on morning TV.
This morning, I've seen three absolutely horrible covers of Beatles songs that John Lennon must be ready to rise from the grave to take revenge.
The worst thing is the highlights shows the judging panel actually like the versions. They absolutely loved some goofy looking guy's cover of Eleanor Rigby
that nearly made me spit out my coffee.
They also showed a Let it Be cover and one for Eight Days a Week.
I get the gimmicks. They have to keep everybody interested, especially those who are bored by the stupid comments by Paula Abdul.
So, for those who only get their music from TV, listen to this:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY.
Since Hillary Clinton will be in the area today, I'm sure she'll be checking out Rise and Shine, so good day to you as well.

By the way, according to Clinton, "Northeast Pennsylvania is the key to us winning the Keystone State."
That comment was made yesterday at a campaign stop in Scranton. Does it sound a lot like a rock frontman saying, "We love being in Easton."
Once again, all this political talk is starting to turn people off. I know several people who are very 'into' politics, but can't stand all the rhetoric being put out there by the candidates.
As one really smart pundit said yesteday, "After eight years of George Bush, the best we can do is these two (Clinton and Barak Obama) fighting with each other. How about working together to make things better? No. They'd rather fight back and forth."
Really, it does sound like a brother and sister. The constant yap, yap, yap back-and-forth is, at best, annoying. At worst, well, I won't use those kind of words here.
OK, let's reset:
n We have an out-of-control war on foreign soil;
n We have credit companies that don't care if everybody is homeless as long as the CEO can get a $million bonus;
n We have health care costs so out of whack that it's cheaper to stay sick;
n We have a public school system that only cares about reaching an artificial test score, even if it means discounting half the students;
n We have gas prices making the Amish look like the smartest group in the country;
n We have home-heating costs so high many can't afford to keep the homes they can't afford warm.
After all that, we have two presidential candidates who would rather take shots at each other than make things better.
Change?
Well, at least we have this:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY

After doing some work around the house Sunday, we took a ride to Chinatown for a good dinner.
No offense to those around here, but there's nothing like the restaurants in Chinatown. Not only is the food fantastic, but the atmosphere can't be beat. There was even a group dancing around in dragon costumes, which is always cool to see.

With the rain coming down Saturday night, it proved to be a good night to stay in and catch a movie.
The choice was the 1980s classic 'Ghostbusters.' I remember seeing the movie twice in the theater when it came out in 1984.
The first time, the place was packed. There were even some sitting in the aisles on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Everybody loved the movie then. There were laughs all over the place, well, except for the lady next to us who fell asleep.
Now, has anybody fell asleep in a movie theater. It's tough to do.
I've seen the movie again over the years, but, what struck me this time is how dated it really is.
With advancement of special effects make the ghosts almost as laughable as some of Bill Murray's lines. Then again, maybe that adds to the movie.
One other thing that struck me was how dominate Murray is in the movie. Dan Ackroyd, at the time, was just as big a star, but he takes a major step back.
It's even more obvious in the sequel when Murray makes basically a cameo appearence and the movie, well, stinks.
The original, though, is still worth a look.
Besides, it has one of the best theme songs ever:


What ever happened to Ray Parker Jr., anyway?
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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY

Well, the Pennsylvania primary isn't until April 22, but the full-court press sure appears to be starting.
Chelsea Clinton as in Philadelphia earlier this week and now Bill Clinton will be at Penn State-Brandywine today.
What's kind of interesting is Joe Sestak will also attend the rally.
Sestak, the D-7 U.S. Rep from Edgmont, is one of those so-called 'Superdelagate' who may really decide who to the Democratic nominee for president will be.
There's no doubt Hillary and Barak Obama will be visiting the area between now and April, probably more than once.
It'll be interesting to see which politicians will be on hand.
By the way, think the first question Sestak will have for Ol' Bill will pertain to the FAA?
Anyway, to offer balance, here are a few words from the other side:



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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING DELAWARE COUNTY

The subject of airplanes flying over the county with more frequency has been a big topic of discussion.
Those who live close to the airport expect this kind of traffic, but it has obviously spread out.
While walking in Lansdowne the other day, I clearly saw three low-flying, passenger jets sailing overhead.
The bad thing about these kind of stories is they don't seem to matter until they effect you personally. While seeing airlines fly overhead is just the world we live in, there are some scary things going on here.
You know how bad it smells and makes your head feel if you sit in traffic behind a bus. Now, imagine about 5,000 times as much fuel being burned in less time. All those fumes have to go somewhere.
That's not only airplanes in the air, but they sit on the runways before take off, then shoot tons of jet fuel into the engines to take off.
Now, all that pollution is being spread everywhere. The noise is one thing, those fumes are another.
Pretty soon, we'll all have airports in our back yard. That's not what George Jetson was thinking.
So, while flying, ever wonder how pilots keep themselves interested.
Check this out:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY
Quick shout out to my buddy Bill: Bring the campaign to Primos.

Anyway, there used to be a TV show hosted by Bill Cosby called 'Kids say the darndest things.'
Here now I offer a Tuesday night conversation in a minivan:
Brendan, are you the star of your dance class.
Five-year old: "Yeah, I am."
I guess there's not much modesty here.
Five-year old: "What does modesty mean."
OK, how to you explain modesty to a five-year old. Well, it's talking about...
Eight-year old from the back seat: "I know what it is, it's when girls think your the best."
No, that's not it. It's talking ...
Eight-year old: "No, It's when girls..."
No, Liam, modesty has nothing to do with that.
Eight-year old, with a college educuation: "Sure it does."
No, modesty is talking about how great you are.
Wait a minute, Liam's thought we said "hottest."
(Laughter).
Liam, who's the hottest in your class.
Eight-year old: Silence..... "I'm not talking."

So, in that light and with all the election talk, check this out:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY

"Hey, I need to feed my family." -- Terrell Owens on the reason why, despite having a contract for $7.5 million from the Eagles, he needed to renegotiate.

With that one quote, I washed my hands of pro sports. For all the hero worship, ticket sales, T-shirt sales, games, most of the athletes don't have any firm grip on reality.
They live sheltered lives, making more money than most of us will even see pictures of and cry when they don't get more.
You would think with all the talk of the economic troubles in the country now, this kind of talk would go away.
OH, you were wrong:
"It's about respect, and when people don't show that to you, you're caught off guard. I thought it was a low blow." -- Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels on getting $500,000 this season to throw a baseball.
"I'm not happy about it at all." --- Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder, who's contract was renewed for $675,000
Quick math shows Fielder is 23, Hamels is 24.
If they keep up their stats, the money down the road baseball will throw at them could finance several major countries, including Candada.
It's a skewed world that only gets worse as tickets get sold out and jersey's are purchased.
Hey, it's fun to attend a sporting event. It's a way to get outside and enjoy the day with family or friends.
Still, with a record number of housing foreclosures, a credit crisis like nobody's ever seen before and the economy essentially in the toilet, athletes should do one thing and one thing only:
SHUT UP.
They should all watch this:


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RISE AND SHINE

GOOD MORNING, DELAWARE COUNTY

Maybe it's me, but this winter is stretching on way too long. I know, there hasn't been any bad weather, but I need to feel some warm sun. I need to run around outside. I need to have longer days ...
Oh, well, we change the clocks this Sunday, so at least that's happening.

Spent an interesting day Sunday at the Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster.
There is some kind of connection between children and trains.
Their eyes light up just at the sight of those big cars and engines.
For those who haven't taken the trip, there's a museum that's basically a giant train station. There are trains from all over the world from all over time.
It runs the gamut from early steam engines to new Conrail trains. There are opportunities to climb into the trains. Drive a train and jump all around the huge cars.
There is also a toy room that has every kind of toy train imaginable. Luckily, we walked through the museum before heading to the toy room. We never would have left it wasn't for hunger getting in the way.
So, for all you toy train lovers out there, I give you a treat:


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