The Good Men Project

He continues to inspire.   Check out Matthew Goodman's contribution to "The Good Men Project" .   And if you still haven't read "Hold Love Strong"...it's your loss!

Here's an opening excerpt from Matthew's contribution to "The Good Men Project"...just for starters...

"Sometimes we find role models in the strangest places, and they need not possess personas or histories that are without faults or similar with our own; or at least that has been the case in my life."

Need I say more?

More Parenthood 101

A lifelong friend offered her pearls of wisdom! Thanks Aunt Nancy! My original entry is here. If you have some more...please leave a comment or send them to me.

• Children grow up to act like you have been acting all of these years, so be kind, loving and fair
• Never doubt that raising children is a full time job...forever
• Listen, really listen... they have a view point that is often right for them
• Remember that in their hearts they want to please you, so let them by letting them be themselves
• Don't freak out too much when they are under 21 years old and the calls come late at night
• Remember in the morning to tell them that you NEVER want to receive another one of those calls
• Don't tell them, show them, over and over and over and over again, with patience
• Do not let them run amuck in your home or in other homes
• Remember...... most of the time it is worth it

Oma

I hardly knew her…but I loved what I knew about her.   I believe she came from somewhat humble beginnings and had a relatively hard life…at least according to American standards.   She was a child of East Germany and survived the WW II bombing of Dresden, Germany.   That, in its self is noteworthy.

I first met her in Dresden.   It was the Xmas of 2002.   She was jolly and welcomed us with opened arms.   Her Xmas present to us were these incredible hand knitted socks.   I have them on now as I write this.

Her first (and only) trip to America (at the age of 82) was to witness her grandson’s marriage to my daughter.   It was also her first time on a plane!   That was two and a half years ago and that was another memorable occasion.   She seemed to enjoy every minute of it.   She jumped into the cold waters of a Pocono Mountains lake...as we all looked on in amazement/disbelief.   She enjoyed some wine and shared in the excitement at the pre-wedding day celebration, and beamed with joy during the wedding day itself!   And she had the chance to visit with us in our home. Again, that was the late spring of 2007.

Unfortunately, she left us on Monday.   Rest in peace Oma!   It was a short but sweet time together.   Thanks for the fond memories…and the socks!   I’ll think of you every time I put them on!

The Game!

They're all playing the game...
But I have to pretend that I don't see...

Because I know...
if they knew...
that I know...
I know...
they'd change the rules!

Illustration by Kimberly Klauss

Parenthood 101

I'm no authority...I'm just sayin'

Mandatory:

• Teach them to say “please” and “thank you”.   A written thank you note really blows us old folks over the edge!
• Do not put a TV in their room (assuming they’re fortunate enough to have their own room)
• If they “act up” anywhere…(supermarket, Fast Food Place, etc) snatch them up and LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!
• Hold their hand wherever you go…until they are embarrassed enough that you are holding their hand.
• When you are in someone else’s home…always know where they are and/or what they are doing!
• Let them know it’s okay (polite) to be the first to say hello to someone they know.

Nice additions:

• Read to them…(as often as possible)
• Listen to what they have to say…and respect it…regardless of their age.
• Insist that they never put “their hands on anyone”
• Insist that they be kind to others.
• Let them know that it’s ok to fail…it’s a learning experience.

010110

New Year's Resolution...NOT!

The decade from hell...Good-bye & good riddance!

"Fauxbama?"

The doubts and criticisms arrive on a daily basis.   I've even had my own!   But then I reflect on how many turds the previous occupant left on the doorsteps of the White House and I'm good!   Everyone has their personal opinion and priorities of what the President should put at the top of his agenda.

(Personally...I don't know if it should have been health care...I don't even know what's in it...and 2000 pages is a bit much!)



But...when you look at all the turds "W" left behind...it's more than overwhelming.   I still believe President Obama is a man of change...and history will reflect that.   He promised change...and I believe he will deliver on his promise against insurmountable odds.   It can't happen in 11 months...but it WILL happen!

Below...in no particular order, is what this man has inherited and is being hounded about.

• The Economy (Deficit)
• Afghanistan ("W" started this...and...I'm not in favor of war of any kind!)
• Iraq (aka...weapons of mass destruction???)
• Unemployment
• Climate Change (I gotta get to the Maldives...real soon!)
• DADT (Don't Ask Don't Tell...America...get over it!)
• North Korea
• GITMO
• Iran
• and...it goes on and on!!!
  

To all you doubting Thomases...I say he's been stepping in the turds for 11 months!   The previous occupant was there for 8 years...and what did he ("W") achieve for America?  What?  If you have an answer...please let me know!

Terry Noel

Happy belated birthday Terry.   For over 50 years, I thought it was today.   I called your brother, Jack, today and through my tears, he told me I was 2 days late...December 8th was your big day!   I will not make that mistake again! I can't begin to tell you how much I (we) miss you.   You'd never believe how often you enter my dreams.

You are one in a million (zillion) ...and you were taken too soon!   August 2nd, 1967...a lot changed that day.   The days that followed are a blur to me....but like I said, a lot changed that day....I lost more than you (if you can believe that) and I've never been the same.

I've written here before about "no buts" people...and that was definitely you!   I love you Terry Noel...and I always will!   Happy Birthday...belatedly!

Imagine...again!

Imagine...it's been 29 years!   John Lennon was slain on this date...29 years ago.

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

World Aids Day

According to NPR, "almost six thousand people died of AIDS today.   An even greater number became HIV-infected, though most of these men and women won't know this for months or even years.   As far as we know, today wasn't any better or worse than any other day in this regard.   That it happened to be World AIDS Day was almost incidental."

Afghanistan...

30,000 more troops to Afghanistan!   Why?   What's the objective or the criteria for success?   To contain/defeat the Taliban?   I don't know?   Withdrawal in 2011?   How many more lives?   I'm sick of war...have always been!   I think history tells us that damn near every war was fought because of religious differences or the control of land.   Is this one different?   Please...someone convince me that it is...cause right now...I ain't buyin' it!


Still not sure? Check out HBO's "Section 60".   Called "the saddest acre in America," Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery is a burial ground for U.S. military personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, a place that epitomizes the honor of service and the cost of war.

I watched "Section 60" this weekend and wept!   And...I'm an Obama fan(atic)!!!

Thankful!

It's Thanksgiving Day in America.   If you're fortunate enough...it's a day of family, friends, food and fun!   I am indeed fortunate (and thankful) because that exactly how it turned out!

I'm just sayin'...to each...his (or her) own!

• According to the bible, the earth is only 6,000 years old!
  
• One third of Americans believe the bible is literally true!
  
• A Catholic bishop in Rhode Island has banned Patrick Kennedy from receiving Communion because of his support for abortion rights.
  
• Pope Benedict makes it easier for Anglicans to convert to Catholicism because of their discontent over the ordination of women priests and homosexual bishops.
  

I'm just sayin'...to each his (or her) own!

Artist, Uncle Linc, "works" the fabric!

Our lifelong friend...we're talking many decades here people...is having a one man show at the Central Library, in Atlanta Georgia starting December 3rd and running through January 29th.


If you're in the area check it out.   If not...check out Linc's website...and buy some art!   Linc's another one where you can say...I knew him when... And he's been on TV no less!   Check this out.

Why Prescious Matters: Fiction As Witness

You know I'm a big fan of Matthew Goodman author of  "Hold Love Strong"!   Well now, Matthew has been written up on the   Huffington Post's website.   This is an incredible accomplishment.   The article was written by Nina Sankvitch.   Nina has a more in-depth review on her website.




The Huffington Post article includes Matthew's "Hold Love Strong" in the same breath as the recently released movie "Precious"...thus the title of this entry!   I've said it once...I'll say it a thousand times...go buy this book.   Don't ask me to borrow my copy! That doesn't increase sales!   BUY and read the book!



You won't be disappointed...and when it hits the big screen...you'll be able to say...Wow!   I know this guy...or I know someone who knows this guy! Trust me....this is going to make it to the big screen!   It's just that "Precious" beat us him to the punch!

Friday the 13th!

Didn't see any black cats...nor did I break any mirrors.   It really turned out to be a "feel good" day!   Got a better grasp on some financial options and tied up some financial "loose strings".   I will sleep better tonight.

Veterans Day in America

I'm a veteran.   A lucky one.   Although I served (was drafted) during the height of the Vietnam War...I was not put in harms way...like my older brother.   My overseas assignment was to Geissen, Germany.

War?   War?   It's male testosterone on steroids.   There was an article in the New York Times a few weeks ago titled..."An Iwo Jima Relic Binds Generations".

It's the story of an American soldier, Frank Hobbs, now 85 years old,...who had never seen a dead person before.   Before Iwo Jima that is!   7,000 Americans died on Iwo Jima, 20,000 more were wounded, and more than 21,000 Japanese died.

Hobbs happened to stumble across the body of a dead Japanese solder.   He found an envelope on the dead soldier's body.   That envelope contained a child’s colorful drawing — of youngsters lined up for an air-raid drill with buckets and padded garb — and a photograph of a baby.


“It seemed to me it was a terrible waste for just that little island,” Mr. Hobbs said in an interview at his home in Chestnut Hill, Mass.   “I also realized how terrible war is, and how people die for really not a heck of a lot.”

Almost 64 years later...he met the baby in that Japanese photo.   And yes Mr. Hobbs...damn near all wars are a terrible waste...and people die for really not a heck of a lot!

The Wall

Twenty years ago today, it came down!   Like millions of others, I watched in excitement...overcome with emotion.



That excitement wasn't fueled by world politics nor did it have anything to do with then President Reagan demanding that Mikhail Gorbachev "Tear down this wall".

More than anything else, I was moved by seeing the hundreds of thousands of young folks (on live TV!)...their excitement and celebration of what the future could offer as they swung at the concrete and danced on its upper edges for all the world to see.   Then there was the stream of Trabants making their way through the wall to West Germany.   It was awesome.

At the time, my oldest daughter was 12 years old.   I'm sure she didn't fully understand the significance of this nor its place in history.   Ten years later, while at college in California, she just happened to meet a young man from the other side of that wall.

It's a long story...but on June 3rd of 2008, they became husband and wife.   That was another day I will never forget.   Many from that side of the wall, were invited...and attended to witness their union.   For many, it was their 1st trip to America!   It was his grandmother's first trip on an airplane!

On their wedding day...that wall never entered my radar screen.   It was the last thing on my mind!   Today I relive that moment and rejoice in the fact that it is gone...or at least a thing of the past.

OPKs...other people's kids

Trust me on this...it's ill advised (taboo) to provide your honest opinion on the behavior of your friend's children...even if asked by their parents!

Not that this has happened to me...but if it should...I need to remember to zip the lip!

Did You Vote Today?

If not...we're not speaking anymore!   Sure...perhaps this year doesn't have all the hubbub/excitement of last year's Presidential election (or for that matter any Presidential election)  BUT...it's not just about a President.

School Board?  Town Clerk?  Local propositions?  Mayor?  Equally as important as who is leading this country is...who/what will bring about positive change at the local level.

Sam Tsui & Kurt Schneider

This may be old news for some of you internet savvy folks.   These kids have been all over YouTube; on the Bonnie Hunt Show; and I just saw them recently on the NBC Nightly News (Channel 4 in New York).   A combination of talent & technology!



I'm addicted...and I've already viewed several of their YouTube videos.   Don't believe me?   Check this one out!   Beyonce's "Halo"!



These Yale students are going places!   You haven't heard the last of them.   Trust me on this!

I gotta feelin'...Joy Rising!

Somehow I missed the Black Eyed Peas performance on Oprah's fall season kickoff show.   Last week...Oprah revisited this moment on one of her "favorite things" show.   A member of the audience, who attended the Black Eyed Peas event, summed up his experience as..."It was Joy Rising"!



Wow!  Wish I could have been there!

All I Really Need to Know...

I Learned in Kindergarten

This is the title of one of my all time favorite reads (aside from "Hold Love Strong"!).   My oldest daughter recommended it to me several years ago.   You could almost say it's my bible.   I just checked and see that the author, Robert Fulghum, has a 15th Anniversary Edition as well as several other books.   Given how impressed I am with "Kindergarten", I can't wait to read ALL the rest!

Here's a partial list of all you need to know...according to Fulghum (so true!):

• Share everything
• Play fair
• Don't hit people
• Put things back where you found them
• Clean up your own mess
• Don't take things that don't belong to you
• Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody
• Wash your hands before you eat
• Flush!
• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you
  
• When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together

It's an amazing and insightful read...not to mention that the above and a few other simple lessons he describes...are truly the basis for all you really need to know!   Enjoy!

Balloon Boy!

OK...enough already!
I saw this story last Thursday (if you live in America you couldn't miss it). Weather balloon gets away...and supposedly there's a 6 year old in side. When I 1st saw...I thought...how distraught the parents must be and switched channels! Later that evening...I hear the kid was not in the balloon but reappeared from the family's attic! Great! Go to Bed!



I wake up the next morning and every TV station in America is interviewing this family! NBC's Today Show interviewed the family at the top of the hour for almost 20 minutes!!!

Have we lost our marbles. We're into two wars; there's the Israeli-Palestinian situation, the whackos in Iran & North Korea, hundreds of kids dying around the world every day, the economy & health care...and American TV devotes all this time to this story?

Forget that this was a hoax! The fact that the "news" media know the American public will watch this crap...which is true...and at the same time...is very discomforting!

Republicans in Congress!

Wow! I just don't understand it..and perhaps I never will!


More about each of them in future posts!

• Joe Wilson - South Carolina
• Louie Gohmert - Texas
• Mark Kirk - Illinois
• John Shimkus - Illinois
• Michele Bachmann - Minnesota
• Randy Forbes - Virginia
• Bill Sali - Idaho
• Steve King - Iowa
• Lynn Westmoreland - Georgia
• Lynn Jenkins - Kansas
• Virginia Foxx - Virginia
• Stever Buyer - Indiana
• Trent Franks - Georgia