As the year 2010 comes to it's inevitable end, I am reminded that one is never to old to learn or to form and share opinions. I guess I have never been shy about sharing what I think is truth with others, and as I get older I imagine that I will be even more willing to give all of you "young-uns" out there the benefit of my years of living and learning. So here, with some randomness, are some of the things that have achieved clarity in "Dave's world":
Politicians, whether Republican or Democrat, are often narcissistic, non- caring, lifelong bureaucrats. If you (including me) think that kicking a bunch of Liberals out of Government will solve all of our problems, you are sadly mistaken. We need to change the way that politicians think, by holding their feet to the fire, and throwing them out the next time that they are up for reelection.This whole process will take time, perhaps a generation or two, but it needs to happen starting now.
The "x" in the term "xmas" comes from the Greek letter "chi" or "xi". It is often used to abbreviate the name "Christ" and combined with the letter "Rho" it is called the 'labarum" and is used to represent the person of Jesus Christ.
Lee Harvey Oswald was not the lone shooter of JFK on November 22, 1963. I have vacillated and struggled with this whole scenario over the years. The assassination has all of the earmarks of a Mafia triangulation hit. In fact, Oswald may have not been involved at all as a shooter; he may have indeed been the ideal "patsy". I am convinced that the hit was substantially planned and carried out by the Mafia.
Whether you or I want to believe it or not, there is a "God" or higher being responsible for the creation of what we call the "Universe". The concepts of time, creation, life and death are far beyond our ability to comprehend. We can only accept these things by faith, or choose not to believe in all of this "fairy tale" stuff.
I choose to be a believer, but also choose not to try to make you a believer if you are not!
Political correctness is the bane of our existence. I am not saying that everyone does not deserve equal rights and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What we don't need is our Government trying to tell us how to accomplish these ideals, live our lives, what to eat, whether or not we can smoke (I choose not to), and giving certain protected minorities a non level playing field; all in the name of political correctness and at the expense of the majority of Americans. I am sorry that slavery occurred, that Native Americans were mistreated, that people in other Countries don't have it as good as we in America do. I wonder when all of this insanity will end. I am afraid that I know the answer: NEVER!!
Our Nation's educational system is in total disrepair. We are striving for mediocrity and ignoring the brightest and best students, in the name of..wait for it.. POLITICAL CORRECTNESS!! Everyone does NOT need an education, everyone does NOT deserve special treatment at the expense of those students who will be our leaders in the future. Throwing money at educational problems and deficiencies will NOT solve these problems; it only adds to those problems. The Department of Education needs to be dismantled. States need to take control of their CITIZENS' education. Children of illegal aliens (I know it's politically incorrect to refer to them as illegal aliens, but I don't care) do NOT deserve to be educated for free in our still somewhat great country. The U.S. ranks, depending on the survey, well out of the top ten, when compared to other Countries, in educational achievement. This is shameful and has happened because of.. here we go again.. POLITICAL CORRECTNESS!!
The Government does not create ANY money. The revenue available to run the Government comes from overburdened American taxpayers! Local and State Governments can be quite creative in raising money. Fines for breaking the law, user fees, tolls, professional fees, licenses, property and sales taxes are some common examples of how Government entities fund their operations. When all is said and done, the average citizen pays over 50% of their income in taxes and fees. Holding the line on the Bush income tax rates is commendable and Obama had no choice but to support this policy. It is laughable to me to hear him try to take the lion's share of the credit for this move. I never met a Democrat, or socialist, as in Obama's case; that didn't think that they couldn't tax their way out of debt or financial difficulties. This was a desperate attempt to try and save his rapidly- fading Presidency. Oh, and notice the "crisis averted" language that is coming from the White House spin machine regarding the tax cuts. If they really believed in tax cuts they would have acted years ago!
Now, let me state another undeniable fact of life. Economic prosperity is "trickle down" and economic poverty is "trickle up." Jobs are created by employers and entrepreneurs who have a product or service to sell to a customer, make a profit, and they then hire people to help make, sell or service that product. When the Government taxes this class of people unreasonably, they make less of that product, lay employees off and keep as much of their investment as they can in order to live their everyday life, all at the expense of their business.It's a pretty simple concept, right?? Apparently it is not, from what I see happening to our business and manufacturing sector in the past decade or so. Paying unemployed people up to three years of unemployment payments is NOT the answer, either! The "trickle up" poverty theory is not as well known. This involves the Government creating a dependency class through entitlement programs such as the following:
Combined Federal, State and Local Welfare Budget, 1992 (millions) Medicaid $118,067 AFDC 24,923 Food Stamps 24,918 Supplemental Security Income 22,774 Lower income housing asst. 12,307 Earned Income Tax Credit 9,553 Veterans medical care 7,838 Stafford loans 5,683 Social Services (Title 20) 5,419 Pell Grants 5,374 Low-rent public housing 5,008 General medical assistance 4,850 Foster Care 4,170 School Lunch 3,895 Pensions for needy veterans 3,667 General Assistance 3,340 Head Start 2,753 Food supplements, Women, infants and children 2,600 Training for disadvantaged youth and adults 1,744 Low-income energy assistance 1,594 Rural housing loans 1,468 Indian Health Services 1,431 Summer youth employment 1,183 Maternal and child health 1,059 JOBS and WIN 1,010 Job Corps 955 Child care block grant 825 School Breakfast 782 Child care for AFDC 755 Nutrition Program for Elderly 659 Housing interest reduction 652 Child and adult care food program 624 "At risk" child care 604
Source: Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service, "Cash and Noncash Benefits for Persons with Limited Income: Eligibility Rules, Recipient and Expenditure Data, FY 1990-92," Report 93-832 EPW and earlier reports.
I have no problem with deserving (again what constitutes "deserving") citizens (I said citizens) receiving help from the Government. We have thrown trillions and trillions of dollars into our "Great Society" programs and have created a permanent underclass of people who will vote for those who will keep them them feeding from the public trough. That, in a nutshell, is how "trickle up poverty" works (or doesn't work.)
If the United States is to continue to exist as a Representative Republic, we need to get back to basics: follow the Constitution, elect or appoint judges who will not legislate from the bench, quit pandering to special interest groups, restore the work ethic and elect people at every level who believe in, and will stand up for, the principles that once made America a great Nation.
I have tried to share some of my thoughts and beliefs with you. I know that you will agree with me on all, some or none of the above. It doesn't matter, as we live in a country where open and frank discussion of issues is one of our basic freedoms. I am fearful that our Government is on the brink of trying to take some of these basic rights away from us. That, however, is fodder for discussion at another time!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Christmas letter 2010
Well, here we are in the Christmas season again. Another year is almost in the books in our inevitable march toward eternity. I don’t mean to sound like a downer, but we have learned first- hand this year about death being the final act in this play we call life. Three people who were very important in our lives were taken from us this past year. Adolf Moller, Donna’s biological father, passed away in late June. Linda Hall, Carol’s best friend, passed on in early July, and our Mom, Evelyn Jackson, died at age 91 on September 27th. All leave a void in our lives and will be sorely missed. Nonetheless, life is all about living. We experienced some real highs this year also.
We were in New York for over 3 months this summer, spending precious time with friends and family. Donna was up in late September to celebrate her 40th birthday. Unfortunately this was around the time that Mom passed on, so as a result, we got to spend time with daughters Mary and JoAnna also. We had a great celebration of Mom’s life at the Rainbow Lodge after her services, and it was the first time in many years that all five of Mom’s sons were in the same place together. It is unfortunate that it takes death to bring family together in many cases.
Before going to NY we went to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to visit Mary, Victoria and Kaitlyn. Mary was promoted to Staff Sergeant, E-6 in mid- June. Later on in the summer we went to Fort Lee, Virginia, to attend Mary’s graduation from the Army’s Advanced Leadership School for NCO’s. We are very proud of her for choosing to serve her Country as a member of our Armed Forces.
Donna continues to work for Dell, and in fact, earned a big promotion this year. She went overseas on three different occasions. She went to Bratislava, Slovakia; Casablanca, Morocco; and Paris, France. If you “friend” her on facebook you can see her fabulous pictures from these places, plus her trips to Vienna and Prague!! Needless to say, we are very proud of her and are glad to “puppy sit” in her absence. The dogs, Italia and Gigi, are very active and bring a lot of joy to our lives.
JoAnna and Russell recently bought a house in Madison, Mississippi, and we visited them on the way back from NY. Russell continues to be the award- winning Plant Manager for Bates Casket Company in Vicksburg and JoAnna works as a High School Transition Counselor for the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. David and Rachel continue to be very active. Both are in the gifted program at their school. David is quite the baseball player and golfer, and both are taking Kung Fu lessons; watch out!!
In March we went to Florida for the wedding of two of my former students, Jamie Adams and Josh Wolfe. We stayed at Lake Manatee State Park and got to renew many old acquaintances while there. While traveling to, or while in NY, we visited with friends and family including; Cousin Mary and Eric Thoreson in Midway, Kentucky; Pat and Doug Thompson and their two sets of twins in Middletown, Maryland; Izetta Foree in Mt. Upton; Carol’s brothers Ed and Ronnie and their families; Donna’s Uncle Horst, Aunt Judy and cousin D.J. Moller in Unadilla; Carol’s cousin Cathy and Gary Bennett, my brothers Sim, Jim and John in Walton. As always we stayed mainly at Brother Tom and Sandra’s house in Oneonta and enjoyed their kids and grandkids as well as Sandy’s relatives. Tom overcame another medical challenge this summer. His fortitude is amazing! Our special niece, Chiropractor Dr. Jennifer Constable, took real good care of us while we were there. I enjoyed playing golf with Gary, Cathy, Sim, D.J. and Horst. We spent some very special time attending services and participating in the life of the Plymouth Church. One of the highlights of our summer was going to Yankee Stadium to watch the Yankees beat the Red Sox in late September. Wait ‘til next year!!
Carol and I are in relatively good health. Carol had a heart catheterization done last week and no problems were found. She is still making fleece blankets for sale and gifts. I am doing wood working projects, am working some part- time jobs, and try to walk several times a week. I have started a blog which you can read at http://davejack-uncommonsense.blogspot.com. (Please!!)
Despite our personal losses, we have had a good year and we wish all of you; friends or family; health, prosperity and happiness in the New Year.
Love to all,
Dave, Carol, Donna, Italia & Gigi
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Campaign Slogans
Before we know it a bunch of Republicans will be lining up to run against our beloved Presitator (Obama). In the past there have been some memorable campaign slogans for candidates. A partial list would include:
"I like Ike": President Eisenhower in 1952;
" Win With Wilkie": Candidate Wendell Wilkie vs. FDR in 1940;
"Peace and Prosperity": Eisenhower, 1956;
"A Chicken in Every Pot. A Car in Every Garage": Herbert Hoover, 1928;
"All the Way With LBJ": LBJ in 1964; and the famous
"Yes We Can": Obama, 2008. ( Although it turns out that we can't).
I have come up with some suggested campaign slogans for some likely candidates. Remember, you can't use them without paying me big bucks!! Some of these are for laughs only...
Sarah Palin:
"Failin' with Palin"
Whalin' with Palin"
"As Cute As Farrah, and She'll Fight Terra"
"Sara- military"
Newt Gingrich:
"Elect a Coot, Vote For Newt"
"Hide Your Loot, Here Comes Newt"
"Give Obama the Boot, Vote For Newt"
"He's a Brute, and He's So Cute"
"Be Astute, Vote For Newt"
"A Gingrich In Time Saves Nine"
"If You're Overrich Vote For Gingrich"
"Grinches For Gingrich"
Mitt Romney:
"America Needs a Retrofit; Vote For Mitt"
"If Mitt Don't Fit You Must Acquit"
"Recommitt, Vote For Mitt"
"Vote for Mitt, Your Stock Will Split"
"Vote For Mitt or It's America's Obit"
"Don't Be a Twit. Vote For Mitt"
"Drive An Omni, Vote For Romney"
Mike Pence:
"Don't Be Dense, Vote For Pence"
"Get Off the Fence, Vote For Pence"
"Pence= Strong Defense"
"Show Your Sense, Vote For Pence"
"I Like Mike"
Tim Pawlenty:
"America: Land of P(aw)lenty"
"Be a Tim-wit, Not a Dim-wit"
"Go Out on a Limb, Vote For Tim"
"Fill America To the Brim With Tim"
"Make America Tim-biotic"
Mike Huckabee:
"If you're a wannabe vote for Huckabee"
"Don't be an S.O.B., vote for Huckabee"
"Let it be, Vote for Huckabee"
"Keep America Free, Vote For Huckabee"
"Hold the Dike, Vote for Mike"
"What's Not to Like About Mike"
"Vote for Mike or take a Hike"
"Mike: Leader of the Fourth Reich"
"Go On Strike, Vote For Mike"
" To be Heard, You Need a Mike"
Remember, most of these are in jest. Now how about slogans for some of our favorite Dems...
Hillary Clinton:
"Visit a Distillery, then Go and Vote For Hillary"
"Fire Your Artillery, Vote For Hillary"
"If You Like Shrill, Vote For Hill"
"If You Liked Bill, You'll Tolerate Hill"
"Get the Itch, Vote For the *****"
Joe Biden:
"Biden=Economy Slidin'"
"Vote for Biden, Your Debt Will Widen"
"Vote For Joe, Economy Will Slow"
"Vote For Joe, You'll Spend More Dough"
"Joe Means Jobs; Snow Jobs"
Barack Obama:
"I Hope You Change"
"Walk the Walk, Vote For Barack"
"The "Wright" Stuff"
"Keep the Drama, Vote For Obama"
"I Want to Be Your Commissar When We Become USSR""
Feel free to add your own slogans to this list. The 2012 election promises to be lots of fun!!
"I like Ike": President Eisenhower in 1952;
" Win With Wilkie": Candidate Wendell Wilkie vs. FDR in 1940;
"Peace and Prosperity": Eisenhower, 1956;
"A Chicken in Every Pot. A Car in Every Garage": Herbert Hoover, 1928;
"All the Way With LBJ": LBJ in 1964; and the famous
"Yes We Can": Obama, 2008. ( Although it turns out that we can't).
I have come up with some suggested campaign slogans for some likely candidates. Remember, you can't use them without paying me big bucks!! Some of these are for laughs only...
Sarah Palin:
"Failin' with Palin"
Whalin' with Palin"
"As Cute As Farrah, and She'll Fight Terra"
"Sara- military"
Newt Gingrich:
"Elect a Coot, Vote For Newt"
"Hide Your Loot, Here Comes Newt"
"Give Obama the Boot, Vote For Newt"
"He's a Brute, and He's So Cute"
"Be Astute, Vote For Newt"
"A Gingrich In Time Saves Nine"
"If You're Overrich Vote For Gingrich"
"Grinches For Gingrich"
Mitt Romney:
"America Needs a Retrofit; Vote For Mitt"
"If Mitt Don't Fit You Must Acquit"
"Recommitt, Vote For Mitt"
"Vote for Mitt, Your Stock Will Split"
"Vote For Mitt or It's America's Obit"
"Don't Be a Twit. Vote For Mitt"
"Drive An Omni, Vote For Romney"
Mike Pence:
"Don't Be Dense, Vote For Pence"
"Get Off the Fence, Vote For Pence"
"Pence= Strong Defense"
"Show Your Sense, Vote For Pence"
"I Like Mike"
Tim Pawlenty:
"America: Land of P(aw)lenty"
"Be a Tim-wit, Not a Dim-wit"
"Go Out on a Limb, Vote For Tim"
"Fill America To the Brim With Tim"
"Make America Tim-biotic"
Mike Huckabee:
"If you're a wannabe vote for Huckabee"
"Don't be an S.O.B., vote for Huckabee"
"Let it be, Vote for Huckabee"
"Keep America Free, Vote For Huckabee"
"Hold the Dike, Vote for Mike"
"What's Not to Like About Mike"
"Vote for Mike or take a Hike"
"Mike: Leader of the Fourth Reich"
"Go On Strike, Vote For Mike"
" To be Heard, You Need a Mike"
Remember, most of these are in jest. Now how about slogans for some of our favorite Dems...
Hillary Clinton:
"Visit a Distillery, then Go and Vote For Hillary"
"Fire Your Artillery, Vote For Hillary"
"If You Like Shrill, Vote For Hill"
"If You Liked Bill, You'll Tolerate Hill"
"Get the Itch, Vote For the *****"
Joe Biden:
"Biden=Economy Slidin'"
"Vote for Biden, Your Debt Will Widen"
"Vote For Joe, Economy Will Slow"
"Vote For Joe, You'll Spend More Dough"
"Joe Means Jobs; Snow Jobs"
Barack Obama:
"I Hope You Change"
"Walk the Walk, Vote For Barack"
"The "Wright" Stuff"
"Keep the Drama, Vote For Obama"
"I Want to Be Your Commissar When We Become USSR""
Feel free to add your own slogans to this list. The 2012 election promises to be lots of fun!!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Garage Sales
As I was out for my morning walk (4 miles in 1:11:12, average 17:48 per mile, 3.37 mph; hey I'm 67 years old, don't knock it!!), I was surveying the neighborhood and counted 15 garage sales. A light bulb suddenly turned on in my mind (where else you ask??); that is, your friendly Government is missing a continously lactating cash cow. Why not impose a 10 percent tax on all garage sales revenues and use it all to reduce the budget deficit? Now stay with me here. If the average garage sale brings in $500, that would be a whopping $50 generated by every garage sale toward eliminating the deficit. I would estimate that there are 10 million garage sales in the U.S. every year, thus $500 million would be raised every year through garage sales only, to reduce or ultimately eliminate the deficit imposed upon us by our always, "we have your best interests in mind" lawmakers. Our deficit is said to be somewhere around $1.5 trillion (that's $1,500,000,000,000). If you divide 1.5 trillion by 500 million, that means that in 3,000 short years that the budget deficit would be eliminated, kaput, wiped out!
The whole point of this obvious exercise in futility, is to illustrate the absurdity of having a $1.5 trillion deficit in the first place, and that garage sales, bake sales or whatever "feel good" steps we take to reduce the deficit are like spitting in the ocean. The only way that we will ever get the deficit down to a manageable figure is to stop the fiscal insanity that is going on in Washington.
Please write your Congressman and Senator to tell them to keep the Bush tax cuts, do not let them sunset.
We need to get our economy going in high gear again, and this will be a first and meaningful step.
Failure to extend the Bush tax cuts will be another step in the never ending attempt by the Liberals and Socialists in our Government to bring our Country and our Democracy toward sunset.
The whole point of this obvious exercise in futility, is to illustrate the absurdity of having a $1.5 trillion deficit in the first place, and that garage sales, bake sales or whatever "feel good" steps we take to reduce the deficit are like spitting in the ocean. The only way that we will ever get the deficit down to a manageable figure is to stop the fiscal insanity that is going on in Washington.
Please write your Congressman and Senator to tell them to keep the Bush tax cuts, do not let them sunset.
We need to get our economy going in high gear again, and this will be a first and meaningful step.
Failure to extend the Bush tax cuts will be another step in the never ending attempt by the Liberals and Socialists in our Government to bring our Country and our Democracy toward sunset.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Obama's visit
Upon hearing that President Obama was going to visit the Indians, Russell Means of the American Indian Movement issued the following statement to all Reservations and Casinos:
Heap Big Chief may visit you soon so be ready for him and welcoming to him. Follow the "Dances with Wolves" protocol.
Be sure to charge all appropriate taxes on the cigarettes that he buys. Have a check for these taxes ready to give to him before he leaves so that it will go directly to the Treasury Department.
Take all dartboards with pictures of ATF Agents off shelves.
Take all copies of "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" off shelves and replace them with "The Audacity of Hope".
Display "I heart Custer" bumper stickers.
Take all items off shelves with any reference to scalping, including ticket scalping.
Take all lawn jockeys off display floor and hide them in back room.
Take down "Pepee Tepee" signs from restroom doors.
Use only regular tobacco if the President wants to smoke a peace pipe with you.
If you offer the President an alcoholic drink, please do not refer to it as "firewater".
Do not take offense if the President addresses you as "Indians" instead of "Native Americans" because remember he is really not an American at all.
Heap Big Chief may visit you soon so be ready for him and welcoming to him. Follow the "Dances with Wolves" protocol.
Be sure to charge all appropriate taxes on the cigarettes that he buys. Have a check for these taxes ready to give to him before he leaves so that it will go directly to the Treasury Department.
Take all dartboards with pictures of ATF Agents off shelves.
Take all copies of "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" off shelves and replace them with "The Audacity of Hope".
Display "I heart Custer" bumper stickers.
Take all items off shelves with any reference to scalping, including ticket scalping.
Take all lawn jockeys off display floor and hide them in back room.
Take down "Pepee Tepee" signs from restroom doors.
Use only regular tobacco if the President wants to smoke a peace pipe with you.
If you offer the President an alcoholic drink, please do not refer to it as "firewater".
Do not take offense if the President addresses you as "Indians" instead of "Native Americans" because remember he is really not an American at all.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Save the Minces!!
Well it's that time of year again; the time when mince meat pies make their appearance. Have you ever wondered where the mince meat comes from? Anyone who has done any research, including me, knows that the meat of a tiny animal known as a "mince" is the source of what many consider a Holiday delicacy.
Let me give you the history of the Mince. Minces were around during biblical times. They were on Noah's Ark. In the Old Testament book of Huzzah it says, "It is harder to capture a mince than it is to get into the Kingdom of Heaven". (Newest Revised Version). Minces are now found only in Ireland. They live underground and feed on the lush grasses of the many golf courses immediately after a heavy rain. They are as tiny as field mice. They can only be captured by shining a very bright light on them day or night (hence the saying "the mince in the headlight look"), scooping them up and throwing them into a boiling pot of water immediately. In Ireland, Leprechauns earn their living by catching them, boiling them and selling them to mince meat factories (hence, the saying "a pot of mince at the end of the rainbow").
It takes about 20 minces to provide enough mince meat for a pie, and there are about 100 million mince meat pies served during the holiday season, therefore it takes about 2 billion minces to provide meat for the pies every year.
Minces reproduce raidly (there is a related saying which I cannot share in mixed company), producing 12 litters of young every year (the young are called "mincelets") and each litter averages about 12 mincelets per litter (hence the saying " a gross (12 times 12) of mincelets").
There are about 14 million breeding pairs of minces in Ireland today which is just enough to supply the present demand for mince meat pie world- wide today. There are however, some problems which must be addressed if the minces are to survive:
Habitat destruction is rampant. As houses are being built around Irish golf courses, there is no place for the minces to live, eat and breed (they are very self- conscious animals, too). Unlike the famous spotted owl of North America, minces cannot adapt to alternative habitats.
Younger minces are more susceptible to being tricked into gathering into groups on the golf courses (a group of minces is called a "mincestrel" as they can be quite musical at times). They are then easily captured and killed. Therefore, few new breeding pairs of minces are added every year, and as the older minces pass their reproductive days, the population of minces is seriously endangered.
I propose several solutions to save the rapidly declining mince population :
The President of the United States needs to appoint a commission to study the mince problem. The U.S, is the largest consumer of mince meat in the world and our appetite for mince meat obviously needs to be curbed!
The United States Food and Drug Administration needs to declare mince meat unfit for human consumption. If there is no market for mince meat, the senseless slaughter of these gentle animals will cease and the population of minces will grow rapidly again. If the minces then happen to overrun the golf courses in Ireland because of the fact that their population is growing uncontrollably, I suggest that the Irish watch the movie "Caddyshack" to learn how to deal with this exploding mince population.
The bottom line is that it is up to us, the American mince meat consumer, to stop eating mince meat pies. We need to show the world that we care about saving endangered species before they become extinct! The financial damage to the Irish economy, especially to the Leprechauns, which have acheived minority status, is of much less importance than the saving of these gentle creatures that we call "minces"! We can always increase our foreign aid to Ireland to offset the economic loss caused by the collapse of the mince meat industry, but as we all know, "extinction is forever"!!
Thank you for reading this plea for help. You can contact your local government representative or better yet send money, lots of money, to this blogger's address in the state of Mince-issippi. Contact me at 1-800-NOMINCE for further instructions!
Let me give you the history of the Mince. Minces were around during biblical times. They were on Noah's Ark. In the Old Testament book of Huzzah it says, "It is harder to capture a mince than it is to get into the Kingdom of Heaven". (Newest Revised Version). Minces are now found only in Ireland. They live underground and feed on the lush grasses of the many golf courses immediately after a heavy rain. They are as tiny as field mice. They can only be captured by shining a very bright light on them day or night (hence the saying "the mince in the headlight look"), scooping them up and throwing them into a boiling pot of water immediately. In Ireland, Leprechauns earn their living by catching them, boiling them and selling them to mince meat factories (hence, the saying "a pot of mince at the end of the rainbow").
It takes about 20 minces to provide enough mince meat for a pie, and there are about 100 million mince meat pies served during the holiday season, therefore it takes about 2 billion minces to provide meat for the pies every year.
Minces reproduce raidly (there is a related saying which I cannot share in mixed company), producing 12 litters of young every year (the young are called "mincelets") and each litter averages about 12 mincelets per litter (hence the saying " a gross (12 times 12) of mincelets").
There are about 14 million breeding pairs of minces in Ireland today which is just enough to supply the present demand for mince meat pie world- wide today. There are however, some problems which must be addressed if the minces are to survive:
Habitat destruction is rampant. As houses are being built around Irish golf courses, there is no place for the minces to live, eat and breed (they are very self- conscious animals, too). Unlike the famous spotted owl of North America, minces cannot adapt to alternative habitats.
Younger minces are more susceptible to being tricked into gathering into groups on the golf courses (a group of minces is called a "mincestrel" as they can be quite musical at times). They are then easily captured and killed. Therefore, few new breeding pairs of minces are added every year, and as the older minces pass their reproductive days, the population of minces is seriously endangered.
I propose several solutions to save the rapidly declining mince population :
The President of the United States needs to appoint a commission to study the mince problem. The U.S, is the largest consumer of mince meat in the world and our appetite for mince meat obviously needs to be curbed!
The United States Food and Drug Administration needs to declare mince meat unfit for human consumption. If there is no market for mince meat, the senseless slaughter of these gentle animals will cease and the population of minces will grow rapidly again. If the minces then happen to overrun the golf courses in Ireland because of the fact that their population is growing uncontrollably, I suggest that the Irish watch the movie "Caddyshack" to learn how to deal with this exploding mince population.
The bottom line is that it is up to us, the American mince meat consumer, to stop eating mince meat pies. We need to show the world that we care about saving endangered species before they become extinct! The financial damage to the Irish economy, especially to the Leprechauns, which have acheived minority status, is of much less importance than the saving of these gentle creatures that we call "minces"! We can always increase our foreign aid to Ireland to offset the economic loss caused by the collapse of the mince meat industry, but as we all know, "extinction is forever"!!
Thank you for reading this plea for help. You can contact your local government representative or better yet send money, lots of money, to this blogger's address in the state of Mince-issippi. Contact me at 1-800-NOMINCE for further instructions!
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Living Man That I Admire The Most
I have come to many realizations this summer. The latest one is the living man that I most admire. Before I tell you who it is, let me list some of the "runners up" in no particular order!
First there are my brothers: Simon, who has a God- given musical talent and was an outstanding VA Counselor, Jim, who has exceptional cooking ability and John who has perservered through a lot in his life.
Then there is my son- in- law, JoAnna's husband and father to David and Rachel, Russell Johnson. Russell is a great dad, husband and plant manager. I was so impressed with what he has done to improve the work flow and productivity of the Vicksburg operation of Batesville Casket Company. His plant recently won the "Industry Plant of the year Award" due in large part to his skill and hard work! I am also grateful to Bryan Morgan, the dad of my other two grandkids, Victoria and Kaitlyn.
Then there are people who came into my life while I have been an adult: Bill O'Brien, who is now 86 years old and has been a running companion, fellow basketball official, bowling teammate and golf partner for over 35 years. There is Ralph Bemis, who was my neighbor for about 15 years. Ralph is the hardest working, most giving person I have ever known. He is now over 90 years old and has only slowed down a little.
Pastors Lynn Howell and Chuck Engelhardt have been a source of great comfort, wisdom and guidance in my own search for the truths of life. Mr. Ed Tonore of Southern Heritage fame is the best entrepeneur I have ever known.
In the category of people that I admire from my 35 years of teaching, I could list many but a few really stand out: Mr. Mike Buckley, Ag teacher at Southeast High in Bradenton has been a source of encouragement and wisdom for me. Mike is overall the most professional and driven teacher that I have ever worked with. Mr. Dan West, Manatee County Fair Manager, has been a friend and mentor for over 15 years. My Braden River Middle School Principal, Mr. George Douglas, was a man of high principles and was a real role model for me. Colonel Bob Lewis, Lakewood Ranch ROTC instructor, was also a driven person who saw everything as black and white and I admire him for that. Roy Larson, Lakewood Ranch Principal, was a consumate professional who treated everyone fairly and was as organized as anyone that I have ever known. Finally, Mr. Charles Williams, longtime Ag Supervisor for Manatee County, was a constant source of inspiration for me, and I consider him a life- long friend.
Now to the person that I admire the most: it is my older bother William Thomas "Tom" Jackson! Tom was born on February 13, 1942 in Beerston, NY. He and I got along fine as brothers even though we weren't particularly close. I guess I was somewhat jealous of his close relationship with our Grandmother Jackson, but then I understood at a certain level that as the oldest child he should be in that role.
I was a better person in school due in part to the example that Tom set. My teachers expected me to behave like Tom and I "pretty much" did!
We were students at Cornell together for one year and again I did not see a lot of him. I was in the freshman dorms and Tom stayed in a rooming house on Stewart Avenue. Again, there was no animosity between us but we did not hang out together much.
When Tom and Sandra got married in 1964, I was an usher at their wedding. Don Byington, one of Tom's Cornell roomates, was the best man. I was fine with that.
It was when I was going through some terrible personal problems in 1967- 1968, that I really started to appreciate Tom and see the kind of person that he really was. I was staying in a trailer at a small trailer park that he had on his farm. I was the ultimate lousy tenant; partied too much, hardly ever paid rent and was a general pain in the butt! Tom had every reason to kick me to the curb but he didn't. It's like he knew that I was in a bad place and needed some understanding. A kick in the butt would have been more appropriate but that wasn't in my brother's nature.
When Carol and I got together in 1983 I know that Tom and Sandra both had questions and reservations about our relationship. But again, he and they both showed an immense amount of patience and understanding with us. I hope that their patience has been rewarded.
I admire Tom for his devotion to his God. When he and Sandra were married Tom became a Catholic. He has embraced Catholicism over the years, has not just gone through the motions. I know that this was hard for him being raised as a Protestant. Tom lives his religion 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. How many of the rest of us can say that??
I admire Tom for how he has handled some major medical problems throughout his life. Tom has the Brac 2 gene mutation which makes him susceptible to certain kinds of cancers. Thankfully, I don't have that mutation. I could not have handled it as my brother has. God must have had that planned! In 2001 Tom had quintuple bypass surgery, in 2007 he had breast cancer (due to the gene mutation that he carries) and today, October 11, 2010, he had his prostate removed by choice. He could have opted for a less radical procedure, but his strong will to live and knowledge of his condition led to this choice. Could I have done it this way: probably not!
Tom said today while recovering from surgery that family was the reason that his surgery was so successful. You are partially correct brother, but the main reason that today's procedure was so successful is YOU!! Your physical preparation by losing over 30 pounds, your strong belief in a higher being, your will to stay healthy for your family, and your stubborn desire to be a role model and set an example for your brothers, wife, kids, grandkids and friends are the real reasons that you did so well today!
You have conquered some medical challenges that would have caused a lesser person to give up. You have become my closest friend in life. I appreciate you more every day that I live and I have grown to love you as my brother, my role model and mentor in how to properly live my life. Our lives have taken different paths that have converged in the past few years and led us to the good place that we are in now. The fact that we disagree on politics and sports is of very little consequence. What matters is that we live the rest of our lives enjoying our friends, families and loved ones and remembering what has led us to this place.
First there are my brothers: Simon, who has a God- given musical talent and was an outstanding VA Counselor, Jim, who has exceptional cooking ability and John who has perservered through a lot in his life.
Then there is my son- in- law, JoAnna's husband and father to David and Rachel, Russell Johnson. Russell is a great dad, husband and plant manager. I was so impressed with what he has done to improve the work flow and productivity of the Vicksburg operation of Batesville Casket Company. His plant recently won the "Industry Plant of the year Award" due in large part to his skill and hard work! I am also grateful to Bryan Morgan, the dad of my other two grandkids, Victoria and Kaitlyn.
Then there are people who came into my life while I have been an adult: Bill O'Brien, who is now 86 years old and has been a running companion, fellow basketball official, bowling teammate and golf partner for over 35 years. There is Ralph Bemis, who was my neighbor for about 15 years. Ralph is the hardest working, most giving person I have ever known. He is now over 90 years old and has only slowed down a little.
Pastors Lynn Howell and Chuck Engelhardt have been a source of great comfort, wisdom and guidance in my own search for the truths of life. Mr. Ed Tonore of Southern Heritage fame is the best entrepeneur I have ever known.
In the category of people that I admire from my 35 years of teaching, I could list many but a few really stand out: Mr. Mike Buckley, Ag teacher at Southeast High in Bradenton has been a source of encouragement and wisdom for me. Mike is overall the most professional and driven teacher that I have ever worked with. Mr. Dan West, Manatee County Fair Manager, has been a friend and mentor for over 15 years. My Braden River Middle School Principal, Mr. George Douglas, was a man of high principles and was a real role model for me. Colonel Bob Lewis, Lakewood Ranch ROTC instructor, was also a driven person who saw everything as black and white and I admire him for that. Roy Larson, Lakewood Ranch Principal, was a consumate professional who treated everyone fairly and was as organized as anyone that I have ever known. Finally, Mr. Charles Williams, longtime Ag Supervisor for Manatee County, was a constant source of inspiration for me, and I consider him a life- long friend.
Now to the person that I admire the most: it is my older bother William Thomas "Tom" Jackson! Tom was born on February 13, 1942 in Beerston, NY. He and I got along fine as brothers even though we weren't particularly close. I guess I was somewhat jealous of his close relationship with our Grandmother Jackson, but then I understood at a certain level that as the oldest child he should be in that role.
I was a better person in school due in part to the example that Tom set. My teachers expected me to behave like Tom and I "pretty much" did!
We were students at Cornell together for one year and again I did not see a lot of him. I was in the freshman dorms and Tom stayed in a rooming house on Stewart Avenue. Again, there was no animosity between us but we did not hang out together much.
When Tom and Sandra got married in 1964, I was an usher at their wedding. Don Byington, one of Tom's Cornell roomates, was the best man. I was fine with that.
It was when I was going through some terrible personal problems in 1967- 1968, that I really started to appreciate Tom and see the kind of person that he really was. I was staying in a trailer at a small trailer park that he had on his farm. I was the ultimate lousy tenant; partied too much, hardly ever paid rent and was a general pain in the butt! Tom had every reason to kick me to the curb but he didn't. It's like he knew that I was in a bad place and needed some understanding. A kick in the butt would have been more appropriate but that wasn't in my brother's nature.
When Carol and I got together in 1983 I know that Tom and Sandra both had questions and reservations about our relationship. But again, he and they both showed an immense amount of patience and understanding with us. I hope that their patience has been rewarded.
I admire Tom for his devotion to his God. When he and Sandra were married Tom became a Catholic. He has embraced Catholicism over the years, has not just gone through the motions. I know that this was hard for him being raised as a Protestant. Tom lives his religion 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. How many of the rest of us can say that??
I admire Tom for how he has handled some major medical problems throughout his life. Tom has the Brac 2 gene mutation which makes him susceptible to certain kinds of cancers. Thankfully, I don't have that mutation. I could not have handled it as my brother has. God must have had that planned! In 2001 Tom had quintuple bypass surgery, in 2007 he had breast cancer (due to the gene mutation that he carries) and today, October 11, 2010, he had his prostate removed by choice. He could have opted for a less radical procedure, but his strong will to live and knowledge of his condition led to this choice. Could I have done it this way: probably not!
Tom said today while recovering from surgery that family was the reason that his surgery was so successful. You are partially correct brother, but the main reason that today's procedure was so successful is YOU!! Your physical preparation by losing over 30 pounds, your strong belief in a higher being, your will to stay healthy for your family, and your stubborn desire to be a role model and set an example for your brothers, wife, kids, grandkids and friends are the real reasons that you did so well today!
You have conquered some medical challenges that would have caused a lesser person to give up. You have become my closest friend in life. I appreciate you more every day that I live and I have grown to love you as my brother, my role model and mentor in how to properly live my life. Our lives have taken different paths that have converged in the past few years and led us to the good place that we are in now. The fact that we disagree on politics and sports is of very little consequence. What matters is that we live the rest of our lives enjoying our friends, families and loved ones and remembering what has led us to this place.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
To Mom
We're picking up boxes of things
that belonged to you
Seems like the finality of your death
has finally set in
The clothes that you once wore
Won't be needed
The TV set you watched
Will be silent
It's sad when a life comes down
To a few boxes
That hold the possessions
That remained yours
But your life is measured by more
Than what was left behind
It's the memories that you left
For all of us to treasure
And the lives that you touched
Will all be richer
Because you were part of them
You made us all better
Enjoy the rest of eternity
Brightening things in Heaven
And wait for us all to join you
And be a family again
that belonged to you
Seems like the finality of your death
has finally set in
The clothes that you once wore
Won't be needed
The TV set you watched
Will be silent
It's sad when a life comes down
To a few boxes
That hold the possessions
That remained yours
But your life is measured by more
Than what was left behind
It's the memories that you left
For all of us to treasure
And the lives that you touched
Will all be richer
Because you were part of them
You made us all better
Enjoy the rest of eternity
Brightening things in Heaven
And wait for us all to join you
And be a family again
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Changes
I've gotta make some changes
In the way I live my life
Gonna change my priorities
and respect all minorities
I've gotta leave my comfort zone
See what's around the curve
See what's over the ridge
Gonna cross that bridge
I've gotta see
How the other half lives
Who does the taking
and who's gotta give
I've gotta figure out
The meaning of this life
Why governments and people
Gotta use the gun and knife
I've gotta figure out
How to get right with my God
I'm gonna show my grandkids
The road that I have trod
I've gotta leave the world
Better than I found it
Gonna try to spread some cheer
All over and around it
And when I'm dead and gone
You're gonna visit me
I hope you say in your own way
Like him I gotta be
In the way I live my life
Gonna change my priorities
and respect all minorities
I've gotta leave my comfort zone
See what's around the curve
See what's over the ridge
Gonna cross that bridge
I've gotta see
How the other half lives
Who does the taking
and who's gotta give
I've gotta figure out
The meaning of this life
Why governments and people
Gotta use the gun and knife
I've gotta figure out
How to get right with my God
I'm gonna show my grandkids
The road that I have trod
I've gotta leave the world
Better than I found it
Gonna try to spread some cheer
All over and around it
And when I'm dead and gone
You're gonna visit me
I hope you say in your own way
Like him I gotta be
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
"The Best Funeral Ever"
As many of you know, my Mom, Evelyn Jackson, passed away on September 27, 2010. Her funeral was October 1st and her burial was today, October 5th.
I have already written an "R.I.P." blog but I want to give a little more insight into this remarkable lady.
During the calling hours and her service the obvious occured to me; that Mom left no enemies. I know of no one else that I can truthfully say that about. She never bad- mouthed anyone, including "wannabe" enemies!
At the calling hours and the funeral, there was sadness, but also an aura of peacefulness and appreciation in everyone whose lives she had touched in any way. She was a simple lady with no ego who said "no" to very few people during her life. I am sure that all of the people who were there, including family, were in some way touched by her beneficence!
Now let me get to the main point of this blog; that Mom had a unique lexicon, or way of expressing herself, which was part of her charm. Here are some of her expressions:
"Shoot-a-bear". Mom said this when she was startled, surprised, puzzled, at a loss for words, or confronted with a situation which was out of her control. This simple statement saved time and conveyed how she felt about specific situations.
"Hoodinky or whodinky". This was used as an adjective, for example, " That hoodinky cow must be sick because she didn't give as much milk as she usually did." It was also used as a noun, as "Whodinky stopped by the house to see you." You could always figure out what the "hoodinky" or who the "whodinky" was sooner or later!!
"Okie- dokie". Lots of people say O.K. or alright but few say "okie- dokie" the way Mom did. in fact she went through a time when she said "okie- dokie sokie." I have no idea what the "sokie" meant except for the fact that it added a bit of onomatopoeia (look it up!) to what she said!
However, Mom's most memorable and endearing saying, which said a lot about her as a person, was for example, " This is the best meal I have ever eaten"; or "that is the cutest baby I have ever seen"; or "this is the best car I have ever ridden in"; or " this is the nicest house I have ever been in". Well, you get the point. Mom appreciated the simple, mundane things in life and expressed herself in a manner that would make everyone around her feel better because of her prescence. She was a veritable "welcome wagon" as hundreds of people who stopped by the house over the years can attest to.
Many of you attended her services, but I wish that everyone reading this, whether you knew Mom or not, could have attended "The Best Funeral Ever"!!
I have already written an "R.I.P." blog but I want to give a little more insight into this remarkable lady.
During the calling hours and her service the obvious occured to me; that Mom left no enemies. I know of no one else that I can truthfully say that about. She never bad- mouthed anyone, including "wannabe" enemies!
At the calling hours and the funeral, there was sadness, but also an aura of peacefulness and appreciation in everyone whose lives she had touched in any way. She was a simple lady with no ego who said "no" to very few people during her life. I am sure that all of the people who were there, including family, were in some way touched by her beneficence!
Now let me get to the main point of this blog; that Mom had a unique lexicon, or way of expressing herself, which was part of her charm. Here are some of her expressions:
"Shoot-a-bear". Mom said this when she was startled, surprised, puzzled, at a loss for words, or confronted with a situation which was out of her control. This simple statement saved time and conveyed how she felt about specific situations.
"Hoodinky or whodinky". This was used as an adjective, for example, " That hoodinky cow must be sick because she didn't give as much milk as she usually did." It was also used as a noun, as "Whodinky stopped by the house to see you." You could always figure out what the "hoodinky" or who the "whodinky" was sooner or later!!
"Okie- dokie". Lots of people say O.K. or alright but few say "okie- dokie" the way Mom did. in fact she went through a time when she said "okie- dokie sokie." I have no idea what the "sokie" meant except for the fact that it added a bit of onomatopoeia (look it up!) to what she said!
However, Mom's most memorable and endearing saying, which said a lot about her as a person, was for example, " This is the best meal I have ever eaten"; or "that is the cutest baby I have ever seen"; or "this is the best car I have ever ridden in"; or " this is the nicest house I have ever been in". Well, you get the point. Mom appreciated the simple, mundane things in life and expressed herself in a manner that would make everyone around her feel better because of her prescence. She was a veritable "welcome wagon" as hundreds of people who stopped by the house over the years can attest to.
Many of you attended her services, but I wish that everyone reading this, whether you knew Mom or not, could have attended "The Best Funeral Ever"!!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
R.I.P. Evelyn Jackson
Evelyn Jackson passed on to her heavenly reward yesterday, September 27, 2010. She was my Mother.
Mom was born December 1, 1918 in Beerston, NY. She spent much of her early life in Cooks Falls. She never went further than 6th grade in school but had more common sense than most college grads! She was the spelling champion for Sullivan County when she was in school. I think she passed that trait on to me as I still point out spelling errors to anyone who will listen.
Mom was a remarkable woman in many ways. She was a great cook and baker. It was amazing to watch her "throw together" a pie without needing to read the recipe; you know, a little of this, a pinch of that. She baked pies for the Rainbow Lodge for years. If only she had charged them what they were worth...
Mom was also in charge of feeding and nurturing the calves on the farm. Replacement heifers are a key part of building a successful business and no one, I mean no one, was more up to that job than Mom. Mom was fully capable of feeding and milking cows too, and during haying season she might have had to do the milking with only a kid or two available to help. More than once she did the milking alone during special circumstances.
Mom would do anything for anyone, no questions asked, no expectation of pay. Have any of you out there ever had your mother drive you to a date, drop you off, drive you and your date home?? I have and it wasn't as bad as it sounds!! When I was a student at Cornell I would look forward to having Mom pick me up on Friday, drive back to Walton for the weekend, and take me back on Sunday with clean clothes for a week or two.
Mom loved her boys and often overlooked things that we did wrong. I'm sure that all the child raising experts would pronounce her a failure in today's world, but she only did what she knew how to do, and we all turned out OK, well sort of.. I don't ever remember being spanked as a kid by Mom, maybe a slap or two on the butt, or making me wash my mouth out with soap after I cussed, but never a spanking. When we were kids in Beerston I remember Mom threatening to pour ice water on us to get us out of bed!! She never did but we stayed in bed as long as we could before hearing her stomp up the stairs. We never did check for a pitcher of ice water, I doubt if it ever existed!!
Mom loved and enjoyed her grandkids too. Oh, how she loved to look at pictures of them and snuggle with them when they were babies. And she always had cookies. pies and cakes for them to eat. Food was a central part of our lives. It was really sad to see her only be able to be fed through a feeding tube the last couple of years. Life just ain't fair sometimes!!
Mom never travelled much or got to see many things. Milking cows twice a day kind of ties you down. She did come to Florida a couple of times, visited JoAnna and Russell in Tennessee, and visited Cousin Mary and Eric in Kentucky. She loved to drive her friends to Doctors appointments or just go riding. It was hard for her to give up her driver's license a few years ago, but when she was told that she could hurt someone , she gave it up willingly.
Mom never intentionally hurt anyone in her life; she wasn't capable of doing that. She saw the good in everyone, thought that everyone was capable of turning their lives around at any time. Going to Church was an important part of her life. Mom was a dyed in the wool Republican and was active in local politics.
Mom never drank or smoked in her life. A lot of her family were addicted to tobacco or alcohol and I think that she just made up her mind at an early age that she wasn't going to be part of that lifestyle. She lived the longest of any of her siblings; as I remember her sister Aggie died at 87.
It is really hard to write something to honor someone as special as Mom was. Any effort falls short. There just aren't words to describe the kind of lady that she was and the impact that she had on people's lives by doing the simple things that she did so well; a cup of coffee, a piece of pie, a ride to the Doctor's office, an ear to bend, a couple of bucks to "borrow". Mom was very self deprecating, and never thought that she was very good at anything. She was, in fact, great in her own way at everything!!
So St. Peter was sitting at heaven's gate yesterday when Mom came up to him with an apple pie and handed it to him. He asked what that was for and she said that when you visit you always bring something to eat. St. Pete looked at her and said, "Thanks for the pie but you aren't just visiting, and there's a guy named Graham over there who says he's been been waiting 15 years for a piece of your apple pie a`la mode with cheese!!!"
Mom was born December 1, 1918 in Beerston, NY. She spent much of her early life in Cooks Falls. She never went further than 6th grade in school but had more common sense than most college grads! She was the spelling champion for Sullivan County when she was in school. I think she passed that trait on to me as I still point out spelling errors to anyone who will listen.
Mom was a remarkable woman in many ways. She was a great cook and baker. It was amazing to watch her "throw together" a pie without needing to read the recipe; you know, a little of this, a pinch of that. She baked pies for the Rainbow Lodge for years. If only she had charged them what they were worth...
Mom was also in charge of feeding and nurturing the calves on the farm. Replacement heifers are a key part of building a successful business and no one, I mean no one, was more up to that job than Mom. Mom was fully capable of feeding and milking cows too, and during haying season she might have had to do the milking with only a kid or two available to help. More than once she did the milking alone during special circumstances.
Mom would do anything for anyone, no questions asked, no expectation of pay. Have any of you out there ever had your mother drive you to a date, drop you off, drive you and your date home?? I have and it wasn't as bad as it sounds!! When I was a student at Cornell I would look forward to having Mom pick me up on Friday, drive back to Walton for the weekend, and take me back on Sunday with clean clothes for a week or two.
Mom loved her boys and often overlooked things that we did wrong. I'm sure that all the child raising experts would pronounce her a failure in today's world, but she only did what she knew how to do, and we all turned out OK, well sort of.. I don't ever remember being spanked as a kid by Mom, maybe a slap or two on the butt, or making me wash my mouth out with soap after I cussed, but never a spanking. When we were kids in Beerston I remember Mom threatening to pour ice water on us to get us out of bed!! She never did but we stayed in bed as long as we could before hearing her stomp up the stairs. We never did check for a pitcher of ice water, I doubt if it ever existed!!
Mom loved and enjoyed her grandkids too. Oh, how she loved to look at pictures of them and snuggle with them when they were babies. And she always had cookies. pies and cakes for them to eat. Food was a central part of our lives. It was really sad to see her only be able to be fed through a feeding tube the last couple of years. Life just ain't fair sometimes!!
Mom never travelled much or got to see many things. Milking cows twice a day kind of ties you down. She did come to Florida a couple of times, visited JoAnna and Russell in Tennessee, and visited Cousin Mary and Eric in Kentucky. She loved to drive her friends to Doctors appointments or just go riding. It was hard for her to give up her driver's license a few years ago, but when she was told that she could hurt someone , she gave it up willingly.
Mom never intentionally hurt anyone in her life; she wasn't capable of doing that. She saw the good in everyone, thought that everyone was capable of turning their lives around at any time. Going to Church was an important part of her life. Mom was a dyed in the wool Republican and was active in local politics.
Mom never drank or smoked in her life. A lot of her family were addicted to tobacco or alcohol and I think that she just made up her mind at an early age that she wasn't going to be part of that lifestyle. She lived the longest of any of her siblings; as I remember her sister Aggie died at 87.
It is really hard to write something to honor someone as special as Mom was. Any effort falls short. There just aren't words to describe the kind of lady that she was and the impact that she had on people's lives by doing the simple things that she did so well; a cup of coffee, a piece of pie, a ride to the Doctor's office, an ear to bend, a couple of bucks to "borrow". Mom was very self deprecating, and never thought that she was very good at anything. She was, in fact, great in her own way at everything!!
So St. Peter was sitting at heaven's gate yesterday when Mom came up to him with an apple pie and handed it to him. He asked what that was for and she said that when you visit you always bring something to eat. St. Pete looked at her and said, "Thanks for the pie but you aren't just visiting, and there's a guy named Graham over there who says he's been been waiting 15 years for a piece of your apple pie a`la mode with cheese!!!"
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
"When I'm Gone"
I wonder what the world will be,
When I'm no longer here;
Will it be filled with hope and love,
Or full of so much fear?
Will we have learned from history,
Or will we blindly go,
Into alliances and wars,
With those we do not know?
Will we choose leaders carefully,
Or will we blindly follow,
Like lemmings jumping from a cliff,
And leaders lies we'll swallow?
Will we respect our founders' wish,
That every man be free;
And opportunity will knock,
From sea to shining sea?
Will we take our country back,
From those who wish us harm;
Will we be sleeping at the switch,
Or sounding the alarm?
Will we stand on the principles,
That made us great before;
Or will we socialists become,
And not protect our shore?
For when I look down from above,
And see what's happened here;
Will freedom be alive and well,
Or will it disappear?
When I'm no longer here;
Will it be filled with hope and love,
Or full of so much fear?
Will we have learned from history,
Or will we blindly go,
Into alliances and wars,
With those we do not know?
Will we choose leaders carefully,
Or will we blindly follow,
Like lemmings jumping from a cliff,
And leaders lies we'll swallow?
Will we respect our founders' wish,
That every man be free;
And opportunity will knock,
From sea to shining sea?
Will we take our country back,
From those who wish us harm;
Will we be sleeping at the switch,
Or sounding the alarm?
Will we stand on the principles,
That made us great before;
Or will we socialists become,
And not protect our shore?
For when I look down from above,
And see what's happened here;
Will freedom be alive and well,
Or will it disappear?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
R.I.P. W.T. Kersey
W.T. Kersey passed away on 9/11/2010 at age 76. He was a true genuine original! He was a true Florida "Cracker", was a font of practical knowledge and information, didn't have much use for Doctors (he referred to them as "sawbones"), didn't put on any airs, and was a "what you see is what you get" person.
I met W.T. when his son Randy was in my Ag class at Bayshore High School in 1987. Randy was taking Ag for a semester science credit and was not real happy in my class. He soon warmed to the whole "Ag" thing and ended up being a leader, showed a steer ("Boss") at the fair and had a love for writing. Randy's untimely death in August, 1989, brought us all closer together and brought out the love that we truely had for the Kersey family.
I also worked a part- time job at the Circle K store across the street from where the Kersey's lived. W.T. was there every morning making coffee and dispensing his brand of knowledge to one and all. Whenever the lights would dim W.T. would say, "They've just fried another one in Stark", referring to the prisoner executions that were happening regularly in Florida during that time. More story: One morning I was in the backroom, door locked, preparing the previous day's receipts for deposit, when I looked up and there was Randy standing there. The little pill had stealthily crawled through the cooler door to say good morning to me. I could not be angry at Randy for doing this but suggested that he just knock the next time!
The Kerseys were a close- knit family. When Shirley passed away in 1998 I saw the love and admiration that the family and those of us who knew them shared. W.T. was the man of the family but we all knew who really ran the house!
I didn't see W.T. too often during the past ten years but whenever I did, it was the same old W.T., always quick with a joke or a story or a life lesson. Time seemed to melt away when you were around W.T. He was a hard working carpenter, never asked for anything that he didn't deserve, and I'm sure that his handshake was his bond.
Heaven needs W.T. up there too. I'm sure that "swamp cabbage" will be added to the heavenly menu from now on!
R.I.P. my friend. I have admired you as much as anyone that I have ever met during my life. You were a positive influence in many people's lives, including mine, in your own straightforward, sagacious, yet simple, way!
I met W.T. when his son Randy was in my Ag class at Bayshore High School in 1987. Randy was taking Ag for a semester science credit and was not real happy in my class. He soon warmed to the whole "Ag" thing and ended up being a leader, showed a steer ("Boss") at the fair and had a love for writing. Randy's untimely death in August, 1989, brought us all closer together and brought out the love that we truely had for the Kersey family.
I also worked a part- time job at the Circle K store across the street from where the Kersey's lived. W.T. was there every morning making coffee and dispensing his brand of knowledge to one and all. Whenever the lights would dim W.T. would say, "They've just fried another one in Stark", referring to the prisoner executions that were happening regularly in Florida during that time. More story: One morning I was in the backroom, door locked, preparing the previous day's receipts for deposit, when I looked up and there was Randy standing there. The little pill had stealthily crawled through the cooler door to say good morning to me. I could not be angry at Randy for doing this but suggested that he just knock the next time!
The Kerseys were a close- knit family. When Shirley passed away in 1998 I saw the love and admiration that the family and those of us who knew them shared. W.T. was the man of the family but we all knew who really ran the house!
I didn't see W.T. too often during the past ten years but whenever I did, it was the same old W.T., always quick with a joke or a story or a life lesson. Time seemed to melt away when you were around W.T. He was a hard working carpenter, never asked for anything that he didn't deserve, and I'm sure that his handshake was his bond.
Heaven needs W.T. up there too. I'm sure that "swamp cabbage" will be added to the heavenly menu from now on!
R.I.P. my friend. I have admired you as much as anyone that I have ever met during my life. You were a positive influence in many people's lives, including mine, in your own straightforward, sagacious, yet simple, way!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Color
This blog uses all of the colors of the rainbow with no punctuation to make a political statement. Yes it may seem a little strange to you all but here goes anyway...
"There once was a prez who was neither white or black who thought that everything was black and white politically with no shades of grey for discussion and all of his friends were reds or pinkos with yellow streaks down their backs all of which left Americans black and blue from the beating that these reds put on our rosey economy and way of life and we couldn't wait to throw these black hearted bastards out of office through the glorious red white and blue power of the voting process and look forward to the day that the grass will be green and the skies will be blue and the orange blossoms will fill our olfactory senses with the violet smells of freedom again"
"There once was a prez who was neither white or black who thought that everything was black and white politically with no shades of grey for discussion and all of his friends were reds or pinkos with yellow streaks down their backs all of which left Americans black and blue from the beating that these reds put on our rosey economy and way of life and we couldn't wait to throw these black hearted bastards out of office through the glorious red white and blue power of the voting process and look forward to the day that the grass will be green and the skies will be blue and the orange blossoms will fill our olfactory senses with the violet smells of freedom again"
"Global Warming Denier"
On a more serious note, this global warming lie has been shoved down our collective throats for an entire generation now. So here are my thoughts. Feel free to set the words to music, rap it, whatever. Here goes...
"Well I'm a global warming denier,
Don't want to be told by some old liar;
That I'm hurtin' things by using oil,
That our planet I will surely spoil.
(Chorus)
Global warming is a lie,
It's one that I just won't buy;
'Cause they can't look me in the eye,
That's the reason I deny!!
You know when volcanoes spew,
Their fire and ash as they will do;
They pollute the atmosphere,
More than man has all these years.
(Chorus)
Global warming is a lie,
It's one that I just won't buy;
"Cause they can't look me in the eye'
That's the reason I deny!
All the numbers that I read,
Were made up by a man you see;
Who has a book or stuff to sell,
He doesn't care what he will tell.
(Chorus again!!)
Global warming is a lie,
It's one that I just won't buy;
'Cause they can't look me in the eye,
That's the reason I deny!
I may sound like the lone ranger,
But polar bears are not in danger;
And greenhouse gas and ozone hole,
Will fix themselves, it's nature's role!
(Chorus)
Global warming is a lie,
It's one that I just can't buy;
'Cause they can't look me in the eye,
That's the reason I deny!
It's time that people took the power,
From leaders in their ivory tower;
Mother nature soon will rule,
She's someone that you just can't fool!
(Chorus)
Global warming is a lie,
It's something that I just won't buy;
'Cause they can't look me in the eye,
That's the reason I deny!"
"Well I'm a global warming denier,
Don't want to be told by some old liar;
That I'm hurtin' things by using oil,
That our planet I will surely spoil.
(Chorus)
Global warming is a lie,
It's one that I just won't buy;
'Cause they can't look me in the eye,
That's the reason I deny!!
You know when volcanoes spew,
Their fire and ash as they will do;
They pollute the atmosphere,
More than man has all these years.
(Chorus)
Global warming is a lie,
It's one that I just won't buy;
"Cause they can't look me in the eye'
That's the reason I deny!
All the numbers that I read,
Were made up by a man you see;
Who has a book or stuff to sell,
He doesn't care what he will tell.
(Chorus again!!)
Global warming is a lie,
It's one that I just won't buy;
'Cause they can't look me in the eye,
That's the reason I deny!
I may sound like the lone ranger,
But polar bears are not in danger;
And greenhouse gas and ozone hole,
Will fix themselves, it's nature's role!
(Chorus)
Global warming is a lie,
It's one that I just can't buy;
'Cause they can't look me in the eye,
That's the reason I deny!
It's time that people took the power,
From leaders in their ivory tower;
Mother nature soon will rule,
She's someone that you just can't fool!
(Chorus)
Global warming is a lie,
It's something that I just won't buy;
'Cause they can't look me in the eye,
That's the reason I deny!"
Redneck Ten Commandments
Sometimes I just want to have fun with my blog. When my wife and I are in NY we attend the Plymouth Church on County Route 21 between Walton and Franklin. A couple of weeks ago I saw the "Country Ten Commandments" posted on the wall. I have taken that idea and now present to you the "Redneck Ten Commandments"!!
1. Worship the one true God or y'ul end up in you know where...
2. Don't think about takin' yer neighbor's stuff or you might end up with a load of buckshot...
3. Cussin' ain't allowed if you don't want yer mouth washed out with lye soap...
4. Go to meetin' on Sunday after you finish yer chores...
5. No killin' 'ceptin' animals fer meat (and their ain't no season that you have to worry about either)...
6. Mind yer Maw and Paw or y'ul get the switch...
7. No hanky panky 'til yer hitched. 'Nuf said...
8. No takin' stuff that ain't yers...
9. No gossipin' 'bout other folks...
10. No worshippin' false idols such as fame an' wealth. You ain't any better than the rest of us folk...
1. Worship the one true God or y'ul end up in you know where...
2. Don't think about takin' yer neighbor's stuff or you might end up with a load of buckshot...
3. Cussin' ain't allowed if you don't want yer mouth washed out with lye soap...
4. Go to meetin' on Sunday after you finish yer chores...
5. No killin' 'ceptin' animals fer meat (and their ain't no season that you have to worry about either)...
6. Mind yer Maw and Paw or y'ul get the switch...
7. No hanky panky 'til yer hitched. 'Nuf said...
8. No takin' stuff that ain't yers...
9. No gossipin' 'bout other folks...
10. No worshippin' false idols such as fame an' wealth. You ain't any better than the rest of us folk...
Monday, August 30, 2010
I am a Bigot...
We have some new definitions of bigotry in our Country. I have determined that I fit many of these definitions. If anyone is for something that is not politically correct or that upholds traditional values, then that person is a bigot. Here is a partial list of my beliefs and values that make me a bigot.
I love my country. I think that the United States of America was a cosmic event. Our great country did not just happen. It was put in the most favorable location possible and was founded by the most brilliant men of their time. They wrote the most amazing document ever written; the United States Constitution. I now can call myself a "Constiphile" (I love the Constitution, my own term) and a "Xenophobe" (the term for fear of strangers or foreigners).
I hate liberalism, I mean true liberalism. I professs that many people who say they are liberals, really aren't. They may have some characteristics of liberalism, but they aren't died- in- the-wool liberals. To me a true liberal is a socialistic, communistic, Marxist, Leninist, Trotskyist, Stalinist Statist. There aren't many of them around, but they are very dangerous people. George Soros, Michael Moore and Sol Alinsky are three that come to mind. They fund organizations like ACORN and Moveon.org. They have almost unlimited financial resources. Obama is their dupe. Do you remember the movie, "The Manchurian Candidate?". Obama IS that candidate. They could do a remake of that movie and call it "The Nigerian Candidate!" I am not being melanophobic (the fear of the color black) here but I am in fear for our country's future. I guess you could call me "Libophobic!"
I love God and Jesus. I believe that he (not Obama) is our true Savior! Liberals will tear you down if you profess any religion or belief in a higher power. So have at me you libs out there, I am a "Jesophile!"
I believe in traditional, Biblical marriage between a man and a woman. I am a practicing heterosexual (make sure you understand what you have just read). I am NOT a homophobe, but I am not one who will say "some of my best friends are gay." I tolerate gay co- workers as long as they don't try to "convert" or proselytize me. I have worked with gay people in my life. As far as I know, I have no close family members that are gay. I am concerned that things like gay marriage, pedophilia and government entitlements are becoming common- place and accepted as the norm instead of the exception. I believe that we need to get back to "Leave it to Beaver" days. The break- up of the traditional family unit, in my opinion, signalled the beginning of many of the societal problems that are with us today.
I now challenge all of my fellow bigots out there to do several things:
"Out" yourselves as bigots, challenge your liberal friends to a discussion of issues, not personalities. You will win any discussion or argument of issues. The liberals have nothing to stand on when it comes to issues. They have to pretend that they are moderates and hide their real agendas. A true liberal will immediately resort to name- calling, so it will be a short discussion of issues.
Listen to, and watch, people like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, and yes, even Michael Savage. They will give you a better understanding of conservative principles, and thus give you ammunition when you talk to your liberal friends.
And finally, do not give up hope. We can take America back starting this fall. We may not accomplish it all at once, but we need to gain control of Congress and the White House by 2012. I remember in 2008, seeing busloads of obvious Obama voters coming to the polls in Bradenton, Florida. It was scary and I immediately knew what the outcome of that election would be. We need to have the same fervor, committment and conservative turn- out in every election from now on, that I saw from the other side in 2008.
Oh, I forgot to tell you what a bigot is. A bigot is a Belligerent, Intelligent, God-fearing, Over-governed Taxpayer!!
I love my country. I think that the United States of America was a cosmic event. Our great country did not just happen. It was put in the most favorable location possible and was founded by the most brilliant men of their time. They wrote the most amazing document ever written; the United States Constitution. I now can call myself a "Constiphile" (I love the Constitution, my own term) and a "Xenophobe" (the term for fear of strangers or foreigners).
I hate liberalism, I mean true liberalism. I professs that many people who say they are liberals, really aren't. They may have some characteristics of liberalism, but they aren't died- in- the-wool liberals. To me a true liberal is a socialistic, communistic, Marxist, Leninist, Trotskyist, Stalinist Statist. There aren't many of them around, but they are very dangerous people. George Soros, Michael Moore and Sol Alinsky are three that come to mind. They fund organizations like ACORN and Moveon.org. They have almost unlimited financial resources. Obama is their dupe. Do you remember the movie, "The Manchurian Candidate?". Obama IS that candidate. They could do a remake of that movie and call it "The Nigerian Candidate!" I am not being melanophobic (the fear of the color black) here but I am in fear for our country's future. I guess you could call me "Libophobic!"
I love God and Jesus. I believe that he (not Obama) is our true Savior! Liberals will tear you down if you profess any religion or belief in a higher power. So have at me you libs out there, I am a "Jesophile!"
I believe in traditional, Biblical marriage between a man and a woman. I am a practicing heterosexual (make sure you understand what you have just read). I am NOT a homophobe, but I am not one who will say "some of my best friends are gay." I tolerate gay co- workers as long as they don't try to "convert" or proselytize me. I have worked with gay people in my life. As far as I know, I have no close family members that are gay. I am concerned that things like gay marriage, pedophilia and government entitlements are becoming common- place and accepted as the norm instead of the exception. I believe that we need to get back to "Leave it to Beaver" days. The break- up of the traditional family unit, in my opinion, signalled the beginning of many of the societal problems that are with us today.
I now challenge all of my fellow bigots out there to do several things:
"Out" yourselves as bigots, challenge your liberal friends to a discussion of issues, not personalities. You will win any discussion or argument of issues. The liberals have nothing to stand on when it comes to issues. They have to pretend that they are moderates and hide their real agendas. A true liberal will immediately resort to name- calling, so it will be a short discussion of issues.
Listen to, and watch, people like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, and yes, even Michael Savage. They will give you a better understanding of conservative principles, and thus give you ammunition when you talk to your liberal friends.
And finally, do not give up hope. We can take America back starting this fall. We may not accomplish it all at once, but we need to gain control of Congress and the White House by 2012. I remember in 2008, seeing busloads of obvious Obama voters coming to the polls in Bradenton, Florida. It was scary and I immediately knew what the outcome of that election would be. We need to have the same fervor, committment and conservative turn- out in every election from now on, that I saw from the other side in 2008.
Oh, I forgot to tell you what a bigot is. A bigot is a Belligerent, Intelligent, God-fearing, Over-governed Taxpayer!!
Friday, August 27, 2010
When will they ever learn??
Remember the old folk song "Where Have All the Flowers Gone"? Here is my updated version. Unfortunately, what it says reflects as much what is going on today as the original did. So put on your Peter, Paul and Mary masks and sing along...
"Where have all the oil wells gone,
long time drilling;
where have all the oil wells gone,
we're running low;
where have all the oil wells gone,
capped by liberals everyone;
why don't they ever learn,
why won't they ever learn?"
"Where have all our freedoms gone,
long time coming;
where have all our freedoms gone,
where did they go;
where have all our freedoms gone,
legislated everyone;
why don't they ever learn,
why won't they ever learn?"
"Where have all our leaders gone,
long time failing;
where have all our leaders gone,
where did they go;
where have all our leaders gone,
spineless puppets everyone;
why don't they ever learn,
why won't they ever learn?"
"Where has our great country gone,
long time building;
where has our great country gone,
where did it go;
where has our great country gone,
politics have done it in;
why don't they ever learn,
why won't they ever learn?"
"Where have all the oil wells gone,
long time drilling;
where have all the oil wells gone,
we're running low;
where have all the oil wells gone,
capped by liberals everyone;
why don't they ever learn,
why won't they ever learn?"
"Where have all our freedoms gone,
long time coming;
where have all our freedoms gone,
where did they go;
where have all our freedoms gone,
legislated everyone;
why don't they ever learn,
why won't they ever learn?"
"Where have all our leaders gone,
long time failing;
where have all our leaders gone,
where did they go;
where have all our leaders gone,
spineless puppets everyone;
why don't they ever learn,
why won't they ever learn?"
"Where has our great country gone,
long time building;
where has our great country gone,
where did it go;
where has our great country gone,
politics have done it in;
why don't they ever learn,
why won't they ever learn?"
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Clearing up some misinformation about obama...
Those of you who think that obama is a socialist are just plain wrong! Let me explain. According to my secret Harvard informant, when obama was a student at Harvard he liked to party a lot. He said to his friends at every chance, "I want to be on your social list!" A dark- hearted obama hater reported to the press that obama had said that "I want to be a socialist!". This accusation is obviously false and again you, the American public, are dumb and misinformed about our beloved Presitator. He has never given any reason for anyone to believe that he is indeed a socialist! I'm glad that I could clear this up for all of you out there, and I assure you that my level of support for obama will remain the same as it has always been!
More oxymorons
Before I start, I need to clear up some confusion. The definition of oxymoron is NOT "a stupid bovine"...
Oxymorons:
Stop leak
Winged feet
Low bridge
New dynasty
Low standards
Squared circle
Short sermon
Day bed
Horse fly
Restricted access
Roaring fire
Installed options
Hands- off policy
Light work
Exact estimate
Probable cause
and finally; honest _______ (fill in the blank from among the following) politician, lawyer, used car salesman; or just say all of the above...
Oh, just one more, I can't leave it out, wait for it.....
SINCERE LIBERAL
Oxymorons:
Stop leak
Winged feet
Low bridge
New dynasty
Low standards
Squared circle
Short sermon
Day bed
Horse fly
Restricted access
Roaring fire
Installed options
Hands- off policy
Light work
Exact estimate
Probable cause
and finally; honest _______ (fill in the blank from among the following) politician, lawyer, used car salesman; or just say all of the above...
Oh, just one more, I can't leave it out, wait for it.....
SINCERE LIBERAL
Remember when ??
When you lose several people in your life in a short time, you often get melancholy and start remembering the past. So here are some "remember whens"...
Remember when:
We actually took our shopping carts back inside the store ??
A dollar would get you a haircut, a matinee movie, popcorn and a drink ??
Social Security was something you actually had to pay into to get benefits ??
You thought that shaving cream ads were risque ??
You bought recap tires to save a few bucks ??
You bragged to your friends about going to Church ??
You had to learn how to use a slide rule in school ??
You watched the World Series on TV in study hall at school ??
The terrorists in your life were your little bothers and sisters ??
Most of your school teachers were old enough to be your grandparent ??
Driving down the road at 60 mph seemed fast and dangerous ??
A big town was one with more than two traffic lights ??
You put peanuts in your pepsi ??
You destroyed valuable collectible baseball cards by putting them in your bicycle spokes to make noise ??
Disrespecting your parents meant calling them mom or dad instead of maam or sir ??
Republicans and Democrats respected each other ??
Other countries respected and feared the U.S. and our President ??
Good and bad didn't have shades of grey ??
O.K. this getting too political, it's time to quit...
Remember when:
We actually took our shopping carts back inside the store ??
A dollar would get you a haircut, a matinee movie, popcorn and a drink ??
Social Security was something you actually had to pay into to get benefits ??
You thought that shaving cream ads were risque ??
You bought recap tires to save a few bucks ??
You bragged to your friends about going to Church ??
You had to learn how to use a slide rule in school ??
You watched the World Series on TV in study hall at school ??
The terrorists in your life were your little bothers and sisters ??
Most of your school teachers were old enough to be your grandparent ??
Driving down the road at 60 mph seemed fast and dangerous ??
A big town was one with more than two traffic lights ??
You put peanuts in your pepsi ??
You destroyed valuable collectible baseball cards by putting them in your bicycle spokes to make noise ??
Disrespecting your parents meant calling them mom or dad instead of maam or sir ??
Republicans and Democrats respected each other ??
Other countries respected and feared the U.S. and our President ??
Good and bad didn't have shades of grey ??
O.K. this getting too political, it's time to quit...
Saturday, July 10, 2010
They're fixin' the oil spill
BP's puttin' on a cap,
Now we all can take a nap,
'Cause they're closin' up the gap,
They're fixin' the oil spill!!
Turn your tv to the news,
Listen to some other views,
The oil will no longer ooze;
They're fixin' the oil spill!!
Now the oil leak will be fixed,
The oil well cap has been deep sixed,
Obama's stamp has been affixed;
They're fixin' the oil spill!!
But we'll know in a week or two,
There's nothing we can really do,
A giant tube of super glue;
Still won't fix the oil spill!!
Now we all can take a nap,
'Cause they're closin' up the gap,
They're fixin' the oil spill!!
Turn your tv to the news,
Listen to some other views,
The oil will no longer ooze;
They're fixin' the oil spill!!
Now the oil leak will be fixed,
The oil well cap has been deep sixed,
Obama's stamp has been affixed;
They're fixin' the oil spill!!
But we'll know in a week or two,
There's nothing we can really do,
A giant tube of super glue;
Still won't fix the oil spill!!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Even more ramblings
I hear the voices again............
If a soldier eats too many condiments can he be "mustard" out of the Army??
If being heterosexual was politically correct, would we have to change the name of our Nation's capitol to Washington AC/DC??
If Penny Marshal had married Jack Benny she would be Penny Benny
If Leslie Caron had married Elvis Presley she would be Leslie Presley
You might be a redneck if you identify the "w.w.f." as the worldwide wrestling federation instead of the world wildlife fund
"The oil spill is with us today,
It never is going away;
If obama's in charge,
It will get very large,
Much to our country's dismay"!!
Oxymorons:
Liquid lunch
Retail discount
Limited visibility
Behind the scenes leader
Non- profit business
Stage door
Open season
Flight path
Sealed orders
Cowboy
Sound of silence
If a soldier eats too many condiments can he be "mustard" out of the Army??
If being heterosexual was politically correct, would we have to change the name of our Nation's capitol to Washington AC/DC??
If Penny Marshal had married Jack Benny she would be Penny Benny
If Leslie Caron had married Elvis Presley she would be Leslie Presley
You might be a redneck if you identify the "w.w.f." as the worldwide wrestling federation instead of the world wildlife fund
"The oil spill is with us today,
It never is going away;
If obama's in charge,
It will get very large,
Much to our country's dismay"!!
Oxymorons:
Liquid lunch
Retail discount
Limited visibility
Behind the scenes leader
Non- profit business
Stage door
Open season
Flight path
Sealed orders
Cowboy
Sound of silence
R.I.P. Linda Hall
Linda Hall passed away today. Her passing was not totally unexpected as she had been sick and on dialysis for years. She had a bad accident, I recall that it was in 2003 but I could be wrong, that would have killed a lesser person. Linda was a fighter. I remember coming up to see her in, again I believe it was 2004, when she weighed about 80 pounds. She reveled in telling her Doctors in Cooperstown who had written her off as soon to be dead, that she was still around!
Linda loved her dogs. In 1998 when we were up for the winter, we gave her a shitsu mix named Nikki that hung around the old Jackson farm. Nikki survived until last year and gave Linda great pleasure. Carol and I always enjoyed visiting Linda and driving to Binghamton or where ever with her. She was a joy to be around and we both loved her very much. Linda and my wife Carol were closer than sisters and we tried to call her every week.
Many people who like animals are not good around people, but Linda was. She was an excellent conversationalist and a great listener. We enjoyed attending the Plymouth Church with her and Ronnie when we were in town.
Linda was a person that you rooted for to overcome her many physical ailments and she did. She was a fighter and had the strongest will to live that I have ever seen!
Some people are just easy to like and love, and Linda was one of those people. Her passing leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled. We love you and will miss you more than we can express. Rest in Peace our friend and "sister"!
Linda loved her dogs. In 1998 when we were up for the winter, we gave her a shitsu mix named Nikki that hung around the old Jackson farm. Nikki survived until last year and gave Linda great pleasure. Carol and I always enjoyed visiting Linda and driving to Binghamton or where ever with her. She was a joy to be around and we both loved her very much. Linda and my wife Carol were closer than sisters and we tried to call her every week.
Many people who like animals are not good around people, but Linda was. She was an excellent conversationalist and a great listener. We enjoyed attending the Plymouth Church with her and Ronnie when we were in town.
Linda was a person that you rooted for to overcome her many physical ailments and she did. She was a fighter and had the strongest will to live that I have ever seen!
Some people are just easy to like and love, and Linda was one of those people. Her passing leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled. We love you and will miss you more than we can express. Rest in Peace our friend and "sister"!
Still more ramblings...
Before I post this, I want assure all of you that I do not do drugs or drink alcohol. These thoughts often come to me at night in my sleep. Now please do not suggest that I start doing drugs and alcohol !!
If there was a tree fruit blight in France could we be seeing "The Last Mango in Paris" ??
There once was a man name of Barry,
Who was visited once by a fairy;
She was not fond of him,
So she made him real slim,
And told him he'd never be merry!
What would you name a plant that is also a great guitar player? Carlos Lantana
There once was a country; U.S.,
Whose leader created a mess;
But the people remembered,
And the man was "Novembered",
No thanks to his friends in the press!
What would you name a plant that also has pretty hair? Goldiphlox
I hope to live long enough to have my great grandchildren climb up on my lap and ask: " Who were these liberals that I read about in my history book"?
What would you name a fruit that is red in both color and political leanings? Straw-barry Obama
If there was a tree fruit blight in France could we be seeing "The Last Mango in Paris" ??
There once was a man name of Barry,
Who was visited once by a fairy;
She was not fond of him,
So she made him real slim,
And told him he'd never be merry!
What would you name a plant that is also a great guitar player? Carlos Lantana
There once was a country; U.S.,
Whose leader created a mess;
But the people remembered,
And the man was "Novembered",
No thanks to his friends in the press!
What would you name a plant that also has pretty hair? Goldiphlox
I hope to live long enough to have my great grandchildren climb up on my lap and ask: " Who were these liberals that I read about in my history book"?
What would you name a fruit that is red in both color and political leanings? Straw-barry Obama
Recess appointment
One day, while the students at an elementary school were playing outside during their regularly scheduled time, the Principal decided on his own and without their knowledge, to appoint a milk monitor. This student was given the power to decide who would get milk and who wouldn't, based on a set of criteria given to the student by the Principal and without consulting anyone.
The milk monitor was completely unfair, letting his friends have milk and punishing those he didn't like by refusing to give them milk to drink. He even gave extra milk to his friends whether they asked for it or not. The students eventually complained to the Principal, but their pleas fell upon deaf ears. The members of the school board heard of this injustice, and when the contract of the Principal came up for renewal, they fired him.
Moral: Recess appointments never work out!! Are you listening obama ???
The milk monitor was completely unfair, letting his friends have milk and punishing those he didn't like by refusing to give them milk to drink. He even gave extra milk to his friends whether they asked for it or not. The students eventually complained to the Principal, but their pleas fell upon deaf ears. The members of the school board heard of this injustice, and when the contract of the Principal came up for renewal, they fired him.
Moral: Recess appointments never work out!! Are you listening obama ???
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
More music to sing along to
The title of this is "Old Rush Limbaugh". Sing it to the tune of "Old McDonald had a farm". Have fun. For those of you who don't know, the phrase e-i-b refers to Rush's radio network, the excellence in broadcasting network. See, this is educational, too! Here we go:
"Old Rush Limbaugh had a show, e-i, e-i-b;
He told the liberals where to go, e-i, e-i-b;
With obama here and a Biden there,
and entitlement programs everywhere;
Old Rush Limbaugh had a show, e-i, e-i-b.
Old Rush Limbaugh talks for free, e-i, e-i-b,
He supports Democracy, e-i, e-i-b;
With stack of stuff here and updates there,
The libs are pulling out their hair;
Old Rush Limbaugh talks for free, e-i, e-i-b.
Old Rush Limbaugh tells the truth, e-i, e-i-b,
He says libs are so uncouth, e-i, e-i-b;
with Pelosi here and Al Gore there,
He's got lots of stuff to share;
Old Rush Limbaugh tells the truth, e-i, e-i-b.
Old Rush Limbaugh is the best, e-i, e-i-b,
He puts liberals to the test, e-i, e-i-b;
With Sharpton here and Jackson there,
They're the cause of our despair;
Old Rush Limbaugh is the best, e-i, e-i-b."
"Old Rush Limbaugh had a show, e-i, e-i-b;
He told the liberals where to go, e-i, e-i-b;
With obama here and a Biden there,
and entitlement programs everywhere;
Old Rush Limbaugh had a show, e-i, e-i-b.
Old Rush Limbaugh talks for free, e-i, e-i-b,
He supports Democracy, e-i, e-i-b;
With stack of stuff here and updates there,
The libs are pulling out their hair;
Old Rush Limbaugh talks for free, e-i, e-i-b.
Old Rush Limbaugh tells the truth, e-i, e-i-b,
He says libs are so uncouth, e-i, e-i-b;
with Pelosi here and Al Gore there,
He's got lots of stuff to share;
Old Rush Limbaugh tells the truth, e-i, e-i-b.
Old Rush Limbaugh is the best, e-i, e-i-b,
He puts liberals to the test, e-i, e-i-b;
With Sharpton here and Jackson there,
They're the cause of our despair;
Old Rush Limbaugh is the best, e-i, e-i-b."
Sunday, July 4, 2010
You might be a redneck if....
You might be a redneck if...
Your outdoor patio is the back of your pickup truck
You think that Tracy Byrd and Tracy Lawrence are brothers
You try to send a letter using food stamps
Your family tree is up on the post office wall
You have an "Unemployment For Dummies" book
Your wedding cake was shaped like a shotgun
Your coon dog is your beneficiary
Your refrigerator is covered with 3rd grade diplomas
You think that broadband is a wide belt
You think that a cataract is an expensive kind of car
You think that MASH was a cooking show
You have a "Paula Deen For President" bumper sticker
You don't have a bumper to put the sticker on....
Your outdoor patio is the back of your pickup truck
You think that Tracy Byrd and Tracy Lawrence are brothers
You try to send a letter using food stamps
Your family tree is up on the post office wall
You have an "Unemployment For Dummies" book
Your wedding cake was shaped like a shotgun
Your coon dog is your beneficiary
Your refrigerator is covered with 3rd grade diplomas
You think that broadband is a wide belt
You think that a cataract is an expensive kind of car
You think that MASH was a cooking show
You have a "Paula Deen For President" bumper sticker
You don't have a bumper to put the sticker on....
Saturday, July 3, 2010
R.I.P. Adolf Moller
Adolf Moller died on June 28, 2010. He had been sick for the past few years and his passing was not unexpected. Adolf and I have a very important connection in life; my wife Carol was Adolf's first wife and I have been a dad to their daughter Donna for over 25 years.
In fact, all three of Adolf's wives were named Carol. We refer to them as numbers 1,2 and 3!!
It is no secret that Adolf was a drinker of mammoth proportions, so I don't feel that I am disrespecting him by saying that. Adolf and I had a good relationship throughout. I think that he realized at some level that both Carol and Donna were better off being with me than him. He and I would joke around a lot and he always called me "Davey". I remember back in my drinking days, driving Adolf around St Petersburg in his old Edsel. It is a wonder that we didn't wreck or get arrested! In the past 16 years since I stopped drinking, I saw a lot less of Adolf. When I did see him, he respected my decision to not drink.
Adolf will be buried in the Walton Cemetery next to his Mother as he wished. There will be a memorial service for him in Walton at some time later. R.I.P. my friend!!
In fact, all three of Adolf's wives were named Carol. We refer to them as numbers 1,2 and 3!!
It is no secret that Adolf was a drinker of mammoth proportions, so I don't feel that I am disrespecting him by saying that. Adolf and I had a good relationship throughout. I think that he realized at some level that both Carol and Donna were better off being with me than him. He and I would joke around a lot and he always called me "Davey". I remember back in my drinking days, driving Adolf around St Petersburg in his old Edsel. It is a wonder that we didn't wreck or get arrested! In the past 16 years since I stopped drinking, I saw a lot less of Adolf. When I did see him, he respected my decision to not drink.
Adolf will be buried in the Walton Cemetery next to his Mother as he wished. There will be a memorial service for him in Walton at some time later. R.I.P. my friend!!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Al Gore's defense
Al Gore has a very logical and reasonable defense for his recent actions. He says that when the lady came into his room give him his massage that she presented him with her card. He thought the the card read "Massage The Rapist" instead of " Massage Therapist".He claims that he was just following orders !!
An INSURANCE story
One day PRUDENTIAL threw a rock through the GEICO window. It bounced off the gecko and hit the AFLAC duck. Luckily, the METLIFE blimp was in the area and it took them to the BLUE CROSS hospital which was nearby. After they recovered, they went on a GREAT AMERICAN tour with JOHN HANCOCK, experienced the NEW YORK LIFE and visited HARTFORD. After the tour was over, they spent the rest of their days at the STATE FARM in OMAHA!!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Liberalsim
I am not kidding when I say this. I firmly believe that Liberalism is a mental disorder.
Having said that, I believe that many people who say they are liberals really aren't.
Because a true liberal doesn't believe in God,
and believes that entrepeneurs are evil people;
Thinks that Capitalism is the same as slavery,
and hates any organized religion outside of the Democratic Party!
Thinks that the Central Government should control all facets of our lives including how we raise our kids, what should be taught in our schools, and where we should be allowed to work, live and travel; how much we should earn and what we should do with our own money and wealth.
Believes in redistribution of wealth,
Counts as its heroes people such as Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Jeremiah Wright, William Ayres, Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Leon Trotsky, George Soros, Sol Alinsky, Michael Moore, Al Gore, FDR, Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Che Guevara, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Al Franken.
Thinks that the US deserved 9/11,
and cheered when it happened!!
Thinks that terrorists are freedom fighters,
Hates the US Military;
Despises the US Flag and other patriotic symbols,
Supports illegal immigration.
Thinks that the US as we know it is an anachronism,
Has never listened to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly or Michael Savage with an open mind;
Supports all entitlement programs,
And finally... thinks that Obama is the answer to all of their "prayers"; and maybe he indeed is!!
Having said that, I believe that many people who say they are liberals really aren't.
Because a true liberal doesn't believe in God,
and believes that entrepeneurs are evil people;
Thinks that Capitalism is the same as slavery,
and hates any organized religion outside of the Democratic Party!
Thinks that the Central Government should control all facets of our lives including how we raise our kids, what should be taught in our schools, and where we should be allowed to work, live and travel; how much we should earn and what we should do with our own money and wealth.
Believes in redistribution of wealth,
Counts as its heroes people such as Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Jeremiah Wright, William Ayres, Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Leon Trotsky, George Soros, Sol Alinsky, Michael Moore, Al Gore, FDR, Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Che Guevara, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Al Franken.
Thinks that the US deserved 9/11,
and cheered when it happened!!
Thinks that terrorists are freedom fighters,
Hates the US Military;
Despises the US Flag and other patriotic symbols,
Supports illegal immigration.
Thinks that the US as we know it is an anachronism,
Has never listened to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly or Michael Savage with an open mind;
Supports all entitlement programs,
And finally... thinks that Obama is the answer to all of their "prayers"; and maybe he indeed is!!
Ramblings...
If you mix grape juice with apple juice and give it to wrestlers, would you call it "grapple juice"??
If you mix cranberry juice with apple juice to regulate your bowels, would you call it "crapple juice"??
Is it possible to neuter a newt ??
Wouldn't it be awful if we had to choose between Hilary Clinton or Sarah Palin for president in 2012 ??
Was Obama thinking of Heinz Ketsup when he said he had visited all 57 states ??
If we annexed Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, the Bahamas and Jamaica, we would indeed have 57 states !!
Then we could could cede California, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon and Michigan, and still have 50 mostly good states !!
How much is BP going to have to pay to the 12 foreign countries who have, after 70 days, been allowed by his eminence, Presitator Obama, to help with the gulf oil spill ??
Perhaps Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan should learn Kagan Cooperative learning techniques...(look it up if you don't understand this one)
If Taylor Swift married Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers she would be Taylor Swift Rivers...
If she married Melissa Rivers she would be...oh forget it...
They are thinking about bringing back the TV show "Grace Under Fire" with Ellen Degeneres and call it "Grace Under Ellen"....
I hear that several Republican Senators have tried to out for a part in the road production of "Bye Bye Birdie"...
How soon will it be before we have to refer to blackberries as african-american berries ??
Did you know that no illegal immigrants were harmed during the making of the 1939 movie "The Arizona Kid" starring Roy Rogers ??
If you crossed a donkey with Al Gore you would have:
(a) a dumb ass
(b) a story that wouldn't be reported by the media
(c) a potential democratic presidential candidate
(d) all of the above
The answer of course is (d)
If you mix cranberry juice with apple juice to regulate your bowels, would you call it "crapple juice"??
Is it possible to neuter a newt ??
Wouldn't it be awful if we had to choose between Hilary Clinton or Sarah Palin for president in 2012 ??
Was Obama thinking of Heinz Ketsup when he said he had visited all 57 states ??
If we annexed Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, the Bahamas and Jamaica, we would indeed have 57 states !!
Then we could could cede California, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon and Michigan, and still have 50 mostly good states !!
How much is BP going to have to pay to the 12 foreign countries who have, after 70 days, been allowed by his eminence, Presitator Obama, to help with the gulf oil spill ??
Perhaps Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan should learn Kagan Cooperative learning techniques...(look it up if you don't understand this one)
If Taylor Swift married Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers she would be Taylor Swift Rivers...
If she married Melissa Rivers she would be...oh forget it...
They are thinking about bringing back the TV show "Grace Under Fire" with Ellen Degeneres and call it "Grace Under Ellen"....
I hear that several Republican Senators have tried to out for a part in the road production of "Bye Bye Birdie"...
How soon will it be before we have to refer to blackberries as african-american berries ??
Did you know that no illegal immigrants were harmed during the making of the 1939 movie "The Arizona Kid" starring Roy Rogers ??
If you crossed a donkey with Al Gore you would have:
(a) a dumb ass
(b) a story that wouldn't be reported by the media
(c) a potential democratic presidential candidate
(d) all of the above
The answer of course is (d)
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Obama don't care
I feel compelled to set the whole gulf oil spill travesty to music; and what better song to model it after than "Blue tail fly" made famous by the legendary troubador Burl Ives.
But before we start I want to address the thought that I am being too hard on Obama. Those of you who think this way must have short memories. Remember all of the horrible, horrid, horrific and slanderous things that were said about President Bush following 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina? Again, as I have said before, you can't have it both ways!
So grab your pitch pipe, get a key, and sing along, again to the tune "Blue tail fly"...
Verse 1: Remember in two thousand ten,
the rig explosion killed some men;
and filled the gulf with ugly crude,
that put us in the foulest mood.
Chorus 1: We've got a spill, obama don't care,
we've got a spill, obama don't care,
we've got a spill, obama don't care,
perhaps he'll go away!
Verse 2: The cleanup started off real good,
and BP did all that it could;
the government got in the way,
and the oil still flows today.
Chorus 2: Let the oil flow, obama don't care,
let the oil flow, obama don't care,
let the oil flow, obama don't care,
it'll never go away!
Verse 3: He visited a time or two,
but never stepped into the goo;
but then he declared with a hiss,
BP will surely pay for this!
Chorus 3: We'll make them pay, obama don't care,
we'll make them pay, obama don't care,
we'll make them pay, obama don't care.
BP just go away!
Verse 4: The men came in to skim and dredge,
to save the gulf coast was their pledge;
the government said "go away,
we're waitin' on the EPA"!
Chorus 4: More red tape, obama don't care,
more red tape, obama don't care,
more red tape, obama don't care,
he'll never go away!
Verse 5: And years from now as we look back,
upon the gulf coast covered black;
but mother nature healed her own,
and sent obama marching home!
Chorus 5: It's over now, obama don't care,
it's over now, obama don't care'
it's over now, obama don't care,
he finally went away!
But before we start I want to address the thought that I am being too hard on Obama. Those of you who think this way must have short memories. Remember all of the horrible, horrid, horrific and slanderous things that were said about President Bush following 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina? Again, as I have said before, you can't have it both ways!
So grab your pitch pipe, get a key, and sing along, again to the tune "Blue tail fly"...
Verse 1: Remember in two thousand ten,
the rig explosion killed some men;
and filled the gulf with ugly crude,
that put us in the foulest mood.
Chorus 1: We've got a spill, obama don't care,
we've got a spill, obama don't care,
we've got a spill, obama don't care,
perhaps he'll go away!
Verse 2: The cleanup started off real good,
and BP did all that it could;
the government got in the way,
and the oil still flows today.
Chorus 2: Let the oil flow, obama don't care,
let the oil flow, obama don't care,
let the oil flow, obama don't care,
it'll never go away!
Verse 3: He visited a time or two,
but never stepped into the goo;
but then he declared with a hiss,
BP will surely pay for this!
Chorus 3: We'll make them pay, obama don't care,
we'll make them pay, obama don't care,
we'll make them pay, obama don't care.
BP just go away!
Verse 4: The men came in to skim and dredge,
to save the gulf coast was their pledge;
the government said "go away,
we're waitin' on the EPA"!
Chorus 4: More red tape, obama don't care,
more red tape, obama don't care,
more red tape, obama don't care,
he'll never go away!
Verse 5: And years from now as we look back,
upon the gulf coast covered black;
but mother nature healed her own,
and sent obama marching home!
Chorus 5: It's over now, obama don't care,
it's over now, obama don't care'
it's over now, obama don't care,
he finally went away!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Fort Lost in the Woods!
I still had over a year to serve after leaving Vietnam and I was assigned to the Preventive Medicine Section, General Leonard Wood Army Hospital, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. On my leave from Vietnam I had visited Janet Clark, a Walton girl, whose family had owned the Clark Funeral Home on Townsend Street. Her dad had died in 1965 and she and her mom, Francis Clark, had moved to Winter Haven, Florida. Janet had corresponded with me while I was in Vietnam and sent me lots of invidually wrapped chocolate chip cookies. You know the old saying,"the way to a man's heart..."? I arrived at FLW in April, 1970 and was soon placed in charge of the epidemiology section, better known as the VD lab! We diagnosed cases of gonnorhea mostly, with some syphilis and chancroid thrown in for good measure. About twice a month, myself and a gentleman named Joe Fusie from the Missouri Health Department would go to the local towns, St. Robert and Waynesville, to find the ladies of the evening responsible for the infection and make sure that they sought treatment. The stories that I heard from the soldiers of how that acquired their infection were both fantastic and fantasy!
I was realy enjoying life again, lots of sports to play, the almost nightly comraderie with my buddies who included Bill Boyce, Gary Gilmore (no not the one executed in Utah), Joe Peters, Ernie Johnson and others. Our Commanding Officer was LTC Karel Runcik, a Czech who escaped the Nazis during WWII. Colonel Runcik was still very rough around the edges and was a chain smoker. He was ferociously devoted his men and God help anyone else who messed with any of us!
On October 10, 1970, Janet and I were married in the Lake Alfred, Florida, Presbyterian Church. We had to get right back to Fort Leonard Wood where we soon had our own house at 17 Immell Street. We had a good marriage and we entertained the guys from the office a lot. I remember after Thanksgiving dinner that Joe Peters said that the meal tasted good, or maybe it was just because he was hungry: oops!! Ernie and Belinda Johnson became good friends and we visited a lot. I loved going to Lake of the Ozarks about once a month to collect water samples. We would take a boat out and enjoy fishing or just exploring the many caves around the lake.
Early in 1971 we found out that Janet was pregnant! The feeling of becoming a dad was so awesome! We went to Florida in April, stopped at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and found out that there was an Ag teacher opening in Manatee County. We went to Bradenton where I talked to Ruth Leeth, the personnel director and Charles Williams, the Ag supervisor. I was hired immediately! Because of this, I was able to get out of the Army early. So on June 21, 1971, I was discharged from active duty, and moved to 5002A- 20th Street West, Bradenton. I started my teaching job on July 1, 1971.
I was realy enjoying life again, lots of sports to play, the almost nightly comraderie with my buddies who included Bill Boyce, Gary Gilmore (no not the one executed in Utah), Joe Peters, Ernie Johnson and others. Our Commanding Officer was LTC Karel Runcik, a Czech who escaped the Nazis during WWII. Colonel Runcik was still very rough around the edges and was a chain smoker. He was ferociously devoted his men and God help anyone else who messed with any of us!
On October 10, 1970, Janet and I were married in the Lake Alfred, Florida, Presbyterian Church. We had to get right back to Fort Leonard Wood where we soon had our own house at 17 Immell Street. We had a good marriage and we entertained the guys from the office a lot. I remember after Thanksgiving dinner that Joe Peters said that the meal tasted good, or maybe it was just because he was hungry: oops!! Ernie and Belinda Johnson became good friends and we visited a lot. I loved going to Lake of the Ozarks about once a month to collect water samples. We would take a boat out and enjoy fishing or just exploring the many caves around the lake.
Early in 1971 we found out that Janet was pregnant! The feeling of becoming a dad was so awesome! We went to Florida in April, stopped at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and found out that there was an Ag teacher opening in Manatee County. We went to Bradenton where I talked to Ruth Leeth, the personnel director and Charles Williams, the Ag supervisor. I was hired immediately! Because of this, I was able to get out of the Army early. So on June 21, 1971, I was discharged from active duty, and moved to 5002A- 20th Street West, Bradenton. I started my teaching job on July 1, 1971.
Oil spill rap
I went outdoors and dropped on all fours when I heard the roars; from the fishermen, wondering when, they could go back to work; they were going berserk, 'cause the beaucrats, and other fat cats, were makin' up rules, they were actin' like fools; telling them they had their back, when quite in fact, they had no idea of what panacea, would clean up the mess that caused their distress; so they tried to assess how they could address, the problem that they could not allay; but they put the blame and tried to frame, the company that was called BP, that caused the disaster but could not master, the clean up try, and bye and bye, the feds took charge, but by and large, they made it worse; and now I hear, the fishermen curse, the government that couldn't reverse something that was so adverse...
Just a thought...
So what happens after BP goes bankrupt from paying out damages and other things that the Obama regime conjures up in relation to the gulf oil spill?? Here is a scenario: Obama rides in in on his white horse from the white house, uses billions from the Stimulus ( better known to me as the Slushulus) to pay unemployment claims, pay for environmental damages and do anything else that he can to garner votes; and because of all this largesse (using our money, by the way) he gets reelected in 2012. Couldn't happen you say?? Don't bet the mortgage against it (assuming that your house is not already in foreclosure)!!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Obama's speech tonight 6/15
I am going to save you all some time. Don't bother watching Obama's speech tonight. I'll give you the speech right now: here goes...
"I have been on top of this 9/11- like, man caused disaster from day 1. It was caused by capitalistic greed, which was encouraged by the Bush administration, which was receiving kick- backs from Halliburton, which was ordered to take short cuts in the inspection of oil rigs by Vice President Dick Cheney who used to be the CEO of Halliburton."
(pauses for applause which never comes)
"We now have in place the materials and manpower to clean up this spill, as long as BP pays for all of this up front, and as long as the EPA, OSHA and other Government agencies which I cannot remember the names of, approve in advance and assure us that no endangered species will be put in any danger during this operation, at which time all operations will be suspended immediately until further notice."
( pauses for applause which is not forthcoming, and ducks from tomatoes being thrown his way)
" I will make the gulf clean- up my number one priority as soon as Congress passes cap in trade, Elana Kagan is nominated to the Supreme Court and other stuff, which I cannot remember the details of right now, gets done. Thank you and good night."
(runs off the back of the stage to the white house basketball court to shoot some hoops)
"I have been on top of this 9/11- like, man caused disaster from day 1. It was caused by capitalistic greed, which was encouraged by the Bush administration, which was receiving kick- backs from Halliburton, which was ordered to take short cuts in the inspection of oil rigs by Vice President Dick Cheney who used to be the CEO of Halliburton."
(pauses for applause which never comes)
"We now have in place the materials and manpower to clean up this spill, as long as BP pays for all of this up front, and as long as the EPA, OSHA and other Government agencies which I cannot remember the names of, approve in advance and assure us that no endangered species will be put in any danger during this operation, at which time all operations will be suspended immediately until further notice."
( pauses for applause which is not forthcoming, and ducks from tomatoes being thrown his way)
" I will make the gulf clean- up my number one priority as soon as Congress passes cap in trade, Elana Kagan is nominated to the Supreme Court and other stuff, which I cannot remember the details of right now, gets done. Thank you and good night."
(runs off the back of the stage to the white house basketball court to shoot some hoops)
Chieu Hoi and "Leaving On a Jet Plane"
OK, I was due to leave country on March 1st, 1970, had a fairly safe, if not routine, situation; so what would possess me to volunteer for duty that would take me away from warm bed, cold beer and hot food? Chieu Hoi was a pacification program where villages and villagers were persuaded to stop supporting the VC (Viet Cong) with attached incentives. In practice it turned into a "stop being VC- friendly or bad things will happen to you", program. As I said before, the 5th Mech and the VC could not co-exist. Anyway, a team of about 15 soldiers including an interperter, scout, field medic, preventive medicine tech (me!) plus infantrymen for firepower would go to villages to carry out these missions. If the village was a VC stronghold, it might be set on fire, weapons caches blown up, villagers captured or killed, before all was said and done. It showed me the real brutality of war. The Michael J. Fox movie "Casualties of War" mirrored what I saw. I was actually TDY (temporary duty) for about a month. I was briefed just on what my duties were: safe water, waste disposal, assist the field medic, and assist in perimeter defense. We actually went into Laos which was a hotbed of VC activity near the Ho Chi Minh Trail. One village, Ban Nha, was a real problem and we ended up in a firefight. They had tunnels, caught us in a crossfire, and inflicted some casualties on us. We called in gunships and Hueys and finally got out. Of course we were not supposed to have been in Laos, so we were called back to Quang Tri base. At that point I was able to opt out of going back out in the "bush" because I was getting "short". Short means that you have less than 30 days left in Country and you need the time for out- processing or just goofing off! My replacement came in from Phu Bai and I was off to Danang, Cam Ranh Bay and SeaTac Airport courtesy of United Airlines! We stopped in Guam and Hawaii on the way back and no one went AWOL this time! Every day Armed Forces radio would play the Peter, Paul and Mary song, "Leavin' On a Jet Plane"....
The 'Nam
Flying Tigers airline, what an outfit: Eight engines, four on each wing, room for over 400 passengers along with all of our military gear, very impressive. We flew from Ft. Ord, California to Anchorage, Alaska for a stopover. Rumor has it that about 30 soldiers went AWOL there. Not me, I'm ready; then another stop in Japan and on to Cam Rahn Bay, Republic of Vietnam. I remember disembarking from the plane, the toilet smell and the searing heat, not to mention the hustle and bustle of getting everyone and everything off that magnificent bird that we had flown in on! We spent a couple of days in barracks waiting to be assigned to a unit and then off to the 172nd Preventive Medicine Unit in An Khe, just down the road from Khe Sahn firebase. It was pretty routine, lots of lab work, mess hall and food inspections, trips to town to find the hookers who were spreading VD to our troops, the nightly rocket and mortar attacks from the VC camped out on the mountain. Why in the hell would you build a base near a mountain full of caves? An Khe was the home of the 173rd Airborne and I guess they were just looking for a fight!
In July, our unit moved to Red Beach in Danang. Yeah there we were, right out in the open near the South China Sea. the swimming was great but I never felt comfortable there. It was at this point that I volunteered to run courier missions. I would board a helicopter with documents and reports and go to our units in Phu Bai (I wrote a song titled "Phu Bai sucks"), Saigon (had some interesting experiences there), Ban Me Thuot ( they had an Agriculture Experiment Station there) and some other places that I can't recall.
In November, myself, four other specialists and an officer named Captain Alan Gillogly all volunteered to go to Quang Tri, up near the DMZ to start a unit there. Quang tri base was the home of the 5th Mechanized Division, a unit hated and targeted by both the NVA and the VC. What had we gotten ourselves into? We had a hooch (a place to live) right on the south perimeter of the base, had to build our own bunker (we named it "Ellsworth" after the US South Vietnam ambassador Ellsworth Bunker; Archie Bunker had not yet appeared on the scene). The other guys in the unit were: Bob Valdez, a Pima Indian (remember Ira Hayes?), Bob Sanchez and kid from New Jersey, complete with the accent, Leo Malysa. We did the normal lab work and inspections, but also went to town about once a week to inspect the local ice- making operations! It was a lot more relaxed there and we did lots of card playing and interacted well with the 495th Transportation Unit, a National Guard Unit from Lakeland, Florida. Our Captain was an entomologist and we did a lot insect collecting with him. In fact we listened to part of Super Bowl 4 while flying in a helicopter on an insect scouting mission! I also continued my courier missions, it was a good way to see the country and make time go faster. I tried to extend my tour for 6 additional months, and by doing so I could get out of the Army earlier. However, there was no need for the M.O.S. 91 Sierra so my request was turned down!
In July, our unit moved to Red Beach in Danang. Yeah there we were, right out in the open near the South China Sea. the swimming was great but I never felt comfortable there. It was at this point that I volunteered to run courier missions. I would board a helicopter with documents and reports and go to our units in Phu Bai (I wrote a song titled "Phu Bai sucks"), Saigon (had some interesting experiences there), Ban Me Thuot ( they had an Agriculture Experiment Station there) and some other places that I can't recall.
In November, myself, four other specialists and an officer named Captain Alan Gillogly all volunteered to go to Quang Tri, up near the DMZ to start a unit there. Quang tri base was the home of the 5th Mechanized Division, a unit hated and targeted by both the NVA and the VC. What had we gotten ourselves into? We had a hooch (a place to live) right on the south perimeter of the base, had to build our own bunker (we named it "Ellsworth" after the US South Vietnam ambassador Ellsworth Bunker; Archie Bunker had not yet appeared on the scene). The other guys in the unit were: Bob Valdez, a Pima Indian (remember Ira Hayes?), Bob Sanchez and kid from New Jersey, complete with the accent, Leo Malysa. We did the normal lab work and inspections, but also went to town about once a week to inspect the local ice- making operations! It was a lot more relaxed there and we did lots of card playing and interacted well with the 495th Transportation Unit, a National Guard Unit from Lakeland, Florida. Our Captain was an entomologist and we did a lot insect collecting with him. In fact we listened to part of Super Bowl 4 while flying in a helicopter on an insect scouting mission! I also continued my courier missions, it was a good way to see the country and make time go faster. I tried to extend my tour for 6 additional months, and by doing so I could get out of the Army earlier. However, there was no need for the M.O.S. 91 Sierra so my request was turned down!
Monday, June 14, 2010
You're in the army now!!
Ah yes, Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Basic training, 8 weeks of hell!! Those two years of ROTC at Cornell counted for nothing, I'm a private E-1, probably heading for Vietnam infantry duty. Screw that, I'll sign up for another year, become a Preventive Medicine technician, and get out alive. That was pretty much my thought process; I'll sacrifice another year of my life to hopefully save my life. Sure I can shoot a rifle real well, but killing a deer or woodchuck is a lot different than killing another human being! In fact I even tried to claim that I was a conscientious objector not really knowing what a conscientious objector was. That got a lot brass's attention and when they explained it to me I just said "no, I guess I'm not a C.O. then."
It was hot and dusty at Ft. Jax but I was still in pretty good physical shape and I tried real hard to do my best. I won an inspection contest and got an afternoon off from training. While I was sitting on my bed, my platoon sergeant, a 19 year old kid, came in and ordered me to come with him. I refused and promptly found myself on K.P. in the N.C.O. mess hall for the remaining 5 weeks of training. That was O.K. because I got to watch the 1968 world series on TV in the mess hall. God works in mysterious ways! After eight weeks I was sent to Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Tx. for my medical training. It was like heaven! We had eight hours of classes from Monday through Friday, very little duty, an off- post pass and weekends free! I did take advantage of this in many ways, which I don't feel like discussing here! I was at last regaining my self esteem. I felt like I was doing something important, and while I still used alcohol, I was having fun at the same time; a different scenario for me. The schooling ended in late January, 1969, and of course I got my orders for Vietnam; but first, a 30 day leave back in Walton! During the leave I got to see a lot of old friends, officially say good by to my estranged wife, and have a legendary blowout send-off party! I flew from JFK to San Francisco, spent a few days sightseeing and shipped out on March 1, 1969, for the greatest adventure of my life.
It was hot and dusty at Ft. Jax but I was still in pretty good physical shape and I tried real hard to do my best. I won an inspection contest and got an afternoon off from training. While I was sitting on my bed, my platoon sergeant, a 19 year old kid, came in and ordered me to come with him. I refused and promptly found myself on K.P. in the N.C.O. mess hall for the remaining 5 weeks of training. That was O.K. because I got to watch the 1968 world series on TV in the mess hall. God works in mysterious ways! After eight weeks I was sent to Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Tx. for my medical training. It was like heaven! We had eight hours of classes from Monday through Friday, very little duty, an off- post pass and weekends free! I did take advantage of this in many ways, which I don't feel like discussing here! I was at last regaining my self esteem. I felt like I was doing something important, and while I still used alcohol, I was having fun at the same time; a different scenario for me. The schooling ended in late January, 1969, and of course I got my orders for Vietnam; but first, a 30 day leave back in Walton! During the leave I got to see a lot of old friends, officially say good by to my estranged wife, and have a legendary blowout send-off party! I flew from JFK to San Francisco, spent a few days sightseeing and shipped out on March 1, 1969, for the greatest adventure of my life.
"High Above Cayuga's Waters"....
In September. 1961, I went away to college; not very far away as it turns out, unless you are a farm boy who had never been farther than Washington, D.C. in his life. Those 90 or so miles from Walton, my home, my friends and my family might have just as well been half-way around the world! I did however, settle into college life academically and took learning seriously. I never missed a class or was never even late to a class until my Senior year, but that's another story! I remember my 8:00 A.M. Animal Science class was in Morrison Hall which was exactly one mile from University Dorm #1 where I lived in room 1326. Oh, and it was straight up Library Slope, past Jenny McGraw tower, up Tower Road, past the Ag Quad and Dairy Science buildings. I was eventually able to walk it in 12 minutes in all kinds of weather. No, I didn't have a car, or bicycle and bus service was not as available as it is today; I double- timed it! I did not put on any weight during my freshman year due in no small part to all of the walking that I gladly did! I did get home a couple of times a month on the average. I didn't date, wasn't interest in fraternities, just studied, did a lot of running on my own and played regularly in pickup basketball games in the Teagle Hall gym. A guy named Don Byington, from Downsville was there a lot. I always tried to play on his team. Don was one of the guys from Downsville who regularly kicked Walton's butt in basketball. Don was a good friend of my brother Tom who was also a student at Cornell. I didn't see a lot of Tom, he lived in a rooming house on Stewart Avenue. As I have said before, we weren't real close to each other until later in life.
The academics at Cornell were rigorous. You had to learn to prioritize your study time so that you didn't fall too far behind in any course. I made the mistake of thinking that I didn't need to spend a lot of time on Biology since I had scored a 99 on my High Schools Biology regents exam. The whole thing kind of snowballed and I ended up having to get a 75 on my bio final in order to pass. I got a 76 and passed by one point. I never let that happen to me again! In my eight undergrad semesters, I made dean's list three times and was 5th in my class during one semester. I ended up graduating 61st out of about 400 College of Agriculture students. I worked at the Mann Library for two years and used my down time to study back in the "stacks."
During my Senior year I roomed with three Vetrinarian students at 13 Railroad Ave. in Freeville. I finally had my first car, a 1960 Chevy with automatic on the column! I really enjoyed my Senior year, less pressure to keep my GPA up and now I had "wheels" and more freedom! I finally decided to major in Agriculture Education and was lucky enough to receive a Ford Foundation Grant and be accepted to Grad School. I did my student teaching at Cherry Valley and Phelps and in 1966 I accepted my first teaching job at Windsor Central School.
I'm going to jump ahead at this point. As many of my family and friends know, I became increasingly dependent on alcohol over the years and on June 1, 1994, I quit cold- turkey! No rehab, no medications, I just made up my mind to quit and I did; stubborn I guess! My drinking started during my Sophomore year and was just weekend binging to start with, but eventually escalated to a six- pack plus a day in a couple of years. I feel blessed that my life has been as successful as it has despite my alcohol addiction!
Back to Cornell: in 1966 I married a girl named Evelyn Yarnes Smith. Her family is from Walton. It was not a good marriage in any way. She had liver damage from a botched operation and I guess that I felt sorry for her at first and wasn't strong enough to walk away. I don't know how I survived my year at Windsor, my home life was hell! I did well enough teaching, I had a co-teacher named Jerry Quimby who helped me through a lot rough days. Toward the end of the year I heard that Stan Burton, long time Ag teacher at Downsville, was leaving. I applied for, and was given the job. My tenure at Downsville was a disaster. I was drinking heavily, trying to hold it together at home while trying to do a good job teaching. I cared but I couldn't pull it off. I was absent a lot, did not teach well, and ran a sloppy FFA program. In February I was told by my Principal, Mr. Gerald Hutton, that I wouldn't be coming back. At this point there were some things going on in my life that I am so ashamed of that I can't share them in this forum! It was all of my own doing, and I have no one to blame but myself. As long as I was teaching I had a draft deferrment; remember this was during Vietnam. As soon as I lost my deferrment, it was just a matter of time before my number came up; that day was September 9, 1968, and my life was changed forever....
I want to add a few things to my discussion of my life during the years 1961- 1968. I took two years of ROTC at Cornell, but at the end of my second year I decided to opt out instead of accepting a commission as an Officer. During my year at Downsville I lived in a trailer on my brother Tom's property in Walton. I of course was a lousy tenant, hardly ever paid rent, had lots of parties and generally created havoc and hardship for everyone around me. My brother Tom showed the patience of Job and let a lot things go. It was at this point that I started to appreciate my brother more. In the months before my being drafted, my marriage was on the rocks, I was financially destroyed and I continued to drink and party heavily. I needed to get off of this merry go round. Uncle Sam came to my rescue...
The academics at Cornell were rigorous. You had to learn to prioritize your study time so that you didn't fall too far behind in any course. I made the mistake of thinking that I didn't need to spend a lot of time on Biology since I had scored a 99 on my High Schools Biology regents exam. The whole thing kind of snowballed and I ended up having to get a 75 on my bio final in order to pass. I got a 76 and passed by one point. I never let that happen to me again! In my eight undergrad semesters, I made dean's list three times and was 5th in my class during one semester. I ended up graduating 61st out of about 400 College of Agriculture students. I worked at the Mann Library for two years and used my down time to study back in the "stacks."
During my Senior year I roomed with three Vetrinarian students at 13 Railroad Ave. in Freeville. I finally had my first car, a 1960 Chevy with automatic on the column! I really enjoyed my Senior year, less pressure to keep my GPA up and now I had "wheels" and more freedom! I finally decided to major in Agriculture Education and was lucky enough to receive a Ford Foundation Grant and be accepted to Grad School. I did my student teaching at Cherry Valley and Phelps and in 1966 I accepted my first teaching job at Windsor Central School.
I'm going to jump ahead at this point. As many of my family and friends know, I became increasingly dependent on alcohol over the years and on June 1, 1994, I quit cold- turkey! No rehab, no medications, I just made up my mind to quit and I did; stubborn I guess! My drinking started during my Sophomore year and was just weekend binging to start with, but eventually escalated to a six- pack plus a day in a couple of years. I feel blessed that my life has been as successful as it has despite my alcohol addiction!
Back to Cornell: in 1966 I married a girl named Evelyn Yarnes Smith. Her family is from Walton. It was not a good marriage in any way. She had liver damage from a botched operation and I guess that I felt sorry for her at first and wasn't strong enough to walk away. I don't know how I survived my year at Windsor, my home life was hell! I did well enough teaching, I had a co-teacher named Jerry Quimby who helped me through a lot rough days. Toward the end of the year I heard that Stan Burton, long time Ag teacher at Downsville, was leaving. I applied for, and was given the job. My tenure at Downsville was a disaster. I was drinking heavily, trying to hold it together at home while trying to do a good job teaching. I cared but I couldn't pull it off. I was absent a lot, did not teach well, and ran a sloppy FFA program. In February I was told by my Principal, Mr. Gerald Hutton, that I wouldn't be coming back. At this point there were some things going on in my life that I am so ashamed of that I can't share them in this forum! It was all of my own doing, and I have no one to blame but myself. As long as I was teaching I had a draft deferrment; remember this was during Vietnam. As soon as I lost my deferrment, it was just a matter of time before my number came up; that day was September 9, 1968, and my life was changed forever....
I want to add a few things to my discussion of my life during the years 1961- 1968. I took two years of ROTC at Cornell, but at the end of my second year I decided to opt out instead of accepting a commission as an Officer. During my year at Downsville I lived in a trailer on my brother Tom's property in Walton. I of course was a lousy tenant, hardly ever paid rent, had lots of parties and generally created havoc and hardship for everyone around me. My brother Tom showed the patience of Job and let a lot things go. It was at this point that I started to appreciate my brother more. In the months before my being drafted, my marriage was on the rocks, I was financially destroyed and I continued to drink and party heavily. I needed to get off of this merry go round. Uncle Sam came to my rescue...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Black holes
(To fully understand this blog, you need to listen to the video that goes with this card. You can just google "black hole" or I am sure that you can catch it on You tube) I am weighing in on the NAACP Black hole graduation card controversy. I just listened to those little racists named "Hoops" and "Yoyo" and their racist speil (not). Come on Mr. Jenkins of the Los Angeles NAACP, did we both even hear the same playful banter, challenging ostensibly black graduates to conquer the world and conquer the universe? Apparently not! I did not hear the word black "whore" used, even though I tried to imagine that it was there, instead of the word "hole". Don't you people (oh, I'm sorry, did not mean to be racist by referring to you as "you people!") have more important issues to worry about like black underacheivement, black graduation rates, black unemployment; oh, and most importantly, those black- hearted conservative radio talk show racists!
I have the ultimate solution for this problem; take the term "black hole"( which is credited to a Princeton Professor and physicist, Manhattan project participant, and non- slave owner as far as I can determine, named John Archibald Wheeler) out of the lexicon and replace it with one of the following: Limbaugh's left ventricle, Beck's blood beater, O'Reilly's aorta, Hannity's hemithorax or finally, Savage's superior vena cava. By doing this, we will finally show that those racist Conservative talk show hosts have hearts that are indeed black holes!
I have the ultimate solution for this problem; take the term "black hole"( which is credited to a Princeton Professor and physicist, Manhattan project participant, and non- slave owner as far as I can determine, named John Archibald Wheeler) out of the lexicon and replace it with one of the following: Limbaugh's left ventricle, Beck's blood beater, O'Reilly's aorta, Hannity's hemithorax or finally, Savage's superior vena cava. By doing this, we will finally show that those racist Conservative talk show hosts have hearts that are indeed black holes!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Me, the formative years!
The hardest blog to write is about yourself, but here goes: I was born on May 1, 1943 and was named David Ralph Jackson. The David, I guess, was after my Grandmother's brother, David Jacobson. The Ralph was after my Maternal Grandfather, Ralph Amos Lake. I was born in the farmhouse on the old Weber farm up Beers Brook. I did have to have a blood transfusion as I was an "rh" baby. In fact Fred Beecher, a long time friend of my mom and dad said "That boy isn't going make it" upon looking at me. I guess my color was bad! I don't of course remember much about my early childhood. I was told that I fell into the brook off the bridge on the old Weber farm at an early age. I don't remember when we moved to Beerston, but I know that by the time I attended kindergarten we were living in Beerston. I guess I had quite an imagination as a child (feel free to insert your favorite insult here!) I told my family that the bus driver, Jim Stanton, let me ride on his lap on the first day of school! A few years later when my mother asked where I had been, I told her that I was picking apples and had picked exactly 60 of them. This was in May, long before the apple season! I also used the word "bull s**t" quite often and had my mouth washed out with Ivory soap as a result.
I attended Townsend School for a few weeks in kindergarten, Mrs. Cora Runnells was my teacher. I was then moved to Miller Avenue School where I attended through 6th grade. I didn't get kicked out of Townsend, I guess I just got rezoned. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! My Miller Avenue teachers included Mrs. Dorothy Thomson, Mrs. Blanche Gilchrist, Mrs Wanda
Henderson, Mrs Haynes (who was Art Jamieson's mother in law), Mrs Margaret Nichols and Miss Bessie Schackelton. I was lucky to have the most caring, dedicated teachers in the world. They actually TAUGHT and expected us to learn, what a concept! Mr. Rosati was the art teacher, Miss Grescavage (later Lucille Courtney) taught music and Mr. Bob Popp, later my basketball coach, taught PE. Miss Merchant (later Mrs Richard Williams) was the school nurse and I think the Dental hygenist was named Mrs Race. Mr. Harry Dyer was the school custodian. Someone please correct me if I am wrong on any of these names. I had lots of friends and great memories of Miller Avenue. I remember playing marbles and usually getting beaten by Willie Tennant, swinging on the swings, riding on the merry go round thingy at breakneck speed, sneaking through the back fence to go down to Liguori's store for candy, playing in the woods, and just doing the fun things that kids do. It was a great break from the drudgery of the farm. I hated it when I was sick and had to miss school. I actually looked forward to going to school, learning and just being a kid. I think that best of all of my teachers was Miss Schackelton who was my 6th grade teacher. We had a group of boys who were feeling our oats by 6th grade and we engaged in farting contests with the attendant laughing and giggling. Miss Schackelton was undeterred and just kept on teaching; I really admired her for that. I remember taking a field trip to Townsend School. When I walked into that gym for the first time, I thought that it was the biggest place ever! Later on, I realized that it was just a bandbox when it came to basketball courts.
Then I moved on to Junior High, 7th and 8th grade. It wasn't much of an adjustment for me; there were teachers and there were things to learn, so I did. I continued to love school and by now had at least a passing interest in girls. I remember in 7th grade that Betsy Telford and I devised a code which allowed us to pass notes back and forth. Again, I had great teachers; Mrs. Oles, Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Ligouri, Mrs. Palmquist, Mrs. Pine and Mrs. Forsythe. I never had Mrs. Gadwood for a teacher and I'm sure that I have left someone out, sorry! True story: I was going to Florida in 1970 after I had gotten back from Vietnam, and who should I see on the plane; Mrs. Forsythe! We sat next to each other and had a great conversation. I learned to play the trumpet under Mr. Jamieson, took shop under Mr. Salton, and John Elderkin was my Ag teacher. At 8th grade graduation, I think I was 3rd academically behind Doug Mace and Betsy Kelley. I played Junior High basketball and learned to love the game even though I was not as good as I thought I was. Richard Shepard was probably my best Junior High friend. I remember we went to the 8th grade prom with Donna Budine and Karen Hogan as our dates.
Next of course, came High School. As a freshman I didn't do much except study and learn, I was in band, orchestra and chorus. I played freshman basketball, but had not discovered running yet. In my sophomore year I started taking Agriculture as well as carrying my college prep course load. My relationship with Mr. Elderkin was not all that good. He kept pushing me to do more, to be better and I didn't think I needed that push. I did well in Ag and FFA despite myself. I was the Chapter Vice President for two years (Ryan Kilmer was President), went to the District finals in public speaking and received my Empire Farmer degree. Now almost 50 years later, and after a 35 year career as an Ag teacher myself, I realize that he was right. So for the first time ever I want to say , "Thank you Mr. Elderkin!" It was in this year of school that I discovered running. I went out for track and ran the mile. By the end of the year I was the top miler on the team and had finally found a sport at which I was good. Oh sure, I played JV basketball that year but was limited by my lack of height and my insistence on shooting 20 plus feet set shots! So in my Junior year I went out for cross country. I was immediately the best runner on the team. I regularly finished in the top 5 of most of the inviational meets in which I competed. I remember winning a dual meet against Oneonta and the next Walton finisher was in 11th place. There was only one way for me to run; go out fast and try to hang on. My training was not very scientific, again I did not understand running at a slower than race pace to get into shape. It was all out or nothing for me! At some point, Mr. Jamieson, the music teacher, compared warming up and practicing a musical piece to warming up and preparing for a sporting event. It seemed like he was talking to me! That somewhat changed my approach and served me well later in life. I did well in track my Junior and Senior years, winning a majority of my races and setting a record for the fairgrounds track of 4:48. My senior year in cross country was pretty special too. Myself and Willie Tennant, who was out for cross country for the first time, finished first and second at the Sectional qualifying meet, beating a lot of good runners in the process! I also played varsity basketball but spent most of my time "riding the pine". When I did get into games I was looking for my patented set shot, called the "frog shot". Even if I made the shot, I didn't dare to look back at he bench to see Coach Popp's reaction! What about girls, you ask? Yes I did have some girlfriends, in particular Susan Hulbert. I graduated 9th in the class, wrote the class song and prepared to study agriculture at Cornell University!
I attended Townsend School for a few weeks in kindergarten, Mrs. Cora Runnells was my teacher. I was then moved to Miller Avenue School where I attended through 6th grade. I didn't get kicked out of Townsend, I guess I just got rezoned. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! My Miller Avenue teachers included Mrs. Dorothy Thomson, Mrs. Blanche Gilchrist, Mrs Wanda
Henderson, Mrs Haynes (who was Art Jamieson's mother in law), Mrs Margaret Nichols and Miss Bessie Schackelton. I was lucky to have the most caring, dedicated teachers in the world. They actually TAUGHT and expected us to learn, what a concept! Mr. Rosati was the art teacher, Miss Grescavage (later Lucille Courtney) taught music and Mr. Bob Popp, later my basketball coach, taught PE. Miss Merchant (later Mrs Richard Williams) was the school nurse and I think the Dental hygenist was named Mrs Race. Mr. Harry Dyer was the school custodian. Someone please correct me if I am wrong on any of these names. I had lots of friends and great memories of Miller Avenue. I remember playing marbles and usually getting beaten by Willie Tennant, swinging on the swings, riding on the merry go round thingy at breakneck speed, sneaking through the back fence to go down to Liguori's store for candy, playing in the woods, and just doing the fun things that kids do. It was a great break from the drudgery of the farm. I hated it when I was sick and had to miss school. I actually looked forward to going to school, learning and just being a kid. I think that best of all of my teachers was Miss Schackelton who was my 6th grade teacher. We had a group of boys who were feeling our oats by 6th grade and we engaged in farting contests with the attendant laughing and giggling. Miss Schackelton was undeterred and just kept on teaching; I really admired her for that. I remember taking a field trip to Townsend School. When I walked into that gym for the first time, I thought that it was the biggest place ever! Later on, I realized that it was just a bandbox when it came to basketball courts.
Then I moved on to Junior High, 7th and 8th grade. It wasn't much of an adjustment for me; there were teachers and there were things to learn, so I did. I continued to love school and by now had at least a passing interest in girls. I remember in 7th grade that Betsy Telford and I devised a code which allowed us to pass notes back and forth. Again, I had great teachers; Mrs. Oles, Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Ligouri, Mrs. Palmquist, Mrs. Pine and Mrs. Forsythe. I never had Mrs. Gadwood for a teacher and I'm sure that I have left someone out, sorry! True story: I was going to Florida in 1970 after I had gotten back from Vietnam, and who should I see on the plane; Mrs. Forsythe! We sat next to each other and had a great conversation. I learned to play the trumpet under Mr. Jamieson, took shop under Mr. Salton, and John Elderkin was my Ag teacher. At 8th grade graduation, I think I was 3rd academically behind Doug Mace and Betsy Kelley. I played Junior High basketball and learned to love the game even though I was not as good as I thought I was. Richard Shepard was probably my best Junior High friend. I remember we went to the 8th grade prom with Donna Budine and Karen Hogan as our dates.
Next of course, came High School. As a freshman I didn't do much except study and learn, I was in band, orchestra and chorus. I played freshman basketball, but had not discovered running yet. In my sophomore year I started taking Agriculture as well as carrying my college prep course load. My relationship with Mr. Elderkin was not all that good. He kept pushing me to do more, to be better and I didn't think I needed that push. I did well in Ag and FFA despite myself. I was the Chapter Vice President for two years (Ryan Kilmer was President), went to the District finals in public speaking and received my Empire Farmer degree. Now almost 50 years later, and after a 35 year career as an Ag teacher myself, I realize that he was right. So for the first time ever I want to say , "Thank you Mr. Elderkin!" It was in this year of school that I discovered running. I went out for track and ran the mile. By the end of the year I was the top miler on the team and had finally found a sport at which I was good. Oh sure, I played JV basketball that year but was limited by my lack of height and my insistence on shooting 20 plus feet set shots! So in my Junior year I went out for cross country. I was immediately the best runner on the team. I regularly finished in the top 5 of most of the inviational meets in which I competed. I remember winning a dual meet against Oneonta and the next Walton finisher was in 11th place. There was only one way for me to run; go out fast and try to hang on. My training was not very scientific, again I did not understand running at a slower than race pace to get into shape. It was all out or nothing for me! At some point, Mr. Jamieson, the music teacher, compared warming up and practicing a musical piece to warming up and preparing for a sporting event. It seemed like he was talking to me! That somewhat changed my approach and served me well later in life. I did well in track my Junior and Senior years, winning a majority of my races and setting a record for the fairgrounds track of 4:48. My senior year in cross country was pretty special too. Myself and Willie Tennant, who was out for cross country for the first time, finished first and second at the Sectional qualifying meet, beating a lot of good runners in the process! I also played varsity basketball but spent most of my time "riding the pine". When I did get into games I was looking for my patented set shot, called the "frog shot". Even if I made the shot, I didn't dare to look back at he bench to see Coach Popp's reaction! What about girls, you ask? Yes I did have some girlfriends, in particular Susan Hulbert. I graduated 9th in the class, wrote the class song and prepared to study agriculture at Cornell University!
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