Frequently in past years, I've gotten emails and phone calls from sales people offering all manner of come-ons if I would sit down for a couple of hours and listen to a pitch about buying a time share.
I had always previously ignored them.
But last January, someone from Hilton called and made a really good offer. Two nights in a midtown NYC hotel, including parking for a ridiculous rate, as well as $200 toward a future Hilton property stay. Born and raised there, I still love NYC, and so I said yes, Mary and I would give them two hours of our time in exchange for that.
I set the date to coincide with our 29th wedding anniversary. I made plans with good friends who live in town and our son Dave who lives just outside it in Hoboken. And I picked up two tickets to see "Promises, Promises" on Broadway.
Then I did some homework and read about all the horror stories people had to share about these pitches. They were pressured. They were made to feel like garbage if they didn't go for it. Or worse, they went for it and were then quickly struck by buyer's remorse.
But they didn't have what I had as my secret weapon. They didn't have Mary, who never met a financial offer she couldn't refuse.
Our time came at 11 a.m. Saturday. A young Asian man named Leonard introduced himself as Lenny and started off with all sorts of friendly chatter about nothing that mattered -- aside from revealing that he is a Mets fan, which always matters.
We went nowhere on the pitch -- scheduled to last two hours -- for the first 20 minutes or so. I was thinking the longer I let him ramble on about nothing, the less of the pitch I'd have to hear. Mary, she later told me, was bored.
Eventually he got to the pitch, but of course no hard numbers. We heard all about the "benefits" of time share ownership, and he tried mightily to pin down our regular travel habits. Turns out we have none.
We'd let him know from the start that he had very little chance of making this sale -- and then proceeded to show him why. Finally, sales person No. 2 entered the conversation -- about an hour and 20 minutes into it. He was the first to give us numbers, which of course were ridiculously high for something we'd never really "own." But I could tell his heart wasn't in it. Lenny had apparently already given him the lowdown on us.
Finally, they brought in the closer, a guy who I think really believed he was making an offer we could not refuse -- another stay at another location, this time in Florida for seven days, and another sales pitch all for another ridiculously low price.
We somehow managed to resist, and in the end walked out with our free night certificates, a $100 gift card to pay for the parking, and our pride and pocketbooks in continued good stead.
They never had a prayer. We had a great weekend and Mary and I, marking 29 years together, had once again proven we are an unbeatable team.
Later.
6.30.2010
6.11.2010
Time flies
The Mets are in Baltimore this weekend, and it looks like, weather permitting, some of the family may go to one or more of the games.
Oldest son Dave and I started text messaging about this Thursday night. He said he was pumped to go and that Camden Yards, located near Baltimore's harbor, was a beautiful park.
My text message response: "It was 8 years or so ago the last time we were there."
I originally was going to say 10 years, but I thought that may have been too many.
Turns out I was wrong.
The last time my family went to a game at Camden Yards -- also with the Mets in town -- was 1999.
Geez.
Clinton was president.
There were no blogs or tweets.
John Franco was still the Mets' closer -- I know this because younger son Dan remembers Franco giving him not one but two baseballs over the course of the two games we attended. Dan would have been 10 at the time. Dave would have been 16.
Dan also remembers Dave losing one of those Franco balls when he was trying to ctach a Mike Piazza batting practice home run ball.
Some wounds take longer to heal than others.
It stunned both Dave and me that it could have been that long. Even years. Amazin.!
Camden Yards is, as he said, a beautiful ballpark and we all really liked it and the harbor the times we were there.
The past three years, with the family homestead being in Northern Virginia, we've lived all of an hour and 10 minutes from that ballpark. That's about what it used to take to get from Mount Olive, N.J. to Shea Stadium back in the day.
But no, we haven't been back since 1999.
I'd say we're due.
Later.
Oldest son Dave and I started text messaging about this Thursday night. He said he was pumped to go and that Camden Yards, located near Baltimore's harbor, was a beautiful park.
My text message response: "It was 8 years or so ago the last time we were there."
I originally was going to say 10 years, but I thought that may have been too many.
Turns out I was wrong.
The last time my family went to a game at Camden Yards -- also with the Mets in town -- was 1999.
Geez.
Clinton was president.
There were no blogs or tweets.
John Franco was still the Mets' closer -- I know this because younger son Dan remembers Franco giving him not one but two baseballs over the course of the two games we attended. Dan would have been 10 at the time. Dave would have been 16.
Dan also remembers Dave losing one of those Franco balls when he was trying to ctach a Mike Piazza batting practice home run ball.
Some wounds take longer to heal than others.
It stunned both Dave and me that it could have been that long. Even years. Amazin.!
Camden Yards is, as he said, a beautiful ballpark and we all really liked it and the harbor the times we were there.
The past three years, with the family homestead being in Northern Virginia, we've lived all of an hour and 10 minutes from that ballpark. That's about what it used to take to get from Mount Olive, N.J. to Shea Stadium back in the day.
But no, we haven't been back since 1999.
I'd say we're due.
Later.
6.04.2010
Careful what you ask for
Now that the furor has quited a bit over umpire Jim Joyce's awful call that cost Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game Wednesday night, the calls for quick action on establishing expanded instant replay are growing.
Any reasonable fan who has seen the replay of the blown call can't help but think this whole issue could have been avoided if there was a system in place to allow for review of close plays.
Of course, had there been we would have all missed the greatest exhibition of class we've seen in sports for a long time. I don't know about you, but I will remember the way Galarraga and Joyce conducted themselves immediately after the call and in the hours that followed, much longer than I would have ever remembered a perfect game.
But back to the replay thing.
There really is no need to discuss whether baseball should use replay. It already does on matters of questionable home runs and on fair/foul calls. The latter is especially needed at the Mets new home, Citi Field, which for some reason has ridiculously short foul(fair?) poles.
But how far should it expand?
Many people already complain about the slow pace of baseball games. Adding replay without strict limitations will only add to that problem.
I think I'd go with a variation of the National Football League's rules. First, give managers a very limited amount of challenges to umpires' calls -- one or at maximum two per game.
In football, a coach has incentive to tread carefully, because if a call is not overturned, he loses a time out. There are no time out limitations in baseball, so perhaps if a manager loses on a first appeal, he could automatically forfeit his second one.
Of course, if a manager uses his challenges early, than he might not be able to challenge the bad call on the 27th out of a perfect game.
So perhaps there could be a provision for booth review in the ninth inning, regardless of previous challenges.
You can't let replay overcome the game. I'd limit expanded review to plays at bases and catches or traps. Managers are automatically ejected now if they argue balls and strikes, so there can be no place for review on those calls. And check swings should also be unreviewable.
Just a few thoughts from a baseball fan, who, by the way, is very happy Commissioner Bud Selig did not overturn Joyce's incorrect decision.
That, unlike Joyce's, was the right call.
Any reasonable fan who has seen the replay of the blown call can't help but think this whole issue could have been avoided if there was a system in place to allow for review of close plays.
Of course, had there been we would have all missed the greatest exhibition of class we've seen in sports for a long time. I don't know about you, but I will remember the way Galarraga and Joyce conducted themselves immediately after the call and in the hours that followed, much longer than I would have ever remembered a perfect game.
But back to the replay thing.
There really is no need to discuss whether baseball should use replay. It already does on matters of questionable home runs and on fair/foul calls. The latter is especially needed at the Mets new home, Citi Field, which for some reason has ridiculously short foul(fair?) poles.
But how far should it expand?
Many people already complain about the slow pace of baseball games. Adding replay without strict limitations will only add to that problem.
I think I'd go with a variation of the National Football League's rules. First, give managers a very limited amount of challenges to umpires' calls -- one or at maximum two per game.
In football, a coach has incentive to tread carefully, because if a call is not overturned, he loses a time out. There are no time out limitations in baseball, so perhaps if a manager loses on a first appeal, he could automatically forfeit his second one.
Of course, if a manager uses his challenges early, than he might not be able to challenge the bad call on the 27th out of a perfect game.
So perhaps there could be a provision for booth review in the ninth inning, regardless of previous challenges.
You can't let replay overcome the game. I'd limit expanded review to plays at bases and catches or traps. Managers are automatically ejected now if they argue balls and strikes, so there can be no place for review on those calls. And check swings should also be unreviewable.
Just a few thoughts from a baseball fan, who, by the way, is very happy Commissioner Bud Selig did not overturn Joyce's incorrect decision.
That, unlike Joyce's, was the right call.
5.26.2010
This and that about that and this
Sorry to report the George Mason baseball team didn't make the post-season tournament after all. The Patriots needed to sweep Towson last weekend to get there and didn't. Still, it was a fun season. Dan got to play a good bit down the stretch and we made some new friends among the parents.
So now it's off to summer baseball, as Dan will be playing for the Loudoun County, Va.-based TC Twins in the National Adult Baseball Association D.C. Wood Bat League. First game is tonight and for once no travel is involved. The game is at Potomac Falls High, a half mile from our front door, under the lights at 7:45.
****
Great weekend just passed. Went to Long Island and Mary, Megan and I hooked up with Katie and Nick and Dave to celebrate the 60th anniversary of our favorite aunt and uncle -- George and Bernice Muller. We also went to a party celebrating the second birthday of grand-niece Angie and then went to a hotel in Plainview to celebrate Mary's birthday. Great to be together and have some quality family time.
Only bad part was way too much driving -- about 12 hours round trip. Ouch.
****
Sadly, the next bit of family time was in Richmond Monday at the funeral of cousin Kathy Kirk, who died way too young of a brain tumor at the age of 59. Mary, Megan and I attended. As sad as the occasion was, a nice job was done celebrating Kathy's life, and we did get to see some family members we haven't seen in some time.
RIP, Kathy. You'll be missed.
****
Personal notes aside, I am pumped that the 2014 Super Bowl will be played at the new Meadowlands Stadium. It's worth a role of the dice on possible bad weather. Most years in the past five, it'd been just fine, with temps in the 40s and even 50s.
Now all I need is for the Jets to be playing in it -- and OK, maybe the Giants too.
Later.
So now it's off to summer baseball, as Dan will be playing for the Loudoun County, Va.-based TC Twins in the National Adult Baseball Association D.C. Wood Bat League. First game is tonight and for once no travel is involved. The game is at Potomac Falls High, a half mile from our front door, under the lights at 7:45.
****
Great weekend just passed. Went to Long Island and Mary, Megan and I hooked up with Katie and Nick and Dave to celebrate the 60th anniversary of our favorite aunt and uncle -- George and Bernice Muller. We also went to a party celebrating the second birthday of grand-niece Angie and then went to a hotel in Plainview to celebrate Mary's birthday. Great to be together and have some quality family time.
Only bad part was way too much driving -- about 12 hours round trip. Ouch.
****
Sadly, the next bit of family time was in Richmond Monday at the funeral of cousin Kathy Kirk, who died way too young of a brain tumor at the age of 59. Mary, Megan and I attended. As sad as the occasion was, a nice job was done celebrating Kathy's life, and we did get to see some family members we haven't seen in some time.
RIP, Kathy. You'll be missed.
****
Personal notes aside, I am pumped that the 2014 Super Bowl will be played at the new Meadowlands Stadium. It's worth a role of the dice on possible bad weather. Most years in the past five, it'd been just fine, with temps in the 40s and even 50s.
Now all I need is for the Jets to be playing in it -- and OK, maybe the Giants too.
Later.
5.18.2010
A magic moment well earned
The score was tied 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth inning.
George Mason University was hosting VCU in a big Colonial Athletic Association baseball game - big at least for Mason, which had already lost to VCU on Friday and was in need of a victory to keep its post-season playoff hopes alive.
Up to the plate stepped Dan Lyons, who'd gotten an all-too rare start this sunny Saturday afternoon.
Dan, always a above average defensive catcher, was already having a pretty good game, having blooped an RBI single to right to give Mason a 4-2 lead at the time and having thrown out a runner at second.
But a throw on another steal attempt in the top of the sixth had hit the runner and ended up in center field while a run scored -- an occupational hazard for a catcher throwing to second base.
So now, with the score tied, Dan came up with one out and nobody on.
On the second pitch of the at-bat, he timed a fastball perfectly and drove the ball hard and long to left field.
It was going to be an extra base hit. But might it clear the fence for a home run?
"Get out, get out" I shouted, as if the ball was open to direction.
The outfielder turned, hoping for a play. He looked -- but didn't even jump.
It was gone. Dan had slugged his first college baseball home run.
Later, Dan would say he knew it was gone, but he'd run hard out of the batters box because he didn't want it to "look like" he thought it was gone.
By the time he neared second base, though, it was outta here and he slowed down to a home run trot he'd last used in serious competition at Mount Olive (N.J.) High School.
He clearly hadn't forgotten how to do it.
The Mason dugout emptied and approached home plate, A happy sequence of high fives and fist pounds ensued.
In the stands behind home plate, there were additional high fives between Mary and me, as well with surrounding parents who knew that it was a special moment.
"That's Dan Lyons' first career home run for George Mason," the PA announcer said loud and clear.
Yeah, we already knew that.
What a great moment! Nearing the end of his first season at Mason after two disappointing ones at The College of New Jersey, Dan had done very well in a back-up role, hitting over .300 and playing solid defense whenever given the opportunity.
An injury now has given him this unexpected start, and this was how he had responded.
Unfortunately, that 6-5 lead didn't hold up in the end, so the go-ahead home run didn't have the kind of impact we and fans of storybook ending would have preferred.
But it was a moment Dan, Mary and me will have forever.
Sweet!
Later.
George Mason University was hosting VCU in a big Colonial Athletic Association baseball game - big at least for Mason, which had already lost to VCU on Friday and was in need of a victory to keep its post-season playoff hopes alive.
Up to the plate stepped Dan Lyons, who'd gotten an all-too rare start this sunny Saturday afternoon.
Dan, always a above average defensive catcher, was already having a pretty good game, having blooped an RBI single to right to give Mason a 4-2 lead at the time and having thrown out a runner at second.
But a throw on another steal attempt in the top of the sixth had hit the runner and ended up in center field while a run scored -- an occupational hazard for a catcher throwing to second base.
So now, with the score tied, Dan came up with one out and nobody on.
On the second pitch of the at-bat, he timed a fastball perfectly and drove the ball hard and long to left field.
It was going to be an extra base hit. But might it clear the fence for a home run?
"Get out, get out" I shouted, as if the ball was open to direction.
The outfielder turned, hoping for a play. He looked -- but didn't even jump.
It was gone. Dan had slugged his first college baseball home run.
Later, Dan would say he knew it was gone, but he'd run hard out of the batters box because he didn't want it to "look like" he thought it was gone.
By the time he neared second base, though, it was outta here and he slowed down to a home run trot he'd last used in serious competition at Mount Olive (N.J.) High School.
He clearly hadn't forgotten how to do it.
The Mason dugout emptied and approached home plate, A happy sequence of high fives and fist pounds ensued.
In the stands behind home plate, there were additional high fives between Mary and me, as well with surrounding parents who knew that it was a special moment.
"That's Dan Lyons' first career home run for George Mason," the PA announcer said loud and clear.
Yeah, we already knew that.
What a great moment! Nearing the end of his first season at Mason after two disappointing ones at The College of New Jersey, Dan had done very well in a back-up role, hitting over .300 and playing solid defense whenever given the opportunity.
An injury now has given him this unexpected start, and this was how he had responded.
Unfortunately, that 6-5 lead didn't hold up in the end, so the go-ahead home run didn't have the kind of impact we and fans of storybook ending would have preferred.
But it was a moment Dan, Mary and me will have forever.
Sweet!
Later.
5.13.2010
Glad they're still coming home
Our two youngest, Dan and Megan, had their last final exams of the college year yesterday. Mary went and picked up Megan, now a sophomore to be at William & Mary, somehow managing to pile all of Megan;s stuff into my not overly large Honda CRV.
Dan, wrapping up his juniorr year, is still in his apartment near George Mason University while the baseball season plays out. Big series at home this weekend against VCU. (We still have a great shot at the Colonial Athletic Association playoffs, to be held in Wilmington, N.C. starting May 27.)
But one way or the other, come June, both will be back, for a little while, living under our Potomac Falls, Va. roof.
That's not a bad thing, despite what some may say.
Sure, there are adjustments they have to make after many months of living on their own. We do want to know where they are going and when they are returning when they leave, who they are with, etc.
And sure there are adjustments we have to make after many months as just the two of us, including an understanding that they are pretty much adults now, will keep different hours and not always be around when we'd want them to be.
But overall, we're happy to have them home and they, past experience has shown us, generally like being there.
Will we get on each other's nerves at times? Absolutely.
But fortunately, we have a family that genuinely likes to be together. Time after time, even our oldest in NJ and PA, who are completely off on their own, have shown they will go out of their way to spend time with us and with each other.
Me too. I've done a lot of drives north to spend time with them ..most recently accepting a last minute invite to meet in Philly to see a Sunday night Mets game. A three-hour drive and a loss of sleep the next morning? No problem.
It's family.
So welcome home Dan and Megan. There's plenty of food in the fridge and your friends are welcome any time.
Just make sure you don't leave dishes in the sink or leave food out in the family room.
Later.
Dan, wrapping up his juniorr year, is still in his apartment near George Mason University while the baseball season plays out. Big series at home this weekend against VCU. (We still have a great shot at the Colonial Athletic Association playoffs, to be held in Wilmington, N.C. starting May 27.)
But one way or the other, come June, both will be back, for a little while, living under our Potomac Falls, Va. roof.
That's not a bad thing, despite what some may say.
Sure, there are adjustments they have to make after many months of living on their own. We do want to know where they are going and when they are returning when they leave, who they are with, etc.
And sure there are adjustments we have to make after many months as just the two of us, including an understanding that they are pretty much adults now, will keep different hours and not always be around when we'd want them to be.
But overall, we're happy to have them home and they, past experience has shown us, generally like being there.
Will we get on each other's nerves at times? Absolutely.
But fortunately, we have a family that genuinely likes to be together. Time after time, even our oldest in NJ and PA, who are completely off on their own, have shown they will go out of their way to spend time with us and with each other.
Me too. I've done a lot of drives north to spend time with them ..most recently accepting a last minute invite to meet in Philly to see a Sunday night Mets game. A three-hour drive and a loss of sleep the next morning? No problem.
It's family.
So welcome home Dan and Megan. There's plenty of food in the fridge and your friends are welcome any time.
Just make sure you don't leave dishes in the sink or leave food out in the family room.
Later.
5.04.2010
I know, I know..it's been a long time
OK, so it's been more than a month since I last posted.
To the legion of people who have clearly not been holding their breath, all I can say is blogging has not yet made it to my priority list.
It should. Both professionally at USA TODAY and personally, I certainly read enough of them during the course of a normal day and week.
But gathering my own thoughts and putting them in writing on any kind of a frequent basis has been a struggle.
I used to write a weekly Sunday column at the Daily Record in Morris County, N.J.. But that's been three years now (as of May 14) and I have not missed that as much as I once thought I might.
Maybe it's because I no longer have young kids around providing endless fodder for commentary.
Maybe it's because it's no longer part of my job.
Whatever, let's just say I've not been motivated.
I got to thinking this week that it would be a good idea to make myself get back in gear on this writing thing.
Millions of people, for reasons passing understanding. think it's worth sharing their daily thoughts.
I'm not about to go that far. But I am going to try to do this weekly and see how it goes.
For starters, some thought about my experience this past Sunday night attending the Mets-Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
It was a great night, the seats were good, and oldest son Dave and I had a nice dinner at McFadden's before the game.
His boss had given him the tickets, so the price was clearly right.
The Mets got clobbered -- the Phillies scored nine runs in the fourth inning -- so obviously I didn't enjoy that part of it.
the ballpark, I must say, is terrific -- I like it better than most of the new ones. (Though not, of course, better than Citi Field)
But I do have to wonder about the fans. When the Phillies were bombarding the Mets' alleged ace, Johann Santana, for those nine runs, it was clear they were happier about thrashing him than they were about the great things their home team players were doing.
Shane Victorino hits' a grand slam, and almost immediately, a "Johann sucks!" went up. When the Mets have a game like that - not often enough -- I'm all about how our guy or guys did it.
there were other examples -- but in total, a there was a lot more anti-Mets jeering than pro-Phillies cheering all night long.
Seems like some city's fans, despite all their recent success, still have a giant NYC chip on their shoulders.
Later.
To the legion of people who have clearly not been holding their breath, all I can say is blogging has not yet made it to my priority list.
It should. Both professionally at USA TODAY and personally, I certainly read enough of them during the course of a normal day and week.
But gathering my own thoughts and putting them in writing on any kind of a frequent basis has been a struggle.
I used to write a weekly Sunday column at the Daily Record in Morris County, N.J.. But that's been three years now (as of May 14) and I have not missed that as much as I once thought I might.
Maybe it's because I no longer have young kids around providing endless fodder for commentary.
Maybe it's because it's no longer part of my job.
Whatever, let's just say I've not been motivated.
I got to thinking this week that it would be a good idea to make myself get back in gear on this writing thing.
Millions of people, for reasons passing understanding. think it's worth sharing their daily thoughts.
I'm not about to go that far. But I am going to try to do this weekly and see how it goes.
For starters, some thought about my experience this past Sunday night attending the Mets-Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
It was a great night, the seats were good, and oldest son Dave and I had a nice dinner at McFadden's before the game.
His boss had given him the tickets, so the price was clearly right.
The Mets got clobbered -- the Phillies scored nine runs in the fourth inning -- so obviously I didn't enjoy that part of it.
the ballpark, I must say, is terrific -- I like it better than most of the new ones. (Though not, of course, better than Citi Field)
But I do have to wonder about the fans. When the Phillies were bombarding the Mets' alleged ace, Johann Santana, for those nine runs, it was clear they were happier about thrashing him than they were about the great things their home team players were doing.
Shane Victorino hits' a grand slam, and almost immediately, a "Johann sucks!" went up. When the Mets have a game like that - not often enough -- I'm all about how our guy or guys did it.
there were other examples -- but in total, a there was a lot more anti-Mets jeering than pro-Phillies cheering all night long.
Seems like some city's fans, despite all their recent success, still have a giant NYC chip on their shoulders.
Later.
3.25.2010
So many things wrong, so little time
Where do start these days?
Where do you begin to get a handle on all the things that are going the wrong way?
For some, it seems. the starting point is anything proposed by the opposite political party.
They're bad. We're good. We're right, they are pond scum.
Oh, and so are their families and the horse they road in on.
Political discourse in this country has never been for the faint of heart. Look back at newspaper reports from hundreds of years ago and you'll see over the top zealous commentary on every side of every issue imaginable.
Our ability to freely express ourselves is foundational to being American.
But, when people get into the gutter, using foul offensive and threatening language, a line is crossed that never should be.
Passion in politics is a positive.
Throwing things, spitting, cursing and wishing every imaginable evil to befall a politician and his or her family is not.
All it creates is noise..disturbing, unproductive noise.
We try to teach our kids to be fair, to be just, and to take the occasional loss in stride.
We don't want them throwing equipment, punching walls or kicking things when things don't go their way.
But so many of our so-called adults these days act like the worst kind of children when they are on the losing end of a vote or issue.
In fact, it's an insult to children to call them that.
You love this country? Work with the system. Fight for your side. Campaign for those you believe would better represent you.
Throwing a fit, making threats and vandalizing the property of the other side will never be the correct approach.
Where do you begin to get a handle on all the things that are going the wrong way?
For some, it seems. the starting point is anything proposed by the opposite political party.
They're bad. We're good. We're right, they are pond scum.
Oh, and so are their families and the horse they road in on.
Political discourse in this country has never been for the faint of heart. Look back at newspaper reports from hundreds of years ago and you'll see over the top zealous commentary on every side of every issue imaginable.
Our ability to freely express ourselves is foundational to being American.
But, when people get into the gutter, using foul offensive and threatening language, a line is crossed that never should be.
Passion in politics is a positive.
Throwing things, spitting, cursing and wishing every imaginable evil to befall a politician and his or her family is not.
All it creates is noise..disturbing, unproductive noise.
We try to teach our kids to be fair, to be just, and to take the occasional loss in stride.
We don't want them throwing equipment, punching walls or kicking things when things don't go their way.
But so many of our so-called adults these days act like the worst kind of children when they are on the losing end of a vote or issue.
In fact, it's an insult to children to call them that.
You love this country? Work with the system. Fight for your side. Campaign for those you believe would better represent you.
Throwing a fit, making threats and vandalizing the property of the other side will never be the correct approach.
2.25.2010
Charity doesn't begin with coins mailed to my home
And now, a few Andy Rooney-like moments:
I know times are tough all over.
I know more people are in need than in any recent time.
I appreciate the fine work many charities do helping so many people.
I make it a point, each month when I sit down to pay bills, to try to make a donation or two to organization I feel are doing great work.
All that having been said, I have a gripe.
Increasing numbers of charities seem to think they only way to get my attention is to send nickels or pennies taped to their solicitations.
I get the point.."just a few cents a day can make a big difference."
But I do not need the visual.
And the fact is, being sent coins -- or mailing labels or memo pads or even , as one charity did recently, a paid of thin wool gloves -- is not going to make me any more likely to send a charity a donation.
I feel badly when I get such items from charities to which I do not plan to donate.
Yes, I can just mail the coins back, but what waste of everyone's time!
And nobody else wants address labels and memo pads with my name on them. No point in sending those back. So they go in the recycle bin, since my conscience will not let me use anything I'm sent by a group to which I do not make a donation.
I have no doubt charity experts have determined that the coins are effective in nudging people into giving donations, though no analyst has ever asked me about it.
Regardless, the ploy does not work on me, and I really wish they would stop.
Later.
I know times are tough all over.
I know more people are in need than in any recent time.
I appreciate the fine work many charities do helping so many people.
I make it a point, each month when I sit down to pay bills, to try to make a donation or two to organization I feel are doing great work.
All that having been said, I have a gripe.
Increasing numbers of charities seem to think they only way to get my attention is to send nickels or pennies taped to their solicitations.
I get the point.."just a few cents a day can make a big difference."
But I do not need the visual.
And the fact is, being sent coins -- or mailing labels or memo pads or even , as one charity did recently, a paid of thin wool gloves -- is not going to make me any more likely to send a charity a donation.
I feel badly when I get such items from charities to which I do not plan to donate.
Yes, I can just mail the coins back, but what waste of everyone's time!
And nobody else wants address labels and memo pads with my name on them. No point in sending those back. So they go in the recycle bin, since my conscience will not let me use anything I'm sent by a group to which I do not make a donation.
I have no doubt charity experts have determined that the coins are effective in nudging people into giving donations, though no analyst has ever asked me about it.
Regardless, the ploy does not work on me, and I really wish they would stop.
Later.
2.09.2010
Now the nest really seems empty
Everybody talks about it -- as have I, previously in this blog -- about what it is like when the last of your children goes off to college.
I was too lazy to do the research, plus I have no great love for birds, so I won't delve here into why it's been referred to as the empty nest syndrome, rather, than say, empty cave. But when it's just you and your spouse left at home, it is a big change -- especially when you've had at least one kid at home for 26 years.
This happened to us last August, when daughter Megan went off to William & Mary. That made two in college -- son Dan had transferred to nearby George Mason University but was living in an off-campus apartment -- and the other two, Dave and Katie, have been gone for a long time now.
It wasn't till this past week of ridiculous, historic snow in the Northern Virginia-Washington, D.C. area that the empty nest thing really hit home for me.
We've been enjoying our time together, going on trips to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, taking last-minute day-cations to historic sites and wineries -- and just being the two of us. I have no doubt that will contineu to be true.
But suddenly having no kid at home to help shovel the snow, or to huddle with when the power went out, or to jump in and play a game of Monopoly to pass the time, I was struck as not before what it's like to be kid-less.
Mary and I did just fine -- with wine and cheese and a candlelight game of Scrabble while the power (and heat) were off Saturday for about five hours. In a way, it was even kind of romantic.
But it seemed so strange to be facing this bizarre winter tsunami without any of our kids there to experience it with us.
And it was no fun looking at those huge piles of snow and knowing it was all on us to deal with it.
We did -- Mary is a world-class shoveler and I'm not bad either -- but I have to admit I missed the help, and the kidding back and forth -- that used to be part of the storm dig-out process.
And I realized that that's they way it's always going to be from here on.
I know, I know. I'm a little slow and should have figured this all out before now.
But I didn't. Now I have.
I'm not sure I'm glad about that.
Later.
I was too lazy to do the research, plus I have no great love for birds, so I won't delve here into why it's been referred to as the empty nest syndrome, rather, than say, empty cave. But when it's just you and your spouse left at home, it is a big change -- especially when you've had at least one kid at home for 26 years.
This happened to us last August, when daughter Megan went off to William & Mary. That made two in college -- son Dan had transferred to nearby George Mason University but was living in an off-campus apartment -- and the other two, Dave and Katie, have been gone for a long time now.
It wasn't till this past week of ridiculous, historic snow in the Northern Virginia-Washington, D.C. area that the empty nest thing really hit home for me.
We've been enjoying our time together, going on trips to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, taking last-minute day-cations to historic sites and wineries -- and just being the two of us. I have no doubt that will contineu to be true.
But suddenly having no kid at home to help shovel the snow, or to huddle with when the power went out, or to jump in and play a game of Monopoly to pass the time, I was struck as not before what it's like to be kid-less.
Mary and I did just fine -- with wine and cheese and a candlelight game of Scrabble while the power (and heat) were off Saturday for about five hours. In a way, it was even kind of romantic.
But it seemed so strange to be facing this bizarre winter tsunami without any of our kids there to experience it with us.
And it was no fun looking at those huge piles of snow and knowing it was all on us to deal with it.
We did -- Mary is a world-class shoveler and I'm not bad either -- but I have to admit I missed the help, and the kidding back and forth -- that used to be part of the storm dig-out process.
And I realized that that's they way it's always going to be from here on.
I know, I know. I'm a little slow and should have figured this all out before now.
But I didn't. Now I have.
I'm not sure I'm glad about that.
Later.
2.03.2010
This and that -- TGIF! version (Thank goodness its February!)
It snowed again last night and it's apparently REALLY going to snow this weekend.
Ah, nothing like living in the sunny South.
Even long-time Virginians I've spoken to the past month or so agree this is more snow than they ever remember seeing.
Oldest son Dave came for a visit last weekend from Hoboken, N.J. and wound up shoveling snow. When he got back to N.J., the sidewalks and streets were all snow-free.
Ah, nothing like visiting the sunny South.
But enough griping about snow for now. There is good news.
It's February.
That, all by itself, is a positive.
That and the fact that it is no longer January.
With all due respect to my sister and friends who were born the first month of the year, January is without question my pick for worst month of the year.
You get past the moments after midnight celebrating the start of a new year, and all you've got staring you in the face are 31 days of cold days with snow, gray skies, single-digit wind-chill factors and ... well ... that's about it.
February brings the hope of baseball's spring training -- unless you are a Mets fans this year.
It brings those occasional teasing 50-degree days.
It brings Presidents Day weekend and Valentine's Day.
This year, it brings excitement for the George Mason University baseball season for us, as son Dan has made the transition from the Division III College of New Jersey to this successful Division I program.
Not that February doesn't also bring a lot of cold and snow and single-digit wind chill factors.
But it is a month of hope, of light and warmth up ahead.
It's not May or June -- my two favorite months if you're keeping score -- but it's a zillion times better than its predecessor.
Later.
Ah, nothing like living in the sunny South.
Even long-time Virginians I've spoken to the past month or so agree this is more snow than they ever remember seeing.
Oldest son Dave came for a visit last weekend from Hoboken, N.J. and wound up shoveling snow. When he got back to N.J., the sidewalks and streets were all snow-free.
Ah, nothing like visiting the sunny South.
But enough griping about snow for now. There is good news.
It's February.
That, all by itself, is a positive.
That and the fact that it is no longer January.
With all due respect to my sister and friends who were born the first month of the year, January is without question my pick for worst month of the year.
You get past the moments after midnight celebrating the start of a new year, and all you've got staring you in the face are 31 days of cold days with snow, gray skies, single-digit wind-chill factors and ... well ... that's about it.
February brings the hope of baseball's spring training -- unless you are a Mets fans this year.
It brings those occasional teasing 50-degree days.
It brings Presidents Day weekend and Valentine's Day.
This year, it brings excitement for the George Mason University baseball season for us, as son Dan has made the transition from the Division III College of New Jersey to this successful Division I program.
Not that February doesn't also bring a lot of cold and snow and single-digit wind chill factors.
But it is a month of hope, of light and warmth up ahead.
It's not May or June -- my two favorite months if you're keeping score -- but it's a zillion times better than its predecessor.
Later.
1.25.2010
Wait till next year -- but now there is hope
OK, yes the J-E-T-S blew it yesterday. They had the lead, then let it slip away in the AFC title game with the Colts.
I'm a little surprised by this, but for some reason, I don't feel all that badly about it.
Considering how far they -- and their rookie coach and quarterback -- came this year, for the first time in Lord knows how long, Jets fans can actually feel good about the future.
So now it's time to pull for the Saints in the Super Bowl, and to enjoy the fact that at least Brett Farve didn't make the Super Bowl either.
That interception late in regulation, by the way, was so reminiscent of how Farve played for the Jets at the end of last season.
Coming into next season, the Jets know they are set at QB with Mark Sanchez who greatly matured as the season and the playoffs wore on.
They know they have a coach who showed he knows how to lead them.
Their defense, despite their disappointing performance in the second half on Sunday, is solid. One more strong cornerback, perhaps a little more help on the D-line, and another big-play receiver would help. But I like the way we stand.
And with Leon Washington and Kris Jenkins back from injury next season, they could be even better -- assuming the unit stays otherwise healthy.
So thanks, Jets, for a great, fun run. And now let's get the Saints that long-awaited Super Bowl victory.
Later.
I'm a little surprised by this, but for some reason, I don't feel all that badly about it.
Considering how far they -- and their rookie coach and quarterback -- came this year, for the first time in Lord knows how long, Jets fans can actually feel good about the future.
So now it's time to pull for the Saints in the Super Bowl, and to enjoy the fact that at least Brett Farve didn't make the Super Bowl either.
That interception late in regulation, by the way, was so reminiscent of how Farve played for the Jets at the end of last season.
Coming into next season, the Jets know they are set at QB with Mark Sanchez who greatly matured as the season and the playoffs wore on.
They know they have a coach who showed he knows how to lead them.
Their defense, despite their disappointing performance in the second half on Sunday, is solid. One more strong cornerback, perhaps a little more help on the D-line, and another big-play receiver would help. But I like the way we stand.
And with Leon Washington and Kris Jenkins back from injury next season, they could be even better -- assuming the unit stays otherwise healthy.
So thanks, Jets, for a great, fun run. And now let's get the Saints that long-awaited Super Bowl victory.
Later.
1.15.2010
Haiti
Having spent the past three days immersed as one of the editors involved with USA TODAY'S coverage of the devastating earthquake, it's hard to think about anything else.
The stories and photos and videos emerging from Port-au-Prince are so tragic and disturbing. None of us can begin to imagine what it is like, how much life the quake has taken and how long the road to recovery will be.
For every story of heroism and miraculous discovery of a loved one who has somehow survived, there are many more stories of devastation, death and despair.
I commend to you our stories from today, which do a good job capturing snapshots of what life is like in this island nation now, and how much help is needed and is already flowing in.
Here are a few links:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-01-14-haiti-cover_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-01-14-haiti-usa_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/sharing/2010-01-14-Haiti-donations_N.htm
The third link is to the most hopeful story, about the enormous amount of money coming in from all sectors.
There are any number of ways to contribute. here is our currently list in case you are still looking for the best one:
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/kindness/post/2010/01/how-to-help-victims-of-the-haiti-earthquake/1
This is one of those no-option situations, in my opinion. Any contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.
These people, already among the world's poorest, need every bit of our help and prayers.
One last thing. I cannot believe the nonsense about this tragedy that have flowed from the mouths of evangelist Pat Robertson and radio's Rush Limbaugh. if you haven't heard about their idiocy, here is one last link to make you wonder why they have any followers at all.
http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/nation/pat-robertson-rush-limbaugh-draw-fire-over-haiti-remarks
Later.
The stories and photos and videos emerging from Port-au-Prince are so tragic and disturbing. None of us can begin to imagine what it is like, how much life the quake has taken and how long the road to recovery will be.
For every story of heroism and miraculous discovery of a loved one who has somehow survived, there are many more stories of devastation, death and despair.
I commend to you our stories from today, which do a good job capturing snapshots of what life is like in this island nation now, and how much help is needed and is already flowing in.
Here are a few links:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-01-14-haiti-cover_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-01-14-haiti-usa_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/sharing/2010-01-14-Haiti-donations_N.htm
The third link is to the most hopeful story, about the enormous amount of money coming in from all sectors.
There are any number of ways to contribute. here is our currently list in case you are still looking for the best one:
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/kindness/post/2010/01/how-to-help-victims-of-the-haiti-earthquake/1
This is one of those no-option situations, in my opinion. Any contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.
These people, already among the world's poorest, need every bit of our help and prayers.
One last thing. I cannot believe the nonsense about this tragedy that have flowed from the mouths of evangelist Pat Robertson and radio's Rush Limbaugh. if you haven't heard about their idiocy, here is one last link to make you wonder why they have any followers at all.
http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/nation/pat-robertson-rush-limbaugh-draw-fire-over-haiti-remarks
Later.
1.07.2010
A touch of procrastination
I thought I might do it on Jan. 1. I was off with little to do but flip between college bowl games that I didn't care much about.
Then I figured I'd at least get around to it over the weekend of Jan. 2-3. But again, I put it off for no particular reason.
So here I am -- at least still within the first week of 2010 -- putting words to this blog.
I've decided this year that big resolutions with big goals don't make a whole lot of sense.
It's the little things you adjust that really matter -- as long as those things are for the better.
Little things are easier to track and remember, I think.
For example, I decided the first day back to work I was going to say hello to a few people I too often just breezed by on the way to my desk each morning.
Like the security guard at the front desk.
And the early morning web page guy.
So far, so good. As of today I'm 4-for-4, and each time I walk in I have remembered I want to be sure to say hello. They seem to like it. At least they've said hello or good morning back.
I also decided I wanted to pay attention to the money I spend on unnecessary things. So each time I take Route 7 to and from work and avoid the toll road, I am marking down in a little book the $1.50 in tolls I save each way. I am also keeping track of all the days that I bring my lunch instead of buying it, all the times I make myself a cup of tea or coffee at work (it's free) instead of buying something and all the times I make myself a cup of ice water instead of plunking $1.25 into the soda and water bottle machine.
It adds up. First three days I figured I saved $12.75.
Of course, I continue to make sure I walk every day or at least ride the exercise bike in the basement when it is too cold. I'm on a 10-day in a row streak since Dec. 29. (Yea! An early start.)
And, as usual in January, I am eating better, having a few less glasses of wine and generally taking better care of myself.
I dropped about 30 pounds last year and hope to drop more this year. The key, I have learned long after so many other smart people, is that taking it one day at a time is the only way to succeed.
Long-term goals and big plans are less effective for me, I have found.
Still, I do have a few larger ones.
To find new volunteer opportunities.
To get back into the freelance writing market and try to break into doing voice overs now that I've had the training and done a demo.
To spend as much time enjoying family and friends as I can.
And to not let weeks go by before I put a few thoughts down on this blog my daughter Megan created for me last Father's Day.
For now though, I'll drink water, avoid the donuts that are sitting on the counter and plan to take Route 7 home to save another $1.50.
Later.
Then I figured I'd at least get around to it over the weekend of Jan. 2-3. But again, I put it off for no particular reason.
So here I am -- at least still within the first week of 2010 -- putting words to this blog.
I've decided this year that big resolutions with big goals don't make a whole lot of sense.
It's the little things you adjust that really matter -- as long as those things are for the better.
Little things are easier to track and remember, I think.
For example, I decided the first day back to work I was going to say hello to a few people I too often just breezed by on the way to my desk each morning.
Like the security guard at the front desk.
And the early morning web page guy.
So far, so good. As of today I'm 4-for-4, and each time I walk in I have remembered I want to be sure to say hello. They seem to like it. At least they've said hello or good morning back.
I also decided I wanted to pay attention to the money I spend on unnecessary things. So each time I take Route 7 to and from work and avoid the toll road, I am marking down in a little book the $1.50 in tolls I save each way. I am also keeping track of all the days that I bring my lunch instead of buying it, all the times I make myself a cup of tea or coffee at work (it's free) instead of buying something and all the times I make myself a cup of ice water instead of plunking $1.25 into the soda and water bottle machine.
It adds up. First three days I figured I saved $12.75.
Of course, I continue to make sure I walk every day or at least ride the exercise bike in the basement when it is too cold. I'm on a 10-day in a row streak since Dec. 29. (Yea! An early start.)
And, as usual in January, I am eating better, having a few less glasses of wine and generally taking better care of myself.
I dropped about 30 pounds last year and hope to drop more this year. The key, I have learned long after so many other smart people, is that taking it one day at a time is the only way to succeed.
Long-term goals and big plans are less effective for me, I have found.
Still, I do have a few larger ones.
To find new volunteer opportunities.
To get back into the freelance writing market and try to break into doing voice overs now that I've had the training and done a demo.
To spend as much time enjoying family and friends as I can.
And to not let weeks go by before I put a few thoughts down on this blog my daughter Megan created for me last Father's Day.
For now though, I'll drink water, avoid the donuts that are sitting on the counter and plan to take Route 7 home to save another $1.50.
Later.
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