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| The beautiful spring weather brought crowds to Ridge Ferry Park! |
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| This little fellow flew before I could focus good... oh, well. Cicindela sexguttata, six-spotted tiger beetle, I think. |
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| Visit the city of Rome Trail system plans online: ftp://ftp.romega.us/Planning/Rome-Floyd%20Trail%20Plan.pdf Above is the Chieftains Trail section near Chieftains Museum. |
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| Sun, Oostanaula, mud, bike tracks --- the concrete Riverwalk is under the mud. |
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| Cherry blossums |
I wrote these four sentences in praise of our president and his speech. It produced sparks from some of my conservative friends.
Friends, your President is one of the great ones of my lifetime.
I agree with every word of his inspiring speech. His conduct over the last month has been exactly what a President's should be. His vision of how our wonderful nation should approach its leadership role as the great military power of the world is practical, prudent, and inspiring.
Comments:
Richard Dick Sapp
Jimmy Carter cloned
I forgot Carter was not a Muslim
Barbara Helie
Sorry Terry. As far as I am concerned, our president is the worst of my lifetime. His policies, programs, philosophy and lack of leadership are destroying this country, it's values and it's status as the greatest country on earth. IMHO.
John Countryman
I concur you with you, Terrell. Someone who actually cares about the future and is spot on with his assertion that our country suffers from an "empathy deficit" is just the person we need as irrational hate for Muslims in America and increasingly hawkish fever on the part of individuals who never consider the long term ramifications of our actions get all of the attention. I'm in awe of a man who will sacrifice popularity (as if that matters) in order to do the right thing. Leadership is not just about impulsive, knee-jerk behavior, but about reflective, ethical behavior.
Richard Dick Sapp
Wake they are lost, read your Bible
Richard Dick Sapp
Your arms are too short to box with GOD
Barbara Helie
"President Barack Obama wanted to tell a hesitant America why he launched a military assault in Libya, and he wanted to describe it on his terms — limited, sensible, moral and backed by international partners with the shared goal of protecting Libyans from a ruthless despot.
Trouble is, the war he described Monday doesn't quite match the fight the United States is in.
It also doesn't line up with the conflict Obama himself had seemed to presage, when he expressly called for Moammar Gadhafi's overthrow or resignation. Obama's stated goals stop well short of that. And although Obama talked of the risks of a long war, he did not say just when or on what terms the United States would leave Libya.
Obama never directly mention the Libyan rebels seeking Gadhafi's overthrow, even though the heavy U.S.-led firepower trained on Gadhafi's forces has allowed those rebels to regain momentum and push toward Gadhafi's territory."
J. Chris Lawler
Terry, You know that you and I disagree on most political points and I was deeply troubled by your comparison of Libya actions vs Iraq. True we have spent much too much in money, lives, etc. to fight that war. But having said that GW had the guts to lead, went through the UN and Congress before attacking. May I also remind you that Saddam had defied not just one UN resolution but years and years of them.
Obama said he couldn't wait to see mass graves (which we did find in Iraq). And these graves contained not rebels but ordinary men, women and children. And he didn't even take a lead position. He waited for France. The French yet, whose butts we have saved from having German as their official language not once but TWICE. I lay awake last night with these and other thoughts. But I can't put it all down here. Just remember that we (the US) had no part in Egypt or Tunisia and we stood by while millions of civilians died in Africa, China and other places too numerous to mention. Ask yourself-WHY LIBYA?
John Countryman
Everyone has their "truths" and then there is THE truth. Let's hope that we can find some common ground before we all destroy the planet. It will take nothing less than a radical rise in human consciousness, and a recognition that there are no longer instances of "them" and "us" but only WE. And we will only survive if that fundamental truth is acknowledged on a global scale. The motives for nearly all of our military adventures are suspect and we need to take a cold, objective look at the way our interpretations shape our reality. There is no longer any such thing as U.S. "strategic interests." All of humanity's strategic interests are in peril--this is a global issue and the clock is ticking. Bush's entry into Irag to avenge threats on his father was inexcusable. Barack is damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. With the partisan politics we are living with today, people have had to twist themselves (and the facts) into a pretzel in order to make certain that he is "wrong" no matter what he does. Not just his decisions are wrong, apparently, but he, as a human being, is somehow "wrong" as well. Only a return to rationality and genuine empathy will save us from ourselves. We have met the enemy and it's staring back at us in the mirror.
Richard Dick Sapp
Obama was elected with NOOOOOO experiece, his lack of experience is front and center to the world He and Biden and co are not qualified. They are ruining America and the World. We need to cleanup or own Country and ours,first. We need support business in the USA. Every child in the USA needs to serve OUR at the age of 18.
Richard Dick Sapp
Yes, girls and boys. The biggest whiners in this country, never served, that includes Obama Are one of them,Are you willing to start today? No guts, no glory.
Lynne Crothers Williams
"The president does not have power under the Constitution to unilaterally authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping and actual or imminent threat to the nation." Senator Barack Obama 2007 I agree with him. Nor do I think that consulting with the UN is a replacement for consulting with Congress.
Richard Dick Sapp
We need to pray that the liberals seek Jesus Christ, not man.
John Countryman
Proud to be a liberal. Not so proud to be a man at the moment, because humanity collectively is doing a piss-poor job of being human (humane). But I don't believe anyone can claim to have an inside track to God's ear. I have tremendous faith in God, but I respectfully doubt that He'll be willing to rescue us from our own stupidity and short-sightedness much longer. On that point we agree. He didn't create this mess, we did. But don't expect Him to "fix" it for us anymore. God helps those that help themselves. No one of us single-handedly (even presidents) can destroy the country and the world. If "lack of experience" means he refuses to play politics as usual, I'll place my bets on the creative use of the "unusual." We're all in the same boat, and we sink or swim together. This didn't happen overnight. This boat has been taking on water for decades. And this time it's not an Ark.
Richard Dick Sapp
Sorry that you do not pray to God, obama is lost he stated that we all belie ve in the same god just different name no christian would make that statement
Walter Jack Gipson
Each passing day my prayers go up to Elohim. The Alpha and Omega of my faith. For there is no Other.
Craig Brewer
Amen Jack!
Terrell Shaw
Oh my! I come home today to see some very angry classmates. Take a breath folks. I am proud to stand in the calm middle ground with our President. We live in the greatest country in history. This President knows that and honors that with his unruffled determination to act responsibly regardless of the hatefulness that is tossed at him, even, I am sorry to say, by some that I know to be good folks in other respects..
Terrell Shaw
Dick, I have always thought highly of you, but I am disappointed at your judgmental words: "Sorry that you do not pray to God" ??? Seems to me, heathen that evidently I am in your eyes, that I remember the scripture kinda frowning on those who judge others.
Richard Dick Sapp
Face it you picked the wrong, guy, he is a total failure. You think like him, you are a liberal Marxist yourself. You choice a liberal life .and now it has bit you in the butt
Terrell Shaw
Now I'm a Marxist? Sheesh, Dickie, I believe you were more mature at 18 than you are now. If you can't make a grown-up argument, find another playground. (Or sober up.)
Richard Dick Sapp
Coward
Terrell Shaw
Now that's real grown-up of you.
Richard Dick Sapp
Seek counsel from your uncle
Terrell Shaw
<Grin> Have a good evening my old friend. I wish you well.
Richard Dick Sapp
You need to seek Gods guidance
J. Chris Lawler
Whoa guys!!! I think we can discuss points of view without insulting each other. @John-I agree that mankind has not been humane. I wonder what would happen in this great country of ours if there was a breakdown of order with no way to feed our families. Would we attack each other with guns, knives and machetes to save our loved ones? The vitriol and hatred I "hear" in this thread makes me wonder! I pray to God that it never comes to this, but seeing recen "gatherings" of supporters and opponents of several issues I am concerned. Sorry, I seem to have gotten off the thread but let's all try to be civil.
Terrell Shaw
"You need to seek Gods guidance" There's finally something we can agree on! This ol' sinner is well aware of his need for guidance.
Laurie Craw
I'm proud of him too, Terrell, but I'm prouder to be your friend who wants you to outlive me, so watch your blood pressure.
Jim Cochran
Whoa! To start with, we do not need to mix politics with religion. While I strongly side with the conservatives in this discussion, my daughter strongly sides with the liberals, but we still love each other (i think) and we do not resort to calling each other names. We respectfully agree to disagree. As far as God is concerned, we all need his guidance and we should seek it daily in this messed up world. As for politics, the place to straighten out that mess is in the voting booth. And when voting, remember, there is no "free lunch".
Terrell Shaw
Thanks, Laurie... I'm taking the blamed ol' BP meds and we walked two miles last night.
Terrell Shaw
Thanks, Jim. You know I love that bunch of yours! BTW some of my friends may not know that I am part of a mixed family as well. My mother and most of my six siblings are very conservative. My eldest sister, of whom I am quite proud. was a speechwriter for the first Geo. Bush and she and her wonderful daughter are each leaders of different conservative political groups. I love and admire each of them more than I could ever express. They just happen to be wrong politically.
Jackson Williamson
*cough* Matthew 6:5-6:6 *cough*
Duane Parsons
As a long-standing liberal who once open a time really enjoyed spirited discussions and debate with conservatives, I am saddened and troubled with the atmosphere of today’s Libertarian small Government leave me alone “branded Republicans” who cannot see any “grey area”. For some unknown (or purposely hidden) reason(s), vitriol seems to be driving every opinion about Obama and no matter what he does, he is wrong. Case is point – Newt Gingrich’s Libyan flip-flop. The liberals will read the following and agree and laugh at the video; the conservatives will ….[I cannot speak for the conservatives; they may not even follow the link.] Libya really is a “Turd Sandwich” folks. http://tinyurl.com/4cu6ooo --
Cecelia Dawson
Greetings on the first day of April, Terrell!!! I, too, agree with Sylvia about our President!!! I'm definitely NOT a fan of his BUT I AM, very definitively, a huge fan of yours!!!!!!!
Terrell Shaw
And I am a huge fan of Cecelia, as well ... even if you have gone over to the dark side! When are y'all gonna come to Rome? Are you doing any theater?
Cecelia Dawson
It's hard to get back to Rome and when we do it is only for a night or two at the most!!! I pick up Addie O from 4yr K Mon/Wed/Fri at noon and Stan works with Josh two days a week!!! Next year Addie O will be in school all day so we will have more free time!!! No theatre yet ... maybe next year!!!!!!
From Ginger McClure's Facebook:
It was so, so, so good to see you and the real wife today!!! So funny that I had just been telling my new husband about you!! Hugs to BOTH of you!
Comments:
Mary Nisbet Asbury
Just call her Elizabeth Taylor....on second thought, don't.
Terrell Shaw
Sheila is used to my bigamy ...and trigamy. I wonder how many stage wives I've had... I had three in Broadway Spectacular last summer and two of them were Ginger!
Mary Nisbet Asbury
Kinky.....
Ginger McClure
Well, Terrell...you cannot compete with Don this time: he is Jacob and has about 4 or 5 wives, AT ONCE!!!! Of course I am NOT his "favorite wife"...that was Rachel and she is DEAD!!! Hmmmmmmm !!!!
Terrell Shaw
It is always good to know there are mountains left to scale, frontiers remaining to explore, depths still to plumb, and roles yet to inhabit ... but I think I may be willing to allow Jacob/Don this particular record, unchallenged. One wife at a time is ambition enough for this ol' boy!
Don't miss "Cabin Tales" in Cave Spring
When I get older losing my hair,
Many years from now,
Will you still be sending me a valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine?
If I'd been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door,
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I'm sixty-four?
oo oo oo oo oo oo oo oooo
You'll be older too, (ah ah ah ah ah)
And if you say the word,
I could stay with you.
I could be handy mending a fuse
When your lights have gone.
You can knit a sweater by the fireside
Sunday mornings go for a ride.
Doing the garden, digging the weeds,
Who could ask for more?
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I'm sixty-four?
Every summer we can rent a cottage
In the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear
We shall scrimp and save
Grandchildren on your knee
Vera, Chuck, and Dave
Send me a postcard, drop me a line,
Stating point of view.
Indicate precisely what you mean to say
Yours sincerely, Wasting Away.
Give me your answer, fill in a form
Mine for evermore
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I'm sixty-four?
Sheila and I attended the funeral of our teacher-friend Jean Palmer this afternoon. Her son Chuck gave the eulogy and did his Mama proud, reminding us all of why we admired her so.
One of the hardest things to accept about these birthdays that keep rolling around - only 25 hours till my next one - is that each year we find the world peopled differently. We have had some real losses the last twelve months.
I rarely saw Jean in recent years, but my life is poorer for the knowledge that I will not again see her -unexpectedly, downtown perhaps - and enjoy catching up with that bright, interesting and entertaining friend.
Comment
Eleanor Hamby
She will be missed by many. The last few years have been the unexpected meetings when we have been "out and about Rome". Jean's first year of teaching was the year that I graduated from Pepperell and we reconnected when we returned to Rome. So sorry to lose a good friend and former teacher.
Twain goes on to give examples of the self-consciously "comic" tale and the longer, more genuine, "humorous" tale. You can look it up on the web and read the rest. I found it in a copy of`A Treasury of American Folklore I found in a thrift shop recently.How to Tell A StoryI do not claim that I can tell a story as it ought to be told. I only claim to know how a story ought to be told, for I have been almost daily in the company of the most expert storytellers for many years.
There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind--the humorous. I will talk mainly about that one. The humorous story is American, the comic story is English, the witty story is French. The humorous story depends for its effect upon the manner of the telling; the comic story and the witty story upon the matter.
The humorous story may be spun out to great length, and may wander around as much as it pleases, and arrive nowhere in particular; but the comic and witty stories must be brief and end with a point. The humorous story bubbles gently along, the others burst.
The humorous story is strictly a work of art,--high and delicate art,--and only an artist can tell it; but no art is necessary in telling the comic and the witty story; anybody can do it. The art of telling a humorous story--understand, I mean by word of mouth, not print--was created in America, and has remained at home.
The humorous story is told gravely; the teller does his best to conceal the fact that he even dimly suspects that there is anything funny about it; but the teller of the comic story tells you beforehand that it is one of the funniest things he has ever heard, then tells it with eager delight, and is the first person to laugh when he gets through. And sometimes, if he has had good success, he is so glad and happy that he will repeat the "nub" of it and glance around from face to face, collecting applause, and then repeat it again. It is a pathetic thing to see.
Very often, of course, the rambling and disjointed humorous story finishes with a nub, point, snapper, or whatever you like to call it. Then the listener must be alert, for in many cases the teller will divert attention from that nub by dropping it in a carefully casual and indifferent way, with the pretense that he does not know it is a nub.
Artemus Ward used that trick a good deal; then when the belated audience presently caught the joke he would look up with innocent surprise, as if wondering what they had found to laugh at. Dan Setchell used it before him, Nye and Riley and others use it to-day.
But the teller of the comic story does not slur the nub; he shouts at you--every time. And when he prints it, in England, France, Germany and Italy, he italicises it, puts some whooping exclamation-points after it, and sometimes explains it in a parenthesis. All of which is very depressing, and makes one want to renounce joking and lead a better life ...
- Mark Twian
This morning I became a certified water monitor with Adopt-a-Stream. Thanks David Promis. I enjoyed it. Now my students and I can get serious about monitoring the health of our little school stream, and maybe Armuchee Creek, into which it flows.
Comment
Barbara Helie
What a neat way for students to learn about the health of our water supply and all of the things that contribute to it.
"We want to build a statewide culture of environmental literacy and citizenship."
"...see that moon out your window?
I'm under that same light.
Hear me whisper your name
- I'm prayin'
may our love be never-ending
as long as somewhere the wind still blows"
"...I saw that interesting part of the state when all was
new-waters in the creeks and rivers as clear as crystal; rich valleys, hills . .
. . covered with thick forest. A land of beautiful flowers-white, pink, yellow
and red honeysuckle (azaleas), redbud, dog-wood blossoms, wild roses and many
others. The ground was covered with violets, sweet-williams (flocks), and other
beauties. There was plenty of wild game-deer, turkey, and other varieties. When
first seen, it was in lovely spring and I was nine years old."
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| Joe Cook, Diector of the Coosa River Basin Initiative accepts the EEA 2011 Organization Award on behalf of the Georgia River Network. (with April Ingle) |
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| Mary Terry presents Kim Kilgore the Project Wild Facilitator of the Year award to our own Kim Kilgore of Arrowhead Environmental Education Center. |
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| Singer/Songwriter/Naturalist Erica Wheeler entertained at lunch. (with Vivian Davis) |
Thanks to Billy Grant for pointing me to this article. As I have said many times, unbridled socialism is contrary to human nature and does NOT work, but it is no more dangerous than unregulated capitalism. No one "earns" billions. They may be very industrious, brilliant, creative, etc, but they are also extremely lucky and their fortune is totally dependent on the hard work of thousands of folk of lesser means.
Comments:
Tersi Bendiburg
I agree with your comment, Terrell. Both extremes, a most extremes, are hurtful to society, and to the human spirit.
Tersi Bendiburg I meant to write, "...as most extremes,.."
Duane Parsons
I believe I remember the statistics reported yesterday correctly. 60% of the Freshman Senators and 40% of the Freshman House members are millionaires while only 1% of the American population is.
Tersi Bendiburg
I just wanted to remind you that I've lived, and experienced both. Actually worse, for my family and I experienced the stifling insanity for the many, double standards of the few, living in communism. Yet, as a Christian, I believe that there has to be a happy medium, where we do not live sheltered, and ignorant, of the needs of others. Of the suffering in this world. Or without the awareness that compared to many countries in the world, most of us are rich. Having all the we need and some, or a lot, of what we want.
Terrell Shaw
When I posted this my words were truncated again by Facebook's word limits.. grrrrrr! The rest went something like this:
My question for those who support continued (or even increased) "tax relief" for the wealthy is ---
At what point do you believe wealth becomes too concentrated?
Billionaires have had their taxes cut by more than 60% since the 1970s and their control of the wealth of our nation has greatly increased. CEOs "earn" nearly 300 times the pay of their hourly employees instead of the 35:1 ratio of the seventies. So I repeat, assuming that we do not want all wealth concentrated in one person's hands, at what point do you believe wealth becomes too concentrated?
Duane Parsons
CEO-to-worker wage gap has been a “hot button” for years & when I taught grad school, it was a favorite topic. Statistics & calculations are varied but the high was probably ~ 525 in 2005 & hovering ~ 400 today. Doesn’t matter-this wage gap is too high & needs to be brought under control starting with public education then public debate of the moral and ethical ramifications. I have no idea of equilibrium but I do know that widely divergent income levels throughout history have caused societal turmoil. It is only the tip of iceberg of corp. greed because CEO stock options, long-term incentive plans, & other perks are not normally (or cannot be) calculated as wages. There are other wage gaps to debate; Gender (women 82.8% of men); private equity managers & everyone else, including CEOs; professional athletes, and so on and so on. Yes, the President of the United States has numerous benefits and perks, but the compensation is $400,000/year.
A wonderful full day of stories - Ed Stivender, Sheila Kay Adams, Bil Lepp, and Donald Davis.
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| The stage, Callaway Auditorium |
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| Soup lunch at Bellevue, the antebellum home of Sen. Ben Hill. |
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| Callaway Auditorium |
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| This was our first time to hear Ed Stivender's stories in person. He's been a favorited for a quarter of a century or more. |
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| Ed took this pic of me and Sheila and his peacock feather. |
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| The former home of Sheila's grandparents on Boulevard in Lagrange. |
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| I had never heard of the Nancy Harts! How did I miss that? |
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| Lafayette |
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| Lafayette |
