Before this thing gets rolling (if it does) a little background for anyone who's interested.
I'm an old guy who's spent my career in the publishing business. That career has taken me pretty much all over the country (at least 4 time zones worth...). The last stop lasted an incredible 18 1/2 years. Then...
We moved to Florida from Champaign, IL, just a year ago. While in Illinois, I posted almost daily on this blog for over two years. Topics ranged from politics to social issues to sports to idiot drivers to University politics and policies to whatever struck my fancy at that moment.
When we moved, I found myself too busy and too ignorant of Florida politics to take part. I mostly just watched. When it comes to politics in Florida, there's a lot to watch. Still haven't run into Chad yet....
I'm still pretty ignorant, but that didn't matter in the past, so I'm willing to give it another shot. Don't look for daily postings but periodically, I'll be here to vent my feelings, frustrations and perhaps for an occasional gloat.
It's good to be back. Sort of.
And so it goes.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Buh-Bye
I'm no longer in Illinois and am no longer able nor do I have the desire to follow issues and politics there enough to comment.
I don't yet have enough of a handle on politics and other issues in my little area of Florida to feel like commenting.
This looks like a good time to put this blog to rest.
At least temporarily.
See ya. It's been fun.
And so it goes.
I don't yet have enough of a handle on politics and other issues in my little area of Florida to feel like commenting.
This looks like a good time to put this blog to rest.
At least temporarily.
See ya. It's been fun.
And so it goes.
Monday, February 19, 2007
It was time...
FINALLY!
Even from 1,300 miles away, I had to smile when I heard the Chief finally would be retired. But surprisingly, even to me, I wasn't all that elated.
Yes, I'm overwhelmingly glad that the ol' UI is finally being dragged into the 20th century, kicking and screaming (no, not the 21st, they're not there yet). It's time they acknowledged, no matter how haltingly, that they have been participating in institutional racism for only 81 years.
But at the same time, I felt empathy (not pity) for the Cheef's supporters. They are losing something that they treasure, that they are very very close and connected to. I'm sorry for that folks. I've lost things, too. I know it hurts. Go ahead, shout, scream, curse, cry if you want. That's part of the grieving process.
But, at the same time, it was well past time to admit that the continued portrayal of a Native American in that stereotyped, Boy Scout-ed and Hollywood-ized and yes, offensive manner was nothing more than a racist event.
Deny if you want, but deep down you know it was racist.
It was wrong.
It had to go.
Not because the NCAA said so. Not because some white protesters said so. Not because I said so.
Because it was wrong.
It was offensive.
It demeaned a race of people - a race of Americans - who deserve better than that.
Folks, simply, it is not right to demean ANY race of people. To demean one is to demean us all.
So I'm completely glad the UI's halftime minstrel is going to be gone very very soon.
And I'm not even gonna say it's about time.
Because it's about 80 years past 'about time.'
And so it goes.
Even from 1,300 miles away, I had to smile when I heard the Chief finally would be retired. But surprisingly, even to me, I wasn't all that elated.
Yes, I'm overwhelmingly glad that the ol' UI is finally being dragged into the 20th century, kicking and screaming (no, not the 21st, they're not there yet). It's time they acknowledged, no matter how haltingly, that they have been participating in institutional racism for only 81 years.
But at the same time, I felt empathy (not pity) for the Cheef's supporters. They are losing something that they treasure, that they are very very close and connected to. I'm sorry for that folks. I've lost things, too. I know it hurts. Go ahead, shout, scream, curse, cry if you want. That's part of the grieving process.
But, at the same time, it was well past time to admit that the continued portrayal of a Native American in that stereotyped, Boy Scout-ed and Hollywood-ized and yes, offensive manner was nothing more than a racist event.
Deny if you want, but deep down you know it was racist.
It was wrong.
It had to go.
Not because the NCAA said so. Not because some white protesters said so. Not because I said so.
Because it was wrong.
It was offensive.
It demeaned a race of people - a race of Americans - who deserve better than that.
Folks, simply, it is not right to demean ANY race of people. To demean one is to demean us all.
So I'm completely glad the UI's halftime minstrel is going to be gone very very soon.
And I'm not even gonna say it's about time.
Because it's about 80 years past 'about time.'
And so it goes.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
In a puff of smoke
I'm not there to witness it, but I'm sure the economies of Champaign and Urbana have come to a screeching halt and probably collapsed by now.
After all, unless my calendar is faulty, I believe both Champaign and Urbana are now smoke free. By now about 20 bar owners and an equal number of restaurant owners should have plummeted to their deaths from the top of Illini Towers.
On the other hand, if the bar business is such a risky proposition then why are there about 20 more bars in CU than about 2 years ago?
Nevertheless, it's an historic day for C-U. A long time coming. May the rest of the state and the country follow your lead.
And so it goes.
After all, unless my calendar is faulty, I believe both Champaign and Urbana are now smoke free. By now about 20 bar owners and an equal number of restaurant owners should have plummeted to their deaths from the top of Illini Towers.
On the other hand, if the bar business is such a risky proposition then why are there about 20 more bars in CU than about 2 years ago?
Nevertheless, it's an historic day for C-U. A long time coming. May the rest of the state and the country follow your lead.
And so it goes.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Happy 2007!
Just a quick note to wish everyone a happy and joyous 2007.
Spent part of New Year's eve at the beach watching the sunset in 80-plus degree weather.
Can't do that in a bean field.
It's my sincere hope that God continues to bless every one of you throughout the new year. And beyond.
And so it goes.
Spent part of New Year's eve at the beach watching the sunset in 80-plus degree weather.
Can't do that in a bean field.
It's my sincere hope that God continues to bless every one of you throughout the new year. And beyond.
And so it goes.
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