Dad,
Today we unveiled your footstone. Your family and closest friends were there to witness it. Your name engraved in the stone looks as authoritative and professional as it did on your business cards. You would be proud.
And as you predicted, I am quite useless when it comes to being strong, for it was Jodie who had to read the final prayer instead of me. She is an Asarch through and through, that's for sure!
I know that before you met Mommy that you grew up in a family that didn't love you, or at least show you that love, as they should have, and they didn't make you happy. As you rest comfortably and free in the eternal home of G-D, please just know how much Mommy, Jodie and I love you for everything that you are. Know that throughout the time we were together on this Earth, as difficult and unhappy as some times were, you made us so happy. And we miss you driving us crazy! You are forever in our hearts and I miss you in the most unimaginable way that words simply cannot describe. If you're not too busy playing cards, bowling or rubbing your crosswords lottery tickets, send me a sign to let me know you're around and OK.
Talk to you soon.
Love,
Alan
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Perspective
Here's some perspective for all of the anti-Bush, anti-war, Britney Spears loving, terrorist loving liberals out there. Every day I see those Twin Towers missing from the NYC Skyline. I understand what we're fighting for.
You stay up for 16 hours.
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a 'headache', and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure your cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your 'buddies' that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
You stay up for 16 hours.
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a 'headache', and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure your cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your 'buddies' that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Self Fulfilling Prophecy
Yes, like many of us, I have been watching my 401(k) take a big hit the last few months. Fortunately, I'm young enough where I can take such a hit now and watch it grow again as retirement nears ever so quickly, if it ever comes at all.
I think the economic problems our country is in right now are partly due to our own fault, and partly due to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ever since George W. Bush became President in 2000, the media has wanted him to fail. This is where the self-fulfilling prophecy comes in. They want him to fail so a media-darling, liberal Democrat such as Hillary Clinton or Barak Obama is elected to office, so they can inflict real damage on the United States and let the terrorists attack us and make sure that I take home less money that I earn. We won't have to worry about any economic problems or health care issues if this country is attacked or destroyed by terrorists, or by ourselves. So anyway, the media (television, radio, print, internet) has shoved down our throats that Bush is an awful man and an awful President and has brainwashed the majority of people in the US and around the world to believe that Bush is bad and Republicans are bad, and that is why the country is in the state it's in right now. Well, I'm not so entirely sure. Bush's tax cuts and policies have helped me, a middle-class man with a modest income, rather well. I can afford to live and be married and put food on the table, as long as I live within my means. And thank G-D that since 9/11 there is not been another terrorist attack on US soil. You can thank George W. Bush for that. The Junior Senator from NY has hardly been in NY to care for the people of NY during her reign. You think she actually cares about the people of the United States and protecting them? The people of NY are only there for Clinton when it's good for her, and I'm convinced she feels the same way about the people of the United States.
Which brings us to the other part of the problem. People in this country think that they are entitled to get something for nothing. They should get a mortgage even though they can't afford to pay it back. They should get more credit cards even though they can never pay the balance in full. Executives should get big bonuses for failing to protect their companies and employees from outsourcing and layoffs. It's funny how people have the money to buy video games and cell phones and other electronics, but no money to invest in finding or keeping a job, or for education, clothes, or food. Whatever happened to sacrifice and living within our means and trying to take care of ourselves and not have the government do it for us? There is no sense of pride or purpose in the US anymore like there was after World War II and the declining state of our economy is symbolic of that.
It's time to stop blaming George W. Bush. It's time to stop blaming the bank. It's time to stop blaming the credit card company. It's time to start blaming ourselves. Sadly, people will not realize any of this until 12:01PM on January 20, 2009 when, sadly, a Democrat will be elected President and suddenly everything will be OK and we'll be bailed out again by a flawed Democratic government.
I think the economic problems our country is in right now are partly due to our own fault, and partly due to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ever since George W. Bush became President in 2000, the media has wanted him to fail. This is where the self-fulfilling prophecy comes in. They want him to fail so a media-darling, liberal Democrat such as Hillary Clinton or Barak Obama is elected to office, so they can inflict real damage on the United States and let the terrorists attack us and make sure that I take home less money that I earn. We won't have to worry about any economic problems or health care issues if this country is attacked or destroyed by terrorists, or by ourselves. So anyway, the media (television, radio, print, internet) has shoved down our throats that Bush is an awful man and an awful President and has brainwashed the majority of people in the US and around the world to believe that Bush is bad and Republicans are bad, and that is why the country is in the state it's in right now. Well, I'm not so entirely sure. Bush's tax cuts and policies have helped me, a middle-class man with a modest income, rather well. I can afford to live and be married and put food on the table, as long as I live within my means. And thank G-D that since 9/11 there is not been another terrorist attack on US soil. You can thank George W. Bush for that. The Junior Senator from NY has hardly been in NY to care for the people of NY during her reign. You think she actually cares about the people of the United States and protecting them? The people of NY are only there for Clinton when it's good for her, and I'm convinced she feels the same way about the people of the United States.
Which brings us to the other part of the problem. People in this country think that they are entitled to get something for nothing. They should get a mortgage even though they can't afford to pay it back. They should get more credit cards even though they can never pay the balance in full. Executives should get big bonuses for failing to protect their companies and employees from outsourcing and layoffs. It's funny how people have the money to buy video games and cell phones and other electronics, but no money to invest in finding or keeping a job, or for education, clothes, or food. Whatever happened to sacrifice and living within our means and trying to take care of ourselves and not have the government do it for us? There is no sense of pride or purpose in the US anymore like there was after World War II and the declining state of our economy is symbolic of that.
It's time to stop blaming George W. Bush. It's time to stop blaming the bank. It's time to stop blaming the credit card company. It's time to start blaming ourselves. Sadly, people will not realize any of this until 12:01PM on January 20, 2009 when, sadly, a Democrat will be elected President and suddenly everything will be OK and we'll be bailed out again by a flawed Democratic government.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Metaphor
In some ways, I think that Sports is a metaphor for life. The New York Giants were able to overcome a season of adversity because of positive thinking and belief in themselves and their team. This led them to become NFC conference champions and go to the Super Bowl. Just imagine if I thought this way all the time? I still have to figure out what stops me from doing that in all aspects of life. I'd be much better off.
Dad, you always taught me that positive thinking and a belief in yourself was the key. I know it is. I'm still trying to unlock it. I've been thinking about you a lot, Dad. I love you. I miss you so much.
Dad, you always taught me that positive thinking and a belief in yourself was the key. I know it is. I'm still trying to unlock it. I've been thinking about you a lot, Dad. I love you. I miss you so much.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
New Jersey: Without Representation
Normally I save my blogging for the evening when I reflect on the day. However, I heard something on the radio this morning that just boiled my blood. NJ Governor Corzine has proposed raising the tolls on NJ roads by 50% every 4 years. This man is out of his mind.
How he was voted into office is beyond me. I didn't vote for him, and those who did are now reaping what they sewed for themselves and for everyone else in NJ. The first thing Corzine did when he entered office was raise the state sales tax from 6% to 7%. Then, among other taxes, he decided to tax gym/fitness center memberships even though the entire state of NJ signed petitions saying not to do it! Now the tolls. Soon he'll become Jim Florio and try to tax toilet paper! (That didn't work out so well for Florio by the way.) And then if he gets his way, he'll tax the air we breathe!
All of this is taxation (or stealing) without representation. And we can write to our local, state, and federal politicians about taxes going up for everything and fees going up for everything but it is all to no avail. They don't listen, they don't try to help, they don't care. I'm still going to pay to simply park my car at a bus stop; I'm still going to pay the tax on my gym membership. Hell, I lose 1/3 of my paycheck to taxes! It's all legalized stealing, and it's more prominent in New Jersey than in any other state.
It is becoming impossible to afford to live in New Jersey. Now I know why some of my friends moved to North Carolina and other places! The politicians claim NJ is broke. Bullshit. The politicians need more money to line their pockets and give themselves nice raises for "a job well done." All of this is legalized stealing... stealing without representation. Politicians don't represent us anymore.. they only represent themselves. I think that if you want to be a politician, and work in "public service" you don't get paid for it! Then maybe people who actually care will be in public service and will actually represent the people instead of themselves and their dirty schemes.
So go ahead and tax us some more Corzine! Problem is.. some people are too stupid and will vote you into office again during the next election. But you don't have my vote, and you never will!
How he was voted into office is beyond me. I didn't vote for him, and those who did are now reaping what they sewed for themselves and for everyone else in NJ. The first thing Corzine did when he entered office was raise the state sales tax from 6% to 7%. Then, among other taxes, he decided to tax gym/fitness center memberships even though the entire state of NJ signed petitions saying not to do it! Now the tolls. Soon he'll become Jim Florio and try to tax toilet paper! (That didn't work out so well for Florio by the way.) And then if he gets his way, he'll tax the air we breathe!
All of this is taxation (or stealing) without representation. And we can write to our local, state, and federal politicians about taxes going up for everything and fees going up for everything but it is all to no avail. They don't listen, they don't try to help, they don't care. I'm still going to pay to simply park my car at a bus stop; I'm still going to pay the tax on my gym membership. Hell, I lose 1/3 of my paycheck to taxes! It's all legalized stealing, and it's more prominent in New Jersey than in any other state.
It is becoming impossible to afford to live in New Jersey. Now I know why some of my friends moved to North Carolina and other places! The politicians claim NJ is broke. Bullshit. The politicians need more money to line their pockets and give themselves nice raises for "a job well done." All of this is legalized stealing... stealing without representation. Politicians don't represent us anymore.. they only represent themselves. I think that if you want to be a politician, and work in "public service" you don't get paid for it! Then maybe people who actually care will be in public service and will actually represent the people instead of themselves and their dirty schemes.
So go ahead and tax us some more Corzine! Problem is.. some people are too stupid and will vote you into office again during the next election. But you don't have my vote, and you never will!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sit Back and Relax
All day long I sit in front of a computer solving problems and coming up with ideas and trying to do a good job at work. I'm home now. I have things on my mind as I always do. I have thoughts about how my life could be easier, better, happier. But I've been in front of a computer for enough time today, and frankly, I don't feel like writing a damn thing. Good night!!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A Good Laugh
You know those commericals during The Price is Right with Wilford Brimley talking about Diabetes and getting diabetes medical supplies through Liberty Medical? Well, last night during an old episode of Family Guy, I saw something that made me laugh harder than I have laughed in about a year. Thank goodness for You Tube. (I don't know what the first 5 seconds and last 5 seconds of the clip are.)
Now I certainly am not making fun of Diabetes or people with Diabetes. My Grandfather and Father both had Diabetes, and I understand what a terrible disease it is. But I have found that if you can't laugh, you cry. And I'd rather laugh if I can.
Now I certainly am not making fun of Diabetes or people with Diabetes. My Grandfather and Father both had Diabetes, and I understand what a terrible disease it is. But I have found that if you can't laugh, you cry. And I'd rather laugh if I can.
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