Thursday, December 29, 2016
HARD WORK/KNOWLEDGE: PATH TO THE FUTURE
It is hard to believe that we are about to ring in another New Year but we are. In this past year we learned of the death of friends and family and of national, international and local notables, We enjoyed moments of joy and accomplishment in education, science and sports.
We heard and acknowledged the calls to improve the process of fair and equitable justice and began to do something about it by taking action that will continue. We have come down and off the roller coaster of elections and financial upheaval and uncertainty. Societal, environmental and atmospheric discoveries and changes have been made even as we reveal our misgivings about where these changes were going or how would we deal with them?
We are mindful that at times we may seem lost at sea without the human energy drive to overcome fear as we navigate the uncertain shoals of change but we need not be.
As we welcome 2017 we need to move on. Life is not a "tweet." It is a pathway to secure a future
that acknowledges knowledge, science and technology that takes us to the hard work of dealing with change which we can and will make.
May the Year 2017 be a discovery of patience, respect and humility for all of us..
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
THE UNOPENED THANKSGIVING CANDY BOX
I met Rose Mass in 2014. She was a small, dynamic, older lady. I was a stranger to her and to the City she loved. She became a good friend.
She and I seemed to have had similar life experiences. She shared my zest for life and for living, fearing no stranger or new experience.
In her youth she broke quite a few glass ceilings before we understood what a glass ceiling really was.
She wore her "titles" of student, teacher, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother as well as dear aunt with dignity and humility, yet always independent and seeking justice in many ways.
She was a loyal and encouraging friend to many with whom she shared wide interests: from bridge, to tennis, to music, to reading, to food, to politics and to humorous asides which she used to break intense moments.
Her love of travel took her on a a freighter trip to sail the sea, She saw much of the world, visiting with still more family as she went along the way.
Toward the end, it was difficult for her to remain mobile. She did so with the love and help of her four sons, their prodigies,and a loving capable care giver.
I would stop in to visit with Rose every once in a while and when I did, I would take a small token
that could please her. She seemed glad to see me, always reminding me that I should have voted one way or the other.
Ten days ago, I bought a box of Thanksgiving candy to take with me for Rose. I never did get to visit her. As I write this, I learned that Rose Mass had died and the Thanksgiving Candy remains unopened.
During this holiday and this time in the history of our country, it seems worth remembering that
my friend leaves behind a virtual army of people whose lives she affected in a positive way, reminding each one of us that the richness of life is here for each of us to enjoy regardless of who we are or what we may have.
MAY THE HOLIDAY BE A GOOD TIME FOR YOU AND YOURS.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
THANKSGIVING 2016
THANKSGIVING 2016
WE COME TOGETHER TO ENJOY THE HARVEST
AT TABLES SOMETIMES ELABORATE, SOMETIMES MEAGER
BRINGING DISHES ACKNOWLEDGING WHO WE ARE
AND FROM WHENCE WE CAME
GATHERED TOGETHER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
LISTENING TO STORIES, MEMORIES OF THOSE NOT HERE.
Beverly D. Rehfeld
Friday, October 28, 2016
VOTING, ASTRONOMICAL DISTANCES & GRAVITY
Recently, I joined a friend to attend two fascinating scientific lectures.
Both presented the advances in answering questions once thought to be without merit.
The titles alone could have been off-putting: "Splitting Hairs Over the Distance to the Nearest Star," by Dr, Keter M. Murch and the other "Unsung Heroes of Quantum Physics by Michael Ogilive."
Each lecturer was knowledgeable and related scientific information and exploration to the technology we now take for granted. Each lecturer brought an excitement for inquisitiveness and teaching.
As we listened, often to theory and language strange to my ear, I thought of the questions now before us as we go to the polls to vote for candidates and issues that will affect us in very human ways.
Will we vote for our own personal priorities? Do we vote to advance the opportunity for many or do we dictate the "right way" to be designated by a few? Do we question our own responsibility in respecting and maintaining or destroying communal behavior?
So it is that I think of the vote we need to make in the important elections of 2016 and the questions we need to ask ourselves as well as the questions we need to ask of those who want to represent us.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Both presented the advances in answering questions once thought to be without merit.
The titles alone could have been off-putting: "Splitting Hairs Over the Distance to the Nearest Star," by Dr, Keter M. Murch and the other "Unsung Heroes of Quantum Physics by Michael Ogilive."
Each lecturer was knowledgeable and related scientific information and exploration to the technology we now take for granted. Each lecturer brought an excitement for inquisitiveness and teaching.
As we listened, often to theory and language strange to my ear, I thought of the questions now before us as we go to the polls to vote for candidates and issues that will affect us in very human ways.
Will we vote for our own personal priorities? Do we vote to advance the opportunity for many or do we dictate the "right way" to be designated by a few? Do we question our own responsibility in respecting and maintaining or destroying communal behavior?
So it is that I think of the vote we need to make in the important elections of 2016 and the questions we need to ask ourselves as well as the questions we need to ask of those who want to represent us.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Saturday, October 8, 2016
"TRUMP, TAXES & CITIZENSHIP"*
David Brooks columnist described the dilemma so many of us face with the 2016 elections.
Sure we believe in following the rules but what do we do when the rules seem to apply to others rather than ourselves?
What do we do when the political process we have seems to have broken down and the only choice we have is to look to the lesser of evils in candidates or political parties?
In his September 4th column Brooks said, "If you are a tax payer your role in the country is defined by your economic and legal status. Your primary identity is individual. You're perfectly within your rights to do everything you can to look after your self interest.
"As Trump and his advisers have argued, it is normal practise in our society to pay as little in taxes as possible. There are vast industries to help people do this. There is no wrong here.
"The problem with the taxpayer mentality is that you end up serving your individual interest short term but soiling the nest you need to be happy in over the long term.
"A healthy nation isn't just an atomized mass of individual economic and legal units.
"If you orient everything around individual self-interest, you end up ripping the web of giving and receiving. Neighbors can't trust neighbors. Individuals can't trust their institutions and they certainly can't trust their government."
So, as Citizens maybe we need to question whether or not the candidate's political rhetoric is in keeping with our understanding of democratic pluralistic, communal life?
How will what we hear and read affect each of us as well as others, increase our broader understanding and participation of the Citizen's role in a democratic society?
And how will each candidate help us meet the changes we will need to make which will affect each of us, our lives our ambition and our security?
No easy quick answers to be sure. But if we shirk from our responsibility to vote as Citizens we are less than we have always been as a people and as a nation.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
*David Brooks, September 4, 2016
Sure we believe in following the rules but what do we do when the rules seem to apply to others rather than ourselves?
What do we do when the political process we have seems to have broken down and the only choice we have is to look to the lesser of evils in candidates or political parties?
In his September 4th column Brooks said, "If you are a tax payer your role in the country is defined by your economic and legal status. Your primary identity is individual. You're perfectly within your rights to do everything you can to look after your self interest.
"As Trump and his advisers have argued, it is normal practise in our society to pay as little in taxes as possible. There are vast industries to help people do this. There is no wrong here.
"The problem with the taxpayer mentality is that you end up serving your individual interest short term but soiling the nest you need to be happy in over the long term.
"A healthy nation isn't just an atomized mass of individual economic and legal units.
"If you orient everything around individual self-interest, you end up ripping the web of giving and receiving. Neighbors can't trust neighbors. Individuals can't trust their institutions and they certainly can't trust their government."
So, as Citizens maybe we need to question whether or not the candidate's political rhetoric is in keeping with our understanding of democratic pluralistic, communal life?
How will what we hear and read affect each of us as well as others, increase our broader understanding and participation of the Citizen's role in a democratic society?
And how will each candidate help us meet the changes we will need to make which will affect each of us, our lives our ambition and our security?
No easy quick answers to be sure. But if we shirk from our responsibility to vote as Citizens we are less than we have always been as a people and as a nation.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
*David Brooks, September 4, 2016
Monday, September 26, 2016
ROCKETS, TRAINS & THE ELECTIONS OF 2016
Recently on one of the walks we took through the Mall, we noticed three windows worth mentioning.
One depicted a desert scene complete with cacti almost six feet tall, dessert shrubbery and potted plants, all made out of canvas stretched over plaster board.
Another depicted a rocket on its way to the planet Mars .
The third displayed real railroad train tracks with a plaster board image of an old steam engine, coming at us with its head light bouncing off the display window.
My friend mentioned how far automation and technology has brought us today and suggested I take a look at The Amazing Railway Track Laying Construction Machine on YouTube.com
So what does all this mean to me as a voter in terms of the 2016 elections?
It means that somehow I need to get my head around the fact that things like building railroads
and maintaining our infrastructure, or exploring unfathomable distances between planets are no longer a matter of ideological, or environmental discussion but a scientific fact.
I need along with my fellow voters to begin to acknowledge where we are in terms of the education science and training we need to have to move forward toward the future.
This is not the time to be cursing the weather but to learn more about it.
This not the time to be talking about ideas that belong to the past but to recognize who we are now.
This is not the time to be advocating walls to hold back tides or people It is a time to recognize how much we have achieved economically, scientifically and educationally.
It is a time to provide the opportunity for others to do well also when we vote in November.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS.
.
One depicted a desert scene complete with cacti almost six feet tall, dessert shrubbery and potted plants, all made out of canvas stretched over plaster board.
Another depicted a rocket on its way to the planet Mars .
The third displayed real railroad train tracks with a plaster board image of an old steam engine, coming at us with its head light bouncing off the display window.
My friend mentioned how far automation and technology has brought us today and suggested I take a look at The Amazing Railway Track Laying Construction Machine on YouTube.com
So what does all this mean to me as a voter in terms of the 2016 elections?
It means that somehow I need to get my head around the fact that things like building railroads
and maintaining our infrastructure, or exploring unfathomable distances between planets are no longer a matter of ideological, or environmental discussion but a scientific fact.
I need along with my fellow voters to begin to acknowledge where we are in terms of the education science and training we need to have to move forward toward the future.
This is not the time to be cursing the weather but to learn more about it.
This not the time to be talking about ideas that belong to the past but to recognize who we are now.
This is not the time to be advocating walls to hold back tides or people It is a time to recognize how much we have achieved economically, scientifically and educationally.
It is a time to provide the opportunity for others to do well also when we vote in November.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS.
.
Monday, September 12, 2016
UNLOCKING THE GATE OF FEAR!
Recently we took a scenic route to view the great Mississippi River. As we came to a clearing overlooking the river we found a huge black iron gate.
Foliage framed the gate but we still could have gone around had we wanted to be closer to the river
but we were unsure of our footing and did not go further.
A number of small locks bearing initials were on one side of the gate. Whether placed
by individuals as part of a romantic tradition or simply to help strengthen the gate we were not sure.
I thought of that gate recently as I pondered the dilemma we are in with our political campaigns.
In some instances it is as if we are standing before a river bringing a surge of questions. We need to make choices for political candidates we don't like. Nor do we understand why others support the other side.
So where do we go and what do we do?
The leadership of political parties is confusing. Conservative doctrine seems voiceless in the face of bombastic promises.
Liberal voices are silenced by failure to recognize the very real concerns people have no matter where they are in terms of income, education,or different cultures or life style.
Personal insults and cartoons aimed at all political candidates seem to have become particularly vicious. Fact finding has become a game of "gottcha."
Voters in many instances are focused on single issues as we and those who represent us, and those who would represent us are polarized in state capitals, Congress and in the White House.
Yet as individuals we have been able to overcome enormous disasters and life threatening changes not from fear but by working with others. We worked to build a better future.
Sometimes that future wasn't fair to others but we resolved our differences through compromises we made together under laws that encouraged and provided opportunities for others to be heard.
If the iron gate, like the one near the Mississippi is holding back our enthusiasm for the 2016 political elections because of our fear for the future, we need to unlock it,
We need to cast our votes for candidates who will respect the need for fairness as we work together to meet future challenges as we have done so often in the past.
As difficult as it may be, we are called upon now to vote in November.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
.
Foliage framed the gate but we still could have gone around had we wanted to be closer to the river
but we were unsure of our footing and did not go further.
A number of small locks bearing initials were on one side of the gate. Whether placed
by individuals as part of a romantic tradition or simply to help strengthen the gate we were not sure.
I thought of that gate recently as I pondered the dilemma we are in with our political campaigns.
In some instances it is as if we are standing before a river bringing a surge of questions. We need to make choices for political candidates we don't like. Nor do we understand why others support the other side.
So where do we go and what do we do?
The leadership of political parties is confusing. Conservative doctrine seems voiceless in the face of bombastic promises.
Liberal voices are silenced by failure to recognize the very real concerns people have no matter where they are in terms of income, education,or different cultures or life style.
Personal insults and cartoons aimed at all political candidates seem to have become particularly vicious. Fact finding has become a game of "gottcha."
Voters in many instances are focused on single issues as we and those who represent us, and those who would represent us are polarized in state capitals, Congress and in the White House.
Yet as individuals we have been able to overcome enormous disasters and life threatening changes not from fear but by working with others. We worked to build a better future.
Sometimes that future wasn't fair to others but we resolved our differences through compromises we made together under laws that encouraged and provided opportunities for others to be heard.
If the iron gate, like the one near the Mississippi is holding back our enthusiasm for the 2016 political elections because of our fear for the future, we need to unlock it,
We need to cast our votes for candidates who will respect the need for fairness as we work together to meet future challenges as we have done so often in the past.
As difficult as it may be, we are called upon now to vote in November.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
LABOR DAY 2016
Grab the sand shovel and pail. Get away to the beach or your backyard or just get outside and enjoy the out of doors. For goodness sake take time and savor this last holiday before you need to return to schedules.
And while you do all that let's remember too what Labor Day is all about.
The next time you see the garbage men and women give them a smile and mouth a "thank you."
When you see a bus or metro driver wave a "hello." Give a toot on your horn and a thumbs up to the construction crews you may pass at work.
Try a nod of the head and a hearty "thank you" to the food server who takes and brings your orders. The next time you pass the maintenance people who clean the building where you live look them in the eye and give them a smile. When you see a police car patrolling your street give them a shout out and try a "good to see you!"
All these and more are the true recipients of the Labor Day holiday and with few exceptions all provide the goods and services to keep our economy flowing and contribute in a very personal way to the quality of life in our community.
Thank goodness for those who labor for each of us and for the Unions which represent them.
"HAPPY LABOR DAY AND SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
And while you do all that let's remember too what Labor Day is all about.
The next time you see the garbage men and women give them a smile and mouth a "thank you."
When you see a bus or metro driver wave a "hello." Give a toot on your horn and a thumbs up to the construction crews you may pass at work.
Try a nod of the head and a hearty "thank you" to the food server who takes and brings your orders. The next time you pass the maintenance people who clean the building where you live look them in the eye and give them a smile. When you see a police car patrolling your street give them a shout out and try a "good to see you!"
All these and more are the true recipients of the Labor Day holiday and with few exceptions all provide the goods and services to keep our economy flowing and contribute in a very personal way to the quality of life in our community.
Thank goodness for those who labor for each of us and for the Unions which represent them.
"HAPPY LABOR DAY AND SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
LABOR DAY 2016
Grab the sand shovel and pail. Get away to the beach or your backyard or just get outside and enjoy the out of doors. For goodness sake take time and savor this last holiday before you need to return to schedules.
And while you do all that let's remember too what Labor Day is all about.
The next time you see the garbage men and women give them a smile and mouth a "thank you."
When you see a bus or metro driver wave a "hello." Give a toot on your horn and a thumbs up to the construction crews you may pass at work.
Try a nod of the head and a hearty "thank you" to the food savor who takes and brings your orders. The next time you pass the maintenance people who clean the building where you live look them in the eye and give them a smile. When you see a police car patrolling your street give them a shout out and try a "good to see you!"
All these and more are the true recipients of the Labor Day holiday and with few exceptions all provide the goods and services to keep our economy flowing and contribute in a very personal way to the quality of life in our community.
Thank goodness for those who labor for each of us and for the Unions which represent them.
"HAPPY LABOR DAY AND SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
And while you do all that let's remember too what Labor Day is all about.
The next time you see the garbage men and women give them a smile and mouth a "thank you."
When you see a bus or metro driver wave a "hello." Give a toot on your horn and a thumbs up to the construction crews you may pass at work.
Try a nod of the head and a hearty "thank you" to the food savor who takes and brings your orders. The next time you pass the maintenance people who clean the building where you live look them in the eye and give them a smile. When you see a police car patrolling your street give them a shout out and try a "good to see you!"
All these and more are the true recipients of the Labor Day holiday and with few exceptions all provide the goods and services to keep our economy flowing and contribute in a very personal way to the quality of life in our community.
Thank goodness for those who labor for each of us and for the Unions which represent them.
"HAPPY LABOR DAY AND SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND JEFFERSON BARRACKS
In 1936, two women traveled across this country to record what they saw and heard along the way.
Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas writers recorded what they saw and the experiences they had in letters to Samuel Steward, an unorthodox writer and English Professor.
He in turn published their letters in the book "Letters from Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas."
In their account of the trip, Gertrude Stein wrote, "In the United States there is more space where nobody is than where anybody is."
I thought of this as a friend and I explored the spacious grounds of the Historic Jefferson Barracks overlooking the mighty Mississippi in St. Louis, Missouri. The grounds once owned by the State are now a part of the National Park Service.
The Jefferson Barracks and The National Park Service carry a rich, historical significance to our country through Civil, racial and national wars as we moved Westward.
The Barrack grounds with few limitations provide public walking and bicycling paths. Picnic grounds and Museums dedicated to Military, State and National History help tell the story.
This land as well as the 84.4 million other acres in other state reserves, lakes, rivers, and coastal areas are a lasting democratic tribute maintained by 20,000 employees and 221,000 volunteers of the National Park Service.
Established on August 25, 1916 by the United States Congress, our National Park Service celebrates its 100th Anniversary and suggests each of us find a park to visit during August 25 to 28 at FINDYOURPARK.COM
SEE YOU IN THE PARK AND AT THE POLLS!
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
POLITICAL RHETORIC AND SELFLESSNESS.
A VERY SHORT STORY
On a very hot August day here in St. Louis I had to travel about 15 miles for a meeting.
When I got to my destination I parked my car in a steamy garage and went to my meeting.
When I was finished I returned to my car to go home but the battery would not turn over.
Exasperated, I got out of my car and called out, "Can anyone give me a jump start?"
A young couple who were preparing to leave said, "We'll see if we can help you".
They were parked in a bad position to attach cables to my battery.
The woman who was driving the car moved it so the man could attach the cables.
They succeeded. My battery turned over and we all left. Needless to say I was most grateful.
On the way home I turned on the radio and heard a lot of political verbiage.
I thought what a shame that so many people who want to be elected don't seem to
understand the selflessness that is so much a part of who we are as Americans.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
TELESCOPES, IN PUBLIC LENDING LIBRARIES?
A friend told me an about a new initiative to introduce people to science. The idea was to make telescopes available to people through libraries in the same way we lend books.
The idea was backed up by the Astronomical Society meeting in New Hampshire in 2014 and is now called The Library Telescope Program* found in many state library systems across the country,
At this writing, 131 telescopes will be available for use in small and large lending libraries in cities and counties in Missouri and Illinois, Recently my friend and I joined more than 50 volunteers to sort through parts and assemble 48 of those telescopes.
We worked with people unpacking shipping containers, cutting strings, checking lists for instructions and obviously determined to accomplish the morning's tasks itemized on large work sheets.
The volunteers included people of all ages, librarians, teachers, businesses people, representatives of interest groups like Eagle Scouts and other nonprofit organizations along with a few "old hands" who knew a thing or two about the assembly of a telescope. We learned of the considerable planning and logistics that are required to receive, store, ship and deliver the telescopes we worked on.
Once completed, the assembled telescopes were "star tested" and the volunteer assemblers were treated to a delicious home-made spread of sandwiches and desserts. A sense of team celebration was felt by all who had put together the 48 telescopes.
When the telescope is delivered it becomes the property of the library . Training for the Library staff and instructions on assembly and maintenance is once again provided by volunteers. Funding for the Program is provided by the Astronomical Society, local governments, donors and sometimes is authorized within the library operating budget itself.
Because of this Program an unknown number of people and children will be able to become familiar
with the science of our astronomical systems, see up close planets and stars unnoticed before. And perhaps all of us, along with the telescope users will better understand planet Earth's place in the Universe and science's role in helping us better understand each other.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
*Ask your Library for more information about The Library Telescope Program or Google your state's Astronomical Society.
The idea was backed up by the Astronomical Society meeting in New Hampshire in 2014 and is now called The Library Telescope Program* found in many state library systems across the country,
At this writing, 131 telescopes will be available for use in small and large lending libraries in cities and counties in Missouri and Illinois, Recently my friend and I joined more than 50 volunteers to sort through parts and assemble 48 of those telescopes.
We worked with people unpacking shipping containers, cutting strings, checking lists for instructions and obviously determined to accomplish the morning's tasks itemized on large work sheets.
The volunteers included people of all ages, librarians, teachers, businesses people, representatives of interest groups like Eagle Scouts and other nonprofit organizations along with a few "old hands" who knew a thing or two about the assembly of a telescope. We learned of the considerable planning and logistics that are required to receive, store, ship and deliver the telescopes we worked on.
Once completed, the assembled telescopes were "star tested" and the volunteer assemblers were treated to a delicious home-made spread of sandwiches and desserts. A sense of team celebration was felt by all who had put together the 48 telescopes.
When the telescope is delivered it becomes the property of the library . Training for the Library staff and instructions on assembly and maintenance is once again provided by volunteers. Funding for the Program is provided by the Astronomical Society, local governments, donors and sometimes is authorized within the library operating budget itself.
Because of this Program an unknown number of people and children will be able to become familiar
with the science of our astronomical systems, see up close planets and stars unnoticed before. And perhaps all of us, along with the telescope users will better understand planet Earth's place in the Universe and science's role in helping us better understand each other.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
*Ask your Library for more information about The Library Telescope Program or Google your state's Astronomical Society.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
BUCKMINSTER FULLER & THE ELECTION
At the end of June I met a friend to travel to Edwardsville, Illinois
We wanted to hear a program about Buckminster Fuller to see the geodesic dome built by Fuller and his architect partner Shojie Sado located on the expansive campus of Southern Illinois University.
The program had been arranged by an organization working for gun safety. We were a group of more than 15 men and women. We were invited to have lunch at a well appointed home close to the University and to tour the Dome afterward.
Buckminster Fuller was an architect, engineer, inventor, poet and global visionary who created the concept for the dome. Fuller also created the "World Game" which was played by other universities and governments throughout the world. The Game's purpose was to practically demonstrate how interdependent we all were for environmental and economic resources on this planet our "Spaceship Earth."
It was at one "World Game" event that I first encountered the thinking of this unusual man and his
universal respect for all effort that is made toward negotiating boundaries, walls and cultures as
waves of people moved from one place to another.
Ironically my trip to Edwardsville and the Buckmaster Center* came at a time when candidates for
elected office here and around the world are playing loose with human life and environmental resources as though there is no need to negotiate with each other much less respect our differences.
We need to remember Buckminster Fuller as we go to the polls and vote.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS
*www.fullerdome.org
We wanted to hear a program about Buckminster Fuller to see the geodesic dome built by Fuller and his architect partner Shojie Sado located on the expansive campus of Southern Illinois University.
The program had been arranged by an organization working for gun safety. We were a group of more than 15 men and women. We were invited to have lunch at a well appointed home close to the University and to tour the Dome afterward.
Buckminster Fuller was an architect, engineer, inventor, poet and global visionary who created the concept for the dome. Fuller also created the "World Game" which was played by other universities and governments throughout the world. The Game's purpose was to practically demonstrate how interdependent we all were for environmental and economic resources on this planet our "Spaceship Earth."
It was at one "World Game" event that I first encountered the thinking of this unusual man and his
universal respect for all effort that is made toward negotiating boundaries, walls and cultures as
waves of people moved from one place to another.
Ironically my trip to Edwardsville and the Buckmaster Center* came at a time when candidates for
elected office here and around the world are playing loose with human life and environmental resources as though there is no need to negotiate with each other much less respect our differences.
We need to remember Buckminster Fuller as we go to the polls and vote.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS
*www.fullerdome.org
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
SHORT STORY: PLAGIARISM AND ME?
At one time I had the pleasure of serving as an adjunct professor in a large urban university.
My course was a practical one about the field of public relations, the skills required by the
practitioner and the relationship between public relations and journalism.
There were 30 undergraduate students in my class, the majority of whom worked part-time and took classes in night school.
Students were required to write and to demonstrate their understanding of strategic management
by facilitating campaign for a program or company they identified as their "client."
One of my students, in his senior year, produced a strategic plan for an art museum, along
with mock-ups for print products.
I had worked hard with this particular student during the semester. I felt I had seen improvement
with each week that passed and I looked forward to receiving his paper as the term ended.
As I read through his work, I was gratified, almost impressed by how well he handled the assignment until I realized, with a sickening feeling that I had read his words elsewhere, his work was plagiarized. I felt my trust had been betrayed.
When I read what happened with the Donald Trump campaign and the way words were being plagiarized, vulgarized and demonized, I wondered could voters not feel a sickening sense of betrayal as I did so many years ago?
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
My course was a practical one about the field of public relations, the skills required by the
practitioner and the relationship between public relations and journalism.
There were 30 undergraduate students in my class, the majority of whom worked part-time and took classes in night school.
Students were required to write and to demonstrate their understanding of strategic management
by facilitating campaign for a program or company they identified as their "client."
One of my students, in his senior year, produced a strategic plan for an art museum, along
with mock-ups for print products.
I had worked hard with this particular student during the semester. I felt I had seen improvement
with each week that passed and I looked forward to receiving his paper as the term ended.
As I read through his work, I was gratified, almost impressed by how well he handled the assignment until I realized, with a sickening feeling that I had read his words elsewhere, his work was plagiarized. I felt my trust had been betrayed.
When I read what happened with the Donald Trump campaign and the way words were being plagiarized, vulgarized and demonized, I wondered could voters not feel a sickening sense of betrayal as I did so many years ago?
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Saturday, July 16, 2016
HIS NAME IS DAVID!
He came in wide-eyed and curious.
He had blond curly hair and big brown eyes.
He walked sure of himself.
As he took the table next to me our eyes met.
He smiled and I asked for his hand. He gave it to me.
I asked for a high-five he gave it to me.
He was there with his father.
I found out that his name was David and he was not quite two.
As his father went for breakfast he sat quietly taking in all the activity.
He was fascinated with all the people, some greeting each other.
As I watched this bright, beautiful, curious child, some of the ache inside of me created by the turmoil of this past week left me.
David demonstrated there is still much to discover and learn at his age and mine.
I left the coffee shop feeling brighter than when I went in.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Sunday, July 10, 2016
MY PRESENTIMENT ODE TO TURMOIL?
I live in an apartment on a high floor in a building in St. Louis, Missouri. The view I get of the sky is sometimes bland, sometimes frightening and at other times a delight. Though I do not see the sun rise, I am able to see it begin to call in the dawn.
On occasion I write a small ode about what it is that I see. Last week, the day before I became aware of the turmoil in Dallas Texas, this is what I saw.
The sun's strong waves of color call me from bed
To watch as they chase clouds grey and gloomy
From a distance, lightning shouts its defiance
Leaving me to wonder
How will this battle turn out?
The question I had in that early morning last week became one that stays with me now. This land, my country and yours, is hurting. It is hurting from our behavior, lack of respect and use of language toward each other.
There is an urgent need for each of us to begin to listen, and see and reach out to each other without
condescension or violence. Nor can we easily hold on to those things and people we use so easily to accomplish corrupt deeds and intimidation without losing our own humanity.
There are and will be a lot of words and plans and hopes made to try to set right what Dallas now seems to represent. Yet Dallas could become the turning point for each of us to realize we are all part of a huge undertaking called America and we need each other to make it work.
How will this battle turn out? The answer is within each of us. We need to do our part!
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
On occasion I write a small ode about what it is that I see. Last week, the day before I became aware of the turmoil in Dallas Texas, this is what I saw.
The sun's strong waves of color call me from bed
To watch as they chase clouds grey and gloomy
From a distance, lightning shouts its defiance
Leaving me to wonder
How will this battle turn out?
The question I had in that early morning last week became one that stays with me now. This land, my country and yours, is hurting. It is hurting from our behavior, lack of respect and use of language toward each other.
There is an urgent need for each of us to begin to listen, and see and reach out to each other without
condescension or violence. Nor can we easily hold on to those things and people we use so easily to accomplish corrupt deeds and intimidation without losing our own humanity.
There are and will be a lot of words and plans and hopes made to try to set right what Dallas now seems to represent. Yet Dallas could become the turning point for each of us to realize we are all part of a huge undertaking called America and we need each other to make it work.
How will this battle turn out? The answer is within each of us. We need to do our part!
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Sunday, July 3, 2016
THE SOUND & LOOK & UNDERSTANDING OF THE FUTURE?
I was intrigued by a conversation I had recently with a friend who told me he was working on a project which would require a 3D mock up.
I am familiar with two-dimensional films, cards and printing. I do have a printer, nearly 20 years old with my computer, so I thought I knew what he was talking about.
But I did not. I was not able to comprehend how he could indeed print out a physical mock up from a "printer" until he showed me pictures of the technology that did just that.
The link which explains the technology is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing
To my surprise, when I used it, I found that the concept for the technology was introduced in the '70s in crude devices.
Today, 3D printers produce large and small parts used in equipment of all kinds and for smaller
projects such as the one my friend was developing.
The link above demonstrates the process on a film in which the 3D printer actually produces a lovely lattice designed basket.
Watching the link, I was reminded of the Robotic competition that is held in high schools in this nation and other countries around the world in which students design robots of their own.
As I write this, I listen for the sound of "beep,beep" that is expected to come on my radio tomorrow from Juno the small probe which was launched by NASA five years ago on an Atlas V Rocket designed to land on the planet Juniper.
As we turn from June to July we find the weather still dancing irrationally around the world while events of the past and present and glimpses of the future seem to be merging at a dizzying pace.
We marked the past with deaths of notables along with our own personal losses as we retold the history of this country's struggle for Independence on this holiday weekend.
Can we acknowledge the importance of equitable education, science and the use of technology as we move forward to meet the future and will we recognize the importance of our stake in that future as we vote in our election?
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
I am familiar with two-dimensional films, cards and printing. I do have a printer, nearly 20 years old with my computer, so I thought I knew what he was talking about.
But I did not. I was not able to comprehend how he could indeed print out a physical mock up from a "printer" until he showed me pictures of the technology that did just that.
The link which explains the technology is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing
To my surprise, when I used it, I found that the concept for the technology was introduced in the '70s in crude devices.
Today, 3D printers produce large and small parts used in equipment of all kinds and for smaller
projects such as the one my friend was developing.
The link above demonstrates the process on a film in which the 3D printer actually produces a lovely lattice designed basket.
Watching the link, I was reminded of the Robotic competition that is held in high schools in this nation and other countries around the world in which students design robots of their own.
As I write this, I listen for the sound of "beep,beep" that is expected to come on my radio tomorrow from Juno the small probe which was launched by NASA five years ago on an Atlas V Rocket designed to land on the planet Juniper.
As we turn from June to July we find the weather still dancing irrationally around the world while events of the past and present and glimpses of the future seem to be merging at a dizzying pace.
We marked the past with deaths of notables along with our own personal losses as we retold the history of this country's struggle for Independence on this holiday weekend.
Can we acknowledge the importance of equitable education, science and the use of technology as we move forward to meet the future and will we recognize the importance of our stake in that future as we vote in our election?
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Sunday, June 26, 2016
JULY 4. 2016
Garrison Keillor featured almost two hours of songs on the radio last night. The show "Prairie Home Companion" was heard from Tanglewood, New York. and will be his last one. It will be rebroadcast on July 30th from California prairiehome.org
For me, the songs which Keillor sang were a large part of my summer memories.
It matter little where we were, in the mountains, or on the country, or by a lake or the shore,
summer came and we sat around a bonfire at night.
The nights were dark with stars overhead and the fire chased the evening chill as we sang.
This memory and music gave me a sense of being sure of where we were, and what we meant when we celebrated the 4th of July.
I know that my children and grandchildren have summertime memories of their own.
Their music may be different, and the traditional American holiday fare may include foreign dishes and a greater diversity of friends and family than before, but they along with us recognize the changes that will take place in the next few years.
So this July 4th, enjoy the fireworks, sing the songs that are most pleasing to you, bring the holiday dishes and let the sky be filled with stars.
Let us have the courage to continue with the hard work of maintaining and building the equitable future upon which this Nation is and was founded.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
For me, the songs which Keillor sang were a large part of my summer memories.
It matter little where we were, in the mountains, or on the country, or by a lake or the shore,
summer came and we sat around a bonfire at night.
The nights were dark with stars overhead and the fire chased the evening chill as we sang.
This memory and music gave me a sense of being sure of where we were, and what we meant when we celebrated the 4th of July.
I know that my children and grandchildren have summertime memories of their own.
Their music may be different, and the traditional American holiday fare may include foreign dishes and a greater diversity of friends and family than before, but they along with us recognize the changes that will take place in the next few years.
So this July 4th, enjoy the fireworks, sing the songs that are most pleasing to you, bring the holiday dishes and let the sky be filled with stars.
Let us have the courage to continue with the hard work of maintaining and building the equitable future upon which this Nation is and was founded.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Sunday, June 19, 2016
FRIDAY NIGHT IS SPECIAL!
It was my parents' custom to celebrate the Jewish Sabbath on Friday nights. Mother and Dad worked together in their hardware store but came Friday, they both managed to get home in time to greet family, friends and other guests some of whom had never attended such a dinner before.
As tired as they may have been, and no mater how many unexpected people turned up, there was always room at the table for another person. The house was filled with much warmth and joy.
Mom set a table and a meal fit for royalty. Dad, who was musically inclined, had a beautiful voice and sang the prayer which gave thanks for the past week and for the privilege of life itself.
Just before we had dessert, some kind of discussion ensued usually about current events, philosophy, politics or about raising children and family relationships, sometimes with less than quiet voices but always with respect for each other.
All of this came to my mind at my son and daughter-in-law's home recently where 14 young men and women had been invited to Friday night Sabbath dinner.
Some of the guests knew each other while others did not but all quickly warmed to the stimulation of thoughtful conversation, laughter and the sharing of different points of view.
The tradition of coming together during a busy time to appreciate and respect life and other points of view is still needed today in light of our disquieting times.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
As tired as they may have been, and no mater how many unexpected people turned up, there was always room at the table for another person. The house was filled with much warmth and joy.
Mom set a table and a meal fit for royalty. Dad, who was musically inclined, had a beautiful voice and sang the prayer which gave thanks for the past week and for the privilege of life itself.
Just before we had dessert, some kind of discussion ensued usually about current events, philosophy, politics or about raising children and family relationships, sometimes with less than quiet voices but always with respect for each other.
All of this came to my mind at my son and daughter-in-law's home recently where 14 young men and women had been invited to Friday night Sabbath dinner.
Some of the guests knew each other while others did not but all quickly warmed to the stimulation of thoughtful conversation, laughter and the sharing of different points of view.
The tradition of coming together during a busy time to appreciate and respect life and other points of view is still needed today in light of our disquieting times.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Monday, June 13, 2016
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PLANET
Dear Mr. Sun:
We know that you are preparing for the Solstice in just a few days. We know too that you are calling up everything you have to meet your big day!
We know too that from your vantage point there in the sky you are able to call upon your colleagues to control much of what happens.
As such, we know that you and they are able to observe and react to words and deeds by Earthlings that so easily destroy life and so much of what you have created.
But I write in the hope that you will accept my explanation for both.
The unjust acts of terror, like those conducted just a few days ago, or sometimes daily, are not condoned by me or my colleagues much less others who live on this Planet Earth.
We know that we, by words and deeds, are responsible for the use and abuse of this Planet's environment, its people and all other creatures but we do try to ameliorate those abuses.
Yet in all deference to your importance Mr. Sun could you give us a hand by influencing others in your realm?
Could you have much needed rain come to us gently not in torrents?
Could you order some clouds and a soft calming breeze to pass over us when it is very hot?
Could you turn the heat down just a bit until the Solstice has passed?
Thank you for for your consideration and keep well as you ensure our own good health.
Beverly Rehfeld,
Earthling
We know that you are preparing for the Solstice in just a few days. We know too that you are calling up everything you have to meet your big day!
We know too that from your vantage point there in the sky you are able to call upon your colleagues to control much of what happens.
As such, we know that you and they are able to observe and react to words and deeds by Earthlings that so easily destroy life and so much of what you have created.
But I write in the hope that you will accept my explanation for both.
The unjust acts of terror, like those conducted just a few days ago, or sometimes daily, are not condoned by me or my colleagues much less others who live on this Planet Earth.
We know that we, by words and deeds, are responsible for the use and abuse of this Planet's environment, its people and all other creatures but we do try to ameliorate those abuses.
Yet in all deference to your importance Mr. Sun could you give us a hand by influencing others in your realm?
Could you have much needed rain come to us gently not in torrents?
Could you order some clouds and a soft calming breeze to pass over us when it is very hot?
Could you turn the heat down just a bit until the Solstice has passed?
Thank you for for your consideration and keep well as you ensure our own good health.
Beverly Rehfeld,
Earthling
Monday, June 6, 2016
HARAMBE, GUN CONTROL, & COMMON SENSE
In Cincinnati a 3-year old falls into a moat which is in the Zoo's Gorilla World Habitat.
The Gorilla, Harambe a rare, silver-backed wild animal, endeared by people around the world hides, holds and runs with the child through the moat. Crowds gather, watching the scene below, become unruly. Shouts are heard. Zoo officials are called as well as police officers and trainers.
Harambe becomes confused and is shot. The child is unharmed.
Zoo officials explain their action to police, other regulatory agencies, to the press and to Animal Rights protestors who have gathered outside the Zoo.
Are we forgetting our common sense ability to understand the difference between a captured wild animal, shipped from its natural habitat, with animals abused by owners?
Or do we understand what happens to people and wild animals when both encounter each other in unexpected circumstances?
In 1934 the Federal Firearms Act was passed by Congress to enable police in local, county and state communities to identify and register all machine guns, short barreled rifles and other highly dangerous guns and weapons as well as having background checks made by anyone purchasing a gun.
The Act is still in force though circumvented by elected elected officials who continue to dance
to the tune of the powerful NRA.
Yet it is estimated there are 300 million firearms in this
country for which we have no ability to trace ownership, or point of purchase.
Do we not understand that the best way to control the number of lethal weapons
in this country is to enforce the 1934 Federal Firearms Act?
Or do we really think that the best line of defense
for the safety of people, institutions and public spaces is in vigilante type actions?
When advocacy or self interest overtake common sense we weaken our ability to think
and to maintain a fair, equitable society, and we often vote for the wrong people.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
The Gorilla, Harambe a rare, silver-backed wild animal, endeared by people around the world hides, holds and runs with the child through the moat. Crowds gather, watching the scene below, become unruly. Shouts are heard. Zoo officials are called as well as police officers and trainers.
Harambe becomes confused and is shot. The child is unharmed.
Zoo officials explain their action to police, other regulatory agencies, to the press and to Animal Rights protestors who have gathered outside the Zoo.
Are we forgetting our common sense ability to understand the difference between a captured wild animal, shipped from its natural habitat, with animals abused by owners?
Or do we understand what happens to people and wild animals when both encounter each other in unexpected circumstances?
In 1934 the Federal Firearms Act was passed by Congress to enable police in local, county and state communities to identify and register all machine guns, short barreled rifles and other highly dangerous guns and weapons as well as having background checks made by anyone purchasing a gun.
The Act is still in force though circumvented by elected elected officials who continue to dance
to the tune of the powerful NRA.
Yet it is estimated there are 300 million firearms in this
country for which we have no ability to trace ownership, or point of purchase.
Do we not understand that the best way to control the number of lethal weapons
in this country is to enforce the 1934 Federal Firearms Act?
Or do we really think that the best line of defense
for the safety of people, institutions and public spaces is in vigilante type actions?
When advocacy or self interest overtake common sense we weaken our ability to think
and to maintain a fair, equitable society, and we often vote for the wrong people.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Sunday, May 29, 2016
MEMORIAL DAY 2016
WE RECOGNIZE THOSE NO LONGER HERE
COMMEMORATED BY QUIET REFLECTION AND GATHERINGS
FAMILY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, AND WITH OFFICIAL RECOGNITION
IN DIFFERENT WAYS WE REMEMBER WITH FOOD, MUSIC AND PARADE
TO REMIND US FOR OURSELVES, WITHOUT ANGER, THE NEED TO DO BETTER.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
TRIP TO AUGUSTA, MO & KATE'S COFFEE SHOP
On a surprisingly clear, sunny day in early March, I found myself, along with two friends on my way
to "see something unusual" in Augusta, a small town about an hour West of St. Louis nestled deep in
the hills of Daniel Boone County close to the Missouri River.
My friends are members of the St Louis Woodworkers Guild who have achieved some recognition for their artistic, hand rendering of decorative and utilitarian products.
We drove to our destination on Route 94, which begins as a straight forward highway and then turns into a two-lane country road. We came past State Parks, parts of the Katy Trail, old munition shell relics of World War II, lakes and ponds that may have been the result of old flooding or the work of people who built their own "pond".
The scenery became a hilly expanse of grape arbors, small and large homes with canoes, kayaks and row boats in driveways as if awaiting the signal that summer was close at hand.
As we came close to Augusta, I was struck by how much it made me think of Venesque, a small town in France's wine country. Here, Augusta's distinction became the first Missouri-Appalachian wine district settled by German immigrants right after Prohibition. The town also bore the resemblance, for me at least, to the small narrow, hilly streets of Venesque. Augusta is a very small town, population 250 which increases substantially when the warm weather arrives. The day we were there its Funeral Parlor was overflowing to the point that I wondered if it was for some local dignitary.
About one hour after our trip began We spotted the driveway to Kate's Coffee Shop, pulled in and went inside.
As we entered, the smell of baking bread and cookies was reward enough for the trip. One quickly recognized that this Coffee Shop is built with ingenuity, understanding of design, a love of history and respect for the local environment. It was, truly charming. Its owners a husband and wife team come from disparate backgrounds.
He was born in Alabama, raised on a farm and developed a design and carpentry business along with a sales and training company. She was a Geo physicist working for the United States Department of Environmental Protection in Washington D.C, when she was sent to Missouri through the Superfund office. He came to Missouri to explore investment possibilities. They met serendipitously in Augusta eight years ago and built the complex now known as Kate's Coffee Shop.
In the coffee house itself,the artistic use of old woods for flooring, in the transits, in trim and some old stained glass windows provide a cozy, warm atmosphere. The owner has built a grape arbor and fountain and a replica of England's Stone Hinge made of local stones and rocks on the grounds.
In the garage stands a late model car the owner has also built by hand.
Along with delicious, nutritional food there is much to see and do here that is, as my friends said, "unusual" and worth the trip.
As we left Augusta we passed about a dozen young men lulling on the broad porch of the local bar. Some were straddling their motorcycles, others just "hanging out". When I saw them, I wondered if they and we understand how close we all are in our common humanity and in sharing the abundance and failings of the state in which we all live.
I HOPE I SEE THEM AT THE POLLS!
The web site for Kate's Coffee Shop is: oakscrossing.augusta.com
My friends are members of the St Louis Woodworkers Guild who have achieved some recognition for their artistic, hand rendering of decorative and utilitarian products.
We drove to our destination on Route 94, which begins as a straight forward highway and then turns into a two-lane country road. We came past State Parks, parts of the Katy Trail, old munition shell relics of World War II, lakes and ponds that may have been the result of old flooding or the work of people who built their own "pond".
The scenery became a hilly expanse of grape arbors, small and large homes with canoes, kayaks and row boats in driveways as if awaiting the signal that summer was close at hand.
As we came close to Augusta, I was struck by how much it made me think of Venesque, a small town in France's wine country. Here, Augusta's distinction became the first Missouri-Appalachian wine district settled by German immigrants right after Prohibition. The town also bore the resemblance, for me at least, to the small narrow, hilly streets of Venesque. Augusta is a very small town, population 250 which increases substantially when the warm weather arrives. The day we were there its Funeral Parlor was overflowing to the point that I wondered if it was for some local dignitary.
About one hour after our trip began We spotted the driveway to Kate's Coffee Shop, pulled in and went inside.
As we entered, the smell of baking bread and cookies was reward enough for the trip. One quickly recognized that this Coffee Shop is built with ingenuity, understanding of design, a love of history and respect for the local environment. It was, truly charming. Its owners a husband and wife team come from disparate backgrounds.
He was born in Alabama, raised on a farm and developed a design and carpentry business along with a sales and training company. She was a Geo physicist working for the United States Department of Environmental Protection in Washington D.C, when she was sent to Missouri through the Superfund office. He came to Missouri to explore investment possibilities. They met serendipitously in Augusta eight years ago and built the complex now known as Kate's Coffee Shop.
In the coffee house itself,the artistic use of old woods for flooring, in the transits, in trim and some old stained glass windows provide a cozy, warm atmosphere. The owner has built a grape arbor and fountain and a replica of England's Stone Hinge made of local stones and rocks on the grounds.
In the garage stands a late model car the owner has also built by hand.
Along with delicious, nutritional food there is much to see and do here that is, as my friends said, "unusual" and worth the trip.
As we left Augusta we passed about a dozen young men lulling on the broad porch of the local bar. Some were straddling their motorcycles, others just "hanging out". When I saw them, I wondered if they and we understand how close we all are in our common humanity and in sharing the abundance and failings of the state in which we all live.
I HOPE I SEE THEM AT THE POLLS!
The web site for Kate's Coffee Shop is: oakscrossing.augusta.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
FAIRMOUNT PARK THOROUGHBRED RACING
The graceful beauty, intelligence and strength of horses has always fascinated me.
When I was offered the opportunity to go to see Fairmount Park Thoroughbred Racing
in Collinsville, Illinois I went.
Gambling does not intrigue me but the whole experience of walking next to the track, with the horses up close as they thunder by, muddy track or no, was and is exciting to me.
As we walked to the paddocks, every so often the sun pushed away the clouds. We passed men, women and children milling about in the brief moment of sunshine.
In the stands, or sitting in chairs brought from home, the crowds wore vivid, colorful clothing and hats of all kinds. Some spoke quietly to each other while others were laughing or arguing enthusiastically.
Just before the races began, I looked over the program which listed tables of statistics on the
horses, owners, jockeys, trainers, betting favorites and odds all of which looked like a mathematical
maze to me. So I devised my own system to determine which horse I wanted to bet on.
I selected three races and picked my horses, Chanceymeeting U Here, Hopeful Sweeper, and
Betty's Ginger. Two came in fourth and the last one was scratched because it got away from
the handlers at the starting gate and began running away in the wrong direction to the finish.
I enjoyed the day but the comedy relief to the serious business of betting reminded me of the crazy race to pick a nominee to run for president which is also headed in the wrong direction.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
When I was offered the opportunity to go to see Fairmount Park Thoroughbred Racing
in Collinsville, Illinois I went.
Gambling does not intrigue me but the whole experience of walking next to the track, with the horses up close as they thunder by, muddy track or no, was and is exciting to me.
As we walked to the paddocks, every so often the sun pushed away the clouds. We passed men, women and children milling about in the brief moment of sunshine.
In the stands, or sitting in chairs brought from home, the crowds wore vivid, colorful clothing and hats of all kinds. Some spoke quietly to each other while others were laughing or arguing enthusiastically.
Just before the races began, I looked over the program which listed tables of statistics on the
horses, owners, jockeys, trainers, betting favorites and odds all of which looked like a mathematical
maze to me. So I devised my own system to determine which horse I wanted to bet on.
I selected three races and picked my horses, Chanceymeeting U Here, Hopeful Sweeper, and
Betty's Ginger. Two came in fourth and the last one was scratched because it got away from
the handlers at the starting gate and began running away in the wrong direction to the finish.
I enjoyed the day but the comedy relief to the serious business of betting reminded me of the crazy race to pick a nominee to run for president which is also headed in the wrong direction.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Thursday, April 28, 2016
PASSOVER 2016
The table was set for 24 in a large square so that each guest could see the others.
My oldest son came from Washington.D.C.
My youngest son and daughter-in-law hosted and led the SEDER.
My granddaughter Emma, just completed a paper which compared a popular American author
with Greek philosophy, came from Bard College in New York.
My grandson Hoben, just helped to stage the 10th Annual Central Regional Audio Student Conference for Webster University, was there along with two friends.
My sons' step family from Baltimore, Maryland was there along with friends from Peru.
My grandchildren's fifth-grade teacher and her significant other, a war veteran who made a plea for greater understanding of the needs of returning war veterans, were there .
Former colleagues from Chicago, and the suburbs of St. Louis were there to participate in telling the story of Passover.
Some people had never attended a SEDER before, some people were of different faiths, and some were not affiliated with any religion or belief.
All were aware of the tumultuous times we are in, regardless of politics and nationality.
We thought too, of the vast seas of migrants making their ways across the planet to find a better home than where they were.
The Passover ritual was recounted in song and readings, both serious and lively, sparkling with maraacas, drums and guitars.
People may have come to our SEDER as strangers but my hope is that we all left with the understanding that we need not fear each other, but we do need to take the opportunity to get to know each other better.
My oldest son came from Washington.D.C.
My youngest son and daughter-in-law hosted and led the SEDER.
My granddaughter Emma, just completed a paper which compared a popular American author
with Greek philosophy, came from Bard College in New York.
My grandson Hoben, just helped to stage the 10th Annual Central Regional Audio Student Conference for Webster University, was there along with two friends.
My sons' step family from Baltimore, Maryland was there along with friends from Peru.
My grandchildren's fifth-grade teacher and her significant other, a war veteran who made a plea for greater understanding of the needs of returning war veterans, were there .
Former colleagues from Chicago, and the suburbs of St. Louis were there to participate in telling the story of Passover.
Some people had never attended a SEDER before, some people were of different faiths, and some were not affiliated with any religion or belief.
All were aware of the tumultuous times we are in, regardless of politics and nationality.
We thought too, of the vast seas of migrants making their ways across the planet to find a better home than where they were.
The Passover ritual was recounted in song and readings, both serious and lively, sparkling with maraacas, drums and guitars.
People may have come to our SEDER as strangers but my hope is that we all left with the understanding that we need not fear each other, but we do need to take the opportunity to get to know each other better.
Saturday, April 9, 2016
EARTHDAY 2016
Nearly fifty years ago, a small group of people sat around a dining room table in a seaside
community. They were for the most part strangers who shared a single purpose, to understand how wetlands affected their lives.
Among them were men and women, influential and plain, credentialed and self-taught, merchant,
fisherman, sportsman, teacher, engineer, chemist and clergy.
They lived within 30 miles of each other. Even though they held different political views, they
were unskilled in the ways of political organizations. And so this small group became a part of
the national ecological movement.
They developed an outreach plan to recruit other people. They investigated the appropriateness
of regional land use plans. They toured sewerage plants and measured air and water
stream pollution. They spoke at schools, to the press, and testified before local and state
commissions and elected officials, and with Chambers of Commerce.
They worked in an office space contributed to them along with typewriters, ditto
machines and old metal filling cabinets. Other people anxious for information volunteered
to do "something" and formed a telephone squad to contact local and state elected officials.
As public interest grew for this small band of citizens, the group soon learned they
were up against powerful self-interests and so they learned to ask "tough"questions.
In retrospect, today this story seems innocently quixotic compared with
the global concerns we wrestle with today and the scientific and
technological tools we use to monitor information about our planet its atmosphere and the impact we have on it.
But it is worth noting that nearly 50 years ago a small band of citizens did in fact
helped gain passage of New Jersey's Wetlands Act of 1970, one of the first such
laws in the nation at a time few believed it could be done.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
This blog was written before I learned of the death of Ruth Fisher Hamilton of
Cape May County, New Jersey. Ruth was an inspiration for me and all those with whom she had
contact. She worked tirelessly to alert all who knew her of the consequences of our actions toward
each other and to the species with whom we share our environment. I shall miss her and most
importantly so will the causes to which she dedicated her life.
community. They were for the most part strangers who shared a single purpose, to understand how wetlands affected their lives.
Among them were men and women, influential and plain, credentialed and self-taught, merchant,
fisherman, sportsman, teacher, engineer, chemist and clergy.
They lived within 30 miles of each other. Even though they held different political views, they
were unskilled in the ways of political organizations. And so this small group became a part of
the national ecological movement.
They developed an outreach plan to recruit other people. They investigated the appropriateness
of regional land use plans. They toured sewerage plants and measured air and water
stream pollution. They spoke at schools, to the press, and testified before local and state
commissions and elected officials, and with Chambers of Commerce.
They worked in an office space contributed to them along with typewriters, ditto
machines and old metal filling cabinets. Other people anxious for information volunteered
to do "something" and formed a telephone squad to contact local and state elected officials.
As public interest grew for this small band of citizens, the group soon learned they
were up against powerful self-interests and so they learned to ask "tough"questions.
In retrospect, today this story seems innocently quixotic compared with
the global concerns we wrestle with today and the scientific and
technological tools we use to monitor information about our planet its atmosphere and the impact we have on it.
But it is worth noting that nearly 50 years ago a small band of citizens did in fact
helped gain passage of New Jersey's Wetlands Act of 1970, one of the first such
laws in the nation at a time few believed it could be done.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
This blog was written before I learned of the death of Ruth Fisher Hamilton of
Cape May County, New Jersey. Ruth was an inspiration for me and all those with whom she had
contact. She worked tirelessly to alert all who knew her of the consequences of our actions toward
each other and to the species with whom we share our environment. I shall miss her and most
importantly so will the causes to which she dedicated her life.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
"WHY TRUMP CAN'T BREAK THE G.O.P."*
According to Jacob S. Hacker and Paul Pierson who wrote: "Why Trump Can't Break the
G.O.P American voters choose presidents, not kings (or queens)."*
Both writers are professors of political science, Hacker at Yale and Pierson at the University
of California, Berkley, and author of "American Amnesia: How the War on Government Led
Us to Forget What Made America Prosper."
They write of the complex system of interlocking parts in our government that allows
the "Republican Party to thrive even as its presidential candidates do not."
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
*New York Times, April 3, 2016
G.O.P American voters choose presidents, not kings (or queens)."*
Both writers are professors of political science, Hacker at Yale and Pierson at the University
of California, Berkley, and author of "American Amnesia: How the War on Government Led
Us to Forget What Made America Prosper."
They write of the complex system of interlocking parts in our government that allows
the "Republican Party to thrive even as its presidential candidates do not."
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
*New York Times, April 3, 2016
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
SPRING 2016
Spring is a reluctant lover this year
One time warm and sunny, another
Frightened away by March's lingering harshness
Soon to be overcome
by the gentleness of Nature's call.
One time warm and sunny, another
Frightened away by March's lingering harshness
Soon to be overcome
by the gentleness of Nature's call.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
PUNCH AND JUDY AND DONALD
A long time ago,. when we were children, our parents took my sister, my brother and me to a very special place. At the time we lived next to a beautiful, sometimes violent Ocean that had piers extending from its shore to its waters.
One such pier was a truly magical place that we entered by a boardwalk. Before we went
inside, we stood outside to watch live Punch and Judy puppets.
Each time when Judy said something that would upset Punch, he yelled at her, and punched
her in the head until she fell down.
We could not hear what he had said but we were sure it was something awful. We would yell
and scream and jump up and down in consort what was happening on the stage. Our screaming
drowned out the sound of the Ocean, just a few feet away.
When we went inside we walked across old boards and could see the Ocean below as the tide
came in with great swells. We were sure each swell would gobble us up.
At the end of the pier there were booths with all kinds of dazzling stuff from stuffed animals, toys and games at which we could "win" some of the stuff .
The smells of pop corn, fudge, and french fried potatoes over-powered the smell of salty sea breezes that drifted our way.
,
When we spotted a lopsided dark structure, called the "Fun House", its loud sound track and
its raucous laughter fascinated us but also made us a little reluctant to proceed. But proceed
we did.
Once inside, there were mirrors that made us look skinny or fat, short or tall and whistles and
scary sounds came from everywhere, the floor, the wall, the ceiling. There were
many doors, each opening into something more scary giving us the feeling we would soon
come upon one that opened and dumped us into the sea below.
At the end of the pier a very tall ladder and platform held the famous, real live Diving Horse and blond-haired rider. We never gave a thought to the harm that could befall the rider or horse because
both had "magical" power that could keep them from harm.
There were costumed hawkers in flashy dress and tall, spangled hats, some with canes and megaphones who invited us to "buy a ticket", come inside and be treated to something
SPECTACULAR!
I thought of all of this, the high pitched organ grinder and monkey with a red and gold
pill box hat, the screams and squeals from children and adults alike, the pushing crowds,
the crying children who were "lost"as I watched Donald Trump and his entourage during
his campaign for "office."
I thought of the color and sounds of people as they watched fetes of "magic"during a balmy
summer night when we knew for sure all these things were "true."
I think now and wonder how can we trade this country's lasting beauty for something or someone as grotesque as Donald Trump's call to "buy" into his brand of "magic."
Are we still looking for a ticket to the fun house or can we step back and distinguish "magical"
thinking from the real work we must do as citizens from the glitter of Donald Trump and the
Punch and Judy show?
One such pier was a truly magical place that we entered by a boardwalk. Before we went
inside, we stood outside to watch live Punch and Judy puppets.
Each time when Judy said something that would upset Punch, he yelled at her, and punched
her in the head until she fell down.
We could not hear what he had said but we were sure it was something awful. We would yell
and scream and jump up and down in consort what was happening on the stage. Our screaming
drowned out the sound of the Ocean, just a few feet away.
When we went inside we walked across old boards and could see the Ocean below as the tide
came in with great swells. We were sure each swell would gobble us up.
At the end of the pier there were booths with all kinds of dazzling stuff from stuffed animals, toys and games at which we could "win" some of the stuff .
The smells of pop corn, fudge, and french fried potatoes over-powered the smell of salty sea breezes that drifted our way.
,
When we spotted a lopsided dark structure, called the "Fun House", its loud sound track and
its raucous laughter fascinated us but also made us a little reluctant to proceed. But proceed
we did.
Once inside, there were mirrors that made us look skinny or fat, short or tall and whistles and
scary sounds came from everywhere, the floor, the wall, the ceiling. There were
many doors, each opening into something more scary giving us the feeling we would soon
come upon one that opened and dumped us into the sea below.
At the end of the pier a very tall ladder and platform held the famous, real live Diving Horse and blond-haired rider. We never gave a thought to the harm that could befall the rider or horse because
both had "magical" power that could keep them from harm.
There were costumed hawkers in flashy dress and tall, spangled hats, some with canes and megaphones who invited us to "buy a ticket", come inside and be treated to something
SPECTACULAR!
I thought of all of this, the high pitched organ grinder and monkey with a red and gold
pill box hat, the screams and squeals from children and adults alike, the pushing crowds,
the crying children who were "lost"as I watched Donald Trump and his entourage during
his campaign for "office."
I thought of the color and sounds of people as they watched fetes of "magic"during a balmy
summer night when we knew for sure all these things were "true."
I think now and wonder how can we trade this country's lasting beauty for something or someone as grotesque as Donald Trump's call to "buy" into his brand of "magic."
Are we still looking for a ticket to the fun house or can we step back and distinguish "magical"
thinking from the real work we must do as citizens from the glitter of Donald Trump and the
Punch and Judy show?
Thursday, March 10, 2016
WELCOME: PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARYCANDIDATES!
Presidential primary candidates for President of the United States of America welcome
to the great state of Missouri!
We welcome each of you. We want you to know we anxiously await what you have to say.
We want to learn where you stand on issues that will affect the quality of our lives.
For too long this lovely State has been seen as out of the main stream of this Country's
laws and politics, sometimes bringing that reputation on ourselves.
We should tell you that we know the differences between blarney, emmes and the high sales
pitch exerted by traveling salespeople. In our history, we have had many traveling salespeople
come here, stay and establishd many of our fine institutions, yet were less than truthful.
Some even tried, unsuccessfully, to convince us that Federal Laws that helped bring about
equitable justice for all of us did not apply beyond state borders.
With the help of a handful of journalists, county and slender, once great
newspapers exposed the discrepancy in systems which became enamoured
of their own importance and now will be covering each of you as well.
As voters, we know the process of representation is not an easy one. We know too that
none of government, with all of its foibles, happens overnight. We are prepared to hear you
out but we urge you to be mindful of our intelligence and life experience.
We are voters living in a great State through which one of he world's greatest rivers
runs sometimes respected by us and other times abused by us.
We are all too familiar with voices that tell us there is no such thing as climate change
even as historical floods and winds have destroyed all we hold dear.
We are a State filled with immigrants, racial, religious and non-believers who know
the benefits that can be accrued from learning and working together.
Above all else, we know that we are living in a time of great change. We may not
fully comprehend what this means to each of us.
But we recognize our responsibility as voters to honor calls for equitable fairness
and justice by using the ballot not by using strong-armed bullies.
So, welcome to Missouri candidates. We will see you at the polls!
to the great state of Missouri!
We welcome each of you. We want you to know we anxiously await what you have to say.
We want to learn where you stand on issues that will affect the quality of our lives.
For too long this lovely State has been seen as out of the main stream of this Country's
laws and politics, sometimes bringing that reputation on ourselves.
We should tell you that we know the differences between blarney, emmes and the high sales
pitch exerted by traveling salespeople. In our history, we have had many traveling salespeople
come here, stay and establishd many of our fine institutions, yet were less than truthful.
Some even tried, unsuccessfully, to convince us that Federal Laws that helped bring about
equitable justice for all of us did not apply beyond state borders.
With the help of a handful of journalists, county and slender, once great
newspapers exposed the discrepancy in systems which became enamoured
of their own importance and now will be covering each of you as well.
As voters, we know the process of representation is not an easy one. We know too that
none of government, with all of its foibles, happens overnight. We are prepared to hear you
out but we urge you to be mindful of our intelligence and life experience.
We are voters living in a great State through which one of he world's greatest rivers
runs sometimes respected by us and other times abused by us.
We are all too familiar with voices that tell us there is no such thing as climate change
even as historical floods and winds have destroyed all we hold dear.
We are a State filled with immigrants, racial, religious and non-believers who know
the benefits that can be accrued from learning and working together.
Above all else, we know that we are living in a time of great change. We may not
fully comprehend what this means to each of us.
But we recognize our responsibility as voters to honor calls for equitable fairness
and justice by using the ballot not by using strong-armed bullies.
So, welcome to Missouri candidates. We will see you at the polls!
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
SO GOES FEBRUARY...MAYBE!
We have been through much this month of February, 2016. Mother Nature
teased us with Spring-like weather until old man winter came roaring back
to remind us he has not yet left.
Even so celebrations like Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day and the Chinese
New Year seemed to lighten some of the lingering gloomy days.
Perhaps Shakespeare described this month best in "Much Ado About Nothing"
when Don Pedro says,
"Good morrow, Benedick.Why, what's the matter
That you have such a February face
So full of storm and cloudiness?"
We have been entertained, few times enlightened, by our Primary races.
as candidates tried to impress us with fact and fiction to win the nomination
for the Presidential race.
Technology has been used by those who believe they can lead us out of
hard times into the future as our brains become cloudy like Benedick's
face from all the rhetoric.
One way or the other, Baseball Season does begin and we call to our neighbors
and anyone else who will listen,
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
teased us with Spring-like weather until old man winter came roaring back
to remind us he has not yet left.
Even so celebrations like Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day and the Chinese
New Year seemed to lighten some of the lingering gloomy days.
Perhaps Shakespeare described this month best in "Much Ado About Nothing"
when Don Pedro says,
"Good morrow, Benedick.Why, what's the matter
That you have such a February face
So full of storm and cloudiness?"
We have been entertained, few times enlightened, by our Primary races.
as candidates tried to impress us with fact and fiction to win the nomination
for the Presidential race.
Technology has been used by those who believe they can lead us out of
hard times into the future as our brains become cloudy like Benedick's
face from all the rhetoric.
One way or the other, Baseball Season does begin and we call to our neighbors
and anyone else who will listen,
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Friday, February 12, 2016
MADELEINE & GLORIA: PARENTAL STRESS?
Madeleine Albright and Gloria Stieman, two role models who inspired men and women
with or with out careers and children, disappointed many of us with their current comments
about voters in the American primary elections.
Madeleine always represented a strong, jewelry-bedecked, flirty Secretary of State
who represented achievement and worldliness, even when we disagreed with her policies.
Gloria was and remains, hopefully in spite of misinformed current political opinion, an advocate
for disadvantaged people and those who choose different paths to justice and equality.
Both have belittled themself by joining the name-calling contest in the 2016 Presidential nomination campaigns, displaying behavior reminiscent of stress parents sometimes feel when progeny take a direction other than the one expected.
Voters in this Presidential Nominating process of 2016 need to be heard and respected not because of age, color, gender, or religion but because their voices and work are responsible for America's
future.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
with or with out careers and children, disappointed many of us with their current comments
about voters in the American primary elections.
Madeleine always represented a strong, jewelry-bedecked, flirty Secretary of State
who represented achievement and worldliness, even when we disagreed with her policies.
Gloria was and remains, hopefully in spite of misinformed current political opinion, an advocate
for disadvantaged people and those who choose different paths to justice and equality.
Both have belittled themself by joining the name-calling contest in the 2016 Presidential nomination campaigns, displaying behavior reminiscent of stress parents sometimes feel when progeny take a direction other than the one expected.
Voters in this Presidential Nominating process of 2016 need to be heard and respected not because of age, color, gender, or religion but because their voices and work are responsible for America's
future.
SEE YOU AT THE POLLS!
Monday, January 25, 2016
MYTHS, MERMAIDS & PRIMARY ELECTIONS
The nominating process for candidates running for president of the USA is looking more and more
like a ship being tossed from wave to wave in a storm.
We, like frightened sailors on board, seem to be responding to the siren's call of Mermaids to save us from "disaster." Only it is not the siren's call that will help us, but those we elect in state houses and congressional offices who will help us. Here is why:
When a candidate speaks of the fear of using governmental health care programs;
when a candidate tells us that walls, not governmental policy can keep our borders safe;
when a candidate tells us that guns don't kill people;
when vigilantes occupy public land and claim a "right" to do so;
when we are told that those who don't succeed are losers;
when we are told that federal and state taxes are no longer necessary to provide public education;
when we are told there is no such thing as climate change and we are deluged with rain and snow
and ice and flooding;
do we then not understand it is the siren's voice leading us further on into dangerous waters?
Or are we too frightened to try to steady our ship with the hard work of all on board?
When I listen to the speeches of candidates, I am reminded of the science-fiction author Philip Dick who wrote: "The basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words. If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use the word," and then went on
to say, "reality is that which when you stop believing in it doesn't go away."
It was Ted Cruz's venture into writing a children's "mythical" story for his daughter about the nominating process that caught my attention to how much we use mythology to blur the reality of
injustices we want to sometimes forget.
Yet even with all the wild talk and the slang and gestures better suited for the local bar, I am reminded that it is the polling place that will help people sort out mythology from reality.
And it is in our votes at the polling place we will hear the fearless songs of honesty and fairness that has served this country so well, not the siren's song or mythical story.
We, like frightened sailors on board, seem to be responding to the siren's call of Mermaids to save us from "disaster." Only it is not the siren's call that will help us, but those we elect in state houses and congressional offices who will help us. Here is why:
When a candidate speaks of the fear of using governmental health care programs;
when a candidate tells us that walls, not governmental policy can keep our borders safe;
when a candidate tells us that guns don't kill people;
when vigilantes occupy public land and claim a "right" to do so;
when we are told that those who don't succeed are losers;
when we are told that federal and state taxes are no longer necessary to provide public education;
when we are told there is no such thing as climate change and we are deluged with rain and snow
and ice and flooding;
do we then not understand it is the siren's voice leading us further on into dangerous waters?
Or are we too frightened to try to steady our ship with the hard work of all on board?
When I listen to the speeches of candidates, I am reminded of the science-fiction author Philip Dick who wrote: "The basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words. If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use the word," and then went on
to say, "reality is that which when you stop believing in it doesn't go away."
It was Ted Cruz's venture into writing a children's "mythical" story for his daughter about the nominating process that caught my attention to how much we use mythology to blur the reality of
injustices we want to sometimes forget.
Yet even with all the wild talk and the slang and gestures better suited for the local bar, I am reminded that it is the polling place that will help people sort out mythology from reality.
And it is in our votes at the polling place we will hear the fearless songs of honesty and fairness that has served this country so well, not the siren's song or mythical story.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
NOW LISTEN UP! PUT YOUR GLASSES ON AND LOOK UP!
For readers who like me are concerned about the lack of laws and regulations to curb the development of Flood Plains, or Land Fills that are placed on the banks
of rivers, or the gun industry that flaunts its bullying of shortsighted legislators,
lets take a breather and witness something truly historic.
A total Solar-Eclipse will ocurr on August 21 of 2017. Though we have been able
to sometimes view parts of the route taken by other eclipses, this one will pass
directly above us and take a path from Seattle in the West Coast pass over the Mid West and go on to the East Coast at
supersonic speeds.
Plans for this event have been underway for sometime. NASA has mapped the path the Solar-Eclipse will take. Organizations, cities and states, tourist bureaus and hotels in the path of the Eclipse are already making plans to accommodate the number of people who will want to put on special viewing glasses to see the event themselves.
The last time a total Solar-Eclipse crossed the land we now call America was on June 13, 1257. If you miss this one in 2017, you will have to wait three more Centuries for the next one to go by.
Oh, and by the way if you are planning a big outdoor event for August 21, 2017 and are in the viewing area of the total eclipse, better check out the availability of Port-a-potties as they are
already in short supply.
The following addresses will provide additional information: www.eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov
www.eclipse2017.org www.greatamericaneclipse.org www.missourieclipse2017.com
and www.stlouiseclipse2017.org .
supersonic speeds.
Plans for this event have been underway for sometime. NASA has mapped the path the Solar-Eclipse will take. Organizations, cities and states, tourist bureaus and hotels in the path of the Eclipse are already making plans to accommodate the number of people who will want to put on special viewing glasses to see the event themselves.
The last time a total Solar-Eclipse crossed the land we now call America was on June 13, 1257. If you miss this one in 2017, you will have to wait three more Centuries for the next one to go by.
Oh, and by the way if you are planning a big outdoor event for August 21, 2017 and are in the viewing area of the total eclipse, better check out the availability of Port-a-potties as they are
already in short supply.
The following addresses will provide additional information: www.eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov
www.eclipse2017.org www.greatamericaneclipse.org www.missourieclipse2017.com
and www.stlouiseclipse2017.org .
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
