Weekly Thoughts (or Weak Thoughts)

 

Just a few random thoughts bouncing around in my head this week.

We have a crisis on the border! What a shocker! Don’t know if there is anyone dumb enough (even among the Liberals) to not recognize this as a direct result of the Biden administration. Of course, the caravans are back. Once again, we have signaled that the borders are open. And we have all but promised full amnesty and citizenship. Sad, but true.

***

Came across this quote recently from Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (one of the most banned books of all time incidentally).

“Hain’t we got all the fools in town on our side? And hain’t that a big enough majority in any town?”

For some reason, it made me think of the Democratic Party. Maybe they should adopt it as their new motto.

***

$1.9 Trillion. I can’t even comprehend a number that large. I can comprehend that $1400 is a tiny, tiny fraction of that amount. We’re back to the usual politics again where a “COVID” Relief Bill contains just a small amount of money to help with the pandemic and tons of money for tons of things with no connection whatsoever to the stated purpose of the bill. But go ahead and spend an extra trillion or so on those pork projects you’ve been dreaming about. Those Obama Democrats still know to “never let a crisis go to waste.”

***

And this week’s Colin Kaepernick Oppression Award goes to Meghan Markle for reminding us that even Princesses need our sympathy. And good job, Harry, for showing us how easy it is to throw your entire (Royal) family under the bus.

It’s only fair, I suppose. Why limit the Media-induced race war to just our country? Let’s share with Great Britain and the rest of Europe. I wonder if all those white people over there know what terrible racists they are? Maybe we can help them learn to be less white as well. Send them some Cokes or something.

***

Admittedly, I am a diehard Dallas Cowboy Hater, but seriously, does anyone really believe Dak Prescott is worth $40 million a year? He’s a fine quarterback, but no one could honestly build a case that he deserves to be the second highest paid at the position.

And speaking of QBs, as a Houston Texans fan (or at least I was until they decided to tear down the entire franchise with stupid decisions), I love Deshaun Watson. BUT isn’t it time for players to just shut up and play and stop trying to tell the owners and GMs how to do their jobs? And demanding to be traded when they don’t get their way?

I guess it could be worse. If Bill O’Brien were still the Coach/GM, I suppose we would be trading Watson for a couple of second rounders and some magic beans.

***

So, Barack Obama spent 8 years blaming the economy on George W. Bush, and another 4 years trying to get credit for the Trump economy (by claiming his policies had finally kicked in). Now, Joe Biden is working as hard as he can to take credit for the COVID vaccine. And people wonder why nobody trusts politicians.

***

Amazed to see top Democrats actually calling on Andrew Cuomo to resign! Truly rare to see them hold each other accountable. Meanwhile, Dr. Seuss is cancelled, but WAP is appropriate for prime time TV. Wow!

***

What do I have to do to get a decent internet signal in Livingston, Texas, USA?

The Stand (2020) – A Review

 

Several months ago, I went back to read again an old favorite, The Stand, by Stephen King. In the middle of our so-called pandemic, I thought I’d revisit this classic about a serious pandemic! Unlike COVID, the book’s super-flu (nicknamed Captain Trips) is extremely contagious and has a near 99 percent fatality rate. As I said, a serious pandemic.

Anyway, having read the book a few times and seen the original TV miniseries at least twice, I was excited to hear that a new remake was coming. It is available only on CBS All Access (because the world needs five million different streaming services begging for your money). I finally got the chance to finish it this week and decided I’d share my thoughts.

But first, I few general comments on remakes/reboots. I am generally in favor of remakes as long as certain conditions are met. Just my opinion, but here goes. First, don’t remake a movie or show that was crap in the first place. If it wasn’t any good to start with, why waste time making it again? Second, don’t remake something that is still relatively new. Give it some time already. And third, don’t remake the thing if you’re just going to change actors and make the exact same movie or show. I mean, change something!

So getting back to The Stand. I love the book. I love the original miniseries. And since this new production meets all three of my conditions stated above, I was pleased and excited at the prospect of seeing this one. I watched a couple of the trailers and it looked great. But then, I read some of the reviews and I began to worry.

Apparently, a large majority of the early viewers hate this one. Most of their complaints are in regard to the non-linear order of events and the casting. Some of the reviews were so brutal that I almost decided to skip it completely. I’m glad I didn’t. I actually liked it myself.

Yes, the story is told somewhat out of order. It’s a fairly common practice these days, so I was surprised at how many people were upset by it. Maybe it’s just that I am familiar with the story and the characters, but honestly, I didn’t find it that hard to follow. Come on people, just because it’s TV doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have to think a little bit. Besides, that is one of my prior conditions. They tried something different. Maybe it worked for you or maybe it didn’t, but at least they did more than just update the actors and the sets and make the same movie we’ve already seen!

As far as the casting, I was generally pleased. In this age of political correctness and diversity, I am frequently amazed at some bizarre casting choices (where the actor is completely different than how they are described in the book), but in this case, only a few characters seemed off to me. (And I don’t care about Amber Heard’s personal life or misdeeds.) Most notably, Rita who should have been an older lady, if I remember the book correctly, and Nick, who just seemed strange and mysterious. Again, maybe it’s my memory, but I thought of him as being more sweet, innocent, and naïve. Finally, the actor playing Flagg just didn’t seem scary enough. (Neither did the one in the 1994 version.) Even though the movie wasn’t very good, Matthew McConaughey was great as the character in The Dark Tower.

Honestly, my biggest issue was with the final episode, which Stephen King apparently wrote just for the new production. I applaud the effort, but it was a little weird. And the story was pretty much done at that point and it seemed like a tacked-on bonus chapter or something. No spoilers, but you could quit after the first fifteen minutes of the episode and skip to the very end if you wanted to stick to the book.

So, in conclusion, I liked it and I thought it was an interesting take on the story. If you are a Stephen King fan, I would recommend it and if you’re not, try it anyway. Or better yet, read the book. As a former English teacher, I’m compelled to say, “The book is always better!”

The Hypocrisy of the Average Liberal

I’ve seen quite a few memes over the last week or so wondering where all the Biden voters have gone. (Unlike all the crude, nasty, vicious attacks of the last four years, Conservatives can be funny without being hateful.) Yes, we got jokes, too.

It is true that after the flurry of executive orders, and the rapid swing to the extreme Left, a great many Biden supporters have virtually disappeared from social media. Although they do still occasionally pop up to trash the former President, or make one of their weak calls for unity (while doing everything they can to divide us), but mostly, they’re pretty silent. Maybe they’re embarrassed. They should be.

Or maybe guilty would be more accurate. They should certainly be feeling that! I suppose the average Liberal isn’t as accomplished as the “professional” politicians when it comes to open hypocrisy. So, they just hide. It’s probably their best option.

Here’s a good example of an average citizen trying to play both sides. I saw a post on Facebook recently promoting a very clear Pro-Life (Anti-abortion) message. One of the replies (from a particularly vocal Liberal) expressed her Christian beliefs and her agreement with the post. Apparently someone pointed out her hypocrisy (after supporting and voting for every Pro-Choice candidate on the ballot). She was so offended that she felt the need to post a long, rambling reply explaining her stance.

Sorry, but I call BS! On her and all of the others who have done the same. If you openly and proudly supported Biden/Harris and celebrated their victory as the greatest thing that has ever happened to our country, then don’t be ashamed to stand up and take a bow. Abortion wins! Open borders win! Tons of free stuff (paid for by higher taxes on everybody else) wins! Meanwhile, the oil and gas industry loses, USA energy independence loses. Gun rights, border security, free speech, lose, lose, lose. And you made that happen. Let me repeat myself. YOU made that happen!

If you helped these people get elected and assume power, then you are responsible (guilty) for everything they now do. They didn’t “sneak one past you” or break their campaign promises, (or lie, cheat, and steal an election). They told you exactly what they intended to do and you chose them, over a man who proudly proclaimed his intentions to always put “America First.”

And by doing so, you willingly chose to support all the things that are happening now. So, when your friends and neighbors lose their jobs, or their businesses, or can’t pay their new higher taxes, or suffer in any way from government over-reach, don’t be embarrassed. Don’t feel guilty. Own it.

Just don’t try to convince the rest of us that you are really, sincerely, deep in your heart, Pro-Life, or that you still believe in the Second Amendment, or the First Amendment, or any of those other Conservative (or Christian) values that are now under near constant attack. Your choices have betrayed your true priorities.

Now to be clear, there are plenty of Liberals who believe fully in the Progressive agenda being pursued by the current administration. They are proudly Pro-Choice, Anti-guns, Pro-Amnesty/Open borders, all for Government-run Healthcare, a higher minimum wage, etc, etc, etc. And although I disagree wholeheartedly with their political views, I can at least respect that they are supporting candidates and voting based on their honest beliefs.

For the others, the hypocrites (including the RINOS and Never-Trumpers who gave away their own Party), I have zero respect. Your consent and your votes have allowed those very things to happen that you claim to oppose. For that, I blame you. And I have no interest in hearing your lame justifications while our freedoms are taken from us by the people you chose to support and elect.

(Sorry, if that sounds harsh, but I’m just tired of hearing people make excuses.)

Some Thoughts on the New Regime

Apparently, our new President (and the Democratic Socialist Party) intend to cancel the last four years and anything touched by the former President without delay. After constantly criticizing President Trump during his administration for using executive orders rather than working with Congress, President Biden signed a flurry of executive orders only hours into his reign. Most of these were designed to reverse policies of his predecessor. Sadly, he has chosen to throw out the good and the bad in his efforts to erase all signs of his hated foe.

So, throw out border security. Throw out pipelines and energy independence. Throw out lower prices for insulin and other drugs. Throw out women’s sports and respect for our military. Throw out all the trade deals that have greatly benefitted our economy. Throw out “America First.” Welcome back to the globalist agenda of the Obama years.

I wonder if there are any Democratic voters out there with Buyer’s Remorse? Shouldn’t be. They told you exactly what they planned to do. Was it worth selling out your country for a more peaceful Twitter feed?

Let’s rejoice that we now have a President committed to saving the planet! When gas prices and your yearly taxes double will you still feel like celebrating? Never mind that even after getting out of the largely symbolic Paris Climate Accord, we had already done more than anyone else to reduce carbon emissions (while the countries with the worst pollution records did little or nothing). The new regime really cares about the environment. It’s just people they don’t seem to care about.

Unless you’re the citizen of a different country. Those people we seem to care a lot about. Trillions of dollars in debt, but we can still tax our own citizens and provide billions in foreign aid. Millions of homeless in our country, but we can still open our borders to another eleven million new citizens. Millions still unable to work because of lockdowns, but don’t worry, the government can spare a few hundred dollars to help.

Of course, they promised more, and maybe at some point they will come through, but first they have to take care of the important stuff like impeaching a President who isn’t even in office. And demanding resignations from Senators and Representatives who have the audacity to disagree with their agenda. (Sorry AOC, but I’m from Texas and I happen to like the way Ted Cruz “represents” the citizens of our state who elected him!)

So, my advice to the new regime, if you want UNITY, stop trashing the 70+ million people who also live in this country. We don’t hate you (the way you seem to hate us for not agreeing with you on every position). We do question the legitimacy of the election and have honest concerns about election fraud. We do believe in the First and Second Amendments. We do believe that life begins at conception. We do believe in secure borders. And we do believe that our President, and the rest of our government, should actually concern itself with the citizens of our country first before trying to save the rest of the world. If you really want UNITY, you have to accept that we too are Americans and stop treating us as if we were enemies.

 

Return to Eastlake – More Small Town Tales, Part 3

 

Here’s one final look at the new novel! As I’ve said before, if you’ve ever lived in a small town, worked at a small school, sang in the church choir, or if you just long for the days when life was that simple, you should enjoy this latest collection of tales.

One of my personal favorite characters from the previous book is Ron Copeland. The high school principal who retires after a long career appears as the main character in three new stories and pops up briefly in a few others in Return to Eastlake.

Law and Order touches on the subject of school discipline and law enforcement, as Copeland deals with a parent who is determined to press charges and involve the local police in a school fight. He also wants the principal to pile on additional punishment as well. It’s a very contemporary problem these days. How much involvement should the police have with school issues? Read this one and see if you agree with Ron or the parent.

In Hammer Time, the stakes are even higher as a local judge insists on Copeland enrolling a student awaiting murder charges. Another favorite character, Amy Davis does her part to make the situation work despite the serious problems it creates. Copeland has to juggle the compassion for one troubled student against the safety of the entire campus.

Shots Fired brings back one of our favorite “villains” from At the Drive-In. Coach Evan Peters wants to “help out” with discipline as he seeks to earn his administrative certification. He quickly stirs up chaos with his aggressive and volatile nature, while Copeland seeks to find a way to reach a difficult and challenging student. If you’ve ever wondered why some kids hate school, here’s a short glimpse.

Finally, all the principals gather at the drive-in to discuss the Dress Code in this short tale about one of the most common frustrations faced by school administrators. See what school administrators really think about all these common trends!

Hopefully, readers will enjoy these small school tales. Perhaps they will remind you of your own school days and bring back some pleasant memories! As always, I encourage you to buy a copy and let me know what you think as you read.

Return to Eastlake – More Small Town Tales, Part 2

 

Not all of my stories are about schools. Return to Eastlake contains a number of tales that involve simply the normal, regular routine of small town life. Here are just a few of those.

The Returner features Ty Mills in a story about a young man leaving town to play college football, then returning to his hometown years later. The Author and the Critic is a tale about Amy Davis who now owns and operates a small used bookstore. This story tells of her encounter with an eccentric local author. The Perils of Pauline is about a young woman and a stalker. Finally, You Just Never Know provides an interesting tale about the owner of Sully’s Drive-In.

The book also includes three new stories about attending church in a small town. Behold the Lamb looks at the music program and the stress involved in producing an Easter musical with an unlikely star playing the lead role of Jesus. If you’ve ever sung in a church choir this one should provide a few laughs. Church Lite examines varying views on worship styles and church politics with an added dose of building projects as well. Lastly, Youth Retreat features a young Chris Manning leading a summer trip with his students, including a particularly challenging young lady.

And of course, we return to the unfinished tale of Krissy Holder. The most frequently asked questions from my previous book At the Drive-In are about the mystery of the missing carhop. Although it was originally intended to remain unsolved, the questions prompted me to write “the rest of the story.” Unsolved Mysteries picks up eleven years after her disappearance. The popular TV series has decided to come to Eastlake and feature the case. Julie Holder fears that reopening the old wounds will do more harm than good, especially to her mom. And finally, the Epilogue to the novel reveals the truth about what really happened to Krissy.

So, return with me to Eastlake and let me know what you think of these new small town tales!

Return to Eastlake – More Small Town Tales

Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to get serious about promoting the new book! So, for the next few weeks, I plan to spend some time providing some details about these new tales that hopefully will entice readers to want to hear “the rest of the story.” Let’s see if I can pique your interest!

To begin, allow me to briefly summarize the stories featuring one of my favorite characters, Cole Bradford. He, of course, is the character most closely intended to be autobiographical. A coach who becomes an assistant principal, and then eventually a principal, Bradford gets dropped into a variety of tales based on some real life adventures from my own professional career.

Now, remember these are fictional tales! Most of the events did happen, but often I’ve exaggerated the details, changed outcomes, combined and compressed timelines, and sometimes completely made stuff up! Anyway, in my latest book, Bradford appears as the main character in five brand new stories.

In Call of Duty, Bradford leaves the classroom and coaching behind as he assumes his first administrative position as the new assistant principal at Eastlake’s Intermediate School. His adjustment is complicated by the lack of availability and help from his boss and mentor. Working alongside another brand new administrator, he learns to handle his duties and responsibilities while encountering a major school scandal and the resulting fallout.

Testify finds Assistant Principal Bradford preparing to go to court for the first time in his career. Nervous and feeling unprepared, he seeks advice from fellow administrators. One of his students has been abused at home and the stepfather has accused Bradford to shift the blame from himself.

Where Have All the Heroes Gone finds Bradford doing his best to avoid school politics and ignore local gossip while interviewing candidates for his next assistant principal. Now in his second year as a campus principal, he is determined to hire the best people he can find to fill out his staff. The experience reminds him of several of his own past interviews as well.

In There is No Substitute, Bradford, now an experienced Principal with a solid staff, deals with the drama associated with finding good substitutes to cover for absent teachers. He soon finds himself in the middle of a personal conflict between two old friends which threatens to boil over into open warfare on his campus.

The Last Shot takes us back to Bradford’s days as a girls’ basketball coach. While playing out the final minutes of a close contest with a spot in the playoffs at stake, he recalls critical moments from seasons past that have brought him to this time and place.

If you’ve ever worked in the school system, you will likely identify with these all too common occurrences. And if you enjoyed Cole Bradford in At the Drive-In, you won’t want to miss his latest adventures in Eastlake!