Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.


Watched the all-time classic yet again this year. Sophia and I love it. The meandering yet steady piano orchestrating the "action" is as much a feature as the pre-technology animation is. How cutting edgy was this? No way in this so-called politically correct nation we live in now would any producer ever create such an obviously Judeo Christian slanted show, one that even quotes the bible. This must have been a real gamble in its day.

There is simply no way I can watch this show without being transported back to a simpler, carefree time when Christmas really seemed like a season, and not a "reason". By this I mean a reasom for the sales, pushing each other at 5 AM in mall parking lots, and the never ending onslaught of spending enticements.

So if for nothing else, you can lose yourself in the simple message, the easy animation, and actual children's voice-overs and not polished adult actors. Of course there was a time when such a production was truly cutting edge.

For starters, Charlie Brown is a generally a downer. The music, while I personally love it, is a bit melancholic with the haunting piano solos. Obviously the dollar drives all decisions on television, and the mere fact that Charlie Brown is on for the 42nd year would speak volumes to its commercial success.

Nothing says Christmas season is upon us like the simple old Charlie Brown. This show is as much a part of "Christmas" as Santa. Again, the threads of my childhood run through the fabric of my own child. Really quite cool, not to mention I still really enjoy the show. I think this year I'll download this excellent soundtrack of yesteryear via today's IPod technology.

Onions, Celery, and China

THANKSGIVING 1982

The first Thanksgiving Day smell I remember is celery and onions. When PinF would wake up as a child in Drexel Hill it would inevitably be to the peculiar odor of onions and celery being sauted in butter in preperation for the stuffing. To this day nothing else evokes memories of past holidays like this odor wafting through the house, as if the concoction is is signaling your brain that it's Thanksgiving. So it was as I stood over the stove this morning stirring the translucent vegetables as my mind wandered through Thanksgivings past.

Sophias' tucked away in her bed comfortable in the knowledge that as soon as the parade begins I'll be waking her so she can enjoy the many floats, celebrities, marching bands, and pomp as it marches, dances, and floats its way through Manhattan.

So much has changed. So much. This time last year I awoke to yet another Doctor as I stood in my kitchen doing exactly the same things. He sought my authorization for what would become an increasingly steady list of procedures. I can remember trying to steel myself as he so matter-of-factly discussed what he intended to do and telling myself that I was doing the right thing, and to be strong. I wonder too, where we all would be a year from now. Well we're here, my father isn't. Life is so much about what has been as much as is about what will be.

To think that 44 years ago today myself and my parents were all linked and together in Delaware County Memorial Hospital as I made my debut into the world almost seems surreal. So again as I prepare to carry on and create the memories for my daughter that my parent's created for me as I ponder my blessings and experiences that have me made the man, and father I am today here in Florida.

We're all woven into each other for better or worse. We all leave indelible smudges and scatches on each other. I was reminded of this as I began my routine this morning and I began to assemble the different china pieces I would need for the meal and noticed a chip here or there. I have beautiful china given to me by my mother who herself was a recipient of the same from her mother, my grandmother. The link is static. It runs from my maternal grandmother to her daughter- my mother, and then straight to me. Touching this china today evoked thoughts of the many McCormicks and friends who've laughed, cried, argued, and enjoyed meals and company via the meals they've served, myself included as a child long, long, ago. It's like living history. I never break them out now except for Thanksgiving. Still their poignancy and history is rich and powerful.

As I picked and chose my pieces Sophia appeared behind me, wiping the sleep from her eyes she said "wow, papi where'd we get these?"....she was thinking we had new tea party china. So it was that I explained that this china is probably 70 or more years old, and that it was her great-grandmother's. "Wow" she said, as she grasped the history and beauty of the pieces. I told her that one day when she is grown and has her own home that she too would have the china. And in this small way her family's Irish side slowly and poignantly is conveyed through tangible and historic means.

Sophie's calling me every other moment now, telling me this person is appearing or this float is coming.....funny how Thanksgiving is as much a repeat of past years as it a continual absorption of family values, histories, and traditions. There isn't the madness of four siblings that I enjoyed as a child, yet there is peace and complacency that I didn't have as a child. So as much I wish Sophia had siblings and maybe more family to share with on this day, I'm also cognizant of the quality of time we have in this format. I remind myself too that Sophia's memories of her days as we live them are based soley on what "she " knows, and not my memories. Result being that she loves her solitude, routines, and traditions that we've come to create and enjoy, not to mention being #1.

PinF's blessings are many, and as I renew another year of my journey I always get a chance to look at the bigger picture by virtue of the holiday I was born on. I miss my dad and remember sitting on his shoulders trying to see the parade on Broad Street. I'm thankful for my mother too, as this day forever connects us; being born on Thanksgiving as I was. I gotta run now, as Sophia has called my no less than 6 times asking me when we're going to watch the parade together. The onions and celery have filled the air, the china has graced the tabled. Memories, past and present are rich and palpable as they are constantly being made as well as pondered.

Life is good, I am truly thankful all that I have. Nothing is dearer or more appreciated than that of having that cute eight year-old beseeching me to join her for the parade, little does she know she's starring in her memories of tomorrow.

Happy Thankgiving from Florida.

Happy Blog Day

So I drag myself out of bed. It's 40* and brilliantly sunny. I feed the cat. Boot up my computer in between making coffee. See there's a message on my ceel phone--strange, who calls pre 8AM on a Wednesday? It's my birthday I realize as I begin to listen to the message.

The older I get the less I realize my birthday, I guess that and the fact that Sophia is not with me yet, so I don't have my 60lb. walking, talking, reminder. I check my email, then blogger. Surprise! I'm my own 20,oooth visitor to PinF.......fitting I suppose. Happy Birthday to me.

SBJ

Sweet Baby Jesus----do I see nearly 20,000 visitors? OMG. There is a special something for that 20,000th PinF reader.....the countdown has begun

College Calls

Another autumn gem of a weekend here in PinFland. An all day beach excursion with Sophie on Saturday that included the Juno Beach Art and Crafts Festival was followed by our main event, Villanova-Northwood. This event became more exciting the closer to tip-off we got. Sophia, worldly as she is for an eight year-old, lacks completely the experience of sporting events with which to compare. There was a palpable buzz on campus as we made our way to the brand new Countess de Hoernle field house. About the size of a typical high school gymnasium, it was a real treat to see a Division 1 basketball team this close. Throughout the game Sophia screamed, hooted, and hollered for "her" Wildcats. She had tried to get me to buy her a posterboard to make signs supporting her 'Cats. I declined. She of course had other plans. She brought along her pad and markers and made "Go Wildcats!!" signs, and "Boo Seahawks", waving them throughout the game. Funny stuff.

The "game" in of itself really wasn't about winning or losing, rather it was more a story of recognition, and in this way Northwood did just that. In attendance were rollie Massimino's long time friends and almost his entire championship squad from 1985. Really neat. Villanova's team seemed like giants sitting as close as we did, not to mention next to the Northwood team. One of the nicest touches were some of the Hall of Famers in attendance, Chuck Daley, Billy Cunningham, and even hockey great Bobby Orr(seated coutside in photo to left). Incredibly many in attendance either didn't know of this, or were too young to know who they were. We happened to be making our way to the concession stand and I came face to face with NBA great Billy Cunningham. I asked if I could have a photo of Sophia and him, and he was most obliging, bending down low so that I could fit his 6 7" frame into the photo with Sophia. I didn't realize my camera was set to video though, so I got a mini video instead.

While walking back to the car we passed the student housing, which in this case are cute townhouses. Sophia asked who lived in these and I told her the students. She was surprised and asked where their parents lived. At home I told her, and that college was a special time that you got to live in a little house with other girls while you studied. She warmed to the idea and said she'd like to attend Northwood, that way she could be close to her mami and me.

For Sophia college must seem like light years away. For me it looms just beyond tomorrow's horizon. I can only hope that she'll feel this way when she's 19. My heart hopes she's close, but my mind tells me she's going to go far, from home and in her life. Either way, I'm sure she'll remember this, her first "college visit".

PinFer's Paradise Flight Leaves Sunday

Whoa Nelly !! PinF almost went missing worldwide. I checked my 19 million dollar Lotto ticket only to discover one number....two numbers.....three numbers...(already a winner)....four numbers!!!....and.....and.....that was it. I was one of 4,377 players who hit four of six....a mere two numbers away from overindulgent, worldwide decadence and galavanting. Damn. You can bet all the friends of PinF would've been boarding my chartered jet for the celebration party!!!

Still PinF's investment cost him $10.00 and he earned $85.00, leaving him with a net profit of $75.00 to re-fund his Lotto ticket, which it should be noted rolled over and is now worth an estimated $23 million for Saturday. Better keep a "to-go bag" packed....I've been feeling kind of lucky lately, I don't want to sound prophetic on the PinF site---but I think Saturday will be the day. You've been warned.

David Becomes Goliath

My Old man loved basketball, college basketball to be exact. And when it came to college hoops it was the old Big Five that he loved. The University of Pennsylvania, Villanova, Temple, St. Joseph's, and LaSalle. If he had to whittle these five down he would take Temple, St. Joe's, and Villanova. If pressed further he would easily tell you there was no comparison in choosing his favorite; it would've been Villanova. I clearly remember that magical journey, almost befittingly matching the date: April 1st, 1985. The only fools that day were the mighty Georgetown Hoyas lead by Patrick Ewing as they walked off the court that day almost dazed by what had just transpired.

My father would talk about that game for the next twenty years of his life. He loved the grit, determination, and the unwillingness of the smaller, and on paper- mis matched "David" against the nationally touted and much feared "Goliath"- Georgetown Hoyas. God he loved that team. It was therefore quite fitting that he was buried on a day that I think he himself would have been proud of-- St. Patrick's Day, and Villanova's semi-final game of the NCAA playoffs. I made remarks to this effect when I spoke at his funeral, saying something to the effect that had he been attending a funeral on such an auspicious day it would have been an "Amen, God bless and let's get to the game", and for no one to be sad, because he would have wanted everyone cheering for his boy's at 'Nova and enjoying St. Patrick's Day.

PinF saw it by chance. I was perusing the Palm Beach Post sports page as they gloated over the Dolphin's improbable victory against the Bears in Chicago, when I saw that tiny Northwood University right here in West Palm Beach was ushering in a new era this Saturday night. This tiny business school was beginning a new chapter in their history with the inaugaration of a men's basketball program. The news flash here is that they lured the legendary and disheveled Rollie Massimino out of retirement to coach their program through its infancy. The fact that this school only has 900 students makes this a big deal, the other fact of note would be that almost the entire student body wasn't even born when Rollie lead his Wildcats on their improbably title run.

I'll be in the stands Saturday night. I bought two tickets of the 1600 that the tiny field house can accomodate. The first game? Division I Villanova. These NAIA upstarts figure to have no chance, none, nada, zilch. Of course this would be missing the point. It's already been announced that Hall of Famer Billy Cunningham will be there, so will legendary Hall of Famer Chuck Daly, along with a host of national press, as this will be the first game in the new field house built for Rollie's team. I'm sure there will be no shortage of luminaries on hand as Rollie has proved to be quite the ring master when it comes to garnering attention for his program and calling out big favors for the school and team. This of course is not about winning, it's about competing and learning. I was planning to take a buddy, but now I'm leaning towards taking my little buddy--Sophie. She loves hoop, she loves Philly, and she's never been to basketball game, and with all the inaugural "hoop"-la, this could be just the ticket for her to get a taste of it.

I know this much is true. If my dad were here today he'd be on a plane down on Friday. He would've loved this. So PinF will be there, and Sophie too. And I'm sure in his own way, so will my dad.

GOT VOTE?

Mama Africa

Ok. PinF is in. I just stepped foot in Africa and have begun underwriting a childcare start up in Kenya. My portfolio is listed in my links and I will be adding a few more business startups shortly so do check in to see the progress, country, and industry that Sophie and I begin to help.

Whenever it warrants I'll even post a copy of any correspondences I have with my business owners/borrowers. For now I'm happy to welcome aboard Sarah Wanza and her cause. Her needs were nominal by most business standards, and I'm just happy to be a part of her team.

Compassion and Empowerment

I picked up Sophia from Catechism class yesterday and she informed me she had to write a mini report on the saint of her choice by next Sunday. I asked which saint she chose to write about. She told me she had chosen the saint named for her middle name, also named after my mother—Veronica. Legend tells us that she was the wife of the Roman officer who by defying public opinion demonstrated her compassion by wiping Jesus’ face with her handkerchief as he stumbled with the cross in Calvary, only to discover his image was transposed. She is said to have also cured the the Roman Emperor Tiberius soon after with this relic. This should be good, and I look forward to her report as she’s inspired if for no other reason than her namesake.

Sophie also had with her a paper bag that she is to fill with a non-perishable food item for next week. Sophie told me it was for “poor people”…she expounded on this and said “…..she had seen poor people before….” I asked her where, figuring she might be referring to the poor people she’s seen in her mami’s country. She said in the road begging for money, referring to the homeless Vets she sees panhandling in the medians at red lights on the way to ice skating. I explained there are lots of poor people, all over the world in fact and that it's good to give and to help them.

Skip back to last week, when I was on the Halloween candy begging tour with three little girls.

PinF arrived home haggard, wet, and semi-flu feeling from trick or treating in the rain last Tuesday night with his three rookies; a six year old and two eight year-olds. I set about making myself something warm to eat and sat down to watch a little TV, and was glad I did. I tuned into PBS just in time to see an incredible feature on the series Frontline.

The story involved an internet startup company (KIVA.ORG) that has funded small business ventures throughout the Third World where often times either corruption or red tape has prevented internationally funded projects like this from reaching their intended targets. This idea (KIVA.ORG) was different in the sense that the money goes directly from the internet lender to a carefully screened financial intermediary in the country. These intermediaries are carefully vetted and verified as credit worthy, non corrupt, and fiscally responsible.

The KIVA intermediaries serve two purposes. For starters they help the prospective loan seekers chart their business plan, their short/long term goals and their specific funding needs. In many cases since we’re talking about the Third World, the amounts of loans requested are under $500.00. Taking in account that the average wage in many Third World countries is often a dollar a day, this in fact is a major loan for the prospective borrowers.

Apparently, due to the overwhelming response after the Frontline special aired their servers completely crashed, leaving them with no web presence in the critical hours and days after their national exposure. PinF made note of their site and checked back occasionally until they finally came back online. Yesterday PinF logged in, read about their history, its operating officers, (former Google and PayPal execs) and their mission statement. Surprisingly enough KIVA has no agenda other than directly impacting the lives of small time entrepreneurs around the world. They have no religious or political mission and exist solely for the good of the people they serve. I liked this.

PinF was sold. The show featured some of the people impacted by the program, specifically in Uganda, and then it would cut to a young business professional in California. As he talked about the satisfaction of actually seeing his “investment” at work, and how he looked forward to the emails he would receive updating him of such. It occurred to me what a unique way to build a worldwide portfolio that directly touches lives, as opposed to sending a check to national non-profit juggernaut where you never “see” how or where your money goes or the impact it has.

PinF created an account to KIVA, and I would encourage others to read about this organization and consider joining me. This week PinF and his junior financial advisor Sophia will sit down and comb through the prospective start-ups that seek capitol, from there we will discuss the various people, where they come from, and their businesses. And like any lender we’ll choose which prospective borrowers have either a good idea or definitive need. I figure to loan $100.00 to start and invest in four different people/businesses. The site allows for loans as little as $25.00 and in doing so we will enter into a partnership with a person somewhere around the globe that we’ll be able to follow through correspondence and loan repayment updates. We plan to diversify, as such the site allows you to track your loans and chart them into what sectors/countries and watch as your loans are repaid and ultimately the impact you have on your borrowers’ business.

KIVA states that they have a 96% repay rate due to the diligence of their in-country partners as well as the seriousness of the prospective borrowers. Once the loans are repaid, we can then either elect to cash out or reinvest. This figures to be a cool interactive experience for both us, one that will ultimately teach several lessons, the least of which is compassion, and that brings it all back to her report on Saint Veronica. At least that's the idea anyway.

I so believe in this site that I'm going to add a link to PinF site, something I’m not to quick to do for any cause. Because I’ve been in Third World areas where I have see with my own eyes both the despair and the hope; I think this is worthwhile cause that people can make a real difference with a relatively small amount of money. This lesson is especially timely with the onset of the overly abundant and obscene commercialism and waste that is set to begin this holiday season any day now. Not to mention this exercise will offer Sophia tangible lessons that all tie into one another---investing in people and ideas, and seeing the result of hard work, most importantly it will illustrate the value of a dollar and the effect that individuals working together as a group can have.

We’re psyched, and will post our loan portfolio once we choose our industries/people.

Thursdays With Sophie

Thursdays are exhausting, for Sophie and me. We drive the 25 miles to the rink for Sophia's weekly installment of figure skating lessons. In as much as it does require a certain degree of sacrifice, I know I for one draw a much greater return for being a part of this activity. I'm also quite certain that my little ice princess will recall fondly our once weekly rides to and from the rink where we discuss everything and anything. Laughing usually makes up a large part of the ride, that and Radio Disney 1600 AM.

Still it's what takes place once Sophia is on the ice and separated from her papi by an inch of plexiglass that amazes, annoys, and fascinates me the most. PinF is one of very few men at the rink, usually finding himself surrounded by various women talking a whole lot of nonsense. I hear it all; the infidelities, new houses, new breasts, new jobs, divorces, and most any other mundane, and self absorbed subjects you can imagine.

All the while Sophia is constantly looking at me out of the corner of her eye, checking to make sure I'm watching her every move on the ice. I usually blank out these overbearing Gucci wearing suburban complainers by inserting the earplugs and kicking the Ipod, thank God. It's during these times that I'm in my own little world, feeling the chilled air and watching the children--all to a soothing musical backdrop--miles away from some cheesy story of some department store injustice being bandied about the disinterested mothers in my midst.

Of course Sophia knows nothing of these melodramatic events unfolding all around her papi. What she does notice is me. She's constantly looking to me for approval, encouragement, and support. It occured to me today that I couldn't remember the last time I didn't use swearing as an everyday part of my language. Thursdays are no exception. I find myself uttering (under my breath) "shit", or "damn" sometimes, when Sophia might fall. This is all decidedly contrasted by Sophia's utterances of "oopsies", or "whoops" when she makes a mistake. How nice that must be to be so innocent of angry and obscene words. Lord knows I cannot remember when it was that profanity didn't lace my words.

PinF made another observation today as well. As I watched my daughter I realized there is a certain feeling I can only get when watching my child. Almost and indescribale feeling, any parent will know of what I write. Of course you can probably feel the same way about a parent, brother , sister or mate---but I know that when I see my daughter trying so hard to excel and to please me there is a certain sense of protective pride that just comes over you as a parent. This type of feeling lends itself to understanding what your own parents meant, felt, and experienced before you.

So as I sat there today blanking out all that didn't matter to me and focusing in on my little ice skater, I thought of my own parents and how many times they must have had these feelings, either from watching their sons perform on stage, a ball field, or a basketball court. Sophia for her part is as aware of my presence as I am of hers; her reward is my praise, pride and adulation for her. Sure she wants to do good for herself too, but her real joy comes from my happiness, the thing she doesn't yet understand is that my happiness comes from her doing whatever she wants to, so long as she is happy.

Sophia was given her U.S. Figure Skating ID card today. She hurriedly skated over to the glass and slipped it in between for me to hold for safe keeping; I'm not sure who was prouder of who. So on we'll go with our Thursday rountine, it's been 2.5 years with no signs of quitting now, especially since I've seen her grow from a 5 year year-old full of wonder and fear, into an eight year-old full of poise and confidence.


For this I would've driven 100 miles.

The PinF's