I'm happy that I had the privilege of living during the time of Walter Cronkite, Bob Hope, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Mickey Rooney, Esther Williams and Reverend Billy Graham.
I well remember the Sunday in December, 1941 when President Franklin Roosevelt announced in a voice of determined reason that Japanese planes had bombed the U.S. fleet in Hawaii. He told the people of our nation to unite in a common cause of work and sacrifice so that our freedom and way of life could be preserved. He said every man, woman and child would do their part to win the coming war, and they did. Our young men joined the military services in droves, and our women learned to use rivet guns.
President Harry Truman kept a sign on his desk that said, "The buck stops here." He lived his life by that motto. When his term ended, he packed Bess in their own car and drove to the house in Independence, MO that Bess inherited from her parents. Air Force 1 and the Secret Service were not required.
After the defeat of Germany in WWII, when the Nazi prison camps were inspected, five-star General Ike Eisenhower told the photographers to take pictures of every detail from every angle. He feared people in the future might say the atrocities never happened.
Walter Cronkite, the legendary news anchor for CBS 1962-1981, always signed off, "And that's the way it was." With integrity and accuracy he reported the facts without self-aggrandizement. We could trust Cronkite.
Bob Hope's family never celebrated Christmas on December 25. Bob was always away entertaining the troops. He took the stage and the microphone and made them forget about pain and loss and death for a brief time. And he did it with no clanging, crashing band or almost-naked, screeching vocalists.
Mickey Rooney gave us wholesome movies with a moral message like Black Stallion, Boys Town, National Velvet and the Andy Hardy series. This pint-sized, giant box office star's career spanned 80 years. He made almost 20 movies -- none of them were X-rated.
Esther Williams, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's sycronized swimming star, taught us the artistry and skill of performing in water. The studio spent a fortune on creating an elaborate pool where her movies of grace and beauty were filmed. Her costumes were elegant, flattering one-piece swimsuits. She said she had no wish to appear in "two Dixie cups and fishing line."
The life of Rev. Billy Graham, an unwavering man of God, speaks for itself. No comment from me is necessary.
I'm grateful to have witnessed and been a part of the accomplishments of these members of the Greatest Generation.
QUOTE: It's the little things of life that determine the big things.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Friday, April 3, 2015
STEROID TESTING
It's time to end steroid testing in high school athletes.
The state of Texas knew years ago that its program to test high school sports participants was not a fruitful use of resources. The program was well-intended, but its execution was ineffective.
In it's first year, then Sen. Dan Patrick called the program "a colossal waste of taxpayer money." He was right.
Since the program began in 2008, the state has spent $10 million to catch only a handful of students, after testing more than 63,000. Despite the hefty price tag, critics point out that the Texas plan made mistakes early on, failed to test for many common kinds of drugs and was too easy for cheaters to exploit.
Others argue that the testing results prove that steroid use among teens is not a widespread problem. Indeed, it is far less common than other kinds of drug and alcohol abuse that pose far greater risks to a larger universe of teenagers.
$10 million would go a long way toward adding classrooms to our crowded schools, repairing roofs and updating bathrooms and cafeterias.
It's time for the Legislation to put those state dollars to better use.
The state of Texas knew years ago that its program to test high school sports participants was not a fruitful use of resources. The program was well-intended, but its execution was ineffective.
In it's first year, then Sen. Dan Patrick called the program "a colossal waste of taxpayer money." He was right.
Since the program began in 2008, the state has spent $10 million to catch only a handful of students, after testing more than 63,000. Despite the hefty price tag, critics point out that the Texas plan made mistakes early on, failed to test for many common kinds of drugs and was too easy for cheaters to exploit.
Others argue that the testing results prove that steroid use among teens is not a widespread problem. Indeed, it is far less common than other kinds of drug and alcohol abuse that pose far greater risks to a larger universe of teenagers.
$10 million would go a long way toward adding classrooms to our crowded schools, repairing roofs and updating bathrooms and cafeterias.
It's time for the Legislation to put those state dollars to better use.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
CINDERELLA, SNOW WHITE, RAPUNZEL, ET CETERA
If you rub elbows and toes with children, you will learn that a "princess fixation" runs rampant in the land.
As an aunt to five, mother to three, and grandmother to nine, I can recite whole chapters about fairy tale princesses and other beloved children's heroes.
More than 70 years ago, I began with Three Little Pigs, Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Bean Stalk, Charlotte's Web and The Little Engine That Could. While the boys enjoyed these, the girls were indifferent. But when I added the stories about princesses and magic kingdoms, the girls became big fans.
Now I'm once again reading about beautiful, mistreated young maidens who eventually triumph over cruelty and hardship. As I read these old fables to three great-grandchildren (three more are on the way), I acknowledge that fantasizing about being something we will never become is not a bad thing. These make-believe tales carry lessons that transcend cultures and generations. The beloved stories are a way to teach our children that they can remain unbroken even in the most difficult circumstances.
As all my girls grow up, they aren't concerned about the arrival of a prince, a glamorous ball or even living happily ever after. Yes, they play dress-up with wands and high heels. They covet Rapunzel's long hair and Queen Elsa's voice singing "Let It Go". But as they grow older and experience more, they know these pretend kingdoms are not the real world.
Every generation eventually learns the normal constraints of a normal life. By first grade most of us know to leave fantasy behind. So why clip wings before it's time?
As an aunt to five, mother to three, and grandmother to nine, I can recite whole chapters about fairy tale princesses and other beloved children's heroes.
More than 70 years ago, I began with Three Little Pigs, Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Bean Stalk, Charlotte's Web and The Little Engine That Could. While the boys enjoyed these, the girls were indifferent. But when I added the stories about princesses and magic kingdoms, the girls became big fans.
Now I'm once again reading about beautiful, mistreated young maidens who eventually triumph over cruelty and hardship. As I read these old fables to three great-grandchildren (three more are on the way), I acknowledge that fantasizing about being something we will never become is not a bad thing. These make-believe tales carry lessons that transcend cultures and generations. The beloved stories are a way to teach our children that they can remain unbroken even in the most difficult circumstances.
As all my girls grow up, they aren't concerned about the arrival of a prince, a glamorous ball or even living happily ever after. Yes, they play dress-up with wands and high heels. They covet Rapunzel's long hair and Queen Elsa's voice singing "Let It Go". But as they grow older and experience more, they know these pretend kingdoms are not the real world.
Every generation eventually learns the normal constraints of a normal life. By first grade most of us know to leave fantasy behind. So why clip wings before it's time?
Monday, March 30, 2015
BATTLE AT THE ALAMO
It's been almost 180 years since the historic battle at the Alamo that led to Texas' independence from Mexico.
Another sad battle has been brewing since the Texas General Land Office took control of our No. 1 tourist attraction from the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT). The Daughters were the sole custodians for 107 years. During that time, 30,000 artifacts, books and papers were given to or purchased by the Daughters.
In 2011, ownership of the old Spanish mission changed to state possession with the DRT continuing to handle day-to-day-operations. That arrangement ended this month when new Land Commissioner George P. Bush decided it was time to sever all ties with the group.
At issue now is the extensive library and displays that the DRT say they own but that the state is now claiming. Many of these items were donated by the Daughters' own ancestors. Now the DRT has drawn a line in the sand. They have filed suit, saying the move by the state is an unconstitutional seizure of private property.
This schism among people who love Texas and her history is unfortunate for the Alamo and Texas. Surely there can be a mediation process by an independent person or committee who can help decide which property belongs to the DRT and which is owned by the state.
Remember the Alamo!
Today's quote:
I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion. ~ Alexander the Great
Another sad battle has been brewing since the Texas General Land Office took control of our No. 1 tourist attraction from the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT). The Daughters were the sole custodians for 107 years. During that time, 30,000 artifacts, books and papers were given to or purchased by the Daughters.
In 2011, ownership of the old Spanish mission changed to state possession with the DRT continuing to handle day-to-day-operations. That arrangement ended this month when new Land Commissioner George P. Bush decided it was time to sever all ties with the group.
At issue now is the extensive library and displays that the DRT say they own but that the state is now claiming. Many of these items were donated by the Daughters' own ancestors. Now the DRT has drawn a line in the sand. They have filed suit, saying the move by the state is an unconstitutional seizure of private property.
This schism among people who love Texas and her history is unfortunate for the Alamo and Texas. Surely there can be a mediation process by an independent person or committee who can help decide which property belongs to the DRT and which is owned by the state.
Remember the Alamo!
Today's quote:
I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion. ~ Alexander the Great
Saturday, March 21, 2015
FAILING SENIORS
Have members of the Texas Senate Education Committee lost their collective mind?
Senate Bill 149, which would let high school seniors who fail state tests graduate, was approved by a 28 - 2 vote and sent to the House. Texas has 28,000 students in the Class of 2015 who have failed one or more of the five state exams in U.S History, biology, Algebra 1, English 1 and English 2. Educators all across the state agree that after 12 years of education, students should be able to pass those exams. Especially considering all the time teachers spend preparing the students for those tests.
Bill 149 would allow panels made up of educators, counselors and parents to weigh factors like grades, college entrance exam scores and attendance to decide whether a student should graduate despite poor performance on state standardized tests. Do you see a possibility of bias or favoritism here?
The plan has received criticism from many alumni groups, Chambers of Commerce, the Texas Association of Business, college administrators and parents. The consensus is that if all the 2015 seniors who failed the state exams are given diplomas, Texas will have an additional 28,000 unprepared people seeking advanced learning or careers. What are their chances of success?
One can only hope that Senate Bill 149 will fail as it passes through the Texas Legislature.
Senate Bill 149, which would let high school seniors who fail state tests graduate, was approved by a 28 - 2 vote and sent to the House. Texas has 28,000 students in the Class of 2015 who have failed one or more of the five state exams in U.S History, biology, Algebra 1, English 1 and English 2. Educators all across the state agree that after 12 years of education, students should be able to pass those exams. Especially considering all the time teachers spend preparing the students for those tests.
Bill 149 would allow panels made up of educators, counselors and parents to weigh factors like grades, college entrance exam scores and attendance to decide whether a student should graduate despite poor performance on state standardized tests. Do you see a possibility of bias or favoritism here?
The plan has received criticism from many alumni groups, Chambers of Commerce, the Texas Association of Business, college administrators and parents. The consensus is that if all the 2015 seniors who failed the state exams are given diplomas, Texas will have an additional 28,000 unprepared people seeking advanced learning or careers. What are their chances of success?
One can only hope that Senate Bill 149 will fail as it passes through the Texas Legislature.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
SAVE THE MONARCHS
Imagine driving the interstate highway between Texas and Canada without plenty of restaurants and gas stations along the way.
That's the dilemma facing the monarch butterfly during its annual migration from Mexico to Canada and back again. Sources of food and rest stops in the natural environment are becoming scarce. The number of monarchs in north America is shrinking at an alarming rate.
Many groups, some in my home county, are trying to reverse the decline by establishing butterfly gardens and Monarch Way-stations to help the butterflies feed and reproduce along their journey. In my area, two Way-stations have been certified that include native milkweek, nectar plants, flowers with red blooms and other resources vital to the monarchs. Six more Way-stations are in the works and will be completed and certified this year.
All across the U.S. along the migration route, master gardeners and conservationists are conducting seminars and programs to inform and educate local residents about butterfly gardens, a butterfly habitat and a Monarch Way-station. Many such facilities are needed to save the monarchs from extinction.
We, too, can make a difference. If all of us dedicated just one flower bed or patio planter to plants benefiting this colorful insect, we would receive satisfaction and pleasure.
A world without monarchs would be a drab and dull place.
That's the dilemma facing the monarch butterfly during its annual migration from Mexico to Canada and back again. Sources of food and rest stops in the natural environment are becoming scarce. The number of monarchs in north America is shrinking at an alarming rate.
Many groups, some in my home county, are trying to reverse the decline by establishing butterfly gardens and Monarch Way-stations to help the butterflies feed and reproduce along their journey. In my area, two Way-stations have been certified that include native milkweek, nectar plants, flowers with red blooms and other resources vital to the monarchs. Six more Way-stations are in the works and will be completed and certified this year.
All across the U.S. along the migration route, master gardeners and conservationists are conducting seminars and programs to inform and educate local residents about butterfly gardens, a butterfly habitat and a Monarch Way-station. Many such facilities are needed to save the monarchs from extinction.
We, too, can make a difference. If all of us dedicated just one flower bed or patio planter to plants benefiting this colorful insect, we would receive satisfaction and pleasure.
A world without monarchs would be a drab and dull place.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
OH, NO! SAY IT ISN'T SO!
The world is running out of chocolate. How will I survive?
As a woman who believes chocolate is the third major food group, preceded only by meat and potatoes, this news is devastating.
The shortage is caused by many factors, one of which is that we are eating too much chocolate. Last year we ate more cocoa than we produced -- 70,000 metric tons to be exact. In five years the shortfall will increase to one million metric tons. By 2030: two million
metric tons.
Like all goods, chocolate is subject to the law of supply and demand, and the demand is skyrocketing in places recently introduced to chocolate. Blame the Chinese.
Chocolate sales in China are expected to grow almost 60 percent in the next four years. People in the Asia-Pacific region are eating twice as much chocolate as a decade ago. Even that amount does not match Western Europe's consumption.
Another problem is that disease has destroyed all the cocoa trees in Costa Rica. An additional blow is that global warming is wreaking havoc with rainfall in West Africa.
I'm trying to do my part to conserve this resource. I eat only milk chocolate which contains about 10 percent cocoa and ignore dark chocolate which contains up to 70 percent.
Industry insiders and commodity brokers predict scarcity and higher prices will soon begin.
They also fear hoarding.
I really don't like standing in line or paying a higher price. But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
I cannot, under any circumstances, give up chocolate.
Quote of the day: We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ~ Aristotle
As a woman who believes chocolate is the third major food group, preceded only by meat and potatoes, this news is devastating.
The shortage is caused by many factors, one of which is that we are eating too much chocolate. Last year we ate more cocoa than we produced -- 70,000 metric tons to be exact. In five years the shortfall will increase to one million metric tons. By 2030: two million
metric tons.
Like all goods, chocolate is subject to the law of supply and demand, and the demand is skyrocketing in places recently introduced to chocolate. Blame the Chinese.
Chocolate sales in China are expected to grow almost 60 percent in the next four years. People in the Asia-Pacific region are eating twice as much chocolate as a decade ago. Even that amount does not match Western Europe's consumption.
Another problem is that disease has destroyed all the cocoa trees in Costa Rica. An additional blow is that global warming is wreaking havoc with rainfall in West Africa.
I'm trying to do my part to conserve this resource. I eat only milk chocolate which contains about 10 percent cocoa and ignore dark chocolate which contains up to 70 percent.
Industry insiders and commodity brokers predict scarcity and higher prices will soon begin.
They also fear hoarding.
I really don't like standing in line or paying a higher price. But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
I cannot, under any circumstances, give up chocolate.
Quote of the day: We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ~ Aristotle
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