By

Bob LaTorre

N.B. another classic by Cousin Bob from 25 years ago.

 

I don’t know how many people will agree with me, but I am tired of being yelled at all the time. If we listen to the radio watch television, or even go to the movies it seems to me that I am constantly being screamed at by everyone from news people, sports announcers and commercials to the characters in the “entertainment” shows. No one believes that they can get my attention unless the volume is raised to where it shatters our peace of mind right along with our ear drums.

I suspect that one reason for all of this yelling and screaming is that the people who write this stuff, for unbelievable salaries I might add, simply have no talent.

What amazes me is that I suffer from about a thirty percent hearing loss. I often ask myself what it would be like if I had full hearing.

Even if the volume is not raised to ear shattering levels, the tome of this cacophony is often just as nerve wracking. Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady”, sang … why can’t the English teach their children to speak properly? I find myself mumbling…why can’t Americans make the media quiet down?

If the objective of all this is to insure that I am hearing the message, I have news for all of these people. Whenever anything begins with a shout, whistle bell bang or even a loud voice, I simply reach over and turn off the radio or the TV. My humble opinion is that the greatest addition to the television since its invention is the mute button.

Is there a solution to all of this? I think there is. The other day I tuned in to some late afternoon TV. Luck was with me, instead of a soap opera, (with the cast of shouting, screaming, maniacs who are unable to speak even words like “ I love you” except at the top of their lungs, I caught a Mister Rogers show.

What a welcome change and what a profound lesson it was to see this gentle soft spoken man. The change was welcome because I found myself listening carefully to his quiet voice. It required my complete attention to hear and know what he was saying. The important lesson was that this man’s program was aimed at children ages 3 to 6. Psychologists tell us that the attention span for children is approximately five minutes plus their age. That means that the typical audience for Mister Rogers has an attention span from eight to twelve minutes and yet I have seen this man hold young children absolutely captivated for thirty minutes. In that time he not only entertains them he educates them at the same time.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could select from time to time programs like Mister Roger’s Neighborhood for adults?

Just picture coming home from a long day at work, having been caught in traffic jam and car problems. The day’s mail holds nothing but bills and there is some sickness in the family. Now you settle down in front of the TV, push the button and it’s time for the news. Instead of a pair of new hucksters with fancy hair dos, on the screen comes a Mister Rogers type, he begins… “While we have a number of breaking stories which I know you want to hear about, let’s begin our report with some good news. The price of fuel oil has leveled off and is expected to begin to fall soon. The bumper crop in vegetables should mean lower prices.

Now from Cape Canaveral are the latest pictures of the successful shuttle launch and so it would go in quiet gentle speech a nice blend of both good and bad news.

I think it would slow down our metabolism, lower our stress rate and perhaps even put us in the mood for a nice quiet dinner. The Mister Rogers Adult Show could inform us of the latest new inventions and how they work. He could give us tips on better living and even some not-so-dramatic movie and book reviews.

I am a dreamer but I am also a realist. I am afraid that we will continue to see most of our TV programming in the vein of “Sesame Street.” There is nothing wrong with that program but it is not the only way to inform, entertain teach and sell. The market place need not only be a contemporary version of an ancient Middle Eastern town square. There is room for a more civilized way of reaching us. Someday perhaps we will see adult programming in a quieter vein. Perhaps we will call the show a visit to the home of Mr. ……. Rosy Glow.

 

 

By

Andrew DeMarco

 

Last week I was watching the ceremonies dedicating the 9-11 Museum at the World Trade Center and all the speakers, in my opinion, did an excellent job; Governor Cuomo, Governor Christie, President Obama and former Mayor Bloomberg short, sweet and poignant. There was no partisanship, no politics, none of the usual nonsense that gets in the way of progress; it was just the way it should be for such a ceremony. After the ceremony, I went to do some chores and after parking my car and getting a quarter for the meter, there it was clear as day “E Pluribus Unum.” This got me thinking, which some would say is dangerous, about that simple Latin phrase.

For those of you not familiar with this motto here is a brief run down. E Pluribus Unum is Latin for “out of many, one.” Sometimes it is translated more loosely as “one from many.” It is found on the Great Seal of the United States, and most U.S. coinage and some currency. This refers to the fact that the United States was formed as a cohesive single nation as the result of the thirteen small colonies joining together. More recently its meaning has come to suggest that out of many peoples, races, religions, languages and ancestries has emerged a single people and nation, illustrating the concept of the melting pot.

E Pluribus Unum, why is it that it seems the only time we really become one is either in times of crisis and occasionally times of elation? Think about it for a moment, from the early 19^th century on times of crisis that were turned into battle cries. Remember the Alamo, Remember the Maine, Remember Pearl Harbor and Remember 9-11 were all born out of difficult times and all brought us together, out of many one. I remember asking my parents where they were on Pearl Harbor Day and both could describe vividly where they were and what they were doing. They also remembered where they were on V-E and V-J Day and how everyone just came together with tears of joy.

The same is true with me and September 11^th.  I remember where I was and how my town had come together. They began collecting anything which might be needed by rescuers and hopefully survivors. This scene was repeated in countless towns all across the country. I also recall blood drives all around the country hopefully for the injured which was another example of the melting pot coming together.

The opposite is also true; one just has to remember the famous “kiss” photo and the mobs in Times Square on V-J Day or the night that it was announced that Osama Bin Laden had been killed and the scenes of celebration in front of the White House. Who can forget the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid and the Miracle on Ice, when a group of college kids, during the height of the cold war, brought together a nation by beating the Russians and eventually winning the gold medal in hockey?

So the question I have is this: Why is it that it seems we only come together in good times or bad or are we really E Pluribus Unum at all times and it just seems to be more noticeable during the good and bad times and why does it seem only during those times?

Some might say that the divisiveness of politics today and the constant bickering between parties gives the appearance that we are no longer that one from many and not many could argue with that reasoning. Maybe if our politicians instead of fighting amongst themselves realized that we are all in this together and we are truly one out of many, it might rub off on the rest of us and bring us together all of the time not just during the good or bad.

So with the dedication of the 9-11 Memorial Museum behind us and Memorial Day just around the corner let’s remember all those from the melting pot that gave their all to make this country great. And let’s also remember that when we stand as one there is nothing that we as a nation cannot do, and history has proven that. So I would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Memorial Day, and remind you that the next time you see the Great Seal or look at a quarter think of that simple phrase E Pluribus Unum. Let it fill you with a sense of pride and think of truly becoming that melting pot and becoming one at all times not just good or bad, no matter your race, creed or color and may it give you that feeling that Cousin Bob would call that ……Rosy Glow.

 

 

 

By

Andrew DeMarco

 

Some time ago when I was working in White Plains I commuted daily by car and pretty much took the same route every day. After a few months of this commute I noticed an older gentleman who would be walking his dog on the same route every morning. What really got my attention at that time was that he was with his companion in all types of weather, rain, sleet, snow, heat or the freezing cold he was out there walking his dog and always with a smile on his face.

After seeing this gentleman for about a year, one day I decided to pull over and talk to him, so I did. I introduced myself and told him how for about a year now I have seen him almost every day, that I was not a stalker but was curious that no matter what the weather he was always smiling and waving to everyone. He introduced himself as James and his dog was Buddy. He then explained that any day he was out walking with Buddy was a good day. It did not matter if it was hot or cold, rainy or fair, what mattered was he was up and about and out with Buddy. We finished our brief conversation and I went on my way.

This initial meeting got me thinking about the wonderful attitude that James had. His take on life was one that we all should have, basically enjoy each day. So from then on when I was on my way to work I kept an eye out for James and Buddy. My thinking was that no matter how I felt about going to work that day, saying good morning to James would improve my day and make my job fun.

Over the years I would stop when I could to chat with James and Buddy and when I could not, because I was in a hurry I would blow the horn and he would respond. I remember once when I got a new car and I blew the horn, James automatically waved, but had no idea that it was me. The next time I stopped to chat with him he realized I had a “new ride” and told me he would keep an eye out for me the next day.

James and Buddy would become “regulars” on my morning commute and when I did run into them they would truly get my day started on the right foot. When I had the time to stop James always would be leaning into the window and Buddy would have his front paws up also looking in to hear what James had to say. James always  had a story about things going on at home and  one thing or another and he always ended his story with a what I would call a rosy glow.  

There was about a month or so when I did not see James and Buddy and then one day I saw them on their usually route. I pulled over as usual and found out that James had had some health problems which side lined him for a time but he was better and back in to his usual routine, and the smile as always was on his face. I realized that during that stretch when I did not see them I was arriving at work in a different frame of mind. 

About 4 years ago I got a new job and no longer worked in White Plains, so I did not see James and Buddy regularly. I did see them from time to time and James still had that smile and spring in his step, but Buddy was slowing down and James was worried. Then the one day I saw James on his usually walk without his Buddy and I had to pull over immediately. The inevitable happened, Buddy passed away, but that did not slow James down. He said that what kept him young was his walk with Buddy and although Buddy was no longer with him, that would not stop him from his daily walk. Sure enough he is out there rain or shine, hot or cold with that old spring in his step, and as always that smile.

For a time he was considering getting another dog to replace Buddy, but after thinking about it for some time he realized that at his age it would not be practical and no dog could replace Buddy. He joked that now he would have to rely on his wife to keep him company on his walks but she refused to use the leash. 

I always look out for James and whenever I can I will always stop and chat with him. I think that had I not stopped that day a few years earlier, I would never have made a friend.  The wisdom of his years and stories were and still are a learning experience for me and just that smile and attitude about life always fills me with that feeling that Cousin Bob would call that ….Rosy Glow.

 

 

 

 

 

By

Bob LaTorre

 

Here is another column written by Cousin Bob over 25 years ago. With Easter being a time of renewal it might be a good time to take inventory.

 

The question “What is Wealth?” has been debated for thousands of years. Most people still tend to think that wealth has something to do with money. Consider the problem of one Donald Trump. Starting with a few million dollars of inheritance, in just a few years he amassed a fortune estimated to be in the neighborhood of a billion dollars. Now that sounds like real wealth to me….or is it?

Even more recently, it appears that Mr. Trump may be in the process of losing it all. If indeed there is such a wealth, how is it possible to lose it so easily? One would think that if wealth is defined in monetary terms, it could not disappear once acquired.

Perhaps then, wealth is not money at all. Maybe it is something else. I have very little money and few possessions, but I have always considered myself a wealthy man. In fact, most of the few valuables we once owned were stolen a few years ago and, while it upset me a great deal, I never considered myself less wealthy after the robbery. No, my wealth could not be stolen.

If not money and expensive things, what then, is wealth? Let me list for you a few of my more valuable possessions. Good health. While money may help pay for medical care, not having the need for such care is even more valuable. Ask any sick man with a lot of money what he would give to have good health; the usual answer is, “any amount of money.” That lesson was taught to me years ago by a man with more money than anyone I known before or since.

The next item on my balance sheet would be the love and affection of my wife. No amount of money could ever buy that. I need no better example to prove that than Mr. Trump himself. It seems that with all his money he could not buy the love or loyalty of either of the two women in his life. Those are items that are precious beyond all the gold in the world and history has demonstrated that lesson more than any other.

Next item: the love of my children. To some extent I had to work hard to win that love. It was my behavior that enabled them to love me and on the other hand it is something which they give to me of their own free will. In their minds, I may not always be right but, I am always “Dad.”

Among the other items in my safe deposit box would be the few talents given to me at birth. The ability to communicate with some degree of clarity, in both the written and spoken word. That includes my ability to teach, which I do well and enjoy doing.

The friends and acquaintances I have made in my life, rank high in value to me. It is through them that I gained so much knowledge about the world. I guess I would have to include some of the people I have disliked. Though few in number, the people I disliked taught me a great deal on how not to behave.

The list of my valuable possessions goes on and on. The thing that is most important about this list is that none of them can ever be stolen, repossessed, or foreclosed upon. They are all mine, and in truth no one can take them. That is why they are so valuable.

Oh! There is one other thing that should not be left off this list. I don’t know what to call it but it is something deep within me that gives me the ability to greet each day with a special feeling which I have come to call …… a Rosy Glow.

 

 

By

Andrew DeMarco

 

“There are only two seasons winter and baseball.” – Bill Veek

With opening day behind us and a new season under way, hope springs eternal for the 30 major league teams. The hope being that World Series Championship, okay maybe 29 teams I forgot about the Cubs. A new baseball season is a sure sign of Spring which after this winter is much needed. Besides a change of the seasons a new baseball season always brings change which is inevitable. For instance,one change is that the Boston Red Sox are the World Series Champions and have won more World Series in this Century than their rival the New York Yankees. (Talk about the universe being turned upside down.) It should be noted however that the last century started out the same way and we all know how the 20^th century ended. Change is inevitable! Well maybe for every team except the Cubs.

But one really big change that will take place this year is the use of instant replay in baseball. This too seemed inevitable since it is already used to varying degrees in football, basketball, and hockey. Now I don’t know where you stand on this but I am not a fan of instant replay in any sport, even if it could benefit my team and I will tell you why and use baseball as my example. Baseball as true for the other sports is a game played by human beings and human beings make mistakes. This is not a game of pinball or a game played on an X-box, it is played on a field by humans and to err is human. During a game, a fielder can make an error and a coach can send a runner when he shouldn’t and that is a mistake. Even the manager makes mistakes. For instance, he may bring the infield in and that backfires or he may make a decision to walk a batter and that batter hits one out of the park. They may not seem like mistakes but they are since basically any error in judgment is a mistake. So if players, coaches and managers can make errors and mistakes why can’t an umpire? If an infielder boots one does he get a do-over? I don’t think so, but basically the umpire is getting a do-over.

Future change and inevitability is the retirement of Derek Jeter after this season. This gives Yankee fans a whole season to get ready for that big change and Derek’s retirement was inevitable, although I am sure there were some Yankee fans who expected to see Derek playing shortstop with a walker. His retirement tour will soften the blow of the change, until next spring training when all the talk will be about life without Derek. One other change that will occur after his retirement is that we will not hear as much mention of the Core Four (Jeter, Posada, Pettitte and Rivera). That is unless the Steinbrenner’s decide to build a Mount Rushmore like monument to them on a mountain top in the Catskills, probably in the Cooperstown area. Maybe they can call it “Mount Corefour” and find a way to monetize it to pay for all their free agent acquisitions.

But there is one change that has crept in afew years ago and may have gone unnoticed by many. As far as I know it was not put in place by MLB and the Commissioner did not issue an edict demanding it. This change was not inevitable and was bought about by sportscasters, reporters and writers which to me is unnecessary and just plain annoying. It has to do with tradition, vocabulary, jargon, grammar, plurals and syntax whatever you want to call it and doesn’t affect the game, but again it is just an annoying and unnecessary change. You may ask what can get him so annoyed about baseball. Understand that it is not about baseball, but I am annoyed with those who claim they love the game, those who cover and report on it on a regular basis.

OK! I want to know when did RBIs become RBI? Have you noticed that when reporting or calling a game, announcers have now taken to saying, “he had a great game with 4 RBI.” Since I can remember, and I am sure even way before that, it was reported as 4 RBIs. I want to know who decided that this was wrong. What grammarian, announcer or reporter all of a sudden decided that we had to change this. Now we all know that it is Runs Batted In and if you really want to be correct let’s call it RsBI. How great would sound good! Jeter had a good game with 3 hits and 4 RsBI. Let’s face it things become established in the English language and they become the norm. For instance, when I was growing up ain’t was considered poor grammar, but now it is pretty much accepted. RBIs is still the accepted form according to the New York times Crossword. While doing my puzzle the other day the clue was Hank Aaron had 2,297 of these and the answer was RBIs. If it were RBI I could not have finished the puzzle.

Now that my rants are over and hope is springing eternal for all baseball fans, even Cubs fans and with the new season underway, we can all look forward to enjoying our National Pastime. There will be quiet evenings enjoying the games at home, those Saturday afternoons with friends at the local bar and that occasional trip to the ball park, all of which will give us all that feeling that Cousin Bob would call that……Rosy Glow.