Bernie "Jed" Solomon 1932-2009

It has been nearly a month since I last wrote, and I apologize for the long absence from the blog.  Things over the past 4 weeks have been pretty crazy to say the least.  To start, my grandfather, who many of you lovingly knew as "Jed," passed away 2 weeks ago.  For those of you who did not know Jed, he was absolutely crazy and hilarious.  You never knew what he was going to do or what was going to come out of his mouth, and he made for some really good times.  I'll miss him a bunch, but every time I think about him he always brings a smile to my face.  I'll share one of my favorite stories with you now.

During a break from college, I went over my grandfather's house to hang out with him for a while and shoot the shit.  We were talking for a while, and Jed was running through the usual list of questions:  Are you getting laid? (No)  Are you gay? (No)  What's wrong with your pecker? (No response)  After the questioning, Jed started flipping through the channels.  Then he looked at me, got a gleam and his eye, and said, "You'll like this, pay attention."  I knew something was going on in his crazy head, and of course, my suspicions were confirmed...when he turned on the Playboy Channel.  "I just ordered this from those schmucks at DirecTV.  It's free for three months."  We then watched the Playboy Channel for the next hour or two before I left.  Jed asked me all kinds of great questions like, "What do you think of her bazooms?" and "Do you think this shit is real?"  I have to say I feel pretty damn lucky to say I'm probably the only person on this planet to watch the Playboy Channel with his grandfather.  

Of course, my grandfather wasn't always about raunchiness and swearing.  He was deeply devoted to me and my brother, and always took the time to see how we were doing and ask about our day.  He was a great man, staunchly devoted to his convictions, and I imagine I get some of my bull-headedness and stubbornness from him.  He was quite a presence, and there's going to be quite a large void in our family due to his passing.

Jed, you were quite the character, you'll never be forgotten.  RIP.

- Kaps

Song of the Day:  Oasis - Shock of the Lightning