I spotted a highway billboard, which stated, "A Church for THIS Generation." The billboard also held a huge photo of what appeared to be a very handsome family; one would think perhaps it was the Preacher, his wife and kids or the Brady Bunch. Let's agree that the ad suggests three factors: (1) Jesus, (2) Church and (3) followers (church people). However, Lo' and Behold, there is NOW a Church for THIS GENERATION. This can only mean that churches of the past fell short serving or possibly folks of this twenty-first century have more sophisticated needs; we must offer a different religion for new folks comprising THIS generation.
I am left wondering what changed to create this need for the now generation. As I began considering possibilities, I immediately determined that it was NOT Jesus who changed. His message has been consistent over all generations. I then imagined that the Church of my past had it all wrong and thus a change was in order. Shall we be honest and agree that most things change in our society for three reasons:(1) a desire to make money, (2) to find comfort and/or (3) an addictive glutinous.
Upon a personal reflective review of the Methodist Church from my youth to today's United Methodist Church, I note the following: In the 1940's and 1950's, we John Wesley folks had Sunday School on the Sabbath followed by Sunday morning worship service and Sunday evening service. The youngsters returned Monday night for MYF, aka, Methodist Youth Fellowship. Tuesday night my Mammy (maternal grandmother) met with the WCTU, aka, Women's Christian Temperance Union. Wednesday evening was mid-week prayer meeting night. I suppose the Methodist church held five ice cream socials a year, a dozen various family potluck dinners and a minimum four revivals; I especially liked the revivals held under tents when I could watch old ladies fan themselves in the hot July East Sr. Louis summer with those funeral fans. When it rained the mosquitoes were in picnic heaven.
It was those 'hell-fire-damnation' sermons that caused church attendees to squirm in the pews and feel as nervous as a cat in a room filled with rocking chairs.You soon began losing Sunday morning crowds. Let's face it, no one wants to hear that 'if you don't change your ways, brother and sister you are going to spend an eternity in the fires of HELL!'
The NEW Church for the NOW generation conducts all kinds of activities for children that would cause parents to bust their buttons. The 'New" Church strokes pew-dwellers with sugar-coated up-lifting words of assurance. The birth of the "FEEL GOOD SERMON and church for the NEW generation has large movie screens, a stage filled with musical instruments once associated with those 'Rock & Roll' bands that my parents and grandparents cautioned me as 'the Devil's music.
Back in the day, after the hell-fire-damnation sermon the Preacher gave an 'alter-call' for folks to 'come forward' and repent of their sins and thus 'be saved'. Today, my NEW generation Methodist Church offers for me to come forward and randomly pick a name from a container on the alter to then meet someones prayer request. It makes me feel good to pray for 'others;' God only knows how others need prayer...will you all pray for me?
These days I must leave a few minutes earlier for church so that I can grab a donut and cup of coffee in the parlor and still get one of those better seats in the back-pew.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Thinking 'Outside the Box'
The new mini-series, "the Bible" has generated some conversation about the 'greatest story ever told.' I suppose that I have seen many of the movie and television portrayals of this epic Christian phenomenon. I recall many of the movies, especially, "The Robe," "The Ten Commandments" and "Jesus of Nazareth." I like these historical stories to 'come alive' on the screens; I believe that it is the best vehicles to reach the minds of young people.
Often times such movie and T. V. presentations send me to the Bible to 'look-up' or investigate various passages. However, it was my neighbor's recent comment that had me paging my King James version. My neighbor fella was beside himself a few months ago when he reported that his two second-cousins married one another. He adamantly cursed the notion saying,"It ain't right to marry within bloodlines, it says so in the Bible!" Well, I searched the book of Genesis and for the life of me, I could not find a passage addressing the matter. I am not a Biblical scholar and I know very few absolutes. Nonetheless, I am certain that if one subscribes to the evolution theory of creationism then one must accept the idea that Cain begot an offspring with a bloodline relative. That's correct, Enoch was the child of Adam and Eve's children. This means the global family tree is a 'trunk.' Then again, there is the possibility that God with His infinite powers may have created this universe and all people with deeper mysteries beyond any human knowledge, including the prophets. Personally, I subscribe to that latter notion and God will reveal or not reveal the mystery as He chooses.
While searching through the Bible last evening, I read that passage about how we will always have 'wars and rumors of wars.' This premise caused me to ponder solutions to societal problems. Let's suppose we adopt the "Old Folks' War Plan." Suppose that we have an international agreement that ALL nations will use only troops who are both men and women over the age of 62. Don't laugh or think the idea is silly; it has great upsides. Our war casualties suddenly reduce the number causing increased health care costs...there, that problem is solved! We also free up a greater number of 'up-close' parking spaces at Wal Mart, which are now used for excessive handicap spots. Finally, old people, as yours truly, enjoy traveling and seeing world sights but we are on fixed incomes; this government funded Old Folks War Plan would pay for my travel expenses.
Perhaps you find a flaw in this approach based on old-folks sight problems and dexterity-deficiencies, which might minimize efficient gun-aiming; keep in mind that the targets would be slow moving. Of course, there IS a better War Plan...have mothers' rule all nations and then note the number of military conflicts and rumors of conflict.
Often times such movie and T. V. presentations send me to the Bible to 'look-up' or investigate various passages. However, it was my neighbor's recent comment that had me paging my King James version. My neighbor fella was beside himself a few months ago when he reported that his two second-cousins married one another. He adamantly cursed the notion saying,"It ain't right to marry within bloodlines, it says so in the Bible!" Well, I searched the book of Genesis and for the life of me, I could not find a passage addressing the matter. I am not a Biblical scholar and I know very few absolutes. Nonetheless, I am certain that if one subscribes to the evolution theory of creationism then one must accept the idea that Cain begot an offspring with a bloodline relative. That's correct, Enoch was the child of Adam and Eve's children. This means the global family tree is a 'trunk.' Then again, there is the possibility that God with His infinite powers may have created this universe and all people with deeper mysteries beyond any human knowledge, including the prophets. Personally, I subscribe to that latter notion and God will reveal or not reveal the mystery as He chooses.
While searching through the Bible last evening, I read that passage about how we will always have 'wars and rumors of wars.' This premise caused me to ponder solutions to societal problems. Let's suppose we adopt the "Old Folks' War Plan." Suppose that we have an international agreement that ALL nations will use only troops who are both men and women over the age of 62. Don't laugh or think the idea is silly; it has great upsides. Our war casualties suddenly reduce the number causing increased health care costs...there, that problem is solved! We also free up a greater number of 'up-close' parking spaces at Wal Mart, which are now used for excessive handicap spots. Finally, old people, as yours truly, enjoy traveling and seeing world sights but we are on fixed incomes; this government funded Old Folks War Plan would pay for my travel expenses.
Perhaps you find a flaw in this approach based on old-folks sight problems and dexterity-deficiencies, which might minimize efficient gun-aiming; keep in mind that the targets would be slow moving. Of course, there IS a better War Plan...have mothers' rule all nations and then note the number of military conflicts and rumors of conflict.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Laugh and Enjoy When You May
My wife and I have lived in Decatur for 15-plus years. Our daily routine is somewhat predictable. I get up about 6:30A.M. and go downstairs to make coffee and read the morning newspaper. After the news read, I post my blog. At 8:00AM., I take breakfast to my wife in bed. Breakfast is usually cereal, juice and coffee. We watch a couple of television news spots and then play 'our morning bedroom game. Don't jump to any nonsense conclusions; we take turns reading the days newspaper clebraties' birthday mentions. The other day, she read the name saying, "Hall of Fame 'baseball' player, Michael Jordan." I answered, "I don't know hall of fame baseball player, Michael Jordan." Well, my wife laughed for three straight minutes and she enjoyed the moment so much, I skipped telling her that Jordan did not play baseball but played basketball; her laughter was too great-a-moment! It reminded me of the line in a song: "I'll be a fool for you..." I will offer this piece of advice should you desire to play the 'guess birth ages of celebraties' with your spouse; begin playing soon because as time goes by you don't know these younger pop culture stars.
Today, we will quicken our morning pace. Our son and daughter-in law are going to Chicago for a weekend getaway and they are distributing off springs for 'watch-over-them' assignments; we get two of five. Nana and Boompa will welcome two of the 14-year old triplet boys; Jamie and Jake. I can manage the weekend because the boys no longer beat the hell out of each other, throw a thousand rocks into the fish pond or pester the dog until he is eating the hair off his legs.
Actually, we look forward to their visits these days. This weekend, grandson, Caleb's Eastern Illinois University baseball team opens up its home schedule versus Austin Peay. Nana and Boompa will take the two boys to Charleston today and tomorrow, weather permitting and enjoy America's past time. Of course, we shall eat more food than necessary but I did mention they are fourteen years old!
I need this lighthearted weekend. Yesterday afternoon, Gerry and I traveled to Jacksonville to attend Jerry Symonms' wake visitation. Jerry broadcast JHS Crimsons' basketball games for 50 years. He was my advocate-anchor during my 21-years coaching tenure in Jacksonville. His brief cancer illness was diagnosed just 10 weeks ago. He leaves behind his wife Sharon who is restricted to a wheelchair due to M.S., which she has had for 25 years. My heart aches.
I would strongly encourage anyone with something unsaid, unresolved or broken to address such matters expediently. We are all a part of a fragile-brief journey.
Today, we will quicken our morning pace. Our son and daughter-in law are going to Chicago for a weekend getaway and they are distributing off springs for 'watch-over-them' assignments; we get two of five. Nana and Boompa will welcome two of the 14-year old triplet boys; Jamie and Jake. I can manage the weekend because the boys no longer beat the hell out of each other, throw a thousand rocks into the fish pond or pester the dog until he is eating the hair off his legs.
Actually, we look forward to their visits these days. This weekend, grandson, Caleb's Eastern Illinois University baseball team opens up its home schedule versus Austin Peay. Nana and Boompa will take the two boys to Charleston today and tomorrow, weather permitting and enjoy America's past time. Of course, we shall eat more food than necessary but I did mention they are fourteen years old!
I need this lighthearted weekend. Yesterday afternoon, Gerry and I traveled to Jacksonville to attend Jerry Symonms' wake visitation. Jerry broadcast JHS Crimsons' basketball games for 50 years. He was my advocate-anchor during my 21-years coaching tenure in Jacksonville. His brief cancer illness was diagnosed just 10 weeks ago. He leaves behind his wife Sharon who is restricted to a wheelchair due to M.S., which she has had for 25 years. My heart aches.
I would strongly encourage anyone with something unsaid, unresolved or broken to address such matters expediently. We are all a part of a fragile-brief journey.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
My Rules; My Way
Frank Sinatra sang the song, 'I Did It My Way.' The sign over the commode at the Livingston, Illinois Antique Shop reads: 'Please put the seat down;' obviously some gal wishes 'that' situation to be her way. Rush Limbaugh wrote a book several years ago, which I never read, entitled: 'The Way Things Ought to Be." Interesting how life is perceived better when one gets to 'make the rules.'
Here are just a few things that I would change, if I had My Way:
...all counter tops would be 4-inches higher; I am 6'3"
...attendants would pump my gas and check tires
...first time sex offenders would be imprisoned for life
...parades would have horse 'coming first' to create more excitement
...all lines at Wal Mart would be open
...dance recitals would have a 90-minute time limit
...Black male singers would be prohibited from grabbing their crotch
...White male singers would not be allowed to imitate Black male singers
...theater 'feature films' would start at advertised times and advertisement eliminated
...Fox News could not use the slogan, 'Fair and Balanced.'
...all businesses must have 'real' people answering the telephone
...mail would be delivered every other day and stamps would cost .10c
...vegetables would be bad for you while chocolate and bread would lower blood pressure
...MLB managers would be allowed to use only three pitchers per game
...grass would stop growing at 4-inches
...middle school basketball would not have a three-point arc
...trucks could only use the interstate between the hours of10PM and 6AM
...cell phones would not be allowed in restaurants
...elected officials convicted of a felony could not receive pensions
...college athletes would be held to the same entrance standards as non-athletes
...all electronic and technology devices operate with a simple 'on & off' switch
And finally, females can never complain about the pain associated with giving birth because most women wish to 'get' pregnant a second time; after all the male pain endured when being kicked in the groin is far more excruciating than birthing. You never have heard a man say, "Boy, I'd like to experience that again!"...I rest my case for having it My Way.
Here are just a few things that I would change, if I had My Way:
...all counter tops would be 4-inches higher; I am 6'3"
...attendants would pump my gas and check tires
...first time sex offenders would be imprisoned for life
...parades would have horse 'coming first' to create more excitement
...all lines at Wal Mart would be open
...dance recitals would have a 90-minute time limit
...Black male singers would be prohibited from grabbing their crotch
...White male singers would not be allowed to imitate Black male singers
...theater 'feature films' would start at advertised times and advertisement eliminated
...Fox News could not use the slogan, 'Fair and Balanced.'
...all businesses must have 'real' people answering the telephone
...mail would be delivered every other day and stamps would cost .10c
...vegetables would be bad for you while chocolate and bread would lower blood pressure
...MLB managers would be allowed to use only three pitchers per game
...grass would stop growing at 4-inches
...middle school basketball would not have a three-point arc
...trucks could only use the interstate between the hours of10PM and 6AM
...cell phones would not be allowed in restaurants
...elected officials convicted of a felony could not receive pensions
...college athletes would be held to the same entrance standards as non-athletes
...all electronic and technology devices operate with a simple 'on & off' switch
And finally, females can never complain about the pain associated with giving birth because most women wish to 'get' pregnant a second time; after all the male pain endured when being kicked in the groin is far more excruciating than birthing. You never have heard a man say, "Boy, I'd like to experience that again!"...I rest my case for having it My Way.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Oh Boy, Change Did Come!
The late singer, Sam Cooke's song, 'A Change Gonna Come' was about the civil rights social struggle back in the early '60's. The song could be about my body; it has been changing rapidly over the past several years and the change ain't for the better.
I take less time combing hair and brushing teeth; both are departing my body. I sneeze more and sleep less. I hear just fine if one speaks to me in a volume equal to that of a rocket booster at lift off. My eye sight is fading and my back-arthritis has me doing the following ritual before driving out of my garage in the auto: Since I cannot turn around and 'see' anything while backing-up, I now walk around the car THEN get behind the driver's seat and honk the horn three long blast before backing up!
Every morning, my lower extremities painfully remind me of three previous back surgeries. A quick gander in the morning mirror before shaving causes me to think of crocodiles. As I slip on my socks, I notice that my toenails are the color of Halloween 'brown' candy corn. My toenails want to 'grow' downward, these days and that tears holes in my socks.
My memory has seen better days. Thank goodness for my grandpa E.V. Bennett's 'chime-clock.' The old antique clock chimes once on the half-hour and then it chimes the number at the top of the hour; this reminds me to put the dog outside to go potty! My wristwatch has that day/date indicator that helps me to remember what day to put the trash out for pick-up.
There is some good-news change. My family doctor told me to 'walk' 10,000 steps per day; I do half that number just going to the bathroom during the night! Of course, 'going' to the bathroom away from the house is now problematic; often I forget to zip my fly. I find folks at Hickory Point Mall looking my direction with strange glances. I have begun wearing a rubber band on each wrist. These visual aids remind me to check my zipper and wipe any possible unwanted 'boogers' from my nose.
Yes sir!! Singer, Sam Cooke was correct, a change indeed did come! My only fear now is that one day, I will forget my underpinning-staples and begin voting Republican and rooting for the "Cubs!"
I take less time combing hair and brushing teeth; both are departing my body. I sneeze more and sleep less. I hear just fine if one speaks to me in a volume equal to that of a rocket booster at lift off. My eye sight is fading and my back-arthritis has me doing the following ritual before driving out of my garage in the auto: Since I cannot turn around and 'see' anything while backing-up, I now walk around the car THEN get behind the driver's seat and honk the horn three long blast before backing up!
Every morning, my lower extremities painfully remind me of three previous back surgeries. A quick gander in the morning mirror before shaving causes me to think of crocodiles. As I slip on my socks, I notice that my toenails are the color of Halloween 'brown' candy corn. My toenails want to 'grow' downward, these days and that tears holes in my socks.
My memory has seen better days. Thank goodness for my grandpa E.V. Bennett's 'chime-clock.' The old antique clock chimes once on the half-hour and then it chimes the number at the top of the hour; this reminds me to put the dog outside to go potty! My wristwatch has that day/date indicator that helps me to remember what day to put the trash out for pick-up.
There is some good-news change. My family doctor told me to 'walk' 10,000 steps per day; I do half that number just going to the bathroom during the night! Of course, 'going' to the bathroom away from the house is now problematic; often I forget to zip my fly. I find folks at Hickory Point Mall looking my direction with strange glances. I have begun wearing a rubber band on each wrist. These visual aids remind me to check my zipper and wipe any possible unwanted 'boogers' from my nose.
Yes sir!! Singer, Sam Cooke was correct, a change indeed did come! My only fear now is that one day, I will forget my underpinning-staples and begin voting Republican and rooting for the "Cubs!"
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Spinning Wheel
Jerry Symons died early yesterday morning after a brief seven-weeks battle with liver cancer. Let me check numbers before going further. Jerry was 71 years old, his wife Sharon has been afflicted with multiple sclerosis for 25-years and Jerry broadcast Jacksonville high school and West Central Illinois sports for 50 years for Jacksonville radio station WLDS/WEAI.
I first met Jerry Symons in 1970, when I coached the Edwardsville 'Tigers' basketball team. My 'Tigers' competed in the Jacksonville Round Robin Mid-Winter Basketball Tournament. Jerry would interview the opposing coaches at court side just before we played the host Jacksonville team. Symons always conducted a professional pre-game interview. Hardly could I imagine in 1970 that one day, Mel Roustio and Jerry Symons' paths would intertwine for an amazing twenty-one year journey but they did.
I accepted the Jacksonville boys' basketball coaching position in the fall of 1977, and for the next 21-years I would serve that school district in various capacities: coach, athletic director and alternative education instructor. It was my relationship with Jerry Symons which, was the catalyst that served as a significant impact on our own basketball program and West Central Illinois basketball.
As coach, I kept communication lines open with Jerry Symons who would then convey positive and supportive comments when broadcasting games and hosting radio 'call-in' programs. Jerry and long time Jacksonville Journal-Courier Sports' Editor, Buford Green became vital team players in my effort to develop the Jacksonville High School's All-Sports Hall-of-Fame program and the annual West Central Illinois All-Star benefit basketball game. Later, Ron Tendick, Jerry's high school pal and news director at WLDS radio would assist me with initiating the West Central Illinois Rotary Scholar-Athlete Recognition Ceremony. Tendick later served for many years as Jacksonville's Mayor. I was incredibly blessed with these friendship-associations.
After two years coaching at JHS, Jerry invited me to host my own Saturday morning 'Sport Spotlight Show' on WLDS Radio, which he co-owned with Don Hamilton; I did that show for nineteen years. In my last four years at the Crimsons' basketball helm, I was retired from the athletic director's position and once again invited by Symons to serve as a radio D J on WLDS during a daily 4-hour morning shift. It was a joyous experience that only happened because of a shared professional respect and a common desire to serve people. The WLDS (behind-the-microphone) experience led to the IHSA inviting me to serve as television basketball analyst for the Class AA State Tournament.
I am terribly sadden to lose such a good friend. I shall cherish always, my memories and shared history with Jerry. One special memory unfolded the last couple of weeks I was on the WLDS morning show. I had used long time market analyst, John O'Keefe personal multiple sclerosis story to generate a WLDS listenership donation campaign for MS. One day, Jerry Symons entered my announcer's booth and with tears in his eyes he said, "My desk is piled high with letters containing money/check contributins; it reminds me of the scene from the Christmas movie, Miracle on 42nd Street when the Post Office delivered they mail to the courthouse judge deciding if there indeed was a Santa Claus."
. When I give such pause to name the six relatives, three former players and two friends who have died the past two years, m head swims; my world is spinning out of control. I find myself playing on the floor with Toy Poodle, Yodie more and more; it is a peaceful and recognizable exercise experience that slows the spin.
I first met Jerry Symons in 1970, when I coached the Edwardsville 'Tigers' basketball team. My 'Tigers' competed in the Jacksonville Round Robin Mid-Winter Basketball Tournament. Jerry would interview the opposing coaches at court side just before we played the host Jacksonville team. Symons always conducted a professional pre-game interview. Hardly could I imagine in 1970 that one day, Mel Roustio and Jerry Symons' paths would intertwine for an amazing twenty-one year journey but they did.
I accepted the Jacksonville boys' basketball coaching position in the fall of 1977, and for the next 21-years I would serve that school district in various capacities: coach, athletic director and alternative education instructor. It was my relationship with Jerry Symons which, was the catalyst that served as a significant impact on our own basketball program and West Central Illinois basketball.
As coach, I kept communication lines open with Jerry Symons who would then convey positive and supportive comments when broadcasting games and hosting radio 'call-in' programs. Jerry and long time Jacksonville Journal-Courier Sports' Editor, Buford Green became vital team players in my effort to develop the Jacksonville High School's All-Sports Hall-of-Fame program and the annual West Central Illinois All-Star benefit basketball game. Later, Ron Tendick, Jerry's high school pal and news director at WLDS radio would assist me with initiating the West Central Illinois Rotary Scholar-Athlete Recognition Ceremony. Tendick later served for many years as Jacksonville's Mayor. I was incredibly blessed with these friendship-associations.
After two years coaching at JHS, Jerry invited me to host my own Saturday morning 'Sport Spotlight Show' on WLDS Radio, which he co-owned with Don Hamilton; I did that show for nineteen years. In my last four years at the Crimsons' basketball helm, I was retired from the athletic director's position and once again invited by Symons to serve as a radio D J on WLDS during a daily 4-hour morning shift. It was a joyous experience that only happened because of a shared professional respect and a common desire to serve people. The WLDS (behind-the-microphone) experience led to the IHSA inviting me to serve as television basketball analyst for the Class AA State Tournament.
I am terribly sadden to lose such a good friend. I shall cherish always, my memories and shared history with Jerry. One special memory unfolded the last couple of weeks I was on the WLDS morning show. I had used long time market analyst, John O'Keefe personal multiple sclerosis story to generate a WLDS listenership donation campaign for MS. One day, Jerry Symons entered my announcer's booth and with tears in his eyes he said, "My desk is piled high with letters containing money/check contributins; it reminds me of the scene from the Christmas movie, Miracle on 42nd Street when the Post Office delivered they mail to the courthouse judge deciding if there indeed was a Santa Claus."
. When I give such pause to name the six relatives, three former players and two friends who have died the past two years, m head swims; my world is spinning out of control. I find myself playing on the floor with Toy Poodle, Yodie more and more; it is a peaceful and recognizable exercise experience that slows the spin.
Monday, March 11, 2013
It's Not You Parents' School
Few years ago, I attended a third-grade elementary grandparents' day. I was surprised at what I discovered. There were no individual desks but ';group-tables' for students. Some kids were sprawled on floor mats eating 'ding-dong' lunch cakes. I did not see any evidence of Palmer Method Penmanship handwriting materials or multiplication cards and symbols. I suppose kids don't need to learn handwriting given the propensity for text messaging and the good Lord knows your iPhone with computer/calculation capacity negates the necessity of gaining any arithmetic skills.
When I went to the gymnasium to observe a physical education class, I noticed how chubby most kids were and immediately dismissed it given the fact that they have daily 'ding-dong' cake-breaks! The P.E. class held no calisthenics or running moments. I think kids don't take to sweating and given the fact that the shower area is used for janitorial materials storage, I suspect after-class showers are well into the school day's rear view mirror. During P.E. class the activity was 'kick-ball' but most children were just standing in clusters talking; I guess this is the new time for face-to-face socialization since technology essentially removes most interpersonal communications. This entire school setting 'looks' much different than the East St. Louis Woodrow Wilson Grade School, which I attended in 1950.
A recent study proclaims that this generation of youngsters is overweight, self-centered and has no idea of accountability. I recall another study way back in 1959. That study revealed that the best marriage match was the oldest children from two families getting married. The reasoning was based in the belief that older (first born) kids learn early how to help and share. Obviously, a lesser chance for marital bliss was found when the baby of two families tied the knot; but the most horrible result was found when only child married only child. Today, with the divorce rate at 60%, one can only believe that every match is a 'crapshoot' due to the mentality, "I am special," and the "Don't blame me fallout!"
My kids would be the first to tell you that their 'old man' is out-of-touch' and somewhat clueless on these parenting matters, which brings me to a personal question: How the hell did my kids become so damn smart with such a clueless father and mother?
I do know this; if I had kids in school today, I would attend a school board meeting and ask if they were doing anything to make life a tad bit uncomfortable and trying for my child since he will likely face those daily stresses. Secondly, I would want to know if he can 'make change' should he get a job at Wal Mart?
When I went to the gymnasium to observe a physical education class, I noticed how chubby most kids were and immediately dismissed it given the fact that they have daily 'ding-dong' cake-breaks! The P.E. class held no calisthenics or running moments. I think kids don't take to sweating and given the fact that the shower area is used for janitorial materials storage, I suspect after-class showers are well into the school day's rear view mirror. During P.E. class the activity was 'kick-ball' but most children were just standing in clusters talking; I guess this is the new time for face-to-face socialization since technology essentially removes most interpersonal communications. This entire school setting 'looks' much different than the East St. Louis Woodrow Wilson Grade School, which I attended in 1950.
A recent study proclaims that this generation of youngsters is overweight, self-centered and has no idea of accountability. I recall another study way back in 1959. That study revealed that the best marriage match was the oldest children from two families getting married. The reasoning was based in the belief that older (first born) kids learn early how to help and share. Obviously, a lesser chance for marital bliss was found when the baby of two families tied the knot; but the most horrible result was found when only child married only child. Today, with the divorce rate at 60%, one can only believe that every match is a 'crapshoot' due to the mentality, "I am special," and the "Don't blame me fallout!"
My kids would be the first to tell you that their 'old man' is out-of-touch' and somewhat clueless on these parenting matters, which brings me to a personal question: How the hell did my kids become so damn smart with such a clueless father and mother?
I do know this; if I had kids in school today, I would attend a school board meeting and ask if they were doing anything to make life a tad bit uncomfortable and trying for my child since he will likely face those daily stresses. Secondly, I would want to know if he can 'make change' should he get a job at Wal Mart?
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