Out and About – Week of November 2nd

I mentioned in last week’s column that I would share some of the worst traffic jams in the world. Perhaps the traffic jams we are experiencing here in Three Rivers might not seem so bad. Please note that this information is about forty years old, yet traffic jams will always be around:

Britain has the distinction of boasting two separate and distinct 35-mile-long lines of unmoving cars. One occurred between Torquay and Yarcombe in Devon on July 25, 1964, and the other on the A30 between Surrey and Hampshire on May 23, 1970. They have both been cleared.
Here in the USA, it’s agreed that one of the worst traffic jams ever caused was the result of a day-long rock festival at Watkins Glen, New York, held on July 28, 1973. The 600,000 in attendance simply abandoned their cars in the middle of massive traffic jams and walked to the site. You’ll show your age if you remember Woodstock. If you were in attendance, you might not remember too much of it, but that’s alright.
I can’t remember a time when parents and their children didn’t have issues. “The children never listen” and “My parents just don’t understand me” are remarks that have been around for years. You’d have to look far and wide to find a family where the kids and the parents all liked the same style of music. That’s just the way life has always been and will probably never change. Here are some things we might do to better get along with our offspring:

Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yard.
Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.\
Even if you’re financially well-to-do, have your children earn and pay part of their college tuition.
Even if you’re financially well-to-do, have your children earn and pay for all their automobile insurance.
Tell your kids often how terrific they are and that you trust them.
A week from today is Veterans Day. It’s a day to remember those men and women who have served their country in the Armed Forces. If you know a veteran, let them know how much you appreciate them and what they have done as far as serving their country. Most veterans will let you know that what they did was an honor and they’ll thank you for the recognition.

As a tribute to all veterans, I’d like to share some bumper-stickers that have been seen on military bases:

“Except for ending slavery, Fascism, Nazism and Communism, WAR has never solved anything.”
“Death smiles at everyone – Marines smile back.”
“Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Anyone Who Threatens It.”
“It’s God’s job to forgive terrorists – It’s our job to arrange the meeting.”
“The older we get the more we realize that service to others is the only way to stay happy. If we do nothing to benefit others we will do nothing to benefit ourselves.” ~ Carl Holmes

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman