Great Grandpa Jack!
Bob Robin and Sean in Front of the tree.
Here is Anne Drew and Lil Drew in the Kitchen.
Monday, December 26, 2005
More Christmas Eve. . .
Christmas Eve. . .
Here is the generations picture in front of the tree at the house in University Place Washington. Great Grandpa Jack, Muriel, Anne, and Lil Drew.
Here is the Crew at the Church. 
Oh My God Drew in a Kilt! Please dad don't grow your hair out like that.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Blog me
So it took at least a year and a day to get to work this morning. I was stuck on the Henry Hudson Parkway for 1 1/2 hours. I got into work at about 9:30 AM. I was grateful when I was not asked tyo punch in as late. The kids have been good with the strike and today we had abouyt 89% of them show up for class.
Anne and I are busy getting ready for our trip to Seattle and the baby's first trip to day care. We plan on leaving very very early in the morning.
to TA!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Death of my cousin Cathy Hartman
Catherine G. Hartman
Home:
Califon (Tewksbury Twp.), NJ
Date of Death:
December 19, 2005
Age: 45
Birthplace:Manhattan, NY
Birth date:July 12, 1960
Service Date:
Friday, Dec 23, 2005 at 10:30 am
Visitation Date:
Wednesday, December 21st from 2-4 pm and from 6-8 pm and again Thursday, December 22nd from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm.
Service Place:
St. Luke Parsh Church , Long Valley, NJ
Interment:
Private and at the convenience of the family.
Hartman, Catherine Grace, (nee Keeney) – 45 of Califon, NJ passed away on Monday after a long battle with cancer.
She was born in Manhattan, NY and had been a resident of North Jersey for the past 35 years.
Cathy is survived by her son, Kyle and husband Hal, parents Bea and Tom, siblings, Lenore, John and Jennifer and the entire Hamill family. She was predeceased by her mother Grace.
Cathy’s passion was her love for her family, especially Kyle and all who knew her were blessed by her kindness and unselfish acts of giving. She especially loved children and they in turn were always excited to be with Cathy.
She was a graduate of Warren Hills High School and Raritan Valley Community College and was pursuing her degree at Centenary College. She worked for the last 15 years at Merck Corporation in Whitehouse in the tax department.
The Visitation will take place on Wednesday, December 21st from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm and again Thursday, December 22nd from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Route 31, Clinton, NJ 08809 – (908)-735-7180.
There will be Funeral Mass offered on Friday, December 23rd at 10:30 am at St. Luke Parish, Route 513 (aka 256 West Mill Road) , Long Valley, NJ 07853 www.stlukelv.org or (908)-876-3515 . Family & Friends are invited to meet directly at the Church on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (800-ACS-2345) in Cathy’s name
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Sick sick sick
So I have been sick for over 2 weeks now and when I went to the doctor he said I was on the edge with walking pneumonia. That is the main reason that I have been neglectful this week. I was out of work last week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I am turning the corner now after some very powerful antibiotics. Of course that has its downside too. LOL
Anne is going back to work on Thursday and Friday and Then we are off to Seattle Friday night. Little Drew will be having his first two days of day care, and his first plane ride all in the same week! We are looking forward to seeing friends and family while we are in Seattle.
On the down side my cousin is loosing her battle with cancer. Cathy decided to have a baptism for her son and made it out of bed for the ceremony in the hospital. My parents were down to see her in Southern, NJ this Friday and Saturday. Our prayers are with her and her family.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Tired
Having a baby is perhaps the most tiring activity. I have worked endless hours at any of my jobs but have never been so tired. I also have the flu which probably maked me feel more this way than ever. Little Drew is scheduled for a specialist appointment which may help his stomach problems and endless crying. I am still enjoying teaching at RKA 141 in Riverdale and the kids are a good part of that. I have an excellent AP in Schulman and a great mentor in Mr. Donovan.
Thanks guys and too everyone I work with!
Friday, December 09, 2005
What's up with the snow. . .
Big Drew has been sick for the last three days and doing nothing but sleeping on the couch to stay away from the baby. Lil Drew is doing well except he is still suffering from acid reflux. I wonder what is making him so tense? LOL. We had a very significant snowstorm here today and the roads were very bad.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Thanksgiving Stuff
MAWWWW!!
Thanksgiving at the Pecunia's.
We had a great time eating turkey, having pie and hanging out at the house. Eric Dad and Drew fixed the woodburning stove and we have it all cranked up now.
Desert is still on the table and we are getting ready to place a call out to the Parrish's. 
Monday, November 14, 2005
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Fall?
Not that I am complaining mind you but it has been a really warm fall here. So warm in fact that the leaves on the trees are still on--some even green. In general in all the time I have lived in New York--some 38 years, the trees leaves are gone or have little by October 31st. Not so this year they are hanging on like crazy.
My dad is feeling much better thank you and he is already up and about. He gave us all quite a scare but we think he is going to be ok now. We are still awaiting some results.
Anne and I are both tired wit the baby but we love him. He is a joy and an inspiration in our lives. Uncle Eric has his picture framed in his house! Very cool Eric.
Could Big Drew be a little ired with all the hustle and bustle around here? Yes!
I am wondering where my friend Eric is these days. It seems from last report he is still working but trying to get a youing lady produced in the music industry and we wish him the best of luck. He could give us a call tough . . .hint hint.
We are expecting the arrival of our friend Jen from Seattle around Thanksgiving. We have not seen her in a while and that should be a blast.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Dad in Hospital
My dad was in the hospital after an attack of appendicitis. He had to have surgery for the condition. He should be back in the next day or two. He has been holding up well and doing a good job. Hang in there dad.
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a 3 1/2-inch-long tube of tissue that extends from the large intestine. The appendix contains specialized tissue that can produce antibodies, but no one is absolutely certain what its function is. One thing we do know: We can live without it, without apparent consequences.
Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt surgery to remove the appendix. Left untreated, an inflamed appendix will eventually burst, or perforate, spilling infection into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to peritonitis, a serious infection of the abdominal cavity's lining (the peritoneum) that can be fatal unless it is treated quickly with strong antibiotics.
ugggh. . .
Somebody hit my car while it was parked in front of the house and broke the mirror. That was on Saturday. When I went to school on Monday I was stopped just outside the school by a safety stop and issued a ticket.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Teachers College, Columbia University: Summer Principals Academy
Teachers College, Columbia University: Summer Principals Academy: "B.A. in Political Science, Washington State University; M.P.A. in Education Policy Analysis, George Washington University; M.S.Ed. in Education, Fordham University. Anne?s first professional exposure to education occurred as Coordinator of the Public Service Academy at Anacostia High School in Washington, D.C. As Coordinator of the Public Service Academy she was responsible for creating and organizing programs to improve student achievement and promote retention rates. This experience led Anne to pursue a teaching position in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan where she is currently the Social Studies Coordinator and Lead Teacher of her school. Additionally, she participates in the Foundations of American Democracy ? Teaching American History grant sponsored by Teachers College and the Whitney Museum. "
Friday, October 21, 2005
Here is what I belie
Here is what I believe. I believe in the promise of America. That is that America is a land of opportunity. How so? Anyone can find a place for themselves here. America still is the land of opportunity. It is the same land of opportunity my grandparents came to in 1931. Where a man with nothing can become something and build an empire.
America is a land by the people for the people and with the consent of the people. The United States has created the best to date democratic system in the world. A person of limited means can achieve amazing things.
That being said the America of the future must be protected in very defined and specific ways. First we must defend the rights of free speech. The right to criticize government and the policies of our government protect the electorate from the tyranny of government.
Next all people must have the ability to practice religion as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others and protects basic human dignity/
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Tired. . .
Anne and Drew are busy with the new baby lildrewpecunia. We have been enjoying non-stop rain that ended today. Woohoo! The sun is out and the little guy is down for a nap. I plan on hitting the gyn today, getting the cars cleaned, and getting Anne out of the house.
We hope all is well with everyone!
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Many still without aid in?
Many still without aid in?quake zone - 12 Oct 2005 - World News
Once again we must think about those other than ourselves that have been impacted by what the world has to offer in the way of natural disasters.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Teaching with Documents
Teaching with documents. A very large listing of primary source documents.
http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2/content_storage_01/0000000b/80/11/75/c0.pdf
Friday, September 30, 2005
Lil Drew Pecunia is born September 28th 8Lbs 6oz
Andrew Neilson Pecunia, Jr. was born on September 28th, 2005 at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco New York. His mom and dad could not be happier and neither could his grandparents.
Here are some pictures for all to enjoy until I get home and get the website for Drew up and running.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
American Economic Alert - Trade News, Opinion, Globalization Follies and Factilines Updated Daily
American Economic Alert - Trade News, Opinion, Globalization Follies and Factilines Updated Daily
This website does a great service by keeping us up to date on the goings on in the United States economy.
What's Happening!
Hey all we are getting ready for a new year of kids in the classroom and one addition in the house. Anne is in her 9 month now and is getting around a little slower. We just took some great pictures around New York and the House and will have them up on the website soon. Gus (the dog) has learned to go outside and come in (the important part) by himself and we could not be happier.
We are in the process of getting the place ready for the new baby (nesting). We have the car seat in the car, a cradle, a playpen, and some of the other must have things.
Anne has been trying to finish her papers early just in case the baby arrives early. I have been organizing cleaning and just finished my summer classes.
Anne's grandfather Jack has just been diagnosed with cancer of the lungs, has a brain tumor, and may have prostate cancer. He is going to be closing up his house in Reno and moving up to Washington where Anne;s mom can keep a better eye on him. He is a great guy and our prayers are with him.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Education: Expect Excellence -- NCLB Extra Credit
Expect Excellence
When we expect excellence from our students they will achieve excellence. But don't take my word for it listen to the kids.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Test Scores Show Dramatic Improvements in Core Subjects -- NCLB Extra Credit
Just how is Oregon improving test scores. What should be noted here is that Oregons largest city is in the midst of an education funding crisis. Perhaps we should all read this one.
Test Scores Show Dramatic Improvements in Core Subjects -- NCLB Extra Credit
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Delayed Test Results Trouble New York - New York Times
Delayed Test Results Trouble New York - New York Times
Much like delayed justice is no justice so are delayed test scores. This is especially true given the nature of administartors and teachers to look at the results as a way to structure help in any weak areas for the following year.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
FT.com / Home UK - China hits at US claim of military threat
FT.com / Home UK - China hits at US claim of military threat
I was just wondering if I am not the only one interested in the subject of China and its growing interest in Asian domination?
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Drew Pecunia's Letter to the Editor Somers Wetlands
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Support protection of Somers wetlands
By Drew Pecunia
Yorktown Heights
(Original Publication: July 14, 2005)
Arriving in Somers in 1978 and as a 1985 graduate of Somers High School, I have a strong interest in the town. Somers has seen its share of development over the years, and it is certainly no longer a sleepy little town of yesteryear. Yet, as we look around, we can agree that our development has occurred in a more metered way than in many of the surrounding towns.
As an elected official, my father, Andrew Pecunia, was instrumental in his years in office in getting the town's Master Plan updated. Somers has up-zoned, purchased and protected vast areas of land. Most recently, through the efforts of Allen Golden and ForSomers.org, and the wise people of Somers, we have protected a large piece of land and an important aquifer. We in Somers have gone to great lengths to protect our way of life while coping with the effects of urban sprawl.
The effort to protect wetlands by creating a larger barrier is just as worthy an effort as the preceding efforts to protect our town. We all enjoy the abundant wildlife and open space that comes from protecting our wetlands. Our wetlands offer us benefit by providing storm-water filtration (cleaning our water), flood protection and erosion protection. From an economic standpoint, our wise view protecting our environment has resulted in Somers being and continuing to be an incredible draw and drive of our home values.
Please take the time to support this effort to protect the Somers we love, and provide that it be available for our children and others to enjoy.
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Friday, July 15, 2005
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
I agree with George Bush
Here's what former president George H.W. Bush said about that kind of crime: "Even though I'm a tranquil guy now at this stage of my life, I have nothing but contempt and anger for those who betray the trust by exposing the name of our sources. They are, in my view, the most insidious of traitors." That's from a speech on April 26, 1999.
I agree with George Bush. Enough said--wow!.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
American Economic Alert - Trade News, Opinion, Globalization Follies and Factilines Updated Daily
American Economic Alert - Trade News, Opinion, Globalization Follies and Factilines Updated Daily
Here is an interesting website that keeps us up to date on the trade situation in the United States.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
The Adirondack Forest Preserve
The Adirondack Forest Preserve
What do you think the chances are that I can get my pregnant wife to go camping in August. . .
Yup Zero Maybe next year :)
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Eric and Laurin
www.lorson.com
Eric and Laurin were married at a big shindig on the Conn. The pictures are now available at their website and I am providing the link here for all to see.
Monday, May 09, 2005
It's a Boy
Drew and Anne are happy to announce that they will be having a boy October 5th, 2005--or thereabout.
Anne is now starting her fifth month and we have passed the genetic tests of the amnio. For thse of you not aware of this procedure please see here. In any case we are doing well and we are wrapping up our studies for this semester. As a mater of fact Anne is almost done with her second masters at a 4.0. Way to go Anne.
We have a busy calendar for the next few weekends with teacher tests, bachelor parties, and weddings. We are looking forward to the lorson wedding. Eric has a new blog at http://www.killertunes.blogspot.com.
The digitalschools website continues to get better an the kids are using it more tan I ever thought possible.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Modern Ruins by Phillip Buehler
Modern Ruins by Phillip Buehler
This is one of the most interesting sites I have been by in a long time. This man captures history in photos. Long after some of these places have been torn down we can see what they were and imagine what went on back in days gone by. Do yourself a favor and check this out!
Sunday, May 01, 2005
What's Happening. . . . .
Drew and Anne are done with "vacation" for spring break. Anne made it through the amnio ok and we are awaiting the results. Our due date for the baby is still early October and we are starting to get very excited. Unfortunately the amnio was a very long process and I missed my class on Tuesday. With the kids this week we are starting the War of 1812. In 8th grade they are handing in their first draft of the grade 8 exit projects and talking about the WWII holocaust.
Things have been cool as far as weather goes here and we now have the LSS car registered in our name after two trips to the New York Department of Motor Vehicle. Enough said.
The trees are really coming into bloom here in New York and we are looking forward to the last 35 teaching days left in the year.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Lessons for Westward Expansion
Transportation: Covered Wagons | eThemes | eMINTS: "cut "
For those who are interested here are some very interesting lessons for Westward Expansion that I found on the Internet. Included are some excellent activities to keep the kids interested.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
My Class--Drew--Good Job!
One of my classes was reviewed today -- along with me to see if things were going well. We did very well and I am very proud of the class. The person who reviewed us had some very positive things to say and she looked happy.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Rain Rain Go Away. . .
It has been raining like crazy here as many of you probably saw in the weekend news reports. We have been staying dry since we are up in elevation a bit. Anne is finishing up her last assignments this month and putting the finishing touches on her 2nd Masters Degree, before entering the Principals Program this summer at Teachers College at Columbia University. I will be finishing my second Masters in Teaching in December.
This weekend I went out with my old high school friend Eric Lorson to get measured for tux for his wedding this May. On the way I blew the thermostat and a hose on my car and I will not be getting it back until Tuesday night. It is going to set us back about $279 but that is a price we will have to pay since it is our only car.
Luckily my parents lent us there old car to get back and forth to work. Thanks!
My brother came over this weekend and steam cleaned our carpets. The dog has been sick with an ear infection and the medicine the doctor gave him has the unfortunate side effect of making him have very low bladder control. Getting rid of his smelly mistake took my brother some time but it is clean now. Thanks Eric!
We hope everything is going well in your world. Send us out a shout via e-mail and let us know what your up to. With our schedules it is still the best way to reach us.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Weekend Madness
The snow is melting and it is starting to look like Easter around here in New York. While there is still some snow on the ground the daffodils are starting to poke up through the ground. Anne has moved ahead with Columbia and will be attending in the summer to become a Principal! Woohoo we are very proud of you.
We are expecting a little bundle of joy in October and we are very excited.
This weekend even more than most we are banging out papers and work for school. The car is now getting new shocks. This is not too bad considering that the original shocks have lasted 101,000 miles. Hard to believe the FOCUS has so many miles on it. The car has been good so far and we would consider buying another Ford product.
Anne's parents are excited about the trip to Scotland this summer--and about the bundle of joy. Anne's dad keeps telling people how she got into an IVY school early admission--it is great!
Despite being very tired all the time things are going pretty well for us here in New York although we miss all of our friends.
My friend Eric is getting married and we are really looking forward to the event in May. I have to get the time to get over for a tux fitting in Danbury. CT before he kills me. Sorry Eric!
If anyone has a chance stop by and see Digital Schools my updated web site.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
NYC Teaching Fellows Cohort 7 : Anne gets Accepted to IVY League -- Teachers College - Columbia University: News
NYC Teaching Fellows Cohort 7 : Anne gets Accepted to IVY League -- Teachers College - Columbia University: News: "I am so proud of Anne, as she has been accepted to the IVYs. She is going to be attending Teachers College at Columbia University for the next year to become a principal. She has worked very hard and is taking no time off between masters degrees.
Anne is going to make a great principal. "
Monday, March 14, 2005
Missing the idea?
It is interesting to note that we are raising the barrier to education while other countries are seeing the value. This is particularly painful given that we were so successful at it with the GI BILL. Are we really that dense or just distracted?
China Plans to Cut School Fees for Its Poorest Rural Students
By JIM YARDLEY
Published: March 13, 2005
EIJING, March 12 - China will begin eliminating rural school fees this year in response to growing criticism that the education system is increasingly corrupt and discriminates against poor rural students.
The new policy, announced last week by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao at the opening of the annual National People's Congress, will begin by removing fees for 14 million students in the country's poorest counties, and will continue expanding until 2007, when all rural students will receive a free primary education.
The program is part of a broader domestic agenda outlined by Mr. Wen to address increasing inequality in China, where urban residents earn three times as much as farmers and other rural residents. Education fees are particularly crippling for rural families, who often survive on only a few hundred dollars a year.
"Without fairness in education, there can be no fairness in society," said Zhou Hongyu, a delegate to the National People's Congress, China's legislative body. "The main injustice in education now is the imbalance between cities and the countryside."
Recent studies show that an overwhelming percentage of government education spending is dedicated to cities, despite the fact that two-thirds of the 1.3 billion Chinese live in the countryside.
Li Shi, a prominent sociologist, wrote last month in the official English-language newspaper, China Daily, that the country dedicated only 23 percent of its education budget to the countryside in 2002. He said this disparity meant that rural students often missed out on an adequate education "just by being in the wrong place, at the wrong time."
In February, a group of retired educational officials in Hunan Province published a broader, more blistering critique that detailed how the cost of supporting and building rural schools in Hunan fell largely on farmers who were already among the poorest members of society.
This critique, in China Youth Daily, said rural students were further disadvantaged because a growing number of high schools and universities were lowering standards for wealthier students whose parents could make cash payments for admission, leaving less room for poor students to be admitted on merit. In addition, many universities are required to admit quotas of local city students. At a time when China is annually increasing military spending and pouring money into infrastructure projects, spending on education has fallen below projections established by the government in 1993 and is below the international average of developing countries.
Mr. Wen's promise to eliminate school fees may ultimately be difficult to carry out in a country where changes announced by the central government are often circumvented locally. China already promises nine years of free compulsory education to all students. But faced with reduced government support, schools have attached a variety of special fees to make up for the lost revenues.
For rural families, these fees can account for a quarter or more of their annual income and often are a primary reason that parents leave the farm for migrant work. Last year, financial pressure was a contributing factor in several high-profile suicides or rage killings by rural high school and university students.
Hu Xingdou, a professor of governmental economics at Beijing Institute of Technology, said that Mr. Wen's new policy moved China in the right direction but added that the government needed to assume all costs of compulsory education and eliminate corrupt practices that gave preference to wealthy or politically connected families.
"The rural education system is on the verge of collapse," Mr. Hu said. Taiwan Leader Urges Protest
TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 12 (Reuters) - President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan called Saturday for a million people to take to the streets of Taipei, Taiwan's capital, on March 26 to protest against China's anti-secession bill, which allows for the use of force against the island.
Mr. Chen, in his first public comments on the proposed Chinese legislation since Beijing unveiled its details on Tuesday, called China a "major threat to regional stability" and said the legislation would increase tension in the Taiwan Strait. China's Parliament is expected to pass the bill on Monday.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Malpractice rising not caused by lawsuits?
TheNewsTribune.com | Tacoma, WA | Local
Interestingly it seems that malpractice insurace cost escalation is not caused by lawsuits. . .
Sunday, February 27, 2005
High schools %^&%*^&*
Bill Gates seldom comp[lains abnout something without trying to do something about it--one of his likeable qualities. That is why it is so very interesting that he has noticed the nations high schools and middle schools. Bill puts his money where his mouth is and you have to respect a man for that type of bravado.
All I can say is go Bill go.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Friday, February 18, 2005
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Sunday, February 13, 2005
The New York Times > International > Middle East > Israel Agrees to Free 500 Palestinian Prisoners
The New York Times > International > Middle East > Israel Agrees to Free 500 Palestinian Prisoners
If anything has the power to solve many of the problems in the Middle East it is some modicum of peace between Israeli's and Palestinians. It is my sincere hope that this works out for the people of both countries.
What do teachers make?
What Do Teachers Make?
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One
man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued,
"What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option
in life was to become a teacher?"
He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To corroborate his point
he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Sheena. Be honest. What
do you make?"
Sheena, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness, replied, "You
want to know what I make?
I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall in absolute silence."
"You want to know what I make?
I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math and perfect their final drafts in English."
"I make them understand that if you have the brains, and follow your heart, if someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just didn't learn."
"Susan paused and then continued, "You want to know what I make?
I make a difference. What do you make?"
Monday, February 07, 2005
Donde Esta Anne y Drew
Drew and Anne have been way busy--we know. Classes have begun in earnest again and we pretty much work, read and write papers. Well ok we also write lesson plans, keep up the web site, go to professional development seminars and the like--but seriously that is it. Well now that you press I still go to the gym :). I deadlifted 345 yesterday! So it is official we need to have some fun.
We are really looking forward to the break in 11 days--who is counting--when we get a week off from school and lessons. We are also looking forward to the following; a party at our friends stacey and howards, the visit of Bob and Robbin to New York (my brother in law and his signifigant other), the wedding of my friend Eric Lorson in May, Stacey and Howards Wedding in July, seeing Washington and our friends in August -- and did I mention always looking forward to sleep!
In the news:
My brothers house is coming along well--my dad has been helping him ad cool things like a built in bookcase, fireplace, new kitchen, painting and the like--seriously it looks like a model home. Way to go Eric!
My Dad finally got his new olympus digital camera. He also was elected president of the Italian American Club of Somers. Let the off color Mobster jokes begin :)!
My Mom is looking forward to another great year as chief big wig at New Rochelle Schools. She is looking forward to the trip with my dad to Spain in February! Bon Voyage!
Gus says hi--you know the dog!
Peace people!
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Rice presses Russia on democratic reform, praises Poland. 06/02/2005. ABC News Online
Rice presses Russia on democratic reform, praises Poland. 06/02/2005. ABC News Online
While encouraging democracy makes sense -- telling a country -- any country -- that it is doing the wrong thing when it is already realing from its loss of world stature is unwise. I support the idea of encouraging democracy in every country. I like almost all Americans think it is the best system of government. Yet I also believe in national sovereigty.
That being said encouraging ties, and creating economic reasons for the former USSR to like us makes more sense than making them feel like some axis of evil. After all we won the cold war by outspending them. Our economic system was better and could better withstand the spemding on military hardware and persons during the cold war.
Following that fatefull day on 9/11 the rest of the world had good feelings for the United States. We need to think about how the policies of the last four years have changed that. Then we should adjust our bravado and speeches accordingly. Are you listening Miss Rice!?
Monday, January 31, 2005
Iraq and 1776
Imagine if you will the day when an Iraqi will take it into his head to write about these elections this past Sunday -- the date on which the people of Iraq -- against threat of personal and family injury -- commenced to form their day of independence. It reminds me of what John Adams wrote about that steamy July day in 1776 when the Continental Congress adopted a resolution on American independence?
"I am apt to believe," Adams exulted in a letter from Philadelphia to his wife Abigail in Massachusetts, "that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance. . . . It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forevermore."
Who would think of greeting Iraqi elections with such jubilation? After all, as the papers and the TV talking heads keep instructing us, Iraq is beset by problems. Sovereignty or no sovereignty, insurgents' bombs daily claim new victims, hospitals are desperately short of medicine, power blackouts last for hours, oil production has been crippled by sabotage, and terrorists cross the border with impunity. So why would January 31, 2005 be anything to celebrate?
Well, why was July 4, 1776, anything to celebrate? Declaration of Independence or no Declaration of Independence, the American colonies were a mess. American troops were ill-trained and poorly equipped, they were fighting a military superpower, the economy was a shambles, inflation was about to worsen into hyperinflation, and thousands of colonials loyal to the enemy -- Tories -- were taking up arms and committing sabotage in order to undermine the American cause.
Sixteen months after George Washington took command of the Continental Army, things were far worse in America than in Iraq. American forces were experiencing "a series of traumatic defeats. They'd lost every single battle since the Declaration of Independence, and had depleted 90 percent of their military strength in heavy fighting. Most of the remaining soldiers declared they were going to go home when their enlistments expired, and in many parts of the new nation, citizens were pledging fresh oaths of allegiance to the tyrant King George."
So was Adams simply deluded, to be rhapsodizing about "the great anniversary festival" that should be celebrated "from this time forward forevermore?" Did he really not understand just how dire the American predicament was?
He understood.
"You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not," his letter to Abigail continued. "I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means, and that posterity will triumph in that day's transaction."
Posterity did indeed triumph in the "transaction" of July 4, 1776. With luck and hard work -- and with some of the faith and fervor that sustained John Adams -- the posterity of today's newly liberated Iraqis will likewise triumph in the election of January 30, 2005.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
New Strain of Disease CDC Warning
washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines
Latest news from the Center for Disease Control
New Disease
The Center for Disease Control has issued a warning about a new virulent strain of sexually transmitted disease. This disease is contracted through dangerous and high risk behavior. The disease is called Gonorrhea Lectim (pronounced "gonna re-elect him"). Many victims have contracted it after having been screwed for the past 4 years, in spite of having taken measures to protect themselves from this especially troublesome and virulent disease.
Cognitive sequellae of individuals infected with Gonorrhea Lectim include, but are not limited to: Anti-social personality disorder traits; delusions of grandeur with a distinct messianic flavor; chronic mangling of the English language; extreme cognitive dissonance; inability to incorporate new information; pronounced xenophobia; inability to accept responsibility for actions; exceptional cowardice masked by acts of misplaced bravado; uncontrolled facial smirking; ignorance of geography and history; tendencies toward creating evangelical theocracies; and a strong propensity for categorical, all-or-nothing behavior. The disease is sweeping Washington. Naturalists and epidemiologists are amazed and baffled that this malignant disease originated only a few years ago in a Texas Bush.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
CNN - Visions of China - China's Military
CNN - Visions of China - China's Military
For those of you with an interest in things going on in China here are some interesting facts about the largest military in the world. We should know something about the United States largest Communist trading partner. . .shouldn't we?
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Myths & Realities: About Social Security
Myths & Realities: Get the Facts
About the only thing that makes me more nervous than politicians messing with the US Constitution by adding amendments is the idea that they might want to get their grubby little mitts on Social Security. Anyone with me on this? Just because they can't seem to get the economy going and creating jobs they think it would be a swell idea if we blame social security instead of the massive tax cuts imposed irresponsibly during a time of war. Let me be clear I am a fiscal conservative. I would like the United States government to attempt to live within its means when possible. When war and other activities such as recessions and depressions warrant I understand extra spending. We all know that this gets us out of our economic troubles and or softens the blow. This is all part of economics 101.
Sadly, some would like us to believe that a shortfall in the long term is causing our current financial condition. This is not true. What is true is that the war is costing 300 million. At a time of extra expenditure we could curtail spending in other areas or gasp just pay for it as we go. Instead like a drunken sailor leading an oil tanker aground we--and by we I mean America and this administration--suggest we should keep cutting revenue in order to stimulate the economy. Shouldn't the war in and of itself expand the economy. Expanding an economy this way is fun because we are running up the credit card through the tax cuts. Spending this money is fun--paying it back is not. So why are we ignoring the projections of the long term costs of making the Bush tax cut permanent that are huge when compared to the amount needed to shore up social security. Your guess is as good as mine but I have my suspicions.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
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