What a rush it must be the be “The Big Guy”! What the Secret Service refers to as POTUS (President Of The United States), the Commander-In-Chief, the Prez, the Big Cheese!
Watching the historic speech of Barack Obama at the Democratic Convention last night made me realize what a LEAP he has taken in just a few short years. Eight years ago, he tried to get into the convention, but was denied a ticket! Last night, he stood in front of 80,000 people in Denver and millions nationally and accepted his party’s nomination, becoming the first African-American to do so.
Pretty heady stuff. Made me think about all the trapping of the office—and going for it on the campaign trail. 24/7 protection. People all around you taking care of your every physical need (no John Edwards jokes here please!) I mean, here is a guy who will NEVER take out the trash again! Doing the dishes? I don’t think so!
Of course if we could take away all those pesky speeches, diplomacy and life-or-death decisions, it would be the perfect gig! Without all that work, I might make a run in 2012! I’ll see if we can get someone to rewrite the job description…..
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Computers Come Of Age
If you are over 40, you’ll recall the saying: “To err is human, but to really ‘screw’(sic) things up requires a computer”.
My guess is that this phrase originated in the 70’s or 80’s…when computers were just beginning their assault on American culture. Those monstrous IBM machines, with ubiquitous green screen and flashing cursor were the bane of our existence. If something was messed up, it was invariably blamed on a “computer glitch”.
Fast forward to 2008-and the integration of computers into our society is nearly complete (no?) Virtually every home has one or more, we wear them on our hips in the form of “smartphones”—and business literally could not proceed without them. Our movies, radio/TV and even our music has been digitized.
While computer errors are probably at an all-time high (by virtue of sheer volume), it’s interesting that our perception of them has done a 180! We are now far more likely to “trust” a computer over a human being when it comes to data or accuracy. Or if we do blame a computer, we still usually blame the person who programmed/operated it rather than the machine itself.
It’s hard to imagine where technology can go-since it seems that everything has already been invented…but I’m waiting for the next gadget to be introduced-if only to discover a new target for blaming what would otherwise be my fault!
My guess is that this phrase originated in the 70’s or 80’s…when computers were just beginning their assault on American culture. Those monstrous IBM machines, with ubiquitous green screen and flashing cursor were the bane of our existence. If something was messed up, it was invariably blamed on a “computer glitch”.
Fast forward to 2008-and the integration of computers into our society is nearly complete (no?) Virtually every home has one or more, we wear them on our hips in the form of “smartphones”—and business literally could not proceed without them. Our movies, radio/TV and even our music has been digitized.
While computer errors are probably at an all-time high (by virtue of sheer volume), it’s interesting that our perception of them has done a 180! We are now far more likely to “trust” a computer over a human being when it comes to data or accuracy. Or if we do blame a computer, we still usually blame the person who programmed/operated it rather than the machine itself.
It’s hard to imagine where technology can go-since it seems that everything has already been invented…but I’m waiting for the next gadget to be introduced-if only to discover a new target for blaming what would otherwise be my fault!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The End Of Summer?
The long Labor Day weekend is just ahead-kids going back to school-and a mindset change for everyone, the bottom line being: Summer is DONE. Put a fork in it!
I choose to look at things a bit differently. There are many weeks of excellent weather still ahead. Barbeques, golf and other outdoor sports-and mowing the lawn (see previous blog on that one!) Lots to still enjoy in the summer sun—as Labor Day is NOT the official end of the summer season.
I love Fall, too! Crisp mornings and nights. An explosion of color in the trees, football games and apple cider! Savor every moment and take it as it comes. If we wanted “Endless Summer”, we’d live in Florida or California.
I’ll take Northern New England, thank you!
I choose to look at things a bit differently. There are many weeks of excellent weather still ahead. Barbeques, golf and other outdoor sports-and mowing the lawn (see previous blog on that one!) Lots to still enjoy in the summer sun—as Labor Day is NOT the official end of the summer season.
I love Fall, too! Crisp mornings and nights. An explosion of color in the trees, football games and apple cider! Savor every moment and take it as it comes. If we wanted “Endless Summer”, we’d live in Florida or California.
I’ll take Northern New England, thank you!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A College Education Shouldn't Bankrupt The Recipient (Or Their Parents!)
Three kids. One a sophomore at RPI, one a High School senior and entering college next Fall….and then there’s our 8 year old. By the time our youngest gets his high school sheepskin, we may all be living in a cardboard box!
The tuition of any college is clearly separate from the cost of that education. Like a business, the excess represents the “profit” of the school. At Rensselaer (which I believe is Dutch for “I am financially ruined”), the yearly tuition is north of $50,000! That’s like buying a new Lexus each year (for cash!) Clearly, the education he receives at RPI will insure a well-paying job—and we remind our oldest that he will take care of us in our old age! However, the idea of spending nearly a quarter million dollars to attain that education seems a bit excessive to me.
If you are rich, there are no college worries. If poor, there are ample grants and need-based aid to insure a qualified student will make it through. It’s the middle class that gets squeezed, as usual.
Harvard’s endowment (at least ten figures) means that students there could literally pay zero tuition for four years, without making a dent in their bank account! And since many Ivy League grads will be the CEO’s of tomorrow, the alumni payback in donations to the school might make a free education really pay off once these young people achieve the financial success that seems almost certain. It’s hard to turn down the fundraising requests when your old alma mater gave you a free ride!
On the contrary, RPI is already calling us for donations-and pardon me if the thought of giving one penny more makes me angry when we are currently writing such huge checks and taking out massive loans.
I may do some homework myself. Multiply the average cost of a year of college nationwide by the number of college students. My guess is that the total is probably less than we spend per month in Iraq.
Which do you think is the better investment?
The tuition of any college is clearly separate from the cost of that education. Like a business, the excess represents the “profit” of the school. At Rensselaer (which I believe is Dutch for “I am financially ruined”), the yearly tuition is north of $50,000! That’s like buying a new Lexus each year (for cash!) Clearly, the education he receives at RPI will insure a well-paying job—and we remind our oldest that he will take care of us in our old age! However, the idea of spending nearly a quarter million dollars to attain that education seems a bit excessive to me.
If you are rich, there are no college worries. If poor, there are ample grants and need-based aid to insure a qualified student will make it through. It’s the middle class that gets squeezed, as usual.
Harvard’s endowment (at least ten figures) means that students there could literally pay zero tuition for four years, without making a dent in their bank account! And since many Ivy League grads will be the CEO’s of tomorrow, the alumni payback in donations to the school might make a free education really pay off once these young people achieve the financial success that seems almost certain. It’s hard to turn down the fundraising requests when your old alma mater gave you a free ride!
On the contrary, RPI is already calling us for donations-and pardon me if the thought of giving one penny more makes me angry when we are currently writing such huge checks and taking out massive loans.
I may do some homework myself. Multiply the average cost of a year of college nationwide by the number of college students. My guess is that the total is probably less than we spend per month in Iraq.
Which do you think is the better investment?
Monday, August 25, 2008
A Political Junkie's Paradise
The start of the Democratic Convention today in Denver has got me all excited! I will be the same way when the Republicans convene to nominate John McCain.
To me, it’s not a “Democrat” or “Republican” thing. It’s an American thing…the process of exercising our right to choose our leader. Political conventions are full of idealism, ideas, stirring rhetoric—and choices.
It’s healthy to hear the attacks on the other party, to weather the negative side of both sides in order to discern a sense of who you want to vote for!
So I say, go for it! Enjoy the pundits, the banners, buttons and balloons—and be grateful we live in a country where---good or bad—we get to make the choice!
To me, it’s not a “Democrat” or “Republican” thing. It’s an American thing…the process of exercising our right to choose our leader. Political conventions are full of idealism, ideas, stirring rhetoric—and choices.
It’s healthy to hear the attacks on the other party, to weather the negative side of both sides in order to discern a sense of who you want to vote for!
So I say, go for it! Enjoy the pundits, the banners, buttons and balloons—and be grateful we live in a country where---good or bad—we get to make the choice!
Friday, August 15, 2008
I Need A Vacation---After I Get Back From My Vacation
I’ll be off next week, but I’m wondering if it is WORTH IT! Does this happen to you?
A) You need to work like a dog to prepare to be out a week
B) When you get back, digging out means that after your first week back, you need…well….a vacation.
Hundreds of e-mails will await my return…after I delete the Viagra and Car Insurance ones, there will still be dozens of them to respond to. Of course, no ones feels the least bit compassionate for those newly back from vacation. Phone messages, plowing through memos, mail and post-it notes crammed with disasters of varying degrees, I will routinely pull a 12 hour day on my first day back.
Still, summer is fleeting—and somewhere, a lake, a cold beer and my golf clubs are calling….and I will listen to them!
Enjoy your vacation from ME!
A) You need to work like a dog to prepare to be out a week
B) When you get back, digging out means that after your first week back, you need…well….a vacation.
Hundreds of e-mails will await my return…after I delete the Viagra and Car Insurance ones, there will still be dozens of them to respond to. Of course, no ones feels the least bit compassionate for those newly back from vacation. Phone messages, plowing through memos, mail and post-it notes crammed with disasters of varying degrees, I will routinely pull a 12 hour day on my first day back.
Still, summer is fleeting—and somewhere, a lake, a cold beer and my golf clubs are calling….and I will listen to them!
Enjoy your vacation from ME!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Micro-Brews? How about a MACRO-Brew?
Beer is good.
I learned this in college, when even cheap beer was good beer, simply by virtue of the fact that it was beer. At Ohio State back in the seventies, if you were between 18 and 20, you had to buy “3-2 Beer” (3.2 % alcohol), which we called “near-beer”. The thought, of course is that with half the alcohol, we would become less impaired. What lawmakers in Ohio didn’t consider is that we would simply drink twice as much(which we did)
As I’ve grown older, my taste in beer has changed, but I am still not aboard the micro-brew train. It’s not that I don’t like micro-brews…I can swallow them without heaving. It’s just that they all seem heavy to me….some are like drinking glue.
And forget about Guinness. It looks like motor oil with a head. Tasty?….OK…not bad, but sort of like drinking a bottle of Aunt Jemima. WAY too heavy for me.
So, for me, please….keep your micro-brews! I want a MACRO-BREW! Unless it was brewed in a factory the size of an airplane hanger, I will pass. Budweiser, Miller-and all their variations, mass produced and mass marketed-that’s for me.
My new favorite beer is Bud Light Lime. Made me switch from Corona Light (with an actual slice of lime)….now, the lime in my Bud Light Lime is no doubt concocted in a lab next to the factory where the beer is brewed.
Just don’t tell me how it all is made. I ‘d rather drink my macrobrew in ignorant bliss.
I learned this in college, when even cheap beer was good beer, simply by virtue of the fact that it was beer. At Ohio State back in the seventies, if you were between 18 and 20, you had to buy “3-2 Beer” (3.2 % alcohol), which we called “near-beer”. The thought, of course is that with half the alcohol, we would become less impaired. What lawmakers in Ohio didn’t consider is that we would simply drink twice as much(which we did)
As I’ve grown older, my taste in beer has changed, but I am still not aboard the micro-brew train. It’s not that I don’t like micro-brews…I can swallow them without heaving. It’s just that they all seem heavy to me….some are like drinking glue.
And forget about Guinness. It looks like motor oil with a head. Tasty?….OK…not bad, but sort of like drinking a bottle of Aunt Jemima. WAY too heavy for me.
So, for me, please….keep your micro-brews! I want a MACRO-BREW! Unless it was brewed in a factory the size of an airplane hanger, I will pass. Budweiser, Miller-and all their variations, mass produced and mass marketed-that’s for me.
My new favorite beer is Bud Light Lime. Made me switch from Corona Light (with an actual slice of lime)….now, the lime in my Bud Light Lime is no doubt concocted in a lab next to the factory where the beer is brewed.
Just don’t tell me how it all is made. I ‘d rather drink my macrobrew in ignorant bliss.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Lawn Boy, I'm not
During the winter, with shovel in hand, I find myself fantasizing about mowing my lawn. As the bitter cold slices through my body, the thought of a hot summer day and me, slaving over a hot Toro actually seems appealing.
Fast forward to August-and the thought of mowing my lawn holds absolutely no appeal. I think that I’m in the minority in this regard. I think my neighborhood counterparts actually enjoy riding around or meticulously pushing the Lawn Boy in precise patterns.
Maybe I’m missing the gene that takes enormous pride in grooming the yard. I know it’s a “guy thing”. Don’t get me wrong…I love looking at my newly groomed lawn and enjoy the neat rows and the smell of fresh cut grass.
The thing is, I can enjoy the results without actually having to do the work….honey, can I please call the neighbor boy? The Red Sox are on!
Fast forward to August-and the thought of mowing my lawn holds absolutely no appeal. I think that I’m in the minority in this regard. I think my neighborhood counterparts actually enjoy riding around or meticulously pushing the Lawn Boy in precise patterns.
Maybe I’m missing the gene that takes enormous pride in grooming the yard. I know it’s a “guy thing”. Don’t get me wrong…I love looking at my newly groomed lawn and enjoy the neat rows and the smell of fresh cut grass.
The thing is, I can enjoy the results without actually having to do the work….honey, can I please call the neighbor boy? The Red Sox are on!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Weather Woes
OK—so August hasn’t exactly been the epitome of a “Maine Summah” (or New Hampshire…insert geographic location) However, the only thing worse than the weather itself is listening to people complain about it!
I get it…this was your ONE vacation week…and it RAINED EVERY DAY! Nothing I can do about it (except listen to you bitch about it). I think that we need to get some perspective. Compared to areas where true flooding has occurred, or wildfires consuming your home-or earthquakes and tornadoes—a week of rain seems pretty miniscule, no?
If you have children, the challenge is obviously more daunting, but there are many things you can do INDOORS. Here’s a quick list:
Throw a Beach Party indoors!! (maybe leave the sand out), but throw some towels around, toss “Beach Blanket Bingo” in the DVD player-and bring plenty of snacks!
A variation can be a camping trip INSIDE, complete with tent—just keep the open flame campfire out of the picture!
Speaking of movies, throw a MOVIE MARATHON of some sort-horror, an old TV show on VHS or DVD—and go for it!
Use some of the money you would have spent elsewhere and create a JACKPOT to win-then, it can be Monopoly, Scrabble, Texas Hold’em…you name it—a game tourney with a pot at the end of the rainbow is sure to get everyone’s attention!
Of course, you can always clean out a closet or the basement, paint the family room, etc….but these activities don’t tend to inspire much excitement.
I’m sure you can add to the list!
I’m off next week-sure hope the weather is nice!
I get it…this was your ONE vacation week…and it RAINED EVERY DAY! Nothing I can do about it (except listen to you bitch about it). I think that we need to get some perspective. Compared to areas where true flooding has occurred, or wildfires consuming your home-or earthquakes and tornadoes—a week of rain seems pretty miniscule, no?
If you have children, the challenge is obviously more daunting, but there are many things you can do INDOORS. Here’s a quick list:
Throw a Beach Party indoors!! (maybe leave the sand out), but throw some towels around, toss “Beach Blanket Bingo” in the DVD player-and bring plenty of snacks!
A variation can be a camping trip INSIDE, complete with tent—just keep the open flame campfire out of the picture!
Speaking of movies, throw a MOVIE MARATHON of some sort-horror, an old TV show on VHS or DVD—and go for it!
Use some of the money you would have spent elsewhere and create a JACKPOT to win-then, it can be Monopoly, Scrabble, Texas Hold’em…you name it—a game tourney with a pot at the end of the rainbow is sure to get everyone’s attention!
Of course, you can always clean out a closet or the basement, paint the family room, etc….but these activities don’t tend to inspire much excitement.
I’m sure you can add to the list!
I’m off next week-sure hope the weather is nice!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Olympic Nightmares
The spectacular Beijing Olympic opening ceremonies were enjoyed by everyone the world over, with the possible exception of two people.
Those two individuals are Lord Moynihan and Simon Clegg, Chairman and CEO respectively of the British National Olympic Committee. You see, the 2012 Summer Games will be held in London—and even the prospect of trying to top that show must have each of them popping the Tums (or whatever is the leading antacid brand in Great Britain).
There is frankly no way to answer that powerful display of light, sound, technology, dance and fireworks. The reported price tag of $100 million for the opening ceremonies alone should have British citizens contemplating the hawking of the Crown jewels on eBay.
Forgetaboutit! Parade the folks in, light the torch and let the games begin. Nothing the Brits can do will approach the spectacle we all witnessed Friday! They should just punt.
Imagine being the guy “running” along the inside of the so-called “bird’s nest”, holding the Olympic torch! Wires supported his body-even his arm---but am I the only one who wondered what would happen if he dropped the torch? Surely the Chinese had planned for this contingency (aside from the execution of the torchbearer)-I just wonder what it was…could it be the torch was superglued to his hand? Surgically attached? Think about it….none of what happened before would ever have been remembered or discussed if the Olympic flame fell into Section B10…..maybe the guy had a bic lighter in his back pocket!
Luckily, there were no snafus (at least none that we know of)…..maybe the guy who organized this show could work on this year’s Super Bowl Halftime program! Of course, what happens during the Games is what really matters-and the Americans are looking for another stunning display of athletic prowess.
GO USA!
Those two individuals are Lord Moynihan and Simon Clegg, Chairman and CEO respectively of the British National Olympic Committee. You see, the 2012 Summer Games will be held in London—and even the prospect of trying to top that show must have each of them popping the Tums (or whatever is the leading antacid brand in Great Britain).
There is frankly no way to answer that powerful display of light, sound, technology, dance and fireworks. The reported price tag of $100 million for the opening ceremonies alone should have British citizens contemplating the hawking of the Crown jewels on eBay.
Forgetaboutit! Parade the folks in, light the torch and let the games begin. Nothing the Brits can do will approach the spectacle we all witnessed Friday! They should just punt.
Imagine being the guy “running” along the inside of the so-called “bird’s nest”, holding the Olympic torch! Wires supported his body-even his arm---but am I the only one who wondered what would happen if he dropped the torch? Surely the Chinese had planned for this contingency (aside from the execution of the torchbearer)-I just wonder what it was…could it be the torch was superglued to his hand? Surgically attached? Think about it….none of what happened before would ever have been remembered or discussed if the Olympic flame fell into Section B10…..maybe the guy had a bic lighter in his back pocket!
Luckily, there were no snafus (at least none that we know of)…..maybe the guy who organized this show could work on this year’s Super Bowl Halftime program! Of course, what happens during the Games is what really matters-and the Americans are looking for another stunning display of athletic prowess.
GO USA!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Little League Not So Little
I’m hooked on NESN’s coverage of the Little League tournament. It’s fun to watch the kids play ball, but I can’t help wondering what the pressure for these youngsters is in the dugout.
Growing up, I remember playing the game-and being nervous before heading to the plate when men were on base-or-gasp!-you were batting with two out in the ninth with your team behind. I can’t imagine what it’s like for today’s kids.
Not only are they on TV, but they are being interviewed like major leaguers before and after the game. High school and college scouts are there, not to mention the high-strung legion of parents.
Being a former coach, I can identify with the negatives of parents who exert too much pressure or attempt to absolve their own athletic failures through the lives of their kids. Add to this the all-too-common coach whose desire to win exceeds his mission to teach.
Sometimes I think all the high-tech, high structure competitive environment may be counter-productive. Evidence of this exists in the major leagues, where so many players are from the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and other countries where many of the kids grow up hitting a rock with a stick. Somehow, just letting the kids PLAY hasn’t hurt their prospects for future major league stardom!
So let’s all back off a little bit, stop analyzing every at-bat or defensive play---and just let the kids do what the umpire says at the start of the game:
PLAY BALL!
Growing up, I remember playing the game-and being nervous before heading to the plate when men were on base-or-gasp!-you were batting with two out in the ninth with your team behind. I can’t imagine what it’s like for today’s kids.
Not only are they on TV, but they are being interviewed like major leaguers before and after the game. High school and college scouts are there, not to mention the high-strung legion of parents.
Being a former coach, I can identify with the negatives of parents who exert too much pressure or attempt to absolve their own athletic failures through the lives of their kids. Add to this the all-too-common coach whose desire to win exceeds his mission to teach.
Sometimes I think all the high-tech, high structure competitive environment may be counter-productive. Evidence of this exists in the major leagues, where so many players are from the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and other countries where many of the kids grow up hitting a rock with a stick. Somehow, just letting the kids PLAY hasn’t hurt their prospects for future major league stardom!
So let’s all back off a little bit, stop analyzing every at-bat or defensive play---and just let the kids do what the umpire says at the start of the game:
PLAY BALL!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
What's Bad For ME TODAY?
It’s getting to the point where I don’t want to hear or read anything more about which foods are healthy-and which are not.
One week, coffee is bad for you (all that caffeine!)—and the next report from a respected medical journal says it is actually beneficial. First, “something” causes cancer-and then, that same substance (insert anything you like, with the possible exception of cigarettes) will be found to boost your immune system…HUH?
Now I’m told my cell phone may give me cancer-and I can’t even eat that! Is it any wonder that we distrust anything that connects stuff we love with illness or disease?
So, here’s what I believe:
Coffee is good for me
A glass or two of wine is excellent for me (I may substitute beer here…Doctor?)
Red meat in moderation is fine-and an excellent source of protein
Dairy products include cheese. I love cheese.
Too much exercise may strain my joints and muscles
Chocolate is an excellent source of…….chocolate.
I feel better already!
One week, coffee is bad for you (all that caffeine!)—and the next report from a respected medical journal says it is actually beneficial. First, “something” causes cancer-and then, that same substance (insert anything you like, with the possible exception of cigarettes) will be found to boost your immune system…HUH?
Now I’m told my cell phone may give me cancer-and I can’t even eat that! Is it any wonder that we distrust anything that connects stuff we love with illness or disease?
So, here’s what I believe:
Coffee is good for me
A glass or two of wine is excellent for me (I may substitute beer here…Doctor?)
Red meat in moderation is fine-and an excellent source of protein
Dairy products include cheese. I love cheese.
Too much exercise may strain my joints and muscles
Chocolate is an excellent source of…….chocolate.
I feel better already!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Olympics Of Lazy
I love sports…and I really love watching the Olympics, so the next few weeks are guaranteed to be exciting! There’s nothing like watching athletes compete for the glory of personal accomplishment and national pride.
Unlike pro sports, there’s no cash attached…..no fat contracts on the line…except, of course if you win the GOLD. I really don’t believe that’s the motivation driving these young people to sacrifice literally years of their lives to train for events that usually last but a few seconds.
None of us at home, relaxing in our easychairs can relate to the challenge, the butterflies and nervousness, the pressure to perform or the emotions associated with winning or losing. Not that we won’t bark “advice” while clutching a beer and a bag of chips! “Why didn’t she do it this way?!” “Why did he let that guy catch up to him!” “He CHOKED!” “She totally blew it!”
What nerve we have! Most of us get winded making the trip to the refrigerator-and here we are—judging the performance of athletes whose margin of winning and losing is measured in hundredths or thousandths of a second.
Like we could do better.
Maybe we could… the minute “Snacking” becomes an Olympic event.
Unlike pro sports, there’s no cash attached…..no fat contracts on the line…except, of course if you win the GOLD. I really don’t believe that’s the motivation driving these young people to sacrifice literally years of their lives to train for events that usually last but a few seconds.
None of us at home, relaxing in our easychairs can relate to the challenge, the butterflies and nervousness, the pressure to perform or the emotions associated with winning or losing. Not that we won’t bark “advice” while clutching a beer and a bag of chips! “Why didn’t she do it this way?!” “Why did he let that guy catch up to him!” “He CHOKED!” “She totally blew it!”
What nerve we have! Most of us get winded making the trip to the refrigerator-and here we are—judging the performance of athletes whose margin of winning and losing is measured in hundredths or thousandths of a second.
Like we could do better.
Maybe we could… the minute “Snacking” becomes an Olympic event.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Naming Your Hound
My family has grown….by one. One furry, four-legged puppy of the golden retriever persuasion now occupies the Moore house. Or should I say, dominates it? The name, you ask?
Molly Sugar Moore (although I call her “Molly Hatchet”-after the rock band whose hit song “Flirtin’ With Disaster” seems to be apropos)
If there is anything cuter on earth than a golden retriever pup, I have yet to see it. Naming that hound was anything but cute, however. With two adults, two teens and an 8 year old all having to “agree” on the name, the process took over a week.
My advice? Go to the web and Google “dog names”. You’ll find dozens of sites with THOUSANDS of names! Make a list of the ones you would consider-this will take some time-and those that are out of the box, so to speak. Molly, being a female (bet you figured that out by now) ruled out many names more suited to male dogs. Personally, if the dog were a boy, I would go with “Fido”, since, although it seems to be the generic name for dogs, I have yet to come across an actual dog named “Fido”.
I also liked “Lasagna” (the food and the name), but Molly didn’t look like an Italian dish. So, we narrowed it down to “Maggie”, “Molly”, “Ellie”, “Haley”—and a few others. Our 8 year old wanted “Sugar” (and refused to compromise), so we allowed our hound a middle name. Despite the tearful dissention of said 8 year old, agreement on “Molly Sugar” was reached (if only because the rest of us were so tired of the process we would have named the dog Bathurst just to get it over with)
Now we have a name….and we need to use it often to get her used to it. She should hear it alot, which is why my brother-in-law quipped that his dog thought her name was….”Bad Dog!” since that’s what she heard most frequently. The accidents will happen, but it’s all worth it—to get the wagging tail and unconditional love that dogs bring.
“Good girl, Molly!”
Molly Sugar Moore (although I call her “Molly Hatchet”-after the rock band whose hit song “Flirtin’ With Disaster” seems to be apropos)
If there is anything cuter on earth than a golden retriever pup, I have yet to see it. Naming that hound was anything but cute, however. With two adults, two teens and an 8 year old all having to “agree” on the name, the process took over a week.
My advice? Go to the web and Google “dog names”. You’ll find dozens of sites with THOUSANDS of names! Make a list of the ones you would consider-this will take some time-and those that are out of the box, so to speak. Molly, being a female (bet you figured that out by now) ruled out many names more suited to male dogs. Personally, if the dog were a boy, I would go with “Fido”, since, although it seems to be the generic name for dogs, I have yet to come across an actual dog named “Fido”.
I also liked “Lasagna” (the food and the name), but Molly didn’t look like an Italian dish. So, we narrowed it down to “Maggie”, “Molly”, “Ellie”, “Haley”—and a few others. Our 8 year old wanted “Sugar” (and refused to compromise), so we allowed our hound a middle name. Despite the tearful dissention of said 8 year old, agreement on “Molly Sugar” was reached (if only because the rest of us were so tired of the process we would have named the dog Bathurst just to get it over with)
Now we have a name….and we need to use it often to get her used to it. She should hear it alot, which is why my brother-in-law quipped that his dog thought her name was….”Bad Dog!” since that’s what she heard most frequently. The accidents will happen, but it’s all worth it—to get the wagging tail and unconditional love that dogs bring.
“Good girl, Molly!”
Monday, August 4, 2008
"Traffic Turrets"
The Urban Dictionary defines the increasing occurrence of profanity-laced motorist tirades as “Traffic Turrets”. Seems we cannot accept calmly the boneheaded moves that other drivers inflict on us. We scream four letter words and pound the steering wheel at the imbeciles who thwart our enjoyment of the open road. Experts say our patience is getting thinner faster-and I cannot argue with them.
I must admit that I too am guilty of such outbursts, but if there are kids in the car, the language is strictly PG-13. I’d like to think that my level of control is better than average, but my wife may disagree with that assessment. After seeing some of the road antics out there, one does wonder how these people got drivers licenses in the first place.
I can handle the slowpoke in the fast lane. I can tolerate the guy (or gal) who slows down to almost a complete stop(without moving over) before making a right hand turn. I can even withstand the weaving-because-I-am-talking-on-my-cell-phone-or-putting-on-makeup-or-eating-while-driving-or-all-of-the-above.
The one thing I can’t stand—and don’t understand- is the driver who refuses to PULL OUT INTO THE INTERSECTION to make a left turn. We’ve all been a victim. We’re behind someone at a traffic light. We both want to go left. It may even be a dedicated left turn lane. The light turns green. Instead of pulling into the intersection while waiting for traffic to clear (allowing you to do the same), this brainchild STAYS PUT until traffic clears. He or she then makes a hasty left-just in time for the light to turn back to red. This Mensa-society member has no clue what they are doing. A gentle tap of your horn to remind them to pull up a bit is completely lost on them. In fact, they’re up there saying “why is that idiot honking at me? Can’t he see the cars coming the other way?”
Because they are completely numb to their lack of road manners, there is no cure for this behavior. But there is hope. If you are one of these drivers, well now you know. If you are riding with one of these drivers, do your part by gently reminding them to inch up a bit. Not only will they be able to make the turn faster once the opportunity arises-if they happen to be IN THE INTERSECTION when the light turns yellow, they get to turn! I’ve actually endured the driver who missed a couple of lights by not moving ahead just enough to even take care of themselves!
Maybe you can share your pet peeves regarding drivers who really should just be riders. Eliminating road rage has always been seen as a function of dealing with the source of the outburst-rather than the source of the problem!
Can’t we all just please learn to drive?
I must admit that I too am guilty of such outbursts, but if there are kids in the car, the language is strictly PG-13. I’d like to think that my level of control is better than average, but my wife may disagree with that assessment. After seeing some of the road antics out there, one does wonder how these people got drivers licenses in the first place.
I can handle the slowpoke in the fast lane. I can tolerate the guy (or gal) who slows down to almost a complete stop(without moving over) before making a right hand turn. I can even withstand the weaving-because-I-am-talking-on-my-cell-phone-or-putting-on-makeup-or-eating-while-driving-or-all-of-the-above.
The one thing I can’t stand—and don’t understand- is the driver who refuses to PULL OUT INTO THE INTERSECTION to make a left turn. We’ve all been a victim. We’re behind someone at a traffic light. We both want to go left. It may even be a dedicated left turn lane. The light turns green. Instead of pulling into the intersection while waiting for traffic to clear (allowing you to do the same), this brainchild STAYS PUT until traffic clears. He or she then makes a hasty left-just in time for the light to turn back to red. This Mensa-society member has no clue what they are doing. A gentle tap of your horn to remind them to pull up a bit is completely lost on them. In fact, they’re up there saying “why is that idiot honking at me? Can’t he see the cars coming the other way?”
Because they are completely numb to their lack of road manners, there is no cure for this behavior. But there is hope. If you are one of these drivers, well now you know. If you are riding with one of these drivers, do your part by gently reminding them to inch up a bit. Not only will they be able to make the turn faster once the opportunity arises-if they happen to be IN THE INTERSECTION when the light turns yellow, they get to turn! I’ve actually endured the driver who missed a couple of lights by not moving ahead just enough to even take care of themselves!
Maybe you can share your pet peeves regarding drivers who really should just be riders. Eliminating road rage has always been seen as a function of dealing with the source of the outburst-rather than the source of the problem!
Can’t we all just please learn to drive?
Friday, August 1, 2008
To Text Or Not Text
When Alexander Graham Bell uttered his immortal words “Mr. Watson, come here, I want you”, the telephone age was born—and voice communications advanced beyond the “dashs and dots” of Morse code.
From telephone to wireless communications-and satellite phones where you can conceivably speak to ANYONE on the planet from ANYWHERE on the planet is amazing!
Despite these advances, I don’t believe anyone could have predicted that texting would become so popular. After all, wouldn’t you rather speak to someone and hear their voice rather than read acronyms like “LOL”? I guess the answer is no!
Young people in particular are especially enamored of typing in the message rather than speaking directly. I will admit that I enjoy getting Sports updates from ESPN on my cell phone….more preferable to someone from ESPN calling me to tell me. But I would rather speak to my teenage son or daughter than read their communications. Of course, I would rather text over the alternative-zero contact.
My college-age son and high school student daughter both recently upgraded from a “pay-as-you-go” service to unlimited texting. E-mail is not their thing…IM(instant messaging) is popular with them, but not me…besides, who carts a computer around with them everywhere?
I must admit that I am looking forward to “speaking” more frequently with my kids via my thumbs typing in letters—versus not have calls returned or e-mails read.
It’s just sort of interesting that we have regressed! From voice to text! What’s next? Back to Morse code? If the mobile phone companies can find a way to make a buck off sending smoke signals, they’ll do it! Might as well, since our money is going up in smoke paying the bills!
From telephone to wireless communications-and satellite phones where you can conceivably speak to ANYONE on the planet from ANYWHERE on the planet is amazing!
Despite these advances, I don’t believe anyone could have predicted that texting would become so popular. After all, wouldn’t you rather speak to someone and hear their voice rather than read acronyms like “LOL”? I guess the answer is no!
Young people in particular are especially enamored of typing in the message rather than speaking directly. I will admit that I enjoy getting Sports updates from ESPN on my cell phone….more preferable to someone from ESPN calling me to tell me. But I would rather speak to my teenage son or daughter than read their communications. Of course, I would rather text over the alternative-zero contact.
My college-age son and high school student daughter both recently upgraded from a “pay-as-you-go” service to unlimited texting. E-mail is not their thing…IM(instant messaging) is popular with them, but not me…besides, who carts a computer around with them everywhere?
I must admit that I am looking forward to “speaking” more frequently with my kids via my thumbs typing in letters—versus not have calls returned or e-mails read.
It’s just sort of interesting that we have regressed! From voice to text! What’s next? Back to Morse code? If the mobile phone companies can find a way to make a buck off sending smoke signals, they’ll do it! Might as well, since our money is going up in smoke paying the bills!
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