Daniil Simkin and Dmitrij Simkin - My Way
June 28, 2008
A friend sent me a link to this video and while I’m not much of a ballet fan I found this performance by the Simkin’s of Russia, a father and son team, quite entertaining. They dance to Paul Anka’s ‘My Way’ and the performance makes quite a statement about living your life in your own way and driving yourself to be the best you can be in whatever it is that makes you you. At least that’s my interpretation of this performance.
I hope you enjoy it. (4:43)
For more information on the son, Daniil, visit Daniil’s Website.
Fathers Day Thoughts
June 14, 2008
- A special shout out to you dads who aren’t going to be at home with your families. Whether you’re in Iraq, Afghanistan, on travel, or stuck in a hospital, etc…. I hope you’re able to connect with your loved ones by phone, email, or in some way on this special day called Fathers Day.
- For those of you who aren’t friendly with, or close to your dads, and have grown apart, Fathers Day is a great opportunity to reach out, as awkward as it can be, and tell your dad you still love them. Most of us dads are far from perfect, and in some cases we can be downright jerks. But, you’re only issued one dad in life, and your dad is the best dad you’ve ever had! I wouldn’t recommend waiting for dad to break the ice because we dads are a stubborn and stupid bunch of fellas.
- My dad died a long time ago when he was just 60 years old. At the time he had one grandkid who was just one year old. He’d have a dozen or so if he were alive today. To think about all he’s missed is heartbreaking. If only he had quit smoking he may be here today enjoying life as a proud grandfather. Take care of your health dads! If not for yourself, then for your families and future grandkids that need you!
- Finally, for those of you who knew Tim Russert you were undoubtedly shocked to learn of his sudden death yesterday. He was 58 years old and in his prime as a journalist. More then a journalist, he was a man who loved his parents, loved his kids, and loved the things that shaped his life, like the Buffalo Bills and other sports teams he grew up admiring. He wrote some “dad books” in recent years that we could all learn a few valuable lessons from. A couple of his great books…
My dad got me hooked on watching the Sunday morning political talk shows when I was 18 years old and I’ve watched them ever since. Tim and Meet the Press was one show that I’d never miss and one of only two Sunday morning shows I tivo. There will be a lot of watery eyes tomorrow morning and Sunday morning won’t be the same without him. My heart goes out to the Russert family.
Cancer Sucks - Beating Cancer Rocks
May 16, 2008
The letter below was forwarded to me from my sister. The author works with her husband, my Brother-in-Law. I don’t know Mark, but he’s the kind of guy I’d like to know. Rather then sit around complaining and worrying after being diagnosed with cancer, he’s taking care of business and trying to do some good. Best of luck Mark!
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As many of you know, I love cycling. When I first arrived in Boston in June 2007 I made a commitment to enter the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) 
and ride almost 200 miles to help raise money for the world leading Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). Little did I know at the time that I would become a patient at DFCI and that I would tackle a much more personal challenge in the fight against cancer.
It all started in the fall of 2007 with a little late night bravado talk with Greg Pellegrino and Michael Marino about who could do the PMC ride and still walk the next day. The competitive instincts kicked in and we pushed each other on until there was no way to back down and the three of us were registered for the race – Michael didn’t even have a bike!
I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (MM), a type of blood cancer, on April 2nd, 2008. This was a big shock to the system for me as I always thought of myself as fit and healthy with a deep passion for cycling, mountain biking, triathlon, skiing, hiking and just about any other sport that will take me outside. As it turns out, I am not as healthy as I thought I was. There is no cure for MM at this time, but there is now innovative treatment available that will hopefully put me into remission and allow me to live a totally normal life for many years to come. With a wonderful wife, twin four year old children and an army of supporters by my side, I have a lot to fight for. I am ready to do battle and I know I will win.
So with the diagnosis, I had to pull out of the PMC. At least that was what I thought until Wil Carroll, a Senior Manager in Boston with a long standing relationship as a volunteer organizer with the PMC figured out how to convert my registration to a ‘virtual rider’ rather than an actual rider. Greg and Michael simply wouldn’t let me off the hook and said, “we started this together and we’re going to finish this together”. They each donated $1,000 to my fundraising efforts and I was off to the races - I am still going to participate in the PMC this year. They also went one step further, Michael and Greg agreed to commit all of their fundraising efforts to my name.
With a goal of $34M in 2008, the Pan-Mass Challenge is a very important fundraiser for DFCI. “The PMC has made what we do at Dana-Farber possible,” said Dana-Farber President Edward J. Benz, Jr., M.D. “When they write the history of how cancer was conquered, the PMC will be in chapter one.” DFCI has been at the forefront of research that has led to huge leaps forward in MM treatment in the last five years and with more highly innovative treatments in the pipeline, the outlook is very promising. In fact, my doctor told me last week that the book on MM is being completely re-written right now and that I have been given the pen. With that, I am going to work harder than ever to help raise funds for DFCI to help them continue their world leading research and find the cure – I would appreciate your help in making that happen.
My goal is to raise enough money in this year’s PMC to qualify as a “Heavy Hitter” fundraiser and ride it in person next year, after successfully completing my treatment. Please join me in this fight and make a donation – large or small, it all counts and every penny makes a difference.
Here is a link to the website with more information. To make a donation click on the “make an e gift” link on the right:
Alternately, you can make a contribution by visiting www.PMC.org and selecting “make a donation”. My fundraising site can be found by searching on “Mark Price, Medfield MA US” or by entering my eGift ID of “MP0175”.
Thank you and stay well,
Mark Price
California Pinheads Trample on Parent’s Rights in Homeschooling Case
March 7, 2008
I’m stunned by the news that a CA appeals court has ruled that parents are not allowed to educate their own children unless they are credentialed educators. Over 160,000 children in CA are taught at home and this ruling means that these children must start going to a public school or private school with teachers that have credentials.
The case will be appealed and I’m hopeful less radical judges will rule to give parents rights that are as inalienable as the rights we all have as Americans. When did we Americans lose our right to raise our kids? When did teachers unions get the right to take our children against our will and indoctrinate them?
We parents must draw the line now before the “village” pushes us aside completely. If the arrogant pinheads ever get control of our healthcare system they’ll use that as an excuse to begin controlling what we feed our children, what they wear, how they groom themselves, and more. They’ve already made it their business to pass along their version of sex education. When is enough enough!?
For more details check out the article in the San Francisco Chronicle:
Homeschoolers’ setback sends shock waves through the state
Some relevant links:
Homeschool.com - great info and links for homeschoolers
Homeschool Legal Defense Fund - Hopefully they’ll be their standing up against the facist’s trying to wrestle our parenting rights away.
Typical Homeschooling Mom
National Sex Offender Registry
March 4, 2008
This site is worth bookmarking if you haven’t already. It allows you to see which of your neighbors are in the sex offender registry. Simply put your address in and you’ll be privy to who in your area has a record you should be aware of. They also offer an alert service where you’ll be notified if someone on the registry moves in nearby.
National Sex Offender Registry
Achmed the Dead Terrorist by Jeff Dunham
March 2, 2008
My boys just ran down to tell me to watch this video clip, ‘Achmed the Dead Terrorist’, which is a comedy sketch by Jeff Dunham. I wish I wasn’t the 32nd millionth person to watch it, but better late then never. It’s one of the most viewed youtube videos and one that every dad should watch. Then you can decide whether or not to share with your kids.
Laughing Dad at Comedy Barn
January 27, 2008
If you haven’t seen this video it’s a must watch. If you don’t laugh during this you’re hopeless. Enjoy.
Thank Our Soldiers
December 23, 2007
A soldier serving in Iraq sent me this link today and asked me to share it with everyone I could. Please forward the link along. Thanks.
The word is spreading…
The Seattle Seahawks, in stadium at Qwest Field and on www.spiritof12.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers, in-stadium at Heinz Field
The Seattle Storm, in-arena at The Key Arena
The Seattle Supersonics, in-arena at The Key Arena
The Portland Trail Blazers, in-arena at the Rose Quarter
YouTube, www.youtube.com/gratitudecampaign
KOMO 4 News, http://www.komotv.com/home
KING 5 News, www.king5.com
When You’re Ready to Buy What You REALLY Wanted for Christmas
December 22, 2007
When you’re all finished showing off your new sweaters and ties to your coworkers and you’re able to fit back into those ever-shrinking pants of yours (WHAT cause them to continually shrink!!??) set yourself down and visit the:
At the Shack Shopping Mall you’ll find dad things that’ll keep you dreaming for hours! The best thing about this site is the home theatre forum area here you can learn a lot just by reviewing prior posts or post questions you want answered. The experts behind the site and the site “groupies” will walk you through your questions and you’ll end up making better purchase decisions when you’re ready.
Sean Taylor will be Missed
November 27, 2007
As a lifelong Redskins fan my heart is very heavy today as I learn that Sean Taylor passed away early this morning from a gunshot wound he received during a robbery at his home near Miami.
Sean was just 24 years old and was just starting out on his journey as a dad with his 1 year old daughter Jackie. His coaches and teammates commented on how much his life had changed since becoming a father.
Here’s what Clinton Portis had to say:
Redskins teammate Clinton Portis also played with Taylor at the University of Miami. He had sensed a new maturity in his close friend.
“It’s hard to expect a man to grow up overnight,” Portis said. “But ever since he had his child, it was like a new Sean, and everybody around here knew it. He was always smiling, always happy, always talking about his child.”
We’ll miss you Sean Taylor!
