Sunday, June 19, 2011
Road trip
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Half-price Philly
Spring has finally arrived here in Center City. It was a toss-up whether it would or not. Mrs. CCC and I have been enjoying all the great conveniences of living in town. We’ve been to a few Phillies games and a few shows at the local theaters. Being able to get to the ballpark via the subway or to the theaters either by bus or on foot makes it a lot more enjoyable when you don’t have to worry about parking.
We took in a Phillies game on a beautiful sun-kissed afternoon. Halladay pitched a complete game and the Phils beat the Mets 2-1 and we finished the day with a nice meal at our local with young CCC and some friends. As I’ve written before, Philadelphia has a number of small theater groups, one being 1812 Productions which performs comedies at the Plays and Players on Delancey Street. We get coupons from Funsavers which get us in at half-price which is just about the right price. We saw “Our Show of Shows” and “Laughter on the 23rd Floor”, both of them very funny and well-played. We also discovered that the Walnut Theater offers half-price tickets on the day of the show. We saw “The 39 Steps”, a theatrical comical adaptation of the Alfred Hitchcock movie. It was also a send-up of other Hitchcock movies. All in all, a nice night in the theater. What makes this show special to the CCC’s is that their apartment is on the third floor of the building, a whopping 39 steps from the ground floor. So we bought a poster and hung it in the stairwell.
So get out and enjoy all that Center City has to offer. And if you can do it at a bargain it makes it even more enjoyable.
We took in a Phillies game on a beautiful sun-kissed afternoon. Halladay pitched a complete game and the Phils beat the Mets 2-1 and we finished the day with a nice meal at our local with young CCC and some friends. As I’ve written before, Philadelphia has a number of small theater groups, one being 1812 Productions which performs comedies at the Plays and Players on Delancey Street. We get coupons from Funsavers which get us in at half-price which is just about the right price. We saw “Our Show of Shows” and “Laughter on the 23rd Floor”, both of them very funny and well-played. We also discovered that the Walnut Theater offers half-price tickets on the day of the show. We saw “The 39 Steps”, a theatrical comical adaptation of the Alfred Hitchcock movie. It was also a send-up of other Hitchcock movies. All in all, a nice night in the theater. What makes this show special to the CCC’s is that their apartment is on the third floor of the building, a whopping 39 steps from the ground floor. So we bought a poster and hung it in the stairwell.
So get out and enjoy all that Center City has to offer. And if you can do it at a bargain it makes it even more enjoyable.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Pack Mules... in Center City?
What’s more annoying? 27 inches of snow all at once, or spread over 5 or 6 storms? I’ll let you decide.
Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a phenomenon here in Center City. There’s a whole team of pack mules roaming the streets. The mules I remember seeing as a kid on the westerns had four legs, but the modern version has only two legs, works in an urban setting but totes as much as the four-legged kind. I see them trampling over the snow banks, trudging down the street, waiting for buses, doing all the things normal human beings do, but they can’t be human, they are carrying too much stuff around. They must be beasts of burden hired by rich folks to carry their stuff around. The mules can’t be carrying all their own stuff, can they? They have a huge purse, a computer case or briefcase, and a bag of other unidentified stuff, like books or clothes or who knows what. They tote it to work with them, then turn around and tote it all home at night. Do they really need all that stuff to go to work for eight hours? I’ve gone away for weeks at a time and not carried as much stuff as they do, just to step out their front doors. And another thing I’ve noticed – all these mules are females! I think they are, it’s hard to tell sometimes, they are hidden under their bags. So if you see one of these mules waddling down the street, steer clear of them. I hear they can bite and their kick can be harmful. And if they drop one of their bags on your toes, you’ll be hobbling around for days.
Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a phenomenon here in Center City. There’s a whole team of pack mules roaming the streets. The mules I remember seeing as a kid on the westerns had four legs, but the modern version has only two legs, works in an urban setting but totes as much as the four-legged kind. I see them trampling over the snow banks, trudging down the street, waiting for buses, doing all the things normal human beings do, but they can’t be human, they are carrying too much stuff around. They must be beasts of burden hired by rich folks to carry their stuff around. The mules can’t be carrying all their own stuff, can they? They have a huge purse, a computer case or briefcase, and a bag of other unidentified stuff, like books or clothes or who knows what. They tote it to work with them, then turn around and tote it all home at night. Do they really need all that stuff to go to work for eight hours? I’ve gone away for weeks at a time and not carried as much stuff as they do, just to step out their front doors. And another thing I’ve noticed – all these mules are females! I think they are, it’s hard to tell sometimes, they are hidden under their bags. So if you see one of these mules waddling down the street, steer clear of them. I hear they can bite and their kick can be harmful. And if they drop one of their bags on your toes, you’ll be hobbling around for days.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
School is always in session
As I’ve written before, I don’t make resolutions. What I did this year was take a “day off” each week, and not worry about life’s little travails. That has helped me improve my attitude about life and people and the world I live in. Even when I was enjoying my “pre-retirement” I would take one day and relax and not worry about things. And when I went back to work, I continued that practice and it’s helped my mental outlook immensely.
And although I don’t make resolutions, I do like to say that if I don’t learn something new every day, it’s a wasted day. So I wanted to write down some of the things I learned this past year. Some of them are mundane and some of them are uplifting, but at least I can say I’m not wasting my days.
1. Working for a living beats the alternative. I think it’s the feeling of being productive.
2. Not working beats the alternative. You get to do the things that you enjoy, you just don’t get paid.
3. I miss reading as a past-time. I used to do a lot more of it when I was commuting on the train, but I’d never go back to riding the train. What a unenjoyable experience that has become.
4. Living near friends and family is better than making a lot more money and living in a strange place.
5. Big snow storms no longer fascinate me.
6. Living close to where you work helps your mental outlook immensely.
7. Getting older is better than the alternative.
8. The Mummers parade is not as entertaining as it used to be. Maybe it’s because the city shortened their leash, or maybe because it’s gotten too outlandish and can’t even be held outdoors anymore, but the parade has lost its luster.
9. The Beatles were wrong: if you love the right person the love you take is ten times more than the love you make.
10. The Phillies are a class organization – from the way they treat their players, opponents, fans and employees to the terrific team they’ve assembled, they’re a top-drawer club.
11. Left to their own devices, sports fans will do and say stupid things. Sometimes having a watch dog around is necessary.
12. I’d rather spend 80 days at Citizens Bank Park than 80 days at Lincoln Financial Field. Maybe it’s a size thing, but CBP has a better feel about it than the Linc.
13. Not all young people are slackers. Some are honest, upright, hard-working, responsible people. I’m lucky to know a few.
14. One thing I’m still trying to figure out: why is it when you have the time, you don’t have the money, but when you have the money, you don’t have the time.
15. Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with people. It can also be a big waste of time. Once in a while you have to turn off your computer and go out and talk to real people.
16. Although I could never live in Florida, too many old people, ya know, I could spend the month of March there for spring training. Talk about an attitude adjustment - to go from freezing cold to warm climes and baseball. I’ll make that trade any day.
17. Soccer is a great sport, but it will never catch on in this country. In order for people to enjoy soccer they have to be emotionally engaged and passionate about a team. I saw non-fans rally around the US team during the World Cup matches, but after US got knocked out their attention moved elsewhere.
18. About twice a month we are treated to world-class sunsets here in Philadelphia. The best place to view them is behind the Art Museum.
19. Women have too many alternatives which is why they like to shop. Sometimes their heads are filled with so many details that they miss living their lives.
20. The trouble with men is they never grow up. The trouble with women is that they do.
21. A baseball stadium filled with like-minded fans cheering for their home town team is as close to heaven as we get here on earth.
22. I’ll never pay full price for a Broadway ticket again. There are so many half-price ticket opportunities both in NYC and here in town, that it’s silly to pay full price.
23. And speaking of New York, a well made Manhattan is something to be searched for.
24. I thought I was retired; then I realized I was just unemployed.
25. To paraphrase John Lennon: In front of every brilliant woman is a complete idiot.
That’s all for now. One week to go before the big day. If I don’t write again, have a Merry and Blessed Christmas and the happiest of New Years.
And although I don’t make resolutions, I do like to say that if I don’t learn something new every day, it’s a wasted day. So I wanted to write down some of the things I learned this past year. Some of them are mundane and some of them are uplifting, but at least I can say I’m not wasting my days.
1. Working for a living beats the alternative. I think it’s the feeling of being productive.
2. Not working beats the alternative. You get to do the things that you enjoy, you just don’t get paid.
3. I miss reading as a past-time. I used to do a lot more of it when I was commuting on the train, but I’d never go back to riding the train. What a unenjoyable experience that has become.
4. Living near friends and family is better than making a lot more money and living in a strange place.
5. Big snow storms no longer fascinate me.
6. Living close to where you work helps your mental outlook immensely.
7. Getting older is better than the alternative.
8. The Mummers parade is not as entertaining as it used to be. Maybe it’s because the city shortened their leash, or maybe because it’s gotten too outlandish and can’t even be held outdoors anymore, but the parade has lost its luster.
9. The Beatles were wrong: if you love the right person the love you take is ten times more than the love you make.
10. The Phillies are a class organization – from the way they treat their players, opponents, fans and employees to the terrific team they’ve assembled, they’re a top-drawer club.
11. Left to their own devices, sports fans will do and say stupid things. Sometimes having a watch dog around is necessary.
12. I’d rather spend 80 days at Citizens Bank Park than 80 days at Lincoln Financial Field. Maybe it’s a size thing, but CBP has a better feel about it than the Linc.
13. Not all young people are slackers. Some are honest, upright, hard-working, responsible people. I’m lucky to know a few.
14. One thing I’m still trying to figure out: why is it when you have the time, you don’t have the money, but when you have the money, you don’t have the time.
15. Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with people. It can also be a big waste of time. Once in a while you have to turn off your computer and go out and talk to real people.
16. Although I could never live in Florida, too many old people, ya know, I could spend the month of March there for spring training. Talk about an attitude adjustment - to go from freezing cold to warm climes and baseball. I’ll make that trade any day.
17. Soccer is a great sport, but it will never catch on in this country. In order for people to enjoy soccer they have to be emotionally engaged and passionate about a team. I saw non-fans rally around the US team during the World Cup matches, but after US got knocked out their attention moved elsewhere.
18. About twice a month we are treated to world-class sunsets here in Philadelphia. The best place to view them is behind the Art Museum.
19. Women have too many alternatives which is why they like to shop. Sometimes their heads are filled with so many details that they miss living their lives.
20. The trouble with men is they never grow up. The trouble with women is that they do.
21. A baseball stadium filled with like-minded fans cheering for their home town team is as close to heaven as we get here on earth.
22. I’ll never pay full price for a Broadway ticket again. There are so many half-price ticket opportunities both in NYC and here in town, that it’s silly to pay full price.
23. And speaking of New York, a well made Manhattan is something to be searched for.
24. I thought I was retired; then I realized I was just unemployed.
25. To paraphrase John Lennon: In front of every brilliant woman is a complete idiot.
That’s all for now. One week to go before the big day. If I don’t write again, have a Merry and Blessed Christmas and the happiest of New Years.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Christmas Kerfuffle
So Your Center City Correspondent has been on my new job for six weeks. Thanks to everyone who’s asked me how I like it. Let me say that it contains the four things I was looking for in a new job:
1) Working with people I know
2) Doing something I’m familiar with
3) For a local organization, and
4) Close to home.
So with all those good things going for it, I have to like it.
However, when somebody who works for the same organization as me makes a bone-headed decision, I’ve learned that it reflects on me too, both internally and externally. When a higher-up decided that we don’t need a “Christmas Village” here in town and ripped down the word “Christmas”, I heard about it from my friends and acquaintances, like it was my decision. I could not get into the local without being hooted at – it was good-natured, but had a ring of truth about it. And for those who really know me, they know that this situation was ripping me up inside. Previous to this job, I would have fired off letters and phone calls to everyone I know trying to get this decision overturned. But in my current position, I thought prudence and reticence were best for me. Luckily, the decision was reversed and Christmas was brought back to Center City Philadelphia.
Returning to work has provided Mrs. CCC and me the opportunity to stretch our legs and go to shows and movies. We saw “Putnam County Spelling Bee” last week at a theater in town. It’s a lighthearted look at teenage angst through the eyes and voices of spelling bee contestants. We saw it at a theater on Broad St., and if you get there 2 hours before show time, you can get tickets at half-price. More and more of the theaters are doing this, and it’s a cost-effective way to see Broadway shows. You should give it a try sometime. Each theater is different, so check with them before trying it.
Christmas is in full swing in town. We did a little shopping yesterday and caught the light show at Macy’s. It’s always a treat. It’s shown on the hour mark, and get there early to get a good spot.
And something is happening for the first time next week. All three of the CCC’s are going to the Army-Navy game. Mrs. CCC and Young CCC are attending the game, and I’m working it. It is always a spectacle and an honored tradition. You should become part of it.
All for now. Christmas is only 20 days away – I better get busy!
1) Working with people I know
2) Doing something I’m familiar with
3) For a local organization, and
4) Close to home.
So with all those good things going for it, I have to like it.
However, when somebody who works for the same organization as me makes a bone-headed decision, I’ve learned that it reflects on me too, both internally and externally. When a higher-up decided that we don’t need a “Christmas Village” here in town and ripped down the word “Christmas”, I heard about it from my friends and acquaintances, like it was my decision. I could not get into the local without being hooted at – it was good-natured, but had a ring of truth about it. And for those who really know me, they know that this situation was ripping me up inside. Previous to this job, I would have fired off letters and phone calls to everyone I know trying to get this decision overturned. But in my current position, I thought prudence and reticence were best for me. Luckily, the decision was reversed and Christmas was brought back to Center City Philadelphia.
Returning to work has provided Mrs. CCC and me the opportunity to stretch our legs and go to shows and movies. We saw “Putnam County Spelling Bee” last week at a theater in town. It’s a lighthearted look at teenage angst through the eyes and voices of spelling bee contestants. We saw it at a theater on Broad St., and if you get there 2 hours before show time, you can get tickets at half-price. More and more of the theaters are doing this, and it’s a cost-effective way to see Broadway shows. You should give it a try sometime. Each theater is different, so check with them before trying it.
Christmas is in full swing in town. We did a little shopping yesterday and caught the light show at Macy’s. It’s always a treat. It’s shown on the hour mark, and get there early to get a good spot.
And something is happening for the first time next week. All three of the CCC’s are going to the Army-Navy game. Mrs. CCC and Young CCC are attending the game, and I’m working it. It is always a spectacle and an honored tradition. You should become part of it.
All for now. Christmas is only 20 days away – I better get busy!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
How to Survive Unemployment
Here’s a post I’ve been waiting to write for a long time. I was offered and accepted a position with the City Treasurer’s office as an Assistant Treasurer and I start on October 25th. That’s about 16 months unemployed. I believe I survived fairly well and I’d like to give you a few tips in case you’re ever in that situation.
1. Get yourself the second-best spouse you can find. You won’t be able to find the best because I married her. She has been a constant source of support and inspiration without being pushy or a bully. She’s been nervous at times, but we were always able to see our way through any rough patch together. She has been a great sounding board and listened as I talked about my job search. Work together and you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.
2. Before you lose your job, save as much money as you can. Every spare nickel and dime should be put into a ‘contingency fund’ so when the contingency strikes, you’re ready for it financially. Every raise, bonus, refund, rebate, dollars found on the street should be put in the fund. The old adage about saving six months worth of expenses is outdated; get a year’s supply of expenses on hand. And don’t forget to file for unemployment benefits as soon as you’re eligible. The more financially sound you are, the better the experience will be for you.
3. Network, network, network. Talk to everybody you know and ask them how they are doing and what’s new in their business, and do they know anybody else you can talk to. And oh, yeah, ask them if their company is hiring. If nothing else, it gets you away from your computer for a while and speaking to a real human being. I’m a terrible networker, never joining clubs or associations, but I have built up a number of colleagues that I talk to on a semi-regular basis. You never know where a lead or an insight might take you.
4. Enlist the services of an executive counselor. Not an employment agency, but a fee-based counselor. They are up-to-date with the latest hiring practices and will tailor your resume, cover letter and yourself to think in terms that employers want to hear. They build up your confidence in your abilities and interviewing skills. The gal I signed up with is worth every penny.
5. Get a part-time job that has some fun in it. As most of you know, I usher at both the Eagles and Phillies, and found these jobs to a release of tension rather than a source of it. If you can find something like that, without it distracting you from your real goal, it’s a real blessing.
6. And speaking of blessings, prayer helps too. They say that God answers all our prayers; I’ll let you decide that for yourself. But what prayer does is focus our own efforts on what we think is most important to us until we achieve them. Sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy.
7. Stay positive and stay focused. I can imagine it gets easy to lose your way when you are sending out dozens of resumes and getting no response. When I first started looking I knew that any job I saw on a job board was also being viewed by thousands of other people, so the chances of my resume hitting the top of the pile were low. When you start with low expectations, it not easy to get disappointed or demoralized. See item #3 for a better method of searching for a job.
8. Define yourself by who you are and not by what you do. When someone asked me what I do for a living, I used to say “Banker and accountant.” Over the years, that has changed. I no longer define myself in those terms. Now when they ask me I tell them, “Husband, father, baseball fan.” Which phrase do you think will be on my gravestone? So find out who you really are and remain that person. You can always change jobs, but you can’t change who you really are.
This post certainly is long-winded. I guess when you’re out of work for 16 months a lot of thoughts come to mind. If you’re in this situation, good luck on your job hunt. Give me a call and we can hit someplace for lunch or for a drink.
I’m sure that those within the sound of my voice know that the Phillies have advanced to the National League Championship Series against the San Francisco Giants. They begin play on Saturday and I’m sure the ballpark will be rockin’. Then on Sunday there’s a day-night doubleheader: Eagles at 1 PM and Phillies at 8 PM. The Eagles will be getting over just about the time I have to report to the Phillies across the street. Wish me luck. Don’t call on Monday; I’ll be sacked in. GO PHILS!!!
1. Get yourself the second-best spouse you can find. You won’t be able to find the best because I married her. She has been a constant source of support and inspiration without being pushy or a bully. She’s been nervous at times, but we were always able to see our way through any rough patch together. She has been a great sounding board and listened as I talked about my job search. Work together and you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.
2. Before you lose your job, save as much money as you can. Every spare nickel and dime should be put into a ‘contingency fund’ so when the contingency strikes, you’re ready for it financially. Every raise, bonus, refund, rebate, dollars found on the street should be put in the fund. The old adage about saving six months worth of expenses is outdated; get a year’s supply of expenses on hand. And don’t forget to file for unemployment benefits as soon as you’re eligible. The more financially sound you are, the better the experience will be for you.
3. Network, network, network. Talk to everybody you know and ask them how they are doing and what’s new in their business, and do they know anybody else you can talk to. And oh, yeah, ask them if their company is hiring. If nothing else, it gets you away from your computer for a while and speaking to a real human being. I’m a terrible networker, never joining clubs or associations, but I have built up a number of colleagues that I talk to on a semi-regular basis. You never know where a lead or an insight might take you.
4. Enlist the services of an executive counselor. Not an employment agency, but a fee-based counselor. They are up-to-date with the latest hiring practices and will tailor your resume, cover letter and yourself to think in terms that employers want to hear. They build up your confidence in your abilities and interviewing skills. The gal I signed up with is worth every penny.
5. Get a part-time job that has some fun in it. As most of you know, I usher at both the Eagles and Phillies, and found these jobs to a release of tension rather than a source of it. If you can find something like that, without it distracting you from your real goal, it’s a real blessing.
6. And speaking of blessings, prayer helps too. They say that God answers all our prayers; I’ll let you decide that for yourself. But what prayer does is focus our own efforts on what we think is most important to us until we achieve them. Sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy.
7. Stay positive and stay focused. I can imagine it gets easy to lose your way when you are sending out dozens of resumes and getting no response. When I first started looking I knew that any job I saw on a job board was also being viewed by thousands of other people, so the chances of my resume hitting the top of the pile were low. When you start with low expectations, it not easy to get disappointed or demoralized. See item #3 for a better method of searching for a job.
8. Define yourself by who you are and not by what you do. When someone asked me what I do for a living, I used to say “Banker and accountant.” Over the years, that has changed. I no longer define myself in those terms. Now when they ask me I tell them, “Husband, father, baseball fan.” Which phrase do you think will be on my gravestone? So find out who you really are and remain that person. You can always change jobs, but you can’t change who you really are.
This post certainly is long-winded. I guess when you’re out of work for 16 months a lot of thoughts come to mind. If you’re in this situation, good luck on your job hunt. Give me a call and we can hit someplace for lunch or for a drink.
I’m sure that those within the sound of my voice know that the Phillies have advanced to the National League Championship Series against the San Francisco Giants. They begin play on Saturday and I’m sure the ballpark will be rockin’. Then on Sunday there’s a day-night doubleheader: Eagles at 1 PM and Phillies at 8 PM. The Eagles will be getting over just about the time I have to report to the Phillies across the street. Wish me luck. Don’t call on Monday; I’ll be sacked in. GO PHILS!!!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The Afterlife
This is a special time of year in these parts. Eagles fans are happy that the season has arrived, the long, hot summer is on its way out of town, and for me, the pennant race is in full bloom here in Philadelphia. Your Center City Correspondent is really excited about the current pennant race between the Phillies and the Atlanta Braves. Right now the Phils are in first place by a measly game, and they’ve been playing well. They have to continue to do so because they can’t count on the Braves folding like the Mets have done in the recent past. I’m really looking forward to the final homestand of the season, 9 games in 10 days against the Nationals, Braves and Mets.
These games will be as close to heaven as a fan can get here on earth. If heaven is truly a place of perfect happiness and contentment, then for a fan a crowded ballpark full of like-minded fans cheering for their hometown team to win the pennant is heaven. Plus you get to do it night after night after night. And in my version of heaven, you kinda remember that you were here the night before, but it doesn’t matter because you’re enjoying tonight’s game. And you go home basking in the reflected glory of another win. Forget the clouds and harps and wings; give me a baseball diamond any day and every day.
Of course, if you’re not a fan, than that scenario is your hell – nothing but baseball games for all eternity. As for purgatory, you have to watch minor league games every day.
All for now and GO PHILS!
These games will be as close to heaven as a fan can get here on earth. If heaven is truly a place of perfect happiness and contentment, then for a fan a crowded ballpark full of like-minded fans cheering for their hometown team to win the pennant is heaven. Plus you get to do it night after night after night. And in my version of heaven, you kinda remember that you were here the night before, but it doesn’t matter because you’re enjoying tonight’s game. And you go home basking in the reflected glory of another win. Forget the clouds and harps and wings; give me a baseball diamond any day and every day.
Of course, if you’re not a fan, than that scenario is your hell – nothing but baseball games for all eternity. As for purgatory, you have to watch minor league games every day.
All for now and GO PHILS!
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