tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188738572012-02-01T16:10:17.800-06:00Missouri Lawyer, Closet Philosopher, Christian Neoplatonist (Or Is It "Neoplatonic Christian?"), Retired International Jewel Thief, 1969 "Miss Equatorial Guinea" First Runner-Up, Proud Leader In Entries Referring To The <i>Textus Receptus</i> <b>And</b> French Maid Costumes, Mostly Middle-Of-The-Road Which Has Allowed Me To Become Adept At Passing Field Sobriety Tests, Adrift On A Raft Of Absolutes In The Ocean Of Postmodernism, Writing About Things That Come To Mind When I Am Unable To Sleep.R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.comBlogger7611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-67555045715480775762012-01-25T01:35:00.008-06:002012-01-25T01:35:00.702-06:00

My absences from these pages over the six-plus years I've been holding forth here have occasionally been attributable to work issues, primarily jury trials. I get hired to defend people in civil lawsuits for damages and that means juries. One of things I always do, both at the beginning when we lawyers go through the jury selection process and at the end during closing argument, is to thank the

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-16060735078635298992012-01-22T14:32:00.012-06:002012-01-22T20:38:35.735-06:00

As long time readers know, I'm a huge NCAA College Basketball fan. I've periodically posted about Division I college hoops on these pages over the years, particularly concerning my beloved Mizzou Tigers. For those you who haven't been paying attention, my alma mater endured wandering in basketball wilderness following The Incubus Quin Snyder (TM). Aside: For fun "Google" the phrase "incubus

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-84320124830046427372012-01-16T03:37:00.008-06:002012-01-17T21:38:08.531-06:00

Some time back, I posted some thoughts on the Occupy! Movement, here, here and here. You may wish to reread them to refresh your recollection. As I said then, I don't necessarily disagree with the the movement's identification of the problems in our present economy. I do believe that the protestors misidentify the origins of the problems and either offer no solutions beyond a nihilistic "build a

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-14176577763675227572012-01-13T00:23:00.012-06:002012-01-13T08:30:17.617-06:00

The first minute of Beowulf: And some Johnny Cash: Plato's Cave Allegory: The dumbing down of our country continues: Link. Finally, a 21st Century addition to The Sun Also Rises: [T]he patient has declined to undergo further therapies, and lives with his condition. Really? Have a good weekend, all. Cheers. R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-84091374052388242222012-01-12T00:50:00.003-06:002012-01-12T00:50:00.751-06:00

Author's Note: My trial is over, but now I'm in the inevitable "catch up on all the crap I ignored for two weeks" post-trial meltdown. Thus, I feel compelled to post an entry which first appeared on these pages back in 2008. As I've mentioned before, I rarely look at my statcounter, but when I do, I'm amazed that ways people find this page. In addition to my "regulars," Google shoots a lot of

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-52305473049923870192012-01-07T12:07:00.002-06:002012-01-11T07:49:37.967-06:00

Operation Migration In Action (Source). As long time readers are aware, I like the outdoors. And I love wildlife of all sorts, birds among them. That's why this story, drives me nuts: The 2011 ultralight-led Whooping crane migration is currently on hold in Alabama while the Federal Aviation Administration sorts out a regulatory issue involving OM’s pilots and aircraft. The FAA is working with OM

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-31202709074994117632012-01-01T13:26:00.000-06:002012-01-01T13:26:00.220-06:00

Consider this my wishes to the readers and visitors of these pages for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012. I'll be scarce for the next ten days, as I have a major trial coming up and am approaching "freak-out" mode. Sigh 'Tis life. Cheers. R.Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-84353146434224587062011-12-22T01:22:00.024-06:002011-12-22T01:22:00.879-06:00

The Christmas message distilled: 5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-17316465375378055552011-12-16T04:53:00.001-06:002011-12-16T04:53:00.128-06:00

This whole internet thing is really quite amazing. Did you know, for example, that when you visit a website and drop nasty remarks in the comment section thinking that the moniker "Anonymous" protects you, you leave a record of your visit? That record includes a specific "address" for your computer. That internet address can then be plugged into various and sundry tools to match a physical

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-3409362029065282822011-12-08T19:57:00.000-06:002011-12-08T19:57:00.125-06:00

(Note: I happen to be thinking about my college days yesterday and remembered the following post from many years back. Sorry for the absence and lack of  new stuff. I'm very busy. Also, I'm depressed about Albert Pujols signing with the Angels. For my English friends, this is sort of like Wayne Rooney deciding to play for Scotland. I await comfort in the comments.--RDS) Someday, when you are

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-33086032528292580362011-11-28T01:48:00.077-06:002011-11-28T09:37:22.217-06:00

Author's Note: My European friends and non-sports fans will have no idea what this post is about. My apologies for that. Also, this is the first of three college sports related posts, two of which are Mizzou-centric. My apologies for that, too. Finally, for my Texas readers, know that I like your state. I've spent some enjoyable time there and find you to be a very hospitable people. It's just

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-29416390868608191482011-11-25T10:57:00.006-06:002011-11-25T19:53:08.403-06:00

The title to this journal entry is one of the fundamental laws of economics. That is, people don't know they want something until it's available. Consider the I-Pad. Three years or so ago, no one knew bubkus about tablet computers. Enter Steve Jobs at Apple and behold: The Mac based I-Pad is on everyone's wish list and Mr. Jobs died a zillionaire. Ditto soccer photos of the the Official Elder

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-1972663193436903492011-11-23T08:00:00.002-06:002011-11-23T08:00:31.536-06:00

Just a quick post to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy the football! Cheers. R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-34498201703969143632011-11-17T00:11:00.004-06:002011-11-17T07:26:30.953-06:00

My apologies for not responding to all the comments to the prior entry on these pages. Chalk it up to the typical end-of-year craziness which engulfs my business, beginning every November first. It never fails. Physical Hurricane Season ends; legal Hurricane Season begins. It seems to me that some readers are misconstruing what I wrote. First, I have absolutely nothing against a citizen's First

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-67173447265699985222011-11-14T09:01:00.008-06:002011-11-14T21:07:21.675-06:00

My friend Naomi* in the hills of Hollywood, California posted a comment to my previous entry, asking me why I used the term "morons" to describe the participants in the various Occupy! protests. Frankly, it's a good question and deserves a response from me. BTW, I certainly do not mind comments which disagree with any post on these pages. I do not take them personally, and never have. Rather, I

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-1872687819005822632011-11-11T04:23:00.009-06:002011-11-11T07:47:01.359-06:00

. . .Something! I was going to write a lengthy critique of the morons involved in the various Occupy! protests, but instead, allow me to direct you to Failblog for a post that pretty well sums up my thoughts. Cheers. R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-28972521751581330182011-11-10T06:49:00.002-06:002011-11-10T07:41:28.161-06:00

. . . the dream ends. We lost last night 3- 1 in a hard fought game. But, as is normally the case, the better team prevailed, and there's no shame in being beaten by the number 2 team in the state. I wish them well. Now, my sports posts will be confined to Mizzou basketball, at least until Track season arrives. Cheers. R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-42663857962642342902011-11-08T19:11:00.003-06:002011-11-08T19:14:38.383-06:00

(Note: My nightmarish work schedule continues, combined with Missouri State Soccer Playoffs. For those of you keeping score, the Official Elder Son's Team won its district title, defeating the first "Honorable Mention" team here in a tough 2-1 match. Our next round was supposed to be this evening, but weather intervened and we've been postponed until tomorrow. A preview of the game here, because

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-44080977875666895362011-10-31T04:32:00.006-05:002011-10-31T16:36:14.288-05:00

. . . it was the . . . well, uh, actually, it was pretty much just the best of times. So, we go into the weekend, with your humble correspondent, gearing up for really nothing except three days of solid sports here in the Midwest. First up, Thursday night, the Official Elder Son's soccer squad traveled west to play a regional Catholic high school which has been hovering around the St. Louis Top

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-22793444381787816562011-10-24T07:34:00.002-05:002011-10-24T10:03:15.421-05:00

I apologize for the continued lack of substance on these pages. I'm still in the midst of a massively busy time, though I can vaguely see the endpoint finally. I'll return probably next week. In the meantime, you can marvel at the fact that the Official Elder Son's soccer squad is listed at tenth in the Missouri State Class 2 poll. I would note, two of their losses this season came to the number

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-84713411933429700182011-10-17T07:50:00.000-05:002011-10-17T07:50:20.962-05:00

Busy day today, but time enough to note 10.5 games out in August. World Series Wednesday in St. Louis. Gosh, I love growing up a Cardinal fan. Cheers. R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-65462018729040092882011-10-14T06:03:00.001-05:002011-10-16T17:01:20.248-05:00

Work has been very busy of late, and as a result, these pages have been dormant for a couple of weeks. I hope to change that shortly. Until then, I'll still be dropping by your places at various ungodly hours. If you hear something in the middle of the night, don't worry. It's just me poking around. Until I return, Cheers. R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-28726223171226372032011-09-27T00:01:00.010-05:002011-09-27T11:44:07.416-05:00

Long time readers will recall that going back to the earliest entries on this web journal, I've periodically addressed environmental issues. In part, my interest is personal, given that I enjoy occasionally trekking off into the wilderness. Professionally, I represent a number of public entities responsible for ameliorating the effects of our existence on the planet. One of the things which has

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-82132073229635906642011-09-18T15:00:00.001-05:002011-09-19T21:23:51.850-05:00

At the risk of chumming the waters and drawing the troll back to these pages, I note only that my absence of late has been necessitated by the Official Sons' participation in soccer season. The Younger's playing midfield on his middle school team. Alas, their season is not going well, in part because the number of "small" schools has diminished, such that they're forced to play much older and

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-23432013825208444442011-09-11T09:42:00.004-05:002011-09-11T11:17:59.958-05:00

From Christopher Hitchens. And, via my Irish friend Vince on the sidebar, the anguish with quiet dignity by those left behind. And, Naomi remembers one of three thousand. Tom Junod at Esquire on The Falling Man. Never forget. R. Sherman Related. And also. Postscript: The troll has returned. Comment moderation is on. Forgive me if your comments are not posted for awhile.--RDS

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-64937895837458145542011-09-01T08:08:00.001-05:002011-09-01T08:10:08.587-05:00

Whatever it was, compare it with this, via Anthea on the sidebar who lives in Tanzania. Cheers. R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-23373845318401322102011-08-30T01:06:00.007-05:002011-08-30T22:08:47.054-05:00

 Alert: This is a rant. Proceed with caution. One cannot swing a dead cat these days without smacking some political worthy or pundit waxing philosophic about "fairness" in the context of our current economic distress. I've written about this before, and it stuns me that people ignore countless economic, philosophic and moral truths to get to the conclusion that, "you've got more than me and

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-85526930873920725042011-08-18T09:12:00.009-05:002011-08-18T13:14:26.991-05:00

Over the course of this blog, I've maintained an "open comment" policy. On those occasions, where I think someone might disagree with me, I let it be known up front, that disagreement is not only tolerated but encouraged, provided it is done in a respectful manner. People of good faith can and do disagree about things. Respectful argument and discussion can only facilitate getting to the truth.

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-30150217675318326922011-08-11T00:02:00.009-05:002011-08-11T09:23:23.042-05:00

Author's Note: This is a little ranty. I apologize in advance. I need to swear off the news for awhile and quit watch my 401(k) disintegrate with every turn of the Federal Reserves "Quantitative Easing" printing presses and every spending bill/debt limit increase flowing from the halls of Congress. One of the questions which troubles those of us with a theistic worldview has always concerned the

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-85888996269621006182011-08-07T12:25:00.004-05:002011-08-09T01:02:19.308-05:00

My Wichita, Kansas friend and expat Texan John B. has a new post up, which is the second in a series of thoughts occasioned by a recent change of neighborhoods. For those of you new to John, he walks his dog, Scruffy, (Steinbeck anyone?) and occasionally those walks form the inspiration for a post. His previous series, entitled A Stretch Of River, is well worth your time. By all means, check it

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-13506909623684997532011-07-31T11:44:00.002-05:002011-07-31T11:48:24.211-05:00

Sorry I've not been "here" for a couple of weeks. Things have been very busy, and while I've had things that warranted a post or two, I've not had the time necessary to devote to them. Alas, I'm afraid I can't just dash something off (other than this post) to assuage my blog-guilt. As soon as things calm down, I'll be back. Sooner, rather than later, I hope. In the meantime, poke around the

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-12628547826232716712011-07-18T06:44:00.001-05:002011-07-18T09:57:09.875-05:00

This past weekend, we had a little family celebration commemorating the fact that the Official Daughter's personal chronometer clicked over two decades on the planet. Last night, after the smoked turkey and fixings were consumed, I sat on my front porch contemplating how quickly twenty years can pass. Of course, the "went to college" part of my brain knows that one cannot put the brakes on the

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-81013165193599350832011-07-11T01:57:00.009-05:002011-07-11T01:57:00.636-05:00

Further to my previous post about HMT Bedfordshire and the British Cemetery on Ocracoke, I meant to post a couple of close ups of a portions of the memorial plaque. I herewith correct that oversight:A Better View Of The Royal Navy Sailors Aboard Who Perished (Click To Embiggen)The Specifics Regarding The ShipAlso pertinent, I would note that the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration has

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-86103883739231008662011-07-07T05:08:00.008-05:002011-07-07T11:59:43.770-05:00

The British Cemetery On Ocracoke Island, North CarolinaIf I should die think only this of methat there's some corner of a foreign fieldthat is forever England--Rupert BrookeIn my prior post, I mentioned that North Carolina's Outer Banks were known as, The Graveyard of the Atlantic, for the reason that copious shipwrecks exist off the coasts. The residents of the area subsisted for years on

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-5349991568471187492011-07-03T17:34:00.005-05:002011-07-04T10:50:57.379-05:00

Approaching The Beach At OcracokeLong time readers of these pages, of course, will have noted that my trip and vacation reports have tended to be "west-centric." Specifically, since the Official Younger Son became old enough to gut out three or four miles on a trail at a stretch, I've dragged the Official Family into the wilds of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau as well as the Chihuahuan and

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-76443806678128446702011-06-30T05:46:00.000-05:002011-06-30T07:48:07.046-05:00

Since returning from vacation, I've been swamped and not had time to make the rounds. I hope to remedy that shortly, but in the meantime,Cheers.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-10316007880947676072011-06-21T19:37:00.001-05:002011-06-21T19:41:26.842-05:00

Ocracoke Island Sunrise From The Hatteras Island FerryWe're back from our trip to Ocracoke Island, North Carolina no worse for the wear. I shall try to get around to catch up with everyone shortly. The downside, of course, I shall then proceed to bore you, dear reader, with vacation photos and anecdotes for the next week.SighYes, it sucks to be you.Cheers.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-27601329458016036402011-06-08T20:17:00.002-05:002011-06-08T20:17:00.150-05:00

Long time readers will recall this post from many years back, which used a tirade the EMBLOS launched during a session of grading College Composition 101 papers as a springboard to a discussion of "Orality and Literacy" and its effect on communicative abilities. Therein, I mentioned an anecdote about the EMBLOS' frustration with the written language and structures deployed by her students. Quite

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-69475856798726721502011-06-05T13:22:00.013-05:002011-06-05T19:40:27.294-05:00

Tomorrow will find me on the road in the southeast Missouri for various and sundry law related stuff. Time for some history and geography!First stop is Ironton, about which I've previously reported. Then, we're off to Potosi, Missouri, named, as might be suggested infra for the Mexican city of the same name because of it's proximity to mineral wealth.Potosi's claim to fame is that it, along with

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-23068629416240234132011-05-31T04:27:00.000-05:002011-05-31T05:55:34.522-05:00

So, as I mentioned in my previous post, Friday evening was set aside to travel to the big city for purposes of dining out at a restaurant which had been recommended to us. One of the EMBLOS' colleagues had stated that, "the food is always good," with the emphasis on "always." Thus, we decided it would be a good place to celebrate our anniversary.Suffice it to say, it was OK, but I'm not sure I'll

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-28994886880706523142011-05-27T04:44:00.006-05:002011-05-27T06:25:49.763-05:00

. . . unless you happen to be having an anniversary. I intend to escort the EMBLOS out for lengthy repast this evening at a newer, well-reviewed bistro up north. The food is supposedly first-rate, even if their spelling, i.e. Proscuitto (sic), could use some help.Have a good holiday weekend, all.Cheers.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-47191983085420438622011-05-26T04:03:00.001-05:002011-05-26T07:17:02.906-05:00

It seems we're out of the woods for a while, storm-wise, which is a good thing. Yesterday, starting about 2:30 A.M., my weather radio's* alarm started going off. Of course, I woke up and then I was toast for the rest of the day.By 3:00, the radio's siren was shrieking every fifteen to twenty minutes. I had the internet on and was constantly refreshing the National Weather Service's warnings page

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-28606928659123971692011-05-25T00:41:00.001-05:002011-05-25T00:41:00.379-05:00

Pulled from the National Weather Service Web Site for my neck of the woods:THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN AND CENTRAL MISSOURI AS WELL AS WEST CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST ILLINOIS. .DAY ONE...TONIGHT SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE EARLY THIS EVENING AS A LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS MOVES ACROSS THE REGION. THIS LINE WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH..

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-11165349976163130522011-05-24T05:00:00.001-05:002011-05-24T18:11:58.417-05:00

Thanks for all the e-mails inquiring as to our status after the Sunday storms in Joplin, Missouri. One looks at the images of devastation and marvels that there were not more people injured or killed.In addition to e-mails we've received phone calls from Germany and parts East checking on us. Bottom line, we're fine, as Joplin is about 250 miles from us, though we were expecting the storms to

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-6382538691377702692011-05-23T06:18:00.000-05:002011-05-23T06:18:00.271-05:00

I fully intended to be back with a vengeance this week now that the end of school-year craziness is over, but alas, I've got hard drive problems. This means, that my "blogging" computer is wheezing like an someone with emphysema suffering from a head cold. Until I figure out out to fix this, consider me incommunicado, given that I don't wish to post from work.Sorry.Cheers.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-7278576970884941032011-05-10T06:26:00.002-05:002011-05-10T10:26:28.967-05:00

. . . best describes me these days, as I continue to be occupied with kids' stuff. Last weekend, for example, we had a band concert Friday night, followed by two track meets and a trip to Kirksville, Missouri to pick up the Official Daughter after her first full year away in college, followed by Mother's Day. Orchestrating all of this was quite the challenge. Alas, we've got another few weeks of

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-3123277116234588302011-05-03T00:05:00.000-05:002011-05-03T00:05:00.052-05:00

Holocaust Remembrance Day.R. ShermanRelated.

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-83752471022544146172011-05-02T08:04:00.001-05:002011-05-02T08:06:09.712-05:00

Here.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-65770256134367460182011-04-26T18:37:00.004-05:002011-05-02T08:57:31.631-05:00

The Battle Of Carthage, Missouri State Historic Site In Downtown Carthage, MissouriWe're back after a much-needed and always delightful foray to the opposite end of the state for Easter weekend. It's always a treat to see our college friends and sit around the fire pit grilling. Good friends, conversation and food. You can't beat it.Anyway, Spring is always a busy time, what with taxes, clients,

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-88402412162573034452011-04-22T05:32:00.000-05:002011-04-22T07:33:49.180-05:00

I'm on the road this weekend to visit long-time friends on the other side of the state. While I'm gone, please have a look at this post, which expresses my thoughts on the significance of what we're celebrating.Have a joyous, happy and safe Easter!Cheers.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-33156053237917045482011-04-19T21:16:00.004-05:002011-04-20T07:31:39.559-05:00

Author's Note: I still have a lot on my plate, so dipping into the archives for some dusty musings I published back in 2006, during Bush The Younger's second term. These came to mind recently, as I was contemplating our newest expenditure of military resources in the Mediterranean at the behest of NATO. They seem appropriate somehow. Alas, the questions I pose toward the end of this entry remain

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-2802406194966492842011-04-18T06:30:00.000-05:002011-04-18T08:31:14.130-05:00

. . . just occupied with work. I hope to be back later in the week.Cheers.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-48308303499459814942011-04-11T00:52:00.007-05:002011-04-11T07:45:45.944-05:00

Author's Note: I've been very busy the last couple of weeks. Sorry for the paucity of posts--RSA Circle Is Closed: The OYS Stand's In Front Of A Sign Which Saw Your Humble Correspondent Stand For A Portrait In 1980. . . Or, The Best Laid Plans Go Awry.Some weeks ago, the EMBLOS mentioned that for the first time ever, the OYS' Lutheran school's Spring Break was not going to coincide with that of

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-70325065153617810872011-04-01T01:46:00.006-05:002011-04-01T01:46:00.914-05:00

At the risk of boring readers even further, I post a brief review of two items of gear we used on our trip, plus a camp recipe concocted by your humble correspondent which debuted to a rave review from the Official Younger Son.First up, the REI Quarter Dome T2 tent.The Quarter Dome T2 At Lost ValleyAs regular readers are aware, I've got a ton of gear stashed in my basement. I think I figured

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-20679958837994425852011-03-30T01:51:00.010-05:002011-03-30T01:51:00.151-05:00

The Official Younger Son Poses On George's MountainOverlooking Sam's Throne In Newton County Arkansas. . . or, In Which I Am Once Again Compelled To Confront My Advanced Age.As I've mentioned previously, I've been prowling around Newton County, Arkansas for over over 30 years. My first visit was in 1980, during which two other guys and I packed a bunch of stuff into a 1971 Chevy Nova and headed

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-21391737470913086852011-03-28T04:22:00.015-05:002011-03-28T04:22:00.901-05:00

The Official Younger Son Poses In Front Of Alum Cove Natural BridgeIt is no secret that the Good Lord blessed our country with it's fair share of natural wonders and beautiful spots. Frankly, there's no way one person could experience all of them in a lifetime, so are we required to pick and choose among them to determine which we will visit. It's a bittersweet task, I'll grant you. The best one

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-25668194302843479672011-03-24T19:47:00.009-05:002011-03-24T22:02:58.178-05:00

. . . sort of.We're back safe and sound.Our trip took us to the Boston Mountains area of the Arkansas portion of the Ozark Plateau to the western fringes of Missouri and into Kansas for both hiking and history. I'll return with more next week, but until then, here's a taste:The View From Mt. Judea, Arkansas (The Actual Mountain) Fifty Feet From Our Camp Site.Bison On The Prairie, Prairie State

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-55469351978630239472011-03-21T00:00:00.000-05:002011-03-21T00:00:01.376-05:00

. . . at least until next week.This week is the Official Younger Son's Spring Break. Given his age, I decided to take a few days off, and as you read this, we are currently somewhere in the wilds of Northern Arkansas. Included in our itinerary are places like, Sam's Throne, Indian Creek, Whittaker Creek and Lost Valley in the Buffalo National Scenic River Area. Depending on time constraints, on

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-37862289259977061222011-03-17T01:37:00.017-05:002011-04-06T13:30:22.840-05:00

Author's Note: Long time readers will recall that during the first year of this web journal, I wrote about St. Patrick's Day as experienced by my Dad in 1945. Since then, I've taken to honor the aviators of the U.S. Navy and Marines on this day. Call it an Official Musings From The Hinterland commemoration, if you will. Behold, this years offering:In an iconic Official U.S. Navy photograph, Lt. (

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-46661266867125134152011-03-16T00:35:00.001-05:002011-03-16T00:35:00.714-05:00

I've yet to post any thoughts on the goings-on in the fine state of Wisconsin in recent weeks, simply because I happen to believe in the sovereignty of the various States. Stated differently, what happens in Milwaukee, stays in Milwaukee, though I do admit, I like their dairy products. That said, I became aware of something yesterday, which gave me great pause.Before I get into the substance of

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-19649721857829145522011-03-13T21:52:00.004-05:002011-03-14T20:21:27.140-05:00

My friend and long time visitor to these pages, John B. in Wichita, Kansas, has some powerful words up in his most recent entry to his web journal. Please go, read and comment if you wish.For those readers, like me who've confronted the "tipping point," i.e. age fifty or so, with respect to our days here on earth, John's post is a "must read."Don't miss it.In other news, tomorrow is March 14,

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-14749499723603251852011-03-09T03:32:00.004-06:002011-03-09T03:32:00.366-06:00

Back in late January of this year, I posted some theological musings, occasioned by the use of the term "replacement theology" as same relates to the views of some Christian denominations' views regarding the legitimacy of the Nation of Israel. I intended the post to be more theologically and historically focused, but alas, I was not successful, as many readers believed I was arguing in support

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-36357981881505266882011-03-07T00:55:00.007-06:002011-03-07T18:17:35.070-06:00

Author's Note: I'm so going to regret this when I wake up in a few hours to to go to court.Long time readers of these pages may recall an hiatus I took a few years back occasioned by the discovery of certain cardiac related health issues, including hypertension and an increased heart rate. Fortunately, through the miracle of modern pharmaceuticals, all is now on an even keel here in The

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-21205249707267932462011-03-04T01:11:00.001-06:002011-03-05T09:42:35.962-06:00

Gentle readers, as we head into the weekend, I wish to pose some questions, the answers to which have been eluding me for some time. Frankly, I find myself flummoxed. It's as if I am some sort of aboriginal wayfarer who, wearing nothing but mammoth skins and carrying a spear, has somehow been transported via time warp to the 21st century. I consult the Oracle of Google and find words aplenty,

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-35442717746443486672011-03-01T10:15:00.007-06:002011-03-02T17:54:01.282-06:00

One of the little known facts about the education of lawyers in this country, if not everywhere, is we take courses in things like "The Practice Of Pessimism," "Pitfalls Of Overestimating The Integrity Of One's Fellow Man" and "Applied Murphy's Law." Most of us show up at law school with all sorts of quaint notions about justice always prevailing and such. Alas, the figurative beatings and

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-68422030373275612272011-02-28T01:38:00.010-06:002011-02-28T11:04:42.178-06:00

Via The Week, are we directed to this City Journal feature authored by former Hollywood executive and screen writer turned inner city high school English teacher Gerry Garibaldi. In the first two paragraphs, Garibaldi dares to address one of, if not the root cause of America's urban educational decline. He writes:In my short time as a teacher in Connecticut, I have muddled through President Bush

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-42137817831232474262011-02-23T03:30:00.008-06:002011-02-26T19:43:03.693-06:00

Yesterday, I had a rather long meeting necessitated by a judicial order for "Alternative Dispute Resolution, " which means no messy trial with, you know, evidence, objections and stuff. In the paleolithic of my legal life, when I was but a waif in law school, we used to joke that ADR was perfect for those who couldn't pass courses in Evidence or Trial Practice. Nonetheless, I've become more fond

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-83271473233739079332011-02-21T00:46:00.001-06:002011-02-21T00:46:00.696-06:00

Happy Presidents' Day, all. Make sure you celebrate by buying linens at the local Target. Before you do that, however, may I trouble you for your opinion regarding the best U.S. President. I'm arbitrarily excluding from consideration presidents from JFK to present, primarily because memories are too fresh and the cold eye of history has yet to really focus its X-ray vision on those more recent

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-72471275171373752192011-02-18T05:11:00.000-06:002011-02-18T07:16:59.512-06:00

My apologies for my absence from these pages, but given our recent weather-related issues around here, many of my projects have lain dormant. This has necessitated concentrating on law stuff, instead of more noble pursuits, i.e. surfing the Blogiverse.Oh well, such is life, non?Anyway, let's call this hiatus a period of mourning for Albert Pujols and leave it at that.Have a good weekend,

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-52182995347479248172011-02-07T21:39:00.005-06:002011-02-07T23:27:55.648-06:00

During our recent snow/ice - necessitated hibernation, the EMBLOS was engaged in one of her occasional flirtations with "downsizing," a term which can be succinctly described as "tossing out your humble correspondent's stuff," most of which as been in my possession for decades. Long time readers will recall such past episodes, i.e here and here, have inspired previous entries in this web journal

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-59045239505541203072011-02-04T09:54:00.001-06:002011-02-04T09:56:43.035-06:00

My internet connection has been spotty this week, due to the winter storm which, inter alia, left an inch or so of ice on my driveway, keeping me from even reaching the state road on which I live. I hope to return next week.In the meantime, stay warm andCheers.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-58770466398849827232011-01-27T04:43:00.005-06:002011-01-27T13:49:29.597-06:00

The Wall Street Journal op-ed has been getting some play for a couple of weeks. I originally was not intending to comment about it, inasmuch as I'm not sure there's anything left to add to the discussion. However, the EMBLOS and I have spent the better part of our evenings this week making sure the Official Younger Son completed a project for an upcoming science fair and during a late night,

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-74887555267132902072011-01-26T00:48:00.007-06:002011-01-27T09:23:43.295-06:00

. . . which you may feel free to ignore. Any catatonia induced by this beastie is your own darn fault.Obligatory Disclaimer: I freely acknowledge I'm not a professional theologian. I know professionals of various Christian denominations read this web journal. As always, please feel free provide corrections and/or throw rocks in the comments.*Late last week, during one of my periodic

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-81303271325974859642011-01-20T13:57:00.003-06:002011-01-21T07:19:31.401-06:00

Author's Note: For about a nanosecond, I actually thought about illustrating this entry by going to Google and typing in the title. Then, I thought better of it, and went for something "G"-rated. -- RSSo, for those of you who don't have young children who participate in instrumental music, let me set the the stage for this entry.The Official Younger Son is now in the fifth grade. This means that

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-55938425451641650392011-01-16T13:01:00.006-06:002011-01-16T20:16:07.990-06:00

. . . but not in a manner you expect.So, this past holiday season, one of the gift suggestions we received from no other than the Official Daughter of these pages, was for an assortment of weaponry which she could pack along on her way back to college in The Great White North.Understand, dear reader, such a request was not shocking to me, in and of itself, inasmuch as a) I stem from a long line

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-71091098667164133252011-01-13T01:00:00.011-06:002011-01-16T12:48:50.013-06:00

Like most of us, I've watched the events unfolding in southern Arizona the last week along with the frenzied reactions of the punditry class with increasing dismay. It is not enough that some psychotic, who believed the United States Government was controlling our minds via the insidious injunctions of Strunk & White, managed to kill or wound a dozen innocent people. No, we must find some great

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-69738182955963544372011-01-05T06:35:00.001-06:002011-03-05T16:51:20.518-06:00

From Publisher's Weekly:Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic by most any measure—T.S. Eliot called it a masterpiece, and Ernest Hemingway pronounced it the source of "all modern American literature." Yet, for decades, it has been disappearing from grade school curricula across the country, relegated to optional reading lists, or banned outright, appearing again and again on

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-69114508575633166642011-01-03T23:07:00.002-06:002011-01-04T00:01:11.155-06:00

Back in my former incarnation as a literature student, I sneaked in a few English courses in addition to all the German stuff I took. One of these was The 20th Century Novel. [Insert your own "But the 20th Century had barely started, when you took the class" joke here] Of course, we had to write several papers, and the first of these was a character analysis. On the day the papers were due, the

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-79224851135416496512010-12-31T00:15:00.003-06:002010-12-31T10:23:20.738-06:00

Before we call "That's a wrap!" on 2010, it's time to look back at the those events of significance which we will always remember. And no, I shan't rehash the political stuff, inasmuch as various worthies who breath air more rarefied than I do have called dibs on those sorts of retrospectives. Instead, here are fifty headlines from the year gone by.What the heck. Make it fifty-one: Ooops.Let's

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-67217676033544492292010-12-24T01:37:00.002-06:002010-12-27T10:02:33.464-06:00

Via The Underground Pewster comes this for the season.Enjoy!Merry Christmas, all!Cheers.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-32453861239428305702010-12-20T00:01:00.002-06:002010-12-20T00:01:00.238-06:00

Adeste fideles,Laeti triumphantes;Venite, venite in Bethlehem;Natum videte,Regem Angelorum:Venite adoremus,Venite adoremus,Venite adoremus Christum Dominum!After several college degrees and almost a quarter century in this country, the EMBLOS' spoken English is pretty good. Nevertheless, there are certain German artifacts which slip in to her speech occasionally, one of which appears annually

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-7864074764388164432010-12-13T00:53:00.002-06:002010-12-13T07:44:41.405-06:00

(Author's Note: I'm still on hiatus until after New Year's Day, when I hope I can return tanned, rested & ready. Still, certain current events warrant comment, and thus, I present the following.--RDS)From Carbondale, Illinois and the campus of Southern Illinois University:It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, but some festive and familiar holiday sounds on the SIU campus were

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-39581027196812612742010-11-22T01:41:00.013-06:002010-11-22T01:41:00.869-06:00

Author's Note: I'm still on hiatus, but as I feared, something has stirred me up to the point where I cannot remain silent, no matter how much I wish to continue my blog vacation. As a matter of fact, this post is the closest I've ever come to pulling the pin on an "F-grenade" on this blog, something I swore I'd never do.Anyway, I shall return to hibernation as soon as this beast is published. As

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-617677033534148442010-11-11T00:40:00.010-06:002010-11-13T10:11:10.968-06:00

This web journal had it's nativity some six hundred, ninety-five posts ago on November 11, 2005. At the time, I was more interested in my now dormant and hidden travel blog, but at the prodding of Ariel Vanderhorst ("A.J." on the sidebar), these pages came to be.At the time, the thought of doing this for five years seemed far-fetched to me. I was thrilled just to get a single comment per week or

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-43054561869319347032010-11-10T05:43:00.000-06:002010-11-10T09:50:13.618-06:00

Two hundred, thirty five years ago today:JOURNAL OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS(Philadelphia) Friday, November 10, 1775Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken, that no

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-50702994332892462972010-11-02T07:46:00.000-05:002010-11-02T09:58:47.357-05:00

Last night, I sat watching the World Series game between the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers. Congrats to the Giants, btw, for an absolutely dominating series performance. Anyway, during the later innings, the Fox sportscasters Joe Buck and Tim McCarver were waxing nostalgic about the fact that the Giants had not won a Series title since they were lodged in New York in 1954. During

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-43207873367009037612010-10-29T02:29:00.002-05:002010-10-29T02:29:00.826-05:00

Dramatis personæ:Karl Marx, as portrayed by the Official Elder Son of these pages.Adam Smith, as portrayed by the Official Younger Son of these pages.________________ACT IScene: A breakfast room in a Midwestern American home. As the curtain rises, we see the protagonists seated at the table, which is strewn with magazines, school work and one Taco Bell bag.Karl Marx: Give me

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-59961052107779013042010-10-21T12:12:00.001-05:002010-10-23T12:08:57.535-05:00

I break my blog fast merely to report that in the midst of everything else going on, this upcoming Saturday is shaping up to be a monstrous sports-fest here in The Hinterland. First, I shall arise at 6:30 A.M. Saturday morning, in order to transport the Official Elder Son to the finals in his conference soccer tournament. We believe we'll be playing a very snooty private school from St. Louis,

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-67062396666614769932010-10-11T07:53:00.000-05:002010-10-11T07:54:37.171-05:00

Nothing wrong, in case you're wondering. I'm just very busy. I think I'll be able to come up for air toward the end of the month when soccer season concludes. In the meantime, I'll still be around to visit you all.Cheers.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-46129809470994561742010-10-01T01:28:00.003-05:002010-10-01T10:05:34.762-05:00

Yes, I know I've been away without any communication with you dear readers.Sue me. I've been busy.Anyway, I'm driving home last night from a soccer game against a local Catholic team, (whose players have been in leagues since age three), in which the Official Elder Son started at striker -- two assists, thank you, and which the Lutherans* won five to nil, thank you, again -- when the OES starts

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-9565456899291639052010-09-20T00:52:00.003-05:002010-09-20T07:16:22.367-05:00

Another busy week in store, primarily due to work related stuff and soccer practices and games. Both the Official Sons are doing well. The Elder's JV team is currently undefeated and the OES has two goals and multiple assists in his role as back-up striker. As for the OYS, his team is very young and many of the boys still don't have a clue as to how to actually play soccer, whereas the OYS has a

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-44779203361835688362010-09-13T00:54:00.004-05:002010-09-13T00:54:00.407-05:00

You know, of all the subject lines one could have on an e-mail from one's gifted daughter --You remember her, don't you? The one in college on the full scholarship; the one with the beautiful, long, flowing, strawberry-blond hair, which I personally always thought was worth keeping-- a subject line of "Sorry Dad" is not high on the list. I cannot tell you the thoughts which went through my mind

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-41634849331924393002010-09-09T07:21:00.001-05:002010-09-09T07:25:10.306-05:00

I apologize for being incommunicado for the last week or so. Alas, my energies these days seem to be focused on work related stuff as well as family logistics now that school has started. Thus, I've not had a ton of time to write recently. I hope to return in after the smoke clears.In the meantime, poke around the archives and talk among yourselves.Cheers.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-70752119616905628242010-08-30T01:25:00.003-05:002010-08-30T01:25:00.595-05:00

To wit.Related.Back tomorrow with something of substance.Cheers.R. Sherman

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-39043714733189533522010-08-26T04:27:00.003-05:002010-08-27T07:59:49.018-05:00

In the comments to the previous post, Beau remarks, "Not just masculinity, but your timing is good: What is it about 20-Somethings?" He then points us to this New York Times Magazine piece which poses the same question.And, it's a good question.Donning my "crotchety fifty-year-old fart" hat for a a moment, let me suggest that I, too, have noticed a general increased neediness among young adults

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-90384059717228987902010-08-23T00:17:00.006-05:002010-08-23T07:32:28.834-05:00

We successfully deposited the Official Daughter at college this past Saturday and only minimal tears were shed. In retrospect, though I'm sure there's a lot she needs to learn about life in general, I'm pretty confident that she has the skills to puzzle through what ever problems she confronts and find an appropriate solution, even if it's not the most optimal. That's what life is: constant

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-91900415493820409422010-08-19T06:45:00.001-05:002010-08-19T09:15:34.355-05:00

Purists will see the question posed in the title to this entry and immediately protest that there's clearly about a month left before the autumnal equinox, and thus, there's plenty of "summer" left.Yeah?Shut up.I'm cranky, because my best-laid, go-out-west plans went the way of all flesh this year, and given that the lads are both back in school, a trip seems unlikely, especially when you factor

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-4929994946991764562010-08-17T06:34:00.001-05:002010-08-17T08:57:05.957-05:00

. . .to yesterday's entry.Thanks for the comments, all. I'm busy today, but I wanted to add a few things.First, I cannot emphasize enough, that for me, personal freedoms, especially speech and worship, trump any sensibilities or sensitivities an individual might have.End of story.That said, there's such a thing as being polite and considerate of one's present company. See, e.g. this. If we accept

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-278909180991332352010-08-16T00:04:00.003-05:002010-08-16T14:18:10.180-05:00

Update: See John B's take here and my amplification in the comments below. Also, from two Canadian Muslims last week, for what it's worth.--RSI've not weighed in on this "Ground Zero Mosque" business, simply because there's really nothing to say. It's private property. Last time I checked, the Constitution still had the First Amendment. So long as the structure and use do not violate local

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18873857.post-42472004143447814712010-08-11T01:48:00.001-05:002010-08-11T01:48:00.847-05:00

I actually don't plan to make this series, though goodness knows, there's ample stuff fill several years worth of web journal entries. However, given that I've been cranky of late because of my wicked schedule, I feel compelled to vent. Thus, do you, dear reader, get to watch steam escape my ears.I am annoyed with people who are late.Wait a second. Let me rephrase. I loathe people who are late,

R. Shermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438897027010788217noreply@blogger.com7