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Michael McLeod

By the way, Dave.

As you might well imagine that was one of those hits that a group winds up being embarrassed about.

Despite the song's success, the band members were ambivalent about being known for a pop song that lacked gravitas. "It's a fruity pop song written for children. It just is what it is," Michael Stipe told the BBC's Andrew Marr in 2016. "If there was one song that was sent into outer space to represent R.E.M. for the rest of time, I would not want it to be 'Shiny Happy People'".

David Mitchell

Mike,

It is a well known scientific fact that Immaculate Conception Church and School, along with E. North Broadway and Oakland Park and parts of Indianola were the epicenter of Western Civilization back in the 50's. I am told that It is written on the walls of tombs somewhere in Egypt. Or is it in those caves in the South of France? Or maybe it was under the Bridge on Walhalla?

Whatever?

Even a kid from the far northern regions of OLP, Overbrook Drive, Yaronia & Glenmont knew that! 

Within a few blocks of your church, I could count 2 grandmothers, a family of cousins, and about 10 or 12 families of good friends. My dad dreamed of building our house in I.C. parish - (a house which he envisioned, and drew quite accurately in a letter to Mom from the "Pacific" in about 1944). His family had moved from 10th Avenue (Holy Name) in the late 20's or early 30's to a house on Acton Road. As a teenager, Clintonville was his oyser. He was devastated to finally build that wonderful stone house, only to be cut out of the I.C. parish when they drew the boundary line for the new OLP Church at Glenmont - a block south of us.

And how well I remember those long "trips" we used to take across W. North Broadway, or the Henderson Road bridge, to Olentangy River Road, to make that long traverse to a house all the way out on Lane Avenue, to visit my other cousins in that exotic land of Arlington.

* (and those side trips with Aunt Norma to Stew Harrison's for a hamburger).

Honestly, could life get any better than all that? 

Michael McLeod

My dad was in the pacific too. Okinawa.

Michael McLeod

Another thing - I promise I'll stop after this. I'm really writing too much here lately and the only reason I have gone on as long as I have about the subject I'm on right now is that I felt it was a subject of common interest, given our mutually shared upbringing and the general nostalgia factor involved.

Here's what comes to mind for me this morning: How my parent's adulthood, and the life the shaped for thier children, did not differ substantially from their own childhood and what their parents did for them.

This was particularly true for my mother.

Her father was a doctor -- an old-school general practitioner - who had an office in his home on East Main Street, just a half of a block west of Holy Rosary Church.

You could see the playground from their backyard. They had the priests over for dinner on a regular basis. My mom walked to school at Holy Rosary -- just as we would, years later, to IC. In college she went to what was then St. Mary of the Springs. I think she and her sister may also have gone to a boarding school up north. I remember the name Stella something. Stella Niagara? There were aunts and uncles galor. The calendar and the social circle revolved around the church. 

As an adult, the pattern of her life was close to a carbon copy. It just took place on the north end of town rather than the east. Once again she was living on the same street as her parish church. She wasn't having the priests over for dinner but pretty much everything else was the same. I went to school at St. Mary of the Springs, which by then had become Ohio Dominican.

I'm sure I have classmates who can say something similar about their own adult lives echoing their childhood.  But our generation went through so many social and conceptual upheavals that it surely, in general, is not quite as consistent of a passed-down pattern as was for my mother and for many of our parents.

I don't think I'm saying anything new. I was just struck, mainly, by the solidity and rhythm of my mother's lifespan. The world is spinning faster and faster. 

Donna Kelley (Velazquez)

Day 7 of our Lockdown.     This time I will be brief and to the point.  Friends, please pay attention to what doctors and specialists, NOT politicians, are telling us about the seriousness of this pandemic.  It is here, it is a reality that is changing our lives quickly and will continue to do so for a very long time. I have friends who are now fighting this virus and unfortunately you will probably soon be saying the same. This is a time for the truth, for leadership, for clear messages and for solidarity.  Stay in and Stay well.

David Mitchell

Yes Donna,

I hear you. My young Doctor friend in Germany is telling horror stories about his hospital staff. And he his now home, sick in bed with a horrible cold and can hardly talk - yet they keep calling him to get back to work in the hospital. Everyone on staff is being worked to exhaustion.

And meanwhile his legal issue in Texas grows ever more complicated. 

Anyone who is really bored take a while to read "Red River Justice" - Texas Observer.  About a lawyer who beat the County in court so often they finally arresed him and his wife on false charges -which he also won and got big settlement. We are actively attempting to switch to that attorney, who has a much more promising approach to my friend's defense. 

Or this article - about a different sherriff (who went to prison) in a different county - the article is titled,

"Is There a More Corrupt County Than Red River?"  

Or, this article; "If You Want to Get Away With Murder, Do It In Clarksville"

(the Red River county seat)

David Mitchell

My best friend Roger and his wife (Cobra Pilot from Vinh Long and boat builder) just sent me this very important video from their boat down in the Bahamas. 

Be sure you all head this critical advice!!!!!!!

Timothy Lavelle

God, life is suddenly so much different.

It is a beautiful day here but...

I was out getting my dope supply up to quarentine level but...

In my 20s at OSU, the harbinger of spring was girls in jean shorts and tank tops but...

My new harbinger of spring is old men with gray beards riding motorcycles. 

Sooo sad.

Party on.  

Joseph D. McCarthy

Dr. Jim, if I'm stepping on any toes please correct me ad then send me to the corner.

This CoronaVirus (Covid-19, and NOT the China Virus) is no laughing matter.  But neither is the MANDATORY Home confinement.  Be prepared for it.  In Northern California it started with a few counties declared emergencies, spread to Sonoma County, and now includes the whole state. 

What that means is that ALL but essential businesses are closed.  Medical facilities, which are understaffed and overworked, can try and help.  Police and Firefighters are working, many overtime.  Gasoline stations are open, but since most people cannot go anywhere the prices keep dropping (were under $3.00 now).  restaurants can operate IF they are handling the Drive through lanes or Some form of takeout (GrubHub I guess).  Groceries are allowed to TRY and stay open, but the shelves are empty of many things - especially toilet paper even though the stores can restock it within days.  Drug stores are allowed to remain open.  Police shut down, and were ready to issue a fine to a Gun & ammo store in San Jose that said it was there Constitutional Right to remain open.  Just one example of businesses that do NOT fall under any exception.

Mike please forgive me for my writing but my Editor is on leave.

Suggestions, because this (Mandatory stay at home) will be coming to your state.  Make sure NOW you have at least a months supply of any of your, or relatives or friends, medications.  Make sure you have enough food for about three weeks to a month; beans and soup, or something better don't forget bread and canned goods that will last for awhile.  While you still can find some get Isoporpyl alcohol, Clorox ( or any that kill 99% of germs, and a few packets of wipes that are basically the same strength.   Fill your vehichle with gas now and keep it filled for emergencies.  Go to the hardware store, Lowe's or Home Depot, and purchase a BOX of N95 masks, and use them when you have to go outside to a store. etc.  

More when I can remember or someone asks.  Remember that we are supposedly in the class most at risk.  BE SAFE, not sorry. 

Joe

Jeanine Eilers (Decker)

Thanks for the good words, Joe.

John Maxwell

Michael McLeod

Congrats Jack.

And we do well to philosophize about our situation.

Things have been awfully abrasive in our country and in the world at large for a while.

I'm not religious but if I were I'd say God decided that we needed a time out.

Peggy Southworth (Townley)

Great post, Jack.   Congratulations on a healthy grandson! I'm grateful we all have the Skype option to keep in touch with our loved ones.   If you get a chance, post a photo of that new little one.   Blessings on you. 

Donna Kelley (Velazquez)

Congratulations, Jack!    

  Jordi Evole, a Catalan journalist, had a Skype interview this week with Pope Francisco about the pandemic. One of the Pope's comments was "God always forgives. We sometimes forgive.  Nature never forgives."  An interesting perspective.

Robert Berkemer

It's good to read all the posts which for me provides a sense of comfort and home... except maybe the idea of a "Bob roast"!  Thanks for that Tim...   What I want to suggest to you all during this difficult time is to stop and consider the many millions who are far less fortunate than us. I'm going to guess thats its very difficult for most Americans to go to the store and purchase a months supply of food. I am very, very fortunate to be able to do that but so many can't do so under normal conditions let alone whats coming with most people being out of work. Our local food shelf charity can purchase $10 dollars worth of food for every $1 dollar donated. I encourage all of you to contact your local charity food source (by phone) and donate what you can. Starving people are desperate people. This need not happen in our wealthy country. Bless you all, Peace.....

David Mitchell

Strange times!

I happen to have a local family that I formed a bond with some years back - long story. She is Black, and poor, with two daughters (one employed - one not - one with a husband who will be a ward of the State of So. Carolina for life). And she is gradnmother to about 6 kids, who are now old enough to drop out of school, get in trouble with the law, and get pregnant. And on my last visit, a new great granddaughter.

* (Added later:  and the house is a ramshackle mess) 

I enjoy the priviledge of making little "deposits" (not much really - sometimes little flat envelops - sometimes bags marked Kroger on the side) at her house from time to time and I always get a warm hug.

Now, the hugs will have to wait. But the visits won't - envelopes on the porch are pretty safe

Writing checks or making donations to charities is a wonderful thing. But finding just a single person to make a real one-to-one contact is reallly a life-changing eperience. I urge you to try it - it's a hoot!

Life is happening at a "theater" near you this week. Don't miss it! 

-------------------

p.s. Last I heard, they are urging us NOT to buy the masks, as medical personael are unaable to get enough for critical needs.

David Mitchell

My favorite piece of vocal music ever! And Pavoratti nailed it every time.

Nessum Dorma (Let No One Sleep)

And those last words  "Vincero! Vincero!   ("I will win. I will win") 

Leave it to the Italians to come up with this spectacular adaptation.

Joseph D. McCarthy

MEA CULPA!!!!!

It my haste to post an entry last night I forgot a few things.

Only purchase a box of N95 masks IF you are purchasing for your family, neighbors, and First Responders as gifts.  Otherwise just purchase individual masks.  Do try and get some bottled water and maybe some instant tea.

For some reason a few Nail Salon operators felt that they were an essential business exempted from shutdowns.  However I have noted that the Municpally owned (leased to a Firm to manage) Golf Course must be essential.  They have had groundskeepers tending the course and Duffers (inside joke) have been playing rounds since they can't go to work.

There is more, but that's for another post.

Joe

David Mitchell

Just taking a wild guess here - "Forum" activity will be on the increase now. 

Oh Joy!

Hey Janie, I think we finally found a way to "monetize" this thing.

For those of you "lurkers" who suddenly think the "M.M.L.J.H. Committee" (Mitchell, McCleod, Lavelle, Jackson, Hamilton Committee) is about to just sit back and welcome you all back on here without some form of remuneration, be advised - there will be fees enacted for you to be allowed to get back in. 

We will be mailing out an invoice for Bill Reid, Bob Berkermer, and Peggy Southworth to cover their recent outbursts. 

Jeanine Eilers (Decker)

Dave--Thank you for the beautiful Italian memorial.  As concerned as I am about our country, my heart bleeds for the Italians.

Michael McLeod

Whoa, Donna! Thanks for the awesome Pope quote. I don't think we've ever had such a savvy, genuinely thoughtful, and all-around badass papa in my lifetime.

And hang in there, hon.

David Mitchell

Yes Jeanine,

And the French. And my young physician friend in Germany says that the hosptial he serves on staff in Ellwangen, Germany is overwhelmed! All staff working to the point of exhaustion - which in turn makes them more suseptible to the virus. 

Jeanine Eilers (Decker)

One good thing:  Yesterday my son and DIL in Napa gave us our fourth granddaughter, Valerie Preston Decker. She is beautiful, of course, and joins her big sister, Reese Jeanine Decker.  Don't know when we will get to see her (I know Jack understands this) but we will drive there as soon as we can.  Life does go on.

David Barbour

Dear Forum,

https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2020/03/a-letter-from-your-coronavirus-future-its-not-as-scary-as-you-might-think-john-barbour.html

Okay, here is something from our kid in China.  It was published in the Plain Dealer yesterday.

Some of us think its worth reading.

Thomas McKeon

Dave great article by your son tell us a little more about him and why he is in China. And Dave you can forget a tax on lurkers love to all and stay safe and healthy