Explosive Boobs?

My wife and I spend two winter months in Miramar Beach, Florida. We have for the past six winters. Our three married children and their children wanted to have a family week's vacation in Miramar Beach this fourth of July. Before it's all said and done there will be 27- family members gathering.

Most began arriving yesterday. Some drove from locations in Central and Northern Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri while others opted to catch a flight. And the flight is where my story truly begins. Our second oldest granddaughter is a married reading specialist in a Northern Illinois school district. She is also a mother of a 10-month old boy who breasts feeds. As mother and child were going through the routine TSA screening before boarding their Florida bound flight, the TSA agent did the 'pat-down' then questioned mother about the milk filled baby bottles. My granddaughter explained that she 'breast-pumps' for such occasions, thus filling bottles and avoiding public breast feeding. The agent insisted that they 'check' the bottle's contents.

Several minutes passed when finally the agent returned to tell my granddaughter that her bottled breast milk tested positive with explosives. The agent refused to listen to mother's pleas but emptied the bottles and told her she could have the empties. When I heard the story, I thought the TSA agent failed to follow through with logic. If this woman confesses that she pumps from her boobs the milk in tested bottles and the milk in those bottles are actually explosives then the woman's boobs could explode during the flight.

Right now this 10-month old great-grandson is crawling and pulling himself up ready to walk; ah but I'm thinking there can be a real upside to this. If indeed, my granddaughter is breast-feeding  explosive chemicals into this boy's body, he just might one day leap tall buildings in a single bound. A real-in-life 'SUPERMAN,' the kryptonite kid! The downside in this scenario is I must be discreet avoiding nearness to my granddaughter on this family vacation.

Being Right vs. Getting It Right

A neighborhood friend has different political views than I. In fact, I have several friends who hold different opinions on politics and the direction of the country. I enjoy listening to various views and debating the same. However, one particular friend occasionally posts online notations which are completely false. Just the other day while doing yard work this individual stopped by for a porch-sitting-spell. I seized the moment to point out to him that I googled a recent Facebook post of his to determine its credibility. His post was debunked and I suggested to him that he should research some of those posts before sharing them. His response absolutely shocked me. "I don't care if the post was true are not true, I just wanted to believe it," he said. I was speechless.

I recall years ago a good friend of mine privately told me that I had used a word incorrectly. I was not offended but appreciative. I cannot begin to count the number of times in my journey when my 'wrong' has been pointed out and consequently I made adjustments.Truth is truth and I wish to embrace it. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy being 'right' on matters but I want evidence to anchor my position.

This aforementioned conversation exchange caused me to wonder, 'are Americans getting dumber?'
Well, I researched the topic and lo' and behold, we are getting dumber. In fact there's either a lot of bull-headed people wondering around or folks simply in a state of denial according to research findings resulting in Americans falling far behind other countries when it comes to word and number proficiency and consequently the ability to problem solve. It seems today we have more schooling but less knowledge. Our critical thinking has become rusty. Today, we have so-called educated people dismissing factual evidence of climate change and others refusing to vaccinate children even in the face of a preponderance of evidence  regarding scientific facts and/or benefits.

There is unquestionably growing evidence that more and more Americans refuse to 'trust' experts in specific fields but instead live in their own world of >'it's what I want to believe.'

Touche'

I would think that most Americans, as was I, surprised if not astonished when President Trump  denounced our own intelligence agencies and sided with Russia's Vladimir Putin saying he did not believe Russia interfered with America's 2016 Presidential election.

I wonder how many Americans 'side' with Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini when he claims that the "White House has been stricken by mental illness and does not know what to do."???
(Touch)
White Coats Are Coming

"I'm Warning You!"

Back in my East Side neighborhood, we called his kind, a   'ball-less -bully.' You know, the guy who talks tough but always wiggles out either because he's not sure if he's right and certain he's afraid to 'throw-down;' the thought scares the crap out of him. It's safe to yell standing on your front porch.

Check it out>>
North Korea shoots off rockets and Trump warns "Little Rocket Man of annihilation." Today 'Rocket Man and 'Blow Hard' are best buddies.

Trump warns Russia to "get out of Venezuela." Russia ignores the warning. Putin likely told Trump  that Russia is NOT in Venezuela...its 'fake news.'

Iran attacks oil tankers and Trumps warns Iran. Iran shoots down an American Drone and Trump warns Iran that they better not provoke America or else face 'obliteration.' Two days later Trump is telling the press corps, "Let's Make Iran Great Again."

Promises mass immigration raids on illegals...then calls it off for two weeks.

Spare me the bluff, Donald.
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S#*t Or Get Off The Pot

Beyond Befuddled

I'm old school and that said places me completely out-of-touch with current sport competition and fandom thinking. Let me explain.

I spent a lifetime in sport competition. I was that participating player for 14-years and then the orchestrating mentor-coach for 39-years. I loved the challenge found in competition. I had a simple straightforward sport competition philosophy. 1) 'If you prepare then don't worry; if you are going to worry then don't prepare but for goodness sakes don't do both!' And 2) 'Respect All; Fear None and leave it all on the field or court.'

I did not hate or even dislike my opponent but I was not ambivalent towards my competition...the other team members were not my friends. We were not buddies. I did not interact with competitors as a kibitser with joking chit-chat. Okay, you now get it...I'm old school...and out of touch.

Watching the televised weekend baseball series between the Cardinals and Angels had my head swimming. At times I thought I was in the twilight zone. Make no mistake, I believe Albert Pujols is one of the greatest baseball hitters the game has ever seen. I pulled hard and applauded him when he was a member of 'MY' team. Once he left for LA, he was no longer part of 'MY' team,' therefore he became the enemy. I wish him all good things when he is competing against others but not when he's competing against the Cardinals.

The fans showed Albert love every at bat.  The Cardinals' fans stood every time Pujols came to the plate and even booed their own pitcher when Pujols walked. Really? The television broadcasters (Dan  McLaughlin and Rickey Horton) verbally loved on Pujols the entire game. In a game that saw the Cardinals win 4-2, Pujols hit a home run and the fans asked for a curtain call, which he obliged. At that moment I wondered how Cardinals' pitcher Dakota Hudson who was pitching one hellava game felt. I scratched my head in total bewilderment when TV broadcaster Dan McLaughlin announced Pujols' home run as the 'Play of the Game.' Obviously Cardinals' outfielder, Marcell Ozuna's two-run homer into Big Mac Land was casually dismissed...I thought how idiotic, the home team won by two-runs; Ozuna's monster blast that did not get a curtain call. You kidding me?

What the hell, why not this new sport philosophy? The owners were never loyal to players and with free agency the players are no longer loyal to the organization and neither have loyalty towards the FAN...thus the fan is now part of the disloyalty.

Personally, I find it unbelievable...but as I said, I'm old school.

A Bit Conflicted In Albert's Return

I have been a St. Louis Baseball Cardinals' fan for 75-years; the first five years of my life I was trying to become a cowboy as I killed or captured hundreds bad guys who had wondered into my backyard.
As began playing 'catch with' father,  my Baseball interest were destined for the sandlot. I soon hung on every word spewed over KMOX radio as I angst with Cardinals' broadcaster Harry Carey. I still do these many years.

For the eleven years Albert Pujols was wearing the birds of the bat Jersey, I stood and applauded his marvelous fetes. I put him on equal grounds with the greatest who ever played the game. Pujols produced and the Cardinals Nation gave homage. After the second of two World Series Championships, Pujols accepted an LA Angels' offer of 10-years for $254 million, which was $34 million more than St. Louis' offer. In retrospect, I think it was a great deal for Pujols and a fortunate outcome for the Cardinals even though experts call it the worst deal in MLB history suggesting LA got the short straw.

This brings us to the current weekend Cardinals-Angels series in St. Louis. I think the St. Louis fans and sports broadcaster received Albert's return with the traditional St. Louis classy fan style, which causes baseball players  pointing to St. Louis fans the 'best' fans in all of baseball. That said, I personally have a tough time with the over-the-top praise coming out of the television broadcast booth from Ricky Horton and Dan McLaughlin. I'm not sure why I feel that way but perhaps the reason is hidden in the following: April 1954 the Cardinals trade16-year veteran, Enos Slaughter to the Yankees. Slaughter hearing the news breaks down in tears saying, "This is the biggest shock in my life. Something, I never thought would happen." Two years later Slaughter hit a three run home run in  game seven of the World Series against the Dodgers as his .359 World Series batting average was remarkable the 40-year old  player.

Yes, perhaps the answer to my perception of too much praise for a deserter from my team lies in the romantic notions honed in the idealistic 1950's environment. Good cowboys wore white hats and were always pure in intention or at least that's what we were taught.

Finally, one thing for certain. Both Slaughter and Pujols left the Cardinals but only one of them
can truly say, "It's not about the money."

When The #%#* Hits The Fan

Iran shot down an American drone, which cost over 100 million dollars. That's a fact...not fake news. America claims their drone was over international waters while Iran insists the drone was over Iranian territory. That's yet to be confirmed. If our Intelligence agency confirms that the drone was over international waters, I will believe our Intelligence people but we cannot be sure President Trump will believe them, NOW CAN WE? After all POTUS believes, Putin, Kim and the Saudi Prince over our CIA and other Intelligence Agencies

I find myself wishing that we had a Defense Secretary 'in place' but we don't. I wish John Kelley and General Mattis were still in the White House where they might be in a position to 'advise.' Seems most White House people appointment by our President either goes to prison or quits...I suppose Trump is "draining the swamp."

It's a mess, folks and it appears it might get worse. Sleep well my countrymen and let's hope somebody has unplugged the 'Red Phone.'
(Touch)
When The Ship Hits The Sand

Simple Integrity

I have never known a better person, a more selfless individual or more loving human being. I speak of my maternal grandmother, 'Mammy' Bennett. She was the bedrock of her immediate and extended family and her Christlike living and caring demeanor was well known throughout the East St. Louis Village of Washington Park.

I think of Mammy often and about her impact on many lives. I thought about her yesterday while listening to a television debate regarding how to insure the integrity of America's next Presidential election. Of course, most Americans acknowledge that the Russians interfered with our  2016 Presidential election. When our nation was attacked December 7, 1941at Pearl Harbor by the Japanese our people from every political camp and all walks of life came together in a common cause. That same bipartisan patriotism rose to protect our country from future attacks the likes suffered on September 11, 2001.

Today the partisan greed and power grabbing desires gripping America stifles the patriotic apitite to address future election tampering. Our own a President refuses to accept the reality of the attack on America's democracy and as a result little if anything is being done to secure 2020 elections from the bad guys.

Mammy Bennett kept life simple and we Americans should keep the voting process simple. Mammy operated a grocery store for years in Washington Park during the 1940's. She carried many neighborhood families on credit. Each family had a little receipt book, which Mammy kept under her checkout counter. At the end of the week or month based upon how folks received paychecks,  Mammy would accept full or partial payment on accounts. Often she would absorb loss if she was aware of a family's hard times.' I would watch her take a receipt booklet on her lap and touch the end of her pencil to her tongue to moisten the lead. She would then write, " Paid in full.'

(Note: Grandpa E. V. Bennett had little knowledge of Mammy's benevolence, after all E.V. was a carpenter by trade and could get more mileage out of a used nail than you could imagine.)

Mammy did not have a computer. She did not have a cash register that told her how much change was coming back to the customer and back the there was no plastic payments with which to handle. All Mammy had was a little receipt book and a lead-pencil, which needed a tad bit saliva to jump start the notation.

If we Americans truly wish to secure election integrity, we need the return of the lead pencil days of old and the simple reminder to voters, 'keep your 'Mark X' inside the box.' There's an easy way to stifle the Cheater.
(Touch)
Watch Out For The Cheater!

The Old Fuddy Duddy

Anybody and everybody who knows me would readily say that I'm a liberal in many ways, yet I'm starting to doubt that assumption. Perhaps I'm more of a conservation, traditional prude than imagined or then just maybe societal folkways and mores have changed before my eyes. I offer this opinion blog for readers to tell me if, indeed I am wrong thinking that the traditional behavior of people has changed and the conventional customs of our community also changed drastically.

Let me state that I confess that my tongue has spoken curse words. I have not lived a sin free journey. That confessed, may I further state that I've not used foul language for public consumption. I grew up in a household that washed a young boy's mouth out with soap and grounded a teen for unacceptable language.

I had my sports heroes whom I emulated. They were my heroes. As the saying goes, "I wanna be like Mike." Those professionals demonstrated gentlemanly-like characteristics in public yet I'm sure they too were not without glowing flaws. The first surprise behavior from a pro athlete, which I observed was Boston left field, Ted Williams 'giving-the-finger' to a fan when I was perhaps 12-years old.

As a St. Louis Metropolitan product, I am naturally a St. Louis sports' fan. I was delighted for that city and its fans to see the St Louis 'Blues' capture hockey's grand prize, 'The Stanley Cup.' I was impressed with the parade celebration yesterday honoring the victorious Blues. I was saddened by some behavior demonstrated by fans and especially players. I thought it was a nice touch when players got out of autos to engage fans and sign autographs but I was terribly disappointed to observe their alcohol flaunting. I likewise found it disgusting to hear a Blues player drop the 'F-bomb' and another individual center-stage saying, "St. Louis' fans kick the shit out of other fans."

Perhaps this 80-year old fella is just out of touch with the current behavior folkways. I was even  foolish enough to think Evangelicals would not elect a presidential candidate after hearing the candidate say, "If your a celebrity you can grab a woman's pu*#y."

By Golly...I've become an old 'fuddy duddy.'
But hey, Life could be worse...I could live in one of those "shit hole" countries.

Ps. Get the kiddos to Vacation Bible School this summer; we wish for them to 'do as we say and not as we do."

Lessons from Dad

Yesterday traveling to the Metro-East area to work a Dupo high school boys' basketball camp with Coach/son Steve, I tuned the radio dial to 1120 KMOX as I always do out of sheer habit. Growing up and coming of age in that metropolitan region in the 1940's and 1950's radio listeners became comfortable getting factual news and stimulating conversational-debate from on-air personalities i.e., Rex Davis, Anne Keith and Bob Hardy. These well-read clever talk show host and hostess never exposed personal political,preferences but caused listeners to consider, express and defend such position with civil discourse. Today's KMOX is a pathetic imitation of those times with a mid-day hate-spewing Rush Limbaugh and  light weight right-winger wannabe, Mark Reardon.

The one on-air personality worthy of my time is Charlie Brennan and he had my ear at the ten o'clock hour. Charlie was interviewing one interesting individual after another as he professionally weaved traffic and weather reports into the programming as well as a St. Louis 'Walk of Fame' vote- tally and a question for those with desires to 'call in' with opinions and thoughts.

It was Charlie's question that caught my attention: 'As Father's Day approaches, what lessons do YOU recall, which were taught by YOUR DAD?" KMOX phone lines were hot for the next several minutes with eager callers. I did not telephone KMOX with my personal thoughts but had I the lessons from my Dad are the following: 1) pull your weight ( Don't depend on others to do your job or assume your responsibility.) 2) appreciate favors but be careful in doing so to protect your  independence / don't place yourself in a compromised circumstance. 3) don't complain. Everybody has challenges and difficult times in life...make the best out of the worst. (This came from a man  whose life was touched by a nation's economic Depression Era and whose life was put on 'hold' to fight World War II.

As you wish you Dad Happy Father's Day this Sunday or remember his life, What lessons did he leave with you?
(Touch)
I Remember His Lessons

A Father Figure?...I Wanna Tell You!

My wife usually arranges her daily chores so that she might take a break mid-afternoon to watch  television's psychoanalyst guru, Dr. Phil. Actually, Hallmark Movies, Dr. Phil, The Big Bang Theory  and Cuomo Prime Time 'float her boat.' A few days ago, I watched a Dr.Phil episode with her and noted an oft used phrase by the good Doctor. In making a point regarding parenting, Phil said, "The most influential parent in a child's life is the same sex parent."

I didn't doubt that the first time I heard it and I'll always subscribe to the notion. I suppose with Fathers' Day approaching, I gave more thought than usual to my own father's impact on my developmental years. From as far back as I recall I felt loved by both parents. I had a strong sense of security and self-esteem. I suppose like many young boys, I sought my Dad's approval more strongly than mom's. Perhaps mother's more readily emit for a child's consumption a feeling of pride and endorsement. I got a clear picture early; I was loved but not worshiped.

Those motivating "Atta Boys" from Dad during adolescent years soon were tempered with more subtle comments suggesting that which I was accomplishing is being done by many and some are doing more. Many of my father's staple comments kept me grounded and focused: "Teammates don't like 'gold bricks' but everybody loves a humble hustler." "Don't complain about things in your life; make things better."  

As a young adult, I began appreciating more his lessons taught through observation. He presented himself with dignity and class but always expressing interest and concern for the other guy. His leadership skills were to be committed to memory. I marveled at my father's ability to create a  ownership atmosphere for a group in pursuit of a purpose or cause. He was a master at it and quick to give credit to another.

This Father's Day, I shall remember many moments with my father. Certainly I will recall St. Louis baseball games at Sportsman's Park with my dad. We saw Stan Musial hit five home runs (May 1954) in a double-header against the N.Y. Giants. We also watched Musial's final game (1963) when he got two hits off Red's pitcher, Jim Maloney. But the best Cardinals' game I ever watched with my dad was the Cardinals-Brewers' final game of the 1982 World Series. I sat with dad in his private room at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (St. Louis) where he was recovering from one of his worst heart failure episodes. That was one special night!

Call it luck or call it a blessing; my good fortune was being born to those parents and I will attest to the claim made by Dr. Phil.

May your Father's Day recollections also be heart-warming. And if your Pop is still sharing this life's journey, may I suggest you get all you can from the moment. 

Hope They Saved The Letter

I coulda bet money and won. Let me explain. A few days ago, I wrote a blog in which I mused that I perhaps should write a letter to my grown children telling them that upon my departure from this earth they should grieve briefly but then celebrate the wonderful blessed life I've lived. My intention, as stated was not to be morbid nor melodramatic but cushion my children underscoring my great life.

Now let me preface the explanation of my tongue-in cheek suggestion that I knew in advance how my children would react: First, my son is one of About 400 people who read my blog and my two daughters are not counted in that number. I have no idea why he does and they don't and I never cared to ask. Knowing that two of three would not 'see' my letter to my kids on the blog, I sent each a hard copy via mail.
 Oldest daughter, Dawn telephoned her mother, "Mom, what's wrong with Dad?" Her mom, being funny answered, "Where do I begin?" Dawn, "No mom, I'm serious, he wrote me a disturbing letter."
My wife then knew it was all about the blog and told Dawn to relax. Of course, Dawn called her younger sister, Pam and got her buzzed up before calling my wife.

Finally, both daughters got me on the telephone and when each said, "Dad, I got your letter and want to know if you're GOING SOME PLACE?" I answered, "Well, it's like my Kentucky friend Richard told me when I asked him that question one time: 'Heaven, I hope but in the meantime I'm headed to Hardees' for biscuits & gravy,' "

Oh, my son, Steve had no comment but he did post under that blog...Curtis Mayfield's recording of the song, "People Get Ready."

Glad that worked out.
(Touch)
There's a Train a Comin'

Pick Your Era, I Did!

Baseball people, sports reporters, baseball historians and fans seem to enjoy discussing and debating   the various era's of baseball. Those debates produce a plethora of opinions as fans and writers attempt to compare players' talent and statistics. Of course, baseball is not unlike other sports' debates. I noted yesterday a question appearing on Facebook as somebody asked: "Who would win a one-on-one game between Michael Jordan or LeBron James?" Well, we'll never know! That's like asking, would Bob Gibson strike out Babe Ruth or would Ruth hit a home run off Gibson? The answer is 'YES.'

Looking at baseball...

1901-1920...Dead Ball Era #1> Gave us Ty, Shoeless Joe, Honus, Walter, Christy & Home Run Baker
1941-1945...WWII Era> Enter Joltin' Joe, Splendid Splinter, The Man, Feller, Dizzy, Mort & Dutch.
1901-1947... Segregation Era> Welcome Robinson & Doby
1945-Early1960's> Post War / Yankee Era...Yankees win 10-of-13 World Series appearances.
1953-1961...Western Expansion Era>Bums & Giants start the expansion.
1960's...Dead Ball Era # 2>But still Roger Maris hits 61 Home Runs.
1973...Designator Hitter Era>Yankees' Ron Blomberg was the first DH April 6, 1973, He walked.
1975-Now...Free Agency Era> MLB players owe gratitude to Curt Flood.
1980's to 2005...Steroid Era> Barry Bonds goes from 185lbs (1991) to 225lbs (2002) hits 73 Homers.
2018-to Current...Launch Angle Era>
                                                           Best explained this way:

1957 @ age 39 Ted Williams (Red Sox) Batting Average>.388...38 home runs and 43 strike outs
salary $150,000.00

2016  @ age 29 Giancarlo Stanton (Miami) Batting Average> .240...27 home runs and 140 strike outs
salary $9,000,000.00

This 'Launch Angle Era' makes me long for the WWII Era> "That greatest generation."

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Hope

This June 6, 2019, we Americans and millions around the world pause to remember this 75th Anniversary of D-Day when American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France during World War II. I was five years old when my father received his draft notice to report. I can still see those tears in my mother's eyes as she contemplated her 26-year old sweetheart and father of two sons soon engulfed in military battle.

For the next two years while my father served in the 89th Infintry Division under the command of General George Patton, I remember running home from school each day to check if our service window Star was still that blue star in a field of white with a red border. I prayed all the way home that no dreaded Gold Star would be in our neighborhood windows. I also recall those wonderful 'voice' records of my father sent from training camp, which were compliments of cola companies.

There are no words to express the excitement in an eight year boy's body watching and waiting for that military train to pull into the St. Louis station at the end of my father's two-year stint. Oh, my God; To see my dad again! My mother lived to age 93 and I never saw her so overjoyed and nervous THAT day at that station.

And then there are these days and THESE American times. Yesterday, I read the interview conducted by British talk show host, Piers Morgan with President Donald Trump who was in Great Britain for events commemorating D-Day. Answering a question about his draft dodging during the Vietnam War, the United States' President said this: "I was never a 'fan' of the Vietnam War, I'll be honest with you it was very far away." Trump continued saying that he would be proud to have been called up for a war 'he' supported. A fan? A fan of war?

Over 400,000 American soldiers died in WWII and 68,000 American soldiers died in the Vietnam War. I wonder if all those noble souls were 'fans' of killing? I don't know if this man (Trump) is simply a social moron, a self-centered narcissist or an empathy-lacking fool.

For the record, It's approximately 5,000 miles to Normandy Beach from the United States and over 8,000 miles from the USA to Vietnam. And...it's only 4,000 miles from the White House to Trump's Ireland golf course where POTUS will be tonight. Trump's a fan of golf.

Each night, I say prayers. I ask God to keep our nation safe from evil forces and President Trump. I know...that's redundant.
(Touch)
Till Then

I Should Share a Perspective With My Family

I've recently picked up on some subtle comments, behavior and outright requests, which cause me to think I should write some cautionary note to my adult children and grandkids. The problem is I don't know exactly how to approach the subject matter. I wish not to come off as morbid, melancholy or alarming, therefore I'm perplexed over my approach.

One of my children warns me that 'this' family member and 'that' family member are going to have difficulty with family deaths. Another comes right out with a more vivid concern...'my death.' I understand the normal journey in life creates such thoughts when loved ones grow old. I recall having those anxieties when my elder family members, i.e. grandparents and parents aged and I began witnessing their more frequent medical issues and 'slowing-down.'

Come now, we have all lost and grieved and our roles in the process change. Sooner or later, we all play each role in this theater called life. My family is no different than most others nor is yours.

If I get around to penning that letter to my family, I want them to know this:  Grieve for me briefly  upon my departure. Please know that I lived a full and glorious life. I was nurtured by parents and an extended family that gave me the best blueprint a child would need. I pursued a love of God, family and a passion for sports; the latter would develop into a educational profession on many gratifying and productive levels. I dated my high school sweetheart whom I married. We parented three wonderful children. I was blessed to be loved by blood relatives and in-laws.

I had numerous doors of opportunity opened to serve others through my coaching and speaking profession. I was given chances to travel and spread messages of hope for parents and coaches of athletes. I served large organizations in capacities to improve the youth and school sport experience. Suffice to say, I got to do all that I wanted to do because I was open to God's plan for me.

When the time comes for me to leave this life, I hope I did not leave something undone. Like most who have gone before, we all have that personal desire to see one more Christmas, another grandchild's wedding and who wouldn't want to teach a great grandchild how to serve a volleyball or hit a baseball.

Finally, I should include in my letter the name of my favorite love song because all the kids know my passion for singing and recording music. I'd tell them the greatest of all love songs is 'The Itsy-Bitsy Spider.' Say what? You don't believe so? Well, sing that song while looking into the face of a one year old child attempting to match your hand gestures...I rest my case and I shall Rest In Peace.

I will think upon this matter a bit more before writing such a letter...I suppose.
(Touch)
Greatest Love Song

Fret Over Foolishness

I like the saying: "Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Simple minds discuss people."I would add a fourth: 'Mindless discuss falsehoods.'

Recently, I received a Facebook comment stating that I should boycott Pepsi Cola because that company produced a can with the Pledge of Allegiance printed upon it and left out the phrase, "In God we trust." The Facebook plea even explained that Pepsi did this as not to offend anybody.

It's a hoax, a lie. A lie that has been perpetuated since 2004. The fact is: Pepsi never did produce such a can. Dr. Pepper did produce such a can in 2002. But my take is this: I don't care if it's true or untrue.
I'm not interested in people telling me to boycott something due to some ideology they suspect is advancing an imaginary conspiracy.

Personally, I don't drink Pepsi any longer. I'm off of colas. I DO drink a Pepsi product called Diet Sierra Mist. I don't buy this product to read things on the can. When I get on an airplane, I don't know if that pilot was drunk the night before or doing church work. When I had back surgeries, I had no idea if the doctor beat up his wife that week or took the family to a movie.  I just hope that the two aforementioned professionals are good at what they are charged to do. I'm pretty sure I have several doctors and medical technicians who periodically attend to me who are not Christian as am I, yet I allow them access to my needs because I've researched their background preparation.

It's disappointing enough that some people can't read and most choose not to read but instead grasps snippets of crap off the internet and spread it as gospel.

To those who wish to wallow around in the boogieman mud, I say enjoy. Just spare me the nonsense.
(Touch)
Boogie Man's Coming