Category Archives: General Growlings

True American Hero: Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong circa 1969

Neil Armstrong, a great American hero, passed away today at the age of 82.

I’m not old enough to have been around when Mr. Armstrong first set foot on the moon, but he still managed to capture my imagination and admiration. When we look back at what he accomplished, that he left the planet and actually stepped foot on something other than planet Earth, we can only hold the man in high esteem knowing that he did so with a computer with less power than any of the SmartPhones on the market today.

As a child growing up, outer space captured my imagination. Mr. Armstrong was a hero to many like me, people who will never have the chance to do what he did. He should be applauded for a life spent pursuing a dream that so many of us have.

Wil Wheaton said,

“I met Neil Armstrong once, at a dinner to honor Jimmy Doohan in the early 2000s.

He was not much taller than me, but he was a giant of a man.

I don’t remember what I said to him, or what he said to me, because all I could think the entire time was “This man has walked on the fucking moon.”

Rest in peace, Neil. Because of your bravery and your courage, an entire species will forever look into the night sky and see not a mystery, but a destination.”

Mr. Armstrong, you will be missed.

I woke up and it was August!

So remember a few months ago when I said I was going to take a few days off? Well, I fell asleep that night and just woke up today. A blogger’s version of the Rip Van Winkle syndrome must have overcome me.

To misquote Arnie – I am back.

Brief Absence

Dear readers,

This weekend has been quite busy for me and the next few days might be just as busy. Thank you for your patience. I hope to return to my normal schedule later this week.

-The Dingo

In Which Education Has Become Slavery

Every once in a while, I read an article that I feel the overwhelming urge to share with the world. This morning, thanks to a friend, I found one.

I urge you all to read the following:

A 13-Year-Old’s Slavery Analogy Raises Some Uncomfortable Truths in School

I do not know this girl, but I am proud of her and hope that we can continue to raise such intelligent children. The insight described in this article is profound, and exhibits high levels comprehension and critical thinking; many adults I know are incapable of this.

The fact of the matter is that, while there are many fantastic teachers, in some ways we are still living in a bygone age. The fact that this child would be forced to withdraw from school because she wanted to learn is horrendous and beyond comprehension.

I would love to know what the school’s logic behind this was. I’m sure the official answer from the school is that this was not an official action – however when officials act, the actions become official. Like it or not, the educational staff at an educational facility cannot be considered unofficial by anyone’s definition.

Please read this – in light of all we have been through we cannot allow a few misguided people return us to the stone age. After all, do you want your children being taught  the same message as this girl?

Riley’s Innocence (And Our Own)

Me: Excuse me Riley, I need to get something from the cabinet
Riley: ?
<Riley moves, I open cabinet door, Riley looks in>
Riley: …it … opens…
Me: Cabinets do that.
Riley: <in her best George Takei impersonantion> oh my!

In many ways, Riley’s innocence is something we all share, and all too often it is lost too early. 

Spring 2000. Y2K had come and gone with a whimper (where was the chaos I was promised?).  My father had passed away the previous fall (miss you Dad!). And I had just returned to college after a nearly 4 year hiatus.

Continue reading Riley’s Innocence (And Our Own)

Quote of the Day – February 24, 2012 – A Mind’s Whetstone

“I have a realistic grasp of my own strengths and weaknesses. My mind is my weapon. My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer, and I have my mind… and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge. That’s why I read so much, Jon Snow.”
-Tyrion Lannister in A Game of Thrones by George R R Martin

Singles Awareness Day (S.A.D.)

Love is being stupid together.

Paul Valery

Image courtesy of http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/02/18/10-tips-to-mend-a-broken-heart/

Today is a singular day every year – it’s the day when the world stands up and says “I love you”. A bunch of lemmings, that’s what we all are.  One person says it and then another. Reflex, that’s what saying I love you is. Bah, humbug. (Note: for those who don’t actually know me, sarcasm is my stock in trade.)

I find myself one half of nothing this year – I’m flying solo. For years, I’ve realized that today is a day that millions of people dread, and sadly no one is around to notice that they do. Those of us who are single on this day, if we are thought of, are thought of with pity and sadness. Today, dear readers, is Singles Awareness Day (S.A.D.).

Many years ago, when I was a reckless teenager, my friends and I suffered a day unlike any other. My girlfriend had just moved to Florida; Stacy’s boyfriend broke up with her, and Melissa was single unexpectedly as well. That  year, I coined the term Single’s Awareness Day, because if you are single on February 14th you are aware of it.

But don’t despair or pity me this year, as I sit alone at the computer in the dark listening to the cars drive by and the puppy play. You see, I am content being alone. I have my friends and I have Riley. I am loved, even if I am not in love. And the truth of the matter is, I’ve learned something about myself. I can live, and live happily, without being in a relationship.It’s a important lesson, I think.

Maybe, just maybe, Single’s Awareness Day is not so sad after all.

The point is this – don’t despair when the stores remind you what today is. Don’t despair when you feel sad today. Don’t despair.

Love yourself, and know that your true friends don’t pity you, they love you. And isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about? Now, if you will excuse me, I have some small candy hearts to deliver to some wonderful people at work who are like a second family to me.

In Which the Super Bowl Really Means Friendship

If you were to ask me who my favorite football team was, my first instinct would to be to ask who the Dallas Cowboys were playing this week. In all honesty, though, if I lived in Chicago I would ask who was playing the Bears, or in San Francisco who was playing the 49er’s. I’m a strange bird for whom picking on someone is my way of showing affection, and I’m just not a big football guy. I grew up in a baseball family.

Every year, though, I look forward to the Super Bowl. I joke about watching it only for the commercials, but the company is the real appeal. I know some good people who are always ready with a joke, and I love to watch them scream at the TV and each other. This year was no different. Phil’s disappointment over the loss by the Patriots this year aside, even he had a good time. The game was fantastic and well played – the food was very good as well. Our host, Mary, did a great job. Even Monica’s baby was cheering.

This is my third and final football post of the year (maybe I’ll post another next Super Bowl), and what I want to say is this – to all my friends, thanks for the camaraderie and laughs.

Now, when is Spring Training? The Braves have some atoning to do for the September collapse last year!

In Which Matthew Broderick Will Win the Super Bowl

I’m going to go out on a limb here. The Giants are not going to win the Super Bowl. The Patriots won’t either.Neither, on their greatest day, can out-perform Matthew Broderick.

The halftime show, while it may be as entertaining as Janet Jackson, or as entertaining as the Black Eyed Peas, won’t be the victor. And as much as I am so very looking forward to the new Avengers movie, the trailer for that masterpiece will fall a bit short as well.

You see, there can only be one winner, and this year that winner will be…

Broderick… Broderick… Broderick.

My sister’s boyfriend’s daughter’s bromide’s (don’t ask – I don’t understand this word either) boyfriend’s dog doesn’t have to tell me that a car commercial which parodies the great Ferris Bueller’s Day Off will be the best offering at the game today.

If you doubt my prognostication skills, shame one you.  For your viewing pleasure, I bring you what will surely be the best commercial debuting during the Super Bowl this year: Matthew’s Day Off.

You’re welcome.

(You’re still here? Why are you still here? Go on – read another article.)

In Which Golf Balls Might Explode

Knowledge is power, and understanding our past is essential. As is knowing the proper rules for golf during a firefight with the Nazis. After all, who can argue the importance of knowing when and when not to take a penalty because an explosion moved your golf ball while you are on the course?

Image courtesy of io9.com

World War II had a major impact on Europe, but the fact that the British were prepared for the coming onslaught is somehow reassuring. I, for one, am all for preparedness (I was a Cub Scout, even if I was never promoted to the elusive Boy Scout status).

I think the Richmond Gold Club should be commended, though perhaps the direction of their focus could have been redirected a bit. But then, the Axis powers had just bombed one of their buildings in a fierce display of anti-golf anger. Perhaps their ears were still ringing, causing them to focus on the finer points of golf rules instead of the safety of their members. But hey, what golf club really cares about its members’ safety, anyway?

(Thanks for io9.com for bringing this to light.)