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October 2008

What Not to Wear

When did it become acceptable for little girls to dress like hookers? I am outraged at our society’s attempts to sexualize our daughters. I don’t blame the advertisers or manufacturers who sell this stuff. I blame the parents – especially the fathers. As dads we must protect our daughters’ innocence. We cannot turn a blind [...]

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The Barbershop

The barbershop is a great place where men (young and old, white collar or blue collar) can be men. When I say barbershop, I mean a place that has actual barbers – not stylists or manicurists. You simply cannot blow off steam and revel in your manhood while getting your nails done. I like the [...]

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I Heard It From God

I have a bad habit of not fastening my seat belt until I’ve driven a few blocks down the road. This behavior drives my five year old son nuts. Last night, he was fed up and gave me a piece of his mind. “Daddy,” he said. “You didn’t put on your seat belt before you [...]

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Power Rangers, Piñatas, and Birthday Parties

Birthday parties have come a long way since I was a kid. Today, they are elaborate productions complete with themes and catered meals. And when the kids reach their 16th birthday, they expect the soiree of a lifetime. My blood boils each time I watch the spoiled brats on MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16″ con [...]

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How to Live

Today, I would like to share a poem that inspires me titled, “How to Live.” It is a guide to living life to the fullest. I first heard it last year on The Writer’s Almanac with Garrison Keillor. Since then, it has helped me to refocus my life when things get crazy. How to Live By [...]

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Education is the Key to Ending the Cycle of Poverty

I grew up poor. That fact became quite obvious to me when I started attending gifted schools in the wealthier areas of town. While all of the other kids had the latest fashions and the newest Atari video game systems, I had to settle for the clothes and toys that my mother could afford. My [...]

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A Father’s Take on Things That Matter Most

I read several blogs each day and I’m amazed by the talent that I encounter. I recently came across a blog titled iAMrj.com. I was immediately drawn into the author’s post, “A father’s take on things that matter most.” The piece is insightful and heartfelt. It is the type of post I wish I had written for [...]

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Parent Teacher Conference

Today my wife, K, and I went to our daughter’s Parent/Teacher conference. I’m embarrassed to say that this was the first conference that I have been to since she was in kindergarten (she’s in second grade now). Nee was ecstatic when she found out that I would be attending the conference. Actually, so was I. [...]

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36 Hours in Dubai

After leaving Iraq, my colleagues and I had 36 hours to spend in Dubai and here is what we did: Wednesday, 12 p.m. 1) FIRST IMPRESSIONS A driver was waiting to pick us up at the Dubai International Airport. His name was Raj and he had emigrated from India to work in Dubai. This booming [...]

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Leaving Iraq, Finally

My work in Iraq is finally done. Despite the hardship on my family, I was glad I got to visit the country. Things are not nearly as bad as they are portrayed. For the most part, I felt safe and secure. Obviously, there is much work left to be done to rebuild the country, but [...]

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Freedom Ain’t Free

As the weeks passed, the generals and colonels who were on my team grew more comfortable with me and let me in their inner lives. I stayed up late many nights listening to their stories. They were so rich and full of excitement and adventure. One of the colonels told me this story: I was [...]

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