HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Ed, Jodi and Ali!
Today Ed (Jodi, Ali and their whole extended families) welcomed a new life into the world.
Baby Boy H. (yet to be named) was born this morning at 0645 hours.
Baby Boy H. was just under seven pounds, and about nineteen inches at birth
Mother & Baby are doing fine (from what I am told), and older sister is eager to spend time with her new brother! (Let's see how long that lasts! - Lisa & Sandy, how long did it last when you parents brought Ed home for the first time???)
Well, I'd post a link, or an http here, but Ed is not among the Blogging community... (Although, he has been a guest poster over at Dad's Outdoor Journal - See his post HERE) He is a "label" here on FOF (and one of the most used.... go figure). So, click HERE for all posts labeled "Ed".
Please, feel free to send Ed (and his family) your warmest wishes from the blogging community through my comments. He is a regular reader here at FOF.
Ed - I could not be happier for you. Congratulations on all the good that has come to your life recently. You and your family all deserve it!! It's been a long couple of months for all of you.
Take some time, relax, and enjoy the new baby!
David.
Unearthing some old relics.
Not too long ago, I created a post (well, it was "created for me") called A Missive from Dave ??
For thoes of you who do not know the whole story, you will have to read that posting.
Once you have caught up, and know the backstory behind the "missives", you can and will appreciate this next bit of news a little bit more!
With the help of "the suspect", I have unearthed several older Missives from the long forgotten archives. I will be adding a new missive every once and a while.
I do not recall the specific order these went out, so you will see dates, and or current events mentioned that may not jive with the previous, or the next missive.
All I can say is sit back, buckle in, and enjoy the ride!
(The only dissapointment (to me) is the author of these missives is "blogless".)
Anyway, Enjoy!
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Dear Friends,
As I was surfing the Web the other day, I came across an interesting article. Please read the excerpt below:
Constipation and Your Cat CONSTIPATION AND CATS (normal feline colon)
My answer is that you don't have to care, but know that I do. For the following reasons. -
I am a mammal
I am approaching middle-age
At times, I am lethargic
At times, I have appeared unkempt
At times, I hunch over
I seem to always be thirsty
I eat food
I am omnivorous
I watch and tape "American Idol"
Again, you may ask. "So ... ?"
Most, if not all of you are aware that I recently had surgery and a resulting stay in the hospital. While in the hospital and for several weeks afterwards, I had several types of medications prescribed by my physician, and being the model patient I followed my physician's advice and took my medicine. One should note that some of the medications were Schedule III narcotics and of the opiate family.
If you are like me (and I know I am) you will eat three meals a day with the occasional snack in-between meals. So there I was, eating and lying around. Sleeping a lot. Eating and sleeping. The lack of physical activity just exacerbated the effects of the medication. I just didn't feel "right". Several days later, I was unable to concentrate; I could not find any position - sitting or lying down - which was comfortable. One day I found myself in the bathroom, crying, curled up in a fetal position, rocking back and forth. Was this all because of too much medication, the pain from the surgery, or both? (Afterwards I remember that Jessie Ventura was on TV and I was too weak to change the channel)
This had to stop and stop now. I turned to the Internet for guidance and as everyone knows everything you read and see there is true, really. I read that in an email.
Click click click… typing in as fast as possible into my trusty search engine. Click click clickity- click. Search for; middle age, distress, pain, and crying, licking, lethargy, discomfort ... And there it was. Now I finally had insight into my problem.
The article describing me.
Now I knew.
I am a cat!
First, the dehydration. Hmmm ... what can I drink a lot of?
I found it. In the garage, hidden behind bags and boxes full of my Barry Manilow memorabilia was what I would need to start feeling like "me" again. There they were- eight bottles of Grande Canadian whiskey, standing at attention, undisturbed by my dear wife. Okay, only two were unopened - the others empty but for the old cigar butts from last month's days off.
Fiber. I needed fiber, and lots of it.
I checked throughout the kitchen and in the last cupboard there he was, smiling at me,
The Quaker Oats Quaker.
More fiber. Bread. Lots of whole grain bread.
Clean off the kitchen table and counter tops. I would need a lot of room.
Still, something was missing ... I kept rummaging through the cupboards. Ah ha, what luck! A four-pound bag of dried prunes!
Now I would need to arrange my assembly line to recovery. Three trays of ice, a large tumbler, two-litre bottle of Coke (diet - yuck!), loaf of bread, oatmeal, prunes, knife ... I was ready.
Ten sandwiches were lined up, ready for their mission.
You don't realize how thirsty you can get while eating oatmeal-prune on whole-wheat bread sandwiches. The first four drinks did help. Now on to the second sandwich. Four more drinks to wash it all down. Hey, this is going well, I thought. Three more sandwiches with twelve chasers and I was feeling full, but without much pain.
One hour later.…
The moment of truth had come.
Another hour later…
My legs are asleep. I don't think I can sit for another minute. I don't feel well.
Why isn't this working? I would swear that by now, I would be dilated to at least eight, if not ten centimeters. I made my decision; I would have to induce.
Opening the shower curtain there it was. Installed just two months ago - the Pollenex G-40D Chrome shower head with extension.
(Helpful hint: Run the water for at least 30 seconds on WARM. Then check it again. My mistake was that from where I was sitting, everything was backwards. Enough said)
Yes, there is a happy ending to the story. Everything worked out fine. (Another helpful hint: you can never have too many paper towels and bottles of PineSol)
I was able to replace the broken mirror and towel rack, wet vac, squeegee, wet vac and squeegee all before my wife and children came home.
I have been back to work now for almost two weeks and for nearly all that time, I have felt "normal".
Every once and a while I forget things, like logging off my email.
Thank you for letting me share a small part of my life.
Ooops, gotta go!!!
Dave
For thoes of you who do not know the whole story, you will have to read that posting.
Once you have caught up, and know the backstory behind the "missives", you can and will appreciate this next bit of news a little bit more!
With the help of "the suspect", I have unearthed several older Missives from the long forgotten archives. I will be adding a new missive every once and a while.
I do not recall the specific order these went out, so you will see dates, and or current events mentioned that may not jive with the previous, or the next missive.
All I can say is sit back, buckle in, and enjoy the ride!
(The only dissapointment (to me) is the author of these missives is "blogless".)
Anyway, Enjoy!
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Dear Friends,
As I was surfing the Web the other day, I came across an interesting article. Please read the excerpt below:
Constipation and Your Cat CONSTIPATION AND CATS (normal feline colon)
You may be asking yourself, "Why? Why do I care about this, Dave?"Constipation is relatively common in cats. While middle-aged and older cats (cats over 8 years) are more susceptible; cats of any age can become constipated. Although there is no absolute rule on the number of bowel movements a cat should have each day, most healthy adult cats have one or two....
Constipation, in and of itself, is not a disease. It is, however, a sign that all is not well within the cat's gastrointestinal tract. And if not attended to promptly, constipation can become a debilitating and serious condition as constipation progresses, the signs become more pronounced. The cat may lose its appetite, become lethargic, look unkempt, begin to crouch and hunch up because of abdominal discomfort, and possibly even vomit.…
Treatment for constipation is two pronged.' first, relieve the constipation from recurring either by removing the cause of the constipation or by medically managing the cat. Relief for the constipated cat can occur naturally through induced defecation with enemas and glycerin infused into the colon, or, if the cat is severely impacted, through manual removal of the hardened feces under anesthesia.
Any cat that has been constipated for several days may also be very dehydrated. So before staring any procedure, your veterinarian may give your cat subcutaneous or intravenous replacement fluids. Dehydration with intravenous fluid may also be necessary to help renurish the colon with electrolytes and fluids…
My answer is that you don't have to care, but know that I do. For the following reasons. -
I am a mammal
I am approaching middle-age
At times, I am lethargic
At times, I have appeared unkempt
At times, I hunch over
I seem to always be thirsty
I eat food
I am omnivorous
I watch and tape "American Idol"
Again, you may ask. "So ... ?"
Most, if not all of you are aware that I recently had surgery and a resulting stay in the hospital. While in the hospital and for several weeks afterwards, I had several types of medications prescribed by my physician, and being the model patient I followed my physician's advice and took my medicine. One should note that some of the medications were Schedule III narcotics and of the opiate family.
If you are like me (and I know I am) you will eat three meals a day with the occasional snack in-between meals. So there I was, eating and lying around. Sleeping a lot. Eating and sleeping. The lack of physical activity just exacerbated the effects of the medication. I just didn't feel "right". Several days later, I was unable to concentrate; I could not find any position - sitting or lying down - which was comfortable. One day I found myself in the bathroom, crying, curled up in a fetal position, rocking back and forth. Was this all because of too much medication, the pain from the surgery, or both? (Afterwards I remember that Jessie Ventura was on TV and I was too weak to change the channel)
This had to stop and stop now. I turned to the Internet for guidance and as everyone knows everything you read and see there is true, really. I read that in an email.
Click click click… typing in as fast as possible into my trusty search engine. Click click clickity- click. Search for; middle age, distress, pain, and crying, licking, lethargy, discomfort ... And there it was. Now I finally had insight into my problem.
The article describing me.
Now I knew.
I am a cat!
First, the dehydration. Hmmm ... what can I drink a lot of?
I found it. In the garage, hidden behind bags and boxes full of my Barry Manilow memorabilia was what I would need to start feeling like "me" again. There they were- eight bottles of Grande Canadian whiskey, standing at attention, undisturbed by my dear wife. Okay, only two were unopened - the others empty but for the old cigar butts from last month's days off.
Fiber. I needed fiber, and lots of it.
I checked throughout the kitchen and in the last cupboard there he was, smiling at me,
The Quaker Oats Quaker.
More fiber. Bread. Lots of whole grain bread.
Clean off the kitchen table and counter tops. I would need a lot of room.
Still, something was missing ... I kept rummaging through the cupboards. Ah ha, what luck! A four-pound bag of dried prunes!
Now I would need to arrange my assembly line to recovery. Three trays of ice, a large tumbler, two-litre bottle of Coke (diet - yuck!), loaf of bread, oatmeal, prunes, knife ... I was ready.
Ten sandwiches were lined up, ready for their mission.
You don't realize how thirsty you can get while eating oatmeal-prune on whole-wheat bread sandwiches. The first four drinks did help. Now on to the second sandwich. Four more drinks to wash it all down. Hey, this is going well, I thought. Three more sandwiches with twelve chasers and I was feeling full, but without much pain.
One hour later.…
The moment of truth had come.
Another hour later…
My legs are asleep. I don't think I can sit for another minute. I don't feel well.
Why isn't this working? I would swear that by now, I would be dilated to at least eight, if not ten centimeters. I made my decision; I would have to induce.
Opening the shower curtain there it was. Installed just two months ago - the Pollenex G-40D Chrome shower head with extension.
(Helpful hint: Run the water for at least 30 seconds on WARM. Then check it again. My mistake was that from where I was sitting, everything was backwards. Enough said)
Yes, there is a happy ending to the story. Everything worked out fine. (Another helpful hint: you can never have too many paper towels and bottles of PineSol)
I was able to replace the broken mirror and towel rack, wet vac, squeegee, wet vac and squeegee all before my wife and children came home.
I have been back to work now for almost two weeks and for nearly all that time, I have felt "normal".
Every once and a while I forget things, like logging off my email.
Thank you for letting me share a small part of my life.
Ooops, gotta go!!!
Dave
Keyword Searches
Maybe I am voyeuristic. Maybe I am obsessive compulsive. Maybe I am narcissistic. Maybe I am a hybrid blend of these things, who knows... You see... I have an unhealthy love affair with SiteMeter. What is SiteMeter you ask?
Sitemeter tells me a lot of information about visitors to FOF.
I find myself checking SiteMeter several times a day. I rarely find anything too unusual there, but what I do find, I find very interesting.
I also know, is that I am not alone. Eric is one fellow blogger that does follow his traffic. (He talked about it very briefly once.) Not all the blogers I know follow their "web traffic". In fact, of the blogs listed in "My Blogging Friends" - I think I watch their SiteMeters more than they do!
I have my (and many others') Details page bookmarked for quick and easy reference.
One of my favorite aspects of SiteMeter is the Referral Page. This page tells me (if it's known) which page brought the visitor to my site. I get many referrals from The Ethereal Garage, Many Things Do Not Fly, King of Clubs, and Krystal the Pistol. (I even get an occasional referral from the infrequently updated JDZ Photography). I expect referrals from these blogs. Many of their readers know me, and I know many of their readers.
Sometimes I find links from fellow "Dad Bloggers" like Stuff in my Brain, JerryChicken, and The Famfare. I think it is amazing how you can find "like minded" folks like these great guys. I check in on their blogs daily, as I can see they do on mine!
Well, I have a daily diet of MANY father bloggers (see the list on the right). Every once and a while, one of these guys posts a list of keywords that someone typed into a search engine (like Google, Yahoo, etc.) to find their site, adding witty comments on how they feel about someone finding their site through any given search. Example 1, Example 2, Example 3. (Sorry Everyone, I know y'all have 'em - It's just that Tales From the Dad Side's came up first. If you have a link to YOUR list(s), please post it as a comment for me!)
So, I thought I too would start making a running list of the keywords (or phrases) that people hit my site with too. I got to work, copied, pasted and compiled the most recent list.
Wow... I am amazed at the fun, witty, obscure, profane, corrupt and dirty searches some dad blogs are found. I found out that mine... IS NOT ONE OF THOSE BLOGS. Nope.. It's a pretty boring list to be honest...
Between October 21st and November 5th 2007, FOF was stumbled upon using the following phrases in any number of different search engines.
taking dad for granted
father of five
workbench plans secured to a wall
backwoods cigars
brownsea patch
you know we will have a good time
then dad
krystal the pistol
how to find a new clothes style for myself
myspace homemaker layout
bear axe wood father outdoor
social anxiety
anonymous
cairn terrier called cookie
Tennessee backwoods cigars
roller skating snowball
third stall
father of five blogspot.com
dollar dance and a cigar at a wedding reception
funny life of a father
life lessons on not taking life for granted
Anthony and Opie Nikki Sixx
pepere shirt
star tribune Jim Adams turkey
life lessons on not
taking things for granted
garanimals
gagging or dry heaving schatzki's
ring
four father clothing
field museum prenatal development
taking
things for granted in life
what percent of a wardrobe is picked out for
school
what does b&t clothes
i have failed my family
I will (as time allows) continued to maintain a list of these words and prases. Find them under the Label "Keywords".
Enjoy.
Halloween 2007
In continuing a FOF trend, I started leaving a reply to a post at Many Things Do Not Fly, when I realized that I had rambled on enough to actually be a post of my own. So, as I had done in the past with "Dad Stuff", I'll give credit where it is due, and thank Lisa at "Many Things" for inspiring this post.
Before reading on, be sure to check out her "Happy Damn Halloween" post over at "Many Things". Then, after reading her post, my "reply" (this post) may make a bit more sense.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Man, and I thought it was bad in the "evil" suburbs... That pendulum is returning, and things are changing... Maybe the suburbs may be the better choice after all!
First of all, "way out" where I live, there were a few carloads of kids that infiltrated our neighborhood, but they came (mostly) from the farms. The farm families come to the neighborhoods so they can trick or treat to more than 1 house every mile. I got NO PROBLEMS with that whatsoever. In fact, I welcome them to come to my neighborhood. The farm families have been great to us, and my family (see prior posting) - So, if this is one thing I can do to help out their kids - Come on over!
As I walked with my kids (stressed "walked") through our neighborhood, I cannot think of one vehicle that contained a parent that was "driving alongside" their kids. There were huge GROUPS of parents and kids (up to 25 in one group) - but the parents were socializing, mugs of coffee, coco, or "whatever" in hand, and the kids playing together as they did their "trick or treating".
I'll let you in on one of my dirty little secrets - The quote "Yes Mother of Five, I'll take the kids out trick or treating this year if you want me to" is really just an excuse to break out a big fat cigar to enjoy while I walk the kids around the neighborhood. (Hey, doesn't Dad get a "treat" too?)Even the teenagers were dressed up "out here". I did not see anyone that was not dressed to one degree or another. Some were more dressed than others, but everyone had some sort of costume, or something that resembled a costume on. So, we had no problems with that either. Now, if I painted "Halloween in the Suburbs" as all rosy and perfect, it was not. No, not everything came up smelling of roses in blissful suburbia. We too had our problems. I have a problem with the (late teen-early 20's) moms carrying their "hardly can walk" babies out to "trick or treat". As I walked my children through the neighborhood, we came across a gaggle of these young mothers, (about half a dozen). They were yelling (no, screaming) across the street, and from house to house to each other about what "treats" were being given out at which house so they could decide if it is "worth it" for the rest of the group to visit that house. (They were all talking about going to a house that was giving out "full sized candy-bars" for a third time...) Their kids... Most not even old enough to have teeth, could not even stand on their own if mom put the child down.
For goodness sake people.... Do you think that you have me fooled that the baby you are carrying (because they cannot walk on their own) is going to eat all that candy you have in that bag?? Honestly, those 8 month old babies had bags of candy bigger than my 12 year old had. I'd even feel better if mom and baby dressed in something that went together as a couple... You know.. Bevis and Butthead, Ren and Stimpy, heck even Little Oprhan Annie and Daddy Warbucks (although Metro Dad's Kid is not that young - but it is a perfect example!)... Something... No, ANYTHING that would make it look less like you were using your child to collect candy for yourself.If you are a mother, it's time to grow up. If you child is too young to walk - stay home and have fun (with your child) giving candy out to all the visiting monsters! (Our littlest, Melissa (age 3 1/2), went to a few houses but had much more fun staying at home filling the visitor's bags with the treats we were giving out! Then, this morning, I heard about a 9-1-1 call where a homeowner had left a bowl of candy out on their front step for the "trick or treaters". Apparently someone felt that they needed to "trick" this homeowner after they got their "treat". The trickster left (what appeared to be) a snake of human feces in the bowl on top of all the candy. Nice huh? Happy Damn Halloween huh?
Age Old Wisdom
A co-worker and I were discussing life this morning.
During our discussion a famous quote was mentioned. The quote was too good not to share.
"Youth and skill are no match for old age and treachery."
I tried researching who to give credit to for such poignant wisdom, but as of now, I have been unable to.
Sproing-oing-oing-oing
While working the first of a couple of back to back 12 hour shifts (from 7am - 7pm), I got a call from the "Mother of Five" because apparently our garage door was not opening. I tell her to try and cycle the garage door opener a coupe of times (to which she said she already has tried - and it rose about an inch, then went back down). Immediately I suspected the garage door opener.
Well, since I was at work & she was at home, and she needed to leave - I gave her the old "pull the red handled cord to disconnect the opener" trick and told her to just manually lift the door. As she walked out into the garage (with the phone in her hand - and thinking to herself what a lucky woman she is to have such a smart and helpful husband) she proceeds to tell me that there are metal cables laying on the floor of the garage.
Uh-oh. That can not be good. After a couple of quick Q&A's - I am able to determine that it is the cables that go from the bottom of the garage door up to the drums on the end of the torsion spring bar.
Well, having recently had "cable issues" on our single door, I told her that the "red handled rope trick" should still do the job - but manually lifting the door will be a little more difficult without the aid of the cables. I told her to enlist the assistance of our neighbor and good friend Jeremy to help lift the door evenly.
Not long after, "MOF" called me back and told me the wonderful news! Not only are the cables disconnected, but the big spring at the top of the door (also known as a torsion spring) was broken into three pieces...
Well, (as stated earlier) having just installed a new opener, and having dealt with "cable issues" on the single door, I was not too worried about it. By the time I got home, and had a chance to look at the damage, I felt it was something that I should be able to fumble my through. I was not familiar with the details of a torsion spring vs the tension springs, so I started researching.
Wow. There are a lot of people out there that do not want you messing with the torsion springs WHAT SO EVER! They make it sound like you have better chances of survival in a south-eastern jungle prisoner camp.
The FIRST WEBSITE that came up was actually VERY informative. It acknowledged the inherent dangers involved in torsion spring replacement, along with some myths, and some rip off's to watch out for! I book marked that page, and continued on.
I then came across a plethora of web sites that really tried very hard to warn me away from doing this job on my own. The site that summarizes this side of the debate is THIS ONE. This site even talks about how wrong the FIRST SITE is. There seems to be some underlying "Hatfield vs McCoy" feud going on between the professional garage door repair people, and... well... seemingly the rest of the world.
If I were to believe all that I have read about replacing torsion springs myself, I...
a). Would be foolish to try and do this myself
b). Would be foolish to not try and do this myself
c.). Would expect to pay between $100 - $800 (wow, that is quite a range) to have it professional done
d.). Would be able to find someone who will (honestly) charge between $100 - $200.
e.). Would have a very difficult time finding the parts
f.). Expect to pay between $80-$100 for parts.
I have some additional research to complete here. I may need to call a couple of "professionals" and see where in the $100 - $800 range this job falls into. with between $80 - $100 for parts, it may well be worth my time to get the job "professionally" done - but yet then you do not get that wonderful feeling of "having done it yourself".
Either way - I will have to do something about it quickly. We cannot use our garage door until it is repaired. I think I will have time Wedesday, Thursday or Friday.
Update 10-28-2007: I did choose to have the Lakeland Overhead Garage Door Company Inc. come out and replace the springs. The repair technician was friendly, fast, and courteous. He had both springs replaced and was on his way within 15-30 minutes. He also took the time to lubricate the tracks/rollers, hinges, and adjusted the opener for the new better balanced garage door. He then went over and did the same for my third garage door (which did not need any repair).
By the time he left, both garage doors were working noticeably better than before the springs were sprung.
If you found this post by searching for Lakeland Overhead Door Inc in Minnesota - I have only good things to say about the work they did for me.
Well, since I was at work & she was at home, and she needed to leave - I gave her the old "pull the red handled cord to disconnect the opener" trick and told her to just manually lift the door. As she walked out into the garage (with the phone in her hand - and thinking to herself what a lucky woman she is to have such a smart and helpful husband) she proceeds to tell me that there are metal cables laying on the floor of the garage.
Uh-oh. That can not be good. After a couple of quick Q&A's - I am able to determine that it is the cables that go from the bottom of the garage door up to the drums on the end of the torsion spring bar.
Well, having recently had "cable issues" on our single door, I told her that the "red handled rope trick" should still do the job - but manually lifting the door will be a little more difficult without the aid of the cables. I told her to enlist the assistance of our neighbor and good friend Jeremy to help lift the door evenly.
Not long after, "MOF" called me back and told me the wonderful news! Not only are the cables disconnected, but the big spring at the top of the door (also known as a torsion spring) was broken into three pieces...
Well, (as stated earlier) having just installed a new opener, and having dealt with "cable issues" on the single door, I was not too worried about it. By the time I got home, and had a chance to look at the damage, I felt it was something that I should be able to fumble my through. I was not familiar with the details of a torsion spring vs the tension springs, so I started researching.
Wow. There are a lot of people out there that do not want you messing with the torsion springs WHAT SO EVER! They make it sound like you have better chances of survival in a south-eastern jungle prisoner camp.
The FIRST WEBSITE that came up was actually VERY informative. It acknowledged the inherent dangers involved in torsion spring replacement, along with some myths, and some rip off's to watch out for! I book marked that page, and continued on.
I then came across a plethora of web sites that really tried very hard to warn me away from doing this job on my own. The site that summarizes this side of the debate is THIS ONE. This site even talks about how wrong the FIRST SITE is. There seems to be some underlying "Hatfield vs McCoy" feud going on between the professional garage door repair people, and... well... seemingly the rest of the world.
If I were to believe all that I have read about replacing torsion springs myself, I...
a). Would be foolish to try and do this myself
b). Would be foolish to not try and do this myself
c.). Would expect to pay between $100 - $800 (wow, that is quite a range) to have it professional done
d.). Would be able to find someone who will (honestly) charge between $100 - $200.
e.). Would have a very difficult time finding the parts
f.). Expect to pay between $80-$100 for parts.
I have some additional research to complete here. I may need to call a couple of "professionals" and see where in the $100 - $800 range this job falls into. with between $80 - $100 for parts, it may well be worth my time to get the job "professionally" done - but yet then you do not get that wonderful feeling of "having done it yourself".
Either way - I will have to do something about it quickly. We cannot use our garage door until it is repaired. I think I will have time Wedesday, Thursday or Friday.
Update 10-28-2007: I did choose to have the Lakeland Overhead Garage Door Company Inc. come out and replace the springs. The repair technician was friendly, fast, and courteous. He had both springs replaced and was on his way within 15-30 minutes. He also took the time to lubricate the tracks/rollers, hinges, and adjusted the opener for the new better balanced garage door. He then went over and did the same for my third garage door (which did not need any repair).
By the time he left, both garage doors were working noticeably better than before the springs were sprung.
If you found this post by searching for Lakeland Overhead Door Inc in Minnesota - I have only good things to say about the work they did for me.
A Milestone
Seventy.
Today is my father’s Seventieth birthday.
Even though seventy is not the number of years he has been my father, seventy is the number of years that have shaped and prepared the man who continues to help form who I am today.
Seventy is the number of years that has shaped and prepared the man who helps form and helps me form who my children (his grandchildren) are.
Seventy is the number of years of wisdom that he can (and does) share - and that I sometimes listen to, and sometimes disregard (with an upward roll of my eyes - hoping he did not notice).
You may (or may not) be wondering more about this seventy year old father of mine. Well, since his “Milestone” seventieth birthday is today, I am going to take this unique opportunity to share with you a little bit about my dad.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
My Dad is a man who has unconditionally “been there” for me since day one (and even before) - showering me with more love and affection that I sometimes even knew I wanted.
My Dad is a man who (I now can see and understand as a father myself) has worked hard his whole life and made selfless sacrifices to guarantee that his family does not do without – and even though they did not have everything they WANTED, they never did without the things they NEEDED.
My Dad has now paved most of the miles of the road that is his life. He has tried to teach me where to watch for the potholes, sharp turns, and dead ends of life that he has had to work though (some through the “school of hard knocks”). He has tried to make it so that I did not have to “re-pave” some of those same difficult roadways in my life.
My Dad also watches me pave my own road, and (even though I am sure it was painful to do so at times) stands back just far enough to watch, yet stays just close enough to rescue me if that road gets too bad, or if I drive off the road altogether.
My Dad is a man who comes from a generation that I did not. He is a man who has lived through things I have not had to, worried about things I have not had to, and seen changes in this world that I have not had to. Yet, at the same time (because our life experiences are not the same), I have had to live though things he has not had to, worried about things he has not had to, and seen changes in this world he has not had to. Through some of these differences we do not always see “eye-to-eye” on everything, and sometimes we debate a topic until we have to “agree to disagree”. We have always been able to do this with a little grin – each thinking that they have the “upper hand” and that the other has “lost their marbles”. (Well, I assume that is what he thinks, I know I do…) Through it all though, we have never allowed these petty differences to cause damage to our relationship.
Don’t get me wrong – as with any father/son relationship, over the years I have learned that there are a few things that “irritate” me about my father (Who's dad doesn't?). Fortunately, I have become a father myself (of five... as my blog title proclaims). Being a “Father of Five” has given me many opportunities to realize that I am not a perfect dad. I am human, as my dad is human. It is as a “human and imperfect father” that I can now see clearer and appreciate my father and the things he does for what they are, and why he may do them. You see… I now find myself doing things to/for my children that “irritate” them. Regardless if it is something my father does that “irritates” me, or if it is something that I do to “irritate” my children, I understand that it all stems out of care, compassion, concern and unconditional love...
So Dad, I wrote and I dedicate this “Milestone Birthday” post to and for you. I want to know that even though we may not always see things “eye-to-eye” and we have our minor differences and beliefs, you should know that I am thankful for the gift of having you as my father – and as for the things that truly matter most, you have done well!
Happy Birthday Dad! I love you so very much. I thank you for all you have done and continue to do for your family. You have done the job (of fatherhood) right – and have given me the guidance to do the job (of fatherhood) right too!
Your loving and appreciative son... David.
Today is my father’s Seventieth birthday.
Even though seventy is not the number of years he has been my father, seventy is the number of years that have shaped and prepared the man who continues to help form who I am today.
Seventy is the number of years that has shaped and prepared the man who helps form and helps me form who my children (his grandchildren) are.
Seventy is the number of years of wisdom that he can (and does) share - and that I sometimes listen to, and sometimes disregard (with an upward roll of my eyes - hoping he did not notice).
You may (or may not) be wondering more about this seventy year old father of mine. Well, since his “Milestone” seventieth birthday is today, I am going to take this unique opportunity to share with you a little bit about my dad.
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My Dad is a man who has unconditionally “been there” for me since day one (and even before) - showering me with more love and affection that I sometimes even knew I wanted.
My Dad is a man who (I now can see and understand as a father myself) has worked hard his whole life and made selfless sacrifices to guarantee that his family does not do without – and even though they did not have everything they WANTED, they never did without the things they NEEDED.
My Dad has now paved most of the miles of the road that is his life. He has tried to teach me where to watch for the potholes, sharp turns, and dead ends of life that he has had to work though (some through the “school of hard knocks”). He has tried to make it so that I did not have to “re-pave” some of those same difficult roadways in my life.
My Dad also watches me pave my own road, and (even though I am sure it was painful to do so at times) stands back just far enough to watch, yet stays just close enough to rescue me if that road gets too bad, or if I drive off the road altogether.
My Dad is a man who comes from a generation that I did not. He is a man who has lived through things I have not had to, worried about things I have not had to, and seen changes in this world that I have not had to. Yet, at the same time (because our life experiences are not the same), I have had to live though things he has not had to, worried about things he has not had to, and seen changes in this world he has not had to. Through some of these differences we do not always see “eye-to-eye” on everything, and sometimes we debate a topic until we have to “agree to disagree”. We have always been able to do this with a little grin – each thinking that they have the “upper hand” and that the other has “lost their marbles”. (Well, I assume that is what he thinks, I know I do…) Through it all though, we have never allowed these petty differences to cause damage to our relationship.
Don’t get me wrong – as with any father/son relationship, over the years I have learned that there are a few things that “irritate” me about my father (Who's dad doesn't?). Fortunately, I have become a father myself (of five... as my blog title proclaims). Being a “Father of Five” has given me many opportunities to realize that I am not a perfect dad. I am human, as my dad is human. It is as a “human and imperfect father” that I can now see clearer and appreciate my father and the things he does for what they are, and why he may do them. You see… I now find myself doing things to/for my children that “irritate” them. Regardless if it is something my father does that “irritates” me, or if it is something that I do to “irritate” my children, I understand that it all stems out of care, compassion, concern and unconditional love...
So Dad, I wrote and I dedicate this “Milestone Birthday” post to and for you. I want to know that even though we may not always see things “eye-to-eye” and we have our minor differences and beliefs, you should know that I am thankful for the gift of having you as my father – and as for the things that truly matter most, you have done well!
Happy Birthday Dad! I love you so very much. I thank you for all you have done and continue to do for your family. You have done the job (of fatherhood) right – and have given me the guidance to do the job (of fatherhood) right too!
Your loving and appreciative son... David.
The horror in my life
Preface
As I was reading one of the Blogs that is part of my "regular diet" - Stuff In My Brain - I started writing a comment to Dad Stuff's "Are you Scared" post. After a short while I realized that my "comment" had grown long enough to be more of a posting for "FOF" rather than a comment for "Stuff". So, I left him a comment about how he inspired this post on FOF that started out as a comment for him.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I too - truly enjoy (or enjoyed) horror films.
I grew up watching "slasher movies" with my cousin Bob... Dawn of the Dead, Texas Chainsaw Massacre,
Although it was a lot of fun, I do not care so much for that genre any more. (Although I do get a kick out of watching some of my old "Favs" for nostalgic purposes). I too have zero interest in the "Saw" movie series... I'd rather watch the "Scary Movie" series, and get a chuckle!
But classic horror books ROCK!
A few years back, for Christmas the kids got me a huge gilded edge, faux leather covered copy of "The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe". I love it, and have even started reading bits of prose to the kids. Last Halloween, I read "The Raven" to them. Just a couple of nights ago they asked me about "The Raven" which I read to them about a year ago, and asked if I knew about "the story where the one dude buried the other dude's heart under the house" - I know what I am going to read them this year!!!
Frankenstein, by Mary Shelly was without a doubt was my favorite story in high school. I was a bit of a "slacker", and of the numerous books that were "assigned" and/or "required", I really only read 3 (that I can remember) - Julius Caesar, Flowers for Algernon (don't ask me why I read that one.. It just captured my interest at the time) and Frankenstein.
My english teacher was one of the few teachers who still taught Frankenstein (or - at least so she told us...). I remember how delighted she was to (for once) see me motivated and actually read this book. I came prepared EACH AND EVERY DAY. I actively participated in class discussions and had NO difficulty with the quizzes and final test. I loved that book!
I have yet to re-read Frankenstein... But, I have discovered another love. Vampires.
Back many years ago, while working overnights, on a whim I read Bram Stoker's Dracula for the first time. It was a book I could not put down. I really was hooked. It reminded me of the same feelings I had when I read Frankenstein. I have re-read it twice.
Since then, I have discovered a few more vampire novels that I really enjoyed! There is a three book series called "Diaries of the Family Dracul" (Covenant with a Vampire, Children of the Vampire, and Lord of the Vampires) by Jeanne Kalogridis - if you are into vampires, these are great stories! They are not long, and well worth the time needed to read them!
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova - Is a long novel, very rich in detail and imagery - filled with history and geography. I understand this novel will soon be made into a movie! Looking forward to that one!
Although not about Vampires, Steven King's books have also been books that (from time to time) have frightened the beejeesus out of me. Of all his works, IT was the most frightening. (The book that is... The movie - eh, just did not do it justice). There is just something scary about a clown... Then to make it evil.......
So, Dad Stuff... Thanks for the inspiration! I'm with you all the way!
If anyone has any suggestions on any good vampire or scary horror novels, be sure to let me know!
I am back.
The Adventure of getting my new (my sister-in-law's old) Saturn home went pretty uneventful.
It started Sunday afternoon, when my father-in-law and I were dropped off at the airport for a one-way-flight from MSP to ATL.
We self-checked in at a touch-screen terminal, and got in line for the security checkpoint. We reached a guy who was reminding all passages about the "minimum liquid" restrictions. Having forgotten about this restriction, Joe needed to throw away some toiletries before hitting the checkpoint.
Reminder to self: If I ever need any toiletries (Toothpaste, deodorant, cologne, etc) make a quick stop off at the airport. There are several trash cans full of above listed items. Some which have never been opened!
After cleaning out (what was thought to be) everything, we got back in line and proceeded to the checkpoint.
I thought my bag would (for sure) flag someone, somewhere and require a full body cavity check of some sort - it was loaded with my Palm Pilot, my XM Radio (and it's remote control, cassette adaptor, and antenna), and my MP3 Player - but alas, I got to walk through unstopped. Joe, on the other hand, seemingly left a bottle of cologne in his bag that he forgot he packed. That did cause alarm at the checkpoint, and he was pulled, and checked. After the TSA attendant found and removed the violating container of fluid, we were on our way.
Since we were not going to be arriving until 7:30 pm, we stopped, and had our first of many meals "on the road".
We boarded the plane on time, but spent a little extra time on the tarmac due to a closed runway.
The flight was uneventful, and we arrived, made our way though Atlanta Airport, and met up with my sister-in-law Mary. She seemed happy to see us, and we were happy to see her.
We walked out and got a look at HER NEW CAR. It was BEAUTIFUL. Mary's Vue is "Ruby Red", and the website does not do the color justice.
By now, it was going on 8:30 pm, and having not eaten since 2pm, we were getting hungry. I treated both Mary and Joe to dinner at Miller's Ale House (a recommendation by Mary - which was a great choice!). After catching up, and some visiting, we headed back to Mary's. Once there, we took care of the business end of the transaction, and Mary's old car became my new car!
We planned on an early start... About 5:30 am - but I had forgotten that there was a time differential, and that 5:30 Central is really 4:30 Eastern. So we adjusted our start time to 6:30 eastern (5:30 central), then went to bed.
We were up on time, cleaned & packed up, and ready to go by our target time. As we went down from Mary's home to the car in the lot, it felt odd... I was approaching "my new car" for the first time, and the whole transaction was done "sight unseen". I was able to do this, because I bought the car from someone I trusted. It was sort of "surreal"....
I took "first shift" for driving, we said our goodbyes, and we headed out 6am Atlanta time. It was still dark, and we found our way though the unfamiliar "Atlanta area", and by the time daylight was upon us, we were well on our way.
The remainder of the trip was very uneventful. The car ran fine, we listened to a whole day's worth of XM Radio Classics, and with the exception of gas and food - we drove straight through from Atlanta, to Minneapolis. We did take a slight detour through the middle of Illinois with the intentions to stop by and see Brian, Jessica and Miles. The Detour proved to take longer than planned (due to road construction, and a couple of wrong turns) so that by the time we passed the intersection that we needed to turn - Miles was already sleeping, and (my understanding was) Jessica was not home. It would have added an extra two hours to the trip, so we scrapped the idea, and continued on our way.
One thing I did want to note about the trip... Our "menu".
Before leaving MSP, we ate McDonalds at the airport. (Hamburger, small fry, small drink)
After arriving at Atlanta, we dined at Miller's Ale House. (I had the Philly Cheese Steak and a Michelob Golden Light)
We stopped for breakfast once again at McDonalds. (Sausage McMuffin with egg and an O.J.)
We ate lunch at Dairy Queen. (Mushroom Swiss Burger Value Menu)
By the time it came to dinner, (on our last leg of the trip) we were so sick of fast food, that we tried to find some sort of diner, or cafe, ANYTHING that did not serve food with the option of being supersized, came in a wrapper, box or bag. What I was really hungry for was a salad bar. We decided on stopping at the next "non fast food" restaurant we came across, and when we found the next "non fast food" joint, it was a locally owned truck stop. It had an attached Restaurant and Buffet. THE BUFFET HAD A SALAD BAR! We both ordered the salad bar, and enjoyed a much appreciated change to the diet we had eating.
We arrived at my father-in-law's house at 0230 hours, and after dropping him off - I finished the remaining 30 minutes journey to my house, and arrived at 3:02am (Minneapolis time).
The trip took a total of twenty-two hours (including stops, gassing up, wrong turns, and detours through "Children of the Corn" (rural / small town) Illinois - and was a total of 1205 miles from start to finish.
It started Sunday afternoon, when my father-in-law and I were dropped off at the airport for a one-way-flight from MSP to ATL.
We self-checked in at a touch-screen terminal, and got in line for the security checkpoint. We reached a guy who was reminding all passages about the "minimum liquid" restrictions. Having forgotten about this restriction, Joe needed to throw away some toiletries before hitting the checkpoint.
Reminder to self: If I ever need any toiletries (Toothpaste, deodorant, cologne, etc) make a quick stop off at the airport. There are several trash cans full of above listed items. Some which have never been opened!
After cleaning out (what was thought to be) everything, we got back in line and proceeded to the checkpoint.
I thought my bag would (for sure) flag someone, somewhere and require a full body cavity check of some sort - it was loaded with my Palm Pilot, my XM Radio (and it's remote control, cassette adaptor, and antenna), and my MP3 Player - but alas, I got to walk through unstopped. Joe, on the other hand, seemingly left a bottle of cologne in his bag that he forgot he packed. That did cause alarm at the checkpoint, and he was pulled, and checked. After the TSA attendant found and removed the violating container of fluid, we were on our way.
Since we were not going to be arriving until 7:30 pm, we stopped, and had our first of many meals "on the road".
We boarded the plane on time, but spent a little extra time on the tarmac due to a closed runway.
The flight was uneventful, and we arrived, made our way though Atlanta Airport, and met up with my sister-in-law Mary. She seemed happy to see us, and we were happy to see her.
We walked out and got a look at HER NEW CAR. It was BEAUTIFUL. Mary's Vue is "Ruby Red", and the website does not do the color justice.
By now, it was going on 8:30 pm, and having not eaten since 2pm, we were getting hungry. I treated both Mary and Joe to dinner at Miller's Ale House (a recommendation by Mary - which was a great choice!). After catching up, and some visiting, we headed back to Mary's. Once there, we took care of the business end of the transaction, and Mary's old car became my new car!
We planned on an early start... About 5:30 am - but I had forgotten that there was a time differential, and that 5:30 Central is really 4:30 Eastern. So we adjusted our start time to 6:30 eastern (5:30 central), then went to bed.
We were up on time, cleaned & packed up, and ready to go by our target time. As we went down from Mary's home to the car in the lot, it felt odd... I was approaching "my new car" for the first time, and the whole transaction was done "sight unseen". I was able to do this, because I bought the car from someone I trusted. It was sort of "surreal"....
I took "first shift" for driving, we said our goodbyes, and we headed out 6am Atlanta time. It was still dark, and we found our way though the unfamiliar "Atlanta area", and by the time daylight was upon us, we were well on our way.
The remainder of the trip was very uneventful. The car ran fine, we listened to a whole day's worth of XM Radio Classics, and with the exception of gas and food - we drove straight through from Atlanta, to Minneapolis. We did take a slight detour through the middle of Illinois with the intentions to stop by and see Brian, Jessica and Miles. The Detour proved to take longer than planned (due to road construction, and a couple of wrong turns) so that by the time we passed the intersection that we needed to turn - Miles was already sleeping, and (my understanding was) Jessica was not home. It would have added an extra two hours to the trip, so we scrapped the idea, and continued on our way.
One thing I did want to note about the trip... Our "menu".
Before leaving MSP, we ate McDonalds at the airport. (Hamburger, small fry, small drink)
After arriving at Atlanta, we dined at Miller's Ale House. (I had the Philly Cheese Steak and a Michelob Golden Light)
We stopped for breakfast once again at McDonalds. (Sausage McMuffin with egg and an O.J.)
We ate lunch at Dairy Queen. (Mushroom Swiss Burger Value Menu)
By the time it came to dinner, (on our last leg of the trip) we were so sick of fast food, that we tried to find some sort of diner, or cafe, ANYTHING that did not serve food with the option of being supersized, came in a wrapper, box or bag. What I was really hungry for was a salad bar. We decided on stopping at the next "non fast food" restaurant we came across, and when we found the next "non fast food" joint, it was a locally owned truck stop. It had an attached Restaurant and Buffet. THE BUFFET HAD A SALAD BAR! We both ordered the salad bar, and enjoyed a much appreciated change to the diet we had eating.
We arrived at my father-in-law's house at 0230 hours, and after dropping him off - I finished the remaining 30 minutes journey to my house, and arrived at 3:02am (Minneapolis time).
The trip took a total of twenty-two hours (including stops, gassing up, wrong turns, and detours through "Children of the Corn" (rural / small town) Illinois - and was a total of 1205 miles from start to finish.
Hey Bill... WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THESE NUMBERS !?!?!?!
For thoes of you who do not know what this is all about, I'll give you a hint...
Mary, I want to thank you for selling us your Saturn!
It has proven to be quite a wonderful upgrade for us!
The Adventure will soon begin.
One way flight MSP to ATL
Road trip back from Atlanta to Minneapolis with a new "item".
Stay tuned!
Road trip back from Atlanta to Minneapolis with a new "item".
Stay tuned!
Glass Houses
WARNING: Strong opinion(s) lay ahead. Usually I reserve my strong opinions / editorials for another forum. This is not my usual "Father of Five" banter - but I felt strongly about it, and wanted to share my feelings on this matter. If you are offended - I am sorry. See that little "X" in the upper right hand corner of this window? Use it.
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One of the vices I enjoy in my life (and talk about here quite a bit) is the "adult content" ** of The Ron & Fez Show. Although (in my opinion they are not as funny as Ron & Fez), I also enjoy the Opie & Anthony show, and (despite O & A's disdain for him) I have in the past enjoyed the terrestrial version of the Howard Stern show. This goes to show you that it takes A LOT to offend me (The key phrase, and a foreshadowing statement).
** By "adult content" I am not refering to humor of a sexual nature. Although O & A and Howard Stern are often sexual in nature, Ron and Fez are not. The sexual humor bores me after a few minutes.
Additionally...
I am not a fan of Al Roker, (nor did I "dislike" him).
I am not a fan of Don Imus, (nor did I "dislike" him).
I am a fan of, and strongly believe in the principals and liberties this country was founded upon.
I am a fan of fan of the theory of free speech.
I am a huge fan of talk radio.
That being said, I will move forward.
By now, I am sure all of you are familiar with the controversy surrounding Don Imus' infamous "Nappy Headed Ho" comment.
Should he have said it? - No.
Do I believe it was intentional? - No.
Was he trying to be "funny"? - Yes.
Was he "funny"? - No, not really.
Did he make an apology? - Yes
Was it sincere? - I could be wrong, but I believe it was. (He certainly made an effort - more so than most would have.)
Admittedly, the "sincerity" portion is speculative on my part...
Many called for Don Imus to loose his job for his comment. Among those calling for Imus' firing was The Today Show's weather man Al Roker. In a quote taken from Mr. Roker's blog (which can be readily found all over the www), he said... (highlights in bold)
Mr. Roker's opinion may or may not be justified. Again, I am not here to pass judgment on Mr. Imus' comment, or the subsequent consequences of his actions.
I AM here to point out what I find to be an OUTRAGEOUS HYPOCRISY!
You see, no matter if you believe Don Imus should have been fired or not, Al Roker does believe it. He has made his point perfectly clear. But you see, Al Roker (only 60 short days later) was quoted as saying...
Which was dealt with by issuing the following apology...
What was that? Was that an attempt at humor? It appears to me to be (an attempt at) humor at others (those that suffer with epilepsy) expense. It could even be viewed as cruelty that [tries to] pass for funny. I believe Al Roker is a good person at heart, but being a good person who said a bad thing (and then apologizes about) just does not cut it... According to Mr. Roker that is...
And what about that "We" in the apology. Do you want to know why he said "We"? He said "We" because the rest of the Today Show crew could be seen / heard snickering and giggling.. Almost "egging" him on in the same fashion as Bernard McGuirk - The same Bernard McGuirk that "needs to be canned as well. McGuirk is just as guilty, often egging Imus on." (to quote Mr. Roker)
In all fairness, I should apply the same set of "standards" to Al Roker's comment that I held Don Imus' to. Do my answers match up? Let's take a look.
Should he have said it? - No.
Do I believe it was intentional? - No.
Was he trying to be "funny"? - Yes.
Was he "funny"? - No, not really.
Did he make an apology? - Yes
Was it sincere? - I am actually not sure.
They match up pretty close. (There is one minor difference (the sincerity portion), but remember the sincerity portion is speculative on my part anyway).
I'll bet not everyone has heard about this comment - at least not as many as heard about Don Imus'. Why? I cannot help but wonder a couple of things. Why am I not hearing outraged media calling for Al Roker's firing? Why was this not covered in the national news media ad nauseam (as it was for Don Imus) and (most importantly), I am wondering why (given his own words)...
I am wondering why Al Roker has not yet resigned his position? Why should Al Roker not be held to HIS OWN principals and standards?
Al Roker's shifting principals, and refusal to hold himself to the same standards he holds others to OFFENDS me. And remember (as I said earlier) it takes A LOT to offend me.
Mr. Roker, if by chance you ever end up reading this amateur, opinion laden editorial - perhaps you will take my advise to heart. Next time (since you were lucky enough to keep your job), you should be a bit more careful - or better yet - a bit more FORGIVING and much less JUDGMENTAL of the misgivings of others - especially when you live in a glass house.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry everyone - I just had to get this off my chest.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
One of the vices I enjoy in my life (and talk about here quite a bit) is the "adult content" ** of The Ron & Fez Show. Although (in my opinion they are not as funny as Ron & Fez), I also enjoy the Opie & Anthony show, and (despite O & A's disdain for him) I have in the past enjoyed the terrestrial version of the Howard Stern show. This goes to show you that it takes A LOT to offend me (The key phrase, and a foreshadowing statement).
** By "adult content" I am not refering to humor of a sexual nature. Although O & A and Howard Stern are often sexual in nature, Ron and Fez are not. The sexual humor bores me after a few minutes.
Additionally...
I am not a fan of Al Roker, (nor did I "dislike" him).
I am not a fan of Don Imus, (nor did I "dislike" him).
I am a fan of, and strongly believe in the principals and liberties this country was founded upon.
I am a fan of fan of the theory of free speech.
I am a huge fan of talk radio.
That being said, I will move forward.
By now, I am sure all of you are familiar with the controversy surrounding Don Imus' infamous "Nappy Headed Ho" comment.
Should he have said it? - No.
Do I believe it was intentional? - No.
Was he trying to be "funny"? - Yes.
Was he "funny"? - No, not really.
Did he make an apology? - Yes
Was it sincere? - I could be wrong, but I believe it was. (He certainly made an effort - more so than most would have.)
Admittedly, the "sincerity" portion is speculative on my part...
Many called for Don Imus to loose his job for his comment. Among those calling for Imus' firing was The Today Show's weather man Al Roker. In a quote taken from Mr. Roker's blog (which can be readily found all over the www), he said... (highlights in bold)
I cannot tell you how many people have asked me about my thoughts on Don Imus. As a student of broadcasting, I know Don Imus was one of the original shock jocks. I listened to him growing up in New York City in the late '60s and early '70s.
He is a radio icon.
That said, it is time for him to go.
I, for one, am really tired of the diatribes, the humor at others expense, the cruelty that passes for funny. Don Imus isn't the only one doing this, but today he's the one in the hot seat.
What he said was vile and disgusting. It denigrated an entire team and by extension, a community and its pride in a group that had excelled.
This controversy started and grew during the week. At first under the radar, we even had Dons wife, Deidre, on the program, talking about green cleaning. I thought she was so good I wanted to talk to her about a television program for my production company.
Don and his wife have done a lot of good things raising money for charity, including a ranch for children suffering from cancer and blood disorders.
Yet, Don Imus needs to be fired for what he said. And while were at it, his producer, Bernard McGuirk, needs to be canned as well. McGuirk is just as guilty, often egging Imus on.
The I'm a good person who said a bad thing apology doesn't cut it. At least he didn't try to weasel out of this by hiding behind alcohol or drug abuse. Still, he said it and a two-week suspension doesn't cut it. It is, at best, a slap on the wrist. A vacation. Nothing.
The general manager of Cartoon Network resigned after a publicity stunt went wrong and caused a panic in Boston. He did the right thing. Don Imus should do the right thing and resign. Not talk about taking a two-week suspension with dignity. I don't think Don Imus gets it.
After watching and listening to him this morning during an interview with Matt Lauer (video), Don Imus doesn't get it. Maybe its being stuck in a studio for 35 years or being stuck in the 1980s. Either way, its obvious that he needs to move on. Citing context within a comedy show is not an excuse.
He has to take his punishment and start over. Guess what? Hell get re-hired and well go on like nothing happened. CBS Radio and NBC News needs to remove Don Imus from the airwaves. That is what needs to happen. Otherwise, it just looks like profits and ratings rule over decency and justice.
Mr. Roker's opinion may or may not be justified. Again, I am not here to pass judgment on Mr. Imus' comment, or the subsequent consequences of his actions.
I AM here to point out what I find to be an OUTRAGEOUS HYPOCRISY!
You see, no matter if you believe Don Imus should have been fired or not, Al Roker does believe it. He has made his point perfectly clear. But you see, Al Roker (only 60 short days later) was quoted as saying...
Remember that controversial Olympic logo for the 2012 Olympics in London? Some folks have complained that the campaign actually sent them into epileptic seizures, Well, we asked you to weigh in on our Web site in an informal poll; those of you who could get up off the floor after shaking around were able to actually log in . . .
Which was dealt with by issuing the following apology...
I started joking about [the logo]. I want to make this clear - I was not joking about epilepsy or anyone who suffers from epilepsy. We understand and know that this is a serious affliction and would never joke about that. We were joking about the logo - not about epilepsy. If anybody was offended, I heartily and really humbly apologize.
What was that? Was that an attempt at humor? It appears to me to be (an attempt at) humor at others (those that suffer with epilepsy) expense. It could even be viewed as cruelty that [tries to] pass for funny. I believe Al Roker is a good person at heart, but being a good person who said a bad thing (and then apologizes about) just does not cut it... According to Mr. Roker that is...
And what about that "We" in the apology. Do you want to know why he said "We"? He said "We" because the rest of the Today Show crew could be seen / heard snickering and giggling.. Almost "egging" him on in the same fashion as Bernard McGuirk - The same Bernard McGuirk that "needs to be canned as well. McGuirk is just as guilty, often egging Imus on." (to quote Mr. Roker)
In all fairness, I should apply the same set of "standards" to Al Roker's comment that I held Don Imus' to. Do my answers match up? Let's take a look.
Should he have said it? - No.
Do I believe it was intentional? - No.
Was he trying to be "funny"? - Yes.
Was he "funny"? - No, not really.
Did he make an apology? - Yes
Was it sincere? - I am actually not sure.
They match up pretty close. (There is one minor difference (the sincerity portion), but remember the sincerity portion is speculative on my part anyway).
I'll bet not everyone has heard about this comment - at least not as many as heard about Don Imus'. Why? I cannot help but wonder a couple of things. Why am I not hearing outraged media calling for Al Roker's firing? Why was this not covered in the national news media ad nauseam (as it was for Don Imus) and (most importantly), I am wondering why (given his own words)...
The general manager of Cartoon Network resigned after a publicity stunt went wrong and caused a panic in Boston. He did the right thing. Don Imus should do the right thing and resign. Not talk about taking a two-week suspension with dignity. I don't think Don Imus gets it.
I am wondering why Al Roker has not yet resigned his position? Why should Al Roker not be held to HIS OWN principals and standards?
Al Roker's shifting principals, and refusal to hold himself to the same standards he holds others to OFFENDS me. And remember (as I said earlier) it takes A LOT to offend me.
Mr. Roker, if by chance you ever end up reading this amateur, opinion laden editorial - perhaps you will take my advise to heart. Next time (since you were lucky enough to keep your job), you should be a bit more careful - or better yet - a bit more FORGIVING and much less JUDGMENTAL of the misgivings of others - especially when you live in a glass house.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry everyone - I just had to get this off my chest.
Degrees of Separation from Famousness
This is my cousin Bob. Bob is a "Bigwig" music buyer for a Corporate Electronic, Computer, Music, Software, and appliance mega retail giant.To protect the store Company (an my cousin) I wont name them, but let's just say they are one of the "Best" in the business, and I almost always find something to "Buy" when I am there!
Anyway, some time last week, one of my cousins closest and dearest friends - Nikki Sixx (bass player for 80's glam metal - and one of our all time Favorite Bands - MÖTLEY CRÜE ) was in town, and when they get together.... well, lets just say they partied pretty hard!
Well... Ok... Maybe Nikki is not one of my cousins "closest and dearest friends", but my cousin did meet, and get to hang with Nikki through his job (which I was telling the truth about). And, MÖTLEY CRÜE was one of our all time favorite bands growing up together. So, for us, this is pretty darn amazing!
I'll have to take a picture of "Oakwood" (a forest hideaway in the woods of his family's cabin that Bob, his brother Mark, and I built as "tweens".) I believe there may have been a tribute or two to MÖTLEY CRÜE up there in the woods!
Hey, Bob - since I've hit a bit of a rut in playing the Bass, perhaps you could get your new friend to help me out there! What'cha say... Can you hook your cousin up?
P.S. Hey Bob, if you can hook me up with some bass lessons, I'll overlook your lack of Heavy Metal Umlauts from your email... Heck, I wont even tell Nikki you left them out! Now, just relax and have a Löwenbräu, and get on lining up some lessons!
FOF Observation #4
I have not had any recent "Observations" recently. For those of you that are newer visitors to my blog, I have started a series of posts called the "FOF Observations". You can find them in the drop down labels menu under Observations, or on the sidebar category called "Perpetual Posts" under "The FOF Observations". In any event, here is FOF Observation #4!
I had a couple of different ways to post this observation. Read them all, the are all "relevant".
1. Being a father of five, when you have a "horribly slow draining bathroom sink" it may behoove you to check the drain first before calling a plumber. You never know which missing toy you may find!
or
2. Ten years of "Hardware Store Experience" is a good foundation to successfully maintaining a household with five kids.
or
3. There is nothing more disgusting than the bathroom sink of a family with five kids! Especially when you have to figure out why your bathroom sink is not draining the way it should!
Take your pick. They all are observations I made while dealing with today's household crisis
The hairspray cap was the most recent "obvious" clog. It happened three or four days ago. But it did not fully explaining why the drain was flowing as slow at it was. When the hairspray cap would not come out, and I had to disassemble the drain, I discovered the bubble wand that I subsequently learned (after my wife pointed it out) it has been missing (and possibly in the drain) since early spring.
Based on the "gunk" that was entangled in the bubble wand, I would have to agree with her.
Yuck.
I had a couple of different ways to post this observation. Read them all, the are all "relevant".
1. Being a father of five, when you have a "horribly slow draining bathroom sink" it may behoove you to check the drain first before calling a plumber. You never know which missing toy you may find!or
2. Ten years of "Hardware Store Experience" is a good foundation to successfully maintaining a household with five kids.
or
3. There is nothing more disgusting than the bathroom sink of a family with five kids! Especially when you have to figure out why your bathroom sink is not draining the way it should!
Take your pick. They all are observations I made while dealing with today's household crisis
The hairspray cap was the most recent "obvious" clog. It happened three or four days ago. But it did not fully explaining why the drain was flowing as slow at it was. When the hairspray cap would not come out, and I had to disassemble the drain, I discovered the bubble wand that I subsequently learned (after my wife pointed it out) it has been missing (and possibly in the drain) since early spring.
Based on the "gunk" that was entangled in the bubble wand, I would have to agree with her.
Yuck.
I am on the prowl.
I am going out on the prowl for a new clock radio alarm clock.
Seems pretty straight forward - right?
It is not. When it comes to "gadgets", I get very fussy. I get so fussy that no one even wants to shop with me. I start to drag whomever may be there with me into the dark abyss of my mind. As an example, when my last watch broke, I started looking for a replacement. I had a list or desirable features, but I could not find a watch that was "exactly" what I wanted. I found many that came "close", but instead of just making a decision, I kept watching / looking / waiting / shopping for EXACTLY what I wanted. I spent over three months searching. My wife refused to help me look anymore, and when I finally boarded the train for looney-town, (well, started going crazier than I already am...), I went out and replaced it with the same exact watch I previously had. I spent months looking for a watch, drove myself, and others around me to the brink of insanity and all for NOTHING.
I am now on the lookout for a new clock radio.
I had a Timex "Nature Sounds" Clock Radio, but because of a fall it took from the night stand, the antenna wire was yanked from the radio resulting in a wonderful staticy radio experience. (The antenna wire was tied to the lamp for better reception - ironically what gave the radio better reception was also what caused it's demise..)
The reason I bought this clock radio is because it was one of the first (affordable) "Nature Sounds" clock radios. What a great concept - drifting off to a blissful state of slumber to the relaxing sounds of a babbling brook, ocean waves, or from deep in the heart of the forest. It sounds all well and good, but in reality, the "low-res" digital sounds that are "oh-so-cool" in the store, start to show their ugly faces in the dark reality of the bedroom while trying to fall asleep. You see, the nature sounds (brook, ocean, or forest) are each about a five second recording that loops. They loop over, and over, and over, AND OVER. When you are at the store (with all the other background noise, and the stress of the crowds) the soothing nature sounds call to your inner spirit like a siren (not the police car type), telling your spirit this clock is what you need, what you want, and what you should have. When you get it home, and turn it on in the quiet bedroom, laying there trying to fall asleep, you can hear the ever-so-subtle background sounds (like that little birdie chirp of "forest", or that back-to-back bubble sound of "brook", or the seagull in "ocean") that you start to hear the sounds repeat. That "cycle" of repetition starts to drive you crazy! I think I used the "Nature Sounds" on the radio for about a week, and since - have never returned.
Side Note: I do enjoy "nature sounds" and find them very relaxing! If you are interested in falling asleep to "nature sounds", may I suggest that you instead purchase a clock radio with a CD player, and buy a quality set of "Nature Sounds" CD's. It does the same thing, only without "drive you to homicide" repeating sounds.
One thing I did like about that clock radio was the options you could have in which alarm you wanted to be awoken to. You could the radio, or choose cathedral, mechanical bells, or chimes. You could choose to be woken to a (starting softly, and increasing volume) set of what sounded like church bells, an old time mechanical "hammer and bell" alarm clock, or the typical electronic chime of your run-of-the-mill alarm clock. I preferred Cathedral.
Now, I have an opportunity to do this right (driving myself and those around me crazy while doing it too!). I would like to make sure I find "just the right clock radio" for my wants and needs.
Ideally, my perfect clock radio would include the following features.
- Dimming LED display or REVERSE LCD display
- Projection clock (displays the time on the ceiling in very dim red numbers
- Atomic Clock
- Battery Backup
- Adjustable Snooze
- Nap alarm (no need to reset the actual alarm time).
- AM/FM/CD (that plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and CD-mp3 discs
- Digital tuner for AM/FM.
- Aux Input (in both mini-jack, USB, and SD card slot)
- Headphone Jack (for headphones or my pillow speaker)
- S.A.M.E. technology Weather Radio
- Interior and Exterior Temperature display (exterior from a remote temp sensor).
I really like the looks (and sound) of the Bose Wave Radios, Boston Acoustics MicroSystem CD, and/or the Boston Acoustics Receptor Radio, but lets face it - how realistic is it to have a clock radio that is worth more than you car is worth? That is just not going to happen.
So, as I started checking into clock radios. I found one that had most of the (realistic) features I wanted, and I really liked the look of too! It is called the Pure Chronos. The more exicted I got about it, the more I realized something must be wrong. It is too good to be true! Sure enough, Pure Chronos is made in England, and the (approximately) 90.00 (Euro) price tag I found translates to around 180 (US Dollars) - again, just a wee bit more than the budget allows for. (Not to mention it operates off 240v.)
GOOD NEWS! While writing this post I just discovered the Chronos actually operates off of DC power (9v). It comes with a 240vAC to 9vDC converter. So, I could find a converter (wall wart - like most people's Cellular phone charges with) that WOULD operate this clock radio in the US! It does receive DAB Radio (which is useless here in the USA), as well as AM and FM.. If only the price.... Hmmm.... I need to think some more on that... It has suddenly become a bit more "viable". I sent an email off to customer support to find out more about using the Chronos here in the US. Perhaps they would like to send on out to me on a "beta testing" basis!
Some of the (more realistic) contenders include (in no particular order) the Timex TM-80-BR (really nice with the USB and SD card access!), Timex T-617-S (the radio I am really leaning towards - so far), RCA RP-5640 (which has received several poor reviews), the RCA RP-5600, Teac SRL50, and the jWin JL-CD811.
Anyone have any special suggestions for an "out of this world" clock radio?
Post Script: Just to prove to you all that I am indeed as crazy as I say sometimes... Ask yourself who the heck would write a post THIS LONG about a clock radio?? But (and maybe even more importantly) don't forget to ask yourself how crazy a person is to actually have READ this whole long post about clock radios??
Seems pretty straight forward - right?
It is not. When it comes to "gadgets", I get very fussy. I get so fussy that no one even wants to shop with me. I start to drag whomever may be there with me into the dark abyss of my mind. As an example, when my last watch broke, I started looking for a replacement. I had a list or desirable features, but I could not find a watch that was "exactly" what I wanted. I found many that came "close", but instead of just making a decision, I kept watching / looking / waiting / shopping for EXACTLY what I wanted. I spent over three months searching. My wife refused to help me look anymore, and when I finally boarded the train for looney-town, (well, started going crazier than I already am...), I went out and replaced it with the same exact watch I previously had. I spent months looking for a watch, drove myself, and others around me to the brink of insanity and all for NOTHING.
I am now on the lookout for a new clock radio.
I had a Timex "Nature Sounds" Clock Radio, but because of a fall it took from the night stand, the antenna wire was yanked from the radio resulting in a wonderful staticy radio experience. (The antenna wire was tied to the lamp for better reception - ironically what gave the radio better reception was also what caused it's demise..)
The reason I bought this clock radio is because it was one of the first (affordable) "Nature Sounds" clock radios. What a great concept - drifting off to a blissful state of slumber to the relaxing sounds of a babbling brook, ocean waves, or from deep in the heart of the forest. It sounds all well and good, but in reality, the "low-res" digital sounds that are "oh-so-cool" in the store, start to show their ugly faces in the dark reality of the bedroom while trying to fall asleep. You see, the nature sounds (brook, ocean, or forest) are each about a five second recording that loops. They loop over, and over, and over, AND OVER. When you are at the store (with all the other background noise, and the stress of the crowds) the soothing nature sounds call to your inner spirit like a siren (not the police car type), telling your spirit this clock is what you need, what you want, and what you should have. When you get it home, and turn it on in the quiet bedroom, laying there trying to fall asleep, you can hear the ever-so-subtle background sounds (like that little birdie chirp of "forest", or that back-to-back bubble sound of "brook", or the seagull in "ocean") that you start to hear the sounds repeat. That "cycle" of repetition starts to drive you crazy! I think I used the "Nature Sounds" on the radio for about a week, and since - have never returned.Side Note: I do enjoy "nature sounds" and find them very relaxing! If you are interested in falling asleep to "nature sounds", may I suggest that you instead purchase a clock radio with a CD player, and buy a quality set of "Nature Sounds" CD's. It does the same thing, only without "drive you to homicide" repeating sounds.
One thing I did like about that clock radio was the options you could have in which alarm you wanted to be awoken to. You could the radio, or choose cathedral, mechanical bells, or chimes. You could choose to be woken to a (starting softly, and increasing volume) set of what sounded like church bells, an old time mechanical "hammer and bell" alarm clock, or the typical electronic chime of your run-of-the-mill alarm clock. I preferred Cathedral.
Now, I have an opportunity to do this right (driving myself and those around me crazy while doing it too!). I would like to make sure I find "just the right clock radio" for my wants and needs.
Ideally, my perfect clock radio would include the following features.
- Dimming LED display or REVERSE LCD display
- Projection clock (displays the time on the ceiling in very dim red numbers
- Atomic Clock
- Battery Backup
- Adjustable Snooze
- Nap alarm (no need to reset the actual alarm time).
- AM/FM/CD (that plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and CD-mp3 discs
- Digital tuner for AM/FM.
- Aux Input (in both mini-jack, USB, and SD card slot)
- Headphone Jack (for headphones or my pillow speaker)
- S.A.M.E. technology Weather Radio
- Interior and Exterior Temperature display (exterior from a remote temp sensor).
I really like the looks (and sound) of the Bose Wave Radios, Boston Acoustics MicroSystem CD, and/or the Boston Acoustics Receptor Radio, but lets face it - how realistic is it to have a clock radio that is worth more than you car is worth? That is just not going to happen.
So, as I started checking into clock radios. I found one that had most of the (realistic) features I wanted, and I really liked the look of too! It is called the Pure Chronos. The more exicted I got about it, the more I realized something must be wrong. It is too good to be true! Sure enough, Pure Chronos is made in England, and the (approximately) 90.00 (Euro) price tag I found translates to around 180 (US Dollars) - again, just a wee bit more than the budget allows for. (Not to mention it operates off 240v.)
GOOD NEWS! While writing this post I just discovered the Chronos actually operates off of DC power (9v). It comes with a 240vAC to 9vDC converter. So, I could find a converter (wall wart - like most people's Cellular phone charges with) that WOULD operate this clock radio in the US! It does receive DAB Radio (which is useless here in the USA), as well as AM and FM.. If only the price.... Hmmm.... I need to think some more on that... It has suddenly become a bit more "viable". I sent an email off to customer support to find out more about using the Chronos here in the US. Perhaps they would like to send on out to me on a "beta testing" basis!
Some of the (more realistic) contenders include (in no particular order) the Timex TM-80-BR (really nice with the USB and SD card access!), Timex T-617-S (the radio I am really leaning towards - so far), RCA RP-5640 (which has received several poor reviews), the RCA RP-5600, Teac SRL50, and the jWin JL-CD811.
Anyone have any special suggestions for an "out of this world" clock radio?
Post Script: Just to prove to you all that I am indeed as crazy as I say sometimes... Ask yourself who the heck would write a post THIS LONG about a clock radio?? But (and maybe even more importantly) don't forget to ask yourself how crazy a person is to actually have READ this whole long post about clock radios??
Let's do Lunch!
Today, there will be a "powerhouse" lunch meeting!
Lisa from Many Things Do Not Fly, Don the always witty former webmaster of the now defunct http://www.offthedeepend.org/ and soon-to-be published author, and myself are getting together for Lunch!
(In a recent email, Don has mentioned the possibility of putting Off the Deep End back up. I have checked several times, and it is not... Perhaps there is a possibility to add another "blog" to "My Blogging Friends" - he is a married father, and has an unbelievable sense of humor!)
There was a "fourth" (Jenny) who could not make it, but expressed an interest in getting together again at a later date/time. Sorry Jenny, I don't have any updates, or links for you - maybe next time I'll find out more!)
This should prove to be a great time, and I really am looking forward to getting together.
Many of you know that Lisa is an old high school friend. Don (for those of you who don't know) is also an old high school friend, but from a different graduating year. I got in touch with him through the Academy of the Holy Angels Alumni Page. It was GREAT hearing back from him - and since he graduated a different year, he was not at the reunion. He would have been a great addition to my reunion experience, but this will be just as good...
No... I am sure it will be even better!
Lisa from Many Things Do Not Fly, Don the always witty former webmaster of the now defunct http://www.offthedeepend.org/ and soon-to-be published author, and myself are getting together for Lunch!
(In a recent email, Don has mentioned the possibility of putting Off the Deep End back up. I have checked several times, and it is not... Perhaps there is a possibility to add another "blog" to "My Blogging Friends" - he is a married father, and has an unbelievable sense of humor!)
There was a "fourth" (Jenny) who could not make it, but expressed an interest in getting together again at a later date/time. Sorry Jenny, I don't have any updates, or links for you - maybe next time I'll find out more!)
This should prove to be a great time, and I really am looking forward to getting together.
Many of you know that Lisa is an old high school friend. Don (for those of you who don't know) is also an old high school friend, but from a different graduating year. I got in touch with him through the Academy of the Holy Angels Alumni Page. It was GREAT hearing back from him - and since he graduated a different year, he was not at the reunion. He would have been a great addition to my reunion experience, but this will be just as good...
No... I am sure it will be even better!
A little more on Paruresis and Parcopresis.
My recent admission of having to deal with Paruresis and Parcopresis created an flurry of conversation at work and home. It would seem that several of my co-workers, and a member of my wife's family (with a medical background) have told me just how bad this is for me.
Perhaps... I don't know... But, it is not anything I have any control over. It just "wont happen". I have not talked much about it here, but I left a comment over on Many Things Do Not Fly a while ago that just touches on how I feel. At the bottom of that comment, you will see some "color commentary" I made about men's restrooms.
I am not sure most women believe me when I tell them what life is like in a men's room, I have been told that I am "exaggerating"...
Well - today with the help of (and thanks to) Jerry Chicken (another "Father Bloger" that I read) and HIS POST I am now able to confirm what I have been saying for years, and felt like no one has believed me.
(If you have recently eaten, or have a weak constitution, you may not want to read it. You have been warned!)
You may think that this is an exaggerated story... Think again. Jerry is opening up his soul here, and having spent time in a men's restroom, I can confirm the accuracy of what he is saying... (Although I was not a witness to HIS "event", I have been in a men's restroom for other's "events".)
My Paruresis and Parcopresis come from a fear of being either the accidental suspect or the unwilling victim of one of these "events"...
Thanks Jerry!
Perhaps... I don't know... But, it is not anything I have any control over. It just "wont happen". I have not talked much about it here, but I left a comment over on Many Things Do Not Fly a while ago that just touches on how I feel. At the bottom of that comment, you will see some "color commentary" I made about men's restrooms.
I am not sure most women believe me when I tell them what life is like in a men's room, I have been told that I am "exaggerating"...
Well - today with the help of (and thanks to) Jerry Chicken (another "Father Bloger" that I read) and HIS POST I am now able to confirm what I have been saying for years, and felt like no one has believed me.
(If you have recently eaten, or have a weak constitution, you may not want to read it. You have been warned!)
You may think that this is an exaggerated story... Think again. Jerry is opening up his soul here, and having spent time in a men's restroom, I can confirm the accuracy of what he is saying... (Although I was not a witness to HIS "event", I have been in a men's restroom for other's "events".)
My Paruresis and Parcopresis come from a fear of being either the accidental suspect or the unwilling victim of one of these "events"...
Thanks Jerry!
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