Uncle Roger's Notebooks of Daily Life

Counting on one hand

It occurred to me this morning that my circle of friends is not really all that diverse. Among the people that I hang out with, that I would consider having over for dinner, whose kids I would invite to my kids' birthday parties, there are very few, if any, of certain groups.

The two groups that come to mind are republicans and smokers. I know very few of either, let alone count any among my friends. There are a couple of republicans in my office, but I wouldn't say they are friends outside of work. Similarly, I don't know many smokers. There's a father of a friend of Sara's from swim class and the husband of one of Rachel's friends, but that's about it.

I considered broadening my social circle, but decided it wasn't worth it. Let's face it -- I'm a snob, prejudiced against what I see as undesirable characteristics. Given that these are conscious choice made by people, I think I can live with that.

[ Posted: 12:00 | comments: 0 | print ]

If I had a hammer

I managed to catch part of the presidential debate, the other night. Now, my mind is made up already -- I'm not sure our country could survive a McCain presidency. Still, there are those who, I'm sure, look to the debates to help them decide who to vote for (not that I understand that, mind you.)

What I noticed about the debate, however, was about McCain. You know the old saying that when the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail? Well, McCain has a hammer. McCain is all about the military. His answer to everything is the military. How to afford the $700bn bailout? Don't spend money on anything except the military and veterans' benefits. I guess that means that the schools, fire departments, courts, parks, and so on will all just take an extended, unpaid holiday.

What about Iran -- would he consider talking with Ahmadinejad? Absolutely not -- use the military. Same for Iraq, and North Korea, and everything else. I don't know about anyone else, but I'd like to think there are other possible solutions to problems than a military response. Too bad McCain doesn't feel the same.

[ Posted: 11:00 | comments: 0 | print ]

A different kind of same

Recently, CBS News anchor Katie Couric interviewed Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. I didn't see the interview, but came across it on the internet. You can watch the video or read the transcript. What I found most interesting was the pattern of her answers.

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[ Posted: 23:00 | comments: 2 | print ]

Not man enough to be dad

This past weekend, we went to the annual neighborhood picnic, held at a mini-park in the center of the area where there is a large -- twenty-eight feet long -- sundial. It was unveiled, at night, oddly enough, on October 10, 1913 and beginning on October 11, 1913, generations of children have climbed it, some making it all the way to the top, others not. I was in the "not" crowd.

My kids, on the other hand, are daredevils (well, the older two, anyway -- so far) and both Jared and Sara made it to the top. Only, when Sara made it, she grabbed onto the end and looked down -- and was stuck. She couldn't get her hands to the sides in order to slide down safely. She wasn't going anywhere.

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[ Posted: 20:00 | comments: 0 | print ]

In other noose...

What is a necktie but a very skinny bib?

[ Posted: 17:00 | comments: 0 | print ]