Opening Stuff:
All deeply moving tragedies aren't national events, happenings. Yesterday morning outside the "Middle of Nowhere Diner" -- Exeter RI -- chickens were pecking in the snow for food, oblivious of the intense drama around them. Waitresses were crying and customers were remembering Bobby Bates, a "Swamper", a good guy, who lived around the corner down Route 165 near Bates School House Road. 82 year old Bobby was a morning regular, same seat, same order, every morning of every day. This morning after his regular two cups of coffee, he left as usual around 5:20AM to go back home to wake up his wife. But, he never made it. As he left the parking area, a car barreled into him. Killing him. Bobby was part of the "Middle of..." family. We have eaten there and it is a big family. Waitresses, cooks, customers and owners; They all care about each other. (Foods great too!). Many customers yesterday morning, some who had gone to one room school houses with Bobbie Bates, are swampers too (Swamp Yankees who have been avoiding progress for 300 years.) There will be a hole in their hearts because swampers are close; They stick together. And there will be empty seat at the counter for a long time to come, Bobbie's seat. And a good wife alone who called that morning around 5:45 wondering why Bobbie wasn't home yet. And the distraught waitress who answered the call, holding back emotions, could only say: "We can't talk to him right now. He's across the street." Bobbie wasn't a hero. He was just a good guy who drank coffee with a lot of friends. A loved member of a good community.
The only thing I like about the Jets is the name D'Brickashaw Furguson.
While we weren't looking, 157 banks went under in 2010. So far this year, three have been withdrawn from Main Street. Is this most under reported event that affects the public? It sounds serious to me. Or am I missing something?
After the parade, the confetti is just trash to be cleaned up.
Calling a person a "Dupnik" takes on a whole new meaning, doesn't it. Or is that Noodnik?
The Question:
One of my favorite songs is "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood. You know..."Proud to be an American..." and all that cool stuff. In it he names several cities and states. How many and what are they? This may force you to listen to it. But, it is always worth it. At least to this patriotic emotional wreck. There is nothing too cornball for me.
The Headlines:
--Jets Throw Blanket Over Pats; Final Four Set: Pack-Bears, Steelers-Jets.--US Celebrates MLK.
--Unrest Remains In Tunesia Awaiting New Unity Government.
--Swiss Authorities Want US Diplomats Kicked Out Over Alleged Spying.
Killing Of Newborn Babies On rise In Pakistan.
--Scientists Say With Cloning They Can Resurrect Woolly Mammoth In Five Years; Yippie.
--Australia Floods Expected To Be Costliest Disaster Ever.
--GG Winners: Movies -- Social Network Receives Most Awards, Best Drama; Best Kids: Toy Story 3; Best Comedy: Kids Are All right. Best Actors: Colin Firth, Natalie Portman, Paul Giamatti, Annette Benning, Christian Bale, Malissa LeoTV -- Broadway Empire, Glee Best Drama, Comedy. Actors: Steve Buscemi, Katey Sagal, Jim Parsons, Laura Linney, Chris Colfer Jane Lynch, Al Pacino, Claire Danes.
Back to More Stuff:
So I walk into McDonalds and see side by side an order of sausage-egg-cheese on a biscuit with hash browns next to an order of oat meal covered with apples, cranberries and raisins. Not much of a decision there!
The New RI Chief Executive is beginning to sound more like Governor Lincoln Log-head. He is focused on these little titillating, emotional visceral issues while thousands of RI'ers in this high unemployment state wonder why The General Assembly still makes it tough for new companies to want to open businesses here and older successful companies to stay here.
How come posing artists always look like caricatures of artist stereotypes.
I think it is pretty great the way Rhode Island roads are cleaned up after big storms. But being your basic shallow, aesthetic, superficial guy, I wish they would use something on the street that wouldn't "spraypaint" black (Or at least mucky gray) on the snow berms along side the roads. Pristine is better. Frankly, it wouldn't bother me if they didn't plow at all, and we could just sit home for a couple of days until the ruts got better.
Egos have a way of turning potentially intelligent people into Dupniks.
Life Passages Department:
I noticed that my beloved fleece is failing, unraveling at the core. This comfy outerwear that has given me sartorial confidence for well over ten years may be on it's way to the thrift store in the sky. It takes a long time to break in a good piece of clothing. And even longer to get over the absence of something loved.
Almost Near: Chapter 2 continues. --Samantha Left the Inn a little less spirited. Maybe Zach Whithers Junior didn't remember her because he was so much older at the time. She remembered watching him and his beautiful face as she often took care of little Jimmy while Zach Junior worked with his father. "I guess I had a school girl crush on him," she muttered to herself as she walked down the small hill past the clapboard Post Office. "Puppy love is often so strong in the minds of the young and young at heart that it can make you feel as though you are loved back as intensely". She paused and then laughed. Why am I talking to myself?"
Activity was at a high point on the docks now, as boats readied for another hard day at sea. Men and a few women were scurrying everywhere, oblivious to passers-by like me. She thought she probably knew many of them, but this was not the time to ask.
As her heart thrilled to the excitement of a typical port morning, she noticed a lone man in a small gray dory tied loosely to the far pier staring her way. The long morning shadows combined with sun glistening off the water created a surreal image in her mind. This man looked different. He didn't look like the other fishermen. She quickly truned eyes away and reached for the door of the cafe. The aroma of coffee and bacon were overpowering and was all she cared about now..
Citizens of Australia and Brazil must be looking up thinking, "Where are you Noah when we need you?"
Did you know that the "Spell Check" in this email system of mine doesn't recognize the word Rhode? Is this a sign?
Remember when microchips were those found in the bottom of the bag?
I think I'll start a "Dupnik of the Week Department:".
The real problem with the Pats loss is that Ryan and his Dupniks will keep on talking and the media will fawn over them.
I think it is interesting that the anagram for Jets is Jest. Or at least I did before Sunday.
My team going froward is the Green Bay Packers.
And, I wasn't surprised by the Pats loss. On the point of depression, maybe even suicide...but not surprised.
The Answer:
Lee Greenwood writes it this way: "From the lakes of Minnesota, To the hills of Tennessee. Across the plains of Texas, From sea to shining sea. From Detroit down To Houston, and New York to LA. Well there's pride in every American heart, and it's time we stand and say. That I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the soldiers who died to give that right to me." Humming yet?
The End:
Crusty old Bear Bryant once said, "It doesn't cost anything to be nice." He probably would have liked the Middle of Nowhere Diner.
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