The sheer numbers of the amount of dead coming out of Asia/Africa from the tsunami disaster is absolutely incomprehensible. As of this morning (0630), the number was placed at 66,000 people (and that number is still rising quickly). Since the number is staggering, let me give three examples that might put it into perspective:
1. Imagine the city of Bradenton FL - The entire city is gone (and there are still more dead on top of that!).
2. Now imagine Fort Wayne IN - Almost one third of the city is wiped out (and the numbers are still climbing).
3. Last, imagine the small Pennsylvanian towns of Lansdale, North Wales, Montgomeryville and Norristown NO LONGER EXIST!
That is how catastrophic this disaster was and the numbers are still being calculated!
One last thought for consideration: This happened in the Indian Ocean, half a planet away. It didn't affect us, did it? But, truth be known, it could VERY EASILY happen ANYWHERE.
Take some time today to have a moment of silence for the people that died or were injured.
December 29, 2004
December 20, 2004
Holidays
I have found that I share a different outlook on the Christmas than almost everyone else (I won't be arrogant and say everyone because I am sure SOMEONE out there must agree with me. I'm just not sure who.).
I don't feel that there is any need for anyone to get me presents for Christmas. I feel that people have been given the idea that they have to purchase something to show that they care for you. That they can't show they care through other ways (i.e. making something, a hug, showing it the rest of the year, etc.). I think that it also teaches our children that affections can be bought (at least one day out of the year).
I don't want to hurt the people who we love and care for. We have quite a few friends in PA and will treasure them for the rest of our lives. The names go on and on (not as long a list as most people have, but still a few). We have had many people here show they care in immeasurable ways. Why does it have to involve purchases at Christmas when I can see how they feel the rest of the year? The dilemma breaks my heart.
On top of that, this is not isolated to Christmas. I feel the same way about birthday presents. In fact, about the only time I am willing to accept presents would be between my wife and me.
The problem arises when I have express this to other people and I get incredulous looks. Inevitably, to a T, I get the present anyway and a "Well, we just ignored you because we care". From my viewpoint, this does not honor me, even though I know that the giver has the entirely opposite intention (when it happens, the person is someone I think the world of and has a heart of 100 karat gold).
It is not like this is a peripheral belief and I can just placate the person and move on. This has become a core belief or, as they would say in the Army, a "hill to die on" (fight to the end). I worry about hurting people's feelings, but would really like people to understand where I am coming from.
I don't feel that there is any need for anyone to get me presents for Christmas. I feel that people have been given the idea that they have to purchase something to show that they care for you. That they can't show they care through other ways (i.e. making something, a hug, showing it the rest of the year, etc.). I think that it also teaches our children that affections can be bought (at least one day out of the year).
I don't want to hurt the people who we love and care for. We have quite a few friends in PA and will treasure them for the rest of our lives. The names go on and on (not as long a list as most people have, but still a few). We have had many people here show they care in immeasurable ways. Why does it have to involve purchases at Christmas when I can see how they feel the rest of the year? The dilemma breaks my heart.
On top of that, this is not isolated to Christmas. I feel the same way about birthday presents. In fact, about the only time I am willing to accept presents would be between my wife and me.
The problem arises when I have express this to other people and I get incredulous looks. Inevitably, to a T, I get the present anyway and a "Well, we just ignored you because we care". From my viewpoint, this does not honor me, even though I know that the giver has the entirely opposite intention (when it happens, the person is someone I think the world of and has a heart of 100 karat gold).
It is not like this is a peripheral belief and I can just placate the person and move on. This has become a core belief or, as they would say in the Army, a "hill to die on" (fight to the end). I worry about hurting people's feelings, but would really like people to understand where I am coming from.
December 12, 2004
Church a Second Time
For the information of the people who are interested, I attended church a second time. I didn't manage to make it through the whole service, but I was able to get out and wake up a couple of times. Cindy's Sunday School class also had a soiree' that I was able to attend. The class is made up of a lot of neat people.
This is definitely becoming a habit.
This is definitely becoming a habit.
December 11, 2004
Entertaining the Church Youth Group
We are waiting for the youth group to show up from the church that Cindy and the girls go to. Note the time. Isn't this a little late for a junior high event to occur on a church night?
Random thought:
Why do people move to Florida when they get clobbered by hurricanes so much?
Random thought:
Why do people move to Florida when they get clobbered by hurricanes so much?
December 7, 2004
Church Food
Why is it that many churches feel that they need to serve food at many events? I don't remember it in the Catholic church (at least not in the degree that other churches do). Between Sunday School donuts, snacks, coffee, etc., it might be a factor (not as big as McD's, but still a factor) in the obesity epidemic.
Couldn't we just fellowship and learn without eating?
Couldn't we just fellowship and learn without eating?
December 6, 2004
Something To Contemplate
Since some words in common usage in the English language have evolved from slurs, is it a racial slur if the person is completely unaware of the history of a word and that it is/was a slur?
Random Thought
If someone was born in a certain area (oh, let's say they were born in Delaware), moved a bit in their first 12 (or so) years and ended up in another area (oh, for the sake of argument, let's say they ended up in Lansdale PA) and lived there for 30 years or more, would they be able to claim that they were native to that area?
December 3, 2004
Fahrenheit 9/11
I went to Hollywood video tonight and checked out two movies (for free, since we belong to their MVP program and since I won't put dime one into Michael Moore's pocket), Fahrenheit 9/11 and Fahrenhype 9/11 (the rebuttal).
Michael Moore tends to write off history. It was not just George W (and H.W.) Bush who believed that Saddam Hussein possessed WMD. Most of the world (both East and West) believed the same thing. Saddam was a pariah even amongst Arab nations. He was very dangerous. Nothing about that is mentioned in his movie. Also, Mr. Moore goes to great lengths to write a conspiracy theory about the Bush administration. If you want to see a good example of the conspiracy theory movie that I believe Moore used for an example, see Oliver Stone's J.F.K. I don't believe 70% of what Michael Moore stated in his movie any more than I believed 95% of J.F.K.
I am looking forward to seeing the other side of the coin in Fahrenhype 9/11 tomorrow night.
Michael Moore tends to write off history. It was not just George W (and H.W.) Bush who believed that Saddam Hussein possessed WMD. Most of the world (both East and West) believed the same thing. Saddam was a pariah even amongst Arab nations. He was very dangerous. Nothing about that is mentioned in his movie. Also, Mr. Moore goes to great lengths to write a conspiracy theory about the Bush administration. If you want to see a good example of the conspiracy theory movie that I believe Moore used for an example, see Oliver Stone's J.F.K. I don't believe 70% of what Michael Moore stated in his movie any more than I believed 95% of J.F.K.
I am looking forward to seeing the other side of the coin in Fahrenhype 9/11 tomorrow night.
December 1, 2004
Personal Facts
I consider myself to be a moderate Republican. I reached this determination during the last election. I watched many dirty tricks on both sides of the aisle that absolutely disgusted me. The Swift Boat Veterans may firmly believe what they preach, but the way they did business was wrong! My question is: why did they wait 30-some years to come out with these facts? And the amateurish butcher job that someone tried to do on President Bush is another one. This election turned out to be about a conflict (even amateur historians realize that Vietnam was not a war, though the line between war and conflict is mainly legal) that was rooted in the past, when the voting public should have been considering the future (and John Kerry's voting record).
One more note: Michael Moore (Fahrenheit 911) should be relegated to the dustbin of obscurity. He considers himself an opposition politician, when, in reality, he is nothing more than a schoolyard bully with a camera and a filmmaker's budget. The sad part is that Michael Moore still doesn't realize that George Bush won BECAUSE of Michael Moore, NOT in spite of him.
One more note: Michael Moore (Fahrenheit 911) should be relegated to the dustbin of obscurity. He considers himself an opposition politician, when, in reality, he is nothing more than a schoolyard bully with a camera and a filmmaker's budget. The sad part is that Michael Moore still doesn't realize that George Bush won BECAUSE of Michael Moore, NOT in spite of him.
November 29, 2004
Neighborliness
I learned something this weekend.
On Saturday, I was taking a desk apart and delivering the parts out to the trash for the garbagemen to pick up on Monday. In the process, I noticed that our neighbor across Ridge (the red brick house with the large hickory tree in front) was raking his yard and bagging it up. The first time I offered to help him rake and bag, he told me that he had it but thanks anyway. The second time, he took me up on the offer. I grabbed my rake and snow shovel (Snow shovels are great for picking up the rakings) and went to town. We worked hard for a couple of hours, bagging and shovelling. It was a blast. As we talked, he told me how much he appreciated this. I asked him if this wasn't the norm and he said that it wasn't. Most people wouldn't do that. I really didn't realize that.
I think more people need to crawl out of their comfort zone and do more for each other. I am sorry that, as a society, we have crawled into mini cocoons and fester there. There is a lot of hurt today and it can (often) be taken care of by personal interaction.
On Saturday, I was taking a desk apart and delivering the parts out to the trash for the garbagemen to pick up on Monday. In the process, I noticed that our neighbor across Ridge (the red brick house with the large hickory tree in front) was raking his yard and bagging it up. The first time I offered to help him rake and bag, he told me that he had it but thanks anyway. The second time, he took me up on the offer. I grabbed my rake and snow shovel (Snow shovels are great for picking up the rakings) and went to town. We worked hard for a couple of hours, bagging and shovelling. It was a blast. As we talked, he told me how much he appreciated this. I asked him if this wasn't the norm and he said that it wasn't. Most people wouldn't do that. I really didn't realize that.
I think more people need to crawl out of their comfort zone and do more for each other. I am sorry that, as a society, we have crawled into mini cocoons and fester there. There is a lot of hurt today and it can (often) be taken care of by personal interaction.
November 28, 2004
Deep Thought
If a racial slur (fill in the blank as there is no need to use examples) is now racist to use, was it always racist? Or was it, at one time, just insensitive to use but not racist?
My outlook on it is that any racist slur/epithet is/was/always will be racist. But I have met people who feel that, at a previous time, the same slurs were just insensitive but didn't indicate racism. I have to be honest in saying that I don't understand this line of thinking. Despite the popularity of those words, racism is/was racism.
My outlook on it is that any racist slur/epithet is/was/always will be racist. But I have met people who feel that, at a previous time, the same slurs were just insensitive but didn't indicate racism. I have to be honest in saying that I don't understand this line of thinking. Despite the popularity of those words, racism is/was racism.
Random Thought
At one of my places of employment, I have heard various descriptions of people that have worked there previously. I was told of one civilian lady who was heavily into Civil War memorabilia. Another description was of a boss who was kind of dingy and would climb through ceilings (in a skirt) to get into locked rooms.
All of which brings me to this thought: I have wondered what people will describe me as when I do one of the following: a. Move the family to either Washington or Maine.
b. Die
c. Get a job somewhere else.
All of which brings me to this thought: I have wondered what people will describe me as when I do one of the following: a. Move the family to either Washington or Maine.
b. Die
c. Get a job somewhere else.
Church
It rained all night (very hard) which kept me up most of the night. So I didn't know if I could make it to church today (as I haven't made a full service in 3 years). Both girls were sick, so Cindy and I went alone. I still nodded off several times, but I made it through the service. I was so proud of myself that I had a donut in celebration (not too bright for being a diabetic, eh?). But it is still cause for happiness. Now if I could just continue. Week by week, that is how I will take it.
November 26, 2004
Random Thoughts
Our family is known for random and unusual thoughts that we may toss in from time to time. Please feel free to answer as we appreciate everyone's outlook:
RANDOM THOUGHT
If someone dies from your family that you don't really know and haven't seen in years, are you obligated to go to the funeral?
RANDOM THOUGHT
If someone dies from your family that you don't really know and haven't seen in years, are you obligated to go to the funeral?
November 25, 2004
Thanksgiving Day
I am thankful that we are able to share the love that we have with people who love us.
In 2002, we shared Thanksgiving with Cindy's sister Julie and my cousin Bob Shutt and his family. It was a very fun loving time that we had that year. Bob and his family came over from Fort Wayne IN and Julie came from Norwich CT. We borrowed a neighbor's picnic table (our dining table was too small) and had an absolutely wonderful time. I could almost say that it was like Norman Rockwell-like, even though we added our own touches to it.
I remember the Thanksgiving dinners I had the honor of going to when I was MUCH younger. The crush of people, the way that it would rotate between houses (I am sure my parents hosted one once, but I am not entirely sure)., and seeing my cousins (most of whom I have lost contact with, unfortunately). Just like on TV and the movies, I remember all the men gathered around the TV watching some football game (I still don't understand that one. But I have no interest in televised sports).
In almost 19 years of marriage, we have only had three or four times where we spent any holiday with family, on any side. At times, I would say that it is sad. I love my family (both my biological family and my in-laws). But we have drifted apart in many ways. I am now re-learning my father, who I have always loved with all my being, regardless of anything that has happened. I have maintained contact with my mother, but am still trying to get to know her even though we have maintained contact. The rest of the family I love dearly, but have come to realize that I don't really know. That is what time does, makes the mind grow absent. At other times, I know that I have done the best for our children. We have given them good memories of their own and that is the best thing that we could do. I am PROUD that they have had the holidays that they have had.
I say it again. I am very thankful for the loving family that I have lived with and shared 18 years with (even though Cindy would be quick to point out that it has been OVER, yes she would emphasize that, bless her heart, OVER 18 years). Not many people have been so blessed. We have had a heckuva ride on the roller coaster called life, but it has been worth it.
We were invited over for dinner to Pam & Ken Wohltmann's house for dinner. Cindy met them at First Baptist Church, Lansdale. Very nice couple. He slept a lot and she is just silly. But it was a good time. Cindy and Natalie and the Wohltmann's played Pig (not to be confused with the basketball game of the same name). Meredith and I watched several episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond. Our family enjoys that show because it reminds of my family (my father is Peter Boyle, only with a LOT more love and compassion).
In 2002, we shared Thanksgiving with Cindy's sister Julie and my cousin Bob Shutt and his family. It was a very fun loving time that we had that year. Bob and his family came over from Fort Wayne IN and Julie came from Norwich CT. We borrowed a neighbor's picnic table (our dining table was too small) and had an absolutely wonderful time. I could almost say that it was like Norman Rockwell-like, even though we added our own touches to it.
I remember the Thanksgiving dinners I had the honor of going to when I was MUCH younger. The crush of people, the way that it would rotate between houses (I am sure my parents hosted one once, but I am not entirely sure)., and seeing my cousins (most of whom I have lost contact with, unfortunately). Just like on TV and the movies, I remember all the men gathered around the TV watching some football game (I still don't understand that one. But I have no interest in televised sports).
In almost 19 years of marriage, we have only had three or four times where we spent any holiday with family, on any side. At times, I would say that it is sad. I love my family (both my biological family and my in-laws). But we have drifted apart in many ways. I am now re-learning my father, who I have always loved with all my being, regardless of anything that has happened. I have maintained contact with my mother, but am still trying to get to know her even though we have maintained contact. The rest of the family I love dearly, but have come to realize that I don't really know. That is what time does, makes the mind grow absent. At other times, I know that I have done the best for our children. We have given them good memories of their own and that is the best thing that we could do. I am PROUD that they have had the holidays that they have had.
I say it again. I am very thankful for the loving family that I have lived with and shared 18 years with (even though Cindy would be quick to point out that it has been OVER, yes she would emphasize that, bless her heart, OVER 18 years). Not many people have been so blessed. We have had a heckuva ride on the roller coaster called life, but it has been worth it.
We were invited over for dinner to Pam & Ken Wohltmann's house for dinner. Cindy met them at First Baptist Church, Lansdale. Very nice couple. He slept a lot and she is just silly. But it was a good time. Cindy and Natalie and the Wohltmann's played Pig (not to be confused with the basketball game of the same name). Meredith and I watched several episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond. Our family enjoys that show because it reminds of my family (my father is Peter Boyle, only with a LOT more love and compassion).
November 24, 2004
Just Another Day
I had a wonderful talk with my father today. I have learned so much about him lately. I don't know if I have missed this side all these years, he is getting older and changing, I am getting older and changing, or what is going on. He sends me all these whacked out websites about cockroaches and Space Elevators and things like that. Of course, I have returned the favor with a Burnt Food Museum and a Twinkie test site. I finally feel closer to him than I EVER have.
I had an especially good time with Natalie today. I took off of work early so that we could correct a problem that she had. Then we went shopping in the new Asian food store (Assi International Food). After watching Super Size Me with Morgan Spurlock, it has been determined that our family will no longer eat at McDonald's (if only because of the French Fries that never mold). Cindy and I are also hooked on the shows Dead Like Me and Arrested Development.
I had an especially good time with Natalie today. I took off of work early so that we could correct a problem that she had. Then we went shopping in the new Asian food store (Assi International Food). After watching Super Size Me with Morgan Spurlock, it has been determined that our family will no longer eat at McDonald's (if only because of the French Fries that never mold). Cindy and I are also hooked on the shows Dead Like Me and Arrested Development.
November 23, 2004
Our First Blog
I have decided to take our family into blogging. This will basically be an online diary, so that we can share ourselves with other family members and they can share their thoughts with us. This is quite daring, since it leaves us vulnerable to other family members. But, since you are ALWAYS vulnerable 100% of the time, it really doesn't matter. We are learning how important family really is.
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