I have to brag on my daughter a little bit. Closing out her year in second grade, she has significantly surpassed her reading goals and is starting to devour words at a prolific rate. This morning was no different.
As I was in the kitchen downing my morning regimen of medication, my young daughter was making her lunch in preparation for school when she offered, “Dada. I’m not going to have heart disease.”
“Really,” I say. “Why not?”
“Because I eat Cheerios and it says right here, (pointing to the box that was still on the table) ‘Proven to reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.’”
Next step ... Med school.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
I Are Educated
Talk to anyone who knows about global education and they will tell you that the US is lagging behind other progressive countries. It’s not that we are dumber than the rest of the world … well, yeah, maybe it is. I would say, however, that our smartest and most gifted are just as smart and gifted as everyone else’s smartest and most gifted, but we have fewer smarts and giftedness to go around. Call it what you will, we just don’t put a premium on education in this country.
Working in higher education, however, you like to think that most people have a general grasp of basic core knowledge. After all, everyone you deal with has a minimum of a high school diploma and has managed to score moderately well on the college entrance exams. Yet oustide these hallowed walls of higher learning there are still those who lack basic fundamental skills … such as simple, single-digit addition.
Case in point: My brother-in-law and I, along with a few other guys, have taken over the Optimist Club Softball program that gives girls ages 5-16 the chance to play summer league softball. The program was in shambles and was about to fold so he and I, mostly he, joined the Optimist Club with the express intent of taking over the program. So far, things have run pretty smoothly. We will have four leagues for girls ages 5-7, 8-10, 11-13 and 14-16. Take special note of those age divisions: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-16.
We are currently in the process of registering for the upcoming 2008 season which takes place in June. Girls register for leagues according to their age on Dec. 31, 2007. This is plainly stated on all material that has been sent out concerning registration.
Yesterday I received a question via email concerning registration. The email read, “If my child is 6yrs old and her birthday is in August, will she be put in the 5-7 yrs old catagory [sic] or bumped up to the 8-10 yrs old catagory [sic]?”
And we wonder why all the good jobs are going overseas.
Working in higher education, however, you like to think that most people have a general grasp of basic core knowledge. After all, everyone you deal with has a minimum of a high school diploma and has managed to score moderately well on the college entrance exams. Yet oustide these hallowed walls of higher learning there are still those who lack basic fundamental skills … such as simple, single-digit addition.
Case in point: My brother-in-law and I, along with a few other guys, have taken over the Optimist Club Softball program that gives girls ages 5-16 the chance to play summer league softball. The program was in shambles and was about to fold so he and I, mostly he, joined the Optimist Club with the express intent of taking over the program. So far, things have run pretty smoothly. We will have four leagues for girls ages 5-7, 8-10, 11-13 and 14-16. Take special note of those age divisions: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-16.
We are currently in the process of registering for the upcoming 2008 season which takes place in June. Girls register for leagues according to their age on Dec. 31, 2007. This is plainly stated on all material that has been sent out concerning registration.
Yesterday I received a question via email concerning registration. The email read, “If my child is 6yrs old and her birthday is in August, will she be put in the 5-7 yrs old catagory [sic] or bumped up to the 8-10 yrs old catagory [sic]?”
And we wonder why all the good jobs are going overseas.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
We've come a long way
In the ongoing saga of realizing ones mortality and the rate at which each individual ages, I must say that I had yet another revelation. This revelation being that one should take things at a more moderate pace once one is no longer immortal.
I’m not real sure what happened, but it involved an incessant stubbornness toward pushing oneself and the unrelenting, sadism of the modern-day treadmill. Needless to say, my left leg feels like it is going to detach at the hip and walking may no longer be an optional mode of transportation. But before you call me old, why don’t you get on a treadmill and push out 2 ½ miles in 30 minutes or less. It's not record pace, but it's pretty good for someone who is not used to doing that sort of thing.
Anyway, for the real reason of today’s post, I thought you might enjoy reading excerpts from the 1950-51 student handbooks at our small, faith-based university. In the pre-Cleaver era of homemaking and social norms, our fine, pioneering institution published separate handbooks for men and women. Needless to say, the women’s handbook was twice as long and dealt much more with personal appearance and behavior. The men’s handbook had smaller words and more pictures.
Under the heading “Wayland women and their dates,” the first paragraphs read, “Residents of dormitories must be properly introduced to their escort and their escort introduced to the (dorm) Counselor before dating. Each new escort must be introduced to the Counselor. Escorts will call for the residents at the dormitory. There will be no meeting elsewhere.” A few paragraphs later, “When cars are used for dating they are to be used only as transportation to and from the points of destination.”
There is no heading in the men’s handbook about, “Wayland men and their dates.”
And how about “Wayland women and the Lord’s day?”
“Worship in the Lord’s House on the Lord’s Day will help fortify, strengthen, and give wisdom to meet the challenge of each week. Residents will faithfully attend the church of their choice. Wayland women are appropriately attired for church attendance when they wear their ‘best dress’ or suit, with hose, gloves and hat. They are on their best behavior when they refrain from chewing gum, from unnecessary chatter, and when they contribute, individually, in every way to the worshipful atmosphere within the Lord’s House.”
Nothin’ about going to church in the men’s handbook.
“Wayland women and their dress”
“Residents are expected to dress modestly and neatly at all times, and appropriately for all occasions. Shorts are not allowed at any time inside or outside the dormitories. … Slacks and blue jeans are worn only on certain occasions and then by special permission of the Dean of Students. … Residents will not leave the dormitory with their hair rolled up. … Be alert to the styles of the moment as long as they are those becoming a Christian young woman. Watch your color combinations. Dress with taste and originality.”
You guessed it, nothing in the men’s book about how to dress.
Then we have the “Personal pointers for Wayland women.” I have just chosen some to give you an idea of what is included.
11. Be attractive! Cleanliness, good posture, appropriate dress and refinement are all a part of good grooming. (We all like our women to be well groomed.)
12. Refinement has no place for the boisterous and uncouth, or the blasé. (Can't stand those blase and uncouth chicks.)
13. Chew gum in private only. (But smoke, drink and prostitute yourself in public)
15. Familiarity shows lack of proper discretion and is out of place on Wayland campus. (I'm not real sure what they mean by this ... and I'm kind of afraid to ask.)
And, of course, there are no personal pointers in the men’s handbook.
But, I guess that’s not too bad for a school that in its formative years boasted in its promotional literature that “the town has no nightclubs and no negroes.”
Who says change is bad?
I’m not real sure what happened, but it involved an incessant stubbornness toward pushing oneself and the unrelenting, sadism of the modern-day treadmill. Needless to say, my left leg feels like it is going to detach at the hip and walking may no longer be an optional mode of transportation. But before you call me old, why don’t you get on a treadmill and push out 2 ½ miles in 30 minutes or less. It's not record pace, but it's pretty good for someone who is not used to doing that sort of thing.
Anyway, for the real reason of today’s post, I thought you might enjoy reading excerpts from the 1950-51 student handbooks at our small, faith-based university. In the pre-Cleaver era of homemaking and social norms, our fine, pioneering institution published separate handbooks for men and women. Needless to say, the women’s handbook was twice as long and dealt much more with personal appearance and behavior. The men’s handbook had smaller words and more pictures.
Under the heading “Wayland women and their dates,” the first paragraphs read, “Residents of dormitories must be properly introduced to their escort and their escort introduced to the (dorm) Counselor before dating. Each new escort must be introduced to the Counselor. Escorts will call for the residents at the dormitory. There will be no meeting elsewhere.” A few paragraphs later, “When cars are used for dating they are to be used only as transportation to and from the points of destination.”
There is no heading in the men’s handbook about, “Wayland men and their dates.”
And how about “Wayland women and the Lord’s day?”
“Worship in the Lord’s House on the Lord’s Day will help fortify, strengthen, and give wisdom to meet the challenge of each week. Residents will faithfully attend the church of their choice. Wayland women are appropriately attired for church attendance when they wear their ‘best dress’ or suit, with hose, gloves and hat. They are on their best behavior when they refrain from chewing gum, from unnecessary chatter, and when they contribute, individually, in every way to the worshipful atmosphere within the Lord’s House.”
Nothin’ about going to church in the men’s handbook.
“Wayland women and their dress”
“Residents are expected to dress modestly and neatly at all times, and appropriately for all occasions. Shorts are not allowed at any time inside or outside the dormitories. … Slacks and blue jeans are worn only on certain occasions and then by special permission of the Dean of Students. … Residents will not leave the dormitory with their hair rolled up. … Be alert to the styles of the moment as long as they are those becoming a Christian young woman. Watch your color combinations. Dress with taste and originality.”
You guessed it, nothing in the men’s book about how to dress.
Then we have the “Personal pointers for Wayland women.” I have just chosen some to give you an idea of what is included.
11. Be attractive! Cleanliness, good posture, appropriate dress and refinement are all a part of good grooming. (We all like our women to be well groomed.)
12. Refinement has no place for the boisterous and uncouth, or the blasé. (Can't stand those blase and uncouth chicks.)
13. Chew gum in private only. (But smoke, drink and prostitute yourself in public)
15. Familiarity shows lack of proper discretion and is out of place on Wayland campus. (I'm not real sure what they mean by this ... and I'm kind of afraid to ask.)
And, of course, there are no personal pointers in the men’s handbook.
But, I guess that’s not too bad for a school that in its formative years boasted in its promotional literature that “the town has no nightclubs and no negroes.”
Who says change is bad?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Gaming with grace
My sister told me the other day that I’m getting old. She always says that. Of course, she is nearly two years older than I am, so what does that make her … obsolete?
The latest episode that brought this on is admittedly a sign of aging, however, and is somewhat embarrassing. Not embarrassing in the sense that I suddenly discovered the need for adult diapers while giving an address to a crowded room at a donor banquet, but still embarrassing by other lesser standards.
It seems as though a certain affinity for video games has followed me into my adult years. And so, a couple of years ago, my wife bought me a Playstation 2 for my birthday. I bought a few games that I enjoyed messing around with … a couple of auto racing games, golf and things like that. But I decided recently that I wanted a good “butt-kicking” game. So with a gift card I received for Christmas, I purchased a Star Wars game. It’s pretty cool … or so I think although I haven’t yet gotten past the training portion of the game. You can play as certain battle soldiers or Jedi masters.
However, the graphics are designed as such that you have to run all over the place looking around you in every direction. The reason I haven’t surpassed the training stage just yet and the cause of my sister’s accusation is that the constant movement gives me motion sickness.
I can’t play the game for very long without feeling queasy and unwell. And for some reason my sister says that means I’m old.
… I’ll bet she wouldn’t say that if she could see me playing my video games while sitting entirely too close to the TV in my wife's small antique rocking chair.
The latest episode that brought this on is admittedly a sign of aging, however, and is somewhat embarrassing. Not embarrassing in the sense that I suddenly discovered the need for adult diapers while giving an address to a crowded room at a donor banquet, but still embarrassing by other lesser standards.
It seems as though a certain affinity for video games has followed me into my adult years. And so, a couple of years ago, my wife bought me a Playstation 2 for my birthday. I bought a few games that I enjoyed messing around with … a couple of auto racing games, golf and things like that. But I decided recently that I wanted a good “butt-kicking” game. So with a gift card I received for Christmas, I purchased a Star Wars game. It’s pretty cool … or so I think although I haven’t yet gotten past the training portion of the game. You can play as certain battle soldiers or Jedi masters.
However, the graphics are designed as such that you have to run all over the place looking around you in every direction. The reason I haven’t surpassed the training stage just yet and the cause of my sister’s accusation is that the constant movement gives me motion sickness.
I can’t play the game for very long without feeling queasy and unwell. And for some reason my sister says that means I’m old.
… I’ll bet she wouldn’t say that if she could see me playing my video games while sitting entirely too close to the TV in my wife's small antique rocking chair.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Random stuff
• I haven’t blogged much lately. Been quite busy what with work and classes and basketball games and stuff.
• Not sure who I’m gonna vote for. I kinda like Huckabee, but his tax plan is a joke and he won’t get the nomination anyway. I don’t think Clinton can win a general election.
• We’ve basically had two families controlling our country for the last 20 years. Why would we want to stretch that to 24 or 28 years? I really don’t think that is a good idea. It doesn’t matter what two families you choose, we need some freakin’ diversity.
• I’m glad the Giants won and that is difficult to say as a Cowboys fan, but the Patriots are cheaters. Period. That is not acceptable.
• I wrote a research paper this weekend. It’s not very good. I basically wrote some opinions then found some information to go along with what I was saying. I didn’t even bother to read over to make sure I spelled my name correctly. I’m not really enjoying this class, can you tell?
• My daughter asked me if we had electricity when I was a little kid. I said yes and explained that we even had television … but no SpongeBob.
• I think I’m getting old.
• Not sure who I’m gonna vote for. I kinda like Huckabee, but his tax plan is a joke and he won’t get the nomination anyway. I don’t think Clinton can win a general election.
• We’ve basically had two families controlling our country for the last 20 years. Why would we want to stretch that to 24 or 28 years? I really don’t think that is a good idea. It doesn’t matter what two families you choose, we need some freakin’ diversity.
• I’m glad the Giants won and that is difficult to say as a Cowboys fan, but the Patriots are cheaters. Period. That is not acceptable.
• I wrote a research paper this weekend. It’s not very good. I basically wrote some opinions then found some information to go along with what I was saying. I didn’t even bother to read over to make sure I spelled my name correctly. I’m not really enjoying this class, can you tell?
• My daughter asked me if we had electricity when I was a little kid. I said yes and explained that we even had television … but no SpongeBob.
• I think I’m getting old.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
"I see stupid people"
I just read an article on MSN reporting on the displaced residents of New Orleans suing the U.S. Government for more than $3 quadrillion. To put this in perspective, that is a 3 with 15 zeros behind it. What is this world coming to?
My wife bought me a t-shirt for Christmas. It’s solid black with white lettering on the front. It says simply, “I see stupid people.” I’m thinking it is quite appropriate for this situation. And for all those people who are trying desperately to find someone to blame for what happened to them, I have a few things to say:
1. The levies always fail. No exceptions. If the flood waters are rising, the levies will fail. You can count on it. Once the water reaches a certain level, the levies will break. It has happened over and over and over again and it will continue to happen because there is nothing manmade or in nature that can withstand the eroding power of water.
2. Contrary to popular belief, George W. Bush is not God. Bush did not call down the powers of nature to send a destructive hurricane to your doorstep. Bush does not have the power or authority to use the forces of nature to target specific neighborhoods. Furthermore, Bush did not build the levies and he certainly did not sabotage the levies causing them to fail. They do that on their own.
3. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you live below sea level in a coastal city … there is the potential for moderate to heavy flood damage. Come on, people. Grow up! I live in tornado alley and I guarantee that if a tornado rips through my house tomorrow I am not going to sit atop the pile of rubble crying until the president and government officials feel my plight and offer to bail me out of my situation. First of all, I don’t want splinters in my butt. Secondly, I’m smart enough to know that if I’m not doing anything to fix the situation, there’s a good chance that it ain’t gonna get fixed. And thirdly, since I live in a volatile area, I half expect a tornado to disrupt my life some day, anyway. I give thanks for every tornado season that passes without incident in my neighborhood.
4. Finally, and I know this one is really hard to believe if you are inclined to lean that direction, but hurricanes are not racist.
Needless to say, I’ll be one upset tax payer if the government uses my money to help these people who want nothing more than a free handout. I have no problem with the government stepping in to aid those who are working hard to better their situations, but I guarantee those people are probably not the ones who are filing multi million-dollar law suits. After all, some people in my part of the world are already paying for mandatory flood insurance policies in order to keep cost down for those who live in legitimate flood planes. That’s asinine enough, but it leads to another point that if they are going to rebuild, they should not rebuild below sea level. It will happen again. And again, the levies will fail.
My wife bought me a t-shirt for Christmas. It’s solid black with white lettering on the front. It says simply, “I see stupid people.” I’m thinking it is quite appropriate for this situation. And for all those people who are trying desperately to find someone to blame for what happened to them, I have a few things to say:
1. The levies always fail. No exceptions. If the flood waters are rising, the levies will fail. You can count on it. Once the water reaches a certain level, the levies will break. It has happened over and over and over again and it will continue to happen because there is nothing manmade or in nature that can withstand the eroding power of water.
2. Contrary to popular belief, George W. Bush is not God. Bush did not call down the powers of nature to send a destructive hurricane to your doorstep. Bush does not have the power or authority to use the forces of nature to target specific neighborhoods. Furthermore, Bush did not build the levies and he certainly did not sabotage the levies causing them to fail. They do that on their own.
3. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you live below sea level in a coastal city … there is the potential for moderate to heavy flood damage. Come on, people. Grow up! I live in tornado alley and I guarantee that if a tornado rips through my house tomorrow I am not going to sit atop the pile of rubble crying until the president and government officials feel my plight and offer to bail me out of my situation. First of all, I don’t want splinters in my butt. Secondly, I’m smart enough to know that if I’m not doing anything to fix the situation, there’s a good chance that it ain’t gonna get fixed. And thirdly, since I live in a volatile area, I half expect a tornado to disrupt my life some day, anyway. I give thanks for every tornado season that passes without incident in my neighborhood.
4. Finally, and I know this one is really hard to believe if you are inclined to lean that direction, but hurricanes are not racist.
Needless to say, I’ll be one upset tax payer if the government uses my money to help these people who want nothing more than a free handout. I have no problem with the government stepping in to aid those who are working hard to better their situations, but I guarantee those people are probably not the ones who are filing multi million-dollar law suits. After all, some people in my part of the world are already paying for mandatory flood insurance policies in order to keep cost down for those who live in legitimate flood planes. That’s asinine enough, but it leads to another point that if they are going to rebuild, they should not rebuild below sea level. It will happen again. And again, the levies will fail.
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Virgin Birth ...
I had a thought as I drove to work this morning.
… that happens every once in awhile, but it’s usually only one thought because it’s a real short distance from my driveway to the office – just over two blocks.
As biblical scholars continue to study and pore over manuscripts and bits and pieces of ancient documents, comparing them to those already known and in existence, they continue to develop new theories, thought and pictures of Jesus and the Bible.
One such developing theory surrounds the question of whether or not Jesus was truly born of a virgin. Some scholars are saying that the original Greek word used to describe Mary in Isaiah as well as the gospels simply means a “good, virtuous woman” or something along those lines. Therefore the conclusion they draw, although they have no real evidence to back this up, is that Jesus therefore was not born of a virgin and that this “miracle” occurred within natural law. However, it is still outside the confines of Mary’s marriage to Joseph.
Fine … say what you want to say. Will it destroy my faith if Jesus was not born of a virgin? Not really. I don’t think Jesus' identitity and what He did and accomplished is based on whether or not His mother was a virgin.
However, the thought that hit me driving to work this morning is this: If Jesus were not born of a virgin wouldn’t that in essence mean that God condoned an act of sinful nature and used it as His vehicle by which He delivered the message and means to save all mankind?
The 10 commandments came about long before the birth of Jesus and commandment seven clearly states “you shall not commit adultery.” I may be wrong, but isn’t sex outside of marriage considered adultery? Don’t both the Old and New Testaments teach that sex is meant for the confines of marriage? If this is so, why would God, who is intent on His followers trying to live a life free from sin, use an act of sin as His vehicle for the salvation of mankind? Would this not give credence to those who say that having sex whenever and wherever they want is OK because God condoned the act of Mary?
Please feel free to weigh in with your thoughts. And I would especially like to hear Little David’s thought on the matter since he holds a master of divinity (or should I say divination) degree and a Ph.D. from theological seminary. And Little David, if your answer is too long for the comment box, please feel free to email me and I will post it as post in and of itself.
… that happens every once in awhile, but it’s usually only one thought because it’s a real short distance from my driveway to the office – just over two blocks.
As biblical scholars continue to study and pore over manuscripts and bits and pieces of ancient documents, comparing them to those already known and in existence, they continue to develop new theories, thought and pictures of Jesus and the Bible.
One such developing theory surrounds the question of whether or not Jesus was truly born of a virgin. Some scholars are saying that the original Greek word used to describe Mary in Isaiah as well as the gospels simply means a “good, virtuous woman” or something along those lines. Therefore the conclusion they draw, although they have no real evidence to back this up, is that Jesus therefore was not born of a virgin and that this “miracle” occurred within natural law. However, it is still outside the confines of Mary’s marriage to Joseph.
Fine … say what you want to say. Will it destroy my faith if Jesus was not born of a virgin? Not really. I don’t think Jesus' identitity and what He did and accomplished is based on whether or not His mother was a virgin.
However, the thought that hit me driving to work this morning is this: If Jesus were not born of a virgin wouldn’t that in essence mean that God condoned an act of sinful nature and used it as His vehicle by which He delivered the message and means to save all mankind?
The 10 commandments came about long before the birth of Jesus and commandment seven clearly states “you shall not commit adultery.” I may be wrong, but isn’t sex outside of marriage considered adultery? Don’t both the Old and New Testaments teach that sex is meant for the confines of marriage? If this is so, why would God, who is intent on His followers trying to live a life free from sin, use an act of sin as His vehicle for the salvation of mankind? Would this not give credence to those who say that having sex whenever and wherever they want is OK because God condoned the act of Mary?
Please feel free to weigh in with your thoughts. And I would especially like to hear Little David’s thought on the matter since he holds a master of divinity (or should I say divination) degree and a Ph.D. from theological seminary. And Little David, if your answer is too long for the comment box, please feel free to email me and I will post it as post in and of itself.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
I scuffed myself
I rearranged my office today.
Stole a desk from another office.
Got everything neatly organizaed and in its place.
Suddenly remembered why I've spent the last five years using a desk with no middle drawer. ... It's a short world
Stole a desk from another office.
Got everything neatly organizaed and in its place.
Suddenly remembered why I've spent the last five years using a desk with no middle drawer. ... It's a short world
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Here's lookin' at you
Well, our little city, in the words of one local businessman, has “finally repealed prohibition” and ushered in a new era of sin and debauchery. An era in which the sin and debauchery is legal as opposed to the illegal sin and debauchery that we are currently experiencing. Tuesday’s election in our town included a referendum for the package sale of alcohol. It’s been a big deal in this town and pretty much caused a split right down the middle. The referendum passed by a mere 36 votes with an additional 57 provisional ballots yet to be approved and counted.
What does this all mean?
The proponents say it will bring new business, increased opportunity and convenience to our town.
The opponents say it will bring new business, increased opportunity and convenience to our town.
With a split like that can you believe that both sides actually say they are doing what’s best for the youth of our town?
Crazy, isn’t it?
Personally, I voted against it. I’m just fundamentally opposed to supporting any type of business that has the potential to destroy and ruin lives that are already in pretty poor shape to begin with if people are turning to alcohol for the answers. Does this mean I am completely against drinking and think that everyone who imbibes is in the express lane to Hell? No. If you want to drink a glass of wine with your dinner or have a beer after work that is completely up to you. I have no problem with that. I don’t do it because I know it would be wrong for me to take part in such activities but I’m not going to condemn other people for such an act. Many people will be responsible with their consumption of alcohol and it will never cause them a problem. But many more won’t. What I do have a problem with are the irresponsible people who don’t know when to stop. Therefore, I don’t want to support any business or organization that feeds their habit, making the procurement of alcohol easier and more convenient.
I think, however, the opposition to the amendment failed to win any additional support once they took the stance that, “We are doing this to protect our youth.” The group officially named themselves The Coalition to Protect the Youth. I felt at that moment that all money spent to fight the movement would be money lost because, in my humble opinion, once you exploit anyone or anything for personal gain, you are doomed to fail. But what do I know? I’ve just worked in newspaper and public relations for the last 12 years. I don’t really have a feel for how people publicly react to certain situations. Of course, no one asked my opinion. They seldom do and even more seldom do they listen to my opinion when I offer it, so I basically have learned keep my mouth shut … sort of.
One side said we have to protect our youth from the evils of alcohol. The other said we must increase tax revenue in order to provide them with more opportunity in our small town. Alas, silly me, I thought we should have left the youth out of it since they are neither old enough to vote nor drink. Perhaps it would have been more effective to ask people to “Vote No” simply on principle. Once you start throwing out statistics, everything you say can and will be rebutted by your opposition.
But it’s too late now. So I sit here in my office on our college campus, listening to the supporters clink their champagne flutes in celebration of their victory and the impending wealth that alcohol will inevitably bring to our community. With their hope and vision and promise for the future completely laid out and tied into the completely reputable alcohol industry I fully expect our enrollment to double within the next three years.
What does this all mean?
The proponents say it will bring new business, increased opportunity and convenience to our town.
The opponents say it will bring new business, increased opportunity and convenience to our town.
With a split like that can you believe that both sides actually say they are doing what’s best for the youth of our town?
Crazy, isn’t it?
Personally, I voted against it. I’m just fundamentally opposed to supporting any type of business that has the potential to destroy and ruin lives that are already in pretty poor shape to begin with if people are turning to alcohol for the answers. Does this mean I am completely against drinking and think that everyone who imbibes is in the express lane to Hell? No. If you want to drink a glass of wine with your dinner or have a beer after work that is completely up to you. I have no problem with that. I don’t do it because I know it would be wrong for me to take part in such activities but I’m not going to condemn other people for such an act. Many people will be responsible with their consumption of alcohol and it will never cause them a problem. But many more won’t. What I do have a problem with are the irresponsible people who don’t know when to stop. Therefore, I don’t want to support any business or organization that feeds their habit, making the procurement of alcohol easier and more convenient.
I think, however, the opposition to the amendment failed to win any additional support once they took the stance that, “We are doing this to protect our youth.” The group officially named themselves The Coalition to Protect the Youth. I felt at that moment that all money spent to fight the movement would be money lost because, in my humble opinion, once you exploit anyone or anything for personal gain, you are doomed to fail. But what do I know? I’ve just worked in newspaper and public relations for the last 12 years. I don’t really have a feel for how people publicly react to certain situations. Of course, no one asked my opinion. They seldom do and even more seldom do they listen to my opinion when I offer it, so I basically have learned keep my mouth shut … sort of.
One side said we have to protect our youth from the evils of alcohol. The other said we must increase tax revenue in order to provide them with more opportunity in our small town. Alas, silly me, I thought we should have left the youth out of it since they are neither old enough to vote nor drink. Perhaps it would have been more effective to ask people to “Vote No” simply on principle. Once you start throwing out statistics, everything you say can and will be rebutted by your opposition.
But it’s too late now. So I sit here in my office on our college campus, listening to the supporters clink their champagne flutes in celebration of their victory and the impending wealth that alcohol will inevitably bring to our community. With their hope and vision and promise for the future completely laid out and tied into the completely reputable alcohol industry I fully expect our enrollment to double within the next three years.
Monday, November 05, 2007
... Any Other Name ...
This is yet another entry in the “What’s In a Name” category, but many times the name is all you need to see the humor in a situation. Around here, we have one particular name that stands out above all the rest.
Our school has a long and storied history when it comes to women’s basketball. We were at the forefront of bringing women’s basketball to mainstream America. It was our team that played the Russians, traveled to Mexico City for international tournaments and our coach pushed to change the rules of the women’s game to a full-court, 5-on-5 contest. Granted, we haven’t done much in the last 20 years, but with everyone else, including major state universities, picking up the women’s game, it has been a little difficult for our small, private school on the dusty plains of Texas to compete in the recruiting game. Our team has had only three losing seasons in its history. Unfortunately, two of those have been the last two seasons.
Still, our women’s program holds the collegiate record for the longest win streak (131 consecutive games) and our program has more wins (1,425 including Saturday’s season opener) than any women’s collegiate basketball program at any level. That’s more wins than Tennessee, University of Connecticut, Duke, North Carolina or any of the teams mentioned among the best in women’s basketball. The only potential drawback, however, is that the team is named the Flying Queens.
Yes, it’s an easy nickname to make fun of and it has been on several national lists as one of the worst nicknames in college sports. But there is a good reason for the name. In the late 1940s, the team was sponsored by the Harvest Queen Mill which still operates in our fair city. With their sponsorship, the school decided to name the team the Harvest Queens. This sponsorship was key as the team began to build to its historic status. A few years later, a local businessman, Claude Hutcherson, began flying the team to all its games in his fleet of Beechcraft Bonanza airplanes. Thanks to his sponsorship, the team became famous world-wide, and the name was changed to the Flying Queens.
However, it’s the latest team sponsorship that has given me cause to chuckle. It’s not a major sponsorship. This group isn’t shelling out thousands of dollars to have their name on the team warm-ups, but it is enough of a sponsorship to pay for schedule posters and things like that. And in so doing, the sponsorship name appears on the posters. It may not be a big deal to many people, but its not every day your athletics team is sponsored by Kornerstone Funeral Directors. …
Our school has a long and storied history when it comes to women’s basketball. We were at the forefront of bringing women’s basketball to mainstream America. It was our team that played the Russians, traveled to Mexico City for international tournaments and our coach pushed to change the rules of the women’s game to a full-court, 5-on-5 contest. Granted, we haven’t done much in the last 20 years, but with everyone else, including major state universities, picking up the women’s game, it has been a little difficult for our small, private school on the dusty plains of Texas to compete in the recruiting game. Our team has had only three losing seasons in its history. Unfortunately, two of those have been the last two seasons.
Still, our women’s program holds the collegiate record for the longest win streak (131 consecutive games) and our program has more wins (1,425 including Saturday’s season opener) than any women’s collegiate basketball program at any level. That’s more wins than Tennessee, University of Connecticut, Duke, North Carolina or any of the teams mentioned among the best in women’s basketball. The only potential drawback, however, is that the team is named the Flying Queens.
Yes, it’s an easy nickname to make fun of and it has been on several national lists as one of the worst nicknames in college sports. But there is a good reason for the name. In the late 1940s, the team was sponsored by the Harvest Queen Mill which still operates in our fair city. With their sponsorship, the school decided to name the team the Harvest Queens. This sponsorship was key as the team began to build to its historic status. A few years later, a local businessman, Claude Hutcherson, began flying the team to all its games in his fleet of Beechcraft Bonanza airplanes. Thanks to his sponsorship, the team became famous world-wide, and the name was changed to the Flying Queens.
However, it’s the latest team sponsorship that has given me cause to chuckle. It’s not a major sponsorship. This group isn’t shelling out thousands of dollars to have their name on the team warm-ups, but it is enough of a sponsorship to pay for schedule posters and things like that. And in so doing, the sponsorship name appears on the posters. It may not be a big deal to many people, but its not every day your athletics team is sponsored by Kornerstone Funeral Directors. …
Friday, October 26, 2007
Note to PR flacks
When writing a script for your university president to be used while recording a video segment for the upcoming capital campaign and describing the campaign's focus, one should stay away from the phrase ... "growing our endowment."
Monday, October 22, 2007
No more taxes
I went from no fortune in the fortune cookie to this ... I'm starting to worry.
| How will I die? Your Result: You will be murdered. This doesn't guarantee pain and suffering, but it will be at the hands of another. Perhaps the vile deeds of a past life will attribute to this horrific demise. Do not fear murder. There is a rare epiphany that comes from this type of death. You will see it in the last moments. | |
| You will die while having sex. | |
| You will die while saving someone's life. | |
| You will die in a nuclear holocaust. | |
| You will die in your sleep. | |
| You will die in a car accident. | |
| You will die of boredom. | |
| You will die from a terminal illness. | |
| How will I die? Create a Quiz | |
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Fortunes
Went to lunch ...
Ate Chinese ...
My fortune cookie had no fortune ...
I'm a little disturbed by that!
Ate Chinese ...
My fortune cookie had no fortune ...
I'm a little disturbed by that!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Four Things
I was tagged by Rach to do this. So, here goes:
Four jobs I’ve held (other than my current position).
Grocery store flunky (Same as Rach)
Radio personality
Music minister
Sports editor
Four films I could watch over and over.
Pale Rider
Star Wars trilogy (original)
The Incredibles
The Dream Team
Four TV shows I watch.
Flip this House
Sportscenter
Seinfeld
My Name is Earl
Four places I’ve lived.
Whitehall, Montana
Roby, Texas
Antlers, Oklahoma
Hobbs, New Mexico
Four favorite foods.
Fried okra
Corn bread
Chicken fried steak
Egg rolls
Four Web sites I visit Daily.
www.wbu.edu (I kind of have to)
various blogs
That’s about it, really. I don’t do much Web surfing
Four favorite colors.
Dark Blue
Dark Green
Sage green or mint color
Grey
Four places I would love to be right now.
Golf course
Scotland
Ireland
Living in the White House
Four names you love but could/would not use for your children.
Maximus
Briana
Jupiter Moon
Wrigley
Now I guess I have to tag a few people so I choose: SmilyMama, Splineguy, Janie, and Patti
Four jobs I’ve held (other than my current position).
Grocery store flunky (Same as Rach)
Radio personality
Music minister
Sports editor
Four films I could watch over and over.
Pale Rider
Star Wars trilogy (original)
The Incredibles
The Dream Team
Four TV shows I watch.
Flip this House
Sportscenter
Seinfeld
My Name is Earl
Four places I’ve lived.
Whitehall, Montana
Roby, Texas
Antlers, Oklahoma
Hobbs, New Mexico
Four favorite foods.
Fried okra
Corn bread
Chicken fried steak
Egg rolls
Four Web sites I visit Daily.
www.wbu.edu (I kind of have to)
various blogs
That’s about it, really. I don’t do much Web surfing
Four favorite colors.
Dark Blue
Dark Green
Sage green or mint color
Grey
Four places I would love to be right now.
Golf course
Scotland
Ireland
Living in the White House
Four names you love but could/would not use for your children.
Maximus
Briana
Jupiter Moon
Wrigley
Now I guess I have to tag a few people so I choose: SmilyMama, Splineguy, Janie, and Patti
Thursday, September 27, 2007
What the ...
I saw an interesting sign the other day.
I was in Andrews, helping out with the parents and decided I wanted a Dr. Pepper. I went to the local convenience store and as I walked in I saw a big sign on the door featuring the convenience store’s logo and a picture of a guy in a shirt and tie with his head literally buried in a pile of paper work.
The wording on the sign said “Need a better job? Apply with us.”
Where, in the name of all creation, do you have to be working in order to consider a job at a convenience store as a step up?
I was in Andrews, helping out with the parents and decided I wanted a Dr. Pepper. I went to the local convenience store and as I walked in I saw a big sign on the door featuring the convenience store’s logo and a picture of a guy in a shirt and tie with his head literally buried in a pile of paper work.
The wording on the sign said “Need a better job? Apply with us.”
Where, in the name of all creation, do you have to be working in order to consider a job at a convenience store as a step up?
Monday, September 17, 2007
Formidable Sense of Doom is Closing in
Help!!! My baby is growing up!!!
I’ve told several expectant fathers over the last few years that your worldview completely changes when you have a daughter. I don’t know what it’s like when you have a boy because we only have one child. It popped out as a girl and has stayed that way ever since.
Young men growing up in the world are expected have a certain lack of sensibilities when dealing with members of the opposite sex. There’s the locker room humor, and the … well … things never really get past the locker room humor stage. Let’s face it, guys are fairly one dimensional and are happy living in that one dimension. But once you have a daughter, all those jokes suddenly aren’t so funny anymore. After all, someday some stupid, ignorant, jerk is going to be saying those things about your daughter. Wouldn’t you like to get hold of him some evening in a dark alley with some super glue and a roll of duct tape?
It’s not that all guys are bad … then again, maybe it is. After all, I have female acquaintances in their college years whom I’ve told will never find a guy that is good enough for them. How do you think I will feel about my own daughter?
As I was sitting on the couch Saturday evening, the brilliant 7-year-old blonde walked up beside me.
“Da-da,” she said, because that is what she calls me. “I have a crush on Corbin.”
The little man inside my head reacted immediately, ripping at handfuls of hair while running madly around the room and planting himself face first into the padded walls, only to get up and commence screaming and running around the room again, and again, and again …
“Oh really?” I said in a calm, cool voice. “Why do you have a crush on Corbin?”
“He’s soooo cuuuute!”
My left eye began to twitch.
… as it turns out, she is not in the same second-grade class as Corbin, which is a good thing, but she has resorted to stealing his shoe at recess. … This is serious.
Her Pa-Pa and I are at a loss. After all, how do you sufficiently put the fear of God into a second grader in terms that he will understand for the next 20 years? I guess we could shave all the fuzz off his teddy bear, then hold it over his head just out of reach until he crumples into a huddled mass of hysteria. Or we could just take away his cookies at lunch.
… I’ll have to think on that one for a while.
I’ve told several expectant fathers over the last few years that your worldview completely changes when you have a daughter. I don’t know what it’s like when you have a boy because we only have one child. It popped out as a girl and has stayed that way ever since.
Young men growing up in the world are expected have a certain lack of sensibilities when dealing with members of the opposite sex. There’s the locker room humor, and the … well … things never really get past the locker room humor stage. Let’s face it, guys are fairly one dimensional and are happy living in that one dimension. But once you have a daughter, all those jokes suddenly aren’t so funny anymore. After all, someday some stupid, ignorant, jerk is going to be saying those things about your daughter. Wouldn’t you like to get hold of him some evening in a dark alley with some super glue and a roll of duct tape?
It’s not that all guys are bad … then again, maybe it is. After all, I have female acquaintances in their college years whom I’ve told will never find a guy that is good enough for them. How do you think I will feel about my own daughter?
As I was sitting on the couch Saturday evening, the brilliant 7-year-old blonde walked up beside me.
“Da-da,” she said, because that is what she calls me. “I have a crush on Corbin.”
The little man inside my head reacted immediately, ripping at handfuls of hair while running madly around the room and planting himself face first into the padded walls, only to get up and commence screaming and running around the room again, and again, and again …
“Oh really?” I said in a calm, cool voice. “Why do you have a crush on Corbin?”
“He’s soooo cuuuute!”
My left eye began to twitch.
… as it turns out, she is not in the same second-grade class as Corbin, which is a good thing, but she has resorted to stealing his shoe at recess. … This is serious.
Her Pa-Pa and I are at a loss. After all, how do you sufficiently put the fear of God into a second grader in terms that he will understand for the next 20 years? I guess we could shave all the fuzz off his teddy bear, then hold it over his head just out of reach until he crumples into a huddled mass of hysteria. Or we could just take away his cookies at lunch.
… I’ll have to think on that one for a while.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Questions for scotte
Sorry that I’ve been away for a bit. Things have been quite busy around here. But scotte asked for some interview questions, so here we go:
1. I see through your profile and your blog that you live and work in the Oil Patch. In your informed opinion, are we paying too much at the pump?
2. Are we in danger of using up all of our natural resources, and should we put more of an emphasis on alternative fuels?
3. In your dealings in the field, have you ever run across Dewaine White who sales for Key Energy out of Midland?
4. What is your religious background and do you have any current feelings toward organized religion?
5. Who is going to win the Super Bowl this year, and why?
1. I see through your profile and your blog that you live and work in the Oil Patch. In your informed opinion, are we paying too much at the pump?
2. Are we in danger of using up all of our natural resources, and should we put more of an emphasis on alternative fuels?
3. In your dealings in the field, have you ever run across Dewaine White who sales for Key Energy out of Midland?
4. What is your religious background and do you have any current feelings toward organized religion?
5. Who is going to win the Super Bowl this year, and why?
Monday, August 27, 2007
Interview Questions
I picked these up over at Paul's place. I've had them for about a week (or longer) and I'm just now getting around to answering them. These are five questions Paul asked of me.
1. Just imagine. You’ve won a prize and you can select one of these free options: a) a parachute jump, b) a hot air balloon flight, c) a guided deep sea dive. Tell us about your choice...
Probably a guided deep sea dive. As much as I’m afraid of drowning, I would feel more comfortable and in control of my situation knowing that there was a guide and that I had equipment that would keep me safe. I don’t like flying, and heights tend to make me a little uneasy, so the hot air balloon is out. Furthermore, to jump out of a plane for no apparent reason is just insane.
2. What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you? Please expand on it.
I don’t really know. I’ve never been one to bookmark certain times in my life. I guess, although this is not very profound, the one thing I remember was a college professor telling us as students that when looking for a job, it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know. You don’t expect that coming from a college professor, but he said if you know someone who can help you get a certain job, then use them. As things stand, with the exception of my first job out of college, every job I have held since then has come through connections I have made throughout my life.
3. Please comment on this statement: ‘Atheists are living in denial.’
I think in order to truly deny something exists, you have to at least question its existence first. Therefore, my answer is kind of wishy-washy. I think some atheists/agnostics truly don’t think there is a God. In my opinion these people would be fairly indifferent to any conversation concerning the matter, and just blow it off as the mindless ramblings of the confused. Others, however, just claim to be atheists/agnostics in order to accommodate their personal agendas. In my opinion they would be more adamant and abrasive in defense of their position, and would strive to prove their point at all cost.
4. Is there a material thing that you’ve lost and really want to retrieve / repossess? If so, tell us about it. If you can’t think of anything, please tell us what material thing you would like to lose or which annoying habit you would like to get rid of.
I don’t really lose too many things. I’m rather anal about making sure things that could be easily lost, especially those that are important to me, are returned to their proper places. As far as something I would like to lose … my wife has a little decorative, blue, glass purse that she likes to have sitting out. I think it is ugly, breakable and doesn’t go with any of our other décor.
5. What is your personal dream and what is stopping you from realizing it?
My personal dream is to write a book. The only thing stopping me is me. I just refuse to sit down and get started. I keep telling myself I don’t have any ideas that are good enough, or I won’t know what to do with it when I finish it, so why bother. Those are pretty lame excuses, really.
I also want to build a castle, or at least travel to Scotland and Ireland and visit all of theirs.
As per my part in this interview process, I agreed to send five interview questions to anyone else who might be interested. Just do the following:
1. Leave me a comment saying “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
1. Just imagine. You’ve won a prize and you can select one of these free options: a) a parachute jump, b) a hot air balloon flight, c) a guided deep sea dive. Tell us about your choice...
Probably a guided deep sea dive. As much as I’m afraid of drowning, I would feel more comfortable and in control of my situation knowing that there was a guide and that I had equipment that would keep me safe. I don’t like flying, and heights tend to make me a little uneasy, so the hot air balloon is out. Furthermore, to jump out of a plane for no apparent reason is just insane.
2. What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you? Please expand on it.
I don’t really know. I’ve never been one to bookmark certain times in my life. I guess, although this is not very profound, the one thing I remember was a college professor telling us as students that when looking for a job, it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know. You don’t expect that coming from a college professor, but he said if you know someone who can help you get a certain job, then use them. As things stand, with the exception of my first job out of college, every job I have held since then has come through connections I have made throughout my life.
3. Please comment on this statement: ‘Atheists are living in denial.’
I think in order to truly deny something exists, you have to at least question its existence first. Therefore, my answer is kind of wishy-washy. I think some atheists/agnostics truly don’t think there is a God. In my opinion these people would be fairly indifferent to any conversation concerning the matter, and just blow it off as the mindless ramblings of the confused. Others, however, just claim to be atheists/agnostics in order to accommodate their personal agendas. In my opinion they would be more adamant and abrasive in defense of their position, and would strive to prove their point at all cost.
4. Is there a material thing that you’ve lost and really want to retrieve / repossess? If so, tell us about it. If you can’t think of anything, please tell us what material thing you would like to lose or which annoying habit you would like to get rid of.
I don’t really lose too many things. I’m rather anal about making sure things that could be easily lost, especially those that are important to me, are returned to their proper places. As far as something I would like to lose … my wife has a little decorative, blue, glass purse that she likes to have sitting out. I think it is ugly, breakable and doesn’t go with any of our other décor.
5. What is your personal dream and what is stopping you from realizing it?
My personal dream is to write a book. The only thing stopping me is me. I just refuse to sit down and get started. I keep telling myself I don’t have any ideas that are good enough, or I won’t know what to do with it when I finish it, so why bother. Those are pretty lame excuses, really.
I also want to build a castle, or at least travel to Scotland and Ireland and visit all of theirs.
As per my part in this interview process, I agreed to send five interview questions to anyone else who might be interested. Just do the following:
1. Leave me a comment saying “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Is it Ironic?
In my morning Bible reading today, I ran across a verse that instantly became one of my favorites, Proverbs 10:13 -- "Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. " (NKJ) or "Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgement." (NIV)
A few hours later as I attended a reception for a U.S. Senator, in my attempt to shoot pictures over the crowd I and my camera strap promptly swatted the back of the head of a former Texas Speaker of the House. Irony?
(I will point out, however, that I like the former speaker and think he did a good job.)
A few hours later as I attended a reception for a U.S. Senator, in my attempt to shoot pictures over the crowd I and my camera strap promptly swatted the back of the head of a former Texas Speaker of the House. Irony?
(I will point out, however, that I like the former speaker and think he did a good job.)
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