My Brother Greg

To those who don't know (probably not very many of you), I have a brother Greg who lives in Hawaii. (He and his family are shown above with my mom).

Some of you probably don't read comments on blogs and so I wanted to post his comment in regards to "judging and the alternative lifestyle" especially with what has come down today in the Supreme Court.

I think it is spot-on.

Here it is:

"We judge people everyday and must for our own safety and the safety of others. When the guy in the car swerves in and out of your lane, you give him plenty of space and try to get away from him. When you see someone who looks dangerous on the streets you walk a different direction. When someone asks you for a loan you have to evaluate whether that person is going to pay you back.

It is critical that we make these decisions. Perhaps we over generalize. Maybe the guy in the car ahead of you just spilled coffee in his lap and isn't drunk or a bad driver. I, however, am not going to give him the benefit of the doubt and risk getting killed. I have made the wrong decision on the scary guy on the street and got mugged at gun point (yes he was black and when I see other black guys early in the morning with hoodies and dirty jeans I run - guess I racially prejudice). And I have made the unpaid loan. It is impossible for us to live life without judging and make reasonable decisions based on limited exposure and, to some degree, stereotype. If you don't you are no better then Lenny Small from "Of Mice and Men" - tell me about the rabbits George.

So - on Prop 8. I have been around many homosexuals in my life. Whether through my time in musical theater, living in San Francisco for 12 years, going to a highly progressive law school in San Francisco (Hastings), or having two lesbian bosses for a year and a half (and listening to them argue about doing the dishes in staff meeting - btw as and aside: This couple was planning on adopting a child. When a child became available they were just leaving on vacation. They asked their dog sitter if she would be willing to pick up the baby and watch him until they got home. Thankfully the dog sitter said no, they decided to go on vacation and not get the baby.). Many gays and lesbians are friends whom I think are great people.

Most, however, are highly promiscuous with multiple partners, are predatory sexually, tend to be highly self-centered pre madonnas, and are quite materialistic. Gays have also been significantly responsible for the spread of a major public health epidemic because of their behavior (AIDS) which has cost society and taxpayers billions of dollars. They are neither apologetic not looking to provide compensation. Instead the seek the help and pity of non-gays to help them with their "burden".

I don't mean this to be hurtful or hateful. I am just trying to be honest. Its look in the mirror time. I recognize that I as a Mormon will initially be judged as self-righteous, close-minded, and as having a persecution complex. These judgments of us as a people are probably not far off. I don't get mad about it, I look at myself and try to recognize those poisonous qualities in me, amend them and help people amend their initial stereotypes of me.

The gays and their fellow crusaders are so focused on their failure to appropriate a word (they have all of the rights of married couples under California law) that they are driving people out of their jobs, vandalizing property and spending countless hours protesting during one of the most painful times in our nation's history (economy, war). This is very myopic and self-centered and only serves to reinforce the stereotypes I have of them. It's time to stop the rhetoric and get a grip!"

Holidays

I was thinking the other day about holidays in general and the difference in feeling a child gets compared to an adult when the holidays approach. For the most (I would say), the child is excited: full of anticipation eagerly awaiting that holiday that will either gain them candy, food, presents, colored eggs, chocolates, or at the very least, a day off (or more) from school. There is usually nothing negative associated with the holidays for a child.

The adult/parent on the other hand is usually not very excited: shopping, spending, finding, hiding, deciding, or at the very least, frustrated at one point or another.

Do I sound like a Scrooge? Probably.

But I'm finding as my kids get older, my frustration rises with each approaching holiday.

1. What do to that is exciting and new for New Year's Eve? (note: I always wait until that day to decide and then we usually just play games til 9:00 pm, turn on the TV and watch the ball drop in New York City).

2. What to buy for 36 x 4 other kids so that each student in my kids' classes aren't left without a Valentine? (note: this can get annoying when Target doesn't have SpongeBob Valentines or whatever the choice is that year).

3. Make sure each of my kids have enough green on for St. Patrick's Day so they don't get pinched too hard at school? (note: I always tell them just mark your hand with a green marker but they never go for my suggestion).

4. Where should I hide all my Easter Egg candy and how do I make sure that each kid gets the same amount of candy/eggs in his/her basket? (note: No matter how many precautions are made, the hunt usually ends with someone in tears).

5. Should I buy costumes so that my kids look cool enough or should I find stuff around the house thus letting everyone know that I am a lazy and cash-strapped parent? (note: Halloween is my LEAST favorite holiday of the year from a parent's perspective due to the costume problem, the candy issues, and the job of the parent to either walk with the children door to door or stay at home and hand out candy. There's only so many times I can say, "Oh it's Spiderman...how cool").

6. And then there's Christmas. Should I buy a lot of little things so my kids have more to open on Christmas day? Should I buy a few expensive things but then they think, "That's all I get?" Should I spend my savings only to see them either break that remote control car on the first day or not even play with it at all after they open a much "cooler" present? (note: How many times have you thought, "I bought the perfect gifts this year" only to see your kids searching for more presents and then breaking into tears when they realize that Christmas is over?)

Notice how I skipped Thanksgiving. That's right....that was on purpose. My favorite holiday of the year as a parent. I love my Thanksgiving. It is so simple and yet so rewarding. The kids know what to expect. Every kid gets the exact same thing. There are no presents on Thanksgiving. There is no hidden agenda. There is no shopping at the mall. There is no guessing. There are no tears. Put a turkey on the table. Throw in some mashed potatoes, stuffing, and maybe even a pumpkin pie. Mom cooks, Dad watches football. Maybe even get up early and play a little football with the neighbors. Kids run around, get tired, come home dirty, eat turkey with some ingredient that makes you go to sleep, and WHAM the day is done. Mom is a little tired from cooking but usually gets to take a nap in the late afternoon while a football game is buzzing and Grandpa is snoring in the background.

Kids are happy, parents are happy. Oh yea. There's nothing like Thanksgiving!!!!

Does Judging Others = HATE

Obviously with what has happened lately on this blog and in our society, I have been pondering over a certain question:

Does judging others lead to hate?

Most people believe that we "shouldn't judge others, lest we be judged." I think that works in many instances but I also think there are times when we need to judge others, especially as parents. It has been said, (and I for one am a big believer of this) that our children's friends are HUGE contributors to how our children will turn out. Therefore, is it not our right and duty as parents to judge others and help our children make right choices when it comes to friends? But then as we make that judgment, are we not then showing "hate" towards a particular family and/or lifestyle?

It gets into a little gray area, doesn't it? Some like "Anonymous" would have us believe that very thing. If I don't allow my daughter to be friends with a group of people that practices what I deem immoral behavior, then I am being hateful....which in turn makes me a bigot or a racist or a hater. When in reality, I believe that I am (as a parent) helping her not put herself in situations where peer pressure might make her do things that she doesn't want to do.

Example #1: My daughter wants to hang out with a group of people who like to smoke. I don't want my daughter to smoke. So I say, "You can't hang out with those people." Does this reaction make me a bigot towards smokers or just a good parent?

Example #2: My daughter wants to go to parties where underage kids drink alcohol. I don't want her to drink alcohol so I tell her she can't go and hang out with those kids. Does this make me a bigot towards drinkers or just a good parent?

I would bet that anyone with a rational mind would say, "I was just being a good parent."

So, my question is this: Why can't Christians put their foot down when the very core of their belief and structure is being challenged? Why can't they say, "We don't want our children and our grandchildren exposed any more than they need to be?"

No one complains when they put advisory labels on CDs. No one holds rallies and yells profanities when they label TV shows as G rated or TV 14. No one cries "bigot" when they tell cigarette companies not to angle their advertisements towards teenagers. And no one should blame Christians for finally sticking up for themselves and saying enough is enough.

This same-sex marriage issue has turned into one of hate. One side claiming that the other side is hateful when in reality, it is the exact opposite. The Christians are showing love towards future generations. They are putting the advisory labels on certain behavior and rating them as MA (mature audiences only).

Anybody has the free agency to watch an MA show but what they don't have the free agency to do is show it to everyone on the big screen of life.

This is where I stand on this issue. I will stand up, wave signs, go door to door, and send out mailers when I believe my children and their children are in danger of being put into situations where someone or some group is forcing their way into mainstream.

I'm glad that someone stood up against 2 Live Crew and said, "We are putting an advisory label on your CD."


I'm glad that someone stood up to the TV networks and said, "You need to rate every one of your TV shows."



And I'm hoping that in 20 years, someone will say to all of us Christians, "I'm glad that you stood up for marriage and protected our families."

Utah vs. Laguna Beach

Our friends (Ben and Rachel from Arizona) visited us this weekend. We got to talking about Prop 8 and how Laguna Beach residents voted 68% No and only 32% Yes. Also, there happened to be, (on Friday night) in downtown Laguna, over 300 angry Laguna Beach residents loudly protesting the passage of Prop 8.



So the question was asked: Where would you rather raise your kids: Laguna Beach or Utah? I'm guessing the question was raised because these two places are viewed as the extremes (when talking about levels of goodness) and if given the choice, which extreme would one choose?

It actually made for a good debate.

Utah on one hand has a majority of Mormons. Your kids are surrounded by others who know your values and where you stand. When surrounded by "goodness" does one not tend to be good?

Laguna Beach on the other hand has a majority of "free-thinkers." The high school is documented as the most common drug and alcohol use in Orange County. Therefore, your kids are surrounded by others who don't share your values and don't know where you stand. When surrounded by not such "goodness" does one tend not to be good?

That's the question. Can you raise your kids with the appropriate values and then let them govern themselves accordingly in both environments? I would think I would feel secure in either place. However, regardless of where I lived, I would pray fervently that my child make good choices. In both places, (I believe) my child would be tempted to be either different from the mold (Utah) or go along with the group (Laguna Beach).

Peer pressure is a HUGE thing. Peer pressure to be good or peer pressure to be bad. Will my child choose the "forbidden fruit" or be happy with the surrounding fruit?

Free-agency is such a tricky thing. We want our children to be able to make choices but we crave the ability to force them to make good choices.

The question is: Does living in a certain state or town create a better opportunity for our children to make those good choices? I personally believe the answer is YES and it does matter.

I'm just not sure what place that is so I'm choosing the one with the ocean view. :)

America the Beautiful

Today, I woke up a happy man. Happy in one sense that something I truly and passionately believe in was supported by 52% of Californians (thank you to all who helped Prop 8 pass), and happy in the other sense that although the person I voted for didn't win, America showed that race is no longer a factor when determining a person's merits. That should be reason to celebrate in and of itself.

I believe Barack Obama when he says that America is a better place today then it was only 15 years ago. I believe him when he says he will do the best he can for our country. I believe him when he says that through hope, we can and will have a better tomorrow.

Are there some issues we (as a country) should be concerned about? Sure. Does his party stand for things that I do not. Sure. However, I am excited today. I am excited that our country is now being led by a leader of men. A leader who can bring together both old and young, rich and poor, right wing and left wing. A leader who "hopefully" will deliver all that he has promised and that 4 years from now, our country will have turned the tide, our economic woes in the distant past and our religious freedoms still in tact.

As John McCain said in his concession speech, "It's time to put aside our differences and unite the country and do all we can to support our new leader."

I plan on doing that......(or at least until he demands that same-sex marriage is now OK).


ps I did cry myself to sleep last night....not at the overall election but upon hearing that Jesse and Deanna had broken up. Supposedly it was because they couldn't agree on Prop 8.

Teacher Demonstration A Success!

Over 100 teachers and parents came out Thursday afternoon in Support of Prop 8 and to also let the teacher union know that they can't speak for all of us teachers. Most teachers (whether they are for Prop 8 or not) disagree with the expenditure of funds (over 1.2 million) towards a proposition that has "nothing to do with schools."

Here is the article that came out today.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/teachers-prop-union-2212836-cta-state

Not anti-gay...pro-family.

I recently came up with this term to describe my feelings in a short concise way. I figured that "no and 8s" have heard all the arguments out there already and have countered with their own bias and opinions. This one, I believe, has no counter-argument. A fellow teacher at my high school has started the ball rolling and we will be having a rally Thursday afternoon at Crown Valley Elementary School at 4 pm. The rally is called Teachers Vote Yes on Prop 8 and the Orange County Register is coming to take pictures and comments.

If you know any teachers in the surrounding area who you think would like to attend, please let them know. Here is an email I just sent to a bunch of teachers at my school (hopefully I don't get fired for doing so). But even if I do, I'm going down with a FIGHT!!!! (BTW, do any of you have a decent paying job that would like to hire an ex-teacher who got fired for doing what he believed in?)

Anyway, here is the letter:

Fellow colleagues, This is Jon Hendrickson, English teacher at the high school. I had heard through the grapevine that you were supportive of Prop 8 and wanted to protect our family structure and believed that marriage was intended to be between a man and a woman. If I am wrong, then I apologize in advance for this email.

I am not anti-gay, I am pro-family. I believe that children raised in a home with a loving father and mother are more likely to be well rounded and successful in today's amoral society. I believe we are dangerously close to Aldous Huxley's Brave New World where "everyone belonged to everyone else" and where "mother" and "father" were considered taboo.

I do not want to accelerate our society into becoming this way so I am voting Yes on Prop 8. If you feel the same way I do, then I encourage you to come to the rally for Teachers for Yes on 8 tomorrow afternoon at 4 pm. We are meeting at Crown Valley Elementary School and the Register will be on hand to take pictures and comments.

I hope you can make it. The more teachers we have attending the better. There will be other supportive teachers from different districts who will be there as well. If you plan on attending (or even if you can't make it) and know others who think the same way you and I do then please forward this email on to them. Thank you for your support.


UPDATE: (I was calling people here in Laguna Beach last night to urge them to vote. I kept using my "pro family" approach. It worked until I called a lawyer......(guess how that went?)

We talked for 25 minutes. He kept calling me a "bigot." He yelled at me. I yelled at him. I was spewing facts that countered his arguments and he was trying to do the same. He kept saying that this proposition would have no effect on me and my children.

My counter: My church losing its tax exempt status affects me. Schools taking their classes to lesbian weddings affects me. Small businesses trying to uphold their own morals and then getting sued for it, affects me. My kids learning about this behavior before they are ready affects me. Using 1.2 million of teacher union fees to defeat this proposition affects me.

His next question, why do you care what people are doing in their own bedroom?

My counter: If it doesn't matter what people do in their own bedroom then why is necrophilia against the law especially if the spouse gives written consent before he or she dies? Would you care if a porno was being conducted next door to you? Also, what is the difference between polygamy and same-sex marriage? If Prop 8 doesn't pass, don't you think that polygamists have a real gripe. They also are a minority group who is supposedly "getting shafted."

He kept bringing up the blacks and how our country tried to keep them from their civil rights as well. I'm so sick of that argument. I think blacks should be offended everytime it is used.

Anyway, I know I am preaching to the choir but at this point, this is the only real issue that matters. The Presidential race is secondary right now to many here in California and probably to the brethren as well. I am fearful right now that Prop 8 will not pass. I think we are trailing at this point and like McCain, probably need a miracle.

California Teacher's Union...(update)

As some of you know, I am a teacher and therefore I am part of a union. As others of you know, I have told you in the past that the reason education isn't what it should be is because of THE UNION. When you sign up to be a teacher, they FORCE you to pay union fees with the caveat "you don't have to be part of the union, but you do have to pay the fees." The Union keeps bad teachers in the classroom teaching yours and my kids. The Union has a contract with administrators that after two years, a teacher cannot be fired. If you want to have a secure job....go into teaching and be great for two years. After that....do whatever you want. The Union will protect you.

This past week, I've never been more disappointed to be part of a union and to be called a teacher.

The CTA has pledged over 1 million dollars of MY union fees to help stop Proposition 8 from passing. They are taking an active role. If you watched The Office last night, then you saw the commercial with CTA President David Sanchez blasting those who supported Prop 8 for using lies and scare tactics. (I wonder how much he got paid to appear in this 30 second bit).

Right now, I'm fired up. Yesterday at my lunch break I called the CTA. I expressed my concerns. I emailed my union representative (Walt) and demanded my union fees back. He checked into it for me and forwarded to me the following response:

HI Walt,

You're not the only one who has been getting letters and calls. We logged in about 50 calls yesterday alone. I'm not trying to pass the buck, but you might want to forward these letters and yours, to Mike Stone, you CTA Board member. I will tell you that in June, the State Council voted to take an oppose to Prop. 4,6, 8, 9. They also voted to expend up to $5 million on these Propositions. To date, they have spent $ 600, 00 on 4, $1 million on 6 and 9 combined, and $ 1 million on prop 8. Mike can give you the rationale.

His e-mail is : MStone@cta.org . Be sure to identify yourself as the chapter Pres. of Laguna.

As for getting the money back, I'm still checking in to it. CTA members can have the ABC $ diverted back into the CTA general fund. The voluntary dues, $20 of which $10 for scholarships and $10 is for advocacy (which may include initiatives) can be refunded or diverted so that all of the money is for scholarships. The form for this is on the "My CTA web site"

It's time to take a stand. If you are a teacher or you know a teacher, cut and paste this response and urge them to contact their union rep. Urge them to call the CTA. Urge them to email dsanchez@cta.org (CTA President). Even if they are on the other side....how can you justify 1 million dollars on a proposition that has nothing to do with teachers.

Afterall (according to CTA President David Sanchez), we won't be teaching gay marriage in the schools anyway, right?

UPDATE: (I just sent the following email to President Sanchez)

President Sanchez:

I'm sure this won't be the first or last email you get from a teacher who has dutifully paid his union fees throughout the last 12 years and is disgusted by your actions. I'm sure you have decided to take a stand on Proposition 8 for your own reasons. I'm sure you believe in "equality for all."

However, to spend over 1 million dollars in union fees to defeat Proposition 8 is unbelievable. We are in budget crisis. The CTA has forced districts to lay off good teachers this past year due to budget costs and apparently now I know why.

Can you please explain to me the rationale behind spending over 5 million dollars of teacher union fees on propositions?

What does Prop 8 have to do with teachers? Equality for all, you will respond and yet, in your commercial you claim that this will NOT be taught in schools. If that's the case, why are my union fees being used?

I used to be proud of being a union member and thought being a teacher was a noble calling. No longer. Your political agenda disgusts me. I am going to do all I can to flood your email box, your phone messages, and your mailbox in order to let you know that this has been a horrible decision on your part and that of the CTA's. I know plenty of teachers throughout California who feel the same way and will support me in these actions.

You may take my union fees but you will not take away my morals nor will you speak for me as I am withdrawing my name from the union.

Sincerely yours,
Jon Hendrickson

Equality for All???

My brother-in-law sent me this story yesterday (thank you Eric) about the Mormon family that placed the YES on 8 banner on their house, only to wake up the next morning and find this SUV parked near their driveway with the "endearing" phrase "BIGOTS LIVE HERE."

Immediately, my own thoughts turned ugly. I thought, "Who would do something like this? Why the outward show of hate? I thought there was freedom of speech in America?" I then signed up to be a member of the Mercury News. I was going to show them. I was going to post my comments about this article. I was going to blast those who parked that SUV. I was going to convince everyone to vote YES on Prop 8.

However, I started to read everyone else's comments: some supporting the Mormon family but most supporting the SUV owners. I started to get sucked in to the hype and the hatred. And I started to get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Needless-to-say, I didn't post my comments. I realized that I was getting the same feeling I got on my mission when people were hating on me for being a missionary. In the first year of my mission, I would confront these people and try and convince them that the church was true......I didn't realize until my 2nd year that I was doing exactly what they wanted me to do. Those type of people love confrontation. They love controversy. They love contention.

And so, here we are again. Prop 8 has brought me full circle. It's been 15 years since I came home from the Canary Islands and yet, those feelings of contention have risen again. Are we going to convince people to vote YES by being angry and reacting in a malicious or hate-spewed manner? No. Just like we aren't going to change our minds, just because someone parks an SUV in front of our house and calls us "Bigots."

My plea to all you supporters of Prop 8: Be better than our opposition. Be better colleagues. Be better neighbors. Be better people. Wave signs with smiles on your faces even as many drive by with their middle fingers out the window. Put bumper stickers on your cars and replace them happily when they get ripped off. Send letters to people informing them of the truths and realities of Prop 8. Go door to door in your neighborhood and when the hate starts to spew from some of your neighbors' mouths, thank them for their time and move on.

I can hardly wait when Prop 8 passes because at that time, only one word will be necessary:

SCOREBOARD!

Sharon Lynn Hendrickson

My mom passed away on Sunday and no blog post can do her justice. I don't even want to try. But because this is sort of an online journal for me, I wanted to remind myself over and over again what she meant to me. Her favorite movie was The Wizard of Oz. In my mind, she personified each character.....

She was Dorothy: skipping along the yellow brick road, happy at all times, even though many obstacles came her way.

She was the Scarecrow: thinking at times she didn't have a brain and yet having the biggest one of all.

She was the Tinman: reaching out to others in time of need, going above and beyond in church callings, and proving to have the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met.

She was the Lion: throughout her life and especially this past year, I've never seen a more courageous person.

She was the Wizard: the person behind the curtain who touched everyone's life. She made you feel special. She made you feel loved. She made the pain go away. She made the world a better place.

I'm so happy for her. Her journey is complete. Her fight is finished. Her final lesson taught. I know what she is saying right now in her Heavenly Father's presence:

"There's no place like home."

I LOVE YOU MOM!

Should Parents "Spy" On Their Children?

We are currently reading Hamlet in my 12th grade classes and I developed a few journal topics surrounding the themes in the play. One of the topics: "To what extent do parents have the right to "spy" or check up on their children?"

As you might have guessed, this generated a very good classroom discussion. Immediate response from most seniors: "Our parents have the right to 'spy' but they shouldn't."

I asked them if their parents should be able to go into their room at anytime? Or if their parents should be able to check their email? Or if their parents should be able to read their text messages?

Answers: No, No, No.

I then asked them how many of them had computers in their room. 95% of the class raised their hand. I asked them if they thought there was danger there? They looked at me with furrowed brows and questioning looks. (Obviously they hadn't yet been ingrained with the "dangers of pornography" from Mormon Church leaders).

So I asked them flat out: "If you were a parent, would you be concerned that your teenagers were looking at pornography on the internet?"

(I was thinking of posting a picture here but that probably wouldn't be very appropriate).

Student 1: Why not?
Student 2: What's the harm?
Student 3: At least they are exposed to it.

After getting over my initial shock....I then asked, "Wouldn't you fear them becoming addicted?"

Their replies: Nope. By making it not forbidden, they won't become obsessed.

I know this is a crazy take...but on some level, I almost agree with them. I know what you are thinking and I know you are immediately coming up with arguments to combat their point but sometimes, (in our culture) do we try and shelter so much that it becomes counter-productive? Do we make something so bad that all of a sudden, it becomes the "forbidden fruit" that MUST taste so good?

Example: My parents "forbade" me to watch Three's Company. That was the one show I couldn't watch. So, whenever my parents were gone, what did I do?

Turned on Three's Company. (Wasn't Janet hot?)



Pedestrian example, maybe. But I think you get the point.

Should parents "spy" on their kids? Maybe, maybe not. But as most of my seniors said, "When a parent is open with their child and exposes them to the dangers that are out there, most of the time, the child will make the right decision and there will be no reason to spy."

Today, the teacher became the student.

ps Yes, I was talking about "porn" with high school seniors....hopefully, I'm still around next year.

pps Sorry Chad. My class is full.

October 6th...Not a good day for Dro.

As many of you probably know by now, I am a big Angel fan. I'm not going to profess that I am THE biggest fan out there but I usually either watch, listen to, or attend all 162 games every year. This year, for the first time in franchise history, they won 100 games. They looked good all year. They pitched well and played great defense. They even traded for one of the biggest studs in the Majors in Mark Teixeira. This was a good year to be an Angel fan.....until last night.

Last night, the Angels lost for the 3rd time to the Boston Red Sox in the past week and were eliminated from the playoffs leaving me with an empty void that will not be filled until next April when they try and do it again.

My emotions were as high last night as they were on Sunday. Every pitch meaning more than the next and the pressure was intense (and I'm only talking about me....sitting on my couch at home). This is the passion I feel for my beloved Halos.

I'm 36 years old and I found myself sitting at home, screaming at my television, the three words many other Angel fans said at the exact same time, "Aybar....YOU SUCK!!!!"


Of course, it was at that moment that my wife emerged from the kids' bedrooms and "not so politely" reminded me that I was a father of 4 children who (at times) look up to me as their role model. She wasn't impressed when I recounted to her how Aybar missed a bunt attempt while Willits was stealing home and that if you call yourself a Major League Baseball Player and you can't make contact on a bunt attempt then you do, in fact SUCK!!!!

Anyway, it was only about 10 minutes later that the Angels suffered an ignominious death. As the final run was tallied and the Red Sox poured out of the dugout to celebrate....what did I do?

Did I yell at the TV? No.
Did I throw anything? No.
Did I curse to the heavens? No.
Did I backhand my wife? No. (sidenote: that was just a joke...meant to get a laugh. My wife would work me in any physical encounter).

Instead of doing any of these things (like I would've in the past), I calmly turned off the TV, went downstairs and did some ironing. I needed a little alone time and figured by ironing a few shirts, I would get more in touch with my feminine side and leave the yelling to other manly men.

It worked. I calmed down and was fine and was ready to move on. However, the wife came downstairs and made my night much worse. She delivered even more devastating news:




Misty May had injured herself in Dancing with the Stars and would no longer be able to participate.



My reaction: Lou Ann, YOU SUCK!!!!!

Interesting.....

While watching the debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin, I was riveted at times and bored at others. 2 hours is a LONG time to sit and watch two people try and muddle the other's campaign. What was really annoying was not being able to fast-forward the commercials because there weren't any!?!? It was like watching a movie with no action and no love story. (I was hoping that Biden and Palin would 'hook up' at some point). Now that would've been MUST-SEE TV. But no, they never even looked teasingly at one another. Where's reality TV when I need it the most?

Anyway I digress. I did perk up at one point when the moderator (you think it was a conscious choice when they chose a black woman to be the moderator?)....asked the VP candidates if they supported same sex marriage. I thought to myself, "Here we go. This is where the rubber hits the road. This is a fundamental difference between both parties."

HOWEVER, what happened next was at first disappointing to me and then excited me to no end. Joe Biden when asked if he would support gay marriage, said: "No. Barack Obama nor I support redefining from a civil side what constitutes marriage."

Palin was likewise succinct. "My answer is the same as his and it is that I do not," she said.

THIS IS GREAT NEWS!!!! Mark the tape, cut it out, and put it on commercials right now. Flood the networks and PROP 8 will pass....guarantee.

Here's my 30 second commercial:

Question to the TV audience: Are you a Democrat or a Republican? Do you support Barack Obama or John McCain?

Answer: With Prop 8, it shouldn't matter because both parties agree. (then cut to the debate where Biden and Palin both say they WOULD NOT support gay marriage).

And then at the end of the commercial..... PROTECT MARRIAGE. VOTE YES on PROP 8.

All night long, Biden and Palin went at it and disagreed on every issue EXCEPT FOR ONE: Marriage to remain between a man and woman.

This is proof of a few things:

1. There is a minority group trying to get into the majority.

2. There is a minority group trying to speak for the masses.

3. There is a minority group trying to intimidate.

4. There is a minority group who would have you believe they are being bullied and are having their rights taken away.

Don't let them become the majority. Don't let them speak for you. Don't let them intimidate. And more importantly, don't let them "bully" you for upholding your morals and defending your family, your children, and your grandchildren.

Biden and Palin got it right. Now it's our turn in California to do the same!!!

VOTE YES ON PROP 8!!!!

Playoff Time....

I have to hurry and get a post up about sports before most of you (if you don't already) think I have gone the way of Lance Bass. (not that there's anything wrong with it).



October has arrived and that only means one thing: Baseball Playoffs. In the 80s and 90s, I loved the playoffs; however, in the 21st century, they have become a lifeline for me. Why do you ask? What has changed?

Answer: The Angels are now contenders. They are now fixtures in October. They are now the favorites almost every year to not only make the playoffs but to win The World Series. Like most of you, I bleed "red" but in October, my days literally hang on every Angel win and loss. This year, they are playing one of my most hated teams (Boston Red Sox) which makes it even more intense and more exciting. I will be hanging on every pitch, cheering on every hit, crying on every out, and screaming in either ecstasy or pain on every win or loss.

After 162 games and the grueling summer days, October has finally arrived! Think about the time of year, you wait for the most. Is it Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years, Easter, or Valentine's Day?

For me, it's none of those. For me, it's October. For me, it's the playoffs. For me, it's baseball.

Prediction: Angels beat the Cubs in 7 games.

Rally monkey is in force as the Halos come back against the Cubs bullpen.



A sea of red is parted when Frankie Rodriguez jogs in from the bullpen and closes out the Cubbies (sending thousands long lasting Cubs fans to the nearest bridge)



As the Angels win their 2nd World Series in 6 years!!!!

D.W.T.S.

I couldn't type out the whole thing because then some of you would be instantly turned off. Now at least you are reading to find out (if you don't know already) what D.W.T.S. could possibly mean.

This actually might be a new low for me. I've blogged about The Bachelor. I blogged about Beverly Hills 90210. I've even blogged about the limberness of my wife. However, I have yet to blog about a show where celebrities attempt to dance with so-called professional dancers. But since Chaddyshack and Jumping Turtle have separately and collectively asked me (more than once) to blog about "Dancing with the Stars," I figured, why hold off any longer. Their wish is my command!

Yes, I admit it. I watched the show on Monday and Tuesday night. Yes, I will also admit that I enjoyed a few of the dancers. I mean, seriously, what is not to like? First of all, when I heard that Misty May was going to be a participant, I knew I would be watching. Then to my surprise and glee, the show not only included her but: Kim Kardashian and the mom of all moms, Brooke Burke.

On the surface, this show seems lame. Watching celebrities dance who are then criticized by 3 judges who are trying to be funny (although I must admit "Bruno" is pretty funny most of the time). I have never watched the show until this season and although I am not sold on the premise or the drama, I am sold on the following: (in no particular order....)


Misty May (I admit that she is buffer that most men but her athleticism combined with occasional grace makes her attractive to me....maybe I have a slight tendency....not that there's anything wrong with that).




Kym Johnson (see below....can you believe the girls wear outfits like this on network TV???)



Edyta Sliwinska (Yowzer!)


Kim Kardashian (I decided not to post a picture of her "better" side. I'm not that much of a pig!)


Brooke Burke (Mom of 4. Are you kidding me?!?!)



Julianne Hough (not into blonds that much but gotta admit....not too shabby!)


Cloris Leachman (Why does she always play the drunk? Spanglish and now D.W.T.S. At age 82 though.....aw yea!!!!)






And the hottest chick of them all. The reason I keep coming back and will refuse to watch if she ever gets eliminated. (She probably won't because she is clearly the best dancer and the best looking in those skimpy outfits......)

If you haven't seen Dancing with the Stars yet, don't worry. This hottie will be around a long time!!! (scroll down to find the answer....)














Lance Bass



"Not that there's anything wrong with it."

Pride vs. Pocketbook

As I watched one of the greatest sporting events in the history of sports (The Ryder Cup) this weekend, I was struck with this thought, "Is pride more important to the 'natural man' than his pocketbook?"

Meaning, when one is placed in a competitive environment, will he/she give more of a effort if only his/her "pride" is on the line or will that person be more competitive if "to the victor go the spoils?"

Most would naturally answer, "money" is the biggest determining factor. The majority might say, "The more money on the line, the more competitive I become." However, 24 golfers this weekend would beg to differ. The Ryder Cup consists of the 12 best U.S. players and the 12 best European players and for one weekend they go toe to toe and come Sunday night, one of them is declared the winner.

Question: What do they earn for giving up their weekend and demonstrating their skills to the world?

Answer: Pride. For the next 2 years, they get to look at the losing team and say, "We were better than you that weekend."

Now these are arguably the best golfers in the world. These are players who are used to earning millions for beating their opponents. These are players who get paid millions for just showing up at certain events and displaying their skills. However, when interviewed after his dramatic win over Sergio Garcia on Sunday, Anthony Kim declared, "This win means more to me than 10 million dollars!"

Preview

Do you believe that? Kim earned ZERO dollars this weekend. He has won a few times this year on the PGA Tour. He has won countless other junior tournaments while playing for La Quinta High School and yet, the PRIDE he felt that moment, playing for his country, was more staggering and more glorifying than even "10 million dollars" would've been.

As a viewer, I was captivated. I pumped my fist in the air along with Hunter Mahan when he made an inexplicable 40 foot putt.



I jumped up and down like Boo Weekley when he also drained a putt that helped the U.S. beat Europe.



And I even felt a little sympathy for Sergio Garcia when he missed a 2 foot putt that Anthony Kim refused to concede to him.



I guess you could say, I had an "A-HA" moment this weekend. I always thought that money was the biggest motivating factor in most athletes including myself; however, this weekend made those thoughts quickly dissipate.

I think Boo Weekley said it best when asked what he thought after it was all over, "It's been amazing, it really has. I can't put it into words or anything. I have to sit down and think about it. I'm still shaking and nervous. Your arm hairs stand up and you get chills when the crowd start hollering your name and USA. The adrenaline, it's just unreal."

When "Pride" is factored in, most athletes and non-athletes alike put on their best attire, prepare themselves accordingly, and are much more pumped when their name is called for being the BEST in their given craft at that moment in time.

Top 10 Things I Love About Fall....

I figured since I've done my top 10 for both Spring and Summer, might as well continue the tradition. (It is at this point that Loubige starts to get a little nervous. What could possibly be #1. Not another embarrassing picture of her?......Oh she's so tempted right now to scroll down but she won't because she doesn't want to ruin the surprise!).

Once again (with apologies to David Letterman), here is Dro's top 10 reasons he loves the Fall:


#10 School is back in session

(Strange reason to love the Fall, I know, but there's something about going to work every day knowing that some kid is going to do something to make you laugh, cry, and/or yell obscenities).




#9 I love the Fall colors here in Laguna Beach

(I know the picture below is LB at night but there is no color change in Laguna Beach when Fall rolls around so I found a really cool picture instead).




#8 Kids don't say, "I'm bored" that much anymore.

(Sometimes in the summer, it feels like I have four "shadows" as I walk around the house).





#7 Fantasy Football

(I'm not into fantasy football as much as fantasy baseball but I still enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being in a league with your friends. I still can't believe DeSean Jackson cost me 6 pts. when he inexplicably dropped the ball as he headed into the endzone!)



#6 I actually get paid!

(Teachers only get paid on a 10 month scale so it's always good to get a paycheck and not live on Mr. Visa and his 19% interest rate).



#5 Back to School Night

(I get to experience this as both a parent and a teacher. Oh the joys! A 44 once of Mountain Dew usually helps!)





#4 The NFL

(Nothing like the rule at my house, "No TV on Sundays.....except sports.")




#3 College Football

(With DVR, one can get the chores done, play with the kids, actually listen to the wife, AND watch college football. NICE!)




#2 MLB Playoffs

(Although it saddens me that baseball is coming to an end. I still get to enjoy October and what is now an annual thing: The Angels in the playoffs.....and this year an added bonus....the Yankees are not).





And my #1 reason for loving the Fall Season...............


Wife is more limber!