Musings of the Chronologically Challenged™ Fourth Generation

 
A RANT AT THE RUDE

Notice how few people have manners anymore? Some even take offense at others having manners. Honest. Case in point (and a true story) is my sweet, little Southern-raised neice. Her husband’s profession relocated them to the West Coast – San Francisco, in fact. Her lovliness and charm soon landed her a position as receptionist at a large bank. But Alas! She was fired after a very few months due to complaints about her being a “smartass”!! Her offense? She always addressed the customers as 'sir' and 'mam' and apparently they did not know this was a courtesy!!!

And how about check-out people? Met any polite ones lately? Bet you’ve encountered some real grumps, though. Some people are really taken aback by the apathetically lackadaisical attitudes of check-out personnel and their rude comments. Not me. My comment of “My Dear (or Sir) you obviously have your priorities mixed up. I AM PROFIT! You are overhead!” ususally takes THEM aback.

Add to the list drivers (of any kind of vehicle), sales people in stores, medical staff in too many areas to list, and my personal favorite: telephone reps.

posted by HCL at 2:11 PM

 
NOT QUITE PLAGIARSM

One of these days, hopefully, I’ll learn the intricacies of blogging. I need a “how to” manual. Meanwhile,
I don’t think Neal Boortz will mind if the following is lifted from his site to share with my friends. See http://www.boortz.com/june27-02.htm – if you’d like to read the entire page.

DO MOSQUES HAVE HYMNS?
Having never been to an Islamic Mosque I wasn’t able to answer this question from a caller last week: “Neal. Do Muslims sing hymns in their services?” Well, America’s Rude Awakening did a bit of research. I shaved my ankles, put on some pumps and a burka and went to a service. Only one hymn, if that’s what they call it, was sung. I copied down the words under my robe.
"Allah loves the little children, all the children of the world.
Red, and yellow, black, and white.
Loaded down with dynamite.
Allah loves the little children of the world."

(Catchy.)

ANOTHER PEJORATIVE?
Yep – in Washington, at least. The first law in the country prohibiting use of the term “Oriental” has been passed in that state to bar its use in any “statutes, codes, rules, and regulations”. “It’s offensive”, said Democratic state Senator, Paull Shin. State officials must use the politically correct “Asian” to describe people of Asian descent. U.S. Rep. Michael Honda (D-Calif) is said to be considering introducing a similar bill in Congress next year. According to current academia, however, to be absolutely, positively, 100% correct, Asians should be referred to as Mongoloids. Wonder if that will fly? (and here’s where a ‘Comment’ would be good, if there were one available on my site!)




posted by HCL at 2:48 PM

 
PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN

Any Fourth of July celebration/festivity I’ve ever attended in my life (never mind how many that is!!) pale by comparison to the events held each 4th of July at the Camp LeJeune Marine Base. What makes that one so special, you ask? The United States Marine Corps, of course!!!

The one yesterday was somewhat more inconvenient to civilian visitors than previous years, but that was expected. The long lines of vehicles waiting for registration and license checks was something new; however, Marines at the gates were extremely polite and efficient and everything went smoothly. The fact that they were armed to the teeth may have facilitated admission too! That was also a first.

I have no idea how large the parade ground is. “Several football fields” comes to mind. Whatever the size, it was filled with spectators – estimated as “tens of thousands”. (Wild guess – maybe 50 – 60)

The Piece de Resistance, as always, was the Grand Finale. As the sun set, the Marine Corps Band began a fantastic concert. No toes could remain still! This segment was highlighted by The Marine Corps Hymn, with a moving recitation and re-enactment of the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi. Every Marine, active and veteran, on the parade ground stood at attention. Military marches and classical selections concluded (perfectly timed with darkness) with the 1812 Overture. The cannons punctuating the Overture were real cannons, actually fired for the performance. These were lined up approximately half a football field away from spectators, so the fire from the ends of the cannons was clearly visible and the noise was deafening.

As the last notes of the 1812 Overture faded with the reverberations of cannons, again synchronized to the second, the fireworks exhibition began. The length and intensity of this display made “awesome” an inadequate adjective.

God Bless America!





posted by HCL at 11:42 PM

 
ALABAMA BOUND!

The internet and blogging have opened new vistas for me. Especially ‘The Axis of Weevil’, which I should make my homepage inasmuch as I go there first thing every morning. What a disappointment when there are no fresh blogs from these new-found Alabama brothers and sisters! I have such an affinity for the essence of my new Alabama friends that I wonder if I was an Alabaman in a previous life. I could have done a whole lot worse! And now to learn that James Redfield, a favorite author who wrote “The Celestine Prophecy”, is from Alabama - - well, that just frosts the cake! Since I’ve never visited Alabama (and, alas, could not come back with a banjo on my knee!) I’m putting such a trip into my Round Tuit and hope it will come to the top before too long.

posted by HCL at 12:03 PM

 
FIRST OF THE MONTH MUSINGS

It’s fun to leave a “Comment” now and then for my buddy over at “redneckin”. He has a great blog going with all the accoutrements of a professional blogger. Plus, I get interesting links off his site with information I would otherwise miss. As previously mentioned, however, my blogging proficiency is so lacking that it would be embarrassing (to me AND Blogspot) if I had his extensive capabilities. Doubtlessly I would be shamed by the results of my efforts. Anyhow, nobody reads my silly stuff but Chuck and he forgives me my trespasses. And BTW – today’s inanities are entered to remind Chuck that July 1, 2, and 3 are the anniversary dates of the Battle of Gettysburg – where the NC 26th & 11th Divisions lost more lives than any other Confederate state – including Alabama!!! So don’t tell me I’m a Yankee just because I proudly hail from NORTH Carolina!!! But I love you, Chuck! LOL (wonder how long it will take him to see this?)

posted by HCL at 10:41 AM