The 2012 school year begins in a few weeks and classrooms across this Nation will open doors to millions of students; the enthusiastic and the apprehensive. I remember vividly my own 39-year public school teaching/coaching career, which began each year with the 'jump-start' teacher orientation meeting-rally. I have been retired from that daily grind for nearly eighteen years and yet, I still miss many of the mentoring challenges.
A couple of years ago, I attended one of those elementary grandparents' visitation days and I was surprised at the classroom environment. The individual desks were nowhere in sight. Children sat around 'group tables' except those who were laying on floormats eating 'Ding-Dong' cakes. I don't recall ever eating snacks in the Woodrow Wilson East St. Louis grade school back in 1949. As I surveyed my granddaughter's learning center, I did not locate the Palmer Method Penmanship workbooks. I suppose text messaging negates any need of writing skills not to mention grammar tools. That huge times-tables chart no longer hangs from the classroom wall but every student did have a calculator at their desk and we all know that the cash register at Wal Mart 'indicates' the correct change to return. In the gym, I did not see any kid do calisthenics, exercises or run. It is good that students don't sweat a lot in physical eudcation classes because no one takes a shower and some of those long hot fall days with thirty kids in a stuffy classroom; well you can imagine!
I just pray that my grandchildren and other children have the same excitement for each day and 'hope' for their future that my generation embraced. Many studies indicate that the teaching profession in this twenty-first century is more challenging, demanding and frustrating than ever. It is a general consensus that many of today's children are the most narcissistic, self-centered and entitled youngesters than ever before in our societal history. The teaching summon is compounded by a public that is quick to criticize educators and those political leaders who gain office and never follow through on those 'improve' education promises. One reason our Nation ranks low in achievement comparisons with other Nations is simply our lack of 'value' placed on education. What other countries encourage veteran teachers to leave the teaching profession to replace a higher salary with a lower beginning salary?
Until the day that I no longer draw breath, I will argue vehmently that 'those who teach are involved in this Nation's grandest of enterprises! I am proud of a son, daughter, daughter in-law and two granddaughters who will stand in classrooms welcoming young learners today who are our leaders tomorrow.
Romans 12:7 if your gift is serving others, serve them well; if you are a teacher, teach them well.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
"...as I have loved you?"
The long documented history of some church-going people 'putting' Jesus Christ's teachings in BAD light and driving folks from a religion continues as demonstrated by members of the First Baptist Church in Crystal Springs, Mississippi; more on that story later. Many 'white' folks for centuries have displayed animosity towards persons with 'dark' skin. This United States narrative began with the Native Americans; surely, nobody thinks that the Indians called themselves, "Redskins?" I am certain that had the Indians known that these new settlers came to their land seeking religious freedom they would have wondered, 'what kind of religion do these 'white' folks practice?'
The 'white-flight' from American cities also documents this intolerant attitude and desire for 'color' separation. A survey, a few years ago, supports the notion that many whites have forever used a 'shade barometer.' This survey reveals that LEGAL immigrants to the United States with lighter skin color earned 15% more income than those with darker skin. This suggests that many white people feel that there is a correlation: the darker the skin the less worthy the individual.
I recall another study on the topic and this speaks to the Mississippi First Baptist Church. I reference the report offered by Gordon W. Allport in his book, 'The Nature of Prejudice.' Allport's findings conclude that people having NO religious affiliation show on the average less prejudice than those who attend church regularly. Okay, here is the First Baptist Church (Mississippi) story: A news report alleges that an African-American couple who attends that church and made arrangements with the Pastor to be married in the church's sanctuary. The day before the scheduled marriage-ceremony the Rev. notified the 'Black' pair that he could not marry them at the church. It seems that the 'good' Christian members told the preacher that there has never been people of 'color' married at the church since it was founded in 1883. The Pastor was told, 'if you marry those Black folks in our church, you will be fired.'
May the good fellowship-members at Crystal Springs, Mississippi First Baptist Church stand and sing the second stanza of that great hymn: "In Christ There is No East or West."
In Him shall true hearts everywhere their
high communion find; His service is the
golden cord close-binding all mankind.
The 'white-flight' from American cities also documents this intolerant attitude and desire for 'color' separation. A survey, a few years ago, supports the notion that many whites have forever used a 'shade barometer.' This survey reveals that LEGAL immigrants to the United States with lighter skin color earned 15% more income than those with darker skin. This suggests that many white people feel that there is a correlation: the darker the skin the less worthy the individual.
I recall another study on the topic and this speaks to the Mississippi First Baptist Church. I reference the report offered by Gordon W. Allport in his book, 'The Nature of Prejudice.' Allport's findings conclude that people having NO religious affiliation show on the average less prejudice than those who attend church regularly. Okay, here is the First Baptist Church (Mississippi) story: A news report alleges that an African-American couple who attends that church and made arrangements with the Pastor to be married in the church's sanctuary. The day before the scheduled marriage-ceremony the Rev. notified the 'Black' pair that he could not marry them at the church. It seems that the 'good' Christian members told the preacher that there has never been people of 'color' married at the church since it was founded in 1883. The Pastor was told, 'if you marry those Black folks in our church, you will be fired.'
May the good fellowship-members at Crystal Springs, Mississippi First Baptist Church stand and sing the second stanza of that great hymn: "In Christ There is No East or West."
In Him shall true hearts everywhere their
high communion find; His service is the
golden cord close-binding all mankind.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Long Live Your 'Boogieman.'
Perhaps I was age five or six when the older neighborhood kids convinced me that the dark of night harbored the 'boogieman.' I never really spotted the scary beast but he was real in my mind, which caused me to move quickly through dark spooky places. As time elapsed, I gained confidence that no such creature lurked in the shadows, although during my teenage years, I did spot some rather dubious looking characters roaming the East St. Louis streets.
Today, I notice that many adults are still victimized by some 'boogieman.' Most notions of the 'boogieman' are dependent on a coexistence with childlike fear, ignorance and or prejudice attitudes supported by mythical beliefs. In my 1940's neighborhood, I heard that a Gypsy band was camped near the edge of town with intentions to 'steal' babies; whoa, we have identified 'boogieman.' Of course many other would-be boogiemen were advanced during the years: most had different skin color shades, different language accents or unusual sounding names. It was always the same message of casting suspicion and distrust upon anyone who looked, spoke or believed differently.
I was a junior high student who read the weekly current events school-newspaper, which was part of the civics class. It was 1953, when the news leaflet contained a picture of a very angry and menacing looking man; surely, I thought they had captured the boogieman! It was a photo of Senator Joseph McCathy who was holding Senate hearings into allegations of communist subversion and espionage infiltration into the United States government. I suppose we Americans always need on-going boogiemen so we mobilize to follow leaders; this relieves us from 'thinking' for ourself; freeing valuable time to plan for holidays and Super Bowl Parties.
Currently, congresswoman, Michelle Bachmann is trumpeting that the Muslim Brotherhood is infiltrating our American government; sound familiar! Actually, this bogus boogieman claim, at least has adult themes, contrary to a few years ago when the far-right-wing Christian coalition led by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, told us that the boogieman was the British cartoons characters known as 'The Teleubbies' with a hidden 'boogieman- agenda' to cause all children to become homosexuals.
The 'boogieman' lives forever!
Today, I notice that many adults are still victimized by some 'boogieman.' Most notions of the 'boogieman' are dependent on a coexistence with childlike fear, ignorance and or prejudice attitudes supported by mythical beliefs. In my 1940's neighborhood, I heard that a Gypsy band was camped near the edge of town with intentions to 'steal' babies; whoa, we have identified 'boogieman.' Of course many other would-be boogiemen were advanced during the years: most had different skin color shades, different language accents or unusual sounding names. It was always the same message of casting suspicion and distrust upon anyone who looked, spoke or believed differently.
I was a junior high student who read the weekly current events school-newspaper, which was part of the civics class. It was 1953, when the news leaflet contained a picture of a very angry and menacing looking man; surely, I thought they had captured the boogieman! It was a photo of Senator Joseph McCathy who was holding Senate hearings into allegations of communist subversion and espionage infiltration into the United States government. I suppose we Americans always need on-going boogiemen so we mobilize to follow leaders; this relieves us from 'thinking' for ourself; freeing valuable time to plan for holidays and Super Bowl Parties.
Currently, congresswoman, Michelle Bachmann is trumpeting that the Muslim Brotherhood is infiltrating our American government; sound familiar! Actually, this bogus boogieman claim, at least has adult themes, contrary to a few years ago when the far-right-wing Christian coalition led by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, told us that the boogieman was the British cartoons characters known as 'The Teleubbies' with a hidden 'boogieman- agenda' to cause all children to become homosexuals.
The 'boogieman' lives forever!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Keep the Gun from the Devil
The late Flip Wilson was a widely popular comedian in the mid-1970's. Wilson had a string of successful comedy albums and a top television show. I particularly enjoyed one of Wilson's many characters he potrayed, "Geraldine." Flip, as Geraldine, would dress in drag in the most flamboyant outfits and saunter about the stage spewing outlandish logic regarding the reasons for her behavior. Often to explain her extravagant spending on clothes, Geraldine, in a high pitch voice would proclaim, "The Devil made me do it!" Geraldine's finger pointing was funny because of the transparent childlike excuse making. She was matter-of-fact dodging any accountability for her own actions.
Strange as it may seem some adults, on the stage of life, wish to explain away individual responsibilities by placing blame for bad behavior on others. Since the latest mass-shooting tragedy (Aurora, Colorado), one excuse after another is advanced as possible explanations for an individual committing horrific killings because the individual is unbalanced and the society, in which he lives is condusive to unbalanced people acquiring multiple guns, assault weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition without bumping into lawful barricades protecting the innocent.
I previously mentioned some quarters questioning the wearing of costumes into public places as some cause. More recently the commentary of finger-pointing-blame is towards the film industry; they are simply making too many violent films, say the critics. Really? Well, if so let's not stop with attacking the movie-makers; let's ban the sale of the Holy Bible, which is filled with violence and sex and certainly consider other bans: history books, comic books, video games, television shows, big game hunting shows and perhaps viewing the ever violent NFL games. If the logic is that visual-stimulation causes acts of criminal behavior then we must keep children out of the sight of pedophiles, women should have a dress length code to deter the sex offender and...and where does this silliness stop!
There is a simple historical truism; our America has always known violence, We perpetrated our own genocide in the relationship with Native Americans. Our country had nasty and unimaginable violence as the KKK made its statement throughout slave States. Many major American cities dodged the violence of blatant-organized crime, however this Nation addressed many of these uncilvilized and violent activities, enacted laws and policed for safety; as said in the old West, we 'took the bull by the horns.' It is time to take that measure once again and use commonsense to identify the issue and address the problem of easy availability of our own 'weapons of mass destruction!' Stop pointing the finger.
Strange as it may seem some adults, on the stage of life, wish to explain away individual responsibilities by placing blame for bad behavior on others. Since the latest mass-shooting tragedy (Aurora, Colorado), one excuse after another is advanced as possible explanations for an individual committing horrific killings because the individual is unbalanced and the society, in which he lives is condusive to unbalanced people acquiring multiple guns, assault weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition without bumping into lawful barricades protecting the innocent.
I previously mentioned some quarters questioning the wearing of costumes into public places as some cause. More recently the commentary of finger-pointing-blame is towards the film industry; they are simply making too many violent films, say the critics. Really? Well, if so let's not stop with attacking the movie-makers; let's ban the sale of the Holy Bible, which is filled with violence and sex and certainly consider other bans: history books, comic books, video games, television shows, big game hunting shows and perhaps viewing the ever violent NFL games. If the logic is that visual-stimulation causes acts of criminal behavior then we must keep children out of the sight of pedophiles, women should have a dress length code to deter the sex offender and...and where does this silliness stop!
There is a simple historical truism; our America has always known violence, We perpetrated our own genocide in the relationship with Native Americans. Our country had nasty and unimaginable violence as the KKK made its statement throughout slave States. Many major American cities dodged the violence of blatant-organized crime, however this Nation addressed many of these uncilvilized and violent activities, enacted laws and policed for safety; as said in the old West, we 'took the bull by the horns.' It is time to take that measure once again and use commonsense to identify the issue and address the problem of easy availability of our own 'weapons of mass destruction!' Stop pointing the finger.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
When Something Makes no Sense
My father often used the word, 'Bassackwards.' You cannot find the word in Webster's Dictionary but it is nevertheless found as a social condition. My dad applied the word to a situation, circumstance and or person who absolutely made NO commonsense. A keen observer will note 'Bassackwards' daily.
You remember a few years ago when the 'No Child Left Behind' became an underfunded law. It was actually an attempt to disquise positioning to use public tax dollars for private school tuition...that was 'Bassackwards!' Speaking of laws; today, one must report for their air flight an hour and a half before take off so passengers can have luggage compartments checked, go through a metal screening device and subject to a physical 'patdown' all for my safety. Another law protects me from secondhand-smoke. Explain, if you please, how can our nation allow forty percent of the country's population to purchase multiple guns, assault weapons and thousands of rounds of bullets without a background check...this logic is 'Bassackwards!'
A crazed costume attired gunman enters a crowded movie theater shooting and leaves 12 dead, 58 wounded and thousands of broken hearts. Three days later, an elected official states, "Perhaps we need to enact a law prohibiting people from wearing costumes into public gathering places." He simply has the debate subject 'Bassackwards!'
Later this afternoon, I will gas up my automobile. I will pump the gas, check my oil and clean the windshield. I will then walk several yards to stands in a line and pay for the privilege to do the aforementioned. It's 'Bassackwards!'
Life accelerates as I age and the days get shorter...That is certainly 'Bassackwards!'
You remember a few years ago when the 'No Child Left Behind' became an underfunded law. It was actually an attempt to disquise positioning to use public tax dollars for private school tuition...that was 'Bassackwards!' Speaking of laws; today, one must report for their air flight an hour and a half before take off so passengers can have luggage compartments checked, go through a metal screening device and subject to a physical 'patdown' all for my safety. Another law protects me from secondhand-smoke. Explain, if you please, how can our nation allow forty percent of the country's population to purchase multiple guns, assault weapons and thousands of rounds of bullets without a background check...this logic is 'Bassackwards!'
A crazed costume attired gunman enters a crowded movie theater shooting and leaves 12 dead, 58 wounded and thousands of broken hearts. Three days later, an elected official states, "Perhaps we need to enact a law prohibiting people from wearing costumes into public gathering places." He simply has the debate subject 'Bassackwards!'
Later this afternoon, I will gas up my automobile. I will pump the gas, check my oil and clean the windshield. I will then walk several yards to stands in a line and pay for the privilege to do the aforementioned. It's 'Bassackwards!'
Life accelerates as I age and the days get shorter...That is certainly 'Bassackwards!'
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Hang In it Gets Better
I picked up some items in the Target pharmacy section last evening and I was tempted to buy a product I have never before purchased; diet pills. Well, let me explain my motivation. This weekend past, I was cleaning out my closet and tried on three nice pairs of trousers, which were slightly tight at the waist. Therefore, I am thinking that perhaps the diet pills might cause one or two inches belly shrinkage. As I was reading the side effects on the diet pill bottle, I came across the 'deal-breaker.' It appears the pill may cause 'bladder leakage.' I am imagining with bad luck, I'll lose the weight, get into the trousers, which will frequently be wet in front. I passed on the diet pills and headed home for the first inning of the Cardinals' baseball game.
One of the many benefits married to a spouse for fifty-two years is the lessened disagreements over television program viewing. We agree to watch the 'Today Show' versus 'Good Morning America' and in the summer evenings, I watch Cardinals' baseball downstairs and my wife watches 'whatever' upstairs...works good! Let me share another long-time marriage perk pertaining to television watching: at seventy-three, I am permitted to watch half-naked women on television (Dancing With the Stars) with my wife in the room. I even recall watching a Tyra Banks' Show a few years ago when Tyra and her audience was all in their underwear; I never did understand what that was about but I do think it has promotional merit. Don't we agree that the television ratings for a State of the Union address would be over-the-top if the President and lawmakers were all in their skivvies!
If no baseball games are televised, I have a choice between watching the very 'liberal' MSNBC programs or Fox News, which leans towards fascism. Of course, we all will be watching the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games for the next few weeks and perhaps that will bring us closer together for a time and reduce the 'negative' political rhetoric between our countrymen. Let's be thankful this can happen without needing a non-partisan vote from our beloved Congress.
One of the many benefits married to a spouse for fifty-two years is the lessened disagreements over television program viewing. We agree to watch the 'Today Show' versus 'Good Morning America' and in the summer evenings, I watch Cardinals' baseball downstairs and my wife watches 'whatever' upstairs...works good! Let me share another long-time marriage perk pertaining to television watching: at seventy-three, I am permitted to watch half-naked women on television (Dancing With the Stars) with my wife in the room. I even recall watching a Tyra Banks' Show a few years ago when Tyra and her audience was all in their underwear; I never did understand what that was about but I do think it has promotional merit. Don't we agree that the television ratings for a State of the Union address would be over-the-top if the President and lawmakers were all in their skivvies!
If no baseball games are televised, I have a choice between watching the very 'liberal' MSNBC programs or Fox News, which leans towards fascism. Of course, we all will be watching the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games for the next few weeks and perhaps that will bring us closer together for a time and reduce the 'negative' political rhetoric between our countrymen. Let's be thankful this can happen without needing a non-partisan vote from our beloved Congress.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Just Do It: NOW!
According to relatively recent study findings, not everybody keeps busy. Apparently, 'procrastination' is on the rise. The study to which, I refer began with a five year 'funding' deadline. It took ten years to complete; so much for the study credibility.
In the past thirty-five years, procrastination percentages among Americans have risen from 5% to 26%. These findings may explain why I wait longer in restraraunts, doctor's offices and checkout lines. The study examination also suggests that one-quarter of my friends and family members are going to be late and somewhat undependable!
This procrastination issue was not part of my father's parenting philosophy. He never allowed a crack in the door for any delayed response to his expectations. Example: he never ASKED me to do something; he would simply say, "Hey boy, take the trash out and shake-a-leg!" I immediately understood that my father wanted the trash out of the house, I was to be the courier and the 'shake-a-leg' part was a subtle but firm time reference framed to his expectation; do it NOW! I vaguely recall once raising a question about a directive given by my father. He quickly replied, "Yours is not to reason why; yours is but to do or die." Parents back then were all screwed-up because they never took time to read one of those books on 'how to raise kids.'
Because of those misguided parenting practices, I hold to some strange quirks, still to this day, regarding time, predisposition and accountability. I am on time and I have prepared myself for a desired result by mentally negoiating every imaginable pitfall moving toward that coveted outcome.
When I first started teaching/coaching, I could tell a student/athlete what to do and the young person was both eager and quick to respond and please. As the years passed, I noted more and more the question 'why' on the heels of any request and a pendulum swing from teacher-authority to student entitlement.
I grew up appreciating that school-athletics was extra-curricular for those who held motor-skill abilibities beyond the norm. I believed that values found in self-discipline, teamwork and preparation commitment were the positive residues from sport participation. While serving on numerous IHSA advisory boards, I recall the ever-changing sport philiosophy, which has resulted in multiple 'Class-divisions' to produce more 'state champions.' Sometimes, I believe the tail is wagging the dog.
In the past thirty-five years, procrastination percentages among Americans have risen from 5% to 26%. These findings may explain why I wait longer in restraraunts, doctor's offices and checkout lines. The study examination also suggests that one-quarter of my friends and family members are going to be late and somewhat undependable!
This procrastination issue was not part of my father's parenting philosophy. He never allowed a crack in the door for any delayed response to his expectations. Example: he never ASKED me to do something; he would simply say, "Hey boy, take the trash out and shake-a-leg!" I immediately understood that my father wanted the trash out of the house, I was to be the courier and the 'shake-a-leg' part was a subtle but firm time reference framed to his expectation; do it NOW! I vaguely recall once raising a question about a directive given by my father. He quickly replied, "Yours is not to reason why; yours is but to do or die." Parents back then were all screwed-up because they never took time to read one of those books on 'how to raise kids.'
Because of those misguided parenting practices, I hold to some strange quirks, still to this day, regarding time, predisposition and accountability. I am on time and I have prepared myself for a desired result by mentally negoiating every imaginable pitfall moving toward that coveted outcome.
When I first started teaching/coaching, I could tell a student/athlete what to do and the young person was both eager and quick to respond and please. As the years passed, I noted more and more the question 'why' on the heels of any request and a pendulum swing from teacher-authority to student entitlement.
I grew up appreciating that school-athletics was extra-curricular for those who held motor-skill abilibities beyond the norm. I believed that values found in self-discipline, teamwork and preparation commitment were the positive residues from sport participation. While serving on numerous IHSA advisory boards, I recall the ever-changing sport philiosophy, which has resulted in multiple 'Class-divisions' to produce more 'state champions.' Sometimes, I believe the tail is wagging the dog.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Give Me Go; Keep the Show!
I am a husband, father, grandfather, sport guy and consumer, if you please. Like many of my sort, I cannot help but notice 'stuff' of essence and the ceremonious artificial. I refer to these folkways of contrast as 'show' and 'go.' Let me share a few examples: There are 16-checkout lanes at our local Wal Mart Store, which is very 'showy' contrasted, if you please, to five open lanes, which consistitutes 'go.' At any given high school football contest one notices an ambulance parked near the end zone, which is most certainly 'show' given the fact that two-thirds of football injuries occur at practices where no ambulance is found!
I am good with bumper stickers espousing support of American Troops but the boast is only 'show' if not backed by financial aid securing the best fighting equipment and job-training availability for returning soldiers. With the birth of three children, I was delighted to 'show' excitement passing out those cigars; there is much less fanfare with the 2 A. M. 'go' time bottle feedings.
Today, the governing body of college athletics (NCAA) announced the santions against Penn State University for its failed leaderdship during the child sex abuse perpetrated by an assistant football coach. I am neither wise enough or informed sufficiently to advance strong opinions regarding the nature and/or properness of the outlined penalties. I am absolutely adamant about the 'showy' self-righteousness and pompous posturting of the flawed NCAA organization.
He is the rub! The spokesperson outlinning the Penn State sanctions referenced Penn State as misguided in its 'balance of culture' as if its own body (NCAA) followed some pure moral compass; this is hardly the case. The NCAA has stood by and watched with greed the constant dismantling of major conference as schools seek grearter pay days from television football contracts. The NCAA stands by and watches a free market corrupt their membership schools with outlandish financial packages for college football and basketball coaches, which dwarf pay days for university presidents and scholarly professors. The NCAA permits questionable recruiting of ill-prepared academic students, give them financial aid for tutition, books and fees while that same university holds the non-athletic student to higher admission standards. The NCAA is shameless as it ignores the escalating obnoxious celebratory demonstrations of athletes in contest. The NCAA speaks to the 'balance of culture' with 'showy' righteousness and hypocrisy.
The NCAA membership schools ALL benefit from big television contracts, post-season tournaments and bowl games.
I am good with bumper stickers espousing support of American Troops but the boast is only 'show' if not backed by financial aid securing the best fighting equipment and job-training availability for returning soldiers. With the birth of three children, I was delighted to 'show' excitement passing out those cigars; there is much less fanfare with the 2 A. M. 'go' time bottle feedings.
Today, the governing body of college athletics (NCAA) announced the santions against Penn State University for its failed leaderdship during the child sex abuse perpetrated by an assistant football coach. I am neither wise enough or informed sufficiently to advance strong opinions regarding the nature and/or properness of the outlined penalties. I am absolutely adamant about the 'showy' self-righteousness and pompous posturting of the flawed NCAA organization.
He is the rub! The spokesperson outlinning the Penn State sanctions referenced Penn State as misguided in its 'balance of culture' as if its own body (NCAA) followed some pure moral compass; this is hardly the case. The NCAA has stood by and watched with greed the constant dismantling of major conference as schools seek grearter pay days from television football contracts. The NCAA stands by and watches a free market corrupt their membership schools with outlandish financial packages for college football and basketball coaches, which dwarf pay days for university presidents and scholarly professors. The NCAA permits questionable recruiting of ill-prepared academic students, give them financial aid for tutition, books and fees while that same university holds the non-athletic student to higher admission standards. The NCAA is shameless as it ignores the escalating obnoxious celebratory demonstrations of athletes in contest. The NCAA speaks to the 'balance of culture' with 'showy' righteousness and hypocrisy.
The NCAA membership schools ALL benefit from big television contracts, post-season tournaments and bowl games.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
And It's Comin' Around Again
I recently heard news broadcast that the 'drive-in' theater is making a comeback. It seems that cities San Diego and Austin are leading in the return of the once popular 'outdoor' movie screens, which dotted the 1950's landscape. I believe the demise of that 'under-the-stars' movie experience was hastened by the invention of the television and the development of air-conditioning, which made easy the choice to stay home for comfortable etertainment and the in home-snacks. Perhaps the resurgence of 'going' to the movies versus staying home is found in a converse correlation; movies are better and television programs are worse.
I do recall my youth and how the drive-in movie night was a frequent Roustio-family bonding moment. On a hot and humid July evening, my parents were often seated in the front of our 1950 Bel Air Chevy, while my younger brother and I would jockey for the best rearseat positioning as we looked over shoulders. Backseat drive-in movie watchers pretended that the rearview mirror was not a distraction while viewing a cowboy-Indian shoot'em-up through a curved windshield, which made approaching Indians from either side of the screen appear undernourished and suffering from rickets.
The family drive-in movie night was carefully orchestrated by my father. We must leave early to secure the 5th row 'spot' next to the concession-restroom stand; easier to locate the automobile at night returning from a potty break or snack purchase. Arriving early allowed the kids to go down to the grass play area in front of the large screen. The play apparatus consisted of a swing-set, a twirling tub-like merry-go-around, which made kids dizzy and sick and a slide that some snotty kid sat atop holding up the line. My father usually took care of the latter problem, which created another on-going problem with the father in the Nash Rambler parked in the fourth row.
I always went to the restroom during 'coming attractions' because that's when the mosquitoes all went to the floorboard of the car to avoid the guy in the pick-up truck passing down aisles spraying that awful smelling fog-prducing repellent. The moment was always priceless when my father passed gas at some point. My brother and I laughed as we hung heads out of the car while mother never flinched; her love for the man was unwavering. Near the conclusion of the feature film, my father would start the auto and rev the engine as he began negoiating ramps to ensure beating the Nash Rambler guy to the exit as if it was icing on the victory cake...I get my competitiveness from my Dad!
During the teen years, my girlfriend (now wife) and I attended 416 movies at the French Village Drive-In and never once parked closer that the 10th row. I remember 'watching' one movie; it didn't seem right 'making-out' during the showing of The Ten Commandments!
I do recall my youth and how the drive-in movie night was a frequent Roustio-family bonding moment. On a hot and humid July evening, my parents were often seated in the front of our 1950 Bel Air Chevy, while my younger brother and I would jockey for the best rearseat positioning as we looked over shoulders. Backseat drive-in movie watchers pretended that the rearview mirror was not a distraction while viewing a cowboy-Indian shoot'em-up through a curved windshield, which made approaching Indians from either side of the screen appear undernourished and suffering from rickets.
The family drive-in movie night was carefully orchestrated by my father. We must leave early to secure the 5th row 'spot' next to the concession-restroom stand; easier to locate the automobile at night returning from a potty break or snack purchase. Arriving early allowed the kids to go down to the grass play area in front of the large screen. The play apparatus consisted of a swing-set, a twirling tub-like merry-go-around, which made kids dizzy and sick and a slide that some snotty kid sat atop holding up the line. My father usually took care of the latter problem, which created another on-going problem with the father in the Nash Rambler parked in the fourth row.
I always went to the restroom during 'coming attractions' because that's when the mosquitoes all went to the floorboard of the car to avoid the guy in the pick-up truck passing down aisles spraying that awful smelling fog-prducing repellent. The moment was always priceless when my father passed gas at some point. My brother and I laughed as we hung heads out of the car while mother never flinched; her love for the man was unwavering. Near the conclusion of the feature film, my father would start the auto and rev the engine as he began negoiating ramps to ensure beating the Nash Rambler guy to the exit as if it was icing on the victory cake...I get my competitiveness from my Dad!
During the teen years, my girlfriend (now wife) and I attended 416 movies at the French Village Drive-In and never once parked closer that the 10th row. I remember 'watching' one movie; it didn't seem right 'making-out' during the showing of The Ten Commandments!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Politicians do Talk Poppycock!
On the heels of another senseless mass shooting / murder tragedy the embers of human pain and suffering have not yet realized full flare and already a politician offers an invitation to renew the gun-control debate. As I type these words the Aurora, Colorado movie theater rampage is less than twelve hours old and the complete measure of human loss and agony is far from totaled. Motives are illusive and unsubstantiated while victims' familes, friends and a Nation share a painful reality of our times.
New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg immediately issued a challange to President Obama and his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney to offer the American public a perseptive on their respective 'gun control' ideas. The gun control debate is much like the American education conversation and the weather, everybody talks about it but nothing is ever done about it! Let's put aside the education question with this acknowledgement: Few people truly care that our schools continue to fall below achievement levels of other countries but as long as we can protect people from any education tax and we have teachers to 'blame'... it's all good!
Bloomberg, himself, is in some sort of denial suggesting that a Nation of vastly law abiding folks want to hear this gobbledygook about second ammendment rights that eventually brings into the wrangling that trite argument from the NRA which, is historically bedfellows with the Republican Party, "Guns don't kill, people do." Any fifth grader would make the connection that 'people' inclined to kill are more likely to act on such inclinations "IF" gun laws make weapons more readily available.
Perhaps two of the most costly political lobbying expenditures comes from the National Rifle Association and Harley-Davidson. In Illinois, the government enters my personal automobile and legislates a sesatbelt law while 'helmetless' motorcyclists weave in and out of high speed interstate traffic. What's that saying, 'Money talks and bull-butter walks!'
Michael Bloomberg knows very well the position on gun control held by President Obama and Mitt Romney, respectively!
New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg immediately issued a challange to President Obama and his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney to offer the American public a perseptive on their respective 'gun control' ideas. The gun control debate is much like the American education conversation and the weather, everybody talks about it but nothing is ever done about it! Let's put aside the education question with this acknowledgement: Few people truly care that our schools continue to fall below achievement levels of other countries but as long as we can protect people from any education tax and we have teachers to 'blame'... it's all good!
Bloomberg, himself, is in some sort of denial suggesting that a Nation of vastly law abiding folks want to hear this gobbledygook about second ammendment rights that eventually brings into the wrangling that trite argument from the NRA which, is historically bedfellows with the Republican Party, "Guns don't kill, people do." Any fifth grader would make the connection that 'people' inclined to kill are more likely to act on such inclinations "IF" gun laws make weapons more readily available.
Perhaps two of the most costly political lobbying expenditures comes from the National Rifle Association and Harley-Davidson. In Illinois, the government enters my personal automobile and legislates a sesatbelt law while 'helmetless' motorcyclists weave in and out of high speed interstate traffic. What's that saying, 'Money talks and bull-butter walks!'
Michael Bloomberg knows very well the position on gun control held by President Obama and Mitt Romney, respectively!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Parenting Qualifications?
The other day, I was listening to Rush Limbaugh (on radio) and I thought back a few years ago when I often listened to the advice-psychologist, Dr. Laura. I recall agreeing with Dr. Laura's opinions about 90% of the time; can't say that same percentage applies to Limbaugh's opinions but I'll think on the matter and get back to you.
I suppose my only disagreement with Dr. Laura arose when she got off telling women that they should 'stay' home and raise their children instead of having a job in the work force making money. Don't get me wrong, I am a product of a stay at home mother and I fancy myself as a point to support Laura's argument. Nonetheless, factor in today's 57% divorce rate, an economy with decreased dollar power and a child's eating habit, well Dr. Laura lives in 'la la land.' Besides, Dr. Laura's premise is based on the unsubtantiated theory that all parents are a positive influence on their children.
Two very important positions in the American society have essentially no certification process. You don't have to know much to become a congressperson or parent. We are never going to have pre-parenting certification testing so I propose a solution to the potential pitfalls, which may lead to bad parenting. Let's suppose when circumcising infant males, we go ahead and perform a vasectomy on the lad. Now don't go off having a 'hissie fit' claiming some freedom of rights infringement. Hear me out. When the boy turns 21, and he knows 12 nursery rhymes, and has $15,000.00 saved, we reverse the vasectomy; he is now ready to procreate. We can even throw in a government paid honeymoon week to Boise, Idaho because we are money ahead saving millinois of tax dollars on unwanted teen pregnacies, illegal and legal abortions not to mention day care costs.
Okay, perhaps I joke about the vasectomy but consider this as a serious proposal: Rush Limbaugh moving his program to Comedy Central and Jon Stewart moving to radio with a three-hour Daily Show.
I suppose my only disagreement with Dr. Laura arose when she got off telling women that they should 'stay' home and raise their children instead of having a job in the work force making money. Don't get me wrong, I am a product of a stay at home mother and I fancy myself as a point to support Laura's argument. Nonetheless, factor in today's 57% divorce rate, an economy with decreased dollar power and a child's eating habit, well Dr. Laura lives in 'la la land.' Besides, Dr. Laura's premise is based on the unsubtantiated theory that all parents are a positive influence on their children.
Two very important positions in the American society have essentially no certification process. You don't have to know much to become a congressperson or parent. We are never going to have pre-parenting certification testing so I propose a solution to the potential pitfalls, which may lead to bad parenting. Let's suppose when circumcising infant males, we go ahead and perform a vasectomy on the lad. Now don't go off having a 'hissie fit' claiming some freedom of rights infringement. Hear me out. When the boy turns 21, and he knows 12 nursery rhymes, and has $15,000.00 saved, we reverse the vasectomy; he is now ready to procreate. We can even throw in a government paid honeymoon week to Boise, Idaho because we are money ahead saving millinois of tax dollars on unwanted teen pregnacies, illegal and legal abortions not to mention day care costs.
Okay, perhaps I joke about the vasectomy but consider this as a serious proposal: Rush Limbaugh moving his program to Comedy Central and Jon Stewart moving to radio with a three-hour Daily Show.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
"USA-USA-USA"
In a little over a week, Americans, as many other countries will be following the athletes representing our respective nations in the 2012, (London) Summer Olympics. One can be certain the the cry, "USA-USA-USA" will echo throughout various venues. National pride is a truly fascinating phenomenon. We see it demonstrated at these international sporting games and in other events. Certainly, on the serious side of life, we watch news coverage of rioting in countries, flags hoisted, flags burned and a variety of other exhibitions of disdain toward a threat or loyalty to a common cause.
Americans can review their own history and underscore times of war and conflict when our countrymen banned together in spirited commitment for a common good. During wartime, we note an abundance of commentary urging the 'support of troops.' As a republic-society, we Americans are quick to come together to offer aid and support for natural diaster and personal tragedy victims. A sense of community or national pride emerges when our collective efforts, driven by a moral purpose, radiates feelings of being part of a greater goodness.
Sometime during these Olympic games, I will wonder just how much good could be generated for this great Nation if our elected political leaders embraced the same true spirit of teamwork, cooperation and true Pride as do our athletes.
Come now, no matter with which political party one may align, one must admit that the other guy does have a good idea once in awhile and if we are going to survive as a Nation we must have joint commitments to meet our challenges. "USA-USA-USA!"
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Everybody Searches for Something
Everybody Searches for Something
Our extended family of three adult married children is a much diversified religious group. We count Methodists, Baptists, Non-denominationalists, and Presbyterians; throw in the midst two with Catholic educations. While many folks in Illinois are 'Looking for Lincoln,' I am happy that our family continues 'looking' for Jesus. Moreover, I trust that each family will have tolerance for different believers and provide space for those looking for Allah, Buda, Moses or even 'Waldo.'
Personally, I grew up 1940's Methodist and I note a transformation of the John Wesley founded followers. Back-in-the-day, we Methodist were 'in' Church seemingly daily. We held Sunday A.M. and P.M. services, Tuesday evening Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) meetings, Wednesday night Prayer Meeting and the missionary seminars were on-going not to mention the East St. Louis wide revival meetings, ice cream socials and rummage/bake sales. As a teenage boy, my maternal grandmother, 'Mammy' told me every weekend, as I headed out, "Now remember that Jesus is coming a second time so best you not be doing anything bad should He return tonight." I suppose she thought that admonition we 'hold' me over until Sunday morning worship service.
Those revival meetings gave a young boy insight into 'his people.' We Methodist were loud singers on or off key. The traveling 'old school' evangelist preacher was determined to bring folks forward. The Methodist message in the 1940's was uniform, consistent and profound; repent or burn in hell!
Those itinerant preachers would do their revival-meetings for a nightly 'love-offering,' room and board for the revival's duration. Most Methodist ministers could go through a plate of fried chicken faster than a juicy rumor at sewing-circle. Many preachers, today appear worried that they might offend parishioners with strong-tongue 'burn-in-hell' sermons so we hear softer tone 'feel good' messages. Some of today's T.V. preachers seem more interested in my money than my eternity.
My wife and I fight about religion. I like to leave early for Sunday morning worship so I get there before all the good seats in the back are gone; she likes to sit up-front.
I must stop, my wife wishes I go get a few things at Wal Mart. I've told her there is no hurry because Wal Mart is like heaven and hell; it's open 24-hours a day!
Our extended family of three adult married children is a much diversified religious group. We count Methodists, Baptists, Non-denominationalists, and Presbyterians; throw in the midst two with Catholic educations. While many folks in Illinois are 'Looking for Lincoln,' I am happy that our family continues 'looking' for Jesus. Moreover, I trust that each family will have tolerance for different believers and provide space for those looking for Allah, Buda, Moses or even 'Waldo.'
Personally, I grew up 1940's Methodist and I note a transformation of the John Wesley founded followers. Back-in-the-day, we Methodist were 'in' Church seemingly daily. We held Sunday A.M. and P.M. services, Tuesday evening Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) meetings, Wednesday night Prayer Meeting and the missionary seminars were on-going not to mention the East St. Louis wide revival meetings, ice cream socials and rummage/bake sales. As a teenage boy, my maternal grandmother, 'Mammy' told me every weekend, as I headed out, "Now remember that Jesus is coming a second time so best you not be doing anything bad should He return tonight." I suppose she thought that admonition we 'hold' me over until Sunday morning worship service.
Those revival meetings gave a young boy insight into 'his people.' We Methodist were loud singers on or off key. The traveling 'old school' evangelist preacher was determined to bring folks forward. The Methodist message in the 1940's was uniform, consistent and profound; repent or burn in hell!
Those itinerant preachers would do their revival-meetings for a nightly 'love-offering,' room and board for the revival's duration. Most Methodist ministers could go through a plate of fried chicken faster than a juicy rumor at sewing-circle. Many preachers, today appear worried that they might offend parishioners with strong-tongue 'burn-in-hell' sermons so we hear softer tone 'feel good' messages. Some of today's T.V. preachers seem more interested in my money than my eternity.
My wife and I fight about religion. I like to leave early for Sunday morning worship so I get there before all the good seats in the back are gone; she likes to sit up-front.
I must stop, my wife wishes I go get a few things at Wal Mart. I've told her there is no hurry because Wal Mart is like heaven and hell; it's open 24-hours a day!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Another Slant on the Healthcare Topic
Greetings from Decatur, Illinois, the original home of the Chicago Bears...Da Staley Bears! I just came in from the backyard swing where I was sittin' a 'spell' and ponderin'. You don't hear words like sittin' a spell or ponderin' much anymore. My maternal grandparents hailed from Kentucky and they were known for ponderin', sittin' a spell and some 'rekelek' comments.
The cable news programs drove me to the backyard. One television station had two politicians debating immigration and outscourcing while another channel had some health insurance expert explaining why some woman in Kansas could not get treatment for a particular cancer under Medicare. Both cable stations were running the exact same advertisement; a Viagra ad. There seems to be several of those 'erectile dysfuntion' pills on the market these days. Now there is a phrase I never heard my grandparents utter in polite conversation...'erectile dysfunction!'
I recall years ago when Lucille Ball was pregnant, there was a big hullabaloo about her belly being shown on camera when taping the 'I Love Lucy Show.' That same television station, today is pushing penis pills for men suffering from 'ED' and in most circumstances the insurance companies cover the cost. I'd suspect the cancer stricken Kansas lady has been ponderin' on that cultural slant.
I must stop and get my 45 minute walk in before it rains. My doctor tells me that walking keeps blood pressure down and blood flow good. This sounds like a good approach to stave off a need for that Viagra pill and protract the day when I have 'same day' heart surgery.
If you're ever in Decatur, stop by and visit. If we're not home 'sit-a-spell' on the backyard swing and 'ponder' our whereabouts.
Greetings from Decatur, Illinois, the original home of the Chicago Bears...Da Staley Bears! I just came in from the backyard swing where I was sittin' a 'spell' and ponderin'. You don't hear words like sittin' a spell or ponderin' much anymore. My maternal grandparents hailed from Kentucky and they were known for ponderin', sittin' a spell and some 'rekelek' comments.
The cable news programs drove me to the backyard. One television station had two politicians debating immigration and outscourcing while another channel had some health insurance expert explaining why some woman in Kansas could not get treatment for a particular cancer under Medicare. Both cable stations were running the exact same advertisement; a Viagra ad. There seems to be several of those 'erectile dysfuntion' pills on the market these days. Now there is a phrase I never heard my grandparents utter in polite conversation...'erectile dysfunction!'
I recall years ago when Lucille Ball was pregnant, there was a big hullabaloo about her belly being shown on camera when taping the 'I Love Lucy Show.' That same television station, today is pushing penis pills for men suffering from 'ED' and in most circumstances the insurance companies cover the cost. I'd suspect the cancer stricken Kansas lady has been ponderin' on that cultural slant.
I must stop and get my 45 minute walk in before it rains. My doctor tells me that walking keeps blood pressure down and blood flow good. This sounds like a good approach to stave off a need for that Viagra pill and protract the day when I have 'same day' heart surgery.
If you're ever in Decatur, stop by and visit. If we're not home 'sit-a-spell' on the backyard swing and 'ponder' our whereabouts.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Be Reasonable and be Consistent in the 'Cry' for Justice
It is irrefutable that Penn State University's administrative hierarchy conspired to 'cover-up' the multi-years of assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky's pediphilic activities. As the firestorm rages over the unconscionable failure of highly educated leaders to respond to protect vulnerable young boys, many are calling for the dismantling of the Penn State football program; as one USA Today columnist suggested: "Shut it down---right now!" It would seem that some people believe that the Penn State broken 'moral compass' is tied directly to a sport philosophy.
Before running off half-cocked attacking America's cultural institutional ideas, philosophies and programs, should we not step back and look at the entire social and cultural spectrum? Two other revered institutions, the Roman Catholic Church and Boy Scouts of America can and should be compared to the Penn State University tarnished events and subsequent cover-ups of sexual abuse by pedophiles. The Catholic Church leadership covered-up the molestation perpetuated by six thousand priests upon sixteen thousand young boys from the 1950's until 2002. In 2010, an Oregon jury awarded a man 18 million dollars after a sexual abuse cover-up involving a young Boy Scout some years earlier. After reading extensively the accounts of each case, I never once read or heard anyone calling for the disbandment of Catholic Church programs or activities nor the discontinuation of programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America.
A local newspaper editor recently possed the question, "How can you celebrate football at Penn State in the fall of 2012? I would answer his question suggesting: The good athletes, student and fans of Penn State should embrace their programs just as the good Catholic celebrates mass and the young scout anticipates the weekend camping experience. The historical, well-documented good done by Penn State University, the Roman Catholic Church and the Boy Scounts of America is unquestionable and certainly unimpeachable! Our disdain and castigation should be directed towards those who failed in leadership responsibility and the caretaking accountability.
It is irrefutable that Penn State University's administrative hierarchy conspired to 'cover-up' the multi-years of assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky's pediphilic activities. As the firestorm rages over the unconscionable failure of highly educated leaders to respond to protect vulnerable young boys, many are calling for the dismantling of the Penn State football program; as one USA Today columnist suggested: "Shut it down---right now!" It would seem that some people believe that the Penn State broken 'moral compass' is tied directly to a sport philosophy.
Before running off half-cocked attacking America's cultural institutional ideas, philosophies and programs, should we not step back and look at the entire social and cultural spectrum? Two other revered institutions, the Roman Catholic Church and Boy Scouts of America can and should be compared to the Penn State University tarnished events and subsequent cover-ups of sexual abuse by pedophiles. The Catholic Church leadership covered-up the molestation perpetuated by six thousand priests upon sixteen thousand young boys from the 1950's until 2002. In 2010, an Oregon jury awarded a man 18 million dollars after a sexual abuse cover-up involving a young Boy Scout some years earlier. After reading extensively the accounts of each case, I never once read or heard anyone calling for the disbandment of Catholic Church programs or activities nor the discontinuation of programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America.
A local newspaper editor recently possed the question, "How can you celebrate football at Penn State in the fall of 2012? I would answer his question suggesting: The good athletes, student and fans of Penn State should embrace their programs just as the good Catholic celebrates mass and the young scout anticipates the weekend camping experience. The historical, well-documented good done by Penn State University, the Roman Catholic Church and the Boy Scounts of America is unquestionable and certainly unimpeachable! Our disdain and castigation should be directed towards those who failed in leadership responsibility and the caretaking accountability.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Change Did Come
We 'old-timers' who grew up in the '30's, '40's and '50's began noticing the changing family landscape. Folks became more and more mobile. Disappearing was the family social network due, in greater part to extended families living essentially in the same towns, if not the same neighborhoods.We were close knit and close in proximity; parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles all had a crack at giving us direction, advice and a 'blueprint' for life.
Today, our children are scattered to the winds of opportunity. They live 'away' from the extended family members. My wife and I felt cheated from the frequent informal and impromtu contacts with grandchildren so we did the next best thing; we hosted an annual grandkids weekly camp...'NABOO Camp.' The name NABOO is derived from combining the grandparent names of Nana (my wife's name) and Boompa, my grandpa handle.
The NABOO Camp experience, although physically demanding for two seniors, is one of the greatest joys in our married life. What really made it neat was the fact that our grown children thought we were doing them a favor and giving them a vacation break from their kids; we were embracing the opportunity to have grandparent-grandchildren moments without nonsense interference from 'hilicopter' parents. And WOW, did the cousins ever bond for a lifetime!
NABOO Camp was an annual retreat for fifteen grandchildren for five consecutive years. Many of those grandkids are now adults and yet when brought together for those too infrequesnt family gatherings today, those grandkids interact as though they grew up living side-byside with cousins as we did back-in-the-day.
We 'old-timers' who grew up in the '30's, '40's and '50's began noticing the changing family landscape. Folks became more and more mobile. Disappearing was the family social network due, in greater part to extended families living essentially in the same towns, if not the same neighborhoods.We were close knit and close in proximity; parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles all had a crack at giving us direction, advice and a 'blueprint' for life.
Today, our children are scattered to the winds of opportunity. They live 'away' from the extended family members. My wife and I felt cheated from the frequent informal and impromtu contacts with grandchildren so we did the next best thing; we hosted an annual grandkids weekly camp...'NABOO Camp.' The name NABOO is derived from combining the grandparent names of Nana (my wife's name) and Boompa, my grandpa handle.
The NABOO Camp experience, although physically demanding for two seniors, is one of the greatest joys in our married life. What really made it neat was the fact that our grown children thought we were doing them a favor and giving them a vacation break from their kids; we were embracing the opportunity to have grandparent-grandchildren moments without nonsense interference from 'hilicopter' parents. And WOW, did the cousins ever bond for a lifetime!
NABOO Camp was an annual retreat for fifteen grandchildren for five consecutive years. Many of those grandkids are now adults and yet when brought together for those too infrequesnt family gatherings today, those grandkids interact as though they grew up living side-byside with cousins as we did back-in-the-day.
Friday, July 13, 2012
I was born seventy-three years ago in East St. louis, Illinois, graduated from that senior high school in 1957 and picked up a couple of college degrees at Illinois State University. I married my hometown sweetheart, spent thirty-nine years coaching and teaching and attempted to co-parent three children. Those children, a boy and two girls begot a total of fifteen grandkids and for the first time I got to choose a name to be called. Given the fact that my parents named me Melvin James and many high school basketball fans chose less endearing 'handles,' I chose 'Boompa' as my grandfather's name. The name is not orgiginal but is taken from an old movie entitled, "Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation," starring, Jimmy Stewart.
My children sometimes seek advice regarding the parenting challenges but like most adult children, they often ignore my advice when it fails to coincide with opinions they already hold on the matter.
I am an admitted 'control' freak and freely give advice often putting my own spin on current events, religion, politics and parenting with a flavor of 'back-in-the-day' stories. My mission is to cause my children and grandchildren to see things 'the way they ought to be;' and that of course, is Boompa's way. My communication propaganda tool of choice is letter writing; 'Letters from Boompa.' Some letters may bring a nostalgic moment and others may cause the reader to relate or laugh or perhaps become a bit angry with my rant.
I (Boompa) have a simple philosophy: My kids need to get a clue. If they are as smart as they think is it not reasonable to conclude that parenting had something to do with with it; my letters are thus refresher notes to help. I wish not for my children to write back; at my age, I no longer gather information, I am in a total dissiminating mode.
My children sometimes seek advice regarding the parenting challenges but like most adult children, they often ignore my advice when it fails to coincide with opinions they already hold on the matter.
I am an admitted 'control' freak and freely give advice often putting my own spin on current events, religion, politics and parenting with a flavor of 'back-in-the-day' stories. My mission is to cause my children and grandchildren to see things 'the way they ought to be;' and that of course, is Boompa's way. My communication propaganda tool of choice is letter writing; 'Letters from Boompa.' Some letters may bring a nostalgic moment and others may cause the reader to relate or laugh or perhaps become a bit angry with my rant.
I (Boompa) have a simple philosophy: My kids need to get a clue. If they are as smart as they think is it not reasonable to conclude that parenting had something to do with with it; my letters are thus refresher notes to help. I wish not for my children to write back; at my age, I no longer gather information, I am in a total dissiminating mode.
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