Hello, May I help You?

I read an interesting story in the local paper this evening. It appears a man in need of a cell phone walked up behind a fifteen year old and poking a pretend gun into his back stole this young mans phone. Now, It was not the crime I found interesting but the police work in solving it. They called the cell phone and simply talked the thief into turning himself in. That's it, a phone call and they got their man.

Is it me but does this say something about the level of commitment this thief had. He pretended he had a gun which in Massachusetts is armed robbery, gun or no gun. He took the phone from behind so it is unlikely he was seen but when the police called, he turned himself in. Really? A simple phone call and he was overcome by guilt?

I am not sure why this struck me as funny. Perhaps the thief was someone down on his luck who in a moment of weakness did something stupid and did in fact feel bad. I hope that's the case. My guess though is that he is simply as dumb as he sounds.

Two Plus Two Equals Seventeen

If anybody wants to know whats wrong with the United States educational system they need to look no further than Minnesota. Apparently the good folks from Minnesota (old Indian meaning -we have to live here?) cannot count. Well, OK, they can count but they just keep getting different answers. Remember the election way back in November? It seems that Sen Norm Colman and comedian Al Franken (Franken is Indian for -elect him?) are locked in a tough battle for the US Senate seat. Coleman is up by two hundred then down by two hundred and thirty five. All from the same batch of votes. How can that be?

"eh say Bill is that a vote for Franken circled here"
"Eh no, I think it's a blood stain from when Herb had that episode and repeatedly smashed his head on the table"
"Could be, but that blood stain is awful close to Frankens name?"
"Ya, only four, maybe five inches away"
"OK then, one for Franken"

So it goes. The goal is to announce the winner before his next term expires in 2015.
So my fellow Americans the nation waits in an anticipated stupor to see which man from Minnesota (older Indian meaning-seriously we are a state) is our next US Senator. Far be it from me to pry but may I offer one word of advice to the numerically impaired folks of Minnesota: Calculator

One Year Down and a Lifetime to Go.

The decorations are slowly coming down. The tree, while still standing, will soon be stripped of its ornaments and removed like yesterdays wrapping paper. Perhaps not today or tomorrow but, like winter itself, it can only last so long. The Christmas specials have been replaced by playoff football. It is, as it should be and has been for years. Life goes on.

It is this time of the year I am most reflective. I think of all I have and of the many I truly miss. It is funny how the "things" seem less and less important as each year passes. It was not the gifts given or received that I will remember but the little things. Hearing your children, and to a parent they are always children, laugh and talk amongst themselves. It was not that long ago, or so it seems that you wondered if it was even possible they would ever get along. To see that they understand and appreciate the effort their mom puts in to make this all possible. When I was younger my dad would look at my girlfriend and remark how I had great taste in woman, the turning to her, remark that her taste may be a bit suspect. It is no doubt were he with us today, he would say the same thing. He would be as right now as he was then.

My "baby" just turned eighteen. My son just got his own apartment, and my oldest is nervous about a new position she starts tomorrow. Life goes on. a Bob Dylan song I enjoy has him thinking about the past and a room he and his friends use to hang out in as young men. He sings. " I wish I wish though I wish in vain, that we could sit simply in that room again, ten thousand dollars at the drop of a hat, I would give it all gladly if our lives could be like that".

As each year passes, I fully appreciate his feelings. Oh well, Life goes on.

Happy New Year

Well, yes, it has been a while since I have posted anything on this site. But being New Years day I thought I would make a resolution to pay more attention to this site and to post with a bit more consistency. So what have I not posted over the last two months? The holidays were fine. In fact, more than fine. Christmas morning was like those of old with all the kids here opening their gifts. Nothing gets the kids home quicker than the notion of gifts for them. It is holiday magic.

Just to make the season interesting the two weekends prior to the holiday consisted of a blackout, leaving us without power for four days and the next weekend came with a raging snow storm. Still, it worked out due to the herculean efforts of my wife. If it was up to men Christmas would consist of a bag from Sears with the receipt inside. It would not take a lot of work or effort but hell, there is football on. So Cathy, as usual thanks. Even with no electricity, a blizzard and two weekends shot to hell, you again pulled it off. You are the Christmas Miracle in this house.