Perhaps you've heard of virginity pledges. This is where kids and young adults (well, ok, fundamentalist kids and young adults) promise not to have sex until they get married. Funny story--they don't work. The best part is that four out of five conveniently denied/forgot that they had made such a pledge. I wonder what would make them do that?
The real issue here is the "magic bullet" approach to getting kids to avoid behaviors that may have bad consequences (e.g., sex, drinking, drugs, and tobacco) just doesn't work. Just like DARE is a scam. These programs make adults (and/or law enforcement) feel like they are doing something, when in fact they are trying to alleviate their guilt for their ineffective parenting skills. Raising healthy kids takes a lifetime, not exacting an empty promise or having Officer Donut lecture them.
So, instead of having your kids make a New Year's resolution to not (fill in the blank), talk to them. A lot.
Have a great and safe New Year's.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Hookey!
OK, today was going to be a psuedo work day. The wife needed to go in for a few hours then I was going to work for a bit. Coming back from Vegas I promised the HB that I would take him sledding this week, thinking that Tuesday would be the best day. Well, after looking at our calendar, that clearly wasn't the case. So, I shut down the computer, called one of the HB's best friends (and a kid the wife and I really like, as opposed to the BS), packed some snacks and warm weather gear and headed to the mountains.
Some brief LA jingoism--one of the many things that makes this a great place to live is that we can be in the snow (in the mountains, where it belongs) in 90 minutes or less (usually), even though I'm less than 10 minutes from the beach. However, this being a holiday week, the traffic up the mountain completely sucked, so it took us 2.5 hours (another reason I hate skiing--even the ride to the slopes is a pain in the ass).
But, we made it and and the conditions were perfect. Not a cloud in the sky, mid-50s temps and lots of good sledding. The HB had is obligatory wipe-out (this time into a tree stump, but he only had some scratches and got right back on), but otherwise we had a great time. On the way home we stopped for some food at the world's slowest Del (Hell) Taco (NEVER go to the one at the intersection of CA Highway 138 and Interstate 15), but made good time after that.
The boys were awesome despite the extra car time. In fact, a sleepover at the good kid's house has already been arranged for the Saturday night. This will allow the wife and I to go use a restaurant gift card for the Saddle Peak Lodge, a place we've wanted to go to for a long time.
Tomorrow, I'll definitely have to put the nose to the grindstone. There are a couple of smouldering client issues and end of the year tax stuff that require my attention.
Some brief LA jingoism--one of the many things that makes this a great place to live is that we can be in the snow (in the mountains, where it belongs) in 90 minutes or less (usually), even though I'm less than 10 minutes from the beach. However, this being a holiday week, the traffic up the mountain completely sucked, so it took us 2.5 hours (another reason I hate skiing--even the ride to the slopes is a pain in the ass).
But, we made it and and the conditions were perfect. Not a cloud in the sky, mid-50s temps and lots of good sledding. The HB had is obligatory wipe-out (this time into a tree stump, but he only had some scratches and got right back on), but otherwise we had a great time. On the way home we stopped for some food at the world's slowest Del (Hell) Taco (NEVER go to the one at the intersection of CA Highway 138 and Interstate 15), but made good time after that.
The boys were awesome despite the extra car time. In fact, a sleepover at the good kid's house has already been arranged for the Saturday night. This will allow the wife and I to go use a restaurant gift card for the Saddle Peak Lodge, a place we've wanted to go to for a long time.
Tomorrow, I'll definitely have to put the nose to the grindstone. There are a couple of smouldering client issues and end of the year tax stuff that require my attention.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
NFL Week 17--Whither Farvre? (Updated)
Whether it was balance in the league or a fluke in scheduling, this year weeks 16 an 17 in the NFL have had meaningful games between playoff contenders. It made for a great day of football watching.
My main preference coming into the game in the NFC was for the Eagles to get in the playoffs. For this to happen they needed some help. First, they needed my RAIDERS to win at Tampa Bay. This wasn't as onerous as it sounded as the Bucs were riding a 3 game losing streak. But still, this was the RAIDERS. Amazingly, and behind some great running by Michael Bush, they won. Next, the Eagles needed either Chicago or Minnesota to lose. The Vikings won a nail-biter against the Giants (whose playoff positioning would not be affected by today's games), but the Bears got beat by Houston. This meant that Philly would still have to beat Dallas at home in what was essentially a playoff game.
It was a laugher. I cannot count the number of ways that the the Cowboys sucked and it was beautiful to watch. I called my relatives in the Philly area and they were jubulant.
In the AFC, my only concern was the cheating Patriots to miss out on the playoffs. For this to happen they either needed to lose to the Bills or have the Jets beat Miami, or have Baltimore lose. The New England beat Buffalo in a gale, so it was up to the 'Fins to beat the J-E-T-S.
This game was filled with intrigue. First, it was the Jets who turned in the cheating Patriots, so it was ironic that the Pats were in a position to root for them to win. Also, the Miami quaterback, Chad Pennington, was given the unceremonious boot when the Jets signed Brett Favre. Pennington has completely outplayed Favre this year, especially during the last month and now had the chance to stick it to New York in their own stadium.
Favre may have taken the Jets about as far they could go this year (rember, they were 8-3 with the first win over the Titans). But, like in last year's NFC championship game, he KILLED his team with his play today (20 of 40 for 233 and 3 interceptions). OK, since the Ravens won it didn't matter what the Jets did, but that's not the point. The Jets tossed aside a perfectly good QB in Pennington and a 3rd round draft pick for Favre and now have basically nothing to show for it, except a whole lot of jersey sales. And they get to go through Favre's annual "Will he or won't he retire" dance. Nice.
But, at least the cheating Patriots got shut out of the playoffs. Karma's been good to them in 2008. Blew their perfect season in the Super Bowl to the Giants, lost Tom Brady for the year in week 1, and missed the playoffs because they team that caught them cheating couldn't win. It doesn't get any better.
The Chargers and Broncos are playing right now for the last spot. I've got in on DVR and will watch it later. I haven't decided who to root for. I just wish I would have invested my good luck in games while in Vegas.
[In an update, the Bolts HAMMERED the Donks, giving Denver the honor of one of the greatest collapses in NFL history. Also, the Jets' head coach is the first casualty of the Favre trade. I'm sure there is more to come.]
My main preference coming into the game in the NFC was for the Eagles to get in the playoffs. For this to happen they needed some help. First, they needed my RAIDERS to win at Tampa Bay. This wasn't as onerous as it sounded as the Bucs were riding a 3 game losing streak. But still, this was the RAIDERS. Amazingly, and behind some great running by Michael Bush, they won. Next, the Eagles needed either Chicago or Minnesota to lose. The Vikings won a nail-biter against the Giants (whose playoff positioning would not be affected by today's games), but the Bears got beat by Houston. This meant that Philly would still have to beat Dallas at home in what was essentially a playoff game.
It was a laugher. I cannot count the number of ways that the the Cowboys sucked and it was beautiful to watch. I called my relatives in the Philly area and they were jubulant.
In the AFC, my only concern was the cheating Patriots to miss out on the playoffs. For this to happen they either needed to lose to the Bills or have the Jets beat Miami, or have Baltimore lose. The New England beat Buffalo in a gale, so it was up to the 'Fins to beat the J-E-T-S.
This game was filled with intrigue. First, it was the Jets who turned in the cheating Patriots, so it was ironic that the Pats were in a position to root for them to win. Also, the Miami quaterback, Chad Pennington, was given the unceremonious boot when the Jets signed Brett Favre. Pennington has completely outplayed Favre this year, especially during the last month and now had the chance to stick it to New York in their own stadium.
Favre may have taken the Jets about as far they could go this year (rember, they were 8-3 with the first win over the Titans). But, like in last year's NFC championship game, he KILLED his team with his play today (20 of 40 for 233 and 3 interceptions). OK, since the Ravens won it didn't matter what the Jets did, but that's not the point. The Jets tossed aside a perfectly good QB in Pennington and a 3rd round draft pick for Favre and now have basically nothing to show for it, except a whole lot of jersey sales. And they get to go through Favre's annual "Will he or won't he retire" dance. Nice.
But, at least the cheating Patriots got shut out of the playoffs. Karma's been good to them in 2008. Blew their perfect season in the Super Bowl to the Giants, lost Tom Brady for the year in week 1, and missed the playoffs because they team that caught them cheating couldn't win. It doesn't get any better.
The Chargers and Broncos are playing right now for the last spot. I've got in on DVR and will watch it later. I haven't decided who to root for. I just wish I would have invested my good luck in games while in Vegas.
[In an update, the Bolts HAMMERED the Donks, giving Denver the honor of one of the greatest collapses in NFL history. Also, the Jets' head coach is the first casualty of the Favre trade. I'm sure there is more to come.]
Saturday, December 27, 2008
A Mormon in Vegas
Well, OK, that's a big of an exaggeration, but it was a fairly pious trip. No sex, no cards and only 3 drinks. Oh well.
Penn & Teller were very good. Most of the act was different compared to the last time we saw them, though Teller did the appearing goldfish trick which is awesome. The wife got us great seats and the NZS loved it. Unfortch, a good chunk of the banter was over the HB's head which he found frustrating and that distracted him from enjoying the magic. We had some good food at McFadden's at the Rio (where we saw the show) as well.
This morning we slept in, grabbed some breakfast and wandered through a few casinos/hotels. By lunchtime the boys had had enough and we drove home. Again, it was a nightmare and took about 6 hours. We picked up Nugz who was as happy to see us as we were to be home.
The NZS loved the trip, which was the primary purpose of going. I can't really see going there with the HB again until he's 21. There's just not that much to do with people who don't gamble, golf or shop (OK, I can go golfing with him there, but it's a bit of a haul).
I am SO looking forward to doing nothing but watch football tomorrow.
Penn & Teller were very good. Most of the act was different compared to the last time we saw them, though Teller did the appearing goldfish trick which is awesome. The wife got us great seats and the NZS loved it. Unfortch, a good chunk of the banter was over the HB's head which he found frustrating and that distracted him from enjoying the magic. We had some good food at McFadden's at the Rio (where we saw the show) as well.
This morning we slept in, grabbed some breakfast and wandered through a few casinos/hotels. By lunchtime the boys had had enough and we drove home. Again, it was a nightmare and took about 6 hours. We picked up Nugz who was as happy to see us as we were to be home.
The NZS loved the trip, which was the primary purpose of going. I can't really see going there with the HB again until he's 21. There's just not that much to do with people who don't gamble, golf or shop (OK, I can go golfing with him there, but it's a bit of a haul).
I am SO looking forward to doing nothing but watch football tomorrow.
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Day After Xmas
It is freezing and windy in Vegas today. Yet, the wife had the gumption to grab some early breakfast and get us tickets to a show. Given her usual indecisive self, I got about 5 phone calls within 20 minutes as to what show to see with the boys. The winner: Penn & Teller at the Rio. The wife and I saw them a few years ago and it was pretty cool (I like their Libertarian politics as well as their act).
Today we wandered up and down The Strip. The NZS loved the different themes and the HB was pretty enthralled as well. The wife ducked away and made some money at the blackjack tables (I've yet to play), the boys got some arcade time, and I had a beer before noon, so it's all good. We even went on the roller coaster at New York-New York.
The worst thing with the weather is that it makes going into the jacuzzi untenable. The cold I don't mind. But the wind is another story.
I hope that your day after is going well.
Today we wandered up and down The Strip. The NZS loved the different themes and the HB was pretty enthralled as well. The wife ducked away and made some money at the blackjack tables (I've yet to play), the boys got some arcade time, and I had a beer before noon, so it's all good. We even went on the roller coaster at New York-New York.
The worst thing with the weather is that it makes going into the jacuzzi untenable. The cold I don't mind. But the wind is another story.
I hope that your day after is going well.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Xmas in Vegas
Well, we finally made it. Traffic was hell (the normal 4 hour drive took 6) and our hotel is bit too close to McCarran, but we'll live. The NZS and the HB were blown away by The Strip. My wife's going to go in search of show tickets tomorrow. Other than that, I think we're just gonna bum around and go in and out of the cooler hotels.
I'm gonna take a Tylenol PM and crash.
Oh, at least the hotel has free wifi...Woot!
I'm gonna take a Tylenol PM and crash.
Oh, at least the hotel has free wifi...Woot!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Having Some Water Near Heartbreak Hill
Xmas eve-day at the in-laws has come and gone without serious incident. After calculating how much time it would take to make pasta for 11 people and being informed that we should eat as soon as possible, Plan B was implemented: Make sauce, prepare baked zita and spaghetti out of the box. My s-i-l made some delish bruschetta and salad and we went super-carb. Woot!
Many drinks (diet coke and Jack, cosmos and wine) were served and everyone seemed to like their prezzies. I got Death Magnetic, which is funny since that's what the HB got his mom. I also got come cooking stuff and a book about Andrew Jackson. The HB and the nephew made out like bandits, of course.
We left my s-i-l's at about 5:30 or so. We've been having a nice night at home. We DVRed some xmas movies/shows (A Christmas Carol, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on Evergreen Terrace) and played some Scrabble. Then, the wife realized that she hadn't baked stuff for the neighbors. So, at 9:15pm on xmas eve, I shit you not, she went to the store and is baking as we speak. So much for packing for our Vegas trip tonight.
The HB is showing odd behavior, well for him, also. This year is by far the most materialistic he's ever been about xmas/hannukah. He's asking how early we can get up to open presents--something he's never done before. We told him 9am and you might think that we took away his birthday or something. I'm thinking that he'll live.
As I mentioned in a previous post, back to the in-laws tomorrow (I'm sensing that we're going to have leftover pasta for lunch) then off to Vegas. Woot!
Many drinks (diet coke and Jack, cosmos and wine) were served and everyone seemed to like their prezzies. I got Death Magnetic, which is funny since that's what the HB got his mom. I also got come cooking stuff and a book about Andrew Jackson. The HB and the nephew made out like bandits, of course.
We left my s-i-l's at about 5:30 or so. We've been having a nice night at home. We DVRed some xmas movies/shows (A Christmas Carol, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on Evergreen Terrace) and played some Scrabble. Then, the wife realized that she hadn't baked stuff for the neighbors. So, at 9:15pm on xmas eve, I shit you not, she went to the store and is baking as we speak. So much for packing for our Vegas trip tonight.
The HB is showing odd behavior, well for him, also. This year is by far the most materialistic he's ever been about xmas/hannukah. He's asking how early we can get up to open presents--something he's never done before. We told him 9am and you might think that we took away his birthday or something. I'm thinking that he'll live.
As I mentioned in a previous post, back to the in-laws tomorrow (I'm sensing that we're going to have leftover pasta for lunch) then off to Vegas. Woot!
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