Beats Chief Bottle Washer!!!

My dear husband, and blog partner has conferred upon me a title. I am thrilled beyond words, as most of my titles are not usable in polite company.

However, as Chief Prize Officer of IcebergCarwash, I now feel great pressure to perform my duties in an extraordinary manner.

I guess that will work out well for the Wolfman!

Welcome to the Soothsayer's Ball

Ladies and Gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for...

The Sixth Annual IcebergCarwash Stock Market Contest.

The rules are simple.

Using the comments section of this blog post, give us your prediction for the closing price of the S&P 500 Index on December 31, 2014. The contestant who comes closest will win the contest, and possibly win a prize.

In the past, we've set the deadline for receipt of entries at 9:30AM on the first trading day of the year. This year, however, we're going to accept your predictions until 9:30AM on Friday, January 3, 2014.

This will allow our contestants to wait until the first trading day of the year has passed, and, using historical data, attempt to predict the direction of the market for the entire year.

As indicated in the previous post, the stock market generated strong gains in 2013, with the S&P 500 up 29.6% for the year, on top of a double-digit gain in 2012.

What should we expect for 2014? Should we just assume that the market is due to take a step back? Or, will the gains continue in the next year, as the U.S. economy continues its recovery?


I will kick off the process by offering up my prediction. I predict that the S&P 500 will close 2014 at 1950.00, up approximately 5% from this year's closing level of 1848.36.  Despite the recent rise in equity prices, the U.S. stock market appears reasonably valued, so I wouldn't expect a large pullback. For example, while the trailing (or forward) P/E ratio of the S&P 500 is above its historical mean, it is still favorably valued when looking at the earnings yield of the S&P 500 (the inverse of the P/E ratio) and comparing it to the current yield on the 10-year Treasury note. However, a further increase in bond yields -- which has already been happening, and would be expected to continue if U.S. GDP grows at a nominal rate of 3.0% or more in 2014 - could result in something of a rotation back into fixed income, and out of stocks, which could depress equity prices a bit.

Then again, what do I know? I haven't won this contest in the five years we've been running it. 

Good luck to all of our contestants. 

We Have A Winner!

Actually, we are all winners, provided that no one shorted the stock market, or bought gold, this year.

The S&P 500 closed 2013 at a record high of 1848.36, up 29.6% for the year.  It was the largest annual gain for the Index since 1997, and came after a 13.4% gain in 2012.
 
Let's review the official entries in the Fifth Annual IcebergCarwash Stock Market Contest:

MBB: 1525.00
Wolfman: 1640.96
fil: 1283.40
KWBSLKM: 1436.55
Doobie: 1226.00
rabbim: 1611.59

The winner is...

Wolfman.

Congratulations!

There might be some sort of prize involved.

Any questions about said prize should be addressed to FBB, the Chief Prize Officer of IcebergCarwash.
 

Auto Incorrect!

***These are all rhetorical questions asked in the name of incredulousness****

Who decides on the words for auto-correct? Like why in heaven's name, is the word THALIDOMIDE even IN the auto correct dictionary! I mean, really? Does it come up that often?  AND AS A REPLACEMENT FOR THANK YOU????????? Thank you???? Is that not one of the most typed phrases in texting/email, whats's app, twitter, etc.?? It's THANK YOU, how could that be replaced by a word that was big forty years ago, and really not talked about that often anymore???

Cholera for Cholent I understand, on many different levels, but Thalidomide? Thalidomide? For Thank you???

Sheesh

Ooops, I...What???

 Pet Peeve number 389:

If a person makes a mistake when speaking, and then says "Oh, wait, I lied," they are making light of lying.

A mistake is not a lie, a lie is a willful, purposeful changing of the facts for one's own gain.  A mistake, is just that.  A mistake. A misinterpretation of events, or a mix up. Not a willful and purposeful changing of the facts for one's own benefit, and it further pains me that a TEACHER does not know the difference between these two.

So I guess it's pet peeve  numbers 389 and 390!

A Tippler!

I am not sure who this reflects on, but if you look in the back seat of my car, you would see the remnants of what looks like a raucous party....for toddlers.

After returning from Michigan last week, we cleaned out the car right away. A few days later the young man had a dentist appointment, smack in the middle of the morning. It didn't pay to  bring him to school, then pick him up and go to the dentists, so we went to Target instead.  While at Target we picked up a few boxes of GoGo Squeeze, which is applesauce in an easy drink container.

I must have left one box in the car, and not noticed that he was indulging everytime we got into the vehicle, because this morning I cleaned up a back seat that was LITTERED with empty Go Go Squeeze packets! The pretzel crumbs, and candy wrappers (from the older kids)just added to the scene.

I had to smile as I cleaned it up!

Just Stop

After years of having the media and retail giants tie Chanukah to Christmas because it  falls out around the same time of year, a calendar anomaly has put Thanksgiving and Chanukah on the same day.

Unfortunately, it seems that now it's not just the media and retailers who are tying these two holidays together. It's the Jews themselves. From secular to religious, Thanksgivukkah is sweeping the nation.

Those who would never think of combining Christmas symbols with Chanukah seem to have no problem taking a holiday that celebrates the rejection of Greek culture, and God's salvation of  his people, and combining it with a holiday that at best is definitive of American culture, and at worst religious in nature.

Secular Jews who stayed mum because Christmas was just not acceptable, even to them, finally have a holiday they can merge into one. I am not sure  how it is that religious Jews feel comfortable doing this, but it's happening.  It seems the epitome of an oxymoron to me.

It's been said in a joking manner many times, I have to wonder, seriously, if in our own modern times:

"The Yavanim have won."

Now What?

The dangers of getting involved in politics is that you never really know how it shakes out.

The danger in getting too involved in your very local politics, is that you are left with a sense that you are more powerful than you really are.

So here we are.

Community leaders and Rabbis backed the wrong horse in a County wide elections, assuming their fear tactics and vote pushing would send a bloc vote to the polls, to put the guy they wanted in. The problem is, there are more people in the County who are tired of the shenanigans in this particular Town, then there are people in that Town who can override a vote.

So yes, within the enclave of multiple family housing, illegal single family home conversion, and underhanded "don't worry, no one is looking," there is a powerful bloc, and politically strong group. It apparently does not extend beyond the borders of the Town, but the rhetoric against the eventual winner makes me feel the efforts were a bit Icarusian.

This is an example of what was sent from the school. Innocuous enough not to lose tax-exempt status, but the tip of the iceberg in terms of what it said:

Securing political support with regard to the issues that affect us deeply depends on each and every registered voter taking the time to go to the polls on Election Day. The government officials look at which groups vote, and take their positions on the major issues of the day accordingly.
Specifically at this election, there are many areas at hand that can dramatically affect the quality of life and yiddishkeit in our community. The County and Town Officials voted in by us in this election will directly impact us. It is very important that we all go out to the polls and vote. Our voices must be heard. (emphasis mine)


The sentiment s certainly true, but certain entities and people should stay out of publicly speaking about politics, because you never know how it will shake out. So  if they heard our voices, loud and clear, in letters and phone calls and cars blaring election advice what are we left with?

In many instances it is fine for communities to rally to a candidate, for leaders to support one politician over the next. In an atmosphere of mistrust,  and out right hatred it may be more important, but also more dangerous. The simmering tensions that threaten to explode in this particular community have not, in my opinion, been made better by the campaign.

We've shown that we are defeat-able, we've shown what we think and what our tactics are, and now, how do we get a seat at the table?

I Really Did Not Know He was That Smart

A few months ago someone asked me who I was voting for for Town Supervisor. I said no one, because I had not seen any signs popping up ALL OVER TOWN touting the incumbent, so in my mind,  I figured it must be an off year for that position.

Apparently, I was wrong.

The incumbent, however, is so savvy. Aside from a few campaign signs, I don't think he has spent one single penny, and I wouldn't be surprised if the signs were from his last campaign!  They first started popping up only two weeks ago.

So how is he campaigning? He has community leaders doing his campaigning for him.

Through phone calls and letters and scare tactics from these leaders, he has a bloc of voters who believe that if he doesn't get into office we will be faced with something akin to Nuremberg 1933.

Not much more than a penny, and pretty much a lock for landslide.

How Old Are You?

It's bad enough when the kids do it. And I understand why it gets done, it's hard to type on a touchscreen pad, and if that's how you do your emails this will happen, but emails are not texting.

So plz dnt email me in txt language cuz it bthrs me and I wudnt do it to u.

Then again, I wouldn't text you in text language either, but I understand when people do it. Because so many people are emailing from their phones the lines have been blurred, but email communication is not the same as text communication, and should not be treated the same. Emails are not meant to be a hurried back and forth conversation  I get it, text are quick on the fly easy communication, I don't like it, but I get it.

However most of the reasons for texting and emailing bad spelling don't hold water.

 If it's that important and hurried, pick up the phone.  If you are in traffic or driving, put down the phone and wait. Just because you got the text, does not mean it needs to be answered that moment, in fact, often a few minutes of reflection makes for a better or measured response.

On a separate but related note, it makes me sad that so many children have access to email, and the potential to hone their writing skills in a non classroom setting, and waste it by writing their emails (some of them long) in text language, which isn't even a language at all, but laziness.

Come on people, I've been gone for awhile, did you think my first post back WOULDN'T be a rant???

What IF...

This may work out really well for the US of A.

Let Russia, or whomever, destroy the Syrian chemical weapons, and then, when they are safely out of the way...then send a message in the form of a strike.  The US military does not do pin prick strikes, so get rid of the WMD threat, and then show them what happens when you the cross the line.

A Sweet New Year

This is a good time of year to get out of your comfort zone, and try things that are not the same as your usual patterns. With that in mind we decided last Tuesday, that the next day, Wednesday erev Rosh Hashana, we would go apple picking.

This entailed pushing myself to be almost completely finished with yom tov preparations  by Wednesday morning, as we wanted to be out of the house  by ten a.m. Although our departure was delayed by more time than made me pleased, we ventured out on that stunning September morning to the hills of Warwick NY.

A mere thirty minutes from the house we found vibrant sun ripened Prime Red apples within easy reach of all the kids. Much munching, some shoulder carrying to get the really stunning ones too high for any one person to reach, and two screams of "bees" later, our bag was full. We put it in the car, drove down to the exit, where you stop, show your bags (set price per bag), and pay.

That's when we discovered it.

My purse, which is always left in the car, which is always in the garage, had been taken out the night before when someone other than I had used the car. I recalled in that moment of sheer panic that I had moved it into the dining room that morning, which is why it wasn't noticed when we left.

I turned with great hope to the adult child sitting next to me, but her face told me right away that she too had not brought her purse. I asked the women at the gate to give me a moment as we scoured the car. I did find a rather large check made out from me to my daughter who had left to Israel the week before. She had given me a few checks that needed to be deposited in her account from her job that summer  (and some money I owed her). Since it was made out to her, they told me, sadly, they couldn't help.

We had seen some "members of the tribe" in the orchard, and figuring they would  understand the frustration of going apple picking on erev Yom Tov only to be turned away empty handed, we decided to head back up, find them, and ask them to spot us the money which we would send to them after yom tov.

We drove back up, and the kids suggested, that before we asked strangers for money we do a better job searching the car. Messiness sometimes pays off, and the kids were convinced we would find the money in the car. 

They were right.

 Sort of.

We found $6 in bills and coins, BUT, we took one more look through the pile of checks, and found one made out to cash! Between the check and the cash we had enough to buy the whole bag, though the kids were reassuring me that if the check was not accepted, we could just use the cash to get a quarter of a bag. and that fewer apples would be more than OK.

We came back to the gate, I gave them the check and my phone number, and  off we went, ladened with sun drenched apples, good attitudes, and the joy of knowing that people can break the cycle of what they "normally" do, even with a few curveballs.

I hope the end of that year portends well for the next, and the opportunities to break habits and cycles with joy and success.

What Would You Call It?

There are already two enrtries on this blog labeled "Milestones," which is what I thought I would call this one. As I sat down to pen this, it was the word that kept leaping to the fore front of my mind as I thought about today.

Today, we took the little boy on a train. For those keeping score at home, you may recall that we took many trips this year to "see trains," not a far drive from the house. At one point I got smart, and instead of driving ten minutes in the hopes that trains woud pass, I kept the schedule in the car, and we were able to time it and see them coming and going. A few times we got out of the car and stood on the platform and watched the train either blow by (quite literally, it felt as though we would fall over from the force of it), or slowly toot its way into the station.

Going on the train was left as the dangling carrot to motivate the toilet training, which he needed to start playgroup. Orientation for which was today.

Eldest Daughter started College today, also with orientation, though I doubt she got a stack of paper and a pencil for Mitzvah notes, and probably also did not recieve a paper apple with her name on it. She did however get her schedule, a ride in with a group of her peers, and the very tangible begginning of at least the next chapter of her school life.

Second Daughter left to Israel. We are so excited for these opportunities: academic, religious, independent, and maturity wise. As I hugged her goodbye I ping-ponged in my head: "go/don't go," as I held her tight. She needs to fly, it hurts that she's not here, she is such a presence in the house, the arbiter of right and wrong, justice, and cleaning up so her sisters can benefit from her reward (read: watch Chopped). Not sure how she will manage not putting the little guy in PJ's, the little guy who tonight moved out of the crib and into the bed just vacated by his roommate. I hope the ones she will have over the next ten months will be as easy to live with as he is!

Oh, and it's my sister's birthday.

How's It Going?

What a weird Summer.

Sister who comes in, came in for a very short time. We packed a lot into those days, and had good "cousin time," which is really what we wanted. Aside from swimming we did some "stuff" with the kids, and some with the grown ups, dealt with teenaged boredom, and had the general going to bed too late. We went to a mine, a small amusement park at night, swimming, (lots of swimming), played a volleyball/newcomb hybrid on a beach volleyball court (where the BB's got shmeared by the visitors!), and a really fun park.  Most of these days were topped off with Dinner at the Grandparents, a few slumber parties, lots of roasted marshmallows, and a fireworks show we don't talk about.

They left, and we continued some fun days. Along with aunt we went kayaking, on a windy choppy day, some ceramics, and then a two day family vacation. Norman Rockwell museum, a nice pontoon boat ride, and a Mountain Adventure park (alpine slide, mountain coaster). Tjhere wasn't really anything for the boy to do, so we went to a farm, and then went back again at 5 to watch the cows being milked.

Now we are getting ready for school, packing one kid up to leave for a year, and just hanging on to the last days of summer.

But what a beautiful world!

"Twas Great...

....The only thing missing were some of the men.

Really: good food, easy parking (read: free and close by), fun and relaxed evening.

Can't wait til next time!

That Time Of Year

I am afraid. Very afraid.

I am not sure what will happen in the next few hours, but Sister is in from Michigan, which means the annual Siblings Dinner Out. In the past it has taken us hours to decide on a time and a place, and many fiascoes have ensued once said time and place was finally established (not the least of which was no one hungry since we did nothing until 9!).

Somehow, we managed to come up with both a time and place, as well as a consensus in about 5 minutes. I don't know how, I don't why.

Stay tuned.....

After the Fast

So another Tisha B'av has come and gone. I will do what I can to work on my ahavas yisrael. I know I have a long way to go, but I will try. 

After a day when I watched video after video of the holocaust, I am left with a thought that is certainly not original. Those who hate us really don't care what color our shirts are, how long are peyos are, what kind of yarmulke we wear, what kind of hat, if we wear a hat, if we wear a long wig or no wig.

So to those who feel the need to put religious meaning into the outer trappings of clothing, for those who are a step below and just need to  "identify themselves within the camp," stop. Wear what you want, serve G-d the way you feel is best for you, but don't hate others for their way. I am talking to myself as much as to anyone else.

It's not easy, but if those who will round us up can see past our differences, maybe we should try that too.

Hot Hazy Sunday

The hardest Sunday to find something to do is the Sunday of the Nine Days. Usually a park is on the agenda, and this year was no different. We went to a nice county park in Haverstraw.

The difference this year was the heat. It was actually not just the adults who couldn't take it, but the kids had enough very quickly. Well, not all the kids. The little man was none too pleased to leave, since he was not yet finished watching the boats. Once well ensconced in the car we appeased him with a drive past the marina. All uneventful, until we drove a few hundred feet past the marina, and we saw the devastation from Hurricane Sandy.

These homes were either completely destroyed in the front, boarded up, or very obviously redone. They were all about 20 feet across from the Hudson River. I guess the 14 foot surge did not only affect the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel.

Earlier, while at the park, we walked to where there used to be a bridge, but it had been destroyed in the Hurricane, so as we drove past the marina and the destroyed/rebuilt houses we came upon another park with an obviously rebuilt bridge. Our plans would not be thwarted.  We parked, got out of the car, and were approached by a park employee who asked if we were residents of that Town. We told him no, and he explained that it was for residents only, we should go to the other park (where we had just been). So we explained about the bridge, and the little boy, and could we just stay for 5 minutes. He was amenable to that, and up we trudged the smell of fresh wood and river water permeating our senses.

It was so hot we opted for a stop at Carvel, the kids insisted on eating it across the street at a little sitting area with a fountain. Again, even with the ice cream the heat got the better of them, and as soon as messy little man finished his cone, we climbed back in the car.

The kids were happy to play inside, we used our little disposable grill we picked up on visiting day. The kids first roasted marshmallows on the flames and then when the coals were ready we had salmon kebobs, grilled mozzarella balls, grilled mushrooms and peppers (the kids had cheesy fries). Then for good measure we stuck an apple on there. (not nearly as good as peaches/nectarines). It was all quite tasty.

A quick water fight between the kids, and soaking and sun drenched they showered (hokey pokey style) and went to bed.

Not too bad for a do nothing kind of day.

Who Knew It Was In the DNA

There is no way to start this, the way I want to start it, without sounding like a cranky old lady. So here comes the cranky old lady (C.O.L.):

Even though the arcades today have gotten really really loud, with blaring, and dinging and barking emanating from even idle machines (that was the C.O.L. part) there is usually a spot of sanity tucked in the corner.

With one drop of a quarter or token, the familair ditty begins, the ball release sounds is heard, and nine wooden balls come clunking and rolling down the shoot ready for action.

Yes, that age old game, that apparently still holds sway with the tech age kids, the game that sets a heart a flutter-SKEE BALL!

Last night the almost 10 year old and I went out for some together time. We were going to go play mini-golf, but at the last minute opted for Chuck E. Cheese (we had about 50 tokens left from the last time we went). She told me right away, before we got inside, that she wanted to start with Skee-Ball. Side by side we rolled the balls and watched as they careened a bit, mostly landing in the lower rings, but also planting a few more high value targets. We played and played, until I asked "want to try something else?" So we moved from the Skee-Ball, played the water shooting race a few times  (which is rigged to one side, which we know because we switched seats to see), some basketball, NFL quarterback, and MLB strikezone. She turned to me and said "Let's play more Skee-Ball."

Off we went to roll some more, get more tickets in a way that is so much better than those machines that lure you into thinking you will press a button and walk away with anything more than three tickets at any given time.  If you are even half decent at Skee- Ball you will get at least three tickets every time, and YOU GOT TO PLAY SKEE-BALL!!!!

It cracked me up how much she liked Skee-Ball. In the past years anywhere we have gone with the kids, MBB is sure to tell them: "If they have Skee-Ball, Mommy is going to have to play it." And I have.Maybe that's why she loves it, I recall my father loving too.

The only thing missing at the new machines in Chuck E Cheese? The familiar tune as the balls came rolling down the chute.

But it's OK, we're making new memories.

If It Walks Like A Duck.....

You all know that old idiom. If somethig looks and seems like something, it probably is. Normally I ascribe to that theory.

Except in the 9 Days.

As wonderfully, and tantalizingly beefy the black bean burgers we had the other night looked, they were in fact not beef.  Sadly, I forgot to take a picture, and happily, there was none left to use just for photographic purposes.

I should have realized after reading this article about a vegetarian magazine that used non vegetarian pictures to portray the food it was pushing. Just because it looks like meat, and it tries to mimic meat in its composition and presentation (on a bun with the works- for example), does not in fact, render it beef.  It just makes you miss it all the more!

I say enjoy the soy, the beans, the fake chicken patties, but call it what it is. Not meat.

And then melt some cheese on it.

No Comparison

The big news today is Eliot Spitzer's attempt to get his name on the ballot for NYC Comptroller.

The local media is likening his attempt to run as the same as Anthony Weiner, the former congressman who is running for Mayor.

It isn't the same. Weiner used bad judgement, and did stupid things that made people question his character, and probably hurt his marriage somewhat.

Eliot Spitzer BROKE THE LAW, AND USED STATE EMPLOYEES TO HELP HIM FACILITATE HIS CRIMES. He used bad judgement, he showed his questionable character, and HE BROKE THE LAW.

They aren't the same. Not even close. Time for someone to take a bulldozer to that career.

Oh, wait. I thought he did that himself. Apparently, all he has to do is make people think that he and Weiner are similar. They aren't. They should not be mentioned in the same article.

Stupid's not a crime. 

Let The Chronicles Begin....

If I wasn't sure from the flip flops on the mail box cover, or some of the kids shipping off to camp, or the constant ices, ice cream, watermelon and swimming, today's activities solidified for me that it is indeed summer.

Blueberry picking. Which has become a rite of summer for those of us not vacationing in the wilds of the Pennsylvania mountains. The way this year works out we went blueberry picking on what turned out to be the second day of "our" farm's season. The difference was lots of very plump blueberries, which may be slightly tart, but so full of flavor as to put the bland store bought ones to shame. To be fair as the season progresses the store bought blueberries from NJ are pretty good, based on our proximity to their growth.

We had made plans for a second stop, since the actual picking is not that long lasting. We had good directions on local roads, and as we pulled through the area of the vast parkland to our destination (a nature center and trail-side museum), we stopped at a building on the grounds to use the restrooms. As we pulled up I said to MBB:

"hey, I recognize this bathroom building."

A quick glance to the field on the  left  confirmed that this was the place we had come on a chol hamoed Pesach in 2009 with a large chunk of our extended family. It was then that I realized the nature center was the building we had mistakenly parked at when trying to get to the playground lo those many years ago.

The nature center itself was perfect for teh kids we had with us, they really enjoyed it. Piling back in the car to head back to the playground they decided they wanted to sit in the back of the car (mbb's) to eat their lunch, to "tailgate" as they put it.

Just as they settled in with their bagels  there was a huge rumble of loud thunder (read:close), and it was decided to hop into the car proper, and check out a different area of the Watchung Reservation while they munched their lunch and we assessed whether  the weather would cooperate, and afford us a chance at the playground. It did not. The skies opened up, and we headed (the long fairly scenic way) home.

A good time and Slurpees were had by all.

Milestones

In Chez Blogberg, we now have two Blogbergettes who have graduated High School and have driver's licenses.

How did they get so big, so fast?

Short and Sweet

I got a call early this morning from my daughter in Israel. She was in the airport, had checked in, and gone through security:

"It was all fine, the bags were the right weight, and security was OK. Mother, do not put a toy gun in your suitcase unless you want all the security people in the airport to come and talk to you!  They asked why I didn't say I had it when they asked me if I had any weapons, and I said-cuz it's a toy."

End the year with an adventure!

Snip, Snip

In honor of the little man's third birthday in the hebrew calendar, I snipped a little of his hair. His hair that is totally rocking with his sleeveless shirts and shorts. His hair that is getting cuter, but that I can't wait to cut.

But we are waiting. We are waiting for his grandparents. So the son of the woman who loves short hair is having his Upsherin delayed by two weeks. I appreciate that G-d did not laugh at me, and give me a kid with thick very long hair, instead we are just waiting longer than we thought.

With all this time to wait, I've been thinking about people who "do upsherin" even if it isn't their custom. At first I thought, they think it's frummer, but then I decided that's not it at all.

Growing up Yekkish meant growing up with customs that were different from everyone else. Today, in this global world, people have melded together into a big melting pot of Judiaism, with a lot of Chassidim keeping only some of their minhagim, without the whole look (bekeisha, streimel, seamed stocking, hat on sheitel, etc). Because there are so many chassidim, they have integrated into yeshivish communities, and now "mainstream" Jews (not yekkish, not chassdish people) are faced with a new phenomenon.

They are not doing what everyone else is doing.

They aren't used to this. I think communities were probably more homogenous years ago, in terms of backgrounds, and now with the mix of peoples, this is startling. Things that they had no idea were even a custom, as opposed to a law, because EVERYONE they knew did the exact same thing, suddenly revealed as "flexible."

Now, many who come from backgrounds with strong traditions, and a need to remain insular would never see a custom as something to be flexible about (unless of course it's someone else's custom, then it's...worthless-which as a side point: if someone says they are "machshiv minhagim," but are only "machshiv" their own minhagim then they are disingenuous, and in fact are not at all machshiv minhagim, they are just chauvinistic.). But for those who had no idea that their way was not the only way, and a need to fit in with ones neighbors, has given rise, in my opinion, to many more people waiting to cut their boys' hair.

So bring on the scissors, and no, there will be no vimpel (sunday, rosh chodesh-the wave of the future), as much as I would have liked it, it is not the custom for this family.

Start of Summer

Today, in honor of the fallen soldiers of our country we went to a minor league ball game. (OK, that's a bit flippant, but we don't really celebrate the memorial part of memorial day in this country. Perhaps, if I knew soldiers I would do more than fly a flag).

With five errors for each team, we settled in for an afternoon of decent entertainment, but nothing to earth shattering.

Until the final play. Bottom of the ninth, one out, two men on, and the catcher, who had the worse day of anyone, missing pop ups and doing nothing at the plate, blasted a home run to win the game.

Aside from the fun of sitting in a beautiful (if possibly illegally funded) stadium, watching the kids clapping and dancing, winning t-shirts, and yes, munching Cracker Jacks, the home team won a game they were losing from the first inning on. In the ninth inning.

Now that's coolness.

Where's the Love?

Driving down the Grand Central Parkway this evening, we spied Citi Field just ahead of us, at which point, above the pulsating music emanating from the CD player, I heard Almost Ten Year Old shouting at the top of her lungs "Mets Stadium, BOO, BOO!" (Sung to the tune of: "Yankee Stadium, Ole,Ole," which had indeed been performed earlier on the Harlem River Drive).

As the car continued down the road, Six Year Old joined in, until she was admonished by an older sibling that we were passing the Tennis Center. Literally, without missing a beat, she changed the song to:

"Tennis Center, BOO,BOO!"

At which point Almost Ten Year Old very seriously intoned:

"We don't hate tennis."

To which Six Year Old AGAIN changed her lyrics, to a more positive:

 "Tennis Center, Ole, Ole."

Ten Year Old in a most exasperated voice informed her sister:

"I didn't say we LOVE Tennis!"

Apparently, we are Tennis neutral.

Insensitive, or Making MY Point?

After the Sandy Hook massacre I noted that the original idea of no gun control made sense, because the Nation was young, nothing was fully set, there were a lot of people probably still itching for a fight, but more importantly, the scale and scope of government weapons was the same as that of the populace. I believe that has changed immesurably, and if  the government really wanted to "round up" the populace, a few ak-47s against the government's firepower and technology would be like guns against arrows.

Which brings this around to a news story I saw  in which an anti-gun control billboard was put up that some in the Native American community found offensive, though I think it makes my point instead:

 When the firepower you have is equal, giving it up is dangerous. At this point? If the Government went bad?

Doomed.

It Needs to Make Sense

In the wake of the Boston Bombing, we are left once again with a ridiculous need to react incorrectly  to events. This weekend there will be a marathon on Long Island, and security is going to be tight. The London Marathon, which took place less then a week after the Boston race, and before there was a clear picture of exactly who and why the bombings took place, rightfully stepped up security.

The question becomes: why are the organizers of this marathon beefing up security? Is it because they are afraid of copycats, or is it because they assume that all terrorists will always follow what the one before did?

If we really feel that the nation is under attack we need heightened security and metal detectors, guards, dogs, and real anti-terror personnel (as opposed to TSA people who are merely trained to tell people to remove their shoes-for the same reason-someone once put something in his shoe) at every mall, stadium, bus station and public event.

Feel good security doesn't really make us safer, wastes resources better used to train law enforcement and TSA agents in real security (looking people in the eye, asking questions, watching), and generally causes a malaise in the populace, a populace who could be a great partner in the anti-terror effort. Band-aid solutions that only serve to make people think they are safer, can really just make them complacent.

A lot of anti-terror success is luck. But a lot of it could be well thought out, designed plans, follow ups to watch lists and wiretaps, and sharing information.

I am still grateful that people can fly with their underwear.

Revisiting

Again, we would like to thank all those who participated in Blog B'omer.  Some of the posts that I put up were a little quick, and I would like to expound on one of them, and reserve the right to do the same to others in the future.

In one of the earlier posts of the day, I lamented the verbal treatment of an unknown (to the offender)girl by the mother of a boy.

I think it's important to note that I understand the deluge that the families of boys find themselves in, in terms of papers and stuffed in boxes, the dreaded pile of which we spoke.

However, as important as it is, (as I was chided)not to be cynical, there is room for outrage. And not outrage in a vent your spleen kind of way, outrage in the sense that if as a society we do not accept or sit idly by while mothers' of boys are callous and dismissive of our girls, then two things MAY happen.

One, the mothers of boys may think twice about this attitude. They may treat the girls as more then just a name on a paper. As impossible as that is to believe, I am hopeful it could happen. Also, if these women were more comfortable saying no, it would also make things easier, but even with name upon name, people are running scared so it's a hedge. It's the fault of the girl for not reading the "no" in what is being said.

Second, by being outraged, perhaps we can change the culture for those who are just coming in to this part of their life. If people would stop and think, and set a standard for themselves of how they would LIKE to comport themselves, there is a better chance they may actually live up to it. Everyone is human, and I don't expect perfection at all times, but if one is striving for something whether through their own desire to be better, or because the societal pendulum has swung in that direction, then things would be more civil all around.

The system may favor one sex over the other, in terms of who has the "upper hand," in the proceedings, but the system does not dictate individual behaviors.

And can't be blamed for it.

That's a choice.

Blog B'Omer:This is Thirty Fourth Post

I know we said thirty three, but since we went past nacht, we figured we should have one more.

Thanks again to contributors, commentators, and readers.

If a blog exists and no one reads it, does it exist at all?

BlogB'Omer: This is the Thirty Third Post

Submitted by: SLiM

Looking at t-shirts can teach you a lot.

Is there such thing as Young Navy? Yes. It's called Gap.

Does Aeropostale mean anything? Yes. It means 87, or it's a shortening of "Airy-prust'l."

Does Abercrombie mean anything? Yes. It means "Fat Moose."

Why is it that your mother-in-law went to Nebraska and only got you this stupid t-shirt? Now there's a question we can't answer.

Blog B'Omer: This is the Thirty Second Post

For the first time in probably ten or twelve years, I am no longer "omering" with a bracha.  This makes me sad, because it was something I found very easy to do, but this year I got away from my own personal rules.

I use to be very careful, and the  minute I thought about needing to Omer, no matter what I was doing I would stop, make the bracha and count the sefira. Even in the middle of a conversation, so much so, I told this to one of my nephews and he called me a few times just to talk and in the middle yell"Omer" so I would stop and do it.

I also, in sort of obsessive way would say it a number of times during the day.

Somehow I got away from that, and here I am blogging instead of counting.

I will still have cheesecake, but hopefully go back to full counting with a bracha, iyh next year.

Blog B'Omer: This is the Thirty First Post

There's a discussion out there about the whole Rabba thing. That's where women train to be halachic authorities and take leadership positions.

Why can't a woman gain the knowledge she wants without subverting what has been centuries of tradition. You want to know more? Know more. You want to share it with others, share it.

If a woman feels she needs to know more, she should know more, why does so much of what we do have to be broadcast to everyone?

It sounds funny coming from a blogger, especially one who in an endeavor to post 33 posts in one day was reduced to just sort posting a lot of what popped in her head.

That being said, in the twitter/facebook, etc universe there is overlap in the real world.  Years ago it was just bumper stickers, and an occasional sign on your lawn. Today if something is happening to you everyone needs to know.

A new take on if a tree falls in the forest....

If you do something and don't post it on facebook, does it count?

Blog B'Omer: This is the Thirtieth Post

Submitted by:  Doobie

So for those that don't already know... I have been diagnosed with an ear infection.  Yes  I know I am no longer a toddler and it is definitely less common in adults, though not as uncommon as you might think considering how many people I spoke to tonight mentioned it.

There are two things i have learned from this unfortunate situation, well maybe more but we don't have time for that now.

The most obvious thing is how we so easily take for granted all the things in our wondrous bodies that have so much potential to disfunction and how rarely they actually do. But once something bothers you it's amazing how you learn to appreciate what we do have.  I once had a dentist tell me "you are not supposed to feel your teeth! if you are aware of them something is wrong!"  Turns out this is true for many of our systems that are always doing their jobs and we can so easily take that for granted!!!

The other thing I have learned, since my ears are filled with fluid and I feel as if there is something stuffed in there so i am hearing everything as if it is through water.

WE PLAY MUSIC WAY TOO LOUD AT WEDDINGS

Didn't really need an ear infection to tell me that :)

Blog B'Omer: This is the Twenty Ninth Post

One of my girls got upset at me and asked why I am always "bashing" only Jews.

Sometimes I am at a loss for words when my kids confront me with something, but not this time.  I was sad that she saw it as bashing, but it was very simple to me.

It matters.

I don't care what non-Jews do, as far as it does not effect the society I live in.  But when fellow memebrs of my tribe act in a way that does not make them a "light unto the nations," I care.

My very smart sister made the observation that too many people who share our path, do not act in the appropriate manner because they make a simple mistake.  They think they are better then everyone.  In reality, she contends:

"You are not born better, you're born chosen, you need to make yourself better."

Blog B'Omer: This is the Twenty Eighth Post

Alright, the tie is off, the top button open, and now I'm sweating, sitting on the stage and just waiting for the credits to roll.

Thanks for all those who contributed, and to all those who read everything.

We will limp our way to the finish line....

Blog B'omer: This is the Twenty Seventh Post

Submitted by SLiM

            Probably the first thing I notice on the announcement is that you have heard complaints about news posts not being common enough. To that end, I have an important thing to inform you of: You are not carrying most of the major news stories of today. This is a disappointment indeed, as I expect to see the news of the world when I go to your blog.

            Aside from the prestigious Iceberg Carwash, my main source of news is probably ABC’s hotline, TELL-me. Yeshiva guys everywhere find it a fulfillment of their days to call and try new games, such as getting the Main Menu woman to hang up on you in less than 60 seconds or beating Sean Connery at a game of blackjack. Now, I only call for news, mind you, when there is no update on this site. This brings me to my main kvetch.

            I called just now to find out what is going on in the world. I believe this was the first time since the bombing that there was nothing about it, its victims, or its perpetrators. But the news today was more important yet, and I am shocked and perhaps even enraged that you did not carry it.

            First of all, a bunch of unimportant people in New York are trying to change the law for purchasing cigarettes, and deny me my right to proceed with destroying my lungs for yet another three years. Not only do those non-progressives refuse to recognize my right to grass, they also want to hinder me from smoking? Shame on them, and shame on you for not telling me.

            Possibly even more important, Sylvester Stallone is trying to make a Broadway version of Rocky in the U.S., since it was so well received in Germany. And this you don’t tell me? Blog B’Omer or not, you had better shape up in cranking out those news posts, or your days of competition with ABC may soon come to a close.

            The number, if I may do a little advertising for the enemy, is 1888-247-2425. TELL-me, spewing “Top Stories” 24/7, or Iceberg Carwash, posting quality on those rare, treasured occasions? This is a decision that must, and will, be made.