I'm Not Just A Father, I'm Also Peter Pan


My son had been sick over the weekend. Now, when my son gets sicks it's a mixed blessing. Imagine, if you will, a tornado that for a brief moment lifts off the ground and does no damage. That's what it was like this couple of days. In fairness, my son doesn't damage anything. He was blessed with unlimited amounts of energy. He loves to play and he loves to play with others. He wants you to experience everything he is experiencing, in real time.

I admit sometimes it is hard to keep up with him (his teacher is nodding her head right now). But, there are those moments when everything clicks at once. He slows down and we are traveling at the same speed. A window of opportunity opens up and it is parental joy. He's learning from me and I am learning from him.

Yesterday we were talking, a chat as he likes to call it, at bedtime. I had just given him a "tough-love" lesson about the importance of listening. I told him that learning to listen now will help him when he grows up. He asked if I will still be grown up when he gets older. I explained that I would, but I might have gray hair, less hair, and maybe some wrinkles.

Poor kid started to get teary and exclaim, "I don't want you to get old! Are you going to be BALD?"

I calmed him down and realized that with him around I will never get old. I can't promise the hair will always be there, but my child like heart will never go away. After he went to sleep I play a video game just to stay in shape.

Does anybody have the number for Men's Hair Club?

With Friends Like This...



The Other Video

Leaders And Followers

I want to share an email exchange I had with one of my regular readers. We were discussing the whole Obama Economy Mess. The thoughts are his and mine. We see the same things, but from different angles. Neither is right, neither is wrong. We both just want the country to succeed.

Last night my wife, children and I rented the movie "The boy in the striped pajamas". If you don't know the plot, it's about an eight year old German boy who befriends an eight year old Jewish boy. The twist is the German boy is in a prison camp during WW2..

It's was one of those movies that you say "wow" at the climax.

The reason I say your email was timely is because of the "AIG bonus" frenzy. The boys are just learning about the "Jewish problem" in Germany so the details are sketchy in their minds. After the movie my one son and wife were questioning why the Germans and particularly the little boys sister hated the Jews so much.

My response was, "Why did the Jewish people demand Jesus be put to death?"

"Why does a large portion of the American people recently hate the AIG employees? (and Rush Limbaugh?")

They have been branded as the villains.

I think you know where this is going. The only reason they are hated today is because of POWER. Power is given when good people don't think for themselves and give their power to the King, Emperor, Pharaoh, Scribe, Priest, speaker of the house, political party or yes even a President. The Jews must be destroyed for the motherland! Jesus spoke blasphemy! The Americans are infidels and must die! The AIG employees are the ones who are causing your misery.

The night of the election I told my adult daughter I became very sick inside. My heart was actually racing like I was under attack. Her and I talked for quite a while on the phone about how I was reacting. I never, ever had much of a response to any election. I always realized this or that person won and now lets see what they do. It wasn't because of race, political party or ideals. It was because a smooth talking candidate who ran a very high priced mesmerizing campaign relative to his opponents had accomplished something I never saw. He whipped 50% of the population into a mindless mass! He spoke in a Captain Kirk rhythm with a perfectly timed laugh and smile. He was successful of demonizing Sarah Palin for her clothes while dressing pretty nice himself. He was idolized by the dying newspapers.

Friends of mine who are very conservative people at home became "Obama and the government is going to give us free health care just like they have" cheerleaders. It was the sight of the huge mob at Grant Park chanting how Obama was their savior, how He is the chosen one to lead us. It was the fact that we for the first time in my life might have a single party filibuster proof congress with Nancy Pelosi as the head!

I always wondered how Hitler, Stalin, Fidel and others controlled the population. I was always interested in the story of the Germans that knew what was happening in the prison camps but carried on with their lives like normal. We are getting older but I fear for what the kids will have. Cameras everywhere, email archiving, photo recognition, internet tracking, RF ID tags on our clothing and now a president who uses the power of the office to try to crush some employees of a company and a talk show host. A government that this week wants the power to take over any company they feel like. A population that gave up and wants to be taken care of like children. A southern border with the Mexican military and drug cartels on one side but we can't send the American military there because "we might send the wrong image" Americans are outraged because the poor mindless American Idol watchers were conned. If they are outrage about $180,000,000 to AIG why aren't they outrage about $3,000,000,000.00 going to Acorn. I believe Acorn was the one who committed voter fraud. They were the ones who used our money to drive people in bus loads to the AIG employees homes to intimidate them. Why aren't they outraged against Barney Frank who voted himself a nice raise even though he screwed up big time.

Where is the separation of powers? Where is the American spirit? Where is the damn border? Why are we afraid to speak out against the true villains….our politicians and lazy, mindless people?

We better start writing in our new languages.

Buenos adios primo.

再见表兄弟

Destroy this email after reading………..they're watching!

HERE IS MY RESPONSE TO HIS EMAIL

I respect your passion on this issue, I really do. I think we make a good match, because I don't see the danger you do, but I understand what you are saying. We both agree that many of today's Americans are like blind sheep, very easily distracted and led wherever. AIG, in my opinion, is the latest "shiny light". People are focused on AIG because they embody what went wrong with our economy. It's easier when confused rage can be be focused on one point, rather than all the different companies and politicians involved. AIG just happens to be the target. I believe, they were the biggest and have received the most "stimulus"

The glorifying of Obama, again my opinion, represents how poorly people felt under Bush. Eight years being led by an unqualified war monger who could give a damn about anybody but his wealthy friends and whomever Dick Chaney told him to worry about. People felt down down. You can't get more opposite of Bush than Obama. I think this is why Obama gets the "the chosen one" persona.

The night of the election I felt as if this country was finally going to be led by an intelligent person with the power to listen to other's ideas. The press was glorifying him because they knew that he would sell their papers and/or bring them big ratings. I don't make them any bigger than they are.

Everybody picks sides on all issues. And once a side is chosen, we tend to listen to others on our side more than others. That's what get people in trouble. Read this about ACORN, http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/does_the_stimulus_bill_include_a_52.html.

You mentioned Hitler and his ilk. I just watched a documentary you would like called, "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed ". This controversial documentary examines how pro-intelligent design scholars and scientists are often chastised, fired or denied tenured positions by those who believe in Darwin's theory of evolution. Nathan Frankowski's film explores how scientists who believe in God are oppressed and how the acceptance of evolution may have played a role in the formation of organizations such as the Nazi regime and Planned Parenthood. (I copied the description from Netflix)

Bottom line. I don't drink Kool-aid and I don't think Obama is trying to take over the world. Politicians are trying to deflect blame away from themselves, that's true. Us smart thinking Americans just need to encourage the others to read and think outside their own boxes.

Bonus Shmonus

Dear AIG,

I am offering you my services for employment. I have 19 years of business experience. I have worked with two Fortune 10 companies and a variety of small businesses as well. My salary requirements are $70,000 annually, health, life, dental, and 6 weeks vacation. I do not want or require a bonus for either retention or merit. I will let the company decide on any potential holiday type bonus'.

I don't want a retention bonus because I believe that is what my salary is for. I'm one who believes that doing your job correctly is important.

I will admit my knowledge is primarily in the information technology field. I realize you have no requirements on hiring knowledgeable employees. If you did, my guess is that your current and former employees wouldn't have tanked your company and in doing so brought the world's economy down with it.

I'm a fast learner, so if any remaining employees that actually know what they're doing are available, I can and will learn from them.

I do have one bonus type request. I want an unlimited number of referral bonus' of $20,000 for every employee I bring in to the company. There are millions of hardworking and ethical unemployed folks out here that will work for way less than the $250,000 you are currently paying. So even with my referral bonus you'll still be ahead. Oh, I wouldn't mind a ride in the company jet if you still have one.

Sincerely,

Mark P.

The Stupidest Human Ever

No words need to be said.

Are You Going To The St. Joseph's Day Parade?


Everybody makes plans for St. Valentine's Day weeks in advance.
Millions line up for St. Patrick's Day parades all around the country.
But, what about my man St. Joseph? Traditionally the patron saint of Italy and Poland.

St. Joseph is like the middle child of saints. Even though he stepped up to marry to Mary when she was with child with Jesus. That's right, who's your Daddy? Joseph.

He was Jesus' Dad. Taught him how to be a carpenter, how to wear a robe, and rumor has it, he taught him how to whistle with two fingers in his mouth.

Where's St. Joseph's parade?

No offense to the Irish, but Polish and Italian food is way better. I love corned beef and, don't get me wrong. It's just that when you're in the mood to order out for food how many Irish take-out menus do you have in the drawer?

Where's St. Joseph's parade?

At weddings you're more likely to dance a polka than do the River Dance.

Where's St. Joseph's parade?

Single women don't have to fear St. Joseph's day because they don't have a date. And guys don't have to worry if they forgot to buy flowers, candy, or jewelery.

Where's St. Joseph's parade?

I know St. Joseph would be the last guy looking for a parade in his honor. Which is even more of a reason to honor him.

So I say get behind me because I'm leading this parade. Right to the first Italian restaurant or Polish deli I can find. Just leave me enough room to turn my giant pierogi float on the street.

No Choice For The Drowning Man

Yesterday I read an article by John Kass in the Chicago Tribune, "Stem cell policy shift brings a sinking feeling". To paraphrase the article, President Obama should be careful allowing stem cell research so as not to be pulled down by those who might benefit from that research, the sick and dieing.

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about Obama reversing the policy of former "president" Bush to not fund stem cell research. The controversy "stems" from, no pun intended, the fact that to get stem cells an embryo has to be destroyed. A fact that can not and should not be taken lightly because an embryo could become a human life.

The debate comes up about when life begins. The usual voices are heard in this debate, Pro-Life and Pro-Choice. All religious leaders have their opinions as do women's groups. And all their points of view are strong, passionate, and valid. I'm not here to continue that debate, but to add the perspective of the drowning man, me.

I'm Pro-Life. I think most are. Life is great. Life is sunrises and sunsets and everything in between. Life is laughter with family and friends. Life is family, the ones you see all the time and the ones you haven't seen in years. Life is anyone you have ever called friend. Life is laughter. Life is a hot pan of lasagna. Who wouldn't be Pro-Life.

I'm Pro-Choice.
(Wait what? You just said you were Pro-Life)

I choose to be happy even though I am a disabled man. I wish I didn't have to use a wheelchair and be dependent on others. I wish I could still feel my hands when the temperatures falls below 60 degrees. I wish I could play real sports with my son. I wish I could play the guitar like Eddie Van Halen or even like Dr. Jim Valek. But, I still choose to be happy.

Anyone who has ever experienced disabilities or disease would probably choose not to have them. When's the last time you saw a commercial,

"You've just got terminal pancreatic cancer, what are you going to do next?
I'm going to Disney World!"

So when we see a glimmer of hope for ourselves or the future of a cure we get excited and hopeful. Like the drowning man, we want to live. Sorry, but we do.

Let's go back to those embryos. The Pro-Life people don't want embryos destroyed because a life is being destroyed. I don't believe that a life is being destroyed, but that lives are being saved. An embryo will not become a human life without being placed in a womb. The cells that are created from those embryos are being used to, hopefully one day, help make people's lives better, thus, creating life.

If given the choice, now, to be cured of my illness, I would choose yes, cure me. Sometimes my son will say to me,

"Daddy, I wish you weren't in a wheelchair."

But, I tell him that if I wasn't in a wheelchair I probably wouldn't have met him.

And I would choose him over anything.

Government Survivor Idol

I received an email from Jed, not his/her real name. Jed and I don't always agree on things, but we both know things need to get better. I have great respect for Jed because he and I can chat about our differences in an intelligent way.

He recently sent me an idea for better government that I will share with you. I was going to steal the idea as my own, but that wouldn't be right. (Besides, Jed knows where I live.)

Here are his thoughts:

I had one for you. Big brother just installed another “red light camera”. The poor sap in front of me this morning got his picture taken. I don’t like the fact that these cameras are there but they should discourage bad driving. Since the government, in this instance wants to discourage bad behavior, I was thinking maybe we could convince them to put these cameras in their offices. This way, we, their bosses who employ them can keep and eye on them. We could watch them like reality TV. Whenever we see one being unproductive we could dock their pay and that taxpayer who spots their bad behavior would get 50% of the pay they lost. The other half could go to charity.

I really think the networks or C-SPAN could make a show about this. I mean, besides military meetings what do elected officials do that we should not be privy to? Aside from Clinton and Larry Craig what do they do that we shouldn't see?

DAMN YOU NETFLIX!

I apologize for the salty title of today's blog, but I'm cheesed at Netflix.

Recently, I was watching Academy Award winning, The Departed. I'm not sure why, but I enjoy a good gangster type movie. (Godfather 1 & 2 best movies ever.)

Well, I'm fully entrenched in the film when the DVD sticks on one scene. I was thoroughly enjoying the complex plot of undercover rats vs. rats undercover. Then while Costello is mocking Queenan and Dignam about a botched raid,

BAM! The DVD freezes.

I examine the disk for smudges only to find some minor scratches. All I can do is skip to the next chapter on the DVD.

Whatever happened in that scene must have been critical because the rest of the movie was all fragmented, to me.

Whatever happened in that scene must have been the reason it won Best Picture, because while I enjoyed the movie, I liked Night at the Museum better.

The Bald Shall Lead Us

Just when you think all is lost, you find hope. Just when you think the future is doomed, you see light. Just when you think Abe Vigoda has died, you Google him and find he is still alive.

I watch and read too much news. The news, while important, tends to point out more what 's wrong with the world than what is right.

Today I point out the good, in addition to Abe Vigoda still breathing.

I have a friend, who I'll call Colin because that is his name. He is raising money for a charity.

I know what you are saying,
"Mark, those Pillsbury Toaster Scrambles Pastries are quite tasty".
Not you, the other guy,
"Mark, kids raise money everyday for charity, what's so special about this one?"

It is true many kids raise money for many different charities. And I applaud all of them, this charity is a little different.

Colin is participating in a St. Baldrick's fundraiser. If you're not familiar with St. Baldrick's here's a quick summary. Volunteers raise money and then SHAVE their heads BALD in a show of support for children fighting cancer. People of all ages and sexes volunteer to do this. They have raised over $50 millon in 9 years shaving 72,000 heads in 18 different countries. Here's a video for additional information:



I am asking you to help support Colin as he will be shaving his head this Friday March 13th. Kids helping kids need to be supported. If you can, please help Colin out;

Click here to DONATE NOW.

Funny Spin On The Economic Stimulus


Enjoy!

Rush - A Pig In Black Satin

I'm not going to spend a lot of my time on Rush Limbaugh, because his cult-like followers are deaf to reason. I received an e-mail from Fabian, not his real name, which linked me to the following Newsweek article.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/187342

To quickly paraphrase, the article talks about how after 9/11 the Bush administration

"...secretly gave the green light for the U.S. military to attack apartment buildings and office complexes inside the United States, deploy high-tech surveillance against U.S. citizens and potentially suspend First Amendment freedom-of-the-press rights in order to combat the terror threat..."

Fabian was curious as to what Limbaugh-heads would think. Their almighty and righteous Bush administration consider the above actions. Limbaugh chants for Obama's failure fearing Socialism. Would he have been OK under a Bush Dictatorship?

One more Rush. In his Super Bowl analogy he wanted the Cardinals QB to fail so his team could win. Why not support your team to play well on defense and do their job rather then hope the other team fails.

Because the Rush Limbaugh's of the world don't trust anybody, even their own teams. I'll cheer for both teams to play well.

Rush To Judgment

Yesterday I mentioned things that irritate me. I forgot one, Rush Limbaugh.

If you haven't seen his current gas passing, please watch the following.



The first thing that struck me about the video was that black is not always a slimming color. The next thing was that Rush Limbaugh looks like the girl from Willy Wonka who turns into a blueberry, except he is a blueberry that is rotten and black.

But, I digress.

Rush just flat out hopes the President of our United States fails. Well, isn't that a nice way to help the country move forward. Rush goes on to say that Democrats wanted Bush to fail. I disagree. Bush is, was and always be a failure, Democrats just let him know. I never wanted the war in Iraq to fail because that would mean U.S. soldier's lives would have been wasted for nothing. I never wanted the war in Iraq, period. But, since Bush was dead set on killing Saddam he made a war. That meant we had to support the troops, not the President.

This country is in the biggest economic mess since the Great Depression. There are many, many people to blame for how we got here. I'm sure many people disagree with the mind blowing numbers being spent to try and fix the problem. This country doesn't need verbalizing swine cheering for this country's failure. Do conservatives really believe the President wants to take the steps he is taking? No, people like Rush are just having a really long tantrum about the fact that they lost the election and the wealthy are being selected for higher taxes.

Boo Freakin' Hoo Limbaugh!

Instead of rallying your mindless rump rubbing followers against the country, how about offering some ideas that can help solve the problems. For the record, I don't like the bailouts for all these corporations. But, I do believe things would be worse if we did nothing. I also don't think the leaders are trying to take over all these businesses forever. Also for the record, I think Rush Limbaugh is gelatinous bag of pus.

Bottom line. This is our country. We pull together to solve problems. Rush, either pull up your sleeves and help or pull up your pants and let your butt kissing followers take a break.

Welcome To Equality

There are few things that irritate me in life. People who dress their pets, professional wrestling, Star Trekkie's who dress up, clowns, Jerry's Orphans, and people who throw down minority cards.

Of those, I've recently had to think about two a lot. I won't go into detail about Jerry's Orphans. You can visit this blog to I see how I feel (read the comments following the article). Also, read their response to my comments.

The other subject refers to the "Senator", Roland Burris. We all know Burris as the choice of former Illinois Hair Bag, Rod Blagojevich, to fill Barrack Obama's senate seat. Let me think, why is Blagojevich a former governor? Oh yeah, because he tried to sell that "F''in golden" senate seat. Anybody with a brain wave could figure out that whomever Blagojevich chose for the senate would be tainted by the stench of Blago greed. Roland Burris did not care. He wanted that seat and all that comes with it. He even signed a statement that he never spoke to Blagojevich or anyone connected with him. Because this was a "legal" nightmare, he was let in to the Senate.

Then the truth started coming out that Burris did in fact talk to somebody in the Blagojevich camp, Rod's brother Rob (how cute). Turns out Burris' son even got a state job prior to his Senate seat. That's an awful lot of contact with Blagojevich for a guy who swore there was no contact.

So now Burris is being raked over the coals for his selective memories by the news media. Local black politicians think he is being treated unfairly because he's black. All due respect to these politicians, but Burris is being treated like a politician with selective memory.

Burris could be a saint, but because he was hand picked by a scum bag he gets no free passes. I'm sorry, but please pick up all race cards off the table. In this state, if you play with dirt bags your hands are going to get dirty. The press and the people have every right to know how you got the pick from Blagojevich.

Burris is being treated just like anyone who was picked by Blagojevich. He is being treated fairly and equally as hard as any white, red, yellow, blue or purple American would be.