All Aboard to 2016

So, the summer is, sadly, coming to an end. I know I haven't been writing since the last week in July, but I had several major changes ongoing in my life. By the time I would be ready to write at night, I was exhausted.

I tried, and apparently succeeded, in recharging my batteries. Part of that was due to my going to the beach at night a few times during August to listen to great local bands and spend time with friends and family. Yes, here on Long Island, any area where salt water meets sand is called "the beach" and not "the shore".

This is NOT New Jersey or Massachusetts, two states near and dear to my heart.

I was thinking that my first commentary back would be political, but there is plenty of time to get my views out there. If you Follow me on Twitter, or you are Friends with me on Facebook, I have kept you up to date with my thoughts in this area. So, there is no need to belabor it today.

There will be plenty of time to get you caught up.

I will share that for those of you who know me, I am a die-hard Met Fan. I have been Orange and Blue since 1962. Suffice to say, when last we were together, my boys were in second place, four or five games out, and chugging along in the second wild card position. As of this writing, we (as if I have a personal or financial stake) are 5 1/2 games up in FIRST PLACE in the NL East, and a chance for a playoff

position.

In addition, my Jets (formerly the Titans) have had a few Human Resources issues. It seems Geno has a hard time getting along with others. Maybe, since Rex was in love with him, he could shuffle off to Buffalo. Wait! Isn't that where his face puncher went? Ok, send him to Pittsburgh, you know, where Michael Vick went, or Tennessee. Don't the newer Titans need a quarterback?

Now, you are up to date with what has been going on this summer for me. At least, a little bit.

I have a few things lined up to get back on track and I know you will find them informative and interesting. Be assured, that with everything going on in my life this year, I was not as verbose as I had been in 2013 and 2014.  I will be writing, on average, four days a week from now until the end of the year.

One other tidbit... I am beginning to put together a book with some of my favorite commentaries, more in line by topic. I will keep you posted on this project. I can't wait to get it published.

Finally, I look forward to your responses to my commentaries. To me, it is a learning exercise: I tell you what I think, and you share your thoughts with me.

Thanks, as always for your loyalty and friendship. Climb on board... we are on the train to 2016.

This is Why George Carlin is My Favorite Philosopher

George Carlin's wife died early in 2008 and George followed her, dying in July 2008. It is ironic George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent and so very appropriate. An observation by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.