Ten Best Places to Pig Out

One of the things about having either cable or satellite television is the plethora of channels on hand. I confess that I rarely watch anything on the regular networks anymore. One of my favorite channels is the Travel Channel.

The other day I stumbled across the program "Ten Best Places to Pig Out." This was one program I had not seen. Realize that this is a list for 2003. I will have to look to see if there is a newer list anywhere.

Here are the places they listed; I have added some of my own comments at the end of each.

10. Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo, Texas
www.bigtexan.com/
Finish a 72-oz. steak, tossed salad, shrimp cocktail, roll with butter and baked potato in one hour
and your meal is free
[No way could I do this. I think our friend Brian could make a good run at it!]
---
9. Cluck-U, locations in mid-Atlantic states, plus D.C.
www.cluckuchicken.com/
Finish six Wingers drenched in 911 sauce in five minutes without quenching your thirst or eating other food, and you earn a permanent spot on the "Wall of Flame," a photograph, a T-shirt and a full refund for the meal
[This one sounds interesting to me!]
---
8. Pointer's Pizza, St. Louis, Mo., area
www.pointersdelivery.com/saurus.asp
Finish a 28-inch, 11# Pointersaurus pizza ( 2 pounds of mozzarella, 2 pounds of tomato sauce, 3 pounds of meat and 4.5 pounds of dough) in one hour with a partner and your team will win $500.
[Too much for my husband and I!]
---
7. Primanti Brothers , Pittsburgh, Pa.
www.rackdeal.com/primantibrothers/
Fit a 5.5-inch tall, 7# Primanti Brothers sandwich (a layer of tomato slices and a half-pound of meat, a fried egg, a large order of hand-cut fries and a heaping mound of sweet-and-sour coleslaw top -- all between two thick slices of bread) between your teeth without breaking your jaw -- and eat it. No prize is listed. My guess is that you earn some bragging rights.
[Too big for me, either to fit in my mouth or consume]
---
6. Ben and Jerry's, shops worldwide
www.benjerry.com/
The Vermonster Sundae -- Stuff 20 scoops of ice cream, four bananas, three cookies, one brownie and assorted toppings into your belly in an hour and get the $30 treat for free
[I really like ice cream, but I don't know that I could do this -- plus B & J are very radical individuals, and I don't care to support their enterprises with my money.]
---
5. Acme Oyster House, New Orleans, La., area
May still be recovering from the effects of Hurrican Katrina
www.acmeoyster.com/
Impress the staff with your ability to inhale hundreds of oysters in a single sitting and be recognized on the "fame board" (current champion is a hulk of a man who ate 52 dozen oysters in 2-½ hours)
[I like oysters -- steamed or in things. I doubt I could consume large quanities of them even over the course of a few consecutive days!]
---
4. Beth's Cafe, Seattle, Wash.
www.bethscafe.com/
Blend in with the Crayola-punk atmosphere while binging on 12-egg omelettes and unlimited hash browns
[I don't think I could eat such a huge omelette. A three-egg one is my limit when I am especially hungry.]
---
3. Seiad Valley Cafe, Seiad Valley, Calif
users.sisqtel.net/rjones/pancakech.html
Finish a 5# platter of pancakes in two hours without losing your breakfast and earn bragging rights.
[No way could I eat that much. I remember when I was sixth grade-age and younger, I could eat regular-sized (not plate-sized) pancakes at a hefty rate. My goal then was to eat as many pancakes as I was old: 11 years old -- eat 11 pancakes. Imagine if I tried that now!!!]
---
2. Eagle's Deli, Brighton, Mass.
www.eaglesdeli.com/
Finish a 3-pound (six half-pound burgers) hamburger topped with a quarter-pound of cheese in 2-½ hours; side-dish included is 5# of french fries and you will get a full refund and your picture on the wall next to Reilly (person sandwich is named for) and his fellow overachievers
[No way -- I am not even sure about the possibility if I shared with just one other person. I would guess that the fries at not the small ones we get at McDonald's, Burger King, or other such places.]
---
1. Lambert's Cafe, Sikeston, Mo.
www.throwedrolls.com/
Fill your stomach to the breaking point with "pass arounds" while keeping an eye out for flying rolls
[This place looks like fun. Not only do you get more than enough to eat, but you have the challenge of watching for flying rolls. What you catch you eat.]

Smile -- It's Friday!

Flying has become such a common mode of travel. I remember when I was young, thinking that only rich people flew; I never thought I would ever have enough money to be able to fly anywhere. Well, here I am a middle-aged adult -- I have flown, not just once, but several times, not just in the USA but also abroad (Mexico and Central Europe). The first time I flew, I was 24. I, along with my suster, went from central NY to Los Angeles, stopping to change planes in Chicago. The last time I flew, I was 52. I went, by myself, from central New York to Budapest, Hungary, stopping to change planes in NYC going over and in Paris and NYC returning.

To me, flying is amazing. There we are, way high in the sky in a tube with wings!

"Fear of flying: Welcome aboard"

From The Economist print edition

In-flight announcements are not entirely truthful.

What might an honest one sound like?

GOOD morning, ladies and gentlemen. We are delighted to welcome you aboard Veritas Airways, the airline that tells it like it is. Please ensure that your seat belt is fastened, your seat back is upright and your tray-table is stowed. At Veritas Airways, your safety is our first priority. . . . Actually, that is not quite true: if it were, our seats would be rear-facing, like those in military aircraft, since they are safer in the event of an emergency landing. But then hardly anybody would buy our tickets and we would go bust.

(The flight attendants are now pointing out the emergency exits.) This is the part of the announcement that you might want to pay attention to. So stop your sudoku for a minute and listen: knowing in advance where the exits are makes a dramatic difference to your chances of survival if we have to evacuate the aircraft. Also, please keep your seat belt fastened when seated, even if the seat-belt light is not illuminated. This is to protect you from the risk of clear-air turbulence, a rare but extremely nasty form of disturbance that can cause severe injury. Imagine the heavy food trolleys jumping into the air and bashing into the overhead lockers, and you will have some idea of how nasty it can be. We don't want to scare you. Still, keep that seat belt fastened all the same.

Your life-jacket can be found under your seat, but please do not remove it now. In fact, do not bother to look for it at all. In the event of a landing on water, an unprecedented miracle will have occurred, because in the history of aviation the number of wide-bodied aircraft that have made successful landings on water is zero. This aircraft is equipped with inflatable slides that detach to form life rafts, not that it makes any difference. Please remove high-heeled shoes before using the slides. We might as well add that space helmets and anti-gravity belts should also be removed, since even to mention the use of the slides as rafts is to enter the realm of science fiction.

Please switch off all mobile phones, since they can interfere with the aircraft's navigation systems. At least, that's what you've always been told. The real reason to switch them off is because they interfere with mobile networks on the ground, but somehow that doesn't sound quite so good. On most flights a few mobile phones are left on by mistake, so if they were really dangerous we would not allow them on board at all, if you think about it. We will have to come clean about this next year, when we introduce in-flight calling across the Veritas fleet. At that point the prospect of taking a cut of the sky-high calling charges will miraculously cause our safety concerns about mobile phones to evaporate.

On channel 11 of our in-flight entertainment system, you will find a video consisting of abstract imagery and a new-age soundtrack with a voice-over explaining some exercises you can do to reduce the risk of deep-vein thrombosis. We are aware that this video is tedious, but it is not meant to be fun. It is meant to limit our liability in the event of lawsuits. Once we have reached cruising altitude you will be offered a light meal and a choice of beverages -- a word that sounds so much better than just saying drinks, don't you think? The purpose of these refreshments is partly to keep you in your seats where you cannot do yourselves or anyone else any harm. Please consume alcohol in moderate quantities so that you become mildly sedated but not rowdy. That said, we can always turn the cabin air-quality down a notch or two to help ensure that you are sufficiently drowsy.

After take-off, the most dangerous part of the flight, the captain will say a few words that will either be so quiet that you will not be able to hear them, or so loud that they could wake the dead. So please sit back, relax and enjoy the flight. We appreciate that you have a choice of airlines and we thank you for choosing Veritas, a member of an incomprehensible alliance of obscure foreign outfits, most of which you have never heard of.

Cabin crew, please make sure we have remembered to close the doors. Sorry, I mean: Doors to automatic and cross-check. Thank you for flying Veritas.

Shopping

Unlike most women I know, I do not like to shop. However, shopping is one of those things I can't avoid. I am not one of those people who can stroll through a mall and just window shop. I am not one of those people who shows up at a store just because it has the word SALE jumping out at passersby or because I received a notice that there will be reductions in prices of 40% or more.

When I have to shop, I have a mission in mind -- get to my destination, get what I need, and get out. I have been known to travel to the nearest city (seems like a village, compared to NYC!), make a department store stop and a grocery store stop, and be home 2-2.5 hours after leaving my house. It helps to understand that I live at least a half hour from my destinations. When I travel that distance, I make the trip worth my while. There have been times when my husband has been along -- as have two friends of ours -- and we have even added dinner at Applebee's (Friday night) and been home about 3-3.5 hours after leaving.

Today I was out with a friend of mine whom I had not seen since probably February or March -- I forget when. We met to go to Ithaca to shop and eat out. Times like this I can't do my "commando-shopping," as my friend is a shopper. Plus, we don't rush through lunch nor through a coffee break. I will confess that today I was gone from 9:00 until about 5:15. Yes, my travel time was longer than half an hour -- probably closer to an hour; but my shopping took more thought, as I am looking to replace some of my window coverings. I can't seem to make myself rush through that. (Otherwise, I was still a fast shopper.) I will admit that I spent ore $$$ than I usually do; but that was because I was not only looking to update window coverings, but I have some lamps that need new shades. The ones on them (about 14 years old) are rather grungy. So, you have to figure that curtains and lampshades will be a bit of money.

Of course, because I was in more urban areas, I was in stores that had better selections in their produce section than our little store here does. Thus, I spent a chunk of money at the grocery store as well.

Probably I am a rare woman, not getting any real enjoyment out of shopping. BUT, probably I save money in the end . . .

HHH

HHH -- no, I am not referring to former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, earlier a U.S. senator from Minnesota and later democratic nominee for President of the United States. I am referring to any one of a number of days, depending on where you live, when the weather is classified as hazy, hot, and humid.

What do you do on a HHH day?

Where I live, air-conditioned houses are still rare -- although I see more and more window ACs than I used to. Many older churches, like mine, have no AC. Some of the other older buildings lack AC. The number of HHH days here are minimal, which is probably why we just can't tolerate them very well. Until two summers ago, we had no AC -- not even window units -- in our house. In the afternoons, our deck is shaded; on our street, the houses are a good distance apart. We live on a hill, up above the valley floor. We usually get a decent breeze, including nights. We managed all right the summer we had a few days pushing the upper 90s to about 100.

What did I do to keep cool on an HHH day before I had AC? go to a place that had AC (stores, the library), go to a local park along one of many lakes/reservoirs in the area, ride around in my AC'd car. What if I had to stay home? I'd go to the coolest place in the house and hibernate. I survived.

Today is an HHH day. I got my walk in first thing this morning. I did my household chores for the day early. Then I spent the rest of the day enjoying the AC in the house. I didn't worry if I did not get my household chores done before the heat set in because I knew I would be all right with the AC. (I re-arranged the furniture in the living room, vacuuming and dusting as I went.) I did some reading. I watched some cable TV (HGTV, Travel Channel, FoxNews, Weather Channel). I watched an occasional deluge as thundershowers and storms came through. I was just fine.

I think of how our predecessors managed on HHH days. They were lucky if they had fans. Work did not stop, although it may have slowed. Life went on. They sweated and that was no big deal. How spoiled we have become! I know that I can tolerate HHH days, once I decide that I am going to sweat. It seems that once I let go of that mental battle, I am fine. Unlike my predecessors, I can hop in the shower to get refreshed. I can change my clothes, and not feel guilty about dirtying more than one set per day. No matter what, we have it better than most.

I'm getting off now, as I see a nasty T-storm brewing to the west.

Are You Up to Walking?

How many times are we encouraged to get up and get moving? It seems that because obesity is such an issue with kids today -- I see examples at school -- there has been a push to try to deal with it: more nutritional lunches served at school, soda machines banned from the schools (at least in our state), more ads encouraging everyone to get up and get moving.

I am not a jogger. I am not a jump roper, although it's not that I am uncoordinated. I do not live anywhere near a fitness center nor a "Y" (for swimming -- not that I would). If I am to exercise, I walk. I prefer to have a reason to walk, other than just its being healthy. When I golf, I walk. When I park to shop, I park away from the store. Sometimes I talk myself into walking to town -- to go to the library (if I am not planning to bring home more than a book or two), to go to the store (if I am just getting a few small things), to go to True Value. The problem with my walking down to town is this -- I have quite a slope of a hill to come back up on my way home. I live on a hill.

This past year I spent two periods roaming the halls of the school. Unlike some who are assigned hallway supervision, I thought it rather stupid to sit at a desk in the corridor. I chose to wander here and there. I believed that I was most effective if what was predictable about me on my rounds was my unpredictability. Without setting out to do so, I lost some pounds -- not sure how many, but I have several pairs of baggy britches. I also found I could carry on a normal conversation as I climbed the stairs. (You have to be older to understand that one.) I decided that I was benefiting from the activity.

School ended last week. My wanderings in the halls were cut back before then as the school went into finals/regents mode. I got to thinking that I really did not want to lose what I had gained, as far as getting used to walking more. Although the cement/tiled floors got to be a bit hard on my feet, regardless of the quality of my shoes, I still thought I benefited from the walking.

Yesterday morning, before it got too warm, I donned my sneakers and took off for True Value. I needed to get a wedding card anyway. That would not weigh too much for my walk home AND that climb up the hill to get home. That walk went quite well. I got back up our hill and did not require much sit-down time before I was ready to get on with life. This morning when Dennis came upstairs after his devo time, there I was in my shirt and shorts, putting on my sneakers. He asked me about this, as he knew he had not heard me in the shower. I told him that I was going to walk him to work first. I reminded him that I do not walk quite as fast as he does, and so he might want to leave a minute or so sooner. Off we went, down the hill, taking a right onto the main road. We walked past an older couple out on their porch and exchanged a few words. We waved to people who knew us as they passed us. (I am not sure who was the first to wave -- them or us.) We chatted about a few things as we headed down the street to True Value. Across the street we went, said our good-byes, and I turned around to head back. I stopped again for a moment to talk to that older couple before I turned left and headed up our hill. I got up that hill quite well again. I had wanted to get out early because I knew that today the temps were to get into the 90s and it was going to be somewhat humid. I was home by 8:00.

My sister in California has these neat walkways called paseos. They enable people to go here and there in the community without walking out along the main streets or having to cross busy roadways. They are ideal for walkers. When I visited out there a few years back, we used them to get to the pools in the neighborhood. Being cement, they reflected the heat much better than blacktop ever would. Even in the hot temps of summer, it wasn't bad walking the paseos. Here, we are lucky if we have sidewalks. I have some a little less than half of the way to where I am going. So, I have to watch traffic, which includes vehicles from small cars and pick-ups to milk trucks and other tankers.

Walking -- it is probably one activity that is not too hard on the body. It is something that both the young and the old can do. Probably when I am out shopping the next few weeks, I will look for better walking shoes. As you can see, these shoes aren't all that spectacular -- and they're old! Now, all I need to do, at least this summer, is get up and get out of the house when my husband leaves for work. He almost always walks to work, regardless of the weather, all year 'round. I figure the trip, three-quarters of a mile each way, isn't all that tough. As I said to my sister in California, I should get "bonus miles" for the trek up our hill to get back home.

The $2 Bill

Have you ever seen a $2 bill? Have you ever used any? To both questions I can answer YES. It seems to me that when the U.S. mints produced coins for the bicentennial in 1976, the Bureau of Printing and Engraving printed $2 bills. I do remember using them at stores, but I had to pay attention to what I was doing as well as to what the cashier was doing. For a period of time, I enclosed $2 bills in birthday cards for nieces and nephews.

I have here, on my desk, two $2 bills. For the past few weeks, I have had them out of where I was keeping them. So, the other day, when my office mate emailed a story she had received about a $2 bill, I thought it rather ironic that I had recently been handling two (very new-like and crisp for 1976 series). Here is the story -- I can't say it is true; but I have been at fast-food restaurants before where the cashiers did not seem to know how to make change, even when it was right there for them to see the amount.

--------------------

The $2 Bill: Everyone should start carrying them! I am STILL laughing!! I think we need to quit saving our $2 bills and bring them out in public. The younger generation doesn't know they exist.

.

On my way home from work, I stopped at Taco Bell for a quick bite to eat. In my billfold are a $50 bill and a $2 bill. I figure that with a $2 bill, I can get something to eat and not have to worry about anyone getting irritated at me for trying to break a $50 bill.

Me: Hi, I'd like one seven-layer burrito please, to go.

Server: That'll be $1.04. Eat in?

Me: No, it's to go.

At this point, I open my billfold and hand him the $2 bill. He looks at it kind of funny.

Server: Uh, hang on a sec, I'll be right back.
He goes to talk to his manager, who is still within my earshot.
.
The following conversation occurs between the two of them:

Server: Hey, you ever see a $2 bill?
Manager: No. A what?

Server: A $2 bill. This guy just gave it to me.

Manager: Ask for something else. There's no such thing as a $2 bill.

Server: Yeah, thought so.

.

He comes back to me and says, "We don't take these. Do you have anything else?"

Me: Just this fifty. You don't take $2 bills? Why?

Server: I don't know.

Me: See here where it says legal tender?

Server: Yeah.

Me: So, why won't you take it?

Server: Well, hang on a sec.

He goes back to his manager, who has been watching me like I'm a shoplifter, and says to him, "He says I have to take it."

Manager: Doesn't he have anything else?

Server: Yeah, a fifty. I'll get it and you can open the safe and get change.

Manager: I'm not opening the safe with him in here.

Server: What should I do?

Manager: Tell him to come back later when he has real money.

Server: I can't tell him that! You tell him.

Manager: Just tell him.

Server: No way! This is weird. I'm going in back.

.

The manager approaches me and says, "I'm sorry, but we don't take big bills this time of night." Me: It's only seven o'clock ! Well then, here's a two dollar bill.

Manager: We don't take those, either.

Me: Why not?

Manager: I think you know why.

Me: No really, tell me why.

Manager: Please leave before I call mall security.

Me: Excuse me?

Manager: Please leave before I call mall security.
Me: What on earth for?

Manager: Please, sir.

Me: Uh, go ahead, call them.

Manager: Would you please just leave?

Me: No.

Manager: Fine -- have it your way then.

Me: Hey, that's Burger King, isn't it?

.

At this point, he backs away from me and calls mall security on the phone around the corner. I have two people staring at me from the dining area, and I begin laughing out loud, just for effect. A few minutes later this 45-year-oldish guy Comes in.

Guard: Yeah, Mike, what's up?

Manager (whispering): This guy is trying to give me some (pause) funny money.

Guard: No kidding! What?

Manager: Get this .. A two dollar bill.

Guard (incredulous): Why would a guy fake a two dollar bill?
Manager: I don't know. He's kinda weird. He says the only other thing he has is a fifty.

Guard: Oh, so the fifty's fake!
Manager: No, the two dollar bill is.

Guard: Why would he fake a two dollar bill?

Manager: I don't know! Can you talk to him, and get him out of here?

Guard: Yeah.

.

Security Guard walks over to me and......

Guard: Mike here tells me you have some fake bills you're trying to use.

Me: Uh, no.

Guard: Lemme see 'em.

Me: Why?

Guard: Do you want me to get the cops in here?

.

At this point I am ready to say, "Sure, please!" but I want to eat, so I say "I'm just trying to buy a burrito and pay for it with this two dollar bill. I put the bill up near his face, and he flinches like I'm taking a swing at him.

.

He takes the bill, turns it over a few times in his hands, and says, "Hey, Mike, what's wrong with this bill?"

Manager: It's fake.

Guard: It doesn't look fake to me.

Manager: But it's a two dollar bill.

Guard: Yeah?

Manager: Well, there's no such thing, is there?

.

The security guard and I both look at him like he's an idiot, and it dawns on the guy that he has no clue. So, it turns out that my burrito was free, and he threw in a small drink and some of those cinnamon thingies, too. Made me want to get a whole stack of two dollar bills just to see what happens when I try to buy stuff. If I got the right group of people, I could probably end up in jail. You get free food there, too.

Sunday Praise

All In All

You are my strength when I am weak--

You are the treasure that I seek.
You are my all in all.
Seeking You as a precious jewel,
Lord to give up, I'd be a fool.
You are my all in all.

.
Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name.
Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name.
.

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame --
Rising again, I bless Your name.
You are my all in all.
When I fall down, You pick me up.

When I am dry, You fill my cup.
You are my all in all.

.

Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name.

Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is Your name.

--------------------------

Listen: www.higherpraise.com/MiBible2/allinall2.mid
Words and Music by Dennis Jernigan

Sălard, Romania

This past Thursday evening I had the opportunity to share about my trip last summer to Sălard, Romania as part of a TEFL team. I was supposed to do this earlier, but weather and then pre-emptings occurred. Regardless, it was good for me to reflect on my time there. I managed to prepare a very basic power point presentation (to keep the group's attention), and so I spent time looking through my pictures.

The great thing about my giving this talk Thursday is that I was able to add to the power point pictures taken June 3, 2007, of the church there. This was the Sunday that the dedication service was held. What a beautiful building and what beautiful landscaping!

God is doing amazing things through His followers in that part of the world.

.

These pictures were taken on June 3, 2007, at Sălard by a woman (Éva) who attended our TEFL classes. Last I knew, she still attends the Reformed Church, but she illustrates part of what our purpose was in being there -- to build relationships with people who were in the village but not part of a Bible-believing church. Éva (and her daughter) was one of the "outsiders" who invited the TEFL team to her home for an evening meal. Her husband attended the closing program, where he also heard gospel through song and message (John 3). Now, here it is 10 months after the TEFL experience, and this woman has kept some contact with the church and its people. For those of us who have done TEFL, knowing something like this is an encouragement to us because we see the results we hope to see from this type of outreach.

-------------

The amazing thing about these pictures is that they were transmitted by email to Budapest, Hungary, and then to me that same day. Isn't that unreal!

Friday. For me, I am now on vacation until September (although I will say that I have enough things here at home to keep me busy some of that time). In keeping with having Fridays a little more on the humorous side, here's an item I know you will enjoy. Maybe you have seen or heard this before.

My Work History

• My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned -- couldn't concentrate.
• Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the ax.
• After that I tried to be a tailor; but I just wasn't suited for it, mainly because it was a so-so job.
• Next I tried working in a muffler factory, but that was exhausting.
• I wanted to be a barber, but I just couldn't cut it.
• Then I tried to be a chef -- figured it would add a little spice to my life, but I just didn't have the thyme.
• I attempted to be a deli worker, but any way I sliced it, I couldn't cut the mustard.
• My best job was being a musician, but eventually I found I wasn't noteworthy.
• I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn't have any patients.
• Next was a job in a shoe factory; I tried, but I just didn't fit in.
• I became a professional fisherman, but discovered that I couldn't live on my net income.
• I managed to get a good job working for a pool-maintenance company, but the work was just too draining.
• I got a job at a zoo feeding giraffes but I was fired because I wasn't up to it.
• So then I got a job in a fitness-center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.
• Next, I found being an electrician interesting, but the work was shocking and I was discharged.
• After many years of trying to find steady work I finally got a job as a historian until I realized there was no future in it.
• My last job was working at Starbucks, but I had to quit because it was always the same old grind.

SO I RETIRED AND I FOUND I'M A PERFECT FIT FOR THIS JOB!

Placemats

For my birthday a few weeks ago, my husband bought me some new placemats and a matching runner. As you can see, the colors are bright and summer-like. I like using placemats on our diningroom table, as it is a nice oak table that I don't like to hide under a tablecloth any more than I have to -- neither do I like to have it just plain, with maybe a plant sitting in the middle.

"Way" back, when we were trying to come up with a list of what friends could give us for wedding/shower gifts, if they did not want to give us money, we found that a challenge. We were combining two households that had the basics. (All my husband seemed to be lacking was things on the walls!!) We had to think of things we had that were rather worn (towels and such) and things that would add to the eye appeal of the inside. So, I put on the list "placemats." We got all sorts -- from simple to decorative, sets of four to sets of eight. Some even had matching cloth napkins. Provided neither of us made major messes, they would spend about a week on the table before being switched out.

Over time, I did find there were ones I liked better than others. When I decided I needed to start to thin out my pile of placemats, I weeded the ones out that I seemed to never use. Those went to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. A few I passed on to my mom to use. The Christmas ones I put away with the other Christmas things I have. Others became useful to cover some areas and place plants or the mail basket on.

I must admit that my favorites are the recent sets my husband has bought me. You see this set -- reversible, even. The other set is an Americana theme (with matching salt and pepper shakers). My husband chooses well -- he also chooses a good quality material. (Not bad for a guy . . . not bad for a guy who is somewhat color-blind.)

A CCS End-of-School Tradition

Today school ended for all students (except the few taking a physics Regents exam tomorrow morning). The first time I witnessed this (June 2004) I did not realize it was a tradition -- although I am not sure it goes w-a-y back. However, when I saw it again the following year, I then knew it was something the faculty and staff did. Today was the fourth time I was a part of it -- and this time I had my camera with me.

The students get dismissed at 11:30. Most board buses; some leave by car; some walk. Once the buses are boarded, the drivers stay put until teachers on bus duty can go out to the front of the building to join other staff who are gathering outside to wave good-bye as the buses (and passenger cars of students) pass by. There we stand -- teachers, teacher assistants, secretaries, cafeteria personnel, principals, the superintendent, and students who happen to be walking home. As the buses pass by, we wave. Students on the bus do the same. The bus drivers wave at us and toot their horns.

It really is a neat tradition -- a school family tradition.

The Pope Has an Idea Here!

This morning, when I was perusing a news website, I came across an interesting item that related to driving habits. I did have to wonder if he meant all drivers or just European drivers. I can't think he was thinking of American drivers, although I think his points relate.

Anyhow, with increased driving ahead the next few months, I share these words from the Vatican:

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Ten Commandments of Driving
(the Vatican's newly released discussion of the "moral aspects of driving)"

I. You shall not kill.
II. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.
III. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.
IV. Be charitable and help your neighbour in need, especially victims of accidents.
V. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.
VI. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.
VII. Support the families of accident victims.
VIII. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
IX. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
X. Feel responsible towards others.
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On these principles, then, is driving an SUV a sin? If so, what commandment(s) does one violate?

Cost of Living

If you have been in a foreign country -- Mexico and Canada, included -- you maybe have found yourself doing what I do. I like to have a sense of how the peso or Canadian dollar compare to the U.S. dollar. I found the same thing to be true about Romanian and Hungarian money as well as the euro. I think the reason is that I like to know if I am getting a deal or not when I buy an item or when I eat out. Because I have spent my time with the "real people" of Mexico, Hungary, and Romania I also have a sense of what their earnings are and realize what a struggle it must be for some of these people to have enough money to meet their basic needs.

Several years ago I was in contact (ICQ) with a woman who taught in Russia. As she and I got better acquainted, we were able to make some comparisons economically. This woman taught foreisn languages to her Russian students, she instructed other teachers how to do this. Her husband was an officer in the Russian military. To us, we would think that this couple would be well off financially. Each of them had additional jobs on the side -- she worked as a translator for English-speaking men seeking Russian women to marry. She translated letters. She translated at personal meetings. Her husband was also a psychologist. Still, with their income, they could live no higher than what would compare to a lower middle class in our country. At lower salaries, they sometimes paid the same or more for similar items and services they might purchase.

I was again reminded of this when I was in Romania last summer. I know that I was staying with a family that, by Romanian standards, was in the higher bracket of the middle class but not at the highest range. Two of us Americans staying at this home bought pizzas (7 mediums with a lot of toppings), a few liters of soda, some chips, some cookies, and throw-away plates and such. We spent the equivalent of about $33 in U.S. money. Our host family thought we had really spent a lot of money; we thought we had gotten off quite inexpensively. I did say to someone here in the States later on that if we were to order 7 medium multipl-topping pizzas, a few bottles of soda, and the extras, we would pay quite a chunk of money for us. In thinking of the pizzas in this context, it was easy for us to really understand why they would think we had spent a lot -- we would have here.

Anyhow, today I was reading an item that reminded me of how expensive it is to live in some of the other parts of the world -- particularly places that are not as behind-the-times as they may have once been. So, here is some information you might find interesting.

World's most expensive cities
according to Mercer's 2007 survey

(using the cost of living in New York as a base, Moscow is 34.4% more expensive, after taking into account the cost of housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment)

1. Moscow
2. London
3. Seoul
4. Tokyo
5. Hong Kong
6. Copenhagen
7. Geneva
8. Osaka
9. Zurich
10. Oslo
11. Milan
12. St. Petersburg
13. Paris
14. Singapore
15. New York City
16. Dublin
17. Tel Aviv
18. Rome
19. Vienna
20. Beijing

Looking to retire? How about Asuncion in Paraguay, the world's least expensive city.

Mercer estimates that to live in Asuncion costs half as much as it does to live in New York.

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money.cnn.com/2007/06/15/pf/most_expensive_cities/index.htm?cnn=yes

Happy Fathers' Day!

With our society as it is today, so many families missing the dad, I would suggest that we pay as much attention to fathers and Fathers' Day as we do to mothers and Mothers' Day. To what extent are fathers under-appreciated? I think that is worth thinking about.

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Here's something that probably has been floating around for years. It's worth posting, even if no one's father is going to be reading this:

Ten Commandments for Fathers

1. Thou shalt know that God selected these children for you, and you for them, for a special reason.


2. Thou shalt remember what it's like to be a child . . . carefree, fun-loving and excited about life.


3. Thou shalt be patient and understanding as you guide them in the right direction.


4. Thou shalt pray daily for wisdom and strength.


5. Thou shalt affirm thy children's feelings, but be firm as you mold their spirits.


6. Thou shalt instill in them respect for you, themselves and others.


7. Thou shalt give thy children roots . . . grounding them in faith and tradition.


8. Thou shalt give thy children wings, teaching them how to fly on their own.


9. Thou shalt show and tell them you love them every day.


10. Thou shalt entrust them into the Father's hands.

Graduation Parties

Those of us who live in New York contend with graduations later than those living in other states. While the public schools still plod through Regents exams and on to graduation, non-public schools are wrapping up things.

Today we have two graduation parties we are invited to. These are not people we are related to, but they are people we have known for a number of years. The two graduated last night from a local Christian school. After the ceremony, there was a reception for them there at the school. I have been to those receptions, and they are nice. There is a decorated cake. There is punch or coffee to drink. Special table displays have been put together by each graduate and his/her family. Places are set aside for gifts and cards. This reception is at the expense of the families, not the school. I think when the grads' parents first started this, they came up with a great idea that made it a smart way to celebrate graduation with the church family.

Why do I say this? The parties we are attending today are in addition to that reception these two had last evening. At both parties there will be enough food -- and food good enough to call "meal food" -- to feed an unknown number of invited people. Those invited include people from their church, relatives, and other friends and family. Trust me on this . . . I will not be cooking lunch or dinner today! Still, I think about all the money that is spent on something like this. While it is nice that parents do this in recognition of their child's achievement, I wonder if it is necessary to have such a big follow-up party. I think that sometimes families do this because they feel pressured to. Any more, it is rare to not have a party -- at least in my circles. I tend to think that this ought to be more a family and close-friends event, if there is to be a follow-up party.

One thing that was happening for years -- I don't know if it is as prevalent as it once was -- was parents having graduation parties for children graduating from pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. In fact, I one of these graduates had a kindergarten party I remember going to. (The other one was not in the school/church back at that time.) Again, these parties were more than just refreshments.

I have nothing against graduation parties, but I wonder if they have become bigger events than they need to be. I can say that this trend exists in both circles -- public school grads as well as Christian school grads. (The one primary difference is that at the Christian parties, there is no alcohol.) Next weekend we have at least two more parties we are invited to; one is a niece, the other works part-time at True Value. Probably we will go to both, but the one that makes sense for us to attend is the one for the niece. Oh well . . .

What was my high school graduation party? It was not one my parents gave me. I don't think that any of my classmates had their own either. We had a party for ourselves after graduation. I graduated in Washington, DC, from a Christian school. We grads were all invited out to a cottage on the Chesapeake Bay for hot dogs, sodas, etc. (We had no alcohol.) Our hosts were relatives of one of my classmates. With graduation in the evening, we did not get out there all that early. Still, it was something to look forward to. We had a good time . . . decent fun. I didn't get home until about 2:00 am; I felt sorry for the guy I was with, as he had to drive back to the DC suburbs to take me home and then head back to the Baltimore suburbs to get a little sleep before getting up at 4:00 or 5:00 am to go to his summer job.

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By the way, I really don't think that the parents take the grad's money he/she receives for graduation and puts it toward the expenses of the party!

Annoying Things to Do in an Elevator

It is near the end of the school year. Because my responsibilities will be changing, there are things in my files that I am either bringing home to file or else I am tossing. I came across some of the print-outs I had of some humorous things. I spent some time yesterday sharing some of the gems with my two officemates. I just may divy them out here over the next several weeks, especially Fridays, our "lite" days. Keep in mind, as you read this, that I work with students who are generally in grades 7-9. (That may explain a lot right there!)

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Annoying Things to Do in an Elevator

Walk on with a cooler that is labeled "HUMAN HEAD" on the side.

Crack open your briefcase of purse, and while peering inside, ask, "Got enough air in there?

Stand silently and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, without getting off.

When arriving at your floor, grunt and strain to yank the doors open, then act embarrassed when they open by themselves.

Greet everyone getting on the elevator with a warm handshake.

Wear a puppet on your hand and use it to talk to the other passengers.

Listen to the elevator walls with your stethoscope.

Say "Ding" at each floor.

Say, "I wonder what all these do?" and push all the red buttons.

Make explosion noises when anyone presses a button.

Stare, grinning at another passenger for awhile, and then announce, "I have new socks on."

Draw a little square on the floor with chalk and announce to the other passengers, "This is my personal space."

Push the buttons and pretend they give you a shock. Smile, and go back for more.

Hold the doors open and say you're waiting for your friend. After a while, let the doors close and say, "Hi Greg. How's your day been?"

Bring a camera and take pictures of everyone in the elevator.

Move your desk in to the elevator and whenever someone gets on, ask if he has an appointment.

Lay down a Twister mat and ask people if they'd like to play.

Pretend you are a flight attendant and review emergency procedures and exits with the passengers.

Ask, "Did you feel that?"

Stand really close to someone, sniffing them occasionally.

When the doors close, announce to the others, "It's okay. Don't panic, they open up again."

Swat at flies that don't exist.

On the highest floor, hold the door open and demand that it stay open until you hear the penny you dropped down the shaft go "plink" at the bottom.

When at least eight people have boarded, moan from the back: "Oh, not now... motion sickness!"

Frown and mutter "gotta go, gotta go" then sigh and say "oops!"

Wave hands wildly at invisible flies buzzing around your head.

Start a sing-along.

One word: Flatulence! [Check out the picture.]

Bring a chair along.

Lean against the button panel.

While the doors are opening, hurriedly whisper, "Hide it . . . quick!" then whistle innocently.

Call out, "group hug!"; then enforce it.

Flag Day

Today is one of those little-known American holidays -- or so it seems. Did you think, anytime this week, that June 14 is Flag Day? I did. Amazingly, at school today, there was a lady who had a top she wore that showed she also knew it is Flag Day. (Can you tell she must be at least in her mid- to late-40s?) I asked her where she bought it, thinking that I sure would like a shirt like that one -- maybe . . .

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Anyhow, today's focus is Flag Day.

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"Resolved, that the Flag of the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the Union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation."

(June 14, 1777, in Journals of the Continental Congress.)

Since 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14, Americans have commemorated the adoption of the Stars and Stripes by celebrating June 14 as Flag Day. Prior to 1916, many localities and a few states had been celebrating the day for years. Congressional legislation designating that date as the national Flag Day was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1949; the legislation also called upon the president to issue a flag day proclamation every year.

According to legend, in 1776, George Washington commissioned Philadelphia seamstress Betsy Ross to create a flag for the new nation. Scholars debate this legend, but agree that Mrs. Ross most likely knew Washington and sewed flags.

To date, there have been twenty-seven official versions of the flag, but the arrangement of the stars varied according to the flag-makers' preferences until 1912 when President William Howard Taft standardized the then-new flag's forty-eight stars into six rows of eight. The forty-nine-star flag, as well as the fifty-star flag, also have standardized star patterns.

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memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/today.html

What If Dr. Seuss Wrote Technical Manuals?

What if Dr. Seuss wrote a technical manual for computers? May I suggest this for starts?

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If a packet hits a pocket on a socket on a port,
And the bus is interrupted as a very last resort,

And the address of the memory makes your floppy disk abort,

Then the socket packet pocket has an error to report!
.

If your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash,

And the double-clicking icons put your window in the trash,

And your data is corrupted 'cause the index doesn't hash,

Then your situation's hopeless, and your system's gonna crash!
.

If the label on your cable on the gable at your house,

Says the network is connected to the button on your mouse,

But your packets want to tunnel to another protocol,

That's repeatedly rejected by the printer down the hall.
.

And your screen is all distorted by the side effects of gauss,

So your icons in the window are as wavy as a souse,

Then you may as well reboot and go out with a bang,

'Cause as sure as I'm a poet, the item's gonna hang!
.

When the copy of your floppy's getting sloppy on the disk,

And the microcode instructions cause unnecessary RISC,

Then you have to flash your memory and you'll want to RAM your ROM,

Quickly turn off your computer and be sure to tell your mom!

Jamestown, Virginia Celebrates 400 Years

No doubt you have caught on to the fact that I am an American history buff. If I were to have a column in Jeopardy I would feel confidant with, it would be any column that has to do with our history -- not that I would get them all right, but I think I would do all right.

I came across an article today that reminded me that so often we focus on the Pilgrims, forgetting about the settlers who came before they did. Jamestown came 13 years before Plymouth. I know that -- you know that. So why is it we forget to give Jamestown its credit? I have been to Jamestown. I have seen the replicas of the ships that crossed the ocean. If you were to see them, I think that like me, you have to believe that those who came were convinced of a better life and more opportunities if they came. Most who came to Jamestown came more for financial opportunities; most who came to Plymouth came for religious reasons. (Interestingly enough, "Jamestowners" had more problems with the Indians than did the "Plymouthonians.")

When I taught American literature, we had excerpts from the writings of John Smith (Jamestown) and William Bradford (Plymouth) to read. In those writings I learned that quite a few things I did not know much, if anything about: the real story about Pocahontas, the real story about Thanksgiving, the impact John Smith had on the success of Jamestown -- nasty as he could sometimes be -- and that he could exaggerate accounts, mostly to benefit him.

What do you know about Jamestown? Have you ever been there to visit, not just the village built for re-enactments but the excavations of the initial settlement? I have. I like to try to think back to 1607 and what it must have looked like when settlers first landed at Jamestown. (I do know, for example, that the Bible that came was not the KJV, it was the Geneva Bible. Did you know that?) You can also understand some of what motivated future settlers in this area to move further inland, establishing Williamsburg. That, plus the introduction of women and slavery to the colonies all happened before the Pilgrims ever came to America. Already a representative government was established -- the House of Burgesses -- in Williamsburg.

Doesn't all this make you wonder why we are so negligent about this piece of American history -- unless we are Virginians? If you ever get the chance to, visit Williamsburg, visit Jamestown, and visit Yorktown. They all are a part of America's early story.

Traditions

I wonder how many long-established public schools have kept some of the traditions of the past, even when moving into more modern buildings as times and space dictate. This past Friday our school celebrated some old traditions. It is a day in which students and staff are encouraged to dress up.

Background Information

There are several traditions that have been a part of my school district since the first years of its development: the Moving Up Day Ceremony, the Key Presentation and the Key Acceptance, and the Passing of the Flags. These traditions were begun in 1922, at the Cincinnatus Union School and Academy, and made their way over to the central school when it was built in 1936.

Ever since 1922, the senior class has tied its class color ribbon onto the Key of Knowledge and then passed it on to the next year's senior class. "The Passing of the Flags" is similar in nature. Each grade level has a flag that represents the grade, grades 9-12. Each "Moving Up Day," the flags are passed on to the next class and accepted by class president of the grade level above. This moving up in grade level is symbolized by the flags and holds special significance to the students. This year marks the 81st year that these important ceremonies have taken place at the current school facility.

Moving Up Day Ceremony

To begin the ceremony, the Mistress and Master of Ceremonies welcome the students to the Moving Up Day Ceremony. Next in the ceremony comes the procession of the seniors. After the seniors take their places, the students pledge allegiance to the American flag; this is followed by the singing of the Alma Mater. The principal then speaks to the students, directing most of the speech to the seniors. Other speeches given are those by the new student senate president as well as the president of the National Honor Society. After the senior class president gives a farewell speech, the Key Presentation and Key Acceptance ceremony follows. The final part of the tradition is the Flag Ceremony.

With the new technology, one other addition has been made to the morning's ceremonies: a slide show (movie maker), prepared by the senior class, for the high school student body to enjoy. The slide show includes pictures of the present as well as the past -- including some re-creations ... then/now.

I am not a die-hard traditionalist; but there are some things I do like, when it comes to traditions. I like the ceremonies of Friday, as they seem to link the past with the present. It does, in its way, create a special time for the high school students.

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Key Presentation Speech (written in 1939)

"Members of the class of ____: All of us live a life of symbols in which a thing or an ideal stands for all that is pure and noble and courageous. Such a symbol is this key which classes have handed down to succeeding classes, year after year, from class to class, until finally it has come to signify more than symbolic knowledge. It has come to mean truth and honesty, faith in God and man; it symbolizes good sportsmanship and good scholarship - all the frontier virtues of mankind. And so, class of _____, in behalf of us of _____, I present you with this key, and charge you to guard it jealously, so that it may pass stainless from your hands to those of the succeeding class and thence to classes far, far in the future, until our sons and daughters, standing on tomorrow's horizon, may accept it with pride and happiness, knowing that it was kept clean by us - and by you."

Key Acceptance Speech (written in 1939)

"We the class of ____, accept this Key of Knowledge with sincere appreciation of the fact that you have attained that goal toward which we strive. We feel that we are unworthy of this honor. We hope that in the year to come we may use this key as successfully in unlocking the Door of Knowledge as you have done. Seniors, we sincerely trust that in the future you will hold before the world the high standards and precepts you have placed before us this past year. May happiness and success be with you always in whatever you undertake."

Psalm 1

Recently I started a slow read of the book Living Beyond the Daily Grind I, by Charles Swindoll. The lessons center on various writings of David. The first lesson is Psalm 1, a psalm my mother had my siblings and I learn when we were young. The psalm is simple in form and in outline. The contrast presented is obvious -- the way of the godly vs. the way of the ungodly. I have decided to share here the amplified version of the psalm, as it increases our understanding of the words of the writer. Don't let it detract you, though; let it give you something to think about.

Psalm 1

1) BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

2) But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

3) And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].

4) Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away.

5) Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].

6) For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God's will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).

Pet Peeves

pet peeve
A particular or recurring source of irritation
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms

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I chose this topic because I was reminded of at least one of them today. Rather than ramble about the incident,which illustated more than one, I am going to list some of my pet peeves. Feel free, in the comments, to add yours.

• People who are habitually late to church for no good reason.
• People who are habitually late to anything planned
• [Notice in both instances, I say habitually. I realize there are situations in which it cannot be helped.]
• Spoiled parents with spoiled children. (This exhibits itself in many, many ways.)
• Men who wear their hats inside a building (except maybe some place they are dashing in and out of, such as the post office and the grocery story)
• Talking during the singing/playing of the National Anthem
• Men/Boys with hats still on during the singing/playing of the National Anthem
• Cell phones heard inside restaurants, meeting rooms, church, etc. (The tone can be silenced to just a vibration, if the person just has to be able to be contacted)
• Moochers
• Government (both national and state) waste of tax dollars
• "Major" news items being way too focused on spoiled celebrities [Shame on Fox and Cnn, to name two.]

Friday Lite

Once again you will find something a little more light/lite for today, the end of another work week for most. Where I live, today is hot and humid -- seems a common problem about this time in June annually. Anyhow, I just want to kick back and relax in the comforts of my air-conditioned home, thanking my husband for adding central air a few years ago when we replaced our furnace.

Actual Newspaper Headlines

• Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
• Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case
• Survivor of Siamese Twins Joins Parents
• Iraqi Head Seeks Arms
• Is There a Ring of Debris Around Uranus?
• Panda Mating Fails: Veterinarian Takes Over
• Teacher Strikes Idle Kids
• Squad Helps Dog Bite Victim
• Enraged Cow Injures Farmer with Ax
• Plane Too Close to Ground, Crash Probe Told
• Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
• Stolen Painting Found by Tree
• Two Soviet Ships Collide, One Dies
• Two Sisters Reunited after 18 Years in Checkout Counter
• Killer Sentenced to Die for Second Time in 10 Years
• If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
• Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
• Red Tape Holds Up New Bridge
• Deer Kill 17,000
• Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery: Hundreds Dead
• Man Struck by Lightning Faces Battery Charge
• New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group

Say What?!?

I happened to have a quick supper at Wendy's this evening because I had to take care of some business after work. Because I was waiting for something, I decided to eat-in instead of eat in the car. I had not gone in prepared. I had no reading material with me; neither did I have any paper or writing utensils. So, I was stuck reading the ads restaurants stick on the tables.

I was noticing an item that made very little sense when I read it -- although now I have come up with a logical explanation. Here the item is: Wendy's is now offering a Frosty Float. With the promotion of this new menu item there is a contest. Win a Wii. In order to qualify, you need to check the number under your cup; BUT the ad goes on to say that no purchase is necessary.

I did sit and think about it. I must admit I found it rather amusing because I have often heard of wordings like this. How do I look for a number under a cup if I haven't made a purchase? How dumb is that! HOWEVER, upon later thought, I did come up with some possibilities:

1) What if I found a cup that was just plain litter?

2) What if I found a cup in the trash?

3) What if I wasn't the one making the purchase -- someone else was?

I decided that I stand corrected -- it IS possible to win without making a purchase because it is possible to get a number without making a purchase yourself.

By the way, I do like Frostys, but I am not sure I want to have them "float style." I prefer to do that with A & W root beer. I have often tackled the challenge of downing a Frosty while driving.

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I wonder when NYS will make it against the law to drive and eat at the same time, as they seem to come up with laws for just about everything.

When Were You Last in a Public School?

I was just reading an article that stated the functionally illiterate rate in the USA has jumped to at least 50% -- I forget the exact words. To be functionally illiterate does not mean that one cannot read, write, or do basic figuring. What it does mean is that there is no real comprehension of what is being read. Carrying basic math concepts into the real world and applying them is a challenge. Writing -- forget it, if it's original. The article goes on to voice concerns about what this means for the future of our country.

I would daresay that most of my readers have not set foot in a public school for any real amount of time for years and years and years. My challenge to you is go spend a day or two there, especially in the junior and senior high school areas. Although there are dress and behavior codes listed in handbooks, the enforcement of them by too many teachers is lacking. The ones who choose to enforce them encounter a lot of verbal disrespect from kids -- words that would shock you to think they would be so brazen as to talk that way. I have been where I now am since 2003. I am still amazed.

If you were a public school student in the 1960s and early 1970s, think about this:

• On the playground or in your little group of friends, were you careful not to get caught swearing by the teacher or the playground teacher? Did you even dare swear at the adult?
• When you dressed -- guys and girls -- did you want your underwear showing?
• Did your parents stick up for you or for the teachers -- or at least get both sides of the story before making a decision?
• Was there more than perhaps one person in your class who would be mouthy and disrespectful to an adult in the classroom, hallways, and/or cafeteria?
• Did your parents complain about eligibility rules?
• Did you know of parents who would threaten to get a lawyer?

If I wanted to, I could list here some of my own experiences with students whose words and behaviors would almost shock you -- maybe. (They are probably somewhat mild compared to schools in the inner city, though.) They have often caught me by surprise, but I have to act like I am not shocked or appalled. (The good thing is that I have had students say to me later that a particular student was way out of line.) I am glad that I am not comfortable hearing what I hear way too often. That's how it should be for the Christian.

I am old enough not to be intimidated by that kind of student. Although I give students the chance to make a right choice, if they choose not to make a right choice, there is a consequence. I'm not like the young teachers in their 20s who want the kids to be their buddies so they do not adhere to the handbook rules in their expectations and make excuses for students' poor behavior choices. I have expectations and try to adhere to them. That is something too many of the kids I have throughout the day are not used to -- probably at home, for starters.

Problems I see are not limited to foster kids and kids from broken or weird homes, they also appear in kids from "regular" homes as well. (I can tell you of staff/teachers at my school who give teachers a hard time when the teacher determines that the student needs an after-school detention assigned or is given a referral to the principal.) It is a sad commentary on the future of our society here in the USA. It will be interesting to see how that functionally illiterate rate changes over the next few years. It also will be interesting to see how the job market is affected by our inability to supply manpower -- people who can read, people who can clearly express themselves in writing, people who can think. I recall reading an article a number of years ago in which the writers said that the USA may have to look abroad to find people smart enough to fill too many of the basic jobs because our graduates are not able to read, write, and think as they should be able to.

Vermont -- Need I Say More?

Yesterday I noticed an item that mentioned the fact that some in Vermont want the state to secede from the United States. Immediately I thought of our neighbors to the north -- Canada -- and how one of theirs often makes known its desire to become independent of Canada. That is the province of Quebec.

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I became a curious person, though, because I remember hearing of some other attempts of our states, aside from those who joined the Confederate States of America in the 1860s. I remember reading somewhere that NYC had thought of leaving the Union the same time the other Southern states did. I also recall other areas where there were streaks of independence exhibited from time to time, including an area now in Tennessee (Franklin), I believe. I did take a look on the internet to see what I could find out about states seceding, or wanting to. There's more than you probably realize. (Click link below.)

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Would we miss Vermont, if it seceded? I think that would depend on how guarded its borders would be. Vermont is a beautiful state to visit. The scenery is amazing, from the Green Mountains to the area around Lake Champlain. It still is a rather rustic area, its towns noted for their town squares, the hub of the village.

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Vermont is also known for its "liberalness," drowning out any bit of conservatism that may exist. Vermont is a left-leaning state that has said "yes" to civil unions and last year elected a socialist to the U.S. Senate. Although there are many who like Vermonters Ben & Jerry's ice cream, there are very few of us (at least in my circles) that would embrace their views on most social and political issues.

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Knowing that there are Canadians who do what they can do to by-pass having to drive through Quebec -- they pop down here to NY out of Ontario, at least -- I wonder what some of us East-Coasters would do about Vermont, if it were to get more serious about this matter. Would we dip down into Massachusetts or pop up to Canada to avoid the state?

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As far as those of us who live upstate New York, we would say that even today, we would not mind it if NYC broke away from the United States -- or at least the state of New York. It would save us money in ways non-New Yorkers don't realize. They could also keep Bill and Hillary. (Although they live in the 'burbs, at least he has office space in the city.)

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www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Jun04/0,4670,VermontSecession,00.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Secession_in_the_United_States

Want an Interesting Trip?

Ever wonder who it is that comes up with these -- I'm not talking about regular people like us, but those people who are behind these major websites. I rarely do but today was one of those days.

A friend of mine passed this on to me over the weekend. I saved it until this morning to see what there was about it. I will tell you this -- I didn't expect to see what I saw. It is amusing, to say the least. And, as I said at the start, I have to wonder who these people are.

If you are looking for an interesting trip, try this:

1) Go to www.google.com.
2) Click on "maps."
3) Click on "get directions."
4) At the top of the page, type " New York " in the first box (the "from" box).
5) Type “ London " in the second box (the "to" box).
6) Click on "Get Directions."

When the directions appear, scroll down to about step #21. It may not be this exact number in your search; but you will know what you are to notice when you see it!.

Let me ask this: Who wants to take this interesting trip?

Sunday's Thought

On and off all week I have had this song in my mind. It may be because I was thinking of songs that can be played in three-part harmonies and sound great on brass. Anyhow, I was again thinking about it this morning. So, I decided to focus on "More Love to Thee" today and see if I could find out what motivated the person to write the words.

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"To love Chirst more is the deepest need, the constant cry of my soul . . . out in the woods and on my bed, and out driving, when I am happy and busy, and when I am sad and idle, the whisper keeps going up for more love, more love, more love!" These were the words of Elizabeth Pretiss, wife of a Presbyterian minister and writer of this hymn text. She was often described by her many friends as "a very bright-eyed little woman with a keen sense of humor, who cared more to shine in her own happy household than in a wide circle of society."

Although Elizabeth was strong in spirit, she was frail in body. Throughout her life she was almost an invalid, scarcely knowing a moment free of pain. "More Love to Thee" was written by Mrs. Prentiss during a time of great personal sorrow, following the loss of two children in a short period of time. For weeks Elizabeth was inconsolable. In her diary she wrote, "empty hands, a worn-out, exhausted body, and unutterable longing to flee from a world that has so many sharp experiences." During this period of grief, Mrs. Prentiss began meditating upon the story of Jacob in the Old Testament. She noted how God met him in a very special way during his moments of sorrow and need. Elizabeth prayed earnestly that she too might have a similar experience. While she was meditating and praying one evening, these four stanzas were born--words that have since become a universal prayer for believers everywhere:

More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!

Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.

This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee;

More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

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Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;

Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.

This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

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Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;

Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,

When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee;

More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

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Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;

This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;

This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

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www.cyberhymnal.org/mid/m/o/r/more_love_to_Thee_o_Christ.mid
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Taken from Amazing Grace -- 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions

Worth Reading

With summer driving season upon us -- regardless of gas prices -- this timely reminder came my way. I thought it was worth passing it on.

Using cruise control on wet on wet roads or during heavy rain can cause you to lose control of your vehicle (www.snopes.com/autos/techno/wetroad.asp). The website to the left, here, explains what can happen in wet conditions -- not just rain. This occurs when a vehicle starts to hydroplane. If you will take time to read the item, I think you will understand the concern that exists when people use their cruise in wet conditions. Of course, inherent in this item would be the reminder to us that we really need to be alert drivers when the weather is inclement. It's not just our vehicle that may have a problem; it may be those of others as well.