(sigh)
Has EVERYONE in the State of Florida lost his mind???? This state and Vermont are the east coast versions of Calilfornia/Oregon. The latest out of the Sunshine state is that a man who divorced his wife and was ordered to pay alimony is contesting the ruling now that the ex-wife has had a sex change operation. His contention: a man should not be required to pay alimony to a man. Point well taken. Stay tuned.
(sigh)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
HOME TOWNS
(sigh)
I try not to write too much about where I grew up because I realize most folks can't identify with the specific place. But indulge me today please.
I was back in that home town for the day last Saturday, and every time I'm there I can't help but wonder what would have become of me had I lived out my life there. I think I've mentioned that there are still many wonderful people with whom I went to school who remained in their roots, went to work, raised families, contributed positively to the community (and still do). I have a great deal of respect for them. I assume they're happy and prosperous and are content with what they've done with their lives.
But I don't think I would have fared that well there, even though I have many fond memories of the place. Truth is, I have some not-so-fond memories of it, too, and 44 years after moving from there those memories are the most pronounced. Even though times were much simpler then, I can remember being very, very bored with small-town living. There were two movie theatres, both owned by the same organ-playing drunken guy whose eccentricities were legend. One of the theatres had to close because of a family of bats which occupied the upper level and could never be eradicated. There was a big, old hotel on one corner which DID fascinate me because it was pointed out to me that several of the town drunks kept rooms there. I'd always walk gingerly past the hotel on the opposite side of the street but stare at the few folks on the long, front porch to try to discern which were the drunks.
There was a dime store at one time where you could buy penny candy and which always had the freshest, warmest cashew nuts imaginable. And of course there was a record store where you could buy the latest 45s and try to get owner Johnny Panton to sell them to you for a nickel less. A man ahead of his time, he was. LOL
There's no need for me to mention the memories that are not so pleasant except to say that I looked forward to leaving there, which I did, and I've not regretted it for a minute. I've lived in many places over the years, some of which were ALSO small towns, and I'm amazed at what those experiences have taught me about people and how much I've learned about community spirit. Selma, Alabama, at the time I lived there, was recovering from the civil rights conflicts of the mid-sixties, but it was an enchanting, laid-back town full of southern charm. Richmond, Indiana, was the most amazing mid-size town and I feel as if I'm "home" the few times I've been back there. Denison, Texas, was a dying cow-town, and the folks there were dying, too. But Wichita Falls, Texas, another mid-size town, was a thriving and typical Texas city and lots of fun. Fairfax, Virginia, was (and is) cosmopolitan, affluent, crammed with the elitely educated. Crammed with traffic, too. It's impossible to get around there any more. I'm now in Fredericksburg, VA, and have been here for 22 years. It's having growing pains but still is a great place to live with lots of history, culture and wonderful people.
So when I visit the town where I grew up, it's impossible not to compare it to some of the above places. Each community is different, has its own flavor, and offers something positive to the folks who opt to live there. Even MY home town.
And that's a good thing.
(sigh)
I try not to write too much about where I grew up because I realize most folks can't identify with the specific place. But indulge me today please.
I was back in that home town for the day last Saturday, and every time I'm there I can't help but wonder what would have become of me had I lived out my life there. I think I've mentioned that there are still many wonderful people with whom I went to school who remained in their roots, went to work, raised families, contributed positively to the community (and still do). I have a great deal of respect for them. I assume they're happy and prosperous and are content with what they've done with their lives.
But I don't think I would have fared that well there, even though I have many fond memories of the place. Truth is, I have some not-so-fond memories of it, too, and 44 years after moving from there those memories are the most pronounced. Even though times were much simpler then, I can remember being very, very bored with small-town living. There were two movie theatres, both owned by the same organ-playing drunken guy whose eccentricities were legend. One of the theatres had to close because of a family of bats which occupied the upper level and could never be eradicated. There was a big, old hotel on one corner which DID fascinate me because it was pointed out to me that several of the town drunks kept rooms there. I'd always walk gingerly past the hotel on the opposite side of the street but stare at the few folks on the long, front porch to try to discern which were the drunks.
There was a dime store at one time where you could buy penny candy and which always had the freshest, warmest cashew nuts imaginable. And of course there was a record store where you could buy the latest 45s and try to get owner Johnny Panton to sell them to you for a nickel less. A man ahead of his time, he was. LOL
There's no need for me to mention the memories that are not so pleasant except to say that I looked forward to leaving there, which I did, and I've not regretted it for a minute. I've lived in many places over the years, some of which were ALSO small towns, and I'm amazed at what those experiences have taught me about people and how much I've learned about community spirit. Selma, Alabama, at the time I lived there, was recovering from the civil rights conflicts of the mid-sixties, but it was an enchanting, laid-back town full of southern charm. Richmond, Indiana, was the most amazing mid-size town and I feel as if I'm "home" the few times I've been back there. Denison, Texas, was a dying cow-town, and the folks there were dying, too. But Wichita Falls, Texas, another mid-size town, was a thriving and typical Texas city and lots of fun. Fairfax, Virginia, was (and is) cosmopolitan, affluent, crammed with the elitely educated. Crammed with traffic, too. It's impossible to get around there any more. I'm now in Fredericksburg, VA, and have been here for 22 years. It's having growing pains but still is a great place to live with lots of history, culture and wonderful people.
So when I visit the town where I grew up, it's impossible not to compare it to some of the above places. Each community is different, has its own flavor, and offers something positive to the folks who opt to live there. Even MY home town.
And that's a good thing.
(sigh)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
MORE ON TONY SNOW
(sigh)
I hate this recent news about Tony Snow. It seems that bad things happen to good people, and it's such a shame. His career has been stellar and his character and integrity have earned him enormous respect among his colleagues and the general public. While I don't usually listen to radio, I listened to his talk radio show a few years back, read his print columns and watched his Fox News Channel shows. He was forever the calm voice in the storm, was logical and precise, was always a gentleman (but no creampuff) when interviewing heads of state or Joe on the Street.
When President Bush tapped him as his Press Secretary, I thought it was perhaps the wisest choice he could have made. I even posted something on this blog about it at the time. It's fun to watch his press briefings -- he's knowledgeable, direct and seems to enjoy the "sparring" with the Press Corps, some of whom are past co-workers of his.
With any luck, Tony Snow will survive this latest bout with cancer and will continue to inspire us with his courage. He's a class act.
(sigh)
I hate this recent news about Tony Snow. It seems that bad things happen to good people, and it's such a shame. His career has been stellar and his character and integrity have earned him enormous respect among his colleagues and the general public. While I don't usually listen to radio, I listened to his talk radio show a few years back, read his print columns and watched his Fox News Channel shows. He was forever the calm voice in the storm, was logical and precise, was always a gentleman (but no creampuff) when interviewing heads of state or Joe on the Street.
When President Bush tapped him as his Press Secretary, I thought it was perhaps the wisest choice he could have made. I even posted something on this blog about it at the time. It's fun to watch his press briefings -- he's knowledgeable, direct and seems to enjoy the "sparring" with the Press Corps, some of whom are past co-workers of his.
With any luck, Tony Snow will survive this latest bout with cancer and will continue to inspire us with his courage. He's a class act.
(sigh)
Sunday, March 25, 2007
THE MILK MAID???????
(sigh)
This morning while having breakfast in a local restaurant, an about-to-burst pregnant waitress approached my table. I asked, "Do you have skim milk?"
"No," was the reply.
"Well, do you have 2% milk?"
Again, the reply was "No."
"What kind of milk DO you have?"
Ready for her reply????
"Vitamin D."
Should this woman be allowed to reproduce??????????
(sigh)
This morning while having breakfast in a local restaurant, an about-to-burst pregnant waitress approached my table. I asked, "Do you have skim milk?"
"No," was the reply.
"Well, do you have 2% milk?"
Again, the reply was "No."
"What kind of milk DO you have?"
Ready for her reply????
"Vitamin D."
Should this woman be allowed to reproduce??????????
(sigh)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
MARCH MADNESS
(sigh)
Here we are again at my favorite time of year with enough basketball about to be televised to put me in the zone. I love it. I never cease to be amazed at the upsets -- the underdog team that brings just enough to slay the giant; the "star" who fouls out in the first few minutes of the second half or who can't seem to find the hoop in the biggest game of his college career. Or the wonderful moments when a team like George Mason last year or Winthrop this year comes out of nowhere and makes our jaws drop. There's nothing like college basketball.
But where in the world are some of the players coming from? Have you noticed the names of some of these guys? There's Mamadi Diane (pronounced Ma' ma dee Dee ah' knee) and Tunji Soroye from Virginia; Bambale Osby (Bom' bah lee Os' bee) and Ekene Ibekewe (Ee key' knee E bek' way) from Maryland; Daye Kaba from Boston College; Mustafa Abdul-Hamid from UCLA; and on and on and on. But no matter. Their hearts are in the game, and that's why college hoops are so much better than pro basketball. They're playing for the team, the school, the coach and lastly for themselves.
(sigh)
Here we are again at my favorite time of year with enough basketball about to be televised to put me in the zone. I love it. I never cease to be amazed at the upsets -- the underdog team that brings just enough to slay the giant; the "star" who fouls out in the first few minutes of the second half or who can't seem to find the hoop in the biggest game of his college career. Or the wonderful moments when a team like George Mason last year or Winthrop this year comes out of nowhere and makes our jaws drop. There's nothing like college basketball.
But where in the world are some of the players coming from? Have you noticed the names of some of these guys? There's Mamadi Diane (pronounced Ma' ma dee Dee ah' knee) and Tunji Soroye from Virginia; Bambale Osby (Bom' bah lee Os' bee) and Ekene Ibekewe (Ee key' knee E bek' way) from Maryland; Daye Kaba from Boston College; Mustafa Abdul-Hamid from UCLA; and on and on and on. But no matter. Their hearts are in the game, and that's why college hoops are so much better than pro basketball. They're playing for the team, the school, the coach and lastly for themselves.
(sigh)
Sunday, March 04, 2007
MITT ROMNEY'S POTOMAC FEVER
(sigh)
I have mixed feelings about Mitt Romney. And, no, the negative has nothing to do with his religion nor with his big government health-care initiative as Governor of Massachusetts. What bothers me most is his wishy-washy stance on some of the core GOP issues -- choice, stem cell research, gun control, gay rights. As a predominately liberal state, Massachusetts is an interesting place to find a Republican governor. It's even more interesting that this Republican has had such liberal leanings while governor but has recanted some of those leanings now that he's been afflicted with Potomac fever. Of course, all of us can change our minds about substantive issues; but it just appears that Romney changes his mind depending on what office he's running for. I really hate that. I'd like candidates running for office to have the stones to say what they REALLY think and then tell us why. I'd like them to have the courage of their convictions but be flexible in their thought processes when it's necessary. And "necessary" does not mean saying what you think the masses want to hear.
Romney's got politics in his blood and a family history of political aspirations. His father, George Romney, was Governor of Michigan and was a presidential hopeful for the GOP nomination in 1968. He's articulate, charming, good looking, smart. But unless he stops acting like John Kerry, he'll never beat out Giuliani (divorced 3 times and not quite as right-wing as the party would like) or McCain (getting old and has health issues) for the nomination. It's a shame the Republican party doesn't have a couple of slam-dunk nominees like the Democrats do in Hillary and Obama. It's very, very scary.
(sigh)
Saturday, March 03, 2007
BOYS WILL BE BOYS REDUX
(sigh)
Here's more on the gay sheep saga.
Those Oregon scientists are continuing their study on "ram-on-ram action," trying desperately to make this research valid. Right. However, according to them, they have found that the brain of a gay sheep has a smaller hypothalamus than straight sheep's, thus giving credence that homosexuality is inborn rather than some perverted choice. This Oregon team of scientists is "tinkering" with the testosterone levels in the sheeps' brains, which has allegedly lured the rams into preferring ewes. Of course, gay activists have shrieked, and Martina Navratilova has even stated that "Sheep have a right to be gay." Aces, Martina.
(sigh)
Here's more on the gay sheep saga.
Those Oregon scientists are continuing their study on "ram-on-ram action," trying desperately to make this research valid. Right. However, according to them, they have found that the brain of a gay sheep has a smaller hypothalamus than straight sheep's, thus giving credence that homosexuality is inborn rather than some perverted choice. This Oregon team of scientists is "tinkering" with the testosterone levels in the sheeps' brains, which has allegedly lured the rams into preferring ewes. Of course, gay activists have shrieked, and Martina Navratilova has even stated that "Sheep have a right to be gay." Aces, Martina.
(sigh)
Thursday, March 01, 2007
THE MEDIA
(sigh)
A friend of mine, who has a conservative blog, wrote recently about his disgust with "The Washington Post." He wrote that even though he does not subscribe to the paper that it is delivered to his doorstep daily, at which point he immediately trashes it. I can empathize with this. I subscribed to the "Post" for a lot of years for things other than the front page, but two years ago I cancelled the subscription because I was sick of the liberal bias it espoused. I ran into the reverse when I lived in Indianapolis. "The Indianapolis Star" runs on a right-wing bias, and THAT irritated me as well -- even though I was politically aligned with it. I absolutely CANNOT watch CNN because of the bias of its management and anchors. It's almost impossible today to find a newspaper or news channel that doesn't lean one way or the other; therefore, in order to really get a handle on the news, one pretty much has to read/watch several newspapers/channels to get both sides of an issue. It's exhausting. Of course, individually we will most likely side with whatever entity best represents our singular point of view; but be warned. None of us knows the entire story EVER so the best we can do is listen, think, research and HOPE that we can get a grip on the real issues and their relevance.
(sigh)
A friend of mine, who has a conservative blog, wrote recently about his disgust with "The Washington Post." He wrote that even though he does not subscribe to the paper that it is delivered to his doorstep daily, at which point he immediately trashes it. I can empathize with this. I subscribed to the "Post" for a lot of years for things other than the front page, but two years ago I cancelled the subscription because I was sick of the liberal bias it espoused. I ran into the reverse when I lived in Indianapolis. "The Indianapolis Star" runs on a right-wing bias, and THAT irritated me as well -- even though I was politically aligned with it. I absolutely CANNOT watch CNN because of the bias of its management and anchors. It's almost impossible today to find a newspaper or news channel that doesn't lean one way or the other; therefore, in order to really get a handle on the news, one pretty much has to read/watch several newspapers/channels to get both sides of an issue. It's exhausting. Of course, individually we will most likely side with whatever entity best represents our singular point of view; but be warned. None of us knows the entire story EVER so the best we can do is listen, think, research and HOPE that we can get a grip on the real issues and their relevance.
(sigh)
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