All posts in People and Places category.
Over the last few months I have really enjoyed listening to DJ Flipside on B96 both on air (as shown) as well with his podcast available via iTunes. You can even go to his web site and catch older shows: http://djflipside.com. If you are looking for some upbeat great dance music – check him out.
I never would have thought about touching this stuff until this past fall when everyone I was with at a party was appalled that I had never tried it. One bite and I was instantly transformed into a fan. If you are ever in Chicago and get an Italian beef sandwich – make sure to ask for it!
I have to admit – I got sucked into watching the show “Out of Order: The Amish“. I will also admit I have always been fascinated by the Amish. Until watching this show – I had nothing but the utmost respect for them. Hardworking, community oriented, etc. While I still appreciate and respect them – I have to say this show has really highlighted some things I have not thought too much about (what it actually means to be shunned, the consequences of being shunned, their religious beliefs/teachings).
While I am trying to keep everything in perspective – it just goes to show that there are two sides of every story. I look forward to going to NY this summer to talk to a family friend that has close Amish friends more about some of my new found questions.
When I was little, not much beat going to my Grandma Z’s house and seeing the Cuckoo clock go off every hour. I have been thinking about getting one for my kids for awhile and after a long Friday – I went out and bought an authentic Cuckoo clock made in the Black Forest of Germany. All three kids run to it on the hour to hear/see everything.
On the hour – the Cuckoo bird comes out, the man chops wood, then the people at the top dance around and the water wheel turns. All in all – it is really cool and one of the first things I have ever bought that I thought will make it down multiple generations (hopefully). On top of the enjoyment I get watching the kids get excited – I am also reminded of the same excitement I experienced when I was little.
I have been waiting to vote in this election (Alumni Trustee Election) since November of last year. While it is no secret who I want to win – I have high hopes for these three new members. Let’s hope the new elected trustees ruffle a few feathers and can get Penn State turned in the right direction.
On another Penn State note – this weekend is the Blue & White game. It will be a great and a sad day. Let’s hope our new coach has a great first experience in Beaver Stadium.
My kids with Joe
Some people do not understand it, others think I/we are crazy, but losing Joe was hard. He was more than a coach, a public figure, and an educator…he was part of the family.
After watching the Joe Paterno memorial yesterday one thing was made very clear – we the Penn State community are one big family. Sure – we have our problems, but what family – especially such a large family – does not? Seeing everyone together, supporting one and other, and sharing memories about Joe was pretty amazing and finally made me feel a bit more at peace.
A big thanks to the Big Ten Network for airing it!
For those of you that remember – I found a link to the bread commercial Joe did in the 90s…
http://www.butter-krust.com/movies/MilanoItaliannew.htm
I had been waiting for the call since November 9th, 2011 when everything started to unravel. I went over the conversation in my head over and over. Sometimes nasty – other times supportive. When I saw “Penn State University” on the caller ID last night as the phone rang I was not sure what I would say or how the conversation would go.
I generally get these calls a few times a year by current students looking to raise money for the school. I have been donating money to Penn State since I graduated and look forward to talking to the students on the phone to hear what they are studying, doing, etc. I at first did not know which way the call was going to go until I, in an instant, realize I had two ways to play this out: 1. act out of response to others (Penn State current leadership) or 2. act out of response to what really matters and be true to the core of our being (Joe). At that point I decided I would spend a few minutes talking to this student about his well being and his thoughts/feeling about all of this and what it means to be a Penn Stater. I told him I would be happy to give to the Paterno library fund.
Lesson learned: as Penn State alumni/students/staff – we need to stick together and show people who we really are. It is and always has been more than football. The media and some of the general public just do not “get it” and that is understandable. I am hopeful that living by example will show eventually show everyone what Joe Paterno taught us and what it truly means to be a Penn Stater.
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