Two gun-related items have been in the news lately.
The first was a piece reporting a controversy presently brewing between police and those who choose to carry their guns.
It seems the police are asking that laws be changed so they can ask to see a carry permit without there necessarily being a cause for suspicion. The carriers are upset with this and regard it as an invasion of privacy.
The second issue to make it in the headlines involves the suggestion that teachers carry firearms while at school. The theory is that if there another situation as the one that happened in Sandy Hook should happen again, the nut job doing the shooting could be stopped.
In my opinion both issues are no-brainers. The idea that police can't ask to see a carry permit is absurd. If the person has one, fine. Move on. If not, why not? What is he up to? Period. Done.
In regard to teachers carrying pistols in school, the idea is ludicrous. Teachers do not belong in schools with hand guns.
What's happening in these two cases is typical of the whole subject in general. It is utterly devoid of common sense which of course means the paranoid lunatics carrying on many of these conversations are bordering on psychosis.
Great. I hope they have permits.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
I'm now all in with the digital age...
For some time now I've embraced technology. I was my school's web master back in my teaching days and I was also their tech consultant. I have a desktop computer, a laptop, an iPad, an iPod and an iPhone so I'm not afraid to try new gadgets. The one area however where I've resisted is in books. In fact some time ago I wrote right here in this blog spot that I would never succumb to an e-reader and then I went on to list the reasons why. But frankly that was a little hypocritical because I have read books on my wife's Kindle and I have to say I enjoyed it.
Well this past birthday the family bought me a Kindle. It's similar to the original Kindle that my wife has except the screen is back-lit which is a big improvement.
I still like books. I have about 6 stacked up to read but my last experience convinced me it was time for a Kindle. I was reading Book 5 of the Harry Potter series. The book is almost 900 pages long so it's big. Trying to read this huge book in bed was a pain. Plus now that we take several trips a year to our condo in Florida, Kindles are very easy to pack for travel and going to the beach.
The other thing is that Kindle books are cheaper than hard cover editions. Paperbacks are still cheaper too but you have to wait for them.
Finally, the frosting on the cake as my daughter reminded me is that many libraries now allow you to borrow books for download to a kindle. What could be better? Free books and you don't have to go anywhere.
So all in all I think I'll enjoy my Kindle...but don't worry, I'm still going to be reading hard cover and paper back books.
Well this past birthday the family bought me a Kindle. It's similar to the original Kindle that my wife has except the screen is back-lit which is a big improvement.
I still like books. I have about 6 stacked up to read but my last experience convinced me it was time for a Kindle. I was reading Book 5 of the Harry Potter series. The book is almost 900 pages long so it's big. Trying to read this huge book in bed was a pain. Plus now that we take several trips a year to our condo in Florida, Kindles are very easy to pack for travel and going to the beach.
The other thing is that Kindle books are cheaper than hard cover editions. Paperbacks are still cheaper too but you have to wait for them.
Finally, the frosting on the cake as my daughter reminded me is that many libraries now allow you to borrow books for download to a kindle. What could be better? Free books and you don't have to go anywhere.
So all in all I think I'll enjoy my Kindle...but don't worry, I'm still going to be reading hard cover and paper back books.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Loss
One of the most difficult things there is to do for anyone around children for any length of time is to explain loss. Our family encountered this for the first time with children on the day of the Sandy Hook School tragedy. While most of the grand children were too young at the time to really fathom what had happened there were two of them that struggled with it.
The most recent example of this was two days ago when a little boy in my grandson's second grade class suddenly died of massive brain bleed. This happened this past Thursday. The boy was a good friend of my grandson.
Naturally this caused a great deal of upset with the school community especially since they're still struggling with 12/14 but it caused lots of anger and confusion with my grandson. He is struggling to make sense of how God could let something like this happen.
That of course is an age-old question to which there is no answer. But you know kids. They want answers. So all we can do is say bad things sometimes happen and the best we can do is move forward trying to enjoy what we have.
Not very comforting, I admit and maybe someone trained with this issue could do a better job but I don't really know how. So move forward is what we'll do and hope that suffices.
The most recent example of this was two days ago when a little boy in my grandson's second grade class suddenly died of massive brain bleed. This happened this past Thursday. The boy was a good friend of my grandson.
Naturally this caused a great deal of upset with the school community especially since they're still struggling with 12/14 but it caused lots of anger and confusion with my grandson. He is struggling to make sense of how God could let something like this happen.
That of course is an age-old question to which there is no answer. But you know kids. They want answers. So all we can do is say bad things sometimes happen and the best we can do is move forward trying to enjoy what we have.
Not very comforting, I admit and maybe someone trained with this issue could do a better job but I don't really know how. So move forward is what we'll do and hope that suffices.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Another birthday rolls around...
Seventy three and counting. Yet another birthday rolls around and generally I have no complaints having learned some time ago that the only things that really matter in this life are health, family and a few friends.
In that regard all is well so it's off and running for a few more years I hope. And it's these later years that are proving to be the best-for me anyway.
I'll have spent my birthday first in my grand daughter's class this morning, then relaxing with a good book this afternoon and finally out to dinner tonight with some friends. Oh, and I spent a little time working on an experiment I plan to do in my 2nd grade grand son's class next week. The best things are the simplest things.
Keep calm and carry on.
Bye for now.
In that regard all is well so it's off and running for a few more years I hope. And it's these later years that are proving to be the best-for me anyway.
I'll have spent my birthday first in my grand daughter's class this morning, then relaxing with a good book this afternoon and finally out to dinner tonight with some friends. Oh, and I spent a little time working on an experiment I plan to do in my 2nd grade grand son's class next week. The best things are the simplest things.
Keep calm and carry on.
Bye for now.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Plenty to do
I've been working on a digital slide show I'm planning to show to two groups of people at Masonicare in Newtown. The slide shows are at 10 & 11 o'clock on this Monday, George Washington's actual birthday so the theme everyone chose last month is American Historical sites. We'll be taking a number of virtual tours-the second best thing to actually going to them.
Here are some of the places I pretty much arbitrarily chose:
Fort Ticonderoga
Boston Freedom Trai
Old Sturbridge Village
Valley Forge, PA
Gettysburg Historical site
Independence Hall
Monticello
Mt Vernon
and finally, The Alamo
Obviously when I think of early American history, the east coast pretty much dominates the scene but in effort to be well rounded, I threw in the Alamo.
Whether or not we get to all of these places depends on how long the audience wants to dwell in a particular place. If we don't see them all, then there's always next month.
It's amazing how much there is to do within a couple hundred miles radius (except the Alamo of course). If anyone is really interested in history, there are some great 2 to 3 day trips here.
Who needs Disney World!
Here are some of the places I pretty much arbitrarily chose:
Fort Ticonderoga
Boston Freedom Trai
Old Sturbridge Village
Valley Forge, PA
Gettysburg Historical site
Independence Hall
Monticello
Mt Vernon
and finally, The Alamo
Obviously when I think of early American history, the east coast pretty much dominates the scene but in effort to be well rounded, I threw in the Alamo.
Whether or not we get to all of these places depends on how long the audience wants to dwell in a particular place. If we don't see them all, then there's always next month.
It's amazing how much there is to do within a couple hundred miles radius (except the Alamo of course). If anyone is really interested in history, there are some great 2 to 3 day trips here.
Who needs Disney World!
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Listen to the whining
You hear that high-pitched whining sound? It's our republican congressman protesting Pres. Obama's intention to nominate a new Supreme Court Justice in a timely fashion. Republicans of course want him to wait until after the election so they can try to stack the court in their favor.
When it's perceived that Pres. Obama is playing fast and loose with the Constitution, they are outraged but when it's convenient for them to do it, well, that's different.
It get worse and worse.
But now it's on to more cheerful topics like the current break in the bitter cold of the past few days. Maybe we've turned the corner on this winter which thus far hasn't been anywhere near as bad as the past few years.
One can hope.
When it's perceived that Pres. Obama is playing fast and loose with the Constitution, they are outraged but when it's convenient for them to do it, well, that's different.
It get worse and worse.
But now it's on to more cheerful topics like the current break in the bitter cold of the past few days. Maybe we've turned the corner on this winter which thus far hasn't been anywhere near as bad as the past few years.
One can hope.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
The Point of Staging is ....what, again?
I couple of my 'friends' recently posted on my Facebook timeline ads for real estate professionals who will stage your house for you. I guess staging is all the rage these days if you want to sell your house for top dollar. Once upon a time all you had to do was pick up a little, do the dishes and get out...and very often you didn't even have to do leave.
Now most real estate agents selling especially the more expensive houses recommend staging. You have to get all your personal stuff off the walls, move out your ratty furniture and let a stager come in with new stuff the theory being the prospective buyers will walk through going ooooh and aaaaah and make multiple, ever increasing bids to have your beautiful house which of course they're getting emptied of all that neat stuff!
Personally, I think staging is a waste of money. If people can't come through and imagine their stuff in there instead of your stuff, then they're too stupid to own your house in which case they'd be more trouble than they're worth anyway.
Take my expert real estate advice: forget staging...but I guess you better do the dishes and pick up your underwear.
Now most real estate agents selling especially the more expensive houses recommend staging. You have to get all your personal stuff off the walls, move out your ratty furniture and let a stager come in with new stuff the theory being the prospective buyers will walk through going ooooh and aaaaah and make multiple, ever increasing bids to have your beautiful house which of course they're getting emptied of all that neat stuff!
Personally, I think staging is a waste of money. If people can't come through and imagine their stuff in there instead of your stuff, then they're too stupid to own your house in which case they'd be more trouble than they're worth anyway.
Take my expert real estate advice: forget staging...but I guess you better do the dishes and pick up your underwear.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Football
Well, Super Bowl 50 is over-fortunately. I'm almost as sick of football as I am politics-well, not really but you got the idea. I actually watched most of the game because I like Peyton Manning and I always root for the underdog.
Now, if you want to meet two football fanatics, you should meet my grandsons. They love football! Certainly a big reason for that is because their dad likes it too but they also want to play the game.
They even have a very impressive football card collection. They have baseball cards too but not as many as football cards.
In my day it was all baseball. My friends and I had hundreds of cards which we traded all the time. At one point I had the entire Brooklyn Dodgers 1954 team. Unfortunately they were lost in the floods of 1955.
So now we're in that twilight zone of no more football and too early for baseball. Well I suppose there's always basketball-or my choice-a really good book.
Now, if you want to meet two football fanatics, you should meet my grandsons. They love football! Certainly a big reason for that is because their dad likes it too but they also want to play the game.
They even have a very impressive football card collection. They have baseball cards too but not as many as football cards.
In my day it was all baseball. My friends and I had hundreds of cards which we traded all the time. At one point I had the entire Brooklyn Dodgers 1954 team. Unfortunately they were lost in the floods of 1955.
So now we're in that twilight zone of no more football and too early for baseball. Well I suppose there's always basketball-or my choice-a really good book.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Happy Birthday
(Sing the below verse to the tune of "Happy Birthday")
Happy birthday to youuuu
Happy birthday to youuu
Happy BIRTHday, dear Faaaaacebooooook
Happy birthday tooooo youuuuu!
That's right. Twelve years ago today a young Harvard student decided to come up with a way for people to be in touch with each other on a virtually constant basis with just a few clicks of a keyboard.
Now you too can find out the last time someone took out the garbage or blew their nose or got a divorce-which is pretty much what it's come down to if you peruse some of the posts.
Yet, here I am, a Facebook member. I must admit there are things I like about it. I do get to keep in touch with colleagues, friends or distant family who I otherwise would not know a thing about. Very often, that's not so bad but being the busybody I am, I like to snoop-to a point. I finally realized I can block some of the more obnoxious posts without 'unfriending' people so that's what I do.
There is an aspect of Facebook though that's very troubling-cyberbullying. It happens way too often among young people and sometimes leads to tragic results.
For this reason-among many others-I feel sorry for parents these days. Add social networking to the very, very long list of things they must now monitor and worry about. Of course it isn't just Facebook. There are lots of other social networking sites to keep track of as well. All in the good name of technological progress.
Ah, for the good old days when all we had to worry about was polio and smallpox and the bomb.
Happy birthday to youuuu
Happy birthday to youuu
Happy BIRTHday, dear Faaaaacebooooook
Happy birthday tooooo youuuuu!
That's right. Twelve years ago today a young Harvard student decided to come up with a way for people to be in touch with each other on a virtually constant basis with just a few clicks of a keyboard.
Now you too can find out the last time someone took out the garbage or blew their nose or got a divorce-which is pretty much what it's come down to if you peruse some of the posts.
Yet, here I am, a Facebook member. I must admit there are things I like about it. I do get to keep in touch with colleagues, friends or distant family who I otherwise would not know a thing about. Very often, that's not so bad but being the busybody I am, I like to snoop-to a point. I finally realized I can block some of the more obnoxious posts without 'unfriending' people so that's what I do.
There is an aspect of Facebook though that's very troubling-cyberbullying. It happens way too often among young people and sometimes leads to tragic results.
For this reason-among many others-I feel sorry for parents these days. Add social networking to the very, very long list of things they must now monitor and worry about. Of course it isn't just Facebook. There are lots of other social networking sites to keep track of as well. All in the good name of technological progress.
Ah, for the good old days when all we had to worry about was polio and smallpox and the bomb.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Happy Last Day of January
And so we bid a fond farewell to the month of January. In spite of a fairly significant snow storm last week, it was a very nice month and definitely a welcome departure from last year's frigid weather.
The forecasts call for a very mild first week or so for February before turning to 'normal'. I'll take it.
The month ended on a somewhat negative note when I awakened to a smashed mail box this morning. Some stupid kid(s), riding around smashing mail boxes for kicks, struck yet again. This is about our 6th new mail box. That doesn't count the number of times I've repaired one that was damaged for future use. Between snow plows and creativity-challenged kids, they don't stand a chance.
Are there worse things in life? Well, yes, of course. Still.....
Happy February everyone. For more about the month of February, click here georgeswebpage.com/almanac
The forecasts call for a very mild first week or so for February before turning to 'normal'. I'll take it.
The month ended on a somewhat negative note when I awakened to a smashed mail box this morning. Some stupid kid(s), riding around smashing mail boxes for kicks, struck yet again. This is about our 6th new mail box. That doesn't count the number of times I've repaired one that was damaged for future use. Between snow plows and creativity-challenged kids, they don't stand a chance.
Are there worse things in life? Well, yes, of course. Still.....
Happy February everyone. For more about the month of February, click here georgeswebpage.com/almanac
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
I'm reading this weird book now by one of my favorite authors. He's a popular author and known for writing about some very weird stuff like spirits and double lives. The author is Dean Koontz and the book is about a woman who is spared a deadly cancer in order to save someone's life. From there the adventure gets more bizarre but I'll spare you further details in case you want to read it. The book is "Ashley Bell".
The reason why I brought this up is because after listening to the morning news this morning as I do every morning, I sometimes think I've been teleported into one of Koontz's worlds. Talk about bizarro.
First we hear of a stand off between nut jobs who think they own federal property and federal authorities. That was followed by Trump's childish rant at Fox news and his withdrawal from the debate. Next there's the guy who hijacked a car with a child in it. and it goes on and on.
I guess the solution is to stop watching the news but it's like an addiction. I just can't help myself.
Oh well. Off to the dump. At least things are normal there.
The reason why I brought this up is because after listening to the morning news this morning as I do every morning, I sometimes think I've been teleported into one of Koontz's worlds. Talk about bizarro.
First we hear of a stand off between nut jobs who think they own federal property and federal authorities. That was followed by Trump's childish rant at Fox news and his withdrawal from the debate. Next there's the guy who hijacked a car with a child in it. and it goes on and on.
I guess the solution is to stop watching the news but it's like an addiction. I just can't help myself.
Oh well. Off to the dump. At least things are normal there.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
The Internet
I just received yet another invitation to join a web based portal for one of my (many) doctors. Access to these kinds of portals provides just about every piece of information there is about your medical status. Personal information like your height, weight, blood pressure, medications, results of last exam, lab results and diagnoses are all there for you (and hackers?) to see.
This is all done in the name of total transparency-an effort to keep patients informed of their status at any given time in an efficient and timely manner.
The numerous rows of files that one often sees in the doctor's secretary's office are shrinking. Instead what you now see is the doc walking around with not a stethoscope in his hand but a laptop.
It seems the medical community has joined the digital age with a vengeance all of which makes access to your information very easy and I guess that's the part that has me a tad unsettled. In spite of the use of secured servers and the huge efforts to secure a patient's privacy, we all know that there are those out there constantly testing the system. It's not out of the realm of possibility that one or more of these sites will get hacked. But then let's think about it. So what? I have no financial information whatever on any of these portals. No social security information, no bank records, nothing. Just a bunch of stuff about my weight and my high blood pressure and other conditions that would in no way benefit a hacker. So should people be worried? I suppose not...but still...
This is all done in the name of total transparency-an effort to keep patients informed of their status at any given time in an efficient and timely manner.
The numerous rows of files that one often sees in the doctor's secretary's office are shrinking. Instead what you now see is the doc walking around with not a stethoscope in his hand but a laptop.
It seems the medical community has joined the digital age with a vengeance all of which makes access to your information very easy and I guess that's the part that has me a tad unsettled. In spite of the use of secured servers and the huge efforts to secure a patient's privacy, we all know that there are those out there constantly testing the system. It's not out of the realm of possibility that one or more of these sites will get hacked. But then let's think about it. So what? I have no financial information whatever on any of these portals. No social security information, no bank records, nothing. Just a bunch of stuff about my weight and my high blood pressure and other conditions that would in no way benefit a hacker. So should people be worried? I suppose not...but still...
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Since Brooke's arrival, there have been three others. Baby sitting duties have lessened a great deal since those days when the kids were younger. Everyone is in school now and very involved with other family activities. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of times when I either get them on the bus, off the bus or we have them for overnights and days when there's no school. All of this is good and I hope it continues on for a long time.
So happy birthday, Brooke. May there be many, many more.
Monday, January 11, 2016
There's No Place Like Home
We've just returned from a 10-day trip to our condo in Florida. The weather was not up to our usual expectations but it was at least warmer than it is here-in addition to which we got to spend time with two friends who we haven't seen in a long time.
One of my main objectives was to try out a metal detector I rec'd for Christmas. I didn't get to do that but at lease it will be there for our next trip in late April-early May.
Now it's back to the routine. My usual volunteer stuff-schools and nursing homes-and occasional baby sitting duties and little projects around the house. Just enough to keep me busy and not so much that I'm stressed out.
Interspersed with all of this will be the occasional snow storm to clean up.
That's life. Routine. As much as some people complain about being in a rut it's very often the rut that keeps us focused and moving along.
So there you have it. My pearls of wisdom for a cold January day.
Finally, my web site has new pictures from our trip. Be sure to check it. georgeswebpage.com
One of my main objectives was to try out a metal detector I rec'd for Christmas. I didn't get to do that but at lease it will be there for our next trip in late April-early May.
Now it's back to the routine. My usual volunteer stuff-schools and nursing homes-and occasional baby sitting duties and little projects around the house. Just enough to keep me busy and not so much that I'm stressed out.
Interspersed with all of this will be the occasional snow storm to clean up.
That's life. Routine. As much as some people complain about being in a rut it's very often the rut that keeps us focused and moving along.
So there you have it. My pearls of wisdom for a cold January day.
Finally, my web site has new pictures from our trip. Be sure to check it. georgeswebpage.com
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Happy New Year
Well, I've done my due diligence and for what it's worth, I'm actually going to make a new year's resolution. Here it is.
I hereby resolve to refrain from all political posts on Facebook. I'm sick of them. I will also attempt to keep any posts that appear here on a positive note. I'm tired of politics and we're just getting started. It's going to be a long haul to the elections.
Other than that, it's business as usual-diet, exercise, good health habits, enjoy the family, etc. Nothing new there.
Bye for now from Naples, Fl.
I hereby resolve to refrain from all political posts on Facebook. I'm sick of them. I will also attempt to keep any posts that appear here on a positive note. I'm tired of politics and we're just getting started. It's going to be a long haul to the elections.
Other than that, it's business as usual-diet, exercise, good health habits, enjoy the family, etc. Nothing new there.
Bye for now from Naples, Fl.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Here comes winter
The first significant winter weather event of the season is forecast for tomorrow. They are calling for sleet and freezing rain changing over to rain. The morning commute will be a mess. Thus far it has been the warmest December on record but it's looking like that will end.
I'm ready with an ample supply of wood, calcium chloride and if necessary a snow blower. My generator is charged and gassed up as well.
Finally, I've located the ice cleats that Becky bought for me a couple of years ago in case the driveway is covered in ice and I need to spread around the calcium chloride. I've already used them several times and they work perfectly.
We leave for Florida on New Year's Day and returning the 10th so we get a little break from the cold but after that it's hello winter. Let's hope Mother Nature is a little easier on us this year. The past few years have been brutal.
My next post will be from Florida!
I'm ready with an ample supply of wood, calcium chloride and if necessary a snow blower. My generator is charged and gassed up as well.
Finally, I've located the ice cleats that Becky bought for me a couple of years ago in case the driveway is covered in ice and I need to spread around the calcium chloride. I've already used them several times and they work perfectly.
We leave for Florida on New Year's Day and returning the 10th so we get a little break from the cold but after that it's hello winter. Let's hope Mother Nature is a little easier on us this year. The past few years have been brutal.
My next post will be from Florida!
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Merry Christmas One and All
With the holiday season in full swing, let's hope some Christian/Judeo values emerge. Things like civility, kindness, consideration, generosity, patience, tolerance and general concern for others are sorely lacking in far too many quarters. Make no mistake, there's plenty of these things in evidence and I suppose the optimists among us will focus on only them but how is it possible to ignore those who don't when making one's way through the day?
For example take driving. The number of motorists who lack the above is incredible. And how about the political climate these days? Unbelievably low.
I guess the only thing to do is behave properly and hope others fall in line-and above all-TURN OFF THE TV.
No matter what religion you happen to be, it's possible to embrace old fashioned common sense decency and values. That's pretty pretty much all there is to it.
Merry Christmas.
For example take driving. The number of motorists who lack the above is incredible. And how about the political climate these days? Unbelievably low.
I guess the only thing to do is behave properly and hope others fall in line-and above all-TURN OFF THE TV.
No matter what religion you happen to be, it's possible to embrace old fashioned common sense decency and values. That's pretty pretty much all there is to it.
Merry Christmas.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Recommendation
Whether or not you follow the substantial political commentary making the rounds these days, I would like to recommend you check out New York Times columnist Gail Collins.
Collins is one of the most intelligent and perceptive journalists out there. She brings to her columns a degree of wit and humor that makes reading her pieces a real pleasure.
Check out a few. You won't regret it.
http://www.nytimes.com/column/gail-collins
Collins is one of the most intelligent and perceptive journalists out there. She brings to her columns a degree of wit and humor that makes reading her pieces a real pleasure.
Check out a few. You won't regret it.
http://www.nytimes.com/column/gail-collins
Monday, December 14, 2015
Three Years Ago
Three years ago today there occurred the tragedy at Sandy Hook School. This is the first day the anniversary occurs on a school day.
Most elementary children are not aware of the event so nothing will be done to draw attention to it. The staff and faculty however will have a difficult day indeed but being the professionals they are, they'll put a smile on their faces and get through the day.
It's difficult to move on from this because there are constant daily reminders with so many other gun related acts around the country with the last being San Bernardino. Inevitably whenever one of these shootings occurs, the gun-rights debate heats up and Sandy Hook is dragged into it.
Next year will be another milestone year when the brand new Sandy Hook School opens. Our two grand sons will be there-grades two and three. It's going to seem very strange and it will be somewhat difficult to go there to see their programs or volunteer in their rooms but I'll certainly do it because they won't know the full story of why they're at a new school.
So life goes on and we adapt as best we can.
In the meantime, remember:
Most elementary children are not aware of the event so nothing will be done to draw attention to it. The staff and faculty however will have a difficult day indeed but being the professionals they are, they'll put a smile on their faces and get through the day.
It's difficult to move on from this because there are constant daily reminders with so many other gun related acts around the country with the last being San Bernardino. Inevitably whenever one of these shootings occurs, the gun-rights debate heats up and Sandy Hook is dragged into it.
Next year will be another milestone year when the brand new Sandy Hook School opens. Our two grand sons will be there-grades two and three. It's going to seem very strange and it will be somewhat difficult to go there to see their programs or volunteer in their rooms but I'll certainly do it because they won't know the full story of why they're at a new school.
So life goes on and we adapt as best we can.
In the meantime, remember:
Thursday, December 10, 2015
The faces of insanity
Several years ago I posted a picture of Michelle Bachmann who was at the time a republican representative in the House of Representatives and I labelled her the picture of insanity. Make no mistake, she's still insane. She's a genuine nut job but she's definitely not alone. Check it:
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Life is about routines
As you may or may not be aware we just returned from a family trip to our condo in Naples, FL. It has become a family tradition for all 10 of us (6 adults, 4 children).
A trip like this is more than a chance to enjoy family time and good weather. It represents a break from the routines that have become a part of everyday life. Many of these routines become tiresome and sometimes stressful so a chance to unwind is always welcome.
But there are some early morning rituals that refuse to be set aside. We just can't seem to let go. Check out the below picture to see what I'm talking about. Four other people are out of range of my camera but they're all doing the same thing with either an iPad, iPhone or a laptop.
The good news is at some point not too far off, someone will yell "OK. That's it. Electronics off. Let's get going." And then it's breakfast, workouts and of course the beach. In other words...more routines!
A trip like this is more than a chance to enjoy family time and good weather. It represents a break from the routines that have become a part of everyday life. Many of these routines become tiresome and sometimes stressful so a chance to unwind is always welcome.
But there are some early morning rituals that refuse to be set aside. We just can't seem to let go. Check out the below picture to see what I'm talking about. Four other people are out of range of my camera but they're all doing the same thing with either an iPad, iPhone or a laptop.
The good news is at some point not too far off, someone will yell "OK. That's it. Electronics off. Let's get going." And then it's breakfast, workouts and of course the beach. In other words...more routines!
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Friday, December 4, 2015
More home repairs
Are you a home owner? Do you ever get tired of dumping money into your house and property? We sure do. In the last two years we've had our driveway redone, added insulation to our attic and are now having our roof redone.
For many people a house is their most valuable asset. It needs to be maintained so there's no other option but to get the work done. I'm hoping we have finally gotten to the point where we can take a breather from this stuff for the next few years-at least as long as we're going to be here anyway. That could be for as many as 5 or 6 more years. We'll see how long it takes me to get sick of doing the driveway every winter.
For now at least we'll be free of ice dams (and therefore interior leaks) and the cost of heating and cooling should go done quite a bit with R60 insulation in the attic.
Here's a picture of the work currently being done. If you need someone to do similar work, contact me.
For many people a house is their most valuable asset. It needs to be maintained so there's no other option but to get the work done. I'm hoping we have finally gotten to the point where we can take a breather from this stuff for the next few years-at least as long as we're going to be here anyway. That could be for as many as 5 or 6 more years. We'll see how long it takes me to get sick of doing the driveway every winter.
For now at least we'll be free of ice dams (and therefore interior leaks) and the cost of heating and cooling should go done quite a bit with R60 insulation in the attic.
Here's a picture of the work currently being done. If you need someone to do similar work, contact me.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
A Welcome Break
For the past few days and continuing into next week we have been mercifully ignorant of national and world events. It's such a pleasure to NOT know all the bad news there is out there. Instead we're preoccupied with warm weather, the beach or pool and family activities.
I think there's something to the notion that ignorance is bliss-but, alas, it won't last.
I'll let you know when you should check my web site for updates and new pictures.
I think there's something to the notion that ignorance is bliss-but, alas, it won't last.
I'll let you know when you should check my web site for updates and new pictures.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Welcome to the Land of the Free (for some) and the Home of the (not so) Brave
As I write this a controversy is raging over the plan to accept Syrian refugees into the United States. To date thirty one republican governors have vowed to turn them away from their state (although they do not have the authority to do so) while on the Today show this morning former director Tom Ridge of Homeland Security decried the move and went on to soundly criticize the Obama administration for everything ranging from foreign policy to terrorism itself. Ridge of course has been out of the loop for nearly ten years but, hey, who's counting?
Here's the thing. There was a time when the United States of America was the go-to place if a people were fleeing political oppression and tyranny. It was safe haven for anyone. Remember the inscription on the Statue of Liberty? Give me your tired, poor, etc etc.
What happened to that sentiment? What has happened to this country? Obviously we need to ensure that the people we allow in are safe and pose no threat to the rest of us but surely we have room for the others, don't we?
Hatred, intolerance and ignorance must not be allowed to overtake this nation. If it does, we're no better than anyone else.
Here's the thing. There was a time when the United States of America was the go-to place if a people were fleeing political oppression and tyranny. It was safe haven for anyone. Remember the inscription on the Statue of Liberty? Give me your tired, poor, etc etc.
What happened to that sentiment? What has happened to this country? Obviously we need to ensure that the people we allow in are safe and pose no threat to the rest of us but surely we have room for the others, don't we?
Hatred, intolerance and ignorance must not be allowed to overtake this nation. If it does, we're no better than anyone else.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Good Bye, Sadie
My son, his family and all the rest of us who knew her had to say good bye to their dog Sadie today. She was very old and ill for quite a while. She was a sweet, lovable dog and will be greatly missed.
And on the bright side....
With all of the miserable news bombarding us these days (politics, terrorism, etc.) it's nice to be able to report some good news.
Exactly one week from today we will board an airplane and head to warm, sunny (like today here actually) Naples, Florida. It's our yearly family trek to our condo for about 10 days to celebrate Thanksgiving, enjoy the weather and have a lot of family fun. We return home in early December for not quite a month at which time we once again return to Florida for a little over a week in January. Then it's back home to hunker down for the winter. But then, guess what? Before you know it, it's spring again.
And so it goes. Month after month. Year after year.
Next blog? In a few days. Possible topic? Unless something comes up to annoy me, it will probably be about an issue I've stumbled across a few times lately: shame.
Exactly one week from today we will board an airplane and head to warm, sunny (like today here actually) Naples, Florida. It's our yearly family trek to our condo for about 10 days to celebrate Thanksgiving, enjoy the weather and have a lot of family fun. We return home in early December for not quite a month at which time we once again return to Florida for a little over a week in January. Then it's back home to hunker down for the winter. But then, guess what? Before you know it, it's spring again.
And so it goes. Month after month. Year after year.
Next blog? In a few days. Possible topic? Unless something comes up to annoy me, it will probably be about an issue I've stumbled across a few times lately: shame.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Veterans Day 2015
Happy Veterans Day, fellow veterans. I served in the U.S. Army from May of 1964 to May of 1966. It was during the early stages of the Viet Nam war but I was not shipped there. I spent my entire two years at a state-side post. None of this was through any of my own doing. I, like millions before me, was drafted and therefore did pretty much as ordered to do. Two months before I was due to be discharged, I received orders to report to the First Cavalry Division in Viet Nam but because I had only two months left, the orders were rescinded.
My two years in the army were relatively uneventful. I made a lot of friends and still remain friends with a couple of people. Like anything else in life there were some good times and some bad. I absolutely do not regard myself as a hero. Sure, I gave up two years to serve and I could have been shipped just about anywhere at any given time but unless you were married or a full time student, so did a bunch of others. It was simply part of the times and every healthy young man could expect it to be a part of their life
America does not have a draft anymore. Every eighteen year old male does have to register but no one is drafted. The armed forces are all voluntary.
I'm reminded of this because a recent news item reported that a Connecticut National Guard unit has been ordered to Afghanistan. This got me to thinking. The original purpose of the National Guard was to maintain order and security at home-not abroad. But over the past several years many national guard units have served over seas in perilous circumstances. I think this is a problem. The national guard is not meant to be a general army. It was meant to be here, at home. Why is it necessary to use them as though they were regular army soldiers? Is it because not enough people are volunteering in the regular army? I don't know the answer to that but the implications are far reaching. Am I suggesting that we bring back the draft? No, I wouldn't want to see that happen so maybe what we should be doing is making it more worthwhile for people to volunteer for the regular army.
Food for thought.
My two years in the army were relatively uneventful. I made a lot of friends and still remain friends with a couple of people. Like anything else in life there were some good times and some bad. I absolutely do not regard myself as a hero. Sure, I gave up two years to serve and I could have been shipped just about anywhere at any given time but unless you were married or a full time student, so did a bunch of others. It was simply part of the times and every healthy young man could expect it to be a part of their life
America does not have a draft anymore. Every eighteen year old male does have to register but no one is drafted. The armed forces are all voluntary.
I'm reminded of this because a recent news item reported that a Connecticut National Guard unit has been ordered to Afghanistan. This got me to thinking. The original purpose of the National Guard was to maintain order and security at home-not abroad. But over the past several years many national guard units have served over seas in perilous circumstances. I think this is a problem. The national guard is not meant to be a general army. It was meant to be here, at home. Why is it necessary to use them as though they were regular army soldiers? Is it because not enough people are volunteering in the regular army? I don't know the answer to that but the implications are far reaching. Am I suggesting that we bring back the draft? No, I wouldn't want to see that happen so maybe what we should be doing is making it more worthwhile for people to volunteer for the regular army.
Food for thought.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Will the real Ben Carson please stand up?
This just in: Ben Carson, republican candidate for President of the United States is now leading in republican voter polls and other polls show him beating Hillary Clinton in a general election.
For the record, Ben Carson is a nut job. Click here to find out why. You'll be amazed.
http://www.salon.com/2015/0/30/the_7_most_impressively_stupid_things_ben_carson_has_said_partner/
For the record, Ben Carson is a nut job. Click here to find out why. You'll be amazed.
http://www.salon.com/2015/0/30/the_7_most_impressively_stupid_things_ben_carson_has_said_partner/
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Yes you did!
For the record basic algebraic principles are often introduced in kindergarten and continue through high school. To understand this it's necessary to know what algebra is.
Algebra is actually lots of things. Most people think it's something like this: 4X-12=2X+18 (answer at the end of this post). Well, that is certainly the kind of algebra we practiced in high school but it's much more. Notice the equal sign. That's important. It implies balance. One side has to equal another. Think of balancing your household budget (or maybe not). What goes out has to equal what's coming in. Basic arithmetic is basic algebra.
Other kinds of algebra involve sorting, patterns and estimating-all taught in elementary school. At the heart of it all is a way of thinking. A way to approach and solve problems. Logic and analytical skills are the things we want children to develop. That's algebra.
Did you think today? Did you use logic in some way today? Did you perform any financially related mathematical functions today? I'm betting you did in which case you did indeed use algebra!
(Answer to problem: X=15. Easy, right?)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)