The Last Word

Cole-ism

2012-01-31T08:08:00.003-05:00

I've posted several pieces about five-year-old Courtney and her eight-year-old sister Brooke and the funny things they say. But I also babysit for Courtney & Brooke's cousins, Cole (age 4) and Nicholas (2) two days a week.

I make Cole & Nicholas take a rest time after lunch. Nicholas goes to sleep almost immediately but Cole plays for a while. Cole likes to tell me he doesn't need a rest time and he says he's not going to sleep. I say that's fine but within about 15 minutes of going upstairs, he's asleep.

Cole likes to come downstairs earlier than Nicholas-sometimes by as much as an hour-and-a-half.
He loves to spend that time with me without Nicholas being around.

Yesterday he asked me how old I was. I told him and also noted that I had a birthday coming up. He said since I'm going to be another year older, I would therefore be taller--maybe someday I might even be as tall as his daddy.

Someday I'm going to go through all my blogs and assemble a compendium of grand child comments heard over the years. I'll put them in a nice binder and present them to each kid on his/her 20th birthday. That means I have to live another 18 years putting me at almost 87.

Hmmmm....well, maybe not.

Yet another Courtneyism

2012-01-27T08:21:00.003-05:00

Before going downstairs to play school yesterday, I told Courtney we better put the rest of her peanut butter and crackers somewhere where their yellow lab Lacey won't get them. She has been known to help herself from time to time to whatever morsel may be laying around.

Courtney, age 5, pointed out that that wouldn't be necessary since her daddy trained Lacey not to do that.

I expressed doubt at this but was told by Courtney in a very stern tone that she's lived in that house for 5 years and she ought to know what's going on.

I moved the food anyway.

Games grand children play

2012-01-24T07:55:00.002-05:00

On previous occasions I've described at great length the games my 8-year-old and 5-year-old grand daughters love to play.

They've spent many hours with dolls, dance routines and playing school.

Cole (age 4) and Nicholas (age 2) also like to play games but not like the kind the girls play.

Instead, one of their favorite games is to take a large ball of Play Dough and using their mother's rolling pin spread it out into a large flat piece.

Then they assemble their collection of cars and trucks and pretend they get stuck in the Play Dough "mud hole". It's my job to get the toy excavator and pull them out of the mud.

They play at this for a very long time.

I readily acknowledge the role of cultural influences in the kinds of things that interest boys and girls but I am completely convinced that to a great extent they are hard-wired to like certain things.

Nature vs Nurture. They're both at work in the human species.

Winter is here

2012-01-21T08:29:00.002-05:00

With the exception of a very unusual storm in October, we are now getting the first significant snow storm of the winter of 2011-2012.

I ventured out at about 7 A.M. to get the paper and there was already a good 2 to 3 inches accumulation of dry, powdery snow--perfect for a snow blower but lousy for making snowmen.

Accumulation is expected to amount to about 6-8 inches. Compared to where we were at this time last year, I'll happily take it!

Happy shoveling.

Happy Birthday, Brooke

2012-01-17T08:42:00.004-05:00

Happy 8th birthday to grand child number one: Brooke Avery Sullivan.
Her birthday was actually celebrated on Sunday, Jan. 15 pictures of which can be viewed on georgeswebpage.com
Where has the time gone?!?

The key to a good workout

2012-01-15T11:10:00.003-05:00

I've found the sure-fire way to stay motivated on the treadmill. Listen to Newt Gingrich on Meet the Press.

The more that pathetic, lying little weasel talked, the faster I walked. By the time David Gregory was finished with his interview, my cardiopulmonary system had the best workout it's had in weeks.

Thanks, Newt.

More Courtneyisms

2012-01-13T08:35:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Courtney was sitting at the kitchen table drinking from a small container of orange juice.

As she sat there drinking she thoughtfully wondered why someone wearing pull ups couldn't drink from a container like that.

I was more than a little puzzled by that until I read on the carton "No Pulp".

In spite of occasional mistakes like that, she's an extraordinary kindergarten reader who is quick to remind me that she's the only one in her class who can read.

Back to the routine

2012-01-11T07:03:00.002-05:00

It's always nice to get to our condo in Florida. The weather is perfect, there's plenty to do and it's even more fun when the whole family is there. But now we're home--and it's good to be back.

We've reconnected with all of our little sweeties, presumed the duties and chores that were awaiting us and best of all, unlike last year, we returned to a snow-free driveway.

So farewell until May, Naples, FL.

The hazards of golf

2012-01-07T07:32:00.003-05:00

When one ventures out to play golf there can be a number of obstacles--especially if your game is anything like mine.

Water is my biggest enemy closely followed by sand traps, trees and tall grass.

But here in Florida, you have one more thing to contend with--alligators.

Yesterday we saw two of them sunning themselves on the banks of a body of water bordering the fairway. One of my shots got within about 100 feet of one who was fortunately sleeping and not interested in me.

Yet another reason to give up this stupid game.

What's the fuss?!

2012-01-03T16:36:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting here, sipping wine and watching MSNBC. I can't believe the media--and politicians--are making such a fuss about the Iowa caucus.

It's not even a primary. The number of people voting in this thing amounts to a few hundred. Yet, here we are a nation of millions of voters.

In the overall scheme of things it doesn't mean a thing and even if it did as far as I'm concerned it wouldn't change anything. The field of candidates the republicans have put out there are the most pathetic group of hypocritical weasels I've ever seen.

Obama's got it made.

A sure way to make the elderly happy

2011-12-29T15:00:00.001-05:00

My grand daughter went with me for the second time to the assisted living facility where I volunteer.

One sure way to cheer up people who are often very despondent is to let them interact with children--especially children like my little grand daughter (nearly 8) whose personality is extraordinary.

She made a lot of people very happy that day.

Christmas 2011 is over

2011-12-26T07:41:00.002-05:00

Christmas 2011 is over. A great time was had by everyone--especially of course for children.

All four of our grand children are at the ages when Christmas morning is great fun.

The whole experience was marred however by an injury to my son-in-law's shoulder. He was playing touch football Saturday and as he was diving to catch a pass, he fell on his shoulder, tearing up ligaments and possibly causing other damage. He'll find out more Tuesday but in the mean time he is in a lot of pain and very uncomfortable.

Now it's on to a new year. More on that later.

The Elf is watching!

2011-12-20T08:15:00.003-05:00

Of my four grand children two are solid believers in Santa, one is too young to really have an opinion one way or another and the oldest is developing doubts but still hanging in there. By next year, she will have grown out of it.

There are definite benefits to having children who still believe.

For example take the Elf on the Shelf strategy which my son and daughter-in-law have adopted.

They have a little model of the elf you see here and every day my daughter-in-law changes its location.

Their two boys firmly believe they're being watched and that he reports to Santa every night.

Yesterday, the older of the two boys-age 4-was upset about something, tossed a toy car across the room and slapped my leg. His frustration was then compounded by the fact that he realized the elf was watching so he thought Santa was going to get a bad report.

I calmed him down and explained that the elf always took into consideration the fact that if kids did something wrong but they were sorry for it and made up for it in some way, then it would be OK.

That seemed to do the trick.

The good news is by the time he no longer believes in the elf-on-the-shelf, his "internal" elf will have taken over.

Merry Christmas--and be good. You-know-who is watching!

Disappointing News Department

2011-12-15T20:38:00.002-05:00

I recently saw a video clip of John McCain who was speaking about the end of the war in Iraq.

He was bemoaning the fact that we were pulling out too soon and complaining that this was the wrong thing for the US to be doing.

I just don't understand. Here's a guy who's been through a horrible ordeal as a prisoner of war in North Viet Nam and he's lamenting the END of a war.

Someone needs to explain this to me. This guy was very nearly our president. Thank God the voters chose wisely.

McCain needs to retire. Go back to Arizona, relax and quietly fade away. He's lost it.

NTSB recommends full ban on use of cell phones while driving

2011-12-13T16:44:00.003-05:00

The National Traffic Safety Board has come out with a recommendation that the use of hand-held cell phones while driving be made a federal offense.

I think that's a great idea. Connecticut already has the ban but it is widely ignored--to the peril of other motorists.

If the state or federal government is really interested in safety and law enforcement then the stakes must be raised.

Instead of fining people a hundred bucks for using cell phones for calls or texting, make the fines in the thousands. If you were to do that you'd see people responding more.

More on the death penalty

2011-12-09T16:51:00.003-05:00

Word has just come down that a jury in the Joshua Komisarjevsky, one of the two convicted murderers in the Petit case, has returned with a death penalty.

There is considerable controversy surrounding the death penalty. Opponents contend that it doesn't deter crime and it isn't moral. How, for example, can a civilized society condone capital punishment? The death penalty for them is simply vengeance which has no place in a modern civilization.

Proponents argue that he is simply getting what he deserves and it will send a message to future felons that if "they do the crime, they'll do the time."

Regrettably, I tend to agree with the proponents. I say 'regrettably' because death is not to be taken lightly. Plus there are also ample situations where the wrong person has been put to death.

But where there is absolutely no doubt, none whatever, I think a case can be made for the death penalty.

The Petit Case was especially tragic and brutal. If ever there was a case that justified capital punishment, this is it.

Pearl Harbor Day

2011-12-07T08:15:00.002-05:00

Today, December 7th, is Pearl Harbor Day. Although it was 70 years ago, there are a dwindling few who remember it like it was yesterday.

I hadn't been born quite yet when the Japanese attached Pearl Harbor but I remember my parents talking to me about it many times. It was a Sunday morning and they were listening to the radio when the bulletin came across announcing the attack.

My parents are gone now but my 96 year old friend, Ed, who I visit from time to time at an assisted living facility is not and his recollection of that day is quite clear.

I've written of it before but briefly, he was on board the USS destroyer Helena when it was struck by bombs. Ed was in the shower at the time. When the attack occurred, he quickly dressed and dove out a port hole in the ship-just making it through.

Thanks to you, Ed, and all the other members--those of you who are left, that is--of the Greatest Generation for your service.

Go Newty!

2011-12-04T10:02:00.002-05:00

Democrats have got to be loving it.

Cain=gone.
Perry=gone.
Bachmann=never was there.
Romney=flip flop.

So who's the GOP rising star? None other than sleazy little weasel Newt Gingrich. Outstanding!

We're baaaack!

2011-11-30T09:11:00.002-05:00

What do you get when you put 6 adults and 4 children ranging in age from two-and-a-half to almost 8 in a relatively small 3 bedroom condo for ten days? A good time with lots of laughs, that's what.

That's exactly how we spend the last 10 days. My wife, me, son and daughter, their spouses and children.

Fortunately the weather was perfect so there was plenty to do. The only source of conflict was over which of the grand children got to use the iPads and when.

Other than that and an occasional over-tired child, the 10 days went remarkably smoothly.

This is the second year we've done this and I hope it's a tradition that continues for many years to come.

Now it's on to the holidays--and winter!

Ten days of great fun

2011-11-20T14:53:00.002-05:00

Here we are, Naples, FL, where the day-time highs are reaching 85 and night-time lows about 68--all ten of us (six adults, four kids ranging in age from 2 to 7)--for Thanksgiving.

This is the second year of what I hope to be a very long tradition.

Naples is a beautiful part of Florida. It is in my considered opinion much nicer than the east coast which is quite a bit more crowded.

This trip represents an opportunity to charge the batteries before winter begins in earnest in CT and more important, it's a time to spend with family.

Where ever you may be, I hope you have a great Thanksgiving. I know I will.

Loving the GOP Meltdown

2011-11-16T08:15:00.002-05:00

While I'm a registered Democrat, I do vote across party lines. I only registered in the democratic party because many years ago I wanted to participate in a Connecticut primary and I never bothered to change.

Having said that, I admit that I almost always vote democratic in national elections.

Even if you're not particularly interested in politics, it's impossible not to notice the struggles of republican party in trying to settle on a candidate to run against a very vulnerable Obama.

Rick Perry is a joke. Herman Cain is in way over his head and Michelle Bachmann is just plain crazy.

So what about the rising star of Newt Gringrich? He's a pathetic little weasel who, should he get the nomination, get torn apart by the democrats.

All this means Obama, in spite of his failings, vaults and vulnerabilities, could coast to reelection.

But there's a full year to go. Anything can happen.

Say it ain't so, Joe!

2011-11-10T07:02:00.002-05:00

Legendary Penn State football coach, Joe Paterno, has been fired.

It's a shame that one of the most successful football coaches in history has to end his career in this way but Penn State did the right thing. He failed to take appropriate action in the face of reports and knowledge of the worse form of abuse there is.

What puzzles me--besides how he handled this--is the reaction of all those Penn State students rioting because he was fired! What are they thinking? Do they seriously condone the way he conducted himself? If so, this nation is in more trouble than I originally thought.

Shameful!

Back to normal

2011-11-07T07:43:00.002-05:00

Early winter storm Alfred is long gone. Power (for most) has been restored. Internet, phone and TV up and running.

It's the start of a new week with sunshine and temperatures expected to reach into the 60s. In just 12 short days we'll be in sunny Naples, Fl for 10 days.

Spending the day with my two little buddies. Then later today two little sweeties coming over and staying over night.

Life is good, BUT don't think I'm going to stop bugging you in my Patch columns, CL&P! You've been dropping the ball big time. You need to clean up the trash in your front office.

Autumn storm Alfred

2011-11-04T10:20:00.002-04:00

Here's a little quiz for you. What do you get when you combine a heavy, wet snowfall with trees that have been weakened by a hurricane and are still partly or in some cases fully in leaf?

Right! Limbs, branches and even whole trees crashing down everywhere--roads, houses, power lines, etc.

That's exactly what happened on Saturday, October 29th. By Sunday morning there was anywhere from 8" to over a foot of very wet snow on the ground--along with lots and lots of wood!

The storm crippled the entire state--especially the town where we live.

In fact as I write this there are still thousands of people in the dark.

The silver lining is our particular household did not lose power. That made it possible for my son and his family--wife and two little boys and their boxer--to stay with us.

I'm sure they can't wait to get back to their own house but I know that when they do, my wife and I are going to sit there wishing they were back!

My daughter and her family--son-in-law Mike, girls Brooke and Courtney and yellow lab Lacey--lost their power too. They stayed with us one day but for the rest of the time they were able to stay at Mike's brother's house.

One thing's for sure. We've become a nation reliant on electricity.

My question is why haven't the utilities made more of an effort to go around putting power lines in the ground so that at least some of this can be prevented in the future?

A very short, disappointing Autumn

2011-10-28T11:14:00.004-04:00

Here it is not quite November yet and they're talking about snow--as much as 8"-starting tomorrow.

I just finished blowing a significant accumulation of leaves out of the driveway since a snow blower's biggest enemy is a mix of heavy, wet snow and leaves.

Generally, it's been a disappointing autumn here in Newtown, CT. Many leaves fell from the trees before they turned and the colors on those that stayed were not as vivid as usual.

Oak and beech leaves are the last to turn and fall. Right now they're pretty much at their height and look nice enough but not like past years.

The maple and birch trees have been bare for a long time now.

I think the problem is a combination of the hurricane and other heavy rain storms that hit our region in rapid succession.

So here it is, winter bearing down on us. At least the snow blower is serviced and running and I have an ample supply of wood with more waiting to be picked up but the usual fall cleanup will have to wait until spring. What a mess it's going to be!

Happy Halloween!

Coldest morning of the season

2011-10-24T07:54:00.002-04:00

This morning the temperature in Newtown, CT was 35 degrees at 6:30 A.M.--the coldest morning of Autumn so far.

There are frost warnings for later in the week.

Thus far it has been a disappointing season.

Fall colors were not up to their usual standards. Many leaves have already fallen leaving all the maples and birches bare.

The Farmer's Almanac is calling for winter with below average temperature and precipitation. I hope they're wrong!

Another one of life's little annoyances

2011-10-21T09:32:00.002-04:00

First, let me state unequivocally that I am very grateful for my good fortune. I am blessed beyond any expectations.

Yet...I like many of you are constantly encountering little annoyances here and there that tend to put a cloud over what would otherwise be a fine day.

Take this morning for example. Yesterday, first thing in the morning I called my doctor's office to make an appointment and arrange for blood work.

The secretary said she'd fax the blood work prescription to the lab so that when I showed up there it would be ready.

Past experience made me emphasize that I'd be going first thing in the morning (today) and please, please don't forget. Oh, no, Mr. Stockwell. As soon as I hang up I'll tend to it!

You guessed it! I get there this morning and surprise, surprise, no scrip from the doctor's office.

I left a short, terse message on their answering machine leaving no doubt that I was quite annoyed.

I'm not going to be able to get there now until Tuesday. I hope it gets there by then!

Back to being a student

2011-10-18T09:45:00.002-04:00

I recall during my teaching days that I used to emphasize over and over again that my students could expect to be and should be life-long learners.

No one knows everything and in a changing world there's always something to be learned.

I don't just pay lip-service to that advice. I follow it myself.

Last night was the first class of an Adult Ed course I started on photography--a skill I hope to develop (excuse the pun).

I'm not only interested in photography. I also know I could be doing it better. I have an iPhoto library of about 2400 pictures and at least half of them could be much better shots.

The camera I have can be used in either auto mode where I do nothing or manual mode where I configure all of the settings as I see fit.

As I learned last night, my camera isn't a particularly good one--but it's good enough--for now.

This is about my 6th Adult Ed class. I've taken other classes on landscape architecture, Adobe PhotoShop and web design skills.

I've also taught Adult Ed--or as it's now fittingly called "Continuing Education".

It's a great, no pressure, inexpensive way to learn new things.

I've posted many pictures I've taken on my web site (georgeswebpage.com). There will be more. Check them out.

Three years and counting.

2011-10-14T16:49:00.002-04:00

This being the third anniversary of my kidney surgery, the CT Scan and blood work results are in and all is well.

No more CT scans or contrast dye. For the next two years it will be a renal ultrasound and a simple chest XRay.

When I've reached 5 years out, I'll be officially released.

I'm one of the lucky ones (so far).

More lunacy from the right

2011-10-10T07:14:00.002-04:00

The Rev. Robert Jeffress, a Baptist minister from Dallas, has started a firestorm on the right. His claim that Mitt Romney is not a Christian due to his Mormon faith is of course absurd.

Here's yet another example of far right, lunatic fringe thinking that we run into over and over again in politics.

Perry was of course right to quickly distance himself from the remark, but... It's that 'but' that's going to be his downfall. Moderate republicans don't like the 'fringe' any more than the rest of us.

These people are the most dangerous force in this country today. They will use every opportunity to jam their religion down our throats and think nothing of labeling those who resist as evil sinners.

The media needs to stop giving them a voice. Ignore them. They won't go away but at least they won't be bothering us any more.

Rest In Peace, Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T06:58:00.003-04:00

As I sit here listening to the Today Show, I'm typing this piece on an iMac. Not far away is my laptop, a MacBook Pro. Behind me is an iPod and an iPad. Somewhere else in the house is another iPod and my wife has yet a third one in her office.

And I don't regard ourselves as the kinds of people who have to have every new gadget that comes around the corner.

Such was the legacy of the single most influential and innovative man in the world of consumer technology.

Thanks, Steve. You've left very big shoes indeed to fill at Apple Corp.--a company by the way that was very nearly extinct less than 20 years ago and is now the most valuable company on earth.

The Games Boys Play

2011-10-03T16:42:00.003-04:00

My two grandsons Cole and Nicholas are brothers. Cole is going to be 4 in a few days and he's the one with the binoculars. Nicholas is 2 1/2 so they're pretty close in age.

Yet, they're about as different as you can get. While they both like to play with cars and trucks, Cole loves tools and gadgets and Nicholas loves sports.

When we go out to play, Cole heads for the shed where he puts on my leaf blower ear protectors and his plastic chain saw. Nicholas heads for some kind of ball...soccer, baseball, basketball.

Eventually they both end up on the swings or in the sand box but their differing interests are very obvious.

There is no reasonable explanation for this except that they were simply born that way.

So the question of the role of nature vs nurture continues.

Good bye, Monroe Patch

2011-09-29T07:54:00.002-04:00

A little over two years ago AOL bought a web site called Patch. Patch is a media company that specializes in on-line community issues. There are about 100 Patch sites in Connecticut.

About a year-and-a-half ago, the editor of Newtown Patch stumbled across the blog site you are now reading. She then viewed my personal web site (georgeswebpage.com).

As a result of this I was asked to contribute at first a twice weekly column and then a once weekly column.

Not long after that, I was at a picnic which was attended by the editor of Monroe Patch. He learned that I grew up in Monroe and asked me to make a weekly contribution regarding the 'old' days in Monroe.

Both of these columns are paid columns so my status is technically a freelancer.

Patch, like Huffington Post, also has bloggers who are not paid.

As the months progressed, AOL was hoping to make Patch profitable or at least self sufficient. But progress has been slow so this week the Patch upper management cut the budget of local units.

As a result, the Monroe Patch editor had to eliminate my column. The good news is I'm still writing for Newtown Patch--for now.

AOL is in a bit of trouble. Fewer and fewer people think of it as the go-to web site when they first log on. Its purchase of Huffington Post drained away resources and Patch has yet to be profitable.

Some people in upper management have been leaving and the company is in turmoil so it's anyone's guess how much longer I'll be able to hang on as a freelance writer.

In the meantime if you haven't already, check out a Patch site about or near your community. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Irony abounds!

2011-09-25T10:29:00.001-04:00

How's this for irony: Republican candidate Rick Perry is in trouble over his stance on providing education for children of illegal immigrants?!

Who'd a thunked it? A conservative-from Texas no less-taking an almost liberal-like view of such a controversial topic.

You have to give him credit, though. He stands up for what he believes in. Now let's see him squirm out of his view of social security being a Ponzi scheme.

Don't Ask. Don't Tell.

2011-09-22T07:14:00.003-04:00

As anyone who has ever been in the military knows or even if you have some familiarity with matters regarding the military, you know that the armed forces are rooted in tradition.

Most traditions are difficult if not impossible to change. But two days ago the military turned one of its most solid traditions on its head--don't ask. don't tell.

In case you didn't know, it was once illegal for homosexuals to be in any branch of the armed forces. If it was discovered that a person was gay, they were immediately discharged.

Thus the philosophy of don't ask, don't tell. The military didn't ask specifically what your sexual preference was, and you in turn must keep your mouth shut about it.

During the two years that I was in the army (1964-1966) I knew of very few gay men. None of them was obvious about it and none of them ever bothered any of the other men.

We knew or at least suspected they were gay from where they hung out when they were off duty. Beyond that, they were just like everyone else.

It was never discussed and it never caused a problem.

I'm not sure how the 'brass' feels about the passing of this old, silly tradition. I suspect there are a fair number of old-timers who predict the ruination of the military.

That, in my view, is ridiculous. What difference does it make what a person's sexual preference is? So long as they leave others alone, it shouldn't change a thing.

If you want to talk about disruptive influences, how about the one that allows women to serve in combat units? You don't think that's caused its share of problems?

But that's a story for another time.

In the mean time, anyone who wants to serve his/her country may.

Happy Birthday, Courtney

2011-09-15T16:31:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, September 14th, was Courtney's 5th birthday. Courtney is the 2nd of four grand children. Her sister is 7.

Courtney started kindergarten this year but I still go up to my daughter and son-in-law's house every Thursday, sometimes to get Courtney off the bus and then a few hours later we pick Brooke up from school.

So Courtney and I spend a few hours together.

Today we played the usual game--school. Except this isn't your ordinary school. This is chore school. That's right C-H-O-R-E school.

Today I learned how to clean the kitchen table, vacuum the play room, wash dishes and dust.

How she came up with this is anyone's guess. Very likely she and her older sister Brooke invented the game together.

Next time I'll describe the games Courtney and Brooke's cousins Cole and Nicholas have invented for when I'm with them Mondays and Wednesdays.

You can always count on new adventures with grand children.

This day marks two occasions...

2011-09-11T07:13:00.003-04:00

The first one we all know about--9/11.

I'm sure you, like me, remember clearly where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news of the terrorist attack.

I was on my way to school only to discover it had been canceled for that day--not because of the attack. It seems a delivery truck somehow snagged the power lines going to the school and pulled them down.

I was told at the school to go to the central office to help phone parents to inform them of the cancellation.

It was at about 8:45 on my way home when I heard of the attack on the World Trade Center. I stayed glued to the TV for the rest of the day.

The second occasion is in marked contrast to the first. I was at my 50th high school reunion last night. There were only about 52 people in our class so it wasn't a big crowd but there were surprisingly more people there than I anticipated.

It was a very nice evening and fun to reconnect to all those 'old' friends of so long ago. We plan to do it again in 5 years which will put us well into our 70s. We'll see.

Profit over honor. Never a doubt.

2011-09-05T11:07:00.002-04:00

Labor Day-the official holiday established by the Federal government to honor the American worker.

Yet, observe. Every store is open. No holiday for those workers.

I remember a time when everything except health care professionals and emergency workers was closed.

No longer. Profit is more important that honor. I say do away with the holiday. It has lost its meaning.

Back to School

2011-09-02T07:41:00.003-04:00

Watching Brooke & Courtney board the bus yesterday brought back a lot of memories of our own children as they started that first day of school.

Brooke, 2nd grade, looked after her little sister, Courtney, who started kindergarten.

Later that day, Courtney and I picked up Brooke from school. They both reported having a great first day.

Hope the whole year is great for them.

It all also reminded me of my teaching days when on that first day I'd greet a lot of nervous students.

Days like that are part of the things I continue to miss even after 7 years of retirement but I'm happy to report I've moved on to equally exciting endeavors.

All of which takes me to my favorite piece of advice for anyone anywhere: stay calm and carry on.

Happy September 1st

2011-09-01T07:15:00.002-04:00

Where have I been for almost a week? Dealing with Hurricane Irene. That's where.

Actually, the level of discomfort and inconvenience caused by the hurricane was very minimal for our household. Incredibly, we never lost power but we did lose cable (Internet, TV, Phone). But even there, I was able to keep up with what was going on by using an iPad that had 3G capability.

For the uninitiated that means I could connect to the internet or check my emails by using a cell tower. Oh, I had my cell phone too.

So, all in all, we were in great shape. But there were a lot of folks who weren't so lucky. You can read my upcoming column on Newtown Patch to learn more.

In the mean time, cheer up. In less than three weeks it will be Autumn and then before you know it hurricane season will be over...but then the snow starts.

Life in New England.

Thanks, Dick.

2011-08-25T08:34:00.003-04:00

Former VP Dick Chaney was on the Today Show this morning selling his "tell-all" book.

Thanks, Dick--not for writing the book which I will absolutely not read--but for confirming to the world that you are indeed a deranged lunatic who pretty much called the shots during the 8 years this nation suffered under George W. Bush (and you...and Karl Rove).

Now, for God's sake, go away.

Is this the apocalypse?

2011-08-23T20:54:00.001-04:00

Hurricanes? Earth quakes? What's happening? Is this it? Is this how we're going to go? Oh no!

The Coming Political Season

2011-08-19T07:27:00.002-04:00

Well, it has pretty much started and there will be no end to it until after November, 2012. The screaming, name-calling, accusations, insults, hostility, you name it-from both sides-whether you're a democrat or republican.

Every single morning show has someone on with an agenda and the evening news? Forget about it.

There's no escape except to leave the TV off, stop reading newspapers and magazines and definitely do not look at newsy web sites.

But who can do all of that? No one. There's no escape.

On that note, it's off to a Bed & Breakfast in Vermont for two and a half days. That should help.

Rick Perry for President (NOT)

2011-08-14T07:11:00.002-04:00

Rick Perry is the governor of Texas (remember the last one?). He has just announced his intention to seek the republican nomination.

Now before I go any further, let's be completely clear about something. I couldn't care less what religion a person chooses to follow. Every single person has the constitutional right to worship as they choose. I don't care if you're Christian, Jewish , Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Confucius or if you worship ants. It doesn't matter AS LONG AS you don't try to shove it down my throat.

When that happens, then we're going to have a problem.

Now, back to Rick Perry. It is my belief that, based on his words and actions thus far, he will attempt to do exactly that.

We already have enough people--mostly republicans frankly--trying to tell you how to worship, who to marry or what to do with your body. We certainly don't need any more.

The irony of all of this is it's the republicans who are always telling us they believe government has become too intrusive and they want less of it. Then they go on to tell you what to do or not to do.

Enough! Stay in Texas, Rick. They deserve you.

Web site ideas

2011-08-11T07:11:00.001-04:00

I need some ideas on how to make my website more interesting.

There are two particular links that draw very little traffic: The Month Page and Potpourri.

Thank you for any suggestions. I appreciate it.

georgeswebpage.com
george.stockwell@gmail.com

Who's Responsible-Part II

2011-08-06T07:04:00.002-04:00

This morning's first news item was the report that the credit rating of the US has been downgraded.

This, no doubt, is due to the recently completed debt ceiling fiasco that we all watched pretty much because nothing else was being discussed.

Are we headed for a double-dip recession? Well, in spite of what you've been hearing, no one knows.

But one thing I do know for sure. Tea Party Republicans would love to see one. Furthermore it is the Tea Party that would have happily watched the US economy go over a cliff had there not been a deal on the debt ceiling.

This group is in my view nothing short of white-collar terrorists. They pose more of a threat than anything else to this country's economic health.

They need to go.

Your ears are big...so you must be wrong!

2011-08-01T07:05:00.004-04:00

Ad Hominen. A Latin phrase meaning, roughly, attack the person, not his idea.

I've been getting firsthand experience with this ever since I started writing a column for Newtown Patch (newtown.patch.com)

Most of my pieces are fairly innocuous but from time to time, as most recently, I touch upon political issues.

That's when the loons squirm out of the woodwork and play their games.

Rather than stick to analyzing the logic of my position, they proceed to tear me apart personally.

When this happens, I know I've won the argument.

So, who are these people? Sad to say, the overwhelming majority are those whose political persuasion is anchored firmly on the far right--or what I've come to identify as the lunatic fringe.

It's not bad enough that they're abusive. The problem is they're also loud--very loud.

Sad to say, Congress is also full of these types. They're known largely as Tea Party Republicans. But let's face it, the left has their share too. Witness Al Sharpton.

Nothing can be done about the 'fringe' on the national level. They have the right to voice their opinion. But what about the people in my own town who comment on my Patch pieces? What's the appropriate response to them?

Silence. That's what. Rule number one: Never, EVER, engage the fringe. It's a no-win endeavor. It just encourages them. It's like jacking up the volume on a Bose speaker.

Eventually they'll go away. They have to sleep sometime.

2011-07-27T15:56:00.002-04:00

Another great day with my two little buddies.

Cole decided completely on his own to find the vacuum cleaner, plug it in and clean up the family room. Little brother Nicholas of course had to help (by the way, notice where he tosses the guitar. Cleans like his grandpa!)

Next project? Build a sandbox.

More from Courtney

2011-07-25T20:51:00.002-04:00

Today while I was typing a story about beetles that Courtney was dictating to me, she abruptly stopped, looked at me and asked, "Grandpa, how come the hair in your nose is so gray?"

Her older sister, Brooke, who was listening to all of this burst out laughing.

I replied that the reason was because I was old and that I guess I had better do some trimming.

Grand children.

Warning! Lunatic at large.

2011-07-23T16:26:00.002-04:00

Spotted at 3:30 P.M. on Friday, June 22, a lady in about her mid thirties running up a steep grade in 98 degree/75 percent humidity weather.

She was visibly struggling, beet red and gasping.

I almost stopped but figured my concern may not be well received.

This is not the weather to be engaging in such activity--unless, of course, you want heat stroke.

A busy weekend

2011-07-18T08:59:00.005-04:00

July 15 thru 17 was a very busy period for the Stockwell household.

Grandma & Grandpa hosted Cole & Nicholas for 3 days while their mom and dad, Pete & Jen, went to a wedding in Buffalo (which Peter grumbled about for several days).

When they returned Sunday evening, Mike & Becky and the girls were here.

The girls wanted to play with the boys and Mike helped me put longer poles around the garden so the fenced could be made higher.

It seems the deer have figured out a way in so it was time for a new plan.

They ate most of the lettuce, some of the squash and cukes.

I'm hoping to salvage the rest.

And now, Monday morning, it's off to do grocery shopping with the girls.

Why is it I always seem to spend more money when they go with me?

The Death Penalty

2011-07-15T08:02:00.003-04:00

Every time I start having doubts about the morality or value of the death penalty, something comes along to complicate the issue.

The latest horror was a story about an eight-year-old Hasidic Jewish boy who got lost walking home from a New York City day camp.

He stopped to ask a man for directions. The man took him to his apartment, killed him and dismembered his body. But, incredibly, before doing that, he stopped at his dentist's office to pay his bill and then took the boy to a wedding.

From there he took him to his apartment and did the rest.

The killer's attorney is arguing insanity. If found to be legally insane, he'll be institutionalized until deemed sane enough to stand trial--in other words, never.

Make no mistake about it. Too many innocent people have been put to death. But with modern forensic techniques such as DNA testing it is now possible to be more certain than ever that someone is guilty.

The killer in this case was identified through a surveillance camera and he later confessed. The boy's body was ultimately found in his apartment.

The whole argument regarding his sanity is absurd. Of course he's crazy. But I don't care. He's not fit to inhabit the earth with the rest of us.

Honey, I can't find the ...... (fill in the blank)

2011-07-10T07:08:00.003-04:00

Lucky for me, yesterday was a warm sunny day here. As such, I was able to get out into the yard and get the mowing and various chores done.

The reason why I needed to be outside was because inside there was a veritable storm going on.

You see, it seems my wife decided to 'reorganize' and 'rearrange' the shelves and closets.

This bodes ill for me because now I have to go through another round of not being able to find anything.

Oh, she always makes sure she tells me the new location of various necessities but I've been on automatic for so long, it doesn't sink in.

By the time I remember what she said, it will be time for another round of 'reorganization'.

It's for this reason that men can never find anything. Whatever we're looking for, you can be sure it's been moved.

Here are some of the things I've had to spend extra time searching for:
camera, glucose test kit, old hat, old sneakers (which I fear are destined for the trash heap given the fact they're the source of the odor in the closet that we thought was a dead mouse in the closet walls), notebook where I jot down random thoughts, spare reading glasses...well, you get the idea.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go grocery shopping but I can't find my wallet or key fob...

An Observation about the Casey Anthony trial

2011-07-07T09:18:00.002-04:00

I am not going make any judgments regarding whether or not justice was done in the Casey Anthony verdict.

I was not there, day in and day out, listening to the testimony and neither by the way were any of the talking heads you hear on TV and radio decrying the horror of the verdict nor were any of the outraged people criticizing the jury.

Rather, my observation is about the judge.

I feel very uncomfortable watching him. He speaks very slowly, mispronounces words and generally looks and sounds very nearly incompetent.

For example in watching the televised sentencing, he repeatedly pronounced the word 'specifically' 'pacifically'.

Does anyone else have a problem with that 'specifically' or the judge in general?

One hundred forty eight years ago today...

2011-07-03T07:06:00.002-04:00

July 3, 1863, exactly 148 years ago was the 3rd--and last--day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the deadliest battle of the civil war.

Most historians regard it as the turning point of the war which until then had been going largely in the Confederacy's favor.

But the Battle of Gettysburg broke the spirit of the Confederate army.

The famous Pickett's Charge was the final straw, so to speak.

The ill-fated attack resulted in the following exchange between General Robert E. Lee and General George Pickett:
Lee: General, assemble the rest of your division.
Pickett: Sir, I have no division.

Total combined losses after the 3-day battle were in excess of 50,000.

Have a happy July 4th.

Seven years...and counting

2011-06-29T07:41:00.002-04:00

Where has the time gone? I've been retired exactly seven years and it seems like just yesterday.

One thing that has kept me sort of in the game is that I continue to sub from time to time. Plus I follow and write about various local educational issues in town.

But aside from that, I've been so busy with other things that I haven't really looked back with regret. In fact there are times when I wonder how I had time to work!

So off we go, into another summer.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to baby sit for Cole & Nicholas, then workout, then water the garden, then vacuum the pool, then....See what I mean?

Energy Exploration-The Real Deal

2011-06-27T07:50:00.002-04:00

This past weekend my wife and I visited some friends in a small farm town in northeastern Pennsylvania.

To me, the region has a great deal going for it. It consists of thousands of acres of beautiful woods and fields and friendly people.

Of course like any very remote region there are some drawbacks. It takes a while to get to stores and restaurants and forget about cell service or cable. But there is at least satellite service for Internet and television.

But what's really interesting is what you can't see. It's about a mile below the surface of the earth and large energy companies across the country are VERY interested in what's there.

Methane, AKA natural gas. An efficient, clean source of energy which just so happens to exist in great quantities far below the surface in this part of the country. But because drilling and extraction techniques have improved so much, it is now accessible.

Why is this particularly important? Well, if you, like our friends, live on a big piece of property that is in the pathway of one of the many natural gas wells and pipelines that are going in, you will very likely be contacted by one of the aforementioned gas companies who will be looking to negotiate a mineral lease.

That's the good news.

The bad news--maybe--is that one of the techniques used in the drilling operation is called 'fracing'. This consists of pumping vast quantities of water into the well to release the methane.

There are some who insist this process is contaminating residential wells. There are others who say the methane in this part of the country was always in the well water but it's only now that people are noticing it. It's no worse than it's ever been, they say.

So the jury is still out.

One thing's for sure. As we slowly run out of oil and search for new supplies of energy--coal, oil and natural gas--there are going to be consequences. Some may be inconsequential--but others may not.

One other thing. The gas companies are throwing around a LOT of money betting that it will pay off.

It always seems to come down to that, doesn't it? Money.

Father's Day

2011-06-19T07:23:00.002-04:00

Happy Father's Day to all those great fathers out there.

I have been a father for almost 38 years and a grand father for over 7 years.

Do I have any sage advice for those just starting out on this long, important road? Well, I'm not one to give free advice. Very often it turns out to be worth exactly what you pay for it.

But, having said that, I guess one important thing I can think of for fathers is to be there for your kids, through thick and thin, good days and bad days. Just be there.

And remember...strength and kindness are not mutually exclusive.

Another great time with grandchildren

2011-06-12T09:33:00.002-04:00

As I've noted in this space on many occasions, attending the various events involving our grandchildren is very important--and enjoyable--to us.

Pictured here is the latest of such events--Brooke & Courtney's dance recital.

See a video of it here: http://georgeswebpage.com/photogallery

Let the games begin

2011-06-10T07:22:00.002-04:00

Here it is-summer of 2011--with the next presidential election over a year away it has started already.

Romney & Pawlenty in. The Gingrich campaign implodes (good bye and good riddance), thousands of Palin emails set to be released.

It's going to be a loooooonnnng summer!

A "Special" test for Sarah

2011-06-05T12:10:00.003-04:00

Poor Sarah. First Katie Couric blindsides her with that question about the Supreme Court and then just recently in Boston a mean-spirited reporter asked her a question about Paul Revere.

Her answer was so convoluted that it ended up sounding like Paul Revere was actually warning the British!

But, hey, that aside, it just doesn't seem right. The poor woman can't get a break. The press is always gunning for her.

So in the interest of fair play and all that, I have taken the liberty of composing a 10 question history test just for Sarah that I think the press should stick to.

Come on. What's fair is fair! Here it is:

1. When was the war of 1812?

2. Where did the Battle of Gettysburg take place?

3. There are three branches of government-the executive, the legislative and… What is the third? HINT: They work in the Supreme Court Building

4. Who was the losing general in Custer’s Last Stand?

5. In the Civil War who was the general leading the ill-fated Pickett’s Charge?

6. In what country was the American Civil War fought?

7. Washington D.C. was named after a president. Which one?

8. Which “Day” was the the Normandy Invasion of WW II nicknamed (multiple choice-pick one): A, B, C, D, Tuesday?

9. The preamble of the constitution begins “We the people”. Who are the “people” it is referring to?

10. The year 1929 marks the start of The Great_______. Fill in the blank. Hint: Many people were thrown into a “Depression” because of it.

Kids think the strangest things!

2011-06-03T20:59:00.002-04:00

Today was a cool, windy day. I was baby sitting for the boys--ages three and a half and two. It was a little chilly out and I had a truck load of stuff to bring to the dump so I loaded up the garbage, and the boys, and off we went.

When I got to the dump, I lowered the back windows of the truck so the boys could see me and know that even though I'm not actually in the truck, I was there and they weren't alone.

Sometimes when small kids think they're alone, they get frightened.

Well, sure enough. When I got out of the truck and walked to the back to unload, Cole started crying. He couldn't see me. He thought with all the commotion around us, I was getting hurt so he was upset.

I went to his side of the window and comforted him and then continued with what I was doing.

After that it was OK, but it got me to thinking how little things can bother kids--and some adults.

Many people are very strong, having endured a great deal, but then there are those who are very fragile. That's just the way it is. So I think the strong need to be there for the fragile. Then, in time, they'll get stronger and more secure.

That's life.

"Remember" Memorial Day

2011-05-29T07:09:00.002-04:00

Let's not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Click on the below link to read a short piece I posted on Newtown Patch.

http://newtown.patch.com/articles/we-must-never-forget

Ron White Said It Best

2011-05-21T15:06:00.001-04:00

I've been hearing and reading about the folks who took seriously the rapture prediction that the world was going to end today, May 21.

Some of them actually maxed out their credit cards, living high because what the hell, tomorrow we'll all be dead. Then there were those who ran for the hills or did other things that they will never be able to undo.

Well, here we are. The sun came up this morning. We're slowly getting our garden planted. A passing T storm has made it necessary to finish up tomorrow which we will indeed live to see.

And for those who put it all on the line thinking the predictions were accurate? Well, comedian Ron White said it best, "You can't fix stupid."

A Logic Lesson from a 4-year-old

2011-05-17T09:45:00.002-04:00

Yesterday my 4-year-old grand daughter looked at me very seriously and explained that she had 3 canker sores in her mouth and the cure for canker sores is juice-not ordinary juice. It has to be frozen. And since popsicles are basically frozen juice, I should please give her one so she can feel better.

How does one refute such logic? She got the popsicle!

What a lineup!!!!

2011-05-13T17:28:00.002-04:00

Let's see. Who do we have so far? Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich and Donald Trump!

Obama must beside himself. Not only is he enjoying a 'bump' from the demise of bin Laden but he's got three of the world's biggest losers running against him...so far.

Buckle up, boys & girls. We're in for a rough ride!

Guest blogger describes a recent ordeal

2011-05-11T07:31:00.002-04:00

NOTE: From time to time I will post the remarks of guest bloggers. Here is the first of such posts. It was submitted by my friend, Gene Garriepy.

This past week has been quite an eventful one. A royal wedding, the capture and killing of Osama Bin Laden, and the removal of a seventy-seven year old body part known as a gall bladder.

Take it from me, if you’re headed for surgery, laparoscopic is the way to go.

The Open Cholecystectomy is a thing of the past. No more three week recovery periods in the hospital. Nobody can afford it anyway. Just four small incisions are required, which, I might add, heal quickly and allow for a continued wearing of your favorite bikini.

But as with any surgery, there are risks and down sides. Your surgeon will be more than pleased to run down the list from misplacing your clothing to a Med. Insurance screw-up, which could cost the freedom of your wife and children.

I was in at 7:45AM and released to a bright new beautiful world at 5:30PM that same day.

The next five days were not without some discomfort or tenderness at the surgery point, together with some shoulder pain as a result of a gas used in the surgery. How well one deals with the anesthesia is a matter of individual differences.

The staff was just wonderful. Thoughtful, patient, and sensitive to my fears and needs.

Giving oneself over to strangers is not easy. But as Mommy would say, put trust in the skill of the surgeon and your faith in God.

As for the Royal wedding, I wish them a long and happy marriage. It sure cost enough.

Bin Laden’s ending was final justice. Though I might have wished he had the surgery I underwent without the benefit of anesthesia!

Is it time to privatize the U.S. Postal Service?

2011-05-09T15:27:00.003-04:00

Our return to CT after 10 days in Florida was nearly flawless.

Our trip to the airport Sunday morning was smooth sailing. Check in at the airport? No problem.

Boarding the plane fairly efficient. We even got off a bit early and arrived in Westchester, NY ahead of schedule.

Pete picked us up and the ride home was without delay.

But today I went to the post office at around noon--it's busiest time--to pick up our vacation mail. Two people were at the counter when I got there. When I was about two people away from being waited on, one of the counter clerks announced she was taking a break and left one person there.

The line quickly extended out the door.

The one clerk who was there repeatedly called for assistance. Several postal workers walked by, peeked in, looked around--and left!

Finally, after a great deal of grumbling by people waiting, someone came to help out.

Yes, it's time. There's nothing like a little competition to streamline an operation!

There's no place like home

2011-05-06T17:27:00.003-04:00

Our week at our condo in Florida is drawing to a close. The weather was very nice although a tad too hot for me. Nineties every day and no rain.

We're heading back home on Mother's Day.

It was a very relaxing week for us--but we missed the family a great deal. I did manage to get four framed picture collages on walls to look at but it's certainly not like being with them.

Nevertheless, we managed to have a great visit with Sandi's brother, Tom and his wife Kathy, and a not so great visit with her other brother, Ray, but on the flip side his wife Geri is a great gal.

Spent time at the beach and pool, ate out, went to Old Naples and generally enjoyed ourselves. We even got to the exercise room at the club house a few times.

We very happy we bought this place and look forward to many more trips here--with the little ones (and their parents of course).

But it sure will be good to get back home--to a lawn that needs cutting badly.

Farewell, Naples, until October.

Justice is done

2011-05-02T07:37:00.003-04:00

...but it's bittersweet. With the killing of Osama Bin Laden, this country can finally bring closure to one of its most rending experiences.

Of course it won't bring back the thousands of lives lost on that terrible day nor will it bring back the thousands of men and women who gave their lives for their country since then. But at least we kept our word to the rest of the world and got to see a final accounting.

I'm sure the survivors of the 9/11 victims are feeling at least slightly better now as are the survivors of the many members of our armed forces who were killed fighting terrorism.

The fight isn't over but it's my guess the US starts to change the way it's doing things in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We need to find a different approach to the threat that still exists. One that involves fewer people and maybe relies more on sophisticated weapon systems like drones and 'smart' bombs and a well developed intelligence network which apparently had a lot to do with finding Bin Laden.

So this chapter ends--finally.

Oh, one more thing. Obama critics take note: 9/11 started on Junior's watch and ended on Obama's. Interesting.

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T07:44:00.003-04:00

It was a great day yesterday, Easter Sunday.

Debbie & Tim Sullivan hosted an Easter egg hunt and dinner for several family members.

Even Mother Nature smiled upon us with warm temperatures and (mostly) sunny skies.

My two grand daughters, Courtney & Brooke, are here hamming it up for the camera.

For more pictures and a video, click here:
http://georgeswebpage.com

Spring chores

2011-04-22T07:01:00.002-04:00

I have not been very diligent with my blogging lately.

I didn't meet with my two new WW II veteran friends this week so I have no new stories to report.
In addition to that I have been busy with baby sitting duties and spring chores.

The leaves that blew into the yard over the winter are finally gone and the flower beds are cleared out.

I still have to buy and spread mulch, power wash the house & deck, paint the deck, wash the windows and plan our garden.

Unfortunately, spring rains are interfering with my efforts. Plus we are leaving for Florida soon for about 8 days.

Oh well, the chores will be here when we get back.

It is what it is. Whatever!

2011-04-16T10:11:00.004-04:00

I'm growing more and more annoyed with the increasing frequency with which people are using certain expressions. OMG!

This is especially true where people who are supposed to have a command of the language are concerned, ya' know?

Hey, you guys. Listen up. Whenever you guys have an awesome story to tell can't you exercise a little more due diligence with the editing?

Oh, I know, I know. Awesome stories should not be minimized. I guess I'll just have to deal with it. Whatever. It is what it is. My bad. Ya' know? LOL

Meet Ed-The Greatest Generation

2011-04-12T16:45:00.003-04:00

Today I met with Ed, yet another member of the greatest generation.

Ed is 97 years old. He is a veteran of WW II having served 10 years in the U.S. Navy.

Ed enlisted in the navy in 1935 at the age of 21. Because he had no training or skills, he had extreme difficulty finding employment. This was complicated by the Great Depression.

He joined the navy in order to have a job and acquire a useful trade.

Ed went to Machinist Mate school for 20 weeks. He is pictured here in front of the instrument panel of the number two engine for the USS Mississippi.

When Ed finished his training he was assigned to the light cruiser, USS Helena.

On December 7, 1941 the Helena happened to be docked at Pearl Harbor. Early that morning, while Ed was showering, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Ed escaped through a port hole (window) and swam to safety.

The Helena was heavily damaged but it could be and ultimately was repaired.

After repairs, the Helena with Ed aboard headed for the Pacific. And that is where a whole new set of adventures begin.

I'll be seeing Ed and Bert (see previous post) again next week at which time I'll have more to tell you.

Meet another member of the Greatest Generation

2011-04-07T08:39:00.005-04:00

Meet Bert. Ninety two years old and a resident of an assisted living facility I visit.

Bert has many interesting stories to tell but I'll begin with the one about his WWII service.

Bert was a member of Patton's 3rd army. Specifically the 243rd Field Artillery Battalion. I found this to be particularly interesting because I was in a field artillery unit in my service days and my uncle also served in an artillery unit with Patton's 3rd army.

So Bert and I had many connections.

The most interesting story so far is one he recently told me. It seems Bert was a mess sergeant. For the uninitiated, 'mess' means food service. As a sergeant Bert was in charge of getting all the troops fed.

Toward the end of the war, Bert actually had German prisoners working for him. I didn't realize we did that as a matter of policy during WWII but Bert said it was not unusual. I asked him if he ever felt in danger or if the captured Germans presented a problem since they were now working for their enemy.

Bert said to the contrary. Toward the end of WW II, the German army was suffering terribly. Half the men were starving. Because of that and other issues, they were more than happy to work for us--if for no other reason than to get fed and generally taken care of.

The really interesting part of all of this is that one of the prisoners was an 18 year old German army deserter named Joseph Ratzinger. You may know him by his more familiar name: Pope Benedict XVI.

It seems the current Roman Catholic Pope had been inducted into the German army at a very young age, learned of some of the horrible things being done and deserted. He was ultimately captured by Allied forces and eventually assigned to Bert's team.

Bert has a lot more to tell me as does Ed, another member of the Greatest Generation I'll be talking to soon.

Come back.

Join me in welcoming two new members to the Lunatic Fringe

2011-04-03T11:38:00.002-04:00

On previous occasions I have published a (growing) list of members to the group of people who have come to be known as the Lunatic Fringe.

They have earned this dubious distinction because of their loopy ideas and laughably absurd statements.

People like Glen Beck (who has recently gone completely off the edge), Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, George W. Bush & his clone Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, Ann Coulter and Sarah Palin are the most notably insane among a growing group.

Well, today it gives me great pleasure to announce two new members: Donald Trump and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann (R).

Let's take Trump first. He's actually considering a run for the presidency but why would anyone be surprised. He has such a monumentally huge ego, I'm surprised he hasn't declared himself the Second Coming.

This wing nut is running around echoing the lunatic tirades of the 'birthers', supporting their belief that Obama isn't really an American because as Trump puts it, no one in Obama's kindergarten class would remember him! What a jerk.

He then goes on to say that his superior negotiating skills would be used to sit down with the petroleum exporting countries and demand they lower their prices.

Uh, OK. Let us know how that works out, Donald.

There's more but I can't bring myself to think about it. It's all so absurd.

Now for the latest product of the Tea Party movement, Michele Bachmann. This nut job stated in a recent speech that the American Revolution started in New Hampshire. As we all know it was in Concord, Massachusetts that it started, not Concord, New Hampshire.

She also stated that our Founding Fathers eliminated slavery in the Declaration of Independence. Wrong, jerk. They did no such thing.

Finally, she has concluded that global warming is a hoax perpetrated by the liberal scientific community.

Enough about this one too. You get the idea.

Welcome to the Fringe, Donald and Michele. I'm sure you will both feel very much at home there.

The Greatest Generation-Revisited

2011-03-30T07:42:00.004-04:00

Part of my volunteer work over the past few years has been to meet with World War II veterans and talk about their experiences.

I've described those conversations many times on this blog spot.

Over time, the men with whom I had these conversations died or moved to other locations so for the past couple of months I haven't talk to anyone.

Recently however I was asked to meet with two men at an assisted living facility.

One is a WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy who was at Pearl Harbor on that fateful day. He is 97 years old.

The other served in an artillery unit with General Patton from D Day to the end of the war. He is 88 years old.

I am going to be meeting with these two men on Tuesday afternoons and because they each have so much to say, I'll be meeting with them separately for about 45 minutes each.

So stay tuned for some interesting stories.

What is it about my hair?

2011-03-24T08:21:00.002-04:00

My grand children seem to have a weird fascination with my hair--such as it is.

Brooke and Courtney are always trying to give me a mohawk or put it in curlers or comb it in different styles which as the years go on is more and more difficult and now Cole has joined the fun.

Yesterday, for example, we were playing and he suddenly stopped and began to closely examine the top of my head which with the exception of a few stray strands is pretty much bare.

He looked at it for a while and finally said, "I like your haircut, grampy." I of course didn't get a haircut. In fact I need one but Cole wasn't looking at the sides of my head or the hair around my ears and neck. He was looking directly at the top of my head.

I explained to him that I didn't get it cut. It was falling out on its own. He pondered that for a while but still thought it was nice.

I wonder what he'll say when I actually do get it cut this weekend!

Life with grand children. It's always an adventure.

Have we learned anything from history?

2011-03-22T10:12:00.002-04:00

It has been reported that since our involvement in Libya's civil strife, the rebels who are fighting against Gaddafi have become completely reliant on western support.

Senator John McCain supports our involvement and criticizes Obama for not having done something sooner but I wonder if this is wise. We're already stretched thin around the world.

Is it our role to be involved in every country's business?

Witness Viet Nam & Iraq. Haven't we learned anything from history?

Children and their games

2011-03-16T18:35:00.003-04:00

Children never cease to amaze me. My two grand daughters, ages 4 & 7, are constantly making up games.

Now, their cousins, my two grand sons ages almost 2 & 3 are following suit.

For example for the last few times I've been baby sitting for them, they've been playing a game 3-year-old Cole made up. It's called police station.

The way it works is that I am a police office, Nicholas is my assistant and Sadie, the dog, is a police dog.

The way it's played is Nicholas, Sadie and I sit in the living room which is the police station with the double doors closed. Cole plays the part of someone seeking assistance from the police.

Cole knocks on the door and when I answer it, he reports that there are foxes all over the house. It's our duty to round them up and lock them into an imaginary cage somewhere. The problem is no sooner do I pretend to lock the door, then they get loose and start running all over the house.

Other variations to this game are Cole knocks on the door and reports that he's lost. As a police officer I of course offer to help him. When I ask him if he knows where he lives he says 24 Charter Bridge Rd. Actually, he lives on Charter Ridge Rd. but it's a small difference so I don't make a big deal of it.

And so it goes. One problem after another. Sometimes it's someone else who needs help. In that case, we all help.

Even 2-year-old Nicholas is into the game. As soon as I get there in the morning, they want to play 'police station'.

It's great fun but I can't help but wonder what's next!

Crimes in Wisconsin

2011-03-13T15:12:00.003-04:00

What's happening in Wisconsin is nothing short of criminal-period. I am sick to death of public employees taking the brunt of the blame for a particular state's insolvency. It has to stop.

Republican Budget Proposal

2011-03-12T08:29:00.003-05:00

This looks fair to me. How about you? (Click here to enlarge)

What Global Warming? Who needs science?

2011-03-07T07:32:00.005-05:00

All winter long as the snow fell harder than ever and meteorological records were shattered we could hear our republican friends and their fan clubs, conservative pundits, rant about the fraud of 'global warming'.

They used this unusually difficult winter as evidence that science and its own fan clubs, liberals and democratic politicians, was a bunch of bull.

With their comments dripping with disdain and contempt for the scientific community, the newly elected republican Congress decided that one of the things that should be cut from the budget is government grants to all things scientific.

What a pack of idiots! They give the concept of ignorance new meaning.

Either they haven't bothered to research the issue enough or they simply don't care but if they did, they would discover that one of the most well established causes of dramatic climatic changes is exactly the thing they dismiss--global warming.

The key is 'global'. That's exactly how you have to think. It requires people to adopt a world view but they don't understand this. They continue to live in their little, narrow minded, myopic worlds.

This nation will pay big time for the mistakes made in the last election!

Celebrating Read Across America Week

2011-03-03T07:55:00.003-05:00

In honor of Read Across America Week I herewith present my choices for the best children and adult books I've ever read.

It was more difficult than I thought coming up with this list. There are so many great books out there.

On top of that consider the many genres available: historical fiction, science fiction, mystery/thriller, adventure, fantasy, romance, etc.

Picking the children's books was difficult too. After all books for a four-year-old would certainly not be appropriate for a ten-year-old.

Nevertheless--and for what it's worth--here's the list.

How many have you read?

Children’s Books (Adults would enjoy these too)

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Winnie the pooh by A.A. Milne

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

Adult Books

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Catch 22 by Joseph Heller

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twan

Killer Angles by Michael Shaara

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Roots by Alex Haley

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Stop the Madness

2011-03-02T16:31:00.002-05:00

Message to all networks and tabloids: STOP, STOP, STOP.
Don't you realize every time you put a microphone in front of Charlie Sheen, he gets worse? You're not helping him. You're making money off his lunacy thereby making yourselves as bad as him.

Why do I watch? I'm trying not to but every time I turn on the TV or even the radio at pretty much any given time, there he is (along with his two goddesses!)

Every time I look at a newspaper or scan the cover of those sick magazines stacked up as I'm waiting to check out at the grocery store, there it is.

Enough already.

Who's Responsible?

2011-02-26T15:03:00.004-05:00

I've been hearing from a variety of sources that President Obama is the one actually responsible for the criminal increases in gas prices.

The rationale is that because he's doing so little to stabilize the situation in Libya, world oil markets are worried about major disruptions in supply so they're jacking up the prices.

I've heard this on radio & television programs and I've read it in places as diverse as Facebook and comments to Newtown & Monroe Patch pieces.

The idea is of course ridiculous. Obama has no more control of events there then he does over the weather.

Furthermore the fact is the supply of oil is plentiful. This latest round of price increases is nothing more than a bunch of greedy oil companies taking advantage of a fictitious situation to pad their profits. They're thieves--plain and simple.

Lessons I've Learned

2011-02-23T18:28:00.003-05:00

I was born 68 years ago today. I normally don't make a big deal of my birthday. I look at it as just another day and hope there're many more to come. Other than that, life goes on.

Nevertheless, I can't help but take a moment or two to reflect on the preceding years.

So what have I learned in almost 7 decades? What's important and what isn't?

Well without question the two most important things are health and family. If a reasonably intelligent person has his/her health, then they can do pretty much whatever they want providing of course they've made good choices for themselves.

Family is very simply what makes the effort worthwhile.

A third thing I've learned that just makes it easier to get through the days sometimes is don't sweat the small stuff. There are lots of petty details in life--especially in the area of interpersonal relationships--that simply aren't worth blowing all out of proportion.

That's it for reflections. Time to move on.

A Morning at the Museum

2011-02-22T07:53:00.002-05:00

Yesterday morning Becky and I brought Brooke and Courtney to the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport.

The theme on the main level was the guitar where there were dozens of different kinds of guitars on display including some very interesting early instruments.

Other themes in the museum were space, energy, light and sound. Also, there was a fair amount of 'hands on' stuff for kids including a small basketball court that was part of a larger display honoring the founder of basketball, James Naismith.

But of all of those things the biggest hit was a mock up of a school bus. The outside looked like a bus with flashing lights and it was painted yellow. Inside there was a steering wheel, blank dashboard and a bench seat for a couple of passengers.

The girls loved pretending they were driving us to school and yelling at us to be quiet. They returned to it over and over again. Go figure.

As Wisconsin goes, so goes the nation?

2011-02-18T16:45:00.001-05:00

What's all the hubbub about in Wisconsin? Why have demonstrating public employees pretty much shut down the state?

The surface reason is because of the huge budget cuts the republican governor and the republican controlled legislature have made.

So you might reasonably ask, if the state is in such dire straits, what are they supposed to do? Don't the public employees realize they need to make concessions in wages and benefits and be happy they have jobs?

No, because the budget cuts in and of themselves are not the real issue. The real issue is the state's move to make illegal collective bargaining for all except for the police and fire fighters.

Collective bargaining is huge. It amounts to a person's right to organize and have a negotiating team bargain for them.

The state's effort amounts to union busting. No matter where you stand on unions, people have the right to organize. No government entity has the right to deny that right.

How this plays out in Wisconsin is going to have enormous, far-reaching consequences. If they succeed, every other state in the country will attempt the same thing.

If that happens, a big chunk of our democracy will have withered away and died.

Not a good situation. Bares watching.

Hide and Seek with Toddlers

2011-02-16T16:47:00.003-05:00

I spend every Wednesday and Friday with 22 month old Nicholas and 3 year old Cole--my two grand sons.

Among the many things we do is play hide and seek. They love that game but it's a real challenge--especially with the younger one.

When it's Nicholas's turn to 'find' Cole and me, he stands in the middle of the room we happen to be in, closes his eyes and yells TWO, THREE. Then he opens his eyes and runs around, laughing hysterically, looking for us, even though we didn't really have time to hide.

The act of just running around looking for something is apparently all he needs to have a good time.

Cole, on the other hand, wants me to actually hide--which I do.

But when it's my turn to count and find the boys, they reveal their location if it's taking me too long to find them. They love getting 'caught'.

More fun adventures of a grand parent.

Super celebrity--maybe. Troubled person--definitely.

2011-02-10T07:35:00.003-05:00

While sitting here working on a Newtown Patch column, I've also been following the saga of Lindsay Lohan on the Today show.

Over the past months as Lindsay weaves her way in and out of courts and rehab centers, I've heard many people speak of her with great derision.

Phrases like "spoiled little rich girl", "pampered celebrity", "attention-loving prima donna" and more frequently come up in the conversation.

But I see something different. I see a very troubled young lady who has looks, money and talent destroying her life.

What rational explanation can there be for rich people who steal or exhibit addictive behaviors? In fact this applies to anyone, not just the rich, although I suppose a case could be made for a person who steals out of desperate need.

Lohan needs intensive treatment, not jail. More jail time will only satisfy those people who call for a punitive approach to changing behavior. It does not help the 'victim' who in this case also happens to be the person charged.

People who commit Lohan's kinds of offenses hurt no one but themselves. Obviously, in the case of the stolen necklace, restitution needs to be made but that would be financial restitution--not prison time.

Our system of Crime and Punishment and the penal system in general needs a thorough overhaul. But it won't happen.

Law and Order are hot button issues that politicians would be nuts to touch. So on and on it goes, our prisons fill up only to return the same unchanged criminals to the streets.

It's crazy.

It's been a tough winter but....

2011-02-04T18:31:00.003-05:00

I am officially sick of this winter. Yet I have no complaints.

We've had too much snow, too much ice and too much bitter cold but I keep getting these pictures of far off places like North Dakota from my email friends and I realize we're not in such bad shape after all.

Normally I don't mind winter too much. I have a good snow blower, a wood burning stove and an ample supply of firewood so I can handle pretty much anything Mother Nature throws at us.

There's no doubt about it, this year has been the worst ever in this area at least. Enormous amounts of snow, ice dams causing leaks in the house and extensive ceiling damage (a chunk of ceiling fell at 4 A.M. waking me up).

It's been a constant battle removing ice from the driveway and the forecasts call for more tomorrow and next week. There doesn't seem to be an end to it.

Yet, having said all that, I feel fortunate in that I am healthy enough to use the snow blower, load the wood boxes, chop ice and climb a ladder to the roof.

There are those who are burdened with the same things but because of poor health they can't do anything about it except impose on others or hire someone--which can be financially prohibitive.

So...let it snow. It will melt--some day. In the meantime I'll just continue to take things as they come thankful that I can.

What you've just read is an inkling of how most cancer survivors think.

Another Day to Remember

2011-01-29T07:26:00.003-05:00

January 28, 1986
I was standing in front of my 5th grade class at Sandy Hook School.

One of the office clerks showed up at my classroom door and beckoned me over.

When I got there, she took me out in the hall and told me the awful news.

Word spread quickly among the faculty but we didn't say anything to the kids. And since this was way before the day of the cell phone and texting, they weren't going to find out until they got home.

I couldn't wait to get home myself. I went right to the TV, turned it on and followed the developments.

The rest, as they say, is history.

In the end the great physicist Richard Feynman explained how the 'O' rings had failed thus leaking highly combustible fuel.

So January 28 becomes one of those days when you will always remember where you were and what you were doing.

Aside from personal milestones, the other days I remember were when John Kennedy was assassinated, the 2nd space shuttle disaster (I confess I did not remember the date of the 2nd space shuttle disaster until I looked it up-February 1, 2003. I do remember where I was and then watching TV broadcasts of the aircraft as it broke apart and made its way to earth).

The third was of course the 9/11 terrorist attack which I wrote about before.

Unfortunately, these kinds of events always seem to be tragedies. On the other hand, there are plenty of good things to remember throughout the course of ones life--be they private or public.

Let's hope we have more of those kind.

The Day With Courtney

2011-01-24T16:42:00.003-05:00

As you may have noted from previous posts, one of the games Courtney likes to play is 'doctor'.

This usually involves giving me an exam for a variety of ailments and then I inevitably get a series of shots to treat the illness.

There was a new twist to the game today. When she put her stethoscope in her ear, she had me put my hand on a play heart beat monitor.

According to Dr. Courtney, by doing that she was able to drain all the bad stuff from me into a special garbage can she had upstairs.

I told her it was amazing how much better I felt after the procedure!

Then, in addition to treating me, she offered to give me a haircut which apparently has now become part of her medical practice.

So the next time you go to your doctor, tell him/her that you think he/she should give you a haircut or perm because if he/she doesn't, you know where you can have it done!

It's always something new with Courtney.

Morning Viewing

2011-01-19T08:03:00.002-05:00

Yesterday it was Dick Cheney. This morning it was Glen Beck. Not so long ago it was George W. Bush.

All these guys appeared on the Today show peddling their books.

The only reason I watch Today even though I whine about it so much is because the local station I watch for news and weather is on the same channel. Both are hosted by NBC.

Matt Lauer is very tough to take but I like Meredith Vieira so I guess I'll stick with it.

I could switch to ABC but I can't take Good Morning America and the local station got rid of weatherman Geoff Fox so they're out.

CBS has sleazy Al Terzi so they're out.

Fox News has Imus which I do watch from time to time but he's got a lot of obnoxious people on too so all in all the choices are pretty slim.

Yes, I know. There are worse things to worry about. Actually I'm not worrying about this at all. It's just another one of my pet peeves.

There will be more. Stay tuned.

Good bye and good riddance

2011-01-18T20:38:00.002-05:00

Soooo...Joe Lieberman isn't seeking another term in the U.S. Senate.

Good bye and good riddance, Joe. You're a traitor to the Democratic Party and you're not even trusted by republicans either.

It was a wise decision since you didn't stand a snow ball's chance in hell of getting reelected. Now there's an opportunity for someone electable to get in.

See ya' and don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!

Dirty jobs revisited

2011-01-16T14:28:00.004-05:00

Ever see that show "Dirty Jobs" with Mike Rowe? It's a good show because it gives you a good idea of how nasty things get done without the viewer actually having to do it.

Well, I had two nasty jobs to do this morning. They're the kind of thing home owners have to do from time to time unless they want to spend a fortune hiring people to do them.

The winter weather and unusual amount of snow has created ice dams on the roof of our house. The problem has gotten to the point that there are some water leaks in the house as a result of the ice melting.

The partial solution is to shovel the snow off the roof so that it won't melt and then refreeze causing the ice dam.

So that's what I did-carefully because you don't want to damage the shingles. I didn't do this on the upper roof-just the lower one you see in this picture. That was bad enough.

The second job was to go for a long term solution. That is, make sure the attic is properly insulated and vented.

This is a nasty job because we don't have floors in our attic and it's not very big. There's exposed fiber glass insulation and A/C equipment all over so there was a lot of crawling in close, unpleasant quarters.

I salvaged a bunch of old shelving boards to lay down so I wouldn't step on insulation and wallboard. Then I ventured toward the eaves to make sure the vents were 'free'.

Problem was, when we had the house vinyl sided, the installers covered the soffit vents! That, I'm sure, is a big part of the problem.

Now I have to hope getting rid of the snow is going to be good enough and then wait until spring to see about the vents.

Ah, home ownership. It has its downside.

In the meantime, there's snow forecast for Tuesday. Where's that January thaw?

Another Great Day

2011-01-14T07:18:00.003-05:00

I started the week with my little pal, Courtney.

Then, I had an unexpected surprise yesterday. Grand daughter Brooke who will be 7 on the 17th came over to spend the day with me.

Thursdays are my day to run the errands I wasn't able to get to during the rest of the week but having a grand child or two doesn't prevent that because they're getting old enough to come along.

And that's exactly what Brooke and I did. First we picked up my chain saw chain from Newtown Power Equipment where Brooke took some time to admire the various tractors.

We left there to go to the mall to get some information about Sandi's iPad and shop for Brooke's birthday present. As we were driving along, I asked Brooke if she wanted some music. She said no, she'd rather I tell her stories about when I was a kid.

So I did--all sorts of stories about what my sister and I did on snow days, what we played with, what TV we watched (she was surprised we didn't have TV when I was her age) and what games we liked.

After our chores at the mall we had lunch at McDonald's.

We never did find what she was looking for so when we got home she asked me to get Google on the computer and she'd search for it. I confess this made me a little nervous. Google searches can be very effective but as we all know they can also be quite dangerous for young people.

I went to my settings folder on Google and set the filters to maximum. This is not foolproof but it goes a long way toward blocking unwanted images and content. I recommend the procedure to anyone who has children in their household.

Brooke and I spent the rest of the afternoon playing school. Then her parents picked her up.

It was the end of an altogether great day.

And today I get to be with my two little buddies!

It's great to be back from Naples--snow or no snow.

A system out of control.

2011-01-11T14:59:00.002-05:00

After the tragic shootings in Tucson, AZ, that killed several including a nine-year-old girl and the critical wounding of a US Congresswoman, how can anyone still doubt the fact that it's too easy to get a handgun in this country? Period.

Yeah, yeah. I know the NRA mantra. Guns don't kill people. People kill people.

Bull crap. While there are millions of harmless people who enjoy hunting and sport shooting (I'm one of them, by the way), the simple fact is any lunatic can get his hands on a gun.

Sure, there are gun control laws-here and there. But they are extremely inconsistent from one state to the next.

No politician in his right mind will take on the powerful National Rifle Association and its lobbies because there are too many misguided people out there who continue to ignore reality and insist it's everyone's right to own a gun.

They claim to have the Supreme Court and the Constitution of the United States behind them.

The Supreme Court's position is in regard to the interpretation of the Second Amendment. Neither the Supreme Court nor the Second Amendment ever said it was OK for deranged lunatics to own firearms and go around shooting people.

Wake up, America. Deal with this problem or things like this will not go away.