Sermon of the Week: Dec. 30, 2007

Feast of the Holy Family: St. Paul's; Fr. Kevin; "Abba Father"; On DADA

MP3 File

Tis the Season----the poem

(Ed. note: I found this short poem scribbled on a crumpled piece of paper and stuffed into the mesh bag on the back of a motorized wheel chair carelessly parked near the bridge that crosses Allen Creek. After extensive analysis, I have discovered the words and have faithfully reprinted it without any editing.)


To Everything
Turn
Turn
Turn

That was the chant
or was
it the
rant

Tis the Season
To
Remember
or Season to
Forget
Which
is Best
I
cannot recall....

Time to
Build
or
Time
to
Flood
Which it
was
I
forget or
was it
pump

Time to
Love
or
Time to
Hate
Which it
Was
I
Forget.....
or was it
Regret

Time to
Pray
or was it
Lie
So hard
to know
the reason
why

Time to
MAP
or Time
to
lie and
then
map

Tis the
Season

The Sermons of Fr. Kevin Dooley

Sermons of November and December 2007 at St. Paul's Church

MP3 File

Sermon: Fr. Kevin Dooley 12-23-2007

"The Trust and Faith of Joseph"---sermon of Fr. Kevin Dooley of St. Paul's Church on 12-23-2007

MP3 File

Last Sunday Before Christmas: St. Paul's

The Readings for December 23, 2007

MP3 File

"The Observer Prayer"

Thursday, September 01, 2005
The Observer Prayer

Lord
When I was young
I had answers,
Now, I have only
questions

Teach me when I think I have the truth,
to pause and just ask
Questions,
and then shut up and
Listen

Teach me where there is
strident certainty
to look for
fear
and where there is difference
to look for
unity

When I face those who
think they are
self made and independent
Lord, remind me that all that is
beautiful and strong
You created in abundance for
free


Finally, Lord,
In the midst of a battle
Remind me to just wear
My Observer hat and
Observe

"The Grinch that Stole Christmas"---or the power of positive accounting

This morning, Morgan Stanley, the distinguished financial services firm on Wall Street, announced that their earning loss for the quarter was ten times larger than they expected----no problem though, they had secured a large investment of cash from some foreign company.

One always looks to these revered financial firms as role models----the problem of course is that the average homeowner or retired American cannot have an oil shiek help with a cash infusion in a time of financial pinch. I have the ability to call on Skype. but just do not have the correct numbers.. The telephone numbers as well as the collateral.....

It has been years, and maybe a generation since folks have had to look at the accounting of things on a cash basis----it has become only a faint memory. In the Visa commercial, where everyone is in line, and the customers are speeding through the checkoutline with fabulous precision, the one grinch that snarls up the works is the person with "cash." What a foreign concept. Actually paying in current time for products is a very weird concept. Especially weird at Christmas, where I bet over 95 % of all sales are on credit cards.

Recessions mark a time of change in accounting psychology, and we are seeing it right now---although the power of denial is very strong in many folks. In every mind, there is the split accounting system---the power of positive accounting system that folks have been living with over the past 20 years or so----- and then the CASH basis accounting, which is NOT welcome, and has become the "Grinch" of Christmas.

So---What's in your wallet? What is in your Heart?

It might just be that to get the answer "JOY" for the second question, you will need to answer CASH in the first.

St. Paul's; December 16, 2007

Third Sunday in Advent: "Rejoice"---on the meaning of rejoice, on the entrance hymn for Easter Vigil, sung by Fr. Kevin Dooley

"It is More than the Bricks that you Seek".....

Recently our town restored the brick street downtown, in an effort to revitalize the downtown business district.

On the way back from the ceremony of dedication, I happened to bump into a local historian and we chatted for a while. She asked me how I liked bricks. I mentioned that while I was a history major and indeed had specialized in the period of 1900 to 1930, and loved the homes, and indeed lived in one built in 1912 just identical to the one my grandpa had built himself in 1912, with the hardwood floors and such, I still felt that folks were really being nostalgic for something larger.

"What?" she asked.

"Well," I went on, in the days before World War I, there was a connectedness of small communities-----yes there is a size factor------and when folks remember the time of the bricked streets, it is really that close community that they miss. It was a real time once-----and only the bricks remain of it now.

Memories of Paul Hawthorne---

Years ago when I was in grade school, 8th grade, I sat on the isle next to the windows, and just to the right of the unabridged Wester dictionary. Yes. It has been a while since that dictionary was the total resource for learning beyond books. Right behind me sat one of my best friends---Paul Hawthorne.

We served at Mass together and played hockey down at the old Wildwood park area as you come into Mahtomedi. In the 1920's it had been where the ferris wheel was located, and as we skated, we could still see the pillars below the ice that had supported the giant ferris wheel---or at least we thought so.

Paul was often absent from school in those days. Mostly I remember how quiet and friendly he was. Sister Bernadine, our teacher, once said that Paul was having some health issues, and that we should all pray for him.

Then in March, I got the call. His sisters were having a special birthday party for Paul. He was turning 13. I offered to bring my short course golf flags and make a couple of holes to try out our skill. The sisters were going to have bowling downstairs in a makeshift bowling lane. And there was also ping pong. And there would be lots to eat. Saturday could not come soon enough.

The party started at 10am. Everyone from my class was there. It was the greatest party I had ever been to. Golf....bowling...ping pong....laughs...and everybody seemed to get along...and we all wished the party could go on forever.

Finally at 6PM, I headed home. Totally exhausted.

Two weeks later Sister Bernadine began class and quietly told us that Paul Hawthorne had died last night. From Hogskins Disease. It seemed it was a type of leukemia. Sister said that we would keep his desk empty the rest of the year in his memory.

Years ago, at the class reunion of 1996, a woman approached me and introduced herself. She said " Do you remember the party for Paul Hawthorne? I am his little sister."

"I sure do remember," I said. "And the courage and quiet strength of Paul during those days is something that has given me strength in difficult times. I will never forget."

The Wild West-----

There is a notion...and it has been pretty doggone persistent over a few hundred years, that back in them there pioneer days, there was just the natural ways...just the wild and free livin of truly lawless and unrestrained individuals-----

There is also the further notion, that if we could just somehow get back to those good old days of wild livin, free of a strong central government....and in fact free of all regulation and inhibition of any kind, that ....well.....we would be perfectly happy....and if one was a business owner....rich....which is the same thing.

As a young boy, I had the freedom to read all the stories of Wyatt Erpe. I know that there was a lot more law in them there parts than some folks remember. I know that the lawmen did their job. Many gun toting hombres were driven from town. Back when the frontier was the frontier. When saloons were saloons. When bricks were bricks. When good was good....and bad was just bad....and not bad to the bone.

Sermon of the Week: Fr. Kevin: 12-9-2007

The Dream: What Peace and Justice might look like--Something to think of as we approach Christmas.

"Boy Scout Sunday"

Last Sunday something unusual happened. It was December 2, and the First Sunday of Advent. Christmas shoppers took off a little time on Sunday morn to attend Church. As I entered one local church here in our fair city, I smelled natural gas. My nose has been finely tuned to the smell, and I went to the lower level and the smell got stronger. Others had noticed and had called the proper authorities to inspect.

The side doors to the Church were opened, and the service began. There was a slight interruption when the sirens stopped right outside the Church as the sermon began---and the sermon began with the text reminding folks to "Be Prepared" for the end of times. And noting that even at the time of the big flood, with Noah building the ark and all, the neighbors went about their business with the normal festivities, weddings and carousing of the time. They saw Noah, but just figured it was some guy that was on the edge.

When the pastor began the sermon, he noted that this Sunday was pretty simple----the message was "Be Prepared." This is the time for preparation and not the shopping frenzy.

I liked the sermon. I even got the "Be Prepared" message without the natural gas smell. I have always loved shopping at the last minute anyway, or better yet with gift cards so the person receiving gets those great after Christmas bargains. It seems the way this season is going, all of America is on board for the after Christmas bargains.

Finally----the spirit of Be Prepared and the secular bargain thang are in perfect synch.

So---prepare----wait-----there is plenty of time to shop. Later.

Spotlight Notre Dame

"What the "Market" told me last night

Thursday, October 04, 2007
The Dream: What the "Market" told me ....last night.---FICTION"

Well, it's been a long week, with the national news and all, and Alan Greenspan who was so forceful telling everyone on his book signing tour that the real estate market would go down 20% and had just begun, and then just today changed his mind and said things had bottomed out. Maybe his book sales had turned the whole thing around.

I have always had a habit of saving the Wall Street Journal, and then NOT reading it every day, but after two weeks, picking up the daily and seeing what had been pretty accurate stories and what had been flim flam.

Nothing like letting the facts settle a bit BEFORE you read it, rather than AFTER. It sure makes things real efficient. The problem is with most daily papers that are carried on the internet......the stories are deleted after a few days. That makes checking the facts later difficult..............................



Last night, in the very middle of the night, I awoke in a startle. It seemed I heard the "Market" calling me. At first it was pretty faint, but it gradually got louder and louder.

The person had a little sign on his chest that said "MARKET" and asked whether I was listening. I replied; "YES. Please speak."


Then he said:

"We are in a National Housing Slowdown.
This means that there are too many houses
TOO MANY HOUSES
DO NOT BUILD MORE
Wait till the surplus is taken and then proceed."

Understand? "Yes" I replied. Then he went on.


There are several causes to the current distress
The financial sector is troubled by mortgage fraud by brokers...so
regulate them and punish the wrongdoers....

"Understand? "Yes" I replied. Then he went on.


I understand some of you think that your local administrator, Mr. Connors caused
the national housing problems. He was a powerful guy. But...... No ----He did not cause
the national housing crisis. If you still think he did, I suggest counseling."


Then he vanished.

It sure is good to listen to the market, even when it comes in a dream.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 10:09 PM

1 comments:

Mr. Obvious said...

Its too bad someone else didn't have that same dream instead of putting 10 more pounds of houses into our areas five pound capacity.


I'm sure the city will be proactive with this issue just like they are in every other hot button; fences, signs. Good thing we have some nice looking fences on those forclosed homes.

"Napkin Dreams"---a true story

Napkin Dreams

Napkin Dreams


When I was in my late 20’s, each year it seemed to get harder and harder for the guys to get together for the frequent parties we had enjoyed previously. It especially got hard once the guys started getting married and having kids. So, we began the tradition of each fall having a camping weekend. It was mandatory. Bring the wife. Bring the kids. But show up by 9PM at the campfire. We called this “check in.”

One Friday eve, about 9pm we all showed up at a campground near Sugar River, MN. Tom, a rising legal star, was next standing next to Craig, a rising architect. W e were going through what management gurus call “opening round”. Each was sharing a beer. “Well, Craig said, How are things?” Tom replied, “Do you mean personally or professionally?” Craig responded, “Both.”

“Professionally things are great. I just argued a case before the Supreme Court last week and I think we won. You may have heard about it in the news. Personally though, I am going through a messy divorce and it is the pits. I have been sitting in my shack on Lake Calhoun and just am really determined to begin a new life.”

“Well,” Craig said, “ what’s wrong with the “shack’? “Everything-- It’s just a four square bungalow and I really need a beautiful chalet.”

Which side of the lake? “ Craig asked. “South side? “Yes”, Tom responded.

“Well,” Craig said,’ Has anyone got a piece of paper or anything.” Everybody at the campfire searched. “Nope.” Finally, Cindy yelled from the tent where she was just putting two young ones to bed. “How about a Bounty napkin? “ “Yes, that would do,”Craig yelled.

Getting situated with the bounty napkin on a large piece of wood, Craig said. “ I think this is going to require a beer or two.” Quickly Tom yelled out “Get this man a beer!

Craig then went over the fact that because the home was on the south side of the lake, it was in a great position for a view, except for the fact that it had poorly placed windows and was not high enough. Then he sketched how Tom might change the design
to fully utilize the lighting.

Furthermore, if you added a third story---admittedly a “periscope” on the very top of the house, you would have yourself a magical law office that would have a fabulous view of the whole lake. He then sketched how it would look.

As we looked around the campfire glow, everyone had a look as though if Tom did not build it, one of the others would. Tom, however, was very excited about it.

Then Craig tore off the excess Bounty napkin in a flourish and handed the design to Tom. Tom folded it gently and headed to his tent. “We’ll need a little more detail so you can build from it, but that is the beginning,” Craig yelled. Everyone laughed.

If you drive along the south side of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, you will see a beautiful tri level home, with the third story that looks like a large periscope. It was once just a shack but now is probably a million-dollar home.

Over the years I have marveled at how large dreams can begin in a very small fashion, and even on just a napkin. However, you do have to have the napkins. Just words and stories will not do.

As I have told this story often in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the question always comes up, “What kind of beer was it?”

I suppose the fantasy is that one could have a large dream with just cheap beer. All I know is that it was not Cold Spring beer. It was a fine dark German lager. After all, it is my story.

"Yike"---a true story

Wednesday, August 09, 2006
"Yike"----a true story

Monday night I had forgotten a key ingredient for grilling, so I rushed back to the Piggly Wiggly to get it.

In the checkout line just behind me was a young father and his son, about 4yr.old. As I was writing out the check, I heard the boy ask, "What's this dad?" His dad replied, "That's a peanut bar."

"I yike peanuts, Dad! I really yike them. Can I have one?"

"NO, son, the father replied."

Then the son said, "What's this dad?"

"That's a choclate bar."

"I yike choclate! I really, really yike chocolate. Oh can't I have one?"

"No son," he said firmly, but gently.

I was tempted, as I was possibly the only phonics trained person in the checkout line, to take a moment and go over how to pronounce the "l" sound, with the tounge pressed to the top of the mouth. It was easy to master and I know I could have changed the "yike" in short order.

On reflection, I realized how lucky this youngster was to have such a fine dad and that what was being taught here was far more than just a little consonant sound. That could be dealt with later.

Yes. The more I listened to the young boy say "I yike peanuts dad," the more I was getting the idea that maybe I needed one too. I too have always yiked them.

But the triumph was I got out of there without a chocolate or peanute bar. Alleluia.

The Sermons of Pastor Bob Schaefer---written and audio

Pastor Bob Schaefer served as a pastor in Evansville for a brief time---however--he has recorded on audio and in print a wealth of sermons over his entire career, even including some sermons he delivered as a seminarian.

Evan though I have never met Pastor Bob Schaefer, I have enjoyed reading some of his sermons and have linked to them so that readers may review them at their leisure.

Click on the post for the sermons or find them on the right side of the blog.

Sermons: Fr. Kevin: The Kingdom

Sermon of the Week: Nov. 25, 2007; Fr. Kevin: "The Kingdom"

OpEd: "The Past is Gone"------

OpEd; "Past results do not guarantee future performance."

If you do not remember this phrase, you are probably too young to read this post.

In virtually every mutual fund brochure or prospectus for a unit trust of whatever investment, there is the caution...... after of course the investment representative has gone over the wonderful result if..... in theoretical terms..... you had invested ....$1....at the Crash of 1929 and invested that in this particular investment....you would have had the wonderful result listed above....." and after speaking of those wonderful theoretical results, there is the caution about ...."Past Results do not guarantee future performance..."


Recently, in Evansville, in our own school projections for future school demand for facilities, whether we looked at population projection or building permit historical data, nobody wanted to read the warning----"Past results do not guarantee future performance."

Even in the Evansville City budget, the city financial consultant, Greg Johnson, from Ehlers and Associates stated that "proceeding forward with no further General Obligation debt, the future seems to be no problem with debt capacity." The problem, of course, was pointed out by Fred Juergens, who counted 5 million in dreams that were penciled in on the capital investment budget for the year around 2009.

It seems we always, as human beings, want the pro forma future not to include the unfortunate expenses of the reality of the things on the horizon.

I could go on about flashing lights from dashboards of cars re warnings, but.....I think you get the jist. As a stress reliever, it is important to manage stress and ...a little denial is good. Sometimes....the denial gets too large.

Make a note of it.

"The Cushioned Consciousness"

One of the most striking openings for a novel that I can ever remember was the opening to "All The King's Men" by Robert Penn Warren. There is a lyrical description of a car driving along the road---a large Lincoln I recall, and as it is cruising in the darkness of the night, with the white lines flipping by on the left, on the edge or the right side are all the dead worms and road kill of the ditch that had unwisely ventured onto the road, but at the same time, the Lincoln itself is just a millisecond away from disaster of the ditch, and yet the shock absorbers cushioning the ride shield the driver from the rudeness of the ditch and the road kill below.

It is very brisk this morning. Like 15 degrees. One of the first chilly days of winter. I have been turning the heat down lower lately. Down to 50 degrees. I would really like to aim for 45 degrees, if I can develop consensus from other family members. They object at present, even though their bedrooms have warm electric heat, just the thought of a cold home gives them the willies. And of course the thought of a cold trip to the bathroom.

I think it wise for us all to turn the heat down once in a while and feel the cold so we can have a sense of the world out there. It does no one any good to have the sense of invincibility that is not appropriate---Like the frequent bicycle riders we see on Hwy 14 riding millimeters from disaster, yet being blissfuly daring in the prospect.

Sermon: Nov 21, 2007--Presentation of Mary at the Temple

Fr. Kevin: Nov. 21, 2007; On the Discipleship role and Mother role, in that order. Focus on church meditation for the day for all clergy.

Sermon of the Week: 11-18-2007: Fr. Kevin

Sermon of the Week: Fr. Kevin: On Getting Beyond the End of Times

Sermon of the Week: 2nd Reading: 11-18-2007

Second Reading: 11-18-2007:

Sermon of the Week: Reading 1: 11-18-2007

First Reading: 11-18-2007 Getting Beyond the End of Time

"Thoughts on the Great Crash of 1929"

Ed.note: In honor of John Kenneth Galbraith who wrote "The Great Crash" and also in memory of Merrill Lynch that announced a huge loss due to mortgage securities this morning, I have reposted this post.)


Monday, October 22, 2007
Reflection: Thoughts on the Great Crash

OpEd: Nostalgia: "The Great Crash" by John Kenneth Galbraith

If you have read the recent book by Alan Greenspan, "Turbulence," and I have not yet completed it, although I have skimmed parts, and if you have listened to the coverage of the G7 in Europe, as well as pundits in the press, there is the spin that we just cannot do anything about "busts" of markets. The Fed is just helpless it seems when it comes to taking any action to deflate "Irrational Exuberance."

Bold action CAN be taken to rescue banks that have been packaging "mortgage securities" and of course bold action CAN be taken to rescue banking entities that are "too large to fail." That being said, other than rescuing the big guys, the politicos are helpless.

The cause of the Great Crash as explained in the book by John Kenneth Galbraith, was the severe disparity of wealth in America which had widened in the 1920's. The only time in our history that has equaled this is TODAY.

Frequently, the Big boys, as they are called, can be heard saying that this is NOT THEIR PROBLEM. It is true that one does not get to be a "big boy" through meditative exercise...however that being said, without buyers, sellers cannot prosper. In some marketing equation then, one is one's brother's business keeper. Any seller must therefore make sure the buyers can still buy.

How long could such a period of "NON BUYING" last. This is the eyeopener. In 1929, when my father turned 18, and his father died, he went off to college. Then in 1933 when he worked for a few years before going into the service---till the Korean War...the fact that the depression lasted from 1929 to 1950 meant that a whole generation of folks waded through twenty years of "NON BUYING".

The pundits have said that thank goodness we know a lot more about economics now than then.

Show me.

"They are not coming home"---a reflection

Some years ago, when the time came for a grandparent to "downsize" to a smaller home and retire from the rat race-----that was a concept that few today can remember...with the stress and all, the memory of it has faded. In fact, the fantasy today is to die on the job. Anyway....

As we were discussing the possible house options, over a few strong black, extra sugar, in dark blue Minnesota Viking mugs, there was a very attractive, but small home near White Bear Lake...... The only problem was that it was too small for extra kids in case they came home. That was one continuing theme. "I must have a spare bedroom, just in case".....she mumbled.

Finally, we had to tell the truth.

"Mom, the kids have been gone for five years or so, and they have their own homes. They are not coming home."

There it was. A few tears. A few hugs and then the decision. The small home would do just fine.

I remember what it felt like to have to go over the reality in the face of the dream.

I get the same feeling when I hear folks talk about young college grads on entry level jobs, with high college debt---it had to be done for the investment...of course it was worth it....ya just borrow the "gap". etc, etc....---buying homes locally and beginning ....maybe just like the WWII generation did after the "Big One."

However....

No matter how I do the numbers. If regular lending standards are enforced. Unless something pretty dramatic happens to increase wage levels, and job opportunity....and unless something pretty dramatic happens to the price of homes to make them more affordable.....I come upon an unfortunate matter....

They aren't coming home.

They are not buying homes.

They are not getting married.

They are not having kids.

Sermon: 11-11-2007

Fr. Kevin: Sermon of the Week: The Woman with Seven Husbands

"Please pay me in Pounds"-----a possibly true story

Recently I have been watching a bit too much of the Bloomberg Business News channel. It has been a wonderful experience. However...

Today, as I exited a parking ramp, I just reflected back on the news of the past week. Movie star insists that her contract be paid in British pounds. All the rage in investments were the Chinese yen investments. I wondered as I inched the car to the small booth, with my favorite attendant who always had a joke for me, whether something might have changed. After all, all I had was cash or check. What if Chinese yen was required.

Relax. Everything went ok. Cash was still accepted. Still. We might see a day when only yen or pounds are accepted. Make a note of it.

You are a winner; You have won the lottery---the reflection

I have been winning a lot of lotteries lately. Yes. I am over 60. And yes. I do live in Wisconsin. I wonder if that is the data sort. I have been getting at least two emails daily informing me of the millions of dollars that I am elegible to win or process for unnamed third parties.

It seems that folks all over the world want me to serve as the custodian for millions of dollars....just because they are too busy to handle the transaction. WOW. What a winner I am.

How about you? Are you over 60? Are you receiving lots of lottery winnings? Are not we so lucky to be WINNERS?

Poem---"Let the Market Decide"

"Let the Market Decide"
( I found this little poem wrapped up in a mayonaisse jar, lying in the gutter near the Lake Leota Park. I have reproduced it without alteration.)


I love
my old
friend
Laissez-Faire
I call on him
whenever I
like to be
alone
whenever I
feel someone wants
some money


I love
my old
friend
Laizzie Faire
except when
I need
a grant or
two,,,,or even
three if
need
be


"Let the
Market decide"
that's the
cry
and it's
so nice I know
so well it's what
I do
or say

Just
stand
or maybe
sit,
bow
or kneel
or whatever ..just do as
I say
that's the
special
lazzai faire
way

"THOSE People----the poem"

(Ed.note: I found this short poem crumpled up in the gutter near a local real estate office. I have reproduced it without alteration.)


Whatever
Happened to
Those
People
Who
Used to Come to
Town
With the kids
who always loved
to run in the
park

Whatever
Happened to
Those
People
Who
we all knew
by name in 24 Hours
We would
wave
to let them know
we thought ourselves
friendly

Whatever
Happened to
Those
People
Who used to buy the
Houses and send the
Kids to school to
Keep our growth
bicycle on a smooth
path

It's too
bad
Those people
cannot come to
town
to buy what we
have to sell and
share
the
new
with me and
you

The For Sale
Signs
Will have to stay
till
THOSE people
can afford to
buy
I just wonder
why
and how long it
will be

Reflection: Thoughts on the Great Crash

OpEd: "The Great Crash" by Galbraith

If you have read the recent book by Alan Greenspan, "Turbulence," and I have not yet completed it, although I have skimmed parts, and if you have listened to the coverage of the G7 in Europe, as well as pundits in the press, there is the spin that we just cannot do anything about "busts" of markets. The Fed is just helpless it seems when it comes to taking any action to deflate "Irrational Exuberance."

Bold action CAN be taken to rescue banks that have been packaging "mortgage securities" and of course bold action CAN be taken to rescue banking entities that are "too large to fail." That being said, other than rescuing the big guys, they are helpless.

The cause of the Great Crash as explained in the book by John Kenneth Galbraith, was the severe disparity of wealth in America which had widened in the 1920's. The only time in our history that has equaled this is TODAY.

Frequently, the Big boys, as they are called, can be heard saying that this is NOT THEIR PROBLEM. It is true that one does not get to be a "big boy" through meditative exercise...however that being said, without buyers, sellers cannot prosper. In some marketing equation then, one is one's brother's business keeper. Any seller must therefore make sure the buyers can still buy.

How long could such a period of "NON BUYING" last. This is the eyeopener. In 1929, when my father turned 18, and his father died, he went off to college. Then in 1933 when he worked for a few years before going into the service---till the Korean War...the fact that the depression lasted from 1929 to 1950 meant that a whole generation of folks waded through twenty years of "NON BUYING".

The pundits have said that thank goodness we know a lot more about economics now than then.

Show me.

Sermon: The Widow and the Judge

Sermon delivered 10-21-2007 at St. Paul's Parish, Evansville, Wisconsin 53536

What to do when you hear "The possibilities are Endless"

When you hear that phrase----run quickly. You are being lied to.

"My Light is out"------the Milton problem

One day in college, in my sophmore year, right in the middle of a course in MILTON, the professor asked the question: "on page xxx on line xxx, Milton writes, "MY LIGHT IS OUT". Can anyone in the class tell me what he was talking about.

Silence. Complete silence from the class. I just wished I had known the answer. It would have been a moment to stand out...stand at the top of the class. But alas. I could not for the life of me even guess what it was all about.

The the professor spoke:

"That was the moment that Milton lost his sight."

The words stunned me. I just visualized the situation and a sense of panic completely enveloped me.

Years later. At an eye exam. A doctor tells me that I have a rare type of glaucoma that has destroyed half of my vision and is currently uncontrolled. That same sense of panic and ...despair...enveloped me.

After a battle of surgery...drops...and the support of family....after conquering blurred vision....I write with energy....

My light is not out. Just came close.

Business is Business----the sermon

Recently at a local parish, the pastor delivered a sermon on the parable of ----"The Savy Servant"--or in modern lingo, "The Savy Employee".

You remember the story---the servant has been discovered by his boss to be cheating, and is informed he has only a week to work, and to give a full accounting. He then goes to each of the masters debtors...asks what the balance that is owed the master, and then gives the debtor a discount---many a very deep discount. The debtors are grateful.

When the Master finds out what the servant has been up to, he is upset...however, he recognizes the skill that the servant has used in preparing for his future. By discounting the debtors, he has gained friends for the future...which is coming shortly. Very moxie indeed.

The parable then goes on that if in the business world, such a servant, who is only thinking of crass concerns, prepares for the future.....in the world of the Kingdom, one would think that folks would invest in spiritual matters to prepare for their future.

Sometimes in this parable, the listeners might think that the parable is condoning the" Business is business" ethic. NO. Folks who discuss that theory really are just saying that they accept crooked business.

The believer is always one that exhibits honest direct business. Those who believe in the "business is business" ethic, worshiping on Sunday and proceeding to violate the laws on the other six days, are not hearing the Word.

When I say I love you.......----the poem

(Ed.note: I found this little poem all crumpled up next to a local pub near the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis right after the Green Bay Packers beat the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Enjoy.)


when I say
I love
you
I want it to mean
more
than I love
skippy peanut butter

I want it to be
more
than just the
rush
of a mocha with
double sugar and
whipped
cream

When I say I
love you
I want it to be
more
than the normal
addiction
more than the normal
collection
of things I pursue

When I say I
love you
I mean it must
be really
serious
like
heavy duty
sports apparel
not Viking stuff
but
Packer gear

Past Results Do Not Guarantee

Dateline: Anytown USA: OpEd: Reflection: Past Results do not guarantee future performance." OpEd; "Past results do not guarantee future performance." If you do not remember this phrase, you are probably too young to read this post. In virtually every mutual fund brochure or prospectus for a unit trust of whatever investment, there is the caution...... after of course the investment representative has gone over the wonderful result if..... in theoretical terms..... you had invested ....$1....at the Crash of 1929 and invested that in this particular investment....you would have had the wonderful result listed above....." and after speaking of those wonderful theoretical results, there is the caution about ...."Past Results do not guarantee future performance..." Recently, in Anytown, USA, in our own school projections for future school demand for facilities, whether we looked at population projection or building permit historical data, nobody wanted to read the warning----"Past results do not guarantee future performance." Even in the Anytown City budget, the city financial consultant, stated that "proceeding forward with no further General Obligation debt, the future seems to be no problem with debt capacity." The problem, of course------- 5 million in dreams that were penciled in on the capital investment budget for the year around 2009. It seems we always, as human beings, want the pro forma future not to include the unfortunate expenses of the reality of the things on the horizon.

Careers---the game; Careers---the life.

Years ago, some families got together every Friday for game night....board games. Our favorite game was "Careers". In fact, we liked to make the game last longer so doubled the points needed to win...and we even formed teams who tried to stop the other team from winning in agressive style. It added a new sense of agressiveness to the game----and yes teams would intentionally place their opponent on the park bench.

The game "Careers" was such an oldie that we always seemed to lose some pieces, so I was on the lookout at thrift stores for replacement parts. Quickly I found out that there were many versions. In the original version, it offered the career of farming, which was associated with "Hearts". One made the choice in the game as in life, what combination of money, fame, happiness etc that one wanted to define victory, and then the objective of each player was to gain victory by ones own definition. That was the part I always liked about the game.

The problem was.....and still is.....that the definition of the game of careers....is changing. Just as the game has changed, so also has life. In fact, I think the changes became so extensive and fast that the game no longer may be available.

During Times of Crisis----Drink Ice Water

It was the stock market crash of 1987. On the telephone squack box the senior brokers from New York were advising the younger brokers not to jump----in our office, as I looked around I saw all the older brokers sipping ice water. It was no time for nerves now. Use lots of ice. Stay cool.

The last time I had seen such ice sipping was in the room of a patient close to death who could only sip ice water.

So---sip ice water. Stay cool. And pray that when the opportunity for decisive action comes you will have the cool to make the clear headed decision.

"You get everything your write Down"

There is a rule that I heard at a seminar years ago that "You get everything you write down." I have found this to be true.

The reality is that people just write down a very few things and get a very few things. To really focus on what one wants at the center is difficult.

Then step TWO with that list: PERSIST:

The reality is that normally folks give it the "old college TRY". Try, Try, Try till their PEERS are satisfied. However.....it is something again to give it a lifetime of persistence, and few obstacles can withstand that kind of focus. It takes grit and faith. Pray for both.

Treasure the stories in your family of persistence. In our family there are classic stories of persistence---the story of Mark learning to ride the bicycle. Or Mark learning to play baseball....with artificial legs. As Mark said at his dad's funeral----He never told me I could not do it."

Don Sheehan Corner: After 30, you are too old to blame your parents

One of the favorite phrases of Don Sheehan was "Get Over it."

He used to say that in talking with business owners he often heard them saying things that blamed their parents in some way or other for their situation or value structure.
"NO, NO" he used to say. "When you are 30--vow never to do this again. Simply review each situation and then decide for yourself as an adult. And take responsibility for your views without reference to the past. ......... It is over. Get Over It!!!!!

Risky Behavior---a sidenote

One of the observations I had many years ago while working as a financial advisor, is that sometimes I saw quite young folks who saw themselves as quite the gambler types---and while at a young age, took an interest in how many worked, which was good.....they began by going to the edge with risky investments...and other risky behavior....... that even a riverboat gambler would have avoided.

I surmised that this was a transference of sorts---after all...this was the exact age that risks in one's education would normally be taken...with gutsy investment in courses and apprenticeships to learn the tools of the trade.

For those who have been through the crashes of the market, there is a certain quiet that comes with the volatility. The old zen saying, "Those who say, do not know; those who know do not say, " really applies here.

There is a real calm in the stepping up to the plate calmly in a risk situation. The loud bragging gambler behavior is not seen---except by the wannabees.

Make a note of it.

Where does your fist go when you open your hand?

Where does your fist go when you open your hand? That is one of my all time favorite Zen sayings. I love to ask my young daughter Molly this and then exclaim, "It's just magic."

It is a curious fact of the 1990's that the current generation aborts their young, and ....then wonders where the children went to pay for their social security.

The fist....and the hand....have always spoken to me that the magic of life is right in front of your eyes. Love every minute of it....and don't get too confused by the categories or semantics.

"On Jawboning"--- effective method, or cruel Hoax?

Wednesday, September 05, 2007
OpEd: "Jawboning"---- effective method or cruel hoax

Sometimes when policy makers do not want to take concrete steps to solve problems, they indulge in an exercise called "jawboning." This "jawboning" has risen to a high art in financial and political circles, whether you are the Federal Reserve Chairman or the President of the US or whomever.

Last weekend I went to Wisconsin Dells to join my editor brother in a doubles game of tennis with two younger...and faster tennis players. My bro and I only had age and .....whatever wisdom we called "experience" to work with. Speed, vision and deft of hand has been slipping for some time. O.K. You understand the situation we were in.

It was a furious paced game with lots of net play. Just the kind of game Denis and I have always loved. At a critical point, Denis hit from the baseline a direct ball toward the opposing net player, who hit it with his backhand, and popped a weak lob in the air, which I smashed for a winner.....one of the few of the day for me.

As I walked to the other side of the net, celebrating, I cheered my bro on and said, "Let's go big guy.....they may be losing their arm strength."

On the next play, the opponent smashed the ball at me and although I was ready for it, it came on the backhand and I blew the shot. The "Jawboning" had worked. I had the shot I wanted....just not the skill needed.

So------"Jawboning" as a rule of thumb is always the mark of weakness.

Think of President Bush "jawboning" the mortgage industry to "work with" the holders of the mortgages that are going to be set to new higher interest rates---over a million of them this coming year. He has the power to take effective administrative action to modify the rules of handling, but instead uses "jawboning." That indicates weakness and .....portends trouble.

"Jawboning" in the mortgage case is his way of distancing himself from the problem---a problem that he cannot distance himself from since the Treasury supervises or.....should have supervised....the industry.

In fact.....over the past 30 years whether it has been the savings and loan industry in the 80's, the bond fiasco, the stock market crash, the techno bubble, or the current situation---- money.....special interest campaign money has impaired the proper functioning of our government in the financial sector.

For years, the government has been trying to weaken the barrier between banks and the stock brokerage industry---the Glass Stiegel Act of 1933. To the extent that they have weakened this barrier, banks too have become vulnerable to the downdraft of bundled mortgage products they are financially tied to.

So---the problem: Right when we need effective decisive action from our government we get just "jawboning." Kinda like we got with Hurrican Katrina.

Today the stock market seems to be responding to the "jawboning."----and seeing right though it. That is how I see it.

Stay tuned.

"On To Do Lists; On Purpose: The difference

Friday, July 20, 2007
"To Do Lists"-----are ----not purpose

Over 20 years ago, I had the pleasure of attending a couple of seminars by Phil Laut in St. Paul. He had just published, 'Money is My Friend" and was working on his second book and was touring the country with the material for it.

At the beginning of the seminar, he made a startling statement. He opened by saying to the crowd, "How many of you have a "To Do List?" Every hand in the room went up. It was pretty impressive.

Then he paused and asked ," How many of you have a statement of your purpose?" Not one hand went up.

"Well, he went on. Tonight we are going to talk about purpose. Purpose is different from a "To List." In fact, if all you have is a "To Do" list it would be better that you just stayed in bed each morning and waited till you had one. It is that important.

"Purpose," he went on, "puts intensity into the order of your life. It gives meaning to the tasks you perform."

At the end of this month, the Evansville School Board will meet in a four hour session to hammer out more than just a 'To Do" List, but a strategy for Board Development and Goals for the upcoming school year. They may hire a special "facilitator" to handle the vigorous discussion.

Stay tuned.

It should be interesting.

Memories of John Berryman, Poet.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Memories of John Berryman: His Thoughts on Achievement; Ordeal, Sports Talk and more

(Ed.note; John Berryman was an associate professor at the University of Minnesota. In 1974 he committed suicide by jumping off the bridge at the Mississippi. His most famous work was " 77 Dream Songs."

One of the amazing classes that I had the chance to take as a student was a course by John Berryman, who was a well known poet, and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota.

He was already famous. And larger than life. Though he appeared to be just a fairly old guy with a somewhat white beard that lectured in dishevled suits---what he said---even if it was a little slurred at times---probably from a hard night on the town----was worth straining to hear.

In summary, it was a little like listening to "Sports Talk"-------- but about poetry and yes novels. He would talk about a poem, and the author, and then talk about the time he last saw the author, and in fact he knew some details about what the poem was talking about with respect to the authors life.

If you click on the post, there is an interview with John Berryman that captures his style, in an interview, and yes in answering questions from students.

The Magic of "Double-Down"---in Gambling...In Life.....

Nostalgia: The Magic of "Double-Down"----In Gambling...In Life ......

(Ed.note: This piece was written on a Tandy 1000 almost 20 years ago. Nothing like a declining stock market to bring back the nostalgia. )


Some years ago, in high school, right after Algebra II was completed in the semester, we had a time to study probability. Or more specifically, studied how probability is expressed in gambling and algebra.

The very first class, I remember the instructor asking whether if one rolled a dice, and had lost, whether the odds of winning on the second roll were increased. Most of the kids in the room, including myself, felt that the odds got better with each passing loss. What a blow to learn that it was not so.

Over the years, beginning in the 1960's, I remember some whispered discussions within our family on whether, even though Control Data stock had been falling, whether one should "double down" to lock in the magical "basis" and thus be prepared for a large win if and when-- and of course it must-- go higher ---eventually-- if one lived long enough.

What we learned in the 60's, it seems has to be learned all over again each decade. I know that even though I learned it well, I promptly forgot it in a moment of optimism later.

I even went further. It was not good enough to "double down"----the numbers did not work out fast enough. One had to be prepared to "Triple Down" in cases where the bold could win. Yes. That theory had flaws too.

The problem. In declining markets, in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and on, if a stock goes to ZERO, nothing works. And indeed, if funds go down, and even seemingly slowly, diversification alone does not work....at least for stocks. Make a note of it.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 9:41 AM

0 comments:

"The Cookies"---- a true story

Tuesday, September 18, 2007
"The Cookies"----- a true story

Years ago, one of my friends was the savings manager of the downtown Minneapolis Minnesota Federal. Minnesota Federal was a very staid old line savings institution. The two benefits of this job were the Athletic Club membership he was given to entertain depositors and woo new deposits. The other duty was to manage the depositors on "cookie day" each week. I think it was Tuesday.

All customers were treated to cookies and coffee. It was great to stop off while switching busses and get a cup of coffee and one of those great chocolate chip cookies. I suppose I could have felt uncomfortable standing around chatting with the older folks about stuff----actually I loved it cause they always had some great stories, and besides....the cookies were great.

Depositors who created a new account for $5000 or more, or added $5000 to an existing account got a wonderful set of stainless steel silverware. I can see it now in the classic wooden case. How elegant. Someday I thought. Someday I will get some of that silverware.

One day I stopped in and there was NOTHING. What a shock. What a letdown feeling!! It had been a terrible winter day battling traffic on 35W and ...well...I really was in the mood for some coffee....and the cookies. What a blow!!

I went right over to my friend, Mike, and asked, "What the heck is the deal, Mike? How could you destroy such a sacred tradition like the cookies?"

Mike just smiled. Then he went on: "The stainless steel silverware was a reward for those folks that deposited NEW money. The plain truth is that we had a large number of present customers that threatened to take their $5000 out of the bank if they did not get the silverware. It became a blackmail game. The incentive just did not work. So---we discontinued it, along with the coffee and cookies."

Over the years I have thought a lot about that incident. Things have changed. Yes I have learned how to make my own coffee.

Mike taught me a wonderful lesson that morning. A lesson about Economic Development. A lesson about sales. Economic Development is about going out and getting the NEW money---not about being blackmailed by the old. The stainless silver cookware goes to the NEW.

Thanks, Mike.

Relection; The Flood---or "Repent....Repent NOW"

This morning we received a notice that there was a flood warning with unlimited duration---or until cancelled. This has caused me to wonder, as I do occasionally, and consider alternative courses of remedy.

In law, when one is harmed, one has a right to plead in the alternative-----One can say the defendant has breached a "contract" or in the alternative, has broken a statute etc. It just means that one can plead all at once with alternative theories.

Today---with respect to weather, we just get to rely on meterologists----and yes science---and after what seems to be 30 days of rain and woe, I beg to consider alternative methods of "pleading"---bear with me on the theory.

In olden primitive times, when one wanted to have rain, one danced a dance---yes, a rain dance, and if rain came, it meant that the gods were pleased and gave rain. If on the other hand, NO rain came, then it meant that the gods were UNHAPPY with one. Usually, one had to sacrifice some cattle, goats or oxen and burn the sacrifice till the gods changed their mind.

In later religious traditions, it was assumed that some "sin" or "evil" behavior was causing the wrath.

Today I am formally giving notice of my unhappiness with traditional meterology as a weather changing exercise.

I propose a two pronged "pleading in the alternative"---

A) Those of you who are praying---need to be more specific----You need to pray that the "stationary front over Wisconsin in Evansville move to Illinois or at least a couple hundred miles. My theory here is that possibly whoever is hearing the petitions is not getting enouth specificity to take the desired corrective action.

B) In primitive times, in cultures all around the world, (cf. Mircea Eliade, The Sacred and The Profane) it is assumed that "EVIL" can have bad consequences to one directly. In short----we must have some evildoers among us that need badly to repent---and mean it this time. So---REPENT----and lets get some sunny weather. OK?

"The Czar"----the poem

Monday, August 28, 2006

The Czar---the poem
(Ed. note. I found this little poem on a crumpled piece of paper at a local Manpower office in a nearby city. I have faithfully reproduced it without editing.)

It would be
great
to be
bop
like sha na na

To dance on
lighted stage
to
screaming
fans and toss
t-shirts... and
whatever

It would be
great
to be great
not just near
let's make it clear
but yes
afar

To strut
proud and tall
near and.....
afar
to be a czar
to rule
if not a
town
at least a
bar

"Quid Pro Quo"-----the Poem

Quid Pro Quo---the poem
I love it
when we
dance
quid pro
quo
ya know
Just toe ta
toe

I love it
when we
go
progressive
not house to
house
but entre to
entre
or
energy grant to
energy grant


I love it when
we go
right to
right
but mostly
we
go
left to
left

I love it when
we go
PAC
not dutch treat
It's like
Christmas
except no
messy
wrappings

I love when
we go
no notice
when we
slip in the dark
booth
for an early
ham and
eggs

I just
love you
PAC
You're my
everything

"The Low Key Bar"----the Poem

The Low-Key Bar----the poem
I love the
low key bars--
a b-flat maybe---
that move each week
bobbing and
weaving
to the
hiphop beat

I love the
quiet
way that avoids
any question
that loves
the peace of
domination

I love the
dance of toe-to-toe
or maybe "quid pro quo---"
It's so hard
to know
when the dance
is over
or just begun

Is this
the bar?
or
that?
Have we shuffled
yet?
We have the
license-----
the bar could
be anyware

"Conference"---a true story

Friday, July 06, 2007

"Conference"------a true Story

(Ed. note: In the midst of the MASH performance at the Evansville PAC, I thought I might post a little sketch of hospital life. The Observer was a hospital business manager in an earlier period. )

Everybody knows that it is best if the doctor looks at your injury or test results and seems very bored with it----it probably is "NORMAL." That is good for you.
The very worst thing is when you hear those words, " HMMMMM. This is very I N T E R E S T I N G." Always be wary when you hear that. That normally means that the doctor does not know what is wrong or that he/she knows and it might be bad or complicated.

If it is complicated, the regular doctor might refer you to a specialist.

There is someting else though, not called a "consult" but a "conference". I thought you might be interested.

This is a very complicated case where ....lets just say this is a cardiac case.....your cardiologist would ask others to review the current tests and go over in conference what course of care should be pursued. Techs are also invited to attend. These meetings ususally occur in the very early morning and are part of continuing education for all involved.

It might also surprise you that there are differences of opinion as to what course to pursue in various cases. Yes. Even heated discussion. At the end of the conference they try to reach a consensus on what is best for the patient. After all ------- a life is on the line. Maybe even yours.

I mention this little story....because in public life....and in planning decisions...it is o.k. to take a little time out....for a "conference"----and not rush things for an agenda or two...and just put the patient first....or the community needs first as the case may be.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 12:25 PM

"Getting to Yes"

Nostalgia: Economic Development: "Getting to Yes." (May 16, 2006)
Tuesday, May 16, 2006


Getting to "Yes." or; What the case of the silent juror in the Mousauai trial tells us; Or, a short primer in economic development negotiation
One of the classic texts in any salesman's library is the book titled, "Getting to Yes." It has been 20 years or so since I have read it, but I will go over the essentials.

In order to be an effective salesman, one has to visualize where the prospect is coming from----- what the needs are. Only once all this has been listened to, can one proceed to close the sale.

However, as one might theorize, in modern life, we have become so rushed, and in fact very resistant to listening to anything at all of others' opinions on most subjects (think of the last time you have changed your mind on anything) one might debate that in fact the whole process of effective "contracts" between folks has seriously broken down. We have become shippers of 'widgets" take em or leave em. When broken just discard and replace.

Buyer says "This is what I am looking for." Seller says, "This is what I have to sell take it or leave it." End of discussion.

In economic development, governments say, "We need a project where the taxpayer will benefit through tax increment and in a situation where government assistance is the key to going foreward, rather than simply a handout in the normal course of business. Developers say, " We want assistance for all situations or we won't do the deal."

As is so comprehensively covered in the "Audible Althouse #49" in the previous post, the case of the silent juror in the Mousauii terror case has some instruction to governments on how to effectively negotiate in situations such as this. To recap---there were 11 jurors that wanted to execute and one holdout juror. In secret voting the 1 holdout juror refused to identify him/herself. After several ballots, of 11-1, the jurors were confronted with a dilema. What to do. So, absent identification of the lone dissenter, they began to "imagine" what the arguments of the other side were. After several days of this, they agreed to a life sentence.

In negotiation, there is what I call the "Jersey hang up" strategy. If a person that is negotiating with you refuses to listen to what your needs are, simply hang up. No discussion. It creates the "Song of Silence" and in that silence the other party has to review. Eventually, the listening begins or nothing happens. Either is ok.

(ed. note. Click on the post for the full Audible Althouse

L

"The Magic of Double Down"

Friday, August 03, 2007

Nostalgia: The Magic of "Double-Down"----In Gambling...In Life ......
(Ed.note: This piece was written on a Tandy 1000 almost 20 years ago. Nothing like a declining stock market to bring back the nostalgia. )


Some years ago, in high school, right after Algebra II was completed in the semester, we had a time to study probability. Or more specifically, studied how probability is expressed in gambling and algebra.

The very first class, I remember the instructor asking whether if one rolled a dice, and had lost, whether the odds of winning on the second roll were increased. Most of the kids in the room, including myself, felt that the odds got better with each passing loss. What a blow to learn that it was not so.

Over the years, beginning in the 1960's, I remember some whispered discussions within our family on whether, even though Control Data stock had been falling, whether one should "double down" to lock in the magical "basis" and thus be prepared for a large win if and when-- and of course it must-- go higher ---eventually-- if one lived long enough.

What we learned in the 60's, it seems has to be learned all over again each decade. I know that even though I learned it well, I promptly forgot it in a moment of optimism later.

I even went further. It was not good enough to "double down"----the numbers did not work out fast enough. One had to be prepared to "Triple Down" in cases where the bold could win. Yes. That theory had flaws too.

The problem. In declining markets, in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and on, if a stock goes to ZERO, nothing works. And indeed, if funds go down, and even seemingly slowly, diversification alone does not work....at least for stocks. Make a note of it.





0 comments:

Nostalgia: On Being 18; on Being a Pioneer: and a FryCook; The Harley Days

Sometime ago, when I graduated from high school, I got a summer job at the Pioneer Drive Inn at Hwy 61 and Hwy 244 in White Bear Lake. It was the first job other than lawn care and I still worked the lawn stuff early in the day and then went to the cafe at night.

It was a time of classic transitions----just a mile from the Pioneer Drive Inn, with its classic canopy and the drive up tray holders with the menu and voice system, construction was in progress on the very first McDonalds for White Bear Lake. In just a few months, McDonalds would be rolling out the menu of 25 cent burgers and coke and fries.....and the Pioneer would surely be out of business and sold. Everyone knew. These were the final days.

One of the regular fry cooks had suddenly quit to take a position on the dishwasher line at Whirlpool in St. Paul, and the back up fry cook position had opened up. I was the "gofer" for the early training period, and was trained to be respectful to our head honcho fry cook, "Tony". He was about 21, rode a brand new Harley, and was dating the head waitress, "Susie".

She sure was a beauty-----that Harley. It was a Duo Glide---and by all Harley enthusiasts it was the most beautiful Harley of all time. It was not the Electra Glide--that came next. This was the model with the kick start and the magneto, not the points. Click on the post for some pictures. And it was beautiful. OK. And so was Susie.

Every Saturday night, just about 11PM, when the traffic started to slow just a bit, Tony would turn to me and say, " Well, it's time to blow this pop joint," and he would ceremoniously toss the spatula to me to take over.

Then with a wink, and a smile, he would shout, "Let's go Susie".

He would quickly punch out his time card and the two of them would head out and mount the massive Harley parked neatly on the side of the restaurant, in eye's view of Tony at the grill.

There was something magical about the way those two took off from the Pioneer Drive Inn. Those were the golden early years of biking and------ As modern folks know..... riding back then was rough. Even with shocks front and back.....the bikes still vibrated a lot. The engines were not balanced like they are today.
Then of course you had the people that did not like bikers and would try and run em off the road. You had to be pretty tough back in those days. Those were the Outlaw days of biking.

My wheels were a 52 Buick with a straight stick. Needless to say, I was not in the league of those wild and crazy Harley guys. In fact. In retrospect. I was pretty darn lucky to be back up fry cook and be the recipient of that tossed spatula.

"No Report"; or "The Quiet Rule"-----For Kids; For Politicians

Last week I was up to Lake Leota Park and stopped in the Upper Shelter to get some shade and a bit of cool water.

Some local parents and their children were there also, with the kids playing on the gym equipment.

Suddenly one of the parents exclaimed:

"Uh, Oh."

Always on the lookout for a breaking story, I asked, "What's wrong?"

"The kids have been silent for a full minute," the parent replied.

"Have you forgotten, Mr. Observer, that this is the universal sign known to all parents that the kids are a) playing with mud, b) playing with water or c) both.

Quickly I glanced at the play area. Sure enough---the kids had gotten some water and were mixing a special mixture of mud to cool their feet.

I could not believe how quickly I had forgotten "The Quiet Rule." It is really the same rule in business or government. When one is a supervisor and asks, "What's new?" and the reporting employee responds, "Oh nothing," or "NO REPORT" that is the universal sign to conduct a full audit.

Make a note of it.

Nostalgia: "Let's Suspend the Rules"---a true story

Recently my daughters gave me a MP3 player for Father's Day. Yes. It is one of the inner secrets of The Observer that although the podcasts of The Observer are downloadable as well as the audio from meetings, I have been stuck with sitting by the computer and listening rather than biking, running or other pleasurable pursuits and enjoying the audio.

After unpacking the MP3 player I asked the youngest to explain SLOWLY how to download some stuff from the special hard drive that holds audio from yesteryear. I watched her closely, mindful of the value of all the audio as posterity was depending on me to preserve it.

Imagine my surprise when in listening to it that she had mixed it so I could listen to Tom Petty and then Bill Connors, and then Roy Orbison and then school board meetings. What an eclectic mix.

One of the first tracks that came on right after "Billy the Kid" was a track on "Let's Suspend the Rules."

This was a very famous meeting at Evansville City Council---it was the second Council meeting of our new Mayor. There had been some mixup in the selection process of committee assignments and it was necessary to "Suspend the Rules" to correct it.

Right after this, Bill Connors had reflected that with respect to "collector streets" we seemed to have these rules on the books but alas, they had never been followed. He ended his reflection by asking; "Do we really mean it?"

Alas, this meeting was one that I was still learning the ropes on recording so it is real faint. However-----the question is very relevant:

Do we really mean it. About the rules. Are we a people that just suspend them when it gets inconvenient?

How lucky I am that I get to have the question asked of me every day or so, right after Tom Petty and the Heartbrakers.

The Fortune Cookie Corner: "Welcom Failure; Failure is the Breakfast of Champions"-----a True Story

Thursday, June 21, 2007
Chinese Fortune Cookie Corner: "Welcome Failure: Failure is the Breakfast of Champions"---a true story

Yesterday I had to take my youngest to Janesville for a driver education road lesson. Before the lesson, we had a little time together for her to shop and then to share a bit of Chinese at the Food Court.

I have a habit of opening the fortune cookie first--- before the meal. The Fortune Cookie read: " Welcome Failure: Failure is the Breakfast of Champions."

I have mentioned in an earlier post, that over thirty years ago, right after a fortune cookie that read, "Not Now, but Soon," I had received a layoff from an employer. Ever since, I have paid strict attention to those fortune cookies. That being said, I wish they were more precise. The vagueness in unnerving.

Relax. The driving lesson went fine.

I think the Chinese were directing the fortune cookie towards those who did not know that the world of school and life are different. Nobody gets 99.992% success all the time and still ranks at the median of the class.

Most folks are blessed with enough failures so they have a balanced view of their strengths and weaknesses. Or at least the whims of the world.

After reflection, I feel pretty confident that I have had enough failures thank you. I do not need any more.

Then again, maybe the Chinese fortune cookie WAS talking about that planning commission meeting last week---what a devastating failure in the unanimous defeat of the efforts of the community of the 4th Ward to prevent the bar on Exchange Street. Was that what the cookie was talking about? We will never know for sure.

The Observer still recommends that this specific fortune cookie be eliminated from the mix till it can be more specific. I hope the Chinese Observer is taking notes.

"Getting Out and ....Staying Out of Debt"---the last book of Don Sheehan

Friday, June 23, 2006
"Getting Out and Staying Out of Debt"---the last book of Don Sheehan

I have written in the past of Don Sheehan, the Dale Carnegie salesman---a world champion award winner. His first two books were "Shut Up and Sell," and "The Price Book." Few know of the last book.

In two short years, I had participated in most all the seminars that Don offered. For the record, my wife, Sue, even attended sales training. Don told me he was working on his third book, "Getting and Staying out of Debt." It was a "tell all" book, and I looked forwarded to seeing it in print.

Then the call. He had a heart attack on a flight from New York. In a day he was gone.

I called his widow a month later and asked whether I could see the manuscript of his book, "Getting and Staying Out of Debt." She said I was welcome to review it.

In the book, Don told the nitty gritty of his days in the sales business, and the world wide travel, the huge audiences booked at large well known hotels. The fame.

Then he told the truth. About the debt. About the overspending that almost ended his career in sales. One day came the light----He and his wife talked it over and changed the way they did---well everything.

The truth as he told it in the book was that "overspending" was the death of salesmen. The death of marriages. The death of families and dreams. At the very pinnacle of success the biggest salesmen were losing everything.

He told the story about the "mortgage burning party" that he invited all the relatives and friends to, where he burned the mortage to their home in Richfield, Mn. And, he encouraged everyone to celebrate paying the individual debt off. And making it a family tradition. He also asked us to invite him to our own party.

So. The last book was the one I had wished I had read sooner. The one book most never read. And the best.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 1:05 PM

What George Thorogood could have taught Paris Hilton---On " Bad to the Bone"

Thursday, May 10, 2007
What George Thorogood could have taught Paris Hilton---On "Bad to the Bone"

Recently I had the occasion to overhear two teens talking and one gal said to another: "I'm getting sick and tired of hearing some girls market their judgment errors as product advantages."

I was still and said nothing. Here was someone who understood what Paris Hilton did not. I speculated that this teen had listened to George Thorogood---ALL of the songs and not just "Bad to the Bone."

Even when one reads the lyrics to Bad to the Bone :

On the day I was born, the nurses all gathered 'round
And they gazed in wide wonder, at the joy they had found
The head nurse spoke up, said leave this one alone
She could tell right away, that I was bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
B-B-B-B-Bad
B-B-B-B-Bad
B-B-B-B-Bad
Bad to the bone

I broke a thousand hearts, before I met you
I'll break a thousand more baby, before I am through
I wanna be yours pretty baby, yours and yours alone
I'm here to tell ya honey, that I'm bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
B-B-B-Bad
B-B-B-Bad
B-B-B-Bad
Bad to the bone

I'll make a rich woman beg, and I'll make a good woman steal
I'll make an old woman blush, and make a young girl squeal
I wanna be yours pretty baby, yours and yours alone
I'm here to tell ya honey, that I'm bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
B-B-B-B-Bad
B-B-B-B-Bad
B-B-B-B-Bad
Bad to the bone

When I walk the streets, kings and queens step aside
Every woman I meet, they all stay satisfied,
I wanna tell ya pretty baby, what I see I make my own
And I'm here to tell ya honey, that I'm bad to the bone
Bad to the bone
B-B-B-B-Bad
B-B-B-B-Bad
B-B-B-B-Bad
Bad to the bone


One does have to ask the deeper question: Where is the rest of the story? Where are the other lyrics?

The answer to that question is in the song, "Move it on Over"---which I have posted on the upper right side of the blog. Yes, the big old dog came in late after an evening of error, and found the door locked...and ended up sleeping in the doghouse. That is the rest of the story.

Looking back at "Bad to the bone", one sees the humorous and satiric side in George Thorogood---yes the deeper side to those bold lyrics.

Click on the post to read the story about the sculpture that is being unveiled in Brooklyn of Paris Hilton. Just before Prom Weekend.

I do think a thorough lesson plan on the lyrics and music of George Thorogood---Bad to the Bone as well as the "rest of the story" in Move it on Over should be included in the education of every young adult. One does need more than judgment errors to make a good marketing plan.

And yes.

Turn it up real loud. It's better loud.

Classic Observer: "The Fire Within"

The Fire Within


The other night at the Redevelopment Authority meeting, there was a group of excited folk busy working prior to the meeting. Well. It wasn't the usual adults that attend these sort of meetings. It was the kids of one of the staff members. Right prior to the meeting they were keeping themselves busy coloring pictures on sheets of paper.----Then they compared who had the best picture. And just as the meeting began, the other parent came and the kids left. What a disappointment. A lot of the excitement had just left the room.

I thought to myself when was the last time I had seen such excitement. It sure was infectious. Yes. I had seen it that very morning. I had wandered up to the FFA Plant Sale at the Evansville High School and in the green house had run across Mr. Krake also buying some hanging plants.

Always on the job as The Observer, I asked him, "Well, Mr. Krake, how are the sketches coming? Have you been keeping up the production?"

In a flash he whipped out a small sketch book from his pocket. "As a matter of fact, I have been quite busy, " he said. "These sketches were from a visit to the emergency room yesterday." "The waiting room, that is."

I really liked the sketch of the guy with the glasses, just about my age. Just when I was wondering what the price of the whole little sketch book would be, he left in a hurry to get his plants home.

The excitement. The very same excitement that the kids had demonstrated prior to the Redevelopment meeting was the same excitement that I had seen in Mr. Krake's face as he reviewed his sketches.

Last night was the Evansville High School Awards night, with the presentation of the academic awards and such. There were the usual quotations. The usual best wishes.

The best wish I have as the Observer is that the fire within will still be burning for these graduates 45 years from now as it is today. I hope they will never let anyone, or anything be a cheap bargain for the thing itself. The fire within.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 9:22 AM 0 comments

The Story of Julie; Or, "The Ballerina"

Tuesday, November 29, 2005


The Ballerina; Or, the Story of Julie

When Julie was in 7th grade, she came home one day to tell us of a fierce battle with one of her classmates, Adam. Right in the midst of the battle, Mrs. Berg, the music teacher, had spoken pretty directly to them both. She said, "You both are going to be cast opposite each other in lots of plays in the next 6 years, so you better get used to it, and quit fighting. " She was right.

For five years, Adam and Julie had major parts in lots of plays at school. Julie, who juat a few years prior had been so excited with ballet, now had her sights set on being a STAR. Not just in Wisconsin, but excuse me, in New York. Big Time.

In her senior year, she was cast in a play with lots of singing. No problem. The week of the play, however, she came down with a severe case of bronchitis.. Her doctor felt that due to the overuse of pharmacy in cases such as this that might in the long-term cause Julie to not respond to antibiotics, just herbal medicine would have to do and the virus should just run its course. In short---Julie lost her voice. The actors scrambled to adjust. A fellow cast member sang many of Julie's songs. She did just wonderfully.

At the award ceremony, this fellow actress took the BEST ACTRESS award. Julie was crushed. Dashed were the dreams of fame and stardom. As parents, we tried to tell her of some silver lining in it all. Julie was not buying any silver lining.

Julie did go into Psychology and is happily employed in California. The BEST ACTRESS went to school in Iowa and majored in Theatre.

Sometimes the Lord works in strange ways.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 9:33 AM

Nostalgia: (Sept, 2005)--- "The Power of Positive Thinking"

Thursday, September 01, 2005

The Power of Positive Thinking;

When I attended college, I lived with my grandmother, "Nana" ,in St. Paul, in a home my grandfather, Michael Woulfe, had built in 1912... identical to the one on East Main that I live in today. When I moved from White Bear Lake to live with her, she was 81.

One day I happened to mention to her that I had seen some of those old fashioned black, large, square heeled, shoes that she wore on sale at Dayton's. Anyone, who is familiar with the shoe styles of the 1890's is familiar with the style of these shoes. "Nana" had worn these shoes for a long time...she had made them last ...for at least 15 years. Anyway, I noted the size and she agreed that she needed a new pair.

As I was getting in the car to leave, she came out to the porch, waving wildly, like something was very, very wrong. She had recently had a heart attack and I feared for the worse. Quickly, I shut the car off and rushed up to the porch. "What's wrong, Nana?"

"Get two pair," she shouted.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 3:20 PM

Nostalgia: (June 2006): "Never Underestimate the Power of a Broom"

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

"Never Underestimate the Power of a Broom"

One morning when I was five yr. old, I went to my grandmothers apartment for toast---she had one of those toasters with the sides that manually flipped down----and I just loved raisen bread---it did require a special touch or you burned it. It was soo good.

While I was there, the oil burner man, from Holmen Oil in White Bear Lake came to fill the tank. When he was through, I heard a commotion in the front hall----it seems he had not told Nana that the price of oil had risen and had told her after the fact. She was just a little upset. She grabbed the broom and chased him out of the apartment.

Yes----with the distraction and all, the toast burned. I quickly unplugged the toaster.

I never have forgotten the scene that morn. When someone cheats you, have the self respect to fight for your rights---if you don't----nobody will.

Nana was so mild mannered. She did handle the broom pretty well though.

In these modern times, it is tough to get a broad sword like Zena Warrior Princess, or a laser or a samauri sword. Still....the broom is still available.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 3:03 PM

Nostalgia: (Sept, 2005): "The Day My Name Changed"

Thursday, September 01, 2005

The Day My Name Changed; Or, the coffee is ready.

As I have written of previously, during my college years, I lived in St. Paul with my grandmother. My dad had grown up in the vintage four square home on Dayton, similiar to the one I own today. My dad, Tom, was the only son of Michael Woulfe and Alice Barnes Woulfe, his first wife having passed away after giving him 4 sons.

One day, in my Junior year, I arrived home to find an ambulance in front. Shocked, I went inside. There was our friends, Buck and Betty Meyers, as well as a doctor. The doctor told me that Nana had had a slight heart attact and possibly a stroke, but was resting comfortably. Nana was very detrmined NOT to leave home and he had given her some aspirin. He said this was really all the treatment she would get at the hospital in 1967, and that I should just watch her closely and if I needed anything there would be a nurse that would come by in a couple of days.

I had a full course load in those days, as well as worked 20 hours a week, so I wondered how I could function without Nana. That night, as I listend to her breathe, I went over all I knew about health care. Pretty limited. Anyway, the future seemed at the end of each breath. It was a long night.

Then the alarm went off as it always did at 5:30AM. The Steve Cannon radio show on WCCO began. The usual cast of characters, Steve, and his impersonated characters, Ma Linger, Morgan Mondaigne, and Lash Laroo were all there that morn. Steve impersonated all of them. Ma Linger was the 80 year old woman who was always out all night carousing. Nana would talk every morn about Ma Linger. Marveling how she could keep up such a furious pace.

After the alarm went off and the Cannon program began, I heard the shoes, Nana's loud black shoes. Something was different though. They were louder. And after thinking about it, I realized that she had not tied them.

Then, I heard her voice. Just like always.

"The coffee is ready, Tom. ....

In a heartbeat, I made the adjustment. "OK, Nana, I am almost ready. I will be there in a second. From that day on, I was "Tom" and that was cool. I never had the heart to tell her the truth about Ma Linger.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 6:43 PM

Nostalgia: (July 2006) ---"Age is in Your Mind"

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Age is in your mind

In my college days, I had the habit of sending out my shirts to the dry cleaners. We lacked a washer and dryer and it seemed convenient. I loved the white shirt and sport coat look and also the sweater look. Ah the preppie years.

One day Nana, who was 86, went to the door and came back and said that "there is an old man at the door that wants to see you." I never had people coming to see me, much less old men, so I rushed to the door.

It was just the dry cleaner man delivering my shirts. He was about 50YR old. He was a little red faced and it was in the high 90's for tempurature. O.K., he might have been drinking also, but.....

I suddenly realized that my Grandmother had no sense of age whatsoever. For her, age was relative.

Then I realized something else. There were no mirrors in her house.

Go and do likewise.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 11:15 AM

Nostalgia: (Sept, 2005): " Let's Keep Everything Just the Way it Was"

Thursday, September 01, 2005


"Let's keep everything just the way it was."

In my college years, I lived with my grandmother in St. Paul, in a home just like my home on East Main. It was in the suburbs in 1912, at the end of the trolly line, though it is in the inner city now.

One Sunday, my dad drove me in from White Bear Lake for the move. He said, "Nana likes things just the way they were when Grandpa died. Just remember----- it is her house." "O.K., I said," " No problem."

This was in 1963. Grandpa had died in 1930. The victrola in the corner of the living room looked right out of an FDR fireside chat. The radio dial was on a AM station that had died years ago. I expected any minute a breaking bulletin announcing a further chapter in the Pacific war. Anyway, all the wallpaper was mint original. True Historic Preservation stuff. The rugs were all oriental. And of course the floors were oak and the sliding pocket doors really slid hard, since nobody knew how to adjust them anymore.

The furniture was the problem--the living room furniture was vintage 1920's, but the springs had been shot for at least 30 years. So, nobody could sit on them or a serious back injury would result. The dining room furniture was useful since it was all oak
.
Nana had a story for everything. Yes, the green historic lighting was ok outside, but not as grand as when the "lamplighters" used to come each night on the wagon and reach up and light the kerosene lamps with a wick. Now that was grand.

Years later, I learned that folks occasionally react to loss that way. They will want to keep things just the way they were. There is therapy for it now. No need for a person to suffer that way....fixed in time and not being truly alive.

At the Homecoming Parade in Evansville this year, I had the opportunity to watch the parade from the true center of the Historic District. What a glorious day of fall colors. The residents I spoke too, however, were not too jovial. They had just gotten their assessments for being Historic and the assessments had gone sky high. They pleaded with me, "Can't we just be old and not "Historic?"

"NO, I replied," "That cannot be." We are old on East Main and proud of it. You are Historic. You have to keep things just the way they were."

Nostalgia: (11/2005) Why Due Process Matters; Or, The Coincidence of Opposites

Thursday, November 17, 2005

The Coincidence of Opposites; Or, Why Due Process matters

In any dialogue, in any debate, in any reflection, there are two sides. Two points of view. From ancient times it has been known that the secret of wisdom is getting to the thing that unites them, the central thing they share. This is the "coincidencia oppositorum" or just simply the coincidence of opposites. Once you understand what this is, you can understand how to get beyond it.

You all know this. I say it's hot. She says it's cold. The thing that unites ---- the evaluation of life by temperature. There is more. To get to the more, you get separate heated seats or blankets or whatever. O.K.

This coicidence of opposites is why the US Military Lawyers are so insistent on the Geneva Convention. The enemy says all tactics, all terror is available. We say there is a code of conduct. Once we say everything is on the table, we are them. And, we lose. The thing that makes us free is the dignity we live by. That is why the Pentagon rank and file and all veterans want the Geneva Convention upheld. That is why John McCain, the war prisoner, is leading the way for a prohibition against terror tactics by the U.S. Military.

So, it is also that in all violence and abuse of power---- Whether it is local or national, the tendency is for the victim of abuse of power to turn to the same tactic. That is why the U.S. has the concept of due process. That is why we have the rule of law and not tribal eye for eye justice. Something to think about.

Automatic For the People----NOT

There was an album by REM about a decade ago titled, "Automatic for The People." I always liked the title, but cannot remember much about the songs in it. Recently as I have configured several blogs, The Evansville Observer, and her sister blog, The Minnesota Observer to RSS feed to handle national news feeds, I have observed that the news media has followed the path of AM radio of years ago, where we could hear Wolfman Jack syndicated through many radio stations around America and never know where he really was. Today we can read automated news stories and never really know much more ----like whether the facts in the stories are really CORRECT.

That point was make clear to me last week when I posted some minutes from Orfordville and only Grumps pointed out to me that the minutes were from 2004 and where not recent. I had not noticed....having gone to a robotlike clip and paste mode myself.

Gone are the days of Edward R Murrow---It is not Good night and Good Luck any More. It is more like "Tough Luck." There are no writers that are paid for, or at least what they were years ago and there are not fact checkers---Only maybe "Grumps" and "Wolfman Jack" remain.

We are on Automatic----and not FOR the People. But AGAINST the People.

So. Maybe we need to be a little less reliant on Windows--of any version and just open the window and get some fresh air. And maybe taking a little time to check the transcript of the audio or the video might produce some surprise as to the accuracy of the stories we think are so easy to digest.

The Point----the poem

Point
is
where the
action
is

Point
is where the
contact begins,
where the
future
begins

Point
is where
life
begins
and
ends

Point
is where the
bullets
fly
and the screams
end

Point is
for
courage
and fear
combined

I'm gettin
tired
of point
somehow
tired of the
death and
mounds of
bodies

Tired of
the gazers too
scared to
lead

Point
is where the
death
and
rebirth
happens

Point is where
the
leaders
reign

The Leader of the Pack---a true story

Tuesday, August 15, 2006


Leader of the Pack
(Ed.note. Evansville cross country has begun training. Be careful driving since their training runs are on city roads. In honor of the winning tradition of Evansville cross country, I have reprinted the classic, "Leader of the Pack." from Feb. 2006)



Some years ago, there was a magical period in boy's cross country at Evansville High School when there were 5 fast and talented male runners and Evansville had a chance to go to the State Championship Round. As you may remember, the first three ran in a pack---Mike Thornton, Jay Marin and Justin Frey.

The Observer knows because his task was to stand at the first mile marker and call out the mile split. For Mike Thornton, if he was running the first mile at 5.04 that meant that he was right on target. Jay Marin needed be be next on his shoulder, and then Justin Frey a step behind. It was like clockwork. What a dream first three runners.

The following year, the burden of leading the races passed to Jay Marin. Now it was he who had to hit the split perfectly. One of the things I noticed as a parent of a cross country runner is that just before the race, the leaders, such as Ann Knutson or Jay Marin, intensely feel the burden of leading. They frequently throw up. They wonder whether they still have it for the race. The desire. Well, everything. It is not guaranteed. They know that the past is gone. It is up to them. Now.

One race, the boys were wearing special t-shirts with goofy sayings on the back. Some were even wearing goofy sayings on their shorts. Some were wearing colored socks. They were laughing and giggling a bit about it.

One boy went up to Jay and said, "Jay, which of the t-shirts do you like best?"

Jay replied, "Listen----I plan on LEADING this race. I don't give a (------) about what is written on your shorts."

When you are a LEADER, the key thing is to LEAD, not to listen or glance about being distracted by the titter of the crowd or whatever is written on others butts. Being in front is special. One has to keep the head up high. Looking to the future.

Make a note of it.

On the Deeper Meaning of Brick: What Brick Means to me

Thursday, September 01, 2005


What "Brick" means to me; Or, On the deeper meaning of "brick.";Or, the story of the big bad wolf
When I was in high school, a few years ago, we had a great football team. The cornerstone of that team was a lineman, who we called "The Brick." Whenever the game was on the line, the stakes high, nobody got through the line when the "Brick" was there. We relied on him. He was always there for us.

It is those kind of people, the "Bricks", that we rely on as a society also. I remember well the famous city council meeting where we were confronted with one of the most pressing needs facing the growing city of Evansville---a drive thru liquor window.

In the city council meeting, one council member pointed out that the problem of liquor was one that affected every family in Evansville and it was certainly not on any reasonable list of needs that we needed a drive-thru. Finally, he said, "Is there no person here who will stand with me in recognizing that this is not in the best interests of Evansville?" Not one person responded. I was in the audience and did not respond and regret it to this day.

That is what "Bricks" do. They stand up to the winds of the big bad wolf who threatens to blow the house down. Bricks are strong and courageous.

Thus, the Observer is somewhat dismayed to hear that in the current assessment of homes in Evansville, if a home is made of "brick" it is instantly "historic." I can assure you I never learned such a rule in college. "Historic preservation" is really a legal, historical term and not one that can be simply assigned to "brick." It is not something that we may have overlooked and have to search for in the panic that maybe we have missed something precious. Excuse me.

So, I celebrate "Brick" whenever I find it. Not on the exterior. Not historic. Just the human brick that is the courage we need so much in our community.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 4:13 PM

'Why Sgt Schultz is not a Timeless Role Model-----

In Praise of "Hogans Heros or; Why Sgt. Schultz is not a timeless role model
As a youngster, each day after school I rushed home to watch Hogan's Heros. Each day the forces of American freedom fighters matched wits with the totalitarian Nazi regime and won. In each episode too, the notorious Sgt. Schultz could save the day. He saw no thing! He heard no thing! He was my hero. It was just the time of day when after a strenuous day at school, doing nothing and thinking nothing was just what I needed and to think that it could be part of the freedom movement was just perfect.

Recently, I have mused with others how easy it is to avoid knowing, avoid seeing and above all, avoid doing anything about the events around us. It seems to be very easy. Very safe. Very Sgt. Schultz like.

I guess my role model, the wonderful Sgt. Schultz just could not be a role model for me for adulthood. I still really liked the show though.

Posted by Evansville Observer at 2:56 PM