Tuesday, December 15, 2009
What's Wrong With This Picture
As the Congress and President Obama dilligently go about their business forcing through a government takeover of the American health care system (roughly 1/6 of our economy), most of the major news outlets (TV networks, cable news, newspapers) would rather talk about the latest Tiger Woods floozy. Where are our priorities? What has happened to this nation? Wake up people, unless of course you want your taxes to skyrocket and to have some government bureacrat telling your doctor whether or not to treat you based on some assinine arbitrary cost/benefit analysis scale set up by the government. Then by all means, stay blissfully ignorant. Just don't come crying to those of us who tried to warn you when Obamacare says that your parent is too old for treatment... painkillers are their only option. It's coming... if Obamacare, or Pelosicare, or Reidcare, or whichever mutated, bastardized amalgam of the three is allowed to pass congress and become law, then the days of rationed care will be upon us. I've said it before and I'll say it again; you can believe that health care reform is necessary and still not support these bloated, embarassing, usurping bills pending in the house and senate. It does not follow logically that because a system may need reform, any reform is good reform. These bills STINK!! And nothing can be done to improve them. They need to be voted down with a resounding No. Call or write you congressperson and tell them that anyone who votes for this UNCONSTITUTIONAL travesty will be voted out of office at the first opportunity. Let your voice be heard!! Take our government (of the people, by the people, for the people) back!!
The Weekly Erinism- December 15, 2009
Driving home from Laur's parent's house today, Erin and I had the following conversation:
"Does Miss Dolores ever get mad?"
"Oh yes Dadoo."
"Does she ever have to yell?"
"Sometimes she does, but not at me."
"Oh no? That's because you listen to her directions, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, why does she yell at the other children?"
"Ummmm, I don't remember."
"No? Is it because they don't listen?"
"Sometimes. Mostly its when they run. I don't ever run."
"Oh. So they run when they're not supposed to, and get in trouble, but you never run, so you don't get in trouble."
"That's right Dadoo. I don't run because I can't run."
"Right, because your not allowed to. Except on the playground, right? You probably run around on the playground."
"Nope. I'm not allowed to run on the playground."
"What?!?! You're not allowed to run on the playground?"
"Yep. Sometimes I run downstairs, but never on the playground."
"WHAT!?!?! You know you are not supposed to run down the stairs!"
Erin let out a disgusted sigh.
"Dadoo, I said downstairs, not down THE stairs." Erin's school has an indoor play area in the basement in addition to the outdoor playground. "Sometimes, when I'm walking to a car, there are kids coming on bicycles, and I have to run to the car." This indoor play area has a large selection of big wheel-style tricycles (the bicycles in Erin's story) and ride on toys (the cars she was referring to).
"Did you have to run to a car today?"
"That's a good question."
"OK, so what's the answer?"
"Next question."
"You haven't answered this question. Did you have to run to a car today?"
"That's a good question Dadoo. A good question. Next question, please."
"But Erin..."
"Next Question PLEASE."
"Does Miss Dolores ever get mad?"
"Oh yes Dadoo."
"Does she ever have to yell?"
"Sometimes she does, but not at me."
"Oh no? That's because you listen to her directions, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, why does she yell at the other children?"
"Ummmm, I don't remember."
"No? Is it because they don't listen?"
"Sometimes. Mostly its when they run. I don't ever run."
"Oh. So they run when they're not supposed to, and get in trouble, but you never run, so you don't get in trouble."
"That's right Dadoo. I don't run because I can't run."
"Right, because your not allowed to. Except on the playground, right? You probably run around on the playground."
"Nope. I'm not allowed to run on the playground."
"What?!?! You're not allowed to run on the playground?"
"Yep. Sometimes I run downstairs, but never on the playground."
"WHAT!?!?! You know you are not supposed to run down the stairs!"
Erin let out a disgusted sigh.
"Dadoo, I said downstairs, not down THE stairs." Erin's school has an indoor play area in the basement in addition to the outdoor playground. "Sometimes, when I'm walking to a car, there are kids coming on bicycles, and I have to run to the car." This indoor play area has a large selection of big wheel-style tricycles (the bicycles in Erin's story) and ride on toys (the cars she was referring to).
"Did you have to run to a car today?"
"That's a good question."
"OK, so what's the answer?"
"Next question."
"You haven't answered this question. Did you have to run to a car today?"
"That's a good question Dadoo. A good question. Next question, please."
"But Erin..."
"Next Question PLEASE."
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Weekly Erinism- November 30, 2009
Well, I've got a couple of winners here this week.
While getting Erin ready for school picture day, she turned and looked me dead in the face and asked, "Dadoo, do I look pretty."
"Yes. Absolutely. You look very pretty today. Pretty like Mommy."
With that, Erin smiled a genuine ear to ear grin and turned to look at herself in the full-length mirror on the closet door of mine and Laur's room.
"I DO look pretty. Just like Mommy," and this is when I saw the wicked glee in her eyes that I always see when she is preparing to tease me. "Hmmm. Mommy looks pretty, I look pretty... and you look STINKY!!" As always, I filled my role by playing along.
"STINKY!?!? You think I look stinky?!?!"
"Yes Dadoo... just like Uncle Pat."
"What?!?! Uncle Pat and I both look STINKY?"
"YEP," she replied as a fit of giggles began to well up inside of her.
"What about Uncle Bri? Does he look stinky?"
"No Dadoo, Uncle Brian does not look stinky."
"He doesn't? Well, what about Uncle Tommy, Uncle Mark, and Uncle Matt?"
"They all look stinky, too."
"But not Uncle Brian?"
"Nope, he doesn't look stinky. Not like you guys."
At this point, Erin was laughing uncontrollably and mugging for her own amusement into the mirror.
"OK, now you're in big trouble... I'm gonna catch you and tickle you!!"
At that threat, Erin ran away shreiking as only a little girl can. I'm not entirely sure how one can "look stinky", but apparantly myself and all of her Uncles except Brian qualify.
The second "Erinism" comes from the car ride to school today.
"So Erin, are you excited to get your class picture today?"
"Yes, Dadoo."
"Me too. I love getting my picture taken in school! Do you think Miss Dolores will let me wear my hat for the picture?"
"UGHHH! Dadoo, we ALREADY talked about this, REMEMBER?"
"No. What?"
"You can't come to my school."
"Why not?"
"Because, you would need a, like, giant shrinking machine."
"But why?"
Erin slapped herself in the forehead and slowly pulled her hand down her face as she shook her head in disbelief.
"Because, Dadoo, my class is only for 4 year olds. And you're, like, almost 100 years old."
"100 YEARS OLD!!!"
"Dadoo, calm down. I didn't say 100 years old. I said ALMOST 100 years old."
Oh, thanks for the clarification. Now I feel much better.
While getting Erin ready for school picture day, she turned and looked me dead in the face and asked, "Dadoo, do I look pretty."
"Yes. Absolutely. You look very pretty today. Pretty like Mommy."
With that, Erin smiled a genuine ear to ear grin and turned to look at herself in the full-length mirror on the closet door of mine and Laur's room.
"I DO look pretty. Just like Mommy," and this is when I saw the wicked glee in her eyes that I always see when she is preparing to tease me. "Hmmm. Mommy looks pretty, I look pretty... and you look STINKY!!" As always, I filled my role by playing along.
"STINKY!?!? You think I look stinky?!?!"
"Yes Dadoo... just like Uncle Pat."
"What?!?! Uncle Pat and I both look STINKY?"
"YEP," she replied as a fit of giggles began to well up inside of her.
"What about Uncle Bri? Does he look stinky?"
"No Dadoo, Uncle Brian does not look stinky."
"He doesn't? Well, what about Uncle Tommy, Uncle Mark, and Uncle Matt?"
"They all look stinky, too."
"But not Uncle Brian?"
"Nope, he doesn't look stinky. Not like you guys."
At this point, Erin was laughing uncontrollably and mugging for her own amusement into the mirror.
"OK, now you're in big trouble... I'm gonna catch you and tickle you!!"
At that threat, Erin ran away shreiking as only a little girl can. I'm not entirely sure how one can "look stinky", but apparantly myself and all of her Uncles except Brian qualify.
The second "Erinism" comes from the car ride to school today.
"So Erin, are you excited to get your class picture today?"
"Yes, Dadoo."
"Me too. I love getting my picture taken in school! Do you think Miss Dolores will let me wear my hat for the picture?"
"UGHHH! Dadoo, we ALREADY talked about this, REMEMBER?"
"No. What?"
"You can't come to my school."
"Why not?"
"Because, you would need a, like, giant shrinking machine."
"But why?"
Erin slapped herself in the forehead and slowly pulled her hand down her face as she shook her head in disbelief.
"Because, Dadoo, my class is only for 4 year olds. And you're, like, almost 100 years old."
"100 YEARS OLD!!!"
"Dadoo, calm down. I didn't say 100 years old. I said ALMOST 100 years old."
Oh, thanks for the clarification. Now I feel much better.
Justice?
Murderous terrorists of the world take heart and rejoice!! The politically correct higher-ups in the U.S. Military are so concerned with your well being that they are willing to court martial their most elite members over something as trivial as bloody lip received during your capture. That's right!! You can go right on maiming and killing innocents the world over with impunity!! You can feel free to to continue to flout the rules and guidelines of the Geneva Conventions, and still enjoy the protections afforded those soldiers and nations that abide by the rules. And you can continue to do everything possible to destroy the Great Satan, The United States of America, and we'll still provide you the rights of one of our own citizens!!
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH US HERE!?!?!?!
How can we allow three elite American heros, men who put their lives on the line for their countrymen on a daily basis, to stand trial and have their careers and reputations at jeopardy over what amounts to a terrorist who sustained a fat lip during his apprehension? This is the same man who planned and carried out the execution & mutilation of the 4 American Blackwater contractors in Fallujuah, Iraq and had their burned bodies hung from a bridge over the Euphrates River... we're not talking about some peaceful political dissident here. If the worse he got from these Seals was bloody mouth, than he should cut his losses and consider himself lucky.
As far as I'm concerned, if this is the shabby treatment we are going to give our heroic servicemen, then they should make it their "unofficial" official policy to not take live prisoners. When one of these slimey cowards tries to surrender from now on, our guys should just put a double tap in the center of his forehead and call it a day. First the non-terrorist terrorist murderer at Fort Hood, and now this ignominy. The civilian military leaders and the top men at the Pentagon need to decide to commit us to winning this war. It's long past time to throw off the crippling shackles of political correctness and let our military do its job the way that noone else in the world can. Pray for these Navy Seals, that REAL justice will be served and they will be acquitted of all charges.
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH US HERE!?!?!?!
How can we allow three elite American heros, men who put their lives on the line for their countrymen on a daily basis, to stand trial and have their careers and reputations at jeopardy over what amounts to a terrorist who sustained a fat lip during his apprehension? This is the same man who planned and carried out the execution & mutilation of the 4 American Blackwater contractors in Fallujuah, Iraq and had their burned bodies hung from a bridge over the Euphrates River... we're not talking about some peaceful political dissident here. If the worse he got from these Seals was bloody mouth, than he should cut his losses and consider himself lucky.
As far as I'm concerned, if this is the shabby treatment we are going to give our heroic servicemen, then they should make it their "unofficial" official policy to not take live prisoners. When one of these slimey cowards tries to surrender from now on, our guys should just put a double tap in the center of his forehead and call it a day. First the non-terrorist terrorist murderer at Fort Hood, and now this ignominy. The civilian military leaders and the top men at the Pentagon need to decide to commit us to winning this war. It's long past time to throw off the crippling shackles of political correctness and let our military do its job the way that noone else in the world can. Pray for these Navy Seals, that REAL justice will be served and they will be acquitted of all charges.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Relay For Life
What exactly is Relay For Life?
Relay For Life is a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.
Why a Relay? Do you race around the track all night? How does it work?
No, there is no racing. The term Relay is symbolic. The goal is to have someone from your team walking the track during all hours of the night. It is a Relay in the sense that teams share the responsibility of covering the track all night long.
Why is the event held all night long?
We Relay through the dark of night because Cancer is a disease that does not sleep. The night is a symbol of the struggle with this disease, and dawn is the light of hope.
How can I help?
Oh, so many ways. You can form or join a Relay team and raise money for research towards a cure. You can buy luminaries in Honor of a Survivor or in Memory of someone lost to Cancer. You can buy sign sponsorships. You can donate goods or servives to the event. You can make a donation to an existing Relay team. Or, if you don't have a Relay in your community, you can speak to your local American Cancer Society office about forming a local Relay.
Why should I choose to support the American Cancer Society through Relay For Life?
Since Relay's inception in 1985, it has literally poured hundreds of millions of dollars into cancer research. The only larger source of funding for cancer research in the world is the U.S. Federal Government. Thanks to funds sourced largely from Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society has been able to fund the research of over 40 Nobel winning scientists.
Cancer is a disease that affects us all. Everyone can relate to it. We've all had loved ones fight this disease... most of us have lost someone to it. Cancer does not discriminate. While certain choices and lifestyles may increase one's risk, cancer can strike anyone at anytime. I dream that my daughter will grow up in a world free of Cancer's sinister touch, a world where her only exposure to the disease is from reading of it in history books. This is America. We put men on the moon. We can beat this disease. Join us in the fight.
American Cancer Society Website
www.cancer.org
Find your local Relay in the NY/NJ Region:
www.relayforlife.org/nynj
The website for our West Orange Relay (use this to join our team):
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=20937
Relay For Life is a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society.
Why a Relay? Do you race around the track all night? How does it work?
No, there is no racing. The term Relay is symbolic. The goal is to have someone from your team walking the track during all hours of the night. It is a Relay in the sense that teams share the responsibility of covering the track all night long.
Why is the event held all night long?
We Relay through the dark of night because Cancer is a disease that does not sleep. The night is a symbol of the struggle with this disease, and dawn is the light of hope.
How can I help?
Oh, so many ways. You can form or join a Relay team and raise money for research towards a cure. You can buy luminaries in Honor of a Survivor or in Memory of someone lost to Cancer. You can buy sign sponsorships. You can donate goods or servives to the event. You can make a donation to an existing Relay team. Or, if you don't have a Relay in your community, you can speak to your local American Cancer Society office about forming a local Relay.
Why should I choose to support the American Cancer Society through Relay For Life?
Since Relay's inception in 1985, it has literally poured hundreds of millions of dollars into cancer research. The only larger source of funding for cancer research in the world is the U.S. Federal Government. Thanks to funds sourced largely from Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society has been able to fund the research of over 40 Nobel winning scientists.
Cancer is a disease that affects us all. Everyone can relate to it. We've all had loved ones fight this disease... most of us have lost someone to it. Cancer does not discriminate. While certain choices and lifestyles may increase one's risk, cancer can strike anyone at anytime. I dream that my daughter will grow up in a world free of Cancer's sinister touch, a world where her only exposure to the disease is from reading of it in history books. This is America. We put men on the moon. We can beat this disease. Join us in the fight.
American Cancer Society Website
www.cancer.org
Find your local Relay in the NY/NJ Region:
www.relayforlife.org/nynj
The website for our West Orange Relay (use this to join our team):
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=20937
The Weekly Erinism- Sunday, November 22, 2009
This conversation really happened. Please note that the use of the word guy or guys to represent potential siblings stems from an earlier conversation with Erin, in which she referred to the members of our family as guys. It is her word, not mine.
"Erin, do you think you're ready for a new little baby brother or little baby sister?"
"No Dadoo."
"NO!?!?! But you asked me the other day when we were going to have another guy in our family. You asked why we don't have 4 guys in our family. You said EVERYONE else has 4 guys in their families. Now you don't want another guy in our family?!?!"
Erin sighs her usual, talking-to-the-idiot-adult, exasperated sigh.
"Dadoo. I still want another guy in our family. I just don't want a little brother or a little sister."
"Oh no?"
"No. I want another big guy in our family."
"Well... that's not how it usually works, Erin. If you get another brother or sister, they will most likely be younger and smaller than you."
"Dadoo, you're not listening to me. I already TOLD you, I don't want another baby guy in our family!"
"But why not?"
"Because, Dadoo. If the new guy is smaller than me, than I can't have bunk beds, and I really want bunk beds."
"Wait... what? How did bunk beds come into this? What are you talking about?"
"Mommy said I can't have bunk beds until I have a sister or brother who is big enough to sleep in a bed. But babies can't sleep in a bunk bed. I have to wait for the baby to get big. But if the new guy is big already, than I can get bunk beds."
Well, at least she is finally open to the idea of having a sibling, even if it is to further her own, selfish ambitions of one day sleeping in a bunk bed.
"Erin, do you think you're ready for a new little baby brother or little baby sister?"
"No Dadoo."
"NO!?!?! But you asked me the other day when we were going to have another guy in our family. You asked why we don't have 4 guys in our family. You said EVERYONE else has 4 guys in their families. Now you don't want another guy in our family?!?!"
Erin sighs her usual, talking-to-the-idiot-adult, exasperated sigh.
"Dadoo. I still want another guy in our family. I just don't want a little brother or a little sister."
"Oh no?"
"No. I want another big guy in our family."
"Well... that's not how it usually works, Erin. If you get another brother or sister, they will most likely be younger and smaller than you."
"Dadoo, you're not listening to me. I already TOLD you, I don't want another baby guy in our family!"
"But why not?"
"Because, Dadoo. If the new guy is smaller than me, than I can't have bunk beds, and I really want bunk beds."
"Wait... what? How did bunk beds come into this? What are you talking about?"
"Mommy said I can't have bunk beds until I have a sister or brother who is big enough to sleep in a bed. But babies can't sleep in a bunk bed. I have to wait for the baby to get big. But if the new guy is big already, than I can get bunk beds."
Well, at least she is finally open to the idea of having a sibling, even if it is to further her own, selfish ambitions of one day sleeping in a bunk bed.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Someday, Somehow
Someday, somehow,
We will have answers
Just wait and see
Someday, somehow,
Things will get better
For You and Me
Someday, somehow,
The mundane trivialities
Will all disappear
Someday, somehow,
We'll settle down
Somewhere other than here
Someday, somehow,
Your stress will be lifted
You won't cry anymore
Someday, somehow,
We'll know true comfort
Like never before
Someday, somehow,
The dawn sun will drive
the dark from the skies
Someday, somehow,
Life's beauty will grab us
It will open our eyes
Someday, somehow,
We'll be blessed and
Our family will grow
Someday, somehow,
We will be happy
This much I know
Someday...
...Somehow...
We will have answers
Just wait and see
Someday, somehow,
Things will get better
For You and Me
Someday, somehow,
The mundane trivialities
Will all disappear
Someday, somehow,
We'll settle down
Somewhere other than here
Someday, somehow,
Your stress will be lifted
You won't cry anymore
Someday, somehow,
We'll know true comfort
Like never before
Someday, somehow,
The dawn sun will drive
the dark from the skies
Someday, somehow,
Life's beauty will grab us
It will open our eyes
Someday, somehow,
We'll be blessed and
Our family will grow
Someday, somehow,
We will be happy
This much I know
Someday...
...Somehow...
Sunday, November 15, 2009
More Gloom & Doom
As a retailer, I see first-hand and hear from my aquaitances that if any economic recovery exists, there is little to no evidence of it in NJ. And now, even if things do start to show some signs of turning around, this new book shows we're not out of the economic woods yet. Check out this link:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/the_next_bubble_xgWBulf5HcOUkkpsZz0WoN#
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/the_next_bubble_xgWBulf5HcOUkkpsZz0WoN#
The Weekly Erinism- Sunday, November 14th, 2009
On Friday morning, Erin and I were sitting in the living room when she abruptly turned to me and asked, "Do you want to play a game with me?"
"Sure, why not? What did you have in mind?"
"Umm, I want to play checkers."
"Oooh... checkers is a good idea, Let's play, Erin."
She pulled out the box and went about setting up the board. After giving her a brief refresher course on the rules (made necessary because initially she wanted to put our checkers on opposite color squares, and jump in any direction, as many squares as she desired), we got down to playing. As we played, I coached her as to where she should move her pieces, and taught her to think about the potential consequences of each move. I jumped a bunch of her checkers, but also sacrificed a bunch of mine in the interest of teaching the game. After a while, she was doing pretty well on her own, and I began to give less instruction. Inevitably, her concentration lapsed and she put one of her checkers in harm's way which I obligingly had to claim by jumping it with one of my own.
"DAMN!!"
Somewhat surprised, I looked up from the board at her face. She was still looking down at the checkerboard, as if nothing had happened.
"What did you say, Erin?"
"I SAID DAMN!!"
"Damn?!?!"
"Yes Dadoo, Damn. That's what I said. I said Damn. Damn is what you're supposed to say when you're angry, right? What's wrong?"
"First of all, stop saying Damn. It's not a nice word for anyone to say, and you're too little to say it."
"But I'm a big girl."
"Yes, you are a big girl... but not big enough, OK? And secondly, when you're mad or frustrated, I don't want you saying Damn, OK? You can say darnit, or sheesh, or gosh, or gee, or just put your hand on your forehead and groan like this," I demonstrated the gesture and said, "arghhhhh! Got it?"
"Got it. Can I say Damn when I'm as big as you? Because you say it all the time."
"Sure, why not? What did you have in mind?"
"Umm, I want to play checkers."
"Oooh... checkers is a good idea, Let's play, Erin."
She pulled out the box and went about setting up the board. After giving her a brief refresher course on the rules (made necessary because initially she wanted to put our checkers on opposite color squares, and jump in any direction, as many squares as she desired), we got down to playing. As we played, I coached her as to where she should move her pieces, and taught her to think about the potential consequences of each move. I jumped a bunch of her checkers, but also sacrificed a bunch of mine in the interest of teaching the game. After a while, she was doing pretty well on her own, and I began to give less instruction. Inevitably, her concentration lapsed and she put one of her checkers in harm's way which I obligingly had to claim by jumping it with one of my own.
"DAMN!!"
Somewhat surprised, I looked up from the board at her face. She was still looking down at the checkerboard, as if nothing had happened.
"What did you say, Erin?"
"I SAID DAMN!!"
"Damn?!?!"
"Yes Dadoo, Damn. That's what I said. I said Damn. Damn is what you're supposed to say when you're angry, right? What's wrong?"
"First of all, stop saying Damn. It's not a nice word for anyone to say, and you're too little to say it."
"But I'm a big girl."
"Yes, you are a big girl... but not big enough, OK? And secondly, when you're mad or frustrated, I don't want you saying Damn, OK? You can say darnit, or sheesh, or gosh, or gee, or just put your hand on your forehead and groan like this," I demonstrated the gesture and said, "arghhhhh! Got it?"
"Got it. Can I say Damn when I'm as big as you? Because you say it all the time."
Monday, November 9, 2009
Historic Anniversaries
With today being the 20 year mark since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and having passed the 20 year mark for the Tianenmen Square Massacre in China back in the spring of this year, I got to wondering what other important milestone anniversaries came about in 2009. Turns out, quite a few. In fact, this has been a big year for significant historic anniversaries. Here are some examples (bear in mind, I am not implying that these are all good things, just significant historical events):
60 years since:
Formation of NATO
50 years since:
Alaska becomes 49th state
Fidel Castro becomes Premier of Cuba
Debut of the Barbie doll
Dalai Lama flees Tibet for India
Debut of Rod Serling's "The Twilight Zone"
40 years since:
Yasser Arafat becomes leader of the PLO
Golda Meir becomes Prime Minister of Israel
Ted Kennedy leaves woman to die at Chappaquiddick
Manson Family murders
Ho Chi Minh dies in Vietnam
Wal-Mart incorporates
Debut of Sesame Street
30 years since:
The United States and China establish full diplomatic relations
The Khmer Rouge of Pol Pot in Cambodia fall to Vietnamese backed insurgents
Ayatollah Khomeini seizes power from the Shah in Iran
Sino-Vietnamese War begins when China invades Northern Vietnam
Three Mile Island nuclear power plant accident
Idi Amin deposed in Uganda by Tanzanian troops
Pope John Paul II visits Poland-first visit by a pope to a communist country
Iran hostage crisis begins
Soviets invade Afghanistan
25 years since:
U.S. Marines pull out of Beirut, Lebanon
Famine in Ethiopa kills over 1 million people
Indira Gandhi assasinated by her own bodyguards in India
20 years since:
Exxon Valdez oil spill
Solidarity movement victorious in Poland's elections
USS Iowa gun turret explosion kills 47 U.S. sailors
Central Park Jogger rape case
Tianenmen Square Massacre in China
Disney MGM Studios opens to public in Florida
Hungary dismantles 150 miles of barbed wire fence along border with Austria
Gorbachev visits China
Death of the Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran
Premiere of Seinfeld on television
The Baltic Way- An unbroken chain of over 2 million Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian people join hands over 600 km to demand freedom from the Soviets.
Pete Rose banned from baseball for life for gambling
San Fran earthquake kills 67 people and delays World Series for 10 days
David Dinkins elected mayor of NYC
Fall of the Berlin Wall
Velvet Revolution overthrows the Communists in Czheckoslovakia
The Simpsons premieres on television
Ceausescu and the Communists of Romania overthrown by the people
Soviets pull out of Afghanistan
60 years since:
Formation of NATO
50 years since:
Alaska becomes 49th state
Fidel Castro becomes Premier of Cuba
Debut of the Barbie doll
Dalai Lama flees Tibet for India
Debut of Rod Serling's "The Twilight Zone"
40 years since:
Yasser Arafat becomes leader of the PLO
Golda Meir becomes Prime Minister of Israel
Ted Kennedy leaves woman to die at Chappaquiddick
Manson Family murders
Ho Chi Minh dies in Vietnam
Wal-Mart incorporates
Debut of Sesame Street
30 years since:
The United States and China establish full diplomatic relations
The Khmer Rouge of Pol Pot in Cambodia fall to Vietnamese backed insurgents
Ayatollah Khomeini seizes power from the Shah in Iran
Sino-Vietnamese War begins when China invades Northern Vietnam
Three Mile Island nuclear power plant accident
Idi Amin deposed in Uganda by Tanzanian troops
Pope John Paul II visits Poland-first visit by a pope to a communist country
Iran hostage crisis begins
Soviets invade Afghanistan
25 years since:
U.S. Marines pull out of Beirut, Lebanon
Famine in Ethiopa kills over 1 million people
Indira Gandhi assasinated by her own bodyguards in India
20 years since:
Exxon Valdez oil spill
Solidarity movement victorious in Poland's elections
USS Iowa gun turret explosion kills 47 U.S. sailors
Central Park Jogger rape case
Tianenmen Square Massacre in China
Disney MGM Studios opens to public in Florida
Hungary dismantles 150 miles of barbed wire fence along border with Austria
Gorbachev visits China
Death of the Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran
Premiere of Seinfeld on television
The Baltic Way- An unbroken chain of over 2 million Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian people join hands over 600 km to demand freedom from the Soviets.
Pete Rose banned from baseball for life for gambling
San Fran earthquake kills 67 people and delays World Series for 10 days
David Dinkins elected mayor of NYC
Fall of the Berlin Wall
Velvet Revolution overthrows the Communists in Czheckoslovakia
The Simpsons premieres on television
Ceausescu and the Communists of Romania overthrown by the people
Soviets pull out of Afghanistan
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Weekly Erinism- Saturday, November 7, 2009
This one occurred yesterday, as I was getting ready for work.
I had just finished dressing in the bathroom, and was putting on my belt in the living room, when Erin shouted, "Dadoo, will you come here for a minute please?"
"I'm getting ready for work. I'll be there in a minute," I shouted back, "What's the matter?"
"DADOO, you need to come here RIGHT NOW."
Never knowing what to expect with our little one, I went around to where Erin was standing in the hallway next to our shelf of towels and linens. There was a towel on the floor, and Erin was straddling it looking up at me. She had a look of disgust on her face.
"Dadoo, did you knock this towel on the floor?"
"I don't know, maybe. Are you sure that you didn't knock it down?"
"No Dadoo. I didn't knock it down. Did you?"
"I guess I did..."
"Yes or no? Did you knock it down?"
"Uh... yeah, I guess I did."
"Dadoo, you know when you knock something over, you need to pick it up, right?"
This is insane! My four year old has got me feeling guilty as I sheepishly reply, "Yes, you're right Erin. Let me pick that up."
"And put it back on the shelf where it belongs, OK Dadoo?"
Arggghhhhh!! "Yes Erin, I'll put it away on the shelf where it belongs. Thank you for pointing this out."
"You're welcome, Dadoo." She turns and walks away. As she turned, I caught a glimpse of a smug grin sweeping across her face.
I had just finished dressing in the bathroom, and was putting on my belt in the living room, when Erin shouted, "Dadoo, will you come here for a minute please?"
"I'm getting ready for work. I'll be there in a minute," I shouted back, "What's the matter?"
"DADOO, you need to come here RIGHT NOW."
Never knowing what to expect with our little one, I went around to where Erin was standing in the hallway next to our shelf of towels and linens. There was a towel on the floor, and Erin was straddling it looking up at me. She had a look of disgust on her face.
"Dadoo, did you knock this towel on the floor?"
"I don't know, maybe. Are you sure that you didn't knock it down?"
"No Dadoo. I didn't knock it down. Did you?"
"I guess I did..."
"Yes or no? Did you knock it down?"
"Uh... yeah, I guess I did."
"Dadoo, you know when you knock something over, you need to pick it up, right?"
This is insane! My four year old has got me feeling guilty as I sheepishly reply, "Yes, you're right Erin. Let me pick that up."
"And put it back on the shelf where it belongs, OK Dadoo?"
Arggghhhhh!! "Yes Erin, I'll put it away on the shelf where it belongs. Thank you for pointing this out."
"You're welcome, Dadoo." She turns and walks away. As she turned, I caught a glimpse of a smug grin sweeping across her face.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Some footage of Erin "helping" me rake leaves. She really committed to this job, working dilligently in pretty much the matter you see here in the video for a good 45 minutes, before finally succumbing to hunger and exhaustion. At that point, she collapsed in a heap into the pile of leaves and said, "I think I'm too tired to get back up. Raking leaves sure makes you hungry, doesn't it Dadoo?"
So I picked her up, fished the leaves out of her hair, and brought her inside for a snack of marshmallows and some relaxation watching "Little Bill" on Nick Jr. Even though having Erin "help" me with the leaves took a lot longer than if I had done it myself, we had so much fun together (with plenty of laughing) and she impressed me so much with her determination and work ethic... I mean, she is only 4 years old.
Energy Crisis? Think Again
According to the Congressional Research Service, the United States currently has the largest reserves of energy of any nation in the world. If this is true, it seems borderline shameful to me that we import so much fuel from outside the U.S. Check out the article from Investors.com and judge for yourself:
http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=511487
http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=511487
Monday, November 2, 2009
Wonderful Recipe
Talk about comfort food! Here is a recipe for a beautiful (it comes out a bright orange color) & delicious (blend of sweet and slightly salty) carrot soup that I made this evening to accompany our dinner (hint: a little horseradish can be added for some spicy kick):
3/4 lbs of carrots (I used the already washed and peeled baby carrots that you can buy in a 1 lb bag at the supermarket) Chop into 1/2 inch pieces.
1 large potato- Chop into small cubes (I cut mine about the size of a thumbnail).
1/2 cup chopped green onions- Again, I cut them into about 1/2 inch slices.
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
3 tbsp butter or margarine
salt & pepper to taste
Put butter in pot to melt over medium heat. Add green onions and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add remaining vegetables and chicken broth. Raise heat to high and bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat back down to medium-low. Cook at medium-low until vegetables are tender (approximately 30 minutes). Remove from heat. Using a ladle, remove vegetables from pot and add to a blender. Ladle in just enough broth to cover the vegetables in the blender. Cover with lid and puree the vegetables (add more broth to blender if consistency is too thick). Pour into a serving bowl, and you're ready to go.
3/4 lbs of carrots (I used the already washed and peeled baby carrots that you can buy in a 1 lb bag at the supermarket) Chop into 1/2 inch pieces.
1 large potato- Chop into small cubes (I cut mine about the size of a thumbnail).
1/2 cup chopped green onions- Again, I cut them into about 1/2 inch slices.
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
3 tbsp butter or margarine
salt & pepper to taste
Put butter in pot to melt over medium heat. Add green onions and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add remaining vegetables and chicken broth. Raise heat to high and bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat back down to medium-low. Cook at medium-low until vegetables are tender (approximately 30 minutes). Remove from heat. Using a ladle, remove vegetables from pot and add to a blender. Ladle in just enough broth to cover the vegetables in the blender. Cover with lid and puree the vegetables (add more broth to blender if consistency is too thick). Pour into a serving bowl, and you're ready to go.
The Weekly Erinism- Monday, November 2, 2009
Tonight, I happened to be walking by Erin's bedroom as Laur finished reading the last bedtime story, and overheard the following:
"Mommy, will you stay with me?"
"Erin, you know I always stay with you until you fall asleep. Is everything OK?"
"Well, if you don't stay, I'll be scared."
"What will you be scared of?"
"I'll be scared of that I might have another bad dream."
"Oh yeah? What kind of a bad dream? What are your bad dreams about?"
"Well, I dream that I'm playing Tic Tac Toe, but I never win."
This was too much for me... I had to walk away so as to not burst out laughing within earshot of Erin. I don't know how Laur maintained her composure. But for all of its hilarity, there was such a sincerity to Erin's explanation... I think that this is genuinely a recurring nightmare for her. The world must look so different through the eyes of a 4-year old. So much is new and exciting. And even the mudane can inspire fear.
"Mommy, will you stay with me?"
"Erin, you know I always stay with you until you fall asleep. Is everything OK?"
"Well, if you don't stay, I'll be scared."
"What will you be scared of?"
"I'll be scared of that I might have another bad dream."
"Oh yeah? What kind of a bad dream? What are your bad dreams about?"
"Well, I dream that I'm playing Tic Tac Toe, but I never win."
This was too much for me... I had to walk away so as to not burst out laughing within earshot of Erin. I don't know how Laur maintained her composure. But for all of its hilarity, there was such a sincerity to Erin's explanation... I think that this is genuinely a recurring nightmare for her. The world must look so different through the eyes of a 4-year old. So much is new and exciting. And even the mudane can inspire fear.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Baby Einstein? Not So Much.
Thanks to my sister-in-law Meg and my old friend Dave for bringing this one to my attention. It seems that Disney is going to make restitution to parents who purchased Disney's Baby Einstein products expecting their children to magically metamorphose into card-carrying members of Mensa, only to see those hopes dashed when Junior ultimately proved to be no smarter than an average bear. Did these people really, truly expect that a series of videos and cd's for infants and toddlers was going to have such a profound impact on their children? If so, isn't this more a statement about the delusional little world they occupy inside their own brains than it is about the failings of these "educational" products? And as I've said before, isn't it the ultimate responsibility of the parents to stimulate and enrich the education of their children from an early age (really, starting at birth)?
I'd wager that most of the parents that are complaining about these products like so many of us, are the type who throw on a DVD, plop their child in front of it, and then read their magazines/newspapers/books, talk on the phone, have lunch with friends, etc. And don't get me wrong, their is absolutely nothing wrong with using that temporary distraction to give yourself a little time for you (I know that I've been thanking God for Erin's devotion to Max & Ruby for several years now)... just don't delude yourself into believing that the distraction is anything more than that... a DISTRACTION. It will not turn your child into Brainiac, no matter how hard you wish it will.
The cynic in me wonders what comes next... what is the next step in our evolution as a blameless society? Perhaps blameless is not the right word, though, as there is always plenty of blaming going on, plenty of finger pointing when results do not meet our expectations. It's just that those fingers are rarely pointed back at ourselves. It is always someone else's fault. Such a lack of humility, personal responsibility, and introspection is shameful and sad. What kind of an example do we set for our children when our (or their) failings are always to be blamed on somebody else? Did your child fail to score an A in school? Well it certainly is not your child's fault! The teacher just doesn't like your child and has a secret vendetta against him or her. Or maybe the clerk at the shoe store sold you the wrong size shoes, and because your child was distracted by those uncomfortably fitting too-tight shoes, he/she couldn't pay attention in class, so yes, it the shoe store clerk's fault! Or maybe those Baby Einstein videos failed to turn your child into a "Baby Einstein" and he or she is now ruined for life. Modern America... Theater of the Absurd.
On a slightly different note, what kind of parent is going to come forward and say to Disney, "I demand compensation! We bought all of your Baby Einstein products, and they were supposed to turn little Trevor into a genius, but he's still a knuckle-dragging cro-magnon imbecile, so I insist you refund me my money!" Will these same parents then be able to come back to Disney in a few years and sue Disney for returning their money (a tacit admission that the child is...gasp... AVERAGE), in the process damaging their child's self-esteem? At this point, I don't think it would surprise me.
In the end, it does not matter who manufactures the "educational" video, music, or toy for your children. What does matter is your level of engagement with them. The most important and effective teachers that any child will ever have is his or her own parents. Nobody and nothing can have such a profound influence over their intellectual growth and development, as well as their physical and emotional growth & development, as their parents. We cannot shirk our duties, especially not on to a bunch of DVDs and CDs. Get a grip people. I'm just saying.
I'd wager that most of the parents that are complaining about these products like so many of us, are the type who throw on a DVD, plop their child in front of it, and then read their magazines/newspapers/books, talk on the phone, have lunch with friends, etc. And don't get me wrong, their is absolutely nothing wrong with using that temporary distraction to give yourself a little time for you (I know that I've been thanking God for Erin's devotion to Max & Ruby for several years now)... just don't delude yourself into believing that the distraction is anything more than that... a DISTRACTION. It will not turn your child into Brainiac, no matter how hard you wish it will.
The cynic in me wonders what comes next... what is the next step in our evolution as a blameless society? Perhaps blameless is not the right word, though, as there is always plenty of blaming going on, plenty of finger pointing when results do not meet our expectations. It's just that those fingers are rarely pointed back at ourselves. It is always someone else's fault. Such a lack of humility, personal responsibility, and introspection is shameful and sad. What kind of an example do we set for our children when our (or their) failings are always to be blamed on somebody else? Did your child fail to score an A in school? Well it certainly is not your child's fault! The teacher just doesn't like your child and has a secret vendetta against him or her. Or maybe the clerk at the shoe store sold you the wrong size shoes, and because your child was distracted by those uncomfortably fitting too-tight shoes, he/she couldn't pay attention in class, so yes, it the shoe store clerk's fault! Or maybe those Baby Einstein videos failed to turn your child into a "Baby Einstein" and he or she is now ruined for life. Modern America... Theater of the Absurd.
On a slightly different note, what kind of parent is going to come forward and say to Disney, "I demand compensation! We bought all of your Baby Einstein products, and they were supposed to turn little Trevor into a genius, but he's still a knuckle-dragging cro-magnon imbecile, so I insist you refund me my money!" Will these same parents then be able to come back to Disney in a few years and sue Disney for returning their money (a tacit admission that the child is...gasp... AVERAGE), in the process damaging their child's self-esteem? At this point, I don't think it would surprise me.
In the end, it does not matter who manufactures the "educational" video, music, or toy for your children. What does matter is your level of engagement with them. The most important and effective teachers that any child will ever have is his or her own parents. Nobody and nothing can have such a profound influence over their intellectual growth and development, as well as their physical and emotional growth & development, as their parents. We cannot shirk our duties, especially not on to a bunch of DVDs and CDs. Get a grip people. I'm just saying.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
HEY! I'm Not a Bad Driver!!
Earlier this week, before Erin came down with her cold (or whatever it is... hopefully, we'll know for sure after tomorrow's doctor visit), Laureen, Erin and I were leaving Target after Laur picked up some components for Erin's Halloween costume. As we were climbing into the car, I pretended like I was going to sit in Erin's booster seat in the back. Accustomed to such shennanigans, she hardly batted an eyelash as she calmly but firmly stated, "No Dadoo, this is where I sit."
"But I thought you were driving. If you're not driving, who is?" I asked.
Without a word, Erin pointed to Laureen. I smiled at Laur, and said to Erin, "Are you sure you don't want to drive?"
"No. I want Mommy to drive."
"Well, then where will I sit?"
Again, Erin silently pointed. This time, she was pointing at the front passenger seat. Shrugging my shoulders, I strapped Erin in place and shut the back door. Then glancing at Laur over the top of the car, I asked, "Do you want to drive?"
"Not really," was Laur's reply. "Do you mind driving?"
I didn't mind, and climbed behind the wheel. As I shut the door and clicked my seatbelt in place, Erin stated, "Dadoo, I thought I told you I wanted Mommy to drive."
"Why does it matter," I asked. "Do you think Mommy is a better driver than me?"
"Yes Dadoo."
"WHAT!?!?! Why? I'm a good driver! I'm at least as good of a driver as Mommy!"
"Yes Dadoo, but you hit all the bumps. Mommy doesn't hit all the bumps. So Mommy is a better driver."
I looked at Laureen, and she simply smiled back at me.
"But I thought you were driving. If you're not driving, who is?" I asked.
Without a word, Erin pointed to Laureen. I smiled at Laur, and said to Erin, "Are you sure you don't want to drive?"
"No. I want Mommy to drive."
"Well, then where will I sit?"
Again, Erin silently pointed. This time, she was pointing at the front passenger seat. Shrugging my shoulders, I strapped Erin in place and shut the back door. Then glancing at Laur over the top of the car, I asked, "Do you want to drive?"
"Not really," was Laur's reply. "Do you mind driving?"
I didn't mind, and climbed behind the wheel. As I shut the door and clicked my seatbelt in place, Erin stated, "Dadoo, I thought I told you I wanted Mommy to drive."
"Why does it matter," I asked. "Do you think Mommy is a better driver than me?"
"Yes Dadoo."
"WHAT!?!?! Why? I'm a good driver! I'm at least as good of a driver as Mommy!"
"Yes Dadoo, but you hit all the bumps. Mommy doesn't hit all the bumps. So Mommy is a better driver."
I looked at Laureen, and she simply smiled back at me.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Weekly Erinism- Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Laureen was getting ready for work one day earlier this week, and I was in the kitchen heating up some leftover pizza for Erin. Laur was in and out of the bathroom and our bedroom as she went through her regular prepping for work routine. Meanwhile, Erin was in the living room, sprawled out on the floor, dilligently working at assembling her Care Bears puzzle. When the oven timer sounded, I opened the door and was met with the pleasing aroma of reheated, day-old pizza. I pulled the slices from the oven, cheese still bubbling, and deposited them on a plate for Erin.
"Erin, your pizza is ready. Come on in and get the plate," I called out to her from the threshold of the dining room.
"Dadoo, you can just bring it to me in here," came her shouted reply.
Laureen happened to be walking by at this point, and snickered as she asked me, "What did she just say to you?"
"Erin, that's not gonna happen. Come on out here and get your pizza," I shouted back.
"That's OK Dadoo, I think you should just bring it to me."
I looked at Laureen as she began to laugh. Feeling slightly emasculated, I tried again, a little more sternly, "ERIN, COME OUT AND GET YOUR PIZZA IF YOU WANT TO EAT LUNCH TODAY."
"OK!!!!" Then, a moment of silence. Followed by a loooonnnngggg, loud sigh that was audible in the kitchen. Laureen looked at me and we both quietly cracked up as we heard her stomping footsteps coming from the living room to the kitchen. When she entered the room, we did our best to hide our smiles as we turned to face her. Standing there in the doorway of the kitchen was the most miserable looking little girl that I think I've ever seen, pout, sad eyes and all.
In a very small, pathetic voice, she said, "Dadoo, I just wanted you to bring me my pizza. When I say you should bring me my lunch, you should just bring me my lunch."
"Oh yeah? Well, we'll see about that," I replied as I walked away, trying to hold back my laughter.
Erin picked up her plate and sadly shuffled back into the living room. Unbeknownst to Erin, Laureen was right behind her as she entered the living room, and heard her mutter under her breath, "We WILL see about that, if you say that to me again."
"Erin, your pizza is ready. Come on in and get the plate," I called out to her from the threshold of the dining room.
"Dadoo, you can just bring it to me in here," came her shouted reply.
Laureen happened to be walking by at this point, and snickered as she asked me, "What did she just say to you?"
"Erin, that's not gonna happen. Come on out here and get your pizza," I shouted back.
"That's OK Dadoo, I think you should just bring it to me."
I looked at Laureen as she began to laugh. Feeling slightly emasculated, I tried again, a little more sternly, "ERIN, COME OUT AND GET YOUR PIZZA IF YOU WANT TO EAT LUNCH TODAY."
"OK!!!!" Then, a moment of silence. Followed by a loooonnnngggg, loud sigh that was audible in the kitchen. Laureen looked at me and we both quietly cracked up as we heard her stomping footsteps coming from the living room to the kitchen. When she entered the room, we did our best to hide our smiles as we turned to face her. Standing there in the doorway of the kitchen was the most miserable looking little girl that I think I've ever seen, pout, sad eyes and all.
In a very small, pathetic voice, she said, "Dadoo, I just wanted you to bring me my pizza. When I say you should bring me my lunch, you should just bring me my lunch."
"Oh yeah? Well, we'll see about that," I replied as I walked away, trying to hold back my laughter.
Erin picked up her plate and sadly shuffled back into the living room. Unbeknownst to Erin, Laureen was right behind her as she entered the living room, and heard her mutter under her breath, "We WILL see about that, if you say that to me again."
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Weekly Erinism- Friday, October 9th, 2009
The other day, Erin and I were out running errands in the Santa Fe, when over the horizon, a giant Burger King sign materialized.
"Burger King," Erin said. Not realizing she expected a response, I didn't reply.
"Burger King. Dadoo, Burger King."
"Yes, I see it Erin."
"I wonder if that one has a playground?" she queried.
"No, that one doesn't have one."
"But Dadoo, it might have a playground."
"It doesn't."
"But Dadoo, I'm just saying, it might have a playground."
"It doesn't. We've been there before. It doesn't have..."
"Dadoo! I'm just saying that it MIGHT have a playground!"
"And I'm telling you that it does not. We've been there before. It does not have a playground."
"Well... maybe we should go there, just to make sure."
"Erin, you can trust me, it DOES NOT have a playground, and we are not going there."
"But maybe you're wrong... or you're just kidding. We should stop and make sure you're not wrong."
"I'm not wrong, and we're not going there. THERE IS NO PLAYGROUND."
"FINE!! YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME!!"
"Burger King," Erin said. Not realizing she expected a response, I didn't reply.
"Burger King. Dadoo, Burger King."
"Yes, I see it Erin."
"I wonder if that one has a playground?" she queried.
"No, that one doesn't have one."
"But Dadoo, it might have a playground."
"It doesn't."
"But Dadoo, I'm just saying, it might have a playground."
"It doesn't. We've been there before. It doesn't have..."
"Dadoo! I'm just saying that it MIGHT have a playground!"
"And I'm telling you that it does not. We've been there before. It does not have a playground."
"Well... maybe we should go there, just to make sure."
"Erin, you can trust me, it DOES NOT have a playground, and we are not going there."
"But maybe you're wrong... or you're just kidding. We should stop and make sure you're not wrong."
"I'm not wrong, and we're not going there. THERE IS NO PLAYGROUND."
"FINE!! YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME!!"
Nobel Peace Prize
Congratulations to President Barack Obama for having been awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. Of course, this puts him in the illustrious company of our worst President of the 20th century (and national joke as an ex-President) Jimmy Carter, prognosticator of global climate change gloom and doom & former alpha male Vice President Al Gore, and terrorist extraordinaire, the murderous Yasser Arafat. Not exactly a brotherhood I'd want to belong to. And just exactly what "Peace" has President Obama brought to the world? Or maybe a better question is, what exactly has he accomplished in the name of "Peace" and at what cost? We're still fighting in Aghanistan, only with less material support and more restrictive rules of engagement, putting our soldiers at greater risk. Iran and North Korea continue to proliferate their nuke programs, and speculation abounds that if Iran is allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, than Saudi Arabia will be next. There is talk of Japan joining the nuclear weapons fraternity as well. Russia is still in the Ossetia & Abkhazia regions of Georgia. China still threatens Taiwan and occupies Tibet. Armed conflict exists all over Africa. And, in our own back yard in Central & South America, anti-American Marxism is seemingly on the rise. All while President Obama travels around the world bowing to dictators and apologizing for imagined sins of our great nation, never getting anything in return for the damage he is doing to our influence and prestige. History would seem to teach us that, while Peace is a noble goal, it cannot be bargained for or bought (just ask Neville Chamberlain or the Israelis) and genuine, lasting peace is only attained through the unconditional surrender of one's enemies. Perhaps someone needs to remind the President that his responsibilities are to the American people... he is not President of the World, no matter how much he and his supporters want to believe it. So once again, President Obama, enjoy your "Peace Prize". And then, maybe you can get back out there and actually do something meaningful to further the cause of real, lasting peace for your nation, instead of puckering up and kissing the butts of tyrants, dictators, rogue regimes, and weanie leftists the world over.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Priority Platform For America
Since the Democrats have gone off the deep end into the dark, murky waters of socialism, and the Republicans appear to be lost in the woods with no trail of bread crumbs to lead them home to rational, responsible governance, it is time to start thinking third party a little more seriously. Except, there is no existing third party with the right policy platform in place to win sufficient support for a national election victory. This got me thinking about issues, and I started constructing a platform of positions that I'd like to see a party adopt and stand behind. Here is where I am at thus far (more to come):
1. Cut the Federal Budget by at least 33%. It is past time to cut the fat out of our bloated, bank-breaking budget. And I am not talking about D.C. cuts, which are not in fact cuts, but reductions in the anticipated increase in spending. I'm talking real cuts, where you take the current number (whatever it is), and lop at least one third of it off. Yes, this will mean cutting back or even eliminating programs and entitlements, and some hard decisions will have to be made. However, the alternative is a tax burden that can range as high 60% of earned income, and a rate of spending that will literally bankrupt the United States in a relatively short amount of time. Funny how the democrats are always so concerned with deficit spending and "mortgaging the future" when the republicans are in charge, but when they themselves are controlling the purse strings, Keynesian spending is the only way to lift ourselves out of the economic doldrums. And republicans, for their part, get elected as the so-called "party of fiscal responsibilty" and then spend like mad as soon as they are given the chance like Patrick Dempsey in "Can't Buy Me Love", hoping that dollars will buy them popularity and ultimately, re-election. We should expect and deserve better.
2. Throw out the current tax code. 40% of Americans pay no Federal Income Tax, the top 5% of wage-earners pay 50% of all income taxes, and our tax code is over 10,000 pages long. It is time to stop using our tax code as a tool to enforce our social engineering experiments and pet programs, and apply it for the one and only thing it should be used for, raising revenue for our federal government's core, constitutional responsibilities. It is time to establish a super-simplified tax code, that can be explained in no more than 10 pages, or 1/1000th of the size of our current code (heck, our Constitution, which established our government, only needed 6 pages. Ten should be more than enough for the tax code). The simpler, the better.
3. Allow all citizens to choose to opt-out of Social Security. Social Security is one of those big government legacy programs that, for many Americans, has outlived its purpose. If someone feels that they can do better than the Government Bureaucracy investing their money for the future, then by all means, they should be free to do so. And, if they choose to opt-out, they should be able to roll over all contributions they have made to date into a 401K style retirement plan, CD, IRA, or some other investment of their choosing. I would much prefer to control my own financial future/destiny, and I believe most Americans would agree with me.
4. Re-commit to our national infrastructure. This is critical for so many reasons, not the least of which is the free flow of commerce. It is also important for disaster response, public safety and welfare, and national defense purposes. We have neglected our infrastructure for too long (especially energy production & distribution and transportation networks).
5. Re-build, properly fund, and supply our active military. It is shameful that we are straining our Reserves and National Guard the way that we are. It is a mistake that we have let our blue-water navy dwindle down to fewer than 300 ships. Our active ground forces military needs to be expanded dramatically, with an ultimate goal of 1 million soldiers/marines, and if we expect to continue to be the international police force of the seas, then we need to have a navy that can support such a mission.
6. Allow Medical Insurance companies access to all 50 states, and reform the way policies are sold. The reason that I cannot buy an inexpensive insurance policy is that there might only be a handful of players in my state, and the state regulations covering policies dictate what must be covered and at what cost. But if we remove all obstructions to insurance companies competing with each other across state lines, and we make it possible for we, the customers, to purchase a base-line, catastrophic coverage policy with all additional coverages being available a la carte, then it would dramatically cut the cost of medical care. Forcing every American to buy a policy, whether they want one or not, is un-American and exceeds the Constitutional power of our government.
As I say, this is merely a start. More to come, so stay tuned.
1. Cut the Federal Budget by at least 33%. It is past time to cut the fat out of our bloated, bank-breaking budget. And I am not talking about D.C. cuts, which are not in fact cuts, but reductions in the anticipated increase in spending. I'm talking real cuts, where you take the current number (whatever it is), and lop at least one third of it off. Yes, this will mean cutting back or even eliminating programs and entitlements, and some hard decisions will have to be made. However, the alternative is a tax burden that can range as high 60% of earned income, and a rate of spending that will literally bankrupt the United States in a relatively short amount of time. Funny how the democrats are always so concerned with deficit spending and "mortgaging the future" when the republicans are in charge, but when they themselves are controlling the purse strings, Keynesian spending is the only way to lift ourselves out of the economic doldrums. And republicans, for their part, get elected as the so-called "party of fiscal responsibilty" and then spend like mad as soon as they are given the chance like Patrick Dempsey in "Can't Buy Me Love", hoping that dollars will buy them popularity and ultimately, re-election. We should expect and deserve better.
2. Throw out the current tax code. 40% of Americans pay no Federal Income Tax, the top 5% of wage-earners pay 50% of all income taxes, and our tax code is over 10,000 pages long. It is time to stop using our tax code as a tool to enforce our social engineering experiments and pet programs, and apply it for the one and only thing it should be used for, raising revenue for our federal government's core, constitutional responsibilities. It is time to establish a super-simplified tax code, that can be explained in no more than 10 pages, or 1/1000th of the size of our current code (heck, our Constitution, which established our government, only needed 6 pages. Ten should be more than enough for the tax code). The simpler, the better.
3. Allow all citizens to choose to opt-out of Social Security. Social Security is one of those big government legacy programs that, for many Americans, has outlived its purpose. If someone feels that they can do better than the Government Bureaucracy investing their money for the future, then by all means, they should be free to do so. And, if they choose to opt-out, they should be able to roll over all contributions they have made to date into a 401K style retirement plan, CD, IRA, or some other investment of their choosing. I would much prefer to control my own financial future/destiny, and I believe most Americans would agree with me.
4. Re-commit to our national infrastructure. This is critical for so many reasons, not the least of which is the free flow of commerce. It is also important for disaster response, public safety and welfare, and national defense purposes. We have neglected our infrastructure for too long (especially energy production & distribution and transportation networks).
5. Re-build, properly fund, and supply our active military. It is shameful that we are straining our Reserves and National Guard the way that we are. It is a mistake that we have let our blue-water navy dwindle down to fewer than 300 ships. Our active ground forces military needs to be expanded dramatically, with an ultimate goal of 1 million soldiers/marines, and if we expect to continue to be the international police force of the seas, then we need to have a navy that can support such a mission.
6. Allow Medical Insurance companies access to all 50 states, and reform the way policies are sold. The reason that I cannot buy an inexpensive insurance policy is that there might only be a handful of players in my state, and the state regulations covering policies dictate what must be covered and at what cost. But if we remove all obstructions to insurance companies competing with each other across state lines, and we make it possible for we, the customers, to purchase a base-line, catastrophic coverage policy with all additional coverages being available a la carte, then it would dramatically cut the cost of medical care. Forcing every American to buy a policy, whether they want one or not, is un-American and exceeds the Constitutional power of our government.
As I say, this is merely a start. More to come, so stay tuned.
That Depends On The Meaning Of The Word "Tax"
"I can make a firm pledge. Under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase. Not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes."
- President Barack Obama, September 12, 2008 campaign speech in Dover NH.
Very interesting. Especially in light of the exchange the President had with George Stephanopoulis (of all people) on a September 21, 2009 talk show:
George Stephanopoulis: "The government is forcing people to spend money, fining you if you don't [buy insurance]. . . . How is that not a tax?"
President Obama: "Well, hold on a second, George. Here's what's happening. You and I are both paying $900, on average—our families—in higher premiums because of uncompensated care. Now what I've said is that if you can't afford health insurance, you certainly shouldn't be punished for that. That's just piling on. If, on the other hand, we're giving tax credits, we've set up an exchange, you are now part of a big pool, we've driven down the costs, we've done everything we can and you actually can afford health insurance, but you've just decided, you know what, I want to take my chances. And then you get hit by a bus and you and I have to pay for the emergency room care, that's . . ."
Mr. Stephanopoulis: "That may be, but it's still a tax increase."
President Obama: "No. That's not true, George. The—for us to say that you've got to take a responsibility to get health insurance is absolutely not a tax increase. What it's saying is, is that we're not going to have other people carrying your burdens for you anymore . . ."
Mr. Stephanopoulos: "But it may be fair, it may be good public policy—"
President Obama: "No, but—but, George, you—you can't just make up that language and decide that that's called a tax increase."
Mr. Stephanopoulis: "I don't think I'm making it up. "Tax"—"a charge, usually of money, imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes."
President Obama: "George, the fact that you looked up Merriam's Dictionary, the definition of tax increase, indicates to me that you're stretching a little bit right now. . . ."
Mr. Stephanopoulos: "I wanted to check for myself. But your critics say it is a tax increase."
President Obama: "My critics say everything is a tax increase. My critics say that I'm taking over every sector of the economy. You know that. Look, we can have a legitimate debate about whether or not we're going to have an individual mandate or not, but . . ."
Mr. Stephanopoulos: "But you reject that it's a tax increase?"
President Obama: "I absolutely reject that notion."
Very illuminating. I guess it is easy to promise no tax increases when you are willing to deny and redefine the actual definition of the word "tax". Brings to mind, in another time, with another President, the idiotic, childish word games over the meaning of the word "is". President Obama's refusal to call this a tax increase would be like me promising Erin, "Don't worry sweetie, you'll never have to eat spinach again if you don't want," and then forcing her to eat a bowl of salad made with spinach leaves. "Oh, sorry Erin, it doesn't count as spinach when it is in a salad. I only meant cooked spinach when I told you you'd never have to eat it again."
Where is the press on this issue?!?! I seem to recall an uproar of righteous discord from the media that cost George H. W. Bush an election because he promised, "Read my lips, no new taxes" and then failed to deliver on his promise. But, as usual, the rules are different when a Democrat holds our highest office.
Where are the Republicans on this issue?!?! Why is it left to the "alternative media" to call attention to this governmental nonsense. With a few rare exceptions, our Republican representatives/leaders have lost their spines or their principles, or both (they lost them some time ago, and still have not found them).
And, no, forcing people to buy health insurance or face a $3800 a year excise tax is not the same as forcing people to buy auto insurance if they want to drive. If someone doesn't want to pay for auto insurance, that person can choose to utilize mass transit, ride a bicycle, carpool with co-workers/friends, or simply walk in order to avoid paying the premium. There will be no choice here, no alternative. You simply must buy the insurance. It's un-Constitutional and, bottom line, downright un-American.
- President Barack Obama, September 12, 2008 campaign speech in Dover NH.
Very interesting. Especially in light of the exchange the President had with George Stephanopoulis (of all people) on a September 21, 2009 talk show:
George Stephanopoulis: "The government is forcing people to spend money, fining you if you don't [buy insurance]. . . . How is that not a tax?"
President Obama: "Well, hold on a second, George. Here's what's happening. You and I are both paying $900, on average—our families—in higher premiums because of uncompensated care. Now what I've said is that if you can't afford health insurance, you certainly shouldn't be punished for that. That's just piling on. If, on the other hand, we're giving tax credits, we've set up an exchange, you are now part of a big pool, we've driven down the costs, we've done everything we can and you actually can afford health insurance, but you've just decided, you know what, I want to take my chances. And then you get hit by a bus and you and I have to pay for the emergency room care, that's . . ."
Mr. Stephanopoulis: "That may be, but it's still a tax increase."
President Obama: "No. That's not true, George. The—for us to say that you've got to take a responsibility to get health insurance is absolutely not a tax increase. What it's saying is, is that we're not going to have other people carrying your burdens for you anymore . . ."
Mr. Stephanopoulos: "But it may be fair, it may be good public policy—"
President Obama: "No, but—but, George, you—you can't just make up that language and decide that that's called a tax increase."
Mr. Stephanopoulis: "I don't think I'm making it up. "Tax"—"a charge, usually of money, imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes."
President Obama: "George, the fact that you looked up Merriam's Dictionary, the definition of tax increase, indicates to me that you're stretching a little bit right now. . . ."
Mr. Stephanopoulos: "I wanted to check for myself. But your critics say it is a tax increase."
President Obama: "My critics say everything is a tax increase. My critics say that I'm taking over every sector of the economy. You know that. Look, we can have a legitimate debate about whether or not we're going to have an individual mandate or not, but . . ."
Mr. Stephanopoulos: "But you reject that it's a tax increase?"
President Obama: "I absolutely reject that notion."
Very illuminating. I guess it is easy to promise no tax increases when you are willing to deny and redefine the actual definition of the word "tax". Brings to mind, in another time, with another President, the idiotic, childish word games over the meaning of the word "is". President Obama's refusal to call this a tax increase would be like me promising Erin, "Don't worry sweetie, you'll never have to eat spinach again if you don't want," and then forcing her to eat a bowl of salad made with spinach leaves. "Oh, sorry Erin, it doesn't count as spinach when it is in a salad. I only meant cooked spinach when I told you you'd never have to eat it again."
Where is the press on this issue?!?! I seem to recall an uproar of righteous discord from the media that cost George H. W. Bush an election because he promised, "Read my lips, no new taxes" and then failed to deliver on his promise. But, as usual, the rules are different when a Democrat holds our highest office.
Where are the Republicans on this issue?!?! Why is it left to the "alternative media" to call attention to this governmental nonsense. With a few rare exceptions, our Republican representatives/leaders have lost their spines or their principles, or both (they lost them some time ago, and still have not found them).
And, no, forcing people to buy health insurance or face a $3800 a year excise tax is not the same as forcing people to buy auto insurance if they want to drive. If someone doesn't want to pay for auto insurance, that person can choose to utilize mass transit, ride a bicycle, carpool with co-workers/friends, or simply walk in order to avoid paying the premium. There will be no choice here, no alternative. You simply must buy the insurance. It's un-Constitutional and, bottom line, downright un-American.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Oklahoma Abuser Story
Here's a link to the original NY Post article that alerted me to this story:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/teen_mom_kept_me_in_closet_for_years_bf52KsNkqmp3dlrnKMNJ4L
Here's a link to a more in-depth CBS News story about the Oklahoma fiend:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/29/national/main5348428.shtml
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/teen_mom_kept_me_in_closet_for_years_bf52KsNkqmp3dlrnKMNJ4L
Here's a link to a more in-depth CBS News story about the Oklahoma fiend:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/29/national/main5348428.shtml
An Argument For Forced Sterilization
I saw in today's New York Post how a beast of woman in Oklahoma has been charged with 40 counts of neglect and abuse for torturing her teenage son and keeping him locked up in a bedroom closet for 4 1/2 years. After checking out the story on-line for some more in-depth information, it turns out that this pig had her scumbag male friend in on the abuse as well, beating the boy with a belt, a cable wire, and a tire jack. I am not making this up! But wait, it gets worse. This same animal (the woman) also pled guilty to manslaughter 13 years ago when her 2 year old daughter was brought into a hospital in the Bronx weighing 14 pounds... she starved the little girl to death! Now, if these new charges are proven true, then my question is should a fiend like this evil bitch be allowed to procreate again? If ever there has been an argument for forced sterilization, here it is smacking us right in the face. Spare me the rhetoric about how she must suffer from some sort of mental disorder... I would wholeheartedly agree with that assessment but it in no way excuses her evil actions and should not be allowed to be used as a crutch by her defense to gain any sympathy. If these charges are true, then there us no amount of rehab and counseling that will turn these two monsters into functioning, contributing members of our society, and they should at the very, very least be prevented from ever being in the presence of children again. Personally, I would prefer to see them locked away for life, preferably in a dark, cramped space about the size of a bedroom closet. Why do we as a society delude ourselves into believing that those who prey on our most innocent and helpless, our children, can be reformed? Or that they even deserve an opportunity to be reformed? The recidivism rate for child sex predators is over 80% (I'd wager WAY over 80%, probably closer to 100%, since there are certainly cases that go unsolved or even unreported). People who torment, torture, and kill children are like defective members of society. They can't be repaired. They don't learn a lesson. They don't feel remorse. They are the textbook definition of the seemingly taboo word "EVIL", and should be weeded out and locked away forever or destroyed. And yes, for any wishy-washy bleeding hearts who are reading this, by "destroyed" I mean put to death (what else would it mean?). If we don't protect the innocent, the defenseless, the helpless... the children among us, who will?
Letter to Congress
Here is a copy of the letter I composed and sent out to my Congressman and Senators. Feel free to alter it as necessary and make use of it for yourselves if you are so inclined.
Dear Congressman Frelinghuysen,
I really appreciate your taking the time to read this letter. I am sure you are a very busy man, so I will try to be as brief as I possibly can. I am writing because I have grown concerned over the way our Government is conducting our foreign policy with respect to our traditional aliies and avowed enemies, and I would like to know where you stand on these issues.
Let me start by saying that I don't pretend to be an expert in these matters, and obviously am only privy to the information I can glean from the press and the internet, but it seems to me that we are setting some frightening precedents with our recent behavior around the world.
Take, for example, the nation of Iran. They are a known supporter of terror with a holocaust denying dictator who wants to wipe Israel off the face of the map, and when it appeared that their recent election was a sham, and their people rose up in the streets calling for democracy, we turned our backs on them. To the layman like me, it sure looked like we chose the thugs in their government over the will of their people in their thirst for freedom.
Along those same lines, when Russia invaded Georgia last summer, we saw some tough talk from the previous administration, but did they do anything? Likewise, has anything been accomplished by the current administration with regard to rectifying this situation, or have we turned our backs on an ally in the interest of playing nice with Russia? Again, that's what it looks like to me. Just like when President Obama cancelled the ballistic missile shield that was to be installed in Poland. By bailing on the peoples of the world who have put their necks on the line to support us, don't we hurt the likelihood that a nation will lay it on the line to supoprt us in the future?
And now, with the crisis that is occurring in Honduras, it once again looks as if we've walked away from an ally. From what I've read, seen reported on television, and heard anectdotally from friends who have family living in Honduras, Mr. Zelaya was removed from office by their supreme court, with the support of their legislature, in a bloodless arrest and deportation by their military, because of his attempt to circumvent their constitution and install a Hugo Chavez/Fidel Castro-style Marxist government. The interim president has even said that he has no interest in the job beyond the elections in this November. How could the United States of America, the ultimate arbiter of law and justice in the world (probably in the history of the world), come down in favor of a wannabe banana republic dictator instead of backing the people and their Constitution? It just doesn't seem right to me.
Thank you again for your time. I look forward to your response. Thank you for your service in Congress. God Bless America!!
Sincerely,
John McDermott
Dear Congressman Frelinghuysen,
I really appreciate your taking the time to read this letter. I am sure you are a very busy man, so I will try to be as brief as I possibly can. I am writing because I have grown concerned over the way our Government is conducting our foreign policy with respect to our traditional aliies and avowed enemies, and I would like to know where you stand on these issues.
Let me start by saying that I don't pretend to be an expert in these matters, and obviously am only privy to the information I can glean from the press and the internet, but it seems to me that we are setting some frightening precedents with our recent behavior around the world.
Take, for example, the nation of Iran. They are a known supporter of terror with a holocaust denying dictator who wants to wipe Israel off the face of the map, and when it appeared that their recent election was a sham, and their people rose up in the streets calling for democracy, we turned our backs on them. To the layman like me, it sure looked like we chose the thugs in their government over the will of their people in their thirst for freedom.
Along those same lines, when Russia invaded Georgia last summer, we saw some tough talk from the previous administration, but did they do anything? Likewise, has anything been accomplished by the current administration with regard to rectifying this situation, or have we turned our backs on an ally in the interest of playing nice with Russia? Again, that's what it looks like to me. Just like when President Obama cancelled the ballistic missile shield that was to be installed in Poland. By bailing on the peoples of the world who have put their necks on the line to support us, don't we hurt the likelihood that a nation will lay it on the line to supoprt us in the future?
And now, with the crisis that is occurring in Honduras, it once again looks as if we've walked away from an ally. From what I've read, seen reported on television, and heard anectdotally from friends who have family living in Honduras, Mr. Zelaya was removed from office by their supreme court, with the support of their legislature, in a bloodless arrest and deportation by their military, because of his attempt to circumvent their constitution and install a Hugo Chavez/Fidel Castro-style Marxist government. The interim president has even said that he has no interest in the job beyond the elections in this November. How could the United States of America, the ultimate arbiter of law and justice in the world (probably in the history of the world), come down in favor of a wannabe banana republic dictator instead of backing the people and their Constitution? It just doesn't seem right to me.
Thank you again for your time. I look forward to your response. Thank you for your service in Congress. God Bless America!!
Sincerely,
John McDermott
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Support the People of Honduras
Why is it that our government has willingly accepted the results of Iran's likely sham election without question or criticism, but they have condemned the interim government of Honduras for taking the legal steps necessary to defend their constitution from a Hugo Chavez wannabe Marxist who was doing everything in his power to annoint himself ruler for life? Check out this Wall Street Journal story about the topic:
The Honduras Mess
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204488304574427403985118892.html
Check out the story and if you agree that something stinks here, then call and/or write your congressional representatives and tell them that we should be supporting freedom-loving democratic allies that follow the rule of law like Honduras, not thugish, terrorist regimes that murder their own people like Iran.
The Honduras Mess
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204488304574427403985118892.html
Check out the story and if you agree that something stinks here, then call and/or write your congressional representatives and tell them that we should be supporting freedom-loving democratic allies that follow the rule of law like Honduras, not thugish, terrorist regimes that murder their own people like Iran.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Weekly Erinism- 9/26/09
Here is a collection recaps of very brief conversations with our little girl, and it would be fair to say, the star of my blog, Erin. I won't offer much commentary, just the conversations themselves... I think they more or less say it all:
Me: If you don't finish your lunch, there will be no dessert.
Erin: Well, Dadoo, if you say that again, then I won't watch TV ANYMORE.
Me: If you don't finish your lunch, you can't have any dessert.
Erin: Dadoo, did you hear what I said?
Me: I did.
Erin: I don't think you did Dadoo. I said, if you say that lunch thing again, then I won't watch TV anymore, EVER!
Me: Erin, I don't think you understand how this works.
Erin: No, YOU don't understand how this works, Dadoo. OK FINE! I GUESS I'M JUST NOT WATCHING TV ANYMORE!!
Me: Works for me.
Erin: OK FINE!!!!!
(Guess she showed me).
Me: How was school today, Erin?
Erin: Good.
Me: What did you do today?
Erin: I don't remember.
Me: Did you get to go down the dragon slide?
Erin: Dadoo, when I spin in a circle, that means yes, and when I put my arm up in the air, that means no. Ask me again.
Me: OK... did you go down the dragon slide today?
Erin spins in a circle.
Me: That's great... did you get to play dress-up with the other little girls in your class?
Erin spins in a circle, starting to giggle a little.
Me: Did you get to ride around in the little toy cars in the basement?
Erin holds up her arm.
Me: Oh, OK. Well maybe next time. Did you get to play at the sand table?
Erin holds up her arm and spins in a circle at the same time... then realizing her mistake, she stops, looks up at me, and collapses on the floor in hysterical laughter.
From the living room, while Laur was in the kitchen and I was in our bedroom.
Erin: MOMMY! COME QUICK!! YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS!!
Laureen: OK, I'm coming. What is it?
Erin: Just come quick!
Me: We'll be right in.
Erin: No Dadoo! I just want Mommy! You can't see this, it's for girls only!
At this point, Erin met me at the doorway to the living room and actually used her body to blockade the entrance to the living room, preventing me from entering without pushing past her. I looked at Laur for help, but she smiled and shrugged.
Laureen: You heard Erin, girls only.
But this one was my favorite:
Me: OK Erin. I have to go to work now. Have fun with Mommy today, and I'll see you when I get home. Love you.
Erin: Dadoo?
Me: Yes Erin?
Erin: I wish you didn't have to go to work. I wish you and Mommy could stay home with me every day.
Me: If you don't finish your lunch, there will be no dessert.
Erin: Well, Dadoo, if you say that again, then I won't watch TV ANYMORE.
Me: If you don't finish your lunch, you can't have any dessert.
Erin: Dadoo, did you hear what I said?
Me: I did.
Erin: I don't think you did Dadoo. I said, if you say that lunch thing again, then I won't watch TV anymore, EVER!
Me: Erin, I don't think you understand how this works.
Erin: No, YOU don't understand how this works, Dadoo. OK FINE! I GUESS I'M JUST NOT WATCHING TV ANYMORE!!
Me: Works for me.
Erin: OK FINE!!!!!
(Guess she showed me).
Me: How was school today, Erin?
Erin: Good.
Me: What did you do today?
Erin: I don't remember.
Me: Did you get to go down the dragon slide?
Erin: Dadoo, when I spin in a circle, that means yes, and when I put my arm up in the air, that means no. Ask me again.
Me: OK... did you go down the dragon slide today?
Erin spins in a circle.
Me: That's great... did you get to play dress-up with the other little girls in your class?
Erin spins in a circle, starting to giggle a little.
Me: Did you get to ride around in the little toy cars in the basement?
Erin holds up her arm.
Me: Oh, OK. Well maybe next time. Did you get to play at the sand table?
Erin holds up her arm and spins in a circle at the same time... then realizing her mistake, she stops, looks up at me, and collapses on the floor in hysterical laughter.
From the living room, while Laur was in the kitchen and I was in our bedroom.
Erin: MOMMY! COME QUICK!! YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS!!
Laureen: OK, I'm coming. What is it?
Erin: Just come quick!
Me: We'll be right in.
Erin: No Dadoo! I just want Mommy! You can't see this, it's for girls only!
At this point, Erin met me at the doorway to the living room and actually used her body to blockade the entrance to the living room, preventing me from entering without pushing past her. I looked at Laur for help, but she smiled and shrugged.
Laureen: You heard Erin, girls only.
But this one was my favorite:
Me: OK Erin. I have to go to work now. Have fun with Mommy today, and I'll see you when I get home. Love you.
Erin: Dadoo?
Me: Yes Erin?
Erin: I wish you didn't have to go to work. I wish you and Mommy could stay home with me every day.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Let's Talk Some Football
Exciting day in the NFL yesterday.
Frank Gore from the 49ers became the first guy since Barry Sanders to run for two touchdowns of over 79 yards in one game.
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints continued right where they left off last week. He threw 3 more touchdown passes, and the Saints lit up the Philadelphia Eagles 48-22.
Former Packer and Jet Brett Favre set the new consecutive games started record for the NFL (he already held the mark for QB's, but now he holds it for anyone at any position) when he started for the Minnesota Vikings. Over 17 years, and he hasn't missed a start.
Jay Cutler and his Chicago Bears knocked off the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers, winning on a field goal with :11 seconds remaining in the game.
And of course, my boys, GANG GREEN, the New York Jets, did what Kerry Rhodes said they wanted to do earlier this week and embarrassed their arch-nemesis, the New England Patriots. It was a thing of beauty to watch. Coach Ryan's attacking defense had Tom Brady looking shell-shocked by game's end (similar to how he looked in the Super Bowl against the NY Giants). The Patriots don't look the same, and that's because they are not the same. Richard Seymour is gone. Rodney Harrison is gone. Mike Vrabel is gone. Teddy Bruschi is gone. Their offense is older now, their defense is unheralded... they can't cheat anymore and get away with it. After the game, I sent a text out to several people that said, "There's a new sheriff in town, and his name is Ryan!" Imagine my surprise this morning when I opened the NY Post, and they had, almost word for word, the same sentiment scrawled across the sports-page as a headline. J- E- T- S- JETS, JETS, JETS!!!!!!
Frank Gore from the 49ers became the first guy since Barry Sanders to run for two touchdowns of over 79 yards in one game.
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints continued right where they left off last week. He threw 3 more touchdown passes, and the Saints lit up the Philadelphia Eagles 48-22.
Former Packer and Jet Brett Favre set the new consecutive games started record for the NFL (he already held the mark for QB's, but now he holds it for anyone at any position) when he started for the Minnesota Vikings. Over 17 years, and he hasn't missed a start.
Jay Cutler and his Chicago Bears knocked off the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers, winning on a field goal with :11 seconds remaining in the game.
And of course, my boys, GANG GREEN, the New York Jets, did what Kerry Rhodes said they wanted to do earlier this week and embarrassed their arch-nemesis, the New England Patriots. It was a thing of beauty to watch. Coach Ryan's attacking defense had Tom Brady looking shell-shocked by game's end (similar to how he looked in the Super Bowl against the NY Giants). The Patriots don't look the same, and that's because they are not the same. Richard Seymour is gone. Rodney Harrison is gone. Mike Vrabel is gone. Teddy Bruschi is gone. Their offense is older now, their defense is unheralded... they can't cheat anymore and get away with it. After the game, I sent a text out to several people that said, "There's a new sheriff in town, and his name is Ryan!" Imagine my surprise this morning when I opened the NY Post, and they had, almost word for word, the same sentiment scrawled across the sports-page as a headline. J- E- T- S- JETS, JETS, JETS!!!!!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Big Government To The Rescue
Thank God for the wonderful Bureaucrats in our Federal Government, specifically the Consumer Products Safety Commission!! Without them, children everywhere would be dropping dead from second-hand EZ Bake Ovens aquired at neighborhood yard & garage sales. Without the intervention of these all-knowing, benevolent government watch-dogs to keep a vigilant eye on the sinister threat of used children's toys, who knows how far-reaching the threat would be to our little ones. We should all be grateful that there is a government agency to enforce these critical regulations and impose $100,000 fines (per infraction) on the vicious proprietors of these used playthings of death.
Yes, I AM being facetious.
If you were reading the above and wondering when and how I went off the deep end, then check out this story from Fox News, and maybe you'll understand:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,552021,00.html
So now the Federal Government feels it should be regulating the sale of used toys. That chink chink chink noise you hear is the sound of our freedoms being slowly chiseled away. I wonder how our founding fathers would react to the absurdities that we put up with from our Government.
I've posted this quote here on this page in the past, but I think it is important that I post it again because of who said it and because of how prescient a statement it has proven to be:
"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." - James Madison, the Father of our Constitution.
Our freedom is being stolen from us, in tiny, miniscule, almost imperceptible increments. And most of us happily go about our lives, heads in the sand, oblivious to the incremental loss of liberty at hand.
Should it really fall to the Government to regulate the sale of toys at a garage sale? Isn't there a certain amount of assumed risk with anything and everything that we purchase on a second-hand basis? Don't the parents of a child bear the ultimate responsibility for the safety and well-being of said child? If I buy my daughter a toy drum, and she pokes out her eye with the drumstick, is it fair for me to blame the toy's manufacturer? Or better yet, the store that sold it to me? How about if I buy it at a garage sale, should the homeowner be held responsible? And if the very same homeowner is found to be selling such a dangerous toy drum set, should they be met with the full force of a whopping government fine? Sounds preposterous, right? No more so than a homeowner being fined for the sale of an EZ Bake Oven.
This is a perfect example of the kind of idiotic excess we get when we have too much government regulation. I'm all for protecting children from danger, but let's be reasonable. We can't take away every threat. Recalling toys because they contain lead paint is reasonable. Recalling a toy because a piece can be broken off and swallowed is UNREASONABLE. A small piece broken off of ANYTHING is a choking risk to a child. And holding unwitting sellers at a garage sale responsible for selling what the Government considers to be an "unsafe toy" is also UNREASONABLE. That is why it falls to the child's parents to protect the child from such dangers.
Hillary Clinton once said, "It takes a village to raise a child." Well I wholeheartedly disagree. What it takes is at least one involved and engaged parent/guardian, and the proverbial "Village" should keep its nose out of their business, except in cases of clear neglect and abuse. This includes toy purchases made at garage and yard sales.
Yes, I AM being facetious.
If you were reading the above and wondering when and how I went off the deep end, then check out this story from Fox News, and maybe you'll understand:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,552021,00.html
So now the Federal Government feels it should be regulating the sale of used toys. That chink chink chink noise you hear is the sound of our freedoms being slowly chiseled away. I wonder how our founding fathers would react to the absurdities that we put up with from our Government.
I've posted this quote here on this page in the past, but I think it is important that I post it again because of who said it and because of how prescient a statement it has proven to be:
"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." - James Madison, the Father of our Constitution.
Our freedom is being stolen from us, in tiny, miniscule, almost imperceptible increments. And most of us happily go about our lives, heads in the sand, oblivious to the incremental loss of liberty at hand.
Should it really fall to the Government to regulate the sale of toys at a garage sale? Isn't there a certain amount of assumed risk with anything and everything that we purchase on a second-hand basis? Don't the parents of a child bear the ultimate responsibility for the safety and well-being of said child? If I buy my daughter a toy drum, and she pokes out her eye with the drumstick, is it fair for me to blame the toy's manufacturer? Or better yet, the store that sold it to me? How about if I buy it at a garage sale, should the homeowner be held responsible? And if the very same homeowner is found to be selling such a dangerous toy drum set, should they be met with the full force of a whopping government fine? Sounds preposterous, right? No more so than a homeowner being fined for the sale of an EZ Bake Oven.
This is a perfect example of the kind of idiotic excess we get when we have too much government regulation. I'm all for protecting children from danger, but let's be reasonable. We can't take away every threat. Recalling toys because they contain lead paint is reasonable. Recalling a toy because a piece can be broken off and swallowed is UNREASONABLE. A small piece broken off of ANYTHING is a choking risk to a child. And holding unwitting sellers at a garage sale responsible for selling what the Government considers to be an "unsafe toy" is also UNREASONABLE. That is why it falls to the child's parents to protect the child from such dangers.
Hillary Clinton once said, "It takes a village to raise a child." Well I wholeheartedly disagree. What it takes is at least one involved and engaged parent/guardian, and the proverbial "Village" should keep its nose out of their business, except in cases of clear neglect and abuse. This includes toy purchases made at garage and yard sales.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Race Card
So let me get this straight. Governor David Patterson, one of the most inept executives I've had the opportunity to observe in my lifetime, is met with criticism and plummeting poll numbers for his many shortcomings and failures, but he believes it is because his critics are racists and bigots. Then, Congressman Joe Wilson, caught up in an emotional (if inappropriate) reaction to President Obama's speech, calls out "You lie," and Democrat luminaries like the always lucent Jimmy Carter say it is because Wilson is a racist.
Meanwhile, Congressman Jim McDermott (no relation, thank the Lord), says George W. Bush "would mislead the American People" in 2002, while in Iraq, no less, and he is simply expressing his first ammendment rights. Except, instead of calling out his President on the floor of Congress, he is doing so while on foreign soil. I ask you, which is worse?
"Bush Lied, People Died!" Sound familiar? Or how about, "Bush lied us into war for oil"?
Let's look at a partial list of the collection of other current and former Congressmen who at one time or another called George W. Bush a liar: John Olver of Massachusets, Representative Henry Waxman of California, Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, Representative Pete Stark of California, Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusets, Representative Maxine Waters of California, and Representative Barbara Lee of California (Go California!! Represented several times!). And of course, there are the congressmen who may not have called him a liar outright, but who threw around words like "deceived us" and "misled us" in describing Bush and his policies. Folks like John Kerry of Massachusets, Nancy Pelosi of California, Jerry Nadler of New York, and Robert Wexler of Florida, among others.
So it was OK for these folks to accuse the last president of lying, but now that the shoe is on the other foot and the man in the White House is a Blue instead of a Red, calling him a liar is grounds for Censure and evidence of not only the accuser's own bigotry, but symbolic of a growing undercurrent of racism in the opposition movement? Yeah, and if you believe that, I assume you probably believe the moon landing was faked, Elvis is alive, and that Robert Blake and O.J. Simpson are innocent men.
Funny how the rules change when the person running the show is a Donkey instead of an Elephant, isn't it? Wait, maybe it was OK to call Bush a liar because he was a white man of privilege who was "selected, not elected." So as a white man, is any criticism that I make of our current President racist in nature? If so, does that apply to all white people? Does that mean that we should all just sit back and shut up until President Obama's term is up? I'm not sure. I wish someone on the Left would publish a manual or rulebook for all of these P.C. Guidelines and Regulations For Racial Sensitivity.
But wait, remember this quote?
"I'm sick and tired of people who say that if you debate and disagree with this administration, somehow you're not patriotic. We need to stand up and say we're Americans, and we have the right to debate and disagree with any administration."
That was current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a Senator at the time, back in April of 2003. I wonder if she would give the same speech, word for word, today. Perhaps she would make a minor caveat, changing the last line to "We need to stand up and say we're American, and we have the right to debate and disagree with any white, republican administration." Maybe, in the end, dissent is only patriotic when the Executive Branch is being run by a Republican. What do you think?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Weekly Erinism- September 13, 2009
While at work yesterday, Laureen called me from home and asked if I wanted to join her and Erin for a school clothes shopping spree when I completed my shift. I agreed, and at 4:00 PM, they picked me up at my store and we were off to the mall in Livingston.
Erin was quite happy to be getting lots of new size 4 clothes (she turned 4 in July, but because she is small for her age, she has continued right on wearing the size 3 clothes, a fact that has recently proven terribly vexxing to her). She was well-behaved as we slogged through rack after rack of pants and shirts, trying to strike that perfect balance between great deals and nice clothes. But eventually, it proved a little too taxing for our little girl, and she began to grow impatient, reminding us every 30 seconds or so about how thirsty she was. Figuring we better wrap things up, Laur and I gathered our spoils and carried them over to the check-out counter, where we were quite thrilled to receive an extra 15% off our purchase.
After a brief respite in which Erin recharged with a bottle of water and an M&M cookie, it was back to Sears for new shoes. Erin picked out a pair of sneakers with the characters from Disney's "Cars" (I think they were intended as boy's shoes, but don't tell her because she is SO proud of them). We also picked her up a new pair of dress shoes, and a new pair of everyday shoes (again, sales were too good to pass up). At this point, Laur wanted to find herself a new pair of work shoes, so I suggested that Erin come help me find a new cardigan style sweater for myself. At first, Erin wanted to stay with Mommy to quote, "try on all the shoes", but she eventually relented and came with me so that Laur would have some freedom to shop for herself.
While wandering through the men's department, Erin and I rounded a store fixture at a brisk pace and I had to suddenly stop short. There was an unexpected cart blocking the path. This sudden stop caused Erin to walk headfirst into me. Clutching her forehead as she sidestepped away after the collision, she more or less shouted,
"Dadoo!! You need to be more CAREFUL!!! You just bumped my head with your great big GIANT BUTT!!!"
I heard snickers from the people around me in the store as they tried to hide their laughter at my expense. Looking down at Erin in disbelief, I foolishly asked,
"What did you say?"
Louder this time, Erin stated calmly and matter-of-factly, "I said, you bumped my head with your BIG BUTT! Be more careful."
The snickers turned into stifled laughter and muffled guffaws. At this point, Erin realized she had an audience. I watched in seeming slow motion as she panned her head around the men's department, taking notice of just how many of our fellow patrons had stopped engaging in commerce in order to stand there and watch her little show. Then, that same wicked little smirk spread across her face that I've seen so many times before, as she realized that her performance was a hit, and she began to play to the crowd.
"Dadoo, you have a BIG BUTT! You shouldn't hit me in the head with it. You should be more careful."
"OK Erin, that will do. Help me find my sweater."
"Watch out for Big Butt Dadoo!" Other small children shopping with their parents are now in hysterics.
"Erin, that's enough with the butt jokes. Some people might find them to be rude."
But it wasn't enough for her. She fired off a couple more before she was done, culminating in the following,
"My Dadoo has a GREAT BIG GIANT BUTT," picture a maniacal cackle coming from Erin as anyone in earshot also burst out in uncontrollable laughter.
"OK ERIN. THAT'S ENOUGH WITH THE BUTT JOKES!"
Crestfallen, Erin put her head down in a sad, defeated gesture. Until, that is, Mommy came walking up and said,
"What's going on over here?"
Erin's face lit up as she got to fill Laureen in on her little stand-up routine (much more quietly this time). Sheesh, I thought I'd at least have until junior high before I became the "butt" (both literally and figuratively) of her jokes.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Goodbye Bacon Cheeseburger, Hello Grilled Chicken Salad
Laur and I went to the Doctor today for our first "annual" physical since probably 2003. The results were actually better than expected for both of us, so that was good news. The Doc gave us both referrals to a Dermatologist because she was not happy that neither one of had visited one in a while, what with both of our family's histories with skin cancer. She gave me a free sample and a prescription for medicine for my migraine headaches, and she referred me to a sleep clinic because she feels strongly, based on what both Laureen and I told her, that I suffer from sleep apnea. She also wants me to lose some weight (the doctor, I mean, although I'm sure Laur wouldn't mind either).
Laureen and I were both surprised by our cholesterol numbers (Me- because it had gone down nearly 30 points since it was last measured and because my bad cholesterol has gone down over the years, Laur- because her total cholesterol was higher than mine even though she generally eats better than I do). The good news on cholesterol, however, is that we were both below the upper limit of 200. Unfortunately, with this little bit of good news came the bad news:
Our triglycerides were too high.
These are essentially the thoughts that went through my head:
"Aghhhh!!!!! I didn't even know I had triglycerides! How can something I didn't know existed possibly be too high? OK. OK. No big deal, right? I mean, how important can they possibly be? Wait. What? You are saying that they are very important? That a high count for triglycerides actually can hold down our good cholesterol? Not Fair!! Take 'em back! I don't want them. How did I even get them?"
This is when the doctor told us what we already knew but had been in denial about for a long time. The problem is within our diet. Too much fatty food. Too many sweets. Too many carbohydrates. That, in a nutshell, is why we have too many triglycerides. Next came the dreaded news that we both should have known was coming... new diets for the next 3 months. We can kiss the good (bad) stuff goodbye.
Bye Bye 1/2 pound Bacon Cheeseburgers!
Au Revoir footlong Philly Cheesesteaks!
You've been delicious, but from now on, it'll have to be 4 ounces of grilled chicken, sliced up in a salad (oh, and hold the croutons & creamy ranch dressing as well).
We'll miss you, Spicy Buffalo Wings!
And I guess we can bid adieu to brownies, cookies, cake, and- GASP! - Laur's cookie bars!!
Instead, we'll be chowing down on broccoli, spinach, green beans, and cauliflower. Yep, I can eat all the cauliflower I want. There are no limits. If I wanted to wade knee deep into a pool of cut cauliflower and shovel it down my throat using one of those plastic, children's beach shovels until my stomach is ready to burst, nobody will bat an eyelash. However, if I try to sneak even one Hostess cupcake, there will be hell to pay. And the worst part is that we did this to ourselves!!
Oh well... I'm off to go research our triglyceride lowering diet, and to throw down a row of Oreos... I'm kidding, I'm kidding... Well, at least about the researching our diet part.
Again, kidding. So next time you're in Northern NJ, look us up and maybe we can go out to dinner. You can order yourself the 3/4 pound steak & 6 jumbo shrimp with fries and a coke, and Laureen and I will order the 4 ounces of baked chicken with steamed vegetables and rice. Hmmm!!!! My mouth is watering already.
Laureen and I were both surprised by our cholesterol numbers (Me- because it had gone down nearly 30 points since it was last measured and because my bad cholesterol has gone down over the years, Laur- because her total cholesterol was higher than mine even though she generally eats better than I do). The good news on cholesterol, however, is that we were both below the upper limit of 200. Unfortunately, with this little bit of good news came the bad news:
Our triglycerides were too high.
These are essentially the thoughts that went through my head:
"Aghhhh!!!!! I didn't even know I had triglycerides! How can something I didn't know existed possibly be too high? OK. OK. No big deal, right? I mean, how important can they possibly be? Wait. What? You are saying that they are very important? That a high count for triglycerides actually can hold down our good cholesterol? Not Fair!! Take 'em back! I don't want them. How did I even get them?"
This is when the doctor told us what we already knew but had been in denial about for a long time. The problem is within our diet. Too much fatty food. Too many sweets. Too many carbohydrates. That, in a nutshell, is why we have too many triglycerides. Next came the dreaded news that we both should have known was coming... new diets for the next 3 months. We can kiss the good (bad) stuff goodbye.
Bye Bye 1/2 pound Bacon Cheeseburgers!
Au Revoir footlong Philly Cheesesteaks!
You've been delicious, but from now on, it'll have to be 4 ounces of grilled chicken, sliced up in a salad (oh, and hold the croutons & creamy ranch dressing as well).
We'll miss you, Spicy Buffalo Wings!
And I guess we can bid adieu to brownies, cookies, cake, and- GASP! - Laur's cookie bars!!
Instead, we'll be chowing down on broccoli, spinach, green beans, and cauliflower. Yep, I can eat all the cauliflower I want. There are no limits. If I wanted to wade knee deep into a pool of cut cauliflower and shovel it down my throat using one of those plastic, children's beach shovels until my stomach is ready to burst, nobody will bat an eyelash. However, if I try to sneak even one Hostess cupcake, there will be hell to pay. And the worst part is that we did this to ourselves!!
Oh well... I'm off to go research our triglyceride lowering diet, and to throw down a row of Oreos... I'm kidding, I'm kidding... Well, at least about the researching our diet part.
Again, kidding. So next time you're in Northern NJ, look us up and maybe we can go out to dinner. You can order yourself the 3/4 pound steak & 6 jumbo shrimp with fries and a coke, and Laureen and I will order the 4 ounces of baked chicken with steamed vegetables and rice. Hmmm!!!! My mouth is watering already.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The Weekly Erinism- Sunday, 9/6/09
Last night, around 8:00 PM, Erin asked Laureen to join her in her bedroom for a game. Laureen told Erin that they could play for 10 minutes, and then Erin had to get ready for bed. As they rounded the corner to Erin's bedroom, Laur turned back to me and said, "Let me know when ten minutes have passed." Then, she disappeared around the corner.
"Speed" with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves was on the television, and I watched the scene where the police bring a flat-bed trailer up alongside the bus to try and unload the passengers until it was time to update Laur. Right about the time that Dennis Hopper blew up the stairwell on the bus killing a woman, I shouted out to Laureen,
"10 MINUTES ARE UP!!"
At this point, Erin and Laur came running out of Erin's room and Erin ran to the bathroom to get ready for bed. That is when I had my brilliant idea... figuring it would surely make Erin laugh, I decided that I would continue to announce the elapsed time, on the minute, until Erin went to bed. So, shortly thereafter, I shouted,
"11 MINUTES ARE UP!!"
"I know Dadoo, and I'm already getting ready for bed," came Erin's reply.
Sixty seconds later,
"12 MINUTES ARE UP!!"
"Thank you Dadoo. I know. I'm getting ready for bed already."
"13 MINUTES ARE UP!!"
"UGHHH! I KNOW DADOO! I'M BRUSHING MY TEETH WITH MOMMY!!"
"14 MINUTES ARE UP!!"
I heard a little frustrated shreik, and then her little Stewie Griffin footsteps as she motored around through the kitchen and dining room, into the living room where I was sitting. Stopping right and front of me, a wry little smile spread across her face as she said,
"I know Dadoo. Thanks, but you already said that, like, 20 times already."
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Here we are, in early Septmeber, and all seems right in the baseball world, what with the Yankees tops in the league and the Mets an afterthought. The Yanks have 85 wins this season before anyone else has even won 80. Derek Jeter is poised to pass Lou Gehrig as the all-time NY Yankees leader in career hits (think about that for a second... he's already passed Ruth, Dimaggio, Mantle, Berra, & Mattingly), Mark Texeira and Jeter are both likely contenders for MVP, CC Sabathia is probably the front-runner for the Cy Young Award, and the Yanks are looking more and more likely to lock up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Lots of reasons for a Yankee fan to smile, right?Well, I can't. I am suffering from some sort of NY Yankees malaise, and the source of my problem can be summed up in 4 letters: AROD. Why is this guy still a Yankee? He was warned prior to last off-season that if he chose to exercise his opt-0ut clause and void his contract, he would not be re-signed. So, when he opted out, imagine my surprise when Cashman and the Steinbrenners not only re-sign him, they do so for more money and for 10 years! We were finally free of this selfish, me-first spectacle of a player, but we willingly brought him back, and with the team holding all of the leverage, they bid against themselves to bring him back for even more than he had been already scheduled to make!
When A-Rod opted out, I had a brief moment of elation as I imagined finally being able to come back to my team. They had jettisoned so many high priced, self-centered, under-performing "stars" in recent years in favor of the kind of signings that built their championship teams of the nineties. We were done with the A-Rods, Gary Sheffields, Jason Giambis, Kevin Browns, Randy Johnsons, and Carl Pavanos. They brought in Mark Texeira... a man with the professionalism and attitude (not to mention skills) of the classy Yankees who manned first base most of my life- Don Mattingly and Tino Martinez. With A-Rod choosing to walk away, and Texeira joining the team, this was starting to feel like my team again.
A-Rod, like Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi, Rafael Palmierro, Andy Pettite, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, and Roger Clemens is now a confirmed steroid-using cheater. And we have the privilege of watching him pursue his now meaningless home-run record, which he will almost certainly capture from fellow cheat, Mr. Bonds. So when he breaks that record thanks to the chemicals he's been injecting or ingesting, are we to stand up and cheer... only if it's a Bronx cheer, if you ask me.
A-Rod ruined everything by coming back. Sure, the team is playing great, and are looking like a shoo-in to get back to the Series. Sure A-Rod has played a large role in the team's success. But anyone who's been following the team since A-Rod's arrival knows that it is only a matter of time before the real A-Rod resurfaces. Only a matter of time where the Yankees big man comes up small yet again in some critical moment. That is why, no matter how gaudy his numbers, A-Rod will never be Derek Jeter, who is a winner through and through. That is why, if I had to build a team to compete for a championship, I would choose Jeter as my shortstop over A-Rod without a second thought. One need only think about the signature plays in both men's playoff repertoire to spot the immense difference in their value. Jeter is probably most remembered for that spectacular flip to home in that Oakland game that nailed Jeremy Giambi at the plate. You know the one I'm talking about... the one where Jeter came out of nowhere to make an impossible play on what should have been a sure Oakland run scored. Contrast that with A-Rod's signature play as a Yankee- trying to swat the ball out of Bronson Arroyo's glove against Boston. The guy is a joke, a cheater, and the reason that I cannot enjoy the Yankees current success.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The Weekly Erinism- August 30, 2009
As Erin and I were leaving my parent's house on Thursday to head home and reunite with Mommy after a 4 day separation (Laur had no vacation days left, so she had to return to New Jersey Sunday morning), we agreed to follow my parents to the "good" gas station in St. James (they were headed out on a road trip themselves, and like us, needed to gas up).
While their gasoline was pumping, my Mom came back to the Tercel and I rolled down the window. She inquired as to whether I would be alright getting back to the main road, because they still had to make another stop at King Kullen. I said I was fine, and she said good-bye to Erin one more time before she went back to the car. They paid, and were on their way.
"Dadoo, where are Long Gram and Long Gramp going?"
"They had to make a quick stop at King Kullen."
At this, Erin began to giggle uncontrollably. I shot her a quick glance, but couldn't see any obvious reason for the laughter. Somewhat perplexed, I asked, "What's so funny, Erin?"
She didn't answer right away as the giggle fit crescendoed, and after a sigh and a deep breath, Erin replied with a question of her own, "Dadoo, what's a King Kullen?"
"King Kullen is a supermarket, just like Jack's, Pathmark, or Shop-Rite," I answered, naming off all of the supermarkets within a short distance of where we live.
There was a silent moment, I guess as Erin processed the information. Then she said, "King Kullen's a pretty funny name for a supermarket, isn't it Dadoo?" She emphasized her point with a little harumph-like chuckle.
"Ummmm, OK... if you think so, Sweety" came my reply.
We drove on in silence for a couple of minutes, when suddenly I was startled (so much so that I nearly drove off the road) by Erin shouting at the top of her lungs,
"KING KULLEN!!!!!!!"
This was punctuated by another uncontrollable fit of laughter.
"DON'T DO THAT AGAIN!!" I proclaimed angrily.
Erin reluctantly agreed not to shout again. After another minute or so of silence, I heard her, in what can only be described as a whisper-shout, say "King Kullen" again, followed again by the same hysterics. This continued as we travelled 25A to Pulaski Rd, and on Pulaski all the way to Larkfield Rd. in East Northport. It was likely 20 minutes of the whisper-shout "King Kullen" and the ensuing hilarity.
Erin temporarily retired the King Kullen "joke" as we ate lunch at "Chef's of New York" in East Northport, and all the while as I drove her around my old stomping grounds in Huntington, Lloyd Harbor, and Cold Spring Harbor. But later on, as we rolled up the ramp on to the Verazzano Bridge, the "King Kullen" joke was back with a vengeance... and this time, she accompanied each cry of "King Kullen" by thrusting Pink Crayon straight up in the air. I never saw a child so entertained by the name of a store. That's my little girl!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Senate Un"Ethics" Committee
I have to say, I was so RELIEVED to see that the Senate Ethics Committee has decided that Senator's Dodd and Conrad did nothing wrong when they took loans from Countrywide at a rate unavailable to the average citizen (or even above average or exceptional citizen, for that matter).
I am assuming the Ethics Committee and its Chair, Senator Barbara Boxer, must be confused about the nature of their responsibility within their committee, so let me clear it up for them:
NEWS FLASH: Your committee is called the "Ethics" Committee, not the "Legality" Committee. Your job is to investigate ethical breaches, not violations of the law. While something may be technically "legal" it may still be "unethical" (like, for example, when the Chairs of the Senate Banking and Budget Committees, Senators Dodd and Conrad, respectively, accept special favors from the very industry that their committees oversee).
For Senator Boxer, and her Committee, the dictionary defines the two terms as such:
illegal:: not according to or authorized by law : unlawful, illicit
unethical: not conforming to approved standards of social or professional behavior
Now I realize, Senator Boxer, that you and your esteemed colleagues are really busy right now not reading the health care reform bill that you will be voting on, so let me try to save you some time by spelling this out in very simple terms. What Senators Dodd and Conrad did was possibly not illegal, but it was unquestionably wrong. Surely, even you can see through your hyper-partisan glasses how their behavior constitutes a conflict of interest? Just imagine, for a second, that instead of Dodd and Conrad with the D for Democrat next to their name, the offending parties were Senators McConnell and Kyl, with the R for Republican next to their name. Would your so-called "Ethics" Committee be so quick to dismiss the issue? I am quite confident that it would not. In fact, I believe you would pursue the matter with dogged determination until they were sanctioned in some way, rightfully so. But Ethics, like Justice, is supposed to be blind. Right is right and wrong is wrong... ethical is ethical and unethical is unethical, regardless of race, religion, gender, or political party affiliation.
I am assuming the Ethics Committee and its Chair, Senator Barbara Boxer, must be confused about the nature of their responsibility within their committee, so let me clear it up for them:
NEWS FLASH: Your committee is called the "Ethics" Committee, not the "Legality" Committee. Your job is to investigate ethical breaches, not violations of the law. While something may be technically "legal" it may still be "unethical" (like, for example, when the Chairs of the Senate Banking and Budget Committees, Senators Dodd and Conrad, respectively, accept special favors from the very industry that their committees oversee).
For Senator Boxer, and her Committee, the dictionary defines the two terms as such:
illegal:: not according to or authorized by law : unlawful, illicit
unethical: not conforming to approved standards of social or professional behavior
Now I realize, Senator Boxer, that you and your esteemed colleagues are really busy right now not reading the health care reform bill that you will be voting on, so let me try to save you some time by spelling this out in very simple terms. What Senators Dodd and Conrad did was possibly not illegal, but it was unquestionably wrong. Surely, even you can see through your hyper-partisan glasses how their behavior constitutes a conflict of interest? Just imagine, for a second, that instead of Dodd and Conrad with the D for Democrat next to their name, the offending parties were Senators McConnell and Kyl, with the R for Republican next to their name. Would your so-called "Ethics" Committee be so quick to dismiss the issue? I am quite confident that it would not. In fact, I believe you would pursue the matter with dogged determination until they were sanctioned in some way, rightfully so. But Ethics, like Justice, is supposed to be blind. Right is right and wrong is wrong... ethical is ethical and unethical is unethical, regardless of race, religion, gender, or political party affiliation.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
2 Quarterbacks
It's been an interesting week in the NFL... what with Michael Vick coming back from serving time for running a brutal dog-fighting ring & signing with the Philadelphia Eagles and Brett Favre coming back from retirement (again) and signing with the Minnesota Vikings. There's been a lot of huffing and puffing in the television and print press about these two men returning to play in the NFL, and I largely do not understand all the hub-bub.
In the case of Brett Favre, the man holds every significant passing record that there is in the NFL. Most career yards passing, most career touchdowns, most passing attempts, most passing completions, most interceptions thrown, most victories by a starting QB, and most consecutive games started by a QB (only one game away from tying the most started by a player at any position). This last stat is probably the most impressive...for nearly 20 years, he has started every consecutive game in both the regular season and playoffs. This is not a kicker who is on the field for 6-10 plays per game. We're talking about a QB... he's on the field for probably half of every game. Even with a great offensive line, that's still a lot of blind-side hits over a career without missing a beat. If the guy wants to come back... if he is having some trouble letting go of the game that he loves so dearly... if there is someone out there willing to pay for his services (someone like the Minnesota Vikings)... who on Earth are we to get so worked up in a tizzy over the prospect of him playing again? "But he lied to us about wanting to stay retired!" Oh, come off your high horse!! Accept as fact that a guy who played the game with such unabashed joy might find it hard to walk away. "He only came back for the money!!" So what!?!? Who are we to attack the man' motivations. Don't tell me that if you decided to retire from your job, and then another employer came and threw several million dollars at you to work two more years, you wouldn't at least consider it. What right do any of us have to tell him when to walk away. I say as long as he's got the will and an employer who wants to pay him, let him play. If a 60 year old Doctor, or Lawyer, or Custodian wanted to continue working, we wouldn't dare say "You're too old!" So what gives us the right to say the same to this 40 year old football player? I for one am looking forward to watching Mr. Favre on Sundays again for at least one more year.
As to Michael Vick, his story seems a little more complicated to me, because of the horrific nature of what has kept him out of the NFL for a number of years. I grew up with dogs, and would fairly describe myself as a dog-lover. I miss owning a dog very much, and look forward to owning a house so that one day we will be able to introduce Erin to the joys of having a dog, and the responsibilities that come along with it. So, like everyone else, I was more than a little disgusted and horrified by crimes Vick was charged with and convicted of committing. The man funded a dog fighting ring... he had dogs fight each other to the death. He electrocuted them, drowned them, hung them from trees... there is truly a frightening aspect to the sheer cruelty of his crimes. All that being said, however, he has served his time... paid his debt to society so to speak. He was fired from his old team, suspended from the league, and lost out on millions and millions of dollars because of his actions. That is not to say that just because he served some prison time and endured some self-inflicted hardship, he is entitled to return to the NFL... playing in the NFL is a privilege, just as working for any employer is a privilege, not a right. The Atlanta Falcons cut him, and if no other team wanted him, then he would have to find something else to do. There are no guarantees in life. But, in this case, another team was interested in his potential services, and having served his time and ridden out a league suspension on top of it, he should have a chance to turn his life around. What are the chances that he will not get in trouble again? I don't know, probably pretty slim... the harsh nature of the crimes he committed point to a certain sociopathy in his psyche, it seems to me. But in this country aren't we all about redemption, about second chances and making things right? Look, I am not defending what he did, and I don't really care for the guy as a person or a player. But we give politicians, entertainers, heck, even our own family members second chances all the time. Michael Vick deserves a chance at redemption, not so much because he has earned it, but because we are America, and it is part of the American way.
In the case of Brett Favre, the man holds every significant passing record that there is in the NFL. Most career yards passing, most career touchdowns, most passing attempts, most passing completions, most interceptions thrown, most victories by a starting QB, and most consecutive games started by a QB (only one game away from tying the most started by a player at any position). This last stat is probably the most impressive...for nearly 20 years, he has started every consecutive game in both the regular season and playoffs. This is not a kicker who is on the field for 6-10 plays per game. We're talking about a QB... he's on the field for probably half of every game. Even with a great offensive line, that's still a lot of blind-side hits over a career without missing a beat. If the guy wants to come back... if he is having some trouble letting go of the game that he loves so dearly... if there is someone out there willing to pay for his services (someone like the Minnesota Vikings)... who on Earth are we to get so worked up in a tizzy over the prospect of him playing again? "But he lied to us about wanting to stay retired!" Oh, come off your high horse!! Accept as fact that a guy who played the game with such unabashed joy might find it hard to walk away. "He only came back for the money!!" So what!?!? Who are we to attack the man' motivations. Don't tell me that if you decided to retire from your job, and then another employer came and threw several million dollars at you to work two more years, you wouldn't at least consider it. What right do any of us have to tell him when to walk away. I say as long as he's got the will and an employer who wants to pay him, let him play. If a 60 year old Doctor, or Lawyer, or Custodian wanted to continue working, we wouldn't dare say "You're too old!" So what gives us the right to say the same to this 40 year old football player? I for one am looking forward to watching Mr. Favre on Sundays again for at least one more year.
As to Michael Vick, his story seems a little more complicated to me, because of the horrific nature of what has kept him out of the NFL for a number of years. I grew up with dogs, and would fairly describe myself as a dog-lover. I miss owning a dog very much, and look forward to owning a house so that one day we will be able to introduce Erin to the joys of having a dog, and the responsibilities that come along with it. So, like everyone else, I was more than a little disgusted and horrified by crimes Vick was charged with and convicted of committing. The man funded a dog fighting ring... he had dogs fight each other to the death. He electrocuted them, drowned them, hung them from trees... there is truly a frightening aspect to the sheer cruelty of his crimes. All that being said, however, he has served his time... paid his debt to society so to speak. He was fired from his old team, suspended from the league, and lost out on millions and millions of dollars because of his actions. That is not to say that just because he served some prison time and endured some self-inflicted hardship, he is entitled to return to the NFL... playing in the NFL is a privilege, just as working for any employer is a privilege, not a right. The Atlanta Falcons cut him, and if no other team wanted him, then he would have to find something else to do. There are no guarantees in life. But, in this case, another team was interested in his potential services, and having served his time and ridden out a league suspension on top of it, he should have a chance to turn his life around. What are the chances that he will not get in trouble again? I don't know, probably pretty slim... the harsh nature of the crimes he committed point to a certain sociopathy in his psyche, it seems to me. But in this country aren't we all about redemption, about second chances and making things right? Look, I am not defending what he did, and I don't really care for the guy as a person or a player. But we give politicians, entertainers, heck, even our own family members second chances all the time. Michael Vick deserves a chance at redemption, not so much because he has earned it, but because we are America, and it is part of the American way.
A Hero's Welcome
Well, Laur, Erin & I just returned from our first official "Hero's Welcome" at Newark Liberty Ariport. The young man returning from Afghanistan, an E5 in the US Navy, was on his way home from a 9 month deployment. We met folks there from several organizations, and all cheered and waved American flags when he walked out of the terminal and gave his Mom a hug. It was a heart-warming moment, and I felt slightly choked up as I got to shake his hand, look him in the eyes, and tell him Thank You. Looks like we have the makings of our very own North Jersey chapter of A Hero's Welcome... we all exchanged contact information, and I can't wait for our next hero to come home. Erin was so well behaved, and she did her part, proudly waving her flag... I was proud of her, and proud to have this moment to demonstrate to her the respect and reverence we should have for our veterans... they who have given so much for us and for our country. God Bless our troops, and God Bless the USA!
Pro-Choice
I heard Mark Steyn on the radio yesterday and he raised an interesting point. I'd like to take it and run with it. Why is it that when the Left talks about abortion in this country, they are always so quick to scream "I'm Pro-Choice", or "A woman has a right to choose", or some such variation, but when it comes to any issue other than abortion where liberals support government interference and intrusion, the only "choice" we are entitled to is to comply or be in violation of the law. As a people, we somehow have a "Constitutional Right to Choose" to abort a child, but when it comes to "choosing" a health insurance plan, well by golly, that needs to be left in the competent hands of the U.S. government. Want to "choose" to own a gun (an ACTUAL Constitutional Right as enumerated in the Bill of Rights)? Well, if the Left had it's way, you would not be able to do so (and in some places, laws have becomes so restrictive as to effectively eliminate the right of gun ownership). I'd like to "choose" to opt out of the sham that is social security, and invest that money myself... I'm no financial genius... in fact I'm really quite a novice... and yet I STILL have more faith in my ability to make competent choices about my retirement/future than a collection of lifetime government bureaucrats. Regardless of my qualifications and motivations, it is MY money and MY "Right To Choose", right? The term "Pro-Choice" has been effective for the Left in terms of abortion... why don't we apply to these other issues that are important to us in mainstream America. "Oh, I'm not anti-labor unions, I'm just Pro-Choice," or "I'm not opposed to social security, I'm pro-choice." Use their own tools against them... bludgeon them with their own rhetoric, so to speak. Or, in simpler terms, give them a dose of their own medicine.
"Faith" - by John McDermott
A light in the darkness
Some hope for us all
A beacon, a searchlight
It answers our call
We are burdened
We are tired
We are frightened
We are ill
But the light shines upon us
There's a chance for us still
It comforts
And warms us
It staves off our fears
It has always reassured us
For all of our years
As long as we have it
We'll not be alone
And some day
When we're ready
It will lead us home.
Some hope for us all
A beacon, a searchlight
It answers our call
We are burdened
We are tired
We are frightened
We are ill
But the light shines upon us
There's a chance for us still
It comforts
And warms us
It staves off our fears
It has always reassured us
For all of our years
As long as we have it
We'll not be alone
And some day
When we're ready
It will lead us home.
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