FATHER, THINKS HE, KNOWS BEST

My NCAA Football Predictions. Including Florida State.

2013-08-28T08:29:00.001-07:00

OK. so last year I went with LSU to win it all and I did say the SEC would continue to rein. I also just made a list of my picks. This time around I am going to do the top ten and actually give you my reasoning behind those picks.

Number 10. Oklahoma.
Bob Stoops will get the Sooners moving sooner (pun intended) then later. The Big 12 is not that strong. We all know Texas will lose to Oklahoma again this year.

Number 9. Louisville.
Teddy Bridgewater will carry the Cardinals on his shoulders but only so far. Besides who in the Big East-American-USA Conference, or what ever name they are going by, will be able to beat them?

Number 8. Notre Dame
The luck of the Irish does not get them to the National Championship game again. They are a very solid team and will get at least a BCS bowl appearance. Brian Kelly needs more time to get them back to the top game.

Number 7. Oregon
The Ducks are flying high still. The PAC 12 is stronger with Stanford, USC and UCLA, but they are still a very good team.

Number 6. Georgia
One of three SEC teams I pick for the top ten. Their offense is strong enough to win most games but their defense will let them down. Opening weekend will see them deflate Clemson's bubble in a hurry as they knock off the Tigers.

Number 5. Florida State.
Ok, so this is my favorite team, but here is my reasoning. FSU will beat Clemson and they will defend their ACC title. The bad news is that after running the table they will lose their last game at Florida (the hated Gator fans rejoice), knocking them out of any chance for the BCS championship game. FSU is an SEC school in their method of play. Side note I have Florida losing at least two games in the SEC and they are out of the top ten.

Number 4. South Carolina. As much as I despise Steve Spurrier he will get to the SEC title game. Close but no cigar for the Gamecocks.

Number 3. Stanford.
They have enough talent to win the PAC 12. Oregon will test them but the Cardinals defense will be just enough to get past the Ducks.

Number 2. Ohio State.
Urban Myers will be able to keep enough of the Buckeyes out of jail to complete another undefeated season and this year they can go to a bowl. If he fails to post enough bail the night before some Big Ten games though it could be real disappointing in Columbus.

Number 1. Alabama.
The SEC does it again. Everyone is still playing catch-up and Nick Saban still has the best non-professional team in the country. They will do it the same as other years. Very good defense. Strong running game and enough passing to keep teams honest.

There you have it. My picks for the upcoming season. There is really no reason to watch the games, since I have already told you the outcome. On second thought I think I will sit back and watch about a million games with you and hope some of my predictions are right. Let me know what yours are. Until next time, "Keep it Old School".

My Commute Time Just Increased By 25%.

2013-08-22T09:39:00.001-07:00

As most of my friends and followers know, I left Sea World and am now working as a School Crossing Guard. I have been bragging about only having to walk past three house to get to my post, each morning and afternoon. Well I am wrong. I have to walk past four houses to get to work. I am not certain if the oversight is because of my advanced years, of which I am sure Pat would say, or just forgetting to count each house that we have driven past, oh I don't know, maybe one zillion times. But, I digress. The real problem is my time and distance has increased 25%. It used to be three house and now it is four.

Think of it this way. If your average commute today was one hour and tomorrow it is one hour and fifteen minutes, you have now increased your travel by 25%. The point is not the length of time but the percentage. Now don't you all feel bad for me? You should!

And the Oscar Goes To !

2013-02-23T07:11:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow night the Academy Awards show is on display in Hollywood. This is the one award show that I admit watching at least part of every year. It makes me think back to a time when we viewed the glamour life of the stars in a different way then we do today. We placed the old time stars, such as Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart on a pedestal and left them there to admire. Today we try and find ways to tear them down or have photos of them in bad situations. That being said I am not going to try and predict the outcome for tomorrow. I have only seen the movie, "Flight", which Denzel is up for an Oscar. I am anxiously waiting to see, "Lincoln", "Zero Dark Thirty" and even "Silver Lining Playbook", so I really would not be able to make a choice with no information. Although I saw the trailer for Amour and can guarantee, I will not be renting this movie. As a matter of fact any movie with sub-titles is too much work and I have never seen one I like.

Today, I am going to list some of my favorite movies.

In the western category, my favorite is, Outlaw Josie Wales, with Clint Eastwood. I have to admit after the empty chair bit at the Republican convention I almost took it off, but I still like the movie. Some of the others I like are, Chism with John Wayne, Jeremiah Johnson with Robert Redford and again with John Wayne, The Sons of Katy Elder.

Action movies. I really enjoy the newer movies. The Avengers and the Iron Man movies are a lot of fun and plenty of action. Also any of the James Bond movies. I particularly like the Sean Connery, Bond but Daniel Craig really gives James Bond that darker side that comes out in the, Ian Fleming books.

Comedy. Anything with Chevy Chase, cracks me up. His vacation movies are hilarious and he is in one of my favorite, Caddy shack. The best comedy is Animal House. When I want to just laugh, no matter how many times I watch it, this is the best.

Romance. Yes once in a while I can sit and put up with a, "chick flick". Of course Casablanca is my favorite, but Meet Joe Black is there in the mix. We recently watched The Word, which was very good.

Romantic comedy. You've Got Mail, is very good, but Leap Year with Amy Adams, who I really enjoy, is so much fun.

Musical. Some people do not believe it when I say, one of my favorite movies is Singing In The Rain, with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. I have watched this at least a dozen times.

OK, lets get off the softer side and talk about war pictures. Saving Private Ryan is amazing, especially the opening scenes depicting the Normandy invasion. Any, John Wayne war picture is great. But, my favorite is Patton with George C. Scott. I have watched that movie, on Veterans Day for twenty years making it the movie I have watched the most.

Sports movie. I like Rudy, plain and simple, but The Legend of Bagger Vance is my favorite sports flick and again one of my favorite movie of all time.

My list is quite eclectic. Pat and I have enjoyed going to the movies, but I must admit that with the advent of downloads we tend to wait for them to hit our big screen in the living room. What is better then a day of movies and popcorn in the comfort of your own home. Vudu and Amazon loves us, as we expand our library of films. We used to run out to Target when a movie was released, now we just order it on the television or Blu-Ray. What a world. Now for the big finale. Drum roll, please. My favorite movie of all time is. Patton. No explanation, just really enjoy it.

As you prepare to watch The Oscars tomorrow night think of your favorites and share them with us. See you at the movies. Eye roll , please!!!!!!!!

Mathnasium is the Answer!

2013-02-19T09:46:00.000-08:00

   I remember, and at times not too fondly, my struggles with math and in particular Algebra. I had an easier time with Geometry, but the thoughts of theories can still release panic attacks.
   Helping to raise my grandson, Jayden, has placed me in the position of dredging up the ghosts of Math past. My patience can sometimes be at a premium, which does not help my grandson to learn, but probably leads to his apprehension. I am sure that Grandfathers are no different then any parent, when we start down the path of afternoon math homework.
   What is a parent to do? Along came a great idea with the unique name. Mathnasium. Jayden is in third grade and on his first report card he received a "C". We did not want him to fall behind.
   I called and arranged an appointment to do an assessment for Jayden. Ms. Anabel Thomas the director of Hunters Creek Mathnasium met us and while Jayden did the assessment Ms. Thomas explained the program to Pat and I. She reviewed Jayden's test and we met her again to go over the results. In general he was where he should be, we wanted him to be more at ease and even ahead. We enrolled him and success soon followed.
   The program is set up with the student in mind. We can go each day Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Jayden spends an hour at each session. It varies from doing homework, to going through his personal notebook assignments, to even playing games at the end to further enhance his Math skills. The young people that tutor him are very patient and extremely knowledgeable. Ms. Thomas or Jessica are the two that Jayden has spent the most time with.
   As with any learning program, results are what everyone is looking for. A couple of weeks ago Jayden got his second report card and the hard work of the people at Mathnasium and Jayden paid off. An "A" in math. There are side advantages for me as well. I no longer dread opening his homework folder each day and be faced with isosceles triangles or fractions. Also while he is learning Math, I sit and enjoy reading my latest book. To Ms. Thomas, Jessica and all of the people behind Hunters Creek Mathnasium, Pat and I say,  "Thank you," and to all of the people that read my posts I say "what are you waiting for?" If a child in your life is struggling with Math get to Mathnasium and start solving your own problems.

RIP Arnold Horshack!

2012-08-15T07:03:00.001-07:00

Ron Palillo, aka Arnold Dingfelder Horshack, has gone to that big classroom in the sky. For many of you my age and even younger people, that have seen "Welcome Back Kotter" through syndication, laughed, to the verge of tears, at the antics of Horshack and the "Sweat hogs" as they interacted with Gabe Kaplan and the array of oddballs on the show. Week in and week out during the show's run, from 1975 to 1979, we all turned in to see Vinnie Barbarino, Freddie "Boom Boom" Washington, Juan Epstein, Arnold Horshack and their high-jinx.

As Palillo approached the pearly gates, St Peter, posed a question and in his Arnold Horshack approach, Ron said "OOH, OOH, OOH, Hellllo Mr. Peter. " All St. Peter could do was laugh and open the door. Heaven is certainly laughing a little more today. RIP Ron, you brought us all many moments of joy and laughter.

Hey, Orlando Drivers, Where is Your Turn Signal???

2012-07-18T06:12:00.001-07:00

Driving home yesterday it finally hit me, most drivers in Orlando do NOT know where or how to operate the turn signal. I am sure this is not new to most of the unlucky commuters here in the vacation capital of the world, but maybe nobody ever taught them how to use it.

OK where we go. First slide into your car. Whoops almost forgot. Make sure you are in the drivers seat or you will never locate the turn signal. We there? Good. Look down at you steering wheel. In case you don't know that is the thing you turn with your elbows while texting. Also this would be a good time to put down that phone.

Looking at the steering wheel, there is a lever that protrudes from the left side of the column. Play with it. Turn on the car. Now push the lever up. Bet you didn't know this. The turn signal lights on the back and front of the car just started blinking. You just signaled a right hand turn. Ok, you are doing great. Now for the other, "biggy", push the lever down. Again all of the lights are now letting everyone behind and in front of you know that you are going to turn left. That wasn't hard was it?

You are now ready to take your new, found knowledge onto the road. Take your time. I do not want to overload your brain, but with practice, you can master this move. One more thing. When you are going to turn, push that lever to indicate which direction, you are turning, but please do it a distance before slamming on your brakes to turn. What do you get in return. Maybe a safe journey to your destination and safe return home.

Before I end this sojourn into knowledge, remember, if you start hearing a chiming noise there is nothing wrong with your ears. You forgot to turn and everybody behind you is cursing the idiot that has driven the last 10 miles with their signal on. Just reach over and replace the lever to the upright position. Everyone will thank you. Good Luck and I will be looking for improvement on the road.

Remembering When, Women!!!

2012-02-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

We all tend to romanticize the past and I am as guilty as everyone else. there is however a dark side when we look back in history and one of those areas is women's rights.

It is not that long along when women were treated with less respect then we do today. They were denied the right to vote. Owning property was only available to men. If a women talked the wrong way to a man, he had a right to strike her and she had no right to protect herself. Women, who wanted to end a pregnancy were relegated to back alley operations, by unscrupulous men, women or doctors. A woman was called a slut, while the men she had sex with were labeled studs and worshiped for their virility. Women were submissive to men. Women were sexually harassed. Men would pat them on their backside and women were told to appreciate the attention. Women finally had enough of the second class citizen treatment and demanded equality and respect. It was and still is a slow process.

For the most part women and men joined together to change all of that. It is an ongoing process, but one that is constantly being attacked by people, who do not really believe in equality for every person. The attacks on women and how their own bodies are treated has been debated over and over again. Men, in leadership positions have tried to take over the conversation and exclude women as they discuss their own health.

Would Republicans exclude men from a discussion on prostrate cancer or erectile dysfunction? I can guarantee they would be included. Yet this past week, Congressman Issa, led his Republican cohorts as they held a conference on women's health and excluded the very people that are affected by the process. The Republicans say it was about religion, I say it was about turning the clocks back at least 100 years on women's rights.

This week I have written several times about this issue, and some people wonder why, being a man, I would be so concerned about this issue. Easy. I care because I respect women. I have been married for thirty seven years and I care about my wife and her health. I helped raise two daughters, grew up with two sisters and I am the grandfather to two granddaughters. I have many female friends and I care about their rights and their health. When I say the answer is easy I mean it. Women that I love very much are threatened, by the backward, uneducated, and ridiculous movement, that the Republicans are leading. They want to strip away, rights from over half of our citizens, women. They want to dictate how they use their bodies. they want to eliminate the responsible approach of birth control. They talk about religious freedoms, which are protected, while they take freedoms and rights from women.

My response is to speak out. Now I need you, my readers to do the same. Men and even to a degree more, women need to be heard. Write back to me. Encourage others you know to comment and I will forward those messages to the Congressmen and Senators. I will send the results to the White House and let the President know we are behind him as he fights to uphold your rights. The choice is clear. The time is now. Speak and be heard. Silence will only embolden the people who what to rip freedoms and rights from the American citizens. Demand they stop and leave you free to make the choices that are best for you and your family.

Some Men Should, Put An Aspirin Between Their Lips, So They Cannot Talk!

2012-02-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, yesterday Foster Friess, the billionaire, that is backing Rick Santorum's run for the Presidency stated his view on birth control. He used the old, "joke" about Gals, placing an aspirin between their knees and holding it their, so their legs would stay together and they would not have sex. Since they did not have sex they did not need birth controls. Is this guy funny or what. Did he just appear in an episode of, "Mad Men"? Does he still slap the old gals on the backside when he walks past them?

So for his complete lack of sensitivity to women's causes and his 1950's mentality, I say let's all send an aspirin to the Santorum campaign and have them give it to good, old Foster. This way if he has an aspirin between his lips, he cannot talk. Since he cannot talk we will all be spared, listening to anymore of his inane jokes and comments. Com'on Foster old boy, just place this between your lips. Ah, silence certainly is golden!

Opps, I Meant Grammy Awards!!!

2012-02-14T06:05:00.000-08:00

How in the hell can a person watch a three hour plus show and not get the name right? I am sure most of you figured out I was commenting on the Grammy awards and not the Emmy's in my post the other day. My daughter, Nicole, finally pointed out my mistake. If I had any self respect, which I do not, I would be embarrassed, but not to worry, I will still hold my head up high, even with the giggling and side way stares. Well,I have to go watch another episode of that news show, One Hundred Minutes, on CBS.

My View On The Emmys.

2012-02-13T11:27:00.000-08:00

Last night Pat and I turned on the Emmys program, and for the first time, I actually watched a large portion of the show. I know part of the reason was, the Whitney Houston tragedy that I will comment on later. We had watched, "Sixty Minutes", and the segment on Adele intrigued me, so I also wanted to see how she fared. She did not disappoint, as she went on to win several Emmys, that she was nominated for and sang one of her songs beautifully. I have to confess, I did not know who she was until last night. I do not keep up with the latest singers. I even mispronounced her name and was quickly corrected by my wife. We watch several of the performers, including a group that won an award, that for the majority of the program, I was under the belief their name was, Food Fighter. I was later corrected when they actually wrote the name and saw it was Foo Fighter.

Thank God for the Beach Boys and Paul McCartney, otherwise I may have drawn a blank on most of the singers. They threw in Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder, who I still call, "Little Stevie Wonder". I was on a roll now and could even sing some of the songs.

Then it all fell apart. They showed, Lady Gaga and I gagged. Pun Intended. She looked like a cross between, "The Gladiator" and H.R. Puffinstuff. She actually scared me. Then some chick named Nicki Minaj, came out with a priest and some exorcist routine. Sorry not my cup of tea. The Foo Fighters, sang and I did not understand one word they said. All I know is the lead singer, needed to get his hair cut or at least tie back that hair hanging in his face. This must have been what my parents saw and heard when, The Beatles or Jimi Hendrix or Janis Joplin were performing. What is with that, "Dead Mouse" guy or was that a woman. I couldn't tell. I don't remember if it sang or not, but it sure had numerous outfit changes. The audience even had the mouse heads with them. Bizarre.

Lastly I want to mention Ms. Houston. This is another, in a long list of fantastic talents and performers, whose voices are silenced much too soon. Whitney Houston, in my opinion, had the biggest, most powerful and beautiful voice, I have ever heard. She was talented and gorgeous and unbelievable to listen to. I hope that what ever tortured her over the last several years is gone and she is in heaven, leading the choir as they now sing the grandest music ever. RIP Whitney, we may never hear the likes of you again.

Remembering When, The Super Bowl!

2012-02-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

Yeah I know, many of my readers were not even born when the Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10 in the AFL-NFL Championship game, forty six years ago. The name super Bowl had not yet been attached to our annual binge of hype. The Los Angles Colosseum was not filled to capacity with people that are able to spend thousands of dollars to get a seat inside. Tickets went unsold. The sporting public concluded that the real championship was the week before when Green Bay beat Dallas. People turned into one of two networks, NBC or CBS to watch the game. I do not remember, all of the hype that proceeds the Super Bowl today, for two weeks. There was a game. I am sure that the commercials were not tracked and as eagerly anticipated as they are today. There was a game There were no daily diaries, from the players. There was a game. There were no tweets. There was a game. There was no media day that people willingly paid $25 to attend. There was a game. That is all there was then. A game. Anyone who ever read or seen or followed legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, knows that for him, the players, the other coaches and true football fans, there was only one thing. There was a game. Ah, to think back and admire the simple things in life. Enjoy today's game.

Remembering When TypeWriters!

2012-02-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

While I was typing my post for Americas Voice today, I thought of how great it is to have word processors and spell check. Some of my readers may not remember the days before we had computers and the great tools of modern life. Let me tell you about it, and for those of you that have a few miles on the old bodies, slide back in time with me.

Now according to my best recollection, it was right after the tablets of stone and chisels, no wait I am wrong, it was right after the invention of papyrus, that someone came up with the type writer. They weighed about seventy five pounds and did contribute greatly to the level of fitness in this era, Our arms were much better toned because we had to lug them every where with us. We also had to have at least three reams of paper. The early torture machines, had no way to erase, mistakes. We were left with a pencil looking apparatus, that had a special eraser on one end and a feather looking thing at the other. This was meant to brush away the little pieces of rubber left behind. You could not take the paper out of the typewriter, because when you put it back in, no matter how you tried it never lined up again. We also had to carry a dictionary. Now you could have a small one, but I found that usually the word I wanted was not in the condensed volume, so the best bet was to get a tow truck and have it lift the unabridged Webster Dictionary into the living room. In between writings the family could use it as a couch.

So here we were, all of the material together. The rough draft and all revisions were written in long hand, and with a pen. Now it was time to type. To say that it was any easier then the original Gutenberg press would be an understatement. To type a three page report would consume the equivalent of ten days. Three weeks and four reams of paper later, I would have to go to the local stationary store to get another ream of paper, our non error paper was ready for delivery to the teachers. Have we come a long way since the invention of word processors, oh yeah. Just think, in the old days I would have twenty more days of writing to produce this one little post. That would mean that I would only be able to do five or six of these per year. OK stop demanding I start using a typewriter, because that is not going to happen. You will just have to continue putting up with my rants.

Remembering When!

2012-01-30T09:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was talking to a couple of friends that shares something with me, age. We were talking about some of the things from earlier days, when we were younger, that are no longer in existence. Here are a couple to get us started.

Rotary dial phones. You had to place your finger in the hole and spin the dial as you placed a call. The dial would return to the original position and we would repeat the process until the number was done. That is the reason, mature adults, have a callous on our index finger. Today we have cordless phones that we push one button and it connects you with your party any where in the world. We also have cell phones that we talk to, or swear at depending upon your reception or how difficult it is to use.

I am going to pick two items on days I write about remembering. My second is the remote control. One thing I have never understood about remotes are how did this become a male symbol? I know that I do embrace mine, lovingly, every time my butt hits the Laz-Y-Boy, but how did we get the honor of holding it? Is it just the women allowing us this pleasure, so that for a brief moment in time we feel in control. If this is the case, men, don't believe it, because we all know the real power is in the hands of the women of this world. When I was little my parents had their version of a remote control. It was, Johnnie, go change the channel. Luckily we only had two or three channels to pick from, or I might have spent a good deal of my youth standing beside the TV, channel surfing for them.

This is my beginning list and I invite you to add to it. Mine is rather extensive as I approach the age of sixty. My younger readers may have a limited list and my older readers may have a list that dwarfs mine. So let me know what yours are.

Andrew Sullivan on Newt!

2012-01-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

Now I know what you are thinking, this is John's humor blog and not politics. You are right, but the line I am going to tell you is quite humorous and so I thought it deserved its own space here. I love this quote by conservative, political writer Andrew Sullivan. He does not use Newt's name in this definition, but we all know who he is talking about.

Family values- Using daughters from your first wife to convince everyone that your second wife is lying about your third wife.

That sums up Newt Gingrich and his personal life.

Friggatriskaidekaphobia Is What Happens Today.

2012-01-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

Friggatriskaidekaphobia is the fear of Friday the Thirteenth. The word comes from, Frigga, the Norse Goddess for whom Friday is named and triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number thirteen. There are many theories as to why this day and number have led to fear and in some cases a paralyzing state of mind, but I have my own theory. It was the fear that some teacher, would place the word, friggatriskaidekaphobia on a test and spelling counted. As panic sets in, your mind races to think of the word for fear of Friday the 13th and all you can say to yourself is, "That frigging word is right on the tip of my tongue and I can't remember it." That is my story and I am sticking to it. What do you think?

Blue Ivey, Where In The Hell Do They Come Up With These Names?

2012-01-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

O.K. so maybe I am old fashioned, but really Blue Ivy for your baby's name. Like I asked where do these entertainers come up with these names. Can you see the confusion in her pre-K classroom as the other children struggle with the question. Is the teacher asking for the color or calling that kid. Entertainers seem to have a different thought process then regular people. They like names such as Blue, Apple (good name for a computer), Dakota ( is middle name north or south?) and any other name that causes the rest of the world to stop and scratch their collective heads. For myself I prefer something simple that I can understand and spell, like John.

One Week In and I have Started to Simplify!

2012-01-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

The old saying goes, each journey begins with a step. Well I have taken my first few steps and it is already paying off. I have been slowed by a persistent cough, but as this ends I hope to pick up the pace. The men, who pick up my trash, may not be happy but I know I am. So far I have cleared out one of our file cabinets and the end result if half of it is now empty. I have cleared part of the old, broken Christmas decorations out of the attic and am starting to see the empty places there.

How much more do I have to go? Let me put it this way, Rome and my organizing were and will not be built in a day. I will continue to clean, clear, organize, diet, exercise, and in general improve as the year progresses. Let me know what items you have tackled and what is next. Good Luck.

Watch Out Men, They Won't Even Need Us For Sperm!

2012-01-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

Everyone that reads this blog, knows that I have chosen this year to become the, "Year of Simplification," but scientists in Germany have gone too far. They have generated sperm in lab rats and hope that in the near future, they will be able to replicate this in humans. In the meantime, these little rats are replacing us. Scientists in Israel have duplicated the process and so, the foregone conclusion is men will become obsolete. For a lot of women I am sure, not needing men, is some new idea and they are laughing over the fact that now they will not even need us to produce the sperm need to procreate.

Suggestion to all the men of the world. Start helping around the house. Give the kids a bath. Cook a meal. Do some laundry. Make the bed. Remove the remote control from your hands and rise up from your Laz-Y-Boys. It is getting serious out there. You have to make yourselves indispensable or we could go the way of the horse and buggy.

Don't say you have not been warned. The end is near and it is all because of some little lab rat in Germany.

I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas! Thanks Mom For A Lifelong Memory!

2011-12-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

Not really, I just wanted to get your attention. I have said for years that if I lived somewhere that it would start to snow on Christmas Eve and continue through Christmas Day and then melt away that night it would be perfect. Living in Florida for twenty five years, I am certain of one thing year after year, it will not be a white Christmas.

I do have a story of one Christmas Eve when it did snow and very heavily. I grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania, so the prospect of snow on this night was very good. We always had Egg Nog (non alcoholic) for the holidays and we didn't have enough for the night. I was only sixteen and did not have a drivers license, so my Mother asked me to ride with her to the only small store that was open in Butler, Jack McCain's. It was snowing quite hard and several inches already covered the streets of our town. It truly was a winter wonderland. The tree branches bent gracefully under the weight of the wet, white mantle that engulfed them. Power lines swayed and the wind whistled through the valley town. Mom drove the couple of miles, slowly and, thankfully we did not encounter many others foolhardy enough to venture out.
When we arrived, the parking lot was completely empty. Entering the small market. the only person there was, Jack McCain himself. I think we surprised him. "Ginny, why in God's name would you be out on a night like this?" To which my mother replied, "Jack, why would you be open on a night such as this? We ran out of Egg Nog, Do you have any?" Spying the liquid gold that began our quest, we made our purchase and quickly went back out the door. The drive home was just as deliberate, but I do remember the magnificent scenery as we push forward.

The image of that snowy Christmas Eve some forty plus years ago is as bright and strong, as if the story played out yesterday. It was not very eventful, but it has, become, one of my fondest memories. The next day we were all greeted by the most remarkable Christmas morning ever. The sights we marvelled at as we stared out the window was more then a match for Bing Crosby's wonderful rendition of, "White Christmas", but my favorite part was that harrowing, but beautiful drive with my Mom the night before.

I will be taking the next couple of days off to spend some time and celebrate Christmas with my family. Try and remember a time that makes you smile and remind yourselves of the true magic of the season. Love, and the people you share it with. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays to all.

The Simplicity of Faith.

2011-12-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

As the New Year approaches, I am reflecting on my own spirituality and how to revive it. When Jessica and Nicole were young, Pat and I were adamant that they would be exposed to formal religion and give them the education to make decisions about their faith when they became adults. We attending St. Charles Catholic Church in Port Charlotte, religiously. We attended Mass every week. Went to Mass on holy days. We always enjoyed the Stations of the Cross, during lent. The girls attended classes after Mass. The best part, was I thoroughly enjoyed Mass and being part of the church.

Since moving to Orlando our attendance has been, at best, spotty. I miss not attending and receiving the spiritual uplifting that accompanies Mass. I firmly believe that the inner feeling of peace that comes with being in the church, is only accomplished there. This is very simple. As part of my simplification year, I am vowing to return to Mass as frequently as possible. For me I need that lift in my daily life.

How Are You Going To Simplify And Live Better?

2011-12-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

I know the New Year is not quite here, but don't wait until the last minute to get ideas lined up. I am sure many of you are going to join the last minute shopping frenzy over the next couple of days and as you are doing it, will swear that next year all of your shopping will be completed by December 15. Just as quickly New Years Day will be upon us and that fateful moment where we decide, "Is this year going to be better?" It can be and guess what, it is all dependant on you. Nobody else will be to blame. One of the reasons, I am placing this out for everyone to read, is the fact that if you make a commitment in front of others it is more difficult to backslide. We can keep everyone focused and you all can hold me accountable if I do not achieve my goals. To simplify is actually easier then to hold on to the old way. Take that first step and commit. Do it. Come on I know you want to. Tell us all what you are going to do and we will work together and help you accomplish it. A better tomorrow starts today!

Thanks Marines! Simplify Feelings

2011-12-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

I like the suggestion about feelings. We sometimes harbor negative thoughts about others, who may have even harmed us, and think if we show them our disdain they will be hurt. In reality we are the only ones affected when we do not let go. Simplify your feelings and thoughts and find inner happiness and peace. This is something I know I will work on in the New Year. How about you?

Simplify Life! Join Me and Have Some Fun!

2011-12-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

With this year coming to a close, I am starting to focus on the New Year, 2012. I am not someone that has usually looked for, or created New Year's Resolutions, but this year is going to be different. This blog, Father Thinks He, Knows Best is going to get more attention, as will my Old School Sports, site. America's Voice will continue to grow, of this I am sure. With this said I want to get back to my theme for today and that is simply, simplification. Yes I did actually mean to write it the way I did.

Simple is a way of life that we all have gotten so far away from and need to get back to it. Back to basics. I have already driven Pat crazy with the word and variations of the word simple. As we get into the year I am sure she will be on the verge of strangling me, because of the word. I am determined to go through closets and cabinets in search of the "Stuff' we have accumulated and no longer use. Donate the good and throw away the trash. I am going to start making food simpler, with fewer and fresher ingredients. This may mean more stops at Publix, but it will be simpler and healthier for all of us.

Simpler means more reading and less television. Simpler means more exercise and less sitting around thinking about it. Simpler means more conversations and less mindless disconnect. Simpler means more health and less weight on me. Simpler is a way of life and I will also spend time writing about it and my struggle to achieve it. I am going to strive and make all of my postings on each one of my blogs, more frequent and less words. Me saying less may end up being the greatest struggle of all.

In short, I am asking you to join me, first by reading and then joining me as I fight against the complications that life throws at us each day. Share your ideas, successes and struggles. Together I know we will learn from each other and have some fun, but most importantly we will regain control over our lives. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of my loyal readers on all three blogs.

Thanks Darden Restaurants, from This Veteran.

2011-11-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Pat and I had a day of errands and, yes Christmas shopping to get done. As the day progressed it became apparent that coming home and cooking was not going to be part of the agenda. We did not want to go someplace to eat and pay a fortune, so the choices we went through ranged from Panera, to Chilli's, to T.G.I.F and finally Olive Garden. Pat decided she really wanted, salad from Olive Garden. There was our choice. We picked Jayden up at after school and drove down to the Loop.

When we entered to give our name for the waiting list, I was asked if any members of our party, were a veteran. I let her know I was. When we were seated I was given a choice of a special menu for Vets or the regular menu and also given a ten dollar Darden gift card that could be used at this time. To me this was a very pleasant surprise.

My friend Jon, the editor of SOG Oracle, writes most eloquently about his experiences at local eateries in the Tampa area. I will forgive Jon for not using the low calorie font on his last review, which I enjoyed reading, like I do all of his writings. I bring Jon up to point out that first of all Olive Garden is not a five star restaurant, but I enjoy it when ever we go. I had Spaghetti and Meatballs, wine, and salad. Pat and Jayden chowed down on their food and were very satisfied and full. Over all we enjoyed good food, good service, great company and even a discount, courtesy of Darden.

So to this corporation I say, "thank you" from an appreciative veteran and a loyal patron. To my readers I say support their company at Olive Garden, Red Lobster and any of the other fine Darden enterprises.

And they try To Fight Gay marriage!

2011-11-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

I have been watching the media blowout on Kim Kardashian's pending divorce after 72 days of marital bliss and could not help but wonder. Why do the self righteous Christians, who are so adamant against gay marriage, remain silent? They get worked up over two people wanting to have legal rights to match their love and concern for each other and yet we watch a continuous march of celebrities and celebrity want-to-Be's, such as Kim Kardashian, without as much as a whimper from them. She makes a joke out of the sentiment and feelings involved with a true marriage between two human beings that love each other. Just something I wonder about.