Here's something we don't see every day!

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15:47

15:47 is the magic number that's getting all kinds of airtime here at Chateau~du~Berf. Sara finally made her required qualifying time for a two mile run in under sixteen minutes!

She's been strutting around all weekend like she just won the lottery, and we have no problem with that! She's worked her little butt off these last 40 weeks trying to speed up her run time!

She's got some great coaches too, that probably are the ones who should be proudest of all! They worked with her quite a bit, never giving up hope!

Defining Berford

One of the great things about the Internet and Blogger is the ability to see people tracks. You know, where people are coming from and where people are going (even though the user may not fully realize it). The Site Meter at the bottom gives me statistics on site visits. Most website administrators use them but don't tell you (see how freakin' honest I am?)

I'm saying this because I have the ability to see what search engines people use to find this blog, and the search terms that they used. I think the number one search term to find this site, even if it's not exactly what the searchee was looking for is "Day Old Bread". Who knew that so many people wanted to learn about Day Old Bread? I've gotten hits as far away as the United Arab Emirates and Japan!

To those that find me through a similar search. You will not find recipes for day old bread here. You will however find MY day old bread (or dirty laundry to use another analogy). I use this term simply because I am a baker by trade, and to me day old bread is the leftovers that just sit around. Nothing more, nothing less.

So, if you're looking for a recipe for Day Old Bread you won't find it here. You might find it here or even here but NOT here!

Glad to help, no thanks needed!

Before and after

Bloo the Wonder-Dog had a day out today, getting the Super-Hero treatment that every Super-Hero deserves. Along with a shampoo, haircut, nail-trimming, tooth brushing, ear cleaning and free bandanna, she got her Wonder-Dog cape dry cleaned!

We went to Paw-Fection Grroming Salon in Mattydale and only spent $40 (with a $5 off coupon from Craiglist)

Below are before and after pictures of our caped crusader...

Sign sign everywhere a sign

Which way do I go, George? Which way do I go?

I first noticed these signs which appear to say you can't get there from here a few years back. I've always said "I gotta take a picture of that and see if anyone else thinks it's as goofy as I do". So I did.

The big question is, do you know where it was taken? I'll give you a hint. It's in my town.

Treading Water

Are you better off today than you were eight years ago? By a twist of fate I can say that I am, and I thank God every day for it.

By virtue of my position as a Labor leader, I don't think this success is courtesy of the Bush Administration. Most (95%) of the people I've asked in the past few days say they were better off financially in the mid-to-late 90's and their quality of life has deteriorated steadily in the past eight years. Blame (or credit) the war, the yen, Bush or your mother-in-law if you like but this country is being held captive by Big Oil and Big Business. Tax breaks for the rich, shuttered factories for the working poor.

I miss the middle class, and I want it back! I don't enjoy being a member of the working poor party and it breaks my heart to see others do the same. It's getting to the point where there will be two economic groups- the rich and working poor.

I'm doing my part by fighting the corporate machine, and by getting more involved in politics. What are you doing?

Please, take a moment to answer the poll on the right side of this blog and help me to help you gauge Americas opinion of itself.

Redco ribbons

Show your support for the striking members of BCTGM Local 50 at Redco in Little Falls NY by wearing a ribbon on your right shoelace!

Bakeries and food manufacturing plants across the region are seeing red over this Redco labor crisis! Out on the street since Novemeber of 2007, thses strong minded members are supported fully by Local 116

More Shameless Plugs for Bloo the Wonder-Dog!

This would make a great Halloween background on my screen!




And this will get her into the doghouse quicker than hell!



And here's a blast from the past that's one of my favorite profile pictures!

Sea of Pink

My last post was about Jannie Roehm, and her failed attempt to beat the monster known as breast cancer. She was a friend, a leader, and a welcome face to many at the Cicero Lavalles dojo. she is missed by many, I'm sure.

This week Master Jeff and Sensei Maryanne Sgarlata embarked on a program to sell pink bracelets for as little as $1. They'll match the first $500, donating all proceeds to the Carol M Baldwin Breast Cancer Research fund. Businesses are kicking in donations, as well as young children who are bringing in their saved up change.

One of the rules at the dojo (for safety reasons) is that no jewelry is allowed on the floor during class. It seems an exception has been made for these bracelets, and it also seems that these bracelets have actually become part of the Cicero uniform in that 99% of all students are wearing them. It gives me and the missus a warm fuzzy feeling to see all these families united in their support for Jannie, a good-hearted person on a good-hearted mission whose time to move on came much too early.

Breast cancer has once again risen to a high focal point in our lives, and I'm naming the Baldwin Foundation as our "Charity of the Year". My mother beat the beast, as have other family members. The physical and emotional pain this disease can inflict on a person and on a family is devastating.

We've done our part, for the time being. Will you do yours, please?

Godspeed Jannie

The world has lost another wonderful person at a tragically young age. Jannie was a fighter, and an asset to the human race. Through the thickest of battles she managed to smile and exhude strength and spirit.

When we enter the dojo and bow in we will be bowing to you and your spirit. Thank you Jannie, for being a part of our daily life.

Your L O S T Fate?

What is Your Fate on Lost?

Created by BuddyTV

Black Belt Cycles

As many of my friends know, both of our younger children are very active in mixed martial arts (karate) and have been enrolled at Lavalles USA Black Belt Champions Cicero dojo for a little over three years. The kids have grown a lot in those three years, and together my wife and I are certain that the decision to get the kids involved at this location is one of the best decisions we've ever made regarding their upbringing. Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Self Control, Perseverance, and Indomitable Spirit are the underlying tenets of their role as members of this "extended family"

My 11 year old son earned his Black Belt after two cycles. He's an athletic type and while hard work, he made it seem like it was a simple walk in the park. My beautiful 9 year old daughter is now in her second cycle, and is finding it more challenging. She does a great job in class sessions, but the required running is a tremendous hurdle for her. She's been working hard running four times a week in an effort to lower her times to the benchmark set by Master Sgarlata. Yesterday she was 19 seconds away from passing that benchmark, and honorably, the Master offered her another chance. That didn't go well at all. She's upset, but we're trying to keep a positive outlook and will be there to encourage her next time.

Cycles are a much more intense workout than regular classes are, because the student is proving that they've worked hard enough to go to the next level. They spend a great deal of time working out and exercising to meet the goals required for that next level. They're 16 weeks of having a carrot dangled in front of them, the carrot being their next belt whether it be first degree, second degree, third or beyond. You won't get to cycle if you haven't earned the opportunity, and you won't make it to Power Weekend if you don't meet the goals. for some these goals and challenges are more difficult than others but the Masters and Sensei's won't invite people into cycle that they don't believe posses the "gumption" needed to succeed. There's people who have needed up to nine cycles to achieve their next level, but those in charge believed enough in them to keep at them until they made it through.

That's what the martial arts is about. It's not about kicking someones butt, it's not about breaking boards and cinder blocks (although that is one of the more popular aspects of Power Weekend!). It's about the discipline to succeed. It's about believing in yourself. It's about Modesty, Courtesy, Integrity, Self Control, Perseverance, and Indomitable Spirit as I mentioned before. I feel a bit of a hypocrite for not enrolling myself. Unfortunately health concerns prohibit that from becoming a reality. But being around people who live these principles has helped to make them a part of my life also. I can't run with them or work out with them but I can live the principles that I expect them to.

Anyways, GOOD LUCK Sara! We're rooting for you!!!

Penny Curtiss Job Fair

The following companies and agencies will have representatives available for displaced Penny Curtiss workers on January 25, 2008 at:

VFW

2000 Lemoyne Avenue

Syracuse NY 13211

Penny Curtiss Training, Job and Services Fair


Employers Attending:

Anoplate Corporation
Byrne Dairy
Fleischer’s Bagels
George Weston Bakeries, Inc. (Stroehmann Bakeries)
ICM/CPS
McLane Northeast
Muench-Kreuzer Candle Co.
NYS Department of Corrections
Solvay Paperboard
The Raymond Corporation


Training Providers Attending:

CBIT – of Syracuse University
Columbia College
Crouse Hospital School of Nursing
ITT Technical Institute
LeMoyne College
Onondaga Community College
Oswego County BOCES
SUNY Educational Opportunity
SUNY Oswego
Syracuse City School District
Syracuse University


Agencies Attending:

Americhoice by UnitedHealthcare

Thank you my friends

This is an open letter to all those that have offered encouragement and sympathy and positive reinforcement the last few days due to the closing of Penny Curtiss Baking Company on the north side of Syracuse.

Thanks very much. Your kind words and thoughts are appreciated, as are those from all those here that I've come to know over the many years I've been a resident of Yada (and these forums in general- the North and business people have also been very kind to me)

Everyone keeps telling me that "You're the lucky one, you've still got your job with the Local". I'm not so sure that's good luck or bad luck. I'm the one that will be behind the scenes, cleaning up the mess negotiating the severance, insurance continuation, and other end-of-employment issues. So it's actually like being brain-dead and having nobody there to pull the plug (figuratively speaking, of course).

I'm sure the next few weeks are going to be very trying and emotional at times. This past 5 days has kind of been a fog, but the reality is starting to set in, like yesterday. I've spent close to 20 years pulling into that parking lot and have never been treated like I don't belong there (even during the strike back in 93), but that was exactly the case on Saturday. Some guy that doesn't know a proof box from an oven told me that I couldn't be there and it was like getting slapped in the face!

I'm hopeful that many of you are correct (even our resident sourpuss Critic02!) in that everyone will eventually say that the closing of PCB was the best thing that ever happened to them. I'm not to worried about the young kids, or the old men. They'll either use the NYUI option of going back to school for re-training or start collecting their pensions a few years earlier than originally planned. It's those 'tweens' that I'm concerned about- too young to retire and too old to start over. Those are the people I'll have in my mind when I sit down with the company for our first day of effects bargaining next week.

Protecting Assets

Today was interesting. I drove by the plant out of curiosity and passed two former co-workers. We stopped to chat as they had some questions for me. After about 5 mionutes a guy who looked like a sophmore in high school came out and asked "Can I help you guys with something?"

I replied" You came to us, shouldn't I be asking YOU that?" He then told me that I was blocking the entranceway to the shipping docks (that had a locked 8 foot gate going across it) and ould have to move! This is all happening on the side of the road, not on their property, mind you. I then replied" Why, is someone coming to take that gate out?" At this point the rent-a-cop got on his Nextel and reported "Sir we have a possible security breach at the west entrance. Do you advise I notify 911?"

I turned around to finish my conversation with my friends and around the corner about two minutes later comes the Director of Asset Protection for the parent company (or so he claims)! He came up to me and asked if I was there to start trouble. I said "No, I was just driving by and saw these two guys so we stopped to chat for a minute. By the way, don't you have people you trust to watch over an empty factory so you can have a day off on the weekend?" He replied that it was his job to protect unsecured assets and his schedule should not worry me! I then turned to our high school Pinkerton and warned him that "Hey, if your boss can't trust you with an empty building, maybe it's time you learned something from the 160 people you're keeping out. You could be next"