I know...I know..."Energy Independence" might go the way of an oxymoron - it's a contradiction, in this global economy, according to the research. But, since the spike in fuel prices has risen so rapidly, I'm beginning to wonder, "Why can't this formidable , world leader, the United States of America, invent or create an energy system that will wean us off dependence on foreign, not national, fuel supplies? Remember our response to the Soviets in 1958 who launched the first satellite? We... Read Full Story

Tucked away in a corner of a former industrial city, in western Massachusetts, Pittsfield, to be exact, is one of the last remaining wooden ballparks in the country - Wahconah Park. If you are a student of baseball lore and hard-fought single-A minor league ball games, where the game is played purely, where baseball is an end in itself, not the means to earn gazillion$ and play for a corporate giant, then take a trip back into time and visit Wahconah Park, in Pittsfield, MA! You'll hear... Read Full Story

At the end of a windy dirt road, all that remains of our glorious "summer camp" is the fieldstone chimney. The cabin itself is gone, suffering arson at the hands of drifters who often bedded down in the cramped cabin rooms in the off-season. the cleared area where we parked all the cars and sat for our many barbeques, is choked with weeds and ornery, prickly bushes, some of the remaining wild blueberry bushes that supplied dozens of hot blueberry pies in my grandmother's kitchen back in... Read Full Story

At the end of a windy dirt road, all that remains of our glorious "summer camp" is the fieldstone chimney. The cabin itself is gone, suffering arson at the hands of drifters who often bedded down in the cramped cabin rooms in the off-season. the cleared area where we parked all the cars and sat for our many barbeques, is choked with weeds and ornery, prickly bushes, some of the remaining wild blueberry bushes that supplied dozens of hot blueberry pies in my grandmother's kitchen back in... Read Full Story

The pre-Presidential campaign has already heated up, with Barack Obama, presumptive Democratic nominee [...although Hillary Clinton may have something to say...], and Republican nominee, John McCain, have already traded barbs and blows about foreign diplomacy, the economy and the war in Iraq. But...listen very closely! Do you hear specific platforms for "change"? As opposed to just criticizing the opposing party? Just listen... What do you hear? That's right - nothing of substance... Read Full Story

High gas prices! Renewable energy! Global warming! And, of course, Recycling! But, Living Green?? Yes, "Living Green"! It might just be What Really Makes Sense as we face high energy prices, rising food costs, and the end of short-term solutions to E-Z living style we have all come to love - limitless everything! Check out this website and let us know what you think - www.greenlivingtips.com On the ethanol issue, whether or not we should harvest part of our food supply/corn crop for... Read Full Story

I recently read that the former mayor of Passaic, Mr. Sammy Rivera, charged with a Federal crime, vehemently denied any wrongdoing, going so far as calling his accusers as vindictive and politically motivated. However, when the Federal prosecutor presented Mr. Rivera with his possible jail time, Mr. Rivera suddenly had a change of heart - he admitted wrongdoing and accepted a plea bargain. My question - why do people LIE in the first place? As one of my students, Tommy P., so aptly stated... Read Full Story

By a majority, the Meadowlands Izod Arena stays open! But, do change the name! I feel as if I'm going to a clothing convention [Izod shirts?]...And, in other news, sadly, recent weather disasters have struck around the Globe - Burma, China, and in the U.S.A. Let's pray for the victims and their families that they may experience relief and healing soon...Did you hear? The U$ dollar, in Europe, will now cost you an additional $1.50 on top of your $1.00! The American "road trip" looks more... Read Full Story

As you will have seen/heard in the movie, "Field of Dreams," Ray Kinsella wished he could have taken back what he said to his father, before Ray ran off and never made it back to make peace with his father, before his father died. That really bothered Ray, and, became the reason , really, for building the baseball field - to get a second chance at "making it all right again..." Have you ever said something and wished you hadn't? Did you ever say something you've regretted? Wished you could... Read Full Story

There's a big battle brewing over which local arena should stay in operation - the Meadowlands Izod Center or the Prudential Arena in Newark. Those in Newark say their arena should be the ONLY NJ arena; while those in Bergen County vote for the Meadowlands. What do you think? Apparently, the Prudential Arena cost a little bit more (!) than was expected and the crowds and events aren't turning a profit for the owners as anticipated, while they claim the Meadowlands is taking business away... Read Full Story