Huh? What's Up With That?

have a gre..                  The 152nd Run for the Roses is tomorrow at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.     The two weeks leading up to the historic race are filled with glitz, glamour, challenges and fun.  One of the largest fireworks and air shows in America has finished for another year.  So has the mini-marathon, boat race on the Ohio River, parade and balloon race and a dozen other events.   All of the events leading up to the big day are almost sacred traditions.    In addition to things to do, there is a common phrase heard throughout the city during this time that is just as important as any other tradition... Have a Good (or Great) Derby.   HUH ?  What's up with that ?       Those three words plus a vowel are meant as a statement of commiseration and common celebration. Since my indoctrination into Derby life 48 years ago, I look forward each year to hear...

disappearing rapidly...                  One of mankind's most ardent forms of entertainment may well be disappearing from the face of the earth.  In fact, it is altogether possible this artform will be extinct by the time you read this blog, no matter how long it takes you to finish.   HUH ?  What's up with that ?      The remarkable characteristic about this uniquely personal experience is that it is so individualized, there is nothing known to science or medicine, including AI, that can serve as a replacement.  Therein lies the problem.      By some, in its most flattering form, this activity can serve as a warning or alarm to any individual to improve awareness.  By others, it could be considered as being judgmental.     If we participate in this human endeavor (almost all of us have done so), we can anticipate unwanted advances, see potential conflict, or even derive ...

  firsts ...                      The four George Brothers recently met at a popular cafeteria in the suburb of Castleton in Indianapolis.  I say popular, but, 95% of the patrons were either bald or had blue or gray hair.  Patronized by a certain age group for sure.  The brothers were a perfect fit.   Carl, Ken and Steve, were seated at a table for four in one of the two dining rooms.  The senior brother was still making his way through the line.       Looks like you have your hands full,  Ken said to a young mother holding a baby at the next table.     I do indeed,  she concurred.   This is our first time for taking the baby out .   My husband is looking for a baby seat.     Well, enjoy those first time moments,  Carl said as he smiled, then turned to us.    Jeez, guys, first time.  Takes you back ...

  in the air...                                                          My wife's Jazzercise group is often entertained by someone identified with a particular day or holiday.  Such was the case last August 16th when the franchise owner brought in a tribute artist to commemorate the death of the King of Rock and Roll.     Retired UPS pilot, Captain Gary Katz, 64, played the role of the man from Memphis.       This interview was conducted several weeks prior to the fatal UPS crash at Louisville's airport earlier this month.   Gary, my wife said you did a great job.   Thanks.  We had a good time.   Tell me about yourself.  Do you have a significant other?   I do , he said.  My wife and I will have been married 40 years next year.  We have two kids, a boy and a...

  oddities, observations, & ?'s...#16                       Most of this post was written last June.  Health issues prevented me from gathering content, researching and writing.  I am grateful to be pounding the keyboard to finish this post and for future publications.    A tribute to the most talented man I ever worked with in my radio career.  Gary Burbank passed away at the age of 84.  He was Earl Pitts, Eunice and Berniece, and, so many other rich and colorful characters.  He was a husband and a father.  He was memorable.   Brevard County, Florida, Sheriff, Wayne Ivey, held a press conference in Florida prior to President Donald Trump's military parade which was held in the nation's capitol last Father's Day.  In his speech, the peace officer warned protesters that anyone who threw a brick or any other object while protesting the parade would be ... shot graveyar...

more pos..#11                                                                                            When I think of retired folks, I am inclined to defer to those pretty much like myself....people who worked for decades and stepped down at their discretion.      I haven't dwelled on those with disabilities and sometimes overlook those who retired out of necessity.   John Wells, 77, is a Vietnam Veteran who has had his share of health issues all related to his time in the service.   I have Parkinson's Disease, he told me.  It is associated with Camp Lejeune when I was going through school down there for field medical training.  Then, I spent a year in Vietnam and was in contact with Agent Orange.     ...