WISDOM FROM NURSERY STORIES AND FABLES

WISDOM FROM NURSERY STORIES AND FABLES

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There can be a lot of wisdom in stories created for children and in the  form of fables passed from one generation to another. Here are just a few examples I believe represent learning experiences for us all The Velveteen Rabbit is a children's book written by Margery Williams and illustrated by William Nicholson. It chronicles the story of a stuffed rabbit's desire to become real through the love of his owner. It was originally published in 1922. This selection from…

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DONALD TRUMP’S NATIONAL POLITICAL DEMOLITION DERBY

DONALD TRUMP’S NATIONAL POLITICAL DEMOLITION DERBY

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 For the uninformed, a demolition derby typically consists of five or more cars that compete to win by the drivers deliberately ramming their vehicles into one another until there is only one left that is capable of being driven which becomes the "winner." Popular at county fairs and festivals, the mechanical mayhem is very loud, dramatic and chaotic to watch, as cars repeatedly crash into each other until there is only one left that is capable of driving. Soon, the…

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THE HEAVENLY HEIGHTS OF EVANGELICAL HYPOCRISY

THE HEAVENLY HEIGHTS OF EVANGELICAL HYPOCRISY

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I was amazed to read that a conservative political analyst and commentator, Mona Charen, was loudly booed at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in March of this year. This is the largest annual gathering of conservatives. She surprised those in attendance when she criticized President Trump for his sexual misconduct and for the hypocrisy of the the GOP as well as evangelicals in failing to condemn his conduct even though they were quick to condemn others for the same…

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MONEY TALKS AND GUNS KILL

MONEY TALKS AND GUNS KILL

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  We have had a recent history of tragic mass shootings. Here are a few of the more deadly attacks.  December 2, 2015      14 killed, 22 injured San Bernardino, CA  June 12, 2016            49 killed, 58 injured in Orlando FL nightclub shooting September 23, 2016    5 killed Burlington, WA October 1, 2017        59 Killed, more than 500 injured Las Vegas February 15, 2018    17 killed 14 wounded in Parkland FL Before the recent Florida school killing,…

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PUBLIC SERVICE INVOLVES AN OBLIGATION OF HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND CHARACTER. SO, WHAT HAPPENED TO AMERICA?

PUBLIC SERVICE INVOLVES AN OBLIGATION OF HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND CHARACTER. SO, WHAT HAPPENED TO AMERICA?

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It is not an exaggeration to point out that the president, his staff, Congressional leaders and appointed agency heads are continually exposed for their lies, political hypocrisy and evasion of truth. Concealment and attempted cover up is regularly exposed. Appointed agency heads are grossly unqualified for their job or just plain incompetent. Worse, they have an open agenda of undermining the purpose for the agency as a regulatory body. Personal financial or political interests are too often the motive for…

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EVALUATION OF JOE KENNEDY III RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH

EVALUATION OF JOE KENNEDY III RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH

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As a retired trial lawyer who spent the majority of his adult life studying communication skills, I was curious to view the response by Representative Kennedy to the president's state of the union address. He has been viewed as as new rising political star. His family background involves some of the most dynamic and charismatic political leaders of our time. As a dedicated democrat, I was interested in his speaking skills given the need for great, young candidates in our…

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WILLIAM TAYLOR: COACH, MENTOR AND INSPIRATION FOR ANACORTES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

WILLIAM TAYLOR: COACH, MENTOR AND INSPIRATION FOR ANACORTES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

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On January 24, 2002 William "Bill" Taylor died in Anacortes. He was one of Anacortes's most successful basketball coaches. He also was a positive influence in so many young men's lives, including mine. He was a great coach and mentor to me. I've published a full account of my high school relationship to this great coach and his profound influence in my life: https://paulluverajournalonline.com/weblog/2013/01/william-taylor.html . In addition, I published a background of this unique man who was so important in guiding…

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AS TO YOUR PAST REGRETS, REMEMBER THERE’S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW

AS TO YOUR PAST REGRETS, REMEMBER THERE’S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT NOW

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I was listening to Willie Nelson sing the song There is Nothing I Can Do About it Now on my car radio and thought about the wisdom that used to be written in poems and short stories, but are now so often written in song. It struck me how on target the lyrics were about our past regrets, the "if only" worries about the past which are now out of our control. Much as been written about it.  John Greenleaf Whittier,…

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BEING NICE TO PEOPLE DOESN’T COST ANYTHING & HAS IT’S OWN REWARDS

BEING NICE TO PEOPLE DOESN’T COST ANYTHING & HAS IT’S OWN REWARDS

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Skagit County Attorney David Lowell sent an end of the year message as President of the county bar association. He enclosed this story of an experience of  Paul William "Bear" Bryant. Bear Bryant was an American college football player and coach. He was best known as the longtime head coach of the University of Alabama football team. During his 25-year tenure as Alabama's head coach, he amassed six national championships and thirteen conference championships. Here's the story he repeated about an…

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ELIZABETH “BETTY” BARNETT  1910 -12/20/1985

ELIZABETH “BETTY” BARNETT  1910 -12/20/1985

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Betty Barnett was my wife Lita's mother who died December 20, 1985. I've written about this remarkable woman many times. See https://paulluverajournalonline.com/weblog/2013/12/my-mother-in-law-elizabeth-barnett-1910-1995.html It was my privilege to have known her. She was extraordinary  in so many ways. She was very intelligent, wise and a great judge of people. I loved her like my own mother for her many qualities and her understanding. This is a woman who attended Holy Names in Spokane where she was taught proper table settings, good manners and social skills. She…

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