I lied. I deactivated my facebook a few weeks ago, then I reactivated it. Then, because I am kind of a freak about internet security, I lied about my birthday on the facebook information page. I did this to throw off some cyber criminals. I don't know if it has worked. What I do know, is that every time I get on facebook, I am thoroughly entertained by the "personalized ads" that are on the side. I always forget that I lied about my age, and so when I see an ad for sleep apnea or to view my high school friends from the class of '69; it takes me a second to realize why the facebook big wigs feel I need these things. Another personal favorite is to buy a book for diabetic cooking. Then I laugh to myself. I feel so much more in touch with the older generation now.
I thoroughly enjoy this little experience and I will continue to lie about my birthday on facebook, but I want my friends to know in case they are wondering that I am not a 58 year old man.
July 19, 2010
July 12, 2010
War
Over the Fourth of July, Lorraine and I were watching fireworks around the valley that we were visiting. Everyone had their own, and so there were "bombs bursting in air" all around us. Some were faint, some were close, but we could hear all of them. As we sat there watching and listening, Lorraine commented on what it would be like to go to sleep every night listening to real explosions and real flashing lights; not knowing if your house would be hit next.
Around the national holidays, I am more likely to be thinking about our troops and their sacrifices. Not just those out now, but all those in the past. I take great pride in knowing that my grandfather served in the Army in his younger days. Over the years, I have also come quite a ways in understanding myself what this thing called war is all about. It is so hard for a man growing up in a quiet suburb to understand what a war would really be like for those not only serving in it. I claim no ability to know now either. Yet, I believe it could be said that nobody ever really serves IN a war, but as long as they are within its grasp; all are servants of that war. Whether soldier, civilian, man or child - none are exempt. The headlines today read: "Taliban attacks increasingly kill Afghan civilians." This must be at least some of the reason our troops fight so hard on such a difficult front. Perhaps when we remember those who give so much to fight terror, we also remember the other casualties of this war. To me it is frankly pathetic to think that there are those in the world (a vast number really) that live in fear daily of wild men with powerful weapons of destruction. My heart goes out to them. I hope I can find ways to help them. For now, my prayers will have to suffice. God bless America. God bless the children and families suffering in the war on terror.
Around the national holidays, I am more likely to be thinking about our troops and their sacrifices. Not just those out now, but all those in the past. I take great pride in knowing that my grandfather served in the Army in his younger days. Over the years, I have also come quite a ways in understanding myself what this thing called war is all about. It is so hard for a man growing up in a quiet suburb to understand what a war would really be like for those not only serving in it. I claim no ability to know now either. Yet, I believe it could be said that nobody ever really serves IN a war, but as long as they are within its grasp; all are servants of that war. Whether soldier, civilian, man or child - none are exempt. The headlines today read: "Taliban attacks increasingly kill Afghan civilians." This must be at least some of the reason our troops fight so hard on such a difficult front. Perhaps when we remember those who give so much to fight terror, we also remember the other casualties of this war. To me it is frankly pathetic to think that there are those in the world (a vast number really) that live in fear daily of wild men with powerful weapons of destruction. My heart goes out to them. I hope I can find ways to help them. For now, my prayers will have to suffice. God bless America. God bless the children and families suffering in the war on terror.
July 9, 2010
A Superstar With Class???
Yesterday, LeBron James signed with the Miami Heat, leaving his beloved Cavs behind. This is BIG. I am not a die hard NBA fan. I am not even really that much of a basketball fan. I only watch the Lakers (my home team) when I know it is going to be a good game. Yet, I feel like I need to weigh in on this issue. I caught most of the live interview with LeBron on ESPN yesterday. This and other times I have seen him showing his personality really convince me he is a great guy, and maybe one of the best role models for how a sports superstar should think. One comment I really liked was: "Whether I am slamming on hoops or at home being a Dad, I am happy." I don't know much about LeBron and his personal life, so I won't comment much on that; but I feel I have a good view on why its such a great thing to make this move. Lets just review what is happening:
1) LeBron will be playing on a team with other superstars: D. Wade as well as C. Bosh. Taking less of the spotlight every game.
2) All three will be taking a pay cut.
3) All three wanted to play together and were hoping for this move.
Let me tell you what I like about this. Every player in any professional sport has one goal: WIN. Yet, many of the really gifted players are so concerned with being the superstar that takes their team to a championship that they end up losing sight of what a team sport really is. Like that saying goes, "There is no 'I' in team, except in professional basketball"(Okay, so I added a little something of my own to that). Each one of these fantastic players has clearly stated that they want to win and have fun playing the game. To me it almost seems like these guys are now the minority thinkers and being persecuted for it. LeBron's Cav jersey was being burned by Cavalier fans and there are statements about his legacy being tarnished because of this move. That may be true, but think about the kind of sacrifice of personal endeavor one of the most, if not the most, talented players in the NBA just made for truly The Love of the Game. You also have to think about the fact that this is his career. Just as anyone wants to excel in a career, you would make a job change if the opportunity came and you couldn't get where you wanted in your old job.
Like I said, I am no expert on this sort of situation. But from a casual fan's perspective, I tip my hat to Wade, Bosh and especially, the king, LeBron. I hope this sort of passion stays in sports and we see a great team play from the Miami Heat this next fall.
1) LeBron will be playing on a team with other superstars: D. Wade as well as C. Bosh. Taking less of the spotlight every game.
2) All three will be taking a pay cut.
3) All three wanted to play together and were hoping for this move.
Let me tell you what I like about this. Every player in any professional sport has one goal: WIN. Yet, many of the really gifted players are so concerned with being the superstar that takes their team to a championship that they end up losing sight of what a team sport really is. Like that saying goes, "There is no 'I' in team, except in professional basketball"(Okay, so I added a little something of my own to that). Each one of these fantastic players has clearly stated that they want to win and have fun playing the game. To me it almost seems like these guys are now the minority thinkers and being persecuted for it. LeBron's Cav jersey was being burned by Cavalier fans and there are statements about his legacy being tarnished because of this move. That may be true, but think about the kind of sacrifice of personal endeavor one of the most, if not the most, talented players in the NBA just made for truly The Love of the Game. You also have to think about the fact that this is his career. Just as anyone wants to excel in a career, you would make a job change if the opportunity came and you couldn't get where you wanted in your old job.
Like I said, I am no expert on this sort of situation. But from a casual fan's perspective, I tip my hat to Wade, Bosh and especially, the king, LeBron. I hope this sort of passion stays in sports and we see a great team play from the Miami Heat this next fall.
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