Perfect (so far)

Please give credit to Eli Manning and the Giants. They showed up and gave the Patriots a run for their money. Face it, Tom Brady and Randy Moss are just that good.

The side story in this football season, is Randy Moss. He showed up, played well and kept his mouth shut. He may have resurrected his to date underachieving career.

My beloved Eagles were the first team who played for honor against the Patriots. Although, they lost, quite a few folks lost money on the 24 point-point spread (bastards).

I hope Eli gets five minutes of peace from the "critics."

"It is not the critic who counts........."

It is not the critic who counts:
Not the man ho points out how the strong man stumbles
Or
Where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,
Whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood,
Who strives valiantly,
Who errs and comes up short again and again….
Who spends himself in a worthy cause;
Who, at the best, knows,
In the end, the triumph of high achievement,
And, who at the worst, if he fails, at LEAST,
He fails while daring greatly.” -Theodore Roosevelt


I was preparing my senior paper in college the first time I discovered this quote. I was comparing the Rizzo machine to the Daley operation. If my memory serves me well, I believe Rizzo had this quote in office.

This quote has always resonated with me. My parents always dared me to ignore societal rules or the "critics" and challenged me to pursue my version of the "American Dream." I am blessed to have such support throughout my insane chaotic journey.
Believe there have been times that I have felt as though I have been battered then tossed out of the arena, only to find myself landing in comfort of my family and friends. They helped me heal my wounds and supported me when I chose to return to the arena.

I will hang this quote my office. This, no doubt, is the only thing that I have in common with the late Frank Rizzo.

I've been everywhere man

The last quarter of my life has been insane. I travelled to San Diego, Opelousas, Indian Shores, DC (too many times to count) and St. Louis. Along the way I have met some incredible folks; picked up a sinus infection, which kicked my ass;(No Thanksgiving dinner for yours truly) and successfully pass the baton of Christmas dinner to my daughter. She stepped up and provided an awesome feast.

Year end is our busiest time in this business, we bound coverage for the last account with a 1/1 expiration date this afternoon. We were literally getting quotes on the way to the account this morning. Whew!

I am finally in a position to restore a little normalcy to my life. 2008 looks pretty cool. I am healthy. Most of my friends and family are still on this side.

The progressive think tank board for which I sit, has requested that fill the VP's seat with goal of assuming the Presidency in 2009. I chatted with a few trusted members of my staff & with them keeping the eye on the shop, I have the luxury of stepping up into this role.

I close this year feeling blessed that I had the privildege of being able to be sick and actually miss three days of work AND having the insurance to visit the doctor.

Unfortunately, being able to get sick and get paid has become a priviledge in our society. That is just not right.

The think tank has managed to be at the table to make some policy changes at the Commonwealth level.The insurance companies are an intrusive third party in the sacred relationship between the patient and the doctor.

Before changes are made, health care providers, insurance companies, pharmacies must be accountable for their role in the current disfunctional medical industry.

I hope to change the way health care is delivered at least in our corner of the planet.