As the leaves fall up north, a familiar migration begins, and it is not just the birds heading south. For generations, retirees and winter visitors have packed up the car each fall and driven to Florida to escape the cold. Before the interstates were finished, that meant days on the old two-lane highways, rolling past small towns, citrus groves, roadside stands and motels with glowing neon in the evening.
Many snowbirds came back to the same town, the same trailer park or the same little cottage year after year, until it felt like a second home. Some eventually stayed for good. Those long drives south became a cherished tradition for countless families.
Every year the southward migration starts around October 1st. Now that they're here, they glom our barstools, fuck up our parking, act like they actually own the place, and blind our eyes with their puke-white skin. Their license plates say they hail from places like Minnesota and Wisconsin and other far away foreign lands, and they speak a language almost indecipherable to us native New Jerseyans. But they do pay our taxes to a degree, and the money they do spend stays in circulation here, so I guess that's the tradeoff...
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My Father told me more than a few times that the one thing I lacked in my life was, what he called, 'Sticktoitiveness'. That may be true, but prior to moving to the Caribbean in '89, I had been working for about 12 years or so as a graphic artist, illustrator and Art Director at varioius medium- and large-sized ad agencies back in Jersey and in Manhattan.
I probably shoulda stuck with it, but the free spirit in me - I define it as a 'get the fuck outta here' kinda mindset - told me to give my suits to Goodwill and go be a pirate for a while. I'm so glad I did. Juss' sayin'...
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Someone must have a birthday
or anniversary coming up.
Here's a great new gift idea...
Click on the picture for more information on these cute earrings.
They're only $ 18.00 - and come to you with free shipping!
They're only $ 18.00 - and come to you with free shipping!
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on this blog, I get credit for whatever you buy.
Granted, it's only pennies, but every penny helps, right?
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James Carville again urged Democratic Socialists to form their own political party and leave the Democrats alone.
There is growing speculation Moderate Democrat Senator John Fetterman may switch parties to the GOP. Nowadays, being a moderate Democrat is like being the least drunk Irishman.
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Every once in a while you have to be reminded again of the greatness in some people. The news is so full of conflict, embarrasment, corruption and dishonor it's hard to hold on to your faith in your fellow man. This is Robert D. Maxwell. And this from the Citation for his Medal of Honor:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 7 September 1944, near Besancon, France. Technician 5th Grade Maxwell and 3 other soldiers, armed only with .45 caliber automatic pistols, defended the battalion observation post against an overwhelming onslaught by enemy infantrymen in approximately platoon strength, supported by 20mm. flak and machinegun fire, who had infiltrated through the battalion's forward companies and were attacking the observation post with machinegun, machine pistol, and grenade fire at ranges as close as 10 yards.
Despite a hail of fire from automatic weapons and grenade launchers, Technician 5th Grade Maxwell aggressively fought off advancing enemy elements and, by his calmness, tenacity, and fortitude, inspired his fellows to continue the unequal struggle. When an enemy hand grenade was thrown in the midst of his squad, Technician 5th Grade Maxwell unhesitatingly hurled himself squarely upon it, using his blanket and his unprotected body to absorb the full force of the explosion.
This act of instantaneous heroism permanently maimed Technician 5th Grade Maxwell, but saved the lives of his comrades in arms and facilitated maintenance of vital military communications during the temporary withdrawal of the battalion's forward headquarters."
Technician 5th Grade Maxwell: We humbly salute you and thank you for your life and your service.
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You may buy cheaper, but you won't find one better than this one.
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Natalie Wood stands balanced on the shoulders of actor Steve Rowland at Malibu Beach in California during the Thalians Beach Ball on July 15, 1956.
The original B&W photograph was taken by Earl Leaf during a 1950s Hollywood beach gathering hosted at the home of actress Elaine Stewart.
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But why are they at a Buffalo Bills games? Easy - they're the only actual 'New York' football team. The other two teams who call themselves New York teams actually don't play in New York. They play their games in New Jersey.
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