Over the last year and a half of building this blog I have truly come to love writing and being able to express myself. I was not expecting anyone to read me consistently, let alone 'follow' me except for my mother and a few other friends that i have picked up along the way. In fact, that might still be reality some days, however, I have received so much great feedback from people whom I love, cherish and value their opinions. This group includes at least THREE professional 'writers' as well as TWO editors. Thank God the TWO of them have not jumped all over my grammar, syntax and all the technical stuff. Instead it seems most of the feedback focuses on my 'voice' and how I am able to convey my thoughts here on the screen.
Reality is that I type 'stream of consiciousness' and don't really go back and change anything outside of spell check (a hush falls over the room as you all collectively go "DUH" - LOL). I want to change that without losing my 'voice' so I have decided to take a WRITING CLASS. I am starting with a 'Creative Writing 101' course that starts on February 2nd. The course is offered through the Gotham Writers Workshop out of New York City, so every Monday night I will get on a plane, go to class on Tuesday and fly home Tuesday night. Who wants to meet in the City for dinner on the next 6 Mondays? Ok, so I am not getting on a plane every week - the class is on the INTERNET, through a series of 'tubes' I will be able to take a class, communicate with my teacher and even share my writings with the class.
I am very excited to contimnue to share a lot of my personal feelings here as well as my unique look at sports, politics and life but now you can start looking for a new series of 'creative pieces'. I share this as some of you might wind up reading some of it and go..."what the F is happening down there in Atlanta?"...hopefully it will be exercising my creative mind and not sharing...maybe I should use different color text...probably the two will cross over anyway...
Meanwhile, I am anxious to start, put up my first piece and have my 'editiorial' and support staff let me know how I am doing.
Shabbat Shalom
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Enjoying my cultural/spiritual side
Sometimes explaining to someone how being Jewish is more than a religion can be difficult. By all definitions that I have found, we as Jews are a PEOPLE and define ourselves as such. Our religious beliefs vary greatly and the way we observe that religion is as different as the clothes we wear but at its core belief is a shared heritage that is unmistakable and forges bonds that are undeniable.
This morning, while sitting in my girls' Kabbalat Shabbat Service (basically a school prayer service on Friday mornings) I was reflecting on my 'Jewish life' and how vital and beautiful it is. Mind you I did not grow up in a 'religious' house or even one that put an over-emphasis on being different. I went to Hebrew School and was Bar Mitzvahed and we observed the MAJOR Holidays but that was about it. I think my strongest Jewish Identity came from learning about the Holocaust, its impact on us and the world and then the creation of Israel.
Listening to Cydney stand in front of the entire school and chant the AMIDAH, which is the 18 Blessings at the core of our belief, was so moving. First I am proud that at eight years old Cydney can chant the entire series of blessings, but listening to her go through the movements as well lets me know she gets it and feels that connection. Second, I was humbled as the Guest Rabbi, whom I know through community stuff, looked up at me and smiled as Cydney chanted. It was a look of pride for the father and man I am. I needed that today, it warmed my heart.
So what got me on the path to where my kids go to Jewish Day School, we have Shabbat Dinner on Friday nights and I serve on a few Jewish Community Boards? I'm not really sure but I know that my trip to Israel in 2000 cemented it forever. This afternoon, while waiting in carpool line to pick the girls up, I decided to pick up my latest book and read instead of 'kibbitzing' with the soccer Moms :). My latest reading is a series by an Author named Daniel Silva. This series has eight books and the central character is an Israeli spy/assassin. In fact, if you saw Munich, the main character is this guy. Needless to say the books are fast paced and exciting and getting to see things through a Jewish/Israeli lens is neat for me. Anyway, one of the places mentioned in this book is a visit to Yad Vashem by the main character. If you don't know, Yad Vashem is the Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Israel. It is one of the most beautiful yet painful places in all the world. As I was reading I was remembering every step I took in that place in February of 2000. The most touching place for me was the 'Children's Hall' where the children of the Holocaust are remembered. Imagine a very dark corridor where just five lights are used to create the illusion of millions of tiny lights (stars) that represent the lost children of the Holocaust. Realizing in 2000 that those 'children' would roughly be my parent age was very painful. From there I remember the Art Museum and wondering how amazing the human spirit is that actual works of art could be created by people in so much pain and terror on a daily basis. There is also a parallel Children's Art Musuem that displays the work of the kids that is equally compelling.
To wrap up the day, I sat and listened to Cydney during her piano lesson here at the house. She has a recital on Sunday so this was her 'dress rehearsal; of sorts. One of the songs Cyndey is playing is Hava Nagila and I can hear the difference in her fingers on the keys when she plays that tune versus another.
In a week that saw us Inaugurate our first African American President I am optimistic about everyone being accepted no matter what their religious, ethnic, gender or social beliefs. On the flip side, I hope that in all this 'melting' we are still able to take pride on our own individual and unique heritages and cultures. Oftentimes, as a Jew, it is very easy to assimilate and slip into the 'white, mostly Christian world, which is fine but its also important to recognize and celebrate our differences and even take the opportunity to educate someone else on just how beautiful those differences can be.
Shabbat Shalom
This morning, while sitting in my girls' Kabbalat Shabbat Service (basically a school prayer service on Friday mornings) I was reflecting on my 'Jewish life' and how vital and beautiful it is. Mind you I did not grow up in a 'religious' house or even one that put an over-emphasis on being different. I went to Hebrew School and was Bar Mitzvahed and we observed the MAJOR Holidays but that was about it. I think my strongest Jewish Identity came from learning about the Holocaust, its impact on us and the world and then the creation of Israel.
Listening to Cydney stand in front of the entire school and chant the AMIDAH, which is the 18 Blessings at the core of our belief, was so moving. First I am proud that at eight years old Cydney can chant the entire series of blessings, but listening to her go through the movements as well lets me know she gets it and feels that connection. Second, I was humbled as the Guest Rabbi, whom I know through community stuff, looked up at me and smiled as Cydney chanted. It was a look of pride for the father and man I am. I needed that today, it warmed my heart.
So what got me on the path to where my kids go to Jewish Day School, we have Shabbat Dinner on Friday nights and I serve on a few Jewish Community Boards? I'm not really sure but I know that my trip to Israel in 2000 cemented it forever. This afternoon, while waiting in carpool line to pick the girls up, I decided to pick up my latest book and read instead of 'kibbitzing' with the soccer Moms :). My latest reading is a series by an Author named Daniel Silva. This series has eight books and the central character is an Israeli spy/assassin. In fact, if you saw Munich, the main character is this guy. Needless to say the books are fast paced and exciting and getting to see things through a Jewish/Israeli lens is neat for me. Anyway, one of the places mentioned in this book is a visit to Yad Vashem by the main character. If you don't know, Yad Vashem is the Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Israel. It is one of the most beautiful yet painful places in all the world. As I was reading I was remembering every step I took in that place in February of 2000. The most touching place for me was the 'Children's Hall' where the children of the Holocaust are remembered. Imagine a very dark corridor where just five lights are used to create the illusion of millions of tiny lights (stars) that represent the lost children of the Holocaust. Realizing in 2000 that those 'children' would roughly be my parent age was very painful. From there I remember the Art Museum and wondering how amazing the human spirit is that actual works of art could be created by people in so much pain and terror on a daily basis. There is also a parallel Children's Art Musuem that displays the work of the kids that is equally compelling.
To wrap up the day, I sat and listened to Cydney during her piano lesson here at the house. She has a recital on Sunday so this was her 'dress rehearsal; of sorts. One of the songs Cyndey is playing is Hava Nagila and I can hear the difference in her fingers on the keys when she plays that tune versus another.
In a week that saw us Inaugurate our first African American President I am optimistic about everyone being accepted no matter what their religious, ethnic, gender or social beliefs. On the flip side, I hope that in all this 'melting' we are still able to take pride on our own individual and unique heritages and cultures. Oftentimes, as a Jew, it is very easy to assimilate and slip into the 'white, mostly Christian world, which is fine but its also important to recognize and celebrate our differences and even take the opportunity to educate someone else on just how beautiful those differences can be.
Shabbat Shalom
Monday, January 19, 2009
It's the beginning, not the end...
Tomorrow marks a historic day in our Nation's history and I am very enthusiastic about the possibilities. At least in this moment of time, there is no BLUE states or RED states there are United States. Do I think every one shares this thought? Heavens no, but more than 50% of us do and that is what this REPUBLIC is all about. If I dwelled on the negatives, I would see the trepidation and fear mongering even in my own peer group, but I refuse to look that way, there will be enough for the partisanship over the next FOUR years. Tomorrow is about renewal, rebirth and the possibility of what can be, for however naive and fleeting that is.
What tomorrow is not is the fulfillment of a 'Dream'. It is the dawn of a new day, a promise for what someday may be but it is not FULFILLMENT. Fulfillment comes when we no longer discuss the passing of things as 'firsts'. I've talked about this before, but it bears reiterating --- we must not be a society of exceptions. It is not enough for ONE to have done something. It will only be enough when everyone has equal access to be the ONE.
Tomorrow will be a beautiful day, full of hopeful and inspiring speeches, smiles and wonder. What plays out over the next 6 months will shape the direction of not just our nation but the world. We have too many REAL issues to work and not enough hours in the day to sort them out.
As you watch, harness that power of positive thought, take in our country, in all it's glory, all that mankind can be and try to integrate just a little bit of that into your daily life for the next year, it is what I will be doing. They say it only takes 5 weeks to turn something into a habit, let's make them good ones.
What tomorrow is not is the fulfillment of a 'Dream'. It is the dawn of a new day, a promise for what someday may be but it is not FULFILLMENT. Fulfillment comes when we no longer discuss the passing of things as 'firsts'. I've talked about this before, but it bears reiterating --- we must not be a society of exceptions. It is not enough for ONE to have done something. It will only be enough when everyone has equal access to be the ONE.
Tomorrow will be a beautiful day, full of hopeful and inspiring speeches, smiles and wonder. What plays out over the next 6 months will shape the direction of not just our nation but the world. We have too many REAL issues to work and not enough hours in the day to sort them out.
As you watch, harness that power of positive thought, take in our country, in all it's glory, all that mankind can be and try to integrate just a little bit of that into your daily life for the next year, it is what I will be doing. They say it only takes 5 weeks to turn something into a habit, let's make them good ones.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Pros and Cons of a Playoff System for College Football
This time of year, almost every year, a debate rages on about whether or not ‘Division I’ college football should join every other collegiate sport and create some sort of playoff system to determine it’s champion. No matter which side of the fence you sit on, there are obvious pros and cons for both cases. I will try my best to stay impartial in looking at both sides; in fact, that should be easy because I am torn as to which I think is truly best for the ‘game’ I love. Please note that some of these pros and cons maybe myths and not facts (we’ll look at that as well).
First, let’s look at the pros of moving to a playoff system which determines its winner ‘on the field’ (this is just my list from 30,000 feet – literally, I am on a plane, I’d love to hear your additions to the list):
1. We get just that, ONE winner at the end of the day, no multiple Bowl Games that leaves the outcome in doubt.
a. Does one winner = the best team or just a champion?
b. On any given day one team can beat another
c. Does anyone really believe the Arizona Cardinals are ‘better’ than the Carolina Panthers?
2. Revenue – sure the Bowl System is a sweet bonanza to the schools, the conferences, the BCS and the network it is on, but imagine the potential revenue for a ‘Super Bowl’ amongst college football.
Next, let’s move onto the cons of a playoff system:
1. The beauty and uniqueness of the current system is devalued. There is some value here – the Bowls (at least the big ones) are special. Now the counter argument is they can still be incorporated into a playoff…ok
2. The ‘student-athlete’ will have too much time added onto their season and they won’t be able to concentrate on Final exams. This is BUNK and we know it, those in favor of the current system need to stop using this argument. It’s like saying our prisons are there for rehabilitation - BULLSHIT
3. What would be the format? A ‘plus one’? 4 teams? 8 teams? - on this one there is no myth…but what exactly works for football? Look back over the last 20 years and you will rarely find a time that 4 teams are deserving of a playoff let alone 8 teams.
4. A playoff system would ruin the regular season and make it meaningless. In my opinion this is the MOST compelling argument. Look at College Basketball, where a champion is determined ON THE COURT and they have the most successful tournament and excitement in March Madness. Proponents of a playoff will say EXACTLY…however, football is NOT basketball #1 and #2 the college basketball regular season IS MEANINGLESS; TV ratings are ABYSMAL and everyone knows that wins and losses on a regular basis are meaningless unless you are on the ‘bubble’. Right now, the college football regular season is pretty compelling, especially in conference play.
That is a good start to the playoff scenario; let’s turn our attention to the current system – the BCS. The BCS has already gone under several tweaks but yet has gotten things completely correct.
Again, we start with the pros:
1. The Bowls have been consolidated so Conference Champions are not forced to their original bowl alliances so an actual Champion can be determined. Here is believe is the greatest success of the BCS. Take this year’s game, or all of them. In the OLD BOWL lineup we would have NEVER gotten Florida-Oklahoma, OR Florida-USC, OR USC-Texas, OR Florida-USC, etc…bowl tie in’s would have sent USC to the Rose to still play Penn State; Florida would have gone to the SUGAR…maybe to play Utah; Oklahoma (or Texas) would have gone to the ORANGE and played Virginia Tech and who knows who Texas in the FIESTA.
2. Money – the BCS is a financial boon for the Schools and their Conferences. Could a playoff bring more? I think so, but right now the rich are getting richer.
3. The debate! In many ways the sheer fact that we are even having the debates are a good thing for college football and the BCS. As much as you want to bitch it keeps the sport and topic relevant all year long.
On to the cons:
1. We are left feeling empty on a usual basis that there is at least one team getting ‘screwed’ by the system. Ok, I can’t see any untruth here except life sucks and isn’t fair…a good lesson for college kids to learn ☺.
2. Coaches and players may continue to feel disconnected and not content and this might leave the college ranks earlier than usual for greener pastures. Ok, that would suck, especially on the coach’s front, but the kids are going as soon as they can and who can blame them?
3. Conferences are left to determine how they want things done – do they have their own Championship game? How they handle tiebreakers (did you see that Big 12 – lol)? In general, the NCAA is shut out of the BCS and the Bowl System and that is a little weird…
There you have it, a look at both scenarios with no answer, just some of the pros and cons and the start of a healthy debate. I don’t have an answer and like I said early on my opinion on the matter changes nearly daily. I do think the creation of the BCS was the first step to reforming a broken system. Whether a playoff system is the next step in that evolution is yet to be determined.
First, let’s look at the pros of moving to a playoff system which determines its winner ‘on the field’ (this is just my list from 30,000 feet – literally, I am on a plane, I’d love to hear your additions to the list):
1. We get just that, ONE winner at the end of the day, no multiple Bowl Games that leaves the outcome in doubt.
a. Does one winner = the best team or just a champion?
b. On any given day one team can beat another
c. Does anyone really believe the Arizona Cardinals are ‘better’ than the Carolina Panthers?
2. Revenue – sure the Bowl System is a sweet bonanza to the schools, the conferences, the BCS and the network it is on, but imagine the potential revenue for a ‘Super Bowl’ amongst college football.
Next, let’s move onto the cons of a playoff system:
1. The beauty and uniqueness of the current system is devalued. There is some value here – the Bowls (at least the big ones) are special. Now the counter argument is they can still be incorporated into a playoff…ok
2. The ‘student-athlete’ will have too much time added onto their season and they won’t be able to concentrate on Final exams. This is BUNK and we know it, those in favor of the current system need to stop using this argument. It’s like saying our prisons are there for rehabilitation - BULLSHIT
3. What would be the format? A ‘plus one’? 4 teams? 8 teams? - on this one there is no myth…but what exactly works for football? Look back over the last 20 years and you will rarely find a time that 4 teams are deserving of a playoff let alone 8 teams.
4. A playoff system would ruin the regular season and make it meaningless. In my opinion this is the MOST compelling argument. Look at College Basketball, where a champion is determined ON THE COURT and they have the most successful tournament and excitement in March Madness. Proponents of a playoff will say EXACTLY…however, football is NOT basketball #1 and #2 the college basketball regular season IS MEANINGLESS; TV ratings are ABYSMAL and everyone knows that wins and losses on a regular basis are meaningless unless you are on the ‘bubble’. Right now, the college football regular season is pretty compelling, especially in conference play.
That is a good start to the playoff scenario; let’s turn our attention to the current system – the BCS. The BCS has already gone under several tweaks but yet has gotten things completely correct.
Again, we start with the pros:
1. The Bowls have been consolidated so Conference Champions are not forced to their original bowl alliances so an actual Champion can be determined. Here is believe is the greatest success of the BCS. Take this year’s game, or all of them. In the OLD BOWL lineup we would have NEVER gotten Florida-Oklahoma, OR Florida-USC, OR USC-Texas, OR Florida-USC, etc…bowl tie in’s would have sent USC to the Rose to still play Penn State; Florida would have gone to the SUGAR…maybe to play Utah; Oklahoma (or Texas) would have gone to the ORANGE and played Virginia Tech and who knows who Texas in the FIESTA.
2. Money – the BCS is a financial boon for the Schools and their Conferences. Could a playoff bring more? I think so, but right now the rich are getting richer.
3. The debate! In many ways the sheer fact that we are even having the debates are a good thing for college football and the BCS. As much as you want to bitch it keeps the sport and topic relevant all year long.
On to the cons:
1. We are left feeling empty on a usual basis that there is at least one team getting ‘screwed’ by the system. Ok, I can’t see any untruth here except life sucks and isn’t fair…a good lesson for college kids to learn ☺.
2. Coaches and players may continue to feel disconnected and not content and this might leave the college ranks earlier than usual for greener pastures. Ok, that would suck, especially on the coach’s front, but the kids are going as soon as they can and who can blame them?
3. Conferences are left to determine how they want things done – do they have their own Championship game? How they handle tiebreakers (did you see that Big 12 – lol)? In general, the NCAA is shut out of the BCS and the Bowl System and that is a little weird…
There you have it, a look at both scenarios with no answer, just some of the pros and cons and the start of a healthy debate. I don’t have an answer and like I said early on my opinion on the matter changes nearly daily. I do think the creation of the BCS was the first step to reforming a broken system. Whether a playoff system is the next step in that evolution is yet to be determined.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
My Greatest Joy
As any parent can attest to, raising children is the most difficult task you will embark on but also the most rewarding. Hopefully the rewards outweigh the frustrations and in the end you don't damage the kids, yourself or your loved ones around you too severely.
This morning, while in the shower, all I could think about was my two girls, Cydney now 8 and Rachel, who is 6. Why in the shower you might ask? Part of this week I am playing my normal role as Dad, but also taking on the role of Mom and 'house mananger' and mind you I am not complaining. My wife doesn't travel excessively and when she does it is usually for a night or two and I do my fair share of traveling as well. This morning I was thinking back on how just a year or two ago how panicked I would be if Ilene were out of town. Not that things would go wrong but at how overwhelming it is to get a house moving and out the door in such a short time span...I know single parents and those that do the lion share of the work (SAHM's) can relate. This morning I realized how simple it has become. Sure Rachel NEVER wants to get out of bed, at 6 she has mastered not just hitting the SNOOZE button but she also turns the damned alarm clock completely OFF. On the other hand, Cydney is a morning person like her Daddy. She is up and at'em and ready to tackle the day. No longer do I have to get them dressed or do all that stuff; they are self sufficient. My biggest issue, to this day is HAIR and that had me panicked this morning as Rachel has a new haircut. Cydney does her own ponytail, thank G-d and Rae Rae says to me, "Daddy, can you use the hot iron please"...ummm..."what's that", I ask..."it's the thing that makes Mommy and my hair straighter silly, it gets really hot and you put it on my hair"..."ummm, ok, well it looks like Mommy took it with her to Kansas"...."ok, Daddy, you got lucky this time, you can just get a brush, wet it and then brush it"...how cute is that?
So many other amazing things come from them and out of them, take these series that have happened in the last few weeks:
- We are in Disney World for Cydney's birthday and on the last night the Magic Kingdom is open late so Cyd and I go to hit Thunder Mountain Railroad in the dark a few times before leaving. It's a blast and as we are strolling back, holding hands and skipping (there's a visual) I say to Cydney, "can we always do this?" and she said "of course Daddy, I love this". About 5 minutes later Cydney just stops and turns to me and says, "what exactly did you mean my ALWAYS"...I said, "you know when you are a teenager and stuff", to which Cydney replies, "maybe I didn't mean always Daddy". I thought I had her.
- One of the myriad of gifts Cyd got for her birthday is the doorbell for your bedroom set. We installed it over the weekend, it is really cute but oh so LOUD and ANNOYING. On top of that Cyd has now adorned her door with a great BIG sign that reads, "If I don't answer then you are not allowed to ENTER". Oh my, my 8 year old is about to turn 16!!!!!!!!!
- Rachel is TWO kids, I swear. There is the very loud and very opinionated young lady that does not understand NO and needs complete control. I usually let her mother handle her...they are very much alike (just kidding, sort of - LOL) and then there is the SWEETEST most affectionate kid I have ever seen. Over the last few weeks the sweet girl has been around so much more. I've never met a kid who aims to please more than my Rae Rae. Last night we had very bad storms and she came into my room, climbed on the bed and said, "Daddy will you hold me, I had a bad dream". Who says no to that one? We snuggled for two hours and then she says, "I'm ALL GOOD, you can sleep now dude"
- I also just love to listen to them talk to each other. What kids know and experience today is amazing from pop culture to technology to the world around them. Having my 8 year old explain how important it is that Obama support Israel is just really cool stuff.
So there was my morning. Nothing can make you cry and smile like your kids, I hope yours, like mine give you smiles and joy that far outweigh the pain (at least for now).
This morning, while in the shower, all I could think about was my two girls, Cydney now 8 and Rachel, who is 6. Why in the shower you might ask? Part of this week I am playing my normal role as Dad, but also taking on the role of Mom and 'house mananger' and mind you I am not complaining. My wife doesn't travel excessively and when she does it is usually for a night or two and I do my fair share of traveling as well. This morning I was thinking back on how just a year or two ago how panicked I would be if Ilene were out of town. Not that things would go wrong but at how overwhelming it is to get a house moving and out the door in such a short time span...I know single parents and those that do the lion share of the work (SAHM's) can relate. This morning I realized how simple it has become. Sure Rachel NEVER wants to get out of bed, at 6 she has mastered not just hitting the SNOOZE button but she also turns the damned alarm clock completely OFF. On the other hand, Cydney is a morning person like her Daddy. She is up and at'em and ready to tackle the day. No longer do I have to get them dressed or do all that stuff; they are self sufficient. My biggest issue, to this day is HAIR and that had me panicked this morning as Rachel has a new haircut. Cydney does her own ponytail, thank G-d and Rae Rae says to me, "Daddy, can you use the hot iron please"...ummm..."what's that", I ask..."it's the thing that makes Mommy and my hair straighter silly, it gets really hot and you put it on my hair"..."ummm, ok, well it looks like Mommy took it with her to Kansas"...."ok, Daddy, you got lucky this time, you can just get a brush, wet it and then brush it"...how cute is that?
So many other amazing things come from them and out of them, take these series that have happened in the last few weeks:
- We are in Disney World for Cydney's birthday and on the last night the Magic Kingdom is open late so Cyd and I go to hit Thunder Mountain Railroad in the dark a few times before leaving. It's a blast and as we are strolling back, holding hands and skipping (there's a visual) I say to Cydney, "can we always do this?" and she said "of course Daddy, I love this". About 5 minutes later Cydney just stops and turns to me and says, "what exactly did you mean my ALWAYS"...I said, "you know when you are a teenager and stuff", to which Cydney replies, "maybe I didn't mean always Daddy". I thought I had her.
- One of the myriad of gifts Cyd got for her birthday is the doorbell for your bedroom set. We installed it over the weekend, it is really cute but oh so LOUD and ANNOYING. On top of that Cyd has now adorned her door with a great BIG sign that reads, "If I don't answer then you are not allowed to ENTER". Oh my, my 8 year old is about to turn 16!!!!!!!!!
- Rachel is TWO kids, I swear. There is the very loud and very opinionated young lady that does not understand NO and needs complete control. I usually let her mother handle her...they are very much alike (just kidding, sort of - LOL) and then there is the SWEETEST most affectionate kid I have ever seen. Over the last few weeks the sweet girl has been around so much more. I've never met a kid who aims to please more than my Rae Rae. Last night we had very bad storms and she came into my room, climbed on the bed and said, "Daddy will you hold me, I had a bad dream". Who says no to that one? We snuggled for two hours and then she says, "I'm ALL GOOD, you can sleep now dude"
- I also just love to listen to them talk to each other. What kids know and experience today is amazing from pop culture to technology to the world around them. Having my 8 year old explain how important it is that Obama support Israel is just really cool stuff.
So there was my morning. Nothing can make you cry and smile like your kids, I hope yours, like mine give you smiles and joy that far outweigh the pain (at least for now).
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Working on getting better
I've been 'blogging' now for awhile but never really wanted anything more from it except for my own personal gain. I like to tell stories, I like having opinions and occasionally I like making people laugh or think.
I want more now. I think I have found my voice and developed a 'style' and I think there is more out there for me.
Today I went to the book store and picked up a book on the topic as well as one about writing. I think I am going to look to take a creative writing class as well. There is a lot inside of me and I think some of it is even worthwhile for public consumption - LOL.
Tonight, I am closing the laptop and I am going to read, not for pleasure (though I have been doing that and I HIGHLY recommend Daniel Silva and the book The Messenger).
As a kid I wanted to be a Sports Broadcaster and I started at UF as a Journalism Major. The 'writer' in me is alive and I want to explore it.
I have loved all the positive feedback publicly and even the great constructive criticism I have gotten from my personal editor and proofreader. To become better I need it all and I hope you will feel free to assist, someday I'll give you credit in my great masterpiece ;-)
I want more now. I think I have found my voice and developed a 'style' and I think there is more out there for me.
Today I went to the book store and picked up a book on the topic as well as one about writing. I think I am going to look to take a creative writing class as well. There is a lot inside of me and I think some of it is even worthwhile for public consumption - LOL.
Tonight, I am closing the laptop and I am going to read, not for pleasure (though I have been doing that and I HIGHLY recommend Daniel Silva and the book The Messenger).
As a kid I wanted to be a Sports Broadcaster and I started at UF as a Journalism Major. The 'writer' in me is alive and I want to explore it.
I have loved all the positive feedback publicly and even the great constructive criticism I have gotten from my personal editor and proofreader. To become better I need it all and I hope you will feel free to assist, someday I'll give you credit in my great masterpiece ;-)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
3 movies in ONE weekend - must be worthy of a post and a review or three
Friday night wound up being completely unusual and quiet (for once)...Cydney got a call for a sleep over at 5:00 and then Rachel opted for a night at Nana's, so after Shabbat dinner we were on our own so we decided to see Valkyrie, the Tom Cruise movie. First, let me say I am NO Cruise fan, and I am biased by this whole Scientologist bullshit. The movie was pretty good, one thing I will give it was INTENSITY. I sat there glued to the movie the whole time. That didn't make it great but it was compelling. I guess I am a bit spoiled by having a Dad that was not just a History teacher but also a Holocaust expert so I knew most of the story but I think it was told well. The movie plodded a bit, but I was glad to get to see it.
The second movie up was Saturday afternoon with my girls. One of my favorite things to do is get alone time with both Cyd and Rae Rae. On Saturday we caught the Adam Sandler movie, Bedtime Stories. I really liked it. The girls were amused especially Rachel. I love watching them as they watch a movie, they are such opposites. Cydney gets VERY involved in a movie and her expression doesn't change much, she is concentrating I think more than just enjoying. Rae Rae on the other hand is so expressive and nothing brings that out more than a COMEDY. She laughed and smiled the whole time and when she does that it just lights up the room, even a dark theater. As usual, there was goofy Sandler stuff and the obligatory Rob Schneider appearance but all in all it was entertaining.
Saturday night we had a sitter, but no plans, so when in doubt go to a movie to get out of the house. I reluctantly went to see Marley & Me. I was only hesitant because it had been several 'chick' flicks in a row, though I guess Valkyrie wasn't one...anyway, Jennifer Aniston is on my TOP 5 list so I couldn't complain too much. Let's just say I identifed a little too closely to the story in some parts and it got emotional. Besides having had several dogs as a child I really connected to the Owen Wilson character (and that sounds weird normally - LOL). The movie made me think about so much and it continues to have me thinking, contemplating, planning and challenging myself even 2 hours later.
Big week coming up! My Eagles won tonight so a week from today they play the New York Giants for the chance to go to the NFC Championship Game. Ironically I land in New York about an hour before kickoff so I can't go to the game but I'll be following along! I am however going to a BIGGER game this week! On Thursday morning I am hoping down to South Florida for the BCS National Championship game and a chance to root on the GATORS with my co-horts TEAM STRAUS (just the 3 of us baby) and I will run into a host of Fraternity Brothers and old friends to catch up with.
The second movie up was Saturday afternoon with my girls. One of my favorite things to do is get alone time with both Cyd and Rae Rae. On Saturday we caught the Adam Sandler movie, Bedtime Stories. I really liked it. The girls were amused especially Rachel. I love watching them as they watch a movie, they are such opposites. Cydney gets VERY involved in a movie and her expression doesn't change much, she is concentrating I think more than just enjoying. Rae Rae on the other hand is so expressive and nothing brings that out more than a COMEDY. She laughed and smiled the whole time and when she does that it just lights up the room, even a dark theater. As usual, there was goofy Sandler stuff and the obligatory Rob Schneider appearance but all in all it was entertaining.
Saturday night we had a sitter, but no plans, so when in doubt go to a movie to get out of the house. I reluctantly went to see Marley & Me. I was only hesitant because it had been several 'chick' flicks in a row, though I guess Valkyrie wasn't one...anyway, Jennifer Aniston is on my TOP 5 list so I couldn't complain too much. Let's just say I identifed a little too closely to the story in some parts and it got emotional. Besides having had several dogs as a child I really connected to the Owen Wilson character (and that sounds weird normally - LOL). The movie made me think about so much and it continues to have me thinking, contemplating, planning and challenging myself even 2 hours later.
Big week coming up! My Eagles won tonight so a week from today they play the New York Giants for the chance to go to the NFC Championship Game. Ironically I land in New York about an hour before kickoff so I can't go to the game but I'll be following along! I am however going to a BIGGER game this week! On Thursday morning I am hoping down to South Florida for the BCS National Championship game and a chance to root on the GATORS with my co-horts TEAM STRAUS (just the 3 of us baby) and I will run into a host of Fraternity Brothers and old friends to catch up with.
Friday, January 2, 2009
First controversial post of 2009, I'm sure not the last
I am pissed about the way the media is handling the latest round of violence in Israel. Maybe it is my 'blue and white' tinted lens but it looks like every report is showing Israel's 'aggression' towards the Palestinians and reporting little to nothing on why Israel is doing this. Notice I used the term 'doing this' because here is where one of the controversies seem to lie. Apparently, many factions in the world believe Israel is being the AGGRESSOR and attacking the Palestinians where a smaller group (U.S., Jews and Israel, and some 'friends') see that Israel is PROTECTING her people on her OWN soil.
Here is the RUB for me and my beef with my fellow citizens who are supporting the 'War on Terror' yet seem to have an issue with Israel's right to secure her borders.
We, as the U.S., is off fighting a 'war' on foreign soil with no real enemy, no clear directive with no clear goal, except to protect democracy, our safety and end terrorism...
Imagine, for a moment, you lived in a 'border town' like El Paso, TX. El Paso, like every other Texas town was once part of Mexico just 200 years ago. In swoops the European setters and in a battle they 'win' that territory and claim it for their own, call it Texas, make it a sovereign State of the U.S. and here you are in 2008. Well...a group of Mexicans are not happy some 200 years later and they start raining BOMBS on your town for YEARS. Night after night, bombs fly, sirens go off and people DIE. During the day, you walk outside and you have 10 seconds to find COVER if you hear a siren. For years you live in fear for your life and your family's. Your Government, in reaction to protect you fights back. How would we as the U.S. be fighting back? Based on historical evidence at this point we would be attacking overseas (based on 9/11) and I'm sure we would focus on the 'local issue' as well.
Well, Israel is ONLY focused on the local issue. She is fighting HAMAS where they are. She is not running around the Middle East picking fights with the Saudis (that we know finance MUCH of this terror), she is not going after Al-Queda or any other Organization except those that are an immediate threat.
Back to the El Paso comparison...would we as the U.S. ever decide to give back parts or all of Texas to Mexico for peace? I think not! In Israel, this has already happened. Israel has returned much of the area of Gaza to the 'Palestinians' (whoever they even are is a whole different discussion). Yes, she occupies the territory and 'rules' it very strictly but that is a tangled mess which includes the threat of terror. Israel is open to discussing a TWO State answer despite the threat to her security as a nation. Do the Palestinians even want that? In my opinion the answer is no. They, like the majority of the Arab/Islam world want TWO things - the destruction of the State of Israel and the eradication of the Jewish People. From this, they get the THIRD thing they want - control of JERUSALEM.
These things must never happen. We ALL have the right to live in peace and freedom, we all have the right to PURSUE happiness and find our own way.
The next time you see a news story about what is going on, swap out your hometown for whatever town in Israel they are showing and ask what would YOU want your country do to protect you and your family? Put yourself in the shoes of the countless innocent Palestinians as well, it is horrible on their side as well, no doubt, but somewhere, somehow the fear and loathing must give way to acceptance and humanity.
Here is the RUB for me and my beef with my fellow citizens who are supporting the 'War on Terror' yet seem to have an issue with Israel's right to secure her borders.
We, as the U.S., is off fighting a 'war' on foreign soil with no real enemy, no clear directive with no clear goal, except to protect democracy, our safety and end terrorism...
Imagine, for a moment, you lived in a 'border town' like El Paso, TX. El Paso, like every other Texas town was once part of Mexico just 200 years ago. In swoops the European setters and in a battle they 'win' that territory and claim it for their own, call it Texas, make it a sovereign State of the U.S. and here you are in 2008. Well...a group of Mexicans are not happy some 200 years later and they start raining BOMBS on your town for YEARS. Night after night, bombs fly, sirens go off and people DIE. During the day, you walk outside and you have 10 seconds to find COVER if you hear a siren. For years you live in fear for your life and your family's. Your Government, in reaction to protect you fights back. How would we as the U.S. be fighting back? Based on historical evidence at this point we would be attacking overseas (based on 9/11) and I'm sure we would focus on the 'local issue' as well.
Well, Israel is ONLY focused on the local issue. She is fighting HAMAS where they are. She is not running around the Middle East picking fights with the Saudis (that we know finance MUCH of this terror), she is not going after Al-Queda or any other Organization except those that are an immediate threat.
Back to the El Paso comparison...would we as the U.S. ever decide to give back parts or all of Texas to Mexico for peace? I think not! In Israel, this has already happened. Israel has returned much of the area of Gaza to the 'Palestinians' (whoever they even are is a whole different discussion). Yes, she occupies the territory and 'rules' it very strictly but that is a tangled mess which includes the threat of terror. Israel is open to discussing a TWO State answer despite the threat to her security as a nation. Do the Palestinians even want that? In my opinion the answer is no. They, like the majority of the Arab/Islam world want TWO things - the destruction of the State of Israel and the eradication of the Jewish People. From this, they get the THIRD thing they want - control of JERUSALEM.
These things must never happen. We ALL have the right to live in peace and freedom, we all have the right to PURSUE happiness and find our own way.
The next time you see a news story about what is going on, swap out your hometown for whatever town in Israel they are showing and ask what would YOU want your country do to protect you and your family? Put yourself in the shoes of the countless innocent Palestinians as well, it is horrible on their side as well, no doubt, but somewhere, somehow the fear and loathing must give way to acceptance and humanity.
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