Some (one) time in your life, the galloping horse of history rides by. Are you going to jump on it? Huh?
(Someone's quote which Chris Matthews used the other night.) 'Caught my attention. BJH
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Burn The Floor--the Most Fabulous Show
Jill and I took this show in the other night and the following day sent this email blast to one and all:
Dear Friends---This is a blanket blast/alert so that, if nothing else, you can never charge me with the crime of "Why Didn't You Tell Me?" Jill and I had tickets to this show last night (at the Belk), really knew nothing about it and came THIS CLOSE to bagging it.....but then we didn't. We went, and are SO GLAD WE DID. IT IS A SUPERB SHOW, FRONT TO BACK. Three more nights! It's an Aussie owned/promoted show, arrived here earlier in the week from a fabulous run in San Francisco, and I can understand why. For pure enjoyment, I rate it right up there with Mama Mia and Phantom. Anyhow.....just letting you know which, after all, is what friends are for. Isn't it?xo Bernie
Dear Friends---This is a blanket blast/alert so that, if nothing else, you can never charge me with the crime of "Why Didn't You Tell Me?" Jill and I had tickets to this show last night (at the Belk), really knew nothing about it and came THIS CLOSE to bagging it.....but then we didn't. We went, and are SO GLAD WE DID. IT IS A SUPERB SHOW, FRONT TO BACK. Three more nights! It's an Aussie owned/promoted show, arrived here earlier in the week from a fabulous run in San Francisco, and I can understand why. For pure enjoyment, I rate it right up there with Mama Mia and Phantom. Anyhow.....just letting you know which, after all, is what friends are for. Isn't it?xo Bernie
A Tribute to John Hope Franklin--letter to Observer
To The Editor:
No matter how you plan to cover whatever ceremonies will be be held for John Hope Franklin, understand at the outset that it won't be enough, so be content with that. Given who this man was, all you can do is the best you can do.
This irreplaceable mountain of a man will not be along again. He has left us. Those of us privileged to have read his works and to have met and spoken with him, are the better for it, but still, he leaves us without due notice, and in the lurch. Courage? He was what all of us aspire to be and can never be and so, fellow men, accept that. I asked him one evening how could it be. ..how was he able to manage his life and all that he had accomplished, and not be an angry man. He smiled kindly and responded simply "How, you ask? With difficulty."
Yours truly,
Bernie Hargadon 435 S, Tryon St. #606Charlotte, NC 28202704 377 5305
No matter how you plan to cover whatever ceremonies will be be held for John Hope Franklin, understand at the outset that it won't be enough, so be content with that. Given who this man was, all you can do is the best you can do.
This irreplaceable mountain of a man will not be along again. He has left us. Those of us privileged to have read his works and to have met and spoken with him, are the better for it, but still, he leaves us without due notice, and in the lurch. Courage? He was what all of us aspire to be and can never be and so, fellow men, accept that. I asked him one evening how could it be. ..how was he able to manage his life and all that he had accomplished, and not be an angry man. He smiled kindly and responded simply "How, you ask? With difficulty."
Yours truly,
Bernie Hargadon 435 S, Tryon St. #606Charlotte, NC 28202704 377 5305
Sue Myrick--let's end all taxes--letter to Observer
To The Editor:
Representative Myrick's political adviser has done her no favor at all, standing by while she makes a fool of herself with an op-ed piece like the one the Observer published over her name this morning. That guy-whoever he or she is--should get the boot. Ms.Myrick should stay with that tried and true message which has gotten her re-elected so often, that simple, uncomplicated one that lambastes immigrants, particularly the dastardly illegal ones. Lou Dobbs has made a name and a fortune for himself at the expense of these same unfortunate people and he is relentless in his pursuit of this cause. Representative Myrick should continue to do the same, and never get off message. Bernie Hargadon435 S. Tryon #606Charlotte, NC 28202704 377 5305www.berniehargadon.blogspot.com
Representative Myrick's political adviser has done her no favor at all, standing by while she makes a fool of herself with an op-ed piece like the one the Observer published over her name this morning. That guy-whoever he or she is--should get the boot. Ms.Myrick should stay with that tried and true message which has gotten her re-elected so often, that simple, uncomplicated one that lambastes immigrants, particularly the dastardly illegal ones. Lou Dobbs has made a name and a fortune for himself at the expense of these same unfortunate people and he is relentless in his pursuit of this cause. Representative Myrick should continue to do the same, and never get off message. Bernie Hargadon435 S. Tryon #606Charlotte, NC 28202704 377 5305www.berniehargadon.blogspot.com
David Brooks and the Winnable War--to NYTmes
To The Editor:
So.....David Brooks decides to find out for himself and takes off for Afghanistan to look around, talk with people, and settle the issue once and for all. He writes to tell us that it's going to be OK after all, and that we should "win" this thing. It is all very inspiring and it is also surprising--he's been around enough to know better. The poor guy has been seduced again (see Iraq). Somebody please do him and all of us a favor and snatch his passport.Yours truly, Bernie Hargadon435 S. Tryon St. #606Charlotte, NC 28202704 377 5305www.berniehargadon.blogspot.com
So.....David Brooks decides to find out for himself and takes off for Afghanistan to look around, talk with people, and settle the issue once and for all. He writes to tell us that it's going to be OK after all, and that we should "win" this thing. It is all very inspiring and it is also surprising--he's been around enough to know better. The poor guy has been seduced again (see Iraq). Somebody please do him and all of us a favor and snatch his passport.Yours truly, Bernie Hargadon435 S. Tryon St. #606Charlotte, NC 28202704 377 5305www.berniehargadon.blogspot.com
Sam and Will Reynolds are our twin grandsons (sons of Penni and Mark Reynolds) and they constitute a sizeable part of the reason why we departed Orinda and moved to Charlotte. We are in Charlotte now 5 and a half years and that is their age as well. Their language and in general the way they interact with each other will never cease to captivate me and I find myself from time to time writing down (so as not to forget) some of what they say. That which follows is a sampling.
Additional Jewels from Sam and Will
March 27, 2009
They spent two weekends ago with us (Fri, Sat, Sun). On Sat night, Sam says to Jill (Meme to them): “I think we should relax, not go to church tomorrow. When we’re with Mommy, sometimes we don’t.”
Will: After a bit of whining, asking for help putting together a model airplane and looking for a certain piece for it for some time: “Actually, I have just found what I needed.” NOTE—“Actually” was his principal new word that day—we heard it all the time.
We went out for pizza….Will ordered pepperoni—when it came he asked the waiter for “ranch dressing, please.” Mark anyone?
Will one morning--as related to us by Penni: he woke up, went in to wake Penni up grinning all the while, singing, “Penis is puffy! Penis is puffy!”
Sam to Meme: “Do I look cool with my sunglasses and hat on backwards and my surfer shirt on?”
Sam to Meme, both of them out on our balcony as Jill tended to the flowers planted out there: “Meme, I didn’t know that you grew rosemary. Do you cut these flowers and take them inside?”
The other day in their backyard replying to Mommy when asking what they were doing: “We’re making a girl destroyer.”
Sam was given a toy battery-powered forklift. He explains to us” This forklift can generate its own power.”
Sam with the same forklift, shortly after getting started with it: “Meme, this tag on the forklift is frustrating me.” Mimi took scissors and cut it off. Sam: “Now I don’t have to deal with that.”
Out in their yard, while Mark is doing the first mowing of the season, the boys are cleaning up the cuttings left in the driveway. Jill pulls up, asks Sam what he is doing and why he has that bag over his shoulder. He explains to Jill that the bag won’t fall, that it is tethered to his belt. (Yes, that’s what he said….tethered.)
Additional Jewels from Sam and Will
March 27, 2009
They spent two weekends ago with us (Fri, Sat, Sun). On Sat night, Sam says to Jill (Meme to them): “I think we should relax, not go to church tomorrow. When we’re with Mommy, sometimes we don’t.”
Will: After a bit of whining, asking for help putting together a model airplane and looking for a certain piece for it for some time: “Actually, I have just found what I needed.” NOTE—“Actually” was his principal new word that day—we heard it all the time.
We went out for pizza….Will ordered pepperoni—when it came he asked the waiter for “ranch dressing, please.” Mark anyone?
Will one morning--as related to us by Penni: he woke up, went in to wake Penni up grinning all the while, singing, “Penis is puffy! Penis is puffy!”
Sam to Meme: “Do I look cool with my sunglasses and hat on backwards and my surfer shirt on?”
Sam to Meme, both of them out on our balcony as Jill tended to the flowers planted out there: “Meme, I didn’t know that you grew rosemary. Do you cut these flowers and take them inside?”
The other day in their backyard replying to Mommy when asking what they were doing: “We’re making a girl destroyer.”
Sam was given a toy battery-powered forklift. He explains to us” This forklift can generate its own power.”
Sam with the same forklift, shortly after getting started with it: “Meme, this tag on the forklift is frustrating me.” Mimi took scissors and cut it off. Sam: “Now I don’t have to deal with that.”
Out in their yard, while Mark is doing the first mowing of the season, the boys are cleaning up the cuttings left in the driveway. Jill pulls up, asks Sam what he is doing and why he has that bag over his shoulder. He explains to Jill that the bag won’t fall, that it is tethered to his belt. (Yes, that’s what he said….tethered.)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Letter in The New York Times
Bernie's letter appeared today...read on.
---------------------
To the Editor:
Re “As Jobs Vanish, Motel Rooms Become Home” (front page, March 11):
This story is enough to make a grown man cry. I know it is, because I just did.
My life growing up in the Great Depression was no picnic, and many of those memories leave me embittered even to this day. But never did our family, at least, experience anything like what your article depicts.
Help those of us who have read this story: tell us where we can send money to help these down-and-out people.
Bernie Hargadon
Charlotte, N.C.
March 11, 2009
---------------------
To the Editor:
Re “As Jobs Vanish, Motel Rooms Become Home” (front page, March 11):
This story is enough to make a grown man cry. I know it is, because I just did.
My life growing up in the Great Depression was no picnic, and many of those memories leave me embittered even to this day. But never did our family, at least, experience anything like what your article depicts.
Help those of us who have read this story: tell us where we can send money to help these down-and-out people.
Bernie Hargadon
Charlotte, N.C.
March 11, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Cuban Baseball--The Best, The Very Best
Cuba's Pastime Beating Foreign Competition
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/13/sports/baseball/13cuba.html?scp=1&sq=Cuba
How I loved reading this and what Dan Rosenheck has discovered! Why? Well, for years now, Cuba is where the best baseball is played, where the best players are planted and grown. Not USA. Not the D.R. Not Venezuela. Cuba. Clinton should have done it....now it's up to Obama. Done what? Scrapped this idiotic embargo and reestablish full diplomatic relations with Cuba. That's what. Along with lots else, it would turn major league baseball on its head.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/13/sports/baseball/13cuba.html?scp=1&sq=Cuba
How I loved reading this and what Dan Rosenheck has discovered! Why? Well, for years now, Cuba is where the best baseball is played, where the best players are planted and grown. Not USA. Not the D.R. Not Venezuela. Cuba. Clinton should have done it....now it's up to Obama. Done what? Scrapped this idiotic embargo and reestablish full diplomatic relations with Cuba. That's what. Along with lots else, it would turn major league baseball on its head.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Vanishing Jobs
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/us/11motel.html?emc=eta1
To The Editor (NYTimes):
This story is enough to make a grown man cry. I know it is, because I just did. My life growing up in the Great Depression was no picnic and many of those memories leave me embittered even to this day. But never did our family, at least, experience anything like what your story here depicts. Help those of us who have read this story: tell us where we can send money to help these down-and-out people.
To The Editor (NYTimes):
This story is enough to make a grown man cry. I know it is, because I just did. My life growing up in the Great Depression was no picnic and many of those memories leave me embittered even to this day. But never did our family, at least, experience anything like what your story here depicts. Help those of us who have read this story: tell us where we can send money to help these down-and-out people.
A belated thanks to my son Geoff
For it is Geoff whose idea it was for me to have this "Bernie's Views" blog and for that, I'm grateful. I think. It was also Geoff who set the whole thing up. We shall have to see how it goes. My "blog" public, such as it might turn out to be, may find itself not to be even close to "grateful" at all...but such, as they say, is life. So with that, onward and upward and again, thanks, Geoff. Dad
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Overheard today
Overheard this afternoon....Jill and Sam walking through the girl's toy section in one of Charlotte's Walmarts. (sorry Geoff,....suck it up)..........
Jill: Let's get out of here--this stuff is all for girls.
Sam: Yeah, I really don't like girls except for you and Mommy.
Jill: Let's get out of here--this stuff is all for girls.
Sam: Yeah, I really don't like girls except for you and Mommy.
Madoff
To The Editor (of the Charlotte Oberver):
The photo you published this morning of Bernard Madoff (p. 3D) has an unbelievably striking similarity to the traditional photo of the father of our country, i.e., the one on your and my dollar bill. Immediately the thought occurred to me that finally, with this photo of Madoff, the Treasury Department has the perfect reason, at long last, to issue the $3 dollar bill!
The photo you published this morning of Bernard Madoff (p. 3D) has an unbelievably striking similarity to the traditional photo of the father of our country, i.e., the one on your and my dollar bill. Immediately the thought occurred to me that finally, with this photo of Madoff, the Treasury Department has the perfect reason, at long last, to issue the $3 dollar bill!
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Citadel
This is the best strory. If you haven't read The Citadel or The Great Santini, what have you been doing with your lives?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/sports/ncaabasketball/03citadel.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/sports/ncaabasketball/03citadel.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
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