A few weeks ago, my business partner and I traveled to Omaha for a presentation. More on Omaha in a minute.

We had some difficulty in arranging convenient flights out of West Palm, so we departed from Ft. Lauderdale. We arrived in plenty of time for our flight and parked in the garage with no problems.

Then it started.

While leaving the garage and walking to the terminal, I saw him. Curious George. You know the one from the book. On the back of a young child, probably about 2 or 3 years old. That's a pretty cool backpack I said (on the inside).

But, nay, nay, it was not a backpack. It was a leash ... you know, the kind parents think are so "cool" and apparently absolves them of the responsibilities of watching their child while out in public (or, if you are a Ron White fan, you know how he says it -- PUBLIKK).

Yep, Curious George's tail was a three or four foot long leash. Well, I just could not believe it. But I said nothing ... to them. The mother and grandparents, whom it appeared, were traveling together.

As we walked to the terminal the child appeared to be pretty "active" and I chalked it up to being excited about the trip they were about to take. So, I turned to my business partner and remarked, "looks like someone is going on vacation". And we walked by them while they were being led on side trip by Curious George and his young charge.

Well, don't get me started about the differences between what you can carry on the plane between Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm. Seems they are just a TAD bit more restrictive at Ft. Lauderdale. Suffice it to say, more than several dollars went into the nearest trash can.

I was not happy. With my business partner on the OTHER side of the checkpoint, laughing so hard he was crying, I passed through entirely more crabby than I when I first got there. Deep breath and off we go to the gate.

We had seat assignments, natch, but tried to get "better" seats. Like getting me out of the center seat. No luck. Then we boarded.

Here I am, crammed into the center seat. Empty row in front of us. Curious, I thought, why couldn't we get that row?

Did I just say "curious"? Funny, because just then I saw him. Curious George. Headed straight for us. I turned to my business partner who was looking at me with this incredulous look on his face and I said ... "Not possible." Wrong again. Yep, they all sat in the row right in front of us.

But as we taxied out to the runway Curious George and his young companion were quite well behaved.

The pilot (I assume) came over the intercom and pleasantly said, "Flight attendants, prepare for departure and cross-check." The engines spooled up as we gently accelerated for takeoff. The wheels left the ground and gently tucked into their wheel wells in the fuselage. And then ...

The dark cloud of resignation to our circumstances arrived and hovered over our heads.

For the next two and a half hours.

While Curious George remained remarkably silent, his pal did not. Whining and crying the whole way. Didn't want to be anywhere for more than let's say, 15 or 20 seconds at a time. No one brought him food or books or toys or anything that might distract him for at least a minute or two. What were they thinking?

About two minutes after takeoff, the guy across the aisle leans over and says, "Who pressed the play button?" At least we could laugh for a moment. Best line, ever.

So then we get to Dallas. Of course the adventure gets better. As we try and disembark from the plane, Curious George and his mates are blocking the jetway waiting on a stroller. Politely, we ask if we can get by and are met with a glare from grandma. Apparently it didn't bother them when no one could get around and make their connection.

Nevertheless, we pushed through. Half way up the jetway we hear a yelp and then a loud thunk. Looking over our shoulders we see that grandma did a face plant right there on the jetway. Karma, baby, karma.

So we get to the gate for our connecting flight to Omaha. Patience, grasshopper, I'm getting there.

Same thing with the seats. This time, success! Yup, we got our own two seat row. Yeah, it was in the back of the plane and next to the engine, but it was a bulkhead seat and we had extra legroom. Suh-weet!

We got comfortable and then I heard it. Squeaks. In rapid succession. What the heck is that, I say (again, on the inside).

I lean over and peer down the aisle. A cute little girl with her mom and siblings. Wearing sandals. That squeaked with each and every step.

My head immediately swiveled around like a fighter pilot's looking for bandits, desperately looking to ensure the seats behind us were occupied.. Oh no, right there on our six -- an empty row.

Please, no. Please, not again. Please.

No such luck. They plop down right there behind us. I break out in a cold sweat, shaking my head in utter despair. Resignation sets in ... I'm thinking it's going to be a long 90 minutes.

But much to my amazement, this little girl did not whine or cry or wail. Giggled alot, which was a refreshing change. And, man, she had a great personality.

Unfortunately, she loved running up and down the aisle. Constantly. Wearing her cute little sandals. That squeaked with each tiny step she took. Even the headphones couldn't block that sound. Mom, how about a change of shoes here? Please!

Of course we had the whole stroller issue on the jetway, but they moved to the side so everyone could get through. Nice. Up the jetway we went.

Squeaks forever right behind us. You got it, the little girl wanted to push the stroller, not ride in it. And this time she had to step just a little harder so she could push the stroller. Yep, you guessed it. The squeaks got louder as the sandals were pressure sensitive, just like a squeeze toy. And they followed us right out the door.

But thankfully we were done traveling for the day.

What's that about Omaha, you say? You know what ... believe it or not ... it definitely is worth a weekend trip.

I swear they have more restaurants, per capita, than anyplace else except NYC. What a great experience.

Old Market is incredible. If you used your imagination, you can just see cattle herds walking through the streets, just like in the late 1800's. Just a few blocks over, it looks like you are back in the 1930's and can imagine one of those famous bankrobbers skidding to a stop right there, rush into the bank and take off with the money.

There are tons of things to do in Omaha. They have one of the best zoo's in the world, yes, the world. They have a park with trains in it! Cool.

Boys Town (you know, Father Flanagan) is here. They have the Strategic Air and Space Museum. The have the world's largest INDOOR desert.

And if you like sports, I think the NCAA lives in Omaha. After all, this is where they play the College World Series.

But also had Rounds I & II of the NCAA Men's College Basketball Championship. The US Olympic Swim Trials were there. The Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships were held here.

In December, the NCAA Div I Women's Volleyball Championship will be held here. It has a PGA Tour Stop. Professional Rodeo (not really my thing, but they got it).

And that just scratches the surface. The golf wasn't too bad either. And you definitely will get a great steak there.

This city is worth a visit ... you will be surprised.

I just hope your flights will be better.

> Discuss this entry

After relaxing over the long weekend and gearing up for the political season, I came to realize that patriotism is going to be a key factor in the race.

So let's take a look at patriotism.

Let's begin with a look back at the 56 men that signed the Declaration of Independence.

Five of them were captured by the British, were tortured and died in Bristish hands.

Nine fought and died during the Revolutionary War.

Two lost their sons in the War and another had two of his sons captured by the British.

Twelve lost their homes. Many lost members of their families.

All were men of means and were well educated. Each knew full well that if they were captured, their penalty would be death. Many died in poverty ... wiped out in the war.

For these brave men, patriotism was not abstract. It had dire and immediate consequences. Yet they signed anyway.

What about today? Patriotism seems to be the most abstract of American values and virtues. And it seems that the symbols of patriotism are what we use to define it ... and fight over.

In my mind, many of these symbols are used, on purpose by politicians, to divide us. Exactly opposite of what we want them to be ... symbols of American unity.

There seems to be a great divide on patriotism here and now in America. One side feels that the greatness is based on what we have achieved as a nation. The other side believes that our greatness as a nation is based in our promise in the future and what we, as a nation, stand up for when we define our ideals.

Now, most of you will take some sort of offense at the following two statements ... but they are the underlying causes of why we, as a nation, do not come together more often.

Conservatives will contend they are the true keepers of our nation's heritage and attack liberals by stating they are ashamed of America. Liberals, in response, say conservatives prevent America from living up to its ideals.

And they are both wrong.

What we need to have is a view of patriotism that combines the two. We need to recognize what is great about America. Why so many want to come here. After all, you rarely hear that people want to go to Britain. Or Russia. Or China. No they want to come here for the vast land of opportunity we have as a nation. But with that realization of what makes us a great nation is the necessary appreciation for what we have to do (and did) to create and sustain that greatness.

When it comes to patriotism, conservatives and liberals need each other. The love of country requires not only affirmation, but an open mind to criticism.

Waving the flag is supposed to be a call to action. When it comes down just to the end itself, then we lose the dignity of the action and result we can create together. We must guard against the flag becoming an emblem of hypocrisy and complacency.

We should be proud of what America has accomplished and what it has yet to accomplish. For most of human exisitence, tyranny has been the standard. America has stepped away from that philosophy.

We aren't perfect, but we have become the "exception to the rule" and it started 232 years ago. So, comparing America to any other country is an exercise in futility.

Patriotism entails sacrifice. It is a faith in system of values, ideals and beliefs followed up with action and works. If not, then the promise of America rings falsely.

Our young men and women that have volunteered to fight in Iraq and Afganistan, and the men and women protesting against it, are truer patriots than the American who views it from afar on their televisions, shrugging it off by saying it's too far way. More importantly, they have no sense of conscience, and resulting action, they are willing to state publicly.

Let's look at patriotism in a new light. Let's show our patriotism as though we were the brave fifty-six signers of the Decalration of Independence.

Embrace the virtue of patriotism. Take a stand regardless of the consequence. America needs citizens willing to follow in the steps of the Signers and remind us all that rituals, carried on mindlessly and without passion, can be the true enemy of devotion.

Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln summed it up best in an eloquence to which I can only to aspire:

Jefferson: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Lincoln: "It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

While you're at it, go pick up "The True Patriot" by Eric Liu and Nick Hanauer. It is a great read. And don't forget to teach your kids that America isn't too good to be true.

> Discuss this entry

Yes, there is another proposal for the K Park site.

For the most part, I am not really opposed to the idea presented ... but the details have me a little concerned.

First for the big picture. A few folks have gathered and feel a college campus would be a good idea for the site. You know what? It's a pretty good one. I like the idea of having a satellite campus here in Welly World.

But which one?

Some folks say Palm Beach Community College. This would not be my first choice for several reasons. Primarily, the main campus is not that far away so the need might not be here.

I'm not sure PBCC has the cash to purchase the land. In fact, the schuttle butt is they want the Village to donate the land. I really do not see this as something being feasible. You see, the Utility Fund needs to be paid back the $6,000,000 it is owed from the original purchase. If the land is not sold, from where will this money come? I certainly hope the answer is not "the taxpayers."

Then I have to wonder how FAU would view this as they have held sessions here for the past several years. Heck, if I was Frank Brogan I would be on the phone to The Mayor and saying, "What are you thinking?"

We have this relationship with FAU and maybe they would be interested in open a branch here, just like they have one in Abacoa. And if they can do buy-outs for hundreds of thousands of dollars, I'm sure they could raise the cash to buy this last piece of property from the Village.

And how will this affect PBA right up 441? Adult education for now. But why shouldn't the village entertain offers from them?

The college idea is a good one. One I support completely. But not if we have to donate the land. This is the last large piece of land in the Village and the Village had the foresight to buy it years ago. Now is not the time to donate the land.

Sell to a college/university. Good idea. Donate it ... bad idea.

> Discuss this entry

And I read this article.

I was flabbergasted. Not for the fact it was the first thing I saw but for other more "personal" reasons. Could not figure out if I was frustrated, disappointed or just plain old amused. Perhaps a combination of all.

Getting up on soapbox ...

Now, in no way am I trying to put blame on anyone. Just making a few comments about something that irks the crap out of me. As I read the article a few things jumped out at me and I wanted to make one or two points on this article (which was well written, in my opinion).

Let me preface my remarks with some disclosures. First, I am not married. Second, I really don't date that much. Third, I have a wonderful daughter that gives me insight to the feelings of these women.

Let's start with the last item. My daughter has two great role models as parents in her life. Me and her mom. Although we have different views on certain things, we are pretty much on the same page when it comes to our daughter. In fact, we were coming back to Wellington from Jacksonville on Saturday and our daughter made a pretty interesting statement.

Basically she said she appreciated how well we (her mom and me) worked as a team with her even though we are divorced. She said thanks for being good parents because she has seen how some of her friends' divorced parents act and she is glad we get along so well, even though we are divorced. Made me feel proud of how her mom and I decided to raise her. I couldn't ask for a better mom for her.

The key fact here is that we work as a mother and father. Something the children in this article probably will not experience. And that is sad ... for both the children and the women in the article.

Reading some of the comments on the article rang true to me. In many ways, this is a selfish act (a woman having a child with no father on purpose). Keep in mind that society view women in this role very much differently than men.

This comment, "Some are high-powered career women who can afford full-time nannies" smacks of the South Florida moral vaccuum to me. If you aren't going to raise your child, but rather chose to hire someone to do it for you, what possible rational reason do you have for giving birth to a child that isn't a selfish one? I can't see one.

Continuing on with this, I don't care what line of reasoning you can come up with, there is no good viable answer to this question -- "Why don't I have a daddy?" Of course you could always use the truth ... but that would require some self disclosure and a high level of self esteem to recognize and acknowlege said truth.

Don't get me wrong ... I do not blame these women. I blame those die-hard feminists who have been telling women for decades that they can have it all ... a rewarding career, a full family life and a rewarding and exciting (i.e., romantic) life with their spouse. For centuries, men have known this isn't true.

You have to make compromises. And compromise is not the same as "settling". When you compromise you make a decision. A simple one ... I may not like something, but you know, I can live with it. It goes something like this, "Well I know he'll probably take off his socks and leave them on the floor instead of throwing them in the hamper. It ticks me off, but I can live with it since overall he is a great guy."

Getting off soapbox ...

But the larger picture here is that raising a child is tough when two parents are actively involved. Doing it by yourself is tough. Really tough.

I understand the desire to have a family. In fact, it probably is the best thing that has happened to me. Doing it all by myself would be a challenge. I can't imagine doing it without the help of a spouse.

All I would encourage these folks is that they think about first. And make sure it isn't a selfish decision.

> Discuss this entry

There really aren't too many things that put me out, but this is definitely one of them.

I work quite a bit and am involved in several non-profit activities that take up a lot of my time. Because of this, I have chosen not to have a pet in my home. And I do not hold pet ownership against anyone.

But I am tired of owners that show irresponsibility with their pets, especially dogs.

I enjoy seeing owners walk their dogs past the house each day. For many, their children are with them and it becomes a family activity which is great.

But something happened yesterday that really ticked me off. Usually I don't see it, but it happened just as I drove up to my house. Folks, if you have a dog, and you take said dog for a walk, and said dog poops on my yard, I expect you to clean it up.

Walk around with a plastic bag (which most owners, by far, do) and pick that poop up. You wouldn't like it if someone did this to your yard ... I certainly don't appreciate when your dog does it in mine.

What would happen if someone followed you, picked up all of your dog's "deposits" and then dumped it in your yard? You would probably get more than a little ticked off, I'm guessing.

And now, to make matters worse, someone's dog decorated my back yard for me. My backyard, not theirs. Can't we show some responsibiity here? Some respect for our neighbors?More than that, a little common courtesy?

The next time I see someone without a plastic bag for their dog, I am going and getting one of the thousands of Publix bags I seem to keep forgetting to take back to them for recycling, give it to them and tell to clean up after their pet.

Flame away pet owners, but you bear a little responsibility in this because a few irresponsible people are ruining what people think of you. It's that "guilt-by-association" thing.

I'm fed up with this and I'm not going to take anymore crap about it! BTW, pun intended.

> Discuss this entry

Green Stamps at Publix? Man, I used to love getting those things.

Doctors that spend more than five minutes with you? At your scheduled time.

Common courtesy? A "please" or "thank you" every now and then would be nice.

Men opening the car door for the woman accompanying him?

And women patient enough to wait until we get to that side of the car?

Pixie Stix? You know, diabetes in a straw.

Putting sugar on your cereal and getting to that glucose quicksand at the bottom of the bowl.

Those little candy cigarettes we all seemed to have when we were kids?

Just 3 channels on TV (4 if you were lucky) and no need for a remote control.

Oh wait, we kids were the remote control ... trying to get the antenna positioned just right to get that channel

Shoe shine stands ... I'd love to find a good one. Well, I'll settle for just finding one.

Those weeknight poker games where we were all shushed off to our rooms so the dads could play?

How about adding your ideas to the "Whatever happened to ..." list?

> Discuss this entry

I received a campaign flyer in the mail the other day and had to shake my head. How could someone send something out with a serious error in it?

Wrong date? No. Wrong time? No. Spelling error? Perhaps. Wrong word? Most definitely.

This simple type of error affects me like nails on a chalkboard affects most people. I just don't understand it.

The word ... "insure". It should have been "ensure". But these two words also get confused with "assure". Whats the difference or it really isn't that big of a deal, is it? Yes it is.

These words have completely different meanings -- similiar, but very different. Let's take a look.

First, insure:

1. to guarantee against loss or harm.
2. to secure indemnity to or on, in case of loss, damage, or death.
3. to issue or procure an insurance policy on or for.

Next, ensure:

1. to secure or guarantee
2. to make sure or certain
3. to make secure or safe

Finally, assure:

1. to declare earnestly to; inform or tell positively; state with confidence
2. to cause to know surely; reassure
3. to pledge or promise; give surety of; guarantee
4. to make (a future event) sure; ensure
5. to secure or confirm; render safe or stable
6. to give confidence to; encourage.

Now, this campaign flyer made a point of "insuring" a certain area's lifestyle. Looking at #1,#2 and #3 from "insure" above, I don't see how this can happen. We can't "insure" an area's lifestyle or way of life. If there is an insurance company offering this coverage, they would have the market to themselves. And I don't know of any such coverage.

I'm sure they meant "ensure", especially as it relates to #2 in our list of definitions for "ensure". "Vote for me and I will ensure our way of life is preserved" makes sense to me.

Maybe they meant, "Vote for me and I assure you I will preserve our way of life". That would be #3 from our list in "assure".

No big deal, you might say. My response is a simple one: this is attention to detail and how can we vote for someone that can't pay attention to a simple detail? If you can't pay attention to small stuff, how can I be sure you will pay attention to the big stuff?

Let me say this, I assure you, dear reader (or 3), that I believe they will do everything in their power to ensure our community is preserved, without having to buy anything that will insure it.

> Discuss this entry

I read in the paper this morning that the Sunrise Senior Living project may be dead in Wellington. It seems the negotiations have stumbled upon some obstacles in the requirements that the Village Staff is insisting on including in the sales documents.

Apparently the Village Staff is concerned about a property swap occurring between the property in Wellington and another piece of property in Broward County for Sunrise. Village Staff is insisting that if this occurs, the Village has the option to buy back the property at a discounted price. Naturally, the developer is balking at this.

Normally I would say no big deal, after all if the company was savvy enough to get this through the negotiations, then more power to them.

But this is different. A promise was made to the seniors of our community … an ALF to serve their needs. The staff is right in making sure this property swap would not happen. A promise was made and the Staff is right in making sure that promise is carried out for the benefit of Wellington residents.

What really put me over the edge of uncontrollable laughter is what brought this all about and why I can hear the voices in the background say, “See, I told you so. It's Erickson all over again.”

When the Village Council voted on accepting the proposal to negotiate for the sale of a portion of K-Park to Sunrise Senior Living, a second proposal was completely dismissed out of hand.

In hindsight, perhaps the Council should have given fair hearing to the second proposal … a Mizner Park/CityPlace style development that included a white collar employment center, an ALF, a cultural arts center and parks that would fulfill the anticipated needs of the community.

Hindsight is always 20/20 and this is no exception.

Perhaps, just perhaps, when Council has multiple proposals for something that will have an impact on the community, they should give each of the proposals a fair hearing and then make a decision.

The manner in which the decision was made to move forward with Sunrise reeked of a back room filled with tobacco smoke in some seedy building on a back alley in the Village. The decision seemed to be made before it even came up in the hearing.

It smacked of Boss Tweed, not the Village of Wellington.

Before you dismiss my thoughts here, let me say I support Sunrise Senior Living being in Wellington. I want an ALF here as much as any of our seniors. And Sunrise Senior Living seems to have a pretty good product.

I would hope that Sunrise Senior Living is serious about opening a facility here. But as they say, actions speak louder than words.

Let’s urge Sunrise to follow through on their promise. Comply with the Village Staff’s requirements.

As a taxpayer and resident of Wellington, I expect nothing less of Village Staff to stick to their guns and ensure this serves the best needs of the residents of Wellington.

Don’t back down and protect those of us that are looking to you to serve our interests.

> Discuss this entry

Resolutions.

Yep, that New Year's tradition we all try to use to improve our lives. And then try and stick to then as the year moves on.

Fitness clubs and weight loss centers all get a huge influx of new members in January. By February, usually, that crush of new members dwindles down and things get back to normal.

Which reminds me, are you still paying for last year's gym membership? When was the last time you went? See what I mean?

My question is a simple one: why do most people's resolutions seem to be a form of punishment?

I looked around on the internet for the top ten resolutions average Americans make. This is what I found:

1. Quit smoking
2. Lose weight
3. Quit drinking (apropo after New Year's Eve for many)
4. Go back to school
5. Spend more time with family
6. Try something new
7. Work on spiritual growth
8. Take a vacation
9. Pay off my debt
10. Get a better job

Most of these resolutions seem to be tough to continue on a long-term basis. Stuff just happens and we get put off of our course.

Yes all of these resolutions are good ones. Just imagine how much your life would improve if you quit smoking, lost weight, didn't drink as much, went back for some adult education, spent some quality time with your family, went out and tried something you've been wanting to do, grow spiritually, actually took a real vacation, paid off your debt and got a better job.

Wow, that's a lot of stuff to do! In fact a friend of mine would add that it would make you boring as well. But that's another blog entry.

Maybe it's time to look at resolutions a little differently. Instead of making resolutions that are some form of cruel medieval punishment or based on what you want or are self-centered, let's try a different approach.

You do something for someone else. Give a small piece of yourself away.

This idea popped into my head last week when I drove by these two girls on the side of the road with their mom. They had these small signs made with highlighter that I could barely read as I drove by.

The sign just said "Snowcones".

I turned around and went back and bought a snowcone. It was hot that day and it really tasted wonderful -- sugary and cold and really strawberry. It was more of a smoothie than a snowcone but I really enjoyed it.

I asked them how much and they said fifty cents. What a bargain! I gave them a few dollars and told them to keep the change. They were so excited! It really made me smile and gave me a few new ideas.

Here's my list of resolutions ...

1. Keep a few singles in the car in case I pass a lemonade or snow cone stand on the side of the street.

2. Don't ignore the beggars on the side of the road, at least acknowledge them. And you do have those ones in the car.

3. Let those in-a-rush drivers in front of me, even if if they don't use their turn signal.

4. When in the Express Lane at Publix, let that person that has fewer items than me, go first.

5. Volunteer somewhere with my daughter so she begins to understand there is life outside Wellington.

6. Visit more mom-and-pop restaurants than chains. I think they will appreciate it much more. Don't forget to say a blessing.

7. Although I have in each election since I can remember, encourage people to vote.

8. Sit down, turn off the TV and play a board game or read with my daughter each week.

9. Say "please" and "thank you" more often, and really mean it.

10. Take a few minutes each day to admire just how wonderful our world really is.

What about you? How about adding to the list with yours?

Thanks and have a Happy New Year.

> Discuss this entry

I HATE rebates. With a passion.

Yeah, yeah I know this isn't something about Wellington. Or maybe it is. But I am venting on this issue.

In August I had to get a new cell phone and naturally upgraded to the latest version of what I use, a Palm Treo. I was eligible for a $150 rebate since it had been 2 years since I last bought a phone. I also had to upgrade my data package due to the phone I bought and was to receive an addtional rebate of $100 for this.

Well I received one of those cards saying, sorry you aren't eligible due to the post mark. Which was wrong but could not get someone to give me a straight answer from the company.

Being a fool (at times), I bought a new phone for my daughter as promised at the end of her 2 year period. Received a card in the mail stating that this phone was not eligible for a rebate, yet the guy in the store told me it was.

Well, I don't know what it was, but I decided to call.

Guess what, I should have received both rebates.We will get those right out to you, the service rep told me. I had to ask, what timeframe qualifies for getting it out "right away"? You won't believe what he told me ... 6 to 8 weeks. I couldn't control myself and started laughing. You know the laugh you get, that one with the overtones telling the other person this really isn't funny.

Told him that this was not good enough. I had been a customer for almost 10 years and that right now I was more than willing to move to a competitor. Today. Well sir, he replies, since you have been a long time customer, I will manually expedite this and you will have your rebate, again, say it with me, "right away".

Well, not too bad, just two weeks. I can live with that, I guess. We'll see in two weeks.

Rebates should be either "instant" or not at all. It is a sham set up for companies to not have to pay you the rebate ... because you forget to send it in. That is just not fair. Just think how much extra money they don't pay out when you fail, for whatever reason, to qualify for the rebate.

When you buy the item, you pay for it right away, don't you? Then why shouldn't the rebate be right away as well?

Now, as much as I hate to say this, and I really don't want to say it, but legislation should be introduced to protect consumers from the fraud of rebates. Either give them to us right away, or don't offer them. No extra paperwork; no sending it out via mail and no 6 to 8 week wait.

If they can't treat their customers fairly, why should we tolerate it?

OK, stepping off of my soap box and I'm through venting for now.

We'll see if the checks arrive as promised.

> Discuss this entry

That's right, 10 days left until Christmas. Finished shopping yet? Not me. I haven't started. I can hear my grandmother yelling at me from up in heaven. She was done by February or March of each year.

Let me make a few suggestions on those gift giving obstacles you may face.

Remember this -- you are not buying for you. You are buying for someone else. Pick what they like, not what you like. If you can't resist that cute little something from your favorite out of the way shop, make sure you pack the receipt.

Be wary, very wary of giving gifts of food. Unless it's one of those really cool gift baskets. Now my grandfather loved Hickory Farms gift boxes. Not everyone else does. So be careful with this ... you don't want to hear, "remember when you gave us that (insert weird food object name here)" and everyone starts laughing.

Guys your significant other will not enjoy receiving "practical" gifts. It's different for us. Tools, ooh rah, that's cool. Stuff for the car, yeah, babee! Techie toys, boys call the paramedics. Your spouse is not going to enjoy a new iron. Or vacuum cleaner. Not even new pots and pans.

These things send bad, bad, bad subliminal messages. Like, maybe this will help you get my shirts ironed the right way (hint here -- take your shirts to the dry cleaner), or, you aren't doing a good job keeping the house clean, or maybe these will make you cook so we don't go out so often. Get ready for the glare. And cold shoulder. Maybe even the couch.

Speaking of your sweetie, cash generally isn't a good idea either. Jewelry works. Really well. Ladies, see the item about tools, car stuff and techie toys.

Cash is a pretty good gift for everyone else though. It gives them the power of choice. A little impersonal, but who says no to cash? Except for the paragraph above, my guess is no one.

Gift cards are ok. Especially if you have to ship stuff. The lines at the Post Office and the package stores are really long. Slapping a stamp on an envelope that contains a card and a gift card makes life easy and almost everyone happy.

If you are convinced you are getting someone clothes, make sure you get the right size. Especially for the ones you love who rightfully expect that you know this information. Guys, go peek in her closet and jot down the sizes (off of something she has worn recently) before you go out. You'll be the hero, trust me.

Alright everyone (all three of you), go out and finish that shopping early. And, Merry Christmas!

> Discuss this entry

We have Memorial Day to remember those that died in war for us. Today we honor all those still living who served for us.

First, a little history. Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of hostilities for World War I. The end of hostiities officially took place on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Yet the war was not officially over until about six months later.

In legislation passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day."

As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans. In 1954, after having been through another world war and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans."

With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veteran’s Day is not a day to be wrapped up in bunting and commemorated as if it were the Fourth of July. Just like that day, our national colors have a prominent place in its observance.

The distinction has to do with what we are celebrating. Not a glorious beginning of a nation, but to those that served that nation with honor, humility and grace.

These efforts should be observed and remembered with solemnity, reverence and thankfulness.

Veterans Day is the day we dedicate to them. To remember those who served in defense of this country and the ideals for which this country stands.

We may want, therefore, some drape of patriotism ... some nod toward a higher motive more than mere circumstance ... but not too much ... lest we trivialize the individual sacrifice each has made.
War should not be the occupation of humankind. To ensure that it is not ... to ensure that it does not touch every household and every living being ... many answered the call to serve ... they chose, or were sometimes required, to live in a manner which brought them all in harm's way. And to that harm, many fell.

Thus, perhaps, we should leave the understanding of the sacrifice in God's hands. Only He can know the full measure of what was lost and what was gained.

Our task is not to validate the sacrifice all of our veterans have made, but to acknowledge it.

To embrace it.

To remember that it was made.

To remember the peace that was purchased by these brave men and women.

To all my fellow veterans, my deepest and heartfelt thanks from a grateful citizen. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

> Discuss this entry

Well, Halloween has come and gone and now we are staring into the holiday season. Where did this year go?

Thanksgiving is just three weeks from today. Just three weeks!

Christmas is less than eight weeks away.

It seems with each new holiday season the Village of Wellington has to cope with its "Holiday Display."

Oops! Did I just step in the annual brouhaha that is the "Holiday Display" in Wellington? Yes I did. On purpose too. You're probably thinking, "Dude, are you crazy?" When I first started this entry, I thought I was too. But let me explain.

Two things sent me down this path. First, my daughter asked me if we had to do the whole "Santa Claus" thing again this year. More on this later. Second, someone sent me an email that is credited to Ben Stein. You know, he's the guy from TV ("Win Ben Stein's Money"), was one of Richard Nixon's speechwriters, is the author of several books and a staunch supporter of the GOP (although he did give $2,000 to Al Franken's senate campaign, according to the AP).

Let's take a look at Ben Stein's comments in the context of this annual wringing of hands in the sleepy Village of Wellington. And let's hope we don''t make it back on Bill O'Reilly's show.

Here is the text of Ben's commentary.

Perhaps we, as a community, should embrace his thoughts. He doesn't feel threatened or discriminated against because a Christmas tree is displayed. Neither does he feel threatened by the display of a creche or a menorah. Maybe we shouldn't either.

He sums it up best by saying, "It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year." And this time of year gives us the opportunity, as a community, to treat each other as brothers and sisters. Let's hope the Village sees it the same way and continues with the "Holiday Display".

> Discuss this entry

In my travels these past few weeks, I have noted the explosion of "tips welcome" jars. At places where I don't think they belong. It's not that I don't feel generous, but come on!

Yes, I do tend to overtip people who serve us as waiters in breakfast places. After all they tend to see us at our worst -- first thing in the morning. When we're grumpy and just harumph at people in general.

Car wash workers also deserve a little more since we are too lazy to wash our own cars. But I check the coin tray first just to make sure no "liberation" of coinage took place.

A few recent places I have seen these jars that I really think are out of place are --

the coffee shop/cafe/whatever you call it.
the ice cream shoppe/shop
the bagel store
the donut shop

I'm sure the workers where these places are out will argue that we give waiters and servers tips and they are no different. Let me tell you why that just isn't true.

> Discuss this entry