America you are so yesterday

I wish I could say that I was surprised by this article.

It started with the manufacturing jobs then the IT gigs followed.

The Republican base the top 2% are critical to shipping these jobs overseas. They in turn either brainwash or bully the upper management of their companies to increase revenue per employee.

Subcontracted jobs are not counted in this formula.

They do not have worry educating their children because they are sent to private school. No need for public education.

We got ours, pull yourself up by your bootstraps.

Quietly they moved entry level white collar jobs overseas. These were the gigs where a person could get a foot in the door and have a shot at seizing the a decent job.

Now they have successfully demonized public school teachers. If I hear one more time a little old lady rail that second graders just cut out snow flakes.......

My 4 year old pre-school grandson who by no means is a Mensa candid has more technology skills than one of my senior sales guys.

How about talking to a 4 year old not at them....

Or recommitted to your country by supporting reasonably priced secondary education that prepares the CURRENT generation for decent jobs.

What is the upside to obtaining an expensive education with no hope for having a job to pay off the debt?

We need to support our new infrastructure through education, green jobs and 20th century transportation.

Maybe because Europe did not have the luxury of our wide open spaces, but it really shouldn't take two hours to get to DC from Philly.

Take the car off of the Pacific Highway return to the rails. Brain power and decent jobs.

We all need to revisit our attitudes. Those people have become US.

Or large employers who actually care about their country.

Yeah, I am playing the patriotism card.

Soundtracks of my Life: Lady T, Teena Marie

College for me was the beginning of trying to break out and embrace new friends, experiences and of course music.

In 1979 WDAS was the only soul station on the local airwaves. On my way back to school, Deja Vu poured out of my car (vintage 74 pinto) radio. Wow. The song, her voice spoke to me.

Once I was white Gisele on horseback riding free
Searching in the darkness for a piece of me


The white Gisele should of given me a clue. The songstress with a voice of angel was white, but at the time and now it didn't matter.

I was hooked. Whenever, she had a new record (not CD cherubs), I had to have it.

I can feel it for sure, I've been here before

Like her, a Music Man stole my heart. Like her, he broke my heart. In fairness to him,
he never lied to me. I thought my love would be enough for you know how that familiar story goes.

Once I was a Queen, you know, on island by the sea
With rainbow colored people 
Happy as can be
Never had a problem
Never had a care
love was overflowing
and its feeling shared

I had no idea we were so close in age. She is five years my senior which will explain how she seem to always capture my emotional state in a timely manner.

Seeking freedom and musical control, she successfully sued Berry Gordon and Motown. Talented but not afraid to fight.

She seemed to be...well normal and real, compared to most celebrities.

She had a plan to stop touring but was scheduled to perform this weekend.

My search for a piece of me continues.

My prayer is that she is "not coming back no more."


Thanks for the music, my Wild and Peaceful sister

May you find peace,

This isn't supposed to happen for Philly Phans

There must be some sort of cosmic activity happening for Philly Phans. First we beat the dreaded Cowboys in Jerry's house.

Then Cliff Lee turns down New York's bright light, crazy Steinbrenners and some money to return home to the Bank. 

Welcome home Big Daddy.

A very nice early Christmas present.

OK, life's good. My President is getting some critical legislation passed but that is another post.

Going into the Eagles V Giants game, there was the acceptance that this season has unfolded into to something special. No one was expecting a winning season. 

Hell we beat Dallas and we have Cliff Lee.

This why they play 60 minutes. The first three quarters and half of the fourth quarter were just ugly. 

But like watching a train wreck you couldn't take your eyes off of it.

What occurred would have never happened under McNabb, Vick took this team on his back and dumped sea salt in the wounded hearts of the New York fans. (Welcome to our familiar nightmare.)

My phone was noticeably silent until the kick.

Reid put Mr. Philly on the field, but there was no way they would punt to him. With 14 seconds on the board, we could hope for overtime.

OMG, OMG, OMGGGGGGGG

At first, Mr. Too Cute, fumbled the ball, which ended up being a good thing, then magic happened.

I'm sure, that I wasn't the only person running in my living room, because Jackson needed my help.

Touchdown.

I remember the Herm Edwards original Miracle in the Meadowlands.

While I have a mad crush on him, this is even better.

Once it all sunk in my phone blew up..

OMG- my kid

Did you see that?- several friends

Giiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrlllllllllll-----my buddy from Texas

The one that summed up it was from a co-worker

"This isn't supposed to happen for us Philly Phans."

Maybe it is..........

NCAA Silly Rules Part Whatever

The NCAA has just suspended some kids from Ohio State for selling their own stuff. Yeah their stuff, not somebody else's stuff their stuff. The why behind the sell is irrelevant.

This body of certifiable money hungry jackasses decided to suspend these kids NEXT year. Why? These kids are the core of the starters for a major bowl game.

If they were bench warmers or participants in the Sammy Sub Shop bowl this wouldn't even be a story.

My guess and it is not an original theory, that since they are starters and a major bowl game, hence the postponement of the punishment.

Did I mention these kids sold their own stuff?

The NCAA is a minor league for the NFL and the NBA. The schools score a ton of money off of the backs of these kids. If they get hurt or find themselves in trouble they are replaced like the equipment they have become.

Don't get me started about the insanity surrounding Cam Newton and his father who is a man of God.

Let's stop with the silly convenient rules and stop exploiting these kids.

Do they get a degree?  Yeah, in some cases, but the critical education is those with the gold make the rules.

Why do I think those faceless rules committee in the NCAA are Republicans? We want less government in our/your lives unless you are living in a manner they do not understand, like or care for.

Let's accept this entity as a minor league and govern itself accordingly...

Election 2010 from the polls

11:30 am
I am serving in the capacity of poll watcher this morning. Very little drama. I'm sure they pulled the actual poll workers from the local nursing facility. They can't hear and can barely see but the voters have been exceptionally patient for these are their neighbors.


If we get a 25% turnout we should be in good shape.

Election 2010

Election 2010 will be the most important election of my lifetime. Not to be melodramatic, but what happens on this day will determine what course this country will take.

The Republicans and too many Blue Dog Democrats have held the country hostage. It is evident, they have the personal desire to have power, not run this country.

For a bunch of reasons, I have shut down my corporate travel and spent the last month working with the Coordinated Campaign (Onorato, Sestak &Trivedi).

The GOTV activities will continue today.

What is not being reported is the ground game. The five counties surrounding Philadelphia have been trending blue for years and has been buzzing with activity. Most of my friends who basically sat out after 2008, returned to action.

I love this unperfect  President. He has done a dreadful job informing the public of his good works. He has tripped over his intellect. For being such a good communicator during the campaign, the weight of managing the country has crush that Obama.

Whenever I am in the campaign offices, there is local and national workers and volunteers.

I strongly contend the pollsters are missing the folks like me whose primary phone is not a landline. I am not in the dismissed demographic of young people who don't show up.

Furthermore, my very passionate Republican friends, are by their words frightened by the candidates running in Pennsylvania and don't get them started about O'Donnell and Paul. (I can only hope, if they can't hold their noses and vote D they stay home.)


Regardless of the outcome, Obama needs to hire a good PR person to at least get the budgets passed.

Well, the sun it out which always has an impact on Dem turnout. We don't have umbrellas??? I digress.

Go Vote!

Sitting Vice President not Welcome in Radnor, PA

Central PA, Alabama, Russia maybe....

But in the suburbs of Philadelphia?

A very nice civics lesson.  To think school board elections aren't important.

Pass the ice Doc

When it comes to a big game, some prefer to watch it with friends and family, others prefer the quiet comfort of their cave.

Then there is the combo model. Time was the frequent phone calls..."Wow, did you see that or @#$% did you see that?", were the exchange.  After the brief conversation, you hang up, until the next play. Depending on the outcome and the party, the calls either stop or the the analysis begins.

Now we text.

My daughter and grandson dined with my ex so I was responsible to provide updates of the Phillies game. No big deal.

In the first inning, the screaming texts began from a friend whose wife refuses to watch a game with him. His ritual is to put his daughters to bed, grab a beer, sunflower seeds and a cup for the shells.
(I did point out to him they have shelled seeds. I digress.)

He sent a photo of his set up.

The uncharacteristic first batter walk by the good Doc, sent nervous chills down my spine. He looked out of sorts.
Maybe he will settle down as the game continues.


Utley's sloppy play. 


Ok Howard can't hit a ho-ho pitch but isn't he a fast ball hitter were examples of his frustration.

The fifth inning photo of the Jumbo Irish Whiskey bottle spoke volumes.

My daughter and grandson made it safely home which reduced the number of texts.

Lincicum's hair was a topic. Does he get his extensions at the same place you do? he asked.
Probably, but he doesn't add color. When you think about, with his cap off, he looks like Michael Jackson, I replied.


Nope, he is darker. (He is now out of control, but that was funny.)


When the Phillies 8th inning specialist stepped on the mound, my massage therapist and dear friend surfaced. Being a life long Philly phan he was on suicide watch.

"Typical Philly team they are going to find a way to lose," he wailed.

The last time I checked the Phillies actually won it all in 2008. The Phillies have played managed to pull out wins, with injuries and a dreadful offense all season, I countered. 


Well, he was not having it. Even though, Madson, shut down the side.
Heartbreak time was his retort.


In the final inning, Werth's homerun gave us breathing room. The table was set for Victorino to be a hero. A few more insurance runs would have eased the anxiety level for even the most optimistic fan.
We got nothing.

Now my massage therapist is beside himself, and my other friend has grown silent. (I can visualize him forgoing the glass and swigging straight from the bottle.)

Grab your rally towel and remember 2008 Lights out Lidge, I cheered.

I had moved to my bedroom but pacing. (Some people drink, some cuss, I pace and cuss).


Back from what seemed to be a long @#$$% commercial break, Here we go, my MT sighed.


First batter, got him out. (I could feel the good Lidge was on the hill).

One down


Lidge moved uncharacteristically swift last night

Two down
I stopped pacing.

Three down


Whew!

We all said our collective good nights.

One more beer for the wrap up with Ricky Bo for my one friend.

My daughter surfaced...Go Phillies! Sleep well Mom, she instructed.


I will after ice my thumbs....

(We found out after the game, Doc suffered a groin strain. This explains tons. But, he gutted it out five big ugly innings. Unbelievable)

One Win Away

I knew it wouldn't be easy, but GOOOOOOOOOOOD. I really thought we could take them in 5.

The WE meaning the Phils......groan.

Anita Hill

I remember watching in horror the Clarence Thomas hearings. Arlen " I need to be the center of attention" Spector, was the worst offender.

This woman was minding her business when she was drug before the Circus De Congress only to be put on trial.

The fact that Clarence Thomas sits on the Supreme Court is why I did not vote for Arlen nor stay in a room when he speaks.

What is always disturbing about victims of harassment or rape, far too many are accused by particularly women of asking for it. Amazing.

At one point in my career, I was a Labor Administrator and I was responsible for the internal harassment investigations. To a man, the harasser was as attractive as Clarence and felt entitled to a booty call from the victim. Too often, the woman's attire, hair do and attitude were called into question. This was in the late eighties, early nineties.

Sadly, not much has changed.

 A known harasser, Carl Greene,  was recruited to run The Philadelphia Housing Authority. (Well done, Governor Rendell).

Whenever, women ignored his advances that ugly little man, either reassigned them to the Authority's version of Siberia or made life so miserable they quit. An internal venue did not exist to report and investigate claims.

His political reach was such, they were afraid to report their claims to the local EEOC. The claims that were settled, the Board had no knowledge of the claims.

He got a free pass because he turned the program around. He did, at what cost?

As his reign of terror was unfolding on the local newspapers, and his biggest supporter ran for cover, Board Member City Councilwoman was his biggest defender. BRUTAL.

For Mrs. Thomas to track down Ms. Hill and demand an apology makes my brain cease up. Questioning Ms. Hill's motivation renders me speechless.

h/t Trakker @ Neon Gods.

The One that Got Away

Once in a lifetime, the one enters your life. There is just something about the look, the way he moves, his execution. He doesn't wander around the mound, play with himself, call constant timeouts for endless conversations with his catcher.  He prepares before the game, has a plan goes right to the business at hand.

 Ohhhh Baby.

There is no doubt in my mind, Ruben Amaro watched Cliff Lee drop the Yankees like a returning high school star pitching to a little league team;  experienced the same feeling.

As a phan, the rumors abound as to how this baseball romance ended.  Like star crossed lovers, the timing did seem to be right. Lee is a Philly kind of guy. Working class sensibility with the right amount of attitude and charm.  Only Lee and Amaro know the real deal.

He moved on and so did we...sort of.

During interviews throughout the season, Lee speaks longingly of his brief stint in Philly.

Oswalt is nice, but he doesn't have the it factor that stops you in your tracks.

When the one pitches, the game is no longer a backdrop to a novel or other activities. Big Daddy Lee commands your attention.

As the game ended, with a heartbroken sigh, I ponder what could have been and pine after the one that got away.

Maybe, just maybe, Amaro will create a miracle and Big Daddy will return the loving cheers of the Philly Phaithful.

What the hell, a girl can dream.....

Palin, O'Donnell, & Favre's Penis

Power to the Penis?

Budapest, Prague & Berlin

Budapest, Prague & Berlin it sounds like a European law firm or a big hair Eighties musical group.

The next skate, bike trip is going to cover these cities with a possible stop in Putin's Russia.

These cities were never on my bucket list, but the same team who organized the Canada trip is organizing this little adventure. Our hotels were nice and very welcoming to our eclectic group of travellers..

The group travelled well together and the drama was kept to a minimum.

My only issue with my last trip to Europe were the bathrooms. Ok, it was a big issue.

Even as a history major, my interest was our young Republic. So I know very little about this part of the world and what I know isn't exactly positive.

As I began my research, I shot my friend who invited me the following text: "Are there any black people in Prague?"

He quickly responded "Ah about the same number in Budapest."

After laughing, I figured it will be the same number in Montana.

What the hell, why not?

Ouch

I fell in love with football when Lynn Swann was running for passes not political office.

My struggle with this sport is the violence. The legal hit to LeSean Jackson was frightening to watch. The kid was out cold for two minutes. Not good.

Maybe I am paying more attention, but it seems to getting worse.

Unlike the other sports, the NFL has a short season. Eighteen weeks. Weddings, parties and even funerals are planned around a favorite team.

Many fans, like me rarely go to the game, but game is a backdrop to my fall activities. Even in my Mom's dementia altered mind, she is still appalled about a Christmas dinner scheduled around an Eagles games. Dessert was served during the game.

If all of the football fans voted with the same passion our Congress would look much different.

The players are bigger, faster, stronger.

Cris Carter recommended a bigger field which will slow the game.

It's a start.

OR, fans like me stop supporting it...

Pitchers are ball players too

How often is the spot in the batting line up for the pitcher is an automatic out? Well, our boy Roy O was not having it.

He had a good first at bat. When Chase's bat did not produce a hit, he reached for Rollin's bat which had failed the owner throughout the season.

In the 2008 series, Brett Myers' unthinkable at-bat was a unbelievable turning point in the post series.

If the Phillies win the World Series this year, phans will look to the site of this not so fast red streak, defying all the rules and sliding home. The Bank rocked.

When the coach of the year strode out on the mound in the eighth inning to relieve a Oswalt for a job well done, my guess was Oswalt was not having it.

Again, defying the rules, Manuel left him to complete the eighth inning. The boys left me and all of Philadelphia breathless.

Lesson here.........screw the rules.

Memo to Hamels, no low inside fast balls to Mr. #$% Ross......

I sure hope that boy has bodyguards: Radigan Rant

It is worth the 10 minutes...

Sestak ad

Finally an ad targeting a non-political junkie.

Scary Times

With the fall comes the race for the World Series (Go Phillies), fall elections and evidence of the arrival of Halloween.

The folks behind the masks do not scare me as much as those who have a platform on FAUX news and the need for the MSM to give angry white people a voice.

The Republicans pull out all stops when they lose power. This started when the Hick from Arkansas was elected to their surprise, not once but twice.

Now my God, there is a Negro in the White House this is just untenable.

You can't change the mind of angry person.

But there are those who only sort of pay attention, indifferent toward the voting process, with the right information can be swayed.

In 2006, several of my close friends and I got off the sidelines and got very involved in politics.

We became committee people; wrote checks for progressive candidates and hit the streets for GOTV. It reached a crescendo in 2008.

Silly us, we actually thought we did something.

With the blatant refusal to accept the legitimacy of this Presidency and a ball-less Congress, we have returned to 2008 fighting form.

We have shot at knockimg off Gerlach and Toomey. Onorato has been painfully absent on this side of the state.

He needs the critical five county suburban area to win. It has been trending blue for years.

It has been the fear of the alternative that has driven most activists versus embracing a candidate..Sestak comes to mind.

The voter indifference will be the death to our Republic. Let's hope more folks show up on November 2, and stay engaged or Frank Rich will be right.....again.

Ross, slays a Doctor

The first low and inside pitch to Mr. @#$ Ross was crushed. Being down 1-0 zero is no problem.

The second low and inside pitch to Mr. @#$ Ross crushed the hearts of the Philly Phanactics.

Brutal.

Nightmare is Over

The Chief Marketing Officer was terminated. After three demotions and doing nothing but making my life miserable for FIVE years my nightmare is over.

Thirty days ago, I was reviewing the numbers with my CFO, I found that we were missing about 100K in revenue. When I questioned him about it, I found out that the CMO received ALL of it.

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT THE FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUK????

For the past two years, I lived on a plane servicing these crazy ass clients. Words can not capture, the various in flight scenarios and endless hours spent going to, being and leaving airports.

To compound the problem, all of my time and expenses came out of my bottom line.

Oh it gets better.....

My financial Einstein gave me some bullshit reason as to why they did it and suggested that I work it out with the CMO. I reminded him that THEY didn't bother to discuss this nice little arrangement with me when he stole the money.

Slightly aggravated, he that there was nothing he could do about and take it up with Corporate.

Game On.

I immediately called my boss of the hour and explained the situation. The next thing I knew, I had the President on the phone. He quickly reminded me that he tried to take this gentleman out but was protected by boss number four.

Yeah I know. "What impact would his departure have with your clients?" he asked.

Tersely, the same impact you would have....

There was silence.....(At this point, I really didn't give a rat's behind about my tone).

Then he started laughing.

He promised to resolve the situation.

Before I could call the financial Einstein, my boss was on the phone to him demanding an explanation of why he handed over all of this revenue.

Ten minutes later....

FE was on the phone. "Wow, remind me not to piss you off, I just hung from your boss, I can't believe you called him."

Still beyond pissed, I gave him an earful and informed him that I also spoke with the President and I don't mean Obama.

" I wonder if I'm going to be forced to retire because of this?" he said softly.

Having had the shits of the grumpy old guys club, I was not very sympathetic.

You know dear, I have spent my entire career here, cleaning the mess you boys created. Enough already...

With that, I hung up and went into action.

I called the team together, reminded them that none of us worked for the CMO and any further requests from him to be ignored. I deactivated his pass key and told them that if actually showed up in our office to call me first. If I wasn't there call the local police and have him escorted from the building.

I thought about calling him or sending him an e-mail but then why bother.

He prided himself in being a feelingless Zombie. "You know I scored 5 on the Myers Briggs test in the emotional section," he would remind me.

The fact that because of this drain and additional theft of revenue, crippled our numbers and the folks who actually serviced our clients would not see a raise any time soon; would not bother him in the least. My team needed to work. He was sticking around for so that he could establish a legacy. Yeah, sounds like Bush. A history of tone deafness and failure.

To compound the problem, he rails against entitlements, but somehow because he was a card carrying member of the old boys club he was entitled to six figure income.

Brutal.

So what's a girl to do?

I did the one thing that I knew would make him crazy.......

I ignored him.

I did not return calls or emails. When he called around to other employees, they recognized his number and with absolute glee, they ignored him to.

One day he called from a different number and got my receptionist. He asked her to go get me.

She did as requested.

She interrupted a meeting.

"CMO is on the phone, he said he would hold for you," she advised.

I told her look, I am busy but this is not your war. You can tell him the truth, I'm busy and I will always be busy. Or you can just hang up.

She smiled and opted to be nice, she informed him that I was in a meeting.

He said I think she is ignoring me. She said nothing.

It took two weeks and the drawing of straws to determine, who was actually going to do the deed.

My boss called and asked how often does he come into my office. Ah never. What about the DC office? Less than never. What does he do all day? clearly befuddled.

Really? I responded do we really want to travel down that path?

For the first time in months the team of DC saw the CMO who just assumed that he there to discuss the 2011 budget.

The arrogant bastard was actually surprised. And had the temerity to question his severance. He was expecting 50% of his pay for two years. Well that package is for real producers. I guess he did not read the provision of revenue "initiated".

We are preparing the division for another sale, and they will probably throw some more money at him to avoid a suit.

A painful chapter of my life is drawing to a close. I am so ready to move on. If I can save some jobs in the sale, I will be thrilled. If not, I no longer care.

When I shared this story with my massage therapist, he just assumed he would see an immediate loss in revenue....

The money saved on massages will fund my next European vacation.

Very cool.

Note to Self

...the next time you have the opportunity to reach out and touch the POTUS, check the batteries in my camera....

Steven Slater Employee of the Year

I spend a ton of time on planes due to the nature of my gig. As sure as I have a healthy backside, there is always at least one crying child and that passenger.

Most of the time the flight team, are a gang of folks just trying to do their jobs. If a lie about a delay is told, it is usually done by the ground crew. The airborne team are usually pleasant folks and even funny. Southwest is the airline I try to fly.

The well dressed self-important jack ass that has to be told everything at least three times. Turn off your phone, yeah even that app. Put your tray up. Can you please stay out of the aisle.

Please stay seated until we arrive at the terminal....

When this story caught my eye yesterday, I said GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!

I met two of my dearest friends for dinner and got the silly giggles relaying the story.

I think it was a tad over the top and not necessarily a good use of resources to send a SWAT team to arrest him.

While they are making arrests, Slater should file an assault charge against that passenger who struck him in the head removing his bag BEFORE the plane arrived at the terminal.

THAT Jackass violated an assortment federal charges. He should be arrested too.

If I ever encounter Mr. Slater I'll buy him a beer....

Give Slater a standing ovation!

Race, Reaction, Responsibility

What happened to Ms. Sherrod last week was brutal. I am more appalled by the White House and the NAACP.

I expect zippo, squatta from Fox or the the uber conservative wing of the country.

What I expect from the NAACP and my BLACK President is fairness.

A rookie supervisor would have slowed down the events, conducted a investigation BEFORE asking for this woman's resignation.

I was expecting better. I as a black citizen DEMAND better.

NAACP was once a fine organization, your age is showing and it has not been graceful.

You wonder why your relevance is questioned.

Mr. President,

There are folks who will NEVER accept your presidency, EVER. You reach out and they punch you. YOU have no more cheeks...

Every single freakin' time race becomes an issue YOU end up apologizing. Stop it.

The cops were heavy handed in handling Professor Gates. What happened to Ms. Sherrod was terrible.

If you did not have a secret service detail, YOU would be stopped for no particular reason just like the rest of us on a daily basis.

What happened last week shows that we are not a post racial society, yet...

Like anyone else important in my life, I love you enough to call you out.

You have done great things in 18 months but you are doing a terrible job of messaging. That crew in the Senate has been bruuuutaaaaal.

Do you really think the Senate will do any better if we lose the critical majority in November?

The DINOs have been a pain in the ass.

You NEED to get over yourself and do better.

Ms Sherrod you really should sue Andrew Breitbart just for sport!!!

Random Act of Kindness or Sally does the Trail

During the course of being pummeled with permission by my massage therapist we talk about everything from current events to our families. My cycling activities are always on the agenda.

My pre-work rides are generally uneventful. For the most part, the folks you encounter speak, with a nod or a wave and they are on their way. Cyclists, joggers and dog walkers are the norm.

Skaters are in the minority. So on an beautiful morning, the tall very fair redhead skater stood out.

As we approached each other, I waved but she flagged me down.

She looked harmless so I stopped. She did not appear to be in distress but I asked if she was ok anyway..

Oh I am fine she responded. What can I do for you? I countered.

"I know this is a weird request, you look safe, will you put suntan lotion on my back?"

It was an odd request, but what the hell I did it.

No big deal. Right?????

I thought it was a funny story.

I shared this with my male massage therapist. His immediate reaction was "Reaaaaallly" in a way to suggest something more interesting should have followed.

"Then what happened?" he asked with a chuckle.

What do you mean then what happened? I completed my ride.

Then it hit me.

"Oh my God! How did a simple random act of kindness turn into Sally does the Trail...

Are you kidding me????

That thought NEVER crossed my mind.

So he challenged me to take a survey of my friends. Well I did, I asked 6 females and and 6 guys.

The ladies responds ranged from oh how nice to eeeeeew.

The guys to man were in camp of my massage therapist..

Further confirmation, I simply do not understand the male species...

Still Raining

I normally spend a good portion of my weekends on my bike. I am finally up to 100 miles per week. I ride along the trail system. I finally made it to Green Lane..a 35 mile round trip.. very cool. I get up early and try to get at least 20 in before work.

I have no desire to compete with cars.

The riding has been incredible therapy for my job and the challenges of being in the sandwich generation.

The rain has cooled things down from the 100 degree weather but after last winter...I have zero complaints about the heat...but the rain is a nice change...

Gilbert, a New Member of the First Wive's Club

Decision 2010 had zippo to do with a political race. LBJ was the main focus of the sports media specifically ESPN.

Just like Favre's retirement of the week, LBJ Decision was media coverage on steriods. Well for those who complained, unless your remote was broken, you were not forced to watch this announcement.

Was Geraldo the producer?

disclaimer time: I did not watch it.

As far as the Cav's owner's reaction, well it was just silly. Chris Broussard has a nice piece.

Athletes are moved around like chess pieces. How often do they find out their fate by a reporter?

Well if LBJ was everything the Cav's owner said that he was, who enabled this behavior.

LBJ picked another and I suppose Gilbert is feeling like a first wife. Gave all that he had only to be discarded for a younger, prettier love.

Corbett calls unemployed lazy

Where does Corbett live?

I have seen far too many resumes from an older suburban educated workforce who have been crushed by an economy created from folks who look like Corbett.

My industry simply does not replace the positions of departed employees. Fear of regulation has caused many employers to sit on their cash reserves and pile work on folks who are grateful to have a gig.

I think the unemployed should show up en masse to his offices and show him the faces of the unemployed.

I think he will be surprised at what he sees.

He is a jackass.

Loose Lips Sink Ships

The details of the job offered were released on a Friday of the first official long weekend of summer. Surprise, Surprise.

The White House sent Bubba to offer Joe Sestak a gig so their wouldn't be an expensive decisive race in PA. Surprise, Surprise.

I am grumpy about this for a couple of reasons. I worked hard to elect Obama. His mere nature of being makes him a different politician. BUT, he is a pragmatic politician who honed his craft in Chi-town, not a Messiah.

This sort of thing happens all the time. It is close to the edge of interfering with an election.

Sadly, no surprise here.

What is more disturbing is Joe Sestak's sanctimonious position when it didn't serve his agenda.

Did Joe mention that the establishment backed him and muscled another candidate out the the Congressional race when he first ran against Weldon?

Lentz was told to step down and run for a State seat and to wait his turn. Why? Sestak had White House cred and a ton of establishment support.

I am appalled that Sestak made it an issue.

Far too many spoke of Sestak being the jerk boss that is most people's nightmare. The only original staffers have the last name Sestak.

His biggest concern was the turn out of the Philadelphia African American voters. With this little stunt will not endear him my community.

Part of the reason many of the "establishment" lined up behind Spector is because Sestak is just unbearable.

I have donated a lot of time and money to Sestak. While I won't vote for Toomey, I will not go negative, I will become his worst nightmare...

A former support who does nothing.

Family Witness Protection Program

Thursday evening I had a wonderful dinner with a dear friend who has been a wise guidepost for the past 20 years. The issue was my career but I will elaborate on that another time.

It was 7;30 and I was getting settled to watch the replay of the Phillies game when my phone rang. It was my older brother's number. Since we usually chat in the morning, I knew it wasn't good.

When I answered, all I heard on the other end was my oldest nephew had accidentally set the garage on fire, please hurry. She did say no one was hurt. UGH.

I threw on whatever clothes I could find and ran out to my RAV4. Half way in my 30 minute drive I realized I forgot my shoes. Details, minor details.

My brother's family lives in a small community. As I approached their neighborhood, I have never seen that many fire trucks in my life that weren't in a parade. Clearly every community in a 20 mile radius responded judging from the names emblazoned on the side of their trucks. Holy hell.

It was surreal.

The closest I could get to their place was three blocks away. As I jogged to their place, I ran into my youngest nephew and his little girl friend He has the same laid back disposition of my brother. Is anyone hurt? I asked. Nah, Mom is just freaking out, as usual.

(His mother is crazy, recently she was placed on meds. However, this was cause to be a little distressed.)

By time I reach their house, the WOODEN SHED and all of the combustible crap was a charred memory. The fire was contained and no one else's property was involved, thank God.

Now the fun begins.

My older brother arrived from work minutes before I did and was hugging his son.

Trying to be sensitive, but by my claim adjuster in me kicked in.

So, what happened?

Young Einstein decided to fill the gas powered lawnmower in the WOODEN SHED filled with combustible crap. The Shed is easy 12 x 12.

He says that during this process, he somehow bumped over some matches and the next he knew the lawnmower was on fire......

Did I mention the fact, that my sister-in-law grabbed me before I encountered my brother and nephew, and asked about investigative dogs?

Why dear sister is this an issue? I dared to ask.

It seems as though one of her friends was storing her pot in the shed. I assured her that based on the damage that there were just very happy firefighters. Oh dear God.

Because I couldn't help myself, I pressed on, was there anything else in there? Dad's antiques and my craft stuff. Newsflash, rich people have antiques, poor people have old shit)

The fire and police chief questioned my nephew. I could tell that the Fire Chief wasn't buying his story but there was no evidence to point to arson.

I love my nephew but the chain of events does not make sense.

Before I left for the night, I looked at my brother and it seemed to be a backdrop of his life. He looked so beat down. His road has not been easy. His wife and kids have been the source of plenty of heartache.

The next day, I shared my concerns with my brother. It didn't make sense to him either but his son is sticking with his story.

My heart just sunk. So I suggested that we put him in a Family Witness Protection Program. He is very low maintenance. Just go for bread and not come home. He could take the youngest but that is it.

We laughed sort of...

Tiger Woods Walk of Shame

I was sitting in terminal B-9 at a funky little cafe waiting to flee to Miami when the world stopped to listen to Tiger.

The bartender was a young woman in her late twenties and the other customer was a middle aged woman. She was on her way to meet her husband.

Of course, the conversation immediately turned to Tiger.

" He is trash, he let us down," barked the other customer.

"Us?", I countered.

Yes, us he is a role model she challenged.

I laughed." He doesn't owe US shit. He owes his wife an apology and maybe his sponsors."

She was surprised by my response.

I was married for 8 years. I respect the institution. But the vows are shared between the parties. Some marriages, I don't get (Clintons immediately come to mind.) But I don't have to get them.

Woods did not cheat the sport. He cheated his wife. Any repair is between the two of them.

He felt compelled to offer a public apology. OK.

He is an athlete, a good athlete but he is also a man...who like the rest of us are not perfect.

Enough...

Yes, sigh, Yes, sigh YESSSSS!

I want to see this added to the health care reform bill...

h/t dome on the range

Third time is a charm, oh I don't think so.......

With the smell of my chicken stew filling my home and the blizzard of the hour battering my windows, I ponder....

When did I move to Vermont?

How come no one told me?

I have never been a fan of the white shit. But an occasional snow day is good for the soul. Well, this is the third major snow storm of the winter.

To be technical, the second one of the winter. The first arrived late fall. Details, minor details.

The first one was on a weekend, and I discovered the best selling writer, Steve Berry. I finished his Cotton Malone series, the second snow storm which occurred oh three days ago.

I made the decision to close my office yesterday. Since we are paperless, most of my staff can work (wink, wink) from home. Things have gotten so bad, I actually heard from my California boss of the week. I only heard from him ONCE last year and that was budget time. Not a complaint, just a statement of fact.

The little guy is with his Dad. My daughter decided to be snowed in with me, which is cool.

She began making fun of me about an hour ago. I'm the one who can normally sequester myself for a couple of days and she gets cabin fever.

Not today.

After a pumpkin and walnut waffle breakfast, prepared by my kid, I bundled up and ventured outside. I wiped off my RAV4. I encountered my neighbors in A-1, the interracial gay couple who are always the first out.

It is straight up white out conditions.

The snow is much heavier than the weekend snow. Recognizing that I am no longer twenty I only shoveled for about twenty minutes. The owners of my complex have been money, the snowplow comes through on an hourly basis.

After checking my work e-mail and reading a couple of chapters of Walden, I parked myself in front of my bay window and just watched.

This is when the justifiable parent abuse started.

There is an ACME about 500 yards from my place. The busy front end loader just stopped. After a few minutes of no activity, I began to wonder aloud, is he ok? Did he take a nap? Or just a break? Worse, is he dead?

That is when my kid is like" Moooom, you need to stop. Have you lost your mind? If you are that concerned, why don't you go check, maybe take him some stew. Better yet, move slowly away from the window." Of course she is laughing at me this whole time.

After about twenty obsessive minutes, there was movement in the cabin. He resumed his task of building snow mountains. No one was happier than my daughter.

In the meantime, I counted 10 people walking very slowly through the blizzard conditions.

My daughter's Honda accord is completely buried. She misses her kid, but is grateful for the down day. No work, school, or three year old. I assured her that her feelings are normal and it does not make her a bad Mommy.

I'm sure my Yoga teacher, would tell me that the snow is neutral, it is my reaction to the snow that is negative.

Whateeeeeeever.

I checked on my family and friends. All are well and safe. Weather was the only subject. Only one of my friends seems to be cool with this mess. He reminded me that his family hails from Russia. I have nothing to add to that commentary.

I am blessed that I have electricity and plenty of food.

Next Friday, I am off to Miami for a mini-vacation, they will have to sedate me to get back to Pennsylvania.

Crock pot Chicken Stew

Turn crock pot to low

Spray the Crock pot with olive oil spray

Cut four medium red potatoes in half

arrange at the bottom

layer 6 chicken thighs

layer one bag of trader joe's fire roasted vegetables

Top with one box of organic chicken broth

after six hours add one cup of water

Really ready to eat after eight hours

Yeah, I do cook...................and it's still @#$^ing snowing!