"It is always in season for old men to learn." (Aeschylus)

.....The other day someone told me that they had a friend who could speak 12 languages. I didn't tell him, but to myself I said, "baloney". Perhaps someone might be mensable enough to speak a smidgen of 12 languages, but I don't think they could speak them fluently. In fact I think that even speaking a smidgen of them is chimerical. I had sufficient trouble trying to learn French in high school and four years of Spanish in college. Oh, if I went to France for a year or so, or to Spain perhaps I could speak those languages fluently to a native speaker. But if one cannot live in a country or a section of one's city, for at least a year, where the language is spoken every day, I don't believe you can learn the language. Period. It's difficult enough for immigrants to speak English fluently even if they have lived here for a good length of time. And English is not an easy language to learn. My son, Joel, worked for the government and was stationed in Panama and in Okinawa for more than three years, with his wife and two kids, and I do not think any of them is able to speak fluent Spanish or Japanese. And as far as I'm concerned, teaching a language in school is a waste of time if the purpose is to have students speak it fluently. At least, I never heard anyone who succeeded. I think it much more enriching to expose students to a classical language such as Latin or Greek. But I don't think they do that anymore.

.....For years and years and years teachers in high schools have been teaching English grammar without knowing that they have not been teaching English grammar at all. I say this as a Structural Linguist which was a second major in college. The proper way to teach a language is to teach how the structure of the language conveys meaning. English, for example, is a "word order" language. Its meaning is conveyed by the order of the words and its sounds. (Language is not writing. Language is speech). "Henry brought his mother some flowers" (Noun/verb/pronoun/noun/adjective/noun.) That is the structure of English. But "Henry his mother some flowers brought" is not English. On the other hand, "Henry brung his mother some flowers" is NOT BAD GRAMMAR; it's a dialect of English. "Brung" is a verb, and it is in the correct place for English grammar. It's only bad FOR THE COMPANY IT KEEPS! It is not "standard English". "Brung" is not spoken by educated people.

.....On the other hand, Latin is not a word order language. You can put the words in any order you choose and the meaning would be the same. In the "Canterbury Tales", the Prioress wears a charm which has the lettering "Amor vincit omnia"; love conquers all. But in Latin "Love Conquers All", may be spoken or written "omnia vincit amor, amor vincit omnia or amor vincat omnia". So much for the language lessen, but I have tons more to say about language which does not follow the traditional ways--but is left of center....as usual.

"Amor Vincit Omnia" (Love conquers all)

.....I hope that someone out there had a decent Thanksgiving dinner for I cannot say the same. Three other couples and we were seated at this big round table at the McCormick and something-else restaurant (can't spell it), and I had the traditional turkey plate with white meat turkey slabs underneath which was hidden some mashed potatoes that ought not have been there. To get a forkful I had to lift all the turkey with one hand and grab some mashed potatoes with the other hand. It seems to me that the mashed potatoes ought to have been placed somewhere else on the plate so that I wouldn't have had to look for it/them. However, a load of green beans, some tasteless stuffing and some other unknown inedible substance took up the space where the potatoes ought to have been. I ate a few slices of the turkey and some of the potatoes until I tired of lifting the turkey to get at them. I left the other stuff on the plate. For dessert I had upside-down apple pie, although I haven't a clue as to why they had to turn it upside down--unless they dropped it in the kitchen. For beverages, I had some water, a diet coke, and a cup of lukewarm coffee. For the bill, I paid $65 if you can believe it! Oh, and the valet parking was "complementary." Big deal.

.....I got an e-mail from my cousin in England, Ruth Grimsley, (...how she loves to see her name here), asking that I send her the video of "Pajama Game". I don't know why she wants to see the only musical in which I did not play the lead. However, "Prez" was not a bad part. I used a Bronx "dialect" because you can take the boy out of the Bronx, but cannot take the Bronx out of the boy. Anyway, Ruth said that she loves the music. My big number was "7 & 1/2 cents". She gratefully informed me that in England it's spelled "Pyjama". I often wonder why in England they always go the wrong way--even on the road. Ruth is a wondrous bright lady, and often comes up out of nowhere with quotations like salmons leap out of the water. This time it was another from Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" in what in academician is written in "middle English." Next to Shakespeare, I do love Geoffrey--although I used to get annoyed when a student pronounced it as "Goffry." There is nothing like the sound of Middle English. I can recite the Prologue from memory, and I used to lull myself to sleep repeating it: "Whan that Aprille (pronounced 'Appreel-a') with his shoures soote, the droghte of March hath perced to the roote..." If you go on with the Prologue which describes 29 people going on a pilgrimage to reach a holy shrine you'll come upon the Prioress, a Nun, who wore a brooch "...on which ther was first writ a crowned A and after...(See title above). I'm wondering why a nun would be wearing an "A"? Wasn't it Hester Prynn who wore the Scarlet Letter?

.....Wonderful stuff. O.K. so you don't like it. Duh! Read the comics. (Baron said it. Don't blame me.)

"Hear me for my cause, and be silent that thou may hear." (Julius Caesar)

.....First of all, Baron would like to wish all his readers a Happy Thanksgiving even for those who do not share my political views. Let it be known, however, that I will continue to voice whatever I care to on this, my beloved blog! Others may have the opportunity to establish their own blogs; after all, it's a free country...right? It may be shocking to say it, however, I am certain there are many in America who wish Lincoln (a Republican) had not signed the Emancipation Proclamation. I believe this to be true. And, in remembrance of one reader who cited polls that showed Obama on the wrong side of 50% popularity, in this country, I'd like to cite some of polls on my own taken by the World Public Opinion Organization that showed US President Barack Obama has the confidence of many publics around the world - inspiring far more confidence than any other world political leader according to a new poll of 20 nations. A year ago, President Bush was one of the least trusted leaders in the world.

.....The figures that were given show how many people in each country polled have confidence in world leaders to do the right thing in world affairs: 70% U.S.; 88% France; 89% Germany; 92% GB; 95% Kenya; 55% China; 89% Hong Kong; 80% India. I can cite as many polls, foreign and domestic, as anyone else can. But the previous Republican president was way, way down on this list of world leaders. This may all be very well, but polls also show Michelle Obama has gone off the charts insofar as popularity in Europe and Asia is concerned. She is a celebrity; a star; a dynamic, magnetic, and charismatic figure. In the world media she is being naturally compared to Jackie Kennedy, and that comparison is likely to grow as this administration grows into its next three years. Is there any doubt that one of Obama & Michelle's accomplishments is, and will continue to be the repairing of any damage done to the world view of America? Is that not one of his top priorities? Along with the wars with Iraq and Afghanistan; the economy, & health care reform? Does the American public expect him to be Superman, Batman, & Arnold Schwarzenegger all rolled into one?

.....In citing my own accomplishments in retirement in yesterday's blog, I had not the space to mention how fortunate I have been in having a V.A. Medical Center located in West Palm Beach. I have been getting free medication, doctors, and dental work there now for 27 years. That has saved me a ton of money. Just consider what the private costs would be for hearing aids and dental work in that length of time. Not only that, I also get "travel pay" reimbursing me for gas and tolls assessed in driving there at least once a week. The equipment is state of the art, and I never have to wait more than 15 minutes past my appointment time--and that should cover over 3000 visits. But not only do I get health care from the V.A., I am also collecting a check each month for service connected injuries, and this check is more than my SS or my HS pension and I enjoy banking it...although I must confess that I spend some of it gambling in our casinos.

.....I should have retired sooner.

"Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow..."(Macbeth)

.....I've been thinking that it's time to take inventory of what's been happening to me since I retired in 1982. So, it's been 27 years that I have lived in So. Florida, but as they say, "...it seems like yesterday." It's been almost as many years as I spent working as a teacher or being married to my ex. I'm not sure how many people live for 27 years after they retire, but I don't suppose it's a large figure...so I'm blessed--no doubt. So what's happened? Have these 27 years been productive? I imagine that I would have to say so. I was in outstanding condition when I arrived here having recently run in two 26-mile marathons. I measured the distance in our clubhouse indoor pool so that I could swim a mile, and so I did swim 80 laps almost every day. I also continued working out in the weight room as I had on Long Island before I retired. Besides these kinds of exercises, I played golf about 3-4 times a week and after several years was able to get down to a 7 handicap. With all these facilities and the conducive weather, I was in 8th heaven.

.....To continue: Since single life was not very much to my liking, I went back to Long Island in 1983, and on June 19th, RH+ and I got married with Col. Rich Higgins as my best man. We had a nice little reception for friends and relatives in the Garden City Marriot hotel, after which I dragged Rhoda back to my condo in Delray Beach where she was not a happy camper. This is a "senior" community and Rho was only 45 when she got here. I was 59. However, now is a different story; she is very active in her charity and in other pursuits like canasta, bowling, luncheons, and beauty parlors. I believe she is a happy woman now that people her age are moving in.

.....One day as I was reading the HLI newsletter, I saw that there was a club calling themselves the "Savoyards" designed after a theatre in London where Gilbert & Sullivan operettas were performed. I read that they were going to perform HMS PINAFORE and since I loved that show, I decided to audition for the leading role of Sir Joseph Porter. I made it. Following that venture came a different show every year in our 600 seat Theatre of the Performing Arts. I played leads in THE MIKADO, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, MUSIC MAN, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, & MY FAIR LADY as well as some minor roles in PAJAMA GAME and a couple of home grown variety shows. Singing and acting in these shows was something I always yearned for and fortunately my wish was granted. I never had so much satisfaction, except for the moment I first held the book that I wrote in my hands. When age crept up on me and I was unable to play golf anymore, I decided to pursue one of my lifelong goals, and that was to write a book. And at the age of 83 I published my autobiography, MEMOIRS of a TAILGUNNER. Since then I continued writing sequels to that book in a blog I called "Home of the Red Baron". That's me. I really didn't know what a blog was, but after writing a few I decided it was a journal and after a year's worth I published a book of them called PATER NOSTER in CONDOLAND. I continued writing and eventually I had five volumes of that blog, and I am now working on Vol.VI. However, this time I will change the name of that book. So, now after 27 years here--that included a 25th Anniversary of our marriage--I conclude that I have really led a productive life in retirement and most likely will continue to do so even if I should stop writing. After that, I have no idea what will happen next.

"Beware of entrance to a quarrel." (Hamlet)

.....I revel in intelligent conversation, especially if it involves a controversial subject that leads to debate which involves civility, then rancor, then depravity, then turpitude, then vituperation, and then, homicide. And hasn't the discussion of the health care bill been a wild ride in the last couple of blogs and in the comments that followed? How much fun can a man take? I have--or the commenters have--pushed several buttons; Jon, Joel, Anonymous, Anonymous II, Mr. Anonymous, etc. And the Red Baron has a clever one, also. I want to thank my supporters who mostly are anti-Anonymous II, but he has a right to free speech according to our constitution. Looks like the whole Anonymous family has chimed in. I am impressed by the quality of writing and in the quality of the arguments which could be presentable in the Supreme Court. Except, of course, for Sarah $$alin, who didn't even bother to defend her vindictive views by sending in a comment. So, I won't read her book, either. It's tit for tat. And thanks to my cousin, Ruth, the brightest star in England, who has researched the history of Exlax in the library at Oxford and has come up with this gem:

,,,,,"Oh God, Norman, I can just imagine that ghastly comment you got. And your response was spot-on. 'For Goddes lov, as tak som laxatyf!' (Geoffrey Chaucer, the Nun's Priest's Tale in the 'Canterbury Tales.')" As you can see they even had Exlax in the 14th Century.

.....This morning I managed to get out of bed at 8am so that I could attend the auditions for the inhouse show in March. I sang a bit of the "Play it again, Sam" ditty, and I did a little reading from a script which everyone else had to do if they cared to act in this show. As for me, I am not too hot to trot on the boards anymore. I figure I've gone past that stage. Unfortunately, the producer called me and asked if I would be interested in a cameo role in the show as a curmudgeon grandfather who is hard of hearing and who has no teeth. Since that seems to fit me perfectly, I don't know how I may refuse. I'll most likely give it a shot when I see the script. What kind of fool am I?

.....It so happens that I've been attending the Theatre Workshop each Thursday in the clubhouse, and on Dec. 4 they are putting on a "Showcase" performance on the small stage in the ballroom. Consequently, since I did not want to perform, I took the job of a director of a short skit. I do enjoy the role of a director, especially if the cast I have is inexperienced. I'm more of a teacher than a director. It's what I do best, except of course, if I am involved in a heated political debate online!

"I understand a fury in your words." (Othello)

.....Finally, at last--we removed the dressing on the melanoma wound today. It has taken over five months since the surgery. I never imagined that it would take that long to heal. I am truly grateful that the pain I had in the first three weeks has gone, and we've only been waiting for new skin to develop on the wound--and it has. We are not going to bandage it anymore. The biggest puzzlement of this affair occurred when I asked the surgeon why I was having so much pain and he replied that he didn't know. I was stunned by that answer to my question. Hopefully, now that I'm free of wound dressing I will not scrape my skin on anything--nor any other part of my body.

.....I received a comment from Anonymous II based on my blog yesterday. This anonymous obviously has anger issues and ought to check into rehab. But that's OK; he or she is merely venting conservative political views just as the Baron has his liberal views. Only this time, Anonymous II has resorted to name calling. Even if implied. After I accused Ms. $$$alin of criticizing the health care bill without knowing all of its ramifications, I was called a hypocrite for doing the same thing in supporting the bill. Only it's really not the same thing; I am supporting the Democratic Party because I trust them, and I applaud their desire and their efforts to see to it that all Americans will have health care insurance. As Obama has iterated, it's a moral imperative; after all, what is government for if not to serve its citizens. And what kind of mischief would occur if there were no government at all? How would insurance companies fare, poor things. Who would be able to afford medical bills? How could a clan exist without laws? Or prisons? Or health insurance? Anonymous really needs to take some ex-lax and a xanex to calm down.

.....Wordsworth was right, "...the world is too much with us, getting and spending, we lay waste our powers" bickering over everything. Our country should try to emulate an ancient city and civilization--like Athens for example:

.....Beyond all other pursuits (including health care) the love of wisdom, "philosophia" was esteemed in Athens in the 4th Century B.C. The life of the mind was cultivated and honored, invigorated by a high culture of theater, music, poetry, architecture and all the arts. Athletes were not given millions of dollars--or whatever coinage existed then. Instead, if they were champions of something, they were given a laurel wreath. Imagine giving Mohammad Ali a laurel wreath? If not, how about a public option insurance policy?

"Man shall not live by bread alone." (Matthew)

.....For the first time that I can recall, three people in my party of four, returned their entrees. This trauma occurred at the Zagat rated restaurant, Outback. Rh+ ordered her fillet steak medium rare with a baked potato (which arrived hard), Irene ordered hers the same way, and Norman, my namesake ordered his prime rib medium. I did fine, my fillet came medium. Rho's steak came cold and raw; same for the other two friends. Natalie, our server, returned those dishes to the kitchen for correction. Manager came over shortly and very accommodating apologized for the problem and promised to do better with the return orders. And finally, they arrived in the proper condition. It was rather weird. Usually only Rhoda's orders arrive unsatisfactory. She has some kind of aura about her that intimidates the kitchen, and it seems that two out of three times that we go out to a restaurant she has to send her order back for one reason or another. Meanwhile, I go on chomping away, and after every couple of bites, take a sip of my diet coke. My usual complaint to our server, nevertheless, is that the ice in my drink is too cold.

.....I already have five volumes of "Pater Noster in Condoland" published, and I really do not want to have six volumes with the same title. After this book of blogs is published, I don't intend to have anymore; so I appealed to readers to offer me a suitable title--one that would capture the themes of these writings and point to my "persona". I can now announce that I have arrived at a title, that has some zest and one that I like. After this collection of blogs, I will follow my son's suggestion, not to quit altogether, but to write one now and then. When that occurs, however, I don't know how my current readers will be aware of it--unless I announce it on Facebook, or Twitter, or any of the other social cyberspace notebooks. The title I've chosen, you ask? Aha, that's a secret.

.....Thanksgiving is coming next Thursday, and I must say I've witnessed a few of them. I'm getting somewhat tired of the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, pumpkin pie, and all the other accoutrement's attending the meal of this event. Eight of us will be going to McCormick & Schmich's (Sp.?), a rather upscale restaurant in Boca Raton near to P.K Chang's (Sp.?). I think I might prefer Chinese food or perhaps a pound of Florida stone crabs. Strangely, I don't know of anyone else who likes stone crabs as I do. I don't believe any of my current friends have ever eaten stone crabs. Don't know what they're missing.

.....A victory for Obama, as the Senate has passed a vote to begin debate on a health care reform bill. As predicted, not a single Republican voted for that procedure, and probably not a single Republican will eventually vote for a health reform bill no matter how it will allow most Americans to be insured against sickness. Isn't there some law that denies the right of a legislator to accept money from lobbyists to influence his vote? If not, there ought to be. You have to be brain dead not to realize how the insurance companies are spending millions to defeat any change in health care in this country. Never mind that the AMA and the AARP and the AFT have come out in favor of changes. As usual, Sarah Palin has something to say for the point of just saying it to garner attention and to sell more books. Her criticism of the health reform bill that the Democratic caucus produced is a puzzlement, because she hasn't read it, and she doesn't have access to it. Oh, well, the title of the book in which this blog will be one of many is appropriate to my beliefs. I simply need about 75 more pages. That will come...and then "...the rest is silence."

"It's never too late to make amends." (Red Baron)

…..After my previous blog, in which I was not too kind to the Republican party, (and I feel with good reason), I believe that I ought to say something kind to my readers whom I believe to be somewhat right of center, even though they might not be Republicans; or perhaps they even may be conservative Democrats; while I am a perfectly loyal left of center liberal Democrat. These readers are--never mind. There may even be some friends in Montana. Red Baron understands completely that you are free to take whatever position you choose politically, morally, economically, socially, fundamentally, constitutionally, and conscientiously. I will go no further in this posting than to wish the vote to begin debate on the issue of health care reform goes through in the Senate on Saturday night. Then the battle will be joined.

.....On another subject, I believe I also ought to say something kind to my care givers in the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach. I have been going there for doctors and medication since 1983; that's 26 years, and never have I had to wait more than fifteen minutes to see a doctor; and whatever medications I need are almost always delivered to my door on time. On the other hand, when I go to a private doctor I often have to wait an hour...but I usually decide to leave after waiting 45 minutes. My time is valuable also. And speaking of having to wait for something, my father who died at the age of 33 from service connected injuries acquired in Aero Squadron 27 during WWI never received a Purple Heart for having lost three limbs. I have been trying to correct that injustice for the past five years; but convincing the military records center is another matter. Finally, after 90 years, my father received his Purple Heart--posthumously. I have framed it properly and proudly, and it now graces an honored wall in my home. Sometimes it pays to ring some bells....or crack some heads.

"Congress needs to be sent to reform school." (Ross)

.....In the paper I read today the Republicans in the Senate said about the health care bill that there would be a "long fierce battle" before some version, at least, is on the President's desk. Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said, "It's going to be a holy war!" Is there anyone out there who can give me an explanation as to why the Republican party is so adamant about health care reform? No president, not even Clinton has been able to get past the Republican wall that they have erected to prevent health care reform. "A holy war"? What is this--the Middle Ages? This party has not even tried to present a version of health care reform of their own; just sitting on their butts and complaining about the cost and the budget deficit. There was no deficit in the Clinton admistration. They've done nothing, except for their party getting us into a war costing not only billions of dollars, but also thousands of lives. Health care is supposed to save lives, but they don't seem to care about doing something about that.

.....I don't know if it's their plan to bring down this president or that they have some other motive. I find it beyond the pale of understanding. I am depressed at the idea that our government is so divided that nothing can be done to move this country ahead. Help me out. Give me a reason why Hatch wants a "holy war". President Obama, with the weight of all the problems of this country on his shoulders, promised to reform health care in our country, and he is trying his damndest to see that his promise is kept.

.....A couple of years ago, I bought a Sun Pass for $25 that would allow me to go through the toll gates of the Florida Tpke. without stopping to pay for the toll. Now, the Dep't of Transportation is selling a Sun Pass for $5 and then they put $5 into your account so that the pass winds up costing nothing. I wrote to the Sun Pass people and complained about this practice seeming to be unfair. Their response was that they wanted all Floridians to be able to afford the Sun Pass. Now, how does this practice differ from the idea of Obama's desire to see that all Americans are able to afford health care insurance? Sure is a strange world, and now I'm too old to comprehend it.

.....Oh, well, let's get to another topic. I've been attending a theatre workshop class in our clubhouse every Thursday. The work we do there is quite elemental, but it's fun...the people are funny, and it's something else to do besides writing blogs. During the "season" the group puts on a "show case" in the ballroom once a month. They present a few skits and even some improvs. Since they also provide refreshments, a lot of people attend. The next one is December 4th and a ticket is not required. I told our leader that I would prefer not to perform, but that I would be willing to direct one of the skits. Directing is interesting and challenging. After directing the Pirates of Penzance and My Fair Lady, directing a three page skit is no problem. The thespians do not have to memorize their roles because they do have copies of the skit to read while they perform. This is common practice far off, off, Broadway.

"...and I'm so glad I'm on his side, that boy in front of me." (Anonymous)

.....This morning I met a former student and athlete of mine at a local bagel place for breakfast. It was 11am; I guess it was his lunch and my breakfast, because I rise late and just cannot eat anything right away. In fact, I'm usually still asleep at 11am. Bob Fox graduated from North Shore H.S. in 1960; so that puts him in his middle 60s or there about. He looks great, and I am flattered that Bob calls me every time he comes to Florida. He does look great, OK, but much larger than he was in high school. Bob has a home in Vermont, a verdant state, but too cold in the winter. While we were finishing our coffee, he said that he and his wife will be retiring next year, and will likely move down to Florida. We discussed other students and teachers we had known--and perhaps still know. Of course, Phil Bergovoy (my soul mate and "brother") was one of these people. Bob said that Phil and I were at opposite poles--I guess he meant politically, but I said Phil has a constitutional right to be wrong, and that our disagreements do not matter to me, and certainly not to him. He's much wiser than I am. He graduated from Columbia College, and I only graduated from Columbia School of General Studies.

.....I suppose I was too old for the college, having just returned from WWII. Either that, or my high school grades were too lousy and I did not have the required college preparatory classes. I took typing and stenography so I could be in a class with 30 girls. I know my way around. Well, Bob and I gabbed for two hours and even left on good terms. I couldn't tell him much about me that he didn't already know, because he does read this blog.

.....The other day I received an e-mail from Cousin Ruth Grimsley in England wanting to know what "stickball" was. I wrote her that it was--and still is--a slum-like version of baseball played in the streets, usually between two tall buildings on either side of the cars parked there. Kids steal a broom somewhere, remove the brush, and what remains, of course, is the "stick". Then with a very sprightly rubber ball, called a "spaldeen" (a corruption of Spalding) they bounce it a few times in front of them, and then attempt to hit it with the stick. It it's hit, it might strike apartment buildings on the left or right of the street, but if it's caught bouncing off the building the batter is "out"; if not caught, the batter runs bases laid out on the street in chalk as in baseball, etc. A few windows may be broken in "stickball", and if a police car is spotted, you yell "Police!" and then you disappear--hopefully with the stick and ball. But it's a very interesting game for kids to play for it takes very little equipment in the "concrete Jungle. Because I got fairly good grades in high school, I wasn't the most popular kid on the block, so in order to gain some measure of respect I became a star stickball player. I used to hit the ball "three sewers" and consequently, I was the Babe Ruth of the block, but also the poorly regarded Einstein. Now, three sewers was a prodigious distance--measured by the distance between the sewer covers in the middle of the street. And I never took steroids.

"...and the battle's lost and won." (Macbeth)

.....The World Series which has concluded recently and won by the indomitable New York Yankees is a baseball event of breathtaking and terrifying beauty. The stadia, overrun with feverish spectators flapping white towels in unparalleled unison while howling like Banshees heralding the death of their objects of scorn, are images of fierce derision. A viewer of this occult phenomenon experiences it in mystifying, fearful wonder; and exulting over the victory of his team, wanders home after a joyous catharsis, unable to wait for the next game, addicted beyond redemption. If his team loses, he suffers then from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

.....The game overlooks a verdant green arena where baseball heroes are joining the battle, not unlike Greeks and Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae except in this juncture of history they are the Phillies and the Yankees--but no less courageous. The talents of Babe Ruth banging out a home run, Joe DiMaggio hitting in his 54th game, Jackie Robinson stealing home, Willie Mays running down a fly ball, Derek Jeter vacuuming ground balls are moving images of art no less than what may be enjoyed in dusty museums. Should the game come down to the ninth inning, tying and winning runs for the home team on second and third, two outs and two strikes on the batter, a fire ignites in the belly of a fan who identifies with the home team, and a conflagration erupts as the ball to win the game flies like a lark arising from the sullen earth singing hymns at heaven's gate----only it's foul. And now, another interminable wait for the next pitch. There is no game so thrilling and suspenseful as World Series baseball--unless, of course, it is stickball.

"Anchor's Aweigh" & "Semper Fidelis"

.....In the event everyone's forgotten, and some who never knew, there are two other veterans in this family; Jon Tessler, Rh+s son, a Navy veteran, and my daughter, Robin Higgins. Of all the veterans I know, she is my favorite; that is, Lt. Col. Robin Higgins,USMC, Ret. Also, Honorary Doctor of Letters at Oneonta University in New York. The following is an exerpt from Howard Leavitt's book "Semper Chai", which profiles many Jewish marines down through the generations:


.....On October 4, 1997, Lt. Col. Robin Higgins, USMC, christened the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG-76), named for her husband. During 41st President George Bush’s administration, she was appointed to the U.S. Department of Labor, where she served as deputy assistant secretary and then acting assistant secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training. While a senior executive at the Department of Labor, Lieutenant Colonel Higgins was an adviser to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Advisory Committee on Women Veterans and a commissioner on the Department of Defense’s Defense Conversion Commission.
.....Moving to Florida after leaving the military, she served as Director of Public Affairs for Florida’s state comptroller, and then spent a year consulting, public speaking, and writing on a variety of topics, including media relations, public affairs, and veterans’ advocacy. In January '97, Governor Jeb Bush appointed Robin Higgins Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs- the first Jewish woman to hold that job in Florida. As the Governor’s chief advisor on veterans’ issues, she was responsible for advocacy programs for the state’s 1.7 million veterans. Then in early 2001, she was nominated by 43rd president George W. Bush to serve as the Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Confirmed by the U.S. Senate in May 2001, she was responsible for numerous burial benefits for the nation’s veterans and managed the National Cemetery Administration. She became the senior Jewish person ever to serve in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the senior Jewish woman in the Administration.
.....Lieutenant Colonel Higgins is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Marine Corps League’s Dickey Chapelle Award for outstanding service to Marines, the American Legion Auxiliary’s Public Spirit Award for outstanding service to country, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants Veterans Caucus Award for outstanding service to veterans.

.....Needless to say, the Baron himself is a veteran having served three years in the U.S. Navy Air Corps during WWII. He escaped many death defying events including the crash of his B24 Liberator which failed to get off the ground. But the Baron, like Superman was invulnerable. The following is the official report from Fleet Air Wing 7, VB110.

CRASH: 24 OCT 44 A/C: PB4Y-1 Location: Unknown BUNO: 32236 Cause: Navy 804;Operational mission. During take-off run and three-hundred yards from start at about ninety miles per hour indicated airspeed, the port tire blew out. Plane swerved fifteen degrees to port before pilot could correct it. Plane stayed on runway for about one-hundred-seventy-five yards, then ran off into grass, port wheel hit runway light and a one and half foot hole two feet square thirty five yards further at fifty miles per hour. Port gear was sheared off and plane skidded to a stop. "Strike" Crew Ok:

.....Congratulations to all veterans today, and I'm also happy that I'm a veteran; the alternative is unacceptable.

"...we few, we happy few...." (Henry V)

.....Veterans' Day comes tomorrow, Nov. 11; at one time it was called "Armistice Day" to celebrate the end of WWI where my father, before me, won a Purple Heart. But now, I'm reminded of another war, and this blog is paying homage to the courageous veterans of the Battle of Agincourt in Northern France in 1415 on St. Crispins Day. St. Crispin and Crispinian were leather workers and shoemakers who were tortured and beheaded by Romans for the twins' celebration of Catholicism. (The bikers' culture of today, wearing leather all the time would do well to accept these martyrs as their patron saints.) St. Crispin was made famous by Henry V's speech to his army, and immortalised by Shakespeare. England celebrates St. Crispin's day, on October 25th, the day Henry battled the French who vastly outnumbered the English forces.

.....I have always been fascinated by the similarities between St. Crispin's Day and D-Day. Our forces were also outnumbered on that fateful day, but not less fearless; and also led by-- though not a king,--a great General. Henry's speech to his army inspired his troops with references to the times that they, themselves, would become veterans and remembered if they fought the good battle with courage, determination, and brotherhood.....and is this different from our own veterans' battles of D-Day, or Vietnam, or Iraq and Afghanistan? Shakespeare carried the spirit of victory in his historical play, Henry V. Is it just coincidence that there is a "V" following his name?

by William Shakespeare (Henry V)

"This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on this vigil, feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-.....
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day"

.....Now, what warrior would not rush into the lion's mouth after hearing these words? Veterans will always remember the battles they've been in, even though these battles will become dim in the memories of those who weren't there. The veteran's memory of his battles will seem, to him, as though they were fought yesterday. As I pointed out in yesterday's blog, my aim is to define what it means to be a veteran. What follows is merely part of the definition.

.....OUR CORE VALUES -- symbolize a personal code of ethics, responsibility, and professional behavior that govern the way military men & women interact with each other. These core values are:

INTEGRITY– Honest, trustworthy and accountable, taking personal responsibility
RESPECT– Honor the dignity of others by treating all with civility
EXCELLENCE– Exceed expectations and accept accountability for operational standards
COMPASSION– Sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of all
COMMITMENT – Exceptional service through dedication, loyalty and teamwork

.....Tomorrow, I for one, will remember.

"There will be vices as long as there are men." (Tacitus)

.
.....Veterans’ Day comes this Wednesday and I think it only appropriate to define its meaning, now and in the coming days for those who need to be reminded. There aren’t too many of us left who fought in WWII. During WWII (1941-1945), over 65 years ago, lost in the memories of many Americans and memories never having existed in many more, I was fortunate enough to be called to defend our country by President Roosevelt’s declaration of war after the holocaust of Pearl Harbor.

…..Following my training, I was assigned to VB110, as part of Fleet Air Wing Seven—the “B” meaning “bombing”—I never could figure out what the “V” was all about, unless it stood for “Victory” which I doubt. My rank was Aviation Radioman Second Class and my job was to fly combat missions as a radio and radar man and tail gunner out of Dunkeswell, England in a B-24 Liberator. We had no rocket engines on the plane—only four propellers and twelve 50 caliber machine guns. It was sufficient. After every ten missions our crew of eight, our “band of brothers,” was given a three day pass to London.

…..Now, you have to understand that after ten combat missions over several weeks, our primary aim in spending our “leave” to London was not to go there as a tourist. Our education was limited and we had no knowledge of English history and we had very little interest in sightseeing. Our goals were A) to get drunk, and B) to seek female favors. “A” was easy, “B” was even easier. All one needed to get drunk were a few shillings. All one needed for female favors were silk stockings, some chocolates, some cigarettes and perhaps a shilling or two as well. In London there were plenty of pubs in the vicinity of Picadilly Circus and plenty of girls in these pubs and on the side streets. After all, the statue of Eros, god of love, was planted in the center of Picadilly.

.....My crew usually stayed together...just in case there was trouble in the pubs. Sailors were known to get into brawls with marines...and vice-versa. And in the event one or two of us got drunk on the day we were supposed to return to base, they would be taken care of. This kind of adventure is only a small part of what it means to be a veteran. It's what we did. We did it together.

.....Stay tuned.........

"God befriend us, as our cause is just." (Henry IV)

.....My son, Joel, was able to provide a link for everyone that would get them to an online page of my article in the Sun-Sentinel. I checked it out, but it did not have the pizzazz of the one on the editorial page of the paper. Some hysterical, egocentric readers wrote comments that were not quite appreciative of what I wrote. Their excruciating excoriations were like excrement ejaculated from small minds. I reread my article and could not find anything that would make these natives so restless that they had to chuck their rifle into the truck and head to the nearest bar in order to exorcise their hostility. At any rate, I was gratified to know that the editors have published the posts on my blog:"Liberalism", "Heroism", "Bad Dog", and "Ennui" besides this one on "Unity"--but this one differed from the rest because it was published with a byline which, to a famous unknown author like me, is Nirvana.

.....The melanoma surgery I had done on June 15 is about 99% healed, but doc still wants it wrapped. It's been almost six months since that abominable event, but I'm thankful that the "summer from hell" (as RH+ likes to call it) is over and the comforting winds of fall and winter come with the powers of healing and the cooling of pain. Pain, by no means, is covering the wound in my leg now, and I'm grateful for that relief. I don't know if I could have survived without the care giving of Rh+ On December 31, 1977, there was a rainbow over my lonely home, and at the end of it, sure enough, I found the gold--and she is just now making our dinner of franks and beans

I apologize for the divagations of this blog, because a discussion of my newspaper experience and my surgery experience are necessarily divergent--for I won't know what else to say--or write. So, not wanting this post to be inchoate, I'll let others write. The following are comments on the article I had in the Sun-Sentinel; in case you missed it, try Nov.2. (The comments should be read from the bottom up in order to be read in the sequence they were written) I have published my praises in previous blogs, and I guess it's only fair to publish the following. It is the great tree that attracts the wind!

America's as united as oil is with vinegar

COMMENTS (8)

Witnesser, you claim this paragraph is some sort of humor. It must be in eyes of the reader because I see no humor here at all. I see a person who uses stereotypical images based on race and ethnicity to divide the country while claiming to be doing exactly the opposite. It's been in the Democratic Party strategy book for decades. Put the paragraph in context. "Then there is white America, which is fearful that black America or Hispanic America will run the country, leaving them behind; and black and Hispanic America, fearful of being left behind by white America. Of course, Jewish America couldn't care less, having always been left behind, and so retire to Florida. "United we stand?" I think not."
Max-42 (11/07/2009, 8:55 AM )
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Hey dipstick! (Urban Dictionary) I think you know full well that each word was exactly as intended! Why is it that when you simpletons can%u2019t support your argument you resort to grading papers? That said, just keep on trolling the boards with your spell checker, but please refrain from voting. Now carry on looking for all those passive voices and dangling participles!
Dale45 (11/07/2009, 7:21 AM )
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By "there's", I think you meant "there're". By "dam", I think you meant "damn." By "BUSHES", I think you meant "Bush's." By "unprecedented", I think you meant "not since Bush's reign." Or, perhaps you would have written "Bushes rain." By 'simpletons", I think you meant "people who are smarter than I am."
Witnesser (11/06/2009, 5:03 PM )
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The old Witnesser he likes what he sees, unfortunately it%u2019s not the forest because there%u2019s too many dam trees! You gotta love these partisan simpletons. They%u2019re suckered by the community organizer, and then sit idly by while holding hands and singing Kumbaya as he sends the country into the abyss of total destruction! Then they reach for the %u201CGOOD WEED%u201D and proclaim, IT%u201DS ALL BUSHES FAULT! Is there something you don%u2019t understand about debt, the economy, unemployment, and the attempted ruination of the best health care system the world has ever seen? This guy has unprecedented majorities in the House and Senate and still can%u2019t get anything done, because his own narrow-minded party doesn%u2019t even trust him! After 9 months in office, this guy makes Bush look like an economic rocket scientist as well as a political Einstein! If you want to know what the long term effects of an extended OBAMANATION administration would look like, you need look no further than Detroit, New Orleans, or the city of Washington DC! HELLO!
Dale45 (11/06/2009, 3:39 PM )
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The negative and personal attacks by some of the comments below just serve to prove Mr. Ross' points. He asks that we give the new president a chance to show what he can do, and their response is to use racial slurs and unfounded accusations instead. Does HMiddleAmerica and those who have blessed his comments have enough intellectual capacity to know what a communist is? When he refers to "our country" that "we" having been building for hundreds of years -- is he excluding African-Americans? A conservative in the White House has already been given 8 years to show what he can do. How did that work out, fellas? Finally, the comment about the Jews was a joke, using stereotypical irony. You guys are so wrapped up in whining and attacking that you've even lost whatever sense of humor you might have had. The only thing I can agree with you guys is that, yes, we can see Norman coming from a mile (or more) away: And I, along with a large majority of Americans (as proven by the last election) like what they see. Live with it.
Witnesser (11/06/2009, 10:47 AM )
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If the President has Mr. "HeyMiddleAmerica" (comment below) in such a frenzy, he must be doing something right. "the chosen negro"?? You'd tell us what you really mean to say, Mr. "HeyMiddleAmerica", but then we'd have to report the comment, wouldn't we? Please crawl back into the hole that you crawled out of.
ingrid.johanson (11/05/2009, 5:59 PM )
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If Mr. Ross is trying to convince us that he is intellectually above all the daily partisanship, he failed miserably. His message is obviously liberal left, right down to identifying Jews as the ultimate victims in America. As BPCF said, Norman, we can see you coming a mile away.
Max-42 (11/05/2009, 12:15 PM )
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A very scary letter! Norman Ross sees Obama as Bambi, Gandhi, and the Dali Lama all rolled up into one. He thinks we should all be sitting cross-legged and singing Kum-By-Ya as the benevolent Chairman Obama cares of us children.Norman, and the wacko left, wants us to unify behind our President -- that's because this President is selling with their socialist liberal agenda. Put a conservative in the White House and watch how fast they change their tune. "Selected, not elected", "mass murderer", "change".Norman you are sooooooo transparent and we see you coming a mile away!
BPCF (11/05/2009, 9:22 AM )

"If you wish to be a writer, write." (Epictetus)

.....When I went to the editorial page today, lo and behold! There was my blog of Nov. 2 printed in the Sun-Sentinel with a BY LINE! Imagine that; a by line above my blog in a metropolitan newspaper. I have had several "articles" printed in that paper, both as letters to the editor or on the Forum page, but never with a by line. This article was printed right below the editorial. I have no clue as to why they gave me a by line, but I did e-mail them and I asked. Unfortunately, I can only send another article in after 60 days. I think the Nov. 3 post was the better one.

.....Today, I went to the theatre workshop and received a script with a skit I have been asked to direct. Three people are in it. It's about this man who has retired from his factory job and has the wanderlust. He wants to buy a mobile home, but his wife wants to stay where she is because that's where the children and grandchildren live. Finally, they go to a travel agent and mobile home dealer and spend their time trying to get a better deal than $30,ooo dollars. Then after the guy's wife reminds him of all the things he'll be missing, he changes his mind and they go home. The script is a bit of fluff, but I'll try to make something of it. The tough part will be getting the actors to "become" the person of their role, and to forget about being who they are; they must try to get into the skin of their character--if you get my meaning. They are part of a "Showcase" performance to be held in the ballroom on Dec.4.

.....We are going on a cruise to the Caribbean shortly after this performance for about 10 days. I'm getting somewhat tired of the Caribbean, but I enjoy cruising. Perhaps we'll go to Europe or Alaska or Canada on our next cruise. If not, maybe we'll not cruise and go to Israel. Rhoda is hot for Israel; I believe she would love to go, but she is concerned about whether or not I can survive such a trip. I believe that I can even if I can't take the scooter. If I can get around here with a cane, I can get around there. I hope you enjoyed the change of pace with the two poems yesterday. I got at least one positive comment about it from a former student of mine--Ellen Bliss Jaeger, a sweet intelligent youngster. OK, so she is no longer a youngster, but to me she still is. And I'm sure she'll be thrilled that I have immortalised her by including her name in this blog.

.....The Wanderer's Songs

.....I have had enough of women, and enough of love,
But the land waits, and the sea waits, and day and night is enough;
Give me a long white road, and the gray wide path of the sea,
And the wind's will and the bird's will, and the heart ache still in me.

.....Why should I seek out sorrow, and give gold for strife?
I have loved much and wept much, but tears and love are not life.
The grass calls to my heart, and the foam to my blood cries up,
And the sun shines and the road shines, and the wine is in the cup.

.....I have had enough of wisdom, and enough of mirth
For the way's one and the end's one, and it's soon to the ends of the earth;
And it's then good-night and to bed, and if it grieves the heart to ache--
Well, it's sound sleep and long sleep, and sleep too deep to wake.




.....Whose woods these are, I think I know
His house is in the village though,
He will not mind my stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

.....My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farm house near;
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

.....He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake;
The only other sound's
The sweep of wind and downy flake.

.....The woods are lovely, dark, and deep;
But I have promises to keep
And I have miles to go before I sleep;
And miles to go before I sleep.


(I hope you enjoy these poems. They mean a lot to me. And I felt this blog needs a change of pace for a change.)

"I have not slept one wink." (Cymbeline)

.....Lately, I have begun to wonder why I feel so tired all the time, every day, and all night through the weeks and the months, and years. After much mulling, deep thinking, and researching in my files for the solution;--and asking Rhoda,--I have reached the conclusion that it is Life that makes one tired, and me, too. It must have started from the time I was a baby, otherwise why do babies sleep so much? Childhood also made me tired; not withstanding anything else, twelve years of school and puberty certainly tired me out. Then, before I could catch my breath, or take a vacation, I had four years of WWII which produced in me much fatigue. So much so that I spent the six months afterward in the mental ward of the VA Hospital in the Bronx. Not that I was crazy, mind you--just worn out and in need of medication. But as I have stated, that's Life.

.....When I left the hospital, still tired, and without thinking about it, I registered for college, and after seven years of study and answering professors' test questions, and writing a doctoral thesis, and riding the subway to school, I found myself almost comatose, but still functioning to a certain extent. I don't know that getting married and raising four children was a wise thing to do for a tired person, but that's what I did, and let me tell you, it was nothing like a ride on a merry-go-round; besides, though much fun, years of sex was so debilitating that I've decided to have nothing to do with it any more.

.....Well, it's logical and customary for a father to support his family, so I spent 30 years in a teaching career, after which I was so exhausted that I decided to retire. But little did I realize that retirement also was tiring. Even writing the word makes me tired because when you examine it, it means getting tired all over again; otherwise what could "re-tire" possibly mean but more tiredness? Consequently, it is altogether fitting and wise and just to conclude that tiredness results from Life, itself. The only way to alleviate that condition is to take a 14 day cruise to the Caribbean.

"How poor are they that have not patience....

.....The state of Florida has vanity plates as ubiquitous as fish in the sea, or seniors in West Palm Beach. Today as I was driving along from the cardiologist to the post office, I saw a Florida license plate containing a flag and the words, "United We Stand". I don't know if this refers to the state of Florida or the states of America. If America (or even Florida) "we" are about as united as are salt and pepper shakers. In Congress we have regular Democrats, conservative Democrats, and liberal Democrats, all pulling in divergent directions with different views as to how a health reform bill should read. And in that Congress, we also have the regular cacophonous Republicans, and.....Well, that's about it for them. I doubt there exists a liberal Republican, which would be a major oxymoron. Then there is a section of our population which stand "united" only in wringing their hands and claiming that they want their country back--as if it belongs to them summarily, and not one acre to the 50 or so million who voted for Obama. Then there is White America who are fearful that Black America or Latin America will run the country leaving them behind. And Black and Latin America fearful of being left behind by White America. Of course, Jewish America couldn't give a shit having always been left behind.

.....I could go on with the many divergent forces pulling on our newly elected (and smart) president (according to Michael Moore) to pass a health bill with a "public option" or not; or to send 40,000 more troops to Afghanistan--or not; or to bring all the troops home from Iraq--or not; or to take out the garbage--or not; or to buy the kids cell phones, or not, or to walk the dog at 1am, or not. What Baron is saying, and what I am thinking, is that America does not stand united at all in giving Obama, in his first year, a chance to make and see his own decisions come to fruition, and either to fail or to succeed; then taking thoughtful cognizance of that, vote him and his party in once more--or out.

.....What wound did ever heal, but by degrees?" (Othello)

"What, will the line stretch out 'til the crack of doom?" (Macbeth)

.....Today, Sunday--the Dolphins are playing the Jets and the Yankees are playing the Phillies tonite. I only caught the last couple of minutes of football because at 2pm. I met my cousin Peter Rosenberg and his wife Ginnie for lunch at Ben's Deli. My sister Betty, and brother-in-law, Mickey Weiner also came from Century Village in Boca. The Rosenbergs were down here from New Jersey to see their daughter and grandson down near Miami. I don't really know the exact place, but it doesn't matter. I don't see Peter and Ginnie very often, and then only for about an hour at lunch. Peter is a cousin on my father's side--the son of my father's brother, Morris. Pete's only 67 years old and it's a good story about how the Rosenbergs all became Catholics. My Uncle Morris married a lass named Celia who was Catholic, so all of their descendants are Catholic, and all of the Ross descendants are Jewish. It's really kind of nice--weird, but nice. Pete is afflicted with the same vascular problems in the legs that I have, but he can walk a little better than I can. Inasmuch as my father had two leg amputations because of vascular problems, it leaves little doubt that this disease is hereditary. I hope it doesn't eventually affect my two sons.

.....Pete is the only cousin I see on my father's side, but I have a slew of cousins on my mother's side: two in Chicago, two in Arizona, one in New Jersey, one in Las Vegas, one in Wisconsin, one in Connecticut, one in Florida, and one in California. I get to see cousin Eddie in Las Vegas, and cousin Gary in Chicago more frequently than all the others. Once in a great while I see Allen in Arizona. It's great to have cousins now, when all the parents are deceased. And it's great to have emails for communication with them. However, if they are curious about my life with Rhoda in Florida, all they have to do is read my blog, or buy the books I've published. It's not easy to keep up with all the relatives and your own family as well.

.....Speaking of family, Robin called today and when I asked about her plans for Thanksgiving she said that she and all her siblings and their spouses were going to the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island in Florida. I think that's a grand idea, and I'm a happy parent knowing that all four "kids" are so close together--a really tightly knit group, even though they live far apart--Robin in Montana, Joel & Bobby in Virginia, and Bonny in California. Well, come to think of it, perhaps it's better than having them all live in the same location until they get tired of each other and have a lot of spats--especially what to do with their father when he gets really old and decrepit, and Rhoda, herself, is no longer able to be the care giver??? Perhaps they can put me in a freezer, and when there are cures for all diseases, put me in a microwave to thaw out.