tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15019066385478476952024-03-07T00:47:14.817-05:00The Common Man DigestThis Blog is designed to be the comments of everyday people on everyday subjects such as politics, religion, and general daily life. It is to amuse, provoke thought, and lively discussion among those who don't always get a voice.Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-8256233710060092762016-01-17T22:10:00.001-05:002016-01-17T22:11:51.146-05:00Let's Talk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So it has been three years since this blog has had a post. I'm not sure that anyone really noticed except those spammers that try and get me to add their "comments" to allow them to advertise whatever nonsense they have to advertise. They've been disappointed since I have always been ready with the "delete" button.<br />
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What shall we talk about, dear friends? There's much to look at in the world of politics. Raving lunatics on both the right (Trump?) and the left (Clinton?). Somewhere there must be a candidate that can truly represent the majority of us still in the middle. Jim Webb would've been nice. John Kasich seems to be reasonable. Why then are they drowned out by the loud fringes? <br />
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We can also talk about disease, as the last post on here deals with cancer. Since then I lost my wife to that terrible disease and it seems that every day, the news is filled with another friend, colleague or celebrity that has succumbed to it. There are those who claim that "they" have a cure and are merely withholding it to keep making money. I can't believe that even for a minute.<br />
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There's a whole host of other things too. Race, economics, religion.....life. We will get to all of it and, as usual, you are all invited to chime in.....if you're out there. More to come in the future.</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-48541517478585492452012-03-11T13:00:00.001-04:002012-03-11T13:00:04.333-04:00Life with cancer - anger 2There is more to anger and cancer than just the initial shock. There is the anger felt by the patient's family. This anger, in some ways, is harder to deal with than the "I've been cheated" anger because it's that and more.<br />
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After years of searching, I found the perfect woman for my wife. We married, bought a house, and began to start our life together. Both of us were in our 40's so we had a lot of time to "make up" in getting us to where we wanted to be. We were looking forward to a long and happy life together until, a mere three years into our marriage, my wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. It's cancer that has spread so far and fast that you are not expected to "recover" merely to "last as long as you can".<br />
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This changed our whole outlook. She remained positive and we determined to life our lives as well as we could. There are a variety of feelings going on there. As a husband, I was angry in the "how could this happen" manner. I also get angry from time to time at the situation that has been created. I'm angry at the fact that I'm going to lose my "life" partner way too early. I'm angry that my financial future is in grave jeopardy and I may not only lose my wife but even my house. I'm angry at the physical demands of caring for her as she slowly requires more help. Most of all, I'm angry at myself for being angry about any of this because it's nothing she can control.<br />
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Cancer is a very angry disease. It's more consuming than anyone can imagine until and unless you've been there. I hope you never have to find out.<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000613802232330&pubid=21000000000333700"><img src="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_impression?lid=41000613802232330&pubid=21000000000333700" border=0 alt="204591_Make Moments Magical with the Disney Showcase Collection from PreciousMoments.com"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-24148308318736289192012-03-10T21:06:00.000-05:002012-03-10T21:06:39.551-05:00Life with cancer - anger 1Cancer is a very angry disease. It acts "angry", it generates anger, and holistic medicine would tell you that its exacerbated by anger. The most common form of anger in both those who recover and those who don't is the "why me" sort of anger. It's caused by a disease that, while some things are known to promote it's growth, is really just a random event.<br />
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My wife was a healthy, happy, non-smoking, non-drinking (and usually even non-swearing) woman in her early 40's with no family history of cancer. Despite that, she contracted a very aggressive form of breast cancer that had spread to her bones by the time they discovered the first lump. This is certainly a person who would experience an anger at how you could live your life "right" and still get the short end of the straw. She would clearly be entitled to anger and yet she felt that such a negative emotion would serve no purpose. That's ok, because I felt it for her.<br />
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It's not uncommon and perfectly understandable to feel anger at cancer. It's how you deal with it that makes a difference. My wife chose to face cancer as any other setback and not as a "personal attack" from God. She has continued to live and love and not waste time being mad. That has helped to continue to make our time together the best that it can be.<br />
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As I said, however, I'm not as good a person. I get angry but more about that next time.<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
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She was a very independent and self-driven woman who was used to caring for those around her instead of having them care for her. It was very hard for her to accept help from others, especially when she was feeling good. What she had to learn (and it took a while) was that her family and friends NEEDED to help as much for themselves as for her. Since they couldn't cure her disease (which is what they really wanted to do), they needed to show how much they cared by doing other things. Running errands, dropping off food and other things like this were their way of saying "we love you and want you to get well".<br />
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Once she learned this, she had many wonderful times with a variety of friends and relatives. She would accept rides to stores, visits from friends, and other chances to spend time with people who just wanted to be there. It became a blessing for her and those around her. So while it was hard, in some ways this was a positive from the onset of cancer. To be clear, one of the few.<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=202319&subid=0"><img alt="ONLY NATURAL PET STORE LLC" border="0" width="300" height="250" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=202319&gridnum=13&catid=-1&subid=0"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-65985406321052771952012-03-08T13:14:00.003-05:002012-03-08T13:14:00.178-05:00Life with cancer - chemotherapySo once you've been diagnosed with cancer, you usually being with chemotherapy. This involves the injection of poison into your system in controlled doses with the intention of hopefully killing the bad cells while not killing too many of the good ones. The result is that it lowers your red and white blood cell counts and reduces your body's ability to heal quickly.<br />
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Aside from the fact that you frequently lose your hair which is easily treatable by a wig, there are other considerations which you don't immediately realize. My wife quickly looked at getting a wig as an opportunity to try some new hairstyles. It was a chance to remake herself each morning and change her color and style to fit her mood and her clothing choice for the day. She ended up being fairly conservative and choosing long and short hair versions of close to what her natural hair looks like, but she reserved the right to go get a pink spiked hair wig at a later date.<br />
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The more daunting issue for her was that she had to be more careful around her nieces and nephews. In the previous days, a sniffle or a slight fever at our Sunday family brunch was no need for concern, but for the chemo patient, that was a big concern. It wasn't a huge change, just an issue of awareness. Something we never had to think of before. No big deal, but we knew it was a change.<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=239662&subid=0"><IMG alt="Barnes & Noble" border="0" width="728" height="90" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=239662&gridnum=16&catid=-1&subid=0"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-43421140194061745962012-03-07T13:12:00.001-05:002012-03-07T13:14:07.514-05:00Life with cancer - a seriesSo my life changed forever when I got a phone call from my wife, 4 days before Christmas 2007, telling me that she had metasticised breast cancer. This was a woman who never smoked, kept her weight under control, ate relatively healthy food, and had no history of cancer in her family. There was no indication that she would not only develop cancer, but one that was so aggressive that it went from being in detectable to widespread in just 3 months.<br />
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Her oncologist told us not to worry, that there were plenty of treatments available and that she had many years to look forward to. My wife decided to keep working and living as she had, saying, "i'm not going to let this define me.". Life continued as it was although you knew that it would never be the same.<br />
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Cancer is a progressive disease. It spreads and mutates and keeps surprising you in places that you didn't expect. It has a similar effect on your life. While you try to continue to live a "normal" life, the disease changes and spreads and surprises you in places you never expect. More on that in the next few days.<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=227491&subid=0"><img alt="USA Today" border="0" width="300" height="250" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=227491&gridnum=13&catid=-1&subid=0"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-15770532682321424472011-08-12T14:19:00.000-04:002011-08-12T14:19:46.506-04:00Why do we do that?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I'm currently vacationing in Gatlinburg, TN. It was a small town in the Smokie Mountains with beautiful views of the National Park. The town itself has grown from a quaint, quiet vacation spot to a total tourist trap filled with go-carts, miniature golf, and Ripley's museums. None of which have anything to do with the natural beauty surrounding the town. For those that stay in one of the "over 1000 motel rooms" in town, there are a variety of "authentic" country shows, fast food places, and gift shops of all types to visit. It has become the Tennessee version of the Jersey shore. <br />
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So the question that I have is, why do we do this to places of natural beauty? Why do we allow greed to overtake our good sense and stewardship of nature? How does a beautiful shoreline or picturesque mountain translate into video arcade? Why do we build hundreds of hotel/motel rooms and condo rentals in these locations so that people can supposedly come to enjoy what nature has to offer and then clutter it all up with mindless nonsense that takes us away from all of that offering?<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
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</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-62006322339278267102011-08-12T12:00:00.000-04:002011-08-12T14:34:47.799-04:00Can somebody please lead?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">After a grueling, and embarrassing, debate over the national debt limit, followed by a humiliating lowering of our credit score, now we enter the beginning of campaign season. This is shaping up to be even more acrimonious and divisive than our debt limit debate was. Not only that, there doesn't seem to be any good reason for it.<br />
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Every summer we travel the country for a week or two and meet all kinds of interesting people from different walks of life. We all seem to be able to get along, transact business, and go about our daily lives without worrying about who's richer, what party they are a member of, or any other type of unimportant nonsense. We are secure in the knowledge that we all belong to the same country and we can get together and get things done when we need to.<br />
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Why can't Washington do the same? Why can't they remember that ultimately, they are sent there to get a job done? Why can't they work in the national interest and not in the interest of a party or movement? Why do they continue to spend time worrying about their allegiances to each other rather than the country they serve?<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
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</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-45153685876161491512011-01-21T08:00:00.000-05:002011-01-21T08:00:13.759-05:00Accountability II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The idea of personal accountability is something that needs to become an issue of public debate because it is the foundation of all that our government does. Tony Blair spoke of welfare as becoming a "hand up and not a hand-out" an idea originally ascribed to FDR and the New Deal. At the root of this statement is a firm belief that it is the individual's responsibility to make their own way in life. It is the idea that one's success or failure is an individual responsibility and that the government's role is to offer a second chance and a level playing field. It is the idea that it is not the government's responsibility to ensure everyone's success.<br />
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This is the major divide between the left and the right at this point. When Tea Party members talk about "big government" they are really talking about the belief that the government's job is to protect all from any danger through regulation and legislation. The belief that it is government's responsibility to make sure that everyone can afford to eat three meals a day and live in suitable housing without even having to work if they can't find a job that they like. The belief that those who are more successful should share their financial success with those who are less successful by paying higher taxes, regardless of the effort put forth by those who are less successful.<br />
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Is this what we really believe? Is it true that people are no longer responsible for their own actions? Is everything controlled by our environment and everything bad that happens the result of actions beyond our control? Is that a reason for the government to control all aspects of our lives in order to "keep us safe"?<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=78067.10000179&type=4&subid=0"><img alt="florsheim.com (Weyco Group, Inc.)" border="0" src="http://www.florsheim.com/banners/FL468x60.jpg" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=78067.10000179&type=4&subid=0" width="1" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-24145597986129864322011-01-20T20:22:00.000-05:002011-01-20T20:22:06.539-05:00Accountability<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I was involved in an interesting conversation about accountability yesterday. A group of people were discussing the shooter from Tucson and how the media is looking for someone to blame for his shooting all those innocent people. The press is asking why the police officer let him go after stopping him for running a red light. Some Democrats are blaming Sarah Palin and other right-wing extremists for their "hate campaigns" against Democrats. (I would refer you to my previous post <a href="http://common-man-digest.blogspot.com/2009/01/intolerance-of-obama-supporter.html">Intolerance of the Obama supporter</a>). Other articles asked why his parents didn't intervene. Everyone is looking for a reason, someone to blame.<br />
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While I understand that we all want to understand why and how a human being could do this to people he didn't even know. It is human nature to want to believe that there is some outside force that would make people suddenly do bad things. If 9/11 and the ensuing terroristic acts taught us anything, it should have taught us about the ability of humans to just not care about others. In this case, as in many others, there is no one to blame but the actor. The shooter did what he wanted and in retrospect, there was little indication that should have led people to stop him. He is and should be held fully accountable for his own actions. Punishment should be dealt accordingly.<br />
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Thoughts anyone?</div><br />
<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=200671.10000145&type=4&subid=0"><img alt="CheapOstay" border="0" src="http://affiliates.cheapostay.com/banners/promo3/images/234x60.gif" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=200671.10000145&type=4&subid=0" width="1" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-91611119108502929512011-01-16T15:11:00.000-05:002011-01-16T15:11:20.455-05:00Remember TucsonIt's hard for those of us who don't live in Tucson to understand the deep trauma that the residents of that city are experiencing right now. Having lived through 9-11 and being able to see the towers belching smoke like two chimneys as I responded to Fort Lee, I can understand that no one feels the tragedy like those who live there. I watched in horror as the events in Oklahoma City unfolded, but then went on about my day after turning the tv off.<br />
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The people of Tucson have been violated. "One of their own" turned on them and killed 6 people including a 9 year-old child in front of a store that many of them shopped without thinking twice. They are now made to wonder, where will it happen again. They'll feel vulnerable and suspicious everywhere they go. Although many will say they don't think twice, they to will look around at the car backfiring or check out the strange looking person on the corner like they hadn't before.<br />
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All I can tell you is, we do feel for you but can never feel the way you do. I can also tell you, people of Tucson, it does get better. The cautious feeling doesn't go away, but the constant fear does. Be strong and ask for help when you need it.<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=56753.10000185&type=4&subid=0"><img alt="1-800-PetMeds RX/468x60.gif" border="0" src="http://www.1800petmeds.com/banners/linkshare/Max-Molly-RX/468x60.gif" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=56753.10000185&type=4&subid=0" width="1" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-14620612788448811012011-01-08T17:01:00.000-05:002011-01-08T17:01:18.986-05:00The Rapture vs MilkSo there is a group traveling the country trying to make us all aware that the biblical Rapture is going to start on May 21st of this year. Whether you believe that or not (which can be the subject of another post) it brings up an interesting idea. What would you do if you knew the world were going to end in just three months? Would you work to make amends with others? Would you enjoy time with family and friends? Would you quit your job and travel? Would you spend all your money? What would you do?<br />
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One would hope that if you could verify that the Rapture really were coming on a specific date, one would work to make themselves right with God and each other. After sitting out in front of the supermarket the other day, the day of a predicted 3-6 inch snowfall (hardly the end of the earth) I became disheartened about the state of humanity. I watched a people entered and exited the supermarket with an attitude that can best be described as controlled looting. There was an air of frenzy as people "stocked up" before the storm. It wasn't limited to a few people either as the parking lot had no extra spaces and, in fact, had cars waiting for others to pull out so they could zoom into the empty spot before someone else did. Is that really our reaction to upcoming hardship?<br />
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If that's how we react to an upcoming minor snowstorm, how would we react to end of the world? Thoughts anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000034388625&pubid=21000000000333700"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_impression?lid=41000000034388625&pubid=21000000000333700" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-19889775492254675102011-01-06T10:00:00.000-05:002011-01-06T10:00:00.306-05:00Being a good villagerIt is important to be part of a village, but in order to do that, you must be part of a village. A village doesn't have to be a geographical place of residence. It is anywhere you "belong". It can be your house of worship, your book club, your service organization, or your neighborhood. It is a group of people who watch out for each other and protect each other's interests. It is your circle of close friends.<br />
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What do you need to do to be a good villager? You need to notice. You need to be aware of when your fellow book club member is unusually hostile when discussing this month's comedy. You need to notice the balloons out in front of the neighbor's house. You need to make a note when you haven't seen someone in church for the past two weeks. You need to notice.<br />
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Once you've noticed, you need to approach. After book club, you approach the unusually hostile member and ask them if everything is ok. You stop by the neighbor's house and ask what special event they're celebrating with the balloons. You call your fellow worshipper and let them know that you've missed them. You need to approach.<br />
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Lastly, you need to care. You listen to the book club member with true empathy and a desire to help where you can. Maybe it's just by listening or maybe it's something more, but you need to want to help. You need to want to be happy for your neighbor. You need to be happy for your neighbor and be willing to celebrate with them. You need to be truly concerned that the fellow congregant is missing worship. You need to want to help solve the issue that's preventing them from joining you. You need to care.<br />
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It's important to be part of a village, but in order to do that, you need to be a good villager. Thoughts anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=146261.10005768&type=4&subid=0"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://images.apple.com/itunesaffiliates/US/generic/GreyPAIDApp_300x50.jpg" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=146261.10005768&type=4&subid=0" width="1" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-43353758791254433962011-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:002011-01-05T10:00:08.486-05:00Are you part of a village?Hilary Clinton told us years ago that it takes a village to raise a child. I would expand that and say that it takes a village to be a human being. Having just gone through the Christmas season where we were inundated with the stories of the modern day Scrooges and Grinches and that tried to ruin Christmas for everyone around them only to find out it was only because they were lonely, it is fresh on my mind exactly how important it is to be part of a "village".<br />
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We used to own our own small business and while there are many things that I don't miss about being a small business owner, the one thing I do miss is the feeling of being a member of my community. I was able to walk into other businesses and there was an immediate feeling of kinship. I would go around town and run into people who would say, "Hey, it's the video store guy" and we'd have a quick conversation about this and that. It made me feel connected.<br />
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I now have a different job, in the same town, but not as exposed to the public and I don't have that same connection to others in town. It really brings home the fact that we need to belong to some "village". We need to be recognized by others, we need to recognize others, we need to be connected. There needs to be a "Cheers" in our lives where we walk in and everyone yells, "NORM". It is my New Years' wish that you find your village.<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=205493.10000017&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Shop Disney Figurines at Precious Moments®" border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=205493.10000017&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=1" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-28283228664808851642011-01-04T10:00:00.000-05:002011-01-04T10:00:05.565-05:00The Hybrid Water HeaterRecently we received an e-mail from GE touting a new "hybrid" water heater. After reading the specifications, checking the online reviews, and emptying the bucket under my leaking gas-fed water heater, I decided to make the purchase. It cost $1500 (including tax) and that's with me picking it up and installing it. At this point, it seems that I'll get 30% back on my taxes and possibly at $250 rebate from the state of New Jersey. That brought the cost down to comparable to a regular gas-fed water heater and it uses less energy.<br />
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It's estimated to save me up to $30 per month in energy bills (which I think will turn out to be a little high but we'll see) which would make it pay for itself in 2 years and it comes with an expected life of 10-15 years. In addition, if we are able to put solar panels on the house, it'll save even more because we'll be using electric instead of natural gas.<br />
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Just another way to use new technology to "go green" and reduce both your carbon footprint and your energy costs. Thoughts anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=135071.10001073&type=4&subid=0"><img alt="Toys R Us" border="0" src="http://www.toysrus.com/graphics/promo/TRU/TRU_VG_728x90.gif" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=135071.10001073&type=4&subid=0" width="1" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-46738899426140293592011-01-03T10:00:00.003-05:002011-01-03T10:00:02.878-05:00Exciting things in the world of green buildingIt's been a while since we've discussed green products. Given the current state of home building and renovation, there hasn't been a lot of call for articles on green building. Nonetheless, there has been improvement in both products and distribution. A quick check of our favorite green distributor, <a href="http://www.greendepot.com/">Green Depot</a>, shows a widening selection of products available.<br />
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We have personally used some of the products sold by Green Depot including the recycled content drywall, recovered denim insulation, and low VOC paint. We found them all easy to use and equal or better than conventional products. The one disappointment is the VOC paint. We've found that the Home Depot's low VOC brand covers a little better than the SafeCoat brand. Otherwise, we highly recommend "going green" during home renovation.<br />
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A new product that we're currently excited about trying out is Viribright's new LED light bulbs. Retailing at about $10 a bulb with the potential of a 17 year life span and the use of only 11W to product the equivalent of 60W incandescent bulbs makes this bulb interesting. In addition, the promotional material states that it's instant on (unlike CFLs) and is recyclable (also unlike CFLs). It should be mentioned here that the Home Depot does have a recycling program for CFL bulbs. They should not be discarded in the garbage.<br />
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More info as it becomes available. Thoughts anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=174585.10000639&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Go Green!" border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=174585.10000639&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-65546604107795683842011-01-02T13:27:00.000-05:002011-01-02T13:27:58.572-05:00Welcome to a new decadeSo now we begin 2011 and the start of the second decade of the 21st century. It's amazing the things that have and haven't come to pass as we've grown up. According to what we read in the '70's, by now we were either going to be flying around in hovercars that were automatically driven by computers, or sitting in mud huts shivering in the cold, barely able to breathe the air because we'd used up all our resources and were swimming in our own filth.<br />
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It is indeed fortunate that the latter didn't happen and somewhat disappointing that we aren't flying (although they are working very hard on cars with auto-pilot). No one predicted that we would be carrying the internet in our pockets through cell phones, the PC wasn't even a concept then. CD's and MP3's weren't conceptualized yet. Terrorism was something that happened only in the Middle East. The Soviet Union was our biggest fear and catching syphilis was the danger presented by unprotected sex.<br />
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How things have changed. I'm asking you, blog readers, to submit what you think our next few years look like. Will Republicans shrink our government? Is it the end of the age of the US as a world power? Will we run out of energy? Will the icecaps disappear? Use your imagination and psychic powers and let us know what you think.<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=146261.10005934&type=4&subid=0"><img alt="iTunes & App Store" border="0" src="http://www.apple.com/itunesaffiliates/beatles/beatles_468x60.jpg" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=146261.10005934&type=4&subid=0" width="1" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-77823852894315367202010-12-20T13:41:00.026-05:002010-12-20T14:16:30.213-05:00Does it matter?Today's newspaper had a story about the "alarming" statistic that the majority of those that "celebrate" Christmas don't do so in a religious manner. In fact, the study found that many of those trimming trees and buying presents weren't even Christian. This was greeted with hand-wringing and dismay by several of the religious figures that were interviewed for the article.<br />
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So there are two things important in this article. One is the obvious commercialization and secularization of the holiday. There is the concern that the emphasis on Santa obscures the message of the birth of a Messiah. The giving of presents overshadows the giving of thanks and praise. This is all valid and worrisome. It's also partly due to the mainline religions sticking to dogma and perhaps missing the point.<br />
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In our jaded and overly scienced world, the idea of a virgin birth and a baby in a manger seems all to fairy tale and unlikely. Maybe it is, but does that matter? The idea of virgin birth in humble surroundings is common to many of the religions of the world, especially those originating in the Middle East. It is not unique to Christianity. Again, does that matter?<br />
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Isn't the point really that God provided us with an individual that was able to, for a brief span of time, show us what a world could be like if we realized the potential that we all have inside us in the form of God (Holy Spirit, soul, quantum particles, etc)? Does the surrounding mythology really matter so much more than the message? Does it really matter whether George Washington really chopped down a cherry tree in order for you to understand the message that he was an honest man of integrity? The story should not obscure the message. <br />
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Mainline churches would do well to begin to focus on the message of God's interaction and desire for us to fulfill our promise rather than the mythology. The story is nice, it makes a great pagaent, but it shouldn't be the focus of the holiday. Instead, the fact that God did provide us a glimpse of how it could work, how there could be peace on earth and goodwill toward men, how we really are all His creation. That should be the focus.<br />
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Thoughts anyone?<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=[SITE.CODE] &offerid=135071.10000058&type=4&subid=0"><img alt="Toys R Us" border="0" src="http://www.toysrus.com/graphics/promo/TRU/tru_120x60.jpg" /></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=[SITE.CODE]&bids=135071.10000058&type=4&subid=0" width="1" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-58764175408739954402009-10-22T11:00:00.001-04:002009-10-22T11:00:04.892-04:00Noblesse Oblige<span style="font-style: italic;">Noblesse Oblige</span> means the obligation of nobility. This is the concept that those who are more fortunate are required by their good fortune to help those who are less fortunate. It has been around since the Medieval Age where nobility existed. If we pay attention, we find that has become more and more interwoven into the fabric of American politics. The Democrats use it as the basis of their tax policy. It's behind the idea that the "rich must pay their fair share."<br /><br />Here's the question, who says this must be so? Why are those who work hard to become successful obligated to help those who aren't as successful? Why is it an "obligation" for the wealthy to give me some of that money? More importantly, if people are obligated to give away their wealth once they work hard to get it, what is the incentive to become wealthy? Lastly, what exactly is a "fair share" and who qualifies as "rich"?<br /><br />If the government requires that the more fortunate give a greater percentage of their income to the poor, what does that do to the concept of charity? Does giving a greater percentage of income to the government relieve the wealthy of having to support other charity? On the other side, what obligation do those receiving this redistributed wealth have to society? Should they have to contribute to "pay back" the gifts they have received from the wealthy? How do they recognize the sacrifice made on their behalf?<br /><br />Thoughts anyone?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=7097.10000071&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="LinkShare_468x60v1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=7097.10000071&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=1" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-54450941387714714032009-10-21T11:00:00.000-04:002009-10-19T23:35:29.868-04:00Save the holidaysA recent news article states that "reliable sources" indicate that Toys 'R Us is planning on joining KMart in opening their stores on Thanksgiving. It stated that 14% of the public wants to "get a jump" on their holiday shopping by shopping one day ahead of Black Friday. This cannot happen!!!!<br /><br />By shopping on Thanksgiving, you are stealing the holiday from all those managers and associates that are required to be there to help you. They have had to leave their family celebrations to come and help you save 15% or whatever the sale is that day. They don't get to play football in the backyard with their sons, or trim the Christmas tree with their family, or even just take a nap after eating the holiday meal because you need to shop a day earlier. Is this fair? Do you really need to shop on a holiday and steal those memories and family times from others? Is that what it's all about?<br /><br />In addition, if they can take away Thanksgiving, where does it stop? How about Christmas and Easter? I know we're a multi-cultural society, but do we really have to give up all of our heritage? Isn't there anything still sacred to us or do we all have to worship at the altar of the dollar?<br /><br />If you feel that Toys 'R Us is making a mistake, there are a couple of things I would ask you to do: 1) E-mail, call, or write their headquarters and tell them NO. Thanksgiving is too important to make their employees work. 2) Pass this blog posting on to as many people as you can so they will take action too. 3) If they insist on opening on Thanksgiving, let them know that you will take your holiday dollars to some other retailer that allows its employees to still celebrate their holidays with their families. Let them know that you will not spend your money in their stores from Thanksgiving to Christmas. There are plenty of other options....use them.<br /><br />Keep our holidays sacred and for family.<br /><br />Thoughts anyone?<br /><br /><a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplclick?lid=41000000022984288&pubid=21000000000117763"><img src="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplimage?lid=41000000022984288&pubid=21000000000117763" alt="Fannie May logo" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-78308768241083054102009-10-20T11:00:00.000-04:002009-10-20T11:00:01.261-04:00An Endorsement for NJ GovernorHaving watched as the candidates continue the mud-slinging that they purport to be a campaign, I've noticed a recent change that is exciting. There have always been third (sometimes fourth and fifth) party challengers and usually they are ignored. Suddenly, we've seen advertisements discrediting the third party challenger. Why is this significant? Because that means for the first time in recent NJ history, the major parties are worried that Independent candidate Chris Daggett actually could pose a real threat, that voting for him may not actually be the same as throwing your vote away.<br /><br />Ironically, the Republican's commercial led me to actually investigate Daggett by looking at his <a href="http://daggettforgovernor.com/wordpress/">website</a> and reading what he's about......thanks Republicans because I <span style="font-style: italic;">was</span> going to vote for Chris Christie till then. He's actually got some very common sense answers to a lot of our problems. He doesn't promise quick fix solutions and he gives you reasons for his programs. He also quotes some solid research for many of his positions. I think he could help us get some things done here in a state that hasn't done much right for years.<br /><br />Jon Corzine has turned out to be such a disappointment. The golden boy, businessman, hasn't run NJ like a business, hasn't made the tough decisions, and instead has followed the Nancy Pelosi left-wing class warfare line and taxed us into oblivion without fixing anything. I had hopes that he would be different and he was......worse than I ever expected.<br /><br />Chris Christie is also a party man who is more interested in bashing Democrats than offering solutions. Of the two major party candidates, I would pick him, but I think this is the best chance we have as voters to tell the major parties that it's not about fighting each other but instead it's about fixing the problems we face.<br /><br />Thoughts anyone?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2377715-10419322" target="_top"><br /><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2377715-10419322" width="468" height="60" alt="Subscribe to USA TODAY" border="0"/></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-17726949190197529142009-10-19T22:52:00.002-04:002009-10-19T23:02:01.693-04:00An important anniversaryI've had the opportunity to be in Virginia for a little-known but very important anniversary. Today, October 19th, is the 228th anniversary of the defeat of the British commander Cornwallis at the small Virginia village of Yorktown. It was the last military action of the American Revolutionary War which led to the eventual Paris Treaty which ended the war and created the United States of America.<br /><br />Sadly, there were no fireworks and no parades, yet the sacrifices of the men who marched 450 miles from their positions around New York to join with local militias and 5000 French troops in Virginia are key to the beginnings of our country. Let us take a moment to realize what these men achieved on a small outcropping on the shores of the James River. We owe them and all those that follow their example, a huge debt.<br /><br />May God continue to Bless the United States of America.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2377715-10383634?cm_mmc=CJ-_-2043632-_-2377715-_-Gallery_728x90_9%20Cent%20Prints" target="_top"><br /><img src="http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2377715-10383634" alt="Kodak Quality Prints for just 9 Cents" border="0" height="90" width="728" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-44387447981255700182009-08-02T23:41:00.002-04:002009-08-03T00:30:55.279-04:00Small towns in perilTraveling over the last week, I've had an opportunity to see a good part of our heartland. These are the "red" states. It struck me how differently we all view our country and how that affects everything we do. Here in the land of small agricultural towns, there is a sense of community. There is a sense of belonging and pride. I was amazed when I attended the St. Louis Cardinal game the other night that everyone stood and sang, with pride, the National Anthem. In New York, we usually miss the last few bars because everyone starts clapping. It's treated as the song you have to get through before the game gets started.<br /><br />It is this sense of "ownership" that is important. There are people across the country who spend thousands of dollars in therapy trying to find this connectedness that is prevalent in the hundreds of thousands of small towns across the heartland. They long to be able to walk into the hardware store and have everyone in there greet you. To make you feel like you're special, you're one of them.<br /><br />Now this way of life is in jeopardy. The small town of my grandparents is dying. It's downtown has been gutted by the Super Walmart that came in and destroyed family businesses that couldn't compete with the cheap crap imported from foreign countries. The town council tried to fight but who can compete with the legal team that has destroyed small town after small town across the globe.<br /><br />In addition, the lights and glitter of the "big city" have always held a fascination for the youth of these towns. Once any opportunity has been stripped away by the likes of Walmart, what is left but to move out. Sadly, these roots of America are withering.<br /><br />I wish I could write some words of wisdom on how to reverse this and save a vital part of our heritage but I don't. I can merely warn of impending doom and hope that readers will think and respond. One thing I can tell you, I don't EVER shop at Walmart!!<br /><br />Thoughts anyone?<br /><br />Universal Studios Store CLEARANCE - HD DVDs only $13.98! <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2377715-10442818" target="_top">Shop now</a><br /><img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-2377715-10442818" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-12363339435901777512009-08-01T10:55:00.004-04:002009-08-01T11:05:53.653-04:00Knowing what's importantI've had the opportunity this week to visit good friends from college in Chicago and to attend a family reunion in rural Southern Illinois. I've also spent time wandering around my college campus (Illinois Wesleyan University -- I would highly recommend it to any college seekers). All of this has brought home the importance of relationships.<br /><br />My friends and I were laughing about some of the issues we fought for (and against) while in college and were amazed at how important they seemed to be at the time and how unimportant they seem to be now. I'm sure if we look at what is important to us now, in ten years, we'll be able to laugh about how trivial those same issues seem to be then.<br /><br />The point of all this rambling is, what has really endured over the past 30 years is the connections. Connections to friends and family that have kept us moving forward through all of those seemingly "critical" issues that come and go each day. I guess it's important that we worry about jobs, mortgages, and other daily life issues, but it's equally as important to make time for those who are truly important.<br /><br />Although it was challenging to get four families from all over the country to the same place at the same time, the four hours of laughing and reminiscing refreshed and invigorated us to go and face the world. It reaffirmed an anchor and more importantly, the kids got to meet and get to know each other. The families are beginning to become intertwined for longer than just 4 years in college. Who knows how important that tie will be in future generations.<br /><br />Thoughts anyone?<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&offerid=146839.10000089&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Shutterfly.com" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=uRuzlf*wv3A&bids=146839.10000089&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=-1" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1501906638547847695.post-87934403620885448642009-04-14T00:28:00.003-04:002009-04-14T00:39:07.197-04:00Another Deception from VerizonToday my mother was reviewing her FIOS bill from Verizon and found a line item for something called "here!" for $7.99. A look on the computer finds that it is a movie channel dedicated to gay programming. Seeing that neither she nor my late father are/were gay, she was outraged and called Verizon for an explanation.<div><br /></div><div>The first "customer service" person that she talked with offered no explanation and would not offer any credit (it seems that this has been on her bill for a while and no one noticed with the recent passing of my father). When she off-handedly said that Optimum was looking better all the time, the representative told her to "go ahead, switch". She then asked to talk with someone else.</div><div><br /></div><div>After talking with them for a minute or two about how to return a cable box, she asked again about "here!". The representative explained that it was on her bill, had been for a while, and he couldn't do anything but take it off going forward. She then asked when the work order was placed to add it and who authorized it. The representative checked with his supervisor and was told "That was something we added to everyone's bill and there was no work order." At this point my mother became outraged (rightly so......that's called fraud) and the representative was suddenly able to credit her bill for all of the past months.</div><div><br /></div><div>CHECK YOUR VERIZON TV BILLS!!! They are one of the most DECEPTIVE and DEVIOUS companies on the planet and deserve to be put out of business immediately!!! Where is the FCC??</div><div><br /></div><div>Thoughts anyone?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplclick?lid=41000000011284665&pubid=21000000000117763"><img src="http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/tplimage?lid=41000000011284665&pubid=21000000000117763" border="0" alt="" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-dcwq"> </SCRIPT></div>Common Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05618464030642998386noreply@blogger.com1