Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
selections for this special season
as our Christmas season continues, there are still more gifts to be opened. i have put together--what i believe to be--some of the best tunes of this season. click on each title, adjust your computer's volume and don't be ashamed to sing along...
*nsync's merry christmas, happy holidays
andrea bocelli's adestes fideles
jackie evancho's o holy night*
michael buble's let it snow!
james taylor's santa claus is comin' to town
sarah mclaghlan's happy christmas (war is over)
glee cast's deck the rooftop
indiana university singing hoosiers peforming we need a little Christmas**
*she's 10 years old!
**i do not endorse the Walmart company; however, this commercial was too precious to let go!
continued Christmas peace,
tk
Sunday, November 21, 2010
another ADVENTure is about to unfold...
so today i decided not to go to Mass for various reasons (one being that it took the patriots defense to the last minute of the 4th quarter to stop peyton manning and his high horses). ok that's no excuse, but i think it was a good decision on my part to stay home, especially since the initial shame & guilt that i felt for not attending Mass seemed juvenille and unjustified. to me, it is amazing what one can learn about oneself, if he or she takes the time to let those emotions completely unravel. i mean the interesting thing about it is that for the past 4-6 years, i have enjoyed daily/Sunday Mass wherever and with whomever i have celebrated with. i do not feel it is right to inflict punishment (i.e. "Okay, i'll pass on Mass tonight, but I must go to daily Mass all week!") on myself for s k i p p i n g Mass. is there someone keeping score upstairs? even so, God invites us to his table in every decision and every encounter that we make. today, for one reason or another (they are all valid), i did not attend Mass and that just has to be okay with ME.
for Christ will continue to govern my life & be my king.
Jesus, remember me, when i meet you some day.
for Christ will continue to govern my life & be my king.
Jesus, remember me, when i meet you some day.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
butterfinger
#23 Watching your ice cream scoop(s) fall to the ground...
This is one of those instances when you WISH you could--just this once--reverse time. This occurrence does not defy the laws of gravity nor does it make you the least bit happier, after you have just spent $4 dollars on a few good bites. No worries though, because...
the next scoop is on me :)
Friday, July 30, 2010
aaachhooo!
#24 Contracting a virus (both types)
$@*%! I really should have thought twice about opening that email from spybot007 or clicking on that flashing pop-up that congratulated me on winning a million bucks!
We all get them. They are inevitable in this hard-wired day and age, and we acquire them at the worst possible moments.
N.B. I haven't blogged in quite some time due to the fact that both my personal laptop and our family's desktop computer have been infected with several viruses (the latter was just recently cleaned out).
$@*%! I really should have thought twice about opening that email from spybot007 or clicking on that flashing pop-up that congratulated me on winning a million bucks!
We all get them. They are inevitable in this hard-wired day and age, and we acquire them at the worst possible moments. In one sense, technological viruses are good & helpful, because they force you and me to pay closer attention to the details of our incessant typing & clicking. More often than not, our fingers are just moving too fast...
On the other hand though, these nasty buggers dismantle & shred years of documents and archived files that are very near and dear to our hearts. Military tank games. College photos. An award-winning 10th grade English essay. Alanis Morissette's 2005 album Jagged Little Pill. Tragedies, indeed.
Don't even get me started about anti-virus protection. I'd rather jump into the motherboard of the hard drive and try to fix the problem(s) myself, then pay what Norton, McAfee and other infamous companies are charging for renewals/updates these days. It's ludicrous!
The next time you think you might have a virus, please call this number 1-800-DELIVERY (it should connect you to the closest Dominoe's pizza). Frankly, you might as well sit back & enjoy a slice on me, because--like a lot of things in this life--there is very little you yourself can do if you contract a virus.
Never press Ask Me Later.
Friday, July 9, 2010
when in doubt, self-check out
#25 Being "ineligible" for the express lane at the supermarket, because you have one too many items
Line 4--too many patrons
Line 3--closed
Line 2--argument is beginning to unfold between a patron & cashier
Line 1--EXPRESS lane
(10 item limit. of course, you have 11 items!)
What was supposed to be a quick stop at the market turns into a decision-making, rule-breaking nightmare...
Sadly, I do often think about these things.
Do cashiers actually count the number of items that you're carrying? Does a triplet of bananas count as one or three items? What about those mini Kellogg's cereal boxes (that come about 10-12 per pack)? Do they really expect you to break apart these items and count them individually? Is this phenomenon really a matter of common sense, in which 13 items will get you through the line, but 3o is just pushing your luck?
I'm not sure and neither is Bill (the cordial old man who assumes that you want plastic, greets you with a smile that could melt your heart, yet bags your items as if he were swimming underwater).
All things considered, there is something utterly FABULOUS about the somewhat recent invention of self-check out lines. Of course, they also have their setbacks (i.e. highly sensitive radar signals that malfunction easily and usually lead to embarrassed customers); however, you can get away with borrowed membership cards and avoid typical check-out line issues (listed above) with self-check out.
May the lines be short & may you remember to ask for PAPER!
Line 4--too many patrons
Line 3--closed
Line 2--argument is beginning to unfold between a patron & cashier
Line 1--EXPRESS lane
(10 item limit. of course, you have 11 items!)
What was supposed to be a quick stop at the market turns into a decision-making, rule-breaking nightmare...
Sadly, I do often think about these things.
Do cashiers actually count the number of items that you're carrying? Does a triplet of bananas count as one or three items? What about those mini Kellogg's cereal boxes (that come about 10-12 per pack)? Do they really expect you to break apart these items and count them individually? Is this phenomenon really a matter of common sense, in which 13 items will get you through the line, but 3o is just pushing your luck?
I'm not sure and neither is Bill (the cordial old man who assumes that you want plastic, greets you with a smile that could melt your heart, yet bags your items as if he were swimming underwater). All things considered, there is something utterly FABULOUS about the somewhat recent invention of self-check out lines. Of course, they also have their setbacks (i.e. highly sensitive radar signals that malfunction easily and usually lead to embarrassed customers); however, you can get away with borrowed membership cards and avoid typical check-out line issues (listed above) with self-check out.
May the lines be short & may you remember to ask for PAPER!
Monday, July 5, 2010
stuck on you
#26 Stepping on A.B.C. (already been chewed) gum
It often isn't until a few additional steps on the concrete sidewalk are taken that you realize what has just happened to you. You have just landed on the gooiest, stickiest patch of earth known to kid-kind, and you realize that the damage has already been done to your new pair of shoes! Nevertheless, you frantically decide to locate the nearest instrument (i.e. stick, fork, pencil, key, etc.) that might be able to pry the solely-nestled remains of Mr. Wrigley's product loose, all the while trying to maintain your balance on your clean foot.
It is to no avail.
You begin wondering who in their right mind thinks it is OK to discard their bubblegum on this here path? They couldn't have just taken another three or four steps and tossed it nicely into the proper receptacle? Noooo! They had to turn someone's day into a walking nightmare and probably are chomping furiously on another stick of gum as I ponder these thoughts...
Watch Your NEXT step!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
stinky start to the month
#27 Porta-potties
We've all used one before, even if we wish we never had. Yet for as many terrible experiences as you and I may have had in these raunchy incubators, we keep going back to them when we simply "have to go." So what is it that makes these "lavatories" so enticing, whenever we populate the beach, outdoor concert venues, stadiums, and even the local town fair?
Convenient? Yes.
Affordable? Surely. Stimulating? Absolutely!
I mean think about this for a second. Where can you find something so incredibly disgusting while at the same time potentially life-saving? I, personally, would need to think long and hard to come up with anything of the sort. In any event, I seriously hope that you never have to use a porta-potty anytime in the near future; however, if you do cross paths again someday, you may want to be a little bit more grateful for the handiness of this man-made creation.
Make sure the OCCUPIED lever clicks when you slide it across!
happy trails...
We've all used one before, even if we wish we never had. Yet for as many terrible experiences as you and I may have had in these raunchy incubators, we keep going back to them when we simply "have to go." So what is it that makes these "lavatories" so enticing, whenever we populate the beach, outdoor concert venues, stadiums, and even the local town fair?
Convenient? Yes. Affordable? Surely. Stimulating? Absolutely!
I mean think about this for a second. Where can you find something so incredibly disgusting while at the same time potentially life-saving? I, personally, would need to think long and hard to come up with anything of the sort. In any event, I seriously hope that you never have to use a porta-potty anytime in the near future; however, if you do cross paths again someday, you may want to be a little bit more grateful for the handiness of this man-made creation.
Make sure the OCCUPIED lever clicks when you slide it across!
happy trails...
Monday, June 28, 2010
heaven on earth
the first dayof camp has come and gone. despite the extreme heat and a few parent concerns, it was a good day. our group is called the Aquanauts, and is made up of 23 first-grade boys (thankfully, the directors blessed us with six staff members & two CITs for the next 8 weeks), and our changing room has been named the Yellow Submarine. we have several first-time campers as well as some returners, so it should be a nice mixture.
i thought it would be neat to give you a brief overview of how the Aquanauts will spend their mornings & afternoons at Camp Maplewood.
9am Round UP (it probably doesn't sound as CrAzY as it actually is--add Casey Casum's top 40 hits along with some interesting dance moves, sweat-producing push-ups, and dis-jointed congo lines and that's what you've got just about every morning!)
9:30 Skill-based game(s) (only if we all had skills like Jake K. or Sam E.)
10:15 Snack (a must for every first-grader & his teenage/adult counselor : )
10:30 Instructional Swim (nobody told our kids that they had to walk, stay inside the ropes of their respective swimming level, and that they couldn't splash others in the pool?!?)
11am Change (this is certainly not as simple as it sounds, especially since it usually involves locating "lost" towels & socks, re-applying sunscreen to every inch of exposed skin, and escorting kids one-by-one to the bathroom ("i didn't have to go the bathroom THEN")
noon Lunchtime (no explanation needed)
1-2pm Specialty (i.e. art, drama, music, karate, boating a.k.a. a small break for staff)
2:30-3:30 FREE Swim (unfortunately, no Wendy Peppercorn at Camp Maplewood!?!)
3:30-4pm POW-WOW! (the good, the bad & the ugly takes place during the last 30 min.)
here's to a summer of hot days & cool treats,
Tom -- Sr. Counselor (Aquanauts)
i thought it would be neat to give you a brief overview of how the Aquanauts will spend their mornings & afternoons at Camp Maplewood.
9am Round UP (it probably doesn't sound as CrAzY as it actually is--add Casey Casum's top 40 hits along with some interesting dance moves, sweat-producing push-ups, and dis-jointed congo lines and that's what you've got just about every morning!)
9:30 Skill-based game(s) (only if we all had skills like Jake K. or Sam E.)
10:15 Snack (a must for every first-grader & his teenage/adult counselor : )
10:30 Instructional Swim (nobody told our kids that they had to walk, stay inside the ropes of their respective swimming level, and that they couldn't splash others in the pool?!?)
11am Change (this is certainly not as simple as it sounds, especially since it usually involves locating "lost" towels & socks, re-applying sunscreen to every inch of exposed skin, and escorting kids one-by-one to the bathroom ("i didn't have to go the bathroom THEN")noon Lunchtime (no explanation needed)
1-2pm Specialty (i.e. art, drama, music, karate, boating a.k.a. a small break for staff)
2:30-3:30 FREE Swim (unfortunately, no Wendy Peppercorn at Camp Maplewood!?!)3:30-4pm POW-WOW! (the good, the bad & the ugly takes place during the last 30 min.)
here's to a summer of hot days & cool treats,
Thursday, June 24, 2010
to tape or not to tape?
#28 Overhearing the score/result/ending of the game or show that you taped and were planning on watching later
stranger (standing behind me in grocery check-out line):
"Did you see Oritz's walk-off homerun in the bottom of the 11th inning?"
me (wearing my Ortiz t-shirt & sox cap):
"No, I did not. I taped the game!"
Let me first be clear about one thing: this is NOBODY ELSE'S fault! This is one of those instances, like Christmas, where you definitely got what you definitely didn't asked for, so feel free to pout.
Whatever it is (i.e. graduation ceremony, dinner with your family/spouse or significant other) that is replacing the one to three hours, when you would normally be situated in front of your television set, it is probably more important than an episode of your favorite weekly sitcom or one of the many sports contests. In the event, however, that you decide to go ahead and tape the show/game, know full well that you are taking a risk by going out into public. The individuals who you would normally consider strangers instantly become informants and bad-news bears. Plus, you have to shield your senses from the various media sources that are everywhere.
stranger (standing behind me in grocery check-out line):
"Did you see Oritz's walk-off homerun in the bottom of the 11th inning?"
me (wearing my Ortiz t-shirt & sox cap):
"No, I did not. I taped the game!"
Let me first be clear about one thing: this is NOBODY ELSE'S fault! This is one of those instances, like Christmas, where you definitely got what you definitely didn't asked for, so feel free to pout.
Whatever it is (i.e. graduation ceremony, dinner with your family/spouse or significant other) that is replacing the one to three hours, when you would normally be situated in front of your television set, it is probably more important than an episode of your favorite weekly sitcom or one of the many sports contests. In the event, however, that you decide to go ahead and tape the show/game, know full well that you are taking a risk by going out into public. The individuals who you would normally consider strangers instantly become informants and bad-news bears. Plus, you have to shield your senses from the various media sources that are everywhere. "Jets 14, Patriots 7" cackingly blares across the department store's PA system.
For momemnts like these when you are simply beside yourself, you may find yourself wondering why do these awful things happen to good people?
(btw, i hope you didn't record over your sister's 1994 dance recital!?!)
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
uncreasingly tragic
#29 Realizing that you left a utensil that contains ink in your pant pocket, during the last laundry cycle
your new shirt or pair of pants...RUINED.
not only did you forget that you put your favorite pen in your pocket, but you also forgot to check ALL your pant pockets before you tossed them into the washing machine.
folks, this is not just a rookie mistake. in fact, most of the laundry rooks check compulsively for these potential tragedies. it's the tenured veterans that i've found swearing like sailors.
surprisingly, there is a simple solution to this awful development--check your pockets! you would be surprised at how often i see others standing around with their arms crossed or messing around with their hair. this is valuable time that could be spent doing a 4-pocket check (depending on the pant type/style). may this entry serve as a forewarning for the pen or marker that is already sitting in your laundry basket.
happy hunting!
your new shirt or pair of pants...RUINED.
not only did you forget that you put your favorite pen in your pocket, but you also forgot to check ALL your pant pockets before you tossed them into the washing machine.
folks, this is not just a rookie mistake. in fact, most of the laundry rooks check compulsively for these potential tragedies. it's the tenured veterans that i've found swearing like sailors.surprisingly, there is a simple solution to this awful development--check your pockets! you would be surprised at how often i see others standing around with their arms crossed or messing around with their hair. this is valuable time that could be spent doing a 4-pocket check (depending on the pant type/style). may this entry serve as a forewarning for the pen or marker that is already sitting in your laundry basket.
happy hunting!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
dad
i don't know about you, but i am fascinated by fatherhood. i am often reminded that i would not be here today, if it were not, in part, for my own father. over the past twenty-five years of my life, he has held, clothed, fed, taught, cheered, played with and watched me grow into the man who i am today. there is no question that my dad is my best man, and i will forever be grateful for his sacrifice and love.
it is my hope and pray that fathers--like mine--can continue to exemplify Christ's wisdom and love to their sons & daughters.
this is the day that the Father has made for my (and your) father, let us rejoice and be glad...
it is my hope and pray that fathers--like mine--can continue to exemplify Christ's wisdom and love to their sons & daughters.
this is the day that the Father has made for my (and your) father, let us rejoice and be glad...
Saturday, June 19, 2010
a start to some not-so awesome things
inspired by the latest blog that i had been introduced to and have recently started following again, i have decided to compose my own un-exhaustive list of some of the most disturbing, frustrating & awful things that i have experienced (and maybe you have to) in this lifetime. feel free to add your two cents...
#30 Forgetting your supposed "unforgettable" password
hypothetical situation: a good friend calls and asks if you ever received his email. you tell him that you did not and inquire as to when he sent it and what it pertained to? he informs you that it was the directions to his bachelor party and he sent it a week ago. after straining your brain, you finally realize that your friend sent his email to your spam-ridden, inactive email account. while he is able to provide you with the information that was contained in the original email, you are interested to know what other "important" emails have been sitting in your inbox all these weeks & months.
you visit the email server that you haven't visited in over 3 months. after typing in your everyday user name, you realize with each successive flashing cursor that you have NO IDEA what your password is/was, when you first created it years ago.
you then click on the forgot password? link below. now, you have to wait--only God knows how long--for the email that provides you with a basically indecipherable pass code (i.e. e7UVO0Il) that you must then copy & paste (if you're smart) into the original password box. at which point, you must create another original password that is at least eight characters (haven't psychologists proven that the human brain can only remember--AT MOST--data in sequences of seven digits?) and one that, ironically, you will probably forget again.
#30 Forgetting your supposed "unforgettable" password
hypothetical situation: a good friend calls and asks if you ever received his email. you tell him that you did not and inquire as to when he sent it and what it pertained to? he informs you that it was the directions to his bachelor party and he sent it a week ago. after straining your brain, you finally realize that your friend sent his email to your spam-ridden, inactive email account. while he is able to provide you with the information that was contained in the original email, you are interested to know what other "important" emails have been sitting in your inbox all these weeks & months.
you visit the email server that you haven't visited in over 3 months. after typing in your everyday user name, you realize with each successive flashing cursor that you have NO IDEA what your password is/was, when you first created it years ago.you then click on the forgot password? link below. now, you have to wait--only God knows how long--for the email that provides you with a basically indecipherable pass code (i.e. e7UVO0Il) that you must then copy & paste (if you're smart) into the original password box. at which point, you must create another original password that is at least eight characters (haven't psychologists proven that the human brain can only remember--AT MOST--data in sequences of seven digits?) and one that, ironically, you will probably forget again.
it is intriguing to note that just about everything in our modern world seems to be password-protected. whether it is our bank account(s), car/garage door(s), or our federal loan summaries, there are good reasons why this is the case. it just stinks when you (i) cannot recall those 6-8 digits which no one gave us, but that i personally came up with because it was memorable.
note to self: what is your mother's maiden name?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
back from "bah haba"
last evening, my parents, my sister (kaitlyn) and i returned from our four-day, three-night vacation in bar harbor, maine. not only did we have pleasant weather, but we also shared some fantastic memories (see incomplete slide show)
i oftentimes have difficulty sharing what it is that i observe or experience in a particular moment, weekend, or occasion, which is why i usually resort to the stream of consciousness approach. this occasion is no different:
dick fox & his 3 hr. fully-narrated tour...cadillac mountain (esp. the sun setting on the continental US)...yankee lines tour bus crew...the mountain that--for us--was anything but thunderous..."in the cool of the pool" and the 110+ degree jacuzzi water...popovers at jordan pond & "flying" CC potato chips...LOBSTAH ice cream...window shopping & stealing fun bumper sticker & t-shirt slogans...18 challenging holes of mini-golf at pirate's cove...sharpening of map reading skills...free adventures in acadia inn's dining room...tossing the frisbee whenever & wherever...planning for our 2014 reunion with the Wry family...acting like four children after hours and so much more...
i oftentimes have difficulty sharing what it is that i observe or experience in a particular moment, weekend, or occasion, which is why i usually resort to the stream of consciousness approach. this occasion is no different:
dick fox & his 3 hr. fully-narrated tour...cadillac mountain (esp. the sun setting on the continental US)...yankee lines tour bus crew...the mountain that--for us--was anything but thunderous..."in the cool of the pool" and the 110+ degree jacuzzi water...popovers at jordan pond & "flying" CC potato chips...LOBSTAH ice cream...window shopping & stealing fun bumper sticker & t-shirt slogans...18 challenging holes of mini-golf at pirate's cove...sharpening of map reading skills...free adventures in acadia inn's dining room...tossing the frisbee whenever & wherever...planning for our 2014 reunion with the Wry family...acting like four children after hours and so much more...
Friday, June 11, 2010
one global GOOAAAALLL
i don't care if you're white, black or brown. whether you love or hate the US or any of the other participating countries. whether you've played or never played soccer or futebol before. no matter what your story is the fifa world cup, which happens only once every four years, will at the very least bring you g o o s e bumps...
may the 32 participating countries (players & fans especially) take advantage of these potentially unifying matches and use this universal platform as a diplomatic throw-in.
here's to what will be an incredible month of international soccer/futebol,
tk
(i am secretly routing for team ghana & south korea)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
avatar
i couldn't wait until tomorrow to complete this blog entry, as i just finished watching the semi-animated film Avatar with my sister, Kaitlyn. if you haven't seen it yet/or you are looking for a good flick to kick off your summer, Avator is a great choice (especially given the fact that--like us--you can pick it up at your local redbox dispenser for $1 or so). as several critics have similarly described, this film's graphics are literally "out of this world" and absolutely incredible. not only was i amazed by director james cameron's attention to details, but also his ability to weave themes like human interconnectedness, environmental justice and foreign diplomacy (just to mention a few) into this spectacular motion picture. i am very particular about what type of science fiction/futuristic films i can handle, but this one has golden globe written all over it!
so kick up your heels, grab a bag of your favorite kernels and prepare your eyes as they begin to dance...
so kick up your heels, grab a bag of your favorite kernels and prepare your eyes as they begin to dance...
Monday, June 7, 2010
an eventful weekend & i'm BACK!
i think i may have just severely pulled my back muscle(s), as i quickly got up from my chair after chatting with a good friend of mine, and now i am having difficulty sitting up and walking around the house! it figures. why didn't anyone tell me that year 25 would be filled with so many aches and pains?!? after lifting boxes & stuffing envelopes for the diocese of fall river all day today (as well as jumping frantically on the Clifford moonwalk with my relatives and some other kids at my cousins' graduation party yesterday), i guess i should have seen this coming. why didn't anyone tell me that year 25 would be filled with so many aches and pains?!? luckily, my mother--whose expertise and services i rarely ever take advantage of--is a physical therapist and reiki trainee. i'm usually not someone who gives it to taking over-the-counter painkillers like Ibuprofen, but this pain is just too much and i really want to return to work tomorrow! my typing speed and accuracy are limited this evening and it is getting late for a potential work night, so i will
i wish you a pain-free week,
tk
friday's WONDERWORD mystery word = EXHAUSTION
(there may have been some extra un-circled letters, but just disregard them ;)
i wish you a pain-free week,
tk
friday's WONDERWORD mystery word = EXHAUSTION
(there may have been some extra un-circled letters, but just disregard them ;)
Saturday, June 5, 2010
WONDERWORD
whenever i am visiting my family in taunton, massachusetts, this relatively quick & easy word puzzle (see left margin) has become a staple of my morning routine. for those of you who are unfamiliar with this particular puzzle, please let me explain how to play. each puzzle has a theme (i.e. heat wave), several words related to that theme that are embedded in the puzzle, and a final mystery word that can only be deciphered once all the words in the checklist have been found. as soon as you discover a word in the puzzle, you can either create small circles engulfing each letter of the word or you can circle the entire word with one single stroke. once all the checklist words have been found, there should be a few letters that remained uncircled. these un-jumbled letters together spell the mystery word, which is also usually related to the puzzle's theme for that day.
not only does this word game prime my mind for whatever the day has in store for me, but it also gives me a booster shoot of confidence bright and early. i know each one of you has your own morning rituals, which i hope you will continue to capitalize on. the important part of these rituals though is that they provide us with meaning and prepare us for the adventures that await us as we finish off our last spoonful of cereal or final sip of our favorite cold/hot beverage.
unfortunately, WONDERWORD does not appear in the weekend newspapers, so i will have to wait until monday to get another chance at circling.
in the meantime let's compare possible mystery words from sample puzzle in margin,
tk
not only does this word game prime my mind for whatever the day has in store for me, but it also gives me a booster shoot of confidence bright and early. i know each one of you has your own morning rituals, which i hope you will continue to capitalize on. the important part of these rituals though is that they provide us with meaning and prepare us for the adventures that await us as we finish off our last spoonful of cereal or final sip of our favorite cold/hot beverage.
unfortunately, WONDERWORD does not appear in the weekend newspapers, so i will have to wait until monday to get another chance at circling.
in the meantime let's compare possible mystery words from sample puzzle in margin,
tk
Thursday, June 3, 2010
a day in the life of ray
i'm excited to be positing this blog on the morning of game one of the 2010 NBA finals, which will tip off tonight at 9pm EST at the staples center in los angeles, california.
many of my closest colleagues and friends (especially Cavs' fans) have reminded me time and time again, since the Celtics knocked off the Cavaliers in what seems like months ago, how much they despise every member of this year's Celtics squad! to which i usually reply, "even Ray Allen?" well, i must say that they are certainly entitled to their opinions regardless of whatever off-court evidence i have at my disposal; nevertheless, i will present my case for the athlete and father who i have come to idolize.
it is news to no one that professional athletes are the first to be criticized for their obscene salaries and on- and off-the field antics; however, a lot less energy and attention is paid to the ways in which some of these male & female athletes assume exemplary roles in their families and communities. take for example, the late roberto clemente who played right field for the pittsburgh pirates from 1955-72 and who tragically lost his life in an airplane crash en route to deliver some emergency relief to victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. moreover, olympic long-jumper and heptathlete, jackie joyner-kersee--recognizing the need to help youth, parents and families improve their quality of life--established a foundation with her husband and co-founded "athletes for hope" to encourage other professional athletes to get involved in their local communities. there are many other athletes (including former NFL quarterbacks, doug flutie and boomer esiason) whose biggest opponents are not the three-hundred pound linemen that they face every Sunday, but rather the incurable diseases that plague their children and families. all parties considered, i would undoubtedly include celtics shooting guard, ray allen, in this discussion and company.
it was just hours before game 5 of the 2008 NBA finals, ray and his wife, shannon, received news from their 2-yr old son's pediatrician that walker had been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. since my mother suffers from diabetes, i certainly can imagine the feelings of helplessness and uncertainty that surfaced probably immediately for ray and shannon. i guess it is particularly easy for me to empathize with their family.
may walker allen, mary kerrigan and all those men, women and children who struggle daily with the discomfort and pain of diabetes have the support to help improve their quality of life.
Christ's comfort and hope,
tk
many of my closest colleagues and friends (especially Cavs' fans) have reminded me time and time again, since the Celtics knocked off the Cavaliers in what seems like months ago, how much they despise every member of this year's Celtics squad! to which i usually reply, "even Ray Allen?" well, i must say that they are certainly entitled to their opinions regardless of whatever off-court evidence i have at my disposal; nevertheless, i will present my case for the athlete and father who i have come to idolize.
it is news to no one that professional athletes are the first to be criticized for their obscene salaries and on- and off-the field antics; however, a lot less energy and attention is paid to the ways in which some of these male & female athletes assume exemplary roles in their families and communities. take for example, the late roberto clemente who played right field for the pittsburgh pirates from 1955-72 and who tragically lost his life in an airplane crash en route to deliver some emergency relief to victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. moreover, olympic long-jumper and heptathlete, jackie joyner-kersee--recognizing the need to help youth, parents and families improve their quality of life--established a foundation with her husband and co-founded "athletes for hope" to encourage other professional athletes to get involved in their local communities. there are many other athletes (including former NFL quarterbacks, doug flutie and boomer esiason) whose biggest opponents are not the three-hundred pound linemen that they face every Sunday, but rather the incurable diseases that plague their children and families. all parties considered, i would undoubtedly include celtics shooting guard, ray allen, in this discussion and company.
it was just hours before game 5 of the 2008 NBA finals, ray and his wife, shannon, received news from their 2-yr old son's pediatrician that walker had been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. since my mother suffers from diabetes, i certainly can imagine the feelings of helplessness and uncertainty that surfaced probably immediately for ray and shannon. i guess it is particularly easy for me to empathize with their family.
may walker allen, mary kerrigan and all those men, women and children who struggle daily with the discomfort and pain of diabetes have the support to help improve their quality of life.
Christ's comfort and hope,
tk
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
scenes from a local laundromat
please watch this clip before reading on...
unlike jerry & george, my trip to the mansfield laundromat was fairly uneventful; however, i almost choked, when i realized how many quarters (22 = $5.50) it was going to cost in order to run a triple load! since i'm not a regular at laundromats, i have no idea if this service is overpriced or normal? to throw some bleach into the mix (luckily, i didn't make that mistake again!), i had been asked to complete some errands while the 28 minute cycle completed its work. thankfully, my laundry was still there, when i returned fifteen minutes late from my trip to Target. as i walked victoriously through our door with three sopping wet trash bags of laundry, i felt a tear stream down my face, as i wondered whether this would be my last visit to the local laundromat...
[breaking news]
according to the repairman, who arrived this morning, we have been running too many large loads; consequently, the drain hose pulled off the drain port and caused the second Great Flood in our basement! nevertheless, the washing machine is NOT broken (yet) and normal cycles will resume this afternoon/evening.
don't forget your laundry detergent at home & remember that you can never over dry!
until the next load,
tk
Monday, May 31, 2010
soup for the soul of summer
that's right, folks! from tomorrow until the end of the summer (for me, like all you educators know, that's the beginning-to-middle of august), i will hopefully be drawing your attention to some of the more peculiar, mortifying and extraordinary elements of my summer experiences here back in new england. this should provide you with a much more in-depth look at how i'm doing and what i've been to than my usual 3-5 page tirades that may leave you wondering "when is he gonna wrap it up?" or "why doesn't he just pick up the phone and call me for goodness sake!" whatever your response may be, feel free to visit my blog frequently, once in a blue moon, or just this once. either way, i appreciate your time, comments and friendship.
take luck,
tk
*God bless this country and our global communities
take luck,
tk
*God bless this country and our global communities
the D word
i'm sure you thought you were gonna get a naughty word out of me. nice try. what this subject lines refers to is the current state of dating or lackthereof. i have had several conversations with friends about the lost art of dating and courtship. honestly, it comes as no surprise to me, as i have been working closely alongside young adults for the past seven or eight years of my life--either as a mentor, colleague, teacher or chum. from what i have witnessed, young persons would rather have a one-night stand than make themselves vulnerable than risk possibly being rejected by a close friend or complete stranger by asking them out on a date. knock, knock...is there anything more risky that having casual sex with someone whom you do not even know? sex makes promises, real promises!
this past semester, i attended a Theology on Tap event sponsored by JCU's Campus Ministry program, in which Fr. Cozzens, S.J., whom many folks (both young and old) are fond of, shared his insights about sexual activity on/off college campuses as well as the "hookup" culture. i would like to refer to you to an article entitled "Sex, lies and the hookup culture" by Donna Freitas in the fall 2008 edition of the magazine U.S. Catholic (for the full article, click here). one of the evidenced-based arguments that Freitas discusses in her article is that a majority of young adults--regardless of gender/or sexual orientation--seek "old-fashioned romance. it's talking--just talking for hours, on a pretty beach, over dinner, under a starry sky." wowzers?!? not only did this discovery knock my red socks off, but i couldn't believe what i was reading! if this is true, then let's continue tapping into this developing phenomenon, Ms. Freitas and co.
since this entry has been in draft status for a couple months now, i wanted to publish it quickly to stir up some conversation...
this past semester, i attended a Theology on Tap event sponsored by JCU's Campus Ministry program, in which Fr. Cozzens, S.J., whom many folks (both young and old) are fond of, shared his insights about sexual activity on/off college campuses as well as the "hookup" culture. i would like to refer to you to an article entitled "Sex, lies and the hookup culture" by Donna Freitas in the fall 2008 edition of the magazine U.S. Catholic (for the full article, click here). one of the evidenced-based arguments that Freitas discusses in her article is that a majority of young adults--regardless of gender/or sexual orientation--seek "old-fashioned romance. it's talking--just talking for hours, on a pretty beach, over dinner, under a starry sky." wowzers?!? not only did this discovery knock my red socks off, but i couldn't believe what i was reading! if this is true, then let's continue tapping into this developing phenomenon, Ms. Freitas and co.
since this entry has been in draft status for a couple months now, i wanted to publish it quickly to stir up some conversation...
Sunday, May 9, 2010
worth the wait
please allow me to set the scene for you...bottom of the ninth. tigers lead the tribe 6-4. one out. left-handed rusell branyan is pinch hitting for mason and has a 1-2 count on him against the tigers' shutdown closer, jose valverde.
h.paul, yi and myself have been freezin' our bottoms off for the past three hours. at this point, the stadium is about seventy five percent empty, and we have since moved closer to the field from our ticket-listed, nose bleed seats--section 570 of progressive field for those of you who are keeping track at home. after finishing our $3.50 cup of lukewarm hot chocolate, we are just about ready to chalk up another tribe lost and hit the road when...
the 1-2 pitch...a swing and a pop foul to the left (wait a minute...oh my goodness, i might have a chance at this!)
since i was a boy, i have always brought my baseball mit to every MLB game that i've attended. i figure it is always good to be prepared. you never know when you might need to use the glove. well, today, for the first time in awhile, it would be put to use.
that ball that branyan fouled back was still climbing higher and higher. as soon as i realized that this was going to be a close play in the empty seats in front of me, i sprang from my seat and quickly darted down the steps, all the while keeping a close eye on the descending baseball. not a single fan was within 20 feet of me, when the ball hit the heel of my raised mitt (and painfully the palm of my left hand) squarely and bounced onto the pavement below this empty row of seats. before the rush of kids and die-hards reached "my row," i doze on top of the baseball, before it could escape me. as i rose to my feet victoriously with this timeless token, fans behind me began "BOOing" me!?! i couldn't believe it, especially since I HAD THE BALL!soon enough, i had those same fans cheering for my dear friend, yi, because of the occasion described below.
because this was the first professional baseball game that yi had ever attended, i decided that she needed an official MLB baseball as a memento of this historic event in her life. yi now possesses the first ever foul ball that i almost caught (see margins).
h.paul, yi and myself have been freezin' our bottoms off for the past three hours. at this point, the stadium is about seventy five percent empty, and we have since moved closer to the field from our ticket-listed, nose bleed seats--section 570 of progressive field for those of you who are keeping track at home. after finishing our $3.50 cup of lukewarm hot chocolate, we are just about ready to chalk up another tribe lost and hit the road when...
the 1-2 pitch...a swing and a pop foul to the left (wait a minute...oh my goodness, i might have a chance at this!)
since i was a boy, i have always brought my baseball mit to every MLB game that i've attended. i figure it is always good to be prepared. you never know when you might need to use the glove. well, today, for the first time in awhile, it would be put to use.
that ball that branyan fouled back was still climbing higher and higher. as soon as i realized that this was going to be a close play in the empty seats in front of me, i sprang from my seat and quickly darted down the steps, all the while keeping a close eye on the descending baseball. not a single fan was within 20 feet of me, when the ball hit the heel of my raised mitt (and painfully the palm of my left hand) squarely and bounced onto the pavement below this empty row of seats. before the rush of kids and die-hards reached "my row," i doze on top of the baseball, before it could escape me. as i rose to my feet victoriously with this timeless token, fans behind me began "BOOing" me!?! i couldn't believe it, especially since I HAD THE BALL!soon enough, i had those same fans cheering for my dear friend, yi, because of the occasion described below.
because this was the first professional baseball game that yi had ever attended, i decided that she needed an official MLB baseball as a memento of this historic event in her life. yi now possesses the first ever foul ball that i almost caught (see margins).
Friday, April 16, 2010
they are hokies and they will prevail.
it was just three years ago (it feels like just yesterday) that members of the Virginia Tech community endured one of the worst massacres in US history. thirty-two students and faculty members were murdered by a fellow student that morning. unfortunately, the devastating effects still ring like the explosions of a firearm in the minds and hearts of so many students and staff at Tech.
WE ARE HOKIES. WE WILL PREVAIL.
on wednesday, i was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend a conference for ohio campus ministers down in columbus, ohio where the keynote speaker was none other than fr. john grace (director of campus ministry & chaplain of the newman ctr. at Tech). his inspiring theme was "Voices of Hope," and he shared with us personal anecdotes and insights into the challenges of coping with crises on college campuses. his thoughts and reactions to the events that occurred on April 16th 2007 reminded me of my own personal experiences of the two JCU student suicides that took place on our campus just last semester. grace spoke about the significance of the campus & extended communities that were supportive and available during this difficult time. at one point, he told us that a group of Tech students who participated in an alternative spring break encountered compassion and other individuals who are exposed to violence, hatred and injustices not just once, but daily. this, along with so much more, not only gave Tech students, but us campus ministers a lot to reflect upon.
well, i could share a lot more with regards to grace's presentation/stories, i think i will save those for later. plus, you never know when you yourself may run into him or his students one day. all things considered, i hope you will take some time this day/weekend to spend a quiet moment in prayer and thanksgiving for the reality of the paschal mystery.
WE ARE HOKIES. WE WILL PREVAIL.
on wednesday, i was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend a conference for ohio campus ministers down in columbus, ohio where the keynote speaker was none other than fr. john grace (director of campus ministry & chaplain of the newman ctr. at Tech). his inspiring theme was "Voices of Hope," and he shared with us personal anecdotes and insights into the challenges of coping with crises on college campuses. his thoughts and reactions to the events that occurred on April 16th 2007 reminded me of my own personal experiences of the two JCU student suicides that took place on our campus just last semester. grace spoke about the significance of the campus & extended communities that were supportive and available during this difficult time. at one point, he told us that a group of Tech students who participated in an alternative spring break encountered compassion and other individuals who are exposed to violence, hatred and injustices not just once, but daily. this, along with so much more, not only gave Tech students, but us campus ministers a lot to reflect upon.
well, i could share a lot more with regards to grace's presentation/stories, i think i will save those for later. plus, you never know when you yourself may run into him or his students one day. all things considered, i hope you will take some time this day/weekend to spend a quiet moment in prayer and thanksgiving for the reality of the paschal mystery.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
through the heart of a tiger
i'm sure you have your own thoughts and opinions about tiger woods the golfer and tiger woods the husband/ father. feel free to share. for me, woods' vocations finally coalesced at yesterday's press conference (four days before he returns to "compete" in the Masters tournament in Augusta). since November, tiger has been criticized for his off-the-course legal/drug issues as well as his infidelity towards his wife, children & family. as he has pointed out so clearly, he is terribly sorry for the horrible decisions that he has made and believes that he lost his way. i believe he words are genuine. you may not. however, that's not necessarily the point. the fact of the matter is that tiger is willing to admit his heinous mistakes and rediscover those virtuous attributes that have formed him, since his childhood. my prayers go out to him and his family, because i truly hope and believe that his past sins will be forgiven (not forgotten).
many golf fans and tiger supporters are still not convinced that tiger will be the golfer of past years. frankly, how can they? he's had knee surgery, been through intensive rehab and still grieving his irresponsible & seemingly unforgivable mistakes. at the conclusion of this weekend's Masters tournament, it is highly unlikely that woods will be wearing his 5th green jacket; however, is that what viewers will be tuned into? i don't think so. each camera will be watching every swing, hole & reaction of woods. many folks, including the media, are hoping that he makes the first cut! regardless of what happens at Augusta, i am pleased to know that one of the most popular and legendary athletes in sports is willing to admit his human weaknesses and show the true colors of his fur.
many golf fans and tiger supporters are still not convinced that tiger will be the golfer of past years. frankly, how can they? he's had knee surgery, been through intensive rehab and still grieving his irresponsible & seemingly unforgivable mistakes. at the conclusion of this weekend's Masters tournament, it is highly unlikely that woods will be wearing his 5th green jacket; however, is that what viewers will be tuned into? i don't think so. each camera will be watching every swing, hole & reaction of woods. many folks, including the media, are hoping that he makes the first cut! regardless of what happens at Augusta, i am pleased to know that one of the most popular and legendary athletes in sports is willing to admit his human weaknesses and show the true colors of his fur.
Monday, February 15, 2010
wjcu radiothon 2010
by now, many of you know that i am a dj on the non-commercial, community-based radio station 88.7 fm WJCU (John Carroll University Radio). i have recently become interested in pursuing a second career in this field (in addition to my counseling career). anyways, this week (until feb 21st) is our annual radiothon in which we ask for pledges from our listerners. since WJCU is almost entirely funded by our radiothon (we do not have any corporate sponsors), this week is astronomically important to the success & future of our radio station.we have a number of renovative projects as well as some additional operating costs that are in jeopardy of being cut, if we do not reach our goal this week. please consider donating $10, $20, $50 or more to WJCU (and more importantly, to the men & women who bring you a LIVE, ecletic collection of music 24/7 to you and your radio in an age where radio has become automated and impersonal). There are certainly special premiums that serve as a "thank you" for your contribution (check out the pictures & descriptions on our website), but they are not the reason we are asking for your money. please consider making a donation because WJCU very well may be your BEST investment in 2010.
this year our group goal is $40,000. my personal goal for my Heights show (Tuesday, Feb 16th 1-3:30pm) is $300.
pledges of any amount are accepted at www.wjcu.org or you can call the station at 216.397.4438 (preferred method). if you would like to pay by check, please make your payment out to "WJCU" or "John Carroll University Radio" and send it to the mailing address below:
WJCU Radio
20700 North Park Blvd.
University Heights, OH 44118
thanks to all my (our) readers & listeners,
tommykthedijay
this year our group goal is $40,000. my personal goal for my Heights show (Tuesday, Feb 16th 1-3:30pm) is $300.
pledges of any amount are accepted at www.wjcu.org or you can call the station at 216.397.4438 (preferred method). if you would like to pay by check, please make your payment out to "WJCU" or "John Carroll University Radio" and send it to the mailing address below:
WJCU Radio
20700 North Park Blvd.
University Heights, OH 44118
thanks to all my (our) readers & listeners,
tommykthedijay
Sunday, January 24, 2010
LIFEguards on duty
i recently returned with a group of JCU student from my fourth or fifth March for Life in washington, d.c., and i have a few insights to share:
1) life is a precious gift
2) no one really wants to abort life
3) we are still marching
while i love visiting our nation's capital, i really don't want to go back next year! i want Roe v. Wade to be overturned once and for all. this year marked the 37th annual March! even though this year was one of the largest--if not the biggest--crowds to date, i wish more folks (including myself) could put the same amount of time and effort into getting involved politically. i know, i know. i hate the p word too, but it's the one of the most definitive means by which we can bring about monumental change. now we keep saying we're gonna do this, so let's do this with every encounter that the good Lord blesses us with. Let's be builders, not destroyers!
please, i want to hear your thoughts...
1) life is a precious gift
2) no one really wants to abort life
3) we are still marching
while i love visiting our nation's capital, i really don't want to go back next year! i want Roe v. Wade to be overturned once and for all. this year marked the 37th annual March! even though this year was one of the largest--if not the biggest--crowds to date, i wish more folks (including myself) could put the same amount of time and effort into getting involved politically. i know, i know. i hate the p word too, but it's the one of the most definitive means by which we can bring about monumental change. now we keep saying we're gonna do this, so let's do this with every encounter that the good Lord blesses us with. Let's be builders, not destroyers!
please, i want to hear your thoughts...
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