Funny What We Recall

As a teen, I enjoyed watching my Father eat a supper meal. Let me state, my Mother was a great cook. I could eat my weight in her roast, carrots, potatoes and gravy. Her Swiss steak with red gravy was terrific and the lady could flat out pie-bake! I did not always care for my Mom's menu. When she served up pig's feet, pig tails, beef brains or sauerkraut, I nearly choked on every bite. Later in life, I took a likin' to her liver & onions recipe only to have my doctor caution me that it was not a healthy meal.

My Dad never flinched at any foods Mom put before him. He would gnaw on a pig's tail as if it was a delicious barbecue baby back rib. Watching my Dad eat meals caused me to realize one of hing for certain; here was a guy who went to bed hungry on many occasions in his life and perhaps re-visited the memory during his military stint.

I know this sounds silly but once in awhile in a midnight hour, I find myself longing for one more supper hour of roast, fixings and gravy. I'd would watch my Dad out of the corner of my eye as I tried to make my own bread and gravy 'come out even.'

Fear Not All Bad

I recall a few years back watching that television show called, ' Fear Factor.' Contestants could win increased money values predicated on taking more and more serious dares and risks. Personally, there is not enough dough to have me bungy-jump off the Royal Gorge Bridge. However, I can assure you that my generation grew up with a 'fear factor;' actually 'factors!' Let me explain.

My religious training reminded us frequently (Sunday Sermons/ parents lectures) that Jesus would be returning to earth and those who were living in sin and had not repented would be doomed to the fires of Hell forever...that's a long time. My daughter once suggested that my religious teaching was based on fear. I thought, "You bet your sweet Book of Revelations!" Does not a good loving parent warn of street traffic, strangers, the hot stove, etc.?

Let me share some of my other youthful fear factors: consequences for bad behavior...and whereas many parents today withhold corporal punishments, my parents did not! As a toddler, I got spankings for tantrums and other inappropriate behavior. I can assure you that at age 16, I experienced my father's backhand when I disrespectfully sassed my mother making her cry.

I never doubted for a moment that my parents loved me. I never held the misconception that my parents worshiped me. I did understand early in life that my Dad loved my Mother more than anybody and if Mom was happy, Dad was happy and well you get it...it's a 'trickle-down theory' that worked a hellava lot better than the one Ronald Reagan offered.

The Idiot

We can agree and we can agree to disagree. You've heard that line many times. The message is spot on whether it is the philosophy of politics, religion, parenting, sports' teams, etc. freedom of choice and opinion is a wonderful gift in a free America protecting individuals with constitutionally guaranteed rights.

I embrace the differing opinions and enjoy a lively debate with respect for all beliefs and dissertations. That said, I do admit failure to keep composure when debating the need for financial support for public education. Let me elaborate. A spot check around our country renders similar education funding issues or better stated, 'the lack thereof.' Unless the community is most affluent or houses a nuclear plant, which pays handsome taxes, most school districts depend on local taxes and State funds to enable 'Dick and Jane to see Spot run.'

Some States (Illinois) fail to meet its constitution funding responsibility. Communities find themselves dependent on more local taxes or 'budget cuts' to keep schools afloat. When tax referendums are introduced, we can expect local lively debates. Now, I am good to hear differing opinions except the following: When the older residents say, "I'm not about to vote 'yes' on the school tax proposal, my kids are out of school." I hear that logic verbalized often...and I wonder, WHO THE HELL PAID FOR THEIR KID'S EDUCATION?

A Bedroom Game Bites The Dust

For many years, my wife and I really got into a morning bedroom game. I mean to tell you, we were passionate about our merriment pleasures. Unfortunately, Father Time has caught up with us and 'taken us out of the game.' Let me explain.
I usually wake up sometime between 5AM and 6AM. It's not that I don't enjoy sleeping-in, but I usually must answer one of two calls: satisfy my bladder or respond to seventy-six year old joints crying out for movement. I normally go downstairs to post my blog, read the newspaper and catch the morning TV weather forecast. About eight o'clock, I take breakfast and the newspaper back upstairs where my wife is still in bed watching the 'Today Show.' After we eat our cereal and drink a cup of coffee, the GAME begins!

One of us opens the newspaper to the section that holds the daily celebrities birthday column. One morning she reads off the celebrities' names and I guess their ages then the next morning, I read the names and she guesses. For years we had a 'ball' guessing ages. We even kept a score card. If you guessed within three years, you got a point; if you hit the age bulls eye, you got two points.

Well, it happened...we no longer know enough celebrities to even play the game. You see, our back in the day celebs stopped celebrating birthdays.

Gee, I just re-read the first couple lines of this blog; I hope I didn't mislead you guys.

How Does Happy Happen?

Buried deep in my morning newspaper was an article entitled, 'What Would It Take to Make You Happy?' The piece included opinions centered around various survey findings. Perhaps not surprising was the top answer to the question: MONEY.
The Columnist reported three conclusions. Certainly, money in the hands of those in poverty would surely make them happy, however others did not necessarily find joy with more money or more material stuff. Finally, the writer referenced the decade of the 1950's as a barometer for happiness. Since the 50's hits smack dab in my teenage years, I wondered what was so different then and now. I share my thoughts not as an indictment of others but simply as a profile in time.

In the 1950's...
(1) Most mothers did not work outside the home...thus an after school comfort zone for children did much to create a parent bond with interaction and behavior monitoring.
(2) One black & white television with only three channel choices did not command our attention.
(3) Family meals eaten together for the most part.
(4) Family board games bonded children and parents as did those summertime backyard games.
(5) There were no electronic media devices to cause social disconnect.
 (6) Most families had one car only...the family car, which a teen requested for 'special' occasions.
(7) There was a strong 'neighborhood network' due to folks being outside interacting with other neighbors. A 'village' was watching the youth.

Finally, may I close out this blog by sharing with you that I have preached to my children and grandchildren this thought:  The happiest people in the world are the those who pursue a work passion and find ways to serve others during their journey.

Oh, I'm Probably Wrong

Webster's dictionary defines 'generally' as widely so; keep the definition in mind as I state that 'generally,' many parents are weak kneed and ineffective in their role.'

Recently, we (America) have seen a measles outbreak and to little surprise the reason is traced to parents who refuse to have their children inoculated fearing the risk of autism, which is based on false information. Never mind what may be in the best interest of the masses. These parents become ruffled at the notion that GOVERNMENT dare make those choices for children. Parents wish for the government to stay out of their personal lives.

Of course, the same parents want government to regulate fast food restaurants and school lunch programs because their kids cannot possibly exercise self-control due to the fact the children have never been taught self-discipline or the meaning of the word 'No.'  Nevertheless, parents do expect federally funded after school programs that correlate to mom and dad's work times.

 The message from mommy and daddy is simple: some things we can do on our own, other things we cannot do...we will let the 'State' know when they are needed to serve us as individuals.

I Just Wonder

I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer, therefore I am sometimes  puzzled. I often wonder about Why things are the way they are; perhaps you wonder also.

(1) What would the Middle East look like today had America not invaded Iraq, overthrow and kill dictator, Saddam Hussein?
(2) Where is it written that the United States has the final say on which nations are allowed to develop nuclear weapons?
(3) Why are firefighters so revered and policemen are quickly criticized?
(4) Why can I purchase gasoline in Decatur, Illinois @ $2.11per gallon and 1 hour 45 minutes down the highway at Edwardsville, Illinois that same exact product cost $2:49 per gallon?
(5) We often read or hear through the media about pro athletes that abuse their wives but never hear a report about physicians abusing a spouse. Suppose they don't?
(6) Why would any sane person sign up to drive a school bus?
(7) Which has the greatest need for publicity and adoration: Donald Trump or Rudy Gulianni ?
(8) Why don't we leave the Christmas tree standing the entire year? After all, the tree (itself) is rooted in Pagan tradition. What's wrong with leaving the tree up year around. At the designated holiday season, why not hang upon the tree Valentine hearts, Shamrocks, Easter eggs, American Flags and pumpkin ornaments?
(9)  Why do Priests and Protestant Pastors soften sermon messages thus vacating the 'hell-fire and damnation' sermon for the more warm-fuzzy comments?
(10) How different would America look if our founding fathers had written in 'term limits' for all elected officials.

Hey Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime For a Cup of Coffee?

Okay, Starbucks wishes for its customers to have race- relations conversations. I have a problem. I am a seventy-six year old white guy and I cannot afford the coffee cost at Starbucks. I can afford a cup of daily 'senior-Java' at McDonald's; Sixty-four cents and free refills.

I have been in Starbucks a couple of times and I note most of the customers are a younger set of 'white folks' as compared to the older salt & pepper crowd at McDonald's. Next time I'm at McDonald's, I am going to saddle up to a 'black' brother and ask him why HE is not at Starbucks talkin' racism with a fella like me.

This kinda stuff reminds me of the old saying:  "There is show and then there is GO!"

The so-called (elusive) 'race-relations' conversation should be part of the early childhood education program in all public and private schools.

Partay Harday !

The year 1978 marked the birth of the gross-out movie era with the release of the movie, 'Animal House' starring the late John Belushi. The movie theme centered around a group of misfit fraternity brothers engaging the sometime funny yet most often crude and rude antics, which flew in the face of all societal norms.

This movie set the bar for ensuing comedy movies to push the obnoxious behaviors to limits. Overtime that bar continues to 'push' aside conventional acceptable behavior. America's real fraternity houses have become fertile grounds to up the ante of excessive alcohol consumption, sexual activities and vulgar language.

Recent escapades at a number of American universities supports this belief. Actually, there appears to be strong competition among fraternities when it comes to gross-out behavior. When classes are not in session the fraternity-show heads to warm climates and the ritual of 'spring break.'

It is true that colleges get well deserved reputations:'University of Illegal Illinois and Purdue have good engineering schools. Washington University (St. Louis, MO) is noted as a top medical school while another Missouri University (Columbia, MO) touts journalism.

If your kid is looking for the top party colleges, checkout Syracuse or University of Iowa.

Gotta Get This Right

This blog is NOT intended to be morbid. Actually, if you step back and look at the larger picture, you will likely acknowledge a degree of ownership to the concept. This journey called life encompasses closure. If you are like me and my wife, you probably have a 'Last Will & Testament.' This legal document eases problems for family members. My wife and I recently had a new Will drawn up and we have also removed the financial and emotional burdens from our children by taking care of funeral costs and internment details.

The officials at Sunset Hills Cemetery (Edwardsville, Illinois) gave each of us a booklet-document requesting funeral arrangement requests. That was a few years ago and I just got around to completing that 'home-going exercise' a couple of weeks past. I just re-read the 'thing' and find my self somewhat disappointed that I will lack 'alertness' when the event goes DOWN. The music is particularly good!

Okay, there remains one troubling unfinished business. Let me explain. I did not think through this age difference with our six year old Toy Poodle, Yodie. The pup will likely out live us and whereas I could care less about money left to my kids and any memorabilia; I do have concerns about leaving my dog to any of these people. First, my kids all believe that I have treated the dog better than them and they are likely correct. They may resent my pup and treat him mean. Each of my kids have dogs of their own thus my pup will likely be the 'foster-dog.' I don't cotton to that arrangement.

I need to ponder a bit while I still can.

A Gift Recipient Should Not Be An Ass

My attitude towards charitable giving has always been motivated by the quote: " There but for the Grace of God go I." The thought being...I perhaps missed some misfortune due to God's Grace. In any event, I am joined by my wife in an attitude of 'giving.' We choose to rotate our gift-giving for obvious reasons; we would run out of money before we would run out of good causes.

Our giving is endless, Church, Heart Association, Alzheimer's, Cancer Society, MDA, MS, March of Dimes, Autism Association, Shriners' Crippled Children Hospital, St. Jude's, Animal Shelter, Boys Town, Disabled Veterans and the wino standing on the corner of Ash Street and MLK Drive.

I stopped giving to those television evangelist back in 1987, when the late Pastor Oral Roberts told viewers God told him that he had to raise 8 million dollars or God was going to 'call' Oral home to heaven. In recent years this kind of ridiculous anti-Christ poppycock has escalated. Some TV preacher tells folks they need to send him $1,000 seed money and they will be blessed; I shall stop there and allow you readers to watch Sunday AM television Church for the rest of the story!

Just yesterday the Firefighters telephoned me and asked for a pledge. I told them to send some pledge card mail out and my wife and I would place the firefighters in our gift-giving rotation plan. He didn't like that idea and insisted that I make a verbal pledge. I told him that since it was MY money, I'd make the gift-giving rules; he hung up. The next time the firefighters telephone, I'll hang up.

Phony IS What Phony Embraces

The basic difference between Democrats and Republicans centers around government size and its involvement in our daily lives. The Democrats favor a larger government whereas Republicans favor a smaller government. Obviously, larger government means more programs and more programs mean more expenses and more expenses mean more taxation.

The State of Illinois recently fired the Democrat Governor (Pat Quinn) and hired a Republican Governor (Bruce Rauner). True to form, the Republican is slashing programs, reducing government size and hopefully reducing the State's debt problems.

University Presidents are complaining because the 31% of its budget is to be cut. The city park districts around the State are unhappy because State Grants are being withdrawn and projects are halted and or canceled. Six other State education programs are facing deep cuts and educators/parents are unhappy. Governor Rauner is also attempting to renege on contractual pension plans already agreed upon. The latter issue is being argued before the State's Supreme Court.

It appears that people who favor smaller government want programs cut unless THAT program benefits them or theirs! Case: Several years ago when Obama offered Americans that 'cash for clunkers' automobile trade in deal, a local staunch Republican physician was on that offer like stink on manure. Hey Doc, that was a Democrat giveaway.

Here's the deal:! The City of Decatur can cut the budget for street maintenance right after they fix the 'potholes' in my neighborhood. Let's be honest, from time to time we are all Democrats @ heart!

A Sad American Day

My grandparents and parents sent a clear message that 'family' came first (only after our God) and we always stood united as a family. When I began playing organized sports, my youth coaches talked about team cooperation and togetherness; 'United We Stand!'

My wife and I raised three children and we were always determined to present a 'United front' on all decisions and matters involving our children. As a high school coach, I insisted on my players demonstrating a selflessness; the good of the team always trumped the interest of the individual. My assistant coaches felt comfortable coming to me with ideas and suggestions, however each understood that those conversation did NOT take place in front of players unless invited by me. It was important that the messages suggested that the head coach will lead.

Don Corleone, the godfather, said to his free-talking son (Sonny), "Never tell others outside the family what you're thinking again!"

So go figure...our Republican lead Congress, so bent on the opposition and destruction of this President, sends an undermining letter to another country (Iran) with whom this President's administration is engaged in nuclear arms talk. Clearly, the signal to the world:
The United States of America has a dysfunctional and collapsing family; it has lost its ethical way.

I Just Called to say...

Wow, has my social media networking changed over the years. Today, I find myself 'texting,' which I once vowed never to do. I carry a cell phone that my AT&T agent calls a 'smartphone.' It sure is smarter than the guy who carries it.

Back in my youth, I lifted a telephone receiver attached to a large wall-box and immediately a lady's voice said, "Operator, number please." Sometimes, I'd pick up that receiver and two people would be chattering away...those were called the 'party-line' days...a most fertile ground for eavesdropping and gossip.

My automobile has a navigation system. I punch in address numbers and 'walla,' a dashboard map gives visual directions while a pleasant female voice tells me 'how' to get there. The only problem I experience is once in awhile my wife gives different directives than the 'satellite-lady,' which places me in a quandary.

Big Time College Sports: All About The $

Yesterday morning during a second cup of coffee, my wife looked up from her USA Today newspaper and proclaimed, "This makes absolutely no sense!" She continued, "The Atlantic 10 Conference has 14 teams; the Big 12 Conference has 10 teams and the Big 10 Conference has 14 teams!"  As she stared at me expecting an explanation, I said, "It does not have to make sense; it falls under the higher education domain."

Let's face it, those (league) team numbers change rapidly as conference realignments follow the (TV) money.

You Surely Can't Tell

I don't like receiving those emails that have the 'directive or suggestion' that I must pass the email communication on to ten other people...if I fail to do so, I don't love Jesus, I am unpatriotic or I secretly root against kids at Easter Egg hunts. I deplore (it pisses me off) when people pigeon-hole me in some category based on criteria from out of nowhere or my unwillingness to keep chain-letters (emails) 'going.'

I remember shortly after the 'birthers' gave up the ghost regarding Obama's citizenship, his adversaries pointed out that he (Obama) did not wear an American flag lapel pin thus the President is not patriotic. Obama started wearing the flag pin so I guess the guy is 'okay' with the Red-White & Blue crowd.  Now we have the former mayor of New York telling countrymen that our head-leader does not 'love' America; whatever the hell 'love' means.

I look at the matter this way...Obama says he is a Christian and he says "God Bless America often. I will take him at his word. The fact is, no one truly knows if Obama or any politician loves America and is a true Christian. However, if any of those political folks are lying and are phony, they have much company in our beloved America! See ya'll in church.

As Chuck Berry says, "C'est La Vie say the old folks it goes to show you surely never can tell."

Hey Lucy: Are You Watching?

Television remote in hand, I have program viewing choices, however I Do Not have a say in what commercials may appear during programming. Historically, commercials have held clever double entendres. The American product pushers have discovered that a subliminal sexual message gets attention, especially if your attempting to appeal to horny old men and 'Bubba.'

Two days ago mid-morning, a long-legged, sultry looking brunette appeared on my television screen. She was perched on a front stoop wearing a very short skirt and striking a most suggestive pose as she bit into a Hardee's bacon-burger. The catsup juices dripped from the sandwich downward landing on her long gams as she simultaneously used her tongue to retrieve flowing condiments oozing from the sides of her Botox enlarged lips; hot damn, I wanted to head to Hardee's for a juicy one.

About the time I began losing my burger appetite, I looked up to see another sex-commercial. This commercial used a sensuous young woman to sell another product; we are talking Viagra. The seductive behaving young woman was dressed in flimsy lingerie clothing. The barefoot young lady rolled around on a bed and looked directly into the camera making the pitch that 'you guys with erectile dysfunction are going to be able to 'get-it-up' for me and every other gal if you try Viagra.

As the old Virginia Slim cigarette ad once proclaimed: "You've come a long way baby!"...and the gender stereotyping is alive and well...we continue to demean females.

Good Moment in Time

My wife and I 'pulled up stakes' and departed Miramar Beach, Florida this morning after a ten weeks winter stay. It was our second year in the gulf side palm tree lined cottages. The thirty-some dwellings, which form a cozy culdesac find dog-loving retirees seeking sun, relaxation and social exchanges in these (our) dwindling sunset years.
My wife attended a tea & lemonade gathering where the ladies wrote upon their respective name tags their name and in parentheses their dog's name...my kinda people! This gathering of old timers get exercise walking dogs and bending to bag poop!
Our time was shared with several new friends and reunions with long ago and long time friends. Buzz and Mary Ann Shaw were staying one week at a nearby resort and we were able to spend three evenings together. Buzz and I were roommates during undergraduate years at Illinois State University and I had the honor to be 'Best Man' at their wedding. Evan and Kay Jackson were neighbors in Washington, Illinois in the late 1960's, we have never lost that contact and find times to rekindle those memories. The Jackson's spent four days with us. Ken and Sharon Hickman have been friends for some 42 years. Ken was a long time assistant coach of mine in Edwardsville and Jacksonville. We enjoyed sharing some Florida time with the Hickman's.

The weather warmed these old bones and the friendships warmed the spirit. We are blessed to have our past experiences and most fortunate to embrace friends who shared many of those experiences.

I will hope we can ALL return next winter; both 'poopers' and 'pooper-picker uppers.'

Lawmakers Know Better

I recently read that Florida legislatures are considering a law, which will permit guns on college campuses. If you have not been on a college campus lately you would be shocked by the oft times, over-the-top obnoxious behavior; the bad choices are legendary. Binge drinking, drug use, out-of-hand fraternity hazing and promiscuous sexual activities; The frequent destruction of young lives is well documented!

During the next month, college students from across America will head to warmer climates as they make their annual migration called, 'spring break.' They will leave behind one billion dollars of their parents' hard earned money. A few students will fall to their deaths from condo balconies and many will return to campus with STD souvenirs.

By all means, let's introduce legal fire arms to these college kids living in a volatile environment, which begs for tragic scenarios.

Soak in the Sun Not The Bigotry

I was driving west on very busy US 98, Destin, Florida when I spotted a roadside (homemade) sign with the message: 'Fuck Niggers.' Immediately, I sorted through the emotions of shock, frustration and anger. I would be as ignorant as the sign's author to paint all Floridians as racist; therefore, I shall avoid such low-brow simplicity, however consider the current national race relations climate and dare suggest minorities should not feel disenfranchised and angry in our self-proclaimed free Christian-principled-America.

I immediately google-researched for the most racist states in America and to NO surprise the following popped up: Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, Oklahoma and Missouri. You're not surprised either!!! The sign's message, it's location and the googled answer speaks volumes about our nation's regionalism and political chasm.

This past Monday, I read in the Northwest Florida Daily News that many folks in Crestview, Florida found KKK membership fliers in their driveways Sunday morning. The letters warned residents of hundreds of thousands of Muslims soon coming to the United States. The 'Royal White Knights,' a KKK chapter based in North Carolina stated in their 'Christian' duty message: "Be a man join the Klan."

As a nation, we continue to be very judgmental of other nations and yet we have much sickness in our own home.

Boom Boom Boom Boom

 "If it ain't one thing it's another," said the late SNL comedian, Gilda Radner. 'Who gets nuclear weapons and who gets shutout' seems to have no end-game. If my research is correct the following nations have 'The Bomb:' United Kingdom, China, India, Pakistan, Russia, Israel, North Korea and the United States. It appears Syria and Iran wish to join the club.

The decision who gets the bomb and who doesn't get the bomb rests with the United States due to the fact, we have the MOST bombs and the CLOSEST relationship with God, which gives Americans a better understanding of moral principles. Of course, we also benefit also from having Israel whispering in our ear.

Here's my take:  The United Kingdom gets the bomb because we don't want to lose accessibility to The Royal Family 'goings-on.' India gets the bomb because those folks keep our cell phones and computers operational. We must give China anything they want because we need food and let's face it, they own most of our land. Israel gets the bomb and anything else they want...just the way it's been since WWII. Israel has become America's godfather. They now dictate to our Congress with whom and how we should negotiate. Speaking of the second world war, Russia deserves the bomb because our military leaders snubbed General George S. Patton's advice. Where Pakistan is concerned; give them the bomb and they can give us addictive drugs from opium. If there is a country harmless with military weapons it's France, they can have the bomb.  If we arrange an NBA franchise for North Korea it will keep them preoccupied and they'll forget they have the bomb.

Folks, we have not had such problems since the American Indians got access to whiskey!
"Boom Boom Boom Boom, gonna shoot ya right down..." John Lee Hooker

Fair for Goose; Fair for Gander

It is widely stated that should history be forgotten then history runs the risk to repeat. That said, I suppose some history repeated could be good and some not so good. Most definitely Jewish people never want the holocaust history repeated. This is why Jewish leaders are quick to promote holocaust remembrances. The terrible events of the holocaust coupled with the religious aspect of Christianity accepting biblical scripture that the Hebrew people are God's chosen people add to world wide political complexities.

I am just wondering if there are many folks in America that embrace African-Americans with equal fervor to keep the slavery history 'alive' so that those atrocities may never be revisited?  Would our political leaders go so far to invite the President of the NAACP to address Congress?
It's a  'Goose-Gander' question.

Speaks Volumes About Pride

Most often our accomplishments and fetes are heralded with much public acknowledgement and personal notoriety. Our name and face is plastered about as part of the proud moment of applause.

My question therefore is legitimate...Why do those folks so passionate and dedicated to their causes and beliefs cover their faces? I reference Al-Qaeda, ISIS and our very own KU Klux Klan. Their respective battle cry appears to be: 'Grab your 'hoodies' fellas and show the world your pride.'

February 27, 2015 marked the greatest number of blog reading 'hits' on Roustio's Rants>>>471....
thank you!