Miley shows some skin

I would never allow my 15 year old daughter to pose like this, regardless of the amount of money offered or the possibility of the publicity generated.

Now I am going to sound like an old fuddy duddy, but at point do we (the viewing public) exploit these kids too much. Not just these "stars" but my kids too. I have already ranted on being against paparazzi and tabloid sensation, but when it gets to the level of TigerBeat journalism passing for news, then we have gone too far.

Too often my own kids are clamouring for Frosted Flakes, because of Tony the Tiger, or they want to go visit Old (Ronald) McDonald because he sponsor's Sesame Street, so I already know the impact of marketing on the young minds. What this tells me if I am a young consumer that it is alright for teenagers to take off their clothes in public, even if they are slightly covered.

This is one of many messages, which our children receive over the course of their life from the media (not just TV either), that makes counter-acting and deprogramming these messages all the more difficult as a parent. I guess once the public stops consuming this and the advertisers choose to stop paying for these exploits then I will stop ranted.

I also know it is a bit hypocritical of me to post the picture, but if I can attract a few people with the picture, I might get my point across to others. Ah to dream the impossible dream.

Sping Soccer Sunday

So I got asked to coach my oldest son's Soccer team again this year after I was not planning on coaching this season. I have been coaching him and his friends for the past 3 years, since he was four. For the most part, I have had the same bunch of kids in the spring and in the fall, so I have been with them for the past 5 or 6 seasons.

I had always coached with my friend Seth, but we had both decided we weren't going to coach this year, since neither one of us are soccer players, and did not feel like we could add much more value to the kids. We had been decent or mediocre at teaching the kids the fundamentals (not too hard with 4 and 5 year olds) but they are getting to the age, where they need to start to learn the game, and I am incapable of doing that since I don't know the first thing about the game. We also decided that we would be coaching our daughters in the fall, when they start playing in the fall. You know, go back to what you know.

I was all set to sit on the sidelines this season and watch Jacob play. My wife works every other Sunday at her Store and I would be responsible for watching the other two on those days. This would also give me the opportunity to keep an eye on Mollie, who has always sat patiently on the sidelines for the past few years and watched her older brother play. I was also a bit concerned since Owen is now crawling, and will be all over the beach if left alone. But the league commissioner called me and said they had no one to coach his team this year, and I asked if I would consider doing it again. There is no way I could let the kids and parents down, so I decided to come back. I do not regret the decision today.

I dropped the two little ones off at my in-laws (they gratefully agreed to watch them on my behalf) and then Jacob and I went to West Beach to play. I had two other fathers offer to help me out this year, which will allow me to sit back a bit more. The first hour is primarily practice, and one of the parents ran the kids through a passing drill. He worked them hard and I think the majority kids actually understood what they were being taught (further proof that the kids could learn more from others).

After a few more drills, we started the game and considering we have not played since October/November, the kids played really well. They did not bunch as much as they used to, the defense hung back waiting for the other team and they tried to pass to each other. I know next week the entire team might play completely differently, but I have to admit I enjoyed being outside on this cool crisp spring afternoon and watching them go.

It was fun coaching them, since these kids are all very adaptable and want to learn. They listen to what we are saying and attempt to do what they are told. There are other kids in the league who simply don't listen to their coaches and do as they please, these kids are not like that.

During the game, all the kids moved, participated, were part of the game and most importantly had fun. It make my decision to return to coaching this season that much more enjoyable. I hope next week bring such good feelings for a bunch of 6 and 7 year olds.

SML Genius Pool

I was reminded this week, that my friend See-Ming Lee, has included me in his Genius Pool.

I am indeed honored and touched that a former colleague and brilliant individual such as See-Ming would include me in his own personal list of genius. I don't know what criteria he uses to determine who is going to be included in this category, but I certainly am grateful.

This just makes me think that hard work and perseverance can in fact be confused for true genius.

Taking in a game at Great American Ball Park

So I found myself in Cincinnati for business this week, since the company I work for has an office in the Queen city. One of my fine coworkers, decided it would be a good idea to go see a baseball game while I was in town. Luckily enough the Reds were in town against the L.A. Dodgers, so off to the old ball park we went.

Last night was a perfect night for baseball in any city. It was about 75 degrees for the first pitch at 7:05. When the final out was made a mere 3:02 hours later, after the Reds had beaten the Dodger 8-1, the temperature was still around 70.

I have to admit, I absolutely loved that ballpark. It was right along the Ohio River. Very cozy (seats 42,941), with great sightlines. I felt like I was part of the action, in spite of being 20 or so rows back. The field itself is about the same dimensions as Shea Stadium here in NYC, but it felt much smaller because the stands were so close to the field. I honestly felt as close to a game as I have ever been, and I have sat in the 3rd row at Shea. I am hoping this design is indicative of how the New Yankee Stadium and Citifield will look and feel next year when they open.

There were a ton of concession stands, with lots of food and beer options. The vendors were selling peanuts and beer, which I think is a great pairing. If you are going to sell them, it makes sense to have the same vendor hawk them together. The bathrooms were clean, the walkways were wide, the seats were comfortable. There fireworks after a Red HomeRun (I actually thought Kentucky was attacking Ohio at first) were a pleasant surprise. The fog coming from the stacks after a visitor struck out, was a little confusing until I figured that player just got smoked.

The view above is approximately the view that we had as we saw Brandon Phillips and Adam Dunn home run for the Redlegs, while Jerry Hairston led off and went 4-5 on the day. Joey Votto went 3-4 and help jettison my fantasy team into first place. Edinson Volquez also pitched a 7 inning gem. The Dodgers looked old and slow, and not very motivated.

The only thing that honestly made me uncomfortable was they actually had cheerleaders come out and do some routines on each dugout in between innings. It is the first time I ever saw this type of entertainment at a baseball game. It made me wonder if these woman had actually failed to make the Bengals squad and were trying to keep the dream alive. Five woman doing cheers, scantily clad in baseball uniform was just not necessary. Those local natives around me tended to agree.

If you ever find yourself in Cincinnati during baseball season, I would highly recommend going to catch a game.

Nature Walk on Sunday

I spent this morning with the family walking through the woods, over bridges, past waterfalls, watching birds and looking for wildlife. Where was this nature excursion you might ask? Believe it or not, it was right here in Stamford at the Bartlett Arboretum, which I believe is one of the best kept secrets in all of Fairfield County. The fact that beautiful nature preserve is less than 1 mile from my house is certainly an added benefit.

The trails are well marked, cleared of debris and perfect for a family outing on a Sunday morning. I put the baby into the Baby Bjorn and schlepped

him on my chest for this one hour hike. The back is a bit sore, but the fresh air and time spent with the family made it all worth while. If you are around and looking for a good hike, I highly recommend it.


I got some pictures from the Mrs from this walk and thought I would share.

A few tree huggers to say the least (top). Also two happy campers and one cranky girl at the end of the walk (bottom).

I hate American Idol

I am sitting here with my lovely wife, and watching American Idol gives back. The show is so pretentious. I am very glad that they are creating awareness of extreme poverty here in America, and the AIDS crisis in Africa, but the show and the celebrities are so overbearing.

I enjoy spending time with the Mrs. but I hate her programming. I think we need to get a second TV receiver. Oh well.

Long Awaited Post: Joba and Hillary

Well, I finally have a few minutes to sit down, think and actually write some things that are on my mind. I am enjoying this Sunday afternoon as my two little one's are sleeping and the big one is off at a play date. The mrs. is off getting some new clothes to celebrate her birthday later this week. Right now, I am watching the Yankees play the Rays (nee Devil Rays) and watching the Rangers play the Devils. Lets just say life is good, for the first time in a long time. So, without further ado:

Joba freaking rocks:

How in the world can the Yankees ever consider sending this guy back to the rotation? I just watched him force a double-play in the 7th inning and throw 8 pitches to retire the side in the 8th. This guy comes out throwing 97 mph or so, and really brings a lot of life to the team. Anyone who says the Yankees could have won all the pennants and Series without Mariano Rivera are delusional. Chamberlain could become just as important to this franchise as Rivera has been for the past 10-12 years. Somehow, I doubt we will ever see him start a game in pinstripes. Look for Joba to be the closer in the next 2 years, and working as the set up guy until then.

Hillary should drop out and her supporters should shut their yaps:

Yes, I know Obama cannot win enough delegates in the remaining primaries to close her out regardless. Yes I know she has done a great job of attracting woman, Latinos, Reagan Democrats and other coveted demographics that will be necessary to win in November. However, even if she wins Pennsylvania, Indiana and every other primary neither candidate will accrue enough delegates to win outright, it is still going to be a drop down, kicking and screaming fight until the convention in August, and who does that benefit the most? If the democrats spend the next 4-5 months spending money and fighting amongst themselves, while McCain can sit back, collect money and intelligence, and see what dirt the democrats uncover on each other, who is in a better position to look more presidential? That is right, John McCain.

I would not consider myself a die-hard Barack-a-maniac, but I do think he has a charismatic personality, will to treat the electorate as adults, and will deal with the current issues heads on. He will not defer claiming years of service and no knowledge (McCain and Economics) and he will not pad his resume by claiming ot be under fire and gaining "experience" as the first lady.

I believe Hillary has done a fantastic job as a Senator from NY the past 8 years, and she might have spent time as an Arkansas first lady and in the national spotlight, fighting for children's rights or improving health care but to claim to be a policy expert in husband Bill's cabinet, means we should have run Nancy Reagen in 1992, and maybe Edith Wilson in 1920. I honestly believe Mrs. Wilson had a larger hand in running the government after her husbands stroke than Mrs. Rodham Clinton did after her husbands blow-job.

What is very annoying to me is the Hillary supporters who say that she should continue to run, because she has earned the right, or that say why should she drop out, or that she has a better chance to beat McCain than her opponent. They are all unable to provide clear plan of how Hillary will obtain the magic number of delegates needed for the nomination. Some of the supporters point to baseball and say you need to play all 9 innings to determine the outcome and therefore they should fight on until Denver. This is not a game. This is the future of our country that we are talking about, and at some point somebody needs to understand or convince her (calling Howard Dean) that she needs to drop out and support Senator Obama so the democrats can start the national debate now with the real opponent and force the Republicans to start spending money now.

I honestly have no idea which candidate has a better chance, but if they continue to beat each other upon the head, neither will have a real chance. What they don't seem to see is that the if the democrats continue to fight amongst themselves, they will not be able wrest the mantle in November and I have never seen a situation where the leader should concede to the challenger.

One thing I have realized with this recent school board of education fight is united we stand, divided we fall. Right now, the democrats stand divided and therefore are susceptible to defeat. If they can unite sooner, rather than in August when it is too late, then united they can stand through the summer and fall.