Don't know about you but, at this time of year a lot of nostalgic e-mails arrive on my computer.
One, involving Bob Hope's military base tours, and the Hollywood stars and G.I.'s rendition of the song Silent Night at the end of their performance left this old guy with a few tears.
Perhaps it was because of my memories watching them on TV as a kid and my becomiong overwhelmed by the reminiscience.
There were other nostalgic e-mails in my in-box. They were selectively sent on to friends of mine who also tend to pass along this kind of message.
By not doing so, there is an inherent, assumption - possibly wrong -that the sentiment or message will be lost on others - perhaps even resented by some.
In truth, my purpose in exporting similar messages is to demonstrate an awareness to do so with no attempt to proselytize, evangelize or antagonize.
Sadly, many of the more evangelical messages received here are accompanied by warnings - some might say threats - that appear to come right out of The Old Testament.
Perhaps that is why my reading of the New Testament has always been a little more uplifting - and promising.
Some suggest that my failure to forward their messages will result in dire consequences.
Some make it clear that my actions in "breaking the so-called chain" will assure me and mine that the "blue bird of happiness" will most likely never visit our home.
Worse is the innuendo suggesting a possibility more befitting Johnny Carson - that the bluebird may instead opt to "fly up my nose"; perhaps the true meaning of "getting the bird."
And, these are from my friends?
People have strong passions about "old" versus "new".
Many of the nostalgia framed E-mails at this time of year received by those of us with more than a few rings running inside our trunk, are those that speak of "the simple life" of our youth.
For the most part, we are fortunately spared the dark descriptive examples of the contrast with today's modern "evil" life.
My previous blogs have described (perhaps in way too much detail) my affinity for the "oldies."
Unfortunately, along with so many of the "oldies" e-mails (which I most often find delightful) is the implication that there are one helluva lot of senior citizens out there who are definitely disenchanted with their fate in life. I'm not among them.
My curiosity is whether they've ever taken the time to talk to the young folks of today - and listen (and listen only) to the memories they are making.
It's true the kids of today are probably not enjoying chocolate cigarettes, nor sweet juice in miniature plastic containers, nor possibly even prizes in their cereal boxes.
Neither are they receiving the rewards of chasing the Valley Dairy milkman's truck down Sumner Ave on a hot summer day for the sole purpose of receiving the largesse of his ice.
No. Now, many of them go into the cupboard for their multi color and flavored choice M & M's, mix their own sweet juice at the kitchen sink, or put their plastic Steeler cups under the ice maker on the refrigerator's front door.
however, they're also not working as 6, 7, or 8 year olds in hot factories hoping for wages of one or two pennies a day - nor shivering in fear of living the rest of their lives in an iron lung.
So, is the message, "stop sending me the nostalgic stuff"?
No, not at all. Perhaps, it's just, "enjoy those memories that mean so much to us - share them where appropriate - but, look at both sides of the mirror - the one that makes images smaller - and the side that magnifies them."
Yep, that's today's "oldies" message from this corner.
It's probably nothing original but something I picked up from my Mother.
It came with her personal assurance to us kids, who were either experiencing much frustration or disappointment: "Tomorrow's Another Day."
She was right!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
DETERRENT?
Years ago I was involved with investigating insurance fraud.
One portion of my contribution consisted of an insurance agency Newsletter sent at the beginning of December to several of our agents. It was entitled,"Herbie wants to make a withdrawal".
The message was simple. It was a time of year when some of our policyholders clearly confused their whole life insurance policy with their other two policies - auto and homeowners.
The life policy had a cash withdrawal option. The other two policies did not.
Attempting to defeat fraud has many obstacles. One that stood out for me years ago was a tactic defense attorneys used successfully.
They convinced juries that any insurance department prevention unit - or insurance company subdivision - that included the word "fraud" in it's title forecasts a bad result.
The attorney argued that by retaining the word "Fraud" in it's title, those insurance people "are predisposed to suspect and and all citizens of being willing to commit a fraudulent act.
Therefore, they are guided accordingly by this bias with their subsequent investigations and false accusations of the average "Joe" -like his client (or like the jury members - one presumes)."
Yeah, it was shaky but the jury often bought it. There is a little larceny in most of us.One assumes there may have been one or more Herbies on the jury panels but,that's probably just "sour grapes."
The fact that "thee and me" would never have even contemplated making a fraudulent claim didn't matter much to the attorneys who were perpetrating the ruse and the insurance companies - once more -were perceived as the ultimate villain.
So, let me ask. What, if anything, would cause you to contemplate turning to the dark side?
There is an old joke about a prostitute and a prospective client.
The latter makes a ridiculously low offer for her services.
She responds by feigning indignation that he would think of her as a member of the oldest profession.
He then raises his previous offer of $100 for her services by asking her if she would join him for $10,000. Shocked as she may have been by this new offer, she somehow manages to agree.
He then handed her a $100 bill. She again responded with righteous indignation and demanded to know, "Hey, what do you think I am?"
He replied,"We both know what you are. We're just negotiating the price!"
So is insufficient money serve as a the deterrent to a "life of crime" or is it something even more basic?
The fraud prevention guys, who may or may not have been making real progress in their quest to defeat insurance fraud, came up with a new tact after sufficiently licking their wounds.
They started placing huge billboards along most well travelled roads and by-ways. Each contained a picture of a guy either behind bars or in handcuffs. The wording was simple, "Do you want your kids to see you like this?"
Some folks claim it was a great deterrent. Others were sure they knew the guy.
A woman advised me that she had two boys - one of whom hated receiving punishment for his misdeeds and therefore responded to "the good angel" on his shoulder.
The other son often weighed the punishment results versus the rewards of enjoying the fruits of his misdeeds, and decided accordingly based upon the two stimuli.
Unfortunately, that latter school of thought continues into adulthood - particularly when it comes to how we conduct our business.
It is sad -but true - that very little today will deter some folks from making horrible money driven corporate decisions -particularly if they do not fear the punishment, have great self-esteem and/or truly believe (like "the thinker" kid) the potential rewards exceed any punishment.
Fortunately, I also believe that for most of us, the thought that our son or daughter would see us on the next billboard is a boost in "doing the right thing " in our insurance fraud decision.
How can we transfer that billboard deterrent into something even more meaningful when the stakes are higher?
C'mon, let's face it, the paltry monetary rewards from insurance fraud most often pale in comparison to the financial rewards from a huge financial or safety related scam.
Here's part of the problem.
For some inexplicable reason, when it comes to the world of business - law makers and judicial experts have chosen not to use the deterrent of jail detention as a mean of combatting aberrant behavior.
Consider these examples.
"So far, not a single top executive of the mortgage companies, financial institutions or credit rating agencies that caused the 2008 meltdown, have been INDICTED, let alone SENT TO JAIL."
The same is true in four major mining disasters since 2001 in which 59 miners died."
The former CEO of Massey Energy,(the company who was held responsibile via a $209 million settlement for violations and the death of 29 men) has retired with a multimillion dollar pension and has recently surfaced as the owner of NEW mining company.
One reason for the lack of jail time for the executives whose companies committed safety violations as well as security fraud is that they are not "held to account" as their jobs allegedly keep them too far from the "action" ("They ain't 'doing the doing' argument".)
Whatever happened to the saying, "Not on my watch?"
Even the Supreme Court appears to have determined in the recent voter law arguments that "corporations are people - with the same protective rights"
I agree with the USA articles conclusion on the subject of deterrents:
"So, when irresponsible companies flout the law and create the conditions for disaster, the people involved should pay a price, preferably by going to prison."
I believe the conclusion should also apply to politicians no matter how liberal was the logic of "The Supremes" bunch they nominated.
If there were criminal prosecutions attached to the wrongful acts of people in charge there would be a reduction in the laissez-faire attitude of the miscreants.
Those comfortable attitudes would then be replaced by tight rearends as they sat behind the defense table or the witness stand
fearing the fate that they are facing.
Assume for a moment that many of those accused continue to maintain their musculature positions. Assume also they are convicted of their crimes - and the sentence pronounced by the judge mandates that it be carried out in the environment of the general male prison population.
Maybe we've finally found an answer in our quest for the ultimate "deterrent".
Forget those expensive billboards!
One portion of my contribution consisted of an insurance agency Newsletter sent at the beginning of December to several of our agents. It was entitled,"Herbie wants to make a withdrawal".
The message was simple. It was a time of year when some of our policyholders clearly confused their whole life insurance policy with their other two policies - auto and homeowners.
The life policy had a cash withdrawal option. The other two policies did not.
Attempting to defeat fraud has many obstacles. One that stood out for me years ago was a tactic defense attorneys used successfully.
They convinced juries that any insurance department prevention unit - or insurance company subdivision - that included the word "fraud" in it's title forecasts a bad result.
The attorney argued that by retaining the word "Fraud" in it's title, those insurance people "are predisposed to suspect and and all citizens of being willing to commit a fraudulent act.
Therefore, they are guided accordingly by this bias with their subsequent investigations and false accusations of the average "Joe" -like his client (or like the jury members - one presumes)."
Yeah, it was shaky but the jury often bought it. There is a little larceny in most of us.One assumes there may have been one or more Herbies on the jury panels but,that's probably just "sour grapes."
The fact that "thee and me" would never have even contemplated making a fraudulent claim didn't matter much to the attorneys who were perpetrating the ruse and the insurance companies - once more -were perceived as the ultimate villain.
So, let me ask. What, if anything, would cause you to contemplate turning to the dark side?
There is an old joke about a prostitute and a prospective client.
The latter makes a ridiculously low offer for her services.
She responds by feigning indignation that he would think of her as a member of the oldest profession.
He then raises his previous offer of $100 for her services by asking her if she would join him for $10,000. Shocked as she may have been by this new offer, she somehow manages to agree.
He then handed her a $100 bill. She again responded with righteous indignation and demanded to know, "Hey, what do you think I am?"
He replied,"We both know what you are. We're just negotiating the price!"
So is insufficient money serve as a the deterrent to a "life of crime" or is it something even more basic?
The fraud prevention guys, who may or may not have been making real progress in their quest to defeat insurance fraud, came up with a new tact after sufficiently licking their wounds.
They started placing huge billboards along most well travelled roads and by-ways. Each contained a picture of a guy either behind bars or in handcuffs. The wording was simple, "Do you want your kids to see you like this?"
Some folks claim it was a great deterrent. Others were sure they knew the guy.
A woman advised me that she had two boys - one of whom hated receiving punishment for his misdeeds and therefore responded to "the good angel" on his shoulder.
The other son often weighed the punishment results versus the rewards of enjoying the fruits of his misdeeds, and decided accordingly based upon the two stimuli.
Unfortunately, that latter school of thought continues into adulthood - particularly when it comes to how we conduct our business.
It is sad -but true - that very little today will deter some folks from making horrible money driven corporate decisions -particularly if they do not fear the punishment, have great self-esteem and/or truly believe (like "the thinker" kid) the potential rewards exceed any punishment.
Fortunately, I also believe that for most of us, the thought that our son or daughter would see us on the next billboard is a boost in "doing the right thing " in our insurance fraud decision.
How can we transfer that billboard deterrent into something even more meaningful when the stakes are higher?
C'mon, let's face it, the paltry monetary rewards from insurance fraud most often pale in comparison to the financial rewards from a huge financial or safety related scam.
Here's part of the problem.
For some inexplicable reason, when it comes to the world of business - law makers and judicial experts have chosen not to use the deterrent of jail detention as a mean of combatting aberrant behavior.
Consider these examples.
"So far, not a single top executive of the mortgage companies, financial institutions or credit rating agencies that caused the 2008 meltdown, have been INDICTED, let alone SENT TO JAIL."
The same is true in four major mining disasters since 2001 in which 59 miners died."
The former CEO of Massey Energy,(the company who was held responsibile via a $209 million settlement for violations and the death of 29 men) has retired with a multimillion dollar pension and has recently surfaced as the owner of NEW mining company.
One reason for the lack of jail time for the executives whose companies committed safety violations as well as security fraud is that they are not "held to account" as their jobs allegedly keep them too far from the "action" ("They ain't 'doing the doing' argument".)
Whatever happened to the saying, "Not on my watch?"
Even the Supreme Court appears to have determined in the recent voter law arguments that "corporations are people - with the same protective rights"
I agree with the USA articles conclusion on the subject of deterrents:
"So, when irresponsible companies flout the law and create the conditions for disaster, the people involved should pay a price, preferably by going to prison."
I believe the conclusion should also apply to politicians no matter how liberal was the logic of "The Supremes" bunch they nominated.
If there were criminal prosecutions attached to the wrongful acts of people in charge there would be a reduction in the laissez-faire attitude of the miscreants.
Those comfortable attitudes would then be replaced by tight rearends as they sat behind the defense table or the witness stand
fearing the fate that they are facing.
Assume for a moment that many of those accused continue to maintain their musculature positions. Assume also they are convicted of their crimes - and the sentence pronounced by the judge mandates that it be carried out in the environment of the general male prison population.
Maybe we've finally found an answer in our quest for the ultimate "deterrent".
Forget those expensive billboards!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
CHOICES
My blogs usually reflect sort of a balance sheet approach. It's not necessarily a permanent view - just kinda where I am then.
Some times it's in a place of anger. Sometimes it's just melancholia.
It's therapy just as are many of the choices we make each day - some good - some not-so-good.
After catching up with the sports columns in the Post-Gazette this morning, I puzzled over the choice recently made by Todd Graham, Pitt's less than one year tenured head football coach.
After making several promises to both the Pitt administration - and more importantly - his players - to build an elite football program Graham suddenly left the team to become Arizona State's head coach.
He announced his decision via an e-mail that he asked one of the team administrators to send on to the players.
To me that was not only a bad choice but one that was cowardly.
Graham claimed his choice in communication was dictated by circumstances surrounding his new team.
Yesterday, two of the Pittsburgh Steeler's safeties went into a basement room and proceeded to chat and sign footballs for kids - most living in poverty - as part of a program entitled "Dads Helping Dads" - a good choice.
Continuing my sports thoughts, I read the latest on the NFL's decision to refuse to change their mind on Steeler Linebacker James Harrison's decision to once more make yet another helmet to helmet hit, this time on Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy who also will not take the field for his teams next game.
Whether it was a good or bad choice by the NFL to refuse James' one game suspension appeal would require the ability to replay the hit and see if McCoy did lower his helmet to avoid the hit - as alleged - or if McCoy even had time to make the choice.
Harrison's appeal was via a phone call. Maybe he had no choice.
His decision to make that hit cost him over $70,000 - one day's pay - and the loss of a valuable athlete to help the Steelers in their game against the 49'ers this Monday night.
Steeler Coach Mike Tomlin also is facing a choice - whether or not to play his star quarterback who is hobbled by yet another injury.
A professional football teams fortunes or misfortunes, while important at the time, will be forgotten down the road by probably even their most fanatical followers.Here's hoping Mike makes the right choice.
The NCAA recently made a choice not to allow winning high school basketball teams to play their championships in the home arenas of several high powered college basketball teams.
They said that it might unduly influence their decision as to where they would play college basketball down the road.
One has to assume that college recruiting trips by these same athletes to the many other schools vying for their talent do not include a glimpse of their facilities. Interesting choice.
Having finished the PG's electronic sport pages I retreated to our back porch with a cup of coffee and my current crutch du jour.
Seated there, I enjoyed the soft breeze - 80 degree weather, solitude, and the view of the beautiful island my wife Phyl designed and landscaped - including the fountain for which I campaigned mightily. Good choice.
Like just about all of those folks who occasionally peruse this blog, I have made some good choices and some that fall into the not-so-good category.
In my most introspective moments I am assured that some of those choices have hurt others, just as the choices of others have hurt me. Hopefully, I have done appropriate penance for my own actions and moved on. But, then again, that's my choice.
Ultimately, it's up to all of us to assess the choices we have made - or not if we believe those choices need revisiting.
Our choice of residence may have been guided by a desire to be close to family, the demands and/or availability of a job or just the normal creature comforts many seek. Some folks are not that privileged and have limited choices in that regard.
I'm convinced that any successful analysis of our choice resolution ultimately requires an examination of both head and heart and the use of a designed homeostatic process that is available for healing.
But, then again, that exam is our choice to pursue - or not.
I'm glad to have made my choice to reside on the Gulf coast of Florida with my wife Phyl and our Florida acquired miniature Chihuahu, Bella, to assist me with my occasional processing - and maybe even my tan.
So far - so good.
Some times it's in a place of anger. Sometimes it's just melancholia.
It's therapy just as are many of the choices we make each day - some good - some not-so-good.
After catching up with the sports columns in the Post-Gazette this morning, I puzzled over the choice recently made by Todd Graham, Pitt's less than one year tenured head football coach.
After making several promises to both the Pitt administration - and more importantly - his players - to build an elite football program Graham suddenly left the team to become Arizona State's head coach.
He announced his decision via an e-mail that he asked one of the team administrators to send on to the players.
To me that was not only a bad choice but one that was cowardly.
Graham claimed his choice in communication was dictated by circumstances surrounding his new team.
Yesterday, two of the Pittsburgh Steeler's safeties went into a basement room and proceeded to chat and sign footballs for kids - most living in poverty - as part of a program entitled "Dads Helping Dads" - a good choice.
Continuing my sports thoughts, I read the latest on the NFL's decision to refuse to change their mind on Steeler Linebacker James Harrison's decision to once more make yet another helmet to helmet hit, this time on Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy who also will not take the field for his teams next game.
Whether it was a good or bad choice by the NFL to refuse James' one game suspension appeal would require the ability to replay the hit and see if McCoy did lower his helmet to avoid the hit - as alleged - or if McCoy even had time to make the choice.
Harrison's appeal was via a phone call. Maybe he had no choice.
His decision to make that hit cost him over $70,000 - one day's pay - and the loss of a valuable athlete to help the Steelers in their game against the 49'ers this Monday night.
Steeler Coach Mike Tomlin also is facing a choice - whether or not to play his star quarterback who is hobbled by yet another injury.
A professional football teams fortunes or misfortunes, while important at the time, will be forgotten down the road by probably even their most fanatical followers.Here's hoping Mike makes the right choice.
The NCAA recently made a choice not to allow winning high school basketball teams to play their championships in the home arenas of several high powered college basketball teams.
They said that it might unduly influence their decision as to where they would play college basketball down the road.
One has to assume that college recruiting trips by these same athletes to the many other schools vying for their talent do not include a glimpse of their facilities. Interesting choice.
Having finished the PG's electronic sport pages I retreated to our back porch with a cup of coffee and my current crutch du jour.
Seated there, I enjoyed the soft breeze - 80 degree weather, solitude, and the view of the beautiful island my wife Phyl designed and landscaped - including the fountain for which I campaigned mightily. Good choice.
Like just about all of those folks who occasionally peruse this blog, I have made some good choices and some that fall into the not-so-good category.
In my most introspective moments I am assured that some of those choices have hurt others, just as the choices of others have hurt me. Hopefully, I have done appropriate penance for my own actions and moved on. But, then again, that's my choice.
Ultimately, it's up to all of us to assess the choices we have made - or not if we believe those choices need revisiting.
Our choice of residence may have been guided by a desire to be close to family, the demands and/or availability of a job or just the normal creature comforts many seek. Some folks are not that privileged and have limited choices in that regard.
I'm convinced that any successful analysis of our choice resolution ultimately requires an examination of both head and heart and the use of a designed homeostatic process that is available for healing.
But, then again, that exam is our choice to pursue - or not.
I'm glad to have made my choice to reside on the Gulf coast of Florida with my wife Phyl and our Florida acquired miniature Chihuahu, Bella, to assist me with my occasional processing - and maybe even my tan.
So far - so good.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
SURPRISE!
Most people enjoy being surprised.
Being informed by a teenage son that he had just totalled out the new car is probably not among them.
Fortunately, I never endured such a surprise but, a son's decision to hold one of the biggest parties Penn Hills had ever experienced, while his parents were away, was not among my favorites.
Last nights misguided efforts of ESPN to contact all the known Heisman Trophy voters, to ascertain the recipient before the ceremony, was another "surprise" I couldn't support. By looking away from the restaurants TV screen and watching the show at home I was surprised.
I was not above providing surprises.
I once walked into my Mom & Dad's bedroom late one Friday night while they were sound asleep. I dumped our 4 young kids on them as I hastily explained their Mom and I were off on an impromtu weekend trip to New York with two or three other couples.
Dad said, "Have Fun!",(probably planning some retreats of his own that weekend) while Mom was busy looking for her rosary beads.
I've been fortunate enough to have been the recipient of a few surprise parties and had mixed reactions.It depended on my mood at the time.
One of my favorite surprise stories had to do with a cheating husband who, in order to relieve himself of his guilt, confessed to his wife that he had been sleeping with her best friend.
Her response was not so much surprise as an opportunity to respond with her own confession, "Now, that's irony. I've been sleeping with her husband for over 5 years - and he's a much better lover than you."
While attending a small employee Christmas party, the entertainment
that evening was a guy doing some amazing close up magic.I observed one of our female employees who kept looking away from the magician.
When asked about her supposed indifference she confessed, "I can't stand to watch that stuff because I don't know how it's being done."
Some people just don't like surprises.
A few moments ago I left my blogwriting as I remembered my unfulfilled promise to take our Chihuhua out for her morning constitutional. Walking down the hallway heading for the room that led to our our back yard I heard the loud rustling of paper.
To my surprise I discovered Bella, our normally well behaved dog, had pulled out and tore a bag of newspapers from the recyling bid.
Her goal was to retrieve my erroneously discarded aluminum foil pan formerly holding the remains of last nights take-out pasta.
I was surprised - but not angry - and didn't scold her. I was laughing too hard at this unusual act of mischief.
I'm sort of having the same reaction to Newt Gingrich's increased popularity in the polls - and laughing more than attempting to promote fear mongering like the media and his Republican opponents.
Yeah, it's a Lazarus like surprise - but one I can live with.
Most of my political observations will probably go into a mayonaise jar on Funk & Wagnals back porch.
Nobody comes up with well researched political surprises than my well informed pal, Harry, the self-described "Old Thinker".
You are encouraged to give his folksy blog a try:
http://harry2335.blogspot.com/
Being informed by a teenage son that he had just totalled out the new car is probably not among them.
Fortunately, I never endured such a surprise but, a son's decision to hold one of the biggest parties Penn Hills had ever experienced, while his parents were away, was not among my favorites.
Last nights misguided efforts of ESPN to contact all the known Heisman Trophy voters, to ascertain the recipient before the ceremony, was another "surprise" I couldn't support. By looking away from the restaurants TV screen and watching the show at home I was surprised.
I was not above providing surprises.
I once walked into my Mom & Dad's bedroom late one Friday night while they were sound asleep. I dumped our 4 young kids on them as I hastily explained their Mom and I were off on an impromtu weekend trip to New York with two or three other couples.
Dad said, "Have Fun!",(probably planning some retreats of his own that weekend) while Mom was busy looking for her rosary beads.
I've been fortunate enough to have been the recipient of a few surprise parties and had mixed reactions.It depended on my mood at the time.
One of my favorite surprise stories had to do with a cheating husband who, in order to relieve himself of his guilt, confessed to his wife that he had been sleeping with her best friend.
Her response was not so much surprise as an opportunity to respond with her own confession, "Now, that's irony. I've been sleeping with her husband for over 5 years - and he's a much better lover than you."
While attending a small employee Christmas party, the entertainment
that evening was a guy doing some amazing close up magic.I observed one of our female employees who kept looking away from the magician.
When asked about her supposed indifference she confessed, "I can't stand to watch that stuff because I don't know how it's being done."
Some people just don't like surprises.
A few moments ago I left my blogwriting as I remembered my unfulfilled promise to take our Chihuhua out for her morning constitutional. Walking down the hallway heading for the room that led to our our back yard I heard the loud rustling of paper.
To my surprise I discovered Bella, our normally well behaved dog, had pulled out and tore a bag of newspapers from the recyling bid.
Her goal was to retrieve my erroneously discarded aluminum foil pan formerly holding the remains of last nights take-out pasta.
I was surprised - but not angry - and didn't scold her. I was laughing too hard at this unusual act of mischief.
I'm sort of having the same reaction to Newt Gingrich's increased popularity in the polls - and laughing more than attempting to promote fear mongering like the media and his Republican opponents.
Yeah, it's a Lazarus like surprise - but one I can live with.
Most of my political observations will probably go into a mayonaise jar on Funk & Wagnals back porch.
Nobody comes up with well researched political surprises than my well informed pal, Harry, the self-described "Old Thinker".
You are encouraged to give his folksy blog a try:
http://harry2335.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
PITTSBURGH DAD
Daughter Beth sent an e-mail encouraging me to watch a series of short videos on You Tube entitled "Pittsburgh Dad".
My response to her, after watching a few, was "OMG - It's Me!".
It wasn't only me. It was probably just about every Dad I knew in Pittsburgh trying to raise kids in the 60's. All of us yelled at the kids for taking off their snow soaked winter clothes in the house vs the basement or garage.
Like most of us, I tried to emulate the child raising tactics of my parents, a choice I now wish I had abandoned earlier than I did.
A tragic event that occurred during those child raising days caused me to abandon the corporal punishment techniques that I emulated from my own youth.
Kid raising, at the time I was a young dad, seemed to center on telling the kids what they couldn't do vs what they were allowed to do.
It was sort of a shotgun approach designed to cover any misdeeds including those possible future transgressions I might not have become aware of.
This admonition was replete with a vivid description of what would happen should they opt to disobey coupled with many "time out" reminders.
Most of the time they obeyed. But I'm convinced they were secretly sneaking into the fridge and tasting "forbidden fruit" - my cold milk and ice water supply.
The sticky residue from the Frosted Flakes on the bottle or carton opening gave me the clue.
I was still stuck in the Wheaties, Cheerios, Kix, and Rice Crispies breakfast menu from when I was a kid, and wouldn't have eaten a sugar coated cereal flake on a dare.
I was strict, but flavored a lot of my semi-scolding with humorous lightly implied sarcastic remarks - something I have also observed in my kids as they raise my grandkids.
One of my favorite stories is when Bruce, my oldest, became upset with my strict child upbringing and decided to run away from home - in the middle of Winter -wearing only the light clothing he had on.
I soon received a call from a neighbor about three houses away. She wanted to warn me that Bruce was walking up the road ,in the snow, dressed only in what appeared to be his pajamas.
My reply didn't seem to do much to reassure her, "It's OK Mary Jo. Bruce is running away from home."
Not sure what humorous comment I greeted Bruce with - or if one was even attempted - when he pushed open the door shivering and with his head down.
I seem to recall when I lightly chastized him as to his decision making, he simply explained, "I changed my mind."
Any thought of punishment at that time would have been unforgiveable.
I've often commented that the toughest task I ever attempted was that of being a parent, because it takes so long to get your final grades.
Those grades keep coming in and,trust me, they are much better than those I received in my undergraduate days at Duquesne U.
Nowadays, the "Pittsburgh Dad" I recognize in my own kids appears to be a more gentle and kinder Dad than their old man, something I've commented about with pride in previous blogs.
However, after watching the YouTube videos, part of me still wants to relive my role as that all too familiar "Pittsburgh Dad".
My response to her, after watching a few, was "OMG - It's Me!".
It wasn't only me. It was probably just about every Dad I knew in Pittsburgh trying to raise kids in the 60's. All of us yelled at the kids for taking off their snow soaked winter clothes in the house vs the basement or garage.
Like most of us, I tried to emulate the child raising tactics of my parents, a choice I now wish I had abandoned earlier than I did.
A tragic event that occurred during those child raising days caused me to abandon the corporal punishment techniques that I emulated from my own youth.
Kid raising, at the time I was a young dad, seemed to center on telling the kids what they couldn't do vs what they were allowed to do.
It was sort of a shotgun approach designed to cover any misdeeds including those possible future transgressions I might not have become aware of.
This admonition was replete with a vivid description of what would happen should they opt to disobey coupled with many "time out" reminders.
Most of the time they obeyed. But I'm convinced they were secretly sneaking into the fridge and tasting "forbidden fruit" - my cold milk and ice water supply.
The sticky residue from the Frosted Flakes on the bottle or carton opening gave me the clue.
I was still stuck in the Wheaties, Cheerios, Kix, and Rice Crispies breakfast menu from when I was a kid, and wouldn't have eaten a sugar coated cereal flake on a dare.
I was strict, but flavored a lot of my semi-scolding with humorous lightly implied sarcastic remarks - something I have also observed in my kids as they raise my grandkids.
One of my favorite stories is when Bruce, my oldest, became upset with my strict child upbringing and decided to run away from home - in the middle of Winter -wearing only the light clothing he had on.
I soon received a call from a neighbor about three houses away. She wanted to warn me that Bruce was walking up the road ,in the snow, dressed only in what appeared to be his pajamas.
My reply didn't seem to do much to reassure her, "It's OK Mary Jo. Bruce is running away from home."
Not sure what humorous comment I greeted Bruce with - or if one was even attempted - when he pushed open the door shivering and with his head down.
I seem to recall when I lightly chastized him as to his decision making, he simply explained, "I changed my mind."
Any thought of punishment at that time would have been unforgiveable.
I've often commented that the toughest task I ever attempted was that of being a parent, because it takes so long to get your final grades.
Those grades keep coming in and,trust me, they are much better than those I received in my undergraduate days at Duquesne U.
Nowadays, the "Pittsburgh Dad" I recognize in my own kids appears to be a more gentle and kinder Dad than their old man, something I've commented about with pride in previous blogs.
However, after watching the YouTube videos, part of me still wants to relive my role as that all too familiar "Pittsburgh Dad".
Monday, December 5, 2011
"MONDAY MEANDERINGS?"
Recently, an e-mail arrived in the middle of my contemplation as to how to determine whether I'm in the Autumn or Winter of my Life.
The question was sent to me by a person whose intelligence and insightfulness I value. It was fun to address, and your response would also be greatly appreciated.
Meanwhile, another E-mail was received regarding the philosophy of Scientist (comedian)Steven Wright. His identity as a "scientist" may be questionable but his insight is not. Hope you agree.Some will be familiar.
Here are some of his scientific conclusions:
"I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize."
"Borrow money from pessimists - they don't expect it back."
"Half the people you know are below average."
"99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
"82.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot."
"A clear conscience is usually a sign of a bad memory."
"If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain."
"All those who believe in psycho kinesis, raise my hand."
"The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese."
"I almost had a psychic girlfriend .. but she left me before we met."
"OK, so what's the speed of dark?"
"How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?"
"If everything seems to be going well - you have obviously overlooked something."
"Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm."
"When everything is coming your way - you're in the wrong lane."
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy."
"Hard work pays off in the future - laziness pays off now."
"I intend to live forever - so far, so good."
"If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?"
"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines."
"What happens if you get scared to death twice?"
"My mechanic told me,'I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder."
"Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?"
"If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried."
"A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking."
"Experience is something that you don't get until just after you need it."
"The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread."
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
"The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard."
"The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up."
"The colder the x-ray table, the more of your body is required to be on it."
"Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film."
"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you."
And the favorite of both the e-mail sender and myself:
"If your car could travel at the speed of light, would your headlights work?"
Happy Monday
The question was sent to me by a person whose intelligence and insightfulness I value. It was fun to address, and your response would also be greatly appreciated.
Meanwhile, another E-mail was received regarding the philosophy of Scientist (comedian)Steven Wright. His identity as a "scientist" may be questionable but his insight is not. Hope you agree.Some will be familiar.
Here are some of his scientific conclusions:
"I'd kill for a Nobel Peace Prize."
"Borrow money from pessimists - they don't expect it back."
"Half the people you know are below average."
"99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
"82.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot."
"A clear conscience is usually a sign of a bad memory."
"If you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain."
"All those who believe in psycho kinesis, raise my hand."
"The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese."
"I almost had a psychic girlfriend .. but she left me before we met."
"OK, so what's the speed of dark?"
"How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?"
"If everything seems to be going well - you have obviously overlooked something."
"Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm."
"When everything is coming your way - you're in the wrong lane."
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy."
"Hard work pays off in the future - laziness pays off now."
"I intend to live forever - so far, so good."
"If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?"
"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines."
"What happens if you get scared to death twice?"
"My mechanic told me,'I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder."
"Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?"
"If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried."
"A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking."
"Experience is something that you don't get until just after you need it."
"The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread."
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
"The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard."
"The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up."
"The colder the x-ray table, the more of your body is required to be on it."
"Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film."
"If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you."
And the favorite of both the e-mail sender and myself:
"If your car could travel at the speed of light, would your headlights work?"
Happy Monday
Monday, November 28, 2011
THE LUNCHBOX
By now, most of you are aware of my addiction to entertainment that took place in a previous century.
My writing as to an admiration for vocalists, instrumental artists, radio shows and authors from that period would seem to confirm this. I long for the Hardy Boys series of books from my youth.
Reading has provided me with many years of pleasure.
My tastes varied at times. I'm talking about my Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer smut novels with the folded page corners. But, I was younger then. What did I know?
There is one constant - my love for Westerns - be they from radio, movies or TV shows.
I suspect my admiration for the latter came from my earlier love affair with the old Saturday matinee kind.
My attendance at the Rivoli or Frederick theaters was usually followed by me returning home and running down the unpaved cinder laden alley leading from Atlantic Ave toward Spinelli's market.
I did this, while smacking myself on my right butt cheek as if I were riding a horse.
But, that was only on those weekends when I was home from college.
The Lone Ranger, Durango Kid, Red Ryder, Gene Autry, Roy Rodgers, Lance LaRue, Rocky Lane, The Cisco Kid, Tim & Jack Holt, Joel McCrae, Buster Crabbe, Hopalong Cassidy, etc were my heroes.
Hoppy was one of my favorites. I watched "Dangerous Venture" several times simply because I couldn't remember if I had seen it before. I miss my autographed lunch box.
A few good Randolph Scott or Rod Cameron flicks were usually enjoyable as well. The later rumors as to Randy's sexual proclivity did little to dampen my enthusiasm for the guy with the fast draw, easy smile, and square jaw with the deep cleft.
Today it's re-released episodes of The Rifleman, Have Gun Will Travel, Big Valley, Marshall Dillon, Gunsmoke, and my favorite - The Virginian- that keep me going.
I enjoy them today even more than I did my old W.C. Fields movie collections including the dialogue excerpts available on 33 1/3 albums.
I outgrew my days of admiration for William Claude, much to the relief of friends and family who had grown weary of my amateur attempts to adopt his vocal style - usually about every other sentence.
I never outgrew my taste for Westerns.
Did I tell you I miss my Hopalong Cassidy lunchbox? Did I also tell you I cried recently when I found out how much one in good shape would bring on the market today?
Why a love for Westerns? I was often criticized by my then girlfriend's father who insisted on referring to them as "Hors----t & Bullets" when he discovered his daughter and me avidly watching them in the parlor.
The answer is simple. Like soap operas, it's a break from some of the heavier things in our lives that includes a media who is so anxious to keep us well informed.
In my Westerns - unlike soap operas - the good guy almost always wins -despite moral challenges- and that's the real kicker. They truly are more than the "H & B" previously alluded to.
They are morality plays. Sometimes it's Matt Dillon from Dodge City combining simple psychological hooks and an amazing quick draw skill w/o any demonstration of a in-depth legal knowledge.
On the Virginian it's Judge Garth in Medicine Bow employing both.
Just about every episode emphasizes a simple morality lesson - one that our kids and grandkids could probably easily grasp.
Watching a morality play - with a little shooting - and a lot of good lessons being taught - might be a good respite for a young guy or gal with sore fingers and thumbs from pushing puttons.
Oops, gotta run and tell Trampas that the blond dancehall gal is no good for him.
"Trampas, it'll never work! Find a good schoolmarm"
I really miss my lunchbox.
My writing as to an admiration for vocalists, instrumental artists, radio shows and authors from that period would seem to confirm this. I long for the Hardy Boys series of books from my youth.
Reading has provided me with many years of pleasure.
My tastes varied at times. I'm talking about my Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer smut novels with the folded page corners. But, I was younger then. What did I know?
There is one constant - my love for Westerns - be they from radio, movies or TV shows.
I suspect my admiration for the latter came from my earlier love affair with the old Saturday matinee kind.
My attendance at the Rivoli or Frederick theaters was usually followed by me returning home and running down the unpaved cinder laden alley leading from Atlantic Ave toward Spinelli's market.
I did this, while smacking myself on my right butt cheek as if I were riding a horse.
But, that was only on those weekends when I was home from college.
The Lone Ranger, Durango Kid, Red Ryder, Gene Autry, Roy Rodgers, Lance LaRue, Rocky Lane, The Cisco Kid, Tim & Jack Holt, Joel McCrae, Buster Crabbe, Hopalong Cassidy, etc were my heroes.
Hoppy was one of my favorites. I watched "Dangerous Venture" several times simply because I couldn't remember if I had seen it before. I miss my autographed lunch box.
A few good Randolph Scott or Rod Cameron flicks were usually enjoyable as well. The later rumors as to Randy's sexual proclivity did little to dampen my enthusiasm for the guy with the fast draw, easy smile, and square jaw with the deep cleft.
Today it's re-released episodes of The Rifleman, Have Gun Will Travel, Big Valley, Marshall Dillon, Gunsmoke, and my favorite - The Virginian- that keep me going.
I enjoy them today even more than I did my old W.C. Fields movie collections including the dialogue excerpts available on 33 1/3 albums.
I outgrew my days of admiration for William Claude, much to the relief of friends and family who had grown weary of my amateur attempts to adopt his vocal style - usually about every other sentence.
I never outgrew my taste for Westerns.
Did I tell you I miss my Hopalong Cassidy lunchbox? Did I also tell you I cried recently when I found out how much one in good shape would bring on the market today?
Why a love for Westerns? I was often criticized by my then girlfriend's father who insisted on referring to them as "Hors----t & Bullets" when he discovered his daughter and me avidly watching them in the parlor.
The answer is simple. Like soap operas, it's a break from some of the heavier things in our lives that includes a media who is so anxious to keep us well informed.
In my Westerns - unlike soap operas - the good guy almost always wins -despite moral challenges- and that's the real kicker. They truly are more than the "H & B" previously alluded to.
They are morality plays. Sometimes it's Matt Dillon from Dodge City combining simple psychological hooks and an amazing quick draw skill w/o any demonstration of a in-depth legal knowledge.
On the Virginian it's Judge Garth in Medicine Bow employing both.
Just about every episode emphasizes a simple morality lesson - one that our kids and grandkids could probably easily grasp.
Watching a morality play - with a little shooting - and a lot of good lessons being taught - might be a good respite for a young guy or gal with sore fingers and thumbs from pushing puttons.
Oops, gotta run and tell Trampas that the blond dancehall gal is no good for him.
"Trampas, it'll never work! Find a good schoolmarm"
I really miss my lunchbox.
BALANCE
My birth sign is Libra - the sign is also one of balanced scales.
If the image of one born under that sign is that of continually striving to achieve balance - my actions in both my personal life and my blog writings may leave something to be desired.
Then again, I might have been born under the sign of Delaney's Morning Star Inn - a allegedly historical local bar & hotel situate very close to my last Forest Hills, Pa. residence.
And perhaps next year at this time I may adopt the recent theory that our birthsigns are inaccurately assigned, become a Scorpio, and tell you what I really feel.
The Occupy movement has been one that continues to present varied degrees of contrasts such as enthusiasm, disgust, and potential.
Because it represents something - even if we're not sure what - it may not always collect the normal amount of balance between praise and criticism we Libra's might opt for.
Some folks are appalled by the disheveled participants who appear to have disdained soap for soap boxes. Others have a vicarious reaction to the movement. They are hoping it will help.
However, many are either unable or unwilling to physically join the protesting masses as they, you see, have jobs to go to and incomes to make in order to support their loved ones.
Some find the movement distasteful. Some empathize but their idea of ideological 'camping out' differs.
For many, it has to include a Embassy Suites well stocked wet bar, large flat screen TV, room service and a place to connect their laptop.
Then, and only then, may they opt to concern themselves with the adequacy of the showering system and the size of the soap.
Empathy perhaps - but only if accompanied by comfort.
Therefore, a recent piece on the op-ed page of the USA Today by Jon Picoult, founder of a Connecticut- based business advisory firm -was one that this Libra guy found interesting.
Picoult's theme initially appeared to be one that was critical of the lack of consistancy with those identified places of wealth in front of which the members of Occupy have chosen to protest.
It questions why some places were apparently overlooked by the
99% protesters" whose opposition seems to be "companies and their moguls - for what's perceived as their never-ending avarice, their disregard for the middle class and their extravagant lifestyles".
Among those listed by Picoult were apparently overlooked targets such as the NBA offices located on 5th Avenue extremely close to their known Wall Street sit-ins.
Other targets listed as oversights were Hollywood, Yankee Stadium, and Kim Kardashian's house.
He asks, "Where is the outrage toward those 1%-ers who sport hourly wages that can make some bank CEO's look like welfare cases?"
Unlike most editorial or opinion writers, Picoult answers his own question and seems to strike a 'balance' in doing so.
His analysis is that "The value we assign to things is influenced as much by emotional considerations (how it makes us feel) as it is by rational ones (whether it's a fair price)".
He repeats his real message that, if we feel entertained, inspired, or moved we're less likely to be critical of the fortunes companies amass.
His inclusion of companies as varied as Apple, Google, Disney, and Johnson & Johnson as positive recipients of acceptance, seems to enhance his argument.
It is true that his "feel good" analysis speaks mightily about how we react to people as well as businesses.
We can often overlook the over intoxicated idiot in a bar, and his tasteless jokes if we get a laugh when retelling these same jokes at the office.
To quote Picoult, "People's perception of the value you deliver, and their tolerance for the rewards you reap,is inevitably colored by how you make them feel."
Hmmm, many may think, "Sounds a lot like marriage."
Picoult concludes by using a modified version of my theme, "What is it they don't get?" - by implying this is a phenomena that should be reviewed and adopted by Wall Street.
Southwest Airlines "no bag fees" policy, while raising fares for their jam packed planes, suggests some agreement.
Yet, it still is possible that Bank Of America's recent barrage of advertisements telling us they are continually responding to the financial needs of small business may not yet be ready to pass a litmus test.
The USA Today article is enjoyable because it would appear Picault is willing to articulate examples of simple human nature behavior without any apparent axe to grind.
Okay, there is that tiny thing about what people in his chosen profession do for a living.
But, then again we don't want to get carried away in our pursuit of this whole "balance" thing.
If the image of one born under that sign is that of continually striving to achieve balance - my actions in both my personal life and my blog writings may leave something to be desired.
Then again, I might have been born under the sign of Delaney's Morning Star Inn - a allegedly historical local bar & hotel situate very close to my last Forest Hills, Pa. residence.
And perhaps next year at this time I may adopt the recent theory that our birthsigns are inaccurately assigned, become a Scorpio, and tell you what I really feel.
The Occupy movement has been one that continues to present varied degrees of contrasts such as enthusiasm, disgust, and potential.
Because it represents something - even if we're not sure what - it may not always collect the normal amount of balance between praise and criticism we Libra's might opt for.
Some folks are appalled by the disheveled participants who appear to have disdained soap for soap boxes. Others have a vicarious reaction to the movement. They are hoping it will help.
However, many are either unable or unwilling to physically join the protesting masses as they, you see, have jobs to go to and incomes to make in order to support their loved ones.
Some find the movement distasteful. Some empathize but their idea of ideological 'camping out' differs.
For many, it has to include a Embassy Suites well stocked wet bar, large flat screen TV, room service and a place to connect their laptop.
Then, and only then, may they opt to concern themselves with the adequacy of the showering system and the size of the soap.
Empathy perhaps - but only if accompanied by comfort.
Therefore, a recent piece on the op-ed page of the USA Today by Jon Picoult, founder of a Connecticut- based business advisory firm -was one that this Libra guy found interesting.
Picoult's theme initially appeared to be one that was critical of the lack of consistancy with those identified places of wealth in front of which the members of Occupy have chosen to protest.
It questions why some places were apparently overlooked by the
99% protesters" whose opposition seems to be "companies and their moguls - for what's perceived as their never-ending avarice, their disregard for the middle class and their extravagant lifestyles".
Among those listed by Picoult were apparently overlooked targets such as the NBA offices located on 5th Avenue extremely close to their known Wall Street sit-ins.
Other targets listed as oversights were Hollywood, Yankee Stadium, and Kim Kardashian's house.
He asks, "Where is the outrage toward those 1%-ers who sport hourly wages that can make some bank CEO's look like welfare cases?"
Unlike most editorial or opinion writers, Picoult answers his own question and seems to strike a 'balance' in doing so.
His analysis is that "The value we assign to things is influenced as much by emotional considerations (how it makes us feel) as it is by rational ones (whether it's a fair price)".
He repeats his real message that, if we feel entertained, inspired, or moved we're less likely to be critical of the fortunes companies amass.
His inclusion of companies as varied as Apple, Google, Disney, and Johnson & Johnson as positive recipients of acceptance, seems to enhance his argument.
It is true that his "feel good" analysis speaks mightily about how we react to people as well as businesses.
We can often overlook the over intoxicated idiot in a bar, and his tasteless jokes if we get a laugh when retelling these same jokes at the office.
To quote Picoult, "People's perception of the value you deliver, and their tolerance for the rewards you reap,is inevitably colored by how you make them feel."
Hmmm, many may think, "Sounds a lot like marriage."
Picoult concludes by using a modified version of my theme, "What is it they don't get?" - by implying this is a phenomena that should be reviewed and adopted by Wall Street.
Southwest Airlines "no bag fees" policy, while raising fares for their jam packed planes, suggests some agreement.
Yet, it still is possible that Bank Of America's recent barrage of advertisements telling us they are continually responding to the financial needs of small business may not yet be ready to pass a litmus test.
The USA Today article is enjoyable because it would appear Picault is willing to articulate examples of simple human nature behavior without any apparent axe to grind.
Okay, there is that tiny thing about what people in his chosen profession do for a living.
But, then again we don't want to get carried away in our pursuit of this whole "balance" thing.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Blogs and Fans.
Columnist Gene Collier of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is a funny and erudite writer.
Therefore, it is reassuring for me to read something he has written, as I did today, that seems to follow a similar track to my own observations about life and sports.
Admittedly, I'm a rank amateur and was apparently sick a lot when grammar and punctuation instructions were available to me at all levels of the teaching of English composition.
Not sure just how important that is now, as blog writing provides a great release for me, regardless of the size of the audience - other than offering it up as a mea culpa.
Gene's recent column promotes the idea that Penn State should consider dropping college football.
That should keep Central Pa. undertakers busy for the next decade.
Fifteen years of residency in that area confirmed a continuous life and death struggle by the residents that is almost entirely based upon the won/loss results of the Penn State football team.
There also appears to be a lack of recognition on the part of those citizens that there is much more to life than the idolatry displayed for their team.
However,if you ever lived there you'd understand there isn't a lot more available to capture their passion.
My first exposure to the area,after residing in Pittsburgh for 50+ years, was a walking tour in 1986 of Bloomsburg, Pa after being "promoted" to managing an office there.
My most memorable sighting was that of "Eudora's Corset Shoppe", located on the main thoroughfare.
The folks I met did not possess the same eagerness to share their thoughts with a stranger or even start a conversation as did those Pittsburgh residents I left behind.
That is, until you had the insight to question them about their favorite college team. Few responded by commenting on the football program of Bloomsburg University.
Penn State is an institution up there. So is their football team.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the questionable, if not the seemingly unfathomable adulation of the residents, hasn't been seen elsewhere since, possibly, the unknown citizenry's lack of reaction to the "Emperor's New Clothes". And, we're not referring to the Penguin.
No attempt is being made to ridicule their fan support anymore than should be made for the mysterious affection of Pittsburghers for their kielbasa. Oh, and the "Pirates" - of course.
It would be interesting for me to know how those Central Pa. folks are now dealing with the recent news concerning the lack of compassion and responsibility demonstrated by the administration of their beloved university when faced with a real opponent -Truth!
How would they react if a child victim who was allegedly abused was a member of their own family? I recently asked a similar question of a friend who was expressing his extreme support of Herman Cain.
It scares me to think that both responses might have been similar.
What kind of rationality will be employed by the citizens? Will it be one of denial?
Or, could it simply be the current preferable and trendy processing following accusations of wrongdoing by folks who simply respond, "Well, they're all doing it - aren't they?"
I'll probably never know and might not even deserve an answer.
You have to remember, there are more than a few of us Sullivans - including myself - who refuse to accept the gruesome reality about our beloved Pirates.
But, then again, we have our "Stillers" - and even " Penguins" - to get us through the consistently poor baseball results of our incomparable favorite baseball team.
Unfortunately, the same thing cannot be said for those poor fans in the middle of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Should Penn State University announce a decision to drop football at a time you were considering a visit to the area - any alternate travel plans you might have - should not rule out Iran.
Therefore, it is reassuring for me to read something he has written, as I did today, that seems to follow a similar track to my own observations about life and sports.
Admittedly, I'm a rank amateur and was apparently sick a lot when grammar and punctuation instructions were available to me at all levels of the teaching of English composition.
Not sure just how important that is now, as blog writing provides a great release for me, regardless of the size of the audience - other than offering it up as a mea culpa.
Gene's recent column promotes the idea that Penn State should consider dropping college football.
That should keep Central Pa. undertakers busy for the next decade.
Fifteen years of residency in that area confirmed a continuous life and death struggle by the residents that is almost entirely based upon the won/loss results of the Penn State football team.
There also appears to be a lack of recognition on the part of those citizens that there is much more to life than the idolatry displayed for their team.
However,if you ever lived there you'd understand there isn't a lot more available to capture their passion.
My first exposure to the area,after residing in Pittsburgh for 50+ years, was a walking tour in 1986 of Bloomsburg, Pa after being "promoted" to managing an office there.
My most memorable sighting was that of "Eudora's Corset Shoppe", located on the main thoroughfare.
The folks I met did not possess the same eagerness to share their thoughts with a stranger or even start a conversation as did those Pittsburgh residents I left behind.
That is, until you had the insight to question them about their favorite college team. Few responded by commenting on the football program of Bloomsburg University.
Penn State is an institution up there. So is their football team.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the questionable, if not the seemingly unfathomable adulation of the residents, hasn't been seen elsewhere since, possibly, the unknown citizenry's lack of reaction to the "Emperor's New Clothes". And, we're not referring to the Penguin.
No attempt is being made to ridicule their fan support anymore than should be made for the mysterious affection of Pittsburghers for their kielbasa. Oh, and the "Pirates" - of course.
It would be interesting for me to know how those Central Pa. folks are now dealing with the recent news concerning the lack of compassion and responsibility demonstrated by the administration of their beloved university when faced with a real opponent -Truth!
How would they react if a child victim who was allegedly abused was a member of their own family? I recently asked a similar question of a friend who was expressing his extreme support of Herman Cain.
It scares me to think that both responses might have been similar.
What kind of rationality will be employed by the citizens? Will it be one of denial?
Or, could it simply be the current preferable and trendy processing following accusations of wrongdoing by folks who simply respond, "Well, they're all doing it - aren't they?"
I'll probably never know and might not even deserve an answer.
You have to remember, there are more than a few of us Sullivans - including myself - who refuse to accept the gruesome reality about our beloved Pirates.
But, then again, we have our "Stillers" - and even " Penguins" - to get us through the consistently poor baseball results of our incomparable favorite baseball team.
Unfortunately, the same thing cannot be said for those poor fans in the middle of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Should Penn State University announce a decision to drop football at a time you were considering a visit to the area - any alternate travel plans you might have - should not rule out Iran.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
WHAT IS IT PENN STATE DOESN'T GET?
There has been enough knee jerk reaction to the situation at Penn State to make all the Chiropractors & Orthodedic surgeons in the world richer than they ever dreamed.
Having said that, I'm still confused by the recent moves of Penn State University.
Joe Paterno was fired by the Penn State Board of trustees. I couldn't help wonder then, as I do now, how far up the ladder the alleged knowledge of wrongdoing at Penn State extended.
Trust me. I'm neither looking for nor desire to extend the popular conspiracy theories now rife in the media as to who up at the university had prior knowledge of the alledged wrongdoings by former coach Jerry Sandusky and failed to act responsibly prior to the grand jury's findings.
But, would it be unrealistic to wonder whether or not some members of the Penn State Board of Trustees were members and/or disciples of the "don't ask -don't tell mentality club" up in Happy Valley?
That thought reoccurred when Penn State announced recently that Dave Joyner, a highly respected orthopedic physician and scholar/athlete has been selected as Penn State acting athletic director.
Don't get me wrong. Anybody with even the slightest knowledge of crisis management knows that the best action is one that is concise and immediate. Both are strategic tactics which Penn State officials have previously failed miserably.
The interim appointment captures the described desired strategies - almost.
Joyner was a two sport athlete at Penn State as well as the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for his many contributions to sports: college, professional, and the U.S Olympics.
He received his bachelor's and medical degrees from the university. He also served, until taking this new appointment, as a member of Penn State's Board of Trustees.
On the surface, the latter role might not disqualify him for his new position as acting athletic director. But, does it?
Reasonable people might conclude that, at this juncture of what many highly respected individuals are referring to as the worst University snafu of all times, a little hesitation might have been in order.
Please let me try to clarify via this recent news item:
Per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "State Education Secretary Ronald Tomalis would not rule out the possibility that Penn State University trustees would face scrutiny from a campus investigative panel seeking to ascertain what campus leaders knew about child abuse allegations and if they responded properly"
When asked in a phone interview by the Post-Gazette writer if the possibility that current or former board members knew of the the assault allegations had or would be explored, he responded "that's one of the things the committee will be looking at."
Tomalis is a Penn State trustee and vice chair of the committee.
The article goes on to say: "Penn State has not identified the full list of members who will sit on the special investigative committee, but officials have suggested in recent days that the panel will be limited to those with university ties."
Yeah, that should satisfy watchdog groups, ethicists, and the media.
It would appear to this blogger,only those House members serving on the House Ethics committee - with no expressed authority to punish wrongdoers - could possibly see this as good logic.
There is no intention to disparage Dr. Joyner here. His reputation appears to be as impeccable as few other leading citizens and has demonstrated nothing to contradict this.
It's just the timing of his appointment that is sure to raise eyebrows. If the man is to be "acting" athletics director, was there nobody without university ties who would have been equally qualified to serve in a temporary capacity?
It's also apparent that, given the man's sterling reputation and intelligence, he may have made the decision to accept this "acting"
post primarily as an example of the compassion he has demonstrated in his other capacities of providing service to his country.
Assuredly, no attempt is being made here to compare him with another highly respected Penn State figure who fell from grace recently.
However, you gotta wonder. Was there no other person the board may have considered who either did not attend college there, reside in University Park, or who was a former stellar athlete/scholar at Penn State?
Is there some University requirement that only someone with any vague tangential knowledge of the geographical area in which Penn State is located is possibly qualified to serve as investigator of this incredible embarassing screw-up?
Sorry, but that appears to be a strange way for a major university to operate during a crisis that has gained worldwide attention.
If Dave Joyner is as qualified as suspected, why not have him in a position of "Athletic Director in Waiting"?
That would be similar to what many schools do when posturing themselves with a "Head Coach in Waiting" as a replacement for some head coach whom administrators believe may soon be retiring or seeking employment elsewhere.
Let's assume there exists a community wide belief up in Happy Valley that concludes familiarity with a business, or possession of an extensive expertise as to the problem needing addressing, is a pre-requisite.
If so, one has to wonder if any of the leading banks in the State College area had in the past ever considered hiring famed bank robber Willie Sutton as their Director of Security?
Surely, there must be some scholar or professor at Penn State who could have explained to the Board of Trustees,Plutarch's writings which later became known as the concept of "purer than Caesar's wife"
You have to conclude that Penn State still doesn't get it.
Having said that, I'm still confused by the recent moves of Penn State University.
Joe Paterno was fired by the Penn State Board of trustees. I couldn't help wonder then, as I do now, how far up the ladder the alleged knowledge of wrongdoing at Penn State extended.
Trust me. I'm neither looking for nor desire to extend the popular conspiracy theories now rife in the media as to who up at the university had prior knowledge of the alledged wrongdoings by former coach Jerry Sandusky and failed to act responsibly prior to the grand jury's findings.
But, would it be unrealistic to wonder whether or not some members of the Penn State Board of Trustees were members and/or disciples of the "don't ask -don't tell mentality club" up in Happy Valley?
That thought reoccurred when Penn State announced recently that Dave Joyner, a highly respected orthopedic physician and scholar/athlete has been selected as Penn State acting athletic director.
Don't get me wrong. Anybody with even the slightest knowledge of crisis management knows that the best action is one that is concise and immediate. Both are strategic tactics which Penn State officials have previously failed miserably.
The interim appointment captures the described desired strategies - almost.
Joyner was a two sport athlete at Penn State as well as the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for his many contributions to sports: college, professional, and the U.S Olympics.
He received his bachelor's and medical degrees from the university. He also served, until taking this new appointment, as a member of Penn State's Board of Trustees.
On the surface, the latter role might not disqualify him for his new position as acting athletic director. But, does it?
Reasonable people might conclude that, at this juncture of what many highly respected individuals are referring to as the worst University snafu of all times, a little hesitation might have been in order.
Please let me try to clarify via this recent news item:
Per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "State Education Secretary Ronald Tomalis would not rule out the possibility that Penn State University trustees would face scrutiny from a campus investigative panel seeking to ascertain what campus leaders knew about child abuse allegations and if they responded properly"
When asked in a phone interview by the Post-Gazette writer if the possibility that current or former board members knew of the the assault allegations had or would be explored, he responded "that's one of the things the committee will be looking at."
Tomalis is a Penn State trustee and vice chair of the committee.
The article goes on to say: "Penn State has not identified the full list of members who will sit on the special investigative committee, but officials have suggested in recent days that the panel will be limited to those with university ties."
Yeah, that should satisfy watchdog groups, ethicists, and the media.
It would appear to this blogger,only those House members serving on the House Ethics committee - with no expressed authority to punish wrongdoers - could possibly see this as good logic.
There is no intention to disparage Dr. Joyner here. His reputation appears to be as impeccable as few other leading citizens and has demonstrated nothing to contradict this.
It's just the timing of his appointment that is sure to raise eyebrows. If the man is to be "acting" athletics director, was there nobody without university ties who would have been equally qualified to serve in a temporary capacity?
It's also apparent that, given the man's sterling reputation and intelligence, he may have made the decision to accept this "acting"
post primarily as an example of the compassion he has demonstrated in his other capacities of providing service to his country.
Assuredly, no attempt is being made here to compare him with another highly respected Penn State figure who fell from grace recently.
However, you gotta wonder. Was there no other person the board may have considered who either did not attend college there, reside in University Park, or who was a former stellar athlete/scholar at Penn State?
Is there some University requirement that only someone with any vague tangential knowledge of the geographical area in which Penn State is located is possibly qualified to serve as investigator of this incredible embarassing screw-up?
Sorry, but that appears to be a strange way for a major university to operate during a crisis that has gained worldwide attention.
If Dave Joyner is as qualified as suspected, why not have him in a position of "Athletic Director in Waiting"?
That would be similar to what many schools do when posturing themselves with a "Head Coach in Waiting" as a replacement for some head coach whom administrators believe may soon be retiring or seeking employment elsewhere.
Let's assume there exists a community wide belief up in Happy Valley that concludes familiarity with a business, or possession of an extensive expertise as to the problem needing addressing, is a pre-requisite.
If so, one has to wonder if any of the leading banks in the State College area had in the past ever considered hiring famed bank robber Willie Sutton as their Director of Security?
Surely, there must be some scholar or professor at Penn State who could have explained to the Board of Trustees,Plutarch's writings which later became known as the concept of "purer than Caesar's wife"
You have to conclude that Penn State still doesn't get it.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
JOURNALISM OR EXPLOITATION?
It was professional - according to media standards.
But when does journalism end - and exploitation begin?
It's a line that more and more has become hazy.
My wife commented to me today," Why does it seem that the alleged acts of a former defensive coordinator now take second place to the faulty logic and apparently horrible decison making of Joe Paterno?"
Good journalism has been replaced with misleading sound bites and questionable interviews that make the reporting source, an overly invasive reporter, or a network often under fire, more marketable.
It has also been replaced by lousy judgment and a spin cycle response that says everything that is thought to be reportable is OK.
I seem to remember the same defense being offered by the owners of Confidential Magazine - way back in the 50's.
Time and time again we see the parent of a child questioned on camera as to his/her actions in raising their child - as though they have not yet sustained enough grief or soul searching.
Other times the child is a victim of a horrible act and the parents are questioned on camera as to how they feel about the loss of their child.
Today, at the end of the Penn State/Nebraska game, we saw "The Return of The Body Snatchers" acted out in high definition for an audience of millions.
I'm speaking about the ESPN journalist and his interviews, at the completion of the game. And, let nobody argue; his approach had the desired effect -to the extent that the interview later received repeated national exposure.
The questioning of Tom Bradley,the interim head coach of Penn State, was somewhat less invasive - as it should have been. Here's a guy who was going on limited sleep in the past four days due to all that has taken place - and had taken on a huge responsibility - temporarily replacing a legend.
Yet, despite that, including his new responsibilites and sudden media exposure, his reaction to the final outcome of the game - included referencing an incredible response by his first place Big Ten team during the second half, was not made a subject of interest.
Unfortunately, both the questioning and his response were merely a prelude to what was to follow.
The coaches' team had almost turned the game around after a first half that clearly reflected their response to the pressure placed upon them due to the well known publicised circumstances involving "Happy Valley."
You had to wonder as a viewer of the game what was the cause of the teams failure to execute in the first half, as they have done in a mixed fashion leading up to their success as exemplified by a 6 and 1 record? What was the cause - ineptitude - jitters - or just a great opponent from Nebraska?
But no, that apparently wasn't the subject you might have expected to have been explored in depth,and pursued by ESPN of any college coach as a logical attempt to accurately determine his assessment of what went right and what went wrong. It was even more incomprehensible as Penn State had fallen from the ranks of the unbeaten in their conference.
Folks, the coach's response to a loss does not make ratings when you have a much more accessible agenda for your questions - particularly those that are deemed to be ones that will ostensibly increase your ratings.
ESPN eschewed the normal after the game in depth questions - at least in a follow-up format - while tangibly framing all questions involving the game with a focus that instead was their repeated reference to the devastating accusations and revelations involving Penn State.
We were subjected to a performance by the reporter that more closely resembled those of Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson in the popular show "The Closer", particularly as she sucks in the suspects with apparently benign inquiries before going for the jugular vein.
Penn State's interim head coach responded well - with little "coach speak" other than his expressed admiration for the spirit of the team and their group effort in the second half.
But, what the coach didn't know was that he was only the opening act - a setup for the individual whom the network apparently determined was the main event.
ESPN decided that focus would be Jay Paterno - the deposed coaches son - who served in a much less responsible role for the outcome of this game - at least more insignicant than the replacement coach - although admittedly both were exploring new territory as coaches.
Again, no questions as to strategy were posed.
The ESPN interviewer was slick - recognizing that his approach in his opening question had to disguise his intent in the interview.
Had Brenda been watching - she would have been proud.
The ESPN "reporter" first tried to put his "interview" subject - who probably had not done more than a few interviews - if any - on national television - at ease. So far - so good- one might respond.
His lead-in to the obviously distraught former coaches son was to assure him that his initial question was the same that he had asked of the interim head coach.
Good move. Jay Paterno appeared to relax and his response seemed to echo that of his new boss.
And then came the follow-up questions during the highly seminally regarded TV ratings period.
The ESPN reporter made reference to having an advanced knowledge of a letter that the son had sent to his parents following the recent events.
I don't know about you - but I had no knowledge of this letter.
Again, Jay Paterno appeared to relax and a small smile came across his face - probably in anticipation there was recognition that he was a good kid who truly loved his parents.
When questioned further as to the content of the letter, young Paterno summarized the content by relating that the theme of his communication was to assure his Mom & Dad that he was proud of them.
Recognizing the nature of the sentimental response, the reporter opted not to close the interview - but to dig further - until Jay Paterno started to cry on national TV.
The son and coach then- mercifully for all of us watching - ended the interview by saying, "That's all" as he turned from the interviewer. He then - walked away, hunched over, his shoulders turned forward and inward- with tears continuing to stream down his recently snookered countenance.
The interviewer made no attempt to comfort him - nor conclude the interview when the tears were slowly commencing.
The witch hunt had ended.
Chief Brenda Johnsons adroit questioning is the crux of the success of the popular highly rated TV show. It is fictional. She is attempting to solve a crime.
My wife and I were left during and after the interview to try to determine what crime this poor guy had committed - other than being the cooperative son of a disgraced father.
My question: Is that journalism - or exploitation?
But when does journalism end - and exploitation begin?
It's a line that more and more has become hazy.
My wife commented to me today," Why does it seem that the alleged acts of a former defensive coordinator now take second place to the faulty logic and apparently horrible decison making of Joe Paterno?"
Good journalism has been replaced with misleading sound bites and questionable interviews that make the reporting source, an overly invasive reporter, or a network often under fire, more marketable.
It has also been replaced by lousy judgment and a spin cycle response that says everything that is thought to be reportable is OK.
I seem to remember the same defense being offered by the owners of Confidential Magazine - way back in the 50's.
Time and time again we see the parent of a child questioned on camera as to his/her actions in raising their child - as though they have not yet sustained enough grief or soul searching.
Other times the child is a victim of a horrible act and the parents are questioned on camera as to how they feel about the loss of their child.
Today, at the end of the Penn State/Nebraska game, we saw "The Return of The Body Snatchers" acted out in high definition for an audience of millions.
I'm speaking about the ESPN journalist and his interviews, at the completion of the game. And, let nobody argue; his approach had the desired effect -to the extent that the interview later received repeated national exposure.
The questioning of Tom Bradley,the interim head coach of Penn State, was somewhat less invasive - as it should have been. Here's a guy who was going on limited sleep in the past four days due to all that has taken place - and had taken on a huge responsibility - temporarily replacing a legend.
Yet, despite that, including his new responsibilites and sudden media exposure, his reaction to the final outcome of the game - included referencing an incredible response by his first place Big Ten team during the second half, was not made a subject of interest.
Unfortunately, both the questioning and his response were merely a prelude to what was to follow.
The coaches' team had almost turned the game around after a first half that clearly reflected their response to the pressure placed upon them due to the well known publicised circumstances involving "Happy Valley."
You had to wonder as a viewer of the game what was the cause of the teams failure to execute in the first half, as they have done in a mixed fashion leading up to their success as exemplified by a 6 and 1 record? What was the cause - ineptitude - jitters - or just a great opponent from Nebraska?
But no, that apparently wasn't the subject you might have expected to have been explored in depth,and pursued by ESPN of any college coach as a logical attempt to accurately determine his assessment of what went right and what went wrong. It was even more incomprehensible as Penn State had fallen from the ranks of the unbeaten in their conference.
Folks, the coach's response to a loss does not make ratings when you have a much more accessible agenda for your questions - particularly those that are deemed to be ones that will ostensibly increase your ratings.
ESPN eschewed the normal after the game in depth questions - at least in a follow-up format - while tangibly framing all questions involving the game with a focus that instead was their repeated reference to the devastating accusations and revelations involving Penn State.
We were subjected to a performance by the reporter that more closely resembled those of Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson in the popular show "The Closer", particularly as she sucks in the suspects with apparently benign inquiries before going for the jugular vein.
Penn State's interim head coach responded well - with little "coach speak" other than his expressed admiration for the spirit of the team and their group effort in the second half.
But, what the coach didn't know was that he was only the opening act - a setup for the individual whom the network apparently determined was the main event.
ESPN decided that focus would be Jay Paterno - the deposed coaches son - who served in a much less responsible role for the outcome of this game - at least more insignicant than the replacement coach - although admittedly both were exploring new territory as coaches.
Again, no questions as to strategy were posed.
The ESPN interviewer was slick - recognizing that his approach in his opening question had to disguise his intent in the interview.
Had Brenda been watching - she would have been proud.
The ESPN "reporter" first tried to put his "interview" subject - who probably had not done more than a few interviews - if any - on national television - at ease. So far - so good- one might respond.
His lead-in to the obviously distraught former coaches son was to assure him that his initial question was the same that he had asked of the interim head coach.
Good move. Jay Paterno appeared to relax and his response seemed to echo that of his new boss.
And then came the follow-up questions during the highly seminally regarded TV ratings period.
The ESPN reporter made reference to having an advanced knowledge of a letter that the son had sent to his parents following the recent events.
I don't know about you - but I had no knowledge of this letter.
Again, Jay Paterno appeared to relax and a small smile came across his face - probably in anticipation there was recognition that he was a good kid who truly loved his parents.
When questioned further as to the content of the letter, young Paterno summarized the content by relating that the theme of his communication was to assure his Mom & Dad that he was proud of them.
Recognizing the nature of the sentimental response, the reporter opted not to close the interview - but to dig further - until Jay Paterno started to cry on national TV.
The son and coach then- mercifully for all of us watching - ended the interview by saying, "That's all" as he turned from the interviewer. He then - walked away, hunched over, his shoulders turned forward and inward- with tears continuing to stream down his recently snookered countenance.
The interviewer made no attempt to comfort him - nor conclude the interview when the tears were slowly commencing.
The witch hunt had ended.
Chief Brenda Johnsons adroit questioning is the crux of the success of the popular highly rated TV show. It is fictional. She is attempting to solve a crime.
My wife and I were left during and after the interview to try to determine what crime this poor guy had committed - other than being the cooperative son of a disgraced father.
My question: Is that journalism - or exploitation?
Thursday, November 3, 2011
EARLY AMERICAN HUMOR
Having just completed a blog on radio humor of the 40's, an e-mail was received listing the humor of Will Rogers, the subject of previous blogs.
Here are some of my favorite Will Rogers quotes:
There are two theories to arguing with a woman - neither works.
If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
Never miss a chance to shut up.
There are three kinds of men:
The ones who learn by reading.
The few who learn by observation.
The rest of them who have to pee on the electric fence
and find out for themselves.
Good judgment comes from experience and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
If you're riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
Senior Humor:
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth - think of Algebra.
Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
I don't know how I got 'over the hill' without getting to the top.
And, one of my favorites:
Long ago, when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Now, it's called golf.
A closing thought - especially appropriate for this old blogger:
After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him.
The moral: When you're full of bull - keep your mouth shut.
Stay well.
Here are some of my favorite Will Rogers quotes:
There are two theories to arguing with a woman - neither works.
If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
Never miss a chance to shut up.
There are three kinds of men:
The ones who learn by reading.
The few who learn by observation.
The rest of them who have to pee on the electric fence
and find out for themselves.
Good judgment comes from experience and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
If you're riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
Senior Humor:
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth - think of Algebra.
Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
I don't know how I got 'over the hill' without getting to the top.
And, one of my favorites:
Long ago, when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Now, it's called golf.
A closing thought - especially appropriate for this old blogger:
After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him.
The moral: When you're full of bull - keep your mouth shut.
Stay well.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
"T'aint Funny, McGee"
My wife often accused me of being stuck in the 50's when it comes to music. I don't protest, partially because it's probably true - but,also because I'm not sure she doesn't mean the 1850's.
In truth, my humor may be stuck in the 40's. Radio comedy was big in our house growing up. It included Amos & Andy, because we were of a different generation and still naively unaware that what we were laughing at was prejudicial against an entire race of people.
Hopefully, the advent of B.E.T television clarified the assumption.
It was a different time and much of the humor those days has not translated well to that of our present generation. Listening to some of the old comedy show tapes suggests that what we found to be funny was actually kind of amateurish.
There were exceptions. When listning to an old Fibber McGee and Molly recently.I found Fibber's defense of the weather being extremely cold to be vaguely familiar. When asked how cold it was, he stated, "It is so cold that I saw the snowman down at the department store blowing on his hands."
Apparently, the writers of Johnny Carson's tonight show felt it could be updated and included the premise in his response to Ed McMahon when questioned as to explaining, "How cold is it?".
It would take too long to go into all the radio comedy shows I found amusing as a child. Needless-to-say they included comedy entertainers such as Burns & Allen, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Fred Allen, Red Skelton, and my alltime favorite, Fibber McGee and Molly.
These were two former vaudevillians, Jim & Marian Jordan, who were also husband and wife in real life.
The humor was easy going and lacked either the dirty language or the mean comments of many of today's successful comedians.
Molly's continuos use of the line "T'aint Funny McGee" was as well known as Fibber McGee's closet that poured various items down on McGee when he attempted to open the door.
I enjoyed the sound effects almost as much as the sound of breaking glass that followed the exclamation by former Pirate broadcaster Rosey Roswell following a homerun by the Pirates, "Open the window Aunt Minnie, here it comes!" - a line all us kids adopted when playing ball over at Atlantic Avenue School's playground with the short right field.
Fibber was the main character in a show that lasted from the 30's into the 50's.
The show stood out for me as it included many characters and was the precursor of todays successful situation comedy shows. The actors who portrayed the characters, such as Harold Perry, Gale
Gordon and others survived radio and were star character performers on TV.
The premise of Fibber McGee and Molly was simple and usually took place entirely in the McGee's living room where the various characters, mostly alleged neighbors, made a regular appearance.
They included Wallace Wimple, a hen-pecked husband who was constantly dominated and battered by his never seen spouse,
Cornelia, to whom he referred as "Sweetieface" and/or his "big ol wife".
The part was played by Bill Thompson, who was also "The Old Timer" a hearing challenged senior citizen who coined the popular phrase, "That ain't the way I heared it!"
Another character actor, Richard LeGrand created the part of Ole Swenson, a Swedish-born janitor at the Elks Club and who later became Mr. Peavey on the Great Gildesleeve. Ole complained a lot that he was "joost donatin' my time." (another gem)
There was also another character referred to alternately as "Sis" and "Little girl", who was voiced by Marian Jordan. Her catchphrase was that of ending her statements with the tagline, "I betcha."
I think I liked her most because of my Grandma Sullivans neighbor and close friend up in Wilmerding, Pa., Mrs. St. Clair, who drove me nuts as a kid by insisting on ending each sentence with the utterance, "So I did" or "So, I said.".
We have been stealing jokes, comedic techniques and one-liners since the beginning of time.
Puns and the stealing of malapropism infested humor from the style of Mrs. Malaprop", a character in Sheridan's classic, "The Rivals."
were employed in the 40's and continue to be a great source of simple humor - including the popular NCIS.
The lines and sayings of the characters on FM & M became part of this nations vernacular in the same way that TV stars Milton Berle's "MAKEUP!", Gleasons,"And, awaay we go!" & "Someday Alice - right to the Moon!", and Flip Wilson's, "The Devil made me do it" stuck with generations that survived the humor of the 40's.
There were fewer of us in the 40's but we were still more than willing to highjack these catch phrases and employ them at just about any moment in time.
The idea of including homemade characters on radio was adopted by local Pittsburgh morning drive time host, Rege Cordic, who with the imagination of Bob Trow and Karl Hardman, developed such favorites as "Louie The Garbage Man", "Brunhilda", "Omicron", "Big Ube & Little Ube" and Carmen Monoxide, a champion punster.
As Junior High kids we weren't allowed to stand around the water cooler and recite lines from Cordic & Company due to the always present hall monitors - so we wandered off to the bathrooms instead.
But, guaranteed, Dad and his work cronies were probably standing around the coke machine at Beadling Motors on Wednesday mornings, repeating their favorite jokes or lines from the previous nights Texaco sponsored Berle show.
These are tough times financially and emotionally. Maybe we need to install more water coolers at work and try again to make comedy truly funny.
In truth, my humor may be stuck in the 40's. Radio comedy was big in our house growing up. It included Amos & Andy, because we were of a different generation and still naively unaware that what we were laughing at was prejudicial against an entire race of people.
Hopefully, the advent of B.E.T television clarified the assumption.
It was a different time and much of the humor those days has not translated well to that of our present generation. Listening to some of the old comedy show tapes suggests that what we found to be funny was actually kind of amateurish.
There were exceptions. When listning to an old Fibber McGee and Molly recently.I found Fibber's defense of the weather being extremely cold to be vaguely familiar. When asked how cold it was, he stated, "It is so cold that I saw the snowman down at the department store blowing on his hands."
Apparently, the writers of Johnny Carson's tonight show felt it could be updated and included the premise in his response to Ed McMahon when questioned as to explaining, "How cold is it?".
It would take too long to go into all the radio comedy shows I found amusing as a child. Needless-to-say they included comedy entertainers such as Burns & Allen, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Fred Allen, Red Skelton, and my alltime favorite, Fibber McGee and Molly.
These were two former vaudevillians, Jim & Marian Jordan, who were also husband and wife in real life.
The humor was easy going and lacked either the dirty language or the mean comments of many of today's successful comedians.
Molly's continuos use of the line "T'aint Funny McGee" was as well known as Fibber McGee's closet that poured various items down on McGee when he attempted to open the door.
I enjoyed the sound effects almost as much as the sound of breaking glass that followed the exclamation by former Pirate broadcaster Rosey Roswell following a homerun by the Pirates, "Open the window Aunt Minnie, here it comes!" - a line all us kids adopted when playing ball over at Atlantic Avenue School's playground with the short right field.
Fibber was the main character in a show that lasted from the 30's into the 50's.
The show stood out for me as it included many characters and was the precursor of todays successful situation comedy shows. The actors who portrayed the characters, such as Harold Perry, Gale
Gordon and others survived radio and were star character performers on TV.
The premise of Fibber McGee and Molly was simple and usually took place entirely in the McGee's living room where the various characters, mostly alleged neighbors, made a regular appearance.
They included Wallace Wimple, a hen-pecked husband who was constantly dominated and battered by his never seen spouse,
Cornelia, to whom he referred as "Sweetieface" and/or his "big ol wife".
The part was played by Bill Thompson, who was also "The Old Timer" a hearing challenged senior citizen who coined the popular phrase, "That ain't the way I heared it!"
Another character actor, Richard LeGrand created the part of Ole Swenson, a Swedish-born janitor at the Elks Club and who later became Mr. Peavey on the Great Gildesleeve. Ole complained a lot that he was "joost donatin' my time." (another gem)
There was also another character referred to alternately as "Sis" and "Little girl", who was voiced by Marian Jordan. Her catchphrase was that of ending her statements with the tagline, "I betcha."
I think I liked her most because of my Grandma Sullivans neighbor and close friend up in Wilmerding, Pa., Mrs. St. Clair, who drove me nuts as a kid by insisting on ending each sentence with the utterance, "So I did" or "So, I said.".
We have been stealing jokes, comedic techniques and one-liners since the beginning of time.
Puns and the stealing of malapropism infested humor from the style of Mrs. Malaprop", a character in Sheridan's classic, "The Rivals."
were employed in the 40's and continue to be a great source of simple humor - including the popular NCIS.
The lines and sayings of the characters on FM & M became part of this nations vernacular in the same way that TV stars Milton Berle's "MAKEUP!", Gleasons,"And, awaay we go!" & "Someday Alice - right to the Moon!", and Flip Wilson's, "The Devil made me do it" stuck with generations that survived the humor of the 40's.
There were fewer of us in the 40's but we were still more than willing to highjack these catch phrases and employ them at just about any moment in time.
The idea of including homemade characters on radio was adopted by local Pittsburgh morning drive time host, Rege Cordic, who with the imagination of Bob Trow and Karl Hardman, developed such favorites as "Louie The Garbage Man", "Brunhilda", "Omicron", "Big Ube & Little Ube" and Carmen Monoxide, a champion punster.
As Junior High kids we weren't allowed to stand around the water cooler and recite lines from Cordic & Company due to the always present hall monitors - so we wandered off to the bathrooms instead.
But, guaranteed, Dad and his work cronies were probably standing around the coke machine at Beadling Motors on Wednesday mornings, repeating their favorite jokes or lines from the previous nights Texaco sponsored Berle show.
These are tough times financially and emotionally. Maybe we need to install more water coolers at work and try again to make comedy truly funny.
Friday, October 28, 2011
THE AMAZING "SIXTH"
As a sports fan I most often attribute the term "sixth" to being a referral to "the sixth man" in basketball.
That's the guy who comes off the bench - usually early in the game -and performs so well you wonder why he's not a member of the starting five. John Havlicek, early in his career with the Boston Celtics, is a classic example.
However, the term "Sixth" may now forever be associated with last nights World Series game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers.
One of the quotes I read on-line today said that most of the players in the game - won in dramatic fashion by St. Louis in the bottom of the 11th- expressed a belief that this was the best Series game of all time.
Bill Mazerowski may disagree.
But, even Maz would have to admit this game was one for the ages.
It was filled with errors that heretofore were most closely associated with defensive play at either a Little League, or perhaps, Pony League play.
It was a tough call as to whom I was rooting for as the game bounced back and forth with the sloppy fielding and clutch hitting.
I was watching the "Sixth" in the living room at home after a rather long day that included one more doctors visit and an evening spent with friends.
I had ordered take-out and, despite all the advice of nutritionists, was devouring it as I watched the game.
Phyl and the Chihuahua were busy sawing logs in the back of the house. Apparently I became jealous of their comfort level while I strained to keep my eyes open. That happens to old people a lot.
But, Sony and Brighthouse to the rescue. I simply hit the record button and went on my way to join Phyl and the dog in Dreamland.
The secret to using this modern day recording trick is to avoid any news about the results of the game via next mornings newspaper.
In my case this is not difficult as I skip the local paper, and rely on my USA Today,that is conveniently delivered to our door around 3 or 4 A.M.
This is a great newspaper in my opinion.
The flip side, however, is my conclusion that they should change their motto from "The Nations Newspaper" to one that declares: "Yesterdays Sporting Results - Tomorrow".
Thus, there was no need to fear my paper would reveal the results of the game - until Monday - as they don't publish on Saturday.
So, I sat back down in my recliner this a.m. and turned on the tape.
The players were at least half right. What I was able to watch was indeed exciting, replete with the above mentioned errors and clutch hits.
What was not half-right for this old guy was the game from the bottom of the sixth on.
For, it was about that time my Brighthouse cable people who foolishly assumed a baseball game - with as many commercials as playing time - would conclude at exactly three hours - and turned off my precious recording of the event.
My congratulations to all of you baseball fans who had the stamina and will power that I sorely lacked.
Or, at the very least, had the requisite smarts that told them it might be best to also record the show subsequent to the showing of their sporting event.
Something I definitely plan to do this evening in case this old
f--t doesn't make it through the "Seventh" game either.
But, just in case - please don't call me tomorrow morning.
.
That's the guy who comes off the bench - usually early in the game -and performs so well you wonder why he's not a member of the starting five. John Havlicek, early in his career with the Boston Celtics, is a classic example.
However, the term "Sixth" may now forever be associated with last nights World Series game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers.
One of the quotes I read on-line today said that most of the players in the game - won in dramatic fashion by St. Louis in the bottom of the 11th- expressed a belief that this was the best Series game of all time.
Bill Mazerowski may disagree.
But, even Maz would have to admit this game was one for the ages.
It was filled with errors that heretofore were most closely associated with defensive play at either a Little League, or perhaps, Pony League play.
It was a tough call as to whom I was rooting for as the game bounced back and forth with the sloppy fielding and clutch hitting.
I was watching the "Sixth" in the living room at home after a rather long day that included one more doctors visit and an evening spent with friends.
I had ordered take-out and, despite all the advice of nutritionists, was devouring it as I watched the game.
Phyl and the Chihuahua were busy sawing logs in the back of the house. Apparently I became jealous of their comfort level while I strained to keep my eyes open. That happens to old people a lot.
But, Sony and Brighthouse to the rescue. I simply hit the record button and went on my way to join Phyl and the dog in Dreamland.
The secret to using this modern day recording trick is to avoid any news about the results of the game via next mornings newspaper.
In my case this is not difficult as I skip the local paper, and rely on my USA Today,that is conveniently delivered to our door around 3 or 4 A.M.
This is a great newspaper in my opinion.
The flip side, however, is my conclusion that they should change their motto from "The Nations Newspaper" to one that declares: "Yesterdays Sporting Results - Tomorrow".
Thus, there was no need to fear my paper would reveal the results of the game - until Monday - as they don't publish on Saturday.
So, I sat back down in my recliner this a.m. and turned on the tape.
The players were at least half right. What I was able to watch was indeed exciting, replete with the above mentioned errors and clutch hits.
What was not half-right for this old guy was the game from the bottom of the sixth on.
For, it was about that time my Brighthouse cable people who foolishly assumed a baseball game - with as many commercials as playing time - would conclude at exactly three hours - and turned off my precious recording of the event.
My congratulations to all of you baseball fans who had the stamina and will power that I sorely lacked.
Or, at the very least, had the requisite smarts that told them it might be best to also record the show subsequent to the showing of their sporting event.
Something I definitely plan to do this evening in case this old
f--t doesn't make it through the "Seventh" game either.
But, just in case - please don't call me tomorrow morning.
.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
JAZZING WITH JAMAL
Simple pleasures are often the most fun.
One of mine is music. Others include the Anna Maria beach upon which, in solitude, I have both walked and prayed late at night. The sounds of the waves can be incredibly soothing.
Another pleasure is writing this blog. It gives me an opportunity to share various parts of my life and beliefs as well as the chance to deliver some cautionary messages.
Today, let's concentrate on music - specifically the piano style of Ahmad Jamal, who grew up early on in Pittsburgh a/k/a Fritzy Jones.
I run hot and cold on listening steadily to either jazz or classical music. Both styles are in ample supply in every nook and cranny I can find to store same in our modest home. I call it "Music on Demand".
Our early decision to close in and extend our lanaii another ten feet resulted in one of the best acoustically friendly rooms in which to listen to great music.
I chose to pass on purchasing some of the more sophisticated music components out there today. I continue to rely on my ancient Sansui receiver, a couple of large (34 x 17") Advent floor speakers and a crisp Sony CD player.
In the back room - a less musically friendly location, I augment the above components via a remote switch with a couple of midsized Bose bookshelf speakers that are wired into the Sansui and mounted above eye level on a couple of storage cabinets.
This operation allows us to fulfill our desire to listen to music in a more humble manner as we sit on our small back porch or work in the yard.
I am indeed a music buff. On one of the coldest nights in Harrisburg history, Brother Jim agreed to work with me to pre-wire my three story home, crossing beams, and climbing rickety hand built ladders,in order to beat the builder who was about to start insulating same the next day. The result was an access to music in just about every room of the house.
Listening to music - particularly jazz - requires good speakers - often referred to as "usually the weakest link in your sound system".
By dint of the equipment combination above we are able to actually hear the subtle brushes of the drummer and the soft spoken melodic cleverness of an experienced bassist - electric or acoustic. We favor the latter.
My interest in jazz may have begun with my attendance at Grove City College in 1955 when Errol Garners group was performing live many of the tunes on his just released classic album "Concert By The Sea".
It was further intensified by my introduction to the various time changes of Brubeck via a guy who lived at the end of my dorm hall - and had a penchant for playing his records at top decibel volume.
This morning I was in a light classical mood. That was until our dog Bella loudly protested the opening strains from what I always thought was a great early morning mood setter - a classical collection entitled "Teatime with Tchaikovsky".
The Chihuahua strongly disagreed.
So, the music was switched to a CD on Chess records (GRD-803) entitled "Ahmads Blues" - a collection originally recorded on analog tape that was re-stored and slightly upgraded from the Ahmad Jamal's Trio 1958 appearance at the Spotlite Club in D.C.
The producers, who included musical genius Dave Grusin, wisely opted to retain the music order of the 16 songs included in the original two set performance.
Here, Ahmad's incredibly inventive piano style is strengthened by his two sidemen, Israel Crosby, once a a bass player with Fletcher Henderson, as well as the amazing drummer, Vernel Fournier, who was part of a Teddy Wilson group before joining Jamal.
Some folks find only smooth jazz to be pleasureable.
So, an early warning. Jamal may not be for everyone - particularly those that embrace only the tangential jazz sound. Ahmad has been known to stretch the box a little at times and can sound repetetive.
However, he follows a very simple principle - espoused by Dave Brubeck - who described one of the secrets of his success as: "If you state the melody in the first chorus, then people will allow you the freedom to improvise the melody."
Jamal is a master at this technique - using improvisations from other tunes - including even a few bars from the beginning of the last segment of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture", a classical favorite.
My favorite version of the latter was at a 4th of July celebration on the Savannah Riverfront. The Savannah Orchestra's brilliant performance was magnified by the addition of both fireworks and cannons.
After first becoming a fan of the Jamal group, I would play various tunes from his fabulous album: "But Not For Me." in order to help a good friend of mine, Larry Kosanovich. Larry was just starting his jazz education and was anxious to learn more about the music form.
The object of our game was for Larry to listen - much like a "Name That Tune" contestant - in order to see how long it would take for him to correctly identify the standard that Jamal was improvising.
Larry was a "quick study" - as it was not always a simple task.
I enjoy sharing my favorite jazz tunes and performers. I introduced Brother Tom to the Ramsey Lewis Trio at The Crawford Grill, up in Pittsburgh's Hill district. We also travelled to Manhattan where we took in a couple of Buddy Greco sets at the old Basin Street East club
Tom's interest in jazz really took off and may have even become a little more adventurous than my own.
Chess records incorporated on CD much of Jamal's "But Not For Me", recorded at the Pershing. The album was on the top jazz list for about 107 weeks. The Chess CD is entitled "Ahmad Jamal At His Very Best"" (PCD-2-1244), and added a few songs from other performances.
Included in this collection are some of Jamal's "Greatest Hits" featuring "Night Mist Blues", "Surrey With The Fringe On Top", "Poinciana", "Like Someone In Love" and the album title tune.
If you're not already a "true" jazz fan, but enjoy a pleasurable but at first challenging jazz version of America's standards, you may wish to give both CD's a listen.
Now the cautionary note. Like walking and praying on a beach it's often best done in solitude.
One of mine is music. Others include the Anna Maria beach upon which, in solitude, I have both walked and prayed late at night. The sounds of the waves can be incredibly soothing.
Another pleasure is writing this blog. It gives me an opportunity to share various parts of my life and beliefs as well as the chance to deliver some cautionary messages.
Today, let's concentrate on music - specifically the piano style of Ahmad Jamal, who grew up early on in Pittsburgh a/k/a Fritzy Jones.
I run hot and cold on listening steadily to either jazz or classical music. Both styles are in ample supply in every nook and cranny I can find to store same in our modest home. I call it "Music on Demand".
Our early decision to close in and extend our lanaii another ten feet resulted in one of the best acoustically friendly rooms in which to listen to great music.
I chose to pass on purchasing some of the more sophisticated music components out there today. I continue to rely on my ancient Sansui receiver, a couple of large (34 x 17") Advent floor speakers and a crisp Sony CD player.
In the back room - a less musically friendly location, I augment the above components via a remote switch with a couple of midsized Bose bookshelf speakers that are wired into the Sansui and mounted above eye level on a couple of storage cabinets.
This operation allows us to fulfill our desire to listen to music in a more humble manner as we sit on our small back porch or work in the yard.
I am indeed a music buff. On one of the coldest nights in Harrisburg history, Brother Jim agreed to work with me to pre-wire my three story home, crossing beams, and climbing rickety hand built ladders,in order to beat the builder who was about to start insulating same the next day. The result was an access to music in just about every room of the house.
Listening to music - particularly jazz - requires good speakers - often referred to as "usually the weakest link in your sound system".
By dint of the equipment combination above we are able to actually hear the subtle brushes of the drummer and the soft spoken melodic cleverness of an experienced bassist - electric or acoustic. We favor the latter.
My interest in jazz may have begun with my attendance at Grove City College in 1955 when Errol Garners group was performing live many of the tunes on his just released classic album "Concert By The Sea".
It was further intensified by my introduction to the various time changes of Brubeck via a guy who lived at the end of my dorm hall - and had a penchant for playing his records at top decibel volume.
This morning I was in a light classical mood. That was until our dog Bella loudly protested the opening strains from what I always thought was a great early morning mood setter - a classical collection entitled "Teatime with Tchaikovsky".
The Chihuahua strongly disagreed.
So, the music was switched to a CD on Chess records (GRD-803) entitled "Ahmads Blues" - a collection originally recorded on analog tape that was re-stored and slightly upgraded from the Ahmad Jamal's Trio 1958 appearance at the Spotlite Club in D.C.
The producers, who included musical genius Dave Grusin, wisely opted to retain the music order of the 16 songs included in the original two set performance.
Here, Ahmad's incredibly inventive piano style is strengthened by his two sidemen, Israel Crosby, once a a bass player with Fletcher Henderson, as well as the amazing drummer, Vernel Fournier, who was part of a Teddy Wilson group before joining Jamal.
Some folks find only smooth jazz to be pleasureable.
So, an early warning. Jamal may not be for everyone - particularly those that embrace only the tangential jazz sound. Ahmad has been known to stretch the box a little at times and can sound repetetive.
However, he follows a very simple principle - espoused by Dave Brubeck - who described one of the secrets of his success as: "If you state the melody in the first chorus, then people will allow you the freedom to improvise the melody."
Jamal is a master at this technique - using improvisations from other tunes - including even a few bars from the beginning of the last segment of Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture", a classical favorite.
My favorite version of the latter was at a 4th of July celebration on the Savannah Riverfront. The Savannah Orchestra's brilliant performance was magnified by the addition of both fireworks and cannons.
After first becoming a fan of the Jamal group, I would play various tunes from his fabulous album: "But Not For Me." in order to help a good friend of mine, Larry Kosanovich. Larry was just starting his jazz education and was anxious to learn more about the music form.
The object of our game was for Larry to listen - much like a "Name That Tune" contestant - in order to see how long it would take for him to correctly identify the standard that Jamal was improvising.
Larry was a "quick study" - as it was not always a simple task.
I enjoy sharing my favorite jazz tunes and performers. I introduced Brother Tom to the Ramsey Lewis Trio at The Crawford Grill, up in Pittsburgh's Hill district. We also travelled to Manhattan where we took in a couple of Buddy Greco sets at the old Basin Street East club
Tom's interest in jazz really took off and may have even become a little more adventurous than my own.
Chess records incorporated on CD much of Jamal's "But Not For Me", recorded at the Pershing. The album was on the top jazz list for about 107 weeks. The Chess CD is entitled "Ahmad Jamal At His Very Best"" (PCD-2-1244), and added a few songs from other performances.
Included in this collection are some of Jamal's "Greatest Hits" featuring "Night Mist Blues", "Surrey With The Fringe On Top", "Poinciana", "Like Someone In Love" and the album title tune.
If you're not already a "true" jazz fan, but enjoy a pleasurable but at first challenging jazz version of America's standards, you may wish to give both CD's a listen.
Now the cautionary note. Like walking and praying on a beach it's often best done in solitude.
Friday, October 21, 2011
FAMILY
I'm struggling with both writers block and a lack of energy to complete a blog - now in storage.
The subject is that of comparing the concepts of predestination and free will- one that probably will not be of interest to any of this bloggers readers - but, continues to fascinate me.
Therefore, this A.M., I paused to enjoy a CD from Brother Tom. The closing notes of a Stan Kenton production now waft around my small front office as I attempt another blog about family.
Nice way to enjoy a chilly Friday morning. Retirement is great - not just for me - but my wife who is recently retired. We find a lot more time to talk about everything - and nothing.
Early last evening we were healing our wounds after helping the economy at a local Cadillac dealer to the tune of about $1600 - one more reminder of the expense side of a good 2 1/2 month vacation.
We commiserated at, of all places, Hooters - located just down the road from the Caddy dealer, a good place to enjoy some Mondavi Pinot Grigio. ("You go Mr. Getz!". Oops, was lulled away by Stan Getz's mellow version of "Early Autumn")
Wife Phyl and I discussed everything from cabbage to kings - including my lifelong disdain for sauerkraut.
Primarily though, as we often do, we talked about our five kids and their families. We recently spent 2 1/2 months with my three and their progeny of nine.
These are the grandchildren with whom we had passing sight of as they moved from place to place at whatever family affair we visited. You sort of enjoyed them in bits and pieces with a few serious discussions interspersed. A good mix.
When you haven't been around kids for so long, that was fine with us - and we do love them dearly even if we were slightly overwhelmed at times.
We admit to having looked forward to a long but enjoyable weekend with Phyl's youngest, Tad, up in Baltimore. Tad is not married and is sans kids.
Tad's hosting skills are superb and include spurts of conversation infused with periods of just sitting and saying nothing.The man certainly does enjoy cooking new recipes along side his Mom.
Ethan "the elder" son and his wife Jen, now residing in Atlanta, have honored Phyl with her only biological grandson - a great little guy who responds readily to anything that sounds like Liam - his given name.
My three - in chronological order - Bruce, Michael, and Beth have always been a delight and true gifts from God. Phyl feels similarly about her two guys.
Both are enjoying careers with good compensation and job satisfaction and are moving up the ranks in their respective professions.
Our time in Pgh gave us a long overdue opportunity to visit and, for this old guy, to watch in amazement the growth and maturity of my kids.
As always, Michael, who seems to work 8 days a week got the least of our attention. It never detracts from my appreciation of him - a truly unique guy who may not have an enemy in the world.
(Sorry, was temporarily sidetracked once more while listening to Brubeck and Desmond do their thing.)
Anyway, we spoke a lot last evening about Bruce and Patties struggles with the big C - and how amazingly they are dealing with it. This challenge and it's intensity matches the personalities and strong will of both of them.
So far the only dispute they seem to have had during Patties recouperation is how many dishes should remain unwashed in the sink.
This is not my first blog on family. I recently cited their lives, parenting styles, and conquests as my legacy in a previous blog.
I sometimes wonder what a married couple, who have not been blessed with children and grandchildren, find to talk about - with or without wine.
I know that sounds silly - and more than a little self-serving- but I also admit that this subject is often the focus of many of our conversations, and seems to serve as a foundation for a good bond.
(Oooh, got to get back to that jazz. Miles is getting it on with his smooth version of "It Never Entered My Mind" - and Lady Day is about to do her famous treatment of "God Bless the Child" - one of my favorite tunes.)
Life is good.
The subject is that of comparing the concepts of predestination and free will- one that probably will not be of interest to any of this bloggers readers - but, continues to fascinate me.
Therefore, this A.M., I paused to enjoy a CD from Brother Tom. The closing notes of a Stan Kenton production now waft around my small front office as I attempt another blog about family.
Nice way to enjoy a chilly Friday morning. Retirement is great - not just for me - but my wife who is recently retired. We find a lot more time to talk about everything - and nothing.
Early last evening we were healing our wounds after helping the economy at a local Cadillac dealer to the tune of about $1600 - one more reminder of the expense side of a good 2 1/2 month vacation.
We commiserated at, of all places, Hooters - located just down the road from the Caddy dealer, a good place to enjoy some Mondavi Pinot Grigio. ("You go Mr. Getz!". Oops, was lulled away by Stan Getz's mellow version of "Early Autumn")
Wife Phyl and I discussed everything from cabbage to kings - including my lifelong disdain for sauerkraut.
Primarily though, as we often do, we talked about our five kids and their families. We recently spent 2 1/2 months with my three and their progeny of nine.
These are the grandchildren with whom we had passing sight of as they moved from place to place at whatever family affair we visited. You sort of enjoyed them in bits and pieces with a few serious discussions interspersed. A good mix.
When you haven't been around kids for so long, that was fine with us - and we do love them dearly even if we were slightly overwhelmed at times.
We admit to having looked forward to a long but enjoyable weekend with Phyl's youngest, Tad, up in Baltimore. Tad is not married and is sans kids.
Tad's hosting skills are superb and include spurts of conversation infused with periods of just sitting and saying nothing.The man certainly does enjoy cooking new recipes along side his Mom.
Ethan "the elder" son and his wife Jen, now residing in Atlanta, have honored Phyl with her only biological grandson - a great little guy who responds readily to anything that sounds like Liam - his given name.
My three - in chronological order - Bruce, Michael, and Beth have always been a delight and true gifts from God. Phyl feels similarly about her two guys.
Both are enjoying careers with good compensation and job satisfaction and are moving up the ranks in their respective professions.
Our time in Pgh gave us a long overdue opportunity to visit and, for this old guy, to watch in amazement the growth and maturity of my kids.
As always, Michael, who seems to work 8 days a week got the least of our attention. It never detracts from my appreciation of him - a truly unique guy who may not have an enemy in the world.
(Sorry, was temporarily sidetracked once more while listening to Brubeck and Desmond do their thing.)
Anyway, we spoke a lot last evening about Bruce and Patties struggles with the big C - and how amazingly they are dealing with it. This challenge and it's intensity matches the personalities and strong will of both of them.
So far the only dispute they seem to have had during Patties recouperation is how many dishes should remain unwashed in the sink.
This is not my first blog on family. I recently cited their lives, parenting styles, and conquests as my legacy in a previous blog.
I sometimes wonder what a married couple, who have not been blessed with children and grandchildren, find to talk about - with or without wine.
I know that sounds silly - and more than a little self-serving- but I also admit that this subject is often the focus of many of our conversations, and seems to serve as a foundation for a good bond.
(Oooh, got to get back to that jazz. Miles is getting it on with his smooth version of "It Never Entered My Mind" - and Lady Day is about to do her famous treatment of "God Bless the Child" - one of my favorite tunes.)
Life is good.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE?
It's well known to any reader of this blog that one of my favorite reading sources is USA Today, a sort of "Adults Garden Of Verse."
Five days a week they run a reprise called "Across the USA" that relates in capsule form what's happening that is noteworthy in 49 States, plus DC, Guam, and Wyoming.(The government has yet to adequately prove to me that Wyoming is really a State.)
I usually start my review with the States in which I have resided - Pennsylvania & Florida - but know enough by now not to skip California if I want to read something unusual.
Yesterday, I found a couple favorites. Ironically both took place in my resident States.
Pennsylvania: New Castle:
"Brothers Benjamin Jones 24 and Alexander Jones, 25 have been charged with stealing Covert's Crossing Bridge in order to sell the metal for scrap. Police said they used a blowtorch to break up the 50-foot long by 20-foot wide bridge. They face felony charges of criminal mischief, theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy."
Now, I'm sure all of you have by now come up with your favorite responses. But, it's my blog - so, let me go first.
A few questions.
1. How long a period of time is adequate to dismantle a 1000 square foot bridge (plus supports and railings) - and how do you become that proficient with one blowtorch?
2. Can one accurately assume that Covert's Crossing Bridge is not faced with an overwhelming amount of traffic - either pedestrian or vehicular?
3. What would take two young men - other than the eternal optimism of youth - to think they would get away with this?
4. Can you hear the conversation between two guys at the scrapyard?: "I don't know about you Emmitt, but this one piece of metal supporting a stop sign sure as hell looks like part of a bridge to me!"
5. Which end of the bridge do you start with and how do you keep it from collapsing into whatever it's positioned over?
6. If some drunk happens to stumble along midway through the disassembling, how do you explain exactly what it is you're attempting to do?: "Move along Ollie, we're just taking it in for repainting?"
7. What did the parents of the "Jones Boys" say when they heard about their sons creative endeavors?: "Look Chief, we know what they did was wrong and we told them to put that 'right back'!"
If you tried what the Jones boys did down here in our retirement community you'd have about 500 old-farts like me sitting around in lawn chairs, drinking prune juice, all ever so eager to tell you exactly what you were doing wrong.
Florida: Talahassee:
" The states reward program for citizens who report wildlife violations is expanding to include text messaging. Citizens have helped the Fish and Wild Life Conservation Commission catch thousands of violations over the past 30 years, beginning with a phone hotline, then online reporting."
Question: Which animal or fish learned how to drive and text?
The other day I saw a guy on Interstate 75 who was texting as he was driving and passing me doing about 85 mph.
I just assumed it was a Good Samaritan who was reporting his sightings of an offending Catfish to the Commission phone hotline.
You gotta love this country!
Five days a week they run a reprise called "Across the USA" that relates in capsule form what's happening that is noteworthy in 49 States, plus DC, Guam, and Wyoming.(The government has yet to adequately prove to me that Wyoming is really a State.)
I usually start my review with the States in which I have resided - Pennsylvania & Florida - but know enough by now not to skip California if I want to read something unusual.
Yesterday, I found a couple favorites. Ironically both took place in my resident States.
Pennsylvania: New Castle:
"Brothers Benjamin Jones 24 and Alexander Jones, 25 have been charged with stealing Covert's Crossing Bridge in order to sell the metal for scrap. Police said they used a blowtorch to break up the 50-foot long by 20-foot wide bridge. They face felony charges of criminal mischief, theft, receiving stolen property and conspiracy."
Now, I'm sure all of you have by now come up with your favorite responses. But, it's my blog - so, let me go first.
A few questions.
1. How long a period of time is adequate to dismantle a 1000 square foot bridge (plus supports and railings) - and how do you become that proficient with one blowtorch?
2. Can one accurately assume that Covert's Crossing Bridge is not faced with an overwhelming amount of traffic - either pedestrian or vehicular?
3. What would take two young men - other than the eternal optimism of youth - to think they would get away with this?
4. Can you hear the conversation between two guys at the scrapyard?: "I don't know about you Emmitt, but this one piece of metal supporting a stop sign sure as hell looks like part of a bridge to me!"
5. Which end of the bridge do you start with and how do you keep it from collapsing into whatever it's positioned over?
6. If some drunk happens to stumble along midway through the disassembling, how do you explain exactly what it is you're attempting to do?: "Move along Ollie, we're just taking it in for repainting?"
7. What did the parents of the "Jones Boys" say when they heard about their sons creative endeavors?: "Look Chief, we know what they did was wrong and we told them to put that 'right back'!"
If you tried what the Jones boys did down here in our retirement community you'd have about 500 old-farts like me sitting around in lawn chairs, drinking prune juice, all ever so eager to tell you exactly what you were doing wrong.
Florida: Talahassee:
" The states reward program for citizens who report wildlife violations is expanding to include text messaging. Citizens have helped the Fish and Wild Life Conservation Commission catch thousands of violations over the past 30 years, beginning with a phone hotline, then online reporting."
Question: Which animal or fish learned how to drive and text?
The other day I saw a guy on Interstate 75 who was texting as he was driving and passing me doing about 85 mph.
I just assumed it was a Good Samaritan who was reporting his sightings of an offending Catfish to the Commission phone hotline.
You gotta love this country!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
PRAYER
There is nothing really deep or intellectual regarding what follows:
I just received an e-mail from friends back in Pgh regarding the health reasons behind our inability to get together with them while up there recently. Their response when it was explained was, "We'll pray for the two of you."
The other night, before Phyl's doctor visit, I happened to mention to a religious acquaintance that we had some concerns as to her health and had a doctor's appointment.
He immediately responded, "we will pray for her". I thanked him and he revised his promise to that of "our church will pray for you."
We were receptive to one or both. I acknowledged the "power of prayer" as I believed in same when I had a very good female friend, diagnosed with Cancer, and after much prayer (incessant?) by the whole congreation - the Cancer disappeared.
Oh, I can hear the wheels grinding out there from some producing many logic based theories as to a valid scientific explanation concerning what "really" happened, starting with that of mis-diagnosis.
As religious and spiritually led as friends Pattie and Jim Radant are, I believe they would have been satisfied with any explanation -scientific or spiritual - but, as all of us at the time, would cling to their spiritual interpretation of "the power of prayer."
Is it really important in the whole scheme of things? Or, do you simply say, "belief is in the eyes of the beholder?"
Sort of a "no harm - no foul" approach.
There appears to be no real consistent consensus from the medical community - nor any way to interpret the data conclusions - or if the majority were favorably in support of prayer prior to the survey.
Quite frankly, there are just too many variables,only one of which is predisposition to a strong spiritual belief.
Another belief is not based on the power of prayer itself. It simply concludes that an increased comfort level due to the overwhelming support of people united in prayer on your behalf can boost the immune system.
We won't even attempt to analyze Uri Gellers amazing ability to "mentally"(?) bend flatware.
But, there are many non-believers who simply conclude that prayer - not unlike "magic"- is a clear demonstration that people just enjoy being "fooled" and lack interest in determining how the heck these "miracles" happened.
Having lost - a son and a grandson both named Brian - I had dissimilar opinions as to the power of prayer. My nightly prayers always included my son - but appeared to be unanswered due to his sudden and tragic death.
I tried unsuccesfully to believe and accept that it was "God's will."
In the case of my grandson, whose fate was unknown less than 24 hours after his birth - and occurred long after the death of his Uncle Brian - I tried prayer for healing.
But, from an almost agnostic approach I accompanied my prayers with what I felt was rather convincing evidence for God as to how a reprieve for young Brian would cause me to definitely clean up my act.
I was told by one person "Barry, you're the only one I know who would try to negotiate with God."
I doubt if that's true. I just saw it as an alternative approach to a desired outcome.
One of my favorite stories referenced in previous blogs is as follows.
W.C. Fields was, in this blog writers mind, an amazing comic talent, screen writer, actor and juggler. He was also an acknowledged atheist.
When William Claude was on his death bed and received a visit from Gene Fowler, who was both a friend and his biographer, Fowler was surprised to see Fields reading the Bible.
Fowler immediately asked his friend,"Bill, whats this all about?"
Fields simply replied, "Looking for loopholes, Gene - just looking for loopholes".(better in W.C. Fields dialect)
Whether he prayed or not for forgiveness following his search is unknown.
Fields was known as a curmudgeon who responded to an actor in one of his many movies, who asked:"Mr. Fields it's not clear if you like children:
Replied W.C., "Why, of course I do - I just prefer them hardboiled."
One assumes that those who knew him well would promptly respond to a question as to his chances in the after-world by simply concluding:
"He didn't have a prayer."
(Early results suggest Phyl will be fine. Our thanks to all.)
I just received an e-mail from friends back in Pgh regarding the health reasons behind our inability to get together with them while up there recently. Their response when it was explained was, "We'll pray for the two of you."
The other night, before Phyl's doctor visit, I happened to mention to a religious acquaintance that we had some concerns as to her health and had a doctor's appointment.
He immediately responded, "we will pray for her". I thanked him and he revised his promise to that of "our church will pray for you."
We were receptive to one or both. I acknowledged the "power of prayer" as I believed in same when I had a very good female friend, diagnosed with Cancer, and after much prayer (incessant?) by the whole congreation - the Cancer disappeared.
Oh, I can hear the wheels grinding out there from some producing many logic based theories as to a valid scientific explanation concerning what "really" happened, starting with that of mis-diagnosis.
As religious and spiritually led as friends Pattie and Jim Radant are, I believe they would have been satisfied with any explanation -scientific or spiritual - but, as all of us at the time, would cling to their spiritual interpretation of "the power of prayer."
Is it really important in the whole scheme of things? Or, do you simply say, "belief is in the eyes of the beholder?"
Sort of a "no harm - no foul" approach.
There appears to be no real consistent consensus from the medical community - nor any way to interpret the data conclusions - or if the majority were favorably in support of prayer prior to the survey.
Quite frankly, there are just too many variables,only one of which is predisposition to a strong spiritual belief.
Another belief is not based on the power of prayer itself. It simply concludes that an increased comfort level due to the overwhelming support of people united in prayer on your behalf can boost the immune system.
We won't even attempt to analyze Uri Gellers amazing ability to "mentally"(?) bend flatware.
But, there are many non-believers who simply conclude that prayer - not unlike "magic"- is a clear demonstration that people just enjoy being "fooled" and lack interest in determining how the heck these "miracles" happened.
Having lost - a son and a grandson both named Brian - I had dissimilar opinions as to the power of prayer. My nightly prayers always included my son - but appeared to be unanswered due to his sudden and tragic death.
I tried unsuccesfully to believe and accept that it was "God's will."
In the case of my grandson, whose fate was unknown less than 24 hours after his birth - and occurred long after the death of his Uncle Brian - I tried prayer for healing.
But, from an almost agnostic approach I accompanied my prayers with what I felt was rather convincing evidence for God as to how a reprieve for young Brian would cause me to definitely clean up my act.
I was told by one person "Barry, you're the only one I know who would try to negotiate with God."
I doubt if that's true. I just saw it as an alternative approach to a desired outcome.
One of my favorite stories referenced in previous blogs is as follows.
W.C. Fields was, in this blog writers mind, an amazing comic talent, screen writer, actor and juggler. He was also an acknowledged atheist.
When William Claude was on his death bed and received a visit from Gene Fowler, who was both a friend and his biographer, Fowler was surprised to see Fields reading the Bible.
Fowler immediately asked his friend,"Bill, whats this all about?"
Fields simply replied, "Looking for loopholes, Gene - just looking for loopholes".(better in W.C. Fields dialect)
Whether he prayed or not for forgiveness following his search is unknown.
Fields was known as a curmudgeon who responded to an actor in one of his many movies, who asked:"Mr. Fields it's not clear if you like children:
Replied W.C., "Why, of course I do - I just prefer them hardboiled."
One assumes that those who knew him well would promptly respond to a question as to his chances in the after-world by simply concluding:
"He didn't have a prayer."
(Early results suggest Phyl will be fine. Our thanks to all.)
Sunday, October 9, 2011
SO, WHAT IS THE TRUTH?
I swear I thought of this blog titled above even before deciding to catch up with my Pal Harry's most recent blogs: (http:www.harry2335.blogspot.com) I just did.
They continue to be impressive and have a consistent narative about what Harry knows to be the difference between right and wrong.
Maybe it's our age but, in our twilight years we're both addressing what we see as "the absence of truth".
Rather than seeking canonization for our beliefs, I prefer to think of it instead as a couple guys who were lucky enough to have been raised by some good people who "learned" us right.
What our parents may have lacked in material possessions they made up for by giving us a pretty solid foundation as to what was wrong and what was right.
My question is, when did it cease to matter?
At what point did having a reputation of being "shady" turn into one of being "shrewd"?
The blog title came to me after waking up at 1:30 and, unable to fall back asleep, I made the mistake of taking a bathroom break during which I read Fridays USA Today editorial page.
The editorial writer was defending BOA's decision to charge a monthly $5 debit card fee as nothing more than just the product of "capitalism."
As usual, that got my blood boiling - thus a need (in my mind) to write this blog at 3'oclock in the morning.
My thinking was not limited to the subject of the proposed BOA's $5 monthly debit card fee.
However, I asked one of their employees about this decision the other day. She defended it by saying, "that's just a media twist, because we won't be charging someone who has "X" # of dollars deposited with us."
So, one assumes that means someone who does not have "X" # of dollars deposited with them - because they don't have "X" # of dollars to deposit anywhere - should be charged a $5 a month debit card fee - as a punishment?
I'm sorry, but that logic eludes me. But, then again I have struggled with the logic of banks for a long, long time. That would be even before I got fired by one.(Not BOA)
Harry referred to "debates" in one of his recent blogs and ironically I was also thinking of using a debate as a talking point.(no pun intended)
I had a buddy, Jack Roose, who was a debater in our high school.Jack had an ability I lacked at the time (besides that of having a car and a driving license).
He could hear the debate topic and immediately think of both sides of a logical argument; for and against.
He did so with "logic" - not "lies".
What an unusual approach!
More on this subject later. I think sleep is approaching.
And, that's the truth.
They continue to be impressive and have a consistent narative about what Harry knows to be the difference between right and wrong.
Maybe it's our age but, in our twilight years we're both addressing what we see as "the absence of truth".
Rather than seeking canonization for our beliefs, I prefer to think of it instead as a couple guys who were lucky enough to have been raised by some good people who "learned" us right.
What our parents may have lacked in material possessions they made up for by giving us a pretty solid foundation as to what was wrong and what was right.
My question is, when did it cease to matter?
At what point did having a reputation of being "shady" turn into one of being "shrewd"?
The blog title came to me after waking up at 1:30 and, unable to fall back asleep, I made the mistake of taking a bathroom break during which I read Fridays USA Today editorial page.
The editorial writer was defending BOA's decision to charge a monthly $5 debit card fee as nothing more than just the product of "capitalism."
As usual, that got my blood boiling - thus a need (in my mind) to write this blog at 3'oclock in the morning.
My thinking was not limited to the subject of the proposed BOA's $5 monthly debit card fee.
However, I asked one of their employees about this decision the other day. She defended it by saying, "that's just a media twist, because we won't be charging someone who has "X" # of dollars deposited with us."
So, one assumes that means someone who does not have "X" # of dollars deposited with them - because they don't have "X" # of dollars to deposit anywhere - should be charged a $5 a month debit card fee - as a punishment?
I'm sorry, but that logic eludes me. But, then again I have struggled with the logic of banks for a long, long time. That would be even before I got fired by one.(Not BOA)
Harry referred to "debates" in one of his recent blogs and ironically I was also thinking of using a debate as a talking point.(no pun intended)
I had a buddy, Jack Roose, who was a debater in our high school.Jack had an ability I lacked at the time (besides that of having a car and a driving license).
He could hear the debate topic and immediately think of both sides of a logical argument; for and against.
He did so with "logic" - not "lies".
What an unusual approach!
More on this subject later. I think sleep is approaching.
And, that's the truth.
Friday, October 7, 2011
CHANGE - LET'S GET REAL
I:
Love saving change - the coins kind. But, my bank BOA has now
"changed" the way they will accept it.
Taught the subject of "Change" when I was employed and supported the need for change to remain competetive.Now, they have changed the Field Claim representative program, virtually eliminating
them, probably their best source of "Good Neighbor Service."
Understand change is difficult to accept by many and understand
why that is true based on my counseling background.
Detest "change" just for the sake of making a "Change". I miss
Harry, Debbie the flower lady, Norman, Rita and Arnie - folks
I learned to understand and respect in my senior community.
Struggle with "change" when it ain't broke. New Coca-Cola,
customer service(?) from folks you can't understand, etc.
"Change" impacts everybody - and I'm not talking about "the Prez".
Obama has his own problems without me attacking his so-called "change". Besides, my beloved Republican party has changed so
much I don't recognize it either.
Their only consistencey seems to be a frustrating inability to come up with a viable presidential candidate every 4 years.
Yet, at some point "change" is good. But, dammit not to my blog face page!
Returning from our extended visit to Pittsburgh it seems like I'm encountering one electronic challenge daily. It's like my possessions are in rebellion and are attacking me.
Clocks, TVs, Speakers, Phones, Lamps, Printer, Computer, Golf cart batteries. It just goes on and on.
Why can't they just stay the way I left them? Why must their demands keep changing?
Of course I have come up with a remedy in most cases - plug them in!
Now, of course, I'm certainly not suggesting that it's me who is changing - and not them.
Let's get real!
Love saving change - the coins kind. But, my bank BOA has now
"changed" the way they will accept it.
Taught the subject of "Change" when I was employed and supported the need for change to remain competetive.Now, they have changed the Field Claim representative program, virtually eliminating
them, probably their best source of "Good Neighbor Service."
Understand change is difficult to accept by many and understand
why that is true based on my counseling background.
Detest "change" just for the sake of making a "Change". I miss
Harry, Debbie the flower lady, Norman, Rita and Arnie - folks
I learned to understand and respect in my senior community.
Struggle with "change" when it ain't broke. New Coca-Cola,
customer service(?) from folks you can't understand, etc.
"Change" impacts everybody - and I'm not talking about "the Prez".
Obama has his own problems without me attacking his so-called "change". Besides, my beloved Republican party has changed so
much I don't recognize it either.
Their only consistencey seems to be a frustrating inability to come up with a viable presidential candidate every 4 years.
Yet, at some point "change" is good. But, dammit not to my blog face page!
Returning from our extended visit to Pittsburgh it seems like I'm encountering one electronic challenge daily. It's like my possessions are in rebellion and are attacking me.
Clocks, TVs, Speakers, Phones, Lamps, Printer, Computer, Golf cart batteries. It just goes on and on.
Why can't they just stay the way I left them? Why must their demands keep changing?
Of course I have come up with a remedy in most cases - plug them in!
Now, of course, I'm certainly not suggesting that it's me who is changing - and not them.
Let's get real!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD
To many, it's probably a little thing. To others, like myself, it's extremely rewarding and viewed as a big deal.
For years, while attempting to play competetive amateur sports, I often had the Sullivan kiddie clan along with me. When I "rented" Steeler tickets in the 70's I would often try to find a way to take along my two sons, Bruce and Michael.
When I worked for an insurance company, that my daughter also joined, the trend continued.
My kids were known as "Barry's kids".
Now that they are grown and aging well at 50, 49, and 46, they are no longer "Barry's kids".
It is me that has switched positions in the identification game.
When I visited Michael, out at Levins furniture - I was "Michaels dad".
When we attended grandson Stevie's birthday bash last evening and I was introduced to strangers, it was as "Beth's dad."
At last weeks St. Maurice golf outing at the old Buffalo Country Club golf in Freeport as a guest of my eldest and part of his foursome, everyone, including many of the other golfers, knew me as "Bruce's dad."
Like I said at the beginning, to many the transformation would seem to be a natural progression - a little thing.
To me, it's a "big deal."
Being a parent of young kids who were holding my hand crossing streets and asking dad to pick them up in stores, told both dad and child they were dependent on me.
When they were hiding behind me while I got into one of my protracted conversations with friends, they were acting like me when I was with my Dad and was "Sully's kid".
We all raise our kids differently. Sometimes, as we grow older, we may even wish we might have done a little more of this and that with them as they were growing up.
Times have changed. So has parenting. Perhaps even parenting skills.
And, the latter is meant as a compliment for those little kids of mine who have grown into "super parents" - all very involved in the lives of my grandchildren.
Sometimes, as we age, we look for a legacy.
I'm proud to have mine be as "Bruce, Michael, and Beth's dad".
For years, while attempting to play competetive amateur sports, I often had the Sullivan kiddie clan along with me. When I "rented" Steeler tickets in the 70's I would often try to find a way to take along my two sons, Bruce and Michael.
When I worked for an insurance company, that my daughter also joined, the trend continued.
My kids were known as "Barry's kids".
Now that they are grown and aging well at 50, 49, and 46, they are no longer "Barry's kids".
It is me that has switched positions in the identification game.
When I visited Michael, out at Levins furniture - I was "Michaels dad".
When we attended grandson Stevie's birthday bash last evening and I was introduced to strangers, it was as "Beth's dad."
At last weeks St. Maurice golf outing at the old Buffalo Country Club golf in Freeport as a guest of my eldest and part of his foursome, everyone, including many of the other golfers, knew me as "Bruce's dad."
Like I said at the beginning, to many the transformation would seem to be a natural progression - a little thing.
To me, it's a "big deal."
Being a parent of young kids who were holding my hand crossing streets and asking dad to pick them up in stores, told both dad and child they were dependent on me.
When they were hiding behind me while I got into one of my protracted conversations with friends, they were acting like me when I was with my Dad and was "Sully's kid".
We all raise our kids differently. Sometimes, as we grow older, we may even wish we might have done a little more of this and that with them as they were growing up.
Times have changed. So has parenting. Perhaps even parenting skills.
And, the latter is meant as a compliment for those little kids of mine who have grown into "super parents" - all very involved in the lives of my grandchildren.
Sometimes, as we age, we look for a legacy.
I'm proud to have mine be as "Bruce, Michael, and Beth's dad".
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
FOUR FANTASTIC FRIENDS
Last night at PNC Park was TRULY: "a diamond in the rough".
No, not the final score - even if it confirmed a 19th consecutive losing season for the Pirates.
The game was good, but nothing in comparison with the efforts put forth by Chris,Don,Gerri,and Kathy - 4 new friends from Pittsburgh, all of whom we met at the outstanding and friendly Morgan's Restaurant on Rodi Road in Penn Hills.
Nothing could be as good as that aggregation. As wife Phyl said, "That's a night I'll never forget.". I totally agree. No whim, preference, or need was overlooked by these four generous people.
The date for our attendance was set well in advance - maybe even when the Pirates were still winning games.
How to start? Gerri using a coupon for half-off prices of our right field seats in section 103, with a great view of the game and the stadium?
We were dazzled by everything that was going on in the stadium; the lights, the signs, the big screen promotions and entertainment, and the speakers that rocked the stadium floor. Even the fans made it special as we booed along with them at the third base umpires' strange and unforgiving calls.
Perhaps, it was Don & Gerri making a special trip down to PNC Park to purchase our tickets when the Parkway was full of it's normal traffic rush. Or Don's willingness to haul us all down to Station Square and back in his oversized Honda vehicle.
Maybe it was their collective steel-trap memories when I happened to mention to them that Phyl had not only never seen a Pirate game in person - but had never gone to the stadium on the boat.
Perhaps it was Chris and Kathy, his Mom, and their determination that we would each leave with a souvenir - as if the sight of the stadium by itself and the company of good friends wouldn't be enough.
This resulted in the two of them treking over to the far section of the stadium where they would "Spin The Wheel" in search of prizes we could take back to Florida.
Their actions enabled me to carry off a baseball hat, and Phyl, a Pirate shirt, which she protectively guarded all the way back from the Allegheny to the Mon during the return boat ride.
I might also opt for the time before the game when Don was taking pictures of Phyl and me under the statue of Maz with his "hat held high" pose as he rounded third base in the series of 1960.
Then again, it might be that Phyl found a comfortable position to lean on the statue and Don captured it on film. I doubt if anybody will even notice me in my "official" long sleeved Willie Stargell, #8 baseball shirt.
Some would argue that the hotdogs and nachos were a tremendous gastric hit; which they were.
I also could cheer for the two small, but delicious, Bloody Mary's I enjoyed on the leisurely wait on the wharf and on the boat delivering us to the game. Two was my limit, as I wanted nothing to spoil the experience.
But, our final choice for a perfect night was the awesome view of Pittsburgh all lit up in a spectacular display of lights and water reflections.
Phyl said she'd never forget the sight of the bridges and their string of lights sparkling bright and towering, one after another, in a parade of cathedral arches looking down at the water.
None of this would have happened without the efforts of those four sweet people.
The presence of Dawn, Gerri's very friendly niece, was the icing on the cake. Like the others, she quickly made it clear: "Here was a Pittsburgher" - who just enjoyed making two out-of-towners feel good and to be able to fall in love with the city and it's people.
Good night! Great people!
No, not the final score - even if it confirmed a 19th consecutive losing season for the Pirates.
The game was good, but nothing in comparison with the efforts put forth by Chris,Don,Gerri,and Kathy - 4 new friends from Pittsburgh, all of whom we met at the outstanding and friendly Morgan's Restaurant on Rodi Road in Penn Hills.
Nothing could be as good as that aggregation. As wife Phyl said, "That's a night I'll never forget.". I totally agree. No whim, preference, or need was overlooked by these four generous people.
The date for our attendance was set well in advance - maybe even when the Pirates were still winning games.
How to start? Gerri using a coupon for half-off prices of our right field seats in section 103, with a great view of the game and the stadium?
We were dazzled by everything that was going on in the stadium; the lights, the signs, the big screen promotions and entertainment, and the speakers that rocked the stadium floor. Even the fans made it special as we booed along with them at the third base umpires' strange and unforgiving calls.
Perhaps, it was Don & Gerri making a special trip down to PNC Park to purchase our tickets when the Parkway was full of it's normal traffic rush. Or Don's willingness to haul us all down to Station Square and back in his oversized Honda vehicle.
Maybe it was their collective steel-trap memories when I happened to mention to them that Phyl had not only never seen a Pirate game in person - but had never gone to the stadium on the boat.
Perhaps it was Chris and Kathy, his Mom, and their determination that we would each leave with a souvenir - as if the sight of the stadium by itself and the company of good friends wouldn't be enough.
This resulted in the two of them treking over to the far section of the stadium where they would "Spin The Wheel" in search of prizes we could take back to Florida.
Their actions enabled me to carry off a baseball hat, and Phyl, a Pirate shirt, which she protectively guarded all the way back from the Allegheny to the Mon during the return boat ride.
I might also opt for the time before the game when Don was taking pictures of Phyl and me under the statue of Maz with his "hat held high" pose as he rounded third base in the series of 1960.
Then again, it might be that Phyl found a comfortable position to lean on the statue and Don captured it on film. I doubt if anybody will even notice me in my "official" long sleeved Willie Stargell, #8 baseball shirt.
Some would argue that the hotdogs and nachos were a tremendous gastric hit; which they were.
I also could cheer for the two small, but delicious, Bloody Mary's I enjoyed on the leisurely wait on the wharf and on the boat delivering us to the game. Two was my limit, as I wanted nothing to spoil the experience.
But, our final choice for a perfect night was the awesome view of Pittsburgh all lit up in a spectacular display of lights and water reflections.
Phyl said she'd never forget the sight of the bridges and their string of lights sparkling bright and towering, one after another, in a parade of cathedral arches looking down at the water.
None of this would have happened without the efforts of those four sweet people.
The presence of Dawn, Gerri's very friendly niece, was the icing on the cake. Like the others, she quickly made it clear: "Here was a Pittsburgher" - who just enjoyed making two out-of-towners feel good and to be able to fall in love with the city and it's people.
Good night! Great people!
Friday, September 9, 2011
"TRAVELLIN"
Did some travelling over the weekend to Baltimore and Harrisburg.
Phyl's youngest son, Tad, who is on the Pensky management team, invited us to his 3rd floor apartment in Owing Mills. Great choice but it's been a long time since these old legs have climbed two flights of 17 stairs each.
In preparation for the 2 1-2 month trip to Pittsburgh from "the flatlands" of Florida ,we both went on diets. We remembered the hills as well as all the steps in the 3 floor home we had in Harrisburg.
That was also a great choice.
Our 2 1/2 days in Baltimore were great and extremely relaxing. Tad's not only a great host but fun to be around. He's been down to our home in Florida several times and we definitely wanted to share and become familiar with his digs.
His decor is contemporary in both his choice of paintings and furnishings. His selection of funky jazz pictures blew me away.
The apartment reminded me much of one that I had in Pgh out in the South Park/Library section. Both had balconies with relaxing and pleasant views.
Phyl and Tad had fun shopping, picking out exotic spices, and then cooking together. Old Ish here specialized in consuming the delicious results.
Just a lot of talking and watching TV as Baltimore had their inagural Gran Prix that weekend with a few hundred thousand people jamming up the Riverfront. We took in the races on TV and were cheering for the eventual winner of the second race won by Will Power, driving a Penske car.
When Tad's in town he's kind of a prisoner of old fart TV so we reversed roles and watched his ecletic style. We learned a lot and even Bella stood still at our feet or up on the couch.
I vowed never to watch an auto race which I likened to watching your old Christmas train endlessly circle the Plasticville houses on the train platform - but, even that was fun (for a while).
We have a very adaptive dog who loved all the new smells Maryland had to offer outdoors in the beautiful apartment complex. She walked me like a dog.
I got doggy toilet duty all weekend to save Phyl from having to climb and reclimb all the stairs. Some health issues precluded that from happening so I got a lot of "Bella time"..
Late Monday morning we headed over to route 83 for about an hour or so drive up to Harrisburg, Phyl's home town.
We stayed overnight and had a good time visiting a couple of familiar restaurants, renewing some old friendships at the restaurants for a short time before crashing.
We also made sure we stopped at Al's in Mechanicsburg for three of his famous cheeseburger subs which we devoured when we returned to Pittsburgh.
The ride back on the turnpike was a real challenge as the tropical storm made the three hour trip feel like we were driving on ice.
Based on the weather channel reports of subsequent flooding in Harrisburg, our timing could not have been better. Our motel was right across from the Susquehanna river and the water was already higher than we could remember for a long time.
A few more trips are in store before we head back to Florida at the end of the month. The nice part of both of us being retired is we can decide and then change our mind about where and when.
Some plans do include dinner with the kids on Saturday, a Pirates game with friends next week, the Steeler/Baltimore game on TV Sunday and a golf outing with oldest son Bruce around the middle of the month.
Life is good for these aging retirees!
Phyl's youngest son, Tad, who is on the Pensky management team, invited us to his 3rd floor apartment in Owing Mills. Great choice but it's been a long time since these old legs have climbed two flights of 17 stairs each.
In preparation for the 2 1-2 month trip to Pittsburgh from "the flatlands" of Florida ,we both went on diets. We remembered the hills as well as all the steps in the 3 floor home we had in Harrisburg.
That was also a great choice.
Our 2 1/2 days in Baltimore were great and extremely relaxing. Tad's not only a great host but fun to be around. He's been down to our home in Florida several times and we definitely wanted to share and become familiar with his digs.
His decor is contemporary in both his choice of paintings and furnishings. His selection of funky jazz pictures blew me away.
The apartment reminded me much of one that I had in Pgh out in the South Park/Library section. Both had balconies with relaxing and pleasant views.
Phyl and Tad had fun shopping, picking out exotic spices, and then cooking together. Old Ish here specialized in consuming the delicious results.
Just a lot of talking and watching TV as Baltimore had their inagural Gran Prix that weekend with a few hundred thousand people jamming up the Riverfront. We took in the races on TV and were cheering for the eventual winner of the second race won by Will Power, driving a Penske car.
When Tad's in town he's kind of a prisoner of old fart TV so we reversed roles and watched his ecletic style. We learned a lot and even Bella stood still at our feet or up on the couch.
I vowed never to watch an auto race which I likened to watching your old Christmas train endlessly circle the Plasticville houses on the train platform - but, even that was fun (for a while).
We have a very adaptive dog who loved all the new smells Maryland had to offer outdoors in the beautiful apartment complex. She walked me like a dog.
I got doggy toilet duty all weekend to save Phyl from having to climb and reclimb all the stairs. Some health issues precluded that from happening so I got a lot of "Bella time"..
Late Monday morning we headed over to route 83 for about an hour or so drive up to Harrisburg, Phyl's home town.
We stayed overnight and had a good time visiting a couple of familiar restaurants, renewing some old friendships at the restaurants for a short time before crashing.
We also made sure we stopped at Al's in Mechanicsburg for three of his famous cheeseburger subs which we devoured when we returned to Pittsburgh.
The ride back on the turnpike was a real challenge as the tropical storm made the three hour trip feel like we were driving on ice.
Based on the weather channel reports of subsequent flooding in Harrisburg, our timing could not have been better. Our motel was right across from the Susquehanna river and the water was already higher than we could remember for a long time.
A few more trips are in store before we head back to Florida at the end of the month. The nice part of both of us being retired is we can decide and then change our mind about where and when.
Some plans do include dinner with the kids on Saturday, a Pirates game with friends next week, the Steeler/Baltimore game on TV Sunday and a golf outing with oldest son Bruce around the middle of the month.
Life is good for these aging retirees!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
CANTOR: SAME NAME - DIFFERENT SONG
Eddie Cantor - "Banjo Eyes" was a talented comedian,actor,singer, dancer, and songwriter. I still remember watching one of his many movies,"If You Knew Susie" co-starring comedienne Joan Davis, back in 1948.
The title song became a hit.
Cantor could do it all clear back from the days when he was a singing waiter at Coney Island with Jimmy Durante playing piano.
He later becoming an alternating host of The Colgate Comedy Hour, a Sunday evening show that made the comedy team of Martin & Lewis famous.
He was a beloved entertainer whose only outstanding mistake was turning down the lead role in the first talkie, "The Jazz Singer" which will forever be remembered as a defining role for Al Jolsen.
Cantor co-wrote the song "Merrily We Roll Along" which was adopted as the theme song for the "Merrie Melodies" Warner Bros. cartoon theme.
After other singers of his time turned down a Christmas tune as being too "silly" and "childish", Cantor agreed to record it in 1934
The song was "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town."
A good man, well respected, he was also remembered for this quote:
"It is nice to be important, but it is even more important to be nice"
Ah, if only his namesake, politician Eric Cantor, had adopted it as his own theme song.
Alas, this Cantor, the House Majority leader, would have Eddie Cantor fans rolling in their graves had they discovered how far away from the original was this man now carrying on the Cantor name.
If you're old enough to remember, the song went "If You Knew Suzie- Like I knew Suzie - Oh, Oh, Oh what a girl", you have to be repelled by the successor Cantor's version.
Some of his critics might uncharitably suggest Mr. Cantor seemingly decided to substite the word "sleazy" for the given name "Suzie" in this popular song of the late 40's and early 50's.
But, it's a different time and a different mentality - particulary if you're not an entertainer, but a politician with a far different agenda. And, there are a lot more critics out there.
Eric Cantors latest "hit" was his recommendation, prompted by politics, related to handling the cost of all the natural disasters that we have recently experienced.
Traditionally, the costs have been borne by not only the Government via FEMA, but by all the many contributions that came in from both "the big and little people". These folks were appalled by the horrendous losses their neighbors in other states and distant parts of the country have sustained mostly through no fault of their own.
This Republican "leader" insisted that federal disaster relief for flood-ravaged states such as Vermont and New Jersey be "offset' with spending cuts elsewhere. Eric is from Virginia.
As the USA Today editorial staff so accurately put it: "The bigger question about Cantor's pay as you go approach (for natural disasters) is why he picks FEMA to make his point when much more costly items - wars, health care and tax cuts, to name a few - routinely get a pass, and not just from Democrats."
Yep, this Cantor is singing a different song.
In the opposing view written by Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, he points out a few things about Eric:
- Cantor is one of Wall Street's biggest supporters.
- Cantor's influence lead to the $800 billion effort to bail out
the largest banks.
- While the richest people are becoming richer and corporate
profits are soaring, Cantor has fought to maintain and expand
tax breaks and loopholes for the wealthiest people in this
country, as well as the largest corporations.
- While all of this was, and is going on, the word "offset" never
passed over Cantor's lips.
Eddie Cantor did much for those considered "the little people" in his time. The names included Dinah Shore, Sammy Davis Jr, and Eddie Fisher; just to list a few; none of them rich or famous at the time.
Eddie's charity and humanitarian work was extensive and he was credited with coining the phrase,and helping to develop, "The March Of Dimes" to fight the battle to combat polio.
His long running radio shows made people in this country laugh at a time when they truly deserved a few laughs. But, perhaps his greatest asset as an entertainer and comedian was his impeccable timing.
It's an asset that politican Eric Cantor apparently so desperately lacks.
So Eric, is it time to "re-Cant"?
The title song became a hit.
Cantor could do it all clear back from the days when he was a singing waiter at Coney Island with Jimmy Durante playing piano.
He later becoming an alternating host of The Colgate Comedy Hour, a Sunday evening show that made the comedy team of Martin & Lewis famous.
He was a beloved entertainer whose only outstanding mistake was turning down the lead role in the first talkie, "The Jazz Singer" which will forever be remembered as a defining role for Al Jolsen.
Cantor co-wrote the song "Merrily We Roll Along" which was adopted as the theme song for the "Merrie Melodies" Warner Bros. cartoon theme.
After other singers of his time turned down a Christmas tune as being too "silly" and "childish", Cantor agreed to record it in 1934
The song was "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town."
A good man, well respected, he was also remembered for this quote:
"It is nice to be important, but it is even more important to be nice"
Ah, if only his namesake, politician Eric Cantor, had adopted it as his own theme song.
Alas, this Cantor, the House Majority leader, would have Eddie Cantor fans rolling in their graves had they discovered how far away from the original was this man now carrying on the Cantor name.
If you're old enough to remember, the song went "If You Knew Suzie- Like I knew Suzie - Oh, Oh, Oh what a girl", you have to be repelled by the successor Cantor's version.
Some of his critics might uncharitably suggest Mr. Cantor seemingly decided to substite the word "sleazy" for the given name "Suzie" in this popular song of the late 40's and early 50's.
But, it's a different time and a different mentality - particulary if you're not an entertainer, but a politician with a far different agenda. And, there are a lot more critics out there.
Eric Cantors latest "hit" was his recommendation, prompted by politics, related to handling the cost of all the natural disasters that we have recently experienced.
Traditionally, the costs have been borne by not only the Government via FEMA, but by all the many contributions that came in from both "the big and little people". These folks were appalled by the horrendous losses their neighbors in other states and distant parts of the country have sustained mostly through no fault of their own.
This Republican "leader" insisted that federal disaster relief for flood-ravaged states such as Vermont and New Jersey be "offset' with spending cuts elsewhere. Eric is from Virginia.
As the USA Today editorial staff so accurately put it: "The bigger question about Cantor's pay as you go approach (for natural disasters) is why he picks FEMA to make his point when much more costly items - wars, health care and tax cuts, to name a few - routinely get a pass, and not just from Democrats."
Yep, this Cantor is singing a different song.
In the opposing view written by Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, he points out a few things about Eric:
- Cantor is one of Wall Street's biggest supporters.
- Cantor's influence lead to the $800 billion effort to bail out
the largest banks.
- While the richest people are becoming richer and corporate
profits are soaring, Cantor has fought to maintain and expand
tax breaks and loopholes for the wealthiest people in this
country, as well as the largest corporations.
- While all of this was, and is going on, the word "offset" never
passed over Cantor's lips.
Eddie Cantor did much for those considered "the little people" in his time. The names included Dinah Shore, Sammy Davis Jr, and Eddie Fisher; just to list a few; none of them rich or famous at the time.
Eddie's charity and humanitarian work was extensive and he was credited with coining the phrase,and helping to develop, "The March Of Dimes" to fight the battle to combat polio.
His long running radio shows made people in this country laugh at a time when they truly deserved a few laughs. But, perhaps his greatest asset as an entertainer and comedian was his impeccable timing.
It's an asset that politican Eric Cantor apparently so desperately lacks.
So Eric, is it time to "re-Cant"?
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