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!

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.)

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.

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!

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".

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!

"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!