Out and About – Week of August 8th

I can’t remember the last time we went out to a movie. It has to be at least two or three years ago. It’s not that I don’t like movies, it’s just that I’m not a big fan of the movies that are currently gracing the big screens. Also, if you wait long enough, the movie will eventually hit the cable channels. Besides, my popcorn is cheaper.
I prefer movies that were made twenty or thirty years ago. A several of my favorites include: The Great Escape, To Kill a Mockingbird, Saving Private Ryan, and Memphis Belle. Yes, you might say that I favor the older war movies. My wife will testify to the fact that I know most of the dialogue to these movies, because I’ve seen them at least 500 times. I try to explain that I enjoy watching these movies, not for the plot, or storyline, but for the delivery of the dialogue. Tom Hanks and Matt Damon in Saving Private Ryan are perfect examples. You just don’t get the same reaction watching some truck turning into a robot.
People watching is fascinating. A restaurant is a good place to people watch, because the subjects aren’t going anywhere for a while. The next time you have the opportunity and the interest to watch people, take note as to how much we all use hand gestures when we talk to each other. Facial expressions can also be interesting. I wonder if a hearing impaired person, using sign language, also gestures while they sign. This could be very confusing.
I don’t follow Facebook as much as most people. I usually check it once or twice a day. The one thing I’ve noticed over the past couple of years is that it seems we are never happy with the weather. It’s either too hot or too cold. There doesn’t seem to be any middle ground. In my lifetime, I’ve lived in several different climates, and Michigan weather seems to be just about the best. I don’t think we had a bad winter last year. We usually get about two or three storms and that’s it. Now we have people complaining about the heat and humidity. It’s August, folks! Las Vegas has temperatures around 110 degrees daily. Of course that’s “dry heat”. Hawaii probably has the nicest weather, but living on an island, with the threat of a tsunami, might discourage a few from moving there. Besides, I just love the change of seasons. Don’t forget, if you’re unhappy with the weather here in Michigan, wait a few minutes and it will change.
Here are some more valuable Michigan facts I’m sure you’ll want to share with family and friends:
In 1817 the University of Michigan was the first university established by any of the states. It was founded by priests, located in Detroit. The university moved to Ann Arbor in 1841.
Michigan State University has the largest single campus student body of any Michigan university. It is the largest institution of higher learning in the state and one of the largest universities in the country.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman