Are they?
Of course. We got together on Wed last week.
Spent Thurs driving from their house to mine (5 hours) and hanging out at home afterward. I drive it alone and with Granny with one stop for food and to stretch. With them, we stopped three times.
Next morning, up at 10 for them.
Off to the Atomic Museum, which they seemed to enjoy, and already had mentioned an interest in seeing. They knew about the first test in the desert of the missile range, and that the bomb had been used twice in WWII. They seemed unimpressed that I'd seen a blast or two myself as I was raised near the Nevada Testing Grounds. Well, close enough to see the cloud and the flash etc.
They'd seen the films about it on the PBS channel. The film "Manhattan Project" was shown at our request while we were there. They remembered seeing that on TV.
Then we went to the Dinosaur Museum, and watched two movies: "Dinosaurs Alive" and "The Living Sea" at the IMAX venue. They were surprised (not really) that I wasn't alive when the dinosaurs were here in NM.
We spent another hour and a half going through the Natural History and Science Museum, at their request. I was ready to go rest. But, I hung in there.
Home, food and picked up 'hoodies' and off to the races.
We went out to Hollywood Race Track for the sprint car races. They had never been to car races, so it was an iffy proposal.
On the way, we stopped for one of NM's best burgers at the Casino.
We were stuffed!
They were not too sure about the races when I proposed it, however after we got there, they were into it.
Grandson, age 14, was the first to pick a car to win the race, followed immediately by Granny, and then granddaughter stepped in. I waited until they'd all picked then I selected what seemed like a sure fire winner. Wrong.
One of them won.
All in all, we had a great outing, and they seemed to like the races as an event.
However, the next day off to the movies with Granny, and then to a swimming party for the final evening.
I will do it again. I really get something I cannot identify from being around the two of them. They are so naive, so willing to accept, so aware of things I didn't even know existed at their ages.
Must be tough being 14 and 12.
Love them both. They are so like their parents. It must hurt for their parents to see them grow into the people they will be.
Look at your parents, that is who you will become. Scary?
Fare is paid.
CABBY
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Father's Day
Father's Day is a celebration inaugurated in the early twentieth century to complement Mother's Day in celebrating fatherhood and male parenting, and to honor and commemorate fathers and forefathers. Father's Day is celebrated on a variety of dates worldwide and typically involves gift-giving, and special dinners to fathers and family-oriented activities. In 2008, it will be celebrated on June 15 in most countries.
Thank you www.wikipedia.com.
If there were a father that we could all look at and know we were observing a ‘how to do it’ example, whom would you chose?
My instinct is to be protective and say “My dad.”
However, my father image is principally my maternal grandfather, Louis Troyer Meisner.
He is the one person who took the care and interest to tell me how to behave so that others were respected and considered in what ever action I was involved.
‘Gramps’ was the one who said over and over and over, “ If someone else can do it, so can I.”
My roll as a father left a lot to be done as I look back. I would change how I did parts of it. The changes are not possible, however I still think about them.
Some of my day today will be spent remembering the men who were influential in my shaping as a young boy.
I will list some of them in honor of how they influenced me.
Lou Meisner, “Gramps”; Hank Harris, Dad; Nick, brother;
Bob Chappell, cousin; Jack Chappell, cousin; Mr. Culbertson, Teacher; Mr. Hagan, Teacher; Dick Turner, “Turney” Navy shipmate.
Many more, I will recall through the day.
So to you who are a father, and for those who are roll models and a positive influence in the life of a young boy, I say:
Happy Father’s Day
A special acknowledgment to a few men I know are great fathers:
Will Harris, Mike Burley, Dick Turner (I do remember that Dick died this last Spring), David White, Jim Peasley, George Weir, John Kirkpatrick, Don Clocksin, Gary Bacon, Jeff Harden, Ray Smith, John Boyt and "Ketch" Ketchum.
Oh yeah, don’t forget the gift giving…
If you read this far, the fare is paid.
CABBY
Thank you www.wikipedia.com.
If there were a father that we could all look at and know we were observing a ‘how to do it’ example, whom would you chose?
My instinct is to be protective and say “My dad.”
However, my father image is principally my maternal grandfather, Louis Troyer Meisner.
He is the one person who took the care and interest to tell me how to behave so that others were respected and considered in what ever action I was involved.
‘Gramps’ was the one who said over and over and over, “ If someone else can do it, so can I.”
My roll as a father left a lot to be done as I look back. I would change how I did parts of it. The changes are not possible, however I still think about them.
Some of my day today will be spent remembering the men who were influential in my shaping as a young boy.
I will list some of them in honor of how they influenced me.
Lou Meisner, “Gramps”; Hank Harris, Dad; Nick, brother;
Bob Chappell, cousin; Jack Chappell, cousin; Mr. Culbertson, Teacher; Mr. Hagan, Teacher; Dick Turner, “Turney” Navy shipmate.
Many more, I will recall through the day.
So to you who are a father, and for those who are roll models and a positive influence in the life of a young boy, I say:
Happy Father’s Day
A special acknowledgment to a few men I know are great fathers:
Will Harris, Mike Burley, Dick Turner (I do remember that Dick died this last Spring), David White, Jim Peasley, George Weir, John Kirkpatrick, Don Clocksin, Gary Bacon, Jeff Harden, Ray Smith, John Boyt and "Ketch" Ketchum.
Oh yeah, don’t forget the gift giving…
If you read this far, the fare is paid.
CABBY
Friday, June 13, 2008
Tim Russert
Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons by Tim Russert
Here was a man who put his mouth where his heart was.
If you haven't read this book, you are missing one of the finest Father's Day presents you could share with your son, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, father-in-law, business partner or which ever male is a part of your life.
Tim Russert loved baseball.
With this book he hit a home run.
Buy it, check it out at the library, borrow it,.
Just be sure to read it.
A great man died today. He is well known for his unrelenting search for truth and will be strongly appreciated in his obituaries around the journalists circuit.
I am so glad I read this book.
Sad to see him come to his end.
If you've read this far, his fare is paid. Read the book!
CABBY
Here was a man who put his mouth where his heart was.
If you haven't read this book, you are missing one of the finest Father's Day presents you could share with your son, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, father-in-law, business partner or which ever male is a part of your life.
Tim Russert loved baseball.
With this book he hit a home run.
Buy it, check it out at the library, borrow it,.
Just be sure to read it.
A great man died today. He is well known for his unrelenting search for truth and will be strongly appreciated in his obituaries around the journalists circuit.
I am so glad I read this book.
Sad to see him come to his end.
If you've read this far, his fare is paid. Read the book!
CABBY
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Game Time
He gets in the cab.
"Park strip at L Street please, and hurry."
"Whats your hurry to go to the park?" I ask.
"I have a rugby game and my car wouldn't start, so I'm nearly late for my game time."
We race toward the park. I do not recall the rest of the ride, although the expression: "and hurry" is all too familiar to every cab driver.
Today, 'game time' means the length of time one spends playing the game of choice on their computer.
How does 'and hurry' relate?
We have all either been late or nearly late and had to hurry as a result of the thought 'just one more game.' Right?
So, having had surgery on the right side of my body, (I am right handed), I have found a special benefit of surgery that has little to do with a quick, clean, complete recovery.
The game time has been reduced by a percentage that would amaze anyone.
I decided that I would learn to drive my mouse with my left hand.
HAH! Sounds easy. Isn't.
So today, 8 weeks post surgery, I play about 1/10th as much Spider Solitaire, and or Mahjong, or the free Yahoo game offered.
Well now, do you think that changes my life?
It does. It has meant more reading, less eye strain, earlier bedtimes, getting more rest, and more conversations, cleaner garage area, and I am actually getting better at lots of left handed things.
Try it, you also may get part of your life back.
Rugby was a very small sport in Anchorage in the '70's. I wonder about the size in the 21st Century?
I am not sure why this came up, however I believe there are no mistakes. Maybe one of you will enlighten me about a reason.
If you've read this far, the fare is paid.
CABBY
"Park strip at L Street please, and hurry."
"Whats your hurry to go to the park?" I ask.
"I have a rugby game and my car wouldn't start, so I'm nearly late for my game time."
We race toward the park. I do not recall the rest of the ride, although the expression: "and hurry" is all too familiar to every cab driver.
Today, 'game time' means the length of time one spends playing the game of choice on their computer.
How does 'and hurry' relate?
We have all either been late or nearly late and had to hurry as a result of the thought 'just one more game.' Right?
So, having had surgery on the right side of my body, (I am right handed), I have found a special benefit of surgery that has little to do with a quick, clean, complete recovery.
The game time has been reduced by a percentage that would amaze anyone.
I decided that I would learn to drive my mouse with my left hand.
HAH! Sounds easy. Isn't.
So today, 8 weeks post surgery, I play about 1/10th as much Spider Solitaire, and or Mahjong, or the free Yahoo game offered.
Well now, do you think that changes my life?
It does. It has meant more reading, less eye strain, earlier bedtimes, getting more rest, and more conversations, cleaner garage area, and I am actually getting better at lots of left handed things.
Try it, you also may get part of your life back.
Rugby was a very small sport in Anchorage in the '70's. I wonder about the size in the 21st Century?
I am not sure why this came up, however I believe there are no mistakes. Maybe one of you will enlighten me about a reason.
If you've read this far, the fare is paid.
CABBY
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Final ride...
Did you ever think you would live forever?
Did you ever consider that maybe, just maybe you might live to be the oldest on earth?
Well, I can recall thinking both of those things. Seems like a million years ago.
Does that mean in some twisted way that the end is not clear when young and VERY clear when older?
I heard a quote of Dick Cavett that said basically that those of us who get old are lucky, and should just keep in mind that the end is just the end and way too close.
I heard a lady on PBS on the show Second Life say effectively that those who spend their time thinking and talking about death and dying ought to rethink their priorities on how to spend their minutes. Makes sense to me.
She also said that she thought that those who think and talk of death just are afraid to die. I say 'nuts' to that.
I get comfort from talking and thinking about death.
I found this last week that I was thinking of my very close and important friend David's wife Nancy.
See, Nancy's brother's wife has terminal cancer and is in the final days of her life it appears. With a miracle she will survive. Without, all who know her will be left with her memory.
I spent the weekend frequently thinking of David and Nancy. I was so aware of who they are and how powerful and wondrous they are for me. I had no idea what they were up to.
I finally talked to David yesterday, to learn that they had a chance to spend individual alone and couple time with this amazing woman this last weekend.
Now I know David would have had trouble being there, let alone spending hugging time with her prior to 2004.
Today I can tell you that the weekend for David and Nancy although painful and sorrowful was a weekend spent with a person they will never let go of. They will keep her life spirit or whatever you would call it going as they recall those treasured moments with her this past weekend.
To Nancy I say, 'I love who you are for me as a friend, I can only imagine who you are to your sister-in-law - and that imaging is the best.'
My heart is full of sorrow and pain and I remind myself that the pain is part of the process of life.
That is of no comfort.
If you read this far, the fare is paid.
CABBY
Did you ever consider that maybe, just maybe you might live to be the oldest on earth?
Well, I can recall thinking both of those things. Seems like a million years ago.
Does that mean in some twisted way that the end is not clear when young and VERY clear when older?
I heard a quote of Dick Cavett that said basically that those of us who get old are lucky, and should just keep in mind that the end is just the end and way too close.
I heard a lady on PBS on the show Second Life say effectively that those who spend their time thinking and talking about death and dying ought to rethink their priorities on how to spend their minutes. Makes sense to me.
She also said that she thought that those who think and talk of death just are afraid to die. I say 'nuts' to that.
I get comfort from talking and thinking about death.
I found this last week that I was thinking of my very close and important friend David's wife Nancy.
See, Nancy's brother's wife has terminal cancer and is in the final days of her life it appears. With a miracle she will survive. Without, all who know her will be left with her memory.
I spent the weekend frequently thinking of David and Nancy. I was so aware of who they are and how powerful and wondrous they are for me. I had no idea what they were up to.
I finally talked to David yesterday, to learn that they had a chance to spend individual alone and couple time with this amazing woman this last weekend.
Now I know David would have had trouble being there, let alone spending hugging time with her prior to 2004.
Today I can tell you that the weekend for David and Nancy although painful and sorrowful was a weekend spent with a person they will never let go of. They will keep her life spirit or whatever you would call it going as they recall those treasured moments with her this past weekend.
To Nancy I say, 'I love who you are for me as a friend, I can only imagine who you are to your sister-in-law - and that imaging is the best.'
My heart is full of sorrow and pain and I remind myself that the pain is part of the process of life.
That is of no comfort.
If you read this far, the fare is paid.
CABBY
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Wild Bill... no not that one.
Not really a cab ride as much as a cab dialog.
Read recently:
Folklore of New Mexico
Folklore of the West
Boom (Brokaw)
Reading:
Hogs in the Shadows (Afong)
Independents Day (Dobbs)
A Reporters life (Jennings)
We are all journalists now (Gant)
The point here is that the 'press' is no longer the sole major source of an informed public. (What the 'press' really is today is the discussion of another cab ride).
As a result of that, (think of the outing of the Lewinski caper, and the Appple Computer lawsuit against Josh Wolf) realize that the people are not served by the 'press' today as they were in Jeffersonian days. Then the people could only find out the subjects of public discussion through the 'press' and not through other reliable connections.
So, as William Shakespeare said; "what's past is prologue" "The Tempest" Act II Scene I.
I used to read the paper and watch TV news for the current events and issues of today. Not now, too slow. The paper is the local stories and the weather for today. The TV news doesn't get turned on here, as they are 'selling' not reporting.
So is the need for the first amendment and it's 'shield laws' an archaic thought?
Should it provide immunity that bloggers like yours truly might use for protection from the courts and ever growing hoard of attorneys?
Is this an issue of some importance, or just some wild paranoid tangent of some group of attorneys?
Well folks, it will become a huge issue soon. We are approaching the 'season of rumor and lies' (presidential campaigning). If you do not think this election will be won and lost over the internet, you are hiding under a different rock than I. It will become the fortune of at least one attorney to bring a case against a blogger. Just hide and watch.
Oh yeah, I am amazed at how the few times politics were discussed in the cab, was when politicos were in the cab. The fares generally were more into the moment, living in the present.
Sorry for the typos and run ons and dangling chads, it is the birthday of my bride, and we are off to get her the i phone she 'just can't get along without.'
If you have read this far, the fare is paid.
CABBY
Read recently:
Folklore of New Mexico
Folklore of the West
Boom (Brokaw)
Reading:
Hogs in the Shadows (Afong)
Independents Day (Dobbs)
A Reporters life (Jennings)
We are all journalists now (Gant)
The point here is that the 'press' is no longer the sole major source of an informed public. (What the 'press' really is today is the discussion of another cab ride).
As a result of that, (think of the outing of the Lewinski caper, and the Appple Computer lawsuit against Josh Wolf) realize that the people are not served by the 'press' today as they were in Jeffersonian days. Then the people could only find out the subjects of public discussion through the 'press' and not through other reliable connections.
So, as William Shakespeare said; "what's past is prologue" "The Tempest" Act II Scene I.
I used to read the paper and watch TV news for the current events and issues of today. Not now, too slow. The paper is the local stories and the weather for today. The TV news doesn't get turned on here, as they are 'selling' not reporting.
So is the need for the first amendment and it's 'shield laws' an archaic thought?
Should it provide immunity that bloggers like yours truly might use for protection from the courts and ever growing hoard of attorneys?
Is this an issue of some importance, or just some wild paranoid tangent of some group of attorneys?
Well folks, it will become a huge issue soon. We are approaching the 'season of rumor and lies' (presidential campaigning). If you do not think this election will be won and lost over the internet, you are hiding under a different rock than I. It will become the fortune of at least one attorney to bring a case against a blogger. Just hide and watch.
Oh yeah, I am amazed at how the few times politics were discussed in the cab, was when politicos were in the cab. The fares generally were more into the moment, living in the present.
Sorry for the typos and run ons and dangling chads, it is the birthday of my bride, and we are off to get her the i phone she 'just can't get along without.'
If you have read this far, the fare is paid.
CABBY
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Consider this...
First spot on the cab stand at the Anchorage International Airport, early June, 1975.
The fare is a mid twentyish male. Short hair, clean shaven, lean, slow talker, alert bright eyes, painful creased brow, hiking boots, long sleeve shirt, practical belt, Levis, Navy watch cap. Carrying an efficient back pack not over loaded, with a no nonsense appearance. This guy looks serious and ready for reality, not just a summer spent trekking around Alaska.
He asks for the YMCA. There isn't a residential Y here, so I ask what he is looking for.
He says: "A job."
A job where people will let him just observe life. A job where he doesn't have to dress and act a certain way and talk to people that are afraid to be alone.
It sounds like a cab driver job to me.
I am looking for a new driver for my second cab, Cab 115 for the night shift for Sun - Thurs.
I ask him about his driving experiences. His drug record. His ultimate Alaska destination. His ability to pay rents, and his criminal record. Great answers.
His name is Mike Cha____ .
He asks what it pays. I offer to buy him lunch and discuss his potential and fit for the job. He agrees. We go to Gwennie's Restaurant on Spenard Road, just up from the airport.
I hire him after he shows great manners and politeness to the staff there.
I take him to get an Alaska State and a city cab drivers license. I take him to the Ronald Arms on Arctic Road to rent a room.
After spending this day riding and watching in the cab with me, he agrees to go to work in three days, after he gets the lay of the land and settles in.
He comes with me for a night shift ride for one night. I complete the training and explaining the city layout, show him how to get the calls and the rides at the best places to pick up fares. He is an excellent and courteous driver. He 'gets' Anchorage and the cab business immediately.
Move forward approximately two years.
Mike owns two cabs, goes to University of Alaska, Anchorage. He buys a house, brings his mom and sister to Anchorage to live with him. Mom is infirm. Sister is about 12. He is the pillar of strength and sole support for his family.
Mike is a Viet Nam vet. Mike has been doused with urine in San Francisco, called 'baby killer' in Berkeley, has been beat-up in New York - just because he speaks up for his role as an American who answered the 'call.'
You see, Mike was drafted in 1968. He served a tour and a half. He was decorated, and released all in one day. He left Viet Nam on a Wednesday and was in San Francisco heading home to Ohio on Thursday night.
Mike was just one of many men to come to Alaska in the early '70's to leave behind those that didn't 'get it.' To remove themselves from the ones who were so sure that the GI's were the problem. To leave behind those privileged protesters who negotiated deferments and dodged the draft in many other ways that a street poor 18 or 19 year old male couldn't fathom.
Mike was one of those guys who believed that their country called and they answered just like their parents did for 'WW II.' Mike never thought to make sure his country didn't take the young men off to another war that was a mistake, or that didn't need to be fought.
Sound familiar?
Well, talk to nearly any veteran of the Viet Nam conflict (not even called a war) and most will say that they had no idea when the US would be able to leave Viet Nam. Remember over 55,000 men and women died as a result of the 'conflict.'
Ask those same vets about Iraq, and they will say this war is worse. In Viet Nam there was one enemy. In Iraq they will point out that there are at least three, and all want something different.
A solution?
If you read this far, the fare has been paid.
CABBY
The fare is a mid twentyish male. Short hair, clean shaven, lean, slow talker, alert bright eyes, painful creased brow, hiking boots, long sleeve shirt, practical belt, Levis, Navy watch cap. Carrying an efficient back pack not over loaded, with a no nonsense appearance. This guy looks serious and ready for reality, not just a summer spent trekking around Alaska.
He asks for the YMCA. There isn't a residential Y here, so I ask what he is looking for.
He says: "A job."
A job where people will let him just observe life. A job where he doesn't have to dress and act a certain way and talk to people that are afraid to be alone.
It sounds like a cab driver job to me.
I am looking for a new driver for my second cab, Cab 115 for the night shift for Sun - Thurs.
I ask him about his driving experiences. His drug record. His ultimate Alaska destination. His ability to pay rents, and his criminal record. Great answers.
His name is Mike Cha____ .
He asks what it pays. I offer to buy him lunch and discuss his potential and fit for the job. He agrees. We go to Gwennie's Restaurant on Spenard Road, just up from the airport.
I hire him after he shows great manners and politeness to the staff there.
I take him to get an Alaska State and a city cab drivers license. I take him to the Ronald Arms on Arctic Road to rent a room.
After spending this day riding and watching in the cab with me, he agrees to go to work in three days, after he gets the lay of the land and settles in.
He comes with me for a night shift ride for one night. I complete the training and explaining the city layout, show him how to get the calls and the rides at the best places to pick up fares. He is an excellent and courteous driver. He 'gets' Anchorage and the cab business immediately.
Move forward approximately two years.
Mike owns two cabs, goes to University of Alaska, Anchorage. He buys a house, brings his mom and sister to Anchorage to live with him. Mom is infirm. Sister is about 12. He is the pillar of strength and sole support for his family.
Mike is a Viet Nam vet. Mike has been doused with urine in San Francisco, called 'baby killer' in Berkeley, has been beat-up in New York - just because he speaks up for his role as an American who answered the 'call.'
You see, Mike was drafted in 1968. He served a tour and a half. He was decorated, and released all in one day. He left Viet Nam on a Wednesday and was in San Francisco heading home to Ohio on Thursday night.
Mike was just one of many men to come to Alaska in the early '70's to leave behind those that didn't 'get it.' To remove themselves from the ones who were so sure that the GI's were the problem. To leave behind those privileged protesters who negotiated deferments and dodged the draft in many other ways that a street poor 18 or 19 year old male couldn't fathom.
Mike was one of those guys who believed that their country called and they answered just like their parents did for 'WW II.' Mike never thought to make sure his country didn't take the young men off to another war that was a mistake, or that didn't need to be fought.
Sound familiar?
Well, talk to nearly any veteran of the Viet Nam conflict (not even called a war) and most will say that they had no idea when the US would be able to leave Viet Nam. Remember over 55,000 men and women died as a result of the 'conflict.'
Ask those same vets about Iraq, and they will say this war is worse. In Viet Nam there was one enemy. In Iraq they will point out that there are at least three, and all want something different.
A solution?
If you read this far, the fare has been paid.
CABBY
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