Entering one of the military services, taking tests for employment or completing sixth grade tests are supposedly ways for higher-ups to judge and assign their people. I remember my older brother, who earned his livelihood selling men’s clothing before going into the Navy, and being sent to the engine room (black gang, they were called […]
I’ve been writing Jottings for over 50 years. That means 50 Thanksgivings I could have written about. But as I looked back to see if there was one I could repeat for this Thanksgiving, I found none. This year as I thought about writing this holiday column my mind went quickly to my wife, Hazel. […]
It was only 60 years ago, but the fall of every year I recall high school football playing days. I’ve only written about this experience twice, so it’ll be new to most. The size of teams may have changed, but the ‘win at all costs? attitude hasn’t. I was a starter for my three years […]
This Day became Veterans Day by act of Congress in 1954. Our nation’s first official recognition day for veterans was Armistice Day. Woodrow Wilson was president at the time. (‘Oh, beautiful, for spacious skies. . .?) I recall my Army veteran father referring to World War I as being ‘the war to end all wars.? […]
Of course it’s been a week since I made that promise, and the memory of the public is three days, so I may revert . . . To start: ? Beauty and handsomeness are only a light switch away. ? Ever feel like you are diagonally parked in a parallel universe? – – – 0 […]
Andy Rooney signed off on the ?60 Minutes? program recently for the last time. I was a fan of the curmudgeon for a long time. Had I known the shortcomings he announced on his final appearance, I would have quit listening to him long ago. However, obviously, he had a major following. He quit at […]
Let’s begin with Merriam Webster’s definition of cynic: (I’d rather refer to Funk & Wagnall’s encyclopedia, but they became mostly referred to by comedians like Johnny Carson, as, ‘Look it up in your Funk & Wagnalls.?) Cynic: one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self interest. That’s me, baby Because I never […]
Before I started writing this column about mice, I looked ‘mice? up in the dictionary. It said ‘see mouse.? I almost said, ‘Eek!? Years past I’d have come up with something else, but I’m trying to give up swearing before I die. Mouse: 1. Any of numerous small rodents with pointed snout, rather small ears, […]
zoning board of appeals NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Regular Meeting The Charter Township of Brandon Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing October 26, 2011, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. at Brandon Township Offices, 395 Mill Street, Ortonville, Michigan 48462 to hear the following appeals. 1) Appeal # 012-11 Sidwell # 03-29-151-006 Name: Darius […]
Headlines are supposed to attract our attention.This one in The Detroit News, September 23 sure got mine: ‘Individuality is lost as art of handwriting dies.? The reporter is Marney Rich Keenan. She writes of her 92-year-old father comparing the speed of today’s communications with the way it was in his youth. Keenan writes, ‘Nobody handwrites […]