Happy Mother’s Day & Happy Memorial Day!

I’m back “On Line” via satellite!
My almost 2500 mile trek cross-country from Arizona to New Jersey has been accomplished!

[Oh, there will be tales to post about the trip, so stay tuned!]

Lots of unique days of note for the month of May, so lets get started…

May 1st is “May Day”
The first of May is celebrated around the world. It has a number of meanings. In many other countries it is a celebration of spring and the coming of summer.
To communist and socialist countries, it is a celebration for the workers.

May 5th is “Cinco de Mayo”
On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla. This single battle was the roots of Cinco de Mayo.

May 5th is also “National Hoagie Day”
You know of this big sandwich as a hoagie, a sub, a grinder or a hero. And, it's a regular on most diets in America. People eat them for lunch, dinner, and even as a late night snack. It's a quick meal or people on the go.

May 9th is “Mother’s Day”
If you haven’t figured this national day out yet… Shame on you!
Did you know? The first Mother's Day was May 10, 1908 in Philadelphia

May 11th is “Twilight Zone Day”
Weird, surreal and perhaps a little scary…
Every once in a while, you have a day like this. And, today is designed to be that day.

May 15th is “Armed Forces Day” - Third Saturday in May
Each branch of the military originally had their own day of celebration.
On August 31, 1949 then Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day. President Harry Truman also announced the holiday in a presidential proclamation on February 20, 1950. The first Armed Forces Day was held on May 20, 1950.

“International Jazz Day” - Saturday of Memorial Day weekend
International Jazz Day celebrates Jazz musicians, music and history.
Jazz music was born in America in the 1800's.
The birthplace and home of Jazz music is New Orleans, Louisiana.
In 1991, a statement was recorded in the U.S. Congressional Record recognizing the creation of International Jazz Day.

May 31st is “Memorial Day”
Memorial Day is officially celebrated on the last Monday during the month of May. Memorial Day is dedicated to service men and women who gave their lives for freedom and country. It is also a time to remember loved ones who have passed away. The roots of Memorial Day go back to 1865 and the end of the Civil War.
Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day. It was changed to Memorial Day in 1882.

“God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.”
Jewish Proverb

Happy Easter & Happy Earth Day!

I know its way early, but I wanted to post this before I pulled the plug on my PC…

April 1st is “April Fools Day”
April 4th is Easter Sunday
Earth Day; “A Global Day of Action” is April 22nd.
It’s also “National Humor Month” and “Stress Awareness Month”. [Probably due to taxes]
Here are some other holidays celebrated during the month of April, you may wish to consider…

Did you know that April 2nd, is “National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day”?
If you read last month’s St Patties Day post… You’d be partying with the Goobers by now!

April 14th is “International Moment of Laughter Day”?
Seems appropriate, as the 15th is tax day.

How about April 15th is “Rubber Eraser Day”?
Seems appropriate also, as it’s tax day.
Odd that there’s not a “Cry in Your Beer Day”, right after the tax-filing deadline?

Did you know that April 19th is “National Garlic Day”?
So if you prefer using it as a vegetable, herb, a medicine, to ward off evil spirits or just in your favorite pasta sauce, today is the day to enjoy!
April 19th is also “Patriot's Day” [Big on the east coast] it commemorates the Battle of Lexington and Concord and it honors the ride of Paul Revere.

April 26th is “National Pretzel Day”?
Seems only fair as National Potato Chip Day was last month…
Pretzels date back to 610AD in Southern France. Monks baked thin strips of dough into the shape of a child's arms folded in prayer and presented them to good students as treats.
One soft pretzel and pass the yellow mustard please!

Did you know that April 30th is “National Honesty Day”?
There are a few rules to be followed to properly observe this day…
#1 Just be honest!
[Scratching head…]
Why can I not help but feel, politicians and lobbyists not only do not celebrate today, but also are completely unaware of it?

Don’t forget to fill out, complete and return your 2010 Census form…That way we’ll be able to be represented by the proper number of Bozo’s in Washington DC… Don’t care for the District you’re registered to vote in? Give em a chance… they’ll change that too!

I’ll be off line for a while as I relocate [move] back east… Hope to be settled in, back up and running by late April or early May. So search the web for April, May, etc Holidays and find the link for Holiday Insights. It’s on the web, so it has to be true! Have some fun with it!
Happy Easter and Happy Earth Day.

“The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.” Mark Twain

An Irish Blessing

Beagán agus a rá go maith
[Say little but say it well]

My lineage can best be described as “Heinz 57”, but I do proudly lay claim to at least being 1/8 Irish, hailing from the clans of McGlinn and McBride on my father’s side.

So in honor of my father and my 1/8 claim to Irish fame…

An Irish Blessing

May there always be work for your hands to do

May your purse always hold a coin or two

May the sun always shine upon your window pane

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain

May the hand of a friend always be near to you

and May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

“A best friend is like a four leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.” Author Unknown

And the Winner is…

Once again its time for The Academy Awards, also know as the “Oscars”.
An annual presentation by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry.

H-m-m-m-m… I wonder what else is on?

I can’t seem to get all that worked up about Hollywood’s show for self-gratification and stroking of inflated egos.
There was a time it meant something, but that time has faded like the movie luminaries of days gone by.
Watching the commercials leading up to tonight’s presentation… Even they seem strained to find some value in a point of tuning in to watch.
Why bother?
Sound bites and video clips will be polluting the airwaves for weeks afterwards.

Maybe its because we don’t really have actors, actresses and directors with a collective body of works that reach into our hearts, minds and souls. There doesn’t seem to be any thought provoking story lines; nothing to feed grit, determination, joy and sorrow into our imaginations.
A while ago there was a mystique about those few individuals, where just enough information was provided to entice us to crave even more of the adaptation of their craft.

What we have now are “entertainers”, with some “name recognition”; cheap and scandalous publicity stunts and new levels of improper behavior.
Whereas the special effects can boggle the mind, there’s nothing left to feed the imagination. There is no longer a mystique, because somewhere in a tabloid or on the Internet, there are nude pictures and grocery lists of tawdry affairs and dealings… Pointing to the inevitable fact that these people have weaknesses and similarities pretty much like everybody else.

I guess I’m finding myself longing for those golden days when an actor or director’s name alone, would stop us in our tracks and there would be instant recognition or recollection of ALL their preceding good and spectacular works.
I miss the “Giants” of the film industry!
That handful of Legends!
Those few names that even today, across the generational pool of audiences everywhere are still recognized…








Bogart, Davis, Wayne, Hepburn, Hitchcock…
Just to mention a few…

These people were recognized for their work and dedication to their craft, not for how much their last project “raked in”, who they are currently sleeping with or what rehab they’re in…

Not one actress or actor today seems to carry that clout!
Some maybe come close, but it seems to be just out of their reach.
The only director… The only “Story Teller” that seems to focus attention to the craft of film making on a continuing bases would be Ron Howard!

Let’s not forget those rising stars of the entertainment field…
That get their big break, their “Breakout Piece of Work”… that show a spark of that seemingly long lost talent, commitment and promise to the craft…
Who unfortunately in some cases will be dead by next year from an accidental drug overdose or who were stalked and murdered by an obsessed fan.

What have we got this year?
Technical advances in the film industry… 3-D cartoons.
Technical advances are good. They provide an increase range of what can be done with the craft, imagination and the storyline.
Those technical advances should be a new “Tool” and not be the actual storyline!

So I guess the winner is, “The Process” and those actors, actresses and directors will be given their commemorative statuette for supporting that process.
We’ll listen to their acceptance speeches, as they thank a litany of faceless people, who they may or may not actually be able to pick out in a lineup and gawk at their costumes worn especially for the presentation or possible shock value.

In weeks to come new ad campaigns will ply us with, “Winner of…” or “Nominated for…” which will have to justify the price increase of a bucket of popcorn from seven to ten dollars… or get us to punch it in on Pay For View.

The winner may be The Process…
The runner up may just be the art...

“What does the Academy Award mean? I don't think it means much of anything.” Sally Field-1980

Spring is in the air…

I’m certain that in parts of the US, still digging out, or digging out again from Mother Nature’s latest winter reminder, there would be a handful of folks ready to, “Take me out back and put a whoopin on me” for the mere mention of such blasphemy! Probably using snow shovels to complete the task.
At the very least, I’m certain there would be more then a few very colorful replies.

According to the almanac and calendar we’re at 16 days and counting…

First, I honestly don’t think that Mother Nature even looks at the calendar anymore… Then again, perhaps Mother Nature has put El Nino in charge of the seasons, similar to the air traffic controller in New York, who brought his son into work and allowed the little lad to direct, although “Supervised”, aircraft arriving and departing the airport.

Second, my comment about spring was principally from my perspective and locale, here in Arizona. We still have cold nights here in the desert, but the daylight hours have begun to warm, provided of course the sun actually puts in an appearance. Yes, Arizona has had snow this winter too, but the clincher is that this year, we’ve had a flood of rain, with more forecast in the next few days.

The Chambers of Commerce here in the Phoenix dust bowl area, tout 360 days of sun each year! They also tout housing, education and economy as receiving high marks overall.
So much for truth in advertising!

The rains we’ve received will launch a bumper crop of desert wild flowers throughout the Sonora Desert and will briefly add a whole new dimension of color to the usual browns and grays common to the spectrum.

So from my perspective, spring is in the air…
All sorts of weeds have begun to make their appearance, popping through the “desert landscaping”.
That landscaping being rocks! Cracked granite.
Notices have already gone out from the KGB, also referred to as the HOA [Home Owners Association] along with notice being served that the exterior of the houses need a fresh coat of paint! Such a “Frank Burns” mentality!

So I’ve begun to do my part… pulling the weeds and running the lawn mower for the first time in 2010.
Not missing a beat, my sinuses kicked right in, providing me with a nasty sinus headache to go to bed with last night and awake with this morning! 3:30 am is one hell of a time to awake in the morning! So spring is in the air here in the desert and currently up my nose!

Other locales will have to hold on to the idea that spring is right around the corner… If you require proof of that and have lost trust in the calendar too, just note how many new commercials are appearing on the TV, that guarantee if you use their little miracle pill or new break through exercise device, not only will you lose weight, but you’ll have sex!
At the very least, you’ll undress with someone.

The seasons are the seasons!
Eventually spring will arrive, then summer, then fall and again winter.
As the recent earthquake in Chile has experts pondering how much the earth has been tilted off its axis…
They’ll get here, when they get here.

Enjoy today, they’ll be something new to ponder about tomorrow.

“In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.” Mark Twain

Much a do…

I’ve always held fast to my belief in an old adage… the origins of which are unknown and probably out of context, but I refer to it as,
“The Umbrella Theory”…
Better to have one and not need it…
Then to need one and not have it.

It would seem, the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile on February 27, 2010 in the wee hours of the morning; prompting a Tsunami Warning across the entire Pacific Ocean would be a good example of the application of this theory.

Chile is prone to earthquakes, due to the “Ring of Fire” and the subduction activities of the South American and the Nazca plates into the Peru-Chile Trench.
Because of the almost regularity of earthquakes in Chile, that country has spent almost half a century [Since its last massive 9.5 quake in 1960] training its citizens and re-designing infrastructure in preparation for this inevitable event.
They had an umbrella!

As the rescue operations continue and the recovery and rebuilding begins, the number of casualties remains low. This is not to imply that any loss of life is acceptable, but rather a reminder that without provisions in place, the number of casualties might have been far greater.

So too with the Tsunami…
Images from 2004’s tsunami event still clearly in our minds.
Yet another reminder that science has come a long way, but an equal or greater distance of learning still lies ahead for this phenomenon.
Almost a third of the planet was put on a Tsunami Warning after Chile’s earthquake!
An over reaction? I think not.
Better to have an umbrella and not need it?

Like most people, I kept my ear trained on the news throughout the day as I have dear friends living in Hawaii and that state seems to be impacted by most tsunami events.
I will also admit to a sigh of relief and a slight chuckle as I watched the on going CNN coverage from Hawaii, as “Zero Hour” arrived and little or nothing happened.
Actually, something big did happen!
More data was collected.

As a sidebar to the tsunami data gathered…
in the margins it should be noted…
That no matter how much training and instructions are provided, based on the “Live” video feeds from Waikiki beach … you’re still going to have a few idiots walking along the beach or frolicking in the water!

I’m guessing that CNN thought this tsunami was somehow scripted by Hollywood and water levels would respond on cue, as one would see in most disaster movies. That wasn’t going to happen… There was no music in the background building to a crescendo.

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Chile as they continue their “in-place” rescue and recovery efforts.
Yet another Phoenix rising from the ashes of Mother Nature’s quirky little habits!
I’m also relieved that the tsunami was milder then anticipated, although I’m still waiting for a confirmation email from those friends in Hawaii.

But wait!
Speaking of Mother Nature and her quirky little habits…
Yet another event preceded Chile’s earthquake by 24-hours on our little global express through the cosmos…
An iceberg, the size of Luxembourg [965 square miles] has broken off a glacier in Antarctica!

Would that be considered an “Ice-Quake”?
Actually, probably not, as it’s fracture was caused by the collision of another iceberg. Sort of like tectonic plates of ice colliding...

People in the mid-west and the northeast are familiar with the loud sound associated with snow melting and sliding off their roofs in big chunks…
Could one begin to imagine the horrific sound or shaking tremblers associated with an ice mass that large, colliding and separating from another ice mass?
Yes we’ve come a long way in learning and understanding, but we still can’t see the horizon.

It’s raining again today here in my little area of Arizona… and I have an umbrella!

Happy St Patties Day

Get ready to mark up your March calendars…
I still think these are fun…

We should know that Daylight Savings Time begins March 14th [Spring Ahead – Yeah, you loose an hour of sleep], St Patties Day is March 17th and spring begins on March 20th, but here are some other holidays celebrated during the month of March, you may wish to consider…

Did you know that March 1st is “Peanut Butter Lovers Day”?
There’s not much information on the origin of this sticky holiday.
But its something we can all sink our teeth into, unless you’re allergic to peanuts!
In that case… “Do Not Try This at Home!”
Some of us are professionals.
Note: If you don't get enough peanut butter today, April 2nd is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day and September 13th is National Peanut Day.
Anybody besides me ever tried peanut butter and mayonnaise? Its good!

Did you know that March 4th is “Hug a GI Day”?
Not much information on this one’s origin either. Being a Vietnam era veteran myself, I can tell you, most folks didn’t celebrate this day back then.
GI's perform an invaluable service to our country. They risk their lives for our freedom, and to keep us safe. A simple hug is a small thanks for this vital service.

Did you know that March 5th is “Multiple Personality Day”?
You may find some folks carrying on conversations with themselves, more today then any other day of the year. Relax, take yourself out to lunch and get to know yourself. Shy about beginning a conversation? Wear a hands free mobile phone device; leave it turned off and just talk… that way you’ll fit in just fine!

Did you know that March 9th is “Panic Day”??
AUGH!!! Oh my God… N-o-o-o-o!!!

Did you know that March 14th is “National Potato Chip Day”?
Share this day with a can of Pringles, or bag of Lays or Wise potato chips of your choice… Note: Chef George Crum in Saratoga Springs NY first made Potato chips on August 24, 1853. Americans have been in love with them ever since.
“Across the pond”, Potato chips are referred to as “Crisps”.

Did you know that March 22nd is “National Goof Off Day”?
Here's a day that just about everybody can relax and enjoy. It's a day to do anything and everything... except what you're supposed to do today.
Good Luck celebrating this holiday… I’m not responsible; you’re on your own!

Once again, for those who think I made this all up… Search the web for March Holidays and find the link for Holiday Insights. It’s on the web, so it has to be true!
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
Sure now, you best be wearing the green…

“May the wind at your back, not be the result, of the corned beef and cabbage, you had for lunch.” Debbie [Last name unknown]

On Behalf of Grumpy Old Men

First – Some clarification… Older not Old!

For any “X” or “Y” generation folks that may be reading this, shaking your heads, mumbling, “Not another one”… You may want to read further...
Why?
Because your turn will be coming along cupcake, sooner then you may realize!
And there ain’t squat you can do about it!

Sure you can and should exercise, eat right, drink plenty of fluids, get a good night’s sleep, reduce stress, see your doctor regularly and do everything in moderation…
Will that help? Yes!
Will it stop the inevitable? No!
You are almost guaranteed to become a grumpy older person!

I can’t speak for everyone, but I can speak for me!
I didn’t go to sleep one night and wake up the next morning deciding to be grumpy or older, it happens over time.
Like you right now, I was a ball of fire… Four hours of sleep could and would get me through the next day… I could multi-task without a flinch, I could party all weekend and still [And Did] report to work on Monday mornings ready to go!

Then something started to happen about midway the course… allotted time started to dissipate faster then you would realize. What usually took an hour to accomplish, took a little over an hour to accomplish.
Sure you could make adjustments to your once normal routine, but still the time allotted was over. So you made more adjustments, but with the same results.
You start to get frustrated… you wonder why your tool belt seems to weigh so much more, why getting up off the ground after working under your car took more effort and why does that ladder you used before to paint the house look so tall and unsteady. Still you plug away and you do accomplish your tasks.

Each one of us turns that corner in our own way.
Are there signs to indicate this change… symptoms to watch for?
Maybe, maybe not, but here’s a possible clue…
You can meticulously schedule your work and the same with your chores, but the moment you take scheduled work or chores out of your “Do Today Schedule” and place it in the tomorrow or next week schedule, only to allow yourself more time…
You have arrived!
Welcome to mid-life crises 101!
The seeds for grumpy-dom have been planted!

There is a plus side to having experience in making and adjusting your schedules to accomplishing what was at one time, a routine task. Something today’s employers should take into consideration, before dismissing us seasoned work veterans…
We already know what adjustments can and do work!
Think about it!

You can’t stop or reverse time… you can’t even slow it down. That’s life!
Perhaps that’s why they call it a “Life-Time”?

More often then not, we’re not grumpy at you; what you’re doing or anything like that! We’re sort of grumpy at ourselves. We watch you going about your life at full throttle and seemingly endless energy and remember when that applied to us. You grow tired at making adjustments and wish things would return to the way they once were. Our minds are still full throttle, but now we have to allow extra time for the body to catch up. Ergo – Grumpy!

Even now, as I find myself streaking towards sixty…
[ OMG… 60! ]
I still have no intentions of growing older gracefully…
It is still my intent to go kicking and screaming all the way!

… and remember this, the next time you see an older person…

Inside every older person, there’s a younger person asking themselves... “What the hell happened?”

Power to the Grumps!

"You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old." George Burns

Enough Already!

Groggy and still half asleep, I shuffle from my bedroom this morning and started the water for my cup of tea…
No longer the coffee addict I once was… I will admit that the aroma of fresh coffee brewing can still make me drool…
Or on those rare occasions when that intoxicating, attention getting aroma of espresso focuses mind, body and soul on one thing… Having… Needing a cup of that devilish elixir!

I let the dog outside, I stroke the cat, the cat bites my hand playfully and I feed both after letting the dog back inside… my tea is ready.
I’m up way early again this morning… There’s a lot going on in my life right now, not all of it good, but I realize it could be worse and pray it doesn’t head in that direction.
I settle into my chair and turn on the Head Line News – HLN…
Wondering if there’s any more information about the plane that crashed into the IRS building in Texas… Or if China is still having a tantrum over President Obama meeting with the Dalai Lama… and how are the Winter Olympics going…

“TIGER SPEAKS!”
“THE WHOLE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING TODAY @ 11”
“ALL AMERICANS WILL BE TUNING IN.”

What? No, “Mornin Sunshine”?

There’s enough crap going on in the world today! Why don’t you just allow us real folks the chance to wake up fully and see if the crap has gotten better or worse and leave the trash for the tabloids or out at the curb for pick up!

“Tiger Speaks”
One would hope so. He’s got a lot of mending and atonement to do with his family! Oh, but this isn’t about “Family”…
This is about endorsements!

“The Whole World Will be Watching”
Do you honestly believe that, or should I ask what “World” are you referring too?
I won’t be watching… Folks struggling to make ends meet probably won’t be watching… Athletes competing in the Olympics probably won’t be watching… Our troops in harms way probably won’t be watching.

“All Americans will be tuning in”
Does this mean that the afore mentioned groups and myself are less patriotic, we’re no longer allowed to take pride in our country, because we won’t be watching?

Tiger Woods screwed up on such a scale, the ripples will still be rolling across the water long after that talented man has departed and shucked off his mortal coil.

As for HLN… You’ll probably achieve validation to those three “bars” you called out this morning, because you’ll be beating us up with it for weeks to come.
Stop throwing gas on the fire… Let it go… Move on!
Enough already!

HLN = “Hype Less News” Greg Park - As he changes the channel

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I came across some things that come under the heading of a bit unusual… but I also found some of them to be funny, so I thought I’d post a few and add my own two cents.

[Hey, we can always use more “funny” in our lives]

We all know that Ground Hogs day was February 2nd, Valentines Day is February 14th, Chinese New Year [2010=Year of the Tiger] also begins on February 14th, President’s Day is February 15th and Mardi Gras falls on the 16th this year, but here are some other holidays celebrated during the month of February…

Did you know that February 4th was “Create a Vacuum Day”?
There’s not much information on its origin, or on who submitted the proposal.
I guess you could say… Wait for it… That really sucks!

Did you know that February 7th was “Wave all Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day”? Not much information on this one either.
So for you out there accustomed to using just one finger… Exercise the rest.

Did you know that February 15th is also “National Gum Drop Day”? This includes Gummy Bears! No information on this one either, but hey, I like Gummy Bears!!!

Anybody that knows me knows that I’ll be celebrating on February 16th. Why?
Not only is it Mardi Gras [this year] but its “Do a Grouch a Favor Day!” It’s always celebrated on February 16th so I figure I’m owed some back celebrations.
Come on people… Get with the program!

Did you know that February 20th has at least two notable celebrations? The first is “Love Your Pet Day”. For all you folks that don’t love your pet EVERY day… Come see me on February 16th.
The second is “Hoodie-Hoo Day”. On this winter day, people go out at noon, wave their hands over their heads and chant "Hoodie-Hoo". It is a day to chase away winter and bring in spring. With the record amounts of snow this year… It couldn’t hurt?

One more… Did you know that February 27th is “No Brainer Day”? By definition, a "No brainer" is dong something that is simple, easy, obvious, and/or totally logical. Therefore, today is the day for you to do all those "no brainer" tasks and activities. I know several people who will excel and embrace this day!
[Right Dean? Oh I forgot… You don’t do “obvious or logical”!]

Now, for those who think I made this all up… Search the web for February Holidays and find the link for Holiday Insights. It’s on the web, so it has to be true!

Happy Valentine’s Day! Enjoy!

“I once wanted to become an atheist, but I gave up - they have no holidays.”
Henny Youngman

Ground Hog’s Day +10

Ten days after Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter… now this is getting downright Weird!

MSN, FOX, USA Today and many other wire services are reporting that there may be snow simultaneously, at some location within each of the fifty states, in the US by the time the next storm passes through later today or tomorrow.
[Depending on one’s location!]
The volcanic peaks in Hawaii maybe in question, but it’s snowing in the Florida panhandle!
Meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say they expect some coverage in all 50 states by storms end.

Has this ever happened before? NO!
[Not since records have been kept]

University of Oklahoma meteorological student and employee at NOAA’s National Severe Storm Laboratory in Norman, OK, Patrick Marsh is trying to collect snow photos from all 50 states, via email.
As of 4:25 pm eastern standard time today, he's at 37 states plus the District of Columbia.

The culprit, it appears, is a strong Pacific El Niño pattern that has stirred up moisture rolling across Mexico, into the Gulf, and up through the South.
All that is colliding with unusually deep dips of Arctic air.

“Global Warming?” That debate continues, but the Great Lakes area as well as the New England states has had a less pronounced winter snow fall this year.
Anybody besides me, want to locate this El Niño and maybe give it a push?
The folks at the Winter Olympics in British Columbia Canada can sure use some of this “White Stuff”! It would be easier then trucking it in.

"Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get." Mark Twain

O Canada…

The 2010 Winter Olympics or the XXI Winter Olympics Games begin in just a few short days… The Olympic Torch is currently en route… Scheduled for February 12-28, 2010 in Vancouver British Columbia and surrounding areas.

Having a good friend who lives in Richmond BC [Site of the Richmond Oval], his reports of the security provisions being enacted in preparations for those games and that will be enacted when the games commence make me long for those by-gone simpler days, of Expo 86, the International Fireworks competition on English Bay and just heading up there to holiday, or pay a visit.

Vancouver British Columbia is a shining jewel in the crown of the Pacific Northwest. Surrounded by the cities of Richmond, Burnaby, and North & West Vancouver. One can’t forget the incredible Horseshoe Bay, Stanley Park and the village of Steveston. Vancouver and these bordering cities provide just about something for everyone and the titillation of all the senses.

Having visited there frequently; getting around is easy! Most cities here in the US are striving to achieve or maintain a public transportation system… that works!
I say, look at Vancouver! There are NO freeways! Don’t feel like driving, or taking one of the many regularly scheduled buses? How about taking the Sky Train or Streetcars? Still not convinced? How about the West Coast Express or the Sea Bus? When all else fails, you can bike or walk!

If you plan on walking, I suggest you set aside a day and stroll the entire length around English Bay. It’s only a couple miles along a paved seawall and well worth the scenes and vistas you’ll encounter. You’ll walk under the Lion’s Gate Bridge [A smaller version of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge]. You’ll walk through Stanley Park and its many attractions… Stroll past the many beaches on English Bay and when you glimpse the totem poles and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, you’ll realize, you’re in a whole different environment!

Is there a downside?
Perhaps there are two things that might be considered a downside.
I enjoy conversing with people. It wasn’t till I returned from one of my trips there, that I realized that my pronunciation and diction had both improved noticeably!
[I only encountered a handful of people that said, “Eh”!]
Secondly, to leave from the airport, you have to plan on surrendering ten dollars Canadian as a departure tax.
Seems to me, they should charge to get in!

So the Olympics are coming… I hope they prove to be beneficial to Vancouver and when they safely depart, they return that area to its original beauty and allow its citizens to return to the business of living their lives in one of the nicest areas in the world.

“Holding an Olympic Games means evoking history.” Pierre de Coubertin

Punxsutawney Phil

The Ground Hog in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania has emerged to see his shadow, a sign that means winter will last another six weeks.
Tradition holds that if he casts a shadow on February 2, winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will come early.

Has this critter ever NOT seen his shadow?

"Staten Island Chuck", one of several “Johnny Come Lately” critters did not see his shadow. So western Pennsylvania gets six more weeks of winter and New York gets an early spring… That’s going to be one interesting weather system for two neighboring states?

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals [PETA] has criticized the event for traumatizing the groundhog and says Phil should be replaced with a robot.
[ A “Terminator” Groundhog? Glowing red eyes and all! ]

It would almost seem that PETA and the reported throngs of people gathered to witness the event, might just have too much time on their hands.
With all the media coverage and floodlights… one might question the accuracy.

With the many ways we’ve screwed Mother Nature over the years, chances are pretty good, it may be time to tweak the tradition.

In any event, happy Ground Hog Day!

Winter is nature's way of saying, "Up yours." ~Robert Byrne

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

“Mardi Gras”… “Fat Tuesday”… “Carnival”… [ 02-16-10 ]
“Referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.”

“Hey Mister, Throw Me Something!”

Anyone who has had the incredibly enjoyable, mind numbing experience of being in New Orleans during the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, knows that its not just a one day event… Its not for people who might be touched by Enochlophobia: Having the Fear of Crowds… And at times, its not for the faint of heart.

There’s the Parades, the Food, the Floats, the Beads, the Dabloons, the Music, the Party and the enevitable… waking up the next afternoon asking friends if you had a good time the night before, because after the third Jägermeister or Peppermint Schnapps [as beer chasers] you don’t remember much at all!

I have participated a few times, usually with the same group of friends, who’s sole purpose of inviting me [not really] was for comic relief.

I’m a “card carrying” light weight, when it comes to alcohol and it’s consumption!

This band of hard core revelers, my very first time, started off on foot, with the intent of hitting just about every bar on a chosen cross street between Esplanade en route to Canal.
FOURTEEN BLOCKS!
Did I mention there are SIX cross streets and usually at least one bar per block?
Each night, a different cross street… each night by the time we left the second or third bar I was, “well on my way”!
Did we ever reach Canal Street? I don’t know…
But, “the Verdi Mart is open 24/7 and they deliver!”

“Its All About the Beads!”

There is more to Mardi Gras then “Lost Evenings” and the dulling of one’s neuro transmitters or reseptors…

One year, I worked late and caught a red eye flight to New Orleans, only to arrived dog tired in need of sleep. I awoke very early the next morning, in serious need of coffee. My friend Rob, in from a bar run, proceeded to take me to Café du Mode, where I slowly regained a measure of consciencness after my sleep.
It must have been about 3 am… It was quiet and cool as the space heaters were flaring… We were on the patio at Café Du Monte having Coffee and Beignets…
You could hear the rippling sounds coming from the mighty Mississippi and everyone spoke in a hushed whisper, as if some reverence was being imparted, then it happened…

Off in the distance, from some unknown destination came the melodic, notes from a clarinet just drifting and hanging in the morning air… Blues!

“Hey, Show Me Your…” [ Insert body part of choice here! ]

Another time, I believe it was the mid-nineties, when Anne Rice’s, “Interview with a Vampire” had been released… New Orleans had completely embraced the novel, the Chronicles and the movie…
I had split off that night, from my band of reveling friends, wishing to have an evening that was more then just a blur the following day.
I found myself outside on the second story balcony of a bar engaged in conversation with a group gathered there amongst the carnival decorations.
Looking down the cross street, I noted wisps of fog floating over the quiet buildings…
I commented to one of my fellow partiers, a young woman with long brown hair, that the fog added not only a measure of soft tranquility to the scene, but also somewhat an air of mystery.
It was only then that I noted a few of the people I was engaged in conversation with, seemed to have fangs.
[No, I’m not kidding!]
After glancing once and then twice around the gathered group, I complemented them on their costumes and the visual effect.
The woman with long brown hair responded with, “What costumes?”
I followed with… “Really?”
Our conversation continued and that group eventually drifted off and was replaced with a new one.
I again looked down the street and marveled at the fog and wished I had a camera that could capture the picture before my eyes.
I left the balcony and the bar and headed back towards my lodgings, which meant a stroll through the gathering fog… My mind replayed my chance encounter with that group of people… I pondered the imagination of Anne Rice… and I will admit that I briefly wondered if Lestat or Louis might indeed be out there.

“Eating Mud Bugs and Olive Spread”

My last trip there, the comment was made, that we didn’t seem to be drinking nearly as much as in times before…
Perhaps we had grown to respect our livers a little better.
We did however participate, revel and enjoy!
I could not begin to list all the establishments of note, where the fun, food and service were exceptionally good.
However, if you find yourself in New Orleans, a few places you may wish to consider are Irene’s Cuisine [Cajun Italian] on St. Philip and out in the avenues, The Commanders Palace.
[Well worth wearing a jacket and tie for!]
When you place your order there… Order the Bread Pudding Soufflé for desert.

A third establishment… I wish I could remember with certainty, the name of that place just outside the French Quarter that serves a HUGE satisfying southern breakfast… [Sorry, you can keep the grits!] I think its called, La Peniche, but I’m not certain. Breakfast was a time for recovery from the night before and I had enough trouble with English at that hour, let alone French.

“Purple = Justice, Green = Faith & Gold = Power”

This year, my plans for homemade chicken and sausage gumbo are in place, maybe some nice greens… The King Cake and Pralines are ordered and anticipated delivery is sometime before Mardi Gras.
As the time draws near, I’ll occasionally log on to the NOLA website and check out their live web cams of all the revelers and review photo captures and clips of the parades…
I’ll recall those memories that are at least somewhat clear of past Mardi Gras I’ve attended; pop open a bottle of red wine to toast those memories and absent friends.

Laissez les bon temps rouler! = Let the good times roll!

“I think that I may say that an American has not seen the United States until he has seen Mardi Gras in New Orleans.” Mark Twain

Dot… Dot… Dot…

Herb Caen
April 3, 1916 – February 1, 1997
Written Works:
Baghdad-by-the-Bay 1949
Don't Call It Frisco 1953
Columist, San Francisco Chronical/Examiner 1938-1997
Awards: Pulitzer Prize Special Citations and Awards

I’m not about to try and add on to the many works written about this man.
I never got the opportunity to shake his hand, but I did catch a glimpse of him once.
Its one of those things where I can tell you… you had to be there!

Anticipating the arrival of the newspaper, with few exceptions; shuffling through all the other pages of headlines, arriving at his daily column, easing back in you chair with a cup of coffee… Ah, life was good and no matter what the issues of the day, it would be okay in a little while.
I could honestly say, his column made the price of the paper, or a subscription, well worth the money spent!

As much an icon to San Francisco as its many landmarks… I still miss his three-dot journalism.

One has to wonder, what he might think of today’s journalistic endeavors?
I’ve watched and read quite a few, hoping to stumble across that simplistic perspective, that dry wit, the intimacy of knowing the topic on which was being reported… and I’ve come up short.
Everything today seems to drama, debate and inciting the issues.

You probably wouldn’t see him on the myriad of talk shows…
You might catch him on Letterman or Leno!

Being “Politically Correct” was more an explored gray area, then the template on which he built his column. One can only imagine his take on the swing towards being too politically correct in his beloved San Francisco and the nation.

His influences to my generation were many… He allowed us to explore social and political issues, not trying to impose his thoughts… Have a look at the pulse of “The City by the Bay” via his eyes… Laugh at ourselves and ask questions… All this and more, from the comfort of our kitchen tables and morning coffee.

You sir, were ahead of your time.

“I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there.” Herb Caen

TV Commercials

You either hate them or…

I don’t really hate them, but I do “Mute” them!
I have that button memorized on the remote; I can do it with my eyes closed!
I am aware that they do serve a purpose, although some do fall into the category of, “More Information Then I Need To Know!”

Do they have to be so LOUD?

I guess they figure that you’re in the kitchen grabbing a snack, or in the bathroom, “answering the call” and the manufacturer wants to assure that you’ll hear their spiel for their product.
Wake Up Madison Avenue! That was then… This is now!
For the most part, folks today are at least quasi health conscience.
Do you honestly think people are going to run to the kitchen, the moment your deodorant commercial comes on?
As for the other… According to your commercials: “Low cost disposable catheters are now available through you healthcare provider.”
[See what I mean about too much info?]

The Pharmaceutical companies have climbed on board too!
Some of those gems that air in prime time are a hoot!
The manufacturer is touting their “Silver Bullet” of medication for whatever the issue is…
“Possible side effects may include heart attack, stroke or death…”
Hello!
Aren’t those three areas that we’re supposed to try and avoid!

In fairness to some of those ad campaigns…
You have cranked out some memorable beauties and I do have one, from awhile back, I did enjoy!
Car Commercial, little kid says, “Zoom, Zoom” with a catchy little jingle.

I was back on my bike, going down Beach Hill, full speed…

Did I go out and buy one of those cars? No, but I enjoyed the memory and it did make me smile.

Why a posting about TV Commercials?
Coming up on February 7, 2010 [Check your local listings] they’ll be this little sporting event, called The Super Bowl!
The premier launch vehicle of all TV Commercials big and small.
Watching the game has become a tradition, likewise seeing what commercials make you laugh or that captures your attention.
Oh yes I’ll be watching and my hair trigger will be removed from the “Mute” button on the remote.
[Perhaps a long shot but, GO SAINTS!]

"I predict one of these two teams will win the Super Bowl" – Gilbert Gottfried

Mother Nature

“Water, Water, Everywhere…”

It’s been a rough week and one for the record books here in the “Sonoran Desert”, Phoenix Arizona… This week, at least year to date… We’ve already received more rain then in all of 2009! [According to one published report]

Rain is good! It makes things grow…
[Well maybe not for the weeds]
The winds from these last storms, I could have done without.
The grapefruit tree in the backyard is half-naked, having been stripped of a lot of its leaves. Fortunately all the other trees, shrubs and cacti are still standing. Not the case in the entire neighborhood… Trees are down, debris is everywhere and the small pond in the backyard is a nice new touch to the landscape.

An early report on one of the local stations stated the possibility of a tornado having touched down, just a moderate distance from here.
A later report stated, that a tornado had not touched down.
Nice thing about the weather reports…
If you don’t like what you’re hearing, change the channel.

According to the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix...
[A great place to visit]
The rains in January usually indicate what the Wild Flower population of the Sonoran Desert will be in the spring. Light rain = Slight blooms, Heavy rain = Abundant blooms.
This year, the desert should be awash in color!

“…But not a drop to drink.”

Gilbert water, from the faucet does have some local notoriety.
Its legendary properties are known in Mesa and Tempe, two cities that border the town.
[I was clueless to the tap water issue when I relocated here]
Straight from the tap, there are days it smells as if you’ve tapped into the neighbor’s swimming pool, others like someone is doing a bleach wash…
It’s the only faucet water I’ve encountered that dissolves terra cotta flowerpots, erodes metal and can etch through stainless steel.
Thank goodness for bottled water and faucet filters!

Spring is but a few [long] weeks away…
So here’s to Mother Nature…
You’ve been at it longer then I have; I’m anticipating this spring’s showcase!
It’s the only time of year here, that "sand or dust" are not the predominate colors.

“The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man.” Author Unknown

An Apple a Day…

Eat Right… Exercise… Drink Plenty of Water… Maintain a Healthy Body Weight… Five Servings a Day… Get Eight Hours of Sleep Each Night… All Things in Moderation and See Your Doctor Regularly… Did I miss any?

These were the Credos, The Mantras, The Rules I was raised with and lived my life by…
[I do enjoy veggies, but you still can’t get me to eat liver!]
I’ll pass on the ads for Wheaties, Cherrieos, Wonder Bread and Flintstone Vitamins right now…
Wait a minute… What about heredity?
It’s said, “You can choose your friends, not your family…”
Well let me tell you, the gene pool that makes up the primordial ooze you’re made of… You don’t get to choose that either!

I was bemoaning a recent routine trip to the doctor’s office the other day…
“Men Your Age…”
Its not like I haven’t heard that phrase before!
I was in my middle to late twenties the first time I recall this phrase being uttered in my direction, with my name attached to it!

If you think about it, the phrase seems to indicate that there is reference material associated somewhere with men my age…
So where is this manual, this dictionary, this all knowing all seeing script and how do I get a copy of it?
Is it for Doctors only?
What’s in Chapter 5?
[Yes, I like to sneak a peek ahead when I read…]
I’m pretty sure I know how it ends…

My friend Karl suggested that there is such a book and I quickly asked, what’s its title? I wrote down the title, thinking it was a little strange and not realizing till later, when I got off the phone, that Karl was pulling my leg…

“Old Age Is Not For Sissies” by Lois L. Kaufman and Lyn Peal Rice
A comic book! Of course, I would still like to get a copy of it!

I think what Karl was trying to tell me, no matter what comes down the pike at me next… Remember to laugh, because there isn’t jack shit you can do about the rest!

I think its time for a snack, maybe a nice cold Apple...

"Everything is funny, as long as it happens to somebody else." Will Rogers

A Place To Start

Received an email from Sheila Turing noting the passing of yet another Gateway Regional High School alumni, Dave Bassler.
The name didn’t sound familiar from my graduation class [1969], so off to the yearbook in an attempt to place a face with the name.
David Bassler was in the second graduation class [1970] from Gateway Regional High School.
Sort of makes you wonder if our numbers are dwindling to so few, that compressing the information may be an attempt to conserve resources?

Yearbooks seem to have a knack of triggering many cascading recollections…
Flipping through those pages, looking at the photos, seeing all those youthful expressions, full of promise… Those classmates you admired, for whatever reason… Those who prompted crushes and hormonal rushes at the most awkward of times… and those you remember as being just plain asses!

It also prompted me to search “Gateway Regional High School” on the Internet…
Not certain as to the, “Why” I did the search, but I’m glad that I did!
Wikipedia is probably one of thee best sites I’ve ever stumbled across!
…And there it was, “Gateway Regional High School (New Jersey)”
I read the entire page!
I was surprised to see just four, “Notable Alumni” listed.
An All American Wrestler, Principal Investigator – Mars Science Payload, Academy Award Winning Film Editor and a Poet and Author.

Somehow I thought that there would be more?
I seem to recall a lot of bright [unique] notables back then…

Then I went back to the yearbook and started putting faces with names…
Not satisfied with that, I launched a search on the web by name, where I found their BLOGS.
Have only started reading one of the BLOGS I’ve come across so far, but I am impressed with the similarities, the small town hopes, dreams and aspirations that I recognize at my own core.

So this is where I start.

"I consider myself fortunate… I still have Hope and I still remember how to Dream." Greg Park