And the Nominees for "Mother of the Year" are...

Isn't it great when something unexpected happens and turns the completely ordinary situation into something that can make you chuckle?

Last night, I stopped into a gas station/convenience store to grab a soda. Just a quick transaction, something we've all done tons of times. Grab soda out of fridge, proceed to cashier, hand over money, leave. Simple enough and quite boring. That is until I was just about to leave and a mother and her 4ish-year-old son walked in.

They couldn't have been more than 2 steps through the door when the mother turns and says to the obviously angellic child, "If you take and put anything into your pockets, I'm going to cut your hands off."

As I walked to my car, I couldn't help but laugh. I wonder if Mr. Sticky Fingers was able to keep his hands off of the Bubble Yum.

Monday Movie Quote #9

Only one guess? C'mon, that was an easy one too. Let's get some participation out there! That last one was "Tin Cup". Easy...just like this one.

"Oh...one other thing. If you guys ever have kids and one of them, when he's eight years old, accidentally sets fire to the living room rug...go easy on him."

Let's hear from everyone. It's starting to feel like I'm talking to myself.

Monday Movie Quote #8

Last week's quote: Dead Poet's Society. 2 correct guesses, but other than that, not a lot of participation. Remember...even a wrong guess is a guess, so let's hear from you!

I happen to be golfing in a tournament today, so it looks like I'm giving a wicked hint to this one.

"Sex and golf are two things you can enjoy even if you're not good at them."

See ya on the links.

A Postal View of Katrina

We've heard about the devestation. We've heard about anybody and everybody screwing up in the relief effort. We've heard about how much time and money it's going to take to rebuild. What you may not have heard, thought, or even cared about is "how are they going to get their mail?"

As much as I hate my job (and believe me, I do), people depend on the mail. Not only is it a way for people to get their checks, cards, and feel connected to the outside world, it gives those involved in tragedy a sense of normalcy. Looking back at 9/11 and the ensuing anthrax scare, when mail delivery resumed in the affected areas, people finally thought that life was returning to normal. The Postal Service has done it's best over the past few weeks to try and help return to normal...or as much as possible.

About 500 Post Offices had to be closed as a result of the hurricane. Some were flooded, some were destroyed. Of these, 425 offices have been reopened completely and another 60 are offering partial services. Mail delivery is still restricted in the hardest hit areas, and third class (junk) mail is not being accepted from mailers for these areas.

Displaced residents are asked to fill out change of address cards so their mail can follow them to wherever they have relocated to. To date, the Postal Service estimates that more than 126,000 changes have been filed. For those relocated to the Houston Astrodome, the Postal Service has temporarily assigned it a ZIP code (77230) for general delivery. USPS is working on assigning ZIP codes to other temporary shelters. Postal employees at the Astrodome and other shelters are helping people with the change of address forms and with the delivery of mail.

As for employees that have been displaced, unions and management are working to find temporary positions for those that want it in the area that they have relocated to. Also, the previously established Postal Workers Relief Fund is helping those that are out of a paycheck because of the hurricane.

Just a look at something you may not have thought about.

Monday Movie Quote #7

OK, that last one wasn't really fair. It wasn't really a movie...it was really a historical documentary, probably only shown in a theater like in Northampton or on TV on the Independent Film Channel, and probably none of you have ever seen it. It was from "The American President". And not the one with Michael Douglas and Annette Benning. Anyway, this one you may find more to your liking.

"No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world."

There are many other profound statements to be found in this movie, so have at it.

Congratulations Coach Calhoun

Last night, Coach Jim Calhoun of the UConn Huskies was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Yeah, I'm a huge Huskies fan, but even a non-fan (yes, this includes the delusional Duke fans) can agree that Calhoun's resume makes him deserving of this honor.

• 2 national championships (1999, 2004)
• 10 Sweet 16's, 6 Elite 8's, and 2 Final Fours
• 8 Big East regular season titles
• 6 Big East tournament titles
• 4 time Big East coach of the year (1990, 94, 96, 98)
• consensus national coach of the year (1990)
• NIT championship (1988)
• one of only six coaches with 200+ wins at 2 different schools
• 703 wins ranks him 18th overall, 6th among active coaches

Congrats Coach, and here's to continued success.

Sports Heaven

This is my idea of a good week...

Last night, Liz and I went to the Red Sox game. Great seats (sect 43, 4 rows up), Sox won 6-3, and we even ran into Dan at the game.

Tonight, the Patriots are going to beat up on the Raiders on their way to a third Super bowl Championship.

Saturday night, we're going to the neighbors to watch the Texas/Ohio State game. I'm not a college football fan, per se, but even I know this is going to be a good game (or should be anyway).

Sunday, I wake up at the crack of dawn to drive down to Point Judith, RI, where I will board a boat and spend the afternoon fishing for stripers (not to be confused with strippers) and blues.

Not often enough, but sometimes life is good.

Monday Movie Quote #6

Since it's Labor Day, here's a quote for the working man.

"I speak for the working man regardless of the frowns, taunts and jeers of an upstart aristocracy."

As far as last week goes...where was everyone? I thought that "Better Off Dead" was pretty easy. "2 Dollars!" is the one I'm sure most people know, but there are lots of others. C'mon now, no more slacking!

Time to Put Away the White Shoes

Happy Labor Day everyone. What is Labor Day exactly? To most it's just an extra day off from work, and honestly, that's all I care about. But there's more to it then just that.

• It's now the unofficial end of summer. Do me a favor and don't buy into that idea. There's plenty of nice days left in the "real" summer.
• Jerry Lewis' telethon goes on for about a day and a half. Some people actually look forward to watching unknown comics and washed-up actors perform.
• Football is just around the corner. And hockey's not too far behind (remember hockey?).
• It's a celebration of the working man. Actually it was originally created by President Cleveland in 1894. He made a campaign promise that he'd make the holiday in order to win votes. See, politicians have been shady forever!

So as you enjoy your day off (or even if you have to work...sorry), remember all that this great holiday has to offer. In the meantime, I'm just happy I don't have to work today.