Greetings from my backyard swing. I must head out this morning for auto-maintenance service and then fill up with fuel. I notice gasoline prices bouncing about these days; if it gets too high the subject will no doubt be introduced in a Presidential debate.
My backyard grass looks great this year. Back-in-the-day, Roustio backyards had a tough time growing grass. There was too many people trampling around the yard. We had a basketball court. We played croquet. Once in awhile we strung a badminton net and I recall an area for 'washer-tossing' and horseshoes. Of course, our brick Bar-BQ pit where we never barbecued but burned trash offered interesting sights and critter dwelling.
I especially enjoyed watching my father's neighborhood buddies play backyard-croquet. The game always started out with friendly chatter and happy spirits but about the second time dad placed his foot atop 'his' ball, next to Sherill Coleman's ball and drove that croquet ball down the ditch adjacent to Kingshighway the friendly bantering turned rather terse and headed South! Ain't nothin' funnier than grown men pouting.
Families don't seem to play those backyard games these days. Of course, we don't get to know our neighbor's unless their tree branches start hanging over our property or the dog barks too early in the morning. I get along with all my neighbor's and that's good. I recall years ago when my neighbor was always upset with my German Shepard's early morning barking. I wouldn't let the dog outside until after 8:00AM, but I did often cut my grass at 6:30AM. on Saturday mornings.
Gotta run...have a good day!
Friday, October 7, 2016
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Protect Inspite of 'those' You Serve
Earlier this week, my wife and I attended the 188th St. Louis County Police Academy's graduation. We were there with family and love ones to support the journey and celebrate the graduation of our grandson, Caleb Howell along with 15 other recruits. It would an understatement to say the ceremony was crisp, classy and well planned.
Two words resonate as I reflect on watching this police officer graduation ceremony:
'calling & respect.'
I believe only a fool would deny the obvious...those who would train for six months to ultimately place them self in harms way to protect their fellow citizens must be answering a passionate 'calling.' Most professions attract with potential monetary rewards yet those who pursue careers in ministry, teaching and first responders are motivated by a much different inner-voice.
Once upon a time the American public held in highest regards its educators, clergy, law enforcement and government leaders...not so much any longer. Perhaps some of the fault lies at the feet of those professionals as public awareness came to light with reported bad behavior. In my life time a President resigned from office in disgrace. Teachers have conducted inappropriate activities with students. Many clergy were found to be pedophiles. Government officials were caught in scandals. Sports heroes were found to be cheaters using performance enhancing drugs and some law officers demonstrate lack of good judgment.
Make no mistake, we are experiencing a generation of people who have little respect for authority. Children DO NOT show respect towards parents and fear no consequences from parents. These same young people go to school where they challenge in disrespectful ways the teachers and administrators. In the streets of America our citizens casually dismiss healthy behavior and flaunt disrespectful attitudes towards property and persons.
As the sixteen graduating cadets sat listening to a United States Congresswoman speak along with several law enforcement hierarchy, they heard a repeated message: "Officers: Thank you for the service and dedication you now begin to offer society. God bless you and return home each day safely." A sobering message.
Two words resonate as I reflect on watching this police officer graduation ceremony:
'calling & respect.'
I believe only a fool would deny the obvious...those who would train for six months to ultimately place them self in harms way to protect their fellow citizens must be answering a passionate 'calling.' Most professions attract with potential monetary rewards yet those who pursue careers in ministry, teaching and first responders are motivated by a much different inner-voice.
Once upon a time the American public held in highest regards its educators, clergy, law enforcement and government leaders...not so much any longer. Perhaps some of the fault lies at the feet of those professionals as public awareness came to light with reported bad behavior. In my life time a President resigned from office in disgrace. Teachers have conducted inappropriate activities with students. Many clergy were found to be pedophiles. Government officials were caught in scandals. Sports heroes were found to be cheaters using performance enhancing drugs and some law officers demonstrate lack of good judgment.
Make no mistake, we are experiencing a generation of people who have little respect for authority. Children DO NOT show respect towards parents and fear no consequences from parents. These same young people go to school where they challenge in disrespectful ways the teachers and administrators. In the streets of America our citizens casually dismiss healthy behavior and flaunt disrespectful attitudes towards property and persons.
As the sixteen graduating cadets sat listening to a United States Congresswoman speak along with several law enforcement hierarchy, they heard a repeated message: "Officers: Thank you for the service and dedication you now begin to offer society. God bless you and return home each day safely." A sobering message.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
"He Ain't Nothin' but..."
I recall the first time I heard the phrase used. It was the summer of 1957. I was working at New England Lead Burning Company in St. Louis, Missouri. My Dad was a top salesman for the industrial corrosion protection company and pulled the strings to get me on the payroll as a laborer, truck driver and general 'gofer.'
I used to enjoy lunchtime banter between older workers. They were mostly hard working 'good guys' with entrenched opinions, beliefs and attitudes...they didn't cotton much to 'facts,' which failed to line up and support their positions. Anybody who knew the Roustio boys knew one thing...they busted their ass in work situations because Dad expected it and you surely did not want to leave the impression that 'his boys' were lazy. The workers respected me and I did then what I do today...stir the pot...why?...because the pot needs stirring...people need to be challenged about their beliefs and attitudes, which impact human relationships. Anyway...
The lunch-time conversation was about a current politician. I heard one fella say, "That sumbitch, he ain't nothin' but a four-flusher." I knew what he meant. A 'four-flusher' is a bluffer, a cheat, a worthless dishonest person.
Now, in a manner of speaking, may I put a contemporary face to the phrase 'four-flusher?'
A bluffer..."I'm going to build a wall along the border and Mexico is going to pay for it."
"We need to round up all illegal immigrants and deport them."
"We need to have police surveillance in Mosque neighborhoods."
A cheat....Failed to pay federal taxes for years, stiffed creditors with four bankruptcies and refused to
pay other contractors for completed work.
Worthless
&
Dishonest..Makes demeaning comments about women, the disabled and opponents' family. When called out he denies his comments or suggests that his comments were misinterpreted. A person who makes 'false' claims...claims to be richer than actual, claims Obama was not a U. S. Citizen. Claims that he knows more about terrorists than the military. Donald J. Trump IS a Four-Flusher!
I used to enjoy lunchtime banter between older workers. They were mostly hard working 'good guys' with entrenched opinions, beliefs and attitudes...they didn't cotton much to 'facts,' which failed to line up and support their positions. Anybody who knew the Roustio boys knew one thing...they busted their ass in work situations because Dad expected it and you surely did not want to leave the impression that 'his boys' were lazy. The workers respected me and I did then what I do today...stir the pot...why?...because the pot needs stirring...people need to be challenged about their beliefs and attitudes, which impact human relationships. Anyway...
The lunch-time conversation was about a current politician. I heard one fella say, "That sumbitch, he ain't nothin' but a four-flusher." I knew what he meant. A 'four-flusher' is a bluffer, a cheat, a worthless dishonest person.
Now, in a manner of speaking, may I put a contemporary face to the phrase 'four-flusher?'
A bluffer..."I'm going to build a wall along the border and Mexico is going to pay for it."
"We need to round up all illegal immigrants and deport them."
"We need to have police surveillance in Mosque neighborhoods."
A cheat....Failed to pay federal taxes for years, stiffed creditors with four bankruptcies and refused to
pay other contractors for completed work.
Worthless
&
Dishonest..Makes demeaning comments about women, the disabled and opponents' family. When called out he denies his comments or suggests that his comments were misinterpreted. A person who makes 'false' claims...claims to be richer than actual, claims Obama was not a U. S. Citizen. Claims that he knows more about terrorists than the military. Donald J. Trump IS a Four-Flusher!
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Yeah Team...I'll drink to that!
May I offer one hypocritical societal microcosm. The American legal alcohol consumption age is 21. The American college-universities have strong documentation that alcohol consumption, in general, is a problem and falsification of student-age ID's is compounded on America's campuses. Annually, It is reported that reckless behavior generated by excessive alcohol consumption has increased the incident of property damage, alcohol poisoning and rape.
For years, our nation's colleges have attempted to educate and police college students regarding alcohol; well, not so much anymore! With all due respect to our Judea-Christian founding fathers and the glorious NCAA governing branch..."Money talks, bull s*#t walks." More and more college athletic venues offer beer and wine sales. How about good old SMU? Yep, I remember when Methodist were discouraged dancing, women should keep ankles covered and remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy...don't go to the movies on Sunday! Southern Methodist University students can now drink beer at 'Mustangs' football games. (Note: I am permitted to 'pick' at Methodist, since I've been one all my life? And I shall continue if they continue to cherry-pick values.)
And...how 'bout the NCAA? Those phony-folks make universities discard their Indian mascots because those symbols are seen as demeaning to Native Americans. I wonder if Native Americans would be sold alcohol at SMU football games, after all you know how stupid those 'Redskins' get when sh*t-faced...almost as stupid as our college students
For years, our nation's colleges have attempted to educate and police college students regarding alcohol; well, not so much anymore! With all due respect to our Judea-Christian founding fathers and the glorious NCAA governing branch..."Money talks, bull s*#t walks." More and more college athletic venues offer beer and wine sales. How about good old SMU? Yep, I remember when Methodist were discouraged dancing, women should keep ankles covered and remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy...don't go to the movies on Sunday! Southern Methodist University students can now drink beer at 'Mustangs' football games. (Note: I am permitted to 'pick' at Methodist, since I've been one all my life? And I shall continue if they continue to cherry-pick values.)
And...how 'bout the NCAA? Those phony-folks make universities discard their Indian mascots because those symbols are seen as demeaning to Native Americans. I wonder if Native Americans would be sold alcohol at SMU football games, after all you know how stupid those 'Redskins' get when sh*t-faced...almost as stupid as our college students
Monday, October 3, 2016
Happy Birthday 'Fox'
If my father was living, he would celebrate this day his 98th birthday. He's been gone 22-years. As a young boy, I always enjoyed competing with my Dad. I recall when I was eight years old, we would often race down an alley to a telephone pole. A few years ago, I wrote these words remembering...
Catching Up With Dad
I raced down the alley to a telephone pole,
I gave it my all seeking that coveted goal.
My opponent, my father, my hero no doubt,
Would this be the time I win and then shout?
The races, shooting baskets and backyard games,
I competed against my model and desired the same.
Just once to win against the giant of a man,
To prove to my Dad, I will and I can.
One time so close another oh so near,
Was the edge his years or perhaps my fear?
Then one day it happened, victory over Dad,
Oh, the sweetness somehow mixed with the sad.
Many years have gone by and I race no more,
My father is gone, no need to keep score.
I stroll through the park noting others at play,
I watch the young father and son on this day.
They huddle, they chat then point to a sign,
'Ready Set,' then it is off to that line.
The lad tries so hard but not up to the task,
Yet time changes all, soon Dad places last.
These changing roles all part of a plan,
The secret you know, is to race while you can.
Catching Up With Dad
I raced down the alley to a telephone pole,
I gave it my all seeking that coveted goal.
My opponent, my father, my hero no doubt,
Would this be the time I win and then shout?
The races, shooting baskets and backyard games,
I competed against my model and desired the same.
Just once to win against the giant of a man,
To prove to my Dad, I will and I can.
One time so close another oh so near,
Was the edge his years or perhaps my fear?
Then one day it happened, victory over Dad,
Oh, the sweetness somehow mixed with the sad.
Many years have gone by and I race no more,
My father is gone, no need to keep score.
I stroll through the park noting others at play,
I watch the young father and son on this day.
They huddle, they chat then point to a sign,
'Ready Set,' then it is off to that line.
The lad tries so hard but not up to the task,
Yet time changes all, soon Dad places last.
These changing roles all part of a plan,
The secret you know, is to race while you can.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Help The Child Grow
In 1959, I was a sophomore at Illinois State University. I recall that fall reading George Orwell's book, "1984." I remember having a difficult time imaging the year 1984; here it is 2016 and I have certainly arrived at a point where I no longer mark time by 'years' but instead, I now define my life in increments of weekly pill-box re-fillings.
Orwell's book suggested some strange coming 'looks' back in that year but I dare say back then George could not imagine 2016. One thing that I find strange in 2016 is the idiotic parenting philosophies. Take for example the over protection of our youths' psyche. Not long ago, I read a report explaining some educators' concern regarding 'harsh' grading marks. I don't make this crap up. Evidently, the 'F' letter grade is hurtful to a child. Apparently, we should not tell a school age child who fails to meet standards that the grade reflects their efforts. Nope, we are to send that grade to 'purgatory' and figure out some way to cleanse it and bring it back to little Junior or Missy with a drum roll 'B' or better mark.
How and when do you tell a child that they are failing a school subject? How and when do you explain to a kid that their skills are not strong enough to 'make the team?' Are we not deterring the youngster's growth when we sugar coat realities? If grandpa dies suddenly are we protecting the child's emotions by withholding that real life event? I suppose there is some hair-brain child psychologist out there that would rather a family wait until a visit to grandma's house and play a game similar to 'Where's Waldo?'
Orwell's book suggested some strange coming 'looks' back in that year but I dare say back then George could not imagine 2016. One thing that I find strange in 2016 is the idiotic parenting philosophies. Take for example the over protection of our youths' psyche. Not long ago, I read a report explaining some educators' concern regarding 'harsh' grading marks. I don't make this crap up. Evidently, the 'F' letter grade is hurtful to a child. Apparently, we should not tell a school age child who fails to meet standards that the grade reflects their efforts. Nope, we are to send that grade to 'purgatory' and figure out some way to cleanse it and bring it back to little Junior or Missy with a drum roll 'B' or better mark.
How and when do you tell a child that they are failing a school subject? How and when do you explain to a kid that their skills are not strong enough to 'make the team?' Are we not deterring the youngster's growth when we sugar coat realities? If grandpa dies suddenly are we protecting the child's emotions by withholding that real life event? I suppose there is some hair-brain child psychologist out there that would rather a family wait until a visit to grandma's house and play a game similar to 'Where's Waldo?'
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Open Letter to Hillary
Dear Hillary Clinton:
Don't look over your shoulder, Hillary Clinton but the 'MORAL' posse is coming after you. You recall back when hubby, Bill chased and caught those women for his 'pleasures' and then lied to you about it? Sure you do! And like a fool, you elected to believe your husband and like a loving foolish wife, you attacked those women in defense of your lying spouse. Well, time to pay for you making wrong choices...never mind the wrong choices made by Billy and the 'Babes.'
In order to identify these public peace preservers it should come as no surprise to you that the Sheriff leading the posse-gang is your Republican opponent, Donald J. Trump. His main sidekicks are Rudolph Guiliani and Newton Gingrich.
Once you are captured and called out for your misgivings, you will likely have the urge to attack your attackers by pointing out that these three Law and Justice gents had numerous sexual affairs themselves while married. Then you will want to point out the fact that these three horny boys had nine wives between them.
Please say nothing, Hillary. I think there remains a slight chance that most Americans will see through this incredible charade; not certain, I said, I 'think.'
Don't look over your shoulder, Hillary Clinton but the 'MORAL' posse is coming after you. You recall back when hubby, Bill chased and caught those women for his 'pleasures' and then lied to you about it? Sure you do! And like a fool, you elected to believe your husband and like a loving foolish wife, you attacked those women in defense of your lying spouse. Well, time to pay for you making wrong choices...never mind the wrong choices made by Billy and the 'Babes.'
In order to identify these public peace preservers it should come as no surprise to you that the Sheriff leading the posse-gang is your Republican opponent, Donald J. Trump. His main sidekicks are Rudolph Guiliani and Newton Gingrich.
Once you are captured and called out for your misgivings, you will likely have the urge to attack your attackers by pointing out that these three Law and Justice gents had numerous sexual affairs themselves while married. Then you will want to point out the fact that these three horny boys had nine wives between them.
Please say nothing, Hillary. I think there remains a slight chance that most Americans will see through this incredible charade; not certain, I said, I 'think.'
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