"Grandfatherism"

Capitalism, Socialism, Patriotism, Feminism, Communism, and many other isim's, are used everyday, and the meaning of each can be found in Websters dictionary. I would like to introduce two new ism's in addition to these ism's, and an explanation to these ism's that is unlikely to be found in in any dictionary. These would be the word "Grandfatherism", and the word "Drakeism".

History teaches us that certain great men were responsible for their great contributions that helped shape and change the world around them, and in America one of those great men would be Abraham Lincoln. On the other side, history also discloses many not so great men whose names will not be mentioned because of the unworthiness of their actions.

In America today 95% of all people over the age of 65 who have adult children, also have grandchildren. That's about 60 million Americans!  Did you know that the average age at which Americans become grandparents is 45 and that a majority of men expect to become grandfathers at age 52? That means men today can expect to spend the majority of their adult years in this very important role.Researchers have found that grandchildren who have a close relationship with a grandfather are likely to perform well in school, display positive emotional adjustment, have higher self-esteem, and a greater ability to develop and maintain friendships.

Grandfathers have lots of wisdom and life experience to draw from.They have seen events and changes come and go. Even their mistakes can have a positive purpose. Because grandfathers are one step removed from direct disciplinary and parenting responsibilities, grandchildren tend to be more relaxed, more open to sharing, and may ask more thoughtful questions of their grandfathers. As grandchildren grow, they make attempts to learn about their world, their family, relationships, and society. A grandfather's perspective, formed from years of experience, can help guide, inform, and influence the growth and development of his grandchildren.

Grandfathers can have a powerful influence on their grandchildren by teaching about perseverance, loyalty, hard work, patience, and sacrifice from their many life stories. Grandfathers have lived through wars, hard times, cultural changes, and technological revolutions and may tell their stories in a lively, engaging way that allows the story do the teaching. For those grandfathers who may not feel they have much to tell from their own life experiences, sharing simple stories about how they grew up and lessons they learned in life can help grandchildren to recognize and appreciate the generations who have gone before them, as well as develop new values. While stories may cause grandchildren to think about personal values, a grandfather's actions are important too. Grandchildren are observers, and they can learn powerful, lasting lessons from watching a grandfather go through life with a sense of humor, dignity, and generosity.

Grandfathers in America have always played an important role in the lives of their grandchildren, as well as many other contributions to others who may have been part of their daily lives. In the last few decades that role seems to have diminished to the point as to seemingly unimportant, being replaced by the new weapons of mass distraction, which are decreasing the time that should be used teaching life skills to their grandchildren. These great men are needed more now than ever in American history and need to get back in the race. Grandfathers are the last line of defense to secure the perpetuation of human values and morality to future generations of young men and women growing up in this land of the free.It is time to say enough is enough, let us show you the way.

"Grandfatherism" needs to be established as the society of  men of a certain age who will establish, enable,  and pass on the moral code that will lead our future generations of young people to understand the true meaning of giving of themselves to help others, and to volunteer their lives for the better good of their common man. Grandfathers need to set these standards and be the examples, both of which they will leave behind as their contributions to humanity.

In most cases grandfathers possess three very important ingredients needed to establish the strength, durability, and longevity of this mission. These three ingredients being, time, genorosity, and the wisdom to establish this new "ism" into the fabric of American culture.

It is time to get off of your easy chair, the golf course, and of course set the right course. Get out the photo albums and share stories of the past.  There should not be the same excuses, just another day.

Oh bye the way, "Grandfatherism" just so happens to be a "Drakeism"

"Grandfatherism", an ism whose time has come.

A Gift From Germany-----"Priceless"

When we think of Germany we most often think of superior engineered automobiles, beer, steel, warm friendly people, and a host of other accomplishments. Although these may be true, allow me let you in on a little known contribution by one German immigrant who was ahead of his time, and to whom I am eternally grateful. His name is Alfred Dolge.

If it were not for Alfred Dolge I would not have the heartfelt memories of growing up in Dolgeville New York. Alfred Dolge's destiny was my destiny and my love and devotion for this small historical central NY village has always been with me, and will be until the day I die. The streets I stroll down in Dolgeville are my streets of memory lane. How sweet are the memories, I cannot begin to count them, and they will live in my heart forever.

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Born in Chemnitz, Saxony on December 22 1848, he entered into an apprenticeship into his fathers business at the age of 17 and pursued his high school studies at night. He came to what was at that time called 'Brockett's Bridge' in 1874 in search of a suitable location for felt manufacturing. He would often take the train from N.Y.C. to Little Falls and snow shoe to Brockett's Bridge, where he felt he had come home to his native Germany.

In 1887 the citizens in this small community which grew from around 320 to over 2,000, unanimously petitioned Washington to change the name to Dolgeville. At that time in upstate N.Y.'s history, Alfred Dolge's contributions to America were born.

 His philosophy was inspired by the readings of other great men of his timeand  Alfred instituted a form of what we now call social security, for at that time his dream was to create an idealistic utopia. His philosophy developed further when around 1876 he began to set up a pension plan, which later on added life insurance, paid by the employer. It was also at that time that he instituted a program of earning-sharing,whereby an employee received a portion of his earnings according to his contribution in brains or the value of his work. These earnings were not to be turned over until retirement, but was to be re-invested. These brilliant ideas earned him global attention. Where's Alfred when you need him?

A German immigrants contributions to America? Priceless.
 

The Golden Rule---Still Golden

Today in America it seems we need to be reminded of a moral code that has always been a great teacher of how must live our lives. This code which tops the list of how we should always conduct our lives, should be galvanized into our children lives at the earliest age possible.

There are many ways for us to express the meaning of this code, the following being; "one should not behave towards others in a way which is disagreeable with ones self". This is the essence of morality. Perhaps the most common and recognized combination of words is, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Whatever way one chooses to remember this code means nothing until we integrate it into the fabric of who we really are and how we enlighten the lives of others. It can also be put another way. Expect from others that of which you bestow upon them.

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If one chooses to study philosophy, sociology, psychology, Christianity, atheism, science or any other path to enlightenment, it really comes down to morality. The way we choose to treat others is the only moral code that we need to be teaching because it is the foundation upon which we will be able to create a whole new generation of children who will learn to care about others. It is our only hope to bring peace to Mother Earth.

We live in this great America now, and now is the time that we are equipped with all that is necessary to bring peace. Each one of us has a moral duty to see that this run for peace begins in the republic of "The United States of America". We exist now and it is about time to make our ancestors proud of what they left behind, "The Golden Rule", still so very right and so very golden.

No more excuses, take the first step, you will be golden if you do.

Talk About What You Care About

 Every discussion we have begins with an emotion and a reaction to that emotion that is trapped inside of our heads. When we have a discussion we have choices as to the words we use and what direction we would like the conversation to be headed.

It is evident in most of the discussions we Americans are having in public seem to be about the big news stories we read about or listen to on the technology highway. These media stories are raising havoc on the way we process information on our way of trying to discover the truth. Because of all this bad news we allow ourselves to listen to, we choose to discuss all the news stories the media decides is in our best interest to have to digest and discuss.We need to have discussions about things we care about most, and  how we can solve our own problems in our own lives and in our great nation. Remember being a good listener is just as important as delivering good dialog.

We need to start digging inside of ourselves to start discussing the things that matter most to us, not just what the media decides is best for us. When we say yes we need to mean yes, and when we say no we must mean no.

How each of us can change the world that surrounds us everyday and make it better has to become the meaningful conversation of the day. For if we are to make these necessary changes, we need to have the correct dialog. On of the ways to start is by getting to know your neighbors and the people you work with and begin to build a lasting relationship every day. Open the door to your life to them , it can begin as easy as putting a smile on your face and saying good morning. Yes, it's that easy.

When is the last time you took a walk across the street or next door to visit your neighbor to find out if there is something you can do to make their life easier? Bringing a gift that will satisfy a sweet tooth will open a huge door for a sweet life conversation. We need to do this and it needs to be done right now, today. Don't make today a day of the same excuses, just a different day.

Open that door and once it is open and you get in talk about the things you REALLY care about and that really matter. Then and only then is when we can build a stronger America.

America is you and you are America, let the changes begin.

Social Changes--The Time Is Now

It is time in America that we understand that we have the power and resources within us to spark social change. There seems to be the mind set that this is an impossibility and cannot be done. This is a direct result of the dire warnings we are getting from all the wrong sources. We need to seek out the measurable data that shows us how, for one example, to increase empathy in our children. We need to be more understanding of why we do what we do. Hello

Is it possible to prevent child abuse, bullying, and chronic homelessness? The answer to this question is a very large yes. This is just one example.

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The first line of defense to prevent bullying of course begins in the home. We can reduce bullying in schools right away away by increasing students' readiness to learn. Teachers need more time to teach in the classroom. Schools need to increase recess time in order for children to learn how to control their impulses and bad behavior so they will learn how to get along better with others. This along with more frequent visits to the gym will teach them how to resolve their differences peacefully. We now have well conducted studies that will reveal that these things work.

We need to get smarter about the way we address social issues. Most people's views are shaped by big news stories, we need to seek the meaningful stories that most times get lost or go unreported.

We need to recognize that a key to social change is is to turn great ideas into great organizations. Find entrepreneurs who are passionate and driven to build these social change institutions.

We need scores of of organizations that build a coordinated effort to agree on the same principles and measurable goals that can only be achieved by working side by side.

Let us begin to get the job done.

Drake


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Intellectual Debates --- Mumbo Jumbo

Living in America today we live with the wondrous idea and privilege that we can make our own choices. This morning I made a conscious, or unconscious choice, to watch and listen to two separate debates, both on pretty much the same subject. That subject would be simply one's personal view on how life began, was it God and creation or the big bang (Science's theory).. I have my own personal view on that subject and anyone who knows me would know my answer to that question.

It is not my answer to this question or my personal beliefs that this is all about. Its about simple answers to some very hard questions and beliefs. After spending a better part of two hours of this intellectual farting back and forth among these four renowned PhD professors, I discovered one thing. With all their degrees and experience debating this subject, they left doubt in my mind, any of them even possessed an ounce of common sense. That even armed with all their degrees and mumbo jumbo, they left me feeling empty, not wanting more.

You can find these debates on you tube, I highly recommend you do so .

Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris debating 'morality and science', and William Lane Craig and Alex Rosenberg debating 'is faith in God reasonable?'  I would suggest that you may want to make a choice to participate in viewing these two debates. They may shed some light on this subject to you, they left me in the dark.

My point is this, and I would love to ask all four of these men one question. What do you personally do every day of your life to help your fellow man, and if you do, does this purpose come from the evolution of man's morality, the need to help others, or does this morality originate from outer space (GOD). Even if someday science proves without a doubt they are right, why in the meantime does it seem morally impossible to bring peace to this planet called earth.  I personally believe these intellectual men, atheist's in particular who believe in evolution, must have brains that have evolved past good old fashioned common sense.

'George and Gracie'--'George and Gracie'

In October 1950 America was introduced to George and Gracie, a loving couple who starred in the George Burns and Gracie Allen show. George and Gracie filled homes in America with the love and laughter they shared with one another, and left behind such humorous situations in which only they could deliver.

Here is just one example:
Gracie was on her way to the hospital to visit George's sister, and on her way out the the door George reminds Gracie to make sure she takes his sister flowers. Upon returning she is carrying a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. Curious George asked Gracie where she got such a bounty of flowers. Her reply: 'When I was leaving for the hospital you asked me to take your sister flowers'.They were part of the beginning of iconic humor that stormed across America in the some of the best years in America, the 1950's. Humor to last a lifetime. George and Gracie's real life marriage was a great example of what marriage is all about, love and devotion.

In October 1960 in Auburn New York a new George and Gracie got married, solidifying the true meaning of this stout American tradition, holy matrimony. Gracie came to America at the tender age of 14 on the infamous ship 'Andrea Doria' with her family from Sicily possessing only a pocketful of hope and miracles. Equipped with her hope and hard work she ultimately owned and operated a very successful beauty salon business from which she has since retired.

Of course let us not forget the love of her life George, the man whose hand in love she took in marriage back in those good old golden days. In the traditional way this young couple met because of the spiritual connection between their two families, a connection that has given them the strong foundation on which they successfully built their lives together. Again following tradition, they named each of their children, Laurie after George's mother and Sammy in tribute to George's father.

Two great marriages, two George and Gracies. Strong marriages that had all the right ingredients to sustain one our most important life experiences.

By the way Gracie, Happy Birthday from Bob and Micki.
Now say good night Gracie.

Before There Were Hippies There Were Beatniks

                     There are still some hippies walking around today; older but wiser now, and we still walk in the truth rather than blindly accepting what the establishment tells us to believe in.

                  Before the hippies there lived a generation of young people in who gave birth to non- conformity; they were called Beatniks. They dressed in black, wore berets and sandals for the most part, and called coffee houses in their meeting place.

                A generation that made a difference in the world of the day. Today we only get hints of the current generation's concerns and awareness about global warming and going green.
They are quiet; nothing like the generations before them. Maybe a generation will visit again, perhaps once they come up for air and look away from their weapons of mass distraction. Until then, we shall remember the beatniks and hippies as cultures that not only wanted change-but created it.

Drake

Damien---'The Meatball Dog'

Dogs are a gift from God and they come into our lives to bestow upon us the gift of unconditional love. Sometimes they are sent to a young boy so he will always have that snap shot memory of his first dog. This gift was bestowed upon us by our beloved family dog Damien. When we say all dogs go to heaven, sometimes I wonder if we really believe that or understand it's true meaning. I for one really believe that dogs do go to heaven and we are the recipients of the love and heartfelt memories they leave behind. After all, isn't what we leave behind what life's all about anyhow?

I make reference to Damien as "the meatball dog' simply because every Sunday he would be first in line to test my meatballs to make sure they were good enough to be scarfed down by humans. I am quite sure that he had some Italian blood flowing through his precious veins, his heart filled with the love only he could leave behind, filling our hearts with the memories of him that each of us can cherish each and every day.

Let us not forget this great champion of love and dedication for he has taught us one of life's greatest lessons, unconditional love is the only reason we live, and sometimes in life it takes the memories of a loving dog to allow us to share our love with others. The gift of memories are all we have to leave behind when we get the call. He had the heart of a lion, the soul of an angel. He was family.

We don't always get the chance to say good bye to our loved ones before we go, even though we know we must and should. As humans we actually get to use our voices to speak to those we leave behind and tell them how much we love them. Mighty Damian could not speak or bark the words of love, but at the moments before he left us he was alone with his master, and got to send his eternal love for him to live in his heart forever. With his last glimpse of his man love, he closed his eyes and took his final breath.

God bless you Damien, thank you for your gift to us of your unconditional love for us, you will live in our hearts forever. If there is a heaven and they have meatballs there, I am sure Damien will be first in line.

For some of you who haven't heard this before, dog is God spelled backwards, not to be taken lightly.
Let us never forget, the love for a dog and his love for us is a piece of the fabric that holds America together.

Good bye Damien, sleep in heavenly peace.

Freedom--An American Foundation

The current feeling in America which transcends down through our history has always been about our cherished freedom. This desire to protect that freedom at all costs continues to live as a strong philosophy and way of life in America as the norm. That strong desire still is alive and well  in the hearts of most Americans.
This freedom from oppression which brought the many from across the ocean years ago is what is the fiber that brought about the Declaration of Independence. For this prized freedom many Americans paid with their blood sweat and tears, many with their lives.

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Yet, in the name of freedom, wars have been and still are being fought, laws have been broken and individual rights of citizens have been violated. In doing these things we risk limiting the results of freedom for doing what we do 'in the name of freedom'.

When in America we can no longer see her wrongdoing, freedom begins to evaporate. In order to preserve our freedom we need not sacrifice the freedom of others . When we dilute the 'right to choose' with  limiting the real truth, we begin to weaken our belief in the freedom we so desperately want to preserve.

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We need to replace selfish pride and a grandiose living with a desire for the truth, and send out an mighty call to healing. This partnership of truth and liberty must be forthright in order for freedom of the many to remain for future generations.

We must be strong in our pursuit of freedom for it is at the core of what makes a great nation, but also be alert to the fact we must also nurture strong alliances with other countries. Only through this balance with other nations can our freedoms be preserved.

America's greatness must not only be remembered by her history, but by her future.

"Meet Me in St Louis"----Simple Virtues For Today's World View

In America today we seem to be searching for meaning in our lives but we somehow just don't know where to begin. Well, a great way to begin is to watch the American classic film "Meet Me in St.Louis", featuring an all star cast including the legendary iconic American actress Judy Garland, along with Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor, Tom Drake, and featuring what could be considered  a perfect supporting cast. The cinematography in this movie will leave you breathless. This film will make you long for the "good old days" when life in America wasn't perfect, but a whole lot simpler;
a life that too many people in America feel has been taken away with the winds of time. Nothing could be farther from the truth.The winds are shifting back to a quieter time driven by the need to understand that American history is more than just dates and events. First we must take a step back, begin to find out who we are and what is most important in life, and then we will be equipped to move forward to save our most precious traditional values.

The setting is the St Louis Exposition 1904 and details the endearing story of a family in a time long past that comes together and realizes that there's no place like your hometown. When the patriarch of the family decides to keep his family values enamored by not accepting a great promotion from his law firm to move to New York City, the chain of events that leads him to make this decision will fill your heart with pure joy.

This comedy, drama, musical delivers a perfect view into American life when simple virtues were paramount and life had true meaning, the meaning we seem to be searching for today. All of the wonderful events taking place in this classic, must see movie, leads the entire family down the road to realize that home is really where the heart is and a true heart is where a true home lives. Family relationships are really what this film is all about and includes brilliant lasting examples of flirtation, shyness, courtship and good old puppy love.

Now is a good time in American life to clear your calender of events, call up a bunch of people you love, and pop the popcorn lovers popcorn. Indulge yourself in a time long ago in America when deep family values were what set us apart as a nation, beckoning others from around the world to join our family and make us stronger.

Follow the music in this embraceable intoxicating movie to discover among other things, that when boy meets girl, love is just around the corner.

Seabiscuit--- Symbol Of Hope

Recently I had the pleasure of watching the movie Seabiscuit (2003) and at one moment in the film I came  to a realization. There is a distinct similarity to the lack of hope that existed in 1938 during the Great Depression and the lack of hope that exists in the United States today. The difference I discovered is that during the Great Depression there arose a horse and horse race that from the moment the two steeds dug their hoofs into the track that day of the match race, til the final strides that brought them to the finish line,  hope was restored to the multitudes after witnessing an undersized thoroughbred who was claimed to be an underdog, beat the mighty horse War Admiral who possessed Triple Crown winning power, by 4 gaping lengths. A great example that life sometimes seems like a horse race where we always seem to be racing to our own finish line.

Seabiscuit didn't look like much-small in stature, inauspicious, the butt of stable jokes, but possessed a heart that held the hope of the sea of humanity that watched the race that day at Pimlico from both sides of the track. There on that historical day at the track were forty thousand hopeful Americans, and millions all over the globe listening on the radio. This one event was the most electrifying and popular event in sports history in 1938, making it the most popular news story of that day ahead of FDR, Hitler and Mussilini.

What happened at that racetrack that day was something that was not supposed to happen. With the ring of the bell War Admiral, one of the quickest break away horses of his day, was supposed to take the early lead and finish the race with Seabiscuit only getting a perfect picture of Admiral's hind quarters and rear end. Instead and suddenly, the unanticipated event happened. It would be Seabiscuit would take the early lead on that fateful day, and when War Admiral did get neck and neck at the back stretch, the mighty Seabiscuit got a glimps of the Admiral's eyes and assumed the offensive. It was  jockey George Woolf the famed rider atop the mighty mount Biscuit who at that moment in history coined the phrase "so long Charlie". Seabiscit would not yield his destiny. When it came to the home stretch it was the heart of Seabiscuit that took him into overdrive and it was War Admiral who got to see what a great undersized Thoroughbred  looks like from the back end. When the race was over we may assume many thought they should change War Admiral's name to "Rear Admiral".

That anticipated race and the winner Seabiscuit secured the hope for the future that Americans were looking to find at that remarkably important time in American history. The hope that even a small person can overcome the odds and skepticism of the few, and find the heart and endurance to win the big race. Maybe today we will need another great horse race to bring us the hope we need because it seems a Presidential race will not foster that hope that will lead us to the finish line like the immortal Seabiscuit did.

May we all make it to the finish line in time together.

 

Grand Hotel---People Come, People Go

Sometimes in our lives we are up and sometimes we are down. People come, people go. Nothing ever seems to be happening. Nothing ever seems to change. Maybe its because we don't take the time to really see what is happening right in front of our very eyes. Maybe its because we should make an attempt to include others into our lives. People come, people go because we let that happen. When nothing ever seems to change, it is time to start changing things. What a great script for a movie.

A great example of this can be found in the great American Classic movie "Grand Hotel" (1932). Berlin's most extravagant and expensive hotel sets the stage for the words spoken by Dr. Ottenschlag (Louis Stone) when he says, "People coming, going.Nothing ever happens." One mans dismal outlook on life.. Rent the movie and watch what really happens. A gem of a movie that must be seen.

As the movie opens and starts to unfold you meet Doctor Ottenschlag (Louis Stone) who is usually so drunk that he misses seeing that the Baron von Geigern (John Barrymore), a Baron, mind you, who is totally broke   steals eccentric fledgling dancer Grusinskaya's (Greta Garbo) pearls, and later on confesses to the crime. He gets caught in her room where she is ready to end her life and utters the famous line "I want to be alone". He interrupts her suicide, she forgives him and he ends up stealing her heart as well, and of course they fall in love.

Watch how a powerful German businessman, Preysing (Wallace Berry), brow beats Kringelein (Lionel Barrymore) a terminally ill bookkeeper working for his company, but in the end Kringelein gets the upper hand. Meanwhile, the baron also steals the heart of  Preysings mistress Flaemmchen  (Joan Crawford) who plays a stenographer working for Preysing, in the end of the movie he doesn't end up with either one of them.

This classic movie delivers a classic message that still resonates in America today. People come, people go. Nothing seems to happen. Let's not let that happen.

Together we can make it happen. Include someone into your life today. It is time to start changing things.

The Gift Of Freedom----Priceless

Within the challenges that face Americans everyday lie the distractions that keep us from seeking where our freedoms came from, and why we need to be grateful for these freedoms. Seeking the truth to finding the answer to these questions will eliminate the need of weapons of mass distraction that lead us down the road to discover our true destiny. The destiny of America was not shaped by a few men who became the signers of the Declaration of Independence, it was shaped by all the people who partook in the separation from the British and arrived here infused with a higher purpose of hope  of what they could possibly become.

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Today that hope and purpose is still the cry of many and needs to be heard. The freedom not to do what is best for us, but what is done for the hope of the many shall be the new song to be sung.The freedoms of today are as priceless as they were in the days of our ancestors who came here to build the bridges to these freedoms. Freedom is not just another word, it is what sustains us a nation and global community; it is not something you can take to the bank, it is something we can bank on, only if we choose to preserve it. Our only hope for an America at peace is to teach our children -not by just our words, but by our actions,  that when all freedom is lost, we will cease to survive.  After all, we need not look any farther than our history books to unlock the doors of many human events that have dared to try and rob us of one of our most precious reasons to exist.

Let us awaken to the need to protect and preserve the freedoms upon which America has been built and to propagate and protect the fundamental principals on which we stand.

Mighty rings the bell of freedom in America.

Love Is A Many Splendored Thing

 
Websters dictionary is one of the easiest places to find the definition of the word love. The word love has probably been one the words most often used by humans since the beginning of recorded time. Yet to just say the word is not enough to sustain us through even the worst of times. We need to show the love.

Showing the love is such an easy thing to do but most of the time we find it such a difficult task to make it a daily event. It's the little love shows that really mean the most anyway. The hug done the right way is undoubtedly the best way to show someone how much you love them because it encapsulates the body and the soul, while immediately lowering your blood pressure.

Loves little shows consist of the simple jesters such as doing the laundry, grocery shopping and countless other errands, bringing someone a bouquet of flowers especially when they least expect it, go with them to see a movie they have been dying to see, a cup of coffee or tea somewhere and give them your ears for as long as they need them. You can add to all this love and do the rest because the list is endless.

Love is a many splendored thing , the reason to be living.
 

Thoughts Become Things--Choose The Good Ones

Every day we have to make choices that always begin with the thoughts we have in our heads. More often than not our heads contain too many negative thoughts particularly if we allow them to seep into our process of thinking. Since we do have a choice as to how we process these thoughts, within us lies the ability to choose the good ones. Choosing the good ones allows us to light the flame of happiness that exists in all of us.

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Let us begin to light that flame. We are America, the land of plenty. I am strong, I am proud, I am the flame of endless possibility. I am freedom, I am golden opportunity, I am prayer and I am gratitude.

I am blueberry muffins, I am playgrounds with cherished children, I am Fourth of July parades, lawn chairs and iced tea on the front porch. I am friends coming over for coffee , fresh baked pie and a little talk. I am rolling hills, tall grass with milkweed and the smell of new mowed hay drifting past from a nearby farm.

I am America! I am me.

Real And Permanent Good--We Need A Song

A song from the heart written about real and permanent good is a song I personally would love to be able to write. If I could and were a song writer I would probably begin by sitting down and begin to take a look at my life and accumulate all the real and good memories that I could remember and jot them down on a piece of paper. I imagine at that point I would begin to visit my own walk down memory lane, and could begin a personal life journey that would help me find the words I would be looking for to write a song to share with the whole world.

In order to find, realize and live a life of real and permanent good, I believe all of us must sit down and at least try to write that song, and soon we will begin to discover who we really are, that we really matter, and that without me the puzzle is incomplete. Then and only then can we begin to live a life of that is filled with love and understanding of who we are.

If we are to be real we need to live a life that is genuine and free of pretense and full of affection. If we choose to live a live centered around permanent good it must be lasting for an indefinite period of time without essential change.

I have begun to write my song and it is about you.

Looking Up At Freedom

Freedom is not the right to do what we want, but what we ought. Let us have faith that right has "might" and in that faith let us; to that end, dare to do our duty as we understand it. Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) Politician, President Of The United States.

Freedom is worth fighting for and sometimes if we are lucky enough, we get an opportunity to see it captured on film as we take a look at a 20 year old father and Army Corporal Tony Fallico's photograph circa 1955. Just as Tony and thousands of America's "Mighty Men" returned home safely from the Korean war, he snapped this symbolic picture shot from the deck of the Marine Serpent just inside the safety of the Golden Gate bridge. With the click of his camera shutter he never realized at the time that years later what he had taken captive on film would endear the hearts of his loving family and friends to share forever; that exact moment when he and his fellow soldiers arrived in safe waters from an aggressive war that was fought for the freedom of another country, and to help prevent communist aggression from spreading to his homeland.    

This picture is just one of thousands taken on that overcast day by one soldier and will forever remind him that freedom is what matters most to all of us, especially upon returning "From the shores of battle to the shores of freedom." We can only hope all the other great young men returning from battle will find their own memories captured in a Kodak moment snapshot. These snapshots would be taken by young men who dared to do their duty as they understood it. To these young soldiers we shall be eternally grateful. 

Let freedom ring and let us answer the call.

Seeking Him

The destiny of mankind hinges on seeking the truth about who we are and why we do the things we do. We need to seek the truth, and in order to do that we must be seeking him. What is my purpose for being here on this planet called earth is the biggest question we can ever ask ourselves and it can only be answered by the process of discovering God. Most of the time we spend here we just live a life of doubt and speculation and listen to all the negativity that is shown and thrown at us.

Today and every day we have the opportunity to seek the truth and that comes down to making the right choices. To discover who we are is the only way to teach our children how to discover who they are. We can only do this by seeking him and on this search is where we will find truth and unconditional love.

Christmas is a perfect time to begin this life's journey within yourself to be a part of something so much bigger than who we are. It is time to celebrate the real reason for the season.

God is Christmas and Christmas is God. The time has come for us to accept his love.

Love Worth Finding

Love is not just another four letter word, nor is it just observed and given in the words in a Valentine Card on Valentines day. Love is what sustains us through the most difficult of times, and love is the essence of God, thus God being the essence of love. The only hope we have to begin to heal the wounds from the tragic events taking  place all over America to our children every day and to sustain order and peace in our great nation, lies in the hearts of  it's people. That hope is called love, and that love must be deposited deep into their tender hearts from us from the moment they are born. This love is a love worth finding, but first we must find this love within ourselves.

To deny our children of this love is not an option anymore, it is an urgent necessity, and it has to begin right now, today. We must move closer to God and the child in us so we can begin to understand the true meaning and the power of this love. Only then can we lovingly infuse this love into the life blood of our children. Do we owe them any less?

Perhaps if we look at in a very simple way. Picture each one of us as a love seed. If we were to be swept up by the wind of love maybe we would be lucky enough to land in the arms of a loving God. From the arms of God it will find its way into the hearts of our children.

We cannot allow the media and other evil perpetrators to suck them into a world that they consider the new way of life in the United States of America. The idea that anything goes here is unacceptable and we must insist our children will grow up in a safe America, and through our commitment to love them unconditionally as God loves us, they will grow up  living in a loving family called "America".

We have no choice and we have very little time for lip service, the time has come to show the love.

The Past---A Great Christmas Present

At Christmas time we all seem to be looking for the ultimate and most meaningful gifts for our loved ones not realizing one of the best gifts we can give is a gift from the past. A gift that is a part of our local and American history is one that keeps on giving to generations to come. Learning about ones past history can open doors that will lead us on a journey to discover how we can begin to build lasting relationships, as well as secure a strong foundation for America's future. We as her building blocks with the wisdom we will discover from the past can achieve the hope to create the path that our great nation must go down. Discovering our past will lead us to a stronger present and a better future.

I grew up in a wonderful time in American history in a small historical village I remember lovingly as Dolgeville New York. The celebrated and recognized history of Dolgeville can show us how an immigrant from Germany made enormous contributions to this peaceful village and to the America we love today.

Alfred Dolge was originally an importer and manufacturer of piano materials and later became a manufacturer of felt products. This great man instituted a program of Earning-Sharing whereby an employee received a portion of the earnings according to his contributions in brains or the value of his work.This was not to be turned over until retirement, but was to be reinvested. The pension plan was non-contributory by the employee. The employer paid all.

Because of Dolge, Dolgeville had these:
First Social Security, 1876
First felt slipper and shoes made in America, 1881
Second electric dynamo run by water power, 1879 (Edison's was the first dynamo)
First public kindergarten in New York State, 1889
First park system in the Dolgeville area, 1876
First upstate village lighted by electricity, Dolgeville 1891

Need I say more?

Now get into that history book or better yet get into that search engine supported by 4 tires and get going. History waits for no one. There's a little Alfred Dolge in all of us,we just need to find it. Let's make our present a great past for others who will follow.

Democracy---America--Let Us Stand As One

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Today, the principals and core values that were present at America's birth still beat deeply and strongly within her lifeblood and heart. For some people in this great nation there seems to be the opinion that these ideals that sustain us to this day, have been left behind, by the "beat" generation. If this is true, we must now begin to re-energize that heartbeat.These principals and values are also being watched by the rest of the world to see if we can sustain this deep rooted democracy, that today, seems to be coming up-rooted. For the standard is still being held high by some around the principals and ideals that America continues to hold true and dear. The some needs to become the majority. 

There seems to be a slow moving fear among the many,that these principals and values seem to be eroding with the dawn of each new day. What is crucial at this time is to remain true to the principals which form the heart and blood of what has become the essence of America. We must not give into this fear, we must not let it divide us, we must replace this fear with love, trust, and faith, that will strengthen our core values and will not allow this great nation to become less than the "Statue Of Liberty"

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Let every heart know that what once was foundation upon which this nation was built remains strong and true. This foundation shall stand in pursuit of its own destiny and will continue to be the "light of the world."

Christmas For The Child

What do you remember most about Christmas when you were a child? Was it Christmas Eve with all the anticipation of how many gifts just for you from Santa would be in a neat pile, thinking he really DID read my list. As you were trying to force yourself to get to sleep you realized that letters to Santa really DO matter. Does the aroma of all the home made food made by a loving mother linger in your head remembering you always ate too much. Was it the once a year heavenly smell of the freshly cut Christmas tree you got to pick out with just you and your dad, that you got to decorate some times all by yourself?

When we were young boys our parents would load up the car with hidden Christmas gifts in the trunk of the car and Dave and I would be off to our aunt Nettie's house in Utica to await the arrival of Santa on Christmas eve, always wondering how would he know we weren't going to be at our house. Ask him when we get to the North Pole was the answer from the front seat.  One night we were afraid to peek out at the tree because we thought we heard Santa delivering all the gifts on our list. We even pretended that we got a glimpse of him drinking the milk and eating the cookies we left out just for him. I can remember one Christmas asking; how did Santa get down the chimney when there was not a chimney in Aunt Nettie's house? The answer was because he can and you can ask him how he does it when you visit him at the North Pole.  Christmas day was another joyous day filled with lots of presents and more home made Italian food than you can even imagine.

But what I remember the most was the love.

I believe it is such a wonder when we can see Christmas through the eyes of a child. Christmas is that magical  time of the year that always seems to bring out the child in all of us. The Christmas music and movies we could experience and only dream about was when St. Nick came to OUR house. We as parents must most definitely cherish the opportunity to build life long happy memories for our children so that some day they will pass on their love for their children at Christmas time.

Only love can be the carrier of our children's walk down Christmas's memory lane, because isn't love what Christmas is all about anyway ?

Let the magic and love of Christmas linger in your heart all year long and find someone to share that love.

My brother Dave is no longer with me but the memories of the Christmases we shared together still live deep within my heart. This holiday season please share your memories of Christmas past with your friends and especially with your children. It will be the best present they will ever receive from you.

Merry Christmas Dave, sleep in heavenly peace.

One Picture---One "Mighty Man"

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Mighty Man ----Abraham

In a recent blog I wrote about what I believe it takes to be considered a "Mighty Man". After watching with astonishment Spielberg's latest blockbuster "Lincoln", it goes without question that our 17th President personifies my definition of a man who is not just an ordinary man, but a "Mighty" one.

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Mighty is the man who changed the course of this great nation; he recognized and understood that bringing slavery to an end would open the door to end the Civil war and bring peace to America. I can't even begin to imagine what the history books might have written about the course America would have taken had it not been for divine intervention that gave this just man the will, determination, and guidance to put slavery in its final resting place.

The things that struck me the most were his humor, passion, and his compassion for equality for all mankind. He appeared to be such a gentle and loving man; despite the fact he was fighting depression he seemed to be seeking to find God in his later years. I believe he was sent here at that time in American history to change the tide of current events and lived to at least fulfill his destiny.

I would think that anyone upon seeing this movie would have a life changing experience. I did.

Patriotism---A Tale of Diversity

There is a word that needs to circulate more within America to establish the credibility and morality of those who should claim it. The word is "Patriot". Those of us who claim to be patriots are proud of this attribute. It is considered to be aligned to what is morally right. Such things as moral value, goodness, kindness and courage to seek the truth, lie deep within the conscience of a patriot.

Much of the meaning of the this word patriot belongs solely to those who honor it's true meaning and does not belong to those who disagree. Today this exclusion of others not considered to be patriotic seems to play a role in polarizing the American way of life today. If we are to move forward we all need to move toward the true meaning of patriotism.

We must build on what it means to be a patriot which has become to be a variety of things to different people. Some attributes are stronger in some individuals than in others. Some of the things that the word patriot has come to include:
love for one's country
willingness to defend her
understanding and commitment to the ideals upon which she was founded
desire to rectify the mistakes that were made in the past
commitment to obey with respect the founding documents
faithfulness to the constitution

Although we may disagree with these principals and the practices of past and present governments, we must respect everyone's point of view. America is not one thing, but many things. Patriotism is not one thing , but many things.

Trust and believing in the good that lies within all Americans will re-establish her might. Love for America has many colors and we must join together to work toward a common good.

Mighty Men --The New Spark

The call is going out now in the United States to find the solutions to all the problems that are plaguing us and threatening our role in the world as the leaders of world peace. The call is coming but it is not coming from Washington DC, it should be coming from every man who calls himself a man. We don't need just ordinary men, we need "Mighty Men".

Ordinary men just sit there and watch as the core values this great nation was founded upon erode faster and faster with the dawn of each new day. We must turn ordinary men into"Mighty Men" and begin again to rebuild those precious and strong values that will spread like wild fire across this great nation to begin a new path of truth and rightfulness.

"Mighty Men" will be men that will give their all and will begin by pledging allegiance to this great land and show everyone the true meaning of volunteerism. They will be the example to our younger generations of men what it means to be the lead dog. When ever dog sleds are needed they always put the dog with the strongest heart, physical strength, and the ability to lead in the front, knowing that the other dogs will follow their lead and will always have their back, knowing pulling together as a team will lead them to their destination.

In being good men, husbands and fathers, they will always be the example of what unconditional love is and will always seek and speak the truth to others and always be strong and protective.

Becoming a "Mighty Man" will not come without struggles and determination, but with these struggles and true grit will emerge a stronger, caring, and loving America. It will be these men who will keep on giving even when there seems to be nothing else left to give.

To this end we will need the spark we will get from our "Mighty Men". You can't start a fire without a spark, the time to spark is now.

Light America's Spirit

We need to ask the question, is it time to create a new vision for America? I believe we need to, in order to understand how America is different now than the America we remember growing up in. This New America already exists in the heart of her people for it a vision of seeking to find the truth and a path to becoming the beacon of hope to the rest of the world. We need to create the dialog that will spark and uplift us to understand that we must take the first step now.

This New America will not come without struggle, but will bring with it a new knowledge that will rise on the shoulders of honor and will create a heart that longs to help the needy and the downtrodden. Along with this will also come with the tolerance that will become the new foundation we can build our New America upon.

With the new awakening of America's consciousness, we will create the desire to be the source for world peace. Let our hearts beat faster as we await the opportunity to show the world the New America with it's new American Spirit. You cant't light a fire without a spark.

The time has come to spark-on  America!

God Bless The USA --- The Real Deal

For those of you who care:

If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I'd worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.

I'd thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can't take that away.

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.

That I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

And I'm proud to be and American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

Wednesday November 7 2012 ---- A new Beginning

America seems to rely on pills too much. Sometimes they are necessary and some are hard to swallow. One pill that is hard for me to swallow is the one a lot of people in this country are taking with regularity these days. It's the "let the government or someone else take care of us pill". I think the reason  they are so popular is  because you don't need a prescription to get them. Wake up America! I am prescribing a morning after pill that should be taken starting the day after this infamous election on November 6 and continue taking for the rest of your life.

The only place to find this pill is in your own heart. It is called "LOVE" and you are going to have to dig deep to find it. Remember, you do not need a prescription from your doctor to get this pill.  Some doctors are already prescribing them to their patients. This is a doctor you must seek to find.
Wednesday November 7th can be just like any other day for us where we rely on .Gov to take care of us, or we can begin to see the future; a future in which we will take care of each other. This is the future I know we all want. This is a future we can have. This is a future of peace.

Many people who lived before us in this great nation gave us all the words of wisdom and tools we need to build a peaceful world. If you choose to seek these great people you will find their message is all the same, love one another. Until we do this and put the needs of others before our own we cannot achieve peace. Let's give peace a chance, we together as one can do this; it is possible. Just don't ever give up because the time has come and the time is now.

Wouldn't it be so wonderful if things were just normal? Do we even know what "normal" is anymore? To me normal is taking care of the needs of others. Waking up every day being grateful for all we have and having an opportunity to make someone else's day wonderful. It's taking a Sunday drive with our family using the real deal search engine. Normal is thanking law enforcement for protecting us and school teachers for doing all that they do to educate and nurture our children. Thanking all the doctors and nurses and all those in the medical field for providing us with preventative alternatives to keep us healthier and living longer is being normal.Try the pursuit of happiness for normal. Normal is just being what normal has always been in America. How can we look at "Old Glory" and NOT know what normal is?

Wednesday November 7th is the day we need to take the pill of our choice.