61-year-old Diana Nyad continues her quest to swim 103 miles from Havana, Cuba to the Florida Keys.
"When I blinked, I was 60."
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
"Slow on the Pond"
Another picture from my favorite movie.
1) Jaws
2) A Few Good Men
3) Casablanca
4) 7th Voyage of Sinbad
5) Goldfinger
6) From Russia with Love
7) Dr. No
8) The Verdict
9) Family Man
10) Pulp Fiction
11) Godfathers I/II
12) Groundhog Day
13) The Empire Strikes Back\
14) The Thing ( 50's version )
15) North by Northwest
16) Vertigo
17) It's a Wonderful Life
18) You Only Live Twice
19) Thunderball
20) Invasion of the Body Snatchers ( 50's version )
Not necessarily in any order, tho Jaws is number 1.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
"Hair's Looking at you, Kid"
Not much more to say about the Casey Anthony case that hasn't already been said.
Roy Kronk, the meter man, who discovered the body is pictured above. He must have borrowed his hair style from my friend, Steve, who wore this look in the 70's, and who is pictured in the second photo. It has always been documented that styles come and go and then return.
When I mentioned to Steve via Facebook that he and Roy had the same hair style, Steve took umbrage. He thought he was better looking than Roy.
I thought they had the same hair-that's all.
P.S. Or Hair today gone tomorrow.
"It's 100 Degrees in the Shade" or "Time Flies When Yer Having Fun"
From January 17, 2008
"v.c.'s Musings"
It's the day after the storm, and the denizenry reveled in the chaos and the sight of white snow falling from the skies. We in the South have seen snow falls, blizzards, and black ice. Not lately, tho'. Why? Global warming! You dolts!
Yesterday was an event and got everybody excited. People who have lived elsewhere, like on the frozen tundras of Green Bay, the mountainous slopes of Colorado, or Alaskan igloos dwellers pooh-poohed our pathetic reactions of awe.
I heard a lot of:
"Where I come from [ Indiana ] this t'warnt nothing. You ain't seen snow til you seen snow in Indiana."
"I couldn't believe it when I saw snow plows going down the road. In Minneapolis, now that's some snow....for you."
Each comment was followed by a snicker. A mischievous smile. A "I can't believe they ate the whole thing."
I defended the region's honor. Yeah, we've had snow. And I tell 'em about the blizzards of '81 and '93 or was it '94. These events occurred before global warming, so most of the denizenry think you're telling tall tales or just plain hallucinating.
Back then you never knew it was coming. Until it was toooooooooo late. In '81 the blizzard shut down the city. Unfortunately, the work force was dutifully on the job. It took 'em hours to get home. I tried to be a good Samaritan by taking some of my charges, who were stranded, home when the snows started a'fallin'. It took me all night to get home. If I had escaped at first, I could have been home roasting in front of an open fire, allah chestnuts.
I would have no regrets doing a good deed, but the people I helped didn't seem to appreciate my sacrifice. Like they were entitled. Or something. Be it as it may, I did it. Risking life and limb. But it was an adventure, and I'll leave it at that.
But now the technology has improved to the point where there's little or no surprise.
I do remember waking up one April morning in 1985 and seeing a winter wonderland before my eyes. I was scheduled for surgery-ahem, in the groin area, and it's too much information, I know. Was this a sign to cease and desist the upcoming surgery?
The snow was beautiful; the roads weren't bad-remember it was April. I had the surgery, and the foot of snow had melted by noon. Along with yours truly. Ouch!
Sometimes, I think it would be better if we didn't know the bad weather was right around the bend. Takes all the mystery out of it. And then there's the precautions we can now take, and all of the raids on the supermarkets.
Musing 2: My foray from last night had a definite theme. "Revolver" in the picture. Songs from the Fab 4-my favs-included "Happiness is a Warm Gun"; and watching the classic sequel "Death Wish 3."
Btw, there is a "Death Wish 4" with the enigmatic Charles Bronson. How do I know. Was there a google search involved? Nah. I'm watching it now via AMC, the home of bleeped curse words and multi-layered commercials. I remember when it was commercial free. Not any more. See TCM for an alternative. Which is showing "From Here to Eternity." A dark, brooding tale of life in the South Pacific, pre-Pearl Harbor, December 7. 19 and 41. Too dark and brooding for me tonight. I'd rather watch Death Wish.
It is now time to end tonite's slugfest, as the revelry of the snow has subsided. The denizenry has bid adieu to the foul weather. The upside? Supposed to be an Arctic blast this weekend. And we shall replay it all over again.
Snow....snow....snow. v.c.
P.S. The weather outside ( yesterday ) was frightful.
But inside, it was so delightful
P.S.S. Musings concludes.
Posted by vietnamcatfish at 11:01 PM
"v.c.'s Musings"
It's the day after the storm, and the denizenry reveled in the chaos and the sight of white snow falling from the skies. We in the South have seen snow falls, blizzards, and black ice. Not lately, tho'. Why? Global warming! You dolts!
Yesterday was an event and got everybody excited. People who have lived elsewhere, like on the frozen tundras of Green Bay, the mountainous slopes of Colorado, or Alaskan igloos dwellers pooh-poohed our pathetic reactions of awe.
I heard a lot of:
"Where I come from [ Indiana ] this t'warnt nothing. You ain't seen snow til you seen snow in Indiana."
"I couldn't believe it when I saw snow plows going down the road. In Minneapolis, now that's some snow....for you."
Each comment was followed by a snicker. A mischievous smile. A "I can't believe they ate the whole thing."
I defended the region's honor. Yeah, we've had snow. And I tell 'em about the blizzards of '81 and '93 or was it '94. These events occurred before global warming, so most of the denizenry think you're telling tall tales or just plain hallucinating.
Back then you never knew it was coming. Until it was toooooooooo late. In '81 the blizzard shut down the city. Unfortunately, the work force was dutifully on the job. It took 'em hours to get home. I tried to be a good Samaritan by taking some of my charges, who were stranded, home when the snows started a'fallin'. It took me all night to get home. If I had escaped at first, I could have been home roasting in front of an open fire, allah chestnuts.
I would have no regrets doing a good deed, but the people I helped didn't seem to appreciate my sacrifice. Like they were entitled. Or something. Be it as it may, I did it. Risking life and limb. But it was an adventure, and I'll leave it at that.
But now the technology has improved to the point where there's little or no surprise.
I do remember waking up one April morning in 1985 and seeing a winter wonderland before my eyes. I was scheduled for surgery-ahem, in the groin area, and it's too much information, I know. Was this a sign to cease and desist the upcoming surgery?
The snow was beautiful; the roads weren't bad-remember it was April. I had the surgery, and the foot of snow had melted by noon. Along with yours truly. Ouch!
Sometimes, I think it would be better if we didn't know the bad weather was right around the bend. Takes all the mystery out of it. And then there's the precautions we can now take, and all of the raids on the supermarkets.
Musing 2: My foray from last night had a definite theme. "Revolver" in the picture. Songs from the Fab 4-my favs-included "Happiness is a Warm Gun"; and watching the classic sequel "Death Wish 3."
Btw, there is a "Death Wish 4" with the enigmatic Charles Bronson. How do I know. Was there a google search involved? Nah. I'm watching it now via AMC, the home of bleeped curse words and multi-layered commercials. I remember when it was commercial free. Not any more. See TCM for an alternative. Which is showing "From Here to Eternity." A dark, brooding tale of life in the South Pacific, pre-Pearl Harbor, December 7. 19 and 41. Too dark and brooding for me tonight. I'd rather watch Death Wish.
It is now time to end tonite's slugfest, as the revelry of the snow has subsided. The denizenry has bid adieu to the foul weather. The upside? Supposed to be an Arctic blast this weekend. And we shall replay it all over again.
Snow....snow....snow. v.c.
P.S. The weather outside ( yesterday ) was frightful.
But inside, it was so delightful
P.S.S. Musings concludes.
Posted by vietnamcatfish at 11:01 PM
Friday, July 08, 2011
"Fan Falls to his Death"
Tragic story. I have never come close to catching a baseball at a game. They never come my way. These days baseball players are very gracious and throw the foul balls and end-of-inning balls to the fans. I'm sure this will cease because of this tragedy. I often wondered when someone might get hurt by a thrown ball; the distances the balls are heaved can be of a great distance.
From the article: In the second inning, Oakland A’s outfielder Conor Jackson(notes) hit a screaming foul ball down the left-field line. It caromed toward Josh Hamilton(notes), the Rangers’ left fielder. Hamilton picked it up and threw the ball toward the stands. Players do this hundreds of times in a season. It’s part of baseball’s charm. Show up to a stadium, take home a piece of the game.
Hamilton’s toss came in short. It didn’t stop Shannon Stone from stretching to grab it. I’m almost certain, in fact, that the moment before Shannon Stone fell 20 feet and suffered injuries that would kill him, he was indescribably happy. He was going to grab a baseball from Josh Hamilton, a man who hauled himself from the depths of drug addiction to not only return to baseball but win the American League MVP award last season. Once Stone had that baseball, he was going to hand it to his son. And for the rest of his life, his son would have a story to tell about the time his daddy reached over a railing and snagged a bad throw from Josh Hamilton, one of the most talented players ever to wear a baseball uniform.
From the article: In the second inning, Oakland A’s outfielder Conor Jackson(notes) hit a screaming foul ball down the left-field line. It caromed toward Josh Hamilton(notes), the Rangers’ left fielder. Hamilton picked it up and threw the ball toward the stands. Players do this hundreds of times in a season. It’s part of baseball’s charm. Show up to a stadium, take home a piece of the game.
Hamilton’s toss came in short. It didn’t stop Shannon Stone from stretching to grab it. I’m almost certain, in fact, that the moment before Shannon Stone fell 20 feet and suffered injuries that would kill him, he was indescribably happy. He was going to grab a baseball from Josh Hamilton, a man who hauled himself from the depths of drug addiction to not only return to baseball but win the American League MVP award last season. Once Stone had that baseball, he was going to hand it to his son. And for the rest of his life, his son would have a story to tell about the time his daddy reached over a railing and snagged a bad throw from Josh Hamilton, one of the most talented players ever to wear a baseball uniform.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
"!00 People Who Are Screwing Up America"
Never one to be topical, I recently read this book. It lists Jimmy Swaggart, Michael Jackson, Dan Rather, And Al Franken to name a few. Bernard Goldberg, the writer, is definitely a conservative.
There are 100 names-of course-and number one is Michael Moore. The others, while receiving many paragraphs, Mike doesn't get nary a one. His selection comes with his quote: "They are possibly the dumbest people on the planet...." Speaking of his fellow Americans, according to Goldberg.
I recommend the book, especially while visiting the powder room and/or reading room.
On a similar vein, I recently used the word bain marie in my last foray into the infantile. While heading to Piggly Wiggly today, the thought popped in my head about some stuff I heard while manning the counter at a cafeteria chain, which will go unnamed.
1) Swimps: Crustacean. Lives in the sea. Favorite food of Bubba. You may know them as shrimps, er, shrimp. Po boy, etouffee, fried, sauteed, cocktail, fried rice, scampi, creole-well, you get my drift.
2) Cabbages: If not mistaken cabbages does not appear in plural form.
3) Brussel sprouts: little cabbages.
4) Barbecue Beef Briscus: Sounds like something you would throw at the Olympics. Brisket, if you will.
5) Hurshpuppies: No explanation is needed or given.
6) Manaze: Try mayonnaise and who can forget Mayonnaise in an "Officer and A Gentleman."
7) Sweet Potato Shooflay: Not to be confused with Shoofly, don't bother me.
8) Fish Fill It: This is a fish sans bones.
a) I was often asked if the fish we served had bones. "No, it's Fill It." To which they would reply: "But does it have bones?"
9) Devil's Food Cake: Some guests never liked to hear the word "devil," so we would go with chocolate cake instead. However, that caused problems when the yellow layer cake with chocolate icing was similarly referred.
10) Seafood Bungo: I swear I heard this once from one of the team members. You may know it as Seafood Gumbo.
Shirley, I'll think of others, but these readily come to mind.
P.S. R Jus: The natural juice from the roast beef.
There are 100 names-of course-and number one is Michael Moore. The others, while receiving many paragraphs, Mike doesn't get nary a one. His selection comes with his quote: "They are possibly the dumbest people on the planet...." Speaking of his fellow Americans, according to Goldberg.
I recommend the book, especially while visiting the powder room and/or reading room.
On a similar vein, I recently used the word bain marie in my last foray into the infantile. While heading to Piggly Wiggly today, the thought popped in my head about some stuff I heard while manning the counter at a cafeteria chain, which will go unnamed.
1) Swimps: Crustacean. Lives in the sea. Favorite food of Bubba. You may know them as shrimps, er, shrimp. Po boy, etouffee, fried, sauteed, cocktail, fried rice, scampi, creole-well, you get my drift.
2) Cabbages: If not mistaken cabbages does not appear in plural form.
3) Brussel sprouts: little cabbages.
4) Barbecue Beef Briscus: Sounds like something you would throw at the Olympics. Brisket, if you will.
5) Hurshpuppies: No explanation is needed or given.
6) Manaze: Try mayonnaise and who can forget Mayonnaise in an "Officer and A Gentleman."
7) Sweet Potato Shooflay: Not to be confused with Shoofly, don't bother me.
8) Fish Fill It: This is a fish sans bones.
a) I was often asked if the fish we served had bones. "No, it's Fill It." To which they would reply: "But does it have bones?"
9) Devil's Food Cake: Some guests never liked to hear the word "devil," so we would go with chocolate cake instead. However, that caused problems when the yellow layer cake with chocolate icing was similarly referred.
10) Seafood Bungo: I swear I heard this once from one of the team members. You may know it as Seafood Gumbo.
Shirley, I'll think of others, but these readily come to mind.
P.S. R Jus: The natural juice from the roast beef.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
"Dear Cat"
This dear cat is a dramatization of an actual event:
Dear Cat: I once worked in the cafeteria biz. Long hours too if you will. Don't ask me how it was during the holidays with catering and customers/guests who commanded instant gratification. I moved on after listening to the song "the cat in the cradle" by Harry Chapin ( pun unintended ). From there I became a counselor. It wasn't quite my niche; so I went to work for George Zimmer, because he looked like a sharp dressed man on the boob tube. He had a radiant smile and a catchy ad line: "I guarantee it." But, alas, I'm not happy and want to move on again. DO you have any suggestions. Signed: ex supervisor of the bain maries and other assorted duties.
Dear bain marie: Because I receive no remuneration for writing this column, and because I have no gainful employment, you and I share the same boat. But there's hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Cos I have just the job(s) for you. And thanks to Yahoo's article:
Start a New Career at Any Age/Check out these hot options for career switchers of all ages:
I like this one, in particular:
#3 - Paralegal
Reliability is likely more top-of-mind than age in this profession, since lawyers depend upon paralegals to assist them in just about every part of the legal process. Strong written and verbal communication skills are important, so any prior work history that demonstrates this may come in handy. In addition to researching and interviewing witnesses, paralegals often help proofread documents and prepare contracts.
There are 4 more fields, bain marie. Check 'em out and good luck in your search.
P.S. You're gonna look good in one of these fields;I guarantee it.
P.S.S. Apologies to George Zimmer
P.S. III: What in the world is a bain marie, anyway? Thanks for the query!
Dear Cat: I once worked in the cafeteria biz. Long hours too if you will. Don't ask me how it was during the holidays with catering and customers/guests who commanded instant gratification. I moved on after listening to the song "the cat in the cradle" by Harry Chapin ( pun unintended ). From there I became a counselor. It wasn't quite my niche; so I went to work for George Zimmer, because he looked like a sharp dressed man on the boob tube. He had a radiant smile and a catchy ad line: "I guarantee it." But, alas, I'm not happy and want to move on again. DO you have any suggestions. Signed: ex supervisor of the bain maries and other assorted duties.
Dear bain marie: Because I receive no remuneration for writing this column, and because I have no gainful employment, you and I share the same boat. But there's hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Cos I have just the job(s) for you. And thanks to Yahoo's article:
Start a New Career at Any Age/Check out these hot options for career switchers of all ages:
I like this one, in particular:
#3 - Paralegal
Reliability is likely more top-of-mind than age in this profession, since lawyers depend upon paralegals to assist them in just about every part of the legal process. Strong written and verbal communication skills are important, so any prior work history that demonstrates this may come in handy. In addition to researching and interviewing witnesses, paralegals often help proofread documents and prepare contracts.
There are 4 more fields, bain marie. Check 'em out and good luck in your search.
P.S. You're gonna look good in one of these fields;I guarantee it.
P.S.S. Apologies to George Zimmer
P.S. III: What in the world is a bain marie, anyway? Thanks for the query!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
"Dick"
MSNBC suspends Mark Halperin for Obama remark
Comments from the article: Gee if he said that about BUSH he would have been promoted.
2) Who is Halperin and what is MSNBC?
3) The 7 people that actually watch MSNBC will be disappointed.
Comments from the article: Gee if he said that about BUSH he would have been promoted.
2) Who is Halperin and what is MSNBC?
3) The 7 people that actually watch MSNBC will be disappointed.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
"Scene II"
Cast of Characters
Stella: Young daughter of Vonnie. She is 14. Likes tall guys. She's 5'4". She has buck teeth. She misses her dad, who left the roost when she was 9. Hates Charlie, Vonnie's boyfriend. When Stella gets older she will go by Raven-she will have a friend named Deer.
Charlie: Charlie is a veteran of World War II. He works for the Atlanta newspapers as a typesetter. He has long fingernails but doesn't bite them, because he works with dangerous chemicals. He has s/p hair, burst capillaries on his face due to his love of alcohol. He lives with his mother. He has been dating Vonnie for 5 years. He and Vonnie will wed when his mom dies. No one is sure if the mom is sickly or in good health. Only Vonnie has seen her or so it seems.
Charlie's mom: Lives with Charlie, but as mentioned previously no one has seen her. She is the proprietor of a motel and is an avid taxidermist. Not much else is known.
Aunt Mad: Vonnie's aunt. She is a closet nudist and has nudist books lying around the house. She likes ceramics. One, in particular, measures 8 inches high or so. It features a colonial woman and man-both of whom are quite distinguished. The woman, dressed to the nines in colonial garb and white wig, has a quizzical look on her face. Upon further study, turn her around and her gentleman friend is poking his hand up her colonial dress. Aunt Mad works for the Crawford Driving Club as a cashier. She is an original. Any unwanted telephone solicitation receives a: "Hell, no, she ain't here;she's gone to Edowah Diddly." Just one of her many zany expressions.
Harry: Is a young boy of 8. He doesn't like Charlie either. Even tho' he appreciates the skates Charlie gave him for Christmas. Charlie gave Stella "soap on a rope." Stella hated the soap and hates Charlie. Harry likes his Aunt Mad, the closet nudist, and has shown the ceramic ditty to his best friend, Bobby. Harry has buck teeth-cos it runs in Vonnie's family. He is an All-American kid who loves baseball. But doesn't understand the concept of nudism. He and Bobby get into many scrapes. Aunt Mad once saved Bobby from drowning in a foot of water. Bobby is indebted to Aunt Mad for saving his life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY-kFODaZqE
Stella: Young daughter of Vonnie. She is 14. Likes tall guys. She's 5'4". She has buck teeth. She misses her dad, who left the roost when she was 9. Hates Charlie, Vonnie's boyfriend. When Stella gets older she will go by Raven-she will have a friend named Deer.
Charlie: Charlie is a veteran of World War II. He works for the Atlanta newspapers as a typesetter. He has long fingernails but doesn't bite them, because he works with dangerous chemicals. He has s/p hair, burst capillaries on his face due to his love of alcohol. He lives with his mother. He has been dating Vonnie for 5 years. He and Vonnie will wed when his mom dies. No one is sure if the mom is sickly or in good health. Only Vonnie has seen her or so it seems.
Charlie's mom: Lives with Charlie, but as mentioned previously no one has seen her. She is the proprietor of a motel and is an avid taxidermist. Not much else is known.
Aunt Mad: Vonnie's aunt. She is a closet nudist and has nudist books lying around the house. She likes ceramics. One, in particular, measures 8 inches high or so. It features a colonial woman and man-both of whom are quite distinguished. The woman, dressed to the nines in colonial garb and white wig, has a quizzical look on her face. Upon further study, turn her around and her gentleman friend is poking his hand up her colonial dress. Aunt Mad works for the Crawford Driving Club as a cashier. She is an original. Any unwanted telephone solicitation receives a: "Hell, no, she ain't here;she's gone to Edowah Diddly." Just one of her many zany expressions.
Harry: Is a young boy of 8. He doesn't like Charlie either. Even tho' he appreciates the skates Charlie gave him for Christmas. Charlie gave Stella "soap on a rope." Stella hated the soap and hates Charlie. Harry likes his Aunt Mad, the closet nudist, and has shown the ceramic ditty to his best friend, Bobby. Harry has buck teeth-cos it runs in Vonnie's family. He is an All-American kid who loves baseball. But doesn't understand the concept of nudism. He and Bobby get into many scrapes. Aunt Mad once saved Bobby from drowning in a foot of water. Bobby is indebted to Aunt Mad for saving his life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY-kFODaZqE
Monday, June 27, 2011
"Jaws"
From Time Magazine's new issue, behind the scene photos from "Jaws" and Matt Taylor
P.S. My favorite movie-all time.
The Beach
Hundreds of extras gathered day after day on Joseph Sylvia State Beach in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard to shoot the July 4 beach scene. There, the filmmakers replicated a group of striped beach cabanas originally located on East Beach in Chappaquiddick, another Massachusetts island. The weather was unreliable in mid-June, cool and dark on some days. "Equally problematic were the scores of adult extras who began losing interest in lingering day after day on the frigid beach," writes Taylor. Though they were paid $2.50 an hour, there wasn't much incentive for some to stay on the cool beach for multiple days. When extras who were in one spot for one scene disappeared for the next, it caused major problems for the film's continuity.
* Jaws: Memories from Martha's Vineyard by Matt Taylor
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2078388,00.html#ixzz1QUgeezoK
Saturday, June 25, 2011
"Jim Riggleman Resigns" and "Take this Job and Shove It"
WASHINGTON -- Just when the Washington Nationals were showing signs of success and stability, and just as the players were starting to talk about the growing respect for the franchise around the league, along came the surprise announcement that manager Jim Riggleman was quitting because he wasn't happy with his contract....
....They have won 11 of 12 and have moved above .500 this late in the season for the first time since 2005....
Riggleman resigned because the Nationals wouldn't pick up next year's option on his contract. The players didn't have an inkling that such a thing was brewing. Jayson Werth tried to make it sound as if it didn't matter.
"It's not going to change anything in here," Werth said. "We're the ones that have been making the pitches and hitting the balls and winning the ballgames, so we're going to keep going."
Riggleman is the second manager in the majors to resign this week. Florida skipper Edwin Rodriguez quit Sunday, but his team was struggling and in last place in the NL East.
"For whatever reason, whenever you resign from a job, and especially this job, it takes a lot of guts and a lot of thinking," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "They used to fire managers and now they resign. That's kind of untypical."
....They have won 11 of 12 and have moved above .500 this late in the season for the first time since 2005....
Riggleman resigned because the Nationals wouldn't pick up next year's option on his contract. The players didn't have an inkling that such a thing was brewing. Jayson Werth tried to make it sound as if it didn't matter.
"It's not going to change anything in here," Werth said. "We're the ones that have been making the pitches and hitting the balls and winning the ballgames, so we're going to keep going."
Riggleman is the second manager in the majors to resign this week. Florida skipper Edwin Rodriguez quit Sunday, but his team was struggling and in last place in the NL East.
"For whatever reason, whenever you resign from a job, and especially this job, it takes a lot of guts and a lot of thinking," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "They used to fire managers and now they resign. That's kind of untypical."
Monday, June 20, 2011
"Top Ten Letterman-Dallas Mavs"
The Mavs won the NBA championship. And I plugged along with them exhorting them to victory. The following clip is hilarious. "The top ten good things about winning the NBA crown":
Noteworthy:
#9: Receiving a congratulatory sext from Anthony Weiner
#8: Helped take the sting out of hearing the cancellation of Hef's wedding.
Noteworthy:
#9: Receiving a congratulatory sext from Anthony Weiner
#8: Helped take the sting out of hearing the cancellation of Hef's wedding.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
"From the Archives"
"Dear Frat Bro"
I grew up during the turbulent 60's. I began my education at my alma mater, the fall of '69. The U.S. was embroiled in the Vietnam War; dames, er, young women were burning their bras and girdles and were questioning their submissive roles to men; the Civil Rights movement had been raging for years. Words like "far out," "heavy," "dude," and "groovy" were becoming mainstream in the "hippie culture;" young people disillusioned with all the conventional ideas of their parents.
And a new music arrived on the scene. Psychedelic, heavy metal and folk were emerging. And yers truly was caught-up smack dab in the middle of it. And because I had a yearning to drop in and drop out and to further the cause, I wrote a column for Truck U.'s newspaper. My byline was Frat Bro.
Btw, the greek sororities and fraternities were taking a hit in new membership, as the "counter culture" was dismissing the old established ways.
Here's my column from back in the day. An advice column, if you will, allah Ann Landers, which was designed to help my ggggeneration cope with the new revolution:
Dear Frat Bro: I'm scared @#$%less, dude. LBJ has decided to intensify our presence in Vietnam. I'm an English major, who is in danger of flunking out of school. My lottery number is 69. I'm afraid that I will be classified 1-A soon. Any suggestions. Signed: Not a Fortunate Son.
Dear Fortunate Son: Get to the bookstore quick and buy every cliff notes ever made. How do you think I've stayed at Truck U. all these years. Dude, the Canterbury Tales is a wild ride if you get the unabridged version. But Homer, Socrates, and Aristotle are greek to me. BTW, I ain't no senator's son. And when the tax man showed up at my dad's place, the house looked like a rummage sale, yawl. Thanks for the query and good luck!
Dear Frat Bro: Your column is heavy and far out. And groovy, dude. My friends tell me there's an outdoor rock concert/festival in upstate New York in August. Lots of beautiful people going. Trying to find themselves. It's gonna be a weekend of partying, dude. I heard that Jimi, Janis, CSN, Santana, Jefferson Airplane and maybe Bob Dylan will be there. Are you makin' the scene? Signed: Blonde on Blonde/Volunteers For America
Dear Blonde Volunteers: It's gonna be da heaviest collection of misfits ever assembled in one setting. Unfortunately, Bob has become somewhat of a recluse since his motorcycle accident. But Country Joe and the Fish will be there. Canned Heat and Ten Years After. I heard that Country Joe may change his name to Southern Fried Joe. But it's still the same fish to me. Thanks for the interrogatory!
Dear Frat Bro: When you leave Truck U. in a few years, what are you going to be when you grow up? In other words, what are your career goals? Are you going to get into print journalism and travel the world? Become a d.j. and spin the platters? Enter the exciting world of television. Maybe join Ted Turner's
fledgling new hybrid UHF station? What are you gonna do, dude? Signed: Inquisitive at Truck U's Inquisitional Facility.
Dear Inquisitive: None of the above, dude. I have my mind set on entering the wonderful world of restaurant hospitality. I have applied at Piccadilly Cafeteria. They make all their food from scratch. Pies, salads, meats, and veggies. I can't wait. They say the hours are great and you are well compensated. They have a crackerjack crew of maintenance men with well-honed skills. That repair all your service needs. Check back with me in 30 years and I'll tell you how it's going. "TFTQ!"
Dear Frat Bro, I dig your column. It really helps my psyche. Can you help me with a serious problem? You're my last resort. I will turn 30 next month, and-as you know-the younger generation doesn't trust anyone over that age. I want to stay in the revolution, but I'm afraid I'll be persona non grata once the birthday fairy comes and leaves a quarter under my pillow. Can you dig my dilemma? What to do, dude? Signed: Far(m) out?
Dear Farm Out: I'm afraid it's over for you, dude. Once you turn 30, you'll want to move to the suburbs, have 2.5 kids, and start investing in a 401K. Enjoy it while you can! It will soon be Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, the Carpenters, and Tiny Tim time. Forget Hendrix, Morrison, and the Airplane. Sorry, not negotiable in today's revolution.
P.S. Submitted for your approval, v.c.
I grew up during the turbulent 60's. I began my education at my alma mater, the fall of '69. The U.S. was embroiled in the Vietnam War; dames, er, young women were burning their bras and girdles and were questioning their submissive roles to men; the Civil Rights movement had been raging for years. Words like "far out," "heavy," "dude," and "groovy" were becoming mainstream in the "hippie culture;" young people disillusioned with all the conventional ideas of their parents.
And a new music arrived on the scene. Psychedelic, heavy metal and folk were emerging. And yers truly was caught-up smack dab in the middle of it. And because I had a yearning to drop in and drop out and to further the cause, I wrote a column for Truck U.'s newspaper. My byline was Frat Bro.
Btw, the greek sororities and fraternities were taking a hit in new membership, as the "counter culture" was dismissing the old established ways.
Here's my column from back in the day. An advice column, if you will, allah Ann Landers, which was designed to help my ggggeneration cope with the new revolution:
Dear Frat Bro: I'm scared @#$%less, dude. LBJ has decided to intensify our presence in Vietnam. I'm an English major, who is in danger of flunking out of school. My lottery number is 69. I'm afraid that I will be classified 1-A soon. Any suggestions. Signed: Not a Fortunate Son.
Dear Fortunate Son: Get to the bookstore quick and buy every cliff notes ever made. How do you think I've stayed at Truck U. all these years. Dude, the Canterbury Tales is a wild ride if you get the unabridged version. But Homer, Socrates, and Aristotle are greek to me. BTW, I ain't no senator's son. And when the tax man showed up at my dad's place, the house looked like a rummage sale, yawl. Thanks for the query and good luck!
Dear Frat Bro: Your column is heavy and far out. And groovy, dude. My friends tell me there's an outdoor rock concert/festival in upstate New York in August. Lots of beautiful people going. Trying to find themselves. It's gonna be a weekend of partying, dude. I heard that Jimi, Janis, CSN, Santana, Jefferson Airplane and maybe Bob Dylan will be there. Are you makin' the scene? Signed: Blonde on Blonde/Volunteers For America
Dear Blonde Volunteers: It's gonna be da heaviest collection of misfits ever assembled in one setting. Unfortunately, Bob has become somewhat of a recluse since his motorcycle accident. But Country Joe and the Fish will be there. Canned Heat and Ten Years After. I heard that Country Joe may change his name to Southern Fried Joe. But it's still the same fish to me. Thanks for the interrogatory!
Dear Frat Bro: When you leave Truck U. in a few years, what are you going to be when you grow up? In other words, what are your career goals? Are you going to get into print journalism and travel the world? Become a d.j. and spin the platters? Enter the exciting world of television. Maybe join Ted Turner's
fledgling new hybrid UHF station? What are you gonna do, dude? Signed: Inquisitive at Truck U's Inquisitional Facility.
Dear Inquisitive: None of the above, dude. I have my mind set on entering the wonderful world of restaurant hospitality. I have applied at Piccadilly Cafeteria. They make all their food from scratch. Pies, salads, meats, and veggies. I can't wait. They say the hours are great and you are well compensated. They have a crackerjack crew of maintenance men with well-honed skills. That repair all your service needs. Check back with me in 30 years and I'll tell you how it's going. "TFTQ!"
Dear Frat Bro, I dig your column. It really helps my psyche. Can you help me with a serious problem? You're my last resort. I will turn 30 next month, and-as you know-the younger generation doesn't trust anyone over that age. I want to stay in the revolution, but I'm afraid I'll be persona non grata once the birthday fairy comes and leaves a quarter under my pillow. Can you dig my dilemma? What to do, dude? Signed: Far(m) out?
Dear Farm Out: I'm afraid it's over for you, dude. Once you turn 30, you'll want to move to the suburbs, have 2.5 kids, and start investing in a 401K. Enjoy it while you can! It will soon be Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, the Carpenters, and Tiny Tim time. Forget Hendrix, Morrison, and the Airplane. Sorry, not negotiable in today's revolution.
P.S. Submitted for your approval, v.c.
Monday, June 13, 2011
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