The Message Forum is an ongoing dialogue among classmates. The goal is to encourage friendly interaction, including interaction among classmates who really didn't know each other. Experience on the site has revealed that certain topics tend to cause friction and hard feelings, especially politics and religion. 

Although politics and religion are not completely off-limits, classmates are asked to be positive in their posts and not to be too repetitive or allow a dialog to degenerate into an argument. 

Forums work when people participate - so don't be bashful! Click the "Post Response" button to add your entry to the forum.

Jim Bedwell

Tommy,

Since it would obviously be a best seller, I was thinking about writing my autobiography. But thanks for the book tip - now I can save myself all that trouble and just read about it in that book suggestion!! THANK YOU!!!

Jim Bedwell

David C,

With all this awful transparency so damaging to the Marxists in charge, now we have to observe Bad (Bathroom) Sinema ("Sinema" rhymes with..........how appropriate for that filming locale and with the current worldwide downward spiral).

Jim Bedwell

Tommy,

I would have to say that the word "Marxist" is an accurate description of the people in charge as well as their movement.

I had actually heard of that book (your post #23956) and its content (Four Horsemen), and I have ZERO doubt that it is VERY beneficial. Seriously. I wish I could have read it about 50 years ago; maybe I wouldn't have ever experienced even the one divorce. So thanks for that tip - any others with a marriage adrift could likely benefit from that Gottman book, if both parties were to take it to heart. Another GREAT book to explain EXACTLY where we are today is the superlative "American Marxism" by the remarkable Mark Levin.

And yes, I agree. I have nothing but CONTEMPT for the Marxists in charge. You are correct in that assessment; I am glad to make that clear to all, as you evidence.

Reminds me of yet another Twain quote:

"Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it."

Jim Bedwell

Saw a great t-shirt in the Buffalo Wild Wings watching the Cowboys game today:

Guns Don't Kill People. Biden Does.

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Tommy,

I undestand that as per your advice about how we should all treat each other would make this forum a rosy display of happy talk and wonderful glad tidings for all who come here to read, but is that what we want here?

Do we want to just have 'birthday party atmosphere chit-chat' of how lovely it is to enjoy laughing, with the telling of Dennis The Menace episode-type remembrances; sitcom guffaws abounding?

We can do that!  Sure we can!  And how long will we continue to come here to join in with that atmosphere of escapism from reality?  The feel-good cheery stuff becomes what(?) after a while?

I agree with your desire to have all that, but I'm thinking that maybe we will begin to desire something more between friends.  

We can continue to have amusing remembrances from RHS and from Richardson area reviews of life then and now, but do we want to go beyond that (?) or not.......

Is it your wish that we say things here that are always uplifting and joyful to each other to avoid any discussion of the realities of life, since at that point, subjects get sticky?

I'm trying to understand where you want to go with your suggestions of "How To Keep A Marriage Intact And Viable."  The points made in that book are, I'm sure, very valuable and true, but then life circumstances set in, and the atmosphere changes.....so maybe we should also read about  "What To Do When The Poo-poo Hits The Fan," and how do we help each other at THAT point?  We need to be able to talk to each other at those times too.  And when issues pop up in our country that are super challenging, how do we keep an even keel among all people who are affected by those challenges?

Just trying to understand what you are expecting us to do with your good info from this point  onward..........

I think you are trying to urge us to be respectful of each other at all times.  That has been David's wish too, hasn't it?

IT is at those sticky times in life when "the birthday party is over" and one has to go home to face the music, that I have found it is profoundly important to have a 'rock-solid foundation' in one's life to shore a person up;  to have that foundation of purpose and meaning which buoys one's ability for staying afloat while the music continues, until it abruptly stops one day.

Jim Bedwell

Thanks, Janalu. GREAT post that I could never write to Tommy, or if I could or did, I bet he'd be more willing to listen to yours than mine. But in any case, thanks as always, sister!!

Bob Davidson

Happy birthday, Bruce, the guy who looks like one of our much younger brothers in pictures. 

I don't remember knowing you in high school, but I remember who you were because my friend Mike Hamilton used to hum the Mamas and the Papas song "Monday, Monday" whenever he saw you. When I asked Mike why he did that, he pointed out who you were and said he thought it was hilarious that you had that last name.  I don't even know if you and he knew each other or he just took it upon himself.  He was a little guy and I remember you as being big so maybe that was it.  Weirdness of teenagers.  Now, with the Broadway show, he'd have the musical reference last name.

Bob Davidson

I also saw that Karlin Fairchild has a birthday.  Another one I don't remember, but with a great last name.  Did maybe Mrs. McClenny tell her older daughter of Karlin's name or maybe her sister Kathy and "Morgan" adopted it as a stage name?  Fun speculation, at least for me and my sense of humor.

David Cordell

Tommy -- 

You're trying to make your point by favorably quoting the Bible?? What's next --  Jim B quoting Das Kapital?

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Governor Newsom in California stated today that stores should have gender-neutral toy aisles to go along with toy aisles for girls, and aisles for boys, so I was wondering what items would be seen on a gender-neutral aisle?

I thought of balloons and balls possibly, but what else could be seen on those aisles?

I guess there could be a kiosk with adorable kittens and puppies to adopt, but I'm trying to imagine what else could be there......

Help me out........

Is there such an item as a gender fluid Cabbage Patch unicorn-like creation to sleep with at bedtime?  Maybe there could be makeup kits designed by Boy George; a paint-by-number diagram of face areas of suggested points of emphasis possibilities, inserted into each kit.....Lots of glittery paint and some paint that disappears in a few minutes after application to face, maybe, for an interesting mystery option, the kids might identify with, perhaps.........

What else?

Maybe unicyles?  I've always wanted one of those....hm-m-m-m-m-m.............

Maybe a skateboard with a rear view mirror, so that one could skate backwards?

My mind is in gear and whirring along.........

David Cordell

Janalu,

Re Governor Newsom: I got the impression that all the toy aisles had to be non-gendered and that pink and blue identifiers are not allowed.

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

So what colors would be seen on a gender neutral aisles?

And who says that all girl tricycles are pink?  Some are red or purple!

I had a blue bicycle that I never thought of as being a boy's bike!  Of course it did not have a bar across it, like boy's bikes had, but even so, I often rode my brothers' bikes and never did I hear anyone say anything about it, except that sometimes people would say, "Do you have a brother?"  But even then, I wouldn't have stopped riding those bikes; I would have just said, "My parents got me this bike at the Salvation Army, and all they had at the time, were boy's bikes," and then I would have said, "Do you want to make something out of it?"   I was a dare-devil, and was good at fisticuffs!  Neighborhood kids didn't hassle me!

Why do boy's bikes have those crotch bars?  Do those bars serve some purpose?

I've heard people say that girl's bikes are made the way they are so that a girl wearing a dress can pedal easily even wearing a full skirt.  Makes sense--

Holly Hobby

Growing up, more than once, I heard “you’ll grow into your face.”  I had no idea what that meant.  (Fortunately, I wasn’t a deep thinker back then.) 

Until bff Martha Mize Mareth shared a pic from classmate Sharon Wilborn’s photo albums I’d   forgotten about “you’ll grow into your face.”  And how many times I'd heard it.   

 Compared to Sharon, (left) a perfectly beautiful child and Martha, (center) the personification of everything adorable, it’s good thing I wasn’t deep thinker back then.   

David Cordell

Janalu said, "So what colors would be seen on a gender neutral aisles?"

David replies, "Stalin grey."

Janalu said, "Why do boy's bikes have those crotch bars?  Do those bars serve some purpose?"

David replies, "I think they are for strength. They complete a triangle. Girls' bikes have a bar, but it is lower, and presumably not as effective. Also, I don't think the lowered bars are just to make it possible to pedal while wearing a full skirt, although that's probably the main reason. I think mounting the bike is an issue when wearing a dress/skirt. When a girl swings her leg over the seat, it could be a violation of modesty (although it could make you more popular with boys!). Also, I think there was more concern that a girl could be injured by the bar. (No concern about boys, who would find all manner of other ways to be injured.) Actually, except for the strength of the frame, the lowered bar makes more sense because you can stand astride the bar while stopped, and it is easier to get started again because the bike is more upright. Finally, I don't really know anything about this."

David Cordell

Bob D.,

Didn't the Supreme Court tell the Biden Administration that it had to abide by the "remain in Mexico" policy? If so, how can Biden ignoring the Supreme Court and shouldn't that be an impeachable offense?

Lowell Tuttle

Interesting around your children neutral comments is the release of the Son of Superman Comic book this month in his coming out as gay.   Pretty cool.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/11/entertainment/superman-comes-out-bisexual-jon-kent-cec/index.html

Wayne Gary

Tommy,

I am wondering that after over 2 years of insulting and demeaning people on your site and years of being a practicing physiologist what epiphany did you have to now stop being toxic and asking people on the site to not be toxic?  You were being all of the "Four Horsemen". I remember a long time asking you to stop the behavior and suggested you read and take to heart 'How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. I also asked where in all of your education did you find it helpdul and OK to insult people. You never responded when I asked you if you insulted friends in person or only on your forum

Bob Davidson

Tommy -- as to Karlin:  it's nice to be reminded that RHS produced some really good people.  Sometimes the nastiness, petty squabbling, and personal invective that float around make me forget that.

David -- I have heard from a number of women that they hate boy's bikes because they fell on the cross bar at some time.  I don't remember any guys making the same complaint -- but, as you said we were always banged up when we were young and were used to it.

As to Biden and court rulings -- I think in general, we have some people who are immune to the legal process:  mainly Dem big shots, favored leftist agitators, and major political donors.  Think Hunter Biden, Soros, Hillary, Comey, ad nauseam.

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Tommy,

I know Jim Bedwell quite well and I can say that he does hold Karl Marx and his writings in contempt.

And as for you and your belief in The Bible's authority, you have stated that you think that The Bible is just an old book written by men who you question 'to be inspired by God,' therefore you seem to devalue the hallowed significance of The Bible.

Is that not correct?

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

David,

I've heard that even though the courts have stated that Biden must reinstate the "Remain in Mexico During The Asylum Seeking Process," Biden and his handlers (Susan Rice in coordination with Obama and in addition, Ron Klain) have decided that the whole legal process of getting the "Remain I. M." up and running again, will take a number of months, so Biden et al, are gambling that they can run another million or so illegals into our country, increasing their voting bloc significantly.

I'm willing to be that "their' hunch is correct.

I guess that makes me a cynical person and a person who is guilty of promulgating one of those Four Horseman rules of negligent behavior.  Yep!  That's just the way I tick sometimes; probably more so that is necessary, but since I'm a senior now, I feel I can be as I wish.

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

Janalu,

Your comment about increasing the voting bloc by letting a million immigrants into the country got me to exploring just what it takes to become a citizen and vote legally.  Here is a link which has information on how to become a US citizen.

When my father was still alive, one of his brothers passed away and the family sent some of his personal papers to my dad.  Among those papers were citizenship papers.  You see all of my father's family, his mother, father and his 9 brothers and sisters immigrated to America in the 1920's, most of them in 1928.  However, only when my father served in the military did he get citizenship.  Same with his brothers, some didn't get it until the 1950's.  It is not easy.  I am not sure how his sisters obtained theirs, probably through marriage.  My own mother had to live here 5 years and then apply, even though she was married to my father.  Then she had to pass a test and speak fluent English.  The same rules apply now. She was asked questions about American history, holidays, how the government works etc.  I doubt most folks who live here and were born here even know much about civics, much less American history.  We live in a time where there is massive ignorance in America, especially when it concerns science! 

Then there is voting.  Voting, in Texas, which is the hardest state to obtain a voter ID card and register, is not just a matter of "faking it".  I know because I have processed voters as a poll worker numerous times.  It just got even harder.  I have serious doubts as to a million immigrants marching up to their local registrar office and filling out a simple form and then be able to vote.  Here is what they will need to do that.

Heck, five years ago, I went with my mother to the DPS to get her an ID card, she no longer could drive, but needed and ID.  They noticed that her name on her social security card was slightly different than her then driver's license (something these folks never noticed for the last 65 plus years), and they hasselled her to the max.  It took hours, two trips and me finally yelling at them to get her a simple ID.  Now, just imagine, no English, brown skin, and no legal address.  LIke they just hand out voter registrations like candy. I don't think so.  Not here.  Not in Texas.  Not anywhere. 

Trust me, if you are an immigrant, speak with an accent, you are immediately treated different.  I know, I watched it happen to my mother all my life. 

Jim Bedwell

Wayne,

Tommy's epiphany is that he DESPERATELY wants to NEVER get kicked off again; hence the lack of toxicity. My guess would be he hasn't changed a bit. Call me a cynic............hope I'm wrong. And I hope I'm also being cynical about future Cowboys' success with the way things are going now - YEE HAW!!

Jim Bedwell

All,

I hadn't been in Austin since 1960 with my parents. I went to Austin in January 1971 with another guy & 2 gals. I stopped on the Drag for directions so I went into an ice cream shop. There I found one future Assistant/Deputy/Whatever Attorney General of Texas, one Steven Aloysius Gardner, doling out the goodies. He was nice as always and gave us the ice cream and directions. Unless I saw him at the first reunion, haven't seen him since.........

Being a non-future NBA player as a kid, like Greg Gutfeld, I hated boys' bikes and that crossbar is the reason I have only 2 kids and not 5.

And I found a GREAT passage in Das Kapital last night!!! What it says is....oh, never mind!

Jim Bedwell

Just heard on FNC (where else?) that we're paying contractors $5 million a day currently NOT to finish building the wall.

David Cordell

Tommy said, "I know you were just trying to be clever; however, your comment implies a false equivalency."

David replies, "First, lighten up. Second, it WAS clever. Third, it isn't a false equivalency. You don't believe in the Bible, but you will quote from it to try to influence people who do. It's manipulative. To believers, the Bible is more than a series of quotable passages, useful in rhetoric. Again, I can't imagine Jim B quoting from Das Kapital to try to influence a socialist/communist/Democrat. The end."