What Would Jimmy Do?

I don’t check Facebook very often, but a day or so ago I noticed our nephew, John, had referenced an article about time — it essentially said that people aren’t just “running late,” they’re basically just rude and inconsiderate. I absolutely couldn’t agree more. We all know people that are consistently late for everything; most of them think it’s cute, or it emphasizes how important they are.

I’ve written about time before in this blog, so I won’t discuss the same things again, but the posting on Facebook got me to thinking — about time, you might say. Time is viewed quite differently by Eastern and Western cultures and even different by various countries within these cultures. In America, time is truly money; in other countries, not so much. Anyone that’s traveled understands those different attitudes….

We all pretty much have an idea what time is, but in fact there has never been an acceptable scientific definition of it. We really don’t know how time works. Time only goes forward — never back. We remember the past, but we can’t remember the future. When did time start? I’m pretty sure it didn’t start with the Big Bang, if there was a Big Bang.

Anyhow, this time thing, including time travel, is way too complicated for me. But I’m glad we have time — if we didn’t have time, a good time couldn’t be had by all, or we couldn’t have a race against time, or a stitch in time and we couldn’t be ahead of one’s time. We’d stay up all night because there would be no bedtime and everyone wants to be in the right place at the right time, and most of us wish for better luck next time. I’m not sure you can actually buy time, but you can buy on time and if you don’t pay on time, you’ll possibly do time. Most politicians want face time, but in fact they give the public a hard time and some of them are (hopefully) on borrowed time. Postcards at vacation spots already have “having a wonderful time – wish you were here” printed on them… and as the song says, does anyone really know what time it is? Well, there’s no time like the present.

So even though we can’t scientifically define it, we just couldn’t get along without time. I once heard it said that God created time so everything wouldn’t happen at once. I guess I can go with that until I hear a better definition. They say lost time is never found again, and in case you’re wondering why I’m wasting my time writing this, just remember the time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time….
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Many (both) of you faithful readers are familiar with the history of this blog. Initially, we created a family web site with the intention of it being the “place to go” to find out about family activities, family recipes, and just generally what was going on with the family — both the Stracensky and Williamson sides… Well, that didn’t work out so well, only a very few family members ever checked the site and even fewer contributed any content. In fairness, a lot of both families weren’t comfortable being around a computer. So it was a good idea, just not practical.

Anyhow, after we decided the web site was a lost cause, I’d become accustomed to sitting down in front of the computer on a daily basis and updating the site. I missed that time with the computer and decided to start a blog. That was back in March of 2007 and at that time I didn’t know exactly what a blog even was (still don’t.)
The blog was titled “In My Own Write,” with the sub-title of “Jimmy’s Thoughts — and Not Yours.” If you’re wondering where this is going, hang in there, I’m about to tell you.

The original intent was for the blog to replace the Family Web Site and write about family events and activities, but being here in West Virginia and the families in (mostly) Ohio and Oklahoma the pipeline of information didn’t provide much data. So — the blog evolved into me just writing down whatever happened to be on my mind when I decided to make a new entry.
After four years and seven months and approximately 267 entries, “In My Own Write” came to an end on November 18, 2011. A few days later, I started a new blog with the title, “What Would Jimmy Do.” That, of course, is what you’re reading now. Not a lot has changed, except for the format — that’s been simplified a bit and, if I choose, I can make entries from my iPad or iPhone. But the content remains varied, questionable, confusing, current, out-dated, serious, humorous, reflective, or any other adjective you choose, but almost always opinionated.

I promised to tell you where this is going — at Christmas Kelly, Chris and Emily gave me a book entitled “In My Own Write.” My original blog has now turned into a book! I’m pretty sure it’s not in all the bookstores yet, so it may be a special order. So now I can add ‘author’ to all my other accomplishments… It’s not that I haven’t written a book before, but most were of the instructional variety. This is the first one about nothing. If the blog entries fall off, I may be out at a book-signing….
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Sometimes after playing golf or just visiting with a group of friends, the subject of government comes up. My participation in these discussions is usually limited to an occasional comment, but mostly I just listen. There are three or four very good reasons that I limit my contribution — maybe I’ll talk about those here some time later. Anyhow, the consensus is that government is “all screwed up” and people in general don’t trust the government.

The forces contributing to the (current) wave of distrust include, but aren’t limited to, an uncertain economic environment, overwhelming discontent with Congress and elected officials in general, and a prevailing partisan environment. During the final House debate over health care reform, the public perception of Congress reached an all-time low. Generally speaking, the public’s impressions of elected officials are that they are corrupt, wasteful, self-serving, unwilling to compromise, and indifferent to the concerns of the general public.

But the fact is that dissatisfaction with government predates the health care debate and the Obama presidency. Down through the years, government and people’s perception of government hasn’t changed that much. Hating Congress (and the government in general) is a beloved American tradition. To confirm my suspicions, I did some extensive research and here’s some actual quotes from people you’ve probably at least heard of over the years. I didn’t make this up — they’re actual quotes — you can look them up yourself…. I’m pretty sure lots, if not most Americans, would agree with them today.
One of the more famous quotes comes from Mark Twain, “Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.”

I couldn’t determine when the first quote, joke or slam of the government occurred, but they started long ago…
“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.” — Pericles (430 B.C.)
“We hang petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.” — Aesop
“A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.” — George Bernard Shaw
“A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.” — Thomas Jefferson
“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” — P.J. O’Rourke (Civil Libertarian)
“In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a government.” — John Adams
“Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries.” — Douglas Casey (Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University)

Some of these quotes are funny, some are profound, but pretty much all of them speak some amount of truth. I don’t disagree that the government certainly has room for improvement —it’s always gone through highs and lows, hopefully we’re just in one of the lows now. I’ve traveled and lived in a good part of the world — I never entertained the thought of “settling down” in any other country. The grass isn’t always greener — grass is still grass. This country is still great — of course it could be greater if we could come up with more unemployed politicians.
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Another holiday to add to the Williamson Family Calendar….

Happy second (month) birthday to our grandson, Locke!!
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Ok — here we are charging into the new year. New Year’s Day has come and gone and in case you didn’t know, that is the most celebrated holiday around the world. As you faithful readers are aware, I’m a big fan of holidays. Every month has a number of holidays and January is no exception. Each month has even come to be known for “something,” like Black History Month, or Breast Cancer Awareness Month. January has been designated as the “official” month for the following: National Book Month, National Thank You Month, National Eye Care Month, National Volunteer Blood Donor Month and National Soup Month. You notice that I said “official.” How does a holiday or cause become official? The short answer is that lots of variables can enter in to making a day or month official, but for a holiday to become a national holiday, it literally takes an act of Congress.

Congress has the power to declare something a federal holiday (little different than a national holiday.) There are only 11 federal holidays because it’s expensive – government workers don’t work on federal holidays. My extensive research found that more than 1,100 proposals for federal holidays have been floated by various congressmen over the last 30 years. Some wanted a Native Americans’ Day or a Susan B. Anthony Day — some wanted things like World Leprosy Day, Fanny Pack Day or Yell “fudge” at the Cobras Day… (you elected these people.)

The 11 national/federal holidays legally only apply to federal employees and the District of Columbia. Neither the President or Congress has the authority to impose holidays on the States — each state determines its individual legal holidays.

In spite of the fact that there seems to be a movement against the practice, many holidays are religious in nature. I feel sorry for atheists — they have very few, if any holidays.

Then of course, there’s me — if you’ve followed this blog over the years you know that I regularly celebrate holidays that most others don’t. I won’t provide an extensive list because some years I add new holidays and delete some others. Since I retired, it’s become easier to take the day off and just celebrate rather than work. Just ignore those that say I’ve always done that, even before I retired.
So today, I’ve declared a holiday here in Shepherdstown. We’re celebrating the fact that on January 4, 1790 George Washington delivered the very first State of the Union address.
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Now that all the New Year’s Eve celebrations are over and the hurtie heads are getting better, I got to thinking about those celebrations… A lot of communities around us and, I think, nationwide have “non-traditional” New Year’s Eve parties, referred to as “First Night” celebrations. These kinds of celebrations have been going on for about 40 years — I’ve never been to one and have always wondered about the name — since it’s held on the last night of the year, it should be called Last Night instead of First Night. I suppose you could make the argument that it’s really celebrating the start of the new year rather than the ending of the old one… but it still seems a little strange to me.

According to my extensive research results, First Night is a North American artistic and cultural celebration held on New Year’s Eve, taking place from afternoon until midnight. The first First Night originated in Boston on December 31, 1975, organized by a small group of artists looking for an alternative way of celebrating New Year’s Eve. They envisioned an event where Boston’s young, innovative artists and musicians could perform and also avoid the emphasis on alcohol that is common at New Year’s Eve parties. Other cities picked up on the trend and by 1999 these celebrations were being held in more than 250 cities.

Anyhow, the more I think about it, first does have a more positive connotation than last. Do you remember your first car? Your first ride in an airplane? First foreign country you visited? First live concert you ever attended? Your first grade teacher?

Generally speaking, those first things stick in your mind and are generally fond memories. As for last, not so much. Do you remember the last time you typed something on a typewriter? The last time you used a dial telephone (or even one with a cord?) Do you remember the last time you saw cigarettes advertised on TV? Do you remember the last movie you watched on a videocassette? Do you remember the last time you sent or received a telegram?

All “firsts” are not good — likewise with all “lasts.” The “first’ World War wasn’t good, and neither was the “last” soldier killed in that war — but it was good that he was the “last.”
So this isn’t my first blog entry this year and, hopefully, not my last….
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2015 — new year, new day, new beginning….

That’s probably the goal of most of us today. When the calendar clicks over to a new year, it’s a cause for hope and a lot of us at least make an effort to implement some sort of change. People in all parts of the world go through the same process and lots of them have new year traditions….
In the Philippines, to ensure a prosperous new year, it’s customary to wear polka dots and eat round fruits. A tradition that originated in Spain is gaining popularity in the United States, at least according to an article I read a few days ago. It appears that the color of underwear that you begin the new year with influences your course for the year. Who Knew? In case you want to give it a try, here’s the guidelines for choosing the right color.
Red — you’ll have a year full of passion and romance.
Pink — a year of luck in love
Yellow — a year of prosperity, wealth, and success
White — a year of peace, harmony and happiness
Blue — a year of good health
Green — a year of better luck (in general, not just love)
I’m not sure what happens if you wear superhero underwear or something  with stripes, or flowers, or some other pattern….

But no matter what color underwear you choose, the new year brings with it the thought of a fresh start. The New Year Baby symbolizes just that – the rebirth of the new year. The baby symbol for the new year began in ancient Greece and Egypt. Some cultures tried to stop the use of the baby to symbolize the new year, but the symbol survived and even today is printed on cards, signs, banners, etc. year after year. The symbol was brought to the United States by the Germans.

I’m thinking a good tradition to get started here in West Virginia is to have a bottle of wine, but one that we’ve never tried before — if we like the wine, it’ll be a good year, if we don’t, maybe not so good. Now you may think this would be stacking the cards, but I don’t think so. All years are good, some are just better than others.

All this talk of new beginnings brings to mind something Mother Teresa once said — not sure she said it on New Years, but she might have: “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

Here’s to 2015 being the best year ever!!
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Well here it is that time of year when we all resolve to do better, do more, stop doing, do differently, or something else. It’s New Year’s Resolution time. Most years I’ve listed some or all of my resolutions here and some years I’ve reported on how successful I was, or how and why I failed…
Seems like the same thing over and over – only the year changes.

The fact(s) are that of the approximately 317 million adults in the US, only one in every 2.2 makes a New Year’s resolution. Of that number 1 in 8 will possibly keep it for a year. Those that don’t stick to their resolutions usually abandon them after just about a week.

The practice of making resolutions dates back to ancient Babylon when promises for the New year were made to their gods. Those promises usually involved easily achievable tasks like vowing to return borrowed farm equipment. Today we make promises to ourselves and they’re usually psychological and/or behavioral changing in nature.

So — given this bleak set of circumstances, I have a plan. Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, I’m going to make New Month’s resolutions. Here’s why: If I tie my resolution, which is usually a behavioral change, to a specific date, and I fail early on, I’ve deprived myself of an opportunity to fail and recover (until next year.) The New Year’s resolution message to myself is that when the new year arrives, I’ll change and be different – failure means I’ll have to wait a whole year to get another shot.

I figure if I make my resolutions on a monthly basis, and fail, I only have to wait until the next month to try again. We all know that failure and recovery is part of just about any process, so not tying my resolutions to the new year, I can try again in only a few weeks when I mess up.

I’m looking forward to implementing my new methodology — I expect it’s going to catch on big-time. I won’t reveal all my resolutions just yet, but I can tell you, if I’ve borrowed any farm equipment from you, it will be returned….

Happy New Year to everyone!
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Hope everyone had a nice Christmas – we certainly did. Emily got an Elsa doll and of course it has batteries. It needs the batteries to talk and sing. If you think too many toys require batteries these days, you might just as well “let it go.”

I remember when most dolls didn’t “do” anything — they were just dolls. I suppose girls just pretended they were little people. The first talking doll that I remember seeing was one that Kelly had that spoke Spanish. You’d pull the pacifier out of her mouth and she’d talk. The doll had a miniature tape playback machine embedded in her body. I know, because Kelly must have taken that doll apart at least 100 times (it wasn’t made to come apart.) Turns out she was more interested in how it worked than the doll itself.

Dolls over the years have become more and more realistic and, of course, if they can talk, they’re even more realistic. The first dolls that “talked” invariably said “mama.” Most, if not all them used a bellows or some kind of weighted mechanism to create the sound of “mama.” These mama sounds weren’t anywhere close to sounding like a human voice. The advances in electronics now make it possible to create realistic sounds, including the human voice in a very small, low power package, but it’s been a long road to get to this point for dollmakers.

Most of the early talking dolls were produced using some form of a phonograph mechanism and as we all know, the phonograph was invented by Thomas Edison. He’s noted for inventing, or making significant contributions to, many great inventions. However, not many people know that he invented the “must-have” Christmas toy in 1890 — a talking doll. Edison never wanted his phonograph to be used for frivolous purposes, like music. But for some reason, he was receptive to using it for children’s toys. In 1887 Edison formed a new company called the Edison Phonograph Toy Manufacturing Company. His business partners came up with the idea of putting the phonograph into a doll, and Edison licensed the idea from them and lent his name to the new toy. Edison’s Talking Doll used a small version of his hand-cranked phonograph to recite a nursery rhyme. When news of this doll leaked out, many people placed orders before any dolls were produced. Apparently the company employed an “army” of girls to record the voices of the dolls — each doll had a unique recorded voice because there was no way to reproduce the recording without doing each one individually. It turns out that all the dolls worked just fine in the factory, but the phonographs were extremely delicate and almost all of them were damaged in shipping. By the time they reached the customers and appeared under the Christmas trees, just about every doll’s “voice” sounded like a shrill, garbled mess. But the toy had been hyped so much it didn’t make much difference whether it worked or not. It was one of those “must-have” gifts that (spoiled?) little rugrats just needed/wanted.
So even back in 1890, kids wanted the latest and greatest. If you run out of batteries keeping all the toys going this year, I’m thinking Thomas Edison may be to blame….
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Claire just finished setting and decorating the table for Christmas dinner. As always, we have candles on the table. We have candles at other times, but I don’t ever remember a Christmas that we didn’t have candles. It’s not necessarily a tradition, but we always have them. Candles are associated with many things, especially religion and they are certainly associated with Christmas.

No one seems to know exactly why, or even when they first became connected. They were used during the ancient celebrations of the winter solstice as a way of remembering that spring would soon come. One of the earliest records of candles being used at Christmas is from the middle ages, when a large candle was used to represent the star of Bethlehem.

Jesus is often referred to as the ‘Light of the World’ by many Christian religions. This may have started the custom of the Advent Candles. Of course candles are also a part of the celebrations of Hanukkah and even Kwanzaa…

Often Christmas carols are sung by candlelight and candles were almost exclusively used to decorate and light Christmas trees before electricity came along. In some parts of Ireland, they have a traditional Yule candle rather than a Yule Log.

There’s no point to be made here. I like candles. I like Christmas. What could be better than having them both on the same day?
Once again — Merry Christmas to Everyone…..
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