With great sadness, we say goodbye to a dear friend this morning. Some weeks ago I wrote a tribute to a friend who had been suddenly stricken with Cancer. He battled bravely, in order to remain with his family, that he could continue to watch over them and share in their lives and accomplishments. It was not to be. I continue to refer to him as “Jerry” to respect the privacy of surviving family members.
“Jerry” will always be remembered, by those whose lives he touched, as a “Good Guy.” As in the old westerns, he was was one of the guys in the “White Hats.” He proudly served his country as a pilot and later fufilled his goals as Captain of a 777 airliner. Ironic, in that their is great esoteric significance in this number. According to the tradition of Himalayan masters, 777 is the number of the celestial man and symbolizes the transmutation which takes place at the time where the man becomes conscious of the necessity to cover the path of initiation, and that he perceives, even of an elementary manner, that the goal is in God. He has now gone to be with his God.
His loving wife will continue on in this world; surrounded by their many loving friends and the children and grandchildren who will always love and respect his memory. They will remain strong in the knowledge that they will all be together again, when called. It is at this time we send our love and sympathy for the pain of their loss.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,
I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee
No 412 squadron, RCAF
Killed 11 December 1941
Laser Technology continues to improve - Pink Floyd Laser Show
After a typical week of Arizona’s dry heat I was inspired to take some me time and to do whatever I decided would give me the most pleasure. Things don’t always turn out as expected but it wasn’t all that bad.
Friday evening I’d made reservations for a Laser Show and took “Joe Mama” along to get him off his couch. There are a variety of Laser Light Show exhibitions around the country and we are fortunate enough to have a quality production presented here at the University of Arizona in the Flandrau Planetarium and Science Center. Flandrau is a great venue for this and other presentations. They also offer stargazing with the observatory open to the public Wednesday – Saturday 7:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m., weather permitting, year-round.
Despite “Joe Mama’s” best efforts to get himself lost, he finally managed to catch up to me as the last few patrons were seated. I had spent the time, while standing in line, chatting with a nice couple from Columbus, Ohio. The wife turned a little less friendly as she had to repeatedly shoosh “Joe Mama.” He would later remark that if they didn’t know how to enjoy the show, then “screw ‘em.” Afterward we enjoyed a sandwich around the corner at Jimmy Johns. It was my first visit (and his) and I was surprised to find the food to be of good quality and at a reasonable price.
Saturday morning I worked on the Harley – it needs a new battery again! – and then took off for the Triple Nickel Ranch to read and relax. I arrived at my little 10 acre spread in time to enjoy a good old monsoon downpour. I hope we have the same in town very soon. Sunday morning found me renewed both physically and spiritually; so I headed back to the “Old Pueblo.”
I frittered my time away remaining as idle as possible. I called my nephew to wish his son a happpy 10th birthday. I was only able to leave a voice mail with my horriblle singing voice. I hope it doesn’t scare him too badly. They probably went out to Six-Flags for a real celebration. I hope he enjoys the Fushigi Ball I sent him. It looked cool on T.V., but you know how much advertisers lie. As P.T. Barnum used to say, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” *
By Sunday afternoon my darling daughter had called from Chi-Town to wish me well and give the news of Hubby’s promotion at his law firm. I told her that I would tell my Chiefie to feel secure, now, in his ability to support us in our old age. I congratulated my attorney Son-in-law and returned to my continued idleness.
By late afternoon I was relaxing in the pool and soaking up some of those dangerous UV rays. There I was floating on my back listening to Al Green – ” I’m still in love with you…” – when it struck me that I still hadn’t finished my final revision of Life is but a Dream: Part III. I managed to spend a few minutes before dinner pulling together some loose ends in the storyline and then called it quits. Be patient and I guarantee you’ll like the way it ends.
Chiefie and I settled down for a video and some snuggling to top off the evening. The movie was a so-so production by Time Allen called Crazy on the Outside. By the time the movie ended Chiefie was dozing and I read a little before turning in. I had a great dream about having a birthday party. I arrived late because a friends car broke down and we had to walk several blocks. My birthday isn’t until next month. Please, don’t feel compelled to send a gift or card or anything; unless you really want to.
Have a great Monday!
~ Hugh Betcha
* Note: P.T. Barnum never actually made the famous statement attributed to him. W.C. Fields did make a movie titled Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941). See ya later, Sucker!
How about this? We will give away $1,000,000.00 here at Hugh Cares to the first person who can correctly identify which famous Movie Star from the Golden Age of Hollywood most resembles the birthmark on Hugh’s right buttock.
That’s right! If you know who this Port-Wine stain resembles you are urged to submit your answer to AskHugh@hughcares.net. Don’t delay, the first correct answer wins. The rest of you losers will only be allowed to kiss the so called birthmark on Hugh’s rear. You’ll be kicking yourself in the you know what if you don’t get in on the fun.
Could it be Karl Malden? Who NOSE?
I Hope it isn't O.J. Thanks for the memories, Hugh!
Get your entries in today! Contest ends soon. See back panel for details.
Hugh loves you, Baby!
- Hugh Betcha
Our lives improve only when we take chances and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves.
- Walter Anderson
There are many who cannot be thanked in person. It is for that reason we honor their memory on this the last Sunday of May. We remember the fallen heroes who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. May 30th was originally called “Decoration Day” to honor the Civil War dead in 1868. It was made an official holiday in 1971 and has been known as Memorial Day since that time.
I recall the times I would tag along with Dad as he made the rounds of the other Vets at the American Legion Post. There were always the raucous sounds and glad handing as each new member joined the group of graying men. There would be moments more solemn as one after another those who lost thier lives in battle are remembered. There’s Joe’s brother lost at Iwo Jima, someone else’s cousin or uncle who fell on Omaha Beach. Soon they are joined by Al, the Pruple Heart reciepient. He doesn’t extend his hand in friendship. He has none, as everyone already knows, he left them in the fight in North Africa. He wears the battle scars as lifetime souvenirs of war. You could see from their faces that those lost comrades would live in these men’s hearts and minds until they drew their last breath; most of them have by this bright Sring day in 2010.
So, while you enjoy a backyard get together with family or head out to a National Park, don’t forget to take a moment to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by others to pay the cost of our freedom. It is a cost that remains high but must continually be paid if democracy and freedom are to remain our way of life. This is my way of saying thank you, I will never forget.
Hugh is still in the Astral plain and wants to pass along this message.
“Make every morning as beautiful as possible. We are surrounded by everything we need. Sharing and caring are the currency of the love that shines within and is the true source of beauty. Be the light.”
Did you get that? I don’t always understand Hugh, but I do like the Rascals. Hugh has more to tell about the coming changes in the world in tomorrow’s post. Let’s just play the video and get on with it.
- Dewey Lovitt (Hugh Betcha)
Chinese proverb:
When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other.
March 15, 2009
A year passes so quickly. It was a wonderful day. The weather was very cooperative for a March day in Chicago. There were so many happy moments filled with handshakes, hugs and kisses as two families gathered together. Many expressions of love were exchanged. A beautiful ceremony was followed by food and drink and festive dancing. All too soon it was over. And I’d trade everyday from that one forward just to have the opportunity to do it all over again.
bocaj dna refinnej HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, KIDS!
Hugh loves ya!
Barbara De Angelis: Marriage is not a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It’s something you do. It’s the way you love your partner every day.
Every morning when I first sit down to the computer I select a word to search. I then sift through the results for something of interest. One day it may be “whacko” or “beserko,” while another day may be something like “loquacious” or “recalcitrant” (two characteristics quite meaningful to Hugh). I have no particular method for making the choice, it just the arrives without conscious effort. This is how most of my life is lived.
Today I chose the word “intrepid” and again had not given the matter any consideration beyond the decision to await inspiration. I first verified that I had the correct spelling and definition (Intrepid – fearless: courageous and bold) and then ran a search on Google.
A variety of businesses (mining, manufacturing and travel) and organizations (arts, publishing and mentoring) were offered by the results, as is typical in my experience. There was, of course, the famed USS Intrepid; an historic WWII Essex Class Aircraft Carrier. There was even the Starship Intrepid, another of Roddenberry’s StarTrek fantasy creations. Most of us are also familiar with the Dodge Intrepid (This seems like an oxymoron. If you are so Intrepid, why the dodge?) which is now defunct.
I was becoming discouraged since I usually turn up something a bit more intriguing. As a diversion I decided to catch up on some personal business and read the online journal of a friend. It was then I found the significance in the choice of “Intrepid.” The friend (I will refer to only as “Jerry”) has been battling Cancer for some time. Jerry’s post yesterday did not have good news. In fact, the news was not good at all. Current treatment had failed and the plan was revised to try one last drug which has been around for several years.
As those who know him would expect, he asks that face time exclude the topic of his Cancer from discussion. It is characteristic of Jerry not to want to make this the focus of his life. He and his wife continue to face life with indomitable spirit and faith, surrounded by a vast support network of friends and family. They both hold life sacred and are thankful of the many blessings that have been bestowed upon them.
Jerry enjoyed a career of his choosing that many of us only dream of. He was responsible for the safety of many lives every time he stepped into the cockpit of his 777. He served, like most of his comrades, with a pride and confidence in his abilities that was bolstered by his faith in God.
To me he serves as an inspiration and I am honored to be a part of his circle of friends. Be sure to tell those you love how much they mean to you, everyday.
That’s all until tomorrow. Hugh loves ya!
Hugh Betcha
Don Quixote: Sanity may be madness but the maddest of all is to see life as it is and not as it should be.
Health Care InitiativeI’m confused, or maybe not. I’m pouring a fresh cup (decaf, it’s healthier); join me? Seems like things are happening faster and faster these days. “Oh, Hugh. You’re just getting old.” Or so they say. Roll video and let me lay it out for you.
Blah, blah, blah… It is beginning to give me a headache and my health insurance plan doesn’t even cover the cost of aspirin. The debate is truly confusing and filled with misinformation. Let Hugh help you decipher some of the rhetoric. First a few related News stories. Does health care reform need life support? See more on this MSNBC.com video.
With the recent election of Scott Brown to the Senate the White House has been in a spin with the loss of their Senate super majority. I found it amusing when I read an article that claims the mothers of each man descended from a common ancestor. The New England Historic Genealogical Society says Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, and Brown’s mother, Judith Ann Rugg, both descend from Richard Singletary of Haverhill, Mass. How ironic! It was bad enough that President Barack Obama lost his filibuster-proof margin in the U.S. Senate to a Republican. Now it turns out he also lost it to a relative.
And as we debate the merits of a new system that would emulate our neighbors to the North, we have this story reported earlier this month – Canadian official seeks heart surgery in US. It seems the Premier of Newfoundland was not able to obtain what he felt was the necessary treatment for his medical condition within the Canadian system. His Deputy, Kathy Dunsdale, is quoted as saying, “Ultimately we have to be the gatekeepers of our own health.”
Ah, yes. That brings us to Hugh’s view of the Health Care Crisis. My initiative involves personal responsibility. Without it we will never make progress in reducing the cost of maintaining good health. I don’t intend to brag. I just like to show that I do listen to my own advice. We do practice what we preach here at Hugh’s Place. I hope to lead by example. Here are my suggestions.
Diet: Stop cramming those Bacon Double Cheeseburgers down your gullet and supersizing the fries and coke. You only end up with a super-sized ass! I did. We all need to eat healthier foods. Lower the amount of fat and salt in your diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables. You should also know what vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. And finally, drink plenty of water everyday. This is an under appreciated concept. We are 2/3 water, figure it out.
Exercise: Get off the couch and take a walk, go for a bike ride, skip a rope or Zumba. Just get moving. Always consult your Dr. regarding pre-existing conditions that may limit activities. We no longer get the physical exercise we once did in this country. GET MOVING! Learn proper breathing techniques. This is another misunderstood function of life. Learn and practice deep breathing.
Lifestyle Changes: For Heaven’s sake, stop smoking and curtail or limit (everything in moderation) alcohol consumption. These are two of the most destructive of our bad habits in life. Give your poor lungs and liver a break. I banished the tobacco demon in 2001. My energy and stamina have increased ever since. You can do it too! Watch the caffeine, too much can be a dangerous thing. If you have any other substance addictions you already know what they are. Deal with them.
Posture: Most of us are not well informed about the importance of good posture, it’s benefits to overall health and how to practice it. Since finding a Chiropractor who literally straightened me out in 2006 I have been able to resume normal activity. I’ve had back pain since 1967 and with the proper exercise, proper bending and lifting and by practicing good posture I am now more flexible and pain free.
I’ll be turning 60 soon and have lost 25 pounds and increased and toned muscle (not just in my head, either). If this old poop can do it, you can too. This should give you something to think about. I have included some helpful links throughout the text to get you started. We each have our own physical needs and limitations. There is no “one size fits all.” We should each develop our own personal health care responsibility plan. I urge you to start today.
I haven’t said anything you haven’t heard before. This time listen, if not to Hugh, then listen to YOU! Your inner self is crying out, “HELP ME!”
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy: Sendentary people are apt to have sluggish minds. A sluggish mind is apt to be reflected in flabbiness of body and in a dullness of expression that invites no interest and gets none.
Friends and family of “Joe Stack” can thank Tiger Woods and the media for removing the spotlight so they can mourn in peace. Looks like Tiger may be a glutton for punishment. Pass the java juice dear.
I’m not into the Celeb Gossip scene. My personal fascination lies in watching the reaction of the media as they hound, harrass and harangue those illustrious luminaries who fall from grace. Most of these people have no one to blame but themselves.
So Tiger hopes to restore his reputation and good name. Stop being a jerk and an adulterer and you will have at least begun the process. I recall when a young Tiger Woods burst upon the scene and was besting his older more experienced competition right out of the gate. There was excitement in watching his phenomenal performance. How did he do it? Hard work and dedication was a key factor. His Father was his mentor and the man he looked to for guidance and encouragement. Perhaps it was the loss of his father that left him without a moral compass.
I choose not to judge the man. You may do so if you choose. I say let Tiger be the judge of his own behavior. He is the one who must do whatever it takes to redeem himself in the eyes of his family and his fans. It will likely come down to money. The money to be made from his endorsements. If his name can remain a marketable commodity then all is well in corporate America. It’s tends to be about the bottom line.
It will be up to his spin-doctors and advisors to come up with the magic formula for success. Tiger is a major talent in sports and therefore a major commodity. There are many who will remain in his camp and support him during this difficult phase. Not everyone is so fortunate. Remember Paul Rubens, a.k.a. Pee Wee Herman. He was accused of public indecency, a charge later shown to be false. He was at least guilty of attending the showing of a sleazy porn flick. Admittedly, this is not a suitable image for his young fan base. How about Steve, the “Dude, you’re getting a Dell” guy. He was caught smoking weed and was forever banished from the public eye. The punishment may not always fit the crime.
In the end it will be a question of who cares. I can tell you this, Hugh doesn’t, Do you? Let me know what you think. AskHugh@HughCares.net.
Where do you begin to tell such a story. I guess the beginning would be the best place to start. Usually I write with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Today I am serious, deadly serious. I’ll pass on the coffee this morning.
It begins like the story of most Americans of his generation. A generation raised in a time of promise and prosperity. A time when we believed we had ascended to become the “greatest country on earth.” A country founded on the principles of truth, liberty, justice and democracy. A country ruled by the governed. In the end it was not how Joe Stack saw it.
It was, in his own words, a matter of choice. The choices he had made throughout his life were those that would lead to his eventual demise. His final choice was vengence. In a vain attempt to reclaim what he had lost he struck a final blow at what he percieved to be an injustice of epic proportions. What he had lost was more than money or material wealth. He had lost faith in his country. He had lost respect for the leadership of this country and the institutions upon which it was founded. In the end he lost his life.
He blamed the IRS and Congress for his woes. He blamed them for the convoluted Tax Code that is admittedly incomprehensible. Even those who have constructed the volumes of legal mumble jumble are at a loss to definitively interpret its meaning. Each year we are told that 50 experts can arrive at 50 different interpretations in preparing the return of the average taxpaying John Q. Public; none of which agree with that of the IRS.
Joe Stack, American citizen. Educated, hardworking and dedicated to making a better life for himself and his family. Sadly, forces much greater than himself conspired to bring it all down around him. It was a series of events that compounded the consequences of those decisions for which he alone must ultimately be held responsible.
Was he right to take steps that ended in acts of rage and fury? Does the fault lie within himself or do we all take responsibilty for our lack of social and political activism? How did we ever come so far down this road toward tyranny? Is there a way back?
During the 60s there was a great deal of activism. There was unrest in America. Students protesting what they saw as an illegal and unjust war. People marching for racial equality. I can only speculate how this affected a young Joe Stack. I know how it affected me. Watching nightly the carnage that would unfold on that small screen in our living room left me dazed and confused. Could we believe what LBJ and MacNamara were telling us? Somehow we moved on to the next chapter in our collective history.
Who was Joe Stack and how will he be remembered; patriot, lunatic or perhaps just a misguided fool? In the end he was still one of us. He was an American who only wanted what he had been taught to believe in. He wanted fairness and justice from his Government.
Will anything change? Not unless we change our own beliefs and stop leaving it up to the career politicians to make all our decisions for us. It is time to take a stand for what we believe and work to change a system that has become mired in deceit and corruption. Join a Political Party, form a new Party. Volunteer and vote!
We need to have the workings of government open to all citizens. We need access to the truth. Today the often used term is transparency; a new buzz word meant to misdirect our attention from the truth. In the past we used the more appropriate term of disclosure. Until we demand full disclosure from our leaders they will continue to use this so called transparency to obfuscate and to cloud the truth.
We spend far too much time debating the issue of “what the definition of IS is” and other Clintonisms. Has the intelligence of the people sunk to such a level that they don’t recognize BULLSHIT when they are up to their noses in it? Has apathy reached such heights that we no longer care? I pray that it has not.
This is truly a sad day in America. A day of tragedy, not just for Joe Stack, his family and those killed and injured on the ground. These are lives that were lost because one man lashed out at a system he perceived to be the root cause of his problems. They will not have been lost in vain if we can learn from our past mistakes and not doom ourselves to repeat them.
I’m taking the day off tomorrow to remember and to contemplate the actions that we must take in the future to assure that we restore honor and dignity to America and ALL its citizens.
To read his story in his own words I have included this download of the letter he posted before taking his fateful and final flight. That the FBI insisted it be taken down only lends credence to his allegations that the Government wants to hide the TRUTH! I’m sure what they really want is transparency! I offer it freely. God Bless America!
Demosthenes: There is one safeguard known generally to the wise, which is an advantage and security to all, but especially to democracies as against despots. What is it? Distrust.
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Themocracy