There appears to be no difference between 'grade' school and 'elementary ' school except that both can offer 1-through-6 grade levels or 1-through-8 grade levels. My public schooling years in East St. Louis, Illinois was structured as thus: 1-through-6 was 'Grade' school, 7-through-9 was 'Junior' high school and 10-through-12 was 'High' school.
I do believe those various schools look much differently today versus 'back-in-the-day.' In general today's schools are producing smarter students from a more undisciplined environment. That said, I'm not going down that road this day. Nope, instead, I wish to point out how elementary schools today look nothing like my grade schools of yesterday. That's right, I live near two elementary schools and they look unfamiliar to me.
I recall sitting at straight-back wooden desks where the seat and desk were one unit. Those desks were in lines. Today grade schoolers sit at tables or in independent chairs arraneged in a circle. I don't see any 'patrol boys.' How do these kids know who's the coolest guys? I never see boys playing mumblety-peg or marbles. Never see girls playing hop-scotch. Never notice any students cleaning erasers against trees. I suppose all those classrooms have those 'dry erase' boards.
Several years ago, I asked a neighborhood girl who taught 'Palmer Method?' She said, 'I don't know him, he's not in my class." She also told me she did not know what a 'cloak room' was but she was sure her school had one somewhere.
I never seen kids walking to school carrying lunch boxes or brown bags but then or wearing those highway yellow rain coats with the hood. Come to think, I seldom see kids 'walking' to school. Mom or Dad drops them off or a school bus delivers them. The only time my classmates EVER boarded a school bus during my 12-years of public schooling was for field trips or athletic events. And where is 'Yo Yo Sam?' He taught me how to 'walk-the-dog.'
Finally, I no longer see those grade school year-end picnics with the Ferris Wheel and Flying Swings. I suppose once a kid has been on the Six Flags 'Screaming Eagle' the Ferris Wheel 'sucks.' And one more thing. The Catholic Grade School directly behind our Decatur home has not had Nuns teaching there in over 25-years. This means today's grade school Catholic boy does not know the punishment feeling when kneeling on one of those triangular rulers.
(Touch)
Ring Ring Goes The Bell
Monday, April 29, 2019
It's The Little Things That Annoy
Every morning, I watch the various TV news pundits that tell me 'How to Think.' MSNBC and CNN have the latest negative scoop on President Trump's tweets and boasts. Fox News wishes me to believe that liberals don't want me to pray or say Merry Christmas. Those agendas are NOT what's wrong with the world! It's the little pain-in-butt things in daily life that drives one crazy.
I'm told I should buy American and I try to do just that if price is reasonable. I'm irritated to pay top dollar and as I checkout, I'm asked if I'd like to purchase a 'warranty.' Really?
Speaking of checkout, I thought I chose a short-wait Lane the other day at the grocery store. Only one guy ahead of me and he had 24-one gallon jugs of milk, 7-one gallon jugs of orange juice and a huge bag of cane sugar. Perhaps a business purchase. I just knew the cashier would ring up one of the items and multiple it by the total buy. She did! I'm now up. My purchase was just a few items but to my surprise the purchase came to $151.24. I said, "No, that's not right." Sure enough, the fella ahead of me had a bad bank card that was denied and the cashier forgot to erase his purchase from the register. Ten minutes later, I got cash back for $72.45, which meant my total purchase was $78.79. Seems people want a paycheck but are not reliable Workers.s
I find it frustrating to leave your tollway drive at an off ramp and see a sign that says, "$.90,
NO ATTENDANT." And don't you nearly lose your religion if not your mind when your traveling a busy highway and come to a sign stating 'Work Zone 2-miles merge right into one lane.' For the next two-miles the most important people on God's earth pass you on the left, which causes everybody obeying the merge sign to drop farther back...then at some point you meet one of those narcissists at that merge juncture. Do I or Don't I, THAT is the question?...likely, I DON'T.
Just wonderful that Medical Health Insurance companies decide which diseases, I should get should I wish coverage. How frustrating is the new television set up? It requires an advanced electronics degree, an additional box and two remote controls. The latter doubles the odds of family shared togetherness...'looking for a remote control.'
The number of food Jars with lids impossible to remove increases with aging arthritis and I've yet to discover a ketchup company that has invented a bottle that DOES NOT have to be beaten on the bottom to enjoy the product. Speaking of opening bottles, I'm tired of these laws requiring 'safety' lids on prescription drug bottles. And I can guarantee that should I walk up to place my order at a fast food restaurant counter and say, "This order is TO GO," then I place my order and the counter attendant will read my order back to me and ask, "Is this for HERE?"
I'm told I should buy American and I try to do just that if price is reasonable. I'm irritated to pay top dollar and as I checkout, I'm asked if I'd like to purchase a 'warranty.' Really?
Speaking of checkout, I thought I chose a short-wait Lane the other day at the grocery store. Only one guy ahead of me and he had 24-one gallon jugs of milk, 7-one gallon jugs of orange juice and a huge bag of cane sugar. Perhaps a business purchase. I just knew the cashier would ring up one of the items and multiple it by the total buy. She did! I'm now up. My purchase was just a few items but to my surprise the purchase came to $151.24. I said, "No, that's not right." Sure enough, the fella ahead of me had a bad bank card that was denied and the cashier forgot to erase his purchase from the register. Ten minutes later, I got cash back for $72.45, which meant my total purchase was $78.79. Seems people want a paycheck but are not reliable Workers.s
I find it frustrating to leave your tollway drive at an off ramp and see a sign that says, "$.90,
NO ATTENDANT." And don't you nearly lose your religion if not your mind when your traveling a busy highway and come to a sign stating 'Work Zone 2-miles merge right into one lane.' For the next two-miles the most important people on God's earth pass you on the left, which causes everybody obeying the merge sign to drop farther back...then at some point you meet one of those narcissists at that merge juncture. Do I or Don't I, THAT is the question?...likely, I DON'T.
Just wonderful that Medical Health Insurance companies decide which diseases, I should get should I wish coverage. How frustrating is the new television set up? It requires an advanced electronics degree, an additional box and two remote controls. The latter doubles the odds of family shared togetherness...'looking for a remote control.'
The number of food Jars with lids impossible to remove increases with aging arthritis and I've yet to discover a ketchup company that has invented a bottle that DOES NOT have to be beaten on the bottom to enjoy the product. Speaking of opening bottles, I'm tired of these laws requiring 'safety' lids on prescription drug bottles. And I can guarantee that should I walk up to place my order at a fast food restaurant counter and say, "This order is TO GO," then I place my order and the counter attendant will read my order back to me and ask, "Is this for HERE?"
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Gospel Granny Takes Franklin to the Woodshed
Many years ago, I attended one of Billy Graham's (revival) Crusades, it was spiritually nourishing. I am still alert to television re-runs of those Crusades and make a point to watch. Billy Graham was an ordained Southern Baptist minister who did not preach 'a' religion but instead, The Gospel of Jesus Christ. His message resonated internationally because it was a message of love for others and for your own salvation. It does not get any more direct than that. Billy Graham rejected the ethnocentric notion that one group is superior over other groups...we are all God's people.
Ethnocentrism means: My group, race, ethnicity, religion, customs and traditions are the BEST. Therefore, if mine is the best your identify is inferior. Keeping you and your group inferior guarantees my higher status and consequently entitles me to point out your lesser traits and questionable customs, beliefs and behaviors. Therein lies the foundation of America's culture of developing a condescending attitude towards those 'outside' my group. Unfortunately, my fellow Christians have allowed themselves to become a pawn in this game as it plays out in our political debates. We Christians no longer embrace with the love of Christ as our message centerpiece but we now harshly and publicly judge and condemn those 'sinful' people we perceive 'outside' our group. This has become our societal conundrum. Thus, I am 'right' you are 'wrong.'
Just recently, the Rev. Franklin Graham, son of Billy chastised 2020 Democratic Presidential candidate, Pete Buttigieg saying, "He needs to repent for his gay life-style." Here we have a Christian voice that seemingly has the mystical and spiritual gift if not God's permission to judge some life-styles but not others. Obviously, Franklin rejects his father's warning, "The hard right has no interest in religion except to manipulate it." And as the young Graham continues on his condemnation and judgmental message towards gays instead of his father's message of love, then it is that kind of pride that will cause many to "stumble into hell," said Billy Graham.
It would appear that Franklin didn't learn much from his Daddy maybe Gospel Granny can help the boy.
(Touch)
Gospel Granny
Ethnocentrism means: My group, race, ethnicity, religion, customs and traditions are the BEST. Therefore, if mine is the best your identify is inferior. Keeping you and your group inferior guarantees my higher status and consequently entitles me to point out your lesser traits and questionable customs, beliefs and behaviors. Therein lies the foundation of America's culture of developing a condescending attitude towards those 'outside' my group. Unfortunately, my fellow Christians have allowed themselves to become a pawn in this game as it plays out in our political debates. We Christians no longer embrace with the love of Christ as our message centerpiece but we now harshly and publicly judge and condemn those 'sinful' people we perceive 'outside' our group. This has become our societal conundrum. Thus, I am 'right' you are 'wrong.'
Just recently, the Rev. Franklin Graham, son of Billy chastised 2020 Democratic Presidential candidate, Pete Buttigieg saying, "He needs to repent for his gay life-style." Here we have a Christian voice that seemingly has the mystical and spiritual gift if not God's permission to judge some life-styles but not others. Obviously, Franklin rejects his father's warning, "The hard right has no interest in religion except to manipulate it." And as the young Graham continues on his condemnation and judgmental message towards gays instead of his father's message of love, then it is that kind of pride that will cause many to "stumble into hell," said Billy Graham.
It would appear that Franklin didn't learn much from his Daddy maybe Gospel Granny can help the boy.
(Touch)
Gospel Granny
It's Not The Dock of the Bay...It's Von Maur
The Decatur/Forsyth Von Maur Department Store at Hickory apoint Mall offers quality clothing at 'quality' prices. However, stylish ladies apparel is frequently 'on sale.' Unfortunately, seldom will male shoppers find similar bargain prices. I don't know why that is but I'm sure their is a marketing explanation. Anyway, I find myself often sitting in Von Maur's comfortable center court listening to the pianist and engaging in 'people watching' while my wife explores.
Here is an Old Man's People Observations while sitting in Von Maur:
1. The mini skirt has lost great appeal as Pilates Pants enter the ladies' fashion world. Still some gals
need a friend to deliver a message. Just as some legs (especially knees) should be mini skirt deal-
breakers, some 'booties' are Pilates Pants deal breakers!
2. If young girls are not wearing Pilates they are wearing 'new' jeans that have strategically
placed holes to show bare leg parts. I don't understand that because I remember my mother
was insistent that I not wear 'jeans with holes' for fear our neighbors would think of us as poor.
3. No matter what fashion choice, I often times find myself looking at the plethora of body tattoos
rather than clothing. And this causes me to wonder if I am to stare at people's tattoos and really 'read' the message or does that risk some type of activity that's reported to mall security.
4. Old farts, i.e. Me believe that 'white' socks go with any apparel.
5. Boys under age 25, still wear baseball caps backwards.
6. America has an obesity problem.
7. I understand how malls are so vulnerable to 'crackpots' doing harm...after all the security guys
don't carry firearms and yet we have some nuts wishing to arm teachers.
8. Some mall piano players are terrible.
9. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that a Von Maur T-shirt, sporting a clothing company's
logo cost $49.00.
10. Sitting in Von Maur while my wife shops, I'm reminded of Satchel Paige's comment,
"Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes, I just sits.
(Touch)
"Observing
Here is an Old Man's People Observations while sitting in Von Maur:
1. The mini skirt has lost great appeal as Pilates Pants enter the ladies' fashion world. Still some gals
need a friend to deliver a message. Just as some legs (especially knees) should be mini skirt deal-
breakers, some 'booties' are Pilates Pants deal breakers!
2. If young girls are not wearing Pilates they are wearing 'new' jeans that have strategically
placed holes to show bare leg parts. I don't understand that because I remember my mother
was insistent that I not wear 'jeans with holes' for fear our neighbors would think of us as poor.
3. No matter what fashion choice, I often times find myself looking at the plethora of body tattoos
rather than clothing. And this causes me to wonder if I am to stare at people's tattoos and really 'read' the message or does that risk some type of activity that's reported to mall security.
4. Old farts, i.e. Me believe that 'white' socks go with any apparel.
5. Boys under age 25, still wear baseball caps backwards.
6. America has an obesity problem.
7. I understand how malls are so vulnerable to 'crackpots' doing harm...after all the security guys
don't carry firearms and yet we have some nuts wishing to arm teachers.
8. Some mall piano players are terrible.
9. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that a Von Maur T-shirt, sporting a clothing company's
logo cost $49.00.
10. Sitting in Von Maur while my wife shops, I'm reminded of Satchel Paige's comment,
"Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes, I just sits.
(Touch)
"Observing
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Pew...WEEEE!
The University of Exeter was established in 1955. It is a public research university located in Douth West, England, United Kingdom. Recently, Exeter research produced some rather interesting or certainly unique findings. It seems that the scent hydrogen sulfide has potential health benefits for people.
Let me help you recall and identify what hydrogen sulfide 'smells' like. Recall the odor of rotten eggs? Okay, how about that smell emitting from the backside of that large man in front of you in the Walmart checkout lane? You got it! Rotten eggs and farts do contain the hydrogen sulfide odor. Now, here's what the University of Exeter researchers discovered: The hydrogen sulfide odor has potential health benefits. This discovery is a game changer:
1) If you are in a confined area with several people and you are fighting back that fart, stop it. Let her rip; you are potentially improving the quality of health of folks nearby.
2) Young boys forced to share a bed with a younger brother...don't feel guilty cutting a fart and shoving junior's head under the covers. Actually, it could be considered an act of love.
3) Grandkids should no longer giggle and make light of their aging grandparents who 'cut the cheese' in public. In fact, when Granny cuts-loose at the Thanksgiving table or the movie theater give her a round of applause.
4) Finally, gals, if your spouse is filling the bedroom with an abundance of hydrogen sulfide scent, you should hold your nose, move closer to him and give him a big hug and kiss of gratitude for improving the quality of life's journey.
(Touch)
Let It Rip
Let me help you recall and identify what hydrogen sulfide 'smells' like. Recall the odor of rotten eggs? Okay, how about that smell emitting from the backside of that large man in front of you in the Walmart checkout lane? You got it! Rotten eggs and farts do contain the hydrogen sulfide odor. Now, here's what the University of Exeter researchers discovered: The hydrogen sulfide odor has potential health benefits. This discovery is a game changer:
1) If you are in a confined area with several people and you are fighting back that fart, stop it. Let her rip; you are potentially improving the quality of health of folks nearby.
2) Young boys forced to share a bed with a younger brother...don't feel guilty cutting a fart and shoving junior's head under the covers. Actually, it could be considered an act of love.
3) Grandkids should no longer giggle and make light of their aging grandparents who 'cut the cheese' in public. In fact, when Granny cuts-loose at the Thanksgiving table or the movie theater give her a round of applause.
4) Finally, gals, if your spouse is filling the bedroom with an abundance of hydrogen sulfide scent, you should hold your nose, move closer to him and give him a big hug and kiss of gratitude for improving the quality of life's journey.
(Touch)
Let It Rip
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Great Pretenders
I don't know about others but I confess I am guilty of stereotyping how individuals should 'look' if they hold certain positions or jobs. I often times believe some folks should hold other positions based on looks, voice or behavior.
Let me offer some examples: When I first heard St. Louis Baseball broadcaster, Harry Caray's voice, I pictured him to 'look' much differently than he did. Had I seen him on the street not knowing who he was, I would guess him to be a bookkeeper. Another is Babe Ruth. If I had not known in advance about Ruth's prolific baseball abilities but just saw him on a Florida beach, I'd guess he was a bar tender back in Brooklyn. Okay, you get my drift, eh?
Here's others...
Lindsey Graham (politician)...Macy's shoe department sales clerk.
J. B. Pritzker (Governor)...Chicago Mass Transit bus driver.
Pat Sajak (T.V. Game Host)...singer with The Beach Boys.
Jim Bakker (religious poser)...towel boy at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club
Oprah (Entertainer/ Entrepreneur)...Waffle House waitress.
Donald J. Trump (Self-promoting Blowhard)...Not a War Hero nor Genius but a 'Cowardly Wimp.'
Jimmy Swaggart (T. V. Preacher Hawkster)...television pitch-man for Cialis.
Mike Pence (politician)...poster boy for Paul Mitchell Men's hair gel products.
William Barr (U.S. Attorney General/Stooge)...Meat Butcher @ Kingshighway Grocery Store.
Rachel Maddow (Television news Pundit)...Physical Education Teacher St. Charles West High School
Wolf Blitzer (Television News Anchor)...movie double for Lon Chaney in the flick, 'Wolfman.'
Harry S. Truman (3rd Best President in U. S. A. History)...a 1953 Pharmacist.
Rudy Giuliani (attorney for Donald Trump)...psychopathic stalker.
(Touch)
Pretenders
Let me offer some examples: When I first heard St. Louis Baseball broadcaster, Harry Caray's voice, I pictured him to 'look' much differently than he did. Had I seen him on the street not knowing who he was, I would guess him to be a bookkeeper. Another is Babe Ruth. If I had not known in advance about Ruth's prolific baseball abilities but just saw him on a Florida beach, I'd guess he was a bar tender back in Brooklyn. Okay, you get my drift, eh?
Here's others...
Lindsey Graham (politician)...Macy's shoe department sales clerk.
J. B. Pritzker (Governor)...Chicago Mass Transit bus driver.
Pat Sajak (T.V. Game Host)...singer with The Beach Boys.
Jim Bakker (religious poser)...towel boy at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club
Oprah (Entertainer/ Entrepreneur)...Waffle House waitress.
Donald J. Trump (Self-promoting Blowhard)...Not a War Hero nor Genius but a 'Cowardly Wimp.'
Jimmy Swaggart (T. V. Preacher Hawkster)...television pitch-man for Cialis.
Mike Pence (politician)...poster boy for Paul Mitchell Men's hair gel products.
William Barr (U.S. Attorney General/Stooge)...Meat Butcher @ Kingshighway Grocery Store.
Rachel Maddow (Television news Pundit)...Physical Education Teacher St. Charles West High School
Wolf Blitzer (Television News Anchor)...movie double for Lon Chaney in the flick, 'Wolfman.'
Harry S. Truman (3rd Best President in U. S. A. History)...a 1953 Pharmacist.
Rudy Giuliani (attorney for Donald Trump)...psychopathic stalker.
(Touch)
Pretenders
Monday, April 22, 2019
Careful, You Don't Know My Mind
I often hear my wife or my daughter's say to grandchildren of mine, "You're 'anal' just like your Boompa." The tone in their expression sounds more like criticism than praise. I never have understood the 'why.'
A anal retentive personality is a label given to one who is over-the-top with orderliness, perfection, meticulousness, neatness, reserve and suspicion. I don't think I'm all those things but that said, I really don't understand, which of the aforementioned traits suggests negativity. For the record, I refute the following anal retentive personality traits: Umm,........well, let me get back to you on that.
Okay, here's my deal. I am big on telling others that one of the secrets to living a good life is to 'Know Thy Self.' I know who I am, what I'm about and I make no apologies. I do my best to always prepare and not worry. I am very good at the former but struggle with the latter. This explains why, I anticipate beyond reason. If I have a speaking engagement in Braintree, Massachusetts on Wednesday at 1:00PM, I'll be in Braintree on Tuesday and make a dry run to the venue where I'm to speak. Never know when road construction is an issue. I coached nearly 1,000 varsity basketball games; I was surprised (caught off guard with the opponent's approach) 3-times.
I'm a stickler for promptness. If I tell you I'll 'be there' at a specific time, you can bet I'll be there, most likely a bit early. My basketball game days as a player and a coach found me on the toilet more times than I cared to count. Yes, I was anxious. The days I was scheduled to take the pitcher's mound in high school and college baseball, I had absolutely no restroom issues...that mannerism long ago told me all I needed to know about 'self.' I am a 'control freak.' When I took the baseball and pitchers' mound, I knew that nothing happens until I said it would happen and I felt I could CONTROL the happening.
Oh, by the way, those who purport that I am such and such...don't buy it!
I am not aloof or stuck-up...what you are likely seeing is a very guarded person who was conditioned.
(Touch)
You Don't Know My Mind
A anal retentive personality is a label given to one who is over-the-top with orderliness, perfection, meticulousness, neatness, reserve and suspicion. I don't think I'm all those things but that said, I really don't understand, which of the aforementioned traits suggests negativity. For the record, I refute the following anal retentive personality traits: Umm,........well, let me get back to you on that.
Okay, here's my deal. I am big on telling others that one of the secrets to living a good life is to 'Know Thy Self.' I know who I am, what I'm about and I make no apologies. I do my best to always prepare and not worry. I am very good at the former but struggle with the latter. This explains why, I anticipate beyond reason. If I have a speaking engagement in Braintree, Massachusetts on Wednesday at 1:00PM, I'll be in Braintree on Tuesday and make a dry run to the venue where I'm to speak. Never know when road construction is an issue. I coached nearly 1,000 varsity basketball games; I was surprised (caught off guard with the opponent's approach) 3-times.
I'm a stickler for promptness. If I tell you I'll 'be there' at a specific time, you can bet I'll be there, most likely a bit early. My basketball game days as a player and a coach found me on the toilet more times than I cared to count. Yes, I was anxious. The days I was scheduled to take the pitcher's mound in high school and college baseball, I had absolutely no restroom issues...that mannerism long ago told me all I needed to know about 'self.' I am a 'control freak.' When I took the baseball and pitchers' mound, I knew that nothing happens until I said it would happen and I felt I could CONTROL the happening.
Oh, by the way, those who purport that I am such and such...don't buy it!
I am not aloof or stuck-up...what you are likely seeing is a very guarded person who was conditioned.
(Touch)
You Don't Know My Mind
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