By chance...

well, surely vick deserves this...

2009-11-10T12:49:00.002-05:00

If you're already feeling a bit ill, you may want to bypass this story from the Associated Press.
Talk about no justice!
I sure hope Vick can sleep a bit better now, knowing that he won't be out in the street. Of course, since he's not happy with the Eagles, maybe it also will entice everyone involved to send him packing.
One can only hope

======

A federal appeals court is backing the judge who ruled against the NFL and let quarterback Michael Vick keep more than $16 million in roster bonuses from the Atlanta Falcons.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday affirmed Judge David Doty's order saying Vick had already earned the bonuses before his dogfighting conviction, so the money wasn't subject to forfeiture.

Vick served 18 months in prison and is now with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Doty has long handled matters arising from the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. After Doty ruled in the Vick bonus case, the NFL accused him of bias and sought to end his oversight of its contract with the players union.

The appeals court says the contract should remain under Doty's oversight

goodbye to Prue

2009-11-10T12:14:00.000-05:00

Returning from vacation is always bittersweet. You’ve been away from both the stress and tedium of “everyday” life.
Schedules have been tossed aside, pleasant surprises encountered, memories revived.
It’s a time to relax and recharge; a chance to dream and stretch your mind.
But there always seems to be that pull toward home; the point when you actually are longing for a return to the familiar.
And even as you yearn for some of the pleasantries of home, you’re already wishing that your vacation was just beginning.
My daughter and I recently returned from a week in Vermont, and our time there was truly savored.
But we knew before we even left for our trek north that when we came home we’d have some not so pleasant business to address.
This summer, as I’ve mentioned before, two cats (male and female, of course) decided to take up residence in our yard. When Gary and Wotsit, as they were dubbed, arrived, the female already was “great with child”; well, make that plural.
She actually had three “children” and two survived. One found a new home with nearby friends; the other, of course, now lives with us.
We wanted to trap the mom and have her spayed before anymore kittens appeared, but we weren’t quick enough. And somewhere along the way, Gary suddenly disappeared, despite having been a loyal husband and dad.
But Wotsit was even larger as the second birthing loomed. This time, she presented us with five kittens. Thank goodness for Stray Cat Blues, who offered to help us trap Wotsit and have her spayed, and take the kittens into its system for adoption. She would then be returned to her “feral” home.
All this was to happen the Sunday after we returned from vacation. We had become fond of the kittens, feeding them, picking them up and petting them. But we could not absorb five more kitties.
So Linda from Stray Cat arrived, we picked up the kittens and quickly snared Wotsit ... and off she went for her operation. All went successfully, and she’s now back at our house; woefully alone, but not willing to become a house cat, apparently.
And bless Linda, for putting up with Wotsit’s yowling for a few days before she could be returned after her surgery.
But all of this was even more difficult because, the day we returned from vacation, we also dealt with a much more wrenching crisis.
Prue, my daughter’s 15-year-old black cat, had been boarded at the vet while we were gone because of his medical needs.
Ever since she was given the cat when he was a kitten, he had a heart murmur. But that was never a problem. However, in recent years he was diagnosed with diabetes and an overactive thyroid.
Our lives were scheduled around his need for insulin and thyroid pills twice a day, never more than 12 hours apart. And he also had to eat a certain amount of food when receiving his insulin.
But Prue was such a sweet boy that you could never begrudge this regimen. It did, however, mean he needed to be boarded when we traveled. And he obviously had turned on his charm at the vet hospital, earning pretty much free roam and the attention of all involved.
The day we returned home, my daughter picked him up at the vet. He immediately appeared to suffer diabetic shock, but the usual treatment had no effect. Rushed back to the vet, tests revealed grave concerns.
He was kept overnight again, and the next day brought harrowing news. His chest had to be tapped; his lungs were in bad shape; his lymph system appeared to have shut down. Cancer had struck.
We were overwhelmed by the sudden onset of symptoms; it was as if he had waited for his beloved mom to return.
There was no choice but the final goodbye. It was devastating. How do you bid farewell to such a gentle soul?
It was hard to believe that in the span of just a few days, we had lost our dear Prue and had to bid adieu to our kitten family.
Vacation was most definitely over. Bittersweet can barely describe it.
Autumn, our beloved season, had brought to a close the summer of the kittens. And the life of our sweet and gentle Prue.

here comes santa claus...

2009-11-04T12:18:00.002-05:00

Hear those bells? Yes, Santa is on his way. Really.
Never mind that we just went trick-or-treating. Santa shows up at the Montgomery Mall this Friday night, with a parade that starts at 6 p.m.
Then he'll be holding forth, waiting for all the kiddies and their wish lists.
In this economy, you'd think his time at the mall would be shorter, not longer.
Hope the kids have been told to keep their lists realistic.
If only the people who decide when Santa shows up could do the same.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-31T19:19:00.001-04:00

LOVE this holiday -- eat too much candy, watch Sleepy Hallow and remember all the fun you had as a kid!!
Nothing evil... just simply enjoy!
It's a great holiday...

vermont was great

2009-10-28T19:50:00.002-04:00

A week's vacation in Vermont truly is heaven... and it was great to see some snow on the the top of Mount Mansfield. For a few days, the road over Smuggler's Notch even was closed... it then reopened, but will close for the winter, as it does every year. If you've never been over the notch, you MUST go... and you'll see why it can't stay open once the snow flies.
Trekking around cemeteries, visiting the Bread and Puppet Museum, strolling through Burlington, sipping the wine, relaxing at Pie in the Sky and being served a drink at the local movie theater -- yes, that's true -- is all part of the fun of Vermont.
The peace and beauty are the real reasons to go, however.
But, now it's back to work. Memories and dreams sustain, however.

pause, view, think...

2009-10-15T05:47:00.001-04:00

I hope you will check out Post Secret, support this important project and be kind to others...

Let's not rush...

2009-10-13T07:44:00.002-04:00

There are plenty of movies that I could watch over and over again.
“French Kiss” with Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan is one of them.
And one of my favorite lines from that flick comes when Ryan’s ranting to Kline’s character about her ex-fiancé’s new girlfriend.
The interloping woman is French, and her winning ways include saying “yes when she means no and no when she means yes.”
Ryan flips out and says that she can’t do that; that she has to be straightforward.
“Use the corresponding face for the corresponding emotion!” the frustrated, jilted Ryan seethes.
I feel her pain.
No, it has nothing to do with getting dumped by someone who has traveled to France and is swept off his feet by a pouty beauty.
It’s the whole “corresponding” issue that drives me over the edge.
It happens a lot, thanks to retailers and the way they look at the world.
Now that it’s October, and Halloween is approaching, followed by Thanksgiving in November, it’s happening again.
And this is always the most irritating occurrence.
Just when you finally get to enjoy the cooler days of autumn, feel the crunch of fallen leaves under foot, pick out the perfect pumpkin and await visits from candy-hungry ghosts and ghouls on Oct. 31, the stores must disrupt your reverie.
“Hey, it’s almost Christmas!” their displays scream.
Buy your decorations now! Look at this lifelike artificial Christmas tree! Don’t put off buying those presents; do it today!
It’s the same every year and I should just accept the inevitable.
But I love autumn.
The leaves are beautiful; the clouds take on a new persona; there’s a totally different aroma in the air; the heat and humidity are gone (well, for the most part).
Lawn-mowing is coming to an end and there’s something comforting about snuggling those delicate plants back into the house and spreading straw around those that can weather the winter.
Watching the deer and squirrels compete for the countless acorns that have fallen in our yard is an enjoyable pastime.
And autumn always spurs pleasant memories of high school football games and college activities.
So why can’t we just enjoy, say, even a month of this season without singing and wiggling Santas greeting us as we enter stores?
Why can’t we return to those halcyon days when the holiday shopping season kicked off the day after Thanksgiving, and not a moment sooner?
Why can’t we be allowed to savor the “corresponding activities for the corresponding season,” to paraphrase Meg Ryan?
Maybe we all should just pout.

STOP, STOP, STOP

2009-10-06T07:16:00.002-04:00

ANYONE RECOGNIZE THIS SIGN?
I didn't think so -- at least not the two people who blew through these signs coming onto Susquehanna Avenue in Lansdale around 7 this morning.
Special thanks go to the jerk who almost rammed the driver's side of my car... nothing like near death to get that heart beating!
Come on, people. It's not that hard. S-T-O-P ON A BRIGHT RED SIGN ... come on, what does it mean? Yes, you must put your foot on the brake and bring your car to a full ... STOP!
Police shouldn't have to waste their time monitoring intersections, but it seems more and more like drivers are too stupid to figure out for themselves what they're supposed to be doing.
So perhaps stepped-up enforcement is the only answer.

PROUD MUM

2009-10-02T07:58:00.003-04:00

OK, time for a little self-indulgence.
I'm very proud to say that my daughter has her own show at the Indian Valley Public Library in Telford during October.
The two photos you see above are "Harbinger" and "Frost," and are among the show offerings.
I'll provide some information for you, but first want to say that she has worked hard to produce these photographs -- a real labor of love. Working in black and white -- with film, not digital -- out in the "field" and in the darkroom is her passion.
And I hope some of you will take a few minutes this month to check out this show.
Yes, I'm biased. Mothers are allowed that.
But her photographs also are beautiful and thought-provoking.
And yes, I'm proud of her!

Now, here's the info:
====

“Here,” a collection of black-and-white photographs by Danielle Breaux of Upper Salford, is on display at the Indian Valley Public Library, 100 E. Church Ave., Telford, through Oct. 31.
Much of the work focuses on the interplay of empty spaces and light and shadow. Breaux has shot extensively in cemeteries in Pennsylvania and Vermont, as well as local environs.
Her current work is centered in the coal region of Pennsylvania. Subjects range from headstones and cemetery statuary to reverse images and quiet nooks of forgotten places.
Library hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call (215) 723-9109.

happy ending...

2009-09-30T16:56:00.001-04:00

... at least for this kitty..
Let's hope stories like this cease to exist.
Maybe Michael Vick could help out at shelters to make sure that happens...

The Associated Press reports:
A cat found wrapped in duct tape in a North Philadelphia yard has a new home.

Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals spokeswoman Liz Williamson says the gray tabby, nicknamed "Sticky" by animal welfare workers, has been adopted. Williamson says the family who took the cat wishes to remain anonymous.

The cat was found Sept. 22, wrapped neck to tail in silver duct tape. She was mildly dehydrated and had to be sedated while the tape was cut off.

Nineteen-year-old James Davis faces charges of cruelty to animals and possession of an instrument of crime in the case.

Davis is in custody awaiting a psychological evaluation. He faces up to two years in prison and a minimum $1,000 fine if convicted.

GOOD NEWS!

2009-09-29T07:47:00.003-04:00

At least there is some good news on the duct-taped cat, who fortunately also is doing well.
But police report that James Davis, 19, has admitted to taping the cat from neck to tail after he spotted it in his yard Sept 21 in Philadelphia.

He was arrested on animal cruelty charges.
The cat has been spotted by a woman, who took it to the SPCA. The animal, nicknamed Sticky by animal welfare workers, was dehydrated and had to be sedated while the tape was cut off its fur.
The owner is still being sought.

Davis faces up to two years in prison and a minimum $1,000 fine if convicted.
THAT SHOULD BE THE MINIMUM. Lots of psychological counseling also should be required.

unbelievable!!

2009-09-26T17:17:00.001-04:00

Two nasty things today that I can't believe.
First, to the idiot motorcycle rider at about 11 a.m. Saturday heading down Route 63 in Harleysville, heading toward Lansdale.
YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PASS CARS ON THE RIGHT JUST BECAUSE YOU WANT TO GO FASTER.
This ... um... stupid excuse for a cyclist did this several times. Then, at a red light, passed three more, myself included, so he could squeeze in at the front of the line. He almost got hit further down the street.
This gives a bad name to all cyclists.

And then the GROSS, HORRIFIC event... Someone threw a box into our field with skinned out deer remains strewn all over the place. I called the state police, who were very quick to come out and said they'd call the Game Commission to have it removed.
But i can't help but wonder if this is an "editorial comment" from people who don't like the fact that we post our fields with No Hunting signs... seems odd that two of them were just removed this past week and thrown into the field as well.

sick person!

2009-09-24T07:43:00.003-04:00

Who in the world would do something like this to an animal? Some sick person in the Rhawnhurst section of Philadelphia, obviously. This poor cat was covered in duct tape and dumped in a yard there, according to the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
A $1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person who wrapped the female cat is being offered by the PSPCA.
Luckily a woman found the cat and took it to the humane society, where it was sedated and the tape removed.
Staff at the shelter have named the cat Sticky.
"This is a very very very sweet cat," George Bengal, of the PSPCA, told Fox News. "I can't imagine someone doing this to this cat. I mean, this is a domestic cat. Obviously, it was owned, it can be handled very easily."

Anyone with information on the crime should contact the SPCA's Cruelty Hotline at
(866) 601-7722.

I certainly hope someone comes forward and turns in this sicko.
And then an "appropriate" punishment should be offered.
Are you listening, Michael Vick?

this is fall?

2009-09-23T09:37:00.002-04:00

I feel cheated!
Today is the first FULL day of autumn and what do we get? Hot, humid weather!
No fair!! I suffered through August's hot, dank days, focusing on the promise of cool, crisp weather.
OK, Mother Nature. I'll let a few days slide. But please ... enough of the heat and humidity!

eagles -- for shame!

2009-08-14T07:18:00.002-04:00

LET THE DOGS OUT ... DON'T WE WISH THIS PHOTO WERE TRUE??
I can't believe how low the Eagles have stooped. Michael Vick? Are you kidding me?
How about bringing T.O. back to join him?
Vick is beyond being a low life and Eagles fans should show their outrage by staying away in droves.
The sad thing is, of course, they won't. Even sadder ... lots of people think Vick is great and the only thing that matters is winning a football game.
Maybe they would like to read this column we ran at The Reporter recently.
Or look into the eyes of a defenseless animal...

====

Down with dog killer Vick

Some people just cannot wait for dog killer Michael Vick to return to professional football. The only thing this inter-species sadist deserves is universal derision.

Let’s recap exactly why the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback pleaded guilty to running a dog-fighting ring, earning him 18 months in federal prison and house arrest until July 20.

Vick helped kill eight dogs and injure dozens of others. According to his federal court filings, “Vick agrees and stipulates that these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts of (co-defendants Purnell) Peace, (Quanis) Phillips and himself, Vick.”

Other legal papers detail Vick’s anti-canine savagery.

In a Statement of Facts related to his Aug. 17, 2007, plea agreement with federal prosecutors in Richmond, Virginia, Vick’s co-defendant Quanis L. Phillips (a.k.a. “Q”) admitted that “In or about April 2007 ... (Purnell A.) PEACE (a.k.a. “P. Funk”), PHILLIPS and VICK executed approximately 8 dogs that did not perform well in ‘testing’ sessions at 1915 Moonlight Road by various methods, including hanging and drowning. All three participated in executing the dogs. PHILLIPS agrees and stipulates that these dogs all died as a result of the collective efforts of PEACE, PHILLIPS and VICK.”

The July 17, 2007, federal indictment against these three degenerates states that their dog-killing methods also included electrocution and “slamming at least one dog’s body to the ground.” The indictment added that on April 25, 2007, the following items were discovered at Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennel: “...approximately 54 Pit Bull Terriers, some of which had scars and injuries, appearing to be related to dog fighting (and) a ‘rape stand,’ a device in which a female dog who is too aggressive to submit to males for breeding is strapped down with her head held in place by a restraint...”

Dogfights, dog rapes and dog executions — all in a day’s work for Michael Vick.

It might be one thing if Vick were out carousing with friends on a Saturday night, drunkenly stumbled into a dogfight, and foolishly threw down a $20 bet on one dog or another. That might qualify as “a mistake,” as Vick breezily described his role in this carnage.

It is quite another thing to organize these things on one’s own property, and for profit.

Nonetheless, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally reinstated Vick. He may practice immediately and could play by Oct. 18.

While the souls of these dead pups look down in disgust from Doggie Heaven, Vick’s apologists sing his undeserved praises.

Responding to reports that Vick faces a four-game suspension before resuming play, Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens said: “The guy’s already suffered so much. And to add a four-game suspension on a two-year prison sentence, that’s ridiculous.” He later told ESPN: “The commissioner needs to go sit in jail for 23 months.”

As USA Today reported, Owens recruited other footballers to support Vick via Twitter. Their rampant errors of grammar, spelling and syntax are preserved here for posterity:

“im in support of mike vick too man,” wrote Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald. “I wanna c him back in action being the human highlight file he is. Im with ya bro.”

“Never heard him complain or wine,” remarked Minnesota Viking tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. “Let the man play.”

“He did time and lost his shoe deal,” pleaded Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett. “Dear Commissioner please reinstate mike vick.”

Having completed his prison sentence, Vick is even-Steven with Uncle Sam. Now the private sector must address this man’s evil.

Vick does not deserve any prestigious position of visibility, glory, or adulation.

Any team that hires this dog killer should be boycotted by dog lovers and decent people everywhere, as should that team’s sponsors. If he ever enters an athletic venue, he should be booed off the field, out of the stadium, and beyond the parking lot.

Rather than resume his multimillion-dollar sports career, someone somewhere should hand Michael Vick a mop.

Deroy Murdock is a columnist with Scripps Howard News Service and a media fellow with the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace at Stanford University. E-mail him at deroy.Murdock@gmail.com.

stupid man, poor dog

2009-08-11T07:50:00.002-04:00

Stupid people seem to abound in this area, and this morning's award goes to the guy driving the white utility/pickup truck down Allentown Road, then turning onto Wambold Road, about 6:45 a.m.
Yes, you... the one who had what looked to be a black Lab in the back of your truck. I followed you out of Elroy and the poor dog kept trying to keep his footing among the various items and boxes in the back of your truck. I couldn't tell if you had a leash tied somewhere... not that that would matter.
What do you think would happen to this poor pooch if you had to stop quickly or were in an accident?
If you don't want the dog in the truck with you, leave him at home.
Obviously the dog is a lot smarter than the human in this scenario. Too bad he couldn't drive and leave the guy in the back, sliding from side to side.

triplet fawns???

2009-08-07T10:46:00.002-04:00

I had a pleasant surprise this morning when I looked out my bedroom window. A small fawn was slowly walking past, obviously heading to where I put seed out for the birds.
I moved to get a closer look and saw another fawn. Ah, twins, I thought. Then I saw another one. Figuring the moms must be close by, I got a different vantage point. But there was only one mom, eating the bird seed, as expected. I looked around a bit, assuming I'd see another ... but there was none.
So, could these be triplets? Or perhaps this deer was just baby-sitting for a friend.

Ummm... what do you think?

2009-08-06T19:38:00.002-04:00

OK, I breastfed my daughter a million years ago. But this doll... well... the whole concept seems a bit creepy...
Here's some info:

Spanish toy manufacturer, Berjuan, has introduced Bebe Gloton, supposedly the first-ever breast-feeding doll. Translated Baby Glutton, it comes with a halter top for the doll's owner to wear. The top is adorned with two daisies, strategically placed. When the doll is near the flowers it makes sucking sounds.

dang, I missed it!

2009-08-04T08:14:00.003-04:00

Somehow, I forgot all about tuning in Monday night to see the return of "Jon & Kate Plus 8." Or is it "Jon cavorts, Kate fumes, kids run rampant"?
At any rate, it seems we are not going to be spared, the family still is going to get all sorts of gifts and now there is a kitchen remodeling going on in their huge home, so Kate heads off for a vacation with the kids.
Just like in real life.
In case you want to catch up, here's an Associated Press story to help you:
=======
Reality TV mom Kate Gosselin says she feels a sense of peace after making the decision to separate from her husband, Jon.

So should fans of "Jon & Kate Plus 8," who may have fretted that this family-oriented reality show would be jeopardized by the co-stars' estrangement. For better or worse, the TLC series is as warm and fuzzy as ever, if two new episodes that aired Monday are any indication.

The episodes marked the end of a hiatus that began in June, when the Gosselins revealed to a huge audience of 10.6 million viewers their decision to split. The TLC network said then the couple needed time to "regroup," an odd word choice for partners in a broken marriage.

But having regrouped, the show is now focusing, as before, on everyday family activities with the couple's eight kids (5-year-old sextuplets and 8-year-old twins) — even if their mom and dad are "separately parenting" (another TLC term).

With a kitchen renovation project under way at the Gosselins' Pennsylvania compound, Kate fled the chaos with the kids for a beach in North Carolina. Jon stayed home to oversee the construction.

"It's kinda strange," Jon said. "We're remodeling our kitchen in the middle of our separation."

He added, "The decision to have the kids at the beach and me at home gave us a break to think about what we need to do as parents for our kids."

Then, when Kate and the youngsters returned home, Jon had taken his leave.

"This was my first official turn with the kids," Kate said. "It didn't feel very much different. It just felt more like the future."

Kate supervised a camp-out for the kids in the yard.

"This is a very, very difficult time right now," she told the camera from her interview chair, a change from the couch she and Jon had shared on the series in the past. "But my main goal is to make this transition as easy and painless ... for the kids as possible."

As co-stars of TLC's biggest hit, Jon and Kate also have been magnets for the tabloid press since their marriage began to crumble.

But "Jon & Kate" fans (and TLC) needn't worry about scandalmongering from the outside world. The show still tells its own squeaky-clean story. The show's opening still has Jon declaring, "It might be a crazy life," and Kate chiming in, "But it's our life."

On "Jon & Kate," it's almost as if nothing in life had changed.

fond memories

2009-08-02T15:09:00.001-04:00

“Back when I was a kid....”
That’s the phrase that makes every young person cringe. I know, I used to feel the same way in the days of my youth.
But as a boomer, I find myself saying that more and more. And I’m sure there are lots of people cringing every time I do.
Hey, at least I’m cognizant of the fact.
Really, though, I find it both fun and a bit comforting to lose myself in those days of yore every now and again.
And when the early days of August roll around, I always find myself thinking back to the years I spent in 4-H, since the annual 4-H Fair is held at this time.
This year is no exception. Montgomery County’s 4-H Fair runs Aug. 6 through Aug. 8 at the center in Skippack, and when I read the press releases they send it immediately takes me back.
Of course, “back when I was a kid,” there was no 4-H Center or pole barns or horse show rings or ... Well, you get the point.
For many years, we had our “round-up,” as it was called back then, on the grounds of the Worcester Elementary School. There were so many exhibits that some of them also had to be housed in the Farmers Union Hall at the edge of the school grounds.
Tents were put up as shelter for the large animals and as “show” areas for them. Other projects were displayed in the school.
Growing up on a small farm, I always had Jersey dairy animals, and other 4-H projects included chickens, pigs, flowers, vegetables, geology, entomology and the like.
Of course the pig round-up was held in the beginning of September at what had been the Hatfield livestock auction. Because there was no actual “ring” to show them in, cars and trucks were parked tightly together to fashion a makeshift show area.
Ah, yes, we had all the latest amenities.
But no one cared. The 4-H program was huge and it was a time when there were still lots of farms in the area. When I was in the dairy club, for example, we had three different clubs to accommodate all the members.
And when you stood in a line for the “fitting” contest with your animals — to see how well you had washed, clipped their hair, cleaned their ears and otherwise “manicured” them —it seemed to take forever for the judge to make it to your spot.
We had so much fun back then. The 4-H activities included roller skating at Menlo Park in Perkasie, hayrides, Halloween parties, trips to Penn State for competitions, late nights at district and state animal shows —and yes, a lot of work.
But it was all worth it. And it sure beat today’s obsession with computer and video games.
There’s so much I haven’t even mentioned, like the never-to-be-forgotten week in Washington, D.C., filling out “blue forms,” helping the younger kids as a teen leader, “liberating” that sign from the Farm Show building dorm that reads “No lights or alarms before 5:30 a.m.,” washing cows at 4 a.m., learning how to milk, searching for fossils at Deer Lake or coming back from a hayride and trying to explain how all that straw got stuffed down inside my clothes.
Hey, it was all good clean fun. Honest.
My days in 4-H have left me with lasting memories. I hope the “kids of today” are experiencing the same.
And don’t forget to check out the fair next week. It may just spark some memories for you, too — or prompt you to get your kids enrolled in a great program.

put down the cell phone!

2009-07-31T07:07:00.002-04:00

This is just a "thank you" to the woman who nearly plowed into me Thursday afternoon at the corner of York and Cannon avenues in Lansdale. Yes you, the person speeding and chatting on the cell phone.
You managed to slam on the brakes when you realized I DID NOT have a stop sign and was in the intersection. But even I couldn't believe it when I saw you fly through the red light moments later at Valley Forge and Whites Road ... still on the phone!
If you don't care about yourself or other drivers, at least consider those kids you had in the back of that black SUV.
PUT THE CELL PHONE DOWN AND OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD!!!
P.S. This goes for all drivers.

sad day for eagles fans

2009-07-29T09:34:00.002-04:00

OK, I can't claim to be a true blue, er, green Eagles fan. I do usually watch the games with a bit of pleading, I don't understand football all that well and it's frustrating to see the Eagles lose.
But I always admired Jim Johnson, even with my limited gridiron knowledge.
So my sympathies go out to his family, friends and Eagles fans at his passing.
First the Phils lose Harry Kalas; now the Eagles lose Jim Johnson.
A sad day indeed.

Another loss...

2009-07-24T08:20:00.004-04:00

The North Penn/Indian Valley region is losing another company -- this time it's Visteon in Worcester Township. Some people may remember it as Ford Electronics or one of its earlier presences in the community.
But, by year's end, the plant is to be shuttered and about 300 people will be out of a job.
This has been coming for some time; in fact, one story from The Reporter's files from 1995 told of 120 workers to be laid off at the Ford plant, bringing a loss of 370 jobs for the year.
In that 1995 article, it noted that the Ford plant had ranked fourth in The Reporter's Top 100 list of the area's largest employers for the year, having 2,300 workers.
Another one bites the dust. More area people without jobs.
A sad time indeed.

a moment of silence...

2009-07-23T10:41:00.002-04:00

Ah, the tiny dog that everyone loved during its much more than 15 minutes of fame has gone on to roam in greener pastures. What a sweetie, this little dog...

According to an AP report:

Gidget the Chihuahua, the bug-eyed, big-eared star of 1990s Taco Bell commercials who was a diva on and off the screen, has died. She was 15.

Gidget suffered a massive stroke late Tuesday night at her trainer's home in Santa Clarita and had to be euthanized, said Karin McElhatton, owner of Studio Animal Services in Castaic, which owned the dog.

Although she was hard of hearing, Gidget was otherwise in good health up to the day of her death, eating well and playing with her favorite squeaky toys at the home of trainer Sue Chipperton, McElhatton said.

"She was retired. She lived like a queen, very pampered," McElhatton said.

Gidget was found at a kennel and wasn't show quality, McElhatton said; she had an undershot jaw and huge ears.

But Gidget knew she was a star, McElhatton said.

"She was a prima donna, basically. She absolutely knew when she was on camera," McElhatton said.

In a 1997 Taco Bell television commercial, Gidget was seen as a male dog who, through the magic of special effects and a voice actor, proclaims in a richly accented voice: "Yo quiero Taco Bell" — Spanish for "I want Taco Bell."

Viewers were charmed. What was supposed to be a single ad became a campaign that ran from 1997 to 2000.

The ads made the Taco Bell mascot wildly popular, although they provoked criticism from activists who accused them of promoting Hispanic stereotypes.

While other Chihuahuas had bit parts, McElhatton said it was Gidget who got the closeups and the quips (Carlos Alazraqui was the voice).

Gidget traveled first-class, opened up the New York Stock Exchange and made an appearance at Madison Square Garden, McElhatton said.

In later years, she did other acting work, appearing in a 2002 commercial for the insurance company GEICO and in the 2003 movie "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde."

She remained the object of affection after her retirement, going on hikes and beach visits with her trainer. She aged gracefully, and liked nothing more than to snooze in the sun.

"She was like a little old lady. She'd kind of gotten smaller," McElhatton said.

Gidget will be cremated, McElhatton said. Her owners had not decided on a final disposition of her remains. Taco Bell Corp. said in a statement Gidget would be missed by many. "Our deepest sympathies go out to her owners and fans," the company said.

RIP michael

2009-07-07T07:46:00.003-04:00

I'm not of the correct generation -- at least in my opinion -- to be a Michael Jackson fan. I like all types of music, but The Beatles reign supreme in my world.
But when my daughter was very young, she LOVED Michael Jackson. She had a "leather" jacket, she had a Michael doll, she had a Beta -- yes, Beta -- tape of "The Making of Thriller" which included "Thriller," and which we watched a million times.
The Jackson crush faded as her musical tastes evolved drastically, but there was still an admiration for much of his work.
And, besides, Weird Al had lampooned a few of his songs, so that made it even better.
So with that history, perhaps I should understand what the heck is going on right now.
I don't.
Michael Jackson's memorial service is today, but you know that won't be the end of it.
I get that there is much controversy over his death, but should that really rate him all of this?
At the risk of being killed, I have to say no.
He WAS a remarkable talent. He could sing and he could dance.
I feel sorry for him because of the lack of childhood and the misery he must have endured.
But I still don't get all of this wailing and gnashing of teeth.
I was devastated when John Lennon was murdered.
MURDERED.
And I mourned George Harrison's death as well.
But at least dignity and respect were the hallmarks of their passing.
Not a media event that, undoubtedly, will become part of the movie/spectacular that's in the works and that will ultimately rake in even more money.
I feel sorry for Michael in many ways.
I just wish people would let him rest in peace, instead of deifying him.