Happy Father's Day (Homer Style)

Father and Son

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY FROM 'THE SIMPSONS"
BART, LISA AND MAGGIE: START COUNTING YOUR D'OH! SUNDAY IS FATHER'S DAY!

With Father's Day just around the corner, FOX asked one of television's favorite dads, Homer J. Simpson, what's on his wish list this year:

HOMER SIMPSON'S FATHER'S DAY WISHES

1. French fries made of onion rings.
2. A time machine full of beer.
3. Not to have to see my father on Father's Day.
4. For someone to take 'cool ranch' flavor to the next level.
5. For Marge not to be mad at me because I didn't get her anything for Mother's Day.

A devoted husband, Homer leaves his wife with few complaints. When pressed, however, Marge did once acknowledge to a marriage counselor that Homer 'forgets birthdays, anniversaries, holidays (both religious and secular), chews with his mouth open, hangs out at a seedy bar with bums and lowlifes, blows his nose in the towels and puts them back in the middle, and scratches himself with his keys.' Despite these few foibles, Homer loves his family, and he'll do just about anything to prove it -- even if that means making himself look foolish.

Homer at peace

Sometimes frustrated at being fat and bald, Homer enjoys flashbacks now and again, which show him fat with a full head of hair. Two things, though, always remain constant for Homer, no matter what happens to him: his happy-go-lucky nature and his love for Marge and his kids."


Nuclear X-Ray - D'oh!

Bonus: Homer sings:

Radar Love
Space Cowboy

(Fox Broadcasting)

The Almighty Woo - Bennett Wedding Rehearsal

The Five Choir Boys - Brandon, Mike, Best Man Harp; Blake and Josh (f)


Father Breen of St. Ann's explains how to pull the trigger on a proper entrance...


Walking into the outstretched arms of Jesus; thanks Lord for your kindness that leads to repentance...


Father of the Bride... Harvey & Nora...


The stellar lineup...


Carolyn, Megan and Katherine strike a pose...


Daughter Megan & Mrs. WonderDawg share a moment...


Laughter is good medicine for the bones...


Maggiano's - bring the entrees on!

View the complete set at the WonderDawg Flickr page

The big wedding day countdown...

I'm so proud of my son Gary marrying Nora tomorrow!



We've taken to Elijah seen here at a Easter egg hunt with Nora to the right..

We've been at it with lots of preparations, although being parents of the groom hasn't been as demanding as what the parents of the bride deal with logistics wise - since we're focused mainly on the rehearsal dinner side of things. Nonetheless, the emotions, activities and demands placed compounded along with my job loss have been a challenge... but that can be dealt with on Monday.

We're here to celebrate the grace of God and His kindness for our children - for that, we are blessed to see Gary and Nora united in holy matrimony.

---

Meanwhile, liveblogging the tux fittings:


Elijah doing the Vegas thing...


Mrs. WonderDawg and Harp the Best Man chillin' or gellin'


Maybe wearing a tux will help me land that non startup job...


Brandon with the coolness...


Gary, checking the fit...

Off to the rehearsal and dinner tonight...
More later...

View the complete set at the WonderDawg Flickr page

Who'll take the Son? a parable...

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art like Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art. The young man held out his package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this."

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?" There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted. "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one." But the auctioneer persisted. "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?" Another voice shouted angrily. "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!" But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?"

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?" The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!" A man sitting on the second row shouted. "Now let's get on with the collection!" The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over." "What about the paintings?" they cried. "I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!"

God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, "The son, the son, who'll take the son?" Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

a parable - author unknown


who'll take the son...

Neckties through the ages

Neckties

Like them or not, neckties are the Father's Day gift. Just in America alone, more than $1 billion is spent each year to buy a staggering 100 million ties. That's roughly one tie for every male over the age of 20 in the United States. Yet only 25% of men in America own a suit; that's why one will see guys suitless at weddings or funerals.

My personal observation of churches that has a unspoken dress code of suits places a barrier for men not attending. Jesus says all are welcome. Some churches steeped in deep legalism and man made rules misapply the scripture that Jesus is the door, but instead act like the screen door, picking and choosing who is allowed in... I digress...

I personally like getting ties as my wife has great taste. Let's be honest here - would you rather have a tie or a turtleneck, or worse a "dickey"? No offense, but if you wear turtlenecks, you're obviously anti-tie. And into Ninja Turtles.


stylish turtleneck

A piece of trivia - should Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek ask you "Neckties originated from what country?" what comes to mind?

If France or Italy come to mind, think again. And think Croatia. Michelle and Stephen Crocker are the Australian distributors for Croata ties and accessories, and say that many people are surprised to learn that Croatia is the mother country of the tie.

"It is as synonymous with Croatia, as coffee is to Brazil or watches are to Switzerland" Michelle says. The country proudly produces neckties and scarves of high-quality silks and cottons with modern and classic designs that reflect Europe's past."

Read more: Croata News


Croatian soldier


I believe them! The citizens of Croata take it seriously; "...the largest tie in the world was tied around the Pula Arena. The creator of this grandiose art installation was Professor Marijan Busic, the head of the non-profit making establishment "Academia Cravatica", which promotes the tie as part of the Croatian and world cultural heritage."


largest tie in the world

Resources:
Neckties Through the Ages

a father and his son

father and son - Neal Lauron/Promise Keepers

This photograph from Promise Keepers' Stand In The Gap captures a father's heart toward his son. On Saturday, October 4, 1997, Promise Keepers held the largest reported religious gathering in U.S. history, hosting a reported one million men on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. A media person termed it "The largest gathering of Christian men since Moses crossed the Red Sea."

The non-political display of Christian unity called Stand in the Gap: A Sacred Assembly of Men invited men to the nation’s capital to worship God, confess sins before Him, inspire reawakening in the Church, and commit to a change of heart, mind, and way of life.

One of the covenants expressed that day was, "We covenant by your grace to love and serve our wives and children. We commit to give them first priority in our prayers and schedules. Today, each of us declares, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Where we have used our masculinity against others, we now commit to honor all women and value all human life through our words and in our actions."


a man prays for his wife...

On this Father's Day weekend, here's a reminder to turn your heart as a father toward your children:

10 Ways to Be a Better Dad

1. Love Your Children's Mother
Absolutely the best thing you can do...A husband and wife who let their kids know they're in love provide a secure environment for their children.' If Dad and Mom accept each other, then they must accept me, too' is the hidden message...and that's a powerful declaration of security for any child. The best family education? Having parents who love and cherish each other.

2. Spend Time With Your Children
How you spend your time reflects what's important to you. It's a simple truth kids know long before Dads do. No matter what you might say to make up for lost time, if your children feel you are not as concerned about them as you are with work, or some other interest, they'll perceive that they're not valuable. To kids, perception IS reality. Which is why there's no greater love a father can give than giving of himself for his children.

3. Earn The Right To Be Heard
Want your child's first thought when they're facing adversity to be ' I wonder if Dad's available?' Then build the road that will lead them home now. That means taking an interest in their views and their issues. It means being honest, and vulnerable. It also means talking about anything...and often. Children want to be led, but the successful father earns the right to lead."

Read the rest here

Father's Day Proclamation

Photograph (c) Kayetie Claggett

Being a father is a great responsibility and a great joy. From the moment their children are born, fathers face the daily tasks of being mentors, protectors, providers, and friends. Fathers take great pride in watching their children take their first steps, learn to read, and attend their first day of school. On Father's Day, our Nation honors fathers across America, and we express our deep gratitude for their selfless love and sacrifices.

Caring, decent, and hardworking fathers give much of themselves. By offering unconditional love and providing guidance and discipline, a father is a source of stability and one of the most important influences on his children. A father's example helps shape the character and values that his children will carry with them into adulthood, and the lessons he teaches remain with them for a lifetime. By encouraging his sons and daughters to set high standards, work hard, and make good decisions, a father shows his children that they can meet life's challenges and be good citizens.

Responsible fatherhood is essential to a compassionate society in which all children are surrounded by love and taught the importance of respect, honesty, and integrity. My Administration commends all those who are working to strengthen the bonds between fathers and their children.

On Father's Day and all year long, we honor our Nation's fathers and express our love and appreciation for them. We also honor the many proud fathers who are serving our country on the front lines of freedom. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice, and we pray for them and their families. These men have answered a great call, and they set an example of duty and honor for all Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Congress approved April 24, 1972, as amended (36 U.S.C. 109), do hereby proclaim June 19, 2005, as Father's Day. I direct the appropriate officials of the Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on this day. I also call upon State and local governments and citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Father's Day, 2005

Homer Simpson's Father's Day Wishes

Father and Son

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY FROM 'THE SIMPSONS"
BART, LISA AND MAGGIE: START COUNTING YOUR D'OH! SUNDAY IS FATHER'S DAY!

With Father's Day just around the corner, FOX asked one of television's favorite dads, Homer J. Simpson, what's on his wish list this year:

HOMER SIMPSON'S FATHER'S DAY WISHES

1. French fries made of onion rings.
2. A time machine full of beer.
3. Not to have to see my father on Father's Day.
4. For someone to take 'cool ranch' flavor to the next level.
5. For Marge not to be mad at me because I didn't get her anything for Mother's Day.

A devoted husband, Homer leaves his wife with few complaints. When pressed, however, Marge did once acknowledge to a marriage counselor that Homer 'forgets birthdays, anniversaries, holidays (both religious and secular), chews with his mouth open, hangs out at a seedy bar with bums and lowlifes, blows his nose in the towels and puts them back in the middle, and scratches himself with his keys.' Despite these few foibles, Homer loves his family, and he'll do just about anything to prove it -- even if that means making himself look foolish.

Homer at peace

Sometimes frustrated at being fat and bald, Homer enjoys flashbacks now and again, which show him fat with a full head of hair. Two things, though, always remain constant for Homer, no matter what happens to him: his happy-go-lucky nature and his love for Marge and his kids."


Nuclear X-Ray - D'oh!

Bonus: Homer sings:

Radar Love
Space Cowboy

(Fox Broadcasting)

Sermonette: Are You A Rolling Stone, Papa? (don't shout me down)

Hey momma was it true?

Reverend Martin G. 'Mike' Ramey gets blunt -

"A few decades back, The Temptations came out with a successful song entitled "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". I invite you who are single and have contributed--or are thinking about contributing--to the increasing OOW rate to do a web search and get a copy of the lyrics.

Papa Was A Rolling Stone
Norman Whitfield/Barrett Strong

it was the third of september
that day I'll always remember, yes I will
'cause that was the day that my daddy died

never had a chance to see him, no
never heard nothing but bad things about him
mama, I'm depending on you to tell me the truth
mama just hung her head and said

"papa was a rollin' stone
wherever he laid his hat was his home
and when he died
all he left us was alone"

As a matter of fact, as a piece of advice to single women everywhere, pick up a copy of the lyrics yourself and see IF that single man you are seeing happens to fit the profile of the brother described in the song.

Brothers, the song will provide you with a great idea as to how your future children will feel, if you don't settle first things first and M-A-R-R-Y that woman whom you may be interested in--before you even think about becoming a father."

Read Reverend Martin G. 'Mike' Ramey's sermon as he's preaching up a storm - "Are You A Rolling Stone, Papa?"!

Don't shout the brother down when he's on a roll, AMEN?

Groucho Marx sings "Happy Father's Day"

Groucho Marx

Groucho Marx sings "Happy Father's Day" courtesy of Bruner - Thanks very much!

Al Bundy: A toast to TV's best (and worst) dads

Al Bundy, Disaster Dad

(from MSNBC) "Married with Children" patriarch Al Bundy pushed the envelope of what TV dads could get away with. In one episode, he accidentally shot the neighbors' dog. When he took wife Peg away for a night to celebrate their anniversary, he did so solely to watch a boxing match on the hotel's TV.

No one is safe from Al's insults — he criticizes his wife, his kids, and everything about his shoe-store job. Yet Al is really his own worst enemy, as he flunks his driving test, goes on a spending spree with a credit card made out to the dog, and moves his family into the shoe store while their house is being fumigated. He didn't want to sleep with Peg, but at the same time, he was never going to leave her or the kids. Kelly and Bud, meanwhile, seemed to know they've lost the Dad Lottery, but it really never bothers them — they both have enough problems of their own.

Read more about other dads such as Frank Costanza, Dan Conner, Archie Bunker and others - A toast to TV's best (and worst) dads (MSNBC)

Some fatherly advice from Al:

“Uh, children… Let me tell you a little bit about sharing. Don’t do it! It only leads to trouble. Your mother and I have shared a bed and nothing good came of it. Twice.”

“Kelly, let me tell you something. Guys will come and guys will go, but your dad will always be your dad. Until he can’t take anymore and hops on a freight train.”

“Peg, if I wanted you to know what I’m thinking, I’d be talking.”

Al Bundy - a loser? Tell us how you really feel Al...

“So you think I’m a loser? Just because I have a stinking job that I hate, a family that doesn’t respect me, a whole city that curses the day I was born? Well, that may mean ‘loser’ to you, but let me tell you something: Every morning when I wake up, I know it’s not going to get any better until I go back to sleep again. So I get up, have my watered down Tang and still-frozen Pop Tart, get in my car with no upholstery, no gas and six more payments to fight traffic just for the privilege of putting cheap shoes on the cloven hooves of people like you. I’ll never play football like I thought I would, I’ll never know the touch of a beautiful woman, and I’ll never again know the joy of driving without a bag on my head. But I’m not a loser. ‘Cause despite it all, me and every other guy who’ll never be what he wanted to be are still out there, being what we don’t wanna be, forty hours a week—for life. And the fact that I haven’t put a gun to my mouth, you pudding of a woman, makes me a winner!”

“Oh yeah, laugh now! But when the millions start pouring in, I’ll be the one at Burger King, sucking down Whoppers at my own private table!”