December 2008 148, originally uploaded by pappy65.

Edinboro Sports Dome 3

Here are a couple of pictures of the Edinboro Sports Dome from different angles. The second picture shows the attached building, that will, I assume, be used as an entrance. Click on the photos to see a larger version that gives a better idea of the magnitude of this dome.

As an Athletic Center, the dome will be used for track, soccer, lacrosse, football, and other sports. Some of us hope tennis will be one of the sports able to use the dome. In addition, campus events such as Graduation will be held in this heated and air-conditioned structure. The dome's usefulness will probably makeup for this dreary looking white elephant,er, dome.

Santa and Reindeer

Santa and raindeer, originally uploaded by pappy65.

A very Merry Christmas and a most Happy New Year!

Clarinetist to Perform for Obama's Inauguration

The clarinet world is abuzz about the selection of Anthony McGill to play at Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration. McGill is principal clarinetist for the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. McGill’s relative lack of name recognition has some clarinetists wondering why he was chosen for this honor. An African-American, McGill will be part of a quartet made up of Itzhak Perlman, an Israeli-American and internationally recognized violinist; Yo-Yo Ma, a Chinese-American who is one of the world’s most renowned cellists; and Gabriela Montero a gifted pianist who was born in Caracas, Venezuela. The composer and arranger for the work that will be performed by this unique quartet is John Williams, perhaps America’s greatest living composer. McGill is in excellent company.

Diversity seems to be one of the hallmarks of this quartet, aside from the obvious musical gifts of each individual. Perlman is Jewish and disabled, Yo-Yo Ma is a Chinese-American, Montero is a Latin American woman, and McGill is a black man. John Williams has not only written two symphonies and a cello concerto for Yo-Yo Ma, he has written the music for popular films from Star Wars to Harry Potter, and he conducted America’s orchestra, the Boston Pops. A better example of the diversity of the United States could hardly be found in a classical quartet of such talent.

Just as the musicians are diverse, the instrumentation of violin, cello, piano, and clarinet is unusual for a quartet. However, instrumentalists and instruments should meld together in harmonious accord. McGill, an accomplished chamber musician, has performed in concert with Yo-Yo Ma. Montero is not only an accomplished interpreter of classic compositions, she is also highly regarded for her skills as an improviser. These two relatively unknown, but highly acclaimed, musicians will perform with the renowned Perlman and Yo-Yo Ma to create a musicians dream team playing an original work by a great American composer.

The quartets appearance will follow the Oath of Office administered to Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and precede the Oath of Office administered to President-elect Barack H. Obama.

If there is a political statement in all of this it is that 21st century America is ready in all of it’s diversity to create and appreciate unique music for a new era.

Edinboro Sports Dome 2

T The Edinboro University Sports Dome is now up. This picture shows the dome nearly inflated. No other structure has changed the campus view as dramatically. Notice, for instance, that McComb Fieldhouse is not visible.

Edinboro Sports Dome

Edinboro Sports Dome, originally uploaded by pappy65.

The Edinboro University Dome, an athletic complex, is in the final stage of construction and the first stage of positioning the inflatable dome.

Broadway Billboard

Broadway Billboard, originally uploaded by pappy65.

As an old drama teacher, I couldn't resist using the Broadway Billboard and our Nutcracker to make a holiday greeting.

Used a flirkr toy

Death: Being and Not Being

Mozart wrote the Requiem (at least the part he was able to complete) on his deathbed. He died young, but his life's work has remained ageless. Even the rumors surrounding his death remain vibrant. Mozart has achieved a type of immortality, yet his corporal body and essential self is no more. He met our inevitable end.

Religion has offered hope to many in the form of an afterlife. At a recent Memorial Service I attended, the speaker depicted the type of heaven I'd appreciate. In his Heaven we return to our most beautiful state and no longer suffer pain, crippling, or any other malady, and we will be greeted by our most beloved ones who have already passed on to Heavenly life. The reward for our earthly suffering and good works will be eternal bliss.

Faith and belief are critical to heavenly reward. Yet, in our day of evangelical extremism, factious Christianity, Islamic jihad, and irrational defense of god's will, it is difficult to have faith and belief in the God(s) of World Religions, after all, He seems at war with himself.

If God wants us all to be saved, why would He create diverse major religions with further divisive sub categories, with each claiming to be the one true religion? The claim that God acts in mysterious ways is not good enough.

Furthermore, why create an afterlife pictured much as we know material existence, but honed to a paradise unrealized on earth? Heaven is hope that the irrational suffering humans undergo will be erased, and that eternity will be joyful. Death becomes desirable.

Existentialism, following the irrationality of the Second World War, held a view that god, for all practical purposes, was dead. Hope of life beyond this worldly sphere also died.

What is the truth? Is there life after death? If so, what is it like? The ancient depictions of Heaven no longer ring with truth or self-evidence. The modern depiction of a self created Hell on Earth, is self-evident, but contains little hope or an imaginative, yet realistic, depiction of afterlife. Modernity leaves us with Being and Non-Being.

Shakespeare's Hamlet contemplated Being or Not Being, and gave us rational fear of death, “What dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil?” While worms crawl about our skull, our soul may be caught in an eternal nightmare. This is an undesirable death.

Well, we can say with certainty that our body will decay and become part of the earth and, thereby, continue within the framework of this vast, unknown universal body called the cosmos, to live. That great lives and souls such as Mozart and Shakespeare will continue to live in the hearts and minds of people as long as our civilization exists. That we, for good or ill, will be remembered by our friends and family, and, hopefully, some of the best of our nature will nurture our children and be passed on to their children, and their children's children. Our body's will rot, but our lives do impact the future. Neither desirable nor undesirable, Death is inevitable.

Thanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving 2008, originally uploaded by pappy65.

Made the Thanksgiving photo for last year, but it still works. I put the wrong date in last year!

I am once again looking forward to our family gathering. My daughter will be traveling the farthest. She is coming in from South Carolina. May she have a safe journey, and may we all be thankful for what we have, especially good health, a warm home, and family.

Gudgeonville Bridge Arson

A picturesque piece of history in nearby Girard, Pa, was set on fire early last Saturday morning. A covered bridge built in 1837 was destroyed by unknown arsonists in 2008. The Gudgeonville Bridge had a colorful history, a romantic past, and a troubled present, but now it is ashes and charred timber.

In an area like Northwestern Pennsylvania it became essential to have bridges for farmers, merchants, and travelers to cross the numerous creeks and streams. In the early nineteenth century hardwood was plentiful, so wood was a relatively inexpensive and available material for bridge construction. Wooden bridges last much longer if they are covered with sides and a roof, additions especially helpful in the ice and snow of our area. Moreover, the cover of the bridge could serve travelers during a storm, and it is said that horses shied from crossing open bridges above streams.

Back in 1855 a Kentuckian traveling the area with mule and wagon was selling goods in Girard. His business completed, he wanted to take his wagon of merchandise to Meadville. He was given directions that would take him over a portion of Elk Creek that was an adjunct part of the Erie Canal. The Kentuckian traveler and his mule, Gudgeon, had to cross the creek over a steep outcropping of shale known as the Devil’s Elbow near an unnamed settlement. But as fate would have it, just as the homesick mule was about to step onto the bridge, Dan Rice, the famous clown, and his circus were returning home to Girard for the winter. On board a barge, the calliope player struck up the rapturous strains of, “My Old Kentucky Home.” Upon hearing the sudden and cacophonic sounds of the calliope playing a tune in homage of his home state, Gudgeon bolted and collapsed. The old mule died on the bridge.

The Kentucky traveler saddened by the loss of his friend and mule buried his faithful companion near the bridge and placed sign’s at either end of the bridge proclaiming, “Gudgeon’s Bridge.” And thus is how the area became known as Gudgeonville.

An era ends.

Trip to Greeleyville

My wife and I recently returned from a 12 day trip to visit our daughter in Greeleyville, South Carolina, where she is now living. So, it was with some interest that we observed the location of less than 500 inhabitants.

Fortunately, for us, in the late afternoon of the day we arrived, Greeleyville was alive with the annual Homecoming Parade. Main street was lined with nearly every citizen of the community watching the parade consisting of floats nicely decorated by a local company, marching units, small bands, loud drums, and cars with local queens and kings riding on the hoods, waving in a majestic manner. The Greeleyville High School Band consisted of approximately five instrumentalists and a drum line. In fact, for most of the bands that participated, the drum line and high stepping marchers were the chief features. The crowd was enthusiastic about the local entertainment, and true to small town tradition, candy thrown from the vehicles was a favorite of the children. Food vendors featured roast pig, chicken, and hot dogs.

On Saturday we took a trip to Kingstree, capitol of Williamsburg County, for a Pig Pickin’ Festival. Pig pickin‘, for the uninitiated, is a pig roast. The festival featured row after row of roasting pigs and secret methods of cooking them. We favored those cooked over Black Oak. A carnival atmosphere prevailed with rides and booths, but the main attraction was food, and nearly everyone we saw was eating.

Cotton fields are plentiful. The tobacco crop was recently harvested. Rows of pine trees guard the fields. I enjoyed seeing the Southern Oak resplendent in Spanish moss, a truly southern touch. When we went to nearly Lake Marion, a reservoir that makes the largest lake in South Carolina, I learned the secret of catching large “cats,” catfish being a local favorite of fishermen.

Southern hospitality is still alive and well. The people we met were friendly. Twice as we were on our daily walk on little traveled Burgess Rd., guys in pickup trucks asked if we needed a ride to town, and nearly everyone who passed gave us a sociable wave.

I am happy to know that my daughter is living in a pleasant, friendly community.

Vote Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Back when I was in a high school typing class, there were certain sentences that we had to practice. One statement was, “The quick brown fox jumped over the fence;” another, more memorable, quote was, “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.” In these more politically volatile times, it would be better to say, “Now is the time for all good citizens to vote.”

So no matter who you support, be one of the good citizens who gets out and votes. It always astonishes me how few people actually vote, and thereby a minority of people have the greatest say in who acts for us. In this year’s election I’ll be voting for, among others, a state representative, a state senator, a vice-president, and a president. I’d rather have my vote go toward the person who I think will best act in a way I would If I were in their shoes.

Above all else, let’s vote for people who will support the best aspects of this great society of ours and especially the Constitution of the United States.

Seems I Made the News

Edinboro Fighting Scot Statue

Why haven't we seen the statue of the Edinboro Fighting Scot? Inquiring minds want to know.

Edinboro Homecoming: The Parade

As reported previously, the annual homecoming parade had a new route this year. My wife and I walked to the greens behind McComb Fieldhouse for the President’s Brunch on the Lawn. As usual we greeted old friends and acquaintances and enjoyed a brunch of sweet roles, fruit, and scrambled eggs. Fortunately, the day was perfect for the event, sunny, with a touch of Autumn after the first frost of the season. Following brunch, we walked to the west side of Mallory Lake and sat on a bench facing the lake that has a full panoramic view of the campus and parade route. A small, single engine plane circled overhead straining for a view of the event, and looking for attention. People lined the campus loop at predictable spots: the corners and turns, next to the bridge over the campus stream, and in front of favorite buildings. A good crowd was on hand.

The parade started and it was fascinating to watch from a distance with an observer’s vantage point. The Color Guard led the event follow by the president’s vehicle, and the Edinboro University Marching Band. The roar of the Zem Zem motorcycles was missing, but the acrobatic antics of the girl’s gymnastic class doing cartwheels down the street was fascinating to watch. Soon, the cars with homecoming king and queen appeared, the alumni band showed their stuff, the comic book themed floats appeared, the General McLane Band dazzled, and the parade carried on with color and noise.



Before the parade ended, we decided to walk downtown along the old parade route to see how much different things were. The quiet emptiness was startling to one used to the crowded byways, but most unusual was the lack of business at the bars and the noticeably un-rowdy streets.

The community got what they wanted, less cost and responsibility. Downtown, the merchants will probably still do a good day’s business. As for Edinboro University, the spacious and beautiful campus became the focus of the event. Alumni will have their say, but my guess is that this was the first of many campus loop parades to come.

My Paul Newman Story

Back in 1969 during a low period of my life, I decided to have an “On the Road,” get away to think things through. I stopped in Indianapolis to see an old friend, who happened to be the doctor for the Indianapolis Speedway. He told me that Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were filming a movie at the Speedway and asked if I'd like to watch. Of course, I did. He loaned me his little red Triumph sports car and gave me his gatepass. I drove out to the Speedway, crossed the original brickyard and arrived at Gasoline Alley, where they were doing the day's shooting. The set was a garage built for the movie, but added as an extention to a row of garages in what makes up Gasoline Alley.

While standing around watching the camera preparations for a scene to be shot, I met a young reporter for a national news magazine, Time, as I recall, who was doing a feature on the film. We watched the crews work and the supporting actors primp for their roles. Finally, Paul Newman arrived, did a few takes, and the Director had what he wanted for the garage scene.

Then, the reporter and I were asked if we'd like to be in a scene. Well, of course we would. We were given jackets to dress the part of garage mechanics and our task was basically to walk down Gasoline Alley behind Paul Newman. We were more or less movable scenery. Meanwhile, we had the opportunity to chat with the actor, who was still very much in his prime, but he seemed entirely approachable and unassuming. Again, after a few takes the scene was finished, as was the days shooting.

Then, we were asked if we'd like to watch the dailies Dailies are films of the previous days shooting, and are viewed at the end of the next day's shoot. Paul Newman was particularly interested in watching the dailies, because the footage was of him driving on the big oval for the first time. Fortunately, Newman liked to drink a beer at the end of the day, so brew was on had for the half dozen or so of us, including Paul, who watched him race around the speedway.

I've never been comfortable with the idea of intruding in the lives of celebrities, so it was especially nice to have an opportunity to share some time with an actor I admired. He was quietly gracious and, I think, appreciative of having people around him who weren't demanding.

Here is a video trailer of Winning. Oh, by the way, I ended up on the cutting room floor.

Edinboro Homecoming

One of the great events of each year in Edinboro is EUP's Homecoming parade and football game. This year, for the first time since I've been here, the parade will not wind it's way through the Boro, but will travel the campus loop instead. It will be interesting to see how this break with tradition will go over with people who love to celebrate in town. I was looking forward to participating in the parade as part of the Zem Zem Brass Band, however, the Shriners have cancelled their participation in the parade. In any event, the activities will be a lot closer to home for us. A schedule of homecoming events is here.

And, for the first time, the university has a you tube announcement that can be seen by clicking here.

Amelia Leaving

My daughter is leaving today,
setting out on her first real life adventure. She has taken a job teaching physical education at Greeleyville Elementary School in Greeleyville, South Carolina. My wife and I are understandably sad about seeing her leave,
but we are proud and happy that she has found a career track job just three months after her graduation from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She had offers of positions in social service that were nearby. However, she trained to be a teacher, and that is what she wants to be! I know she will do a great job for the children at Greeleyville Elementary.

The Taste of Summer

We ate our first home grown, vine ripened, tomato of the season for lunch today. As my son said, “You can't buy that kind of taste in the store.” Tomatoes are one of my favorite fruits/vegetables; however, I've grown quite weary of those “plastic” tasting hot house tomatoes we get most of the year and the questionably ripened early season tomatoes that are shipped in from the South.
This year, with the additional fear of tainted tomatoes carrying salmonella, I've made it a point to avoid tomatoes until the two plants in our garden started producing. All I can say is, “The wait has been worth it!”

Driving 55

When driving 55 was first introduced in the 70s, I supported the idea. However, driving long trips soon became a physical and mental drain, with no accompanying feeling of gain from mileage or dollars spent. Perhaps, the rationing of gas used during WWII is a better way of making people feel like they are contributing to a solution. Both ideas detract attention from the real problem of finding alternative sources of energy and more efficient methods of transportation. Driving 55 turned out to be a bad idea, and now it's even a worse idea.

The automobile has shaped our lives in innumerable ways. We live miles away from our jobs, shop in strip malls that necessitate driving, and drive to recreational areas and entertainment venues. Our communities have sprawled from small neighborhoods where you could walk to work or downtown stores to metropolitan areas; that means more minutes and hours in the car. We spend too much time commuting and driving now. More time spent in travel isn’t the answer to our problems.

Adjusting the speed limit doesn’t address the oil and automotive issues that everyone has known about for decades. For those who think sacrifice caused by industrial mismanagement and corporate greed is healthy, let them drive at 55 and feel superior to the rest of us. Meanwhile, let’s demand significant research, promote the use of creative imagination, and once more encourage inventive minds to find better alternatives to oil, gasoline engines, and urban sprawl.

Graduation 2008

My daughter, Amelia, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. As an Emeritus faculty member, I requested that I be included in the graduation ceremony. I'm quite proud of her, she truly represents what it means to be a dedicated student, so it was with considerable happiness that I was able to don my academic gown and celebrate my daughter’s success.

I was at the beginning of the columns leading into McComb Fieldhouse, and I embraced her as she entered. Inside I was seated in the third row on the aisle, and embraced and congratulated her as she left the stage with her diploma. One of the young faculty members next to me said that seeing me embrace my daughter as she entered Commencement almost made her cry. I could only respond, "Me too." A Dean who observed me embrace her after she received her diploma told me that it was the best part of the ceremony for him.

The photo was taken in our backyard after Commencement during our celebration of the event. We are all quite happy for her.

Catching Up

Been a long time since my last blog post, so I’ll do a little catching up. First of all, for those who have been concerned about my health, I’m doing great. My 71st birthday just passed and I’ve renewed my resolve to enjoy everyday of my life for what’s it worth, ups and downs. I don’t always succeed in appreciating the small pains and frustrations of daily existence, but I’m making headway in gaining a larger perspective. Why not, at my age you realize how quickly time flies and that the precious days ahead are dwindling to a few.

I’m proud of my daughter who graduated, Cum Laude, this Spring from Edinboro University. Her Commencement ceremony featured a short video clip of each graduate as she or he came to the platform to accept their diploma. On one screen behind the platform of dignitaries was a screen featuring a close up of the graduate announcing their name and major study; on another screen, the graduate was seen as they received their diploma and the congratulations of the university President. This multi-media event actually added to the celebratory nature of graduating from college.

My wife and I once again wintered in Boca Raton, Florida, a location we have grow to appreciate more each year, as we have made more friends and Boca has become our winter home. The most significant activity for me is playing clarinet in The Gold Coast Band at Boynton Beach.

The Gold Coast Band is a community band that cheerfully accepts snowbirds and watches it’s sections swell in size each winter, only to have them dwindle again in May. However, they have what must be one of the most entertaining concerts of the year after most of us have gone. During the season, each concert features one or two medleys of big band hits or old standards, and these numbers are gathered together to create a “Senior Prom.” The seniors, in this case, are the golden aged members of the Gold Coast, who remember the songs from their youth. The audience’s chairs are placed along the walls and the floor is open for dancing. A very nice finale to the season, but one I have yet to participate in.

There is much more to tell, but I’ll save these stories for another day, this post being long enough as it is. I hope your life is as pleasant as mine in Pappy’s Paradise.

Fresh Snow

Now that the political debates are hitting third gear, it’s worth understanding that we as a nation wouldn’t be arguing about the division in this country if most people in our society were content and able to say without burden that they truly have the freedom to pursue happiness.

An untraveled landscape, previously explored, but ready for new steps.