Someone at the rehab center didn’t charge Cynthia’s chair properly this morning. I met her a little while ago outside my gym, where her motorized wheelchair was caught in a crack on a slight incline in the sidewalk, just around the corner from the home of a friend she was visiting. She just didn’t have the juice to get over the crack and up the hill. (That last sentence really makes it seem like this post is about drugs! It’s not.)
I didn’t know all of this when I approached. All I knew was that there was a lady sitting in a wheelchair on the sidewalk, not really going anywhere and not really at any recognizable destination. I didn’t even know if I should approach, to be honest. Maybe I should just mind my own business, I thought. I decided, though, to ask if everything was okay and I found out what you now know, and I helped her over that crack and a few others, over the hill, and around the corner. We had a very nice conversation about Thanksgiving, the fall foliage, and the gym, and she and her friend, Butch, thanked me heartily when we arrived a few minutes later.
It was a good feeling, to be sure, and I’m glad I decided to stop, but I’m not telling the story so you’ll know how noble I am, what a nice thing I did, or how lucky she was that I happened by. I’m telling the story because it stirred within me many thoughts – some disturbing and some hopeful – and some simple truths.
First, I am astounded by how close I came to “minding my own business” and leaving Cynthia to try to handle the situation alone until, hopefully, someone else came along. I didn’t ask her how long she had been there before I came. Maybe I was the first person to pass on foot (it’s not a heavily pedestrian area); I hope so. And I wonder if I would have stopped so willingly if I “had some place to be.”
Cynthia seems to be a perfectly lovely person. I’m happy to have met her. She can’t walk, or at least not too well, but she certainly isn’t some kind of helpless drain on the society around her. She happened to hit a circumstance today in which her battery didn’t have what it took to get up the hill and she needed a little push.
Many among us hold dear and extol the virtue of self-reliance, as we should. It is a great thing to be able to lift and hold one’s self up physically, mentally, emotionally, economically, and in other ways. In political and economic discussions of late, I have heard many speak with disdain about those who can not do so financially. Some are in dire economic situations because of their own doing, certainly. Some, however, have hit an unfortunate, scary moment of vulnerability because a faulty power cord, a hill, and some rough cement have converged to leave the battery without quite enough juice, unless someone can give a little push. It could happen to anyone and, in fact, it does eventually happen to everyone.
We should not allow ourselves to be bogged down or derailed by supporting those who are not willing to support themselves, but we should not be opposed to giving a little push when it is genuinely needed, either. The ability to give that push is one of the very greatest things about being a person and we ought not go so far out of our way to train ourselves to do otherwise. “Mind your own business” and “do it yourself” simply do not work all the time. Even if I had “had some place to be” today, I was in the right place.
Mind the business that needs minding.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
On This Very Day
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope this day finds you with plenty in your life for which to give thanks, as well as the capacity and willingness to do so. Among countless blessings in my own life, I include this medium for expression and those of you who choose to share in it. It is a most glorious ride.
On this very day, one decade ago, I was in Austin, TX, unexpectedly, to welcome my first niece, who turned 10 yesterday, into the world. As if that weren’t reason enough for the visit to my old college town to be gloriously memorable, once there, I was lucky enough to be given a ticket to a much anticipated Texas football game against Texas A&M. The intrastate showdown is a big deal every year, but that particular game saw Ricky Williams trying to break the NCAA all-time rushing record, which he did in memorable fashion on a 60 yard touchdown run in the first quarter. I just saw the replay on ESPN Classic and it’s still awesome. He really was a fantastic player and was incredibly deserving of the Heisman Trophy he won a few weeks later.
Ten years have passed and, on this very day, another Lone Star Showdown will unfold tonight in Austin and it’s a big one, folks. (I’m listening to Brent Musberger call the ’98 game and I think his talking style is rubbing off on my typing!) Texas has the chance to cement its case for spot in the Big XII Championship game and a shot at a second national championship in four years. That race has been analyzed to death as the football-enthusiast world has sought to understand the BCS system and how this season might shake out. Needless to say, I’m very excited about tonight’s game and the opportunity to beat down a despised opponent.
I’m almost equally excited about the chance for another Texas hero to earn Heisman votes. Colt McCoy is very much in the mix for the coveted award and, if it’s going to go to one of the players currently being prominently mentioned, it should be McCoy. He has done so many different things so well in leading this team, unexpectedly, to the top of the mountain this year. It was, however, this very game that cemented Vince Young’s fate as runner-up for the award four years ago, as he had a mediocre outing against the Aggies and was seen sulking on the bench while Reggie Bush ran wild over some terrible West Coast team.* That game wasn’t held on Thanksgiving, though, and I didn’t have the chance to eat sweet potato casserole, pumpkin pie, and other burnt orange holiday delicacies. I believe this very day will be different.
* Vince promptly led the Horns to a 70-3 victory in the Big XII Championship and gave perhaps the greatest single game performance in college football history in a head-to-head showdown with his Heisman nemeses in the national championship. Hopefully, voters learned their lesson.
On this very day, one decade ago, I was in Austin, TX, unexpectedly, to welcome my first niece, who turned 10 yesterday, into the world. As if that weren’t reason enough for the visit to my old college town to be gloriously memorable, once there, I was lucky enough to be given a ticket to a much anticipated Texas football game against Texas A&M. The intrastate showdown is a big deal every year, but that particular game saw Ricky Williams trying to break the NCAA all-time rushing record, which he did in memorable fashion on a 60 yard touchdown run in the first quarter. I just saw the replay on ESPN Classic and it’s still awesome. He really was a fantastic player and was incredibly deserving of the Heisman Trophy he won a few weeks later.
Ten years have passed and, on this very day, another Lone Star Showdown will unfold tonight in Austin and it’s a big one, folks. (I’m listening to Brent Musberger call the ’98 game and I think his talking style is rubbing off on my typing!) Texas has the chance to cement its case for spot in the Big XII Championship game and a shot at a second national championship in four years. That race has been analyzed to death as the football-enthusiast world has sought to understand the BCS system and how this season might shake out. Needless to say, I’m very excited about tonight’s game and the opportunity to beat down a despised opponent.
I’m almost equally excited about the chance for another Texas hero to earn Heisman votes. Colt McCoy is very much in the mix for the coveted award and, if it’s going to go to one of the players currently being prominently mentioned, it should be McCoy. He has done so many different things so well in leading this team, unexpectedly, to the top of the mountain this year. It was, however, this very game that cemented Vince Young’s fate as runner-up for the award four years ago, as he had a mediocre outing against the Aggies and was seen sulking on the bench while Reggie Bush ran wild over some terrible West Coast team.* That game wasn’t held on Thanksgiving, though, and I didn’t have the chance to eat sweet potato casserole, pumpkin pie, and other burnt orange holiday delicacies. I believe this very day will be different.
* Vince promptly led the Horns to a 70-3 victory in the Big XII Championship and gave perhaps the greatest single game performance in college football history in a head-to-head showdown with his Heisman nemeses in the national championship. Hopefully, voters learned their lesson.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Recipe For Disaster
If you happen to be an undefeated college football team, may I suggest that you beware 1 second remaining during road games against teams wearing black jerseys?
I just watched Penn State lose its first game of the year to Iowa on a field goal with a tick left on the game clock, painfully reminiscent of Texas Tech's last second touchdown a week ago to defeat the previously undefeated Longhorns. The mob scenes were very similar and I know how sad a moment it was for Penn State fans (though I was rooting for them to lose as that clears out a team from ahead of Texas in the rankings) and how exciting it was for a proud program looking for something to build on toward the next level.
Now, if only LSU were wearing black!
I just watched Penn State lose its first game of the year to Iowa on a field goal with a tick left on the game clock, painfully reminiscent of Texas Tech's last second touchdown a week ago to defeat the previously undefeated Longhorns. The mob scenes were very similar and I know how sad a moment it was for Penn State fans (though I was rooting for them to lose as that clears out a team from ahead of Texas in the rankings) and how exciting it was for a proud program looking for something to build on toward the next level.
Now, if only LSU were wearing black!
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Procrastination Works: Electoral Math
Happy Election Day!
1 is the number of votes I just cast. There were
0 people ahead of me in line. It took
6 minutes from the time I got out of my car until I began a
2 minute exit poll with a student from GHS-TV channel
17 on my cable dial. Evidently, over
50 percent of my precinct's voters voted early, and over
500 had been through the precinct between
6 a.m. and
1 p.m.
Before I get too gleeful about the short line, I must remind myself (it's not hard) of the
8 long years that I have waited to cast this vote. Now, it's just
5 or
6 hours until I spend the evening watching my evil twin,
Chuck Todd, as he brings us results on the NBC family of networks.
In my opinion, these pictures don't do the similarity justice. Imagine me with a goatee and my hair combed. I've never really heard a word this guy has said on tv because I'm always just laughing at myself on the screen! (I'm an idiot.)
.
1 is the number of votes I just cast. There were
0 people ahead of me in line. It took
6 minutes from the time I got out of my car until I began a
2 minute exit poll with a student from GHS-TV channel
17 on my cable dial. Evidently, over
50 percent of my precinct's voters voted early, and over
500 had been through the precinct between
6 a.m. and
1 p.m.
Before I get too gleeful about the short line, I must remind myself (it's not hard) of the
8 long years that I have waited to cast this vote. Now, it's just
5 or
6 hours until I spend the evening watching my evil twin,
Chuck Todd, as he brings us results on the NBC family of networks.
In my opinion, these pictures don't do the similarity justice. Imagine me with a goatee and my hair combed. I've never really heard a word this guy has said on tv because I'm always just laughing at myself on the screen! (I'm an idiot.)
.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Busy Times
So much has happened over the last week and a half or so. I can't believe I haven't shared all of the excitement with you yet. I have given comedy performances outside in a sukkah on a very cold night at an Orthodox congregation and at a retirement home/assisted living facility. The audience age at the first averaged around 26. At the latter... about 89. I spent four days in New York City with 31 tenth graders, saw Wicked and met some of the cast, went to an 80's prom in The Village, visited the Saturday Night Live studio (where I accidentally dropped a business card. Oops!), and ate Chinese rose treats, pickles, and tofu as I walked the streets of the Lower East Side. I took Baked Cheetos with me to the city so that I could eat them on game day. Thank goodness, too! It was a close one as Texas topped Oklahoma State to stay atop the national rankings and on track for a national championship run. This week presents yet another monumental task for the Horns in Lubbock at Texas Tech. Yikes. And hook 'em.
I have also spent a great deal of time responding to emails, facebook posts and the like which claim that Barack Obama is either a communist or a terrorist or that he believes judges should rule based on empathy rather than the law. There seems to be no end to the ridiculous crap people will communicate and believe.
The one thing I have not done is vote. Early voting ends today in my state and I will have to do it on election day. I hear terrible tales of the lines I might have to wait in, but wait I shall! If I should decide that I'm too busy to vote, I risk this...
Watch News Story
Don't let that story be about you!
I have also spent a great deal of time responding to emails, facebook posts and the like which claim that Barack Obama is either a communist or a terrorist or that he believes judges should rule based on empathy rather than the law. There seems to be no end to the ridiculous crap people will communicate and believe.
The one thing I have not done is vote. Early voting ends today in my state and I will have to do it on election day. I hear terrible tales of the lines I might have to wait in, but wait I shall! If I should decide that I'm too busy to vote, I risk this...
Watch News Story
Don't let that story be about you!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Your Auto: Liberal or Conservative?
Recently, I was in traffic behind a small Subaru wagon that was adorned with an Obama '08 bumper sticker. It occurred to me, then and there, that Subaru seems to be a decidedly Democratic car. I thought through the Subaru owners that I know and their political leanings all fell into 3 of 5 categories that I quickly created at a stoplight.
1) Regular/Frequent Democratic voter
2) I don't know, but if I had to guess, I'd say regular/frequent Democratic voter
3) I really don't know
4) I don't know, but if I had to guess, I'd say regular/frequent Republican voter
5) Regular/Frequent Republican voter.
Every single Subaru owner I know fell into either category 1, 2, or 3, with several in category 1. It is important that share with you, at this point, that the total number of owners I could come up with was about 10 - a rather small chunk of the electorate. A small chunk, yes, but an undeniable correlation between party and car. I tried to think of any other car maker that I could connect so closely with a political party. I thought through luxury car makers and the Republican party, but I could name Democrats that drive them all.
It's probably too late for this election cycle, but it seems quite clear that the Democratic party must forge partnerships with Subaru and Subaru dealers to get more Americans in those vehicles. Perhaps Democratic National Committee dollars could be utilized as subsidies for those wishing to purchase Subarus. For the DNC, it would be an investment in practically guaranteeing future votes.
I did a very quick internet search for "Subaru Democrat" and did find this article, which confirms Subaru, and a couple of other makes as having been decidedly Democrat in 2004, and Porsche as a car whose owners overwhelmingly supported George Bush that year. It also mentions some other proclivities of voters, including hobbies, and all I can say is Democrats watch some crap TV!*
* They, like everyone else, should be tuning in to see Texas Longhorns football games like the one played last weekend that propelled the 'Horns to #1 in all the land!
.
1) Regular/Frequent Democratic voter
2) I don't know, but if I had to guess, I'd say regular/frequent Democratic voter
3) I really don't know
4) I don't know, but if I had to guess, I'd say regular/frequent Republican voter
5) Regular/Frequent Republican voter.
Every single Subaru owner I know fell into either category 1, 2, or 3, with several in category 1. It is important that share with you, at this point, that the total number of owners I could come up with was about 10 - a rather small chunk of the electorate. A small chunk, yes, but an undeniable correlation between party and car. I tried to think of any other car maker that I could connect so closely with a political party. I thought through luxury car makers and the Republican party, but I could name Democrats that drive them all.
It's probably too late for this election cycle, but it seems quite clear that the Democratic party must forge partnerships with Subaru and Subaru dealers to get more Americans in those vehicles. Perhaps Democratic National Committee dollars could be utilized as subsidies for those wishing to purchase Subarus. For the DNC, it would be an investment in practically guaranteeing future votes.
I did a very quick internet search for "Subaru Democrat" and did find this article, which confirms Subaru, and a couple of other makes as having been decidedly Democrat in 2004, and Porsche as a car whose owners overwhelmingly supported George Bush that year. It also mentions some other proclivities of voters, including hobbies, and all I can say is Democrats watch some crap TV!*
* They, like everyone else, should be tuning in to see Texas Longhorns football games like the one played last weekend that propelled the 'Horns to #1 in all the land!
.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Rebuttals, Realignments, Rivalries, and Repentance
Note: This post will be conveniently divided by the respective "R" words above so you can easily access the R-topic that most interests you (though I wholeheaRtedly Recommend Reading all fouR).
R1: I have decided I don't care for the Presidential debates. Even the most casual of ZiggyBackRiders will know that I am very interested in the election and the political process, but I really believe that no purpose is served by these little get-togethers. The candidates just break their stump speeches into little answer-sized pieces (though actually slightly larger than answer-sized, as they continually exceed the agreed upon time limits) and deliver them in response to whatever question seems to come closest to broaching the appropriate speech piece. They also engage in a great deal of pettiness in hopes of looking better in a side-by-side comparison. Last night, I learned nothing new. The only interesting part was thinking about how I would have anwered the final question: "What don't you know and how will you go about learning it?" Perhaps I'll address that in a future post. Or maybe I'll finally write that list of my favorite sports movies, which I've promised to Zina, David, and others for about three years now! That brings us to...
R2: I'd like to take this opportunity to invite/encourage all Chicago Cubs fans to realign themselves with the New York Yankees. Here's why. The Cubs have broken your hearts again. Again! I would never encourage you to return to a lover or a business associate who had scorned or cheated you so many times and I can not, in good conscience, let you think it's okay going on believing that the Cubs will win you a championship one day. The Cubs are just wrong for you - plain and simple. I've always thought of them as somewhat similar to the Yankees, though - aside from the winning, of course - in that they are a classic team with a national following, a colorful history, and a landmark stadium. So, it's not that big a switch, really - aside from the winning, of course. And while I don't think sports fans should be casual about switching alliances, I think it's always okay to like the Yankees. They are baseball history and they are America. They are pinstripes and pride, legends and lore. Their story is every baseball fan's story. They can be your team. And you, Cubs fan... you, too can know what it's like to be with a team that cares about you. Welcome aboard!
R3: Texas vs. Oklahoma! This Saturday! Two undefeated teams! Both ranked in the top 5! Red River Rivalry! History! Heisman candidates! College Gameday! Big Tex! Bevo! Baked Cheetos! National Champi...No! I dare not!
I'm excited. A little.
R4: Yom Kippur, the Day of Repentance, begins tonight at sundown. May you who are observing have an easy fast and a meaningful day, may you find it easy to forgive and to feel forgiven, and may you emerge from this holy day ready to be better and do better, ready to live the life - and build the world - of your dreams.
R1: I have decided I don't care for the Presidential debates. Even the most casual of ZiggyBackRiders will know that I am very interested in the election and the political process, but I really believe that no purpose is served by these little get-togethers. The candidates just break their stump speeches into little answer-sized pieces (though actually slightly larger than answer-sized, as they continually exceed the agreed upon time limits) and deliver them in response to whatever question seems to come closest to broaching the appropriate speech piece. They also engage in a great deal of pettiness in hopes of looking better in a side-by-side comparison. Last night, I learned nothing new. The only interesting part was thinking about how I would have anwered the final question: "What don't you know and how will you go about learning it?" Perhaps I'll address that in a future post. Or maybe I'll finally write that list of my favorite sports movies, which I've promised to Zina, David, and others for about three years now! That brings us to...
R2: I'd like to take this opportunity to invite/encourage all Chicago Cubs fans to realign themselves with the New York Yankees. Here's why. The Cubs have broken your hearts again. Again! I would never encourage you to return to a lover or a business associate who had scorned or cheated you so many times and I can not, in good conscience, let you think it's okay going on believing that the Cubs will win you a championship one day. The Cubs are just wrong for you - plain and simple. I've always thought of them as somewhat similar to the Yankees, though - aside from the winning, of course - in that they are a classic team with a national following, a colorful history, and a landmark stadium. So, it's not that big a switch, really - aside from the winning, of course. And while I don't think sports fans should be casual about switching alliances, I think it's always okay to like the Yankees. They are baseball history and they are America. They are pinstripes and pride, legends and lore. Their story is every baseball fan's story. They can be your team. And you, Cubs fan... you, too can know what it's like to be with a team that cares about you. Welcome aboard!
R3: Texas vs. Oklahoma! This Saturday! Two undefeated teams! Both ranked in the top 5! Red River Rivalry! History! Heisman candidates! College Gameday! Big Tex! Bevo! Baked Cheetos! National Champi...No! I dare not!
I'm excited. A little.
R4: Yom Kippur, the Day of Repentance, begins tonight at sundown. May you who are observing have an easy fast and a meaningful day, may you find it easy to forgive and to feel forgiven, and may you emerge from this holy day ready to be better and do better, ready to live the life - and build the world - of your dreams.
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