My Last Post

And now, the end is near, 

And so I face the final curtain. 

My friends, I'll say it clear; 

I'll state my case of which I'm certain. 

Well, the end is near.  Not the end of you or I, but the end of 2010 and this blog.  What started out as a late night ramble on New Year's Eve 2009, an experiment in expression, turned into a satisfying creative outlet and a nice narrative of our preteritus annus.  I didn't generate a lot of followers, although someone from Moscow and someone from Hawaii seemed to come back often.  I do know that certain family members enjoyed the blog.  Thanks to anyone and everyone who has read these prosaic posts.  And, at least, it will serve as a certain legacy of mine, a written record that my kids can pass on to their kids...

We not only survived 2010 and all its oddities, but we flourished.  It was quite the exasperating year, from the trials and tribulations of trading, to the Attack of the Magnutron, the weird whirling dervish-like weather, aardvarks running amuck (no wait, that didn't happen) and two darling kids who think they are teenagers.  It was extremely sad that we lost Nana after 92 years; but we must be thankful that everyone remained healthy throughout the year (no major bellybutton surgeries).  And throughout it all, we were fortunate enough to do some wonderful traveling and to experience many memorable events.

2011 will certainly bring some major challenges.  It's always something.  Work is work.  Josh is getting closer to being a bar mitzvah and has recently fully discovered an interest in the opposite sex.  Jilly will need braces soon and is just too cute for her own good.  Fozzie is still kicking and Cubby (all 72 pounds) is maturing into a cuddly dog with delightful personality who still likes to eat things.  Our cars are getting on in miles/age.  We still have the AZ properties to deal with.  The Cubs have yet to win the World Series (seriously, resigning Wood is our best hope???  Ah well, there's always the next, next year.  Cubs winning it all in 2012 would definitely signal the apocalypse!)  But we'll figure it out.  We always do.  We are the Go Go Greene's.  And 2011, even though it's a dumb sounding number (although prime), will bring even more travel adventures and many more warm and wonderful memories.  And remember:  you got to get in to get out.

Last road trip of '10

Happy 48th Poppa Bruce and Bubbe Lenore!!!

I couldn't have done it without you!

Last list monday of the year...Goals for 2011

• Survive 2011 (i.e. no major belly button surgery or such...)
• Trade consistently profitable at an increasing rate (sub-goal:  out-trade my mentor, JM)
• Take family to Europe (well, not all of it....just the highlights)
• Read more (and read more in Europe)
• Finish novel (the story of a trader trying to take his family to Europe)
• Get into better shape, only slightly (sub-goal:  not increase poundage)
• Sell/re-lease AZ properties
• Plan a family re-union trip for 2012
• Get new cars?  (that's a long shot...besides, shouldn't we have jet packs by now)
• Watch the Cubs win the world series (well, you can't accomplish everything)

A Christmakah Miracle

Well, the kids were thrilled that Hanukkah Harry made his annual re-appearance.  They awoke to stockings stuffed with schmata (really, just tiny toys).  Took the family to see the slightly amusing Gulliver's travels.  And, we have decided to forego the Chinese fooooooood tradition, to partake in leftovers of the lovely bride's lovely Christmas eve prime rib (and stuffing) dinner.  Oh, and to eat the pretty sugar cookies the females made last night.

Oy to the World!

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature stirred (except for maybe in the garage), not even a mouse;
The menorahs were already put away with care,
Yet hopes that Hanukah Harry soon would reappear;
The children watched late night TV, all snug in their beds,
While visions of Iphone apps danced in their heads;
And mama in her jammies, and I with dogs on my lap,
Had just settled down for a cold and damp winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon reflecting on the ocean down below
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects, you know,
When,  my wondering eyes gave me a start,
For there were three donkeys pulling a cart,
With a little old driver, bent and wary,
I knew in a moment it must be Hanukkah Harry.
And from Mt. Sinai his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Moische! now, Herschel! now, Schlomo!
Oy!  This 8 night thing has got to go!"
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Oy to the world.  Oy to the World!"
So up to the house-top the donkeys they flew,
With the cart full of toys, and gelt, and dreidels too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney Harry came with a lot of sound.
He was dressed all in blue, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes smelled of latkes, despite all of the soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
With a 6 pointed star emblazening his sack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, after drinking too much sherry!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He filled all the stockings and did a quick hora,
next year, he thought, Hanukkah in Bora Bora;
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his cart, to his team gave a cough,
And with a few hee-haws, they were off.
On this gut yom tov, he exclaimed with much love,

"Happy Hanukkah to all, and to all Mazel Tov."

Surviving the solstice

Well, we have survived the bleakest of all days:  the winter solstice - the shortest, darkest of days.  Day lengths are on the upswing now.  Sun spans stretching.  I look forward to those two weeks in June when it's actually sunny when I drive to work.  This solstice was especially gloomy, for it has rained for 37 days straight.  Well, it feels like it.  Frank wasn't kidding when he sang, "California, it's cold and it's damp..."  The county is actually in an emergency state due to flooding and mudslides.  If your mud slides, is it still your property?  Walking the dogs today during a respite, the sidewalks were literally rivers that would the BG creek to shame.  Oh well, it'll be hammock season soon enough.

Working Waffle

I just got to say:  it's been a challenging work year, to say the least.  Things seem to be turning for the better.  I see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Nothing like a challenge to get me motivated.

List Monday - Year in review

• Kids first sushi restaurant
• San Luis Obispo
• Las Vegas with wife
• Segway tour of Newport Beach
• Arizona 
• San Diego with wife
• Atlantis 
• San Francisco
• New hammock
• New York with wife
• sailing camp
• Chicago trip (without me)
• Myrtle Beach
• Arizona, again
• Mammoth
• SF/SLO (without me)

Not a bad year, so far......

Joshiepoo

Enjoying pre-bday spa day (not how I remember turning 11).

Today in history:

• 1431 – Henry VI of England is crowned King of France at Notre Dame in Paris.
• 1497 – Vasco da Gama rounds the Cape of Good Hope, the point where Bartolomeu Dias had previously turned back to Portugal.
• 1707 – Last recorded eruption of Mount Fuji in Japan.
• 1773 – American Revolution: Boston Tea Party – Members of the Sons of Liberty disguised as Mohawks dump crates of tea into Boston harbor as a protest against the Tea Act.
• 1826 – Benjamin W. Edwards rides into Mexican controlled Nacogdoches, Texas and declares himself ruler of the Republic of Fredonia.
• 1914 – World War I: German battleships under Franz von Hipper bombard the English ports of Hartlepool and Scarborough.
• 1944 – World War II: The Battle of the Bulge begins with the surprise offensive of three German armies through the Ardennes forest.
• 1971 – Independence Day of the Kingdom of Bahrain from British Protectorate status
• 1991 – Independence of The Republic of Kazakhstan.
• 1997 – An episode of Pokémon, "Dennō Senshi Porygon", aired in Japan induces seizures in hundreds of Japanese children.
• 1998 – Iraq disarmament crisis: Operation Desert Fox – The United States and United Kingdom bomb targets in Iraq.
• 2020 – Joshua Greene writes great American novel.

Births

• 1485 – Catherine of Aragon, Queen of England (d. 1536)
• 1770 – Ludwig van Beethoven, German composer and pianist (d. 1827)
• 1775 – Jane Austen, English writer (d. 1817)
• 1899 – Sir Noel Coward, English playwright, actor and composer (d. 1973)
• 1917 – Sir Arthur C. Clarke, English writer (d. 2008)
• 1941 – Lesley Stahl, American journalist
• 1945 – Yukio Hattori, Japanese Iron Chef commentator
• 1946 – Benny Andersson, Swedish musician, singer and songwriter (ABBA)
• 1949 – Billy Gibbons, American guitarist (ZZ Top)
• 1962 – William "The Refrigerator" Perry, American football player
• 1963 – Benjamin Bratt, American actor
• 1979 – Tramar Dillard, American Rapper, better known as Flo Rida
• 1999 - Joshua Greene, Boy Genius...

Von Trapp Family Players....

things I want to show kids in London, Paris, Italy (if we go)...

• Big Ben
• Tower of London
• Eye
• Greene King Ale
• Westminster
• Chunnel
• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre
• Rodin's house
• McDonald's on the Champs De ellysee
• bursting sidewalk fountain
• Venice's Jewish quarter
• Ponte Vecchio
• Il Duomo
• Tower of Pisa
• Vatican City
• Bocca del Verita
• McDonald's by Spanish Steps
• Amalfi coast

(list is a work in progress)

Bono on Frank (it's his birthday)

Frank never did like Rock and Roll.
And he's not crazy about guys wearing earrings either.
But he doesn't hold it against me.
And anyway, the feeling is not mutual.

Rock and Roll people love Frank Sinatra
Because Frank has got what we want:
Swagger and attitude.
He's big on attitude.
Serious attitude, bad attitude.
Frank's the Chairman of the Bad.
Rock and Roll plays at being tough,
But this guy, well, he's the Boss.
The Boss of Bosses, The Man;
The Big Bang of Pop.
I'm not gonna mess with him, are you?

Who's this guy that every city in America
Wants to claim as their own?
This painter who lives in the desert;
This first-rate, first-take actor;
This singer who makes other men poets—
Boxing clever with every word,
Talking like America—
Tough, straight-up, in headlines,
Comin' through with the big stick,
The aside, the quiet compliment.
Good cop, bad cop, all in the same breath;
You know his story 'cause it's your story.
Frank walks like America—cock-sure.

It's 1945 and the U.S. Cavalry are trying
To get their asses out of Europe,
But they never really do.
They're part of another kind of invasion:
AFR—American Forces Radio (sic)
Broadcasting a music that'll curl the stiff upper-lip of
England and the rest of the world;
Paving the way for Duke Ellington, the big band, Tommy Dorsey.
And right out in front...Frank Sinatra.

His voice as tight as a fist,
Opening at the end of a bar.
Not on the beat, over it, playing with it;
Splitting it like a jazz man, like Miles Davis.
Turning on the right phrase and the right song;
Which is where he lives, where he lets go,
Where he reveals himself.
His songs are his home and he lets you in.
But you know that to sing like that,
You've gotta have lost a couple of fights.
To know tenderness and romance,
You've gotta have had your heart broken.

People say that Frank hasn't talked to the press.
They wanna know how he is, what's on his mind.
But you know Sinatra's out there more nights than most punk bands.
Selling his story through the songs,
Telling and articulate in the choice of those songs;
Private thoughts on a public address system.
Generous.
This is the conundrum of Frank Sinatra—
Left and right brain hardly talking.
Boxer and painter, actor and singer;
Lover and father, bandman and loner.
Troubleshooter and troublemaker.
The champ who would rather show you his scars than his medals.
He may be putty in Barbara's hands,
But I'm not gonna mess with him, are you?

Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready to welcome a man
Heavier than the Empire State,
More connected than the Twin Towers;
As recognizable as the Statue of Liberty,
And living proof that God is a Catholic!

Will you welcome the King of New York City, Francis Albert Sinatra!

Michelangelo's (in SF) without me :(

Happy early 11

Highway to whale

Chanukah presents, so far...

1. soap
2. socks
3. wafer cookies & Cherry RC cola
4. almond cookies
5. flannel shirts (both Chanukah and Christmas colored)
6. computer software
7. waffle, eye pad (literally)

Hooray for Hanukah Harry!!!

Hamlet the Hamster....

....wishing you a very sparkly Hanukkah....and condolences for his very distant cousin who was found dead inside a rolled-up  carpet in the garage.  Wifey, sufficiently grossed out to snap into action, quickly usurped the gardeners to load said carpet into car, take to consignment shop, and ultimately, sell independently to a lady visiting said consignment shop.   Way to go Wifey!

Jilliart

Bubbe Lenore

December 2, 1941...not much exciting happened.  EXCEPT FOR THE BIRTH OF MY MOMMY.  The little mousketeer-like girl from Brooklyn turns 69 years young today.  No one could ask for a more loving, caring, (worrying), devoted mother.  A mother often suspected of having super powers:  shoveling snows taller than her tiny frame, mysteriously showing up at stores where her unsuspecting offspring were unsuspecting, and able to whip up every kind of gourmet meal.  Amazingly, she successfully raised three challenging boys while her diligent husband often traveled for work.  I love you Mom. 

Some other notable 12/2 events:

the first US synagogue opens in RI in 1763.  Napoleon becomes emperor.  Monroe doctrine.  Manifest Destiny.  Castro becomes presidente.  George Seurat, Maria Callas, Alexander Haig, Stone Phillips, Lucy Liu and Brittany Spears share this birthday.  

Chappy Chanukah!

List Monday - the Hanukah List

1. I wish Hanukah didn't come so early this year.  Still digesting turkey and stuffing.  This will make for a long Christmas season.
2. I wish Ipad 2.0 comes out sooner, rather than later.
3. I wish Cubby could pick-up his own poopie.  Speaking of poop, I wish for less Justin Bieber and more Vampire Weekend.
4. I wish the Flubbies would sign a left-handed first basemen who can hit 60+ homers next season.  I wish they unload Z.  And I wish for career years from Rami and Fonzie.
5. I wish to see Europe with my family ( I wish they appreciate it) in the new year, and possibly, Cabo.
6. I wish the housing market returns to pre-bubble levels.  Or I wish Michael Buble buys my AZ casa.
7. I wish to master my vocation, become closer to my wife, walk my dogs more, and to yell less at my offspring.
8. I wish for health and happiness and success for mine and yours....

Week in review

Beautiful weekend in Mammoth, despite the blizzard and driving into s snowbank. Relaxing visit with the P's. Delicious turkey day feast thanks to my awesome chef of a wife. Nice day at work. Beardface is no more.  And top it all off with date night.

The Cubby & Bubbe Show

Jilly: Bubbe, I think Cubby just drooled on your head!

Happy Hanksgiving

Let us take a moment to rejoice.  For on the fourth thursday of the eleventh month, we celebrate the Henry's of the world and all of the glorious gifts that they have given.  For without the following Hanks, the world would be a lesser place:

Henry Aaron, the ultimate Hammerin' Hank, gave us O'Henry bars;
Henry the Eighth gave Herman's Hermits a silly song;
Patrick Henry gave us liberty or death or something;
Henry Lou Gehrig, the Iron Horse, gave us the answer to a trivial question:  Wally Pip;
Kissinger gave us detente;
Fonda gave us daughter Jane in Barbarella;
Ford gave us the model T;
Wadsworth Longfellow gave us a melodic Neil Diamond serenade;
H. Ross Perot gave us a ridiculous presidential campaign;
Billy the Kid gave us a cool Billy Joel song;
Hank Moodie gave us Californication;
John Denver gave us a Rocky Mountain high;
Heimlich gave us an invaluable maneuver (especially on Hanksgiving Day);
Paulson gave us the great recession (well maybe he shouldn't be on the list)
Miller gave us one of my favorite authors;
David Thoreau gave us one of my least favorite authors;
and the most important Hank, Henry Winkler gave us the Fonz.

So, enjoy your holiday and give a toast to the Hank's of the world and to all that they have given....

Jilly's Favorite Animals

Pokey = King Charles Springer Spaniel

Waking in a winter wonderland

Wholly Mammoth

Cali never ceases to amaze. Enjoyed driving thru the belly of the state, along the perimeter of a perfect storm, passing Edwards AFB, Death Valley, forests of Joshiepoo Trees, eating bugles for breakfast, while doing Christopher Walken impressions. "Too spooky."


Jilly: Look at the snow. It's like Parmesan cheese.
Josh: The flurries are like a 3D movie.

Off to the snowball fight. Go go Greene's.

list monday - favorite fast food

1. Potbellies
2. Popeye's
3. White Castle
4. Wahoo's
5. Dunkin' Donuts
6. Fat Burger
7. Chik-fil-A
8. Chipotle
9. McDonald's
10. Arby's

honorable mention:  Sbarro's, Wendy's, Cousin's

AZ is...

Enjoying the big blue skies, purple mountains framing the saguaro laden valley, new casino, old dining haunts, older neighbors, lush resort of beautiful Scottsdale.

A naval coincidence?

Recently, the cruise ship Carnival Splendor had an engine room inferno and was set adrift in the shark infested waters off of Baja Mexico. My wifey blames the fire on my incendiary bellybutton that went MIA while we festively cruised on said ship a year and a half ago. Coincidence? We may never know.

The Awesome Adventures of Suuuuuuu-per Cubby the Wonderdog

Gifted with nuclear, electro-magnetic, and ocean-breeze powered strength, our hero loyally protects the homestead against threatening tyranny....especially lizards in the yard.  But, on occasion, a superhero may find himself with a lack of ferocious foes and, well, get bored.  Not knowing the full capacity of his own abilities, the Cubster, in a moment of weakness (and lack of a discerning palate), ate his Mommy's hand weights, a coke can, and a cardboard box.  Now, that's one tough (but cute) doggy.  Neither his toughness nor his cuteness, however, prevented him from landing in canine incarceration.  That's right:  puppy jail.  

Will eating weights make our hero's stomach stronger?  Will eating an aluminum can make a bowel movement worth recycling?  Will Cubby survive puppy jail?  Stay tuned for more exciting adventures of Suuuuuu-per Cubby the Wonderdog of intestinal fortitude.....

Portrait of the artist

At work

Sure, it looks like a video game.  And in fact, Josh could probably react to the market's gyrations faster than me.  

List Monday - Best Resorts I've stayed at

1. Esperanza - Cabo
2. Vedema - Santorini
3. El Conquistador - Puerto Rico
4. Atlantis - Bahamas
5. Delano - Miami Beach

honorable mention:  El San Juan, The Hotel at Mandalay Bay, Dolphin Bay Inn - San Luis Obispo, Westin Kierland

Principessa Jillian

Jilly says:

would you care for some beef jockey?

Beardface

I'm in the mood for a melody...

  Instructions:
   1. Open your library (iTunes, Media Player, iPod, etc)
   2. Put it on shuffle
   3. Press play
   4. For every item, type the song that’s playing
   5. When you go to a new item, press the next button
   6. Don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool…

   …

THE MOVIE OF MY LIFE

Opening Credits: "Suburbs" by Arcade Fire (though I consider myself urbane, I seem sentenced to the sprawl)

Waking Up:  "Breathe" by Pink Floyd (a mellow wake-up with some sound advice)

First Day of School: "Hungry Heart" by the Boss (hungry for knowledge)

Falling in Love: "Dream a little dream of me" by Etta James/Louis Armstrong (right sentiment)

Fight Song:  "Wild Horses" by U2 ("you're dangerous...")

Prom:  "Homemade Love" by Journey (obscure but appropriate - I stayed home during my prom)

Life: "Closer to the Heart" by Rush ("...too mold a new reality...")

Mental Breakdown: "Save if for later" by The English Beat  (nice manic mood)

Driving:  "Power" by Kanye West (horsepower?)

Flashback:  "The Harder They Come" by Jimmy Cliff ("...as sure as the sun will shine...")

Getting Back Together:  "She bangs the drum" by Stone Roses (sounds good)

Wedding:  "She's got a way" by Billy Joel (not one of our wedding songs, but could've have been - "she's got a smile that heals me")

Birth of Child:  "Ecstasy" by Poi Dog Pondering (Happy, happy days)

Final Battle:  "Misunderstanding" by Genesis (well, I guess we know what the final battle was about)

Death Scene:  "Come on Eileen" version by No Doubt (I'm not dying, and don't call me Eileen)

Funeral Song:  "Life is Good" by Los Lobos (more of an anti-funeral song; oh, the irony)

End Credits: "Brilliant Mind" by Furniture (well, that goes without saying after reading this blog...)

Excerpt from a story by Josh (after his being grounded for the first time)

Epelouge (sic)

Life can be fun if you make it fun.  You can be too hard on yourself and be cruel.  The story of my life isn't nearly over.  This is just a small slump with some issues.  Elaina and I smile at each other.  The cop hasn't bothered us for days.  Me and my friends gamble for candy.  I get plenty of hugs from Tori.  The things I tried improve happened to improve.  I'm 99.9 percent sure Elaina would want to go out with me if I asked her.  Not ready for that though.  I need some more love advice.  The moral of this story is that some things are good for a bit, then they crash, burn, fall, and perish in a demonic fashion so cruel that you cry yourself to sleep.  But, things can only work out if you try.  You see, I tried towards Elaina and now we wave to each other when we leave everyday.  I kept getting down on myself towards school, and now , I'm on the student council.  Some things work out....