Monthly Archives: May 2016
MEMORIAL DAY 2016: RED, WHITE & BLUE
“What do you think of when you see a little American flags in front of a grave marker? Let me tell you a story about one little flag. “As a fighter pilot on my 93rd mission over North Vietnam, my F-105 was hit by an air-to-air missile and my Electronic Warfare Officer Harold Johnson and … Continue reading
QTMs for 5/28/16: I WOULD’VE IF I COULD’VE
How are the people who didn’t serve supposed to feel on days like Memorial Day? Here are what seem to be gazillions of men and women who’ve stepped up and served in the United States military. Independence Day. Veterans Day. Armed Forces Day. And here’s Memorial Day. And these people walk around with pieces of … Continue reading
WHAT DOES THIS DAY MEAN, GRAMPS?
President Ronald Reagan delivered a Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery on May 26, 1986 — almost 30 years ago to the day. I’ve stood erect and silent in Arlington as a caisson trundles past, the only other sound the muffled thumping of horses’ hooves, the slow, measured cadence of a drum and the solemn, rigid strike of the … Continue reading
QTMs for 5/23/16: I CELEBRATE MONDAYS!
Trashing Mondays has become one of Americans’ fav pastimes. Even people whom I know to be positive and upbeat join in the put-downs of this second day of every week. Why? Everybody does it. You’re carefully scrutinized with a quirked eyebrow if you ask things like, “Well, what’s so wrong with Monday, anyway?” Probably think … Continue reading
QTMs for 5/20/16: WHAT IF . . .
Maybe imperfection is perfection in disguise. We all know that Adam and Mrs. Adam were the sum total of perfect humanity, in our recorded history. Two. And since neither you nor I are one of those two, a couple of things seem equally counterproductive: using perfectionism to excuse doing little or nothing to excel in … Continue reading
How NOT To Celebrate One’s Anniversary
So I found this card that I, as a man, knew – KNEW – would dazzle her. It had an exotic exterior that could only be described as ‘Jungle Chique’. Jungle. Coffee. Right? In the jungle clearing sat two leopards: one, a slim, svelte female – smaller, naturally – and a boldly-put-together, powerfully-muscled leopard male-type dude … Continue reading
QTMs for 5/16/16: “YEAH, WELL, IF ADAM HAD BEEN A LIBERAL —-“
I think I’ve figured it out. Christians – derisively called Those Conservatives or The Far Right by those of the port-turning persuasion – habitually pray and tell God, “I’m sorry” more because they’re trying to please Him. Nominal, professional or non-Christians think that’s cute, that actual Christians are mentally weak, and never tell God anything – let … Continue reading
AIRSHOW HIATUS!
Good morning, 2nd Cuppers! If it flies, it grabs my eyes. My son and I are headed to St. Louis for an airshow. I felt slightly bad that I would not be bringing you back a t-shirt. Therefore, I’m taking time before hitting the road to let you know I’m thinking about you, noting ways to … Continue reading
QTMs for 5/10/16: TWO DIVERGENT PATHS – CHOOSE WISELY
The correct response to uncertainty is not mere slowing down, being a little less wrong or not overspending quite as much as last month. “That’s just wrong.” Okay, well, let’s hurry and get it over with, then. Seriously? How about stopping? Not doing it at all? They make these with Reverse, y’know . . . … Continue reading
QTMs for 5/9/16: GOD OR POPULAR OPINIONS: I AIN’T GOT ALL DAY
“I caught me thinking in the show—how-hower-r-r-r . . .” Maybe it’s the flow of cleansing, warm water washing away the night’s sleepybugs and crusty drool. Okay, ‘Bathe&Brew’? That’s just wrong on so many le—-where might I find one? Or the scent of fresh, clean soap. Body gel. Shampoo. Whatever lights the fuse, I most … Continue reading