Lessons from a Lifeguard

I've been swimming at the y making a fool of myself really because I don't know proper technique. I ask for tips from people that look like they know what they're doing. Everybody has been really nice especially Dan. He's a lifegaurd in the mornings and has tried to show me a few things.

When I went in yesterday I didn't feel like practicing my sweet new moves. I told him not to watch because I was going to break every rule there is to break in regards to technique. He assured me that he wouldn't laugh as I did my usual lameness and said "When the student is ready, the teacher will emerge."

Enough said - add your own application.

Red sky in the morning - sailors warning

I snapped this one at about 6:20

Grace Kids

I'm helping out this morning in Grace Kids and the little guy on the left is so excited to be on stage that he's doing cartwheels!

What Classmates and Rhapsody Share

When I was in college a friend told me about a website called classmates.com. It was incredible that you could find people that you went to school with, reconnect, trade emails, plan reunions, and so forth. The only problem was that it cost money - that to which I did not have.

It was great until another friend a few years ago told me about mySpace / Facebook - a new kind of social network that didn't cost anything. I feel bad for classmates but it isn't hard now to see their shortsidedness.

Tonight I saw that Verizon commercial that is promoting Rhapsody which is an online database for streaming music. Right now Rhapsody has a great thing going with unlimited choices for your listening pleasure but there is one problem. You can't get it for under $10. With new websites like Pandora, Songza, LaLa, and so forth that don't charge you are becoming the standard.

Rhapsody better provide free services and let advertisers pick up the bill if they want to make it into 2010.

Go BECK to Radio!

I used to love Glen Beck when he was on the radio. I hate to be critical because Glen is hilarious and always had something insightful to say about what he was reporting on.

He seemed so much more natural as a syndicated radio host. He had a cohost on the old show that would pull up statistics and provided banter that really kept the show moving. I can't hardley watch him on Fox.

I think Glen has some social anxiousness and makes for a very nervous host. If Fox were smart they would give Glen the same feel on cable that he had over the air if they want long term viewers.

Sorry Glen.. I will come watch your Christmas show if you come to Pittsburgh.

Build-a-Claire

On vacation this week with the family. The boys got their toys at grammy's while Claire elected to get the unicorn at Build a bear when we got home.

NOT Helping Old Ladies Across the Street!

As I was leaving the YMCA today there was an elderly lady crossing the parking lot struggling with her walker while dealing with a heavy bag as she made her way to the door. I was already half way across the parking lot so walking back with her to hold the door might have been a little over-kill.
I could see her grimace with every step but she still managed to give me a really big smile and a "how do you do?" as I passed as if to say I'm not going down without a fight. I have to say that I was inspired by her determination to get up, get dressed, gather items for the Y, park the car, and walk through the parking lot which seemed to be a workout in and of itself.

I know it sounds like a lame response for not helping her "across the street", but I feel in not doing so gave her the dignity she deserves just for making the effort.

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⁵⁵"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
⁵⁶The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
⁵⁷But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (New International Version)