John Smiley

Empire State Building Run up (Climb) 2011-12-09

2011-12-09T14:34:00.000-05:00

I just entered the lottery for the 86 floor Empire State Building climb.

It's a lottery, and most likely I won't win it.

If I do, I hope not to finish last :)

No one missed me

2011-11-28T10:05:00.000-05:00

I've been away for all of 2011---no one really missed me though.

Cinnaminson Cars broken into (July 27, 2010)

2010-07-28T17:14:00.001-04:00

CINNAMINSON — Township police are urging residents to lock their car doors after a series of vehicle break-ins were reported over the weekend.

From Saturday night into Sunday morning a dozen unlocked vehicles were broken into, police said.

Cash, GPS units and other items were reported stolen, police said.

Any residents observing any suspicious persons are asked to call police at (856) 829-6666.

May 2010 Blog Keyword Analysis

2010-05-31T11:54:00.002-04:00

People are being directed to my blog when they search for...

4.97% kayleigh law nj
2.34% Cinnaminson school budget
2.05% july 2008 burlington county times cinnaminson man pleads guilty darmo
1.75% kayleigh law in nj
1.46% john smiley
1.46% sean pavlichko
1.17% john smiley blog
1.17% kayleigh law
0.88% drexel 2010 graduation date
0.88% drexel graduation 2010
0.88% father tom hagen
0.88% father tom hagen haiti
0.88% kayleigh law new jersey
0.88% figler titanic
0.58% john smiley facebook
0.58% kayleighs law nj
0.58% cinnaminson school budget 2010
0.58% father thomas hagen
0.58% new kayleigh law
0.58% chris pellicane north brunswick nj obit
0.58% "Kevin Convey"" "eddie polec"
0.58% titanic story in palmyra nj
0.58% river line accident may 2009 thomas riverton
0.58% john smiley oracle
0.58% keileighs law nj
0.58% father michael figler
0.58% xp malware 2010
0.58% reverend michael figler
0.58% can't open lotus 123 in excel 2003
0.58% theodore scott palmyra nj
0.58% councilman assaulted palmyra nj
0.58% www.johnsmiley.org
0.58% garmin 405 forerunner frozen
0.58% saladworks complaints
0.58% sentences for eddie polec
0.58% steve fowles chief of police cinnaminson
0.58% kayleigh law decal
0.58% tom hagen analysis
0.58% nj kayleigh law
0.58% columbia wash instructions
0.58% new city retro fitness reviews
0.58% fr mike figler
0.58% Handstogether.org
0.58% bou khathavong
0.58% ted scott palmyra
0.58% setfocus contract based
0.29% garmin 405 ubuntu
0.29% justina morley release date
0.29% http://professorsmiley.blogspot.com/2009/11/drexel-university-thanks-for-change-in.html
0.29% Nick Pinero Eddie Polec
0.29% "saladworks" "complaints"
0.29% lifescan romulus
0.29% recycling smiley
0.29% Cinnaminson cut school budget
0.29% saladworks closing
0.29% saladworks bowl
0.29% 0010 smylie
0.29% saladworks pr manager
0.29% columbia sportswear cleaning
0.29% cinnaminson recycle
0.29% patch for lotus 123 to open in excel 2003
0.29% eddie polec defendants sentenced
0.29% Retro fitness scam with automatic renewal
0.29% Cinnaminson new Jersey budget cuts
0.29% new kaleigh law in nj for drivers
0.29% drexel med graduation dance 2010
0.29% father michael waites
0.29% dead garmin fr 405
0.29% "2 weeks in hell" full episode
0.29% Cinnaminson TWSP ordinances
0.29% "saladworks" programming
0.29% nj kayleigh law decal
0.29% drexel university graduation 2010
0.29% Sean A. Pavlichko
0.29% washing instructions columbia titanium jacket
0.29% smiley titanic
0.29% How do you clean a Columbia jacket?
0.29% twitter sandie rabena
0.29% new jersey kayleigh law
0.29% fred alger fraud jail
0.29% sexual assault in moorestown nj yahoo
0.29% Hands Across Haiti Tom Hagen
0.29% columbia sportswear washing instructions
0.29% casey newspaper john smiley
0.29% XP Antivirus 2010 malware
0.29% cinnaminson nj skate park
0.29% john smiley shot
0.29% St. Charles Boy struck by a carnival truck Principal Letter
0.29% "setfocus" and "sucks"
0.29% kayleigh law restrictions
0.29% eft trainer retro fitness
0.29% carlo johnson
0.29% crime at sweetwater cinnaminson nj
0.29% survivor smiley
0.29% cinnaminson nj school cuts
0.29% drexel university commencement 2010
0.29% osi restaurant partners and illegal immigrants
0.29% Kevin convey murder
0.29% matt lovett fraud
0.29% best salad at saladworks
0.29% ISBN: 978-0-615-24842-4
0.29% Franklyn M. Bergonzi pleaded guilty to conspiracy
0.29% excel 2003 blocked lotus 1-2-3 file
0.29% Ten deadliest natural disasters haiti 2010
0.29% mike figler
0.29% kayleigh law, nj
0.29% Rev. Tom Hagen
0.29% how do i get a sticker kayleigh law
0.29% Kaileighs law nj
0.29% nick pinero
0.29% nj division of motor vehicles teenage driving
0.29% pat pantano personal trainer philadelphia
0.29% palmyra, new jersey school budget
0.29% can't open lotus 123 files in excel 2003
0.29% columbia jackets washing directions
0.29% photo judge john smiley
0.29% deangelo's pizzeria delran
0.29% cinnaminson back to school night
0.29% Sean Casey Cinnaminson
0.29% john smiley update
0.29% setfocus training program sucks
0.29% school budget in cinnaminson
0.29% Learn to Program with Java john smiley download
0.29% Kayleigh died NJ
0.29% garmin 405 frozen
0.29% er small basic lettere enn python
0.29% wash columbia jacket
0.29% drexel student shot
0.29% columbia wear machine wash
0.29% learning java smiley amazon
0.29% michael smerconish Children ages
0.29% enforcing variable declaration in vb
0.29% washing instructions new look jackets
0.29% father mike figler
0.29% kaileigh' law license plate stickers
0.29% stop light cameras in cinnaminson;
0.29% Eddie Polec murder
0.29% Kevin Convey still serving prison time for polec beating
0.29% illuzzi cinnaminson
0.29% complaints
0.29% Pedestrian Safety Daniel J. Holt scribd
0.29% complaints about chapel manor nursing home philadelphia
0.29% cinnaminson girls
0.29% http//tv.feam.orgvideo evangelisation
0.29% setfocus reviews
0.29% John Smiley, bank
0.29% 1960s newspapers in cinnaminson new jersey
0.29% drexel university complaint blogs
0.29% retrofitness eft trainer reviews
0.29% sniley key word
0.29% Eddie pollock Kevin convey sentence
0.29% casey newspaper- john smiley
0.29% The Death notices March 21,2008 for Willingboro, NJ
0.29% school taxes in cinnaminson nj
0.29% retro fitness owners
0.29% +"Steve Fowles" +"Cinnaminson Police"
0.29% heather lindorff prison
0.29% Lifescan Romulus Michigan
0.29% malware xp 2010
0.29% where to put decals for kayleys law
0.29% 50 best jobs in america
0.29% when is Drexel University's graduation 2010
0.29% nj keileighs law problems
0.29% moorestown teen driver decal may 2010
0.29% cinnaminson teachers
0.29% complaints and lawsuits against retro fitness
0.29% sticker for teenage driver in NJ
0.29% tom hagen from haiti
0.29% "China Shop Project" + Java
0.29% 2010 drexel graduate list
0.29% Goodwill donation center, maple shade, NJ
0.29% drexe; 2010 graduation
0.29% joseph lemme holy cross released from prison
0.29% columbia sportswear- cleaning
0.29% father hagen
0.29% father hagen haiti
0.29% red john smiley black
0.29% Kevin Convey Bou Khathavong and Dawan Alexander
0.29% smiley.fr
0.29% cinnaminson, nj school budget
0.29% can i bleach my columbia jacket
0.29% nj kayleigh law what is it
0.29% saladworks near tacony bridge
0.29% man attacked in palmyra skatepark
0.29% 1974 flyers parade
0.29% skateboarders attack councilman south Jersey
0.29% budget cinniminson NJ
0.29% eddie polec v. 5 murders court case
0.29% cinnaminson township meetings
0.29% anthony sheppard in cinnaminson, new jersey
0.29% can't open lotus 1-2-3- file in excel
0.29% Fr.TomHagen
0.29% patrick pantano saladworks
0.29% cinnaminson budget cuts
0.29% justina morley sentence
0.29% Budget in cinnaminson nj
0.29% smilie meeting
0.29% casey newspaper john smiley
0.29% chapel manor nursing home offer cna training
0.29% antivirus with visual basic 2010 book
0.29% thomas crook denied parole
0.29% eddie polec northeast philadelphia sentencing
0.29% antivirus xp infect route
0.29% python setFocus()
0.29% what is kayleigh driving law
0.29% kayleigh's law, nj
0.29% editor smiley online site:blogspot.com
0.29% nicholas pinero eddie polec
0.29% advocare family medicine associates mt laurel
0.29% philli.com malware problem?
0.29% cnn best jobs 2010
0.29% rob ashley
0.29% Cinna, NJ school district allows police in budget
0.29% you are attempting to open a file type that is blocked by your registry police setting
0.29% drexel graduation date 2010
0.29% friendly's being robbed
0.29% "Kayleigh law"
0.29% "mike figler"
0.29% polec v. 5 murders . eddie polec murder by 5 juveniles
0.29% columbia sportswear cleaning
0.29% bye bye smiley
0.29% tom hagen haiti
0.29% lekhotla khoboko
0.29% driving schools in cinnaminson nj area
0.29% retro fitness reviews and personal trainer
0.29% kayleigh law teen drivers
0.29% can't open lotus 123 file
0.29% "visual basic 6" +setfocus
0.29% sean pavlichko + cinnaminson
0.29% cnn top jobs 2010
0.29% motor vehicle kaleigh law stickers nj
0.29% school budget cinnaminson NJ
0.29% cinnaminson budget
0.29% sean pavlichko arrested
0.29% coach john smiley
0.29% have can i learn my blog keyword analysis
0.29% holy cross high school delran nj principal jailed
0.29% titanic survivors
0.29% death of eddie polec
0.29% eddie polec birthday
0.29% wash columbia jackets
0.29% kayleigh law nj fine
0.29% garmin smiley
0.29% Java Programming(shoprite)
0.29% JOHN A. SMILEY
0.29% sandie rabena
0.29% Cinnaminson BOy sturck by a carnival truck
0.29% how to open lotus 1-2-3 excel 2003
0.29% kayleigh law, new jersey
0.29% palmyra nj school cuts

Outcome of the Cinnaminson Township Meeting on the School Budget (2010-05-17)

2010-05-21T07:57:00.001-04:00

Outcome of the Township Meeting on the School Budget

The Township Committee adopted a resolution at their Monday meeting cutting $1.24 million from the school district’s defeated 2010-11 budget.

The school board’s proposed tax levy of $29,473,854 for general operating funds was turned down at the April 20 election with 1,983 votes cast against the budget and 1,297 in favor.
In their resolution, Township Committee certified a school tax levy of $28,233,584 and submitted specific line item reduction recommendations targeting administrative costs and employee benefits. The Township Committee declared that the Superintendent’s salary should be rolled back by $25,461, from the level of $204,000 proposed by the school board to the 2009-10 budgeted level of $178,539.

The township called for eliminating the post of Assistant Superintendent or alternatively eliminating supervisors of instruction. Further the township recommended the consolidation of two administrative secretarial positions into one.

Township Committee also proposed significant savings through a restructuring of the district’s health insurance plan and implementation of an employee contribution toward health insurance one year earlier than mandated under recently enacted legislation.

Driver hurt when minivan, River Line train collide

2010-05-13T14:50:00.000-04:00

A southbound River Line train struck a minivan at a Riverton railroad crossing Thursday, seriously injuring the vehicle's driver, according to authorities.

The minivan, carrying two adults and an infant, was traveling north on River Road, parallel to the tracks, when it turned into the path of the train at Main Street shortly before 11 a.m., NJ Transit spokesman Dan Stessel said.

The crossing gates were down, and red lights were flashing, Stessel said. A red light at the intersection and an illuminated no-right-turn symbol also were activated, he said.

The two-car train was slowing as it approached Riverton Station a block away, traveling an estimated 15 or 20 m.p.h.

The minivan's occupants were taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden with injuries that were not life-threatening, Stessel said.

Nuran Zivali, 38, of Edgewater Park, was issued a summons for careless driving and failure to observe traffic signals, he said. Zivali was in serious condition late Thursday afternoon.

Traveling with him were a woman and a 4-month-old, also named Zivali, according to the spokesman.

About 12 passengers on the train, which connects Camden and Trenton, suffered minor injuries. River Line service was suspended between Riverton and Cinnaminson until about 1:30 p.m.

Here's a link to the story:

Driver hurt when minivan, River Line train collide

John Smiley Comments:

I can tell you from experience that the no-right-turn symbol is difficult to see at some times in the afternoon due to sun glare.

A few months ago I was in the right lane, the traffic signal itself turned green, and I started forward only to see the gates starting to close. I looked up and didn't realize the no-right-turn symbol was lit.

Moorestown Sexual Assault of May 2, 2010

2010-05-02T15:06:00.000-04:00

Here's more on the Moorestown Sexual Assault of May 2, 2010

http://cbs3.com/local/Moorestown.Burlington.County.2.1688668.html

Moorestown girl assaulted early Sunday morning

2010-05-02T15:00:00.000-04:00

MOORESTOWN — Police are investigating an incident where a 13-year-old girl was forced into a vehicle by two men and then sexually assaulted.

According to investigators, the alleged incident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. on Georgian Drive. The girl, whose identity was not released, was riding her bicycle home when she was confronted by two men who grabbed her and carried her into their parked vehicle, where one of the men sexually assaulted her before letting her out of the vehicle.

Police did not describe the sexual assault but specified that the girl was no physically injured during the incident.

Lt. Howard Mann said township police and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the incident. No suspects had been arrested or charged as of Wednesday morning, he said.

Police said one of the assailants was described as a white male in his 20s, over 6-feet tall, with a muscular build, short brown hair, blue eyes and facial stubble. He wore dark jeans, a gray hooded sweatshirt and black sneakers.

The other man was described as a shorter white male with a thin build, wearing a red American Eagle zip up sweatshirt, baggy jeans and dark brown flip flops with thick straps.

Police asked anyone with information about the incident to call Moorestown police at 856-914-3037 or the police tip line at 856-914-3092.

BCT staff writer David Levinsky can be reached at (609) 871-8154 or at dlevinsky@phillyBurbs.com.

Here's a link to the story:

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times/bct_news_details/article/2465/2010/may/05/moorestown-girl-assaulted-early-sunday-morning.html

Palmyra NJ Councilman attacked by skaters on Saturday, April 10, 2010

2010-04-14T15:38:00.003-04:00

Pretty despicable to pick on someone like this....from the Philadelphia Inquirer

PALMYRA -- As many as 10 teenagers assaulted a borough councilman Saturday afternoon (April 10, 2010) at Legion Park, police said Monday.

Borough Councilman Theodore Scott was walking through the park off Broad Street at 4:23 p.m. when he encountered eight to 10 teenagers skateboarding on benches and walls. Scott approached the teens to tell them to move to the borough’s skate park when the youths knocked him to the ground and punched and kicked him.

The teenagers — described as males between the ages of 17 and 20 — eventually ran away and left Scott on the ground in need of medical attention, police said. Scott was taken to an area hospital with a broken leg. His condition was not available.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Palmyra police at 856-829-0198.

Cinnaminson OKs school budget; 18 teachers to be cut

2010-04-14T15:27:00.002-04:00

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, April 10, 2010

CINNAMINSON - After nearly three hours of discussion that at times got heated, the school board adopted a 2010-11 budget that calls for a hefty tax hike and the elimination of 18 teachers and several aides.

"No one likes this budget," Superintendent Salvatore Illuzzi told more than 100 people gathered at the middle school Tuesday night for a public hearing.

The $42 million spending plan not only cuts staff at all four schools, but also increases the school tax rate 12.99 cents, from $1.425 to $1.555 per $100 of assessed property value.

If voters approve the $29.47 million tax levy at the April 20 school election, the owner of a home assessed at the township average of $294,500 would pay $4,580 in school taxes, an increase of $382 over last year.

Resident Bill Conley told Illuzzi and the board members that he's tapped out.

"Some people may say it's only $382, but I don't have any more to give," Conley said.

The budget will cut a combined nine teachers at the New Albany Elementary and Eleanor Rush Intermediate schools, three at the middle school, and six at the high school. Six support staff and five teaching aides also will be terminated.

The cuts were made because of a loss of $3.4 million in state aid and surplus funds that were required to be spent under state mandate over the last several months.

Throughout Tuesday's hearing, residents and teachers complained that the district is in this predicament because of the escalating salaries of the administrative staff.

"The salaries of the administration are out of control," one woman yelled out to a round of applause.

Illuzzi said the administrative raises, which average 4.73 percent annually over a three-year contract, were approved by the board in 2008 before the economy soured.

He said the raises were below the county average of 5.1 percent and were approved by the county superintendent of schools.

Illuzzi also noted that all of the contracts were publicized and that the school board held public hearings on them.

Discussions with the district's bargaining units to change insurance plans and offer buyouts to teachers near retirement age could result in fewer teaching positions being eliminated next year.

"It's that savings that will allow us to bring back some of the staff that's being let go," Illuzzi said Wednesday.

If the unions agree to the changes, he anticipated that more than a half-dozen teachers slated to be laid off would be spared. At least six teachers are expected to retire and Illuzzi was hopeful that even more will agree to early retirement.

Ultimately, the voters will decide what happens to the budget.

"If it's defeated and it goes to the Township Committee, it's a safe bet they'll chop the budget (more)," Illuzzi said

For more on the article, check this link...

http://bit.ly/9XTzjX

Garmin 405 Forerunner Frozen

2010-04-12T05:16:00.000-04:00

I've been using my Garmin 405 Forerunner running watch for nearly a year (my wife gave it to me last year for Father's Day.)

It's been a great watch---accurate, always works, never gave me a problem until last Monday when it appeared frozen or stuck after finishing a run. I let it sit on my desk and when I came back the display was blank. I charged it overnight and it seemed fine until today when it froze again after a run.

This time it seemed really dead.

I checked the Internet and it was suggested that I hold the 2 buttons down for 30 seconds to unfreeze it.

I had to do this twice, and it finally 'unfroze' and came back to life.

Palmyra NJ Titanic Survivor

2010-04-11T15:35:00.002-04:00

Just read an interesting article in the Burlington County Times about a Palmyra, New Jersey Titanic Survivor. It's a fascinating story---given up for dead, and sewn into a body bag.

His grave is local---I'll try to get a picture.

Here's a link to the article...

http://bit.ly/alx1ks

iPhone Reset

2010-03-13T14:11:00.002-05:00

Press the Home + Powerbutton simultaneously for 10 seconds

America's Obituaries and Death Notices

2010-03-11T09:52:00.007-05:00

I've been accessing this electronic resource via the Philadelphia Online Library for about a year.

I want to do some analysis to see if the database of older obits is increasing.

2010-03-10

Any name, any location within these dates
1971-1980 (613,243 names)
1961-1970 (713,937 names)
1951-1960 (521,366 names)
1941-1950 (483,412 names)
1931-1940 (68,323 names)
1921-1930 (779 names)
1911-1920 (92,575 names)
1901-1910 (939 names)
1891-1900 (2,080 names)

All Pennsylvania,
no date limit (1745727 names)
1800-1900 (0 names)
1901-1910 (0 names)
1911-1920 (0
1921-1930 (0
1931-1940 (0
1941-1950 (0
1951-1960 (0
1961-1970 (0
1971-1980 (0)
1981 (150 names)
1982 (232 names)
1983 (4,846 names)
1984 (4,695 names)
1985 (4,261 names)
1986 (7,550 names)
1987 (18,448 names)
1988 (18,420 names)
1989 (17,250 names)

According to their website, my Philadelphia local papers have this coverage

Philadelphia Daily News (PA) (7/21/1982-Current)
Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA) (1/16/1981-Current)
Burlington County Times (Willingboro, NJ) (12/16/2002-Current)

Selecting just the Philadelphia newspapers gives me these results

1980 (0 names)
1981 (150 names)
1982 (232 names)
1983 (4,846 names)
1984 (4,670 names)
1985 (4,261 names)
1986 (4,828 names)
1987 (11,794 names)
1988 (11,867 names)
1989 (10,898 names)

Entries containing the word 'Cinnaminson' (7,597 names)
Last name Smiley: (3,246 names)

And you thought you were having a bad day---Prison Sentences

2010-03-11T09:25:00.007-05:00

I've been maintaining a list of prison sentences for noted local and national people for sometime. Here it is on my blog....it includes name, length of sentence, crime for which committed, and the date he or she is scheduled to be released.

Andrea Kelly (2029-06-11)
Danieal Kelly's mother, starved her to death
Sentenced to 20 to 40 years on June 11, 2009

Mickael Kamuvaka (2027-12-11)
Age 61
Faked supervision of Danieal Kelly, allowing her to be starved to death by her parents
Sentenced to 17 1/2 years on June 11, 2010

Soloman Manamela (2024-06-11)
Age 52
Faked supervision of Danieal Kelly, allowing her to be starved to death by her parents
Sentenced to 14 years on June 11, 2010

Stephen French (2023-09-27)
Ocean City Realtor
57 years of age
Sentenced to 16 years on September 27, 2007
Drunken driving--leaving scene of accident that resulted in the death of 1 and injuries to 2 others. Must serve at least 9 years, 3 months, or 85% of the sentence imposed on the Aggravated Manslaughter charge before becoming eligible for parole

Justina Morley (2022-09-21)
17.5 to 35 years on March 21, 2005 minus credit for time served
Murdered Jason Sweeney by luring him to a field where he was beaten to death by 3 boys

Skilling (2021-8-23)
Enron CEO
24 years, 10 months on October 23, 2006J

Joey Melino (2015-12-09)
14 Years on 12-09-2001

Dwyer (2014-06-10)
Ocean City Developer
Fraud
Sentenced to 9 years on June 10, 2005

Matthew Lovett (2014-04-08)
10 years on 04-08-2004 (eligible for parole when he's 26)
Car jacking in Oaklyn NJ

Vince Fumo (2014-03-31)
PA State Senator
Corruption
55 months starting on August 31, 2009

Dennis Kozlowski (2013-09-19)
Tyco CEO
Sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 year on 09-19-2005
Eligible for parole after 8 years

Mark Swartz (2013-09-19)
TYCO CFO
Sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years on 09-19-2005
Eligible for parole after 8 years

Joseph Lemme (2013-02-15)
Holy Cross High School Principal
Embezzled money
Sentenced to 5 years on 02-15-2008
Eligible for work release after 6 months

Rick Mariano (2013-02-07)
Philadelphia City Councilman
Corruption
North Catholic Class of 1973
Sentenced to 6 1/2 years commencing on August 7, 2006
Appeal denied on June 19, 2008

Jack Holten (2013-01-09)
Cinnaminson, NJ Photographer
Sentenced to 3 years for taking money for pictures he didn't deliver or sometimes even take

Jack Abramoff (2012-01-29)
Lobbyist
Sentenced to 5 years and 10 months on 03-29-2006 in his Florida fraud case
Judge sentenced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff to five years and 10months in prison in his Florida fraud case

Martin Grass (2012-06-28)
CEO Rite Aid
8 Years for fraud on 06-28-2004
$500,00 fine
3 years probation

Thomas Darmo (2010-09-05 to 2011-09-05)
Attempted murder
Cinnaminson man who stabbed a Palmyra man on Hawk Island

Sam Waxill (2011-07-23)
8 Years on 07-23-2003

Anthony Rienzi (2011-03-20 to 2026-03-20)
18 years old
Sentenced to 15 to 30 years on 1996-03-20
Convicted of 3rd degree murder in the death of Eddie Polec

Nick Pinero (2011-03-20 to 2026-03-20)
18 years old
Sentenced to 15 to 30 years on 1996-03-20
Convicted of 3rd degree murder in the death of Eddie Polec

Thomas Crook (2010-09-20 to 2026-03-20)
19 years old
Sentenced to 14.5 to 30 years on 1996-03-20
Convicted of 3rd degree murder in the death of Eddie Polec

Heather G. Lindorff, 39 (2010-04-23)
6 years on April 23, 2004 (Could be paroled in 2 years)
Endangering the welfare of her adopted 5 year old son from Russia who died Dec 14, 2001

Michael Vick (2009-10-19)
23 months on December 10, 2007
He voluntarily went into custody on 2007-11-19, so he will serve until 2009-10-19

Brittt Reid (2008-07-01 to 2009-10-01)
Road Rage Gun Incident 2007-01-30
8 to 23 months on November 1, 2007

Elissa N. Fritter (2008-02-03)
Lacrosse Coach in Chester Couny had sex with underage boys
Sentenced to 23 to 46 months on 04-03-2004

Garrett Reid (2008-01-01 to 2009-10-01)
DUI 2007-01-30
89 pills in jail cell
2 to 23 months on November 1, 2007

Franklin Bergonzi (2006-09-27)
CFO Rite Aid
28 months for fraud on 05-27-2004

Lil Kim (2006-09-19)
Sentenced to 1 year and 1 day for lying to Grand Jury

David Rogers (2005-03-12)
Former Channel 3 Weatherman
10 months for vehicular homicide on 05-12-2004

Dawan Alexander (2004-03-20 to 2016-03-20)
18 years old
Sentenced to 8 to 20 years on 1006-03-20
Convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of Eddie Polec

Carlo Johnson (2001-03-20 to 2006-03-20)
20 years old
Sentenced to 5 to 10 years on 1996-03-20
Acquitted of murder charges but convicted of Conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Eddie Polec

Bou Khathavong (2001-03-20 to 2006-03-20)
18 years old
Sentenced to 5 to 10 years on 1996-03-20
Acquitted of murder charges but convicted of Conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Eddie Polec

Kevin Convey (2011-02-01 to 2016-02-01)
19 years old
Sentenced to 5 to 20 years on 2006-02-01
Pleaded Guilt to the 3rd Degree murder of Eddie Polec

Martha Stewart

James Connely
Vice Chairman, Fred Alger Management
Up to 3 years
NY State

Lea Fastow
Enron wife
May 6, 2004
1 year sentence---time to begin not yet settled

NJ teen drivers will pay $4 for license decals

2010-03-09T17:29:00.003-05:00

New Jersey drivers younger than 21 will pay $4 for a pair of license plate decals they'll be required to display starting May 1.

The state Division of Motor Vehicles said it has awarded a $664,000 contract to a Chicago-based firm to manufacture the reflective red stickers.

They're designed to help police identify vehicles operated by teenage drivers so officers can enforce restrictions on passenger limits and a night driving curfew.

The decals are required under "Kayleigh's Law," named in memory of a 16-year old central New Jersey high school student killed in a car driven by another teen in 2006.

63 suicide doses given in nine months of law

2010-03-09T17:26:00.001-05:00

The state of Washington says 63 suicide prescriptions were dispensed during the first nine months of the states "death with dignity" act to people between the ages of 48 and 95.

The Health Department said that of the 63 who received lethal doses, 47 are known to have died.

36 of them died after taking the medications and 7 most likely died from their ailment. The agency says it doesn't know the details of the other 4 because the death certificate or report hasn't been filed.

Spyware, Malware, Rootkit viruses

2010-02-26T08:22:00.002-05:00

My friend David Turner wrote up some wonderful instructions on eradicating your system of malware and spyware---I'm including them here. Farther down in the instructions he refers to a "rootkit virus'. In my experience, you will know that you have one if Safemode fails to bootup--that usually means one of your device drivers has been corrupted. Combofix is a wonderful program to correct Rootkit viruses---I've written about it elsewhere, and you can find links to it on

http://www.mybleepingcomputer.com

Here are David' s instructions...

Hello Professor:

I saw your email concerning your computer problems so I thought you might like

some help.

As you already can see, most (all) antivirus programs don't work very well, at least not by themselves. So it takes a team approach to solve these infection issues, and a good

deal of time and patience as malware infects using the "buddy system"...one is active while the other is dormant but listening to see if the active one is removed whereupon

it executes a new copy for the most malicious.

Long story short, the following steps are ones that I have used many times and they

have NEVER let me down.

1) Disconnect from the internet (and of course any lan connections)

2) You will need the following programs:

a) Malwarebytes Antimalware (get it here:)

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

b) WinPatrol 2010: http://www.winpatrol.com/download.html

c) Super Antispyware: http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispyware.html

d) Mozilla Firefox browser: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/firefox.html

3) Follow these steps next in order:

a) Reboot the computer into Safe Mode: usually keep tapping the F8 repeatedly

while pc boots. (could be a different key which will display on the initial splash

screen)

b) Select Safe Mode (this takes some time)

c) Once in safe mode execute (but don't scan) Malwarebytes followed by WinPatrol and then Super Antispyware followed by the MozillaFirefox browser.

d) Next run the Malwarebytes scan (WinPatrol will be active automatically.

(run this 2 or 3 times after an interval of time...5-10 minutes)

e) Next run your present anti-virus application (again more than once with

the time interval as well) (make sure that you DON'T download and run

any other AV program as 2 applications will usually lock up your computer)

f) Then run SAS (Super Anti....)

g) Review the results (kinda' like admiring your own programs...as you always said!)

h) If results look satisfactory and computer functionality has returned, rejoin your

network

i) Don't think that you're done yet.....next use Mozilla to go to the Internet and run an

online A/V scan...use Trend PC as it's the only one that works with Firefox

Go here and download the program and then scan:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

When that completes (could be 5-6 hours..or more) you should be good to go..

unless you have been infected with a Rootkit... which requires more tools.

COMCAST Closed Captioning with an HD TV

2010-02-24T08:36:00.001-05:00

I've been trying to get Closed Captioning to work with my HDTV through a COMCAST DVR forever--just found this forum which discusses the issue and says it is possible, although you will have to power off the DVR which can be a pain...

http://www.netjeff.com/wp/?p=411

Here's a direct link to a wikibook section on Closed Captioning

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup#Closed_Caption

Putting a lid on underage drinking in Cinnaminson, NJ

2010-02-08T13:09:00.003-05:00

Check out this story in the Sunday Burlington County Times about a youth group attempting to stem the tide of underage drinking...

http://bit.ly/bbqXli

I'm glad to see that one of my favorite local merchants, the Wine Cellar, supports efforts to inhibit underage drinking.

Radio Stations in the Philadelphia area

2010-02-06T12:26:00.005-05:00

Well, it's snowing (a lot), I'm snowed in and working on a couple of tax returns, and I thought I'd like to listen to the radio for some nice classic 40's music, the kind I was listening to last week in my friend Jim's car on the way to the Philly Auto show. Of course, he has Sirius satellite radio---I'm relying on the airwaves.

After scanning through the channels a bit, I thought that there must be a listing of Philadelphia area Radio stations, and there is...

http://www.ontheradio.net/metro/Philadelphia_PA.aspx

Palmyra Computer Company

2010-02-04T19:20:00.001-05:00

Just drove by this place tonight---their website looks interesting...

http://www.secondsiteit.com/

Burlington County Web site gets a new look

2010-02-03T13:12:00.003-05:00

I love public databases---it's amazing how much information you can gather there.

According to this Burlington County Times news article, Burlington County New Jersey has just given their web site a face lift

http://bit.ly/do3mUY

As an Information Technology guru, I find it interesting to note that there's no mention in the article of any member of the public being consulted---hopefully the designers did, as failure to involve the user in a design project is one of the chief reasons for its failure.

Here's the url for the web site---let me know what you think of it...

http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/

Red-light cameras move ahead in Cinnaminson (2010-02-03)

2010-02-03T13:08:00.003-05:00

I reported on January 20th, 2010 that Cinnaminson was thinking about applying to the State of New Jersey for permission to install Red-light cameras at intersections on Route 130.

In a Burlington County news report today (February 3rd, 2010), they confirmed they are doing so--and will also ask permission to install a red-light camera at the intersection of Route 73 and Fork Landing Road, another very dangerous intersection.

Here's the link to the BCC story...

http://bit.ly/aaf3DR

Father Tom Hagen Update (02-02-2010)

2010-02-02T10:30:00.001-05:00

Just saw this link to an updated article on Father Tom Hagen in Haiti--it's from the Philadelphia Catholic Standard and Times...

http://bit.ly/cEXkFc

Top Ten Cinnaminson Area Pizza Parlors (Updated: 2010-02-25)

2010-02-02T10:16:00.004-05:00

I thought I would create this list as I just had for the first time last week a pizza from Pat's on Route 130, and it immediately vaulted to the top of my list.

My apologies to Dominos and Papa John's but I don't include them here--not that either one would make my top five.

1. Pat's Pizza (Route 130 Cinnaminson). Fast Delivery. Great Pizza. Great online ordering.
2. Milanese. Riverton. Delicious, nice size, reasonable prices. Tell Al I sent you.
3. Deangelos (Route 130 Cinnaminson). Fast Delivery---even in a blizzard. Starting to shrink a bit. Attached restaurant is very good.
4. Brother's Pizza (Acme Shopping Center, Route 130, Cinnaminson)
5. Wing King (Maple Shade, NJ). Fast Delivery.

Deangelos Pizza of Cinnaminson Weekly Drawing Winners (Upated 2010-04-18)

2010-01-30T11:59:00.010-05:00

Deangelos in Cinnaminson is running a weekly drawing for a free large pizza. Here's the link where you can sign up...

www.DangelosItalianPizza.com

and here's a list of the winners so far...

Week 14, Jen Macneal (#86)
Week 13, Melissa Hirsch (#46)
Week 12, Peg Schuster (#73)
Week 11, Paul Seymour (#23). Redraw. Elaine Murtagh (#81)
Week 10, Kim York (#33)
Week 9, Ravi Shah (#6)
Week 8. Nancy Carr (#63). Repeat from last week. Darn---just missed winning by 2 numbers. I'm #65 (this week anyway---the numbers seem to be chaning.)
Week 7. Steve Fowles (#63). Darn--just missed winning by 1 number. I'm #64 (this week anyway---the numbers seem to be changing.)
Week 6. Craig Angelini (#24)
Week 5. Cyndi Lamon (#11)
Week 4. Mary Cook (#69)
Week 3. Peg O'Malley (#61)
Week 2. Jen Rymann (#24)
Week 1. Melissa Sassaman (#13)

You can find the live drawing at Youtubec.om listed under the user deangelo2037

Girl and brother help in arrest in Cinnaminson

2010-01-30T10:52:00.004-05:00

Another Cinnaminson Burglary attempt--this time with a 12-year-old girl home alone. Parents, tell your kids not to answer the door to strangers, and if one does knock, take the same actions this girl did. Call the police and your parents, and lock yourself in a safe room.

This report from the Burlington County Times of Friday, January 29, 2010

CINNAMINSON---A 12-year-old girl was home alone Wednesday evening when a township man tried to break into her house on Derby Drive, police said Thursday.

Sean A. Pavlichko, 23, of Fernwood Place, was charged with burglary and attempted burglary after he attempted to enter the house about 5 p.m. The girl told investigators he rang the doorbell and knocked, then attempted to open a read sliding glass door. After failing to open the door, Pavlichko forced open a shed in the rear yard, police said.

The girl locked herself in a bathroom and contacted family members and police.

Pavlichko climbed a fence and fled after hearing the girl's brother arrive home. The brother chased him through several yards and was able to detain him until police arrived.

Pavlichko was placed in Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly on $10,000 bail.

Malware Update---January 28, 2010

2010-01-29T16:50:00.003-05:00

I thought I had fixed my problems on Wednesday, January 27th, but it turns it I didn't.

My PC refused to shutdown gracefully, and each time I fired up Windows, I received error messages indicating that I had a problem with

AXWin Frame

and this one...

To help protect your computer, Windows has closed this...

Generic Host Process for Win32 Services

Just about as soon as this occurred, all other windows had problems---and Task Manager failed to load.

A graceful shutdown was impossible.

Furthermore, booting into Safemode was also impossible. I would freeze on MUP.SYS

I used another computer to search the Internet for help, and it suggested that I download and run a program called

COMBOFIX

which I did. It took about an hour to download, install and run, and after several planned shutdowns and reboots (the first shutdown failed, so I had to power off), it told me that my ATAPI.SYS device driver was corrupted, and that it had fixed it.

1 hour later, I was able to fire up Windows (without any error messages) and I've been running continuously for the last day.

I'm just about finished performing a massive backup, and at some point today, I'm going to shutdown and restart in Safemode--after which I'll run Malwarebytes and my Symantec Anitvirus scan.

A former student of mine, David Turner, has also emailed me with some very detailed instructions to ensure that I'm finally free of this malware.

The name sounds like a nuisance, but it's far from that---it's a real pain in the ***

Antivirus XP 2010 Malware--what a pain

2010-01-27T13:30:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions, and mainly for the support.

My wife's PC had been infected with the Antivirus Malware twice, and Malwarebytes (free download from CNET.COM) fixed it both times. However, it seemed to have gained some strength by the time it morphed into Antivirus XP 2010.

One interesting thing it did was to disable the other user accounts on my PC so that I could only execute programs via the "Run as' with the infected account I had--so I was really stuck using my infected account to try to solve the problem.

I also found I was unable to boot the PC into Safe Mode--not sure if that's related to the Malware--I hope not.

Also, when I tried to run my copy of Malwarebytes, it had erased mbam.exe--the executable. Then, when I tried to reinstall from the setup I had on my PC, it tried to stop the execution. Using Task Manager, I managed to kill av.exe long enough for the setup to run, but guess what---after the install worked, it once again deleted mbam.exe, leaving me with a folder containing all but the executable.

An Internet site I found suggested renaming the setup executable and installing it in a folder other than Malwarebytes. I did that, and again, using Task Manager to kill av.exe long enough to get started, managed to run Malwarbytes through an entire scan yesterday morning. It identified about 14 infections, rebooted to delete the bad guys, and I was hoping when it came back up all would be fine. It wasn't.

Again, I ran Malwarebytes, but this time it came back clean--as did Symantec and Spyware Doctor. Like you guys, and some advice on the Internet, I came to the conclusion that running a 1 month old version of Malwarebytes didn't cut it.

I fired up Malwarebytes again, selected Update, and it told me it was getting the latest signatures-version, and that it would shut down and reinstall. It didn't--av.exe seemed to be loading whenever anything tried to fire up.

Finally this morning I went out to CNET.com and downloaded the latest setup executable they had--it must have had something in there for this virus-malware, because after once again renaming the setup and installing it into a decoy folder and renaming mbam.exe to something else, I was able to run a 3 hour scan.

I must confess I had some doubt, but it found 5 infections, and after a reboot (shutdown failed, I had to pull the plug on the PC), when it rebooted the malware seemed to have been destroyed.
At least that's the way it appear.

I had some residual error messages that the Internet says indicates I need to clean my registry---I just did that using CCleaner (another free download from CNET.COM), so knock on wood, I seem to be OK now.

Thanks again for your concern and advice.

Oakland Athletics baseball prospect Grant Desme retires to enter priesthood

2010-01-23T14:52:00.002-05:00

Oakland Athletics baseball prospect Grant Desme has retired to enter the priesthood. Check out the ESPN article below.

http://bit.ly/5T0i3J

This young man is not a marginal player--he's someone who could probably be making 10 million a year in a few more seasons---so he's giving up a lot.

This got me to thinking about others who have left promising careers to pursue a religious life--the one that comes immediately to mind is Dolores Hart, a promising actress who gave Elvis Presley his first onscreen kiss.

She's now the head sister in a cloistered nunnery---and, as a a member of the Motion Pictures Academy, still reviews and votes on movies for the Academy Awards.

Read more about her here---

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolores_Hart

I know that for many years, her loyal ex-boyfriend, whose name I can't recall, would visit her monthly.

This never gets old...the Beatitudes (From the Sermon on the Mount)

2010-01-22T15:34:00.000-05:00

The Beatitudes (From the Sermon on the Mount)

"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

If I could have guessed...

2010-01-22T15:00:00.001-05:00

I've been amused at some of the search topics that get people to my blog---some topics that I thought would be great in 2009 that have been duds have been

Career Advice
Information about computer programming
Random thoughts on Science
Distance Education
Moodle

Best TV shows I've seen in 2010

2010-01-22T14:59:00.002-05:00

1. 2 weeks in Hell--the story of the Green Beret Tryout camp

Columbia Sportswear Washing Instructions--2010 update

2010-01-22T12:40:00.004-05:00

I posted a blog entry earlier in 2009 that I initially termed 'not my best', but in hindsight, turned out to me one of my most popular---a post describing how to wash a Columbia Sportswear Jacket.

The instructions, found elsewhere on my blog, but easily locatable, enabled me to keep my jacket for about 10 years.

My wife finally got tired of me wearing the same one, and bought me a brand new one for Christmas.

Here are the washing instructions for my new Columbia Sportswear Jacket--which I notice was made in Vietnam.

209 XM 7349

IF PRESENT, CLOSE LOOP AND HOOK FASTENER. MACHINE WASH COLD PERMANENT PRESS. POWDERED DETERGENT, WASH SEPARATELY. DO NOT BLEACH. RINSE THOROUGHLY. TUMBLE DRY. PERMANENT PRESS LOW. IRON LOW. DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTENER. DO NOT DRY CLEAN.

These are the instructions I found on the liner--they're slightly different.

209 SM 7464

MACHINE WASH COLD GENTLE, WITH LIKE COLORS. DO NOT BLEACH. TUMBLE DRY LOW. REMOVE PROMPTLY. DO NOT IRON. DRYCLEANABLE.

Retrofitness Update---January 22, 2010

2010-01-22T12:16:00.003-05:00

One of my popular blogging topics, based on Search Engine results, are those I post on Retrofitness. In fact, my single most popular search engine phrase is "Retrofitness sucks." As you'll see in my review, that's far from the case---I think they're actually pretty good.

Here's a 2010 update.

I've had hundreds of people read my stories about my experiences with Retrofitness in Moorestown, including people I believe were the owners who posted a comment, in response to a complaint I had, that said "you're an asshole."

Just some background.

My wife is a loyal member of Retrofitness, has been for over 2 years, and I was a member for 1 year.

I've been a member of about 4 fitness clubs, and I have to say that Retrofitness and Riverton Fitness, in Riverton, NJ, are the best I've belonged to. Of the others I've seen, the Racket club on Krewstown Road in Northeast Philadelphia is undoubtedly the best, but it has a lot more facilities and space than these 2.

Let's get back to Retrofitness in Moorestown (on Main Street).

It's a pleasant club, has good equipment, some free weights, a movie room, clean bathroom, a couple of showers, a tanning room, an on site babysitter and chiropractor. Sounds good, and really is good.

Each treadmill has its own TV, and for the most part, they work.

To my knowledge, they have no classes--yoga, kickboxing, spinning, etc. If you want these, you'll need to check somewhere else.

Staff is pretty helpful, although don't ask them to post your Avon catalogs on the front desk for you.

Like most businesses these days, the owners are absentee---I never saw them, only heard their names whispered, and except for the guy who called me an asshole, never really heard from them either.

Retrofitness has a connection with a group called EFT, a company of personal trainers.

http://www.theeftgroup.com/

I never used EFT myself, but my wife does.

They charge $30 per half hour session, and the trainers I saw looked pretty fit. You sign up for a package of training sessions---a 1 year deal, which I believe gets you 4 sessions per week, 12 months per year.

You pay your first and last month up front, and then your credit or debit card is charged each month. The 1 year contract expires in 1 year, and it's automatically renewed to a month-t0-month unless you provide 30 (or is it 60) days notice via Certified letter.

Retrofitness works the same way--a 1 year contract, with some money up front, and debit or credit each month.

My only complaint with Retrofitness while I was there was that they ignored my letter that I was quitting the club, and kept charging my credit card, and they neglected to fix a broken water fountain for several weeks.

I recently had a problem with EFT in regards to my wife when they seemingly charged her twice for that last payment in her 1 year contract---despite several calls to the company, I still don't understand why they charged her for December when that was her last payment, but the company assured me they'll fix it. We'll see.

Cinnaminson ponders red-light camras (2010-01-20)

2010-01-20T15:58:00.003-05:00

Many municipalities are re-thinking their use of red-light cameras, but Cinnaminson is in the early stages of applying to the state for permission to install them.

Knowing my hatred for the dreaded Route 130 corridor, it should come as no surprise that I wholeheartedly endorse the idea---although you can certainly expect some rear-end collisions as a result--but that's better than a T-bone collision or a killed pedestrian.

The following article indicates that the Route 130-Andover intersection may be the first choice--but the Riverton Road Intersection, where there are 2 traffic lights within a couple hundred feet of each other (in violation of New Jersey State standards) is where I would start.

Here's a link to the Burlington County Times article...

http://bit.ly/4O9vY9

Suspicious Plates in my neighborhood (Updated: 2010-02-10)

2010-01-20T13:56:00.003-05:00

With all the suspicious activity going on in my neighborhood lately, I thought i would start keeping track of unknown vehicles

2010-02-10
Truck parked in front of my house during snowstorm
LE 25BX

2010-01-20
Silver 4 door Honda perhaps parked across the street in front of Jack's driveway
NJ JVA-14R

The Saint in Camden

2010-01-20T10:27:00.001-05:00

Anyone hear anything about the saint in Camden?

Sean's mom: System failed us

2010-01-19T10:59:00.002-05:00

This is a link to a beautifully written Op/Ed by the mother of Sean Conroy, brutally murdered by a bunch of animals in Philadelphia last year.

http://bit.ly/4HwWoS

Sean was murdered as part of a gang initiation. He could have been anyone's son, brother, father, friend.

Good luck changing any Philadelphia or Pennsylvania law---laws there are meant to protect criminals, not protect the innocent.

22 year old Drexel University student shot while waiting in line at the movies

2010-01-19T10:52:00.004-05:00

On Friday evening, January 15th, a 22 year old Drexel University student was shot while waiting to buy a ticket at the Bridge, a National Amusements theater, on Walnut Street near 40th, about 4 blocks from the campus.

The student was shot in the leg, and is in stable condition at a local hospital.

From the newsreport, I'd have to characterize the shooting as scare and reckless. An off duty police officer from Harrisburg attempted to intervene into an armed robbery of the ticket stand---it appears the smart thing to do might have been to allow the robbery to proceed, and follow the robber, rather than announce that he was police office and start the ball of violence rolling. However, I'm more than willing to defer to police and violence experts on that one.

I haven't seen any public statement from Drexel University on the shooting.

Here's a link to the Philadelphia Inquirer news article if you want more details...

http://bit.ly/6x7Rjx

Cinnaminson Pet Owners--take notice

2010-01-19T10:42:00.003-05:00

Cinnaminson Pet Owners---did you happen to notice the notice from the township that appeared on Page A5 of the Burlington County Times Monday, January 18th edition?

It's a notice about Cinnaminson Dog Licenses---they are renewed in January, and the paper has a form for you to mail, along with a $12 fee.

In bold print appears this statement:

"Over the summer the Township performed a census of dogs and cats. Addresses were noted and the database updated for dogs and cats that were seen or heard - summons and fines could be issued. Please license your dog or cat."

Is the township serious about this? I can't recall seeing anyone walking (or driving) through my part of the town this summer looking for dogs and cats.

Can a fine or summons be issued on the basis of a dog or cat being seen or 'heard' in someone's yard?

My neighbor has visiting dogs in her yard all the time--many of her relatives own them.

And there's always a cat in my yard---but I can assure you, it's not mine.

At any rate, you have until January 31st to get your $12 fee to the township (plus a $3 surcharge for dogs not spayed or neutered.)

Chapel Manor strikes again

2010-01-18T08:25:00.002-05:00

I'm not a big fan of Chapel Manor Nursing Home in Philadelphia---do whatever you can to keep your loved ones out of there. If you need details, let me know.

The latest in their series of miscues apparently occured over the weekend when they informed a family that their loved one had died--and they hadn't.

This mismanagement doesn't surprise me in the least.

Here's a link to the ABC.com story...

http://bit.ly/73jBx3

Breaking News---Arrest Made In Cinnaminson Burglaries

2010-01-16T12:58:00.001-05:00

According to CBS3.com, an arrest has been made in the Cinnaminson burlary case. Here's the story...

A Cinnaminson man has been arrested and charged in a rash of burglaries that occurred within blocks of the suspect's home the weekend of January 9.

According to police, Brian Zimmerman, 33, is accused of breaking into the St. Charles Borromeo School and stealing computer equipment from a kindergarten classroom and burglarizing three other homes on St. Charles Place, Pomona Road and Branch Pike.

Cinnaminson police detectives developed their case against Zimmerman after observing him pawning jewelry from one of the burglaries. Police then matched Zimmerman's footprints to those founds at the crime scenes.

Zimmerman, who is being held at the Burlington County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bail has been charged with three counts of burglary, one count of attempted burglary, three counts of theft, one count of criminal mischief, one count of defiant trespass, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon and one count of certain persons prohibited from having weapons. Additional charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

Potential 2010 Topics

2010-01-16T11:55:00.002-05:00

Microsoft Exams retired
Running for the beginner
Underage Drinking
Jogging
Computer Programming as a career
Drexel University

Father Tom Hagen---Hands Together

2010-01-15T16:11:00.010-05:00

I just spent a few minutes writing about Father Mike Figler, and I decided I needed to write about another priest, Father Tom Hagen, OSFS, an oblate priest of St. Francis Desales.

I first met Father Hagen when I attended Northeast Catholic High School. He was a young, energetic, very devout and holy priest.

I graduated, moved on with my life and about 30 years later (probably about 2003), I was in a pew at Church listening to someone talk about an organization called Hands Together

http://www.handstogether.org/

which does charity work in Haiti. The organization was founded by Father Tom Hagen, OSFS in 1986.

I remember going on the Internet, checking out the organization, and marvelling at everything this man had done.

Haiti, one of the poorest countries on earth, is also pretty dangerous, and the stories I read about Father Tom and his organization were unbelievable.

I believe I either mailed a check or clicked on a Credit Card link to send some money---and from time to time, when someone mentioned Haiti, I probably said I know someone doing charitable work there, but like everything, you tend to take these things for granted---until Monday, January 11th, when the earthquake hit.

I immediately thought of Father Tom and wondered and was worried about his safety.

I was hoping that Hands Together would provide me some information about Father Tom---I must admit, I never called them, but I was hoping their website would have something on it. It didn't. I also know that at any given time they have a group of volunteers in the country---no word on them either.

However, yesterday, my internet radar found a link that indicates that he's alive and well--but that the country, and his mission, face tremendous challenges ahead.

Today, Hands Together did have a status report on the group---2 seminarians had been killed, and the chief-of-staff's daughter was also killed. Father Tom is headed back to the United States---undoubtedly, he'll be going back to Haiti sometime.

In trying to find word on Father Tom, I came upon a large number of postings which made me marvel even more at his vocation, passion, and real courage. This man--this priest---is the Mother Theresa of Haiti. I pray for his health and safety.

Again, here is the link for Hands Together...

http://www.handstogether.org/

Here's a video that shows some of the work being done. Not be forgotten in all of the work is Executive Director Doug Campbell.

http://www.handstogether.org/video

Here's a link that gives you an idea of the struggles the organization faces each day...

http://www.handstogether.org/news/

I have a feeling I'll be writing more about Father Hagen, Doug Campbell, and Hands Together.

Father Mike Figler

2010-01-15T15:26:00.006-05:00

My blog statistics indicated that Father Mike Figler is a hot topic, so I thought I would revisit him.

I first encountered Father Mike when he became pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Riverton, NJ. I believe that was in 2003.

He's a very devout, young, funny priest and the parishioners loved him.

We were very saddened when he announced, in June of 2009, that he was being transferred to a new church in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Atlantic Highlands is a sea shore town that is just about as far north on the Jersey coast that you can get.

Fahter Mike is now the pastor of two parishes in New Jersey

St. Agnes
http://www.stagnesnj.com/

Our Lady Of Perpetual Help
http://www.jewelbythesea.org/

He is also in charge of a school

Mother Theresa Regional School
http://www.mtregional.com/mtr/

I have several email addresses for Father Mike:
figlerm@stagnesnj.com
frfigler@yahoo.com

Father Mike wrote to a local newspaper upon his arrival in North Jersey---here is the link

http://www.ahherald.com/index.php/Atlantic-Highlands/new-pastor-at-st-agnes-and-olph-churches.html

In July, he sent out a letter to his former parishioners at Sacred Heart telling us he missed us, and that he was doing well in his new assignment. I answered him, and told him a priest as popular as he is needs a Facebook page, or at least a Facebook Fan Page. I don't think he has one (let me check...no, not yet).

Father Mike showed up on the Internet Radar in December of 2009

http://www.trentonmonitor.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=42&ArticleID=494

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Network Evangelization Team (NET). Father Mike was a member for 3 years before entering the Seminary, and while at Sacred Heart, he always invited one of the teams to do a retreat for our young people. Here are a couple of links to NET which picture Father Mike...

1992-1993
http://www.netusa.org/alumniarchive/?c=13

1993-1994
http://www.netusa.org/alumniarchive/?c=14

Finally, for those of you who didn't know, Father Mike's sister had Sextuplets several years ago and she, her husband and the kids are the stars of the Learning Channel's Table of 12 show.

http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/table-for-12/table-for-12.html

If you watch carefully, you can see Father Mike in one of the episodes.

Here are two articles about the family...

http://www.dioceseoftrenton.org/department/news_detail_print.asp?newsid=1016

http://www.catholiccampusministry.org/KEAN/KEANSantoraArticle.html

I hope you find this short article worthwhile, and if you contact him because of it, please be sure to let him know I said hello.

He is truly a devout and holy priest, and an exemplary example of Jesus on earth.

Haiti...and the top 10 deadliest natural disasters in History

2010-01-13T14:41:00.002-05:00

With the earthquake in Haiti yersterday (January 12,2010) promising to be a very deadly one, I checked out Wikipedia which currently lists these 10 natural disasters to be the deadliest in History.

Note: This list excludes diseases and famines, which would otherwise occupy the entire list.

Rank Event Location Date Death Toll (Estimate)
1. 1931 China floods China 01931-01-01July-November, 1931 1,000,000–4,000,000*[1]
2. 1887 Yellow River flood China 01887-01-01September-October, 1887 900,000–2,000,00
3. 1556 Shaanxi earthquake Shaanxi Province, China 01556-01-01January 23, 1556 830,000
4. 1970 Bhola cyclone Bangladesh 01970-01-01November 13, 1970 500,000
5. 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake/tsunami Indian Ocean, India, Indonesia, Coast of Africa, and many more countries 02004-12-26December 26, 2004 230,000+
6. 526 Antioch earthquake Antioch, Byzantine Empire 00526-05-20May 20, 526 250,000
7. 1976 Tangshan earthquake Tangshan, Hebei, China 01976-07-28July 28, 1976 242,000
8. 1920 Haiyuan earthquake Haiyuan, Ningxia-Gansu, China 01920-12-16December 26, 1920 240,000
9. 1839 India Cyclone India 01839-01-01November 25, 1839 300,000
10. 1975 Banqiao Dam flood Zhumadian, Henan Province, China 01975-08-07August 7, 1975 90,000–230,000

Route 130 Fatalities

2010-01-13T10:58:00.021-05:00

Blog Statistics show that people are searching for Route 130 Fatalities, so I'm compiling a list of them. 9 Pedestrians have been killed since 2006, with many more victims in cars.

Here are a list of the fatalities I have so far. If I'm missing anything, let me know.

DATE NAME TYPE LOCATION

2010-01-04 Robert Schick Motor Vehicle Cinnaminson

2009-07-12 Woman(55) Pedestrian
2009-07-02 Christin Smith(27) Motor Vehicle North Brunswick
2009-06-09 Hector Sariol(53) Pedestrian Delran (Waiting for a bus)
2009-05-04 Candace Puckett(26) Pedestrian
2009-02-04 Jimmy Greene(41) Motor Vehicle Princenton
2009-02-02 Unknown Motor Vehichle Burlington Township
2009-01 Man (26) Pedestrian

2008-12-09 Boy (4) Pedestrian Burlington City
2008-08-13 Christopher Zerby(41) Motor Vehicle North Brunswick
2008-08-13 Ainsworth Wright(38) Motor Vehicle South Brunswick
2008-08-02 Sarah Nowalinski(19) Motor Vehicle Bordentown
2008-07-27 Christopher Bender(47) Bicyclist Pensuaken
2008-07-19 Danielle Bonfanti(22) Pedestrian Florence
2008-02 84 year old woman

2007-08-23 Woman(44) Pedestrian Burlington Township
2007-08-03 Angel C. Rios, 3rd(23) Pedestrian Cinnaminson
2006-01-26 Bong Keum Kim(48) Pedestrian Riverdale
2006-01-10 Wayne Clark(66) Motor Vehicle

2005-12-02 Christopher Pellicane(24) Motor Vehicle Wahsington Township

2004-12-19 William Grieb(34) Pedestrian Bordentown

2003-12-01 William Hauck(24) Pedestrian Cinnaminson

My Blog's Keyword Analysis---2010-01-13

2010-01-13T10:43:00.003-05:00

Here are the last 500 hundred search terms that got people to my blog...My most popular topics are Father Michael Figler, Five Guys, and Washing Instructions for Columbia Sportwear Jackets.

Some of these questions are pretty interesting---I'll need to devote some time to them in the future.

14 4.78% Father Michael Figler in North Jersey
12 4.10% father michael figler
9 3.07% how to wash columbia jacket
8 2.73% five guys cinnaminson nj
8 2.73% columbia sportswear washing instructions
6 2.05% washing columbia jackets
6 2.05% projects in cinnaminson
6 2.05% retro fitness sucks
6 2.05% "Drexel University" "John Smiley"
5 1.71% father mike figler
5 1.71% running hand warmers
5 1.71% john smiley blog
4 1.37% running with hand warmers
4 1.37% columbia washing instructions
4 1.37% retro fitness complaints
4 1.37% columbia clothes washing jackets
4 1.37% columbia titanium coat washing instructions
3 1.02% fr. michael figler
3 1.02% starbuck casey obituary
3 1.02% robert schick delanco
3 1.02% cancelling retro fitness membership
3 1.02% johnny hand warmers
3 1.02% running cold weather hands
3 1.02% columbia sportswear jacket washing instructions
3 1.02% wash columbia jacket
3 1.02% smiley washing
3 1.02% how to wash columbia jackets
2 0.68% fr mike figler
2 0.68% rob ashley cinnaminson
2 0.68% helicopter john smiley
2 0.68% is shoprite in cinnaminson nj open on christmas day 2009
2 0.68% nj ignition lock
2 0.68% five guys route 130
2 0.68% schick cinnaminson fatality jan.
2 0.68% columbia jackets washing
2 0.68% setfocus complaints
2 0.68% retro fitness reviews
2 0.68% washing a columbia jacket
2 0.68% "father mike figler"
2 0.68% john smiley facebook
2 0.68% columbia coats washing instructions
2 0.68% columbia jacket washing instructions
2 0.68% columbia jackets washing instructions
2 0.68% hand warmers for runners
2 0.68% cinnaminson nj burglaries
2 0.68% five guys cinnaminson
2 0.68% complaints about retro fitness
2 0.68% carpet dimensions willingboro
2 0.68% did anybody go to northeat cathelic high school in phila in year 1973
2 0.68% retro fitness facebook moorestown
2 0.68% accident route 130 cinnaminson
2 0.68% father mike figler address 103 center ave. atlantic highlands n.j. 07716 isthis the coerect address
1 0.34% john smiley arrested
1 0.34% should i wash columbia jacket
1 0.34% five guys cinnaminson hours
1 0.34% retro fitness and 10 bucks a month
1 0.34% lakeview cemetery cinnaminson nj
1 0.34% columbia vertex washing instructions
1 0.34% cinnaminson 130 accident
1 0.34% setfocus sucks
1 0.34% when is cinnaminson nj five guys open?
1 0.34% Lisa Layne
1 0.34% did anybody go to northeat cathelic high school in phila in year 1973 on facebook
1 0.34% care instructions outback trail by firefox
1 0.34% retro fitness moorestown nj
1 0.34% rev michael figler
1 0.34% columbia titanium washing techniques
1 0.34% mylife.com
1 0.34% five guys cinnaminson, nj
1 0.34% columbia jackets wash instructions
1 0.34% cinnaminson shoprite
1 0.34% david brown of willingboro robbery
1 0.34% remove the ORA-29729
1 0.34% burlington county times cinnaminson accident
1 0.34% burlary cinnaminson nj
1 0.34% "You may desupport a subset of licenses in a license set only if you agree to terminate that subset
1 0.34% Cinnaminson, NJ crime
1 0.34% john smiley
1 0.34% washing instructions for columbia sportswear jacket
1 0.34% saladworks closings
1 0.34% retro fitness illegal
1 0.34% columbia jackets care instructions
1 0.34% sacred heart riverton@comcast.net
1 0.34% retro fitness eft personal training
1 0.34% http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?Linkid=96552 Narrator access
1 0.34% saladworks robbed
1 0.34% arrest in cinnaminson nj
1 0.34% new jersey friendly's cinnaminson restaurant robbery
1 0.34% columbia sportswear care and washing instructions
1 0.34% washing columbia jacket
1 0.34% how to wash columbia winter coat
1 0.34% "robert schick" delanco, obituary
1 0.34% smiley gloves
1 0.34% cinnaminson post office
1 0.34% FIVE GUYS CINNIMINSON, NJ
1 0.34% columbia sportswear jacket washing
1 0.34% columbia coat washing instructions
1 0.34% robert schick delanco nj death notice
1 0.34% lawsuits against SetFocus
1 0.34% best hand warmers for running
1 0.34% How to wash columbia sportswear jackets
1 0.34% running gloves hand warmers
1 0.34% retro fitness or wow
1 0.34% columbia sportswear problems after washing
1 0.34% robert schick cinnaminson
1 0.34% how to wash my columbia jacket
1 0.34% how to properly wash columbia jacket
1 0.34% The best jobs in america 2010 by CNN
1 0.34% nj route 130 accidents
1 0.34% how do I clean my Columbia jacket?
1 0.34% reviews for retro fitness in moorestown NJ
1 0.34% SetFocus Training Reviews
1 0.34% classes available with retro fitness
1 0.34% columbia jacket" and "washing instructions"
1 0.34% cinnaminson recycle jobs
1 0.34% hand warmers for running
1 0.34% robert schick, delanco, nj
1 0.34% 856-314-8615
1 0.34% Rev. Michael Figler"
1 0.34% Fr. Mike Figler NJ
1 0.34% Cinnaminson burglaries
1 0.34% cold handed running
1 0.34% Father Michael Waites
1 0.34% biggest complaints about retro fitness
1 0.34% Cinnaminson five guys
1 0.34% saladworks patrick pantano
1 0.34% columbia kids winter jacket washing instructions
1 0.34% columbia wash instructions
1 0.34% "guitar hero drum" "serial number"
1 0.34% setfocus forum compaints
1 0.34% tips on washing a columbia coat
1 0.34% five guys in cinnaminson, nj
1 0.34% how to wash a jacket columbia
1 0.34% wash a columbia jacket
1 0.34% retro fitness cnn
1 0.34% Robbery of Friendly's Ice cream
1 0.34% five guys of cinnaminson nj
1 0.34% deangelos cinnaminson
1 0.34% columbia wash jacket
1 0.34% how wash columbia winter coat
1 0.34% noni bookbinder bell
1 0.34% friendly's being robbed
1 0.34% washing instructions for columbia winter jacket
1 0.34% * All the software included in the Visual Studio Team System Team Suite (VSTS) with MSDN Premiu
1 0.34% january 5 2010 route 130 accident cinnaminson nj
1 0.34% columbia coat wash instructions
1 0.34% lifescan romulus
1 0.34% saladworks sold
1 0.34% when does five guys open in cinnaminson
1 0.34% EFT books on scribd
1 0.34% johnny warmers
1 0.34% jacket washing instructions
1 0.34% judge john smiley
1 0.34% mike figler Jewish
1 0.34% robert schick car accident cinnaminson nj

Suspcious vehicles parked on my street--2010-01-12

2010-01-12T19:50:00.001-05:00

I saw in the Burlington County Times that there is a burglary problem in Cinnaminson and that I should report all suspicious activity to the local police.

Let's start with this one...

Light colored vehicle
NJ SRC-65C

Police investigating a wave of burglaries in Cinnaminson

2010-01-12T17:45:00.002-05:00

Police are investigating a wave of burglaries last week that occurred within a couple of blocks of one another and are believed to be related.

The six incidents occurred at four homes, the St. Charles Borromeo School and a dry cleaner, police said Monday.

Computer equipment of undetermined value was stolen from a kindergarten class at St. Charles Borromeo on Branch Pike between Thursday night and Friday morning. Police did not know how entry was gained.

A home in the 2500 block of St. Charles Place was entered through a read window between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday. A video game system and jewelry of undetermined value were taken.

A large stone was thrown through a read window and activated an alert at a home in the 700 block of Pomona Road at 6 p.m. Friday. No damage estimate was given. Nothing was reported stolen.

A rear window was broken out and a container of change stolen from a home in the 2500 block of Branch Pike between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Friday. Neither a damage estimate nor the amount of money taken was provided.

At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, neighbors discovered a rear door and window open in the 2400 block of St. Charles Place. Police did not know if anything was taken.

A large rock was thrown through a front plate glass window at a dry cleaner in the 200 block of Route 130 at 11:30 p.m. Saturday. About $80 in cash was stolen.

Residents of the Sherwood, Ivystone and St. Charles Place developments are urged to notify police if they see any suspicious activity.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact township police at 856-829-6667, ext. 74.

My notes: Too bad I didn't know about this on Sunday when I saw that suspicious person walking through the neighborhood yards, obviously avoiding the street. And the car parked in front of the house on Wednesday evening. That's why we have a reverse 911 system in Cinnaminson.

NJ approves drunken driver ignition lock bill

2010-01-12T17:36:00.002-05:00

Some first-time drunken drivers will have to install ignition interlock devices under legislation approved by both houses of the New Jersey Legislature.

The Assembly and State both overwhelmingly passed the bill on Monday, sending it to Gov. Jon S. Corzine's desk.

It will require first-time drunken drivers with a blood-alcohol level of .15 percent or higher---nearly twice New Jersey's .08 limit---to install the device. The ignition interlock won;t let the vehicle start until the driver blows into the Breathalyzer device and is deemed sober.

Judges can already require the device for repeat offenders.

For more, check this link...

http://bit.ly/6G6hRI

2010--Drivers are getting worse

2010-01-09T13:31:00.005-05:00

Is it just me, or have other noticed, the very impatient drivers on the road.

I drive through residential streets for the most part, and I can't recall a week where I had so many ill-tempered, impatient drivers tailgating me.

Just this past week, I had to open my window and invite someone to pass me IN A SCHOOL ZONE because she simply couldn't tolerate me driving the posted speed limit of 25MPH. Turns out, she was headed to the same train station that I was, and she managed to park her car and get to the platform on time--but really, sweetheart, if you're that nervous about making your train, try getting up 10 minutes earlier.

On Thursday, while doing 15MPH in a Philadellphia school zone with flashing overhead lights, I was nearly rear-eneded by a woman with New Jersey plates who thought 35 to 40MPH was really the appropriate speed in a 2 block area full of children, parents with toddlers, etc. I hit the horn as she passed, and two crossing guards were stunned--they should have taken out a pen and jotted her plate number down and given it to the police (I think they can do that.) I bet she would love it if her kids were subjected to this sort of danger in her Moorestown neighborhood---of course, she doesn't much care what she does on Levick street in Northeast Philadelphia.

Speaking of plates, here are 2 that regularly tailgate me on my way home---once again, it's a posted 25MPH zone, and he or she just can't wait to get home for whatever. By the way, people who anger other drivers should avoid having vanity plates---it's way too easy to find you in the neighborhood.

NJ YARDS
NJ YCL714

Route 130 Fatalities and Injuries

2010-01-09T13:27:00.006-05:00

I've decided to make a list of the fatalities on my section of Route 130 from the last few years. The road is full of dangerous, sometimes drunken drivers (many coming from the Merion Caterers in Cinnaminson) and I'd love to see some more police activity there.

May these victims of Route 130 rest in peace.

2010-01-04, Robert Schick, Delanco, 66 years old, killed
2010-01-04, Doris Ross, Unknown, 69 years old, injured

Thoughts on the Biggest Loser's Season 9 Premier on January 5, 2010

2010-01-08T08:04:00.001-05:00

Those of you who read my blog regularly no that while I watch the Biggest Loser regularly, I have some real problems with it. It could be so much better than it is, and provide a lot of inspiration and help to those who need to lose weight. Instead, it's just another stupid reality show, that does a great job in distorting reality, and not providing enough nutritional and caloric information to really help people lose weight.

Some random thoughts I had while watching the first episdoe of Season 9

Dump Jillian Michaels and bring back Kim Lyons.

Season 9 Biggest Loser Contestant Bios and starting weights
(you won't find these at nbc.com)

http://bit.ly/6ozfVZ

One season, I really want one of the Biggest Loser contestants to hit screaming Jillian right in the kisser :) She's hardly motivational.

I still think the winner of Biggest Loser should be the contestant who comes closes to hitting a medically approved ideal weight.

Average Biggest Loser Season 9 Contestant Weight is 328.9. pounds

Men's average is 394---Women 291.

Season 9 Biggest Loser men are unusally tall---making it even more difficult for a woman to win. Average man's height is 6'1". 3 contestants are over 6'4". Two are 6'5".

Historically, a weight loss of 50% will win it. If James or John lose 50%, they'll weigh in at 242---not very healthy, but they are 6'5".

Oops, I forgot Michael. His starting weight is 562. 50% would be 263. Not great on on 6'3" frame, but a lot healthier than he is now.

For the women, it's a lot harder. A 50% weight loss for 5'1" Sherry would have her weight at 109 pounds---a bit underweight, I would say.

Route 130 is named New Jersey's deadliest road for Pedestrians

2010-01-08T07:59:00.001-05:00

No surprise here---Route 130 is named New Jersey's deadliest road for Pedestrians. Nine pedestrians were killed by motor vehicls on the highway between 2006 and 2008---3 in Cinnaminson.

Route 130 is not my favorite road, and those of you who read my blog regularly know. It's not only dangerous for pedestrians, but for those in cars as well.

Here's the Courier Post news article link if you want to read more...

http://bit.ly/8JztFI

Medicare Fraud?

2010-01-08T07:53:00.002-05:00

I received a box in the mail with some Diabetes testing supplies a few weeks ago addressed to my address but with someone else's name on it.

I called the company

LIFE SCAN
7025 COGSWELL
ROMULUS, MI 48174
800-227-8862

and they told me that if I knew anyone who could use them, I could give them away.

Never asked me the name of the person on the label
Didn't seem concerned that something was shipped to the wrong person

This reminds me of a 60 Minutes expose a few months ago where people were getting bills for medical items they never ordered or were prescribed for.

What do you think>

Philadelphia--what's up?

2010-01-03T14:56:00.001-05:00

Why is it the City of Philadelphia is willing to pay big money for fireworks, but won't sponsor the Mummers, a potential World Series Parade, or God willing, a Superbowl parade?

Lifetime Running Totals

2009-12-31T16:11:00.000-05:00

Year	Runs	Miles	Average Run
2004	149	668.535	4.48
2005	139	850.84	6.12
2006	122	635.57	5.35
2007	133	690.81	5.04
2008	136	684.38	5.03
2009	135	858.68	6.36

Total	410	4406.915	5.38

What I'm currently reading

2009-12-24T11:34:00.003-05:00

Here's what I'm currently reading...

CNN's list of the 50 best jobs in America

2009-12-23T07:17:00.000-05:00

In 2010, I'm going to try to go with a blog theme or series of themes. One thing I'd like to do is create a book of lists---of what, I'm not sure, but in keeping with that theme, here's a post from CNN that lists the 50 best jobs in America

http://bit.ly/6VxTO3

My best selling books

2009-12-18T15:02:00.002-05:00

Have I mentioned that my best selling book are in the C# area?

The Blessed Mother's Dream

2009-12-03T09:45:00.006-05:00

This came home with some class material from my daughter's Catholic Elementary School---and I'm repeating it here.

It's important to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

I'll be doing that on Christmas morning at Mass while my neighbors, exhausted from decorating, climbing roofs and trees to place lights, shopping and other festive activities, are sleeping in.

The Blessed Mother's Dream

I had a dream Joesph.

I don't understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I think that was what it was about.

The people had been preparing for it for about six weeks.

They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They had gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts.

It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren't for our Son.

They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and placed them under a tree.

Yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house.

They had decorated the tree also. The branches were full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. There was a figure on top of the tree. It looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful.

Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts.

They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our Son.

I don't even think they knew Him.

They never mentioned His name.

Doesn't it seem odd for people to celebrate someone's birthday if they don't know Him?

I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration He would have been intruding.

Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone was so glad, but it made me want to cry.

How sad for Jesus---not to be wanted at His own birthday party.

I'm glad it was just a dream.

How terrible Joseph if it had been real.

Drexel University--thanks for the change in the Graduation Date

2009-11-26T09:11:00.002-05:00

Drexel University is proud of having a calendar that is years ahead---almost since he was a Freshman, the 2010 Drexel University commencement has been scheduled for Saturday, June 12, 2010, which is wonderful since my daughter is graduating from 8th Grade on Friday, June 11, 2010.

Guess what?

My son just received this in an email dated November 25th.

2010 University City Main Campus Commencement Schedule

The schedule for 2010 University City Main Campus Commencement ceremonies has been announced by President C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni and Provost Mark Greenberg. Ceremonies will be held on Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the Daskalakis Athletic Center (33rd and Market Streets).

The schedule is:

Friday, June 11

10 a.m.: College of Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
1:30 p.m.: College of Nursing and Health Professions and School of Public Health

Saturday, June 12

9 a.m.: LeBow College of Business
12:30 p.m.: Westphal College of Media Arts & Design and College of Information Science and Technology
4:30 p.m.: College of Arts and Sciences and Goodwin College of Professional Studies (including the School of Education)

For more information about the 2009-10 academic calendar, visit http://www.drexel.edu/provost/calendars/quarter/index.html.

Approved under the authority of Philip Terranova, Vice President for University Relations

I feel like writing a letter, but what's the use? Is Drexel going to change the date just for me?

Now what are we going to do?

My son's graduation is 10AM, my daughter's 11AM, and they're about 15 miles apart.

There's no way we can attend both graduations.

Thanks Drexel!

Hand Warmers for Running in Cold weather

2009-11-25T11:26:00.004-05:00

I mentioned Hand Warmers for stuffing into my Wells Lamont MechPro Gloves when I run in the morning.

I use a pair of Heatworks Air Activated Hand, Pocket & Glove Warmers. Open them up, and 2 minutes later they're warm--and they stay that way for about 6 hours. I love them.

They're produced by a company called AMMEX, in Tukwila, WA. Website is:

http://www.ammex.com

Their Product Code is HW1. Bar code reads

97383 92831

I ordered a box of 40 pair last year for $28.57 (includes $6 shipping) when I got tired of buying them piecemeal at the Army Navy Store.

I got them from a place called SurvivalCamping---here's their website

http://www.Campingsurvival.com

Washing Instructions---WELLS LAMONT MechPro Gloves

2009-11-25T11:22:00.004-05:00

Washing Instructions are among my most popular blog postings....

I have a pair of Wells Lamont MechPro Insulated Gloves.

I use these gloves when I run in the morning--they're pretty warm, although when it's 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below, I will also stuff a heat pack inside.

At any rate, it's been over a year since I got them, and they need a good washing.

I just pulled out a magnifying glass, and found the washing instructions inside. Here they are:

Machine Wash Cold
Do Not Bleach
Hang Dry
Do Not Iron

Web Resources for the EFT Investor

2009-11-24T11:56:00.003-05:00

Summarizing a Wall Street Journal article on ETF (Electronically Traded Funds)

http://morningstar.com/goto.etfs

http://finance.yahoo.com/etf

http://marketwatch.com/tools/etfs/html-home.asp

http://indexuniverse.com

http://etftrends.com

http://etfguide.com

http://etfdb.com

Have I mentioned why I hate the television program, the Biggest Loser?

2009-11-17T20:42:00.003-05:00

Not the first time I've said it but...

I think the idea is wonderful, a group of overweight people trying to get healthy.

But as an exercise enthusiast, and someone who is always in training, the emphasis on this show is all wrong. Too much exercise, very little (to no) information on how many calories these people are consuming.

Some of these 'contestants' weigh over 400 pounds---a good diet could result in a loss of 10 pounds per week, something these contestants regularly do, but the producers make it appear it's a result of exercise--much of it coming during the 'last chance workout', something that when I see it literally makes me want to vomit.

This show is doing no one a favor my making exercise appear to be a punishment--a drill sergeant of a woman screaming over you and telling you to 'give me 2o more'.

My biggest hope--a contestant smacks that loud mouth right in her nose and cracks it.

Biggest Loser---do your fans a favor and show them what your contestants are consuming each week in calories, and give them a modest exercise program to follow.

And one more thing---knock off this elimination nonsense.

Let everyone stay 'in the game', and proclaim the contestant that loses the most weight (the winner---pounds or percentage, I guess it doesn't make a difference to me.

Top Ten---Pizza Parlors

2009-11-17T19:02:00.006-05:00

I wanted to make mention of the fact that my family has been ordering a lot of pizza lately from Milanese Pizza in Riverton, NJ. The pizza is excellent, the staff (particularly Al) is very friendly. Parking is a bit tough around there though.

Tonight, as we picked up a pie for dinner, my wife found $12 on their step, and gave it to Al. He said if no one claimed it, he would give it to her next week when she stops by again. We'll see :)

This got me to thinking about some of my favorite, notable pizza parlors from the past, so I've compiled a list of my favorites.

1. John's Pizza Shack. Richmond St, Bridesburg section, Philadelphia PA. It was the first pizza I ever had. Not what most people would could their favorite, but it's still mine---I can still taste it. I used to eat it with my friend Dave on Friday night's when we were watching Astro Boy in the mid 60's (that was a long time ago)

2. Gearos on Bustleton Avenue in Philadelphia. I learned to drink beer there, as their peperoni pie was a bit spicy. I should say I learned to drink Genessee Cream Ale there. It was delicious.

3. New England on Bustleton Avenue in Philadelphia. My first 'English' Style pie. Delicious.

4. Napoli Village, Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia. Very cheesey, very saucy. Very good.

5. Casa DiNapoli, Bustleton Avenue, Somerton Section of Philadelphia. Jack and his brother were great to me--I wrote a dBase III program for them to help them manage their shop. After we moved, I heard they moved to Atlantic City.

Some other great pies.

6. DeAngelos. Cinnaminson NJ.
7. Charlies on the Boulevard.
8. Celebres in South Philadelphia. This is distinctive. Nothing else quite like it.
9. Talianos. I believe this was the Adams avenue spot where we would occasionally visit after working at Sears. As I recall, it was very cheesy and saucy.
10. Tony's. Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia. It's a tomato pie (although you can order a pizza if you like.) The only problem with Tony's is that I can easily eat a pie and a half, and I'm in training.
11. Santucci's. Square Pizza. Juniata. A family favorite. The sauce is delicious. There are many locations.

Looking for more. I may refine my list.

iPhone Shortcomings

2009-11-17T12:37:00.003-05:00

I bought my iPhone back in June. I really love it, but it's not perfect.

I've noticed some shortcomings, and I thought I would make a list.

It would be nice if...

1. I could sort Notes alphabetically
2. I could snyn my notes with my PC's Notepad application
3. I could do Internet Tethering, the way the online manual says I can
4. If there was Voice Recognition for texting
5. There were more ring tones

6. If I could designate special ring tones to certain senders of text messages
7. If there was a speed dial like there was with my Sony Erikson phone
8. If I could designate a group in my Address book

I'll think of more and update here...

Wow, if this guy is right, we're in for more trouble

2009-11-17T10:52:00.003-05:00

Josh Kosman, a writer for the New York Post, has written a book talking about Private Equity Firms--basically, these are companies that have purchased some of the biggest non publicly traded companies in America.

Josh says that these companies were purchased with cheap money, and that in 1/3 of the cases, the debt on these payments can't be serviced. In other words, many of these companies will go bankrupt, default on their loans, and layout millions of people

Can you spell another financial meltdown.

I heard Josh last night on NPR, and he just appeared on CNBC.

If he's right, the gains we've seen in the economy this year will melt away and worse in 2011.

Check out his website here...

http://www.joshkosman.com/

I'm not a market expert, but you might think about strategies for making money in a down market.

My Life--what am I missing here?

2009-11-15T13:17:00.007-05:00

What is this MyLife link that I am receiving emails for?

http://www.mylife.com

The site wants $1.99 a month for a 1 year subscription so that I can find out who is Googling me or searching MyLife for my name?

Most people searching for people these days go to Facebook I think...and that's free.

Let's see what I can find out MyLife that isn't unadulterated advertising...

Well BusinessWire did highlight it as one of the fastest 100 growing Private companies...

http://bit.ly/h4keo

MyLife is a paid service---Twitter and Facebook are free and supported by advertising.

Marketing gurus say that Paid Services such as MyLife and LinkedIn (free, but with a premium membership available) are approaching the revenues of the advertising supported sites.

Facebook claims to have 300+ million subscribers---MyLife 67 million users on their database, but I don't know how many are paid. If I search their database in free mode, I can find all of my neighbors on there, including my 92 an 94 year old neighbors down the road, and I know they don't even own a computer. I guess MyLife can get these from the White Pages.

The bottom line--if you're looking to look up and old friend, I still think Facebook is the way to go---more and more of my High School Classmates are showing up there.

Runners and bicycles...

2009-11-15T12:40:00.004-05:00

Last Monday, November 9th, I was running my normal route at around 5:30 in the morning.

It's a dark road, which doesn't worry me much, since I run with a reflector and since it's dark, I can easily see cars at that hour.

I was running with traffic on a pretty busy street that has a yellow divider line, just about to pass my neighbor's house for mile 2 of my 10 mile run.

My neighbor had a bunch of branches and leaves in his gutter, so I thought it might be a good time to switch street sides and go from right to left in preparation for a left turn about a quarter of a mile up the road.

I glanced quickly over my left shoulder, didn't see anything, didn't hear anything (although my ears have been congested lately) and veered left.

Just then, I heard someone yelling "yo yo yo". It was a man, whom I've seen before, peddling an old bicycle on his way to work on Church Road. His bike didn't have a headlight, which probably explains why he didn't see me or my reflector--that particular section of the street is without lights.

He veered a bit to his left, and flew by me---a very close call.

I yelled out "sorry"---it was more my fault than his. I had veered directly into his path. I'm glad he was paying attention and took diversionary tactics, or I would have been struck by his bike.

I thought about it a bit during the week and figured it would have been a minor collision. But considering that Force = Mass x Acceleration, and he and the bike probably weighed about 250 pounds versus my 150, and he was going 25MPH, it could have been a very bad collision. Most likely I would have wound up in the Emergency Room of Cooper University Hospital again (see my November 6, 2008 post regarding my broken nose).

Today's Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer has an article about bicyclists and pedestrian collisions. During the last year, 2 pedestrians have been killed and a jogger seriously injured in collisions. It's a growing problem with the number of bikers increasing, and in many cases, violating traffic regulations by riding on pavements, against traffic, and through lights and stop signs. Here's the link if you would like to read more...

http://bit.ly/1bTzOS

All I can say is that tomorrow, when I venture out on my dark, mooring run, I'll be looking out for my friend on the bicycle.

Holy Cross High School--Update on my 4 questions

2009-11-06T10:53:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago I posted an entry on my blog concerning 4 questions I had about Holy Cross High School.

They were questions about
1) the Holy Cross Dress Code
2) Technology in the Classroom
3) Prosptective Financial Aid
4) Potential Future Teacher Strikes

I emailed the Director of Admissions, Kevin Esmond, and received a very cordial and prompt response to my questions. I didn't post his response, as I didn't get permission from him to post his answers here.

Independently, the Principal of the School heard about my blog questions and posted a comment
to my questions here. Prior to that, a parent also posted a comment in response to my blog posting.

I'm posting the Principal's response here--you can read it, and the parent's comment, attached to my original blog post.

Again, I want to say that my wife, daughter and I were very impressed with the High School during our tour---I just wish I could rest easy with this uniform issue.

So often these days, it seems like the kids are running the show. If there's a rule in place, I still think that it should be enforced. The parent comment stated "be a parent"---I spend a lot of time saying 'no' to my daughter. I just don't think I need to fight one more battle over something that isn't my rule but the High School's.

My wife can tell you that when she went to Little Flower High School, girls with short skits were sent home---of course, most of the Faculty were women. When I attended North Catholic, boys without suit coats or with hair touching the collar were either sent home or to detention.

Here's the Principal's comment--thanks!

Professor

Your blog was sent to me by a Holy Cross parent and I would like address your questions as the principal of Holy Cross High School.

1. There is a dress code and the skort length can be problematic. Male faculty will not address length and female faculty are doing the best they can.(50% male-50% female faculty makeup)The leadership team it trying to address the issue but I believe it is bigger then Holy Cross High School. (Please note: 99% college acceptance rate, +50% of the graduating class (2009) recieved grants and scholarships amounting to +14 million dollars. Lateness to school is minimal, only one fight over the last two years. Just to mention other parts of our discipline code)

2. Holy Cross views technology as a tool to engage and enhance our students learning. We are trying to replace the pencil/pen/chauk and give our students a tool to help in the learning process in a way that a pencil, etc. cannot. We are convinced that a "one to one" computing environment enhances our schedule. (72 minute classes) Mrs. Germano, associate principal, continues to research ways to infuse technology into our classrooms. Holy Cross has made a sizable investment to move the delivery of the cirriculum to the cutting edge. Our teachers have received training in many applications since 2002 when every teacher was given a laptop computer. We currently use tablet PC's with both teachers and students.

3. 27% of our students receive financial aid, many based on need. There are some merit scholarships but the majority of our financial aid awards are based on need. The "at cost" tuition for this school year is +$10K but tuition is $8350. Every student is subsidized by the free will giving of our many stakeholders. The Office of Institutional Advanvement continues to work finding alternate sources of funding.

4. Holy Cross is in the second year of a four year contract. Our teachers are members of the Association of Catholic School Teachers 1776. We have an excellent relationship and work hard to find common ground in our disagreements. We have excellent working relationships and labor harmony for the last 10 years.

I would be glad to answer any other questions you may have.

Fan Mail Letter of the Week (November 7, 2009)

2009-11-06T10:45:00.005-05:00

I just received this very nice email from someone who read my C++ book--it's kind letters like this that keep me writing computer books.

Hello Prof,

My name is Lekhotla Khoboko and I’m a final year Computer Science student at the National University of Lesotho (NUL). I’m writing this email to reaaaally thank you for the confidence boost you have given me in my C++ programming skills! I have just finished following your book Learn To Program with C++. I took about six days to read through the book and I’m really happy with what I have learned.

As I said, I’m a final year student, and I had been feeling veery nervous and incompetent with my programming skills in C++. I have gone through about four courses in C++ in my study years, but C++ had still been a dreadful programming language to take up any project in (until today!)

I’ve very much enjoyed our class (your 18 pupils plus myself!). The lectures were clear and very easy to follow, and they kept me stuck to the book from beginning till now that I’m done reading it!

Just like Rhonda, topics like those on Pointers, Objects and Inheritance had been my worst nightmares! I tried several introductory books but they were still way advanced for my comprehension! But at last, I feel like a genius. None of the questions I used to have or had in the course of reading are unanswered – either Dave, Ward or any of those my colleagues would bring them up and before we passed the topic, I would be clear and ready for the next class!

I really want to appreciate what you have done for me (I truly wish I could follow on with the friends in that five weeks’ time when they would be beginning their intermediate course – I’m sure I was going to come out the more brilliant)!

Your teaching methodology is very great as I compare it my C++ instructors’. Programming courses and careers are feared today, also because of the way they are presented by lecturers. In fact, I feel I can make a very good C++ instructor myself, having gone through this material. And this book would be my very first and preferred recommendation to my students!

You’ve trained a C++ programmer in six days! CONGRADULATIONS and thanks, Thanks, THANKS

Sincerely,

Lekhotla Khoboko
Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Faculty of Science and technology
National university of Lesotho Lesotho,
Southern Africa

Rest in peace Starbuck Casey

2009-10-30T08:56:00.002-04:00

This obituary appeared in the October 25, 2009 Edition of the Burlington County Times.

There's just something unbelievable about it---particularly when I see that there's a little brother named Dunkin.

Services were supposedly done by the Sweney Funeral Home in Riverside---but their website shows no such service

http://www.sweeneyfh.com/main.cfm

At any rate, here's the Obituary...

Starbuck Casey died Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009.

Born in Visalia, Calif., on Nov. 20, 1998, he was named after his adopted father's outright passion for Starbucks coffee. Originally a native of Northern California, Starbuck came to the East Coast in 1999. He resided in Palmer, Pa., spent most of his years in Lumberton, N.J., and most recently lived in Nazareth, Pa.

Adopted at birth by Dan and Kolleen Casey, he is also survived by his doting brother, Connor, and his caring sister, Caroline. They cared for him and protected him. Over the years they learned how to take care of him by giving him his insulin when needed. Starbuck never winced, always taking his shots in stride. He is also survived by his menacing little brother, Dunkin, who was always by his side, a loyal companion to the end.

Sweeney Funeral Home,Riverside

No drinks---and with no apologies

2009-10-21T10:52:00.003-04:00

I'm flabbergasted by the way I see people drink these days---I swear half the young people I know will be alcoholics by the time they're 30. This letter was written to Dear Abby in response to a column she wrote--it sums up the current drinking crisis among young people very well..

Dear Abby: I was thrilled to read "Sober in Scottsdale's" (July 28) letter about drinking. I'm a 21-year old college student who has also struggled with choosing to be sober amidst the majority of my drunken peers.

Most people my age drink only to get drunk and appear to be unable to have fun without the aid of alcohol. Every activity must be performed under the influence.

While at a nightclub, one friend asked me how I was able to "dance and have a good time without being drunk."

Abby, in your response to "Sober,", you said that drinkers should "mind their own business" because "there is usually a good reason why a person doesn't drink."

For me, there is no medical, metabolic or addiction problem that prevents me from consuming alcohol. but I have seen the effects it has on my peers---putting them in drunken stupors, using awful judgment, and being taken to the hospital after blacking out.

I left the college of my choice after one month because I could no longer stand hearing people in the bathroom vomiting all night long. Drinkers aren't ashamed of these displays. They brag about them to their friends the next day.

I sure hope this stage is one that will pass with age. I often long for the days when i was younger, when playing board games and sipping juice was considered a good time.

Signed----Not Drinking in New Jersey

Holy Cross High School

2009-10-19T13:31:00.001-04:00

My wife and I are considering sending my daughter to Holy Cross High School in Delran starting in the Fall of 2009.

Tutition is not cheap (around $9,000 per year), so the decision is not an easy one.

We attended an open house there on Sunday, October 18th, and everyone affiliated with the school seemed very caring, concerned and motivated. The student representatives were great also.

I came away with just a few questions that I need answered, and I'll be working on that in the next few days:

1. Is there a dress code at the school. The school uniforms I saw on Sunday were way too short. One of the benefits of a Catholic School education has always been that parents do not have to argue with their children in the morning about the appropriateness of their attire (except on 'Dress Down' days. Having seen the mini-skirts that some of the girls wore on Sunday, I have to wonder if I won't be arguing with my daughter every morning.

2. Technology is a big buzzword at the school. Every incoming freshman will lease a tablet PC. As a college level teacher of technology, I'm not sold on this amount of technology in a High School. It's not that I don't think the kids can handle it, it's a matter of whether or not it can be properly incorporated into the classroom. For instance, what's easier, asking someone in Math class to come up to the board and, using chalk, write the equation on the board, or having a teacher snag it from a student's table PC, and display it on a smartboard in front of the class. I'm not absolutely sure of the answer myself, but if the teacher is not tech savy, that operation could take longer than my chalkboard approach.

3. I meant to ask on Sunday the percentage of students who receive some kind of financial aid.

4. Finally, having heard this morning on the radio and TV about 3 Catholic Schools with teachers on strike, I'm wondering what union covers the Holy Cross teachers, and when their contract expires?

Shut out of the Philadelphia Half Marathon

2009-10-17T13:06:00.001-04:00

When I ran the Broad Street Run in May with my niece and nephew, I suggested that we run the Philadelphia Half Marathon in November (crazy idea, I know.)

I don't run well in the summer--the heat is too much for me, although I still run about 15 miles a week, 60 miles per month.

Once the weather gets cooler, I can run farther, and I get more ambitious.

With the Half Marathon slated for November 22nd, I didn't think it was a big deal NOT to have signed up already by September 20th---but that's when the available slots for both the Marathon (10,000 spots) and the Half Marathon (8,000 spots) filled up. The remaining 2,000 spots of the total of 20,000 go to the Rothman 8K, a race I've run several times, and is simply not worth it in my mind to deal with the mess of having to be in town by 5:30AM to get a parking spot.

It's a shame I'm shut of out the Half Marathon, since I'm really running well, and pretty far.

Monday mornings I get up at 4:30AM and run 10 to 11 miles---so I'm well on pace to be able to complete 13.1

Having seen the movie, Run, Fatboy, Run, I got the idea that I could possibly find a charity to run with.

I was right.

Two charities, Back on my Feet, and Run Philly Style, apparently pre-purchased 'spots', and I can buy them from them if I am willing to raise money for them.

Back on my Feet is a regional organization that tries to help homeless people by getting them interested in running.

Run Philly Style tries to get sedentary students into running to help them healthwise.

No big deal, I thought, I was a top fund raiser for the MS150 the 3 years I rode it back in the late 90's and early 2000's. I regularly raised $1,000 and up for them.

Only problem is Back on My Feet wants $1,800---and if I don't raise it, they'll bill my credit card. Run Philly Style wants $1,000--same deal.

I contacted Back on My Feet and offered to raise as much money as I can for them--but received a canned response with the details of joining them.

I didn't bother with Run Philly Style.

I received an email about a week ago indicating there were still 8 'spots' available from Back on My feet, but they were going fast. I just checked their website and it seems like they are all gone...

http://philadelphia.backonmyfeet.org/Philadelphia-Landing.html

By the way, one runner can't transfer their registration to me. So for instance, if someone who is injured
would like to sell me their $100 'spot', they can't do do so. Well, I suppose they can illegally, but I would be running under their name. There are 'spots' being sold on Craigslist.

A friend of mine who has run the race says the 20,000 person limitation is reasonable--he said there are spots in the race where both Marathon and Half Marathon runners are traveling through some very tight areas--we don't want anyone hurt.

I can understand that--but the restriction on transferring a registration to another runner seems silly---why not charge a $10 fee to do so. Early on, I believe, they were charging a fee to change a registration from Half Marathon to Marathon and vice versa.

Of course, there's nothing to stop me from running my own Half Marathon one of these Monday mornings---maybe I'll even drop off a check to Back on My Feet and/or Run Philly Style after I'm done it.

It's been a while...

2009-10-17T12:52:00.001-04:00

It's hard to get motiviated to maintain the blog when I realize so few people read it.

I know my wife reads it, but everything I blog about she hears about all day long anyway...

Still, my stats indicate that it's being visited, so I'll continue to try to post from time to time.

Since my daughter's soccer game has been cancelled for today, I'll try to do a bit of work on it before turning my attention to my long awaited Database Programming book.

Carpet Dimensions of Willingboro

2009-09-23T16:53:00.003-04:00

We just had some work done by this company in our home.

The carpet installation was fine--but the carpet was delivered days past the promised date, the installers showed up 2 hours late, and the company (Mike, the salesman) refused to accept a $50 coupon that we presented to the installers. He told us to save it for next time.

"Oh, for $50, you're going to get mad."

You bet---$50 is $50. Shame we tipped the installers $20.

Nice customer relations.
The foyer replacement job will go to someone (anyone) else---all for the sake of a $50 coupon that you refused to honor on the day of installation.

By the way, the last time we used this company 4 years ago, they laid carpet in our downstairs family room.

After arriving late for the job, they placed the contents of the family room (sofa, chairs, Big Screen Television) on our deck and proceeded to go to lunch.

It was quite a thrill to hear the sound of thunder in the background, and the installers managed to get there before the rain came.

No damage was done and I have no complaint with the installers---but this company needs to take a lesson about Customer Relations during a recession.

I'll bad mouth them to anyone and everyone who wants to listen to me for the next 2 weeks---and I have a big mouth, and a large audience.

Programming Projects that may light your fire

2009-09-17T16:47:00.005-04:00

I've been meaning to put some additional programming projects on my website.

When I was taking my first programming class, some of these were pretty infectuous.

Let's start with just a couple and we'll see how we do---I have over 100 here...

1. Write a program that asks the user to enter 2 numbers, obtains the 2 numbers from the user, then displays the product of the 2 numbers.

2. Write a program that displays the numbers from 1 to 10. Do not use a loop.

3. Write a program that utilizes looping to display the numbers from 1 to 10.

4. Write a program that asks the user to enter 2 numbers, obtains the 2 numbers, then displays the larger of the two numbers. If the 2 numbers are equal, that display the message "These numbers are the same"

5. Write a program that utilizes looping to display the following table of values:

N	10 * N	100 * N	1000 * N	10000 * N
1	10	100	1000	10000
2	20	200	2000	20000
3	30	300	3000	30000
4	40	400	4000	40000
5	50	500	5000	50000
6	60	600	6000	60000
7	70	700	7000	70000
8	80	800	8000	80000
9	90	900	9000	90000
10	100	1000	10000	10000
11	110	1100	11000	110000

Excel 2003 can't open a Lotus 1-2-3 File

2009-09-17T15:38:00.005-04:00

I tried to open an old Lotus 1-2-3 file in Excel 2003 and received this message

"You are attempting to open a file type that is blocked by your registry policy setting".

Isn't that a pain.

Microsoft has a fix on its website that will allow you to specify a folder containing Lotus 1-2-3 files you wish to open. Here's the link...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922848

Game Programming Site

2009-09-13T15:14:00.005-04:00

Check out this site that one of my students recommended for Game Programming

http://www.blitzmax.com/

Kids Programming

2009-09-13T15:11:00.005-04:00

Here are a couple of great websites for kids wanted to learn how to program Microsoft products...

C# for Kids
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/beginner/bb308756.aspx

Kids Corner
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/beginner/bb308754.aspx

Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation

2009-09-09T11:13:00.003-04:00

Just got my quarterly newsletter from the Childhoold Brain Tumor Foundation, a charity to which I contribute.

It's full of stories, most of them heartbreaking.

This month

Remembering Ricky...

Jessica Catherine Randall. Forever 17.

and a hundred more on Page 6.

I wait until the house is empty before reading it so I can cry alone.

Consider contributing---you are bound to know someone with a brain tumor (if it isn't you) sometime in your life.

http://www.childhooldbraintumor.org

Hack Yourself

2009-09-09T05:28:00.005-04:00

You should hack yourself before others do it...

Just this morning, I discovered residents of my small town listed on a new site I didn't know existed...well, I did, but I didn't consider it significant. Armed with a name, people can steal your identify. Try this one...

http://namesdatabase.com/schools/US/NJ/Cinnaminson/Cinnaminson%20High%20School/

The 1964 Phillies

2009-09-07T17:10:00.005-04:00

As the Phillies move towards losing their 4th game in a row to the Houston Astros, I thought I would revisit the 10 game losing streak that cost them the 1964 Pennant. As you can see, only a few of the games were close, and I had the good fortune to attend Loss #5, a 12 inning affair in which Dick Allen (then Richie) tied the game with a 2 out, 2 run Home Run over the roof in Center field to tie the score in the 10th inning (the Phils later would lose in the 12th). My thanks to my brother Joe for reminding me that he took me to the game---it was exciting, and heartbreaking, at the same time.

10 Game Losing Streak

Date Phils Score Opponent Score Comment

Sep 21 PHILS 0 CINCINNATI 1 (Game where Chico Ruiz stole home in the 6th inning).
Sep 22 PHILS 2 CINCINNATI 9
Sep 23 PHILS 4 CINCINNATI 6

Sep 24 PHILS 3 MILWAUKEE 5
Sep 25 PHILS 5 MILWAUKEE 7 (12 Innings) I was there.
Sep 26 PHILS 4 MILWAUKEE L 6
Sep 27 PHILS 8 MILWAUKEE L 14

Sep 28 PHILS 1 ST. LOUIS 5
Sep 29 PHILS 2 @ ST. LOUIS 4
Sep 30 PHILS 5 @ ST. LOUIS 8

The Phils ended the season by winning their final 2 games in Cincinatti.

A $1 Donation

2009-09-07T17:05:00.003-04:00

Like many small business owners with a web presence, I have a button on my website

http://www.johnsmiley.com

that solicits donations from people who find some of my free material/advice useful.

Most people donate a dollar, which is the default value displayed when they click on the Donation button.

Ordinarily, I'm happy to receive the donation, but wish it could have been more :)

A week ago, I received a $1 donation from a person in Pakistan, and after checking out the Relative Standard of Living in Pakistan versus the United States, came to the conclusion that this person's dollar was the equivalent of a $50 donation from a U.S. Citizen.

I just wanted to say thank you!

Tile by Bill Ness

2009-09-07T17:03:00.002-04:00

Bill Ness, of Tile by Bill Ness, a Cinnaminson NJ company

http://tilebybillness.com/

recently did some tile work at my house.

If you'd like an appraisal of Bill's work, feel free to contact me via phone at

856-314-8615

Thanks Megan

2009-09-07T16:48:00.003-04:00

I wanted to thank Megan Duckett, CEO of Sew What? Inc for taking my phone call last Monday, August 31st, while I was discussing her company in a Case Study that appears in the McGraw Hill Textbook I use in my evening class, MIS 204 (Introduction to Management Information Systems).

I've tried calling Bill Gates (Microsoft) and Jeff Bezos (Amazon.com) before with no luck.

When I called I reach someone (Sylvia, I believe) who was polite and who actually took the time to see if Megan would talk with me and the class.

Megan was busy working on a project at the time, but told Sylvia to get my number and told me she would call me back in 5 minutes--and she did!

We had a nice 3 minute conversation, in which I explained that we were reading about her very successful company---a company, by the way, that prides itself on Customer Service!

That's not surprising if the CEO takes a cold phone call from a College Professor and spends valuable time offering advice to students in today's work environment.

Her advice--study hard. She said she didn't always follow this advice herself, and that she's had to work twice as hard to overcome it.

I think she's doing pretty well for herself.

Megan had just come from the Los Angeles Forum where she was meeting one of her clients---Myley Cyrus (who she describes as a nice person).

You can read more about Megan and her company here...

http://www.sewwhatinc.com

and here's a blog that Megan maintains...

http://www.sewwhatinc.com/blog/category/company/

The Common Cold

2009-08-31T13:09:00.003-04:00

You would think after 54 years of living, I might have developed an immunity by now to the Common Cold.

It's my understanding that there are about 200 variants of the Common Cold, and I've probably had about 100.

For the last few years, I don't think I had any--but this last year, I think I've had about 3 or 4, and the last one hit me yesterday (Sunday), although I think I started to feel it on Saturday.

Right now, I'm sneezing, my nose is running, and my throat is sore. I had a restless night, and I'm doing my best not to infect my wife or my 92 year old mother who lives in a nursing home, and who suffers from COPD (bad lungs).

I don't really like drugs, but my nose is so bad, I bought some Day Quil at lunch.

Took it about 1PM, and I'm waiting for the symptoms to subside.

I'll keep you posted.

Customer Service--is it a thing of the past?

2009-08-31T13:00:00.006-04:00

I remember when I worked at Sears, a man came to the store trying to return a pair of shoes that plainly said J.C. Penney inside of them.

The Customer Service Manager politely refused to issue a refund or exchange them---since obviously, they weren't Sears merchandise.

The man persisted, however, and eventually the Sears Store Vice President came down and issued him a refund. That's how important Customer Relations were in the 70's (not only for the JC Penney buyer, but for the throng of real Sears customers surrounding him.)

Yesterday, my wife noticed that the strap on her COACH bag had come apart.

She bought the bag on June 18th for $130 at a COACH store in Atlantic City---I believe the strip is called the Atlantic City Walk or some cute name like that.

My wife took the bag to a COACH store in one of our local malls---Cherry Hill or Moorestown, I can't remember.

Unfortunately, she can't find the receipt, but the transaction does show up on our American Express bill.

She asked if she could return, exchange or get a refund on the bag.

A simple 'no' would have done, but instead she was lectured by the sales person, who among other things complained that

--- she shouldn't buy from an outlet, she should buy 'retail' (hmm, I bet the Atlantic City store would love to hear that.)
--- she needs a receipt (OK)
--- it's last year's model (pardon us)
--- she needs to return it to the store she purchased it from

Eventually, my wife found the Coach website, contacted their Customer Service and received an email a few hours later indicating that she can return the bag for service, at the cost of $20.

Right now, she's looking for a cobbler or shoe repair person who may be able to stitch it up for less.

The bottom line---this particular Coach salesperson needs some training on customer interaction.

Route 130---Finally

2009-08-20T09:58:00.002-04:00

I finally see some progress on the Route 130 re-paving effort through Cinnaminson.

As you know, the gullies on this road have been a big concern of mine, and it looks like there is finally some progress being made.

Le Bec-Fin in the news

2009-07-12T16:17:00.004-04:00

This news just in from the Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer of July 12, 2009

Chef Georges Perrier is about two weeks into his summertime experiment of allwing some patronas at Le Bec-Fin to pay what they wish for dinner.

So far, he says, people have been dropping $50 and more a head for the privelege. One party of what he says were "three young gifrls" left $6 a person.

"An hour later, one of them came back and left more," he says.

The deal, Mondays through Thursdays for a 7 p.m. seating, is booked solid through August.

Personally, I wouldn't pay a $1 for a Le Bec-Fin meal.

If you want to know, check my archives.

I tell you, if you don't want to be bad mouthed for a lifetime, get your Customer Service right Georges.

Rest in Peace Albert Carlson

2009-07-08T11:16:00.005-04:00

I was reading the Philadelphia Daily News obituaries when I saw that a classmate of mine from All Saints Elementary School in Bridesburg had died.

I remember Albert Carlson as a very nice kid---at least he was to me.

I also remember his situation being the saddest I had encountered up to that point in my life...I seem to remember one of his parents dying (his mother or father I can't remember) and then about a week later, the other one dying.

Imagine being left in that situation---how horrible.

Of course, my memory could be wrong, because I can swear the same tragedy befell another student in a grade behind me. I forget his name, but he was a nice guy also. I think we called him Sarge.

I see from his Obituary that Albert had two daughters, and also some grandchildren.

I haven't seen him since our 8th graduation.

I hope Albert had a great life, and that both parents were there to lead him to the pearly gates of heaven.

Rest in Peace.

Cinnaminson Five Guys to open soon

2009-07-07T09:48:00.002-04:00

Five Guys in Cinnaminson looks like it's nearly ready to open.

It's located right next to the Hair Cuttery.

Sign says 'Opening Soon'

Jimmy Walsh Update

2009-07-07T09:37:00.003-04:00

As those of you who follow my blog know, a St. Charles Borromeo 8th grader, Jimmy Walsh, was seriously injured on June 12th.

You can read about Jimmy's injuries, his road to recovery, and post a get well message, via this link which was published in the St. Charles Church Sunday Bulletin 2 weeks ago

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/jimmywalsh

Letters to the Editor---Aggressive Driving

2009-06-27T10:20:00.003-04:00

Saw this one on Sunday, June 21st in the Burlington County Times and was much amused. It's written by Noni Bookbinder Bell of Shamong.

I am constantly tailgated on Branch Pike in Cinnaminson while doing the 35 MPH posted speed limit as I head towards Moorestown. There's a good reason for that speed limit. It's a residential area, there's one school (St. Charles) on the road, and another one (Cinnaminson Middle School) just to the right.

By the way, what do you do if you are tailgated by a police car? Several months ago my wife and I were tailgated by a police car on Church Road headed towards Route 38. It's a 25MPH zone, and the police car was about 5 feet from our bumper. What's a person to do?

At any rate, here's Nono's letter.

Aggressive driving comes back to haunt

While driving down Bear Head-McKendimaen Road in Medford (as usual doing the speed limt), the driver of a big SUV began aggressively tailgating my tiny car. I double-checked that I was not driving under the 30-mph speed limit.

Just minutes before, on another Medford Road, another SUV had been riding my tail as I tooled along at the speed limit. I wondered, as I drive, "Why am I obligated to speed and why do I have to endure these antagonistic morons putting my life and others' in danger?" At this time of year, deer, small animals and --- oh yes --- children can run out suddenly into local residential streets and roads.

Obviously, it's important to be on guard for them, not to mention (for) distracted and careless drivers. I would think that's why lower speed limits are imposed on such roads.

After a minute or two of impatiently riding my tail (close enough to see the whites of his eyes) the driver sped up and blew past me.

In doing so, he just missed a head-on crash with a fully dressed (motorcycle) coming the other way.

At first, I just gaped at the averted tragedy. Next, I had to smile when I realized this was a motorcycle cop.

After the copy made an expert U-turn, the red and blue lights began to flash. I rounded a curve in the road, still chugging along at 30 mph. There, I observed the young man in the SUV pulled over and reaching for his credentials.

Sorry about the Schadenfreude, but I couldn't help gloating as I saw the office approaching the driver. The driver looked about the same age as the 19-year-old who caused my head-on crash in March.

Most of the days since then, when I am on the road driving the speed limit, I am returning from a medical appointment or a physical therapy session.

There's isn't too much else I can do since I was injured when that kid ran a stop sign on Route 306 on the icy night when all hell broke loose.

This is for the cop who pulled that aggressive driver over yesterday: Thanks.

I'm glad he didn't plow into you as he was whipping past me in annoyance.

Perhaps next time, that young driver may think twice before he lets his impatience and arrogance take over the wheel.

Noni Bookbinder Bell
Shamong