Several days ago, I was attempting to debate the down side of capitalism with one of my children when the offspring snapped at me and stated, in no uncertain terms, "I don't want to hear it!" Simply stated, 'capitalism is an economic system where goods and services are brought to the market place and sold for profit.' Sounds fair and reasonable but there are exceptions that 'PISS' me off.
At 6:47 this morning, I went to the nearby Wal Mart for a few items, namely milk. There was not one cashier working but instead four (4) self-service pods were lined up with folks attempting to negotiate their purchase while a little female employee ran from one pod to another assisting those with various self-cashier skills. When my turn at the self-conveyor machine, I shouted across two lanes, "Would someone please check me out and bag these products I wish to buy?" The young girl came to me and said, "I'll help you learn how to do this sir, it's easy." I replied, "I don't want to learn how to do a job that is being denied to someone who needs a job just so some fat-ass corporate guys can make more money!!"
Let me elaborate. This younger generation can be duped into this bull crap but I shall 'hold-out' until death. Last week, I met with a 40-something year old mother who recently lost her job as a newspaper design technician along with two other newspaper employees of 18-plus years; the three jobs were outsourced to India...hooray for capitalism. When I first began driving an automobile the service station attendant came to my car with a co-worker. One filled my car with gasoline and washed ALL exterior windows and then swept out the floorboard of my car while the other guy checked my oil and tire pressure. You all know the 'routine' today when purchasing gasoline and you also know damn-well that the price of gasoline can differ as much as twenty-five cents at two service stations blocks apart...hooray for capitalism.
Governor Scott Walker, Wisconsin, is one of the new champions of the conservative political cause; the fat-cat corporate guys love Walker...he breaks the labor unions thus creating more capital gain. Look, I believe in our American free market capitalism economy but only when 'controls' are in place to protect the small voices in our beloved US of A.
After my Wal Mart rant two gents approached me in parking lot to commend my stance at the self-checkout lanes. I wanted to smack them up aside the head and tell them to 'grow a set of balls.'
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Yer Out!
Baseball umpiring is NOT an easy-to-do activity. It is especially challenging for the 'home-plate-umpire' who must make a judgment call on nearly 200 pitches per game. Then there can be those weired and unexpected 'plays' or sudden 'bang-bang' plays; it ain't easy umpiring baseball. From 1970 through 1981, I umpire high school and college baseball. I suppose that I umpired for a couple of reasons: (1) Baseball was always my first love and as a former pitcher, I was always a control-freak and consequently found baseball umpiring an arena-release, (2), I believed that I was 'good' umpiring and (3), I could always use a few extra bucks. In 1978, I umpired the Division II World Series.
As an umpire, I swam against the current. I'll explain. If you watch much professional baseball you will notice most umpires have a very small strike zone, which favors the hitter because it sells more tickets to the desires of the baseball-knowledge challenged fan who cannot appreciate low scoring games. Baseball games with scores of 1o-to-8 with 23 base hits four home runs and nine pitching changes takes longer to play, which allows more beer sales; the only down side is drunks falling out of the upper deck in the seventh inning. I called the 'rule-book' strike zone!!!
Some funny stuff happens on the baseball diamond. I recall umpiring a high school game (late 1970's) at Cahokia, Illinois with East St. Louis. Entering the top of the seventh (last) inning, East St. Louis trailed host Cahokia 7-4 when East St. Louis put the first two batters on base with no outs. Are you ready to follow the unexpected? The next East Side batter blasted a pitch headed for the centerfield fence. As the Cahokia outfielder turned and raced towards the fly ball, both runners were off and running to third and second bases respectively; in fact each runner had rounded those bases when the Cahokia outfielder made a phenomenal over-the-shoulder' catch. The runner who had rounded second retraced his steps and was returning to first base when the relay throw from the outfield to the shortstop doubled up the runner at first base. NOTE: WE SUDDENLY HAVE TWO OUTS! I then noticed the runner who rounded third base had returned to second but as his teammate is put out at first this runner at second begins to 'run-towards' home plate directly OVER the pitchers mound (I shit you not). The Cahokia first baseman threw the ball home to his catcher who watches the East St. Louis runner slide by his tag. Of course I bellowed, "You're OUT!" The runner jumped to his feet claiming he was not tagged and he was correct; he was NOT tagged. I explained to the boy that he ran out of the base path but he insisted that he had 'touched third base once and did not need to run there AGAIN!' Some kids never grasp the rules of play; their thinking is ass backwards!
As an umpire, I swam against the current. I'll explain. If you watch much professional baseball you will notice most umpires have a very small strike zone, which favors the hitter because it sells more tickets to the desires of the baseball-knowledge challenged fan who cannot appreciate low scoring games. Baseball games with scores of 1o-to-8 with 23 base hits four home runs and nine pitching changes takes longer to play, which allows more beer sales; the only down side is drunks falling out of the upper deck in the seventh inning. I called the 'rule-book' strike zone!!!
Some funny stuff happens on the baseball diamond. I recall umpiring a high school game (late 1970's) at Cahokia, Illinois with East St. Louis. Entering the top of the seventh (last) inning, East St. Louis trailed host Cahokia 7-4 when East St. Louis put the first two batters on base with no outs. Are you ready to follow the unexpected? The next East Side batter blasted a pitch headed for the centerfield fence. As the Cahokia outfielder turned and raced towards the fly ball, both runners were off and running to third and second bases respectively; in fact each runner had rounded those bases when the Cahokia outfielder made a phenomenal over-the-shoulder' catch. The runner who had rounded second retraced his steps and was returning to first base when the relay throw from the outfield to the shortstop doubled up the runner at first base. NOTE: WE SUDDENLY HAVE TWO OUTS! I then noticed the runner who rounded third base had returned to second but as his teammate is put out at first this runner at second begins to 'run-towards' home plate directly OVER the pitchers mound (I shit you not). The Cahokia first baseman threw the ball home to his catcher who watches the East St. Louis runner slide by his tag. Of course I bellowed, "You're OUT!" The runner jumped to his feet claiming he was not tagged and he was correct; he was NOT tagged. I explained to the boy that he ran out of the base path but he insisted that he had 'touched third base once and did not need to run there AGAIN!' Some kids never grasp the rules of play; their thinking is ass backwards!
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Is Everybody Happy?
Anytime I travel down interstate 270 at the Glen Carbon / Edwardsville exits, I am always fascinated by the huge church billboard that reads: 'A Church for THIS Generation!' Accompanying the message is a large family photo of the church's Pastor, wife and two kids; attractive folks with warm smiles. The very first time that I noticed the billboard-photo it reminded me of the 'Brady Bunch.'
There is some thing troubling about the billboard-message...at least that's my take...let me wrestle with the thought in this rant. All Christian Churches embrace (1) the teachings of Jesus Christ and (2) the members adhere to the Church-belief doctrine. If there is a Church for THIS Generation then the Church of my generation must have had some thing wrong. Did we old-time-religion-folks interpret Jesus' words incorrectly? Perhaps the way we went about our worshiping was a wrong-minded approach.
I came to a conclusion and as many of my resolves, I am likely all wet and it's not from my Baptism. Consider, if you please, there are many new ways of this NOW GENERATION. Once upon a time (in my generation) medical doctors made house calls. Today, I sit in a waiting room for long periods of time to see my doctor. Then my doctor tells me I need to see a specialist or have test and this requires me to talk with someone in another State to get 'insurance approval.' My generation was in awe of policeman and respectful of teachers. This 'New' generation has figured out the policemen are 'pigs' and teachers are at fault for underachieving children.
I notice a lot of now generation folks have a common concept; they grew up thinking the sun pops out of their ass every morning giving us light. Today's NOW church-going generation expects and only accepts 'comfort!'
Many Church leaders came to believe that folks were not going to attend church if the preacher kept telling people they would go to Hell for unrepentant sins. That message creates uneasiness and watch 'checking' in God's house. Also, suggesting that a good church member tithes is an unpopular concept. Therefore, we began hearing those 'feel-good' sermons and less talk about giving money. On the 'road-to-the-now-generation-church, we brought 'Junior's' drums and guitar so e could have contemporary music instead of those old gospel songs. Many 'Now' generation church messages are somewhat like Fox News, 'fair and balance,' Matter-of-fact, the Fox News theme usually suggests that 'white' Republicans are born again Christians headed for Heaven and Democrats are heathens headed for Hell.
I'll look for you in church this Sunday...I go early so that I can eat some donut holes and have a cup of coffee and take it into the sanctuary before all the 'good' seats in the back pews are taken. I sure do like those 'new' pew cushions.
There is some thing troubling about the billboard-message...at least that's my take...let me wrestle with the thought in this rant. All Christian Churches embrace (1) the teachings of Jesus Christ and (2) the members adhere to the Church-belief doctrine. If there is a Church for THIS Generation then the Church of my generation must have had some thing wrong. Did we old-time-religion-folks interpret Jesus' words incorrectly? Perhaps the way we went about our worshiping was a wrong-minded approach.
I came to a conclusion and as many of my resolves, I am likely all wet and it's not from my Baptism. Consider, if you please, there are many new ways of this NOW GENERATION. Once upon a time (in my generation) medical doctors made house calls. Today, I sit in a waiting room for long periods of time to see my doctor. Then my doctor tells me I need to see a specialist or have test and this requires me to talk with someone in another State to get 'insurance approval.' My generation was in awe of policeman and respectful of teachers. This 'New' generation has figured out the policemen are 'pigs' and teachers are at fault for underachieving children.
I notice a lot of now generation folks have a common concept; they grew up thinking the sun pops out of their ass every morning giving us light. Today's NOW church-going generation expects and only accepts 'comfort!'
Many Church leaders came to believe that folks were not going to attend church if the preacher kept telling people they would go to Hell for unrepentant sins. That message creates uneasiness and watch 'checking' in God's house. Also, suggesting that a good church member tithes is an unpopular concept. Therefore, we began hearing those 'feel-good' sermons and less talk about giving money. On the 'road-to-the-now-generation-church, we brought 'Junior's' drums and guitar so e could have contemporary music instead of those old gospel songs. Many 'Now' generation church messages are somewhat like Fox News, 'fair and balance,' Matter-of-fact, the Fox News theme usually suggests that 'white' Republicans are born again Christians headed for Heaven and Democrats are heathens headed for Hell.
I'll look for you in church this Sunday...I go early so that I can eat some donut holes and have a cup of coffee and take it into the sanctuary before all the 'good' seats in the back pews are taken. I sure do like those 'new' pew cushions.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Sing Your Song
Congratulations to all those parents who survived another summer with kids under feet. Those young ones are back in school and parents can now aim for more 'routine-stability,' although given youth activity schedules, parents are winter-time cab drivers. Each one of our three adult children will be sending a grandchild off to college this fall. This is never an easy moment in that parent-child relationship; tears will likely flow and for certain... 'things' and relationships change.
I recall when I left home for that first year (1957) at Illinois State University. When I returned home at the Thanksgiving break, my mother had made significant changes to that which was once my room; suffice to say their was little evidence that I had ever lived in the home. The drastic home-environment changes caused me to wonder just how long mother had been contemplating my departure. Another thing that I noticed over time, while attending college; my relatives let it be known to me that I had adopted many 'liberal ideas.' I would NOT argue their claim. The interesting thing was that many of my 'new-found' liberal views coincided with parents & family teachings of Jesus Christ; especially when it comes to tolerance for others. However, my very staunch Christian family members never could connect those dots; go figure!
Speaking of tolerance or perhaps intolerance, I returned from the Target Store yesterday afternoon where I had picked up a prescription. There were several people waiting in line at the druggist counter. I noticed one elderly gentleman holding tightly to an empty shopping cart while his health care assistant was completing her transaction. The gentleman was either suffering from dementia or some other brain altering malady. He kept singing the same chorus line from the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.' He had the tune down good but his words got out of order often. He was oblivious to his whereabouts and those around him but continued singing loudly. His nurse kept garnering him as he tended to drift away from her side. Finely a younger man nearby said to the nurse, "Could you please stop him from singing, it's irritating?" I wanted to tell the intolerant young fella that he was an asshole but I bit my tongue. The nurse reminded her patient several times to stop singing but after a brief pause 'Mike' would rev up his song once again. As the health care lady completed her business and walked away, I shouted to 'singing Mike,' "Mike you keep singing that song...never stop."
Once I had finished my prescription business, I turned to leave and just could not resist; I was tired of biting my tongue. I said to the young man who was irritated by the singing, "You are a ASSHOLE!" I know that my comment was not very Christian-like; you see I too am 'intolerant' of some people; mainly ASSHOLES.
I recall when I left home for that first year (1957) at Illinois State University. When I returned home at the Thanksgiving break, my mother had made significant changes to that which was once my room; suffice to say their was little evidence that I had ever lived in the home. The drastic home-environment changes caused me to wonder just how long mother had been contemplating my departure. Another thing that I noticed over time, while attending college; my relatives let it be known to me that I had adopted many 'liberal ideas.' I would NOT argue their claim. The interesting thing was that many of my 'new-found' liberal views coincided with parents & family teachings of Jesus Christ; especially when it comes to tolerance for others. However, my very staunch Christian family members never could connect those dots; go figure!
Speaking of tolerance or perhaps intolerance, I returned from the Target Store yesterday afternoon where I had picked up a prescription. There were several people waiting in line at the druggist counter. I noticed one elderly gentleman holding tightly to an empty shopping cart while his health care assistant was completing her transaction. The gentleman was either suffering from dementia or some other brain altering malady. He kept singing the same chorus line from the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.' He had the tune down good but his words got out of order often. He was oblivious to his whereabouts and those around him but continued singing loudly. His nurse kept garnering him as he tended to drift away from her side. Finely a younger man nearby said to the nurse, "Could you please stop him from singing, it's irritating?" I wanted to tell the intolerant young fella that he was an asshole but I bit my tongue. The nurse reminded her patient several times to stop singing but after a brief pause 'Mike' would rev up his song once again. As the health care lady completed her business and walked away, I shouted to 'singing Mike,' "Mike you keep singing that song...never stop."
Once I had finished my prescription business, I turned to leave and just could not resist; I was tired of biting my tongue. I said to the young man who was irritated by the singing, "You are a ASSHOLE!" I know that my comment was not very Christian-like; you see I too am 'intolerant' of some people; mainly ASSHOLES.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Gotta Do What I Gotta Do
I will go back to Destin, Florida for vacation but not without my Toy Poodle, 'Yodie;' take THAT to the bank. I missed my dog those ten days we were away. He was in good hands with friends and I am sure he did just fine but I missed my dog.
The Florida folks kinda piss me off. Let me explain: Dog racing in the 'Sunshine State' is a big business and historians will document rather harsh and cruel treatment of those beautiful Greyhounds that race and make folks money. On the flip side of that attitude towards man's best friend' you cannot easily find vacation rental property accepting pets. The general Florida attitude towards the Yodie's of the world 'sucks.'
I was explaining my frustration to a gentleman who operates vacation rentals and told him the following story; "We had a family miniature poodle named Gigi when our kids were growing up. Gigi was perhaps the most precious dog the Roustio's ever had and we have had some great pups. When our girls were five and seven years old they would dress Gigi in doll clothes and push her around in a doll-size buggy. Gigi had one litter of pups and demonstrated wonderful mothering instincts. If Gigi was not being attended to by our daughters, she was curled up on the couch next to my wife.
Our oldest daughter was a senior in high school and our youngest daughter was a sophomore when we had to put Gigi down. Gigi was seventeen years old and suffered from poor vision. One afternoon Gigi heard a roaring noise and ran from an open door onto our street where she was struck by a motor cycle. Her injuries were devastating but, of course the Roustios made a run at saving their beloved pet. Our Jacksonville veterinarian, John Allan Ebrey said that the dog should not have survived the night but Gigi did. In fact, the Vet made a good observation claiming that it is his opinion many older dogs will cling to life against improbable odds as if they seemingly feel that should they 'give-up' the fight they are betraying their family." I cried that day and when I finished with my story the vacation rental guy had tears in his eyes and a beautiful three bedroom Destin house for us to rent in the future that welcomes my buddy, Yodie.
Let me assure you readers that is a factual story! I do not lie about my dogs or my East St. Louis youth.
The Florida folks kinda piss me off. Let me explain: Dog racing in the 'Sunshine State' is a big business and historians will document rather harsh and cruel treatment of those beautiful Greyhounds that race and make folks money. On the flip side of that attitude towards man's best friend' you cannot easily find vacation rental property accepting pets. The general Florida attitude towards the Yodie's of the world 'sucks.'
I was explaining my frustration to a gentleman who operates vacation rentals and told him the following story; "We had a family miniature poodle named Gigi when our kids were growing up. Gigi was perhaps the most precious dog the Roustio's ever had and we have had some great pups. When our girls were five and seven years old they would dress Gigi in doll clothes and push her around in a doll-size buggy. Gigi had one litter of pups and demonstrated wonderful mothering instincts. If Gigi was not being attended to by our daughters, she was curled up on the couch next to my wife.
Our oldest daughter was a senior in high school and our youngest daughter was a sophomore when we had to put Gigi down. Gigi was seventeen years old and suffered from poor vision. One afternoon Gigi heard a roaring noise and ran from an open door onto our street where she was struck by a motor cycle. Her injuries were devastating but, of course the Roustios made a run at saving their beloved pet. Our Jacksonville veterinarian, John Allan Ebrey said that the dog should not have survived the night but Gigi did. In fact, the Vet made a good observation claiming that it is his opinion many older dogs will cling to life against improbable odds as if they seemingly feel that should they 'give-up' the fight they are betraying their family." I cried that day and when I finished with my story the vacation rental guy had tears in his eyes and a beautiful three bedroom Destin house for us to rent in the future that welcomes my buddy, Yodie.
Let me assure you readers that is a factual story! I do not lie about my dogs or my East St. Louis youth.
Monday, August 12, 2013
You Hope Even For Strangers
Sorry about the absence lately. Gerry and I spent some time away from the homestead in the sunny south on Destin, Florida's white- sandy beaches. We stayed at The Inn @ Crystal Beach; I'd recommend it to all. Destin was once a matter-of-fact, clumsy-messy fishing village and today it is a thriving metropolis of recreational, shopping and eatery offerings. During the week long stay, we witnessed two beach-weddings and unfortunately a possible drowning; hope that I am wrong on the latter but the indicators were all present.
The first day at the condo, I was taking the elevator down to do my first of many walks; I overheard a young married couple with a toddler daughter fussing with each other. A few days later while talking with the young husband, I got all kinds of signals that this marriage was in 'trouble.' Naturally, as the week progressed, I had an eye on the pair and on occasion, I spoke with each independently as well as together. ON the second to last day, the sea waves were particularly strong and high. Most people who ventured very far into the waters had difficulty standing against the relentless waves bashing towards the shoreline. I noticed my 'fussing couple' holding each others hand and dropping their heads towards the oncoming waves in an attempt to stand the tide's pressure and wade farther out into the seas.
On the last day, I was going into the garage area to garner a luggage carryall when I met the 'quarrelling' couple as they headed towards their automobile; I could not help but seize the opportunity to make a statement and MAKE my point. I wished them adieu and best of luck. I suggested that they take care of their beautiful daughter and enjoy her growing up. I then made reference to watching them a couple days earlier when they held hands and put their heads together towards the strong waves; I told them, "As I watched you guys that day, I thought how symbolic your efforts were to the challenges of life facing any young couple. This life's journey is pretty much like those waves (at times) and the only way we survive is to hold hands and meet the challenges head on with determination." I hope they can survive their tides.
I also noticed another beach-phenomenon. More and more young and old women have tattoos. Some have so many tattoos that it caused me to wonder what other idiotic, stupid choice did that gal make that particular drunken night.
The first day at the condo, I was taking the elevator down to do my first of many walks; I overheard a young married couple with a toddler daughter fussing with each other. A few days later while talking with the young husband, I got all kinds of signals that this marriage was in 'trouble.' Naturally, as the week progressed, I had an eye on the pair and on occasion, I spoke with each independently as well as together. ON the second to last day, the sea waves were particularly strong and high. Most people who ventured very far into the waters had difficulty standing against the relentless waves bashing towards the shoreline. I noticed my 'fussing couple' holding each others hand and dropping their heads towards the oncoming waves in an attempt to stand the tide's pressure and wade farther out into the seas.
On the last day, I was going into the garage area to garner a luggage carryall when I met the 'quarrelling' couple as they headed towards their automobile; I could not help but seize the opportunity to make a statement and MAKE my point. I wished them adieu and best of luck. I suggested that they take care of their beautiful daughter and enjoy her growing up. I then made reference to watching them a couple days earlier when they held hands and put their heads together towards the strong waves; I told them, "As I watched you guys that day, I thought how symbolic your efforts were to the challenges of life facing any young couple. This life's journey is pretty much like those waves (at times) and the only way we survive is to hold hands and meet the challenges head on with determination." I hope they can survive their tides.
I also noticed another beach-phenomenon. More and more young and old women have tattoos. Some have so many tattoos that it caused me to wonder what other idiotic, stupid choice did that gal make that particular drunken night.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Only The Strong _____________!
I recall a few years ago an educational story out of Australia about a heated debate concerning its schools' grading system. It appeared that a group of folks no longer wanted teachers to use the grading letter, 'F.' Too harsh many stated. The letter 'F' should be replaced by the letter 'H,' which would indicate, student 'HELD.' I suppose that some parents did not like the fact that their kid was given 'F' indicating the consequence of failing a subject. Mommies and daddies wanted junior to be 'held' in abeyance. This resting 'grade-pause' is kinda like purgatory; it ain't heaven but it ain't hell...it is a undisclosed and undefined 'holding' place. I suppose this undetermined 'place' still renders 'hope.'
These new-thinking child-crippling-philosophies also suggested that teachers should no longer use 'red' pens when marking on a student's paper. The color red is too 'aggressive' and offends the kid's self-worth when it appears on returned test papers or homework. The teachers were encouraged to use the softer and 'cooler' color 'blue' when marking on student papers.
It seems to me that folks keep coming up with more ways to delay young people from becoming aware of success and failure's relationship to relentless efforts, determination and preparation. The real world gives a rat's ass about individual feelings. Most factories pay the hourly wage predicated on punching the time-clock and producing under the watchful and critical eye(s) of the boss.
I thought my wife and I did our kids a favor reinforcing the reality that consequences are found at the end of all actions and choices; some good some bad...figure it out and the earlier the better.
Note: I must tend to some family matters; shall be posting in a few days.
These new-thinking child-crippling-philosophies also suggested that teachers should no longer use 'red' pens when marking on a student's paper. The color red is too 'aggressive' and offends the kid's self-worth when it appears on returned test papers or homework. The teachers were encouraged to use the softer and 'cooler' color 'blue' when marking on student papers.
It seems to me that folks keep coming up with more ways to delay young people from becoming aware of success and failure's relationship to relentless efforts, determination and preparation. The real world gives a rat's ass about individual feelings. Most factories pay the hourly wage predicated on punching the time-clock and producing under the watchful and critical eye(s) of the boss.
I thought my wife and I did our kids a favor reinforcing the reality that consequences are found at the end of all actions and choices; some good some bad...figure it out and the earlier the better.
Note: I must tend to some family matters; shall be posting in a few days.
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