WHERE YOU BEEN? WHERE YOU GOING?

How often do you think about your personal history? How often do you think about your future? Most of us are only in the moment. We are dealing with today's problems and concerns. Recently, my former, long time, employer requested that I help put together a company history. My contribution to the project  was a video of me recalling the major events, from my perspective, of 35 years of employment. I was surprised how well I could remember what had happened even though I had not thought about it for many years. I am sure that I blocked out some unpleasant memories but most of the memories were crystal clear. I found it to be a stimulating and positive experience. Thinking about past accomplishments was uplifting and good for my self esteem. The whole experience was a tonic that gave me an exciting sense of well being!

Since history was good to think about, I wondered if it might also be good to think about my future. And sure enough, it was also a positive experience. It felt good to anticipate my continuing future  retirement,continuing friendships, watching children and grandchildren grow and develop, the joy of a long and loving marriage, these things were very pleasing to think about. I recommend that you get out of the present moment and think about your past and future. It will make you feel good about life! Don't worry, be happy.

THE SUN IS A STAR IN OUR SEWER SYSTEM

                                 
Compared to when I was a child, today's children are very advanced in their knowledge about science. My three year old grand daughter, Emily, recently explained to me that the sun is a star in our sewer system which is part of the universe. Other than confusing "sewer" with "solar", I thought it was remarkable that she was learning things like that in preschool. Today, many kids start school when they are three years old and learn algebra and calculus before they get to high school! We hear a lot of criticism of our schools and teachers but it seems to me most of them are doing very well. There is hope for us because of the advancements in education. 


 Another positive trend is the increase in 'Study Abroad' by our college students. Our national security rests on the foundation of a well-educated electorate with a sophisticated worldview. It is critical to deal intelligently with the emerging economic and military powers of China and India. Also, we must better understand the intricacies of extreme Islam. We should encourage our college students to get a passport and see the world. It's important for American students to become multilingual and comfortable in multicultural settings. Study abroad sharpens these skills and helps keep American workers competitive in these challenging economic times.   

TIME FOR ANOTHER BOOK REVIEW

Bernard Cornwell has written more than 50 'best seller' historical novels. His new book, Death of Kings, is the sixth in his Saxon Stories Series. I consider them to be the very best novels that I have ever read (and I have read literally thousands of books!) Here is what Vince Flynn, another excellent writer, says about Cornwell, "Readers who haven't discovered Bernard Cornwell don't know what they are missing: his books are page turners that both educate and entertain. He may well be the best historical novelist writing today. Any of these novels can be read as a stand alone story but for maximum enjoyment, I recommend that you read them in order: The last Kingdom, The Pale Horseman, The Lords of the North, Sword Song, The Burning Land, and Death of Kings. These books tell the tale of Alfred the Great and his descendants through the eyes of Uhtred, an English boy born into the aristocracy of the ninth-century, captured by the Danes and taught the Viking ways.

Death of Kings continues the story of Uhtred through the tumultous years which followed the death of Alfred the Great as two men struggle to inherit the crown of Wessex. Uhtred, who has become the most feared warrior in all of England  has to contend with betrayal, treachery, and the largest army the Vikings have yet assembled to conquer Wessex. It is brought to a climax in a bloody battle fought in the fens of East Anglia. Cornwell tears away the gloss of legend to reveal the the raw truth of medieval warfare in all its shocking brutality, filth, and gore. Fascinating back story about the power struggle between the King and the Church. I highly recommend these books!

IN THE NEWS

                               
 Last week I heard on the radio that killer tomatoes hit the Midwest and caused a monkey to die of a heart attack. My wife says I need a hearing aid. I hear just fine but there sure are some bizarre news stories on the radio 
Another strange story I heard was about a tissue issue. A scientific survey proves that rich intelligent Republicans prefer to have their toilet paper come off the top of the roll. The people who prefer to have their toilet paper come off the bottom of the roll are prone to cheating at cards. They deal from the bottom of the deck! These people tend to be dishonest in all their affairs. They are liberal democrats who want the government to support them by taxing wealthy Republicans. 
                                                       
                                        

                                 

A SILLY POEM

People avoiding me,

Thought of psychosis,

But that could not be,

Then I thought neurosis,

But not that, you see,

It was just halitosis,

I cured it with green tea!

                       Original poem by h. t. teets