aardmoose's Blog

Once upon a time, give or take a day or two, the wife and I started each weekday watching a morning news team that not only kept us informed, but entertained us more than enough to be able to start the day with a smile. These days, though I am retired, I still get up early enough to spend a few hours in the morning with "Good Day" on Fox29. What first attracted us to the show, back in the day, was a pair of anchors named, Kerri-Lee Halket, and Mike Jared. The chemistry between them was magic and we were hooked.

When Mike left I was afraid that the show would never be the same. It wasn't, but the sense of humor and talents of those he left behind carried the day more than sufficiently, and "Good Day" has remained our favorite way to start the day. Now I hear that Mike is returning with his own show immediately following our favorite morning news. Even though the show airs in New York, the fact that it will air here on Fox29 is a wonderful thing. This is exciting not only because Mike is returning to my viewing vicinity, but I won't have to start channel surfing until later in the day.

Welcome home, Mike Jared!

Bob Parker

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays and, though I don't get grusomed up anymore, I get a lot of enjoyment seeing my grand kids togged up in their costumes. This year, our grandson, Brad, age nearly four, is ready to save the world as a Mutant Teenage Ninja Turtle. There isn't a ghost alive that can stand up to him. Our littlest grand critter is partaking of her first Halloween and her mommy and daddy have her decked out as the absolute cutest little lamb that I ever did see.

My daughter and son-in-law took the little ones to Millburn Orchards in Fairhill, Maryland on Sunday and it was costume day for the kids. Any child in costume got some free treats. Old Grand Pop (yours truly) tagged along as camera man. For most of the afternoon I followed the gang with my digital still camera in one hand and my camcorder in the other; which is a good trick while walking with a cane. Anyway, a good time was had by all; particularly young Turtle Brad. Brie, our little lamb, rode in her stroller, calmly taking it all in and looking as cute as can be.

Tuesday is Halloween and I am looking forward to seeing more critters and creatures. I hope everyone has a good, and safe time.

Happy Halloween to all!

I haven't even seen the movie but I like the idea of having a comic for President and I believe that Robin Williams would be an excellent choice for the head man. Having been blitzed with political campaign ads for the last few months it has become very clear to me that all that these so called "public servants" are interested in is their own self serving agendas. Public interest does not enter into the equation nor does common sense by any stretch of the imagination. From what I have seen these bozos should be relegated to proclaiming their oft times moronic ideals in the pages of the National Enquirer and other such questionable pieces of literature.

We, the people, should set new qualifications and guidelines for the powers that be. Anyone running for public office must be a legal citizen of the United States though not necessarily native born. They must have an IQ larger than their in-seam and be able to pass a common sense test; two important qualities that our present politicos are sadly lacking. They should also have a minimum of five years experience as a stand up comedian. I have noticed that the more widely traveled comics have a more worldly view of life, the universe, and so on. While the grinning idiots on TV are obviously afflicted with tunnel vision; comedians are just as obviously blessed with panorama vision, and are more able to see the big picture.

I have a few suggestions and alternates for some of the more important positions. Robin Williams or Carlos Mencia for President. Emo Phillips or Adam Sandler for Vice President as that is the one job that requires neither brains or the ability to shoot straight. Lewis Black or George Carlin for Secretary of State, two of the most common sense blessed people I know. Eddie Murphy or Steven Wright for Secretary of Defense. Because of his experience with flea markets, Larry the Cable Guy would be well suited for Secretary of the Treasury; as would Bill Cosby, just because he is a nice guy and he seems trustworthy. How about Jerry Seinfeld or Jamie Fox as director of Homeland Security? The list goes on and there would be no lack of qualified contenders. Yes, I know I haven't covered all nationalities, or any women comedians, but there are many, very qualified personalities. I just can't bring any others to mind right now.

All this country needs is a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at itself. A pie in the face never killed anyone and a whoopee Cushion can defuse even the most tense situation. I say we give it a try; we have nothing to lose and it would be good for a few laughs at the very least.

This is the time of year that I love to hate. When Spring arrives each year my spirits begin to awaken with the knowledge that the worst is over and the warm breezes of Summer will soon begin a-wafting; replacing the cold, cruel winds of Winter. As Summer schmoozes it's way onto the scene, those warm happy thoughts of anticipation soon give way to contented sighs of relief as I settle in for the happpier, less painful days to come. Ah Summer, how do I love thee? There are too many days to count.

Yet, as I bask in the warm, even hot weather of the season, there is, lurking in the depths of my being, an uneasiness stirring. It's subliminal presence creating an air of discomfort that casts a pall of unspoken dread. It's shadow follows me where ever I go and what ever I do during the lazy, hazy days. I know what it is, and though I try to deny it's existence, no matter how hard I try to ignore it, it ever remains to taunt me and hinder my happiness. It is the knowledge that, from the first days of Spring on, I what I am enjoying is merely a temporary repite from the merciless, dark, vastness of Winter. It is a ruse to get me to lower my guard. For no matter how warm the days, even as the heat waves dominate the news, (Plug...as seen on Fox29) there is always the unrelenting fact that Winter is just around the corner. The advent of Fall validates my fears and from the first turning leaves to the chilly Holloween celebrations, I know that my self-imposed home seclusion will soon begin again.

True, I love the beauty of the Fall colors and enjoy seeing the grand kids dress up for trick of treat. I try to squeeze the most out of the last vestiges of warmth from the rapidly fading season before I succumb to the lonely days to come. I will only venture outside when it is absolutely vital that I do so. I enjoy the snow from the warmth behind my living room window. My idea of fun in the snow is watching others from behind the aforesaid window as they freeze their behinds off, sledding and snowboarding down the hill in my side yard. As they seem to enjoy it, I am happy for them.

HHowever, behind it all, allowing me to carry on in the face of frigid adversity, is that little voice in the back of my subconscious chanting a mantra of hope. It is the healing song of things to come. It reminds me that sll is not lost because; "Spring is just around the corner" and all will be well again.