Thursday, August 31, 2006
TOO MUCH! Those people who complain the most about the high cost of just about everything they buy and use, never seem to think that they may be part of the problem. We expect too much. We demand too much. We, in many cases, get only what we deserve when the price we have to pay for a specific item goes up...up...and away! Since we have adopted a more or less universal system of showing the price of a item in the more dramatic and mystery-making system of bars within a bordered box shoppers have lost a great deal of interest in prices. They agree that printing the price a second time would run the cost up needlessly. Over the years I have talked frequently with people working in the ever-growing packaging field and related packaging “services” - fancy stuff in complex marketing systems – and without exception - they have always showed me that we are often the primary cause of our own complaints. Since I have been retired from any active participation in the business the very real relationship of product-to-purse has again and again. Often we make our own bed, but do not care to lie in it. The Beer can or bottle we buy costs five times as much as beer contained therein. The breakfast cereal container is another ready example of such excessive costs, full-color on copyrighted “themes” - which don't come cheap and they are available in miles of supermarket displays in a wide variety of names from,in most cases, just plain old corn, rice, oats and whatever. Packaging costs can run two and one-half times the cost of the contents The same holds true in the frozen foods you buy, the baby foods, the tiny dessert boxes, too. Your potato chip bag, that bottle of syrup, or chewing gum wrapper – are all extra. All of this has come to be part of our modern life style. We have learned to cope with it in some strange ways. Foods cost too much o eat at home? OK. Eat out more! It can be “Fast”, too! Food packaging is a multi-billion dollar dollar a business. They perform valued services for all of us by preserving our food from light, heat, oxygen, infestation and saving us from the gastronomic “blahs”. If you really want to get into this subject of excessive cost, try counting up what percentage of your “transportation” costs area is frills or fabrications. How about your “clothing”, “home furnishings,” “entertainment”,”beautification supplies for home, garden, pet or person.” All are, in a sense, are “packaged” by what you wish them to be. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-31-06 [c456wds]
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
AN APOLOGY I have yet to understand why the governing body of one of the widely established churches in America felt it necessary to issue an apology to both Israel and Palestine for something they said, and did, two years ago. The 216th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. meeting in Birmingham,Alabama this summer approved a resolution which said: “We acknowledge that the actions of the 2l6th General Assembly (2004) caused hurt and misunderstanding among many members of the Jewish community and within our Presbyterian communion. We are grieved by the pain that this has caused, accept responsibility for the flaws in our process, and ask for a new season of understanding and dialogue.” The commissioners present at the meeting approved that resolution: 483-28 They also approved a new statement on the church policy concerning the Middle East. It restates the thinking of the church in regard to the proper investment of the funds. This has long been a topic of serious concern in which the governing members of the denomination have long been at occasions at all levels. The new resolve says,in part: “Divestment is still an option, but not a goal. Instead, this assembly broadened the focus of corporate engagement to ensure that the church's financial investments do not support violence of any kind in the region. It also affirmed Israel's right to construct a defensive barrier as protection from suicide bombers; instructed the PCUSA “Mission Responsibility Through Investment Committee” to deal evenhandedly with Israel and Palestine; and declared that the Presbyterian Church (USA) had no business telling Israel how to defend its borders.” Attempts to try to down the new resolution averred that the media had misled the people and accused certain elements of the press as having spread untruths. Both such effort failed. Concerning the future: I find reason for concern in the fact that PCUS sent representatives into southern Lebanon in July. Reports have said they “complimented Hezbollah” and their visits were featured on Muslim television. Since returning, two members of that visitation group have “been fired” by their deputy director. We might expect yet another version of the “investments” resolution next time the General Assembly gathers in about two years. For our own good, I feel it might be wise to wait until we get a firm idea of just what the Hezbollah and Hemas elements are in this mid-east mess. Their true intent and the degree to which the people support them will prove to be the key to it all. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-30-06 [c-436wds]
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
SECURITY PRECAUTIONS Think of this: no matter where you happen to be standing at any given moment, it is of major concern to you that the next moment may be very much like the one you are experiencing at the time. That's what we call “security.” We say we seek it, yet we also think it to be a rather staid, dull and uninteresting way in which live. Stupid. Uncalled for. Solid security, day-after-day with no element of excitement, adventure, chance, or change would be mighty dull for sure and most of us, I think, really favor a bit of variety in our schedule. A One-Way Street, for example, is that 'single direction only' to the person who believes it to be so restricted. To all others, persons can be traversed in either direction. It is wise, therefore, for us to look to the right and to the left, before stepping off a curb or berm into the path of potential traffic. It is only natural that security measures undertaken by designated authorities to protect average people. We have our quota-plus of individuals who never consider themselves to be “average citizens” in anything or at any time. They consider any such directive telling them that it will be required in the immediate future...as of now ...to change the way they have always done things. Some even refuse to do so, often because it attracts the attention of standers-by who they think see them as patriots defying the tyranny of petty officials. Few people like to be “held back”, “restricted”, “bossed about”, “told-what-to-do, ”treated like common criminals” or “put upon” and such feelings have changed the very nature of air travel, in particular where the element of Time is so critical. So much of precautions seem to be excessive at the time, and some may prove to have been so. During our Civil War the North avoided arming blacks as troops. That was a security matter and it took a while to form the USCT - 178,000 colored troops to fight against the South. At the start of the war in 1861 the Northern whites almost universally opposed arming blacks. They showed fear and scorn saying blacks could not fight, especially with whites at their side. Abe Lincoln worried and is quoted as having said:”would turn fifty thousand bayonets from the loyal Border States against us that are now for us!” Fredrick Douglas sounded alarms as well yet in 1864. Agigxpus you can see in the film “Glory” such fears were false. Today's threats are, perhaps, as dramatic as that, but they are unique and present problems with which we are not conversant as average citizens. Samples we have had should be enough to urge each of us to respect and obey Home Security directives however “dull” they may seem to be. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-29-06 [c492wds]
Monday, August 28, 2006
"AMERICAN THEOCRACY” BY KEVIN PHILLIPS At last, a well-done book preparation-level parsing the three prime problems pestering the people of our native land these days. I place it in a prepositional category because I had to deal with a technical aspect which I am sure is puzzling other readers. I like what Phillips has written – a good preparational avenue for those who wish to seriously study the problems, but he has a fixation; an unavoidable framework by which he says: “This plus This equals This.” Had he said it once - as his opinion, I could accept and will respect. When he sums up each of the three major problems, tracing each from its beginnings, he finds all three have the same cause. The cause is the same for all that is wrong: “Bush, Chaney and the G.O.P.” There is a ninety-seven page bibliography and index appended to the book making some comparison possible. The better side: Most of the facts presented are public information readily available, but Kevin Phillips brings them before us in a way which shows how each of them may endanger our American way of living. His grasp of world history is competent and he does a skillful job of showing how the leading nations of the world centered on energy sources: wood, whale oil, water, wind, coal, oil, the atom – each in its own time and particular manner of use. The chapters dealing with oil are of particular interest right now with war in progress and pending over oil-reserves in the area. The author brings together a vast amount of material concerning the radical nature of religion in the United States denominations have been shrinking for decades. There are now more Muslims in the United States than Presbyterians or Episcopalians. I find it difficult to to believe that George W. Bush has been the cause of all such changes. The third evil showing the demise of our nation it that concerning with borrowed money at all levels. We, as a nation, are spending more than our potential income might be and our nation has become a “sharecropper society”. He sees China as the world's leading power and as early as 2030 . Phillips looks back on three of his thirteen books staring with “The Emerging Republican Majority” (1966) and, rather aptly, calls them “ a trilogy of indictments.” He writes with evangelistic fervor, fueled by envy, distrust and every assurance of infallibility as a re-born prophet who, because of the nearness of our national end, writes, always, on borrowed time. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-28-06 [c438wds]
Sunday, August 27, 2006
LET'S ARGUE It's a small wonder we don't have more wars than we do, considering how often we, and how easily, we seem to disagree with each other. If you still think there are two sides to every question you'd better get yourself a new, improved trouble counter. That old saw has not been true since Day One. The youth of many lands arrive a time when they discover - suddenly, as a rule, and without warning – that there is “ an army way” of doing a set deed. Things in real life are not all accomplished by the logical means Momma and Papa told you about. There, in truth multiple ways of doing any one thing “properly.” One of the most disturbing points in our religious thinking has been the problem of determining what we have ever meant by such terms as “Day One” or “First day.” You can find all sorts of sensible arguments naming just about any set time to be the “proper one. We have split denominational evidences aplenty to show how effective that line of thinking has not been. And it affects other aspects of our daily living as well. After a lifetime, in some cases, we have been told that both he the common tomato and cucumber are not vegetables. The are both fruits. Historically, too, we believe both to have been toxic in the our grandparent's time. Thomas Jefferson raised tomatoes as ornamentals but not as food. My grandmother forbade our eating cucumbers on the same day we had ice cream. If you feel you are running short of things about whih yomight like to argue with your friend and former friends, there are tempting lists on line of such subject.If you feel you are running short of things about which you might like to argue with your friend and former friends, there are tempting lists on line of such subject. Here are several from a list I came across just this past week: “A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.” “Women blink twice as much as men.” “Human eyes are always the same size from birth, but men's noses and ears never stop growing.” “It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.” “February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.” Now, there's one that's going to take some explaining. Do you feel up to it? Take any side and have at it! Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-27-06 [c391wds]
Saturday, August 26, 2006
AFTER NINETEEN YEARS You may not have noticed that a war came to an end as of this past week. We are quick to notice when another one get started, but we seldom get to witness the actual “completion” of a real war. They usually just sort of fizzle out with with a kind of political whimper after which they are, more or less, forgotten – except by those few remaining persons who were physically a part of the actual fighting. They, I dare say, may never, actually forget how it was in the pinching inner folds of their feelings – the shy tissues of their soul This rather small, unknown war ended, it seems by means of a telephone call from Juba, a town in southern Uganda along the border with the Sudan in Africa. A government spokesperson by the name of Paddy Ankunda said that an agreement had been reached at the talks to cease all hostilities... (quote) “when the rebel leader Joseph Kony announces a cessation no later than Tuesday.” We assume they found Kony in time and that the agreement was made officially binding. The rebels have three weeks during which they are to gather at assembly in southern Sudan and Northern Uganda where “they can be monitored.” They will be given food and safe passage, official said, but too where and for how long is not mentioned. Trust is a rather a thin layer on the latest plan because seems the Rebel group had already announced a cease fire and Uganda force has killed three of their fighters. This War Lord's Army, as it has been called, was a sort of remnant – never really large numerically – possibly five thousand or so- from a rebellion against Uganda President Museveni in 1986. They specialized, it is claimed, in kidnapping Ugandan children and of forcing them into becoming fighters, servants or sex slaves. The road to understanding has been a troubled one. Serious talks actually began in July resulted in a quick series of delays and temporary walkouts by both groups. Such little wars come and go and are often almost lost in the larger scene. We might find it wise to start examining these “junior” class wars. The true cause may be far more visible in the smaller version than in the more complex “Adult” disagreements. Peace, after nineteen years of war – is, I would imagine, most welcome this week in Uganda. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-26-06 [c414wds]
Friday, August 25, 2006
B. Y. O. B(ATTERY) Not very long ago, it was quite common for just about any moving toy you purchased for children to have a notice prominently appended which warned you, the buyer, of an essential which was not there. It read:"Batteries Not Included." Currently headlined difficulties of several of the largest makers of adult toys in laptop computer shapes, are, no doubt, printing up large stocks of cards showing that future shipments may arrive without any means of making them "go" as actively advertised. Of course, we parents used to try to 'save face by pushing those powerless toys around on the living room floor until we could get to the right store to buy the proper size battery required and in sufficient quantities to keep the toys on the move. There is no reason for you for you to discard your handy, dandy laptop, just because your one wrist beginning to feeling baked, or your thigh simmering a bit, if you are one of those purists who insist that "laptops" be placed on one's lap. Your computer came with a short electric cord which plugs in to an ordinary wall socket. Such "extra" cords are, invariably, too short so you can sit on the living room floor and keyboard away, until you can get to the right store...and so forth. You will need to stock up on "Lithium-Ion" batteries. They are not at all like the little round, oblong or chunky things you see cluttering the "Whim Racks" at cashier waiting areas where you shop. You have to ask for them. You might even have to describe them. Better still take a used one (cooled, of course) with you. Show and Tell. These are favored by computer makers because they are light in weight, getting smaller all the time, because they are, as the engineers say: "energy dense" - whatever that means. Sales people like the fact that they can say L-I's are "rechargeable"- evading the "but what are batteries gonna cost me each month?" buyer's evasion. Dell was first in line with a recall and 20% of their total laptop production for the period being questioned. Apple made their announcement a week later showing 30% but for several other products well. Seriously, I prefer looking at all of this tremendous loss of money, Time, and impetus of the industries involved rather than list of million of items which can be confusing, subject to many errors, miss-interpreted by devious characters, and, at times, causing costly dislocation of funds and competent people. It is important to notice that all of the offending batteries are made by Sony and it is critical too, that we read on and find that the Sony unit is being used without difficulties by other makers of electronic products - H-P, Lenova, Gateway, and others. The true difficulty seems to be with engineering people in the troubled firms who continue to use unstable, configuration . What pressures, what determining conditions and circumstances would cause a technically trained mentality to even in think of working a such low levels? Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-25-06 [c527wds]
Thursday, August 24, 2006
NEW PLANETS? It must appear to any non-Earth person - if such an individual exists - would think of us as a rather shallow, eternally childlike set of residents for what appears to be such a fine planet. This has occurred to me often during the current concerns which have developed about re-naming the planets - demoting little Plato - way out there - and making it a sub or quasi planet of some sort. The plan would, I understand, increase the total number of planet by four, at least. Think what kind of ruckus that change alone would cause in the Halls of Learning where potential planetization persons proliferate. How do we go about, naming new planets, anyway? Do we simple name them after various God and Goddesses from some extinct religious faith? Or, do we just tag then with the name of anyone who claims to have been the first human being to see one of them? Of course, there are the old Numbers Systems. Dull. Too subject to error. Some suggest name new planets after rising stars of the entertainment world, In that case: Planet:"Mayberry" could note the date the start of Andy Griffith re-runs started on that particular orb. Others might include: "Gunsmoke", "Ponderosa", "Hoss", or "Arnold, the Pig. " I can recall that there was, at one time, a mathematical formula which enabled a determined man or woman to show the nature of and the number of planets in our solar system 0each in its proper location. They were, according to the plan, located at "regular" or "constantly irregular " sites along the space-way. At the time, as I remember reading about it happening, some smart stargazer looked at were one was supposed to be, looked and found the "thing" we now call "Pluto". Quick checks were run on other suggested sites. Nothing. This,in turn started a whole new idea going the rounds about "hidden", "unseen", even "unseeable" planets being our there and many went out looking. When "just looking" came to sound silly, it stopped. So we'll have to re-resuscitate the old "science" magazines we read years ago and re-hash those ideas a bit. Just because we can't see them does not mean they are not there! You've never seen a lottery pay-off, but you still buy a ticket. Just think of the things which maybe out there in space which we have not seen. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-24-06 [416wds]
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
AT THAT TIME - LONG AGO As we advance in so many scientific ways to make this world a better place for Mankind, we are, at the same time, constantly honing those terrible blades of destruction which cause death and rob us of us of the fruits of our labor. We have, in recent times, witnessed the return of beheading as as a part of of wartime activities. We have never made use of it in our history insofar as we have no records would show it having used as a means of[ punishment. We have, it seems, long associated beheading with savagery. One could argue, of course, that he is very little difference between been beheading and hanging insofar as end results are concerned. We have had instances of both in our dealings – the Aztec, Mayan and other earlier tribal divisions who must have been in disagreement at some time or other. One tribal unit living in the Timor region of south Asia – the “Mauberes” - had a well-established custom of severing the human head from the human torso as an act of love, respect and faith. Mauberes tribesman were never head hunters. Their general practice of cutting off of heads was never used a symbol of victory or conquest or as token marking a time of armistice. They did it as a religious act. They believed that the head was the resting-place of the soul. If the head remained attached to the body the soul would be abandoned fore It was a religious act and it was done with much ceremony. It was done whenever there was a dead adversary. The warrior had to stand erect, feet widespread and raise his sword and with one mighty blow he severed the head from the body He then cleaned the head, placed above he smoking flames facing the sun and the ceremony became a dance for those attending. The ceremonies were enriched with more prayers, more dances and endless chants. The name of the dead man was intoned and final prayer was made asking that he might find a peaceful dwelling place. The onlookers were exhorted to join as a frenzied chorus repeating that prayer so people other islands in the Great Sea might share in honoring the dead warrior. If a time of peace was being established the collected heads were were returned to their proper family group. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-22-06 [c420wds]
Monday, August 21, 2006
CLOSER AGAIN! It’s true. Local listeners, readers and viewers do, indeed, take a much more attentive stance in relation to news items featuring the possible presence of unbalanced, insane or otherwise uncontrollable persons among us. Anyone who has broken man's laws and those of common sense; have committed murder, mayhem of any type, or just just simply to have done work related to a killing, have caused death by violence is eligible to take part. It has been quite a few years since the area in which I live was under such a state of such a siege. That was way back when the so-called “Beltway Killers” were killing people at filling stations, bus stops, parking lots - without setting up any preferences, it seemed. Yet, here at about one hundred miles south of the sites of such crimes, people grew edgy. More than one person hesitated to buying gas when alone lest a sniper might have bullet ready for just such a victim. Do you remember what took place when the killers were captured? A great feeling of relief came to those immediately concerned and those of us here in the Valley of Virginia as well. One can still read about the “Beltway Killers” in some D.C. Papers. There have been trials and hearings, and sentencing s and nothing has really happened to the accused so far other than dungeon time. We were awakened this morning of Monday, August 21, 2006 by TV sets blossoming forth in every room with cheerful news that a murderer - having killed a lawman and a hospital worker - was, even at that moment ”running amok” in the Blacksburg, Virginia and the and the Virgina Tech Campus area. It was the first day of operation of '06 at the University which is complicated and confusing enough by itself. Students were instructed to stay where they were in whatever school building they happened to be until told to move elsewhere. A further instruction said if they could get to their apartment, to do so, lock the doors and stay there until the criminal was apprehended. Judging by the pictures which followed, most students decided in favor of going home for the day. Steady departure were evident, rather serious, too. They seemed to be clearing the building in loose twosomes rather than in milling bunches or clusters of bodies. The search with full Fox Network Coverage plus others and statewide stations. It ended when it was announced that the killer had been captured. To me,it seemed well-handled, too. Not too hyped. Factual police statements at intervals. It is obvious that some of our Home Defense lecturing has been heard and heeded. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-21-06 [c459wds]
Sunday, August 20, 2006
MORE OF THE SAME. I have a special advantage in being able to find out exactly what I was thinking about of on a date selected at random or with a set date in mind. It is a temptation to do so, and it can be rewarding, but let me tell you, it can also be an humbling experience as well. I have turned to the pages dated August 19, 20, 21 in the year of 1978. That was twenty eight years ago. I have to admit to have, just now, been tempted to make a quick, visual check of the copy to see if held any hazards for me. Temptation denied. In '78, it seems, we were concerned with the use of labels in political life. I mentioned having read a series of articles from the “Antioch Review”. It was, of course, opposed and critical of any Conservative thought as being ”hindsite thinking” and noteworthy of attention. Their sentiment deals with perfections but hey never explained how anything perfect can be improved by changes. Too often I fail to see any improvement in such changes when affected. Liberal views do change but without affecting their basic correctness. I noticed what saw as a less obvious use of direct accusative terms such as “communists””socialists”.”fascists”, an d “radicals in the print media and on TV. Radio, however, seems to be going the opposite direction, with more and more afternoon and night talk shows - some of them developing “personalty status – enough to merit syndication. We seem to have been having and abundance of polls in 1978, too. Their reports were being greeted with the utleast enthusiasm. They are closed followed by bank cards which now pay for 90% of their owner's expenses through service charges alone. Am. Ham. Pub. Still hanging in there, too! Nil Desperadum! Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-20-06 [c320wds]
Saturday, August 19, 2006
STATEMENTI don’t know where this terse statement came from or where it should be going. I found it among a varied select of printed materials which had been accumulated by Amateur Radio Operator WA4MTP over the years and passed along to KA4WSI. I don’t think the sentiment expressed by the statement, necessarily, applies to amateur radio. I can think of score of situations where such an announcement might have been fitting. I have seen others I have liked: “If you're so damned smart; why ain't you rich!?” That was in a doctor's office. Another – in the Parts Department of a large plant manufacturing heating and air-conditioning units. Roped securely, a bright, canvas banner read:. “NOTICE: Hang on to anything you bought with you! If lost here it would take YEARS to find it!” Here is the rather odd notice as printed in quarter-inch caps with India Ink – black: WE, THE WILLING, LED BY THE UNKNOWING, ARE DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE UNGRATEFUL. WE HAVE DONE SO MUCH FOR SO LONG WITH SO LITTLE. WE ARE NOW QUALIFIED TO DO ANYTHING WITH NOTHING. Where can you imagine such a statement to have been posted .....and why? Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-19-06 [c211wds]
Friday, August 18, 2006
FREEDOMS APLENTY Some people who are critical of our way of living can often be heard to say we have far too many freedoms. It makes a measure of good sense, too, when they point to individuals – even to whole groups of non-thinking persons who enjoy freedom without realizing how costly they can be. Just let anyone try to eliminate any of our choice freedoms and you, too, will be ready to raise the royal roof, wouldn't you? Then, while we will not accept any changes in our many of our established freedoms we don't always objects other more subtle ways of controlling how we use the freedoms we have. They are called rules and regulations and they are given to fits of yeast-like proliferation quite frequently. You can drive whatever make of car you can afford to own, rent or acquire by other means, bu be sure you have a permit which allows to drive it. Connecticutt started the driver license in 1907 and it caught on. Work anywhere you like, but the last time I looked, the Labor Department listed over three hundred and fifty occupations that are now licensed by state authorities and there are five hundred more jobs from which you may choose freely which require only a certificate or registration. Connecticut restricted automobile speed limits to 12 m.p.h. in the cities and 15 m.p.h. in the country. By 1973 President Nixon asked us to travel at no more than 55 m.p.h. on our national highways. In 1919 Oregon adopted a gasoline tax and ten years later all the states found out about it within the next decade. The first federal gasoline tax was set up in 1932. The tax was set at less than one cent per gallon and i too has been noted for its steady growth. When our federal income tax was established in 1913 the “normal tax” one per cent our freedoms were not harmed even though tax rate ran up that first year to 7 per cent on larger incomes. Fewer than one half of one per-cent of the population of the nation had to pay any tax at all. That one, too, has shown a somewhat rapid rate of growth. I think most of us can see and even know from personal experiences - how the rules and regulations we make in order to bring proper order and discipline the exercise of our treasury of freedoms. We have yet to learn how to pass this vital bit of information along to those we are seeking to lead to freedom. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-18-06 [c447wds]
Thursday, August 17, 2006
RAP! Give me two small sticks and a hollow log and I can turn out better end results than this unmitigated imitation musical manure being passed off today as being primitive, soul-tempered “rap”! It is not rap! It is not music! I find I must stretch my definition of what is meant by just the use of the word ”rap” in any attempt to qualify the current flow of noisy sequences being exhausted forth over an unknowing audience existing in a low-lying sea of fake fog. Turn the dry ice machines and fans off, please. Let's try to make some sense of the present epidemic of cacophony - which shows that I have, at least, been near a musical dictionary and may have some idea of what mankind, in general, might have become familiar with that which may be called “music.” I can accept the idea that rhythm alone can be musical. Certainly savages of musical expression depended on the repetion of sounds and a person ”composing” with such materials that he might keep records in patterned forms so he could repeat them as needed. The least complicated situations demand the most precise of terms be used. No doubt some performers hit upon some exact rhythm forms, but the vast output of so-called “rap” depend on repetition of the same. Good rap requires precise rhythm; approximations will not do. Do you remember type of song we did some years ago which we called “The Talkin' Blues” I think? Those songs killed themselves off by insisting on always staying the same. Rap, I fear, is doing the same thing but in a different way: by imitating things it has never been. To me “rap” was real a one time, I think. It faded quickly. Some think it starved to death, and find very few seem to miss it. For myself I'd have to say I'm rather glad that I was ''out” when rap was “in.” Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-17-06 [c344wds]
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
N OT MY FAVORITE
I have found that most people I know gave up reading the Obituary column in their local newspaper some years ago.
They, at one time, used to “check it out” as a routine of getting ready to go to work. Someone, at least, glanced at the list our local paper ran in the lower, left-hand corner of the front page. Names appearing on that list could modify our work day. We followed that pattern for many years – into our fifties, perhaps, but then got out of the habit of doing so, when we came to feel that people were not dying off as fas as they had been previously. The truth came quickly. The harsh reality was that “our old crowd out there” was getting scarce. Many of us could imagine our own names being set type in type for the list and we made jokes about it. “If you see my name there some morning...give me a call...I want to be among the first to know about it.”
Later, at my age, for instance, one begins to read the obits again but this
time for the rest of the family. It is interesting to mention a name and to watch and hear young people talk – often for the first time - talk about someone they “knew. They have to find out how to speak of former friends in past tense terms. One does not lose closeness quickly.
For a time such remembered bits are usually serious references to the persons capabilities and as we come to realize more and more what is or her life meant in ours we tend to lighten upon somewhat and see their lives in a larger framework. This entire piece came this morning because I read a well-done obituary in the Harrisonburg Daily “News-Record” honoring a man - a husband and a father – whom I did not know, but wish now I had done so.
It was an average obituary in many ways – not overdone, not too long yet detailed enough to show he was a man respected by his peers; a hunter, fisherman, gardener, a member of four social and religious groups. He was a WW II veteran who worked in the nation's largest shipyard. He was born in Mowers, WV in 1924. He is buried at Yorktown, Va.
One line, inserted just before the closing lines of information about ceremony times and places – almost as if it originated as a last-minute after-thought which ought to be there.
It read: “We shall miss his stubborn streak and his ability to make us laugh.”
Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-16-06 [c451wds]
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
TOTALED ABC- TV has reached a new depth on the way to absolute ruin! They have announced that the worst Trash TV producer of the our time – Jerry Springer - is to be a regular participant on the third season of their highly successful show “Dancing With The Stars” starting September 12 with a big, two hour opening show. Why would they do such a thing! Jerry has been busy in recent months in England were he recently attended the premiere of his all-new and nasty musical production modestly titled “Jerry Springer The Opera.” With a score written by Brit composer Richard Thomas and a cast headed by Michael Brandon in the role of Jerry Springer – lauded at length and loudly in the English tabloids as “America's leading TV personality.” It completed a theater tour of leading area theaters. It played most places in a lackluster tour of two audiences - patient potential porn-watchers inside the theaters and crowds of protesters outside in the street.. We have talked at disgusting lengths about this musical work long ago, and fully expected to see it hit Broadway perhaps this fall or winter season. I did not anticipate it sneaking into our TV sets as it is now doing. The show – like so many of our worthy ones ,“Dancing With the Stars” is a state-side version of the successful British TV series “Strictly Come Dancing”. It is obvious that Springers “handlers” (the term “agents” sounds too proper) must be getting America ready for musical invasion upcoming. An “uncut DVD version” starring David Soul of the London musical is already being huckstered on the Internet. It runs five hours and ten minutes, too. Understand all three of the past judges will be back on the upcoming dance competitions show: Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Unabated and Bruno Tonioli. None of them could be be classed as shrinking violets. They say what they think. One of them is an Englishman you will recall. And the experienced emcee of the lot faces a real challenge as well. Tom Bergenon did well on “Hollywood Squares” you certainly must remember but in recent seasons he seems to have been assigned to crotch and cleavage videotaped stuff from the mails. He did very well on the “Dancing With...” is past season. Some people are going to plan to watch Jerry Springer dance starting September 12th , primarily because we will get a chance to vote against him. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-15-06 [c421wds]
Monday, August 14, 2006
TRUCE Do you believe the truce we have this morning this morning in Lebanon will “take hold” and actually stop the fighting for a time? You are expected to “take sides”. Speak up. Part of our being American is to insist on our being honest about our feelings concerning such matters which do so much to determine our future way of life. I was thinking even down to these words how silly it must seem to many people that I, one old man among millions of people, a non-person really. Who cares what he thinks? Who gives a hollow hoot in Hell what he feels to be “right” or “wrong” about an event happening half-way around this whirling world? It is the overall accumulation of what each and everyone of us professes to be which comes to typify what world citizens that Americans are or ought to be. We are worthy of seeming to be an example unto others only insofar as we respect ourselves. Your feelings about how well this temporary truce between the factions immediately associated with it – the Hezbollah militia and Israel – are surface aspects of the problem but the real cause of it all - Syria, Iran and Lebanon. We all know that to be true, yet we hesitate to accuse them and be said to be causing an even widen conflict which already has a name – The Third World War. In the judgment we make we, perhaps unconsciously, include such added information. We are honest with ourselves which leads to accuracy however unpleasant it may prove to be. A great deal of serious effort has formed basic elements of this latest truce effort. Diplomatic skills of the finest caliber have been widely used. Only time will tell if it was he real thing. State your opinion and stand by it as long as you know it to be valid. Very often, what you think is the real you. What you say determines what others think you are. Speak up. Be real. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-14-06 [c351wds]
Sunday, August 13, 2006
D OUBLE TROUBLE
Two terms trouble me without end in the news accounts these days. They bother me, I think because I retain a bit of doubt concerning my actual understanding of each of them. Other people, when they are discussing the day's news can make the item come alive by dropping a casual, confident reference to “pre-emptive invasion” or the possibility of “eminent domain” be used to someone's advantage!
The are both militant terms, you see, and when used must be said with clarity and asserted assurances of proper back-up information being available if needed.
“Eminent domain” sounds so “legalese”, doesn't it? It's complete ,too... as if there might be nothing beyond it in human intelligence. But, far too often when practiced it strikes me as being unfair to someone. The element of personal gain seems to occur far too often in discussions about specific cases. The complainer must have some claim of an error being made – primarily that private gain question – or objections may not be so numerous. When a city government takes over a property owned by an individual and gives it to a new set of owners – a corporation - who will pay more taxes than they received from the individual owner - something is wrong, very wrong.
As long as such a law in valid in federal, state and local governments and boards, directors, fire company reps, school boards, charity groups and others. We are going to continue to have such laxity until such time as we can get some sane rules of equity and common decency. I agree a project for the common good can be delayed of forestalled entirely by his stubborn refusal to sell. Here must be a better way of dealing with such a community clod than engaging in that which appears to be legalized theft.
As for the other term I worry about: “Pre-emptive invasion”...
It's popular right now since the Iraqi war is said to have been one such example....a “pre-emptive war, invasion, attack...etc”. My difficulty begins when I find the Iraqi leaders calling their actions, which invited the war, “pre-emptive” as well. All sides of anything can't be the cause of each other, or can they?
If that be the case the already cumbersome United Nations to be enlarged by adding a new Department of Definitions to tell us what we really mean when we say something. Anything.
Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-13-06 [c416wds]
Saturday, August 12, 2006
HOPE FOR PEACE I opened a notebook which I “kept” in 1933-34 and, for some strange reason my attention snagged at the very bottom of page 59. It was from a newspaper, rather than a magazine. A penciled note by it: “Sept.11”. It read: “When dynamite was invented, its inventor Dr. Alfred Nobel, donor of the Nobel Peace Prize, really thought that war was thenceforward impossible, since man would cease to fight when such a terrible force was in the hands of his enemies as well as his own hands.” Beside the item I penned a note, probably that same year. It reads” “Idea will work again and again with each new dealing device invented or discovered.” I disagreed with Nobel's rather childish view about peace but I must have been impressed with either his or someone else's use of the “thenceforward” which was different. I don't think I ever had manner. Has poetic grandeur about it. This way to peace by way of enhanced horror and suffering is unworthy of man's ability to think. Many of living today remember when friends of ours did the same sickly routine every we were told we had a newly-lettered bomb...”A”..”H...”V1”...”V2” and variations from that point on – or “thenceforward”, perhaps. Fission...fusion.. we have an endless variety! Each of them is bad and getting worse. One of these days we are going to come up with a substance which will dissolve anything and everything - every material, every substance. Then, ,and only then, we will wonder: what shall we keep it in? Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-12-06 [c302wds]
Friday, August 11, 2006
THE RIGHT PATH Are we on the right path as a nation? Many Americans are asking themselves that important question right now in preparation for the forthcoming election of a President. Some individuals bear a burden which makes them feel guilty of breaking a vow they feel they made when a our sitting president was chosen by a binding majority of the nation's voters. That, in their individual view means that he is my president as well as yours even if we are of opposing political parties. We have sworn to support the leader whom majority opinion has named as our leader. He is our Commander-in-Chief and we are bound to do bidding. How secure is such an attachment? Some simply ignore the entire idea and freely, openly and even violently in as few cases resulting in assassinations which have been few in our national history. Most of, without even thinking about it as a problem, simply disregard any such impediment by observing that we never had a totally democratic election in our country yet! Think about it. We cannot have true election until all eligible voters have cast their ballots. The path remains, then, in question as long as such technical nicietes are in a state of being bickered about rather than solved or set aside by restrictive wording in proper documents. I have a feeling that questioning a president's chosen “path” is valid as long as critical comments are honest and “above board”. Both parties have responsibilities for their plans or proposals, not just the party personality in he driver's seat at the time. Of importance, too is that such drivers of national vehicles are , far too often, attentive to “Back Seat Drivers” supplying guidance and destinations and there may well be more than a few of them seeking help from afar on their cell phone. Study “pathways” with special care. There are often many tempting side roads' crossroads were decisions must be made, and driving conditions far beyond your worst estimates. Say a path is wrong if you wish, but be sure you have a better one ready for use in its place. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-11-06 [c377wds]
Thursday, August 10, 2006
AUGUST TENTH. Did the news which came your way last night or early this morning about the foiled Terrorist plot upset you? Some people seem to have been taken by surprise but most seemed to indicate that they had “expected something like that to happen” and they were pleased with their foresight. “It just seemed to me,” one said, “that they'd be getting something bad ready for us for the anniversary of “Sept.11th”. Many comments seemed to have an undertone of gratitude for the British who were sufficiently aware of reality so they could stop the plot while it was still in its less advanced, formative stages. This is not a good time to spend a great amount of time and effort polishing up the old trophies each of us has for display purposes as needed. This is not a time in which we brag about things we may each accomplished as individual forces. We have done well in the past - each in his own way. We are now working together to despoil a common enemy. Recent events indicate that our enemy uses London as a pathway. New York has faced tremendous trials, as well. Just where and when our enemy might think it to his advantage to attack is a mystery that will remain with us as long as our foe is allowed to remain active. We are dealing with some problem which have haunted Mankind's various civilizations for centuries. It is highly unlikely we will be able to “solve” such ancient disagreements between antagonists who no longer even exist. Who is “native” to what part and portions of land is an elusive puzzle, for instance. So, even more so, is the choice of an ideal for Man to revere as his God. It has seemed logical to many people that our antagonists might well be planning a devious deed marking the day of the anniversary date of the destruction of the World Towers in New York City, damage to the Pentagon Building in Washington, D. C. and the loss of thousands of lives, countless injured in body and in mind and financial loss beyond estimates affect thousands of people of every race and creed around the world. That date, like “Pearl Harbor Day” also “lives in infamy”. The horrors of that segment of time can never be erased from lives of countless men, women and children. The future generations people will look back on our times and, perhaps, wonder what we did about it all! Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-10-06 [c432wds]
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
“GRAND OLD LADY” I have never worked up a plan whereby I might have reason to spend a night or two at Hotel Roanoke in the Virginia with that name. The fine old railroad inn was one of the first “big” hotels I remember seeing a kid. In the 1920's it was a long barn-like structure atop a good sized,grassy knoll overlooking the N&W Railway tracks. I suppose the hill itself must have eroded away a bit over the years and the track area became a RR Yard a large station building was inserted and the edge of the city it served pushed in next to it all. The city had been called “Big Lick for many years because it was the site of natural salty deposits the deer and other forest critters plus the early settler's cattle ,sheep ,goats and horses needed. The site was selected by an enterprising railroad magnate of that day named Frederick J. Kimble to become a major railroad juncture. It was common in those days for railroad firms to build hotels at such locations to provide travelers with a restful haven after a trying trip on the railroad trains which laid no special claim to being a comfort provider. You can still see a smaller version of that sort of business at Pulaski, Virginia with the restful name of “The Maple Shade Inn.” Hotel Roanoke was never “small”. When the first part was built in 1882 there was “a rambling frame structure” reports indicate with,let's say, about thirty rooms or so. As the town grew the hotel did, as well. New additions were appended and in 1931 – even in “Depression Years” - the place prospered and a 75-room L-wing off to the west side and a 60-car garage. The new rooms also had circulating iced water, telephone which could be moved about and electric fans. It was in 1937-38, however, that the hotel was given the distinctive ”Queen Anne” appearance. Around 1989, the Norfolk Southern Corporation, descendant of Frederick Kimball's Norfolk and Western Railway decided that being in the transportation business did not include ownership and management of hotels. So - they closed the Hotel and after 107 years of operation – and gave it to the Virginia Tech Real Estate Foundation. The Hotel was closed for about four years, then in 1993, a multi-million dollar restoration project funded by public and private financing in conjunction with the City of Roanoke and Virginia Tech. Hotel Roanoke – known by some as “the Grand Old Lady” - lives on. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-9-06 [c445wds]
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
THOSE TWO LINERS It seem to me that many people enjoy the short,two-line poems which were once so popular. Many of them are humorous and some are inspirational, even . We find ways to work them into our conversations and we rarely, if ever, give credit for these gems, largely because we don't know who wrote them. We attribute them to our “Granddaddy”, “Aunt Minnie”, “they”,“someone”, or “a poet.” Take one of the favorites - which is also said to be the shortest poem in the English language. The title is longer than the poem itself. “On the Antiquity of Microbes Adam had 'em.” Now, that just has to be by Ogden Nash, doesn't it? Or, Richard Armour, maybe? Or, how about Arthur Counterman? Nope prong-wrong-wrong! It was written by a poet named Strickland Gillilan. His name comes up around Mother's day because he wrote a poem about his mother taking time to read to him as a child. Gillilan,(1869-1956) a newspaperman in Washington, D.C .also head-man of the American Newspaper Humorists Society. That poem, by the way, has also been published with a newer title: “Flees” and attributed to Ogden Nash. Ben Franklin did some, as well: “Here Skugg lies snug As a bug in a rug.” David McCord's...”On a Waiter” “By and by God caught his eye.” Many such poems are laid at the feet of “Anonymous”. This one called: “A Dentist. Stranger! Approach this spot with gravity! John Brown is filling his last cavity.” “The Humorist He must not laugh at his own wheeze: A snuff box has no right to sneeze.” - Keith Preston “How Are You? Don't tell your friends about your indigestion: 'How are you!' is greeting, not a question. By Arthur Guiterman Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-8-06 [c306wds]
Monday, August 07, 2006
HELPING Every place, I suppose, has it's own memories for each of us us. No two of us, I dare say,will remember a place, a person, an event, or even a feeling we once had in exactly the same way. Individuals may vary, as well, I suppose, in the way he or she recalls a moment held in memory. Events of a long time ago, I suppose may be colored, modified, even altered by that which we have have experienced in the intervening years since the moment was real and happening. I was think of all this morning as I watched Israel and Lebanon as I saw the men and women and their young ones on TV involved in the terrible business of trying to hold together scattered fragments of their lives. Persons who have not seen situations in which living in threatened by war or by the forces of Nature sometimes have difficulties in equating with the silent level of misery such victims sometime suffer. Those of us who have encountered such suffering in a second-hand manner should be thankful for our deliverance from such horrors and do all we can to alleviate the suffering now being created by a phase of war once more. One thing can be done which will be helpful in most cases. That is simply to show interest and concern wihout, in any way blaming them for the condition in which they happen to be at the moment. They have known finer days for the most part and they have memories they cherish and hold dear. Try always to meet their needs for a friendly presence among them - not a critic, or pious do-gooder playing a saintly role. Your short-term visit - and it should be that, to, rather than an open-end guardianship. The sooner they can get back on their own - the better. It is best, too for you to get away from the scene for a time, as well. Keep your own life on course, too, and be alert for new ideas about how to provide your new friends with permanent values which will create a sense of achievment in their re-started lives. Encourage a smile at every opportunity, too. We do not have to be comedians to enjoy laughter, and it is an amazing feature of even such circumstances as often are present in such areas. Prisoners in dire conditons maintain their sanity, we are told, by reflecting on their plight with a subtle sense of humor.rThe inconsistencies of such moments can seem ridiculous and see in them in such a light seems to lessen the load somewhat. Prayer is a vital part of it all, too. Any reference to a religious background in such times invites criticism these days in the United States, but your new friends may have such feelings and, as a general rule, one must be ready, willing and able to complement any such sense of higher power being very much a part of their survival, rebirth and growth. To be assured of fine memories of these years make yourself useful those in need where ever they may be. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-7-06 [c540wds]
Sunday, August 06, 2006
OUR PLACEOurs is not the neat,orderly,considerate and compassionate nation we like to think of our being at times. Many times. Far,too many times. During moments of threatened wartime we are more prone to accept on-the-edge social and political terms as correct,sensible,and acceptable which in peaceful times we would question – even reject as being improper – a bit below the standards we have set for ourselves. When dangers threaten from outside sources even though not aimed at us directly, we feel a need for a protective shield to guard us from encroachments. When sabers rattle afar and new to have evolved in other nations,we begin to wonder just how safe we are. This can be a good,nation-sustaining attitude unless it is overdone. If sudden changes are seen to affect our sense of security precautions are welcome, but not restrictions placing unnecessary restraints on some of our basic freedoms.Some citizens of other nations, with whom I have talked, seem to feel we have a rather relaxed collection. We face life, they say, with an easy-like feeling that is Good Fairy Queen is doing right by us. They consider our view to be too youthful, too juvenile at times. Notice how We “demonstrate” our displeasure. We ob tin permist to do so.We march. We carry posters insulting our opponents and praising our own views. Other protesters pour madly into the streets and milling around in small globs,yelling,thrusting their gnarled fists into the air, stomping and jumping up and down, leaping wildly on each other. They keep a constant din of screams going,and some wave weapons,as well. Some throw rocks,glass or anything from the streets they yell constantly and raise a din of wild words,.and if its in their way destroy property. Our best chances for secure future is going to be found in our ability to have and to hold such diplomats as Dr. Condoleezza Rice. I listened to her speak this morning on TV concerning the potential ceasefire agreement. Her sound,sensible assurances did me more good than hours of demonstrations. Our best hope for a peaceful future lies in our ability to find and to hold on to such competent leaders as Dr. Rice. And I might just as well add that which I am thiking as I write this: in whatever title capacity which best suits the needs of our nation at that time. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-6-06 [c424wds]
Saturday, August 05, 2006
TIME WAS.... I have been surprised time-and-time again, in writing so much about historic Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church at Fort Defiance, Virginia, how the people who built that "wee kirk in the Valley" managed to prosper and get along so well very often with that which happened to be "at hand. Theirs was often a "make do" economy. In 1813, for instance, records show they had quite a large crowd of people in as guests for week to attend Installation Services making the Rev. Conrad Speece the third pastor of the church. The records of Lexington Presbytery of that time tell us that there was an average of three "gigs" - horse and buggy combinations - in each county of the Valley which meant that the crowd of people there on the hill on that day either walked or rode horseback to get there. We often forget that what we call "roads" simply did not exist. Most were ,at best, trails established by steady use. Lesser ones suffered from seasonal vegetation disguises, too, and fields were unfenced so many false pathways were offered to lead the traveler astray. All roads of the time were long ones, because they went around hills rather than over them. It is difficult for us to imagine such a lack of transport in those times. Cattle had to be driven to and from market and we have instances of human slaves being move from the market place Auction Block of the home of their new owner. There was no mail service. Letters arrived only because of he courtesy of travelers who happened to be going in the same direction you who wanted your notes to go. They might eventually arrive at the proper location - maybe. Contact with the outside world was often erratic and mostly verbal; so events took on the opinion of the traveler who told you about it quite often. Facts were kept at a bare minimum it often appears. Small, wonder,really, that people would gather in large numbers for church services which -in this particular occasion - started on Friday and ended on Tuesday. There was a special Communion Service, of course; the Installation Ceremonies themselves and a sample sermon by the newly appointed Minister. Members needed such time to get together to exchange small,medium and great news about shifts and changes in each family unit. Some took such opportunities to express their feelings and to comment on matter civic importance and their concern about people views and beliefs...that which they felt to be important at that particular time be business, politics, or social in nature. The often came early and stayed late. Andrew McCaskey Sr. amccsr@adelphia.net 8-5-06 [c458wds]
Friday, August 04, 2006
THE WHIRL AROUND US It may, to some extent, be the exceptionally hot weather we have been experiencing in so many sections of the nation recently but you can blame only so much on the weatherman. The slurred greeting in so many places has been: "S'hot anuff 4U?"and "a washed-out" feeling has been a general complaint. This is nothing new. One of the very first visitors to the eastern end of Virginia - a man named John Smith - complained in letters and in diary entrys-of-three or four -about the miserable weather he was encountering in e colony named Virginia. He disliked the sudden changes to which he was being subject. One day was sunny and the next day rain took over. Even within the span of a single day the same transition could change a bright,sunny afternoon into a soggy site. He had seen enough of the seasons in-action in Virgina to set a standard for complainer for all time, and we have had a flock of 'em! Once they learn to dress properly and seek cool, pleasant spots,or cozy, warm nooks as needed he come to love Mid-Atlantic variety - found even in the weather. The days news,too,has been disquieting and far from cheerful. It is a shame that so many of man's petty dislikes and hatefulness endure through so many centuries of Time. It seems impossible for a relatively small plot of land to could be the focal point of such a whirl-wide kaleidoscope of so many types of warfare and confusion which defies mankind's efforts to control it all. My first memory of conflict in the Middle East as a continuing,endless news event stems from a manuscript by an Englishman named Arthur Balfour. He set down a grand total of one hundred and twenty-five words sent it to interested persons who planned to do what the paper - thereafter widely known as "The Balfour Declaration" suggested. It gave official British approval to the concept of building a Jewish National Homeland in Palestine. As you know, it was done. Not, perhaps, even close to the way in which the originators may have had in mind. That was in November of 1917. I was one year old then and it has been a major problem ever since. It remains a main cause of so much that is happening today and affects the lives of all or us. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-4-06 [c421wds]
Thursday, August 03, 2006
WHICH WAY? I hear many voices complaining that television is "not as good as it used to be", but that suggests nostalgia in abundance and we all agree, I think, we can, a times, deceive ourselves about how much better yesterday's TV shows were... or seem to have been. Most of us, in completely honest moments, often arrive at the same observation are the very same people who are watching, have been, are and will continue to watch too much TV! When we start comparing a thing with itself we are admitting we have lost guiding standards by which we are able to make such decisions. If you look in any barrel of rotting apples and compare one rotting apple with another rotting apple our will end up with a rather warped idea of just what a good apple ought to look like! Remarkable changes have taken place in television in recent seasons. There can be little doubt about that. Some such changes have been good; others have been - well, not so welcome. The reality of it all, some insist was brought to the forefront of the world of entertainment when the concept of "reality" became established in American production firms following a sudden success in Europe. One by one, the TV networks bee agency-addicted to showing "reality" at each and every turn of the dial. True reality exists primarily for the participants rather than onlookers who tend to witness it out of context and to judge such events as witless meanderings or as stupid excess without sufficient reason. When one such hastily prepared replacement failed other followed quickly and many suffered a like fate. cam Rather than attempting to put the blame on any one factor, it may be wise to look at a wide range of potential factors which could have influenced change. There may well have been some stagnation in the old production of cliche sit-coms, personality detective shows, historical praise sequences, quiz shows and even the revelatory programs as "specials" became dull and actually revealed nothing new. News coverage, in particular, became personality cluttered. experimental, innovative broadcasting projects were given into the hands downright incompetents - many "trained" a college levels, rank charlatans, or well- financed dreamers eager to try favorite theories. Television has seemingly forgotten the very basic fact that it is part of the entertainment segment of our national culture. It, too, must reflect the views of the public it serves. Once it see itself as being self-sustaining it quickly becomes an embarrassing hindrance to us. Right now, TV in America is in urgent need of some simple but vital housecleaning chores. Consider: "time". Time divides itself in to two pieces in the viewer's mind "commercial" time...and "program" time. Right now, and you can check this yourself in any area, program time suffers grater loss. Many half-hour shows include four "breaks" for commercials. Plus an opening message, a closing and in-and out of the half-way "local station" break. Count the "mentions" as being a mere 5-10 seconds each keep a count on the number of 10-30-60-second spots run off -back-to-back, in each of the four five minute breaks and it is plain to see that the commercial time far exceeds program time. I have counted as many as fourteen commercial spots within such breaks. I have developed a "watch two shows" hobby. Change channels one to the other when commercial breaks occur; go back five minutes later and you will not have missed much of the show, in any. For a time you may enjoy watching two shows at one time; then you either forget to go back or decide to go with something else. TV's shortcomings are small , but numerous. Our expectations, too, are grandiose. Need we count on one only remedy? Try reading a book; listening to some music or walking in the woods. I'll bet you can give me a long list of every thing that's wrong with any of them, too! Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-3-06 [c680wds]
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
THE WORLD: SIZE OF... Do you get a feeling, now and then, that this wide, wide world of ours is getting a bit too small for many of the types of life - in particular the human portions - who have, I believe have been told they have "dominion" over it. A place such as Lebanon may be fine enough for a few people but when they get so thick they start stepping on each other's likes and dislikes, foibles, fancies and ignorance trouble becomes almost a sure thing. Let any one of them think of a strange way to do anything they, ordinarily, do well without being aware of it and we have a faction...a side...disagreement. Once such divisions find ways in which they can defend their view we have war. Wars are, for the most part, founded by fools, failures, fanatics and fancied by people who are outright frauds. Their wars are, then "performed" by fools who swarm to do their bidding. Such system often show where their weakness might be from their very formation. That is, I think, apparent in present groups, such as those in Iraq. Now that the Lebanon-Israel war has become a full-tilt conflict in so many ways there has to be a logical phase of criticism directed a the Shiites concern to manage the war. There are splits in the jihadism backing the war. We should exploit such cracks and crevices in the walls of Hate which have built with structural faults from their birth. It is more than mere rumor which tells us that many Muslims do not feel that the war in Iraq is going in their favor at all. They have seen far more Muslim deaths than expected and they been appalled by the intense destruction of Lebanese cities by Israel's artillery fire and impressive air power. There is strong evidence on various Web sites and on-line journals concerned in side-bar comments on events in the war zone - often by a members of yet another Muslin group known as "the Salafis". They are often called "scripture literalists" and they see the terrorist's technique of suicide attacks as being opposed to Muslim religious thought. They can be used to lead many Muslims away from the jihadi movement. Thus far we have heard very little of this small but critical element in the Muslim world. Their opposition to suicide attacks should be prominently stressed. It is apparent that the entire movement is quite sensitive to public opinion . We should use any such view of well-known Muslim persons when they denounce such method as being non-acceptable in a religious sense. Other critics of the present management think they ought to be doing more international projects such as those of "Sept. 11th." We need to realize that serous debate is not dead among Muslims and that not all of them are the Ben Laden type. We should improve our own, in fact, and participate in active, serious debate on problems we all face in an awesome array. Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-2-06 [c511wds
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
TWO OF 'EM! We have had, at least, two men name Benjamin Church in our national history. It would be unusual if you found two people today would were aware of each Ben Church and could tell why they both made the history books of their day. More accurately,perhaps, their stories may have come down to us in the oft-time confused and retouched agenda of local and regional histories told and retold often to someone's advantage. The one Benjamin Church attained to the place of being the first Surgeon-General of the Continental Army all the way from the 27th of July 1775 through October 17th of that same year. To avoid confusion to some extent, let's agree to call him "Doc". He was born at Newport, Rhode Island. He was the third Benjamin Church to attend Boston Latin School and he graduated from Harvard College in 1734. He then studied medicine with Dr. Joseph Pynchon and in London as well. He married Hannah Hill of Ross, Herfordshire, and returned to Boston where he built a good reputation as a physician and surgeon. From that point onward, as frictions grew pointing to an impending conflict between the Colonies and Great Britain his life became more and more complicated. He was a vigorous supporter of the Whig Party, an ardent patriot by reason of his writing and actions. He was a the same time, said to be a secret Tory sympathizer. He examined the bodies and treated some of the wounded in the "Boston Massacre"! He delivered a special Anniversary Oration of that event which marked him as an outstanding orator of his time. He was, in time, accused of passing secret information about a Whig Party gathering to General Gage of His Majesty's Redcoats. We can barely touch on the series of complex issues which came to light in his life story. It is a genuine oddity that no great writer has taken up this work as a major writing task. In this story we see Doctor Benjamin Church as a National hero and yet he falls before a military Courts Marshal procedure of questionable authority. As I read and re-read t of the case, I marvel at the fact that conspiracy theories have not come forth from events of his life. Now, we still have one Church remaining. I promised you "two" of them, did I not? You have already met him in a quick reference, because that other Benjamin Church was the Grandfather of one we have be talking about. He, too, did things in odd ways. He is known for his "aggressiveness and personal bravery." He is considered to have been the avenging arm of the Puritan God!" I still find myself reading about Colonel Benjamin Church as a hero, a murderer, a thief, liar, cheat and impostor or - as someone has put it: "...as a human being with character flaws - like the rest of us." Andrew McCaskey amccsr@adelphia.net 8-1-06 [c503wds]
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