Biblical marriage

If you are going to espouse the idea of "biblical marriage", you need to support the other tenets - no divorce and no remarriage while the other remains alive.

Men in Black III

FInally went to the movies this weekend as part of dealing with the heat. There were a couple movies I'd been interested in, but the only one still in circulation was "Men In Black III". I'd enjoyed the first two in this series - fun and humorous, with a decent story as well. As with the first two, this one did not disappoint. The chemistry between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones remains strong, and the role of young K was well played by Josh Brolin. It took me a bit too long to recognize the significance of the date, but they pulled it off well. Highly recommended. One additional treat is to watch the background screens to see who is identified as aliens living on earth. Lady Gaga was an obvious selection. I believe I also caught David Beckham.

The sanctity of marriage?

Wouldn't it make more sense for those self-appointed arbiters of marriage sanctity to attack the beasts of their own persuasion before attacking those that do not view the world the same way that they do? Rather than spending inordinate amounts of time defining marriage, perhaps spend some time supporting those that already agree. What makes more of a travesty than those who divorce, particularly serial divorcers (Newt Gingrich and Donald Trump, I'm looking at you)? Next look at co-habiters, who flaunt the idea of marriage.

Only after you're done with them should you move to the gay community. After all, the gays disagree on so many levels, why limit the battle to simply marriage?

Smaller government

I truly understand the calls for smaller government, but people, corporations, and industries have proven time and again that without regulation they destroy the environment around them for their own benefit.

Government provides the role of regulator and watchdog. That is what they do - define rules and regulations in the greater common interest. I believe it would be impossible in the current climate to develop such projects as a national highway system.

I weep at the current "me first" political climate.

Holiday Reading

One of the nice parts of the just concluded holiday season is that I have been able to do a lot of reading. I've finally finished a book that has been a work in progress on my night table for a couple of months. Plus I've polished off a couple simpler books in the same time period.

I just started a most interesting book yesterday - "Bob Schieffer's America", a collection of the short pieces he has written for a number of years now to close CBS-TV's 'Face The Nation'. This is a not a program I watch with any regularity, but I have heard some of the pieces re-broadcast on the radio. I wanted to share a small section of his preface, because it struck me so powerfully:

The partisans of the hard right and left who seem to have no purpose but to prove the rightness of their cause will discover little of interest here. I find the professional screamers and their checklists of what constitutes a "liberal" or "conservative" predictable to the point of boredom. As I listen to their arguments on the cable channels and their unwillingness to give an inch on any issue, I still long for the day when someone on one side responds to someone on the other side by saying, "What an interesting point. You may be right." I'm still waiting, but I am not holding my breath.

I have always believed the greater and more intellectually challenging search is finding the things that bring us together rather than the differences that drive us apart.

In these essays, I have tried to follow the rule laid down by my great teacher Eric Sevareid to "elucidate, when one can, rather than advocate."

Patience and Perseverance

It's really tough being in this lost land of limbo - of being between occupational opportunities. Every day I feel like the call is right around the corner. And every day - or most days - there is some activity or follow up that leads me forward, but not the clincher.

I have felt all along that success was imminent. This is both a positive and a negative. It is a positive because it keeps my hopes up, energizes me, and keeps me going. It is a negative because I take my foot off of the accelerator in hunting new opportunities.

What is most troubling is the timelines that exist. Mine is very short. The organizations that I am working with seem to have much longer decision-making calendars. I have had interviews and requests for information all along the way. To date I have yet to close one.

The other thing that makes this tough is that your friends and colleagues don't quite know what to say, or how to approach you. They offer sympathy, and support where they can, but it is an awkward balance. I am thankful for the contact of those that have stayed in touch, and am heartbroken by some I thought were good friends that are keeping a distance.

Irregardless, I have no choice but to continue pressing forward. My own sense of balance and being, not to mention basics of life, rest in the resolution.

Odd musings on a December day

A couple things crossed my path today that tickled my funny bone.

2 keyboards that are special kinds of gifts:

An MSN tech article highlighted 2 unique items, the 'Keyboard for Blondes' which comes with updated keys like 'Oops!', and 'Das Keyboard' which has nothing on the keypad except for blank keys - see http://tech.msn.com/news/articlecnet.aspx?cp-documentid=15737752&gt1=40000

Sony has announced their latest miniatured solution - themselves. They are laying off 8,000 employees. The good economic news just continues to roll in.

On a more positive note, I have had 2 interviews recently. Well actually, one interview and one assessment test. I passed the test, which qualifies me for an interview. I have another interview coming up, and 2 more potential positions that I consider 'likely'. I am prepared for a great slowdown as we approach the holidays, but am hopeful that one (or more) opportunities will come through to start right after the new year.

Life continues its path forward . . .

Transition Team? and other random thoughts

I'm sitting in my living room watching the snow fall this morning as I write.

I am a victim of the global economy, working on finding my next opportunity. It is a challenge to manage in these times, to be sure. Some days are better than others. There are enough glimmers of hope that I can keep moving forward, but it is not always easy.

I am encouraged that a new administration will be coming to Washington, but I worry about unrealistic expectations placed upon them. There is only so much an individual and administration can do right out of the gate. I expect big differences in how we view the world, and, by extension, in how we are viewed.

My worry is that the transition team seems to be all retreads of people that have been there before. Is this really "bringing change"?

In the meantime, the snow continues to fall, and the landscape is beautiful. The dogs are sitting with me, looking out the window to make sure we are safe. The kitten has eaten breakfast and is out prowling the neighborhood.

Thanksgiving is next week. I do have a lot to be thankful for, even yet. Family will get together, and we will enjoy each others' company.

Time passages

Someday I'll compose a list of some of my favorite quotes and quips. It's a habit I've had over the years. Most of my lists are gone, but I have several that I've stored on my Palm Pilot. Sample:

Instant idiot.
Just add alcohol

They may not appeal to many, but they've tickled my fancy.

Anyway, today's thoughts are about aging and getting older. I've had several events this Fall that are putting some perspective on life and the passage of time. One of my best friends is having knee surgery today. Add to that the travails of Michael and Kathy, Janeway, family, and it becomes an impressively long list.

Just a quick note. More later.

2 points to anyone who recognizes the source of the subject line.

Too Old to Rock and Roll?

In the case of Jethro Tull - Yes.

This has been the summer of nostalgia concerts (for me). They've been new for my spouse.

First saw REM at the Mann Music Center in June. REM is one of those groups I discovered late in (their) life, and enjoyed them. I debated long and hard about whether I really wanted to go. In the end, a decent deal on eBay convinced me. Concert night was a challenge. I had to stay late at work (7:45 for a 7 pm show), and had decided to skip it when we realized there were 2 opening acts, so figured we'd get there when we get there, and see what's left to see. despite horrendous traffic on the Surekill, we arrived in time to hear the 2nd act finish as we walked across the parking lot. Michael Stipe and guys took the stage around 9:30 pm. At this point, I regretted my tickets. We were in the balcony, which is much higher up than I recall. The sound was mushy, which was a grave disappointment to my "concert trained" ears. I also realized that I knew very little of their repertoire, so it was an evening given to wondering what I had been thinking. It was enjoyable nonetheless. When the encore started, we beat a hasty retreat to the car and to beat traffic. To our astonishment, the sound outside was much better than where we had been sitting. We enjoyed walking to the car as "Losing My Religion" played loud and clear.

The second show of the summer was the Eagles "Farewell Tour VII" at the Wachovia Center. I had seen the Eagles at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, NJ back in the mid-70s, so wondered how they would compare. The show started about 15 minutes past the announced start time of 8 pm, which was fine, as there was no opening act. They came out in dark suits with white shirts and ties, which surprised me. They played some 'new' stuff, then quite a few hits, including some things that went back to the first couple of albums. They were tight as a band, and the old feelings returned as I watched Glenn Frey and Don Henley go through their tunes, along with Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmitt (whom I remember as a member of Poco). They are obviously older, but they are also wiser, as they can still play. Joe Walsh is an old favorite of mine, and boy did he deliver when they played all of his big numbers (Rocky Mountain Way, Seems To Me, etc.). They played all night, except for a 20-minute intermission. We left our seats at 11:40 pm.

The third show was a return to the Mann to see Peter Frampton and Jethro Tull. The wife had somehow morphed the show into Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull. Try to wrap your head around that combination. Peter Frampton was surprisingly good. I figured he would be OK, and I would recognize a number of tunes. He has some excellent material from over the years, including some recent instrumental work which was really enjoyable. The funniest part of the evening was that they all seemed to change guitars after EVERY song. It became humorous to watch. To their credit, the stage hands were superb in managing the show.

The highlight that I anticipated - Jethro Tull, whom I have seen four times previously - was a big disappointment. The simple problem is that Ian Anderson can no longer sing. He has gotten old, and has not figured out how to pull off the runs that once were so amazing. The band remains strong, but gone are the lyrical runs and the stage show. I so wanted to see a zebra pass tennis balls again, as I had seen at Madison Square Garden in 197x. Alas, it was not to be.

Memo to Ian - drop 'Too Old to Rock and Roll' from the repertoire. It points out in gory detail how long it's been.

See you next time . . .

Another Chapter ends

With the conclusion of the Lititz Summer Showcase, I believe my involvement with youth soccer has come to an end. It started in 1994, when my older son was playing intramural soccer, and I volunteered to be an assistant coach. I believe it was within 10 seconds that I was promoted to head coach.

It's been a long, fun ride since, until today as my younger son finished playing.

We have been to many places, met many wonderful people, and even got to enjoy more victories than defeats. While that was never the end goal, it sure made it easier to follow.

I always asked my sons 2 questions after their games:
1) Did you have fun?
2) Did you try your hardest?

If "yes" was the response to each, then nothing else really mattered.

I will miss it, but I look forward to having those days back now for other adventures and activities.

-- That's pasoc's View.

Wow

Well, it's quite a while between entries. Much is the same, much is changed.

Michael W. now has a new blog, which reminded me of this one. Check it out at beatthereaper.
Bob H may have TMJ, Dan F has a new gig, Kris is dumping the old ball and chain (finally), and Margaret's roomie has finally been busted and is now on house arrest.

T is working for the summer, J is thinking about colleges, and B is STILL writing.

See you round . . .

Greetings

Well, here's a start. It's an idle weekend with all of the usual project ideas and varied goals flowing through my head. T's in Vermont, B's writing, and J's perfecting his mad madden skillz.

Shelby's down for the count soon, jan's a wreck, and Cody's all over Sherlock's bad ear.

All for now.