Category: ENCOURAGEMENT (Page 1 of 2)

It was 4 A.M. when a familiar malady stirred Papa awake. So long as I was up I decided to switch on the TV and see if there were any news updates from Israel. The release of the hostages was underway. That small doubt in the back of the mind that something may go wrong at the last moment vanished. It was replaced by the sights of absolute joy on the faces of families on hearing the news. Those smiles beamed even brighter in the next hour as it became clear that all living hostages were coming home. And, did come home. What a wonderful day.

I thought about smiling more in the future. Happiness, which often resides inside, needs to be broadcast facially more often. How many times do we see over the top joy on faces arouns us? I’ve been lucky enough to officiate at weddings and look into beaming faces during the ceremony. That visual of sheer joy is often lost on the guests in attendance. That expression of happiness is the closest to what I was seeing on my TV screen this morning. I’m not sure where these digital images are stored, U-Tube I assume? Wherever, go and watch the embraces between the families. Watch the crowds on the streets as they wait and then hear the joyous news. It’ll give your spirit an uplift. It’s good to smile.

To add some zip to it, I suggest listening to what you describe as Papa music. Like from the 1950’s. Try the Nat king Cole version of “Smile”. Listen to the lyrics; good advice.

Hate Trump. Really hate Trump. Really, really hate Trump. Papa is giggling as these comments are typed out. I understand that Trump is disliked. I understand that people did not vote for Trump. I understand that people voted for Trump. I understand that some people blame everything not to their liking on Trump. I certainly understand that people were unhappy with governing by some of the Presidents during my 16 electoral choices.

Although not in my nature I even sort of understand how some people are riled up to a 100%, all the time, unrelenting hate of Trump. What is not very rationally understood is why some people shun Papa when he does not join in a Trump hate fest. Debate and the free exchange of ideas were a bed rock of my family when growing up, as well as during my political science/history/law education and in 58 years of practicing law/judging. Too many times since Trump’s re-election when the words “hate Trump because” are spoken, Papa’s natural instinct is to suggest something less than another’s 100% on a topic. For many years if the constitution, laws or historical facts are deemed distorted, Papa thought it was good to join in and advance a debate. Discussion of issues was a positive. I only recall being encouraged to do so. It was the process that Hlped formed more liberal ideas. However, what now happens on occasion is that any contrary contribution seems very unwelcome and judged as not having zealous 100% hate for Trump. It is not enough to recognize his personality flaws, to have not voted for him or to disagree with the vast majority of presidential dcisions/policies. One needs to be a part of the chorus. No exceptions.

This blog is for my grandkids and tries to target hope. It is the opposite of hope to wallow in the negativity that an all consuming hate of Trump engenders. When others do not appreciate any contribution that is not 100% they become the censors that squash free thinking. Previosuly, I wrote that it will be interesting if the democrats adapt enough to win more elections in the future. On the national level so far most of what Papa hears is an echoed version of the few who hate Trump without exception. I don’t hear much thought from the expressors of hate as to why he got elected. Hate Trump and those close to him of course and then lament how stupid all his supporters/voters are. Don’t disturb the comfortable embrace of hate based on a personal opinion of intellectual superiority. But, may Papa suggst that there are reaons out there why Trump won beyond others are not as smart as thee.

What Papa thinks is a series of opportunities to enjoy discussing the issues of the day become islands of silence. Don’t talk politics is an old cliche of course. In my 81 years I do not remember times or issues that I didn’t feel comforatble talking about differing political/social issues with others. Now, in the name of social peace silence is suggested for Papa. How hate for one man can so twist another’s freedom of speech is fascinating. Books will be written on the subject at some point. Plenty of material.

So, do your best to cling to an open mind. Read and listen to a wide variety of sources. Find folks of all opinions and beliefs to have open discussions. Draw your own conclusions from facts. Form your own values. Express your opinions. There is no one person or group that you need to conform with. Remain positive. Negative thoughts that scare are the gun powder of politics by both political parties; especially on their fringes. It’s just possible that the sky is not falling. Papa will continue to use this forum and pray that this time of hate fades so it feels comfortable that voices can be heard/tolerated.

It is nearly three months since the presidential election. Just a week+ after inauguration. Papa senses a bit more calm in the nation. To be sure there is still an element of doom and gloom in the media unhappy with the election results. And, it’s all baloons and bubbles for the other side. However, even with some of the most vehement of the partisan media there is a dose of moving on. That situation may be temporary but it is a feeling I have from my own news watching.

Yet, Papa understands that his news watching may be as outdated as his bones. Somewhere I read that younger folks get a majority of their news from sources I barely know exist. Podcasts, blogs and influencers? I’m not even sure how to find them much less sort the good from the bad. Two to three million podcasts in America is one estimate I saw. I know that many of my news sources have migrated to the internet but in many respects they only represent old time media outlets. So, there may be a lot more more going on that is unknown to Papa. As Ann Margaret said in a movie line to an old time film actor favorite of mine, “Comfortable.” I have my entrenched ways.

What do I recommend? Do your own winnowing and sifting but these are the sites on my tablet’s favorites. I go to most on daily basis. A few only once or twice a week. BBC, CBC, CNN, DRUDGE, FOX, FOX BIZ, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL, NY SUN, JERUSALEM POST, REAL CLEAR POLITICS, NY POST, TORONTO STAR, AXIOS, POLITICO, SUN TIMES, YAHOO NEWS, KGW-KOIN-KATU, GLOBAL NEWS.CA

Drudge and Real Clear Politics are good starting points for entry to a variety of sources. The NY Sun is closest to classic journalism. The old time mass journalism sites now charge more than I’m willing to pay for slanted news. I do get a few free articles from them elsewhere. So, I get a tiny taste of the NY Times/Washington Post/Wall Steert Journal.

These next four years may be interesting. More governance and less jibber-jabbering would be nice. Mostly, Papa hopes that 2028 brings a chance to vote for a presidential candidate from one of the two main political parties. 16 years is a long time. Wow, will marking a ballot at age 85 be the most strenuous bodily function attainable? A goal for the future.

Papa lost August. Or, I was lost in August. During the nearly three months of my stay at Sight Point I can easily say this is the best and longest stretch of great weather, ever. Its been get out and do time this year. An extra incentive to be active is the dawning realization that my years of besting this rugged terrain is limited. Even modest pick and shovel work takes its toll. However, the original cabin/kitchen is back on a foundation and nearly complete. The sleeping cabin remains sturdy and comfy. When I was close to freezing that first summer of retirement was more than enough motivation to build that second cabin. Everyone is home again and I will wrap up 2024 soon.

I may have neglected writing at this site but I was doing my usual thinking and musing. Yesterday reminded me of 9 and 2 in horse racing. Your great- grandfather occasionally sent two dollars with a friend to bet on the daily double at Arlington race track. He’d place it on 9 and 2. His first grandchild was born on September 2nd. I remember babysitting for two hours one night so her parents could go out for dinner. Now I am struck by the swiftness of time’s passage. That little niece died before the age of sixty. As did two of her three sisters. My fourth niece is not yet sixty and none of it makes any sense. I can be thankful that neither my brother or his wife lived to see a daughter die. Yet, they are all gone at young ages and the sorrow stings.

The usual bromide response would be to make the absolute best of each and every day. Papa is not so sure on this one. I do like to avoid pressure. Is there a judge out there in space, heaven or an App. that needs to be convinced? Of what? Your worthiness? I had a co- worker who showed up for work everyday with strict production goals. Yellow stickers advocating “ focus” or “ success” littered the cubical walls. I saw anxiety where others may have been in awe of such determination. Dare I say there can be some good and bad days? Are the baskets to be filled by places visited, mountains climbed or challenges met the way to make the best of each day?

Okay, life can be short. Life is short even for an eighty year old. How about a simple goal of being at peace with how you got from zero to whatever? As in having core values that you followed. Whether as a speed racer or a functionary. Avoid anger. ( the usual Chicago Bear exception applies here) Do your best. Live and let live. Follow your own brain. Apps, Bots and even old grandpa’s don’t know what is best for you. And, when your time comes, and it surely will, spend as much time as possible at Sight Point. It’s getting ready for you.

Authors are advised to write about familiar topics. Don’t read too much into Papa’s life based on the title of this post. Yet, to be fair, it is not outside the realm of possibilities that I have more than a passing acquaintance with booze. I did grow up in the Badger state. ( I will also concede that the jury may be out on my being grownup. ) Although I cannot claim to be an expert on avoiding the pitfalls of alcohol, here are my thoughts for your consideration.

First, your health, wealth and emotional well being will be better if you don’t drink. I’m not talking about never testing it out with peers or prohibiting booze to ever pass your lips. You may or may not give alcohol a taste. If thereafter, you choose not to drink your physical body won’t be subject to the long term invasion of high blood pressure, organ deterioration and slowed brain function. The biggest dangers arise from excessive drinking. Wealth is at risk if one can’t work to a person’s best ability. Or, worse, miss work due to hangovers/sickness. There’s a line from a Woody Allen movie to the effect that showing up for work is 80% of success. Many people can plow through years of hangovers and make it to work. (Functional alcoholic.) That can trick the mind into falsely believing all is well with employment. One can never truly know how much negative impact excessive alcohol has on pay increase/promotions. The same holds true for family life. Maintaining better health without alcohol is a given. However, light or moderate drinking does not mean a person will die sooner or have dire health problems at an early age. Relaxation can”t be all bad for health. As far as the brain is concerned, drinking quickly makes one feel quite smart. You’ll be surprised how intelligent you sound to yourself. Yet something can be lost in translation when brilliant ideas during inebriation are verbalized. None or minimal alcohol use is best.

Drinking alcohol is not a bad choice in and of itself. What is a bad choice is to continue to drink if you can’t handle it. Alcohol (And/or drugs), driving an automobile and using a gun represent three big dangers in your life. It is imperative that you act responsibly. Unfortunately, when it comes to “handling alcohol” you’ll enter an area where things get slippery. And, everything gets more complicated if one has what was described as the “curse” by my first internist. In his opinion the curse was high tolerance for alcohol. I will try to explain.

A starting point if you wish to test alcohol is to do so at an appropriate age. In my youth our state had a reasonable law that permitted consumption of beer, not liquor, at age 18. Yet, kids would even jump the 18 year old gun. We had a few guys who’d get some beer and drink it under the football stands or some such place. I assume they got a kick out of sneaking or thinking that they were more grownup. It’s not bad to act your age in high school. Which for me meant malted milks, burgers or pizza after a dance with other kids. No age acceleration is needed to have fun in high school. If you want a to spice things up a bit, try the mine fields of dating. ( Where it is every man for himself.)

Whenever, wherever or however you decide to take a first drink I suggest you make it beer. The age 18 for beer concept was swept away during the Vietnam War era protests. (The infancy for today’s do-gooder social justice warriors.)The argument was that if a soldier is old enough to die for his country he should be old enough to vote and drink alcohol. The vote aspect of the concept survived. Old/wise enough to cast consequential votes but not ready to gulp a beer seems dubious. However, sticking with my point about beer, when all of our potential soldiers were old enough to die and drink at age 18 it had a negative impact. Papa’s experience had been with college age kids consuming beer. When the next generation could drink hard liquor at age 18 they did so as if chugging beer. There was no Katie to bar the door. So, after a wakeup call based on many disasters the drinking age for ALL alcohol went to age 21. Not an unreasonable age for hard liquor.

Assume you are going to drink three beers. On average it may take the better part of an hour to consume that amount. Four shots can be downed in a matter of minutes. College kids failed at an earlier age to hold their liquor. A big whammy hit 18 year olds square in the kisser. It turn out they could get killed in war or alternately obliteriated at age 18. Papa’s experience before the age 18 epiphany was of kids either having a beer or two and getting giddy or settling in to drink lots more than a few. The latter is the curse. The 2 beer kids had quick fun/silliness and went to bed. Others settled in for a longer haul. Plus, with less sleep (and not such good sleep at that) those with high tolerance of alcohol could do more functional damage and bodily harm over time. However, they were considered to be holding their alcohol by virtue of standing upright longer. Whatever you do pace yourself. Test yourself with alcohol. “Holding one’s liquor” if defined as consuming huge quantities is not a positive.

Also, remember that the two dangers of driving and handling of a weapon both have a huge multiplier if alcohol use is involved. Zero is the policy then.

It is enjoyable to watch your developing interest in hair styling during your teen years. Until recently I assumed you had no clue what a comb looked like. Shaggy, sticky and unkept hair was the order of the day. My ears perked up when I overheard one of you mention how you wanted a barber to cut your hair. That is a topic I’ve been uncomfortable with ever since receiving my first haircut from Jimmy the barber on Greenfield Avenue. Seventy plus years later I hate being asked by a barber, “How do you want it cut today?” Just like the last cut but a bit shorter is my instinctive thought. (Continue what Jimmy started.)

Like you I eventually started using a comb. Perhaps I did so in self-defense against my mother brushing my hair before I toddled off to school. It felt like her instrument of torture was made of stiff wire. I began combing my hair just like Jimmy the barber. Still do. “Styling” never entered my combing vocabulary. (Papa has never been too high on styling points in a wide variety of areas.)

I wasn’t unaware of shaking things up a bit with hair. I knew a pompadour when I saw one. I’d seen the movies “Rock Around The Clock” and “Rebel Without A Cause.” Our high school had plenty of examples. To which I thought, “conformist”. The sixties brought in the shaggy bowl cut. Beatles. More “conformist” opportunity. My least favorite decade exposed all to “Hippie Long”. I’ve lost interest after going through stages of Faux Mohawks, Man Buns and versions of tails; duck and otherwise.

All in all, the hair style of the moment is harmless. Of course, there are some who view some hair styles as symbols of our national downfall/disgrace. Usually the concern is pointed at a specific person or group. The actual target is usually some form of activity/cause/belief that somehow threatens. Kinda like the P that stands for Pool which rhymes with T that stands for Trouble in “The Music Man”.

So, enjoy your journey into creating some pazzazz with your hair. Papa even admits to trying something different once. I thought a crewcut/brush would beasier. But, my hair was too fine and it flopped. As if 9th grade wasn’t hard enough. Remember that it is your personality and the brain power under your hair that count the most. Have fun with which ever hair style you enjoy.

The October 7th massacre in Israel should not cause Papa to bring out his bromide about sifting and winnowing. The monstrous events of that day present moral clarity of thought. Yet, I am dismayed that so many seem to easily lapse into various stages of moral confusion. Identifying pure and simple evil was easy. Yet, others have difficulty confronting evil. Does absolute evil drive some into a cacoon of comforting moral relativism? Perhaps a version of sticking one’s head in the sand? Or, another example of the education system failure to promote critical thinking? Or, today’s flood of news sources; both good and bad?

I am reminded about a walk taken on a sunny afternoon many years ago. A beautiful flower garden was at the border of what we once called a truck farm. Such small farming plots were close to or within the city limits. An old geezer in baggy overall jeans was tending his flowers. A conversation about seeds, soil and watering ensued. It was all very pleasant. Perhaps the old guy became comfortable with the chat as he reached into his back pocket and brought out a crumbled phamphlet. The leaflet featured a swastika beside Hitler’s face. He was eager to explain the source of all the world’s current problems. Antisemitic bile destroyed the old man’s perceived gentleness.

His propaganda was localized and limited to ragged old pages undoubtedly passed between like thinking cretins. In today’s world you will not only face in person purveyors of hate and mis-information but will also be exposed to many news sources as well as platform “news”. Now, more than ever, be vigilant in what you read/consume. When you are older, (BTW: Papa still thinks 21 is a better voting age than 18) your votes will help determine our leaders and you’d best start the sifting and winnowing process early and often. When sorting things out in a confused world it might be valuable to recognize that sometimes pure evil does exist and it is up to no good. Muddled messages and thinking doesn’t necessarily equate to profound thought. Simplicity can exist and often be correct.

I’ve mentioned that I have not voted for a major political party candidate for President since 2012. Today’s brief connection to TV and the internet demonstrated that 2024 may extend that streak. The possible rematch of two titans dominates the news. It is nearly 100% all day long that one guy is a Boozo. The other is an old guy who parlayed his position for wealth. Constant. Where are the grownups in politics, the media or this new thing called social media? My recent visit to Mount Rushmore convinced me we need folks in all walks of life with integrity. As solid as the rock depicting those four Presidents. It’s a potential easy solution. Each citizen needs to focus on matters other than personal gratification or accumulated astounding wealth. Establish a moral code and follow it.

I think there are now over seventy criminal charges pending on Trump. Over charging was sometimes welcomed when I did defense work. A prosecutor has to prove all the cases to a jury. They may have some strong charges but for every weak allegation there is potential to raise doubt everywhere. A jury might start to think that if so many charges are dubious, perhaps that might be true of stronger charges. Papa viewed such prosecutors as having a lack of confidence. Trump of course is another story. Political intent is added to the equation. So, with rumored cases posible in various additional jurisdictions Papa is betting that more than 100 charges might be pending by the next time I access TV or the internet.

Piling on could actually end up helping Trump. It is hard to imagine him as victim. He brings so much of this on himself. When he’s treated unfairly, as has been demonstrated beyond a doubt, he’s incapable of turning it to his advantage. Keep your mouth shut and let others put a spotlight on the abuses of the other side. He doesn’t laser in on the evidence but rather diverts away from what could be a positive for him and says something outragous and not in his own interest. That personality doesn’t belong carved into rock. So, America’s politicians and movers and shakers continue to violate Papa’s prime rule. It’s okay to act/be silly; just don’t do silly.

However, this blog is for hope. I do not give up hope that, somehow and someway, I will vote for a major party candidate next year. I’d better; time is runing out.

When I was young this date stuck in my mind as “The Epiphany”. Recently the date marks a recent upheaval in a national election certification. However, it also is the date on which a famous speech was made at the critical time that much of the world was at war. The US was on the brink of that conflict. It was a speech intended to quell anxieties about America’s possible movement away from its stance of isloation. The United States was starting to lean towards resisting the perils of aggression. In 1941 the then US President delivered what is now known as the “Four Freedoms” speech. I urge you to read that speech and consider it in the perspective of the time.

Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear are as essential and needed now as was the case 82 years ago. The emphasis of course is on freedom. Bad actors still exist in today’s world. Dictatorships flourish when freedom is reduced/eliminated. Even well-intentioned leaders can cross the line of restricting freedom in the name of good. In our representative republic there is a fine line between our cherished individual freedoms and some necessary restraint on actions/activities that harm the common good. Where that line lies is always an appropriate discussion to have in society.

It’s easy to identify the tin horn crackpots that want and wage war. Another land war in Europe? Have they learned nothing? Elsewhere, millions and millions are enslaved by communism. Or, by dictators of other political philosophies. Those who wish to control freedoms in the name of their perceived rightousness of cause come in all manner of political stripes. Such dangers to freedom are usually easy to spot. However, there are also forces needing to transgress on freedom to achieve a goal that does not equal war or enslavement. A prime tool to manipulate and cajole is simple fear.

For example: the recent hub bub in congress over conflicting convictions in selecting a speaker scares some folks. Why? What’s to be feared about politicians arguing? A bunch of hot air by politicians instills fear? Some people recently seem to have a fear of anything not homonginized. What comfort is taken from a government that is united to such an extent that there are no ripples in civic life, where everyone can parrot their colleagues’ thoughts and all are adept at the latest in step matching. Conflict seems better suited to America. But, there is a fear that conflict will make the Speaker’s job hard. Sometimes Papa feels it is best to leave the popular annointment process to medival church lore.

It is up to you to weigh and balance the fears that will come towards you. I try to resist fears that restrain freedom without a good basis. We are flooded with the tactic of fear. We all may die is an attention grabber. Death is a legitimate concern but is it the stuff that should control every aspect of life? When everything is declared to be dying is it no wonder that despair and cynisim overwhelem? You and I are supposedly on the brink because of industrial age horrors. Oceans are dying as are fish and birds. Exticntion hovers over many species. Even the planet doesn’t stand much of a chance. One or the other political party will destroy the nation. But, luckily we all know who is at fault for our impending demise. We are told everyday. You can tune in and read all the “predictors” that are passionate in their beliefs and who know what you are or are not doing to save us all. Just get with the program.

There is nothing to fear but fear itself. FDR spoke those words prior to 1941 during his first inauguration. That thought goes back at least to the 16th century. Beware: there is always someone out there trying to stir the pot to create anxiety. Use your noggin when it is your turn to evaluate legitimate fear from fear mongering. The world is not as bad a place as some claim. Get a good night’s sleep; eat healthy foods; pay attention in school; don’t hurt people; develop and follow a moral code and always be kind to grandfathers.

Treating others as you’d like to be treated is known as the Golden Rule. It is simple yet so easy to overlook in the hub bub of daily life. Sometimes a reminder helps. I received a reminder yesterday. Our state has been in the midst of an Artic Blast. A horrible time for the furnace to stop working. It died. Soon the temperature indoors was in the 50’s. The roads were solid ice; no way to get off the hill to warmth with relatives/hotels. What to do? Calls to furnace repair companies started. 5-10, a dozen. Only one call was answered: Their service schedule was “weeks” out. The remaining calls ended with instructions to leave a message. A few indicated mail box full and couldn’t even take a message. Looming choice seemed to be get on a service call list and “wait for the thaw.”

One last call was made late yesterday to a local outfit. The owner answered. No, he couldn’t help. He was iced in himself. He hoped to get out by Christmas Eve to drive to be with his family. I could get on a wait list after his return or he knew of another small company nearby I might try. I wrote down another phone number to call and thanked him.

However, he then asked me if some sort of gizmo was near the furnace. Tough question. Papa has never had an easy relationship with anything remotely mechanical/technical. I had no idea of what he asked. I knew that modern furnaces looked different than the coal burning octopus in my grand dad’s bacement. I mentioned something about the furnace. He started to ask more questions. Soon he said there might be one solution that I could try myself. ( I had tried all the tips in the manual. ) He then took the time to walk me through it. An hour later the house was back to warm.

The patience of the owner was a life-line offered at a time of great stress. A kindness from my perspective. It was only a matter of minutes for him. He was under his own stress but didn’t just say “sorry-goodluck-bye. That brief connection with humanity helps shore up my ongoing hope for the future. You can count on the goodness of people more than you might realize. I reflected on a other times when life’s curveballs pushed me towards gloom. My stalled car in an Ohio parking lot during an Artic Blast of another year comes to mind. It feels so good when kindness is extended to you. On the other hand, I’ve always felt better then good when I’ve tried to help others. There is always someone with a need for kindness. Look for that need when possible. Life is good on the road of kindness.